FHSU’s agriculture sorority Sigma Alpha will take donations for Nebraska flood victims from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 28 in the Orscheln’s parking lot and from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 29 in the Tractor Supply Co. parking lot.
A list of items needed:
-Shovels, hammers, etc.
-Bottled water, sports drinks, etc.
-Snacks
-Personal hygiene products
-Pet food
-Cleaning supplies
-Livestock feed
-Calf milk replacer
-Fencing material
Hillery is originally from Scott City and graduated from the University of Kansas with a master’s in nursing. She is also a board-certified family nurse practitioner with American Nurses Credentialing Center.
“Kala is a western Kansas native with seven years of primary care experience. She is kind, caring and loves spending time with her patients,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care Clinic’s medical director.
Hillery is currently accepting new patients. She is a primary care provider and welcomes patients of all ages.
“We are very excited to welcome Kala to our staff,” said Bryan Brady, CEO. “We look forward to her contributions as we provide patient-centered health care and improve the health of our patients.”
Click HERE for more on First Care Clinic.
— Submitted
FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University’s Michael Walker, director of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, recently completed negotiations training.
The training, provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards, took place in Hays. Walker, vice president of USD 489 Board of Education, was elected to the school board in November 2016 and became the vice president of the board in January 2018.
FHSU University Relations
Eight finalists who were selected for the $10,000 Faulkner Challenge, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, will give their business presentations at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30, in McCartney Hall, home of the W.R. Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
The public is invited to watch the presentations.
The top three business projects will split the $10,000 in prize money into awards of $6,000, $3,000, and $1,000, to first, second, and third places, respectively.
The finalists are Authenticure, Café May, greeEat, Kalliope, Life Style 360, Making Cents of Finance, Safe Drop and Wright Enterprises.
“Because of the changes made to the competition format and increased promotion, applications have grown nine times over the last year,” said Dr. David Snow, director of Entrepreneurship at FHSU.
“A record number of business plans were submitted by the March 20 deadline,” said Snow. Students from FHSU, the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, regional high schools and residents of Northwest Kansas submitted 27 business plans.
Presentations will run until 12:15 p.m. Judges feedback will be given from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. with awards to follow.
The Faulkner Challenge, made possible by alumnus, Kevin Faulkner, is a business plan competition for new, independent proposed ventures in the conceptual, seed or startup stages.
For free tickets to watch the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faulkner-challenge-tickets-55640862317?aff=ehomecard.
For more information about the Faulkner Challenge, visit https://www.fhsu.edu/cob/faulkner-challenge.
For more information about the FHSU Center for Entrepreneurship, visit https://www.fhsu.edu/cob/entrepreneurship.
Thursday Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 58. North northeast wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday NightPatchy drizzle before 1am, then rain likely after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 41. North northeast wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
FridayDrizzle, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. North wind 11 to 14 mph.
Friday NightRain likely before 2am, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
SaturdayRain and snow likely before 10am, then a chance of rain between 10am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a school resource officer Wednesday following allegations of rape, and other sex crimes against children.
Just before 5 p.m., Mark A. Scheetz, 30, of Lansing, was arrested without incident in Bonner Springs, Kansas for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to a media release.
Scheetz has been employed for approximately one year as a school resource officer for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Police Department, assigned to F.L. Schlagle High School.
Prior to that, he was employed by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office from 2016 to 2018. However, the alleged crimes are suspected to have occurred when Scheetz resided in Norton County between 2013 and 2015, and stem from reports that he engaged in sex acts with a minor, sent lewd photos to minors, and used electronic devices to solicit sex with minors.
Following his arrest, Scheetz was transported to Norton, Kan., where he will be held in the Norton County Jail.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A semi collided with a light pole near the corner of Vine and Seventh streets in south Hays just before 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Fire, police and Midwest Energy crews responded to the accident scene to deal with a live wire.
No one appeared to be hurt.
A Midwest Energy employee said no one lost power, but power might temporarily be out to a series of street lights in that area of Vine.
A portion of Vine was temporarily blocked as crews worked the wreck, but traffic was still flowing.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Beginning Monday, grocery and convenience stores in Kansas will be able to sell “strong” beer.
On April 1, 2019, state law will allow for the sale of beer containing up to 6% alcohol by volume under the current Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) licensing by cities in Kansas, including Hays.
An ordinance amending the current Hays Code of Ordinances is required to include the reference to the beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume.
Kim Rupp, Hays Finance Director, explained the statute change to city commissioners at their last meeting, as well as the current legal definitions of a cereal malt beverage and beer in Kansas.
“State statute defines CMB as any fermented but undistilled liquor brewed or made from malt or from a mixture of malt or malt substitute or any flavored malt beverage but does not include any such liquor which is more than 3.2% alcohol by weight.
“Statute further defines beer as a beverage containing more than 3.2% alcohol by weight obtained by alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or concoction of barley or other grain, malt and hops in water and includes beer, ale, stout, lager beer, porter and similar beverages that
have the same alcohol content,” Rupp said.
Rupp noted all current CMB licenses will remain in effect and will automatically qualify under the new ordinance.
Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance.
Changes in the state law will also allow liquor stores to also sell other items including cigarettes, soda, and other mixers.
New York City? Yes – and with no job. Karrie said she was terrified for him and thought New York would “eat him up.”
But she was wrong, because she and others had prepared him to succeed by seeing his potential and inspiring him to live up to it.
Brandon will tell you that earning his degree in graphic design was the smartest decision of his career. He describes the experience as “the most intensive and thorough program I have ever completed.” He also says that he welcomed the challenge. “Some of my happiest memories come from late nights spent in Rarick Hall with the most creative people I’ve ever met. It was there I gained my drive and skill set.”
The funny thing about unlocking potential is that although the drive always comes from within the student, it is still about relationships. Most importantly, it is about helping students discover and refine their talents and passions. The student comes first, not the major. It is about listening, learning, and holding up a metaphorical mirror. It is about really seeing each unique Fort Hays State student. The process can come from one person or many (professors, peers, staff). It can come from assignments and campus involvement and be amplified by experiences both on and off campus (internships, community service, churches).
Brandon describes his unlocking:
“I made countless lifelong friends in my general education courses and truly learned from professors because they cared about the material and my success. My freshman year I had a scholarship and was Victor E. Tiger! I was also an active member in theatre at Felten-Start, performing on stage and designing the posters and programs for each show. I wasn’t just a number; I was a student that mattered with a name and a story. I am now a well-rounded person that exceeds standards and qualifications and can withstand any obstacles that come my way.”
Not only can Brandon withstand obstacles, his self-reliance and talent proved unstoppable – even in New York. With a larger-than-life personality, confidence in his design skills and an outstanding portfolio, Brandon networked his way into the New York design scene by freelancing with The Society of Publication Designers. Shortly thereafter, he landed the first-ever design internship with Billboard Magazine and was later recruited to work in the design and photo departments at People Magazine.
Brandon credits many for his metamorphosis – especially Karrie. She is very invested in the lives of her students and cares deeply about each student with whom she works – their dreams, hopes, and ambitions. Brandon and Karrie continue to keep in touch. Fun fact: Every year, Brandon sends Karrie a personalized video of him singing Happy Birthday as well as a Happy Mother’s Day text.
There is so much I love about Brandon’s story: the friendships he developed here; his on-campus involvement; the joy he brought others, whether through creating late night memories in Rarick Hall or through his interactions as Victor E. Tiger and the many roles played in Felten-Start Theatre; and especially the young professional he became. Today, he is a member of the creative team as a graphic designer for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. An icon of style and luxury, Saks is a legendary company with a rich history that employs world-class adventurers, like Brandon Penny, who explore uncharted territory, challenge convention and work with imagination and fun.
And it all started at Fort Hays State.
Brandon says that ultimately, what he loved about his time at Fort Hays State is that after graduation, he walked away with an amazing portfolio of work and something to look forward to: A bright future. That is what it means to unlock untapped potential, and it is my hope and dream for every student.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Marshall Perryman was a C student in his freshman and sophomore years, but he was able to raise his GPA three letter grades since joining a new mentoring program at Hays High this fall.
He is now vice president of leadership and career development for the JAG-K Career Association.
Johnny Matlock, Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas teacher, along with Perryman and Da’Vontai Robinson gave a presentation to the Hays USD 489 school board Monday about the program.
“JAG-K is something that has helped me more in a month than in a whole school year,” Perryman said. “It has helped me immensely with grades. Because my freshman year, I ended with a 2.1, my sophomore year a 2.6. I am a junior now with a 3.75 GPA, so that is one and half more points. That is three whole letter grades.
“JAG has pushed [me] for bettering myself and given me opportunities that I couldn’t pass up like free ACT and WorkKeys. And it made my mom’s life easier, because she didn’t have to fork over the $49.50 we do not have.”
JAG-K’s focus is ensuring students earn their diplomas and are prepared to successfully transition to postsecondary education, military service or into the workforce following graduation. It is a nonprofit that partners with schools, and most of the cost of program this year was paid for through federal funds.
JAG-K, which has 41 students enrolled at HHS this semester, takes student who are at risk of not graduating because of at least five risk factors. These can include being from a single-parent household, living in poverty, being in foster care, being behind a grade or having low academic achievement, among other factors, Matlock said.
The program focuses on 37 competencies, which are clustered into six areas: career development, job attainment, job survival, basic competencies, leadership development and self-development, and personal skills.
The program had a 98 percent graduation rate in 2017. Of 12 HHS seniors in the program, 11 are on track to graduate with their class. One will be transferring to the Learning Center to complete the requirements for their diploma.
Perryman said he now plans to go to college and is working toward paying for his higher education through scholarships. He hopes to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and serve as an officer in the special forces in the Army. After his military service, he is considering service with the Kansas Highway Patrol.
He said he particularly found helpful the class’s trip to NCK-Tech and FHSU. He also participated in a project during which he had to budget for a month of college.
“I realized I had money left over,” he said, “so there is hope.”
Robinson is a junior who recently transferred into the district from Oklahoma. He is in foster care and is transferring into independent living. He said the program has been very helpful to him.
“Just to be able to communicate to people on a business level has made a huge impact on my life and on my soft skills,” he said. “JAG-K is a place where students can find out who they are and how to grow into mature adults.”
The students had a busy fall semester.
They participated in Trick or Treat so Others Can Eat, visiting 150 households, and recruited donors for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
They have had multiple speakers, business tours and participated in the FHSU ropes course.
“All of these things that we do help students acknowledge all the good that can happen in life,” Robinson said, “and be able to make life-long friends who want to be as successful in life as you do.
“I don’t really know what I want to do for a living or how I am going to get there, but I do know I want to make a difference in someone’s life. I know I will be a somebody — a person that people can look up to.”
Robinson said he remembered days he was so tired and depressed he didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning.
“I remember when I used to sleep in a twin-sized bed with my three siblings in a house with no lights, water or heat. I remember moving back and forth to houses that never felt like home, trying to find out who I was,” he said.
“JAG-K gives people a purpose and helps with what students want to do or become in the future. It is just one of those stepping stones that sets you up for success in the end game — the program that will set me up for greatness — JAG-K.”
ARC
ELLIS – 
The Ellis community will host an American Red Cross blood drive Fri., March 29, at the Knights of Columbus, 1013 Washington, from 1-6 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome.
Click here to make an appointment
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed. A low blood supply may mean that critical medical treatments or emergency care may be delayed or canceled. Won’t you help ensure there is blood on the shelf for those in need?
The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.
Hays Post
Hays native Mason Ruder has filed for a seat on the city commission.
There are three open seats — those of James Meier, Ron Mellick and Henry Schwaller.
Ruder is an Environmental Associate with the Ellis County Environmental/Planning & Zoning Office.
He was as born and raised in Hays, attending both public and private schools (Roosevelt Elementary and Kennedy Middle School), and graduating in 2010 from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Ruder attended Fort Hays State University before moving to Kansas City to explore some new ideas.
In 2017, he married his wife, Tori Mai, and they have a 2-month old daughter named Ryleigh. Tori is a licensed daycare provider in Hays.
The family are members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and Ruder is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is also an elected precinct committeeman for the Ellis County Republican Party.
In a news release, Ruder explained why he is running for Hays City Commission.
“My family and friends were a huge encouragement in my decision to run. The final push I needed was the birth of my daughter. I’m running to serve the community that has done so much for my family and me. I want to do what I can to make sure Hays continues to be a place that my daughter can be proud of and one day raise her own family here.
“One of my main goals is to help figure out a solution to the ‘brain drain’ happening with our younger generation. I experienced it firsthand when I left Hays for Kansas City and realized the grass isn’t always greener. I missed Hays and not just my family. This town is special. I missed running into people I knew at the store, out to eat, and at various events. I realized Hays IS my extended family.
“I moved back and started finding ways to get settled here like my parents and grandparents before me. I got married and found a job with Ellis County where I can directly help the area that has been so good to me.
“With my county office job, I get to see how the city of Hays and Ellis County can work together.
“What I would like to do is find ways to get the college and high school graduates to stay here in Hays and give them a place to utilize the skills and knowledge attained at Hays High School, TMP, FHSU, and NCK-Tech.
“We have a community that is perfect for raising a family.
“We need to create an environment that is friendly to businesses and sustainable to back up these students, retain the people who currently work here, and potentially draw in others.
“I also want to help take care of the population that has been here through it all. We have an aging population and we should work together to help get them the resources they need to finish out their years in a community they helped build and sustain.
“Hays is on the right track and the city of Hays employees do a great job at providing the research and information needed to make informed decisions.
“I want to provide input on what we can do in the future and maintain the programs and systems in place that make me so proud to live in Hays, America.”
The filing deadline for the Nov. 5 election is June 3 at noon in the Ellis County Clerk’s office, 718 Main, Hays.
Incumbents Mellick and Schwaller have filed for re-election.
HFD
The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Wednesday in the area of Vine to Willow between 27th and 33rd streets, and also Hall to Highway 183 Bypass between 41st and Interstate 70.
This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.
