Prepare your gardening tools for the next season by following these great tips.
Category: Local
The Post Podcast: Wilson Elementary finding success with “Tribes”
HPD Honor Guard demonstrates department’s dedication and professionalism
After years of planning, Hays Police Department Honor Guard makes debut during FHSU Homecoming
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
A longtime goal of Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler came to fruition last weekend with the debut of the HPD Honor Guard during Fort Hays State University’s Homecoming festivities.
“One of my goals early on was to set up an honor guard,” Scheibler said, who took over the department in 2011.
After years of planning, funding was budgeted in 2018 by the City of Hays.
“When we decided to do this, we needed it funded properly,” Scheibler said. “Both the city manager and the city commission have been very supportive.”
Once funding was secured, Scheibler looked to honor guards across the state that could help train the HPD members and found the Topeka Police Department had exactly what he was looking for.
Members of the Topeka honor guard then came to Hays to work with the Hays members to train them for their duties.
“It prepared them – whether it be a funeral, folding a flag, posting the colors at a banquet, or marching in a parade, whatever it may be,” Scheibler said.
But training will be ongoing.
“A lot of people don’t realize unless they have been in the military or such, the number of hours and investment it takes. It looks simple, it looks sharp, but everything from the timing to the physical toll, these guys have put forth the effort,” said HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood, who oversees the guard.
During continued training, teamwork becomes even more important.
“There is a lot of critiques,” Greenwood said. “The instructor will show you how to do it and then you emulate what the instructor is doing and then you also accept criticism and critique. They help each other, they critique each other, that’s where the teamwork comes in.”
The training includes everything from movement speed to attention to detail, he said and makes the duties look seamless.
“All of those little details that nobody ever notices from the stands or the seats they work on to make sure that you don’t notice it,” Greenwood said. “When it is done right, it looks good and dignified.”
Weekly training will be directed by the honor guard coordinator Officer Mackenzie Smith.
“He’s taken that leadership role to heart and is doing a great job with it,” Scheibler said. “They have been working hard, training hard and now is their opportunity for them to start putting themselves on show.”
While leading parades and posting colors will highlight the department, a significant and important part of the honor guard is much more solemn.
“It runs the full gamut from what you will see this weekend, leading parades and posting the colors at games to awards banquets, posting the colors, and also the solemn duties of laying to rest – whether it be officers in the line of duty or retirees — they have a tremendous sense of honor and dignity, attention to detail and it’s sort of a unique role or being that person that everyone is watching, but representing something bigger than themselves,” Greenwood said before the debut.
“We’re talking about professions where men and women have raised their hand and taken an oath to stand on the wall and protect their country or their community, and they recognize the importance of paying respects to those who have agreed to do that,” Scheibler said.
The guard is made up of volunteers from the department and is another way the department can show its professionalism in a positive way, Schiebler said, but the importance of the honor guard really hit the members as they put their training into practice and put on the uniform.
“In law enforcement, in general, you have to behave and conduct yourselves in a professional manner, and in an ethical manner, and with integrity at all times,” Scheibler said. “But you put that honor guard uniform on, you step up your game.”
“I think it’s a huge showing of respect, and there is a huge sense of service before self in law enforcement,” Greenwood said. “This is just one aspect in which we show respect for those that came before us and those that are yet to come and doing it dignified and professional and courteous manner.”
Hays Regional Economic Outlook Conference set for next week
Experts from Wichita State University will be in Hays next week to discuss the region’s economic future.
The Hays Regional Economic Outlook Conference will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth, Hays, KS 67601.
Lunch Event – Registration is $95.
Click here to register and learn more.
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Included in the price of the regional event is a one-year subscription to the CEDBR forecast booklets ($100 Value), which are in-depth publications and reference guides on regional and statewide economic conditions in Kansas:
The Kansas Economic Trends, published in October, includes the statewide economic conditions survey results, Kansas industry news and developments, and indicators for seven regions of the state along with the largest 25 counties. |
TMP-M’s Brull earns national science teaching award
Thomas More Prep-Marian announced this week that Randy Brull has been awarded the John E. Bauman Jr. Chemical Education Midwest Region Award for Excellence in High School Teaching by the American Chemical Society. The award was presented at the 2019 Midwest Regional ACS Meeting Awards Banquet in Wichita on Friday.
A 1962 graduate of St. Francis Seminary, Victoria, Brull’s career in education spans 45 years with teaching stints at Trego Community High School, Marian High School, Hays High School, and Thomas More Prep-Marian. He has been a science educator at TMP-Marian for 36 years and has taught in the areas of physics, chemistry, general science, earth science, biology, and space science. Currently, he teaches advanced placement chemistry and electronics/programming.
“Mr. Randy Brull is about as dedicated an educator that there is. He is truly curious and energetic. His one and driving desire is that his students learn and learn in a lasting and deep way. I’m so proud and happy for Mr. Brull to receive this much deserved recognition,” said TMP-Marian Principal Chad Meitner.
Brull is married to longtime educator Carol (Dinkel) Brull and is father to Christopher of Plainville, Peter of Lawrence, and Jeff of Hays. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, gardening, woodworking, music, and helping young people explore the game of chess.
— TMP-M
Hays USD 489 school board candidate: Lori Ann Hertel
Age: 59
Education: Ph.D. in Health Psychology
Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools? No
Qualifications? I have three children, I have worked in the mental health field for over twenty years, and I want to make a difference for students.
Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs?
I do support the USD 489 bond issue. I believe in years to come we are going to have buildings that are in dire need of repairs and maintenance. I believe we must maintain our current buildings to assure that in the future the needs are not as significant and costly as what they would be if we wait. We have a middle school that is overloaded with students and will soon be in dire need of additional space. The community and USD 489 will be in a position of making decisions regarding what to do regarding additional space for the middle school. If a bond is voted in by the community, there will be additional money for specific needs allocated by the Board to prepare for the future.
What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?
I have attended the school board meetings and have found the financial officer is very good at keeping the financial books up to date. It is essential to remain within a budget and if money is left over to place that money in a contingency fund for future unexpected expenses. The school board continues to take bids for work that needs to be done, whether it be maintenance or technical. They carefully spend money at locations that is cost effective but will also do a good job for the schools. I would continue to be cost effective in spending money and only do so when the need arises.
The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?
I think it is very important to maintain a good relationship with teachers, as they should understand that the school board is in support of their efforts. I believe the school board can demonstrate their support not only through awards but by going into the schools and showing support through our actions. I think it would be great to attend site councils, teacher in-services, teacher work- days, and other events where we can show our support and appreciation to the teachers. I would like to be present when teachers receive various certificates or awards, keeping the number of school board members to a limit so as not to have so many members that according to the rules it is considered a board meeting.
Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?
With the information we have on brain development, I was skeptical about this policy. When I did further research, I began to understand and become supportive of the program. I learned the schools not only utilize technology in all levels of grades, but students are also using writing materials to utilize thinking skills on paper and books to utilize reading skills. I discovered that the balance is present in the classroom, in that students are not only technology knowledgeable, but they also utilize other skills as well. The other part is that technology is so rampant in our society, if they are not kept to date, they will fall behind.
How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?
I would be happy to sit on a committee for the purpose of improving student performance. I would do research or do other work needed to help this cause. This is an important issue and I would treat it as such.
Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
Working in the mental health field for numerous years, I am aware of the significant changes to our mental health population. More children/youth are experiencing mental health issues or witnessing the same within their homes. It is difficult to teach this large population of students. Without intervention, the problem will only get worse. I would like to encourage the schools to utilize outside resources to intervene within classrooms or as a student body, to allow teachers to effectively work with these students and at the same time utilize their academic skills.
SEE RELATED STORY: Hertel enters Hays USD 489 board race; deadline to file June 3
Center for Life Experience announces memorial lecture series on hope
On Tuesday, the Center for Life Experience announced the establishment of the John C. Thorns Jr. Annual Memorial Lecture Series: “Finding Healing and Hope in Western Kansas.”
The event will be from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus. A reception will follow in the lobby. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome.
The featured presenter will be David Schramm, a Hays native and well-known mental health advocate. Schramm speaks on issues related to overcoming depression and living life fully. He also was a lifelong friend of the late John C. Thorns, a prolific local artist and longtime professor at FHSU, and wanted to honor Thorns’ memory.
Thorns was a founding member of Healing After Loss of Suicide, one of several support groups headed by CFLE, a philanthropic organization based in Hays. Thorns spoke openly about losing his spouse to suicide and the importance of mental health in rural Kansas. He was a Charter Board member for CFLE when it began in 2001 as an Outreach Ministry of the First Presbyterian Church until his death in 2014.
“I am so thankful for the group,” Margaret Schmidt, Thorns’ sister said of the Healing After Loss of Suicide group, “and this group for wanting to do something to keep John’s memory alive.”
Carmen Gerber, a member of Healing After Loss of Suicide, said John Thorns was the “rock” of the group.
“He had really valuable lessons that he taught to all of us,” she said. “He was a really amazing person.”
Thorns’ good friend Mark Hantla said he thought John would be proud the group and the lecture series will be a part of his legacy.
“He loved people, and he wanted to help, and he was a fine example for all of us,” he said.
Blending his own experience, with research on trends at a local and national level, Schramm will bring a message of hope and healing to our community from the unique perspective of one who knows the distinct benefits and real challenges of life in Western Kansas.
Schramm currently serves on the faculty of Stanford University, where he also directs the leadership programming for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars. He holds his doctorate of education from the University of Pennsylvania, his MBA from New York University, and his BFA from Emporia State.
A 1982 graduate and former faculty member at TMP-Marian, he regularly addresses high school and college audiences on a wide range of topics from effective communication to entrepreneurship to making our classrooms and churches more welcoming and inclusive to all.
He openly shares his own story of surviving a near-fatal suicide attempt and moving forward in recovery into a vibrant and full life. Since 2011 David’s TED talk has been viewed more than 1.8 million times. His mission is to elevate and connect individuals and teams to communicate effectively, relate authentically, and embrace life fully.
The November event is sponsored by the FHSU National Alliance on Mental Illness on Campus; National Alliance on Mental Illness Hays Affiliate; High Plains Mental Health Center; and FHSU Kelly Center.
Center for Life Experience is a philanthropic opportunity of urgent need for the support of those in grief across Northwest Kansas. Core services include three local support groups: Healing Hearts, supporting those who have experienced the loss of a child; Healing After Loss, supporting adults who have lost someone important to them; and Healing After Loss of Suicide.
Annual events include Avenue of Pinwheels, Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat, and the Longest Night Candlelight Service. To learn more about CFLE or to make a donation, visit www.cflehope.org.
Fort Hays State opens Virtual Literacy Center
FHSU University Relations
The Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University has developed and opened the Virtual Literacy Center to make the highest quality, cutting edge, scientific-based tutoring services available to the school districts in approximately 25 counties in Northwest Kansas.
Dr. Sarah Miller, assistant professor of teacher education, Dr. Beth Walizer, professor of teacher education, and Hannah Frazer, pre-service teacher/VISTA member, collaborated to develop and pilot the program with USD 407 in Russell.
“In the past, Northwest Kansas has been grossly underserved simply because of logistics and the challenges of physically getting the proper help to the children who need it most,” said Miller. “However, with innovation and technology, the miles between students and tutors has been overcome.”
As literacy professors, both Miller and Walizer have watched young people who struggle with illiteracy encounter roadblocks as they seek to enter post-secondary education, the professional world or the workforce.
“I have seen first–hand the extremely difficult struggles of children who cannot read,” said Walizer.
The Virtual Literacy Center will equip educators with the latest tools and programs to identify specific reading difficulties in children and develop custom–designed interventions and strategies to help each individual child.
All that is required to use the center is the Internet and a reliable computer with a webcam. These resources can easily be provided by a local school or public library.
If any parent, educator, administrator, or other party is interested in more education or has questions, contact Dr. Sarah Miller at 785-628-4204.
Now That’s Rural: Farmer Bob Ralph, Princeton Popcorn
By RON WILSON
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
100 to 1 return. Wow, that sounds like a remarkable return on investment. In this case, it doesn’t refer to a financial investment as much as it describes the process of growing a crop and multiplying the grain. Today we’ll learn about an innovative first-generation farmer who is finding his reward in multiplying his crop of popcorn. Thanks to Marlin Bates of K-State Research and Extension – Douglas County for this story idea.
Robert Ralph, also known as Farmer Bob, is the founder of Princeton Popcorn. Bob grew up in Overland Park when farm ground was still intermingled with the suburbs. “I was three or four years old and I remember petting cows through a barbed wire fence,” Bob said. That experience encouraged a lifelong interest in agriculture. He bought a small herd of cows and kept them with a friend outside of town.
After a few years, Bob bought some farmland of his own near Princeton, Kansas in Franklin County. The acreage had some timber, but no fences. “A friend of mine bulldozed a 30-foot path through the trees so I could build fence,” Bob said. “When I burned the brush pile and spread the ashes, I found that it enriched the soil.”
The concept of growing crops became exciting for him. He looked into the cost of seed and equipment and did a budget analysis. As a beginning farmer, with crop prices so low, he recognized that traditional row crops would not pay. Instead, he thought about alternative crops.
Bob bought a three-pound bag of popcorn off the shelf, fenced off a corner of his acreage, and planted it by hand. “A couple weeks later, I dug down and found a seed with a little root emerging from it,” Bob said. “It was like I found a million dollars. By the time that plant grew to 10 feet tall, I was really hooked.”
When he harvested the popcorn and tried popping it, it was initially too wet. When it dried and he popped it a couple of weeks later, it worked great. “I was elated,” Bob said. He gave away the popcorn for family and friends to try.
Since that time, he has expanded his popcorn acreage, purchased improved farm equipment, and experimented with various cooking oils and flavors. He remains fascinated with the concept of multiplying a crop. “You put one seed in the ground and get hundreds back. That’s better than Vegas,” he said with a smile.
Bob bought popcorn seed from Zangger Popcorn Hybrids in Nebraska. “I couldn’t have gotten luckier,” he said. “Josh Zangger came down and gave me lots of great advice.”
“I’ve learned so much, I got to thinking that I should document this,” Bob said. His videos as Farmer Bob on Facebook have generated hundreds of views. Using the community name, he named his company Princeton Popcorn. “It’s a vertically integrated business, from seed to store,” he said.
Farmer Bob is working with Balls Food Stores and others to get his popcorn on the market. In 2020, he anticipates that Princeton Popcorn will be on sale in 90 stores in the Kansas City area. Bob was also contacted by a couple of movie theater owners in Germany. They were looking for top quality popcorn to sell, and they found Farmer Bob. In 2020, Bob will be shipping Princeton Popcorn to their movie theaters in Germany.
It’s remarkable to see popcorn going direct to Germany from a rural community such as Princeton, population 277 people. Now, that’s rural.
For more information, see www.princetonpopcorn.com.
Can a first-generation farmer succeed? “This is America,” Bob said. “I would like to encourage kids to open up their minds. You need confidence, determination, and a willingness to fail, but you can try again. This is a land of opportunity.”
100 to 1. That’s not a financial return as much as it expresses the remarkable growth of a crop, from a single seed to thousands. We commend Farmer Bob Ralph for making a difference with innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth – a hundred-fold.
SHPTV receives grant from Solomon Valley Community Foundation
BUNKER HILL – The Solomon Valley Community Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills Public Television with a grant for $500.
The Foundation’s grant will support Smoky Hills Public Television’s Literacy Leadership program in Mitchell County. This program provides books to preschools in the area.
“I want to thank the Solomon Valley Community Foundation for their continued support for Smoky Hills Public Television and the Literacy Leadership program in Mitchell County,” said Larry Calvery, Smoky Hills Public Television General Manager. “With these funds we are able to put books in children’s home libraries, which has been proven to help with academic achievement. What a great way to support the Mitchell County community.”
The Solomon Valley Community Foundation was founded in April of 2013, to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving benefiting communities in Mitchell County. The foundation is a permanent source of charitable assets to meet both the emerging and existing needs of the local communities.
Smoky Hills Public Television serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and has been named the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year.
— SHPTV
Downtown Hays business owners buy Comeau properties
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A sheriff’s sale of Hays downtown properties ended Friday morning with smiles and hugs as several business owners gained ownership of the buildings in which their businesses are located.
Bank of Hays, Sunflower Bank and Golden Belt Bank were granted foreclosures on multiple properties owned by Chuck Comeau and his holding companies last year.
Comeau’s furniture manufacturing company in Plainville, Dessin Fournir, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. However, that bankruptcy was dismissed when a judge determined the companies in question did not have enough assets for a reorganization. Comeau tried to find a buyer for the companies without success.
Heather and Shaun Musil won the bid at $211,001 for 1100 Main, which houses their business, The Paisley Pear.
“We’re thrilled,” said Heather Musil. “We are thrilled that the owners all get to keep their buildings and the businesses will continue as normal.”
Shaun added,” We can concentrate on what we do best.”
Sarah Cearley won the bids for two storefronts in which her businesses, Simply Charmed and Bella Luna, are located. She was the high bidder at $75,001 for 1011 Main and $70,001 for 106 W. 11th.
“I am just excited and fortunate that we were able to purchase with no competition,” she said. “We look forward to continuing to be a part of downtown for many more years to come.”
Norman Keller and his wife purchased 1013 Main for a bid of $140,001. The building is home to Regeena’s Flowers & Events. Keller said they were ecstatic and relieved.
The historic George Philip Hardware building, 719 Main, was purchased by Wes Rathbun for $207,001.
Sara Bloom, Downtown Hays Development Corp. director, said, “This is a great day for downtown. The building sales bring opportunities, but it also ensured that our business owners who are so successful already will get to stay in their building and continue their success and help grow and bring our downtown into the future.”
Other properties that sold included:
803 Fort St. — $37,100 to Leroy Riedl
811 Fort St. — $14,000 to Dan and Bob Meckenstock
1008 Main St.— $100,000 to Bank of Hays
1102 Main St. $120,00 to Bank of Hays
1108 Main St. — $5,001 to Leroy Riedl
121 E. 11th St. — $91,000 to Robert E. Schmidt Foundation
1012 Main St. — $70,000 to Bank of Hays
The 2018 taxes on the properties were paid, but the new owners will need to pay the 2019 taxes.
Seven Comeau properties already sold at sheriff’s sale in August.
RELATED STORY: Dessin Fournir properties set for sheriff’s sale; bankruptcy case dismissed
RELATED STORY: Comeau discusses fall of Dessin Fournir
RELATED: Plainville economy trying to recover after two bankruptcies in a month
🎥 ARC Park design adds parking lot, features increasing cost to $2M
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Plan designs for the new Hays Accessible Recreation Complex have been updated and a proposed groundbreaking pushed back since the fundraising campaign officially kicked off a little more than a year ago.
Volunteer Sarah Meitner, the mother of a special needs son, briefed Hays city commissioners on the project Thursday night, along with Kathy McAdoo, Arc of Central Plains exec. director and Brent Kaiser, Arc activities director and director of the local Special Olympics program.
The biggest change to the ARC Park to be located in Seven Hills Park, 33rd and Hillcrest, is the addition of a $180,000 parking lot and drop-off area, pushing the total project cost up to approximately $2 million.
The layout locations of a baseball field, playground equipment and splash pad have not changed.
“I know we’ll end up with school buses of kids here, along with baseball teams,” Meitner predicted.
The parking lot is 43 stalls – plenty of handicapped parking – plus a drop-off area that will have benches around it. We think that will alleviate the flow of traffic and the street parking.” An entrance and exit will be installed both on 33rd and Hillcrest.
Meitner, Kaiser and McAdoo have gone to door-to-door meeting nearby residents. They each said they have heard nothing negative about increased traffic from neighbors.
“I’ve talked to several of those people and even received a donation from one,” McAdoo told commissioners.
Commissioner Eber Phelps said he knows a family with a special needs child who travels in a motorhome because of the accessibility issues. “You could have people come off Interstate 70 that know about this. I hope that happens.”
Families seek out such facilities when a child just can’t handle a busy restaurant, according to Meitner. “They pack picnics even for small road trips because they know they’re going to have to find a park to play at.”
The Hays ARC Park can be recognized as a sensory-friendly and accessible playground on Google maps, which the group found out from an interested parent. “That’s what they search for.”
Now also planned for the park is a we-go-round, a wheelchair accessible, multi-generational merry-go-round.
The zipline will be extended to 60 feet. “It’ll be a fun showpiece that those kids without disabilities will say this park is pretty cool.”
A low hammock can be stood on for balance or used lying down by someone who is soothed by the back and forth motion.
A new sensory feature – similar to an oversized “Simon” game – will add another component to play particularly for children with vision or hearing impairments.
More shade structures and benches will added and other enhancements will have an artistic component.
She noted the accessible playground will also be important to parents who are in wheelchairs or have mobility problems. “They can be right there with their kids.”
The baseball field will have a scoreboard and bleachers.
“As we’ve done our research into the lack of baseball fields in our region, we know that we’ll have (Special Olympics) teams wanting to come and play at it.” Meitner suggested teams from Colby and Great Bend could meet in Hays to play each other.
So far, slightly more than $480,000 has been raised for the park with donations coming from about 500 individuals and businesses. Donors have included all Hays civic organizations and most of the schools.
“We’ve even gotten Girl Scout cookie money from three different troops,” Meitner said with a smile.
As fundraising enters a second year, donations are anticipated again from organizations in their 2020 budgets.
Several fundraising events are scheduled through the end of the year including a freewill offering barbecue Sunday sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church and Downing-Nelson Oil at Hays VFW Post #9076, 22nd and Vine, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
At least $80,000 has been secured in quantified in-kind donations.
“We’re nearing the $600,000 mark, which isn’t quite enough, but remarkable for a year’s time.”
Now that there is money in the bank, the project is pursuing grant funding from outside the community, including national foundations.
Meitner is hoping for a donation surge around the upcoming Christmas holiday through a mailer with the goal for a spring 2020 groundbreaking.
“At this time we’re trying to get the baseball field and playground up concurrently this spring. The phase three splash pad may have to be postponed back to 2021 which is disappointing but we have to remind ourselves how far we’ve come.”
Originally, construction was anticipated to begin this month. Meitner said a flyer was recently mailed to all Ellis County residents explaining the delay.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs is executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation, which awards grant monies to non-profit groups within Ellis, Trego and Rooks counties.
“It is wonderful how you are able to maintain your level of enthusiasm,” Jacobs praised the group. “I know it’s really, really difficult when things don’t come through the way you expect them to come. You have to keep that energy up. It’s probably driven by your passion.”
“I can’t say enough about all the work that you’ve done so far,” Phelps added. “I don’t think we can even imagine the impact the park is going to have.”
