FHSU University Relations

Started in 2013, the Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in higher education student affairs has become one of the fastest growing programs at Fort Hays State University.

The first year the concentration was only offered to on-campus students but is now offered to virtual students as well. FHSU’s HESA program was just ranked as the best experiential learning by OnlineMasters.com, which analyzed every online masters in higher education in the nation.

“While all of our programs in the department are online, our HESA program is unique in that it is offered fully as either an online program or a face-to-face program.” said Dr. Brooke Moore, interim chair for the Department of Advanced Education Programs.

This semester, the program had 24 on-campus and 48 virtual students.

“The program is successful because of the high quality of our program and the price point we are able to offer it,” said Dr. Edward Hammond, professor for Advanced Education Programs. “Our program was built on the research by NASPA that identified 10 core competencies of successful student affairs administrators.”

Each class in the program is built around one of the 10 competencies.

“One really unique part of our program is the amount of faculty who have been practitioners in full-time student affairs positions currently, as well as some who have worked for FHSU in the past,” said Ashley Templeton, current graduate student.

Many students enrolled in this program are already working on a college campus and wish to further their education to continue their career in higher education.

“Having full-time professionals share their experience with us is valuable beyond measure as we are learning from individuals who are in the shoes we hope to fill one day at institutions around the country,” said Templeton.

FHSU promotes experiential learning in HESA through the implementation of two practicums where students must work with a university or college for 150 hours on projects or activities that address four of the competencies.

“Another really awesome part about the HESA program at FHSU is a requirement of our degree is to have two practicums throughout our time here,” said Templeton.

“We are able to place candidates from the HESA program in student affairs internships here at FHSU, but also around the state and nationally,” said Moore.

Students who study in this concentration must prove in a final portfolio presentation that they have grown in all 10 of the competency areas.

“I don’t know of another program that has that kind of integrated commitment to a competency based practice,” said Hammond.

The ranking can be found at https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/education/higher-education/.

Today A slight chance of rain between noon and 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 55. Breezy, with a west wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north northwest 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 32. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 23 mph.
ThursdaySunny, with a high near 50. Windy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 25 mph.

Thursday NightClear, with a low around 25. North northwest wind 5 to 13 mph becoming west southwest after midnight.

FridaySunny, with a high near 55. South wind 5 to 11 mph.

Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 29.

SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 47.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas regulators have slashed a fine against a northwest Kansas swine operation for ignoring orders to halt the construction of unauthorized facilities capable of holdings tens of thousands of hogs.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment slashed to $34,000 the fine levied for building confined feeding facilities in Norton and Phillips counties without permits and for ignoring the state’s cease-and-desist orders to halt the work. A pair of consent agreements covering Rolling Hills Pork and Old Stone Pork dismissed a majority of the original $147,000 fine imposed in January, the department said.

KDHE can demand payment of up to $25,000 from Rolling Hills Pork and as much as $21,000 from Old Stone Pork if the businesses again violate state law before October 2020.

SMITH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation of the attempted murder of a woman in Smith County, as well as an officer involved shooting of the the 15-year-old suspect who remains hospitalized in serious condition in a Kearney, Neb., hospital, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 10:20 a.m. Saturday, the Smith County Sheriff’s received a 911 call, and responded to 10021 O Road in Smith Center. Upon arriving, they located a 66-year-old white female victim who reported being restrained, beaten, and strangled. She was taken to a local hospital, and is expected to recover.

The suspect, a 15-year-old black male, fled the area on horseback. When he was located by Kansas Highway Patrol troopers at 100 Road and L Road, in Smith County, he was armed with a firearm. KHP and Smith County Sheriff’s deputies spent a few hours attempting to apprehend the suspect. Then just before 2:20 p.m. the suspect fired at troopers. Two troopers returned fire, striking the subject.

They rendered medical aid and EMS responded. EMS transported him to a local hospital. He was then flown to a Kearney, Nebraska hospital where he underwent surgery.  The identity of the subject will be withheld because he is a juvenile.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Lb. Brewing Co. of downtown Hays released an extra special beer Monday. The “Resilience Butte County Proud IPA” was brewed with other breweries across the country on Giving Tuesday to support victims of the California wildfires.

When the Camp Fire started in the hills above Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, California, on November 8, 2018, it soon became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The fire burned more than 153,000 acres, killed at least 85 people, and destroyed more than 13,000 homes. Many of Sierra Nevada’s employees and community members were severely impacted by this tragic event.

In the days following the fire, Sierra Nevada announced plans to brew the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, a fundraiser beer for Camp Fire relief. They also established the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, aimed at long-term community rebuilding support. The recipe was released to craft breweries around the world, in the hope that others would brew the IPA to raise additional money for the fund.

“There was an overwhelming response from craft breweries; I think this shows just how special our industry is,” said Brendan Arnold, head brewer at Lb. Brewing Co. “The brewing industry has a great sense of community. We are honored to be a part of this project and contribute to the Butte County community.”

Roughly 1,400 breweries brewed the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA to raise money for the relief effort. More than 17,000 barrels — or 4.2 million pints — will be released in mid-December. Every dollar Sierra Nevada receives will go to those impacted by the Camp Fire. Lb. Brewing Co. will donate 100 percent of sales of the special brew to the relief effort.

On Thursday, December 20, Lb. Brewing Co. and 1,400+ breweries around the world will raise a glass for “Resilience Night.”

For more info, visit www.sierranevada.com/resilience-butte-county-proud-IPA

— Submitted

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Five groups of Hays school district staff and administration, along with community members, were quizzed Monday about characteristics they want to see in the next USD 489 superintendent.

The search for John Thissen’s replacement is underway by the Kansas Association of School Boards Leadership Services Field Specialist Gary Sechrist.

The input was shared with Hays school board members Monday night.

“Our focus is to have some trends starting to develop,” said Sechrist. “The characteristics are really important for us and for you. When we start vetting of candidates, we do our best to try to match candidates to the characteristics that you wish.”

School board members were then asked the same questions, who concluded there are five traits they would use to choose between equally qualified candidates. The board said they want someone who is a genuine leader with a successful track record, is innovative, and has integrity.

They also talked about the strengths of the school district as well as the critical needs the new superintendent should address.

Rebuilding internal relationships as well as those with the public were cited as top concerns along with facilities improvements. The board also wants to improve long-range planning, professional pathways for teachers and ways to retain current staff and attract new employees.

Current staff was praised for being innovative and important to the goals of the school district. Community resources were also cited as a strength for USD 489.

Each board member will draft their top three to five interview questions of superintendent candidates to be compiled January 7.

Applications will be screened Jan. 28 by a three-person team chaired by KASB. The board will hear the report during their regular meeting that evening at 6:30 p.m. Sechrist said the board should expect three to four vetted candidates.

The top candidates will be interviewed by school board members first week of February.

Thissen gave his letter of resignation to the board on Oct. 19. He will remain in place through his current contract, which ends June 30, 2019.

In other business Monday:

• 2017/2018 audit report was presented by Adams, Brown, Beran, & Ball
• Principal Martin Straub shared revisions to the 2018/2019 Hays High School Curriculum Guide
• Announcement of Keith Hall as new director of Finance & Support Services starting Jan. 2. Hall most recently served as the Osborne USD 392 Superintendent and elementary school principal.

 

CITY OF HAYS

Citizens are encouraged to bring Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building at 1002 Vine Street. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area.

Signs will be posted to direct citizens.

Please remove all plastic, ornaments, and lights before leaving the tree.

The disposal site will be open Tuesday, December 18, 2018 through Monday, January 14, 2019.

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the Highway 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge.

If there are questions, please call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Oak Park Complex project is moving forward by the Hays USD 489 school board, although Monday night’s approval of four related items were by a split vote.

The $2 million dollar lease agreement for the former medical complex at 2501 E. 13th Street, and contracts for a construction manager and architect passed 4-2. Board members Greg Schwartz and Lance Bickle voted against each item. They, along with board president Mandy Fox who was absent, have consistently opposed the project.

Nabolz Construction, Lenexa, and DLR Group, Overland Park, were awarded the contracts which were notarized during a five-minute break in the meeting at 8 p.m.

The building will be renovated for use by the Early Childhood Connections (ECC) program. The Washington school and Munjor building, where ECC is now housed, will be closed.

HaysMed, the owner of the largest portion of the complex, has agreed to donate $500,000 of the purchase price of the complex back to the school district for use in the renovations. A $1.47 federal grant requires the renovation work to be complete by June 30, 2019.

The renovated center is set to open to students in the fall.

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 22 traffic stops Thu., Dec. 13, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–100 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:57 AM
Intoxicated Subject–400 block W 4th St, Hays; 2:19 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 6:41 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–2300 block Plum St, Hays; 12/12 8 PM; 12/13 7:28 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block E 8th St, Hays; 12/12 7:58 PM; 8 PM
Civil Dispute–1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:42 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 10:10 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–500 block W 24th St, Hays; 10:21 AM
Theft (general)–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 12/11 9 PM; 12/12 1 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 2:04 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–100 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:30 PM; 2:38 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 3:01 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:58 PM
Theft (general)–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 1:55 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th and Broadway, Hays; 3:54 PM
Animal At Large–15th and Ash St, Hays; 4:32 PM
Burglary/vehicle–200 block W 23rd St, Hays; 7:27 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 12 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Fri., Dec. 14, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Welfare Check–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:52 AM
Disturbance – Fight–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:54 AM
Drug Offenses–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:27 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block W 15th St, Hays; 7:37 AM
Dead Animal Call–500 block E 6th St, Hays; 7:51 AM
Dead Animal Call–2500 block Ash St, Hays; 8:54 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1400 block Vine St, Hays; 12/13 8:35 PM; 8:40 PM
Animal At Large–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:08 AM
Domestic Disturbance–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8 AM; 9 AM
Animal At Large–1800 block Milner St, Hays; 10:56 AM
Drug Offenses–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:04 AM
Welfare Check–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 11:14 AM
Animal At Large–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 11:50 AM
Animal Injured–1000 block Elm St, Hays; 12:46 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:56 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:02 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:20 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:03 PM; 2:33 PM
Juvenile Complaint–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 5:20 PM; 5:25 PM
Welfare Check–500 block W 31st St, Hays; 5:52 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1600 block Fort St, Hays; 6:22 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:37 PM; 9:25 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Sat., Dec. 15, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Noise–100 block E 18th St, Hays; 1:12 AM
Domestic Disturbance–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:45 AM; 2:14 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:54 AM
Intoxicated Subject–100 block E 5th St, Hays; 2:28 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1400 block W 46th St, Hays; 8:30 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 8:52 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12/15/2018 10:25:45 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:40 AM; 10:50 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–2700 block Willow St, Hays; 1:41 PM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 7:13 PM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8 AM
Driving Under the Influence–1000 block Elm St, Hays; 8:10 PM
Dead Animal Call–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:26 PM
Parking Complaint–400 block Milner St, Hays; 8:55 PM
Disturbance – Noise–200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 11:48 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–500 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:56 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Sun., Dec. 16, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:45 AM
Suspicious Activity–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:43 AM
Dead Animal Call–600 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:26 AM
Domestic Disturbance–500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:59 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 36th St, Hays; 11/16 10:03 AM; 12/16 10:03 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–300 block W 16th St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:39 AM
Burglary/vehicle–400 block Ash St, Hays; 12/15 9 PM; 12/16 11:30 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10 AM; 2:29 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 3:31 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 5:17 PM
Domestic Disturbance–27th and Vine, Hays; 6:30 PM; 6:48 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block E 26th St, Hays; 8:22 PM; 8:28 PM
Suspicious Activity–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:28 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–2800 block Grant Ave, Hays; 12:16 AM
MV Accident-Property Damage–2400 block Main St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:05 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–700 block Fort St, Hays; 11:28 AM
Animal At Large–20th St and Canal Blvd, Hays; 11:49 AM
Burglary/vehicle–500 block Halladay St, Hays; 12/15 8 PM; 12/16 9 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:05 PM
Animal At Large–400 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:11 PM
Harassment (All Other)–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 12/9 8 PM
Burglary/residence–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM; 2:45 PM
Animal At Large–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 2:51 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 17th St, Hays; 3:06 PM
Theft (general)–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM; 2:56 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:16 PM
Burglary/vehicle–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 3:37 PM
Burglary/residence–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2 PM; 2:30 PM
Criminal Trespass–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 5:58 PM
Burglary/residence–2000 block Metro Ln, Hays; 5:46 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block S Cedar St, Stockton; 7:14 PM
Suicidal Subject–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 8:21 PM
Welfare Check–1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:47 PM

Submitted

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment now to give and help ensure patients can get the treatment they need at a moment’s notice.

 In November 2016, a 100-foot maple tree fell on Mike McMahon, causing life-threatening injuries. He needed 11 units of blood during emergency surgery and another seven units to treat complications after. Six weeks following the accident, McMahon was released from the hospital – just in time to spend the holidays with his family.

 “I’m grateful for the donors who gave me such an amazing gift – the gift of life,” said McMahon. “I was an occasional blood donor before the accident. Today, I donate as often as I can to help ensure others receive blood when they need it most.”

 Now is an important time to give blood A seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors get busy with family gatherings and travel. In addition, severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and negatively affect the blood supply. Patients like McMahon can’t afford for there to be a shortage of blood.

 Give the gift of life – make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 As a special thank-you for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give Dec. 20 through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 20-Jan. 15

Decatur County

Jennings

1/4/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 202 S Topeka Ave

Ellis County

Hays Blood Donation Center

208 E. Eighth St.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fridays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 Hays

12/21/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., USD 489 District Office, 323 W 12th

12/29/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Big Creek Crossing Mall, 2938 Vine St.

1/2/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunflower Bank, 4720 Roth

1/4/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Big Creek Crossing Mall, 2938 Vine St.

1/5/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Battle of the Badges – Ellis County, 208 East 8^th

Gove County

 Grinnell

12/21/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., VFW, 92 S. Oak

 Quinter

12/20/2018: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant

Osborne County

 Osborne

1/15/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Veteran’s Building, 123 W Main St.

Phillips County

 Logan

1/9/2019: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Logan High School, 305 N. Sherman

Rawlins County

 Atwood

12/26/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Lake Road

Russell County

 Lucas

1/11/2019: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332 N. Main St.

 Luray

12/21/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Luray Community Center, 115 S. Main

 Russell

1/14/2019: 12:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn & Suites, 1430 S. Fossil

Sherman County

 Goodland

12/27/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Harvest Evangelical Church, 521 E. HWY 24 

Thomas County

 Colby

12/20/2018: 7:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5^th

Wallace County

 Sharon Springs

1/3/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Building, 316 W Roman St.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

 About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.