Nominations are open for Fort Hays State University Alumni Association awards for 2019, presented by the Association to recognize accomplished alumni, friends, students and faculty for their achievements and service.
At Homecoming, four categories of awards are given: Alumni Achievement, Distinguished Service, Nita M. Landrum, and the Young Alumni.
The Alumni Achievement Award, established in 1959, honors graduates of the university for outstanding achievement based upon meritorious service to society or the community. The award is based upon career and professional achievements, service involving community betterment and philanthropic activities, and educational achievements. It is the university’s highest recognition of its graduates.
The Distinguished Service Award, established in 1974, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a continuing concern for humanity on a universal, national, state or community level; who support spiritual, cultural and educational objectives; and who endorse and exemplify the highest standards of character and personal attributes. It is reserved for alumni or friends of the university.
The Nita M. Landrum Award, established in 1994, recognizes alumni or friends who have provided sustained volunteer service for the betterment of the Alumni Association or FHSU, especially in their home communities or at any local level.
The Young Alumni Award, established in 1977, is designed to recognize graduates early in their careers who have had outstanding achievements and recent accomplishments. The award is based upon professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from FHSU, be members of the 10-15 reunion classes, and be under age 40 as of Jan. 1 of the year the awards are presented.
To make a nomination for 2019, visit www.goforthaysstate.com/awards. Both online and downloadable forms are available. Nomination deadline: Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.
Hays has received a $6 million federal grant for improvements to the north Vine Street corridor.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
An early Christmas present for the city of Hays was announced Friday afternoon by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, (R-Kansas), a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
Hays has been awarded $6.05 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements along U.S. Highway 183, also known as Vine Street.
The funding would be used for the Access Managed Roundabouts Corridor to create traffic roundabouts at 32nd/33rd, 37th and 41st streets along Vine. The estimated cost of the project this summer was $7.6 million.
City commissioners were told about the grant award by City Manager Toby Dougherty prior to Thursday night’s commission work session.
“By us getting this grant we can definitely do it the right way the first time and it’s going to save us a lot of our local tax money to pay for it,” Commissioner Shaun Musil said Friday.
Musil said the initial project plan will be adjusted somewhat to comply with federal government requirements.
“So, it’ll cost a little bit more, the total project, but what we will have to spend will be a lot less, which is the best part.”
On June 14, city commissioners approved a charter ordinance for a 2 percent increase in the Transient Guest Tax (TGT) to 7 percent. The increase, which went into effect Oct. 1, is projected to raise $6.2 million over 20 years to fund the roundabout project.
“Now we’ll be able to pay it off much faster,” Musil said.
Hays city commissioner Shaun Musil
During discussion about raising the TGT, Musil asked Dougherty if the 2 percent increase could be lowered pending any grant awards.
Dougherty responded, “If you raise the TGT in anticipation of prepaying the project and there’s added grant monies or the future commission decides we’re only going to do part of the project and not all of it, which would be a lower price tag, the commission could determine what the net income needed to be… They could either modify the TGT down to 1 percent or leave it at 2 percent for a shorter duration.”
Musil thanked city staff for their role in submitting the grant application.
“They probably should get the most credit for putting this together. We’re going to save a lot of money.”
Current traffic conditions on north Vine Street are considered unsafe, lack pedestrian access, and are difficult for visitors and travelers to navigate.
Engineering and design of the three roundabouts is underway by WSP engineers, Lenexa, which was hired in May.
Several community members have spoken against the project. Musil understands not everybody supports roundabouts.
“I know there’ll be people that don’t like the roundabouts, but this will be not only for now, but for the future of Hays for many years to come.
“This will make it a lot easier for Hays to grow a little bit more rapidly.”
The three proposed traffic roundabouts on Vine Street are at the intersections of 32nd/33rd, 37th and 41st Streets. (Click to enlarge)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – announced in a news release Friday the city of Hays was awarded $6.05 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements along U.S. 183.
The funding would be used for the Access Managed Roundabouts Corridor, which would create roundabouts at 32nd/33rd, 37th and 41st streets along Vine. The estimated cost of the project this summer was $7.6 million.
The funds have been released as part of a new USDOT grant program, known as Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD), which places greater emphasis on rural infrastructure than prior federal transportation grant programs.
“Hays is a growing community that is critical to our state, and I was pleased to help secure federal funding to maintain and improve its surface infrastructure,” Moran said. “I will continue working with my colleagues and local leaders to build on this progress and to advocate for more federal dollars to return to Kansas for improvement projects right here at home.”
In July, Sen. Moran sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of the project.
Michael Leiker, Hays artist, holds one of his drawings that will be featured in an art exhibit during the Winter Art Walk on Friday.
You may not know Michael Leiker by name, but you would likely know him if you saw him.
Leiker, who is developmentally disabled, doesn’t drive, so he walks everywhere he goes, bringing with him big smiles for the people he meets. He is often seen downtown at his favorite places — the ARC or the library.
Brent Kaiser, ARC activities director, described Michael as one of the most caring people he knows.
“If he sees someone is having a bad or they are struggling, he has little words to encourage them, a pat on the back or a hug,” Kaiser said. “Michael is the go to guy for those type of things.”
Not only does Leiker participate in Special Olympics basketball, track and cheerleading, he is a noted artist as well.
Leiker will make his art debut during an exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Winter Art Walk in the conference room of the Downtown Hays Development Corp., 1200 Main St.
Leiker, 31, already has art honors under his belt, winning prizes in past years at the Ness County Fair.
He started to draw when he was about 18 and he said art helps him relax. He hasn’t had art classes. He is self-taught. His pictures are pencil or ink drawings, some of which he adds color to with markers or paint.
He just picks subjects that he likes — superheroes, a human heart, a leopard, monster trucks. One drawing depicts the skyline of New York before 9-11 reflected in an eye.
“I am in awe,” Kaiser said. “He is so talented. He has created stuff for me. I have different pieces that he has made for me in my office. I have a giving rock with my name on it. I have a Special Olympics picture with the flame. Whenever I look at it, it makes me smile.
“When I saw what they were doing [with this exhibit], it almost brought tears to my eyes. He works so hard and puts so much into his art. It is one of his passions. It is one of the things he likes to do, so I was super excited and happy for him.”
On Friday, Leiker will have his art for sale for the first time.
Kaiser is already planning to purchase a piece that is to be placed on permanent display at the ARC office in Hays.
Michael said he was a little nervous about the exhibit, but added, “It sounds exciting.”
Extension Board Chairman Nathan Leiker, along with Ellis County Commissioners Barb Wasinger and Marcy McClelland wield giant scissors for the extension building remodel ribbon cutting.
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT and BECKY KISER Hays Post
Officials with the Cottonwood Extension District and Ellis County celebrated the completion of the renovation of the offices at 601 Main on Wednesday.
“On behalf of the Public Building Commission, we’re so excited, because we’re done,” declared Phillip Smith-Hanes, project manager and Ellis County administrator.
The project included improved stormwater drainage along the exterior of the building, new windows, and new carpet and flooring inside the building. The walls have a fresh coat of paint; some of them are K-State purple.
A newly painted K-State purple wall in the office of 4-H and Youth Agent Susan Schlichting.
The area that formerly housed the county health department was remodeled, adding more room for employees and visitors. A new office was added for Ellis County Master Gardeners.
“This was the last project that was financed by the bonds that were issued in 2013 and the [half-cent county] sales tax that just came off the tax rolls on October first of this year,” said Smith-Hanes.
About $250,000 was held back from the financing for the new county administrative center, 718 Main, to pay for the extension building remodel.
At the ribbon cutting by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, County Commissioner Barb Wasinger thanked the community for their support.
“The commission is so proud of the citizens of Ellis County that helped us to get these projects done,” said Wasinger, who served as vice-president of the Public Building Commission.
She also noted the joining of the Ellis and Barton County extension offices into the single Cottonwood District with offices in Hays and Great Bend.
The Ellis County courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th, were also remodeled as part of the overall $13.6 million project.
New windows
An improved water drainage system in the parking lot
There were 23 days of wet weather that slightly delayed completion of this year’s major street reconstruction project for the city of Hays.
Work on Allen Street between Vine and 8th was substantially completed Nov. 27, according to John Braun, city project manager. Construction began March 5 by contractor Paul-Wertenberger Construction and major subcontractors M&D and J Corp, all of Hays.
Final cost of the project was $2.4 million.
“Looks great. Drives great,” said Shaun Musil, city commissioner, during Thursday night’s work session.
“Had to be so frustrating with all that rain,” said commissioner Ron Mellick, “in getting that done in a timely manner.”
The work was supposed to be finished Nov. 16.
“We granted them extra days and they got it done ahead of that schedule,” Braun told the commission.
He noted some final sealing of pavement joints will be done next week.
The project involved removing and replacing all the pavement, curb and gutter, and much of the sidewalk and driveways, along with water main replacement from 10th to 24th Street and along 23rd Street from Allen to Vine Street.
Fort Hays State University officials are warning a telephone scam targeting students.
In an email sent to students Thursday, the university said multiple FHSU students have been targeted by the scam.
“The calls appear to come from 785-628-5304, which is the main number for University Police. The caller says they’re with the Fort Hays Police, but won’t tell you their name,” the email said. “They ask that you go to a private location so you can have a confidential conversation, then ask that you search for FHSU Police on Google to see that the phone number matches the caller ID. Eventually, they tell you that your name has come up in an investigation, and ask you to send a nude video so they can verify you don’t have any drugs on you. If you start asking questions, the caller becomes belligerent and uses cuss words. They also tell you that if you go to the University Police station, you’ll be arrested.”
The school reminded students:
• Remember that caller ID can be faked!
• If University Police call you, the officer will immediately identify themselves by name.
• You can ask to call them back, so you know you are speaking to University Police. Look up the number on Google or the FHSU web site, then call and ask to speak with the officer who contacted you.
• FHSU officers will use professional language, will never tell you not to come to the police station, and certainly won’t ask for nude videos.
If you have been a victim of this scam and would like to file a police report, call University Police at 785-628-5304.
Emi Kniffin, left front, and Haley Gomes, right front, admissions counselors at Fort Hays State University, pose for a photo outside the Memorial Union with 41 high school students from Colorado who visited campus on an annual road trip Sunday and Monday. Photo by Tiffany Reddig
By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Haley Gomes wasn’t aware of an overnight visit to Fort Hays State University for high school students, sponsored by the Office of Admissions, when she was searching for colleges to attend four years ago.
But Gomes, who grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colo. – part of the Denver metropolitan area –
is more than a little excited to tell teenagers about her alma mater now.
An FHSU admissions counselor in charge of the southern portion of Colorado, Gomes joined other admissions personnel at a two-day event Sunday and Monday that brought Colorado students from their hometowns to campus for a day.
“This is a great way to check out a college for free,” Gomes said. “You don’t have to stay in a hotel, and you get to meet other kids from Colorado who you don’t already know. I wish I would have heard about this when I was in high school.”
Gomes actually learned about FHSU from someone in her city who had earned a master’s degree from Fort Hays State.
After checking it out, Gomes decided on Fort Hays State and graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. She successfully applied for a position in the admissions office and has been on the road recruiting potential Tigers ever since.
She and fellow admissions counselor Emi Kniffin, in charge of the northern part of Colorado, stayed overnight with the 42 students in Cunningham Hall Sunday, then helped lead activities all day Monday.
They both have been busy this semester, traveling the eastern Colorado circuit, attending college fairs and visiting high schools.
“After going to all the schools in Colorado, it’s fun to see some students here today,” said Kniffin, who accompanied students on campus tours, visiting their academic departments and other presentations and activities.
Kniffin moved to northwest Kansas with her fiancé in September. Dani Hartung, a former coworker of Kniffin’s at an area elementary school, had taken a job as admissions counselor at FHSU and told Kniffin about another opening.
Kniffin, who grew up in Wichita and graduated from Baker University in Baldwin City, didn’t know that much about Fort Hays State before she sought out the admissions job.
“I didn’t know anything about the programs here beforehand, but I found out what a great school Fort Hays State is,” she said. “I love advertising (FHSU) now. I love being able to help students figure out what’s right for them.”
Getting students to campus is key, said Jon Armstrong, interim director of admissions.
“Some of these students have heard of Fort Hays State through our admissions counselors, and this gives them the opportunity to come to visit campus,” he said. “It provides people an opportunity to see, in person, what Fort Hays State has to offer.”
Participants ranged from small schools such as Fowler, which has 175 students in grades 7-12, or Mitchell High in Colorado Springs – whose enrollment of 1,300 is larger than the city of Fowler’s entire population.
“I definitely want to go here,” said Ty Korngor, who is from Colorado Springs. “I really like the campus.”
Korngor, who graduated from Mitchell High School this semester, plans to major in marketing and hopes to be on campus at FHSU as early as spring semester 2019.
“They told me I could be really involved here like I was in high school, and I liked that,” said Korngor, who was active in organizations in high school, including yearbook, photography and student government.
Danielle Pruett from Fowler, in the southeast part of the state, was just as impressed with FHSU.
“I am involved with FFA in high school and do a lot of competitions,” said Pruett, who wants to major in agricultural business in college. “This whole experience exceeded what I ever thought it would be.”
Pruett said she decided to make the trip because she grew up in a small town and thought FHSU was smaller than some of the larger schools in Colorado.
“I like keeping it small,” she said, “and I am so glad I was able to come to this. I made a lot of friends here already, and I hope I get accepted to FHSU. I love it here.”
Pruett said she was hooked after the personal road trip but admitted she was already convinced she was serious about attending FHSU after Gomes’ presentation at her high school.
Touting all the benefits of attending Fort Hays State comes easy for her, Gomes said.
“Being from a large city and close to the mountains, it was a little bit of a culture shock right at first when I came here,” Gomes said. “But once you’re here, you get the chance to step out of your comfort zone, become more open minded about things to do in a smaller city.”
One benefit that gets students’ attention is tuition rates.
Students coming from states bordering Kansas are able to take advantage of the Contiguous States Resident Tuition Program. That rate is less than half of other non-resident students.
“My twin brother’s tuition at a community college in Colorado was more than mine here at Fort Hays State,” Gomes said. “It’s amazing.”
While affordability definitely is a plus, Gomes said there are so many other factors – specifically the wide variety of nationally acclaimed programs and state-of-the-art facilities – that make FHSU an easy sell to prospective students.
“You get a top-notch education here,” she said.
Another major feature, Gomes said, is the community connection.
“Once you get here and see the Hays community, the people of Hays are really a big drawing card, too,” she said. “Everyone has such a good heart. Caring and hard-working is engrained into everywhere you go. It’s the true Midwestern spirit; they’re going to be there for you.”
The Colorado road trip was the last of its kind this semester for the admissions office. Students from Wichita, southwest Kansas and eastern Kansas came to campus on similar bus trips. For more information about the road trips or other admissions activities, visit www.fhsu.edu/admissions.
Alicia BoorDecember is quickly going by, and before we know it 2019 will be upon us. There are still a few learning opportunities being offered in December for you to take advantage of that I would like to highlight. If you have any questions over either of the programs, please call 620-793-1910 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Tax Law Update for 2019 in Great Bend
The past few years have been difficult to navigate for producers financially. New taxing laws that will be implemented in 2019 add more stress to an already stressful situation. Having a plan and idea of what to expect in the new year is crucial for your farm and its management for the future.
On December 19th at 1:30 pm, join K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farm Management at the Great Bend Extension office. Clay Simmons, Kansas Farm Management Economist, will present a Tax Law Update for 2019. During this program, her will update producers on the new tax laws for 2019 go over information on tax planning. A question and answer session will end the program. Pie, ice cream and coffee sponsored by Ed Junior Farms will be provided. No reservations needed.
“Food Evolution” screening and discussion in Lyons
Fact vs fear of our nation’s food supply and a brutally polarized debate marked by passion, suspicion and confusion, “Food Evolution,” by Academy Award nominated director Scott Hamilton Kennedy, explores the controversy surrounding GMOs and food.
The movie aims to reset the conversation on the science behind our food and to make the case for science to guide our decision making. Food Evolution examines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply and the importance of the scientific method in making decisions about what we put in our bodies and our environment.
The screening of this film will be held in Rice County on Dec. 19 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Rice County Extension Building. Dr. Dan Thomson, DVM, Karen Blakeslee, Rapid Response Center and Mikey Hughes, College of Ag Ambassador will be here to lead the discussion about the science behind GMOs and the film.
Rice County Extension 701 E Main, Lyons, KS or call for questions. 620-257-5131. No reservations needed. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910
Greenhand Ritual team from L to R: Jeremy Long, Advisor; Logan Pruter, Reporter; Ashton Lund, Vice President; Derek George, President; Nicholas Racette, Secretary
NATOMA — The Natoma FFA Chapter has done well this Fall in CDEs. On Nov. 15, 12 members traveled to Russell to compete in the Northwest District Milk Quality and Products (MQ&P) and Food Science events. Expectations were set high, because since 2014, Natoma has placed in the top three in district MQ&P, along with 3rd and 2nd place finishes at state in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The state team in 2018 also took 9th. Members participated in a final practice at the NHS Ag Building two nights before the event.
Natoma Milk Quality and Food Science teams. Back row L to R: Braydon Hays, Jayson Engling, Preston Ostmeyer, Ethan Dickerson, Jayce Dickerson, Derek George. 2nd Row L to R: Ashton Lund, Jacob Murphy, Shayne Engling, Logan Pruter, Shandra Griffin. Front Middle: Nicholas Racette
Results on the day were as follows: Senior team (3rd overall), Greenhand team (2nd overall), Jayce Dickerson (2nd high Sr. indiv.), Derek George (2nd greenhand indiv.), Ashton Lund (3rd greenhand indiv.). In the Food Science event, Ethan Dickerson was 6th out of a field of 137 contestants. The senior Food Science team was 8th of 18 teams and the Greenhand team placed 7th out of 17.
Two weeks later, the Greenhands and Shandra Griffin headed to Colby Community College for the Vet Science CDE and FFA Ritual competition. Shandra competed individually, while the Greenhand team placed 7th of 16 teams. Derek George was 3rd out of 80 participants in the event, with Ashton Lund, Nicholas Racette, and Logan Pruter completing the team.
The Greenhands then went before a panel of judges and carried out the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of an FFA meeting. Each member memorized an officer part, and Derek and Nicholas even learned two, due to the fact that there are actually six officer positions in the FFA. While the team did not crack the top three, they gained valuable experience and worked as a team to accomplish a difficult task. The next event for the Natoma FFA is the Agriculture Sales and Job Interview competitions in Northern Valley on Jan. 10.
On another topic, FFA Fall fundraising items will be in on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 13, so if you ordered from the FFA, expect a delivery soon thereafter.
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