KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health warnings for some Kansas lakes for the upcoming weekend and week.

If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. The lakes currently under a public health advisory:

• Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County
• Warning: Frazier Lake, Grant County 
• Warning: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County
• Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
• Warning: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County 
• Warning: South Lake Park, Johnson County

• Watch: Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County 
• Watch: Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County
• Watch: Webster Lake, Rooks County

The following have had their watch or warning lifted:

• Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
• Mary’s Lake, Douglas County
• Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County
• Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
• Overbrook City Kids Pond, Osage County
• Pomona Lake, Osage County
• Tomahawk Parkway North Pond, Johnson County

A closed or closure status indicates that conditions are extremely dangerous for humans and pets.  Harmful algal toxins and cell counts are at dangerously high levels.  Any kind of contact with the waterbody is prohibited.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a warning but contact with the water should be avoided. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a warning.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 20 traffic stops Wed., Oct. 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 8th St, Hays;  12:57 AM
Drug Offenses–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 4:20 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2100 block Elm St, Hays; 10:03 AM
Criminal Threat–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:11 AM
Drug Offenses–700 block 6th St, Hays; 11:10 AM
Domestic Disturbance–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3 PM; 3:09 PM
Theft (general)–400 block W 37th St, Hays; 3 AM; 6 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:29 PM; 5:33 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 7:42 PM
Disturbance – General–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 10:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Thu., Oct. 18, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 12:53 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:17 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–200 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:10 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:43 AM
Mental Health Call–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 5:03 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 6:07 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:43 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1/1 12:010 AM;  10/17 11:59 PM
Animal At Large–US 183 Alt Hwy and Vine St, Hays; 10:38 AM
Welfare Check–300 block E 14th St, Hays; 10/17 8 PM; 10/18 11:37 PM
Suspicious Activity–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9 AM; 10:30 AM
Animal At Large–300 block W 23rd St, Hays; 12:33 PM
Animal At Large–2500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:32 PM
Trash Dumping–1000 block Downing Ave, Hays; 10/17 5 PM; 10/18 5:14 PM
Disorderly Conduct–1400 block Ash St, Hays; 6:19 PM
Theft (general)–1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 7:41 PM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 10:50 PM

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Republican Party hosted several local leaders, state lawmakers and candidates for office Thursday as part of the inaugural Red Wave Gala fundraiser in Hays.

The event brought Ellis County residents together to hear from officials including Congressman Roger Marshall, State Sen. Rick Billinger, state Rep. Ken Rahjes and candidate for state representative Barb Wasinger.

Dustin Roths recently took over as the Ellis County Republican Party chairman and said he was pleased with Thursday’s turnout.

“When you do these things you never know how things are going to work out, especially when you’re asking for a $20 ticket,” Roths said. “Right now, it’s all about volunteers, it’s all about people getting out (and) talking to people.

“It’s just so amazing how many more people vote for you if they know who you are and get a chance to talk to you.”

Rahjes, R-Agra, said he is excited to see a revitalized Republican party in Ellis County.

“What’s great is a wide range of ages of folks that are here,” said Rahjes, who represents the 110th District. “We have a lot of young people that are excited and that’s one of the things that really makes us feel good is that young people want to be involved and involved in the party.”

Rahjes and the rest of the lawmakers used Thursday’s event to express their support for Wasinger in her race for 111th Kansas Representative against incumbent Eber Phelps, D-Hays.

“Barb’s principled, Barb’s conservative, Barb has a tremendous track record as a city commissioner and a county commissioner,” Rahjes said. “She is consistent, what she tells you is what you get.”

Wasinger said she has received a lot of support along the way.

“It was a great turnout, and I can’t thank Congressman Marshall for coming here with his wife and spending the evening with us, when he has his own campaign,” said Wasinger. “We had a great turnout with wonderful people.”

Marshall was the main speaker of the evening, and echoed the praise for Wasinger and told a jubilant crowd, “I know I have just complete confidence you’re going to win.”

“We’ve got to get people out to vote and everything else is going to take care of itself,” Marshall said.

Marshall also said he feels like the energy for the Republican party has rebounded.

“Starting back in August, Trump’s base has become engaged,” Marshall said. “I just feel the fervor as we get closer to election day.”

Marshall touted his relationship with the president the energy he has brought to the mid-term election.

“People are engaged, they’re ready to rock and roll. They’re excited about Kris Kobach, they’re excited about Barb Wasinger (and) they’re excited to take this Trump economy and keep running with it.”

NCK TECH

The team at pharmacytechnicianguide.com has ranked the Pharmacy Technician Program at NCK TECH as one of the 50 Best Schools offering a Pharmacy Technician Program across the country. Out of 496 schools, NCK TECH’s program ranked No. 33.

The criteria for assessing the program includes: average tuition cost, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, loan default rate, percentage of enrolled students taking federal loans and pharmactytechnicianguide.com rating. 

“The contribution made by North Central Kansas Technical College towards the education of a pharmacy technician is applaudable,” states pharmacytechnicianguide.com.

The Pharmacy Technician Program is on the Hays Campus of NCK TECH and graduates about 10 students each year. The American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists has nationally accredited the program since 2009.

Brian Dechant is the instructor for the program and has been with the college for over 10 years.

“We’re proud of what Mr. Dechant has done to establish his program as one of the top in the country and the work he has done to be nationally accredited,” said NCK Tech College President Eric Burks.

For more information on the Pharmacy Technician program, visit NCK TECH’s website at www.ncktc.edu.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays artist Dennis Schiel has expectations of $30,000 to $40,000 in private monies towards the historic mural he plans to paint on the Sternberg water tower.

“I’ve talked to people who want to donate money but $40,000 is just a drop in the bucket,” he acknowledged to the Hays City Commission Thursday night.

Schiel first presented his large design to commissioners in early March. The estimated cost is $268,000. Thursday he presented two more smaller designs with fewer pictures that would be less expensive.

Schiel plans to apply for a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, but told commissioners he would feel more confident if he first had a monetary contribution from the city.

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs told Schiel she believes the foundation is more interested in grassroots fundraising, volunteerism and community letters of support. Jacobs has worked closely with Hansen in her role as director of the Heartland Community Foundation.

Although all the commissioners expressed their support of the project, Mayor James Meier also said he’s concerned about funds for the city’s infrastructure needs.

“For me, the fund I would look to is CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) because that’s what it’s for. With the discussions we’ve been having lately and how we can better utilize that fund for infrastructure needs, it changes the nature of that fund for me,” Meier said.

He cited 27th Street between Hall and Vine, and 22nd Street as “needing attention.”

“Certain things that we would have expended that fund for I don’t think is necessarily appropriate any more.”

Commissioner Ron Mellick pointed out the city can use transient guest taxes collected for the Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote Hays “and that money is paid by out of town guests. Nobody local is going to see their taxes go up for this.”

Mellick said he favors the largest mural on the 1 million gallon water tower adjacent to the Sternberg Museum of History and just south of Interstate 70.

“Go big or go home.”

“This is a promotion for the city of Hays that would last 20 years. You take one of our billboards, they average 10 by 30 feet. This mural is almost 38 times larger than that billboard,” said Mellick.

“If you’re driving down I-70 and you look down, you miss that billboard. Those billboards cost about $4,200 average just for the rental, for 300 square feet. In 20 years, you put $84,00 into that one billboard.”

Mellick said with costs of the other billboards and signage “basically there’s only $10,00 difference and this is something when you’re driving you won’t miss it.”

The mural would include William Cody, Wild Bill Hickok and General George Custer. Depending on the design selected, the scene would also include a buffalo and possibly a train.

The commission urged Schiel to next apply for a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and also promised to write a letter of support for the project.

Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the work session.

FHSU University Relations

A personal story of learning to live according to what is significant and a special Entrepreneur Direct speaker will appear at Fort Hays State University in the same week in November.

Both presentations are free and open to the public.

The first speaker, Pete Smith, an internationally known speaker and coach in the fields of leadership, management, personal growth and development, will deliver an address titled “Dare to Matter: Rising to the Level of Significance” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, in the Memorial Union’s Black and Gold Room. His appearance is sponsored by the university’s Management Development Center and community partners.

On Thursday, Nov. 8, Entrepreneur Direct, a speaker series conducted by Fort Hays State’s Center for Entrepreneurship, will feature entrepreneur Peter J. Werth, FHSU alumnus and founder and CEO of ChemWerth Inc., from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in the Robbin’s Center’s Eagle Communication Hall. FHSU’s Peter Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics is named for him.

Pete Smith developed his guiding principles in answer to the question, “If you disappeared today, what impact would you leave on the world?” He asked himself that question during his recovery from a stroke he suffered in 2010. The stroke changed the direction of his life.

In the aftermath, he says, he thought, “Is this really how I’m going to go out? Did I change anyone’s life? Did I do anything memorable?” He has since used this experience to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences throughout the world on the importance of pursuing significance in their personal and professional lives.

His energetic, edgy, and interactive style is complemented by his ability to provide practical takeaways that actually work, while having a little fun in the process.

Formerly, Smith worked in education as a director of high school programs. He took historically underperforming Mid-Atlantic regional schools to No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 rankings. Earlier in his career, he taught history at the ninth- and 11th-grade levels, and was a Career counselor at the high school level for four years.

The FHSU Management Development Center has partnered with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, and FHSU’s Society for Human Resource Management Student Chapter to bring Smith to Hays.

The address begins at 7 p.m.

The day after his presentation, Smith will facilitate two workshops on leadership training.

For more information, contact Hanna Hilker at the MDC, 785-628-4121.

Peter J. Werth’s company, ChemWerth Inc., is a privately held, Connecticut-based corporation founded in 1982. It is a full-service generic drug development and supply company providing high quality active pharmaceutical ingredients to regulated markets worldwide.

Along with his family, he has established the Werth Family Foundation to support various philanthropic causes, specifically in educational, cultural, and medical-related initiatives globally. Werth earned a B.S. degree in chemistry and math from Fort Hays State and an M.S. degree in organic chemistry from Stanford University.

Entrepreneur Direct is a free speaker series conducted by the Center for Entrepreneurship that features successful entrepreneurs in an informal setting accessible to students, faculty and the public. The program is intended to connect students with successful entrepreneurs who have stories and advice to share. A panel asks questions about entrepreneurship and encourages questions and interaction with the audience.

The presentation begins at 10:30 a.m.

The team at pharmacytechnicianguide.com has ranked the pharmacy technician program at NCK Tech as one of the 50 Best Schools offering a Pharmacy Technician Program across the country. Out of 496 schools, NCK Tech’s program ranked No. 33.

The criteria for assessing the program includes: average tuition cost, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, loan default rate, percentage of enrolled students taking federal loans and pharmactytechnicianguide.com rating.

“The contribution made by North Central Kansas Technical College towards the education of a pharmacy technician is applaudable,” stated pharmacytechnicianguide.com.

The Pharmacy Technician Program is located on the Hays Campus of NCK TECH and graduates approximately ten students each year. The American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists has nationally accredited the program since 2009. Brian Dechant is the instructor for the program and has been with the college for over ten years.

“We’re proud of what Mr. Dechant has done to establish his program as one of the top in the country and the work he has done to be nationally accredited,” said NCK Tech College President, Eric Burks.

For more information on the Pharmacy Technician program, visit NCK Tech’s website at www.ncktc.edu.

— NCK Tech

FHSU University Relations

Fort Hays State University has been awarded a 2019 Leadership Transformation Grant for the maximum amount of $25,000 from the Kansas Leadership Center. 

The grant is designed for Kansas-based organizations who have a limited budget for staff development to build leadership capacity in individuals throughout the organization. In four years, KLC has given out 145 grants, and trained over 5,000 people. 

The core team who wrote the grant application consisted of Dr. Taylor Kriley, director of transition, inclusion and diversity excellence; Shianne Cokely, graduate assistant for inclusion and diversity; Josh Clary, graduate assistant for transition and student conduct; Diego Esparza, graduate assistant for enrollment management; and Dr. Jacqueline Lubin, assistant professor for advanced education programs. 

The core team will create the Tiger Transformation Team comprised of 40 students, faculty and staff to participate in workshops and training over the next year. They will then take what they have learned and start teaching and supporting others within the organization. 

“Faculty, staff and students have been identified to make up a diverse team, representing various races, genders, and organizations on campus,” said Dr. Tisa Mason, president of FHSU, in a letter supporting the grant application.

Through this opportunity, FHSU will have the opportunity to engage with the community and area surrounding the college. “This partnership with the Kansas Leadership Center will provide a foundation of leadership for our campus to continue to be innovative as we develop global-citizen leaders,” said Kriley. 

Kansas Press Association

Topekan Rick Kloos admits he is a frustrated Republicans running as an Independent for Kansas governor.

“Decisions for Kansas should be made by the residents, not the agenda of the two parties,” he said. “I want to represent the people and not just a party.

“I will work between the parties to unite us rather than divide Kansas. I believe the state will run healthiest when we work together and find common ground solutions.”

Kloos is a graduate of Trinity College in North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in theology and ministerial studies. He served as clergy for 30 years.

He continued his studies in substance abuse counseling at Washburn University and has certification from the American Council for Pharmacy Education, which allows him to serve as a police and hospice chaplain in correctional facilities and clinical settings.

While he is an advocate of lower taxes, he believes in achieving reform in a responsible way.

“As of right now, I support the three-legged stool approach: income tax, sales tax and property tax,” he said. But “I think taking our income tax out is partly why we see our high sales tax and property tax. When you take one away, it puts pressure on the others.

“Right now, we are in a position where we need to sit tight and adjust our taxes when we know we have sufficient funds to carry out our services.”

School funding, a perennial concern in Kansas, has his attention as well.

Education, Kloos said, consumes about 50 percent of the states budget.

“Because of that,” he said, “people sometimes view education as only a liability. I believe we need to change our way of thinking and view it as one of our greatest assets. I want to restore value and respect back to our education system.”

How would he fund the growing budget needs of public education?

“I believe we can fund both higher and K-12 education with the new online tax and also with sports betting,” Kloos . “I think those are two good ways we can help fund education without raising our sales, income and property taxes.”

He said another concern is that Kansas ranks fifth in the percentage of residents moving out of state.

Kansas needs to grow, he said, which will provide the jobs necessary to keep our residents and college graduates here.

That also will have an effect on state revenues.

“We’re not going to be able to cut taxes if we don’t start growing,” he said. “I will promote Kansas to help it grow.”

Kansas government also needs to be more open.

“One way I will work to be more transparent is being more involved with our local leaders across the state,” he said. “I had the opportunity to visit all 105 counties over 52 days and made it a point to meet with local leaders all across the state.

“I would like to continue that because it helps government leaders stay accountable to the people, their needs and their concerns. Also, I think we need to get away from behind-the-door deals.”

Kloos supports Medicaid expansion and the decriminalization of marijuana, but not outright legalization.

“It is important we not continue to fill our prisons with more non-violent offenders,” he said. “We should also explore options concerning the use of marijuana in medical and end-of-life care.”

Kloos, his wife Pennie and son Nate started the non-profit organization God’s Storehouse in Topeka nine years ago.

His running mate is Nate Kloos, his son.

— Compiled by the Kansas Press Association staff.

Submitted

In the spirit of Halloween, the Fort Hays State University Collegiate DECA is hosting the annual Mall-O-Ween event inside Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, on Saturday, October 27 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Mall-O-Ween is a kid and family friendly carnival-style Halloween event with games and activities for kids. There will also be two costume contests, one for children and one for pets!

The games and booths will be hosted by various student and community organizations. All proceeds will go towards the organizations participating and the hosts to benefit their community work and student activities.

Mall-O-Ween is held inside Big Creek Crossing and is a Halloween-themed event for kids of all ages. Opportunities to play games, win prizes and enter a costume contest are all apart of the annual event.

The kids games are hosted by one of the community or student organizations participating in the event. Games will be open from 12:00 to 2:30 PM. Each game requires one ticket to play, and tickets will be able to be purchased that day at the event for $1 a piece.

The children’s costume contest involves three age categories — 0-3 years, 4-8 years, and 9-12 years. Registration begins at 11:30 AM and the contest will start at 12:30. There is no cost to take part in the costume contest.

The pet costume contest has a recommended donation of $5 for entry with proceeds going to the Humane Society of the High Plains. Registration begins at 1:30 PM and the contest will take place at 2:00 PM.

If you are a campus, school, church, or other community organization and may be interested in having a booth for kids to play games at, you can find the registration form and liability agreement at the bottom of this page. There are currently around 10 organizations signed up, and Collegiate DECA is encouraging more groups to join.

View the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/578802682539319/

Sign Up for a Booth: https://goo.gl/forms/9ocpYMvbXVXAbwKD3

Booth Liability Form: https://goo.gl/wyv14L

For more information, please contact Brooks Barber ([email protected]) or Chelsie Andrews ([email protected]).