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Category: Local

Jewell Co. flood victims eligible for free title, credential replacement

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KDOR 

TOPEKA—Residents of Riley, Jewell, Kingman, Marshall, and Pratt counties affected by Monday’s flooding can get free replacement car titles and drivers licenses if those documents were lost or damaged in recent flooding, Kansas Division of Vehicles director David Harper announced Wednesday.

Applications for replacement titles and replacement registration receipts can be made at the county treasurer’s offices in each of the five counties.

Residents in need of a replacement driver’s license or ID can go to any driver’s license office in the state with proof of residency in one of the five counties and receive a free replacement credential.

Free replacements will be available for 30 days.

“Official documents are vital for the process of rebuilding after a natural disaster,” Director Harper said. “The Division of Vehicles is happy to assist the flood victims in obtaining free replacements.”

Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D., issued a state of disaster emergency for those five counties affected by weekend flooding.

More information about titles, registrations, and credentials can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovindex.html.

For information about Real ID, please visit ksrevenue.org/realid

Friends of the Library book sale Thurs.-Sunday

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The Friends of the Hays Public Library book sale will be Thursday through Sunday.

The sale will be open to members only from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The sale will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Books will be $5 per bag.

Books in the Friends bookstore will be half off for members.

There will be a special “Treasurer’s Table” for antique, collectible and signed books. Prices will be as marked.

HPD Activity Log Aug. 31, Sept. 1-4

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The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Fri., Aug. 31, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 12:40 AM
Disturbance – Noise–4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 1:05 AM
Driving Under the Influence–800 block Elm St, Hays; 2:15 AM
Search Warrant–106 block W 18th St, Hays; 9:23 AM
Theft (general)–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 12:40 AM; 8 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:50 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 31st St, Hays; 2:14 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block E 14th St, Hays; 3:41 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 3:46 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 4:14 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 5:23 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block E 6th St, Hays; 5:36 PM
Drug Offenses–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 5:40 PM
Welfare Check–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 6:59 PM
Found/Lost Property–7th and Elm, Hays; 9:12 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 46 traffic stops Sat., Sept. 1, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-City Street/Alley–37th and Vine St, Hays; 8:09 PM
Animal Call–7th and Allen, Hays; 12:24 AM
Found/Lost Property–800 block Vine St, Hays; 12:44 AM
Curfew Violation–1800 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 1:12 AM
Theft (general)–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1 AM
Civil Dispute–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 10:22 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–400 block E 32nd St, Hays; 11:22 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 12:58 PM
Civil Dispute–3700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:44 PM
Disturbance – General–100 block E 15th St, Hays; 1:56 PM
Animal At Large–100 block Main St, Hays; 2:38 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:43 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–8th and Vine, Hays; 3:53 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 4:13 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 7:24 PM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:16 PM
Welfare Check–100 block E 24th, Hays; 10:57 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Sun., Sept. 2, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:19 AM; 12:20 AM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:30 AM; 1:30 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–700 block Park St, Hays; 1:03 AM
Aggravated Battery–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:20 AM; 1:26 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 7:41 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–1900 block Main St, Hays; 5:14 AM; 5:15 AM
Drug Offenses–1400 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 10:53 AM
Found/Lost Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:18 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 12th St, Hays; 4:06 PM
Juvenile Complaint–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 4:13 PM
Civil Dispute–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 4:43 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 5:20 PM
Suspicious Person–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 5:20 PM; 5:35 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2400 block E 7th St, Hays; 8:13 PM
Tobacco Violation–700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:55 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4100 block Vine St, Hays; 9:54 PM; 9:56 PM
Theft (general)–200 block E 16th St, Hays; 10:33 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Mon., Sept. 3, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals ONLY–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:11 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 9/2 8:18 PM; 9/3 8:18 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–1000 block Walnut St, Hays; 9:53 AM
Suspicious Person–1600 block Elm St, Hays; 10:121 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3100 block Tam O’Shanter Dr, Hays; 10:13 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2500 block E 20th St, Hays; 9/1 10:55 AM; 9/3 10:55 AM
Dangerous Animal–700 block Ash St, Hays; 1:29 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:31 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:05 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–400 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:42 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 5:20 PM
Disturbance – Fight–2200 block Downing Ave, Hays; 5:39 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:06 PM
Disturbance – General–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:33 PM
Suspicious Person–3900 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:30 PM
Suspicious Activity–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 11:46 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Tue., Sept. 4, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Alarm – Business–1800 block Vine St, Hays; 5:38 AM
Found/Lost Property–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 8:44 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:46 AM
Found/Lost Property–1500 block Main St, Hays; 9/2 5:30 AM; 9/4 9:53 AM
Juvenile Complaint–2300 block Donald Dr, Hays; 10:10 AM
Water Use Violation–400 block E 14th St, Hays; 11:48 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block Allen St, Hays; 3:05 PM; 3:07 PM
Domestic Disturbance–100 block W 5th St, Hays; 8/20 12:01 AM; 9/4 4 PM
Disturbance – General–500 block E 17th St, Hays; 9/3 6 PM; 9/4 9:45 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1200 block E 31st St, Hays; 5:31 PM
Open Door/Window–1300 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:46 PM
Suspicious Activity–3700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 9:53 PM

LETTER: Making Visible – Value behind the Scenes

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Jerry Michaud is president and CEO of DSNWK.

It is easy to assume everyone understands the disabilities world, and specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but the truth is most do not. I’d like to invite you to take a simple journey with me and ponder a question: If something is present but you don’t see it, is it invisible?

Much in the world of disabilities and services provided is unknown, unless you live in that world. Let me shine a light and provide some simple insight about this world and how supports occur every day for people, where they live and work based on their needs. These routine supports can often occur around us, in our neighborhoods and they go without notice. I have heard the response, “I had no idea that is what you did (in our services)”.

The goal of each staff member at Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is to provide meaningful supports and services to people with disabilities in their community; the type that you and I would desire if we were the recipient of those services. My reference is to all staff, but my focus here is on those staff members who are commonly known across our nation as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

DSNWK, now in its 51st year, engages with these Direct Support Professionals to provide services and supports to people with disabilities to be involved in their community just like the rest of us.

Those seamless, every-day services, do not happen automatically. They originate from the heart and through the hands and feet of dedicated staff who walk life’s journey with people just like you and me, only difference – these people just happen to require extra support to be successful. These amazing staff, in doing their work, make the lives of others better.

Something many of us may not fully realize is these same support people wear many hats in the course of their work day. They are schedulers, teachers, shoppers, planners and skill builders. They provide medication and transportation supports as well as help problem-solve many times in any typical day. With a wide range of needs of persons served, the staff might be assisting a person as they prepare a meal at one moment and the next be involved in lifting and transferring another who may have mobility support needs. In society, these wonderful people ‘participate’ and ‘contribute’ continually pouring their efforts into the lives of persons served and the community in general.

The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities called attention to these workers noting they represent one of the highest workforces in demand.

For those closely involved, we know the turnover rates and vacancy rates in this profession are high, and the resources available have historically been lacking. Another citation from the report included that the national average starting wage for this career field is low, starting from $8.66 to $13.67 (average $10.23) per/hr. This low-wage reality, along with low unemployment rates (particularly here in NW Kansas), and a growing demand for these valuable workers (as our population ages – and will be needing similar supports), begets the workforce crisis noted in the report. The challenge is upon us, and frankly, has been for a while.

There is much work in this arena and I believe there are two important take-a-ways worthy of calling out.

First, recognizing the importance of these service professionals and the value they bring to the lives of others each and every day is a vital first step to achieve consistent quality supports that people with disabilities need and deserve. Secondly, responding to the workforce crisis, stemming from the growing demand requires direction, resources and renewed action.

National Direct Support Professionals week, September 9th – 15th, 2018, affords us an opportunity to recognize these staff. Please join us in expressing gratitude to all those who serve others in any of the many varied roles of these direct support professionals. They deserve our thanks for the value they are in the lives of others and the value they bring to our communities.

Gerard L. Michaud
President and CEO
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc.

🎥 Predictable pay increases planned for Hays city employees

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Employees of the city of Hays will see a pay increase next year, and each following year.

The new pay plan and job classification schedule will be presented to Hays city commissioners during their Sept. 6 work session.

The project has been in development since mid-2017 by a pay plan committee comprised of 15 city employee volunteers.

The committee evaluated different types of pay plans, ranked benefits by importance, and reviewed an in-house pay and benefit survey completed by Erin Giebler, Director of Human Resources.

The city has not provided consistent or predictable pay increases, according to Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood.

“In the past, during the budget season we’d kind of see what the dollars and cents looked like and it was very inconsistent,” Wood said. “Sometimes they would get a raise and it would be small; sometimes it would be larger.

“The pay plan and job classification system that we plan to put into place will be a step plan which will provide two percent steps on an annual basis for all employees.

“This will be more consistent and something employees can plan on. They’ll know if they do their job and what they’re supposed to do that they’ll see that increase and won’t have to wait until the budget season every year to see what it’s going to look like.”

The 2019 budget contains the proposed salary changes for the city’s 181 employees.

Enter for chance to win more than $1,500 in prizes in Cerv’s Gridiron Glory!

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Football season is upon us, and that means it’s time to get your picks in.

Don’t miss out on the fun and a chance to win over $1,500 in great prizes by entering Cerv’s Gridiron Glory.

Prizes include:

• Rechargable Rock Star Energy Drink Cooler on Wheels ($150)

• Dr. Pepper Mountain Bike ($300)

• $300 in Kansas Lottery Tickets ($300)

• $150 Hyrdo-Cerv Gift Card

• $250 Phillips 66 Gas Card

• 1 Year Supply Of 20 oz Sno-Balls – That is one a day for a year! ($420)

• And MORE!

Click HERE to enter!

🎥 Ellis County Housing Rehab program looking for applicants

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Ellis County Housing Rehabilitation program seeks to fill a need for medium-income housing in Hays, but officials acknowledge it is not operating at capacity.

The program was started in 2016 by the Ellis County Economic Development Corp., which is now Grow Hays. The program was originally funded through a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

“The theory is to provide funding to contractors, Realtors or handymen to be able to buy a home that is in need of repair and to make those repairs to it and upgrades and then to resell it at a maximum price of $145,000,” Doug Williams, Grow Hays interim director, said.

The community benefits because the recipient takes a dilapidated home and turns it into a habitable home and improves the neighborhood, Williams said. It provides housing in a segment of the market that is affordable. It allows the person renovating the home to make a profit, and most of the materials for the rehabs are purchased in the community, which also helps the local economy.

“It’s a win-win deal,” Williams said. “We provide funding for 100 percent of the project at no interest.”

Brady Reed and his brother rehabed a home at 300 E. 25th St., and Brady is under contract on a second home on Willow Street. Reed is a real estate agent by day, but he and his brother did some of the work on first the home themselves.

The house on 25th Street sold for a couple thousand dollars shy of asking price and was on the market less than two months. The brothers made money on the project, Brady said.

“I would absolutely recommend the program,” he said. “I know you are trying to get the word out about it. I bring it at work to clients, and a lot of people don’t know about it. I think if more people knew about it, it would get used. I think it is a fantastic program.”

For applications to be accepted, developers have several requirements that must be met: a minimum of $10,000 in renovations, the project has to be completed in nine months, and the home selling price is capped at a $145,000. The houses have to be single-family homes and can not be used as rentals.

“I don’t talk to any community in Kansas or anywhere else that does not talk about affordable housing,” Williams said, “so it is not unique to us.”

A housing needs study conducted in June 2017 by the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs for the city of Hays indicated housing costs in Hays are the highest in western Kansas. Hays residents also pay a higher percentage of their income on housing, the study said.

The study also indicated Hays has a high percentage of older homes. Forty-three percent of its housing stock was built before 1970. Fewer new homes are also being built. Only 0.1 percent of the homes were one year old or less.

The study also indicated even a small growth (0.25 percent) in the Hays population would further worsen the housing shortage.

Yet at the same time, landlords in the last year have expressed concerns about an overabundance of open rentals in the city.

See related story: 🎥 Study: Hays has highest housing costs in western Kansas

“It’s a great program for someone who has a set of skills, who can do some of the work themselves and can manage a project. It is a good opportunity,” Williams said of the housing rehab program.

Williams, who is also a real estate broker, said Hays is seeing more opportunities to take advantage of the program.

“Because we have softened in the market, and certain price ranges have become softer, the opportunity to buy a home and make some improvements and resell it, I don’t think has ever been better. I think it is a really good time to do it. The market remains strong, but the low end has softened, so there are some bargains out there.”

Hays PD Special Situation Response Team training today

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Hays Police Dept. SSRT training

HPD

The Hays Police Department will be conducting training Wednesday between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at 1705 Eisenhower Road.

Police officers will be training with special tactical equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.

As a homeowner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor Team Commander Tim Greenwood or Team Leader Aaron Larson, or Chief Don Scheibler at 785-625-1030.

Hays, area crafters chosen as Hansen Artists of the Month

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2018 Artist of the Month Winners and Alternates
Back Row (L-R): Debbie Tobias, Gail Britt, Robert Litson, Dustin Agan, Rick Thompson, and Virgil Uhrich
Front Row (L-R): Gerald Thyfault, Angie Berens, Leslie LeMon, Dede Elsen, Allen Riggs, and Patty Drake

LOGAN – Each year the Dane G. Hansen Museum Board requests the services of two qualified individuals to select twelve (12) winners and two (2) alternates from crafters taking part in the annual Hansen Arts and Crafts Fair. These chosen crafters become our “Artists of the Month” for the next year.

The Dane G. Hansen Museum is pleased to announce the 45th Annual Hansen Arts & Crafts “Artists of the Month” winners: Dede Elsen, Kearney, NE; Laura & Dustin Agan, McCook, NE; Rick Thompson, Glade, KS; Paula Rumback, Oakley, KS; Angie Berens, Colby, KS; Gail Britt, Atwood, KS; Nancy Elting, Lincoln, NE; Patty Drake, Colby, KS; Gerald Thyfault, Hays, KS; Leslie LeMon, Lebanon, KS; Allen Riggs, Hill City, KS; and Debbie Tobias and Cheryl Steinert, Lyons, KS. Robert Litson, LaCrosse, KS and Virgil Uhrich, WaKeeney, KS were selected as alternates.

Crafters are selected for their uniqueness, creativity, presentation, individual art form, and excellence of craft. As a winner of this prestigious award, each received a double wall stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler engraved with a declaration of their award and the 45th Annual Hansen Museum’s Arts & Crafts Fair logo. Additionally, their craft will be exhibited and sold in the Museum for an entire month during the next calendar year. Congratulations, winners. Your dedication to excellence has paid off!

The museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturday 9-12 & 1-5; Sunday and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. We are handicapped accessible and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 785-689-4846.

– SUBMITTED –

Coats 4 Floats drive underway in Hays

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Divine Mercy Radio is sponsoring a Coats 4 Floats drive in conjunction with A & W and Master Cleaners.  Participation in this coat drive is easy.  Simply drop off those coats in your closet that you no longer need at A&W, Master Cleaners, Holy Family Elementary, Thomas More Prep-Marian or the Divine Mercy Radio studio, and receive a certificate for a free root beer float from the A&W restaurant in Hays.

Master Cleaners will then clean the coats, and they will be distributed on Saturday, October 13th at Master Cleaners, 200 West 8th Street and across the street at Top Notch Cleaners, 201 West 8th Street in Hays. 

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to help keep all citizens in our community warm again this year,” said Ryan Gottschalk who, along with his wife Tiara, owns Master Cleaners in Hays.

“Divine Mercy Radio thanks the participating businesses in this endeavor to assist those in need and encourages all in a position to give a coat to partake in the Coats 4 Floats campaign,” organizers said in a news release.

— Submitted

Carl Acuff Jr. Variety Showband will perform in Hoxie

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HOXIE — Since 1992 the Carl Acuff Jr. Variety Showband has become an American institution. The 2018 tour from Branson, Mo., proves to be no exception to the rule with a dynamite show, great costuming, music and comedy. The 2018 show contains all the things that have made Carl Acuff, Jr. and his band so popular over these last 26 years: country, gospel, nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll, Motown and more.

Western Plains Arts Association will host its 49th season opener Sunday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m CDT at the Hoxie High School Auditorium. Admission by WPAA season ticket or at the gate for $20 adults or $10 students. Adults, student and family season tickets, for up to 16 quality live programs, will also be available for sale at the concert. Adult season tickets are a bargain at only $50 each.

Acuff started playing drums when he was three years old. His first gig at age 12 was with his dad and their family band at a local festival. For nearly a decade, he performed in various venues across Missouri and Arkansas. In 1992, he decided he needed his own variety music show – and it flourished as a theater act in Branson, then as a full-time road show. After 12 albums, five top-ten independent hits, and countless awards, including both the 2011 Ozark Regional Arts & Entertainment Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. The band has performed more than 300 shows in Branson area and hundreds more at cities throughout the United States. Earlier this year the band was nominated for Best Touring Variety Showband.

The Acuff show band encourages audience participation with some members doing comical impersonations. Shows offer a armed forces medley that salutes all of our men and women in uniform from past, present and future that is sure to have you on your feet!

“I believe there is a need for great family-orientated entertainment in this country,” Acuff said. “We have moved away from that. I am just happy I am able to present something that you can bring Grandma to and you can bring your 5-year-old. They are not going to see something they may be offended by and it will be something they will enjoy.”

The Dane Hansen Memorial Foundation, Logan, Kansas, is a major grant provider bringing quality performances to WPAA host communities again this season.

— Submitted

New date for Boots to Business Reboot workshop in Colby

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COLBY — The Boots to Business Reboot workshop in Colby has been changed from September 22 to Saturday, September 29.

Boots to Business Reboot is a program offered through the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). The program is delivered by the Wichita chapter of SCORE, a nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services to prospective and established small business owners.

Designed for Veterans of all eras and their spouses or children, including members of the National Guard, Boots to Business Reboot is a two-step entrepreneurial training program. The curriculum provides assistance to those interested in starting a business or exploring other self-employment opportunities. The course will present the key steps for evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. In addition, participants are introduced to resources available to them from the Small Business Administration, including start-up capital, technical assistance and contracting opportunities.

Veterans are nearly 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans. Nearly 2.4 million, or one in ten, small businesses are veteran-owned.

The first step of the Boots to Business Reboot program is attending a one-day workshop covering the Introduction to Entrepreneurship. A successful workshop was held in Salina in August. Three more workshops are available in NW Kansas:

September 29 – COLBY – Thomas County Complex, 350 South Range Street

October 13 – HAYS – Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Drive

November 10 – PHILLIPSBURG – The Fischer Building, 205 F Street.

Workshops will start at 8:30 AM and end at 4:30 PM. Lunch will be served. They will be facilitated by SCORE representatives, in partnership with the SBA.

Step two, for those interested in continuing the process, is an eight-week online course titled Foundations of Entrepreneurship. Instruction for the on-line courses is by a consortium of professors and practitioners led by Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. As a resource partner of the SBA, SCORE has helped more than 10 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964.

The workshops are supported by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required.

To register for a workshop, visit Wichita.score.org. Click on: Boots to Business and follow the registration link. For more information, call Wichita SCORE at 316-269-6273, or email them at [email protected].

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