An online student loan adviser has named Hays among the best cities in the nation for working students.
Student Loan Hero ranked Hays third in the country in its study “Where can students work their way through college?”
Hays ranked behind only Cheney, Wash., home of Eastern Washington University, and Adelphi, Md., home of University of Maryland University College.
Click HERE to read the entire article.
TMP-M
The Thomas More Prep-Marian Back to School Night/Fall Sports Kick Off will be at 6:45 p.m. Thursday.
Back to School Night is a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet teachers and learn about TMP-Marian policies and procedures. Please arrive at 6:45 p.m., in order to pick up your student’s schedule from the office. Principal Chad Meitner will give a welcome and directions in the Dreiling Theatre at 7 p.m. Parents will then be allowed to follow their student’s first semester schedule and hear what each teacher expects in their classroom. Our teachers want to build a solid relationship with parents that enables everyone to work together to educate the students.
This Friday, August 24, 2018, is the kick off to Fall Sports at TMP-Marian. Come out to Al Billinger and watch volleyball scrimmage or Cripplegate field to watch soccer square off against Wichita Classical. The highlight of the evening will be the Blue & White Scrimmage. The TMP-Marian football team will display the skills they have acquired thus far. A freewill offering meal, put on by the cheerleaders, will also accompany this event.
3:30 Cross Country Run at TMP
4:00 Volleyball Scrimmage at ABFH
4:00 Boys Soccer vs. Wichita Classical at Cripplegate Field
6:30 Girls Golf Exhibition
7:00 Football Scrimmage at Cripplegate Field
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Thousands of dollars worth of prizes will be given to local college students during the annual March to Main on Aug. 28.
March to Main is organized by the Downtown Hays Development Corp. along with a committee of members from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Technical College. The event is open to FHSU, NCK Tech and Hays Academy of Hair Design students, faculty and staff.
Students will meet at the FHSU Quad at 5:30 p.m. They will march down Eighth Street to Main Street behind the FHSU band, cheerleaders, dance squad and Victor E. Tiger.
Students will search for four special bricks. Three will be worth $100 cash each, and the fourth gold brick will be worth $200.
Students can visit 32 participating businesses to play Bingo toward prizes.
“We give away over $3,000 in prizes at this event thanks to our very generous sponsors,” Sara Bloom, DHDC director, said. “We have gift cards, we have salon packages, we have $150 watches, we’ve got jewelry, we’ve got TVs, we’ve got laptops, we’ve got Keurigs, You name it, we’ve got it.”
Gella’s Diner will provide a free sandwich meal to the first 500 students, faculty and staff with valid ID. The meal is sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. Water will be provided by Culligan.
Musical artist KRIGARE will perform live at the Downtown Pavilion at 10th and Main streets.
The presidents of the local education institutions will address the students as well as other local leaders.
“The primary goal of this event is to welcome the students to Hays,” Bloom said. “We want to make sure that they know we are excited they are here, that we welcome them, that we want them to be a part of the community.
“But as they go on a scavenger hunt and fill a bingo card while they are at the event from 6 to 8, they are also getting to go into those businesses, see what products and services they offer, meet those business owners, be welcomed by those business owners and really start to connect with their new home.”
Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming east in the evening.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 92. West southwest wind around 7 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Friday NightClear, with a low around 66. East wind around 6 mph becoming south southeast after midnight.
SaturdaySunny, with a high near 95.
Saturday NightS cattered showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Kids are encouraged to sign up to show off their culinary skills during the United Way of Ellis County community kickoff Saturday.
The United Way is sponsoring a hamburger cook-off for children ages 6 through 12 at noon Saturday in the Downtown Hays Pavilion. The registration deadline has been extended until the end of day Friday. Children can register online. The registration fee is $25 with the proceeds going to the United Way.
Dillons is providing the meat, and charcoal grills will be provided by the Downtown Hays Development Corp. Contestants need to bring utensils, seasoning, condiments, toppings and buns. The children must be accompanied by an adult.
The children’s creations will be judged, and the top three contestants will go home with prizes.
The event also will feature a scavenger hunt for adults. Tickets are $10. For each letter in United Way, there is an object listed. Participants have to match the objects with eight participating businesses.
For every $65 in mercahndise a ticket holder purchases at one of the participating business, they will receive a $10 discount.
Representatives of the United Way partner agencies will be at the kick off Saturday, so residents can learn more about how the agencies work in the community.
“This is something we want to do every year with the community,” Sherry Dryden, United Way executive director, said, “but we want to make sure we do some kind of activity that is family oriented.”
The United Way board has set a fundraising goal of $400,000 this year. That is down from last year’s goal of $450,000. United Way raised $395,000 in 2017. Fundraising will be ongoing now through the end of the year.
United Way of Ellis County is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and has scheduled a variety of activities and fundraisers to honor that milestone.
The agency will kick off its campaign with the business community at noon Friday during the chamber luncheon at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.
United Way is collaborating with Fort Hays State University to sponsor a women’s self-defense class from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 8, at the FHSU mat room. Registration can be done online. Cost is $10 per person.
Other community events will include the United Way Golf Tournament Sept. 30 at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, Pumpkin Roll and Run Saturday Oct. 28 at Pa’s Pumpkin Patch, annual Night of Giving on Friday, Nov. 3 at Big Creek Crossing, online auction at the end of October and weekly Dine Out Days. See the United Way website for a list of events.
The grand prize at the golf tournament this year will be a golf trip to the Clairmont Inn in Stratton, Colo.
The United Way is also trying to connect with the community through a kindness rock campaign. Sixty-five painted rocks have been placed throughout the community with the note “This rock you did find. Now do a good deed in kind, then return to the United Way for a prize and to be recognized.” The rocks can be returned to the United Way for a small prize.
“We just want to bring awareness to individuals and families that the United Way is more than giving. We definitely need the giving to continue services in Ellis County, but also to do a good deed for others,” Dryden said.
Dryden said families have already brought in rocks with their stories of good deeds.
You can donate to the United Way any time online. Click here.
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
HAYS – A Hays man charged with sexually assaulting an 18 year-old woman last November in Hays has pleaded not guilty to a pair of sex crimes.
In November 2017, the victim told Hays Police that Hunter Gonzales allegedly sexually assaulted her between 11:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 12:04 a.m. Nov. 14.
Gonzales pleaded not guilty to rape and aggravated sodomy Wednesday in Ellis County District Court.
At today’s hearing, Judge Glenn Braun also heard testimony regarding a prior incident involving Gonzales while he was a student at Garden City Community College.
According to that victim’s testimony, Gonzales allegedly exposed his genitals to her in August of 2013.
Judge Braun ruled that the second testimony was admissible in court, as a prior bad act, and will be allowed at trial.
A four-day trial will be scheduled at a later date.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Former Thomas More Prep-Marian and Fort Hays State softball standout Maddie Holub has been hired as the new pitching coach at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
“I am very excited to welcome Maddie to the Herd,” coach Megan Smith said in a release from the school. “She is a talented young coach who has proven that she can lead a pitching staff to high levels of success. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence will be a great addition to our program.”
Smith was hired on July 25th after spending the previous nine years at the University of Kansas.
“I am humbled and excited to be joining coach Smith and coach Lyon at Marshall,” Holub said in the release. “The tradition and culture of the softball program, and the university as a whole, is something I cannot wait to be a part of. I want to thank coach Smith and Marshall University for welcoming me into the Herd family.”
Holub will be the pitching coach for the Thundering Herd and brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the team. She spent the past four seasons as the pitching coach at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. While working with the Lions, Holub helped the squad to back-to-back NCAA Division II postseason appearances including reaching the World Series in 2018.
The Lions never won fewer than 37 games during her tenure, and saw Stephanie Adkins win back-to-back Sunshine State Conference Pitcher of the Year honors. Saint Leo also had five pitchers in a three-year span named all-conference. Her pitching staffs’ ERAs stayed below 2.04, highlighted by a 0.93 staff ERA in 2016 that garnered the National Statistical Championship, and averaged 16 shutouts per season.
Prior to coaching at Saint Leo, Holub assisted at her alma mater Fort Hays State. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 13 in the country during her time on staff. Holub also coached overseas in Collecchio, Italy, with the Collecchio Softball 17U and 10U squads. While in Italy, Holub focused on pitcher development and conditioning while assisting with game management.
During her playing days at Fort Hays State, Holub was a dominant performer in the circle and at the plate. She is still her team’s all-time record holder in career hits (255), runs scored (183), RBI (160), home runs (46), wins (77) and strikeouts (974). Her name appears in the top-10 in many other categories. She tossed seven no-hitters and shared in an eighth, and also contributed two perfect games. The four-time all-conference performer was honored as the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Player and Pitcher of the Year in her senior season of 2013.
The health and human performance major earned her bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in 2013.
Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. from Salina.
ELLIS – After considerable discussion Monday evening, the Ellis city council agreed to purchase two new outdoor storm warning sirens.
Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the city’s seven storm sirens, all more than 40 years old.
The new sirens, which cover a larger area, will be purchased from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems for $47,009.12. The monies will come from the Capital Improvement Fund.
Midwest Energy will remove the existing poles and sirens.
In other business, City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
August 20, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Bret Andries was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Darin Myers, Sam Polifka, Verda Flinn, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Steve Ferland, Glenn Kohl, Dustin Mattheyer, Chad Pritchett, Gary Luea, and Nickole Byers (arrived at 7:45 p.m.).
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 13, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2051. Council member Susan Eaton seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dustin Mattheyer questioned if it was in the City’s best interest to participate in the FEMA Community Rating System program.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Capital Improvement: Acquisition
Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the City’s storm sirens. The City currently has seven small storm sirens that are all over 40 years old. Council reviewed maps illustrating the coverage provided by the various siren options. After extensive discussion, Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the purchase and installation of two large storm sirens from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems, with Midwest Energy removing the current poles and sirens, for the total amount of $47,009.12, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement Fund. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Police Chief Taft Yates has been designated as the City liaison for the joint project.
Fire: Report
Fire Captain Dustin Mattheyer presented the monthly department report in Chief Dustin Vine’s absence. He informed Council that during the storm on July 25th, which resulted in considerable damage to St. Mary’s School, emergency responders had difficulty securing a perimeter in order to perform their duties. Residents disregarded cones and barricades that were set up to ensure their safety and the safety of the responders. Chief Vine has submitted an article to the Town Crier reminding residents to “Respect the Cones.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Special Project
Chad Pritchett, Ellis Community Foundation, once again spoke on the proposed project to construct a shed to store and protect the miniature train at the Railroad Museum. The Foundation has received donations and a grant for the shed, and is requesting Council approval to move forward with construction. Council questioned if the Foundation has yet secured written approval from the Union Pacific Railroad to construct the shed, as they own the ground. Mr. Pritchett and Council member Dena Patee stated the Foundation has not yet submitted the project to the Railroad. Council voiced support for the project, but to have the Foundation obtain written approval from Union Pacific before granting their approval to proceed with the project.
General Government: Contract
Council reviewed a map showing an aerial view of the land at the subject of the lease currently under consideration. It was the consensus of Council to keep possession of the land to use for storage of street materials. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to reject the bid from Dean and Julie Gottschalk for lease of the land south of the sewer plant, however, the lessee is allowed to make a final cut of the alfalfa currently planted. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Zoning
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1434 rezoning 808 Washington Street from Central Business District (C-1) to Single Family Dwelling District (R-1). Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period June 10th – July 10th and the current well level chart. Mr. Scheuerman reported that the cost estimates to repair St. Mary’s School are within the limitations set out by FEMA and the project has been properly permitted.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman reported that 100’ of base repair work has been performed on the north truck route on 2nd Street. Mr. Scheuerman will contact Ellis County to request the area be sealed this fall.
Mr. Scheuerman also noted he would like to request assistance from the County to help with leveling Washington Street from 5th Street – 6th Street. A quote of $3,500 has been received for asphalt material. It was the consensus of Council to proceed with the additional repair work. The additional cost is within the original approval of $28,000 for the Washington Street project.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that interviews will be conducted on August 25th for the vacant position in the department.
City Clerk
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Council member Dena Patee reminded Council of the ribbon cutting on August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. for Shear Heaven Beauty Nook.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:10 p.m. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:25 p.m. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:30 p.m. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
POST EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel issued an apology to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman for misspeaking at the last Council meeting by addressing Mr. Scheuerman regarding an issue without him being present.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
For 42 years, the Jayhawk League has been one of the premier summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country but that is in jeopardy for 2019. The league announced Wednesday morning four teams have left to join the Sunflower League, which will be entering its third year.
Derby, Great Bend, Haysville and El Dorado will be departing, leaving only the Larks, Liberal, Dodge City and Oklahoma City.
A post on the Jayhawk League Facebook page cited an inability to raise the funds necessary to compete in the Jayhawk League as the reason for the departures.
“There was very little communication from these teams before this happened, and we wish we could have tried to work it out,” the post stated. “The remaining teams — Liberal, Hays, Dodge City and Oklahoma — are still committed to the Jayhawk League, and plans to keep the league viable began last week and are ongoing.”
The Larks wrapped up their 10th Jayhawk League title this summer and have finished in either first or second place in 11 of the last 13 seasons.
ROOKS COUNTY —A small earthquake shook northwest Kansas just after 10a.m. Wednesday.
The quake at 10:02 a.m. measured a magnitude 3.7 and was centered approximately 25 miles east of Plainville and just into western Osborne County, according to the U.S. Geological survey.
There are no reports of damage or injury, according to the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department.
PHILLIPS COUNTY — The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office reported the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a former sheriff’s department employee.
According to a social media report, Sheriff Charles Radabaugh learned of the allegations a couple of weeks ago. A deputy assigned to investigate the allegations against the former employee was also allegedly implicated.
Sheriff Radabaugh then contacted KBI and requested their assistance and they took over the investigation.
KBI agents have been in Phillips County and have interviewed witnesses.
“We expect them to return soon and complete their investigation,” according to the social media report. “Should the allegations prove to be true, appropriate personnel action will be taken and the case will be forwarded to the County Attorney for charges against the individuals.”
Authorities released no additional details.
