By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There’s nothing else like it in Hays.

BriefSpace, now open at 219 W. 10th, is a shared working environment for at home professionals, start-up entrepreneurs, traveling business owners/employees and consultants.

“There’s always been office space for rent in Hays but not a place like this,” said Doug Williams, interim director of Grow Hays.

“You can come in and pick your spot, open 24 hours a day, every day, and it’s very affordable. You’ll also have access to high-speed internet, meeting facilities, conference rooms and free coffee.”

To familiarize the community with the concept of coworking spaces, free access to BriefSpace is offered through the end of August.

The environment is much more conducive to work than a home office in the kitchen corner. “It gets people out of the house and you don’t have to worry about the kids or your To-Do list.”

There’s a sense of community at BriefSpace, Williams says, with the “opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals in a cost-effective basis.”

Membership options range from monthly reserved coworking to day passes.

Amenities include training rooms, private phone booths, coffee bar, copier/printer/scanner, kitchen and an on-site community manager.

The basement level offers the large meeting room for 40 to 50 people, an executive conference room, and a full kitchen, which can handle catered events or other food brought in.

Members also have access to the economic development professionals with Grow Hays, who recently moved their offices to BriefSpace from the Hays Welcome Center on Vine Street.

“We foresee small groups of entrepreneurs possibly operating out of here and associating with other professions such as an accountant or other financial person,” William predicts. “We anticipate a lot of things happening down here.”

Professional and social events will also be hosted at BriefSpace in its unique common areas. The 7,000 square foot storefront in downtown Hays is the site of the former Sears store, remodeled with an industrial chic look.

“We’re going to offer these facilities to the public at large for a fee but priority will be given to members of BriefSpace.”

Interested persons can become a community member of BriefSpace at no charge at www.briefspace.com which is updated with emails about what’s happening in BriefSpace and the availability of rooms.

Williams anticipates a wide range of business interests will BriefSpace their home and the workers themselves to range in age.

“Interestingly, we talked to a fellow who owns six of these type facilities across the country who said 40 percent of their members are 50 years old or older,” Williams related. “It’s not a demographic I originally anticipated but he said retirees, that type of thing, are very popular in this type of facility.”

There are co-working facilities similar to BriefSpace in eastern Kansas, including in Wamego and Manhattan.

Being a member of BriefSpace gives members access to many other shared working facilities in the U.S. that utilize the same operational software by the vendor Proximity.

“They have other facilities in the Midwest that they provide software and services for and as BriefSpace member, you have access to those facilities at no additional cost if you happen to be in those communities.”

Building access to BriefSpace is 24/7, depending on the membership level.

“Some people work different hours,” Williams noted. “They’re on the road during the day and need to do some office work late at night or early in the morning.

“Another one of the benefits of having what’s almost your own office is being able to come and go as you please, working the hours that you want to work.”

The facility is secured by a special lock on the door accessible via a smartphone or fob and activity is monitored by cameras.

BriefSpace was designed and built through a $600,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan.

“If not for them, this facility would not be here and we’re very thankful. They’re very instrumental in economic development in western Kansas,” Williams said.

More information about BriefSpace is available by calling Williams at 785-623-1100 or 785-628-3102 and online at www.growhays.com.

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing

There should be a lot of gold seen across the Fort Hays State University campus this year.

Students lined up 45 minutes before the start of the 2018 back-to-school picnic Monday to check in and swarm the first booth in line at the annual event on the Quad.

It took just a little more than 28 minutes for personnel from the admissions office to distribute 500 gold TGOF shirts to promote the wearing of Tiger Gold on Friday.

“Fastest ever,” said Hugo Perez, assistant director of admissions. “We decided to set a stop watch this year. We were out of shirts at 28:25.”

The annual event began in the late 1980s as a way to welcome freshmen to campus. Now, 30 years later, the event immerses community members into the entire campus community, with several of the tables represented by businesses and organizations in town.

“It’s all about us supporting the community because the community supports us,” Dr. Tisa Mason said.

“I think it’s fantastic,” she said. “It’s a very symbiotic relationship to have the businesses and non-profits help our students understand and be aware of their role in supporting our university.”

Those relationships will continue to grow next week when students walk from campus to downtown Hays, taking part in an event called March2Main.

State Representative Eber Phelps of the 111th District, who grew up in Hays and is an FHSU alum, said he has enjoyed watching the communities of Hays and Fort Hays State become closer over the years.

“I’ve been coming to this picnic forever, and this has got to be the biggest crowd ever,” he said. “It’s great to see the community and campus connection here.”

“And,” he added, “how great is this for businesses and organizations – set up a booth and have 3,000 people walk by.”

While that number might have been a little high, the crowds were large nonetheless. Several hundred people were served a barbecue dinner, and many more browsed the Quad, checking out the booths and socializing.

A total of 169 campus organizations and clubs, city businesses and non-profits were represented. In addition to T-shirts, there were numerous other giveaways, including drawstring bags that could be packed with freebies such as pens and candy and cups – and all sorts of swag imaginable.

“My aunt is here on campus,” Bucklin freshman Hunter Hearne said of Robyn Brungardt, a financial aid advisor. “She told me to come today because there are lots of things to pick up.”

Related content: See booth pictures here.

It wasn’t just freshmen who came to check out the booths.

Alicia Wondra from Buhler was busy guiding her 5-year-old daughter, Trysten, through the crowds. A non-traditional student, Wondra is in her second year at FHSU, seeking a degree in education with an emphasis in early childhood development.

Wondra’s parents, Korey and Leann Wondra, are both Fort Hays State graduates and spent their careers as teachers. That was part of the reason she chose FHSU to continue her education after working for several years after high school. The main reason, she pointed out, was because “it’s a better program than anywhere else. And everyone here is so friendly.”

Mason said that welcoming nature is something she has always enjoyed about FHSU and Hays. She was impressed Monday when two freshmen from Wichita approached her at the picnic, asking her if she was the new president.

“They shook my hand and said hello,” Mason said. “I was so pleased to see they felt comfortable enough to do that.”

UWEC

The United Way of Ellis County has received a $6,980 grant from Heartland Community Foundation to fund the digitizing and distribution of the Ellis County Community Resource Directory. This collaborative endeavor was through the Social Services Group of the Strategic Doing Initiative. This group is a collaborative effort of various social service entities in Ellis County who identified the need to have access to and provide access to community resources.

The Heartland Community Foundation grant will be used to develop an app for first responders, social and human service entities and individuals to be able to have contact information for referral of services. The United Way of Ellis County will be overseeing completion of the project.

Abigail Crandall, Regional Operations Manager for KANSASWORKS said “KANSASWORKS Hays staff are excited about the new Ellis County Community Resource Directory app. Having this directory available in an app form will allow our staff and customers to have access to the most current information on housing, transportation and other community resources when they need it most.”

Pam Greenleaf, individual community volunteer said “All people in our community, no matter their background or social status, can come to points of need, seeking resources they aren’t familiar with – whether childcare, relationship help, counseling services, food assistance, or more. I care about these social needs being met in our community. It is easy to assume more resources are needed in certain areas, but the first step in adequately meeting needs is to be effectively using the resources and services in Ellis County and promote collaboration among our county’s social services and support area agencies and programs in reaching the people they have a heart to serve.”

Heartland Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of our region. Each year, the foundation distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars through grants and scholarships, helping thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goals and many nonprofits carry on their good work. The Heartland Community Foundation is an affiliate foundation the Greater Salina Community Foundation which is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit public charity.

The United Way of Ellis County is accepting donations for their current campaign to assist nonprofit service agencies. For more information on how you can support their community efforts, please visit www.liveunited.us or call 785-628-8281.

SALINA — Bishop-elect Jerry Vincke will be ordained and installed at 2 p.m. CST Aug. 22 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. He will be the 12th bishop of the Salina Diocese.

The ordination of a bishop happens within the context of a Mass. Following the reading of sacred scripture, the ordination begins. Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, Kan., will ordain Bishop-elect Vincke.

First, a song to the Holy Spirit (“Veni, Creator Spiritus” for example) is sung while the consecrating (ordaining) bishop(s) and the bishop-elect take or are led to their positions respectively. The bishop-elect is presented to the consecrating bishop(s), the bishop asks if there is a mandate from the Holy See, the letter of appointment is read aloud and displayed to the people. The people show their assent by saying “Thanks be to God” or applause. Then a homily is given.

Next, there is a nine-fold questioning of the candidate as to his willingness to serve in this capacity. The Litany of Saints is sung while the bishop-elect lies prostrate on the floor of the cathedral. After the litany, the consecrating bishop(s) and all other bishops present come forward and lay hands on the bishop- elect invoking the Holy Spirit upon him. The main consecrator then anoints the bishop-elects head with holy chrism oil. The Book of the Gospels is then held over the head of the bishop-elect while the prayer of consecration is prayed by the consecrating bishop(s).

After the consecration is complete, the main consecrator places a ring on the newly ordained bishop’s ring finger, a miter on his head and a staff/crosier in his hand. The newly ordained bishop is then led to his chair (cathedra) and is seated upon it, taking his rightful place. Finally all bishops present come forward and offer a kiss of peace to the newly ordained bishop. With that the rite is complete and the Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the newly ordained bishop presiding from that point on.

Bishop-elect Vincke, 54, is a native of Michigan. He was appointed the bishop of Salina following a three-year assignment as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Mich. (a suburb of Flint, Mich.). Bishop-elect Vincke is the ninth of 10 children born to Fidelis and the late Henry Vincke.

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Mon., Aug. 20, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:40 AM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 7:28 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2500 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 9:36 AM
Criminal Threat–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 8/17 12 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 10:06 AM
Drug Offenses/DUI–200 block E 27th St, Hays; 10:27 AM; 11 AM
Assist – Other (not MV–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 11:19 AM
Theft (general)–200 block W 29th St, Hays; 5/20 12 PM; 8/20 1:30 PM
Criminal Trespass–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:10 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2600 block Main, Hays; 1:36 PM
Battery – Domestic–600 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:15 PM; 2:43 PM
Criminal Trespass–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:56 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 3:23 PM
Dangerous Animal–200 block E 6th St, Hays; 4:05 PM
Dead Animal Call–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 4:15 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–13th St and Vine St, Hays; 4:51 PM
Suspicious Activity–1200 block Haney Dr, Hays; 5:35 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 5:59 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:03 PM
Disturbance – General–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 8:21 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/6 9:07 PM; 9:59 PM

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Hays High School has received a $26,000 grant to purchase a CNC plasma cutting system.

The equipment was purchased with a Perkins Reserve Grant through the Kansas Department of Education. Only two grants were given in the state.

The Hays USD 489 school board heard a report on the purchase at its meeting Monday.

The equipment will allow students to program patterns into a computer, and the plasma cutter will cut the pieces out of metal. The plasma cutter can cut steel as large as 16 square feet and three-quarters of an inch thick.

The equipment should be delivered this week. The school received an additional $3,000 for teacher training. HHS Career and Technical Education teacher Nathan Howard will attend training in September in Houston. He will be certified to train other instructors in the region.

HHS Vice Principal John Linn said the plasma cutter has been on the CTE program’s improvement list for several years.

“It allows our students to be competitive,” Linn said. “It gives them a big advantage in the manufacturing world when they leave Hays High School.”

Howard said automation is where the manufacturing industry is heading.

The new equipment will allow the drafting and metals programs to work together. The drafting students can draw a part. The students can use a 3-D printer to print a plastic prototype. The metals students can cut the metal pieces in 2-D with the plasma cutter and then weld the pieces into a finished product.

“Students are seeing the whole picture in industry,” he said. “It is a very exciting thing to have. I look forward to it.”

Howard said school officials hope to continue to expand the CTE program with a future purchase of a CNC vertical mill for machining and a CNC router for the woodshop, which would be similar to the plasma table, but for wood.

A CNC router would allow students to cut cabinets with the aid of a computer.

Howard said he may work with students to create signs with the new plasma cutter that could be sold to raise money for future improvements within the CTE program.

“Thank you for your work on this,” board member Luke Oborny said. “It is phenomenal that we have a grant for this — more than we even hoped for. …

“We want to have the tools and training in place to provide the best for the students. You worked within the means we had, and you went outside of the box. Grants have been another goal we have worked on, and I appreciate all the time and effort you put in on this. The benefits for our district and kids are just phenomenal.”

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is working to help communities or qualified organizations in NW Kansas advance community projects by providing an upper level college intern for the summer. 

Qualified organizations must have a 501c3 designation or the equivalent.

Communities or organizations first identify a community improvement project such as downtown revitalization planning; community website, calendar or marketing; park or trail improvement; design for repurposing an old building; or a host of other possibilities, and then apply to host an intern to assist with the project.

Once projects are identified, students from area colleges are invited to apply for the summer internships and are matched according to skill set with the community projects. Communities or organizations can apply for one or two interns. 

The internships are funded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and administered by Kansas State University and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE). Student applicants do not have to be KSU students.   KSRE will work with colleges and universities across the state to match interns (preferably juniors and seniors) to communities. 

To host an intern, the community or organization must provide oversight throughout the summer by a community development officer, chamber of commerce member, extension agent or other professional. The student intern(s) will help develop and complete the project.

Interested communities or qualified organizations must complete a Community Intern Host Application outlining the project and the role of the intern(s) within the project.  If approved, the community or qualifying organization will be responsible for providing housing, office space, supplies and supervision of the interns as well as project expense.  The deadline for a community to apply is October 31.

Applications are available at:  www.danehansenfoundation.org. Click on Internships, then Hansen Summer Interns, then Community Intern Host Application.

Students interested in applying for an internship, or communities looking for more information can contact Nadine Sigle, K-State Research and Extension, Community Vitality Specialist, at [email protected] or call 785-346-6256. 

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Tue., Aug. 21, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Credit Card Violations–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 12/4/17 8:23 AM; 12/5/17 8:23 AM
Credit Card Violations–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 12/4/17 8:23 AM; 12/5/17 8:23 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 6:01 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8:59 AM
Suspicious Person–100 block E 27th, Hays; 10:31 AM
Battery – Domestic–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:32 PM; 1:21 PM
Worthless Check–800 block Main St, Hays; 3:07 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:24 PM
Sex Offense–Hays
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:13 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:21 PM
Animal At Large–1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 6:17 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–900 block Main St, Hays; 7:26 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:43 PM
Suspicious Vehicle–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 7:53 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–600 block W 45th St, Hays; 9 PM

Today Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 7am. Cloudy, with a high near 70. East southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 64. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South southeast wind 10 to 13 mph.
Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West wind around 7 mph becoming east in the evening.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 92.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 64.

SaturdaySunny, with a high near 94.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Ellis County will getting new outdoor warning systems in several locations later this year after the county commission gave the go-ahead to purchase a new system Monday.

The current storm sirens are nearly 40 years old and in need or replacement, according to Director of Fire and Emergency Darin Myers.

Myers said the current sirens, with the exception of the six recently installed in the city of Hays, have been experiencing several issues. The city of Hays began installing new sirens after 2010, and Fort Hays State also replaced an aging siren around that same time.

In the existing sirens, there is no way to determine if they are working properly outside of the weekly test at noon Monday. If the power goes out, there is no way to activate the sirens, and they must be activated through a process that takes several steps and adds extra time to the notification process.

Myers said the new system will have several advantages.

“They’ll all have battery backup. They’ll all be connected to a server here within Ellis County, so that way if anything ever goes wrong with them, they fail to operate, the power goes down (or) somebody plows a telephone pole over in an accident, we’ll immediately get called, emailed and notified. … That way, we can get service out to get the sirens back up and running,” Myers said.

The upgraded system will also put all of the sirens in Ellis County on one system. This will make it easier to activate the sirens. The city of Hays currently has the software for the sirens but Federal Signal, the company that will provide the sirens and software, will upgrade the system and that will allow all of the sirens to be on the same system, according to Myers.

Myers said when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for an area the new sirens will go off automatically, without any human interaction. Ellis County crews will still be able to activate the sirens locally.

The cost of the total new system, including the purchase of 11 sirens is $254,250 with $184,486 of that coming from the county’s capital reserve funds. Victoria’s costs will be $22,754 and, for Ellis, it will be $47,009. Both Victoria and Ellis city councils voted Monday to move forward with the project.

The siren locations include Ellis, Victoria, Pfeifer, Schoenchen, Munjor, Antonino, Catharine, Walker and two surrounding Hays.

Midwest Energy will install utility poles and power to those poles for $8,080, a discounted price to the county and $1,750 for a computer server through the Ellis County IT Department.

Crews are expected to begin replacing the sirens in November.

In other business, the commission approved a 5 percent reduction in commissioner salary and added the position of shop foreman to a list of high-demand occupations. The move allows the county to add 10 percent premium pay to any new hire in that position.