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Category: Local
FHSU student giving back in honor of her sister
FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University student Holly Linenberger learned a lot about helping children during her high school days at Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays, where she was a member of the Kiwanis-sponsored Key Club for four years.
Now, Linenberger – a sophomore from Munjor – has a personal tie to Kiwanis’ global mission of serving the needs of children. And she plans to do just that as a member of FHSU’s Circle K International, Kiwanis’ organization for college students.
She is spearheading a project for Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., where her younger sister, Sophia, has been undergoing treatments for a rare form of cancer the past eight months.
FHSU’s Circle K group is packing 40 boxes of goodies to hand out to children on the 38-bed cancer patients floor at Children’s Mercy.
Linenberger came up with the idea while visiting Sophia in the hospital last summer. She is grateful for what Children’s Mercy has done for her sister and decided to help other children dealing with cancer.
“One day, I watched as the children received some of the goodie bags, and they were so excited,” Linenberger said.
She decided to pack some of the items that she knew her sister found useful during her hospital stays.
Fellow CKI members are helping Linenberger fill the boxes with Jolly Ranchers, tissues, hand sanitizers, activity books and stress balls. Each box comes complete with a personal, handwritten note from a CKI member.
Linenberger plans to take the boxes to Children’s Mercy personally or send them with her mom, Jenny, on one of Sophia’s trips for treatment.
“Kiwanis is close to my heart, so I thought this would be a good way to give back,” Linenberger said. “Seeing those kids’ faces light up is the best feeling.”
LISTEN LIVE: Tigers host Missouri Southern Saturday night, Fireworks follow the game
Fort Hays State (1-2, 1-2 MIAA) vs
Missouri Southern (1-2, 1-2 MIAA)
Saturday, Sept. 28 – 7 pm
Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium
LISTEN LIVE
Game Sponsor: Golden Belt Bank
Game Theme: Gold Rush (Wear Tiger Gold to the Game)
Promotion: Postgame Fireworks Show (sponsored by Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Horizon Appliance and Electronics, and J.DAY Fireworks).
Fort Hays State Football plays host to Missouri Southern on Saturday night (Sept. 28) at 7 pm inside the walls of Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Both teams enter the contest at 1-2 on the season. Be sure to stay following the game as a fireworks show will follow sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Horizon Appliance and Electronics, and J.DAY Fireworks. There will be 10 minutes between the end of the game and when the fireworks show begins.
The Tigers are coming off a thrilling 41-38 overtime win at Washburn last week. The Tigers snapped a nine-game losing skid to the Ichabods inside Yager Stadium in Topeka, a place where they were winless since 1987. FHSU kicker Dante Brown kicked a 24-yard field goal to tie the game at the end of regulation and then hit a game-winning 30-yard attempt in overtime to lift the Tigers to victory. Brown earned MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week for his efforts.
Fort Hays State continues to thrive with its passing attack, averaging 333 yards per game. In fact, FHSU has thrown for exactly 333 yards in each of the first three games this season. In the win at Washburn, Chance Fuller threw for 271 and Voshon Waiters threw for 62. In the two previous games, Fuller threw for all 333 yards. The Tigers own the sixth-best passing offense in NCAA Division II. This week, they face the team right behind them in that category as Missouri Southern averages 331 yards through the air per game.
The Tigers established their running game against Washburn last week, producing 161 yards on the ground. Charles Tigner led the way with 125 yards, the fifth 100-yard rushing game of his career.
Missouri Southern has improved immensely on offense under first year head coach Jeff Sims. The Lions have already scored more points than they did all of last season in just three games. The Lions have put 99 points on the board so far this season, averaging 33.3 per game. Last year, they scored just 81 points for the entire season, averaging just 7.3 per game and getting shutout five times. MSSU scored at least 27 points in each game this season. Iowa State transfer quarterback Jacob Park ranks sixth in NCAA Division II for passing yards per game (331.0). Though the offense has seen a drastic turnaround, the Lion defense is allowing 39.7 points per game so far this year, including a 52.5 average in their two losses.
Fort Hays State currently owns a six-game win streak in the series with Missouri Southern, winning all games played since 2011. Missouri Southern’s last win over FHSU occurred in 2010 in Hays by a score of 41-31. FHSU has won three meetings in both Joplin and Hays since 2011. The Tigers took last year’s meeting in Joplin by a score of 55-20.
After allowing 516 yards to Central Missouri in the season opener, the FHSU defense has tightened up the last two games allowing less than 400 yards (369 to Missouri Western, 377 to Washburn). The 516 yards allowed to Central Missouri is best so far by an opponent as the nationally ranked Mules lead NCAA Division II in total offense, averaging 603.3 total yards per game. Missouri Southern enters this contest averaging 463.3 yards per game. Senior defensive back Tanner Hoekman leads the FHSU tackling effort so far this year with 25, followed by Drew Harvey with 21 and Jordan Starks with 20. Hoekman, Starks, and Isaiah Creal-Musgray all recorded interceptions last week. Creal-Musgray’s pick was the biggest, keeping Washburn from scoring in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal by Brown.
Fort Hays State head coach Chris Brown is looking for his 60th win leading the Tigers. He is already the all-time wins leader among coaches in FHSU history.
BACK ON TRACK: RPM to run Fall Nationals
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
After suffering significant damage during an August storm and canceling two events, major repairs have been made at Rolling Plains Motor Speedway — just in time to host the 12th annual Fall Nationals.
The event is set to kick off Thursday, Oct. 4, and will run through Saturday.
“We’ve got the pit concession building rebuilt and the scale house and Midwest Energy has been working out there getting ready to put up new lights and poles in the infield and behind the grandstand,” said Glenn Unrein, RPM president. “We’ve got the grandstands into position so we can use them at the Fall Nationals and everything is moving forward.”
During an Ellis County Commission meeting on Sept. 3, Jill Pfannenstiel, Ellis County Fair Board president, informed the commission that, with the extent of the damage, a special insurance adjuster was needed in order to process the claim as they organized a cleanup effort for the fairgrounds on which RPM sits.
“We have a lot of damage out there that is going to take a lot of time to repair,” Pfannenstiel said.
But with insurance only covering the damage and not the loss of revenue from canceled events, Unrein said repairs could not wait and began work at the speedway before the claim was settled.
“We’re still waiting it out,” he said. “We don’t know exactly how much they are going to cover and which areas.”
The scale house and winners circle were destroyed in the storm, along with several 80-foot light poles. The grandstand was also moved around a foot.
All three needed to be repaired before events could resume.
With repair costs coming from out of pocket, Unrein remains optimistic insurance will cover the expense.
“We have faith in them and believe they are going to cover the majority of it,” he said.
Either way, Hays will soon hear the rumbling of racing coming from the track.
The Fall Nationals is the richest event on the post-season IMCA schedule, according to RPM, which expects over 200 race teams to participate.
“Pre-entries are already flowing in from drivers from the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, New Mexico, Colorado, North Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming and Canada,” according to an RPM press release for the event. “National, regional, state and local champions, and rookies will be trackside.”
“The Briney Motorsports IMCA Modifieds race for $5,000 to win and a minimum of $400 to start their main event,” they said. “Also on the card for that weekend are the Advantage Glass Plus IMCA Stock Cars racing for $3,000 to win and $250 to start, Walt’s Repair & Machine IMCA Northern SportMods for $2,000 and $175 to start, Golden Plains Trucking IMCA Hobby Stocks for $1,500 and $175 to start, and the Simpson Farm Enterprises IMCA Sport Compacts for $400 and $50 to start. Radke Implement Crazy Cruisers will run for $200 to win.”
On the first day of the event, all classes will have the opportunity to get on the track during an open practice.
Gates are set to open on Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m.
Races will begin at 5 p.m.
Tickets for general admission run $15 each on Friday and Saturday. Children 12 and under enter free with an adult.
Adult pit passes are $25 on Thursday and $30 on Friday and Saturday and passes for children 12 and under are $10.
During the events, pits will open at noon each day, which gives fans an opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at the cars and teams.
Merchandise will also be available throughout the event.
Unrein said he hopes the drivers and crowd come to see the repair efforts made at the track.
“Everybody come out and see the rebuilt facilities, and it should be a great time at Fall Nationals,” he said.
More information about the event can be found at the RPM Speedway website at rpmspeedway.net., or on the tracks Facebook page.
Hays Oktoberfest releases full schedule
Members of the Hays Volga German Society, organizers of the Hays Oktoberfest, have released the full schedule for the newly extended event. The 47th Annual Volga German Oktoberfest will take place Friday, October 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12, in Municipal Park.
The mission of the Hays Oktoberfest is to celebrate the rich German heritage of Ellis County while generating scholarship money for students of Volga German descent and fundraising for area churches in need.
The NCK Tech Drive Thru will again feature German food made by NCK Tech Culinary Arts students. Menu items available for pick up include bierocks, green bean dumpling soup, and spitzbuben cookies. Patrons can order in advance by calling the main office at NCK Tech at 785-625-2437. Food can be picked up on Friday only at the drive-up window at the NCK Tech building directly across from Municipal Park.
Anyone interested in being a vendor at Saturday’s German Market should call the Downtown Hays Development Corporation at 785-621-4171. Vendor forms can be downloaded at www.DowntownHays.com on the Downtown Hays Market page under the Events section.
Gates will open at Municipal Park on Saturday at 10 a.m. with activities starting after the 11 a.m. Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade ends. New this year, for-profit businesses and organizations will be allowed to set up on this second day, alongside non-profits.
Late registration for Oktoberfest vendors is available through Friday, October 4. Vendors can reserve a spot by calling vendor committee chair Lee Dobratz at 620-803-2258. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.haysoktoberfest.com.
For details and updates on the event, check the group’s website at www.haysoktoberfest.com or the Hays Oktoberfest Facebook page.
Dryden — a ‘true Kansas girl’ — takes on new role with Red Cross
By CYNDEY ANDERSON
American Red Cross Volunteer
“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into
us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.”
These words by John Wayne are very important to the new Executive Director of the Red Cross Serving Central and Western Kansas, Sherry Dryden.
She connects this quote to her life in every aspect, whether it is towards her four adopted children, her herd of dachshunds, her love for fishing, hunting, gardening or her other hobbies, and her excitement for the goals for her new position in the Red Cross.
Dryden, a true definition of a Kansas girl, lives in Hays, Kansas, with her husband and their four dachshunds. She was born in Kansas and after moving around a couple times throughout her life, Hays became the community she and her husband decided to settle down in. Dryden does have a dream of moving back to her husband’s family farm, which is an hour north of Hays, and visiting those areas that are on her bucket list. Dryden met her husband, Blaine, her senior year in high school. By Valentine’s Day of that year they were engaged. They had a long engagement, though, because Blaine wanted her to live life away from him and her family. Dryden stated that she grew up a lot her first year in college and the rest of their story together is history!
One of the many fascinating characteristics about Dryden and her husband is their love and advocacy for adoption. From 1989 to 1998, the two adopted four children: Daniel, Charlotte, Ashli and Keith. Daniel was the first to be adopted out of the four children, is 35 years old and Caucasian. Charlotte is a mom of two—Emersyn, 10, and Elliot, 5—with her husband and they live on his farm south of Hays. She is the third to be adopted but is second in age at 32 years old and is Caucasian, African-American decent.
Ashli, who is Korean and African-American, is the second child to be adopted but third in age at 28 years old. She lives in California where she works for a beauty supply company and does runway modeling on the side. She has been dating her boyfriend for five years and Dryden excitedly stated, “his mom and I have planned the wedding, but we need the kids to get engaged!” Lastly, Keith was the fourth child to get adopted, is the youngest at 21 years old and is Korean and African-American. He is also Ashli’s half sibling. Keith is in his third year of college and has a band who just released its first album.
Dryden loves her children and prefers to say she became a mom through adoption rather than calling herself an adoptive mother. Sherry and Blaine are always sharing any time there is opportunity for all to learn about adoption. They have many reasons as to why they became an adoptive family, from traumatic miscarriages to a sister-in-law who ran a foster home in Chicago. They tried to adopt a little girl, but they were told by the State of Illinois that Sherry was too young at 21 years old. But the biggest influence was when Dryden worked in foster care for five years, co-running a family service agency for 10 years and intertwining that with what Blaine saw in the field during his years in law enforcement. These experiences led them down this path, and their beautiful family is the outcome.
After Sherry and Blaine decided four kids completed their family, they decided to start adopting dogs! The couple have five spoiled dachshunds: Mylee, 10, Dinky, 7, Cookie, 7, Weston, 7 and Pumpkin, 4. Weston and Dinky are more of Blaine’s dogs, while Mylee and Pumpkin are more Sherry’s. Cookie seems to bounce back and forth.
When Dryden is not playing with her four-legged children or visiting her two-legged children and grandchildren, she is listening to 70s disco and 80s Big Hair Bands, with lots of country in between. She also enjoys the color orange, watching movies with John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Kathryn Hepburn, Spencer Tracy or Carey Grant in them, or reading her favorite book: Lessons Learned from a Third Grade Dropout: How the Timeless Wisdom of One Man can Impact an Entire Generation by Rick Rigsby, Ph.D.. Dryden also loves the great outdoors while hunting, fishing and gardening, or staying in to craft, crochet, cook, read or remodel something. Traveling is also on this list. Blaine was in the Fraternal Order of Police and the family followed him traveling almost everywhere. They have been to 30 states and are excited about an Alaskan cruise happening in the next two years. The two are also retired motorcycle riders, but are looking to invest in trikes and to take the hobby back up again.
Dryden’s family and life has influenced her career and where she is today. She is working on a doctorate and dedicates this goal to her late grandmother who always reminded her to “get that college degree.” Dryden also says that her children are her current cheerleaders and is so proud of their support and encouragement and she is always striving to be an example for them. Lastly, she has a husband who may not always agree with what she does, such as obtaining multiple dogs, but loves her through it anyways.
When she started college, she wanted to become a teacher, but during her schooling, Dryden began working at a local hospital where business and computers were her specialty at the time. In the end, her experience with adoptions brought her into family services. These experiences directed her into the non-profit business arena. Any opportunity that presented itself to Dryden, she took a chance, believing that if it is meant to be, it will be.
Dryden has previous personal experiences with the Red Cross. Her father used to donate blood regularly and was a first aid instructor for many years. Dryden told a story of how her and a friend started a business many, many years ago where they taught first aid and CPR for 10 years and even had contracts with the Kansas Department of Transportation to train their staff. She also had many family members and friends who were nurses and advocates of the Red Cross. The most personal experience Dryden and her family has to this non-profit is how Dryden and her husband’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia Trait-Minor. Even though she was blessed to only have a minor case of this disease, they found out the major cases all required regular blood/platelet transfusion. It was at this point where Dryden and her family realized how important blood donations are.
Nationwide natural disasters also opened Dryden’s eyes with friends who survived the Greensburg tornado and her youngest daughter being affected by fires California.
“Seeing, hearing and knowing what the Red Cross is and does brings a sense of peace to this mother’s heart knowing friends and family can get the help they need,” Dryden said. She is very excited to start working with the Red Cross and to begin bringing in new ideas from the extensive experience she has gained that will help enhance and support an already great organization. She is most looking forward to learning and working with her new team. Her first goal is to bring the Central and Western Kansas Chapter to a level of admiration in and out of the organization by everyone: staff, volunteers, donors and those who want to be staff, volunteers and donors. She wants to enhance the visibility and viability of the Red Cross in this region.
Dryden’s piece of advice: “Never stop learning. Be open to change. Embrace change. Once you stop those three, you will become stagnant and not only hurt yourself, but your company as well. Never hold yourself above anyone else. Be open to feedback from anyone and everyone.”
— Republished with permission
Area students earn degrees at Wichita State
WICHITA — More than 350 students completed their degrees at Wichita State University in summer 2019.
Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude award.
WSU enrolls about 15,000 students and offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in six undergraduate colleges.
The Graduate School offers an extensive program including more than 40 master’s degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas; a specialist in education degree; and doctoral degrees in applied mathematics; audiology; chemistry; communication sciences and disorders; human factors and community/clinical psychology; educational leadership; nursing practice; physical therapy; and aerospace, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering.
Local graduates included:
Hays
• Brianna M Burns, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude
• Danielle M Dinkel, Master of Physician Assistant
• Devin M Schmidt, Master of Science
Park
• Brandace A Goetz, Master of Physician Assistant
CLINKSCALES: ‘Help’ is sometimes the hardest word
I am a guy. We guys are notorious for refusing to ask for help. I do not know if it is genetic, or learned. I strongly suspect the latter, but I am not so sure.
Once my wife, my then three young sons, and I were hiking near a swollen creek in Colorado. I do not remember if it was my youngest son or my middle son, but whichever one had already been in trouble with me for something he had done. So, he knew he was on the short end of the leash with me.
As we were hiking, I looked back. He was gone. I looked into the swollen water, and there he was struggling in the water, trying to grasp a branch to pull himself out of the rapids – and not saying a word. I immediately entered the water, grabbed him, and pulled him onto the bank.
I felt my heart was about to stop with fear of the thought he could have drowned. I asked him in a raised voice, “Why didn’t you call me?” He said, “I was afraid you would be mad.” I won the “Bad Parent of the Year” Award that year.
Recently, I spoke in Hays on dementia and Alzheimer’s. We had expected 10 people, and hoped for twenty. Instead, sixty people showed up – sixty people!
Sixty people were there concerned about dementia. Sixty people were seeking help; sixty people were looking for guidance.
My office is currently working with over 120 families that are facing dementia-related diseases. Their battles and courage are amazing, frightening and valiant – as well as heartbreaking and shocking.
People dealing with dementia type diseases many times suffer alone. They become overwhelmed. They lose their identity as a spouse, or as a son or daughter, and instead become a full time caregiver, ill prepared and ill equipped, working as a caregiver every moment they can. Many times the caregiver’s health will actually deteriorate faster than the person with dementia.
One point we made at our dementia workshop, a key point, is that if you are a caregiver, and if someone asked you if they can help – say YES. You may not know how they can help, yet. However, one day, you may think of a way that they will be able to help. You just need to give them a chance, and an idea how to help you.
It is hard to ask for help. Sometimes it is equally hard to accept it. Those dealing with dementia need a pool of people and resources who can help – even if it is just a little thing like picking up some groceries or relieving them for an hour. It may mean the caregiver gains a few moments of normalcy.
I learned an important lesson that day by the stream. I learned that my family and friends, no matter what goes on between us, need to know that they could always ask me for help; they can always feel free to reach out to me.
Year later, after the stream incident, one of my sons was involved in an accident in his antique car. He called me and told me of the accident. My first words, “Are you okay?” Later I heard him tell the story to his friends of that wreck, about our conversation, about how much that meant to him—that I was more concerned about his safety than the car. So, maybe after all, I learned a few lessons at that creek in Colorado.
When dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or indeed facing a family crisis, do not be afraid to ask for help. And when help is offered, never say, “I do not need help. I am okay.” Save that offer of help for later on, and then use it. Asking or receiving help does not make you a bad person; it makes you a wise person, and you will even be a better caregiver.
And if you know someone who is dealing with dementia, don’t be afraid to offer your help, in any way you can. Just a little thing can be so helpful.
Plug: The Hays Alzheimer’s Walk is scheduled for October 5. I hope you will join the walk at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine Street. Registration is at 9 AM, with events starting at 10 AM.
Transcribed by: www.iDictate.com
Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To contact him, please send an email to [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.
FIRST FIVE: School officials need a First Amendment lesson
Officials at Victory Preparatory Academy (VPA), a charter school in Colorado, need to read the First Amendment and recognize that students retain free-speech rights at school. Fortunately, a recent federal district court recognized in Flores v. Victory Preparatory Academy that students retain such rights and refused to dismiss their lawsuit.
The dispute in question arose in September 2017, when the school held an assembly in the gym. During assemblies, students are expected to stand, salute the flag and recite the school pledge. Several students sat down and did not recite the school pledge. The students were concerned about the overly authoritarian atmosphere and rigid discipline at the school.
The school’s chief executive officer, Ron Jajdelski, then ordered the protesting students back to the gymnasium. He became frustrated and sent the entire student body home.
Officials expelled one student, known in court papers as V.S., for talking about the protest on Facebook and for sharing a post by another student that “Defendant Jajdelski could suck the student’s left nut.” They expelled another student for posting messages about the protest and encouraging other students to participate. Then, school officials banned Mary and Joel Flores, parents of a student at the school, for filming part of the protest at school.
These individuals and others sued the school officials, advancing a number of valid First Amendment claims. First, students have a First Amendment right not to recite the school pledge as a form of peaceful protest.
After all, the U.S. Supreme Court famously recognized that students had a First Amendment right not to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance in West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943). Writing for the court, Justice Robert Jackson warned “that they are educating the young for citizenship is reason for scrupulous protection of Constitutional freedoms of the individual, lest we strangle the free mind at its source and teach youth to discount important principles of our government as mere platitudes.”
Furthermore, the Supreme Court famously protected students’ black armband protests in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969), emphasizing the silent passive political speech of the students.
The school officials filed a motion to dismiss this claim, arguing that the recitation of the school pledge was a form of school-sponsored speech and subject to a more deferential standard for school officials from Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) — that school officials can censor student speech if it is related to reasonable educational purposes.
Fortunately, Raymond P. Moore, judge for the U.S. District Court of Colorado, recognized the fallacy of his argument. “Refusing to stand and recite the school pledge is an archetypal example of a ‘silent, passive expression of opinion’ that is protected under Tinker,” he wrote.
The judge also denied Jajdelski qualified immunity — a doctrine that often shields government officials from liability unless they violate clearly established constitutional law. Here, Jajdelski violated clear constitutional law, punishing students for refusing to recite a pledge. That is the essence of unconstitutionally compelling speech in violation of the First Amendment.
Judge Moore also found that the parents who were banned from campus stated a plausible retaliation claim. He noted “it was beyond dispute that plaintiffs Mary and Joel Flores had a clearly established right to publicly criticize VPA without facing retaliation.”
David L. Hudson Jr. is a First Amendment fellow at the Freedom Forum Institute and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely on First Amendment topics. He is the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment” (Now You Know Media, 2018). He also is the author of many First Amendment books, including “The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech” (Thomson Reuters, 2012) and “Freedom of Speech: Documents Decoded” (ABC-CLIO, 2017).
The Post Podcast: Now is the time to prepare for winter emergencies
Webster Reservoir placed in Public Health Warning; lake still open
KDWPT
ROOKS COUNTY – Webster Reservoir has been notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that the lake is in a Public Health Warning level for blue green algae.
Because of that we have closed the beach and posted warning signs around the lake. The lake is NOT closed. You may boat and fish. However you should avoid exposure to the water. All fish should be washed well with clean water.
A reminder that blue green algae can be very harmful to young children and dogs.
KDHE will be testing again Sept. 30, with results returned to us on Oct. 3.
Below is the news release from KDHE.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes.
Warnings:
Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County (upgraded from watch 9/26)
Elk Horn Lake, Jackson County (unchanged)
Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)
Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (unchanged)
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)
Lake Jeanette, Leavenworth County (unchanged)
Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County (unchanged)
Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)
Meadowbrook Park Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (unchanged)
Melvern Swim Pond, Osage County (unchanged)
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County (new 9/26)
Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (unchanged)
Yates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson County (unchanged)
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.
Watches:
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)
Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (unchanged)
Carousel Lake (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (unchanged)
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (unchanged)
Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffey County (unchanged)
Neosho State Fishing Lake, Neosho (unchanged)
Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)
Lifted
The watch for Lake Shawnee in Shawnee County has been lifted effective 9/26.
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Signage will be posted at all public access locations
- Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
- Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
- Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
- Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
- Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
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.
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.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.
Comeau properties in downtown Hays come up for sheriff’s sale
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Twelve tracks of land owned by Chuck Comeau’s DFC Holdings and the Liberty Group, all in downtown Hays, are going up for sheriff’s sale.
Bank of Hays, Sunflower Bank and Golden Belt Bank were granted foreclosures on multiple properties owned by Comeau and his holding companies last year.
Comeau’s furniture manufacturing company in Plainville, Dessin Fournir, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. However, that bankruptcy was dismissed when a judge determined the companies in question did not have enough assets for a reorganization. Comeau tried to find a buyer for the companies without success.
In its bankruptcy, Comeau’s companies were listed as owing more than $8.9 million in secured debt to three local banks, including $952,000 to Astra Bank, $7.5 million to Bank of Hays and $420,000 to Sunflower Bank.
Seven Comeau properties already sold at sheriff’s sale in August.
RELATED STORY: Dessin Fournir properties set for sheriff’s sale; bankruptcy case dismissed
The sheriff’s sale will be 10 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Ellis County Courthouse.
On the auction block will be 803 Fort St.; 811 Fort St.; 1008 Main St., occupied by Bluetique; 1011 Main St., occupied by Simply Charmed; 106 W. 11th St., occupied by Bella Luna; 1100 Main St., occupied by the Paisley Pear; 1102 Main St., former Strand Theater; 1108 Main St.; 1013 Main St., occupied by Regeena’s; 121 E. 11th St.; 1012 Main St., occupied by Something Blue; and 719 Main St., historic Phillips Hardware store.
The Hays Post attempted to contact several of the business owners affected by the sale.
Norman Keller, owner, of Regeena’s did not wish to speak about the sale specifically, but said he and his wife hope to keep their business in its current location.
Shaun Musil, owner of the Paisley Pear, also did not want to talk specifically about the sale, but said there are many positive things happening in downtown Hays and a lot of energy and he hopes that continues.
RELATED STORY: Comeau discusses fall of Dessin Fournir
RELATED: Plainville economy trying to recover after two bankruptcies in a month
HPD Activity Log Sept. 22-26
The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Sun., Sept. 22, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 12 AM; 12:04 AM
Drug Offenses–800 block Ash St, Hays; 12:27 AM; 12:30 PM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:57 AM; 3:08 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:03 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–100 block W 36th St, Hays; 8:53 AM
Create Public Nuisance–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:23 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 2:05 PM
Animal At Large–4600 block Adams Dr, Hays; 2:23 PM
Water Use Violation–4600 block Jefferson Dr, Hays; 2:48 PM
Animal Injured–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 3:35 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:15 PM
Found/Lost Property–2500 block Donald Dr, Hays; 5:44 PM
Criminal Threat–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 7:18 PM; 7:22 PM
Suicidal Subject–200 block Circle Dr, Hays; 8:24 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Mon., Sept. 23, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Found/Lost Property–1400 block Main St, Hays; 8:31 AM
Animal At Large–Douglas and Felten Dr, Hays; 9:56 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 10 AM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:59 AM
Suspicious Vehicle–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 11:03 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–400 block E 22nd St, Hays; 9/22 8:49 PM; 9/23 12:44 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 12:10 PM
Suspicious Activity–400 block W 11th St, Hays; 3:23 PM
Battery – Domestic–800 block Elm St, Hays; 3:30 PM; 4 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 7:12 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 7:33 AM
Burglary/residence–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:18 PM
Welfare Check–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:34 PM
Disorderly Conduct–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:09 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Tue., Sept. 24, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:32 AM
44 – Traffic Stop–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 3:20 AM
Welfare Check–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:43 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 9:09 AM
Animal Injured–1800 block Ash St, Hays; 10:11 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:21 AM; 11:53 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Elm St, Hays; 11:37 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–10th and Elm, Hays; 11:51 AM
Welfare Check–2100 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:07 PM
Dead Animal Call–6th and Walnut St, Hays; 1:32 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 2:40 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 2:51 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block E 28th St, Hays; 3:11 PM
Animal At Large–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 3:25 PM
Welfare Check–500 block W 30th St, Hays; 3:43 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1800 block E 25th St, Hays; 12 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2nd and Ash, Hays; 4:17 PM
Child in Need of Care–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:49 PM
Disorderly Conduct–1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 5:50 PM; 5:55 PM
Custody Dispute–100 block E 17th St, Hays; 6:29 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–200 block E 5th St, Hays; 6:38 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 6:42 PM
Drug Offenses–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:05 PM; 9:10 PM
Suspicious Person–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 9:11 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 41 traffic stops Wed., Sept. 25, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2000 block Metro Ln, Hays; 8/2 8 AM
Intoxicated Subject–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:30 AM
Drug Offenses–Hays; 1:30 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–400 block E 15th St, Hays; 9/24 12 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 7:54 AM
Forgery–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9/16 12 AM; 9/25 12 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block E 28th St, Hays; 11:14 AM
Animal At Large–Hays; 11:20 AM
Found/Lost Property–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12:30 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 9th St, Hays; 2:24 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:34 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:52 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 5th St, Hays; 4:06 PM
Animal At Large–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:46 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1600 block Main St, Hays; 8:25 PM; 8:30 PM
Animal At Large–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 11:30 PM
Animal At Large–1500 block Henry Dr, Hays; 11:43 PM
Animal At Large–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 11:52 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 42 traffic stops Thu., Sept. 26, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Driving Under the Influence–700 block Park St, Hays; 1:53 AM; 1:54 AM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 1:55 AM; 1:59 AM
Mental Health Call–100 block E 16th St, Hays; 3:04 AM; 3:08 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–4400 block Vine St, Hays; 9/25 7 PM; 9/26 7:30 AM
Dead Animal Call–27th and Fort, Hays; 7:52 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9/25 12:30 PM; 9/26 11:59 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:45 AM; 8:15 AM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 9:05 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–300 block Elm St, Hays; 10:58 AM
Animal At Large–700 block Fort St, Hays; 11:41 AM
Animal At Large–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:42 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Western Plains Dr; 12:16 PM
Theft of Services–4800 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 12 PM; 12:57 PM
Burglary/residence–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 9/25 3 PM; 9/26 12 PM
Animal Call–500 block W 24th St, Hays; 3:18 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 6:57 PM; 6:58 PM
Animal Call–1700 block Donald Dr, Hays; 7:40 PM
Welfare Check–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 8:50 PM