The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 38 traffic stops Mon., Sept. 16, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 15th St, Hays; 12:24 AM
Water Use Violation–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:25 AM
Animal At Large–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 8:13 AM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 8:23 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:21 PM
44 – Traffic Stop–3500 block Vine St, Hays; 12:33 PM
Suspicious Activity–2200 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 2:48 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block E 5th St, Hays; 3:21 PM
Mental Health Call–2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 4:01 PM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:48 PM
Criminal Threat–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 5:23 PM; 5:29 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Tue., Sept. 17, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 12:05 AM
Intoxicated Subject–4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 2:01 AM; 2:15 AM
Theft (general)–400 block W 4th St, Hays; 7:35 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block Circle Dr, Hays; 8:16 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block W 16th St, Hays; 9:47 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–2700 block Hickory St, Hays; 10:38 AM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 7:15 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 1:07 PM
Parking Complaint–1900 block Elm St, Hays; 1:22 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:41 PM
Theft of Services–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:52 PM
Mental Health Call–1200 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:01 PM
Found/Lost Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:02 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–2200 block Haney Dr, Hays; 4:39 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–Hays; 4:42 PM
Animal At Large–1100 block Drum Ave, Hays; 4:47 PM
Animal Injured–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 5:16 PM
Burglary/vehicle–300 block W 11th St, Hays; 9/14 11:30 AM; 9/17 7:30 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/10 1:39 PM; 1:41 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/11 1:05 PM; 1:07 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/11 8:49 PM; 8:50 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/16 10:55 AM; 10:58 AM
Domestic Disturbance–100 block Ash St, Hays; 11:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Wed., Sept. 18, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–400 block Riley St, Hays; 6:47 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 3 AM; 3:10 AM
Found/Lost Property–Oakmont St and Columbine Cir, Hays; 9:28 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 10:42 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–29th and Ash, Hays; 10:46 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–8th and Allen, Hays; 12 PM
Water Use Violation–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 12:07 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 12:32 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–48th and Vine, Hays; 2:14 PM
Found/Lost Property–1200 block Ash St, Hays; 2:50 PM
Theft (general)–300 block W 48th St, Hays; 9/17 7:30 PM; 7:58 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–100 block E 16th St, Hays; 6:02 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–43rd and Vine, Hays; 6:43 PM
Probation/Parole Violation–24th and Hall, Hays; 10:11 PM

KDWPT

PRATT – Surveys are complete, data is in, and the 2019 Kansas Upland Bird Hunting Forecast is ready for viewing.

The highly-anticipated annual forecast predicts what pheasant, quail and prairie chicken hunters can likely expect going into the new seasons. Based on this year’s crow counts for pheasants, whistle counts for quail, and lek counts for prairie chickens, overall upland bird hunting prospects are looking “good” for fall.

PHEASANT

Pheasant hunting in Kansas should be fair to locally good this year. Heavy winter precipitation made hunting conditions tough in 2018 but provided ample soil moisture entering the 2019 nesting season. A few late winter storms raised some concern in western Kansas, but the spring crowing index remained the same as 2018, indicating there was no measurable impact on over-winter survival. Heavy rainfall continued throughout the spring and resulted in high levels of nest abandonment. However, nests that did hatch appear to have responded to the plentiful cover with relatively high chick survival, indicated by larger brood sizes. In wet years like 2019, the nesting season becomes longer, allowing for multiple re-nesting attempts. Overall, the large brood sizes, combined with production from re-nesting birds appear to have compensated for the losses from extreme spring weather.

The counts through much of central Kansas decreased while numbers farther west increased or remained similar to last year. Kansas continues to maintain one of the best pheasant populations in the country and the fall harvest should again be among the leading states.

The highest densities this year will likely be in the High Plains regions of western Kansas.

QUAIL

Quail hunting in Kansas should be good in 2019. Kansas is still supporting above-average quail populations after a recent population boom. While total harvest has remained below average due to decreasing hunter participation, the average daily bag has remained at some of the highest levels observed in 20 years.

The bobwhite whistle survey in spring 2019 saw a modest decline following a generally poor production season in 2018. However, this is relative to a 20-year high in 2017, so despite the decline, spring densities were still well above average. The 2019 roadside survey index was just slightly higher than 2018, suggesting production compensated for any reductions previously recorded. However, regional quail densities have changed. Heavy precipitation and associated flooding across the eastern regions reduced productivity. While rainfall was also high across the western regions, a mid-summer dry period and improved habitat increased production. While densities in the eastern-most regions have decreased, all remaining regional indices remain at or above their respective long-term averages.

Kansas maintains one of the premier quail populations in the country and harvest will again be among the highest this year.

The best opportunities will be found in the central regions, extending east into the northern Flint Hills and west into the Southern High Plains.

PRAIRIE CHICKEN

Kansas is home to both greater and lesser prairie chickens. Both species require a landscape of predominately native grass and benefit from a few interspersed grain fields. Lesser prairie chickens are found in west-central and southwestern Kansas in native prairie and nearby stands of native grass established through the CRP.

Greater prairie chickens are found primarily in the tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies that occur in the eastern third and northern half of the state. Greater prairie chickens have expanded in numbers and range in the northwestern portion of the state while declining in the eastern regions. Hunting opportunities will be best in the Northern High Plains and Smoky Hills regions this fall, where populations have either been increasing or stable, and public access is more abundant.

The Southwest Prairie Chicken Unit, where lesser prairie chickens are found, will remain closed to hunting this year. Greater prairie chickens may be harvested during the early prairie chicken season and the regular season with a two-bird daily bag limit in the Greater Prairie Chicken Unit. All prairie chicken hunters are required to purchase a $2.50 Prairie Chicken Permit.

To view the complete forecast, including regional breakdowns for all three species, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds or pick up a printed copy at any Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office (available soon). The full forecast will also be featured in the 2019 November/December issue of Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine, available for $2.75 by calling (620) 672-5911.

BY BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There are a lot of different logos used by the city of Hays – at least 20 – in all type of media, signage, letterhead and even employee clothing.

City staff believes it’s time to update to a single organizational logo, standardizing the various logos being used by all departments.

The “3 Amigos” logo has been used for many years, depicting the Old West history of Hays and its connection to General George A. Custer, James B. “Wild Bill” Hickok and William “Buffalo Bill” Cody at historic Fort Hays.

POLL: What do you think of the proposed logo?

“It’s been on letterhead, city vehicles, city pins. That logo is fine but it doesn’t transcend well to a shirt logo, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, or the water tower,” says Toby Dougherty, city manager.

“Over the years we’ve developed one-off logos. These have all been organic, rather than a concerted effort,” he explained.

Dougherty pointed to many other city entities, each with its own logo, including the Hays Aquatic Park, Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex and  wayfinding signage. “The Parks Department has a different letterhead that involves bison.”

City staff began talking about the need for a singular logo early this year and contracted with local artist Scott Gross to come up with some design concepts.

Several designs were reviewed by Dougherty, Melissa Dixon, CVB executive director and staff members.

They settled on one simple design with three variations. Those will be presented to the Hays city commission during their work session tonight.

“The goal is to create an organizational logo – the city of Hays logo. It’s not meant to represent Hays as a city; it’s the city of Hays as an organization,” Dougherty emphasized.

“Therefore we tried to keep it as neutral and sterile as possible. No history, no wheat, no oil, no Volga-German. It’s not mean to represent anything except the city of Hays as an organization.”

If city commissioners reject the proposed logo change, Dougherty said the city would likely continue as is using the existing multiple logos.

Other Sept. 19 agenda items for discussion include:

• Annexation of property located at 4890 and 4940 General Hays Road
• Vehicle abatement at 520 West 17th Street
• Sanitary sewer lining project bid award
• 27th Street reconstruction between Hall and Fort design contract

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Courtney-Spalding Chapter members Bunnie Bowen, Susan Unrein, Sherrie Smith and Judy Sherard with Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller.

Schwaller recently signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23, 2019 as Constitution Week in the city of Hays.

The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in April 1926 with members from Ellis, Russell, Trego and Ellsworth counties.

Its current goals stress membership growth, conservation, American history and Good Citizenship Awards to further the education and historic values of youth. The chapter focuses on U.S. flag presentations, supporting patriotism throughout the nation and supporting troops in Project Patriot.

TMP-M

Thomas More Prep-Marian this week announced the 2019 Point of Light Award recipients. The Point of Light Award is given annually at homecoming to people who have contributed to the traditions of excellence of TMP-M through their service, stewardship and example.

This year’s awardees will be honored at halftime of the homecoming football game.

Glen & Anita Neuburger: faithful and dedicated friends
Glen and Anita Neuburger are being honored as Points of Light for their years of service and commitment to Thomas More Prep-Marian, Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Hays community. Glen graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1967, joined the Navy and served in Vietnam. In 1969, he married Anita Ruiz. This year (2019), they celebrated 50 years of marriage. They have three children, Dawn ’88 (Neuburger) Brown, Ed ’90 Neuburger and Olivia ’93 (Neuburger) Becker. Glen and Anita are active members of IHM parish where they serve as greeters, money counters, Eucharistic Ministers and lector. Glen is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Anita is a member of the VFW Auxiliary. They owned Western Aluminum & Glass Company in Hays for 31 years. One of their proudest accomplishments while in business was helping establish the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home, where they donated new doors, windows and siding. Both Glen and Anita are dedicated to Holy Family Elementary and TMP-Marian. Their children are alums of TMP-M and their grandchildren attend HFE. They are generous donors to ACE and have actively supported it through the years. During the last year that Glen and Anita owned their business, they donated a full house of steel siding to the auction. It is with great appreciation that we thank Glen and Anita Neuburger for their powerful faith, strong commitment to family, support of their community and generosity to Thomas More Prep-Marian.

Don & Debra Klaus: faithful alumnus and dedicated friends
We are honored to present the Point of Light Award to Don & Debra Klaus for their commitment to Thomas More Prep-Marian and the Hays Community. Don, a 1969 graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy, is the son of Marvin and Mary Frances Klaus. His wife Debra, is the daughter of Virgil and Janice Larsen. They married in 1979 and have two children, Rebecca ’03 (Klaus) Schmidt and David ’08 Klaus. Don, who is now retired, worked in the grocery business for over 50 years and Debbie continues to work as a registered nurse. They are deeply involved in the community, Don with the Knights of Columbus and Boy Scouts. Debbie volunteers with the Hays Community Theatre, Girl Scouts and is a member of Crossroads, a gospel chorus group. They are devoted to Immaculate Heart of Mary parish. Don serves as Eucharistic Minister for the parish and the Good Samaritan Home, on the church counsel, liturgical committee and Adoration Chapel. Debbie has provided music ministry for over 38 years including kids, young adults and adult choirs, plays piano and organ and is a member of Full Measure and the liturgical committee. They are strong supporters of Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marian and have been involved in many activities. Some of these activities include school council members, helping with soup supper, security, field days, driving, 2010 ACE co-chairs, ACE decorating, bierock bake sale and many other school activities. We extend a huge thank you to Don and Debbie for their many years of service to the Hays community and Catholic schools.

The city of Hays has proposed a new organizational logo (below). What do you think? Click HERE to read the entire story.

[crowdsignal poll=10412531]

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

Lailah Collins didn’t think she would have time for one of her favorite extracurricular activities in college.

A 4.0 student and one of the valedictorians of her senior class at Wichita South High School, Collins decided to give up choir when she came to Fort Hays State University in the fall of 2018.

She thought she would be busy enough with her classes and involvement in the Honors College. The HC is a scholarship program that requires students to maintain a high GPA and participate in a certain number of activities on and off campus while focusing on the program’s four pillars: academic excellence, engagement, leadership and continuous growth.

On her first day of classes, Collins discovered a new activity that aligns with several of those pillars – one that she calls life-changing.

While walking the quad and checking out various booths during the back-to-school picnic, Collins came across some information about the FHSU color guard, a group of students that does flag routines and performs with the Tiger band during home football games.

Right then and there, Collins decided to accept a new challenge and step out of her comfort zone. She has been a member of the color guard ever since.

Unlike many colleges, Fort Hays State does not hold tryouts for the color guard. So Collins began attending practices and started feeling more comfortable with her new venture.

The color guard and marching band are under the direction of Dr. Peter Lillpopp, assistant professor of music and theatre.

“Dr. Lillpopp believes if anyone has the desire to do something, then they have the right attitude and probably can do it,” said Shelby Schumacher, the color guard coach. “I have so many years experience coaching I can get about anyone caught up to speed.”

Indeed.

Schumacher, a December 2017 graduate of FHSU, has been teaching baton twirling classes for about 10 years to students ranging from 2 years old to college age. Now, she not only coaches the FHSU color guard but also directs the flag teams at Hays High School and Hays Middle School as well.

Collins hadn’t been involved in anything of the sort since she was in dance lessons as a 7-year-old but immediately felt comfortable with Schumacher as her coach.

“She is an amazing instructor,” Collins said. “She’s patient with us. And Dr. Lillpopp definitely is giving us a chance we wouldn’t get at other colleges.”

Collins, a double major (math and Spanish), was able to maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA during her freshman year and decided to continue with the color guard again this year.

Schumacher said it’s rewarding to watch students of all levels participate.

“It’s exciting because Lailah came to college not expecting anything like this,” Schumacher said.
“Now, she has a group of friends to last a lifetime and a new talent, too.”

The experience has been eye-opening for Collins.

“I have to do my hair and makeup all the time for the games,” Collins said, “and I don’t do that – ever.”

There also is a time commitment. The color guard rehearses with the band two hours every Monday and Thursday afternoon and at 9 a.m. on game days, then practices with its own group every Wednesday night.

But it’s something Collins will never regret trying.

“It’s definitely up there with difficulty, coming in with no high school experience,” she said. “But it’s more fun than I expected. We’ve bonded a lot this year. We’re more than a team, more like a family.”

Collins said she will never forget the feeling when she marched with the band from Tomanek Hall to Lewis Field Stadium for her first home game. It’s a feeling of exhilaration she gets every time out.

“The streets were filled with cars, you hit the parking lot, and there are people everywhere,” she said. “It’s different than what I expected tailgating to be. Here, you see people all the way from small kids to college students playing games and laughing, adults having a good time. It’s like a big family reunion, and it makes you feel so good to be a part of it.”

As the band nears the stadium, it stops to play a couple of songs, and the color guard performs some routines as tailgaters gather round to watch.

“It’s so crowded, and you have to really watch your flags not to hit something or someone,” Collins said. “It’s just a great feeling, all the excitement.”

Collins has her sights set on graduating in four years, then pursuing both a master’s and a doctorate with the goal of teaching at the college level.

She plans to use life skills learned at FHSU long after she leaves campus.

“When I have to apply for grad school or for a job, I will be more accustomed to doing things I’m not familiar with,” she said, “and not be afraid to do something different. That might have never happened if I hadn’t decided to try something new in college.”

The Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, is accepting applications for fall grants. Online applications are due Friday, Nov. 15.

This year, more than $150,000 is available to charitable projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, with over $50,000 available per county. Grants will be awarded from the following funds:

• Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund – available for programs and projects that address education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.

• Ellis, Rooks and Trego County Legacy Funds – available for projects that improve the quality of life in either Ellis, Rooks or Trego Counties.

• Heartland Area Action Fund – available for projects that improve the quality of life for Heartland area residents.

• Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Heartland/Heartland Healthy Living Fund – available for projects and programs that protect and promote the health and well-being of Heartland area residents.

Funding is limited to projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties and will be awarded through a competitive application process. Nonprofit organizations including government and public entities, educational institutions and churches are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 15.

Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available HERE.

— HCF

Operation Christmas Child volunteers will be making crafts to place in shoebox gifts from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main St. in Hays.

Rachel Albin, area coordinator, said participants do not need to have special skills, and youth are welcome to participate.

“If you want to take some of the items you make for your own shoeboxes or for your church’s shoeboxes, that’s absolutely fine,” Albin said. She added that if participants have crafts they are working on for their own shoeboxes, they are welcome to bring them along.

“This will be a fun time when we can gather together as an interdenominational group and work on projects and share ideas.”

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency headquartered in Boone, N.C., and led by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Every Christmas thousands of individuals prepare shoeboxes filled with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items, which are then delivered to needy children around the world.

Children receiving shoeboxes also receive a booklet titled “The Greatest Gift,” which tells the children about Jesus and how much he loves them. For many of the children, the shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

Albin said in 2018, individuals in Ellis County donated 2,615 shoeboxes. This year’s shoebox collection week is Nov. 18-25.

Donations for craft supplies are always accepted and appreciated, Albin said. More information is available by contacting her at (785) 639-1325 or at [email protected].

– SUBMITTED –

CCC

COLBY — The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation announced a new scholarship fund after receiving a $300,000 gift from Ned and Dorothy Lowry of Dodge City. The Ned and Dorothy Lowry Endowed Scholarship Fund will assist students studying in health and animal care majors.

Dorothy Lowry and her daughter Rhenda Field were on campus Sept. 4 for a tour and a check presentation. After a group photo, nearly 50 students lined up to hug her.

“We truly were overwhelmed and so pleased that we chose Colby Community College for a part of our legacy,” Lowry said in an email to the foundation. “Best wishes to each of the students. We are glad to be a small part of their lives.”

Ned and Dorothy Lowry were born and raised in Norton and Phillips counties. Work with an oil and gas company took them to Nebraska and Oklahoma before they moved to Liberal in 1966. After 19 years as an employee for the same company, Ned decided to start his own oil and gas engineering and lease management company that facilitated drilling, completion and production for independent companies located outside of Kansas. He followed with another company where he managed a fleet of gas compressors and the construction of commercial real estate rentals.

After retiring in 2001, the Lowrys settled in Dodge City. They are enjoying life with their three married children and families that include eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

“It is an honor to receive and establish a scholarship fund that distinguishes a family legacy,” said foundation director Jennifer Schoenfeld. “The Lowry family will be helping students accomplish their educational goals for many years to come.”

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