Richard Cox, Automotive Instructor for NCK Tech-Hays recently completed the requirements to become a certified ETL (Evaluation Team Leader). The evaluation team leader is in charge of a team that evaluates automotive programs and recommends them for accreditation. Final training was held at the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Education Foundation in Frisco, Texas, along with extensive online classes.
“I am excited to give back to the industry that makes us (educators) do what we do, “ Cox said. “And that is to educate our students at the highest level of the trade.”
NCK Tech has a two-year automotive technician program at both campus locations — Beloit and Hays. For information and to learn more about NCK Tech, visitwww.ncktc.edu.
Fort Hays State University Noyce scholars Cayla Steinert and Kate Westerhaus
By RANDY GONZALES FHSU University Relations and Marketing
HAYS, Kan. – Cayla Steinert’s interest in science started at a young age. Her road to becoming a biology teacher got a boost last spring when she was named a Noyce scholar at Fort Hays State University.
Steinert is on campus this fall as the first transfer student to receive a Noyce scholarship through FHSU’s partnership with five Kansas community colleges.
Steinert, who transferred to FHSU from Garden City Community College, is one of six FHSU students who received $13,750 for tuition, books, and room and board, through the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program. Noyce scholars agree to teach in high-need areas, mainly rural, for two years for every year a grant is accepted.
Choosing FHSU to continue her education especially pleases Steinert’s mom, Tina, who has two teaching degrees from Fort Hays State. It also was her mom who got her Steinert interested in science in the first place.
When she was in first grade, Steinert wanted to know all about her mother’s cancer diagnosis. It was her way of coping with her mom’s illness.
“I was really interested in how everything worked,” Steinert said. “That kind of kick-started my love for science.”
Steinert’s mom remembered her then 7-year-old’s approach to that scary “C” word, cancer. Explaining the jargon to her daughter provided a little understanding for her.
“The nurses and doctors allowed her to ask questions and be involved,” Tina Steinert said. “She had always been interested in how the human body works. Science was something she gravitated to.”
Now, Steinert is on to track to receive her bachelor’s in two years and pursue her master’s degree at FHSU while teaching at the high school level.
Fort Hays State has been helping students with college expenses through the Noyce Scholarship Program since 2012.
The university applied to the National Science Foundation for a grant seven years ago and received $1.2 million for scholarships. The NSF awarded Fort Hays State an additional year of funding, and the school was encouraged to apply again. FHSU successfully wrote another grant, and the $1.45 million it was awarded covers five years of scholarships and will run through 2023.
Steinert said she had no preference where she teaches after graduation but knows it will be where she is needed most.
Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education and professor of education and professor of physics at FHSU, calls Noyce “the Super Bowl of scholarships.”
“The NSF wants institutions that will prepare the best science and mathematics teachers who can be leaders in their communities, who will make a difference in these high-need communities,” he said.
The scholarship, eligible for juniors and seniors only, can be renewed for a second year.
“The process of getting this means you have to be a scholar, must have potential to be a leader, to work in an area in our state and nation that needs the best possible science and mathematics teachers,” Adams said.
Steinert is eager to meet others in the program. She already connected with a Noyce scholar at a ceremony on campus recognizing first-time recipients last spring.
Kate Westerhaus, a Junction City senior at Fort Hays State, completed her first year as a Noyce scholar in May. Like Steinert, she plans to teach biology upon graduation.
Westerhaus, former president of the STEM education club, said Noyce scholars are required to fulfill six hours of community service each semester.
“With this scholarship, it’s not just about the money,” Westerhaus said. “There are so many connections. Our university truly is unlike any other because of our science and math programs.”
The 2019-2020 Noyce scholarship recipients are listed with their classifications, hometowns, and majors:
Second-time recipients
Alexis Meinert, senior, Garden City, mathematics and secondary education
Diana Sabados, senior, Brighton, Colo., mathematics and secondary education
Chantal Solozano, senior, Dodge City, biology and secondary education Joshua Stark, senior, Liebenthal, chemistry and secondary education
Kate Westerhaus, senior, Junction City, biology and secondary education Lauren Zerr, senior, Russell Springs, mathematics and secondary education
The Hays Youth Orchestra’s fall season will start up at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, in Fort Hays State University’s Malloy Hall for an orientation meeting.
All students between sixth and eighth grade who play the violin, viola, cello or bass are welcome to attend.
Younger students are also welcome to participate with the approval of the director. Older students are invited to participate as assistants and mentors.
Shawn Demuth will serve as this year’s conductor. He is a graduate of the FHSU Department of Music. He plays the violin and piano, composes music and teaches music at USD 388 in Ellis.
“We’re looking at doing fun but challenging music,” said Demuth. “My goal is to bring young musicians together to help build relationships and to increase their passion for music.”
Rehearsals are on Saturday mornings starting in September, with performances scheduled for December and May.
Students interested in playing are should contact Demuth at [email protected] for an application form or additional details.
The Hays Youth Orchestra Program is supported in part by the Hays Symphony Guild, which believes that nurturing the joy of musical performance in today’s youth is critical to developing strong and skilled performers for tomorrow.
Once again, the Fort Hays State University Football team will gather to meet the public and sign autographs at Big Creek Crossing at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“We do the football signing every year,” said Branson Hoffman, marketing director, noting he expects over 120 players to be available during the free event.
“You can bring a T-shirt or your favorite item to get signed,” he said.
There will be posters, too, and markers will be provided.
The facility opens its doors to host the event and will have other activities during the day to accompany the team autograph session.
“We see ourselves as an asset to the community and we want to give back, but we also want to open our doors to not just shopping,” Hoffman said. “We want to have that good relationship with the community and this is a perfect example.
“We have such a good location on Vine street and with us having a big open center court with a high-traffic area, it just works,” he said.
The autograph session will run until 3 p.m., immediately followed by a back-to-school fashion show showcasing ensembles from some of the center’s shops.
“They just kind of model their back to school trends and fashion, clothes,” Hoffman said.
The center will also have a food truck rally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a feature of the event that started in 2017.
“The public is welcome to come for any part or all three,” Hoffman said. “It’s one fun day for it all.”
The following is a letter posted Friday on FB by Sheriff Brandon Carver to the residents of Sheridan County:
As Paul Harvey would say … here is the rest of the story!
The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office wants to bring our taxpayers up to speed about the funding situation for K9 Dak. Prior to deciding on purchasing a drug dog, we took an online survey, we also discussed the idea with the commissioners. We felt that a drug dog was necessary due to the influx in drug cases, especially meth cases.
These drugs are ruining communities, families, and increasing other crime. If Law Enforcement doesn’t take proactive stance with the current drug “epidemic” happening nationwide, we will see more deaths and more victims of crimes. Our agency will stand their ground against illegal drugs.
We proceeded with getting the K9 solely based on the fact that the K9 would be funded by a GI Bill through the VA. Paperwork was submitted and accepted. We then proceeded with obtaining the dog and certifying both the handler and the K9. It was brought to our attention from the training facility that they hadn’t received payment for reimbursement for the K9. Long story short, the training facility that was listed on the initial application and was approved, was later denied and informed by the VA that the training facility was not accredited training facility through the VA. Which left us in a horrible position.
We were scrambling around trying to find the funding as our budget couldn’t withhold it. God answered our prayers, with outstanding support from the community and actually from around the state. We held a “beef raffle”, the beef was donated by local rancher (who wants to remain anonymous), which helped us tremendously. We raised over $4,000 with this fundraiser. We have had other individuals donate afghan blankets, collector cars, and misc items to be raffle off at a later date.
We didn’t know how the “beef raffle” would go over, so we looked at other avenues for funding too. We hired Corina Cox with Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission (NWKPDC) to help us with a grant. We applied for a $10,000 grant through the Dane G. Hansen Community Foundation and received confirmation that we received $5,000 of the $10,000 requested.
Through all the donations and grant funds received, I am proud to report to the tax payers that your local K9 Dak is fully paid for, the required equipment is paid for, and all other expense are covered. There are no words that could ever express my gratitude toward our local citizens and folks from around the state for your support! Thank You and God Bless
DODGE CITY – The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a Flood Watch Flood Watch for Ellis, Trego, Rush, Scott, Lane and Ness counties from 7 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. Saturday.
In Hays, another 0.21 inches of rain fell early Friday morning. So far in August, 7.53 inches of rainfall has been recorded at the K-State Agricultural Research Center.
From the National Weather Service:
.Another round of thunderstorms is expected tonight. Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts. Many areas are saturated from rains over the previous week, and additional rainfall will runoff the wet soils.
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING…
* Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Kansas and west central Kansas…including the following in central … Kansas…Ellis and Rush. in west central Kansas…Lane… Ness…Scott and Trego.
* From 7 PM CDT this evening through Saturday morning
* Another round of thunderstorms is expected tonight. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common, with locally higher amounts. The additional rainfall will fall on soils saturated by prior rains over the previous week, leading to rapid and increased runoff.
* Pay attention to water levels near bodies of water, and in low lying areas. If thunderstorms approach, seek higher ground. If outdoors enjoying summer activities, flooding becomes even more dangerous. Ensure you have a way to receive flash flood warnings tonight. Flowing water is particularly dangerous at night, when low visibility makes it very difficult to determine how deep the water is, or how fast it is moving.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler says a change in Kansas law regarding possession of CBD oil with 5% THC is creating some challenges for law enforcement.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
A 2019 change in Kansas law allows for an affirmative defense for people being treated by a doctor with CBD oil containing up to 5% THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
Don Scheibler, Hays police chief, explained the update to city commissioners during their Thursday night meeting. If stopped by law enforcement “the person must also have a letter from a licensed physician that confirms they or their minor child are being treated for a debilitating medical condition with the CBD oil.”
The change allows for a person to receive prescribed medical treatment using CBD oil with THC without being convicted of a crime in Kansas.
Mayor Henry Schwaller was curious how law enforcement officers would deal with an unmarked bottle. “How do you know it’s 5 percent?,” he asked.
“It would have to be tested and that would definitely limit us in what we could do with that,” Scheibler replied. “Each situation would vary.”
Hays police officers recently visited Hays businesses that are selling CBD oils and various other cannabis products with no THC content.
“They were able to show us their paperwork where it shows it doesn’t have any THC. Stuff purchased in Colorado (where marijuana use is legal) does list the THC.”
Scheibler says the update “isn’t the best law” for Kansas law enforcement, confirming there is no requirement for a bottle of CBD oil to be labeled.
“We’re trying to appease two different groups.”
The state legislature this year passed Claire and Lola’s law, a narrow bill that may assist certain people if they ever find themselves facing prosecution for possessing some cannabis products currently illegal in the state of Kansas.
“It creates some challenges for law enforcement. It’s illegal for them to have it,” Scheibler pointed out.
“But here’s a person with a letter from a doctor saying ‘my child needs this for treatment’ and I know they’re not going to be found guilty in court. But nothing in the law allows the officer to hand that CBD oil back to them. In fact, if he hands it back to them, he’s committed a felony in distributing THC.”
After some discussion, the Hays city commission unanimously adopted the the updated 2019 Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas cities (UPOC) and the updated 2019 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities (STO) for use within the city of Hays.
In other business, the commission also:
Approved a bid of $48,675 from J Corp, Hays, for replacement of cart paths on the Back 9 of Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course
Approved a bid of $37,954 by Air and Fire Systems, Salina, for purchase by the fire department of a new self-contained breathing apparatus air compression system to refill firefighters’ air tanks
Nothing feels better than a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Can you think of anyone who would enjoy that plunge more than our canine friends? Give your dog a treat and bring them to the “Bark at the Water Park” event at the WaKeeney Water Park on Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to noon.
For dogs who love water there’s nothing better than that first splash. This is a “dogs only” event, with an entry fee of only $5 for each dog. Bring dogs who are ready to run and play with other pups and the water toys they love most.
The WaKeeney Water Park is the perfect place for all dogs to play. Whether your dog is pint sized or super-sized, the zero-depth, beach-like entry area gives them a place to run and splash through shallow waters. Take them to the deep end so they can do those hilarious belly flops that are so fun to watch. They can play in the deck sprays, and the dump bucket will give them a big surprise as they play at its base. There is plenty of shady areas around the pool for their owners to sit and enjoy the show.
The dog days of summer are here, and your four-legged friend deserves a chance to cool off. Bring them to the WaKeeney Water Park on August 24 from 10 a.m. to noon for the first ever “Bark at the Water Park” event.
The Rooks County Healthcare Foundation is hosting a charity golf tournament on Sept. 14 to help raise funds for the new Rehabilitation Center being built on to the north side of Rooks County Health Center.
Fairways For The Future is a three-person scramble that will be at the Rooks County Golf Course 5 miles north of Plainville.
The day will include an 18-hole tournament, lunch, whole-hog roast dinner, live music and silent auction. Cash prizes will be awarded, plus golfers can enter for a chance to snag $50,000 in the Hole in One Contest.
Solutions North Bank in Stockton is sponsoring the Hole-in-One contest and Palco4-H student Jamie Keller is donating a market-weight hog that won a blue ribbon at the Rooks County Free Fair.
Registration fees are $225 for a team of three, which covers green fees, sack lunch, supper and entertainment.
For those who don’t play golf but want to join the party, a whole-hog roast dinner and music by local band Gypsy Road will be after the tournament. Tickets are available for $25 per person for those who wish to join in on the fun later in the day. Tickets for the after-tournament event can be purchased at Carmichael True Value and Ruder Oil in Plainville and Solutions North Bank in Stockton.
The day’s schedule on Saturday, Sept. 14 is
8 a.m.: Registration
9 a.m.: Shotgun Start
4 p.m.: Prizes awarded and doors open for dinner and music attendees.
5 p.m.: Whole-hog roast, silent auction and live music by Gypsy Road.
Golfers can register before Aug. 31 for an early-registration discount. Online registration is available at www.fairways4thefuture.com or by calling Eric Sumearll at 785-688-4428.
Fort Hays State University and the FHSU Foundation announced today that their five-year capital campaign has raised $88 million toward its $100 million goal to support scholarships, academics, student life and athletics.
Student Government Association President Brad DeMers, a junior political science major from Osceola, Neb., was on hand to testify to the benefit of the scholarship pillar of the campaign.
“FHSU offered me a scholarship, and that was the deciding factor for me,” he said. “I am honored to be up here today speaking on behalf of all FHSU students on the magnitude of our Journey campaign.”
Brad DeMers
“Today is a big day and I want to thank all of the generous donors and the Fort Hays State Foundation for making the Journey campaign possible. To announce that the campaign is ahead of schedule just proves the dedication our friends, family, alumni and supporters have to this great institution. It’s like no other place,” said DeMers.
DeMers shares the story of his journey to FHSU, and why he ultimately chose to become a Tiger, in this video available on Youtube: https://bit.ly/30s6P1z.
“The Journey campaign is the largest, most aggressive campaign in school history,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation, at a news conference in the university’s Memorial Union to announce the progress of the campaign.
“We kicked off the campaign in the fall of 2016 with a goal of raising $100 million in support of scholarships, academics, student life and athletics. We are grateful and humbled to have already raised $88 million toward this effort.”
The campaign’s status was announced by alumnus Steve Shields, entrepreneur, Journey campaign co-chair and a trustee of the FHSU Foundation.
“I get the good job,” he said. “I get to announce how well we’re doing. I’m really pleased to announce that we’re not only on schedule, we’re ahead of schedule. As of June 30, we have raised $88 million.”
Shields also shared the story of his goddaughter Lydia, who is a freshman this year on a track scholarship. He said he did not influence her in any way, but asked her why she chose FHSU.
“And she said well, she got a track scholarship,” said Shields. “And that was good. That helped. But then she said, ‘You know, the coaches were so personal, so interested in me and they’re interested in more than just how I do in track. I could feel they were interested in being who I wanted to be.”
She also told Shields that the campus is so beautiful, “and it’s growing.” Then, Shields said, she told him, “So if there’s growth with the university, there’s going to be growth opportunities for me.”
That is also why, Shields said, that he is a member of FHSU’s Wooster Society, whose members have arranged planned gifts, including estate gifts, to the FHSU Foundation.
“Eighty-eight down, 12 to go,” he said. “This is a great university to invest in, and a great university to remember in your estate plans. Fort Hays State University is generously remembered in my estate plans, and I invite you to join me in including FHSU in yours.”
FHSU President Tisa Mason concluded the news conference by thanking the many donors who have contributed to the Journey campaign.
“I am proud to share that our donors have made the dream of a college education an affordable reality for more of our students,” she said. “To date, your participation in the Journey Campaign allowed us to offer more than $13.8 million in student scholarships.”
“You have probably heard me or Jason say many times, ‘All gifts, large and small matter,’ and I am elated to report that of the 58,000 total campaign gifts we have received to date, nearly 22,000 – more than a third – are gifts under $100. Every gift matters.”
For more information on the Journey campaign and the FHSU Foundation, visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu/journey or contact the Fort Hays State Foundation by phone at 785-628-5620 or via email to [email protected].
As of Thursday, city of Hays employees had taken 303 loads of downed tree limbs to the Ellis County Landfill.
The city began picking up the limbs Monday, following three severe thunderstorms with high wind last week. More thunderstorms rolled through Hays Wednesday starting at 6 a.m. with a rainfall total of 1.47 inches measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.
Mayor Henry Schwaller says the curbside limb collections will continue through next week.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we pick up tree limbs free of charge,” Schwaller said during Thursday night’s city commission meeting.
He noted that other debris which may be been created by the storms will not be collected by the city.
“If you have something else in your yard that is not a tree limb, we can’t pick it up because we have no where to take it.”
Schwaller thanked Ellis County Public Works Director Bill Ring and the Ellis County commissioners for allowing the city to dump the trees at no cost.
“That kind of collaboration is important as was their help with the culvert on W. 27th Street.”
The Hays Public Works Department along with the Ellis County Public Works Department recently installed the new culvert under 27th Street just east of Thunderbird Drive where it is part of the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course water shed.
“We upgraded from an 18-inch culvert to a 42-inch culvert to help facilitate the movement of more (storm) water to the south side of 27th Street and the to the west,” explained Toby Dougherty, city manager.
The Ellis County employees assisted with equipment and manpower. They also installed a deflecting panel at the culvert exit so the water doesn’t cause erosion.
“I checked it out a couple of times during the most recent rains,” Dougherty told city commissioners, “and it’s working pretty well.”
Another 0.14 inches of rain fell in Hays early Thursday morning, with a total so far in Aug. of 7.22 inches.
For the year-to-date, Hays has received 21.86 inches of moisture.
Dougherty also noted a new informational sign has been erected near the Big Creek levee walking trail east of Main Street which describes the history of flooding in that area and the creation of the levee.
The informational sign project was done in cooperation with the Kansas State Historical Society.
Hays Post
