kan. – Page 10 – Hays Post Archive

Washington Elementary wireless program on USD 489 agenda

Posted on February 27, 2014

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 Board of Education have a work session at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th

The board will discuss an update on the E-rate process for wireless infrastructure at Washington Elementary, a USD 489 budget review and new appointments for the District Technology Committee.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the E-Rate program “provides discounts of up to 90 percent to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.”

Other agenda items include a community assessment Head Start will be conducting soon. The Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection and Enrollment Plan is an assessment required by the state every three years. The board also will discuss authorizing the Kansas Early Head Start Grant for the Early Childhood Connections program.

The USD 489 website provides a full work session agenda.

The meeting will be held at Toepfer Board Room at Rockwell Administration Building, 323 W. 12th at 6:oo p.m.

Commissioner: Russell investors the victims in securities fraud case

Posted on February 27, 2014

LAWRENCE — Kansas Securities Commissioner Josh Ney announced Thursday in a news release criminal charges were being filed against Family Homes Inc. and Roderic (Rod) E. Deines, Lawrence.

Deines was charged with 11 felony counts for violating the Kansas Uniform Securities Act, including allegations of securities fraud and the selling of unregistered securities. The criminal complaint alleges that Deines committed securities fraud by unlawfully employing a scheme to defraud at least three Kansas residents by offering and selling unregistered securities in his business, Family Homes Inc., which he claimed was a house-flipping business that could produce extraordinary investment returns.

All three investors are from Russell, where Deines has had previous residence. The complaint alleges that the funds given to Deines by investors were primarily used for his personal expenses and to pay other investors. Victim losses total more than $170,000.

Chris Mann, senior staff attorney for the Kansas Securities Commissioner, urges anyone with information to contact the agency.

“If you have been approached by this individual regarding investing in Family Homes, please contact the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner at (785) 296-3307,” Mann said.

HPD investigating rash of overnight tire slashings

Posted on February 27, 2014

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The Hays Police Department is investigating a rash of tire slashings Thursday morning, according to Lt. Brandon Wright.

Wright said the department has already received eight reports of tire slashing, and all are believed to have occurred overnight.

The slashings occurred in the same general area of Hays — the 2200 block of Drum, 2400 block of Centennial, 2300 block of General Custer, 2200 block of General Custer, 1700 block of Eisenhower. One more report was received from a resident on Cody.

If anyone has any information on the incidents, they are encouraged to call the the HPD at (785) 625-1077

Pre-emptive water conservation tactics in Hays (VIDEO)

Posted on February 27, 2014February 27, 2014

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays plans to hold a town hall meeting soon to discuss water issues and the possibility of having to declare a Water Warning, which would severely limit outdoor water use.

Commissioner Eber Phelps says it’s a “pre-emptive move as opposed to a reactionary situation, which could be unpleasant for residents who’ve already purchased plants and lawn seed for spring planting:”

Phelps and Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty recently attended the 2014 Land and Water Summit in Albuquerque, N.M. Phelps expects Hays to take a closer look at several ideas including more education about xeriscaping and use of gray water irrigation.

FHSU’s Big Event will raise awareness for St. Jude’s

Posted on February 27, 2014February 27, 2014

FHSU University Relations

The Big Event promises Fort Hays State University students a night of celebration, prizes, food, head-shaving and, most importantly, awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. FHSU’s Up ’til Dawn will hold the Big Event from midnight to 6 a.m. Saturday in the Memorial Union on the FHSU campus.

Up ’til Dawn is a nationwide organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for St. Jude. The funds raised help benefit the children of St. Jude, their families and cancer research. So far, FHSU has raised nearly $14,000.

Students are encouraged to raise at least $10 for St. Jude to gain entrance to the Big Event. Registration begins at 11:30 p.m. Friday in the Memorial Union.

During the Big Event, “Shave for the Brave” will raise even more money for the children. Participants will choose one student to have his or her hair completely buzzed. Five FHSU students have agreed to shed their hair in honor of the children at St. Jude. Each of the five students will have a jar and whichever jar receives the most donations, that student will have his or her head shaved by the end of the night.

Students participating in the Big Event will also have a chance to win big prizes, including a Keurig coffee system, flat screen TV, tablet computer, digital camera, grill, gift cards and other great prizes.

One week later, Up ’til Dawn will partner with the FHSU soccer teams and the Hays Recreation Commission to hold a youth soccer camp, with proceeds benefitting St. Jude from 1 to 3 p.m. March 8 at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.

Children ages 5 to 14 are welcome to participate and are encouraged to bring their soccer practice gear including practice clothes and shin guards. Soccer balls will be provided.

Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt. The deadline for registration is March 3. Late registrations will be accepted, but there will be limited T-shirts available.

American Red Cross will have blood drive in Ellis

Posted on February 27, 2014February 27, 2014

ELLIS — The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. March 19 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1013 Washington.

Appointments can be made online by clicking HERE.

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in the community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds — and most people will need blood during their lifetime.

Road work set to begin in Trego County on Monday

Posted on February 27, 2014

On Monday, weather permitting, a resurfacing project will begin on a 22 mile stretch of Kansas 147 from the Ness/Trego County line to Ogallah.

The scope of the project, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation, is to mill the existing pavement and overlay with 1.5-inches of new asphalt material.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours. Minor delays should be expected during construction, not exceeding 15 minutes.

The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and “Give ‘Em a Brake!” when approaching and driving through the construction zone.

KDOT awarded the $1,759,990 contract to Venture, Corp., Great Bend. The scheduled completion date for the project is late April.

Hays commissioners will consider giving OK to street work

Posted on February 26, 2014

At Thursday’s Hays City Commission meeting, commissioners will consider awarding bids for a series of street repair projects.

The 2014 street maintenance projects include 6 miles of asphalt streets; patch and repair at various locations in town; reconstruction of 11th Street from Cedar to Vine; and repairs on brick streets.

The city staff is recommending the following bids be approved:

• Hi-Plains Sand, $219,784 for chip seal;
• Stripe and Seal, $124,872 for 11th Street;
• Sweeney Pavement Maintenance, $42,400 for patching;
• Stripe and Seal, $71,509 for curb and brick repair.

The city budgeted $495,000 for the work, and bids came in more than $36,400 lower than anticipated.

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.

For a complete agenda, click HERE.

Colyer appointed to national Republican Party post

Posted on February 26, 2014February 26, 2014

KS Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer shares a laugh with Hays resident Tom Lippert. — Kansas Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer visits with Hays residents during the TMP-Marian High School homecoming last September.

TOPEKA – The Republican Lieutenant Governors Association announced last week it has appointed Kansas Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer to its 2014 RLGA executive committee.

“I am honored to join my fellow Republican lieutenant governors from across the country to advocate for policies that are important to each of our states,” Colyer said today in a news release. “I look forward to continuing to work with the rest of the RLGA Executive Committee to bring the principles of low taxes, smaller government, and increased personal freedom to our states.”

Colyer is a Hays native and graduate of TMP-Marian High School.

Forty-five states have lieutenant governors. Republicans currently hold 13 of the 19 independently elected positions and 15 of the 26 team-elected/appointed seats.

“I’d like to congratulate Lt. Gov. Colyer for again being named to the RLGA’s executive committee,” Gov. Sam Brownback said. “Jeff has been a great partner in our work to grow the Kansas economy and create private-sector jobs. He works hard every day on behalf of all Kansans.”

The RLGA is part of the Republican State Leadership Committee, the largest caucus of Republican state leadership in the country.

Ellis talking to Trego County and Hays about water sources

Posted on February 26, 2014February 26, 2014

ELLIS — In a special meeting Monday night, Ellis City Council members discussed the city’s desire to explore options for an additional water source.

The feasibility study to determine the viability of partnering with Trego County Rural Water District will be completed in 30 to 45 days.

Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty is scheduled to address the council at its March 17 meeting about Hays’ plan to develop the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water source, and geologist Robert Vincent will be asked to attend a future council meeting. The board will also talk about the future of the city’s one-cent sales tax, set to expire in 2016, and whether it should be extended to help pay for water projects.

The unofficial minutes, in draft form, of the special meeting follow.

• • •

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING February 24, 2014

CALL TO ORDER

Council President Jolene Niernberger called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Council members John Walz, Loran Gottschalk, and Terry Redetzke. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman. Mayor Lyle Johnston and Council member Jeff Wolf were absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Ryan Augustine, John LaShell, Sean Simmons, Dave McDaniel, Gayla Wichman, Gary Luea, and Ronald Johnson.

PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING

Council President Jolene Niernberger stated the purpose of the special meeting was to approve the USDA annual reports, to further consider the City’s website, and to discuss water exploration.

Water: Financial

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the annual financial reports as required by the United States Department of Agriculture. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Terry Redetzke seconded a motion to approve the 2013 USDA Financial Reports as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

General Government: Special Project

Ryan Augustine discussed with Council the need to make the City’s website more user friendly and provide more visual appeal. The current website provides good information, but it is hard to navigate through the site. Sean Simmons visited with Council on the various types of websites and the need to determine the goal of the site. It is important to brainstorm what types of information each department of the City desires to include on the site. Gayla Wichman added the City has three types of users to consider – current residents, potential residents, and visitors – and the site should provide information relevant to each of these users. The Council also discussed how social media could enhance the City’s website and provide an outlet to quickly release information to the public. City Clerk Amy Burton will send out a memo to the Department Heads asking for their “wish list” for the website and compile the results.

Capital Improvement: Water Exploration

Council discussed the City’s desire to explore for an additional water source. The feasibility study to determine the viability of partnering with Trego County Rural Water District will be completed in 30-45 days. Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty plans to visit with Council at the March 17th regular meeting about Hays’ plan to explore south central Kansas for water. Council discussed whether to partner with a neighboring community or to explore for the City’s own water source. It was the consensus of Council to have Public Works Director Alan Scheurman contact geologist Robert Vincent to come to a Council meeting and discuss the City’s next step in the exploration process. Council member John Walz discussed the City’s one cent sales tax that expires in 2016. Council needs to consider if the additional sales tax should be continued for additional funding for water exploration.

General Government: Meeting

The Council will not have a quorum for the March 3, 2014 regular meeting. It was decided to move the meeting to March 5, 2014 at the regular time.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Loran Gottschalk moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

One thing to do in Kansas? HuffPo says it’s Gella’s Oatmeal Stout

Posted on February 26, 2014February 26, 2014

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

In their recent article, “This Is The ONE Thing You Must Do In Each US State“, Huffington Post said to “Sample the No. 6 Oatmeal Stout at Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Company” for the state of Kansas.

“We are thrilled to represent Kansas and look forward to toasting travelers with pints of Oatmeal Stout,” said brew master Gerald Wyman.

The article also talks about the story of how Gella’s came about.

“One day, Gerald Wyman’s wife told him to please stop brewing beer in their kitchen. A few years later, Wyman had a charming-yet-modern storefront and a Gold World Beer Cup Award for his Oatmeal Stout.”

Since its inception in 2005, the diner and brewery has a history of continued excellence at the Great American Beer Festival, which takes place in Denver each summer. Just four months after it opened, Gella’s had picked up the first of nine GABF gold medals for Lb’s No. 50 Liberty Stout. In 2010, the Oatmeal Stout earned a Gold World Beer Cup Award, and, in 2013, the brewery was named Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year, the first Kansas brewery to receive the honor.

Former Trego school board president accepts plea agreement on drug charges

Posted on February 26, 2014April 7, 2014

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

WAKEENEY — John Reeder, former president of Trego County USD 208 schools, waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday and entered into a plea agreement.

According to the plea agreement, Reeder, also a Trego County appraiser, pleaded guilty to one count of marijuana distribution and one count of possession of methamphetamine. The plea agreement calls for 15 months “non-prison sanction” on the distribution charge and 11 months on the possession charge, with sentences to run consecutively. The agreement also calls for 36 months of supervision by community corrections. A non-prison sanction allows for the possibility of a defendant being placed on probation or under the supervision of community corrections.

According to the Kansas Attorney General’s office, a non-prison sanction is allowed per statute if the court finds an individual can be admitted to an appropriate treatment program or if “the non-prison sanction will serve the community safety interests by promoting offender reformation.”

Sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 8, at which time the plea agreement will be finalized or the court has the authority to impose an alternate sentence.

Reeder, 52, who resigned his school board post immediately following his Dec. 20 arrest, was represented in court by Michael Holland II, Russell, while Kimberly King served as special assistant attorney general for the prosecution.

Reeder remains free on a community corrections bond.

Reeder’s plea agreement can be seen here.

Hays Public Library will have Oscars watch party

Posted on February 26, 2014

Hays Public Library

Needing something to do on a lazy afternoon? Don’t want to watch the Oscars alone? Then the Hays Public Library is the place for you March 2, where two programs are being offered to liven up your Sunday. Both programs will be held in the Schmidt Gallery.

2 p.m., “Mr. Lincoln’s War”: Sanford Lee will visit the library as his character Professor Farquar for a performance. Lee’s performance will include songs from the Civil War-era, accompanied by his acoustic guitar, historic narratives and a little bit of magic.

6 p.m., Oscars watch party: The library will have its first Oscars party and viewing. Refreshments will be provided, and a game of Oscar bingo will be played. Prizes will be awarded.