KU NEWS SERVICE LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will host its second annual Fall Undergraduate Research Poster Session next week, featuring the work of 57 KU students, including a Hays student. The public is invited to the event, sponsored by KU’s Center for Undergraduate Research, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the Kansas Union Ballroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have an excellent group of student presentations lined up for the Fall Poster Session,” said Alison Olcott, undergraduate research center director. “We hope the campus community will come out to hear from these students about what they have learned this semester.”&nbsp;Kansas students who will present their work are listed below, along with their major, hometown, project title, and research mentor. The full list of participants is available in the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/undergraduate-students-present-research-projects-0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(149, 79, 114);">online version</a>&nbsp;of this press release.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barton CountyGage Miller, a psychology major from Ellinwood: “Discounting of Sexual Partners Prospectively Predicts Risky Sexual Behavior,” mentored by David Jarmolowicz, applied behavioral science.&nbsp;Ellis CountyLacey Gregory, a journalism major from Hays: “Kansan Diversity and Representation,” mentored by Teri Finneman, journalism.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays student selected for KU Research Poster Session

Gov. Laura Kelly last week appointed Gita Noble, Jade Ramsdell and Gwendolyn&nbsp;Loyd&nbsp;to the Kansas Board of Nursing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The board&nbsp;is charged with protecting the&nbsp;health, safety and welfare of&nbsp;residents&nbsp;of Kansas through the licensure and regulation process of nursing professions in the state.&nbsp;To that end, the board&nbsp;prescribes&nbsp;curricula and standards for professional and practical&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;programs and mental-health technician programs;&nbsp;and examines, licenses and renews the licenses of qualified applicants, among other duties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Board of Nursing is charged with&nbsp;improving the health and safety of all Kansans by ensuring they&nbsp;receive&nbsp;care from&nbsp;the highest-quality&nbsp;nursing professionals,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“Gita, Jade and Gwendolyn&nbsp;are passionate, caring individuals, and I know their&nbsp;experience and skills&nbsp;will be&nbsp;valuable on the board.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Loyd, Logan, is a registered nurse with over 20 years of professional nursing experience. She is currently a&nbsp;registered nurse&nbsp;in the progressive care unit at Hays Medical Center. She received a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and a Master of Science in&nbsp;nursing from Western Governors University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in&nbsp;nursing from Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;Noble, Topeka, is the student internship coordinator at Seaman High School,&nbsp;where she oversees the high school internship and job shadow program. She received her Master of Arts in&nbsp;teaching from Friends University and her Bachelor of Science in&nbsp;elementary&nbsp;education from the University of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ramsdell, Topeka, is the continuing professional development coordinator at Stormont Vail. She previously was the director of habilitation services at the Kansas Neurological Institute. Ramsdell holds a Bachelor of Health Services Administration and an Associate of Science in&nbsp;occupational&nbsp;therapy from Washburn University. She has been a licensed occupational therapy assistant since 2015,&nbsp;and previously was a member of the Washburn Occupational Therapy Assistant Advisory Board.&nbsp;&nbsp;There&nbsp;are&nbsp;a total of 11 members on the board, all appointed by the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Logan nurse among those appointed to state nursing board

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Five!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jaqwm-ca7635?from=yiiadmin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;skin=3&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;pbad=1" height="400" width="400"></iframe>

🎤Post Podcast: FHSU preparing for first fall commencement

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575582275581.jpeg">Breathe Coffee House is sponsoring an new program called Can We Just Talk? to help students who need a kind ear. By CRISTINA JANNEYHays Post FHSU's Kelly Center is seeing an influx of students seeking mental health services, and a new program is seeking to help students who just need someone to talk to. During the 2014-15 school year, the Kelly Center had 1,950 appointments. In the 2018-19 school year, that jumped to 4,120, said Gina Smith, Kelly Center director and licensed master level psychologist. Smith said depression and anxiety are the most common student complaints. Some FHSU students experience isolation as they move away from their families and support systems. Smith said social media may be contributing to that isolation. "I think they look at social media. They see all the things that are happening in the world, and that can be a stressor," she said. "They also see other people on social media, and they compare themselves to them. They feel they fall short in life. They see someone take a trip, and they think they don't have financial problems." Smith said students are not engaging face to face. When they are between classes, they are on their phones instead of talking to each other.<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575582431483.jpeg">Volunteers are meeting with strangers for a free cup of coffee and conversation through the Can We Just Talk? program at Breathe Coffee House. Patrick McGinnis of <a href="http://breathecoffee.com/#conversation-focused" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Breathe Coffee House</a> and a group from the FHSU Leadership 310 course are seeking to meet some of this growing need from students with the Can We Just Talk? program. The program is set up so individuals who just need a friendly ear, can pick up a free coffee coupon from the Kelly Center, other sources on campus or at Breathe. When they present the coupon, the staff at Breathe will connect the person with a trained volunteer onsite who is willing to listen. Anyone who needs more intense clinical help is referred to a professional. The Wonder Women League as well as other sponsors donated funds for the coffee coupons. Although the program is open to all people in the community, McGinnis and Leadership 310 have initially focused on students. McGinnis said the program can be helpful for students who are struggling with a particular issue, but might not need clinical help. Smith said the Kelly Center is also referring students to the program between clinical appointments. Sixty percent of the success of clinical treatment is dependent on clients feeling their therapists care, McGinnis said. "We don't have to create a whole bunch more people who can do therapy," he said. "We need to find people who actually care." McGinnis said Hays has people who care. Within two days of announcing the program on Facebook, the program's post had almost 10,000 views and 30 people had volunteered to be listeners in the program. The goal of the nonprofit McGinnis formed with Breathe as the hub is to create a space where people can talk face to face. Breathe hosted a series of dialogues on important topics in the community, including mental health. "What had come out of those mental health conversations and dialogues is there is an epidemic of mental health issues," McGinnis said, "not only here, but throughout our nation, especially in young people. Depression, anxiety and suicide rates are all at all-time highs." Leadership 310 students and program volunteers seniors Lincoln Ector and Spencer Kochanowski said they see the program as needed. The volunteers participated in training offered by the Kelly Center on empathy and suicide prevention. Ector, who is from Hays, said he did not feel some of culture shock new students to Hays might feel, but he could see that isolation among his fellow students, especially in his general education courses. "You can almost tell when you walk into a room. The person's body language — they are slouched down looking at their paper. They don't want to look up at you. They don't want to talk. They never talk in class," Ector said. Kochanowski said when you get into classes in your major, you start having classes with the same people and become closer with your classmates. Kochanowski, a psychology major who plans to continue in the clinical psychology grad program, said once he started joining campus groups in his second semester, he started meeting more people. However, the volunteers noted some students struggle with finding those connections. Although the program is just getting off the ground and has not had high usage yet, the volunteers said the common issue among the students thus far has been anxiety and stress revolving around academics. McGinnis said he hopes to pair people through the program who have common experiences. "If I have 30 people signed up, I surely have one person who has dealt with cancer," he said. "I could eventually ask them those facts or they would tell us that, and we would have that as part of who they are. "So when someone walks through the door, and they are dealing with someone in their family who has cancer, I can say, 'You really need to talk to Jody. She's here on Thursdays.' " The program will have volunteers on hand at Breathe during finals. They will have a group Can We Just Talk ? event between 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday at Breathe. During the fall semester, volunteers were on hand Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and Saturdays. However, if you come into Breathe anytime, the staff will be able to let you know when a volunteer will be available. If you would like to volunteer, you can contact McGinnis at <a href="breathecoffeehouse@gmail.com">breathecoffeehouse@gmail.com</a>. McGinnis said fear of talking to a stranger is a barrier to students further utilizing the program. One student told his volunteer, he drove around the coffee house for 20 minutes with his Can We Just Talk coffee coupon on his hand before he had the nerve to come in and use it. McGinnis said he hoped having some group discussion will help further break down barriers and help people fell more comfortable talking one on one. McGinnis himself has gone back to school and is seeking a degree in counseling from FHSU. He hopes to serve his practicum in the Can We Just Talk? program at the coffee house. He is in talks with High Plains Mental Health to engage more people in the community in the program. Smith said she also hoped the program will continue to grow. "I think the program can be beneficial to college-age students and really beneficial to community of Hays," Smith said. "As it moves into the community, I think we can look at connecting people at FHSU and in the community in general. Hopefully, it grows. I am encouraging our staff to hand the out the cards."

Can We Just Talk? connects strangers with those needing caring listeners

🎥 HPD: 'Shop local' is economy boost in safe surroundings

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575488543490.jpeg">Fort Hays State’s Michaela Strecker, Minneola senior, works with elementary education students during a school visit to Dodge City earlier this semester.&nbsp; By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN&nbsp;FHSU University Relations and Marketing&nbsp; Tyra Hayden grew up in Ulysses in the southwestern corner of the state and hopes to teach in a rural Kansas community someday.&nbsp; But first, she wants to student teach in a city school to get the feel of a larger classroom setting. Having the choice of where to student teach is attractive to Hayden, a senior elementary major at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; FHSU’s program allows students to test their career path with internships anywhere in the state or even in another state or another country if they so choose. Some institutions are more restrictive about where their students do their student teaching.&nbsp; Flexibility is just one reason that FHSU has the largest teacher’s education program in the state, says Dr. Chris Jochum, chair of the Department of Teacher Education&nbsp; Fort Hays State is listening to public schools’ suggestions about what they think are some main areas to focus on these days, such as real-life classroom management and knowledge of the social needs of children.&nbsp; Students in the classroom management class have gotten some real-world exposure to both those issues this semester while visiting classrooms large and small in different cities.&nbsp; Two different classes traveled to Dodge City and Russell, while Jochum accompanied a group to Houston. The school visits are a way to reinforce and make Kansas teachers better, Jochum said.&nbsp; “The more we get students out into classrooms, the better,” he said. “In Dodge, they get to see a lot of diversity. In Houston, it’s a different culture altogether. Our students need to work with people who think and work differently than we do.”&nbsp; The Houston group was the first to benefit from the Dr. Janet and Dean Stramel Teacher Education Travel Fund. The fund was established by Janet, associate professor of teacher education, and her husband to give FHSU students the opportunity to experience a variety of cultures before entering the real world of teaching. The Stramels’ gift of $5,000 to create the fund was made earlier this semester.&nbsp; At Russell, Hayden and her classmates got to hear about responsibility-centered discipline, part of a classroom management curriculum started at FHSU by Principal Shawn Henderson when he worked at Fort Hays State from 2015-19.&nbsp; It’s a method that teaches students to take responsibility for their own behavior. Henderson, in his first year at Russell, has incorporated the program into his new school and even has a refocus room where students can go to do just that.&nbsp; “Sometimes students just needs to get their thermostat down, and we help them see that it’s important to get themselves back where they need to be,” he said. “We play every card we have to play to help kids get through everything they go through these days.”&nbsp; Hayden said she originally chose Fort Hays State because of its small class size and affordability. Once on campus, she saw that FHSU had so much more to offer. She is particularly impressed with the opportunity to take part in school visits.&nbsp; “Learning that curriculum makes so much sense, approaching situations from a supportive position,” said Hayden, who wants to teach kindergarten for a few years while working on a degree in special education.&nbsp; “But I believe that every single class I’ve taken – whether general education or degree courses – has prepared me for the real world,” she said. “I’m confident walking into a classroom now.”&nbsp;

Classroom visits provide key learning experience for future teachers at FHSU

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099003602.png"><a href="https://www.hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here. </a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575653587586.jpeg">

Three-day weather outlook

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575650573142.jpeg">KDWPT PRATT – Wild turkey populations are declining across the Midwest and Kansas isn’t immune. Though the Sunflower State still boasts one of the strongest wild turkey populations in the region, statewide surveys suggest immediate action is needed if Kansas is to have any measurable impact on slowing the decline. Leading the charge is Kent Fricke, small game coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Fricke, who chairs the Department’s Wild Turkey Committee, has presented on the matter to the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission since June 2019. &nbsp;“Our primary concern is declining nest and brood survival rates, which are influenced by habitat availability and weather,” said Fricke. “In recent years, we’ve observed declines in both habitat quantity and quality, as well as significant weather events that have negatively impacted nesting and brood rearing seasons. Collectively, these factors are likely contributing to turkey declines.” While Fricke and others continue to examine potential causes behind the widespread decline, spring flooding is believed to be at the forefront for 2019, as Kansas’ estimated statewide turkey production was the lowest on record. In an effort to give populations an adequate opportunity to recover from this year’s hard-hitting spring and reduce long-term declines, staff developed progressive recommendations for the 2020 spring and fall turkey seasons. Though not all staff recommendations were approved as presented, commissioners approved the following at their Nov. 14 meeting in Scott City:<ul><li>Bag limits in Turkey Management Units 3, 5, and 6 (Northeast, Southcentral, and Southeast) will be reduced from two turkeys to one turkey beginning with the spring 2020 season; bag limits in Units 1 and 2 (Northwest and Northcentral) will remain at two turkeys. Hunters will still be able to purchase a permit, game tag, or combo; however, game tags (which allow the take of a second turkey) will not be valid in Units 3, 5, and 6.</li><li>­An amendment to reduce the fall 2020 season to 41 days for all open Turkey Management Units. Currently, the fall season runs Oct. 1, 2019-Jan. 31, 2020; however, under the new regulation, the 2020 fall season will run Oct. 1-Nov. 10, 2020. Unit 4 remains closed to fall hunting.</li><li>Staff recommended suspending the fall season in Units 3, 5, and 6. However, Commissioners were hesitant to agree, for fear of losing fall turkey hunting opportunity indefinitely. An amendment to create a bearded-only fall hunting season was introduced by the Commission, but was unable to gain a majority vote. The fall season bag limit – one either sex permit valid statewide, except for Unit 4 – remains unchanged.</li><li>Spring 2021 turkey season dates. Youth and hunters with disabilities – April 1-13, 2021; archery – April 5-13, 2021; and the regular season – April 14-May 31, 2021.</li></ul> “The Wild Turkey Committee continues to refine and update our Adaptive Harvest Strategy, which provides a consistent and transparent method of developing staff recommendations for spring and fall season bag limits,” said Fricke. “Our goal is to maintain a robust turkey population that provides high hunter satisfaction.” Fricke adds that landowners interested in improving turkey habitat on their property are encouraged to contact KDWPT biologists to develop strategies. There are many resources available to assist landowners with habitat improvements, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FServices%2FPrivate-Landowner-Assistance&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJessica.Ward%40ks.gov%7C3e3487fc324c465116dc08d7790909bc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637110952026299745&amp;sdata=GVhaSeR8nIgKpn2ZQGZ5HSVRKs7jZhktXKmwY0GvAGk%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Private-Landowner-Assistance</a>&nbsp;for more information. To view population data, staff recommendations, or minutes from previous meetings, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Past-and-Future-Meetings/Archived-Meetings/2019" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Past-and-Future-Meetings/Archived-Meetings/2019</a>. To view a video recording of the Nov. 14 public hearing, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Current-LIVE-Commission-Meeting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Current-LIVE-Commission-Meeting</a>. For a complete list of 2020 and 2021 turkey season dates and Turkey Hunting Units, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/What-to-Hunt/Turkey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/What-to-Hunt/Turkey</a>.

KDWPT working to combat declining turkey numbers  

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575569932510.jpeg">By KATHARINE KOSIN and PIERCE MCMANUSFreedom Forum Institute Have you noticed there’s a special “day” for just about everything? Pick any date on the calendar and odds are it’s been designated National or International (fill-in-the-blank) Day. Do you love tacos? You’re in luck because Oct. 4 is National Taco Day. Are felines more your fancy? Commemorate your furry friends on Oct. 29, National Cat Day. Think Cat Day is funny? Spread the joy of laughter on International Joke Day, which happens to fall on July 1. You get the idea. As much as we love tacos, cats and a good rib-tickler, we couldn’t express these heartfelt desires without the constitutional protection of our most essential freedoms — religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, to name those covered by the First Amendment. So on Dec. 15, we’ll be celebrating Bill of Rights Day, a day first observed 78 years ago to commemorate ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Together, these amendments protect the core rights that shape our American experience. The liberties in the Bill of Rights are crucial for our democratic government to function. They allow us to express ourselves, no matter how displeasing our ideas may be to the government or society at large. They ensure access to the information we need to make decisions in our daily lives, whether we’re at the supermarket or in the voting booth, and they assure the accountability of those in power by protecting the due process of law. And while these fundamental rights are powerful and enjoy their own special day, they should not be taken for granted. For one thing, local, state and federal governments don’t always respect the boundaries established by the Bill of Rights. The federal government temporarily limited the freedoms of speech and press with the Sedition Act in 1798 and state governments used to bar women and African Americans of any sex from serving on juries, interfering with the due process rights of female and black defendants guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. In more recent times, the courts have better served as a check on government interference in these freedoms, but we still must remain vigilant. But government interference is not the only threat to the Bill of Rights. There is a troubling lack of awareness among the public about what rights these amendments actually protect and why they are vital for our democracy. This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SOFAreport2019.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">year’s State of the First Amendment survey</a>, conducted by the Freedom Forum Institute,&nbsp;found that 29 percent of American adults cannot name a single freedom covered by the First Amendment. Even more concerning, 29 percent believe that the First Amendment goes too far, a marked increase from 23 percent the previous year. Even when these rights are both recognized and respected, they can bring their own complications and challenges. For example, freedom of speech and press give us access to information, but also create opportunities for disinformation to spread, which uproots our understanding of reality and blurs our judgment of whom or what to trust. This undermines faith in elections and other democratic institutions and sparks unnecessary friction in our society. First Amendment freedoms are directly impacted by this information disorder. Online trolls and hoaxes have tricked people into showing up and exercising their freedom of petition and assembly for no apparent reason, such&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/a-guy-accidentally-shot-himself-after-a-fake-news-story" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">as when dozens showed up</a>&nbsp;at Pennsylvania’s Gettysburg National Battlefield in July 2017 in response to a fake story claiming Confederate graves were about to be desecrated there. Freedom of speech, which is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, is not as effective or helpful when the opinions expressed are based on false or inaccurate information. And appreciation for freedom of the press can be undermined when completely made-up stories are confused for real news, muddying the media landscape. So this Dec. 15, do your part to break the cycle of ignorance and misinformation that threatens our fundamental freedoms. Brush up on your constitutional freedoms and learn more about misinformation. Democracy demands it and our future depends on it. As a starting point, you can learn how to identify and deflect misinformation that serves as propaganda at our new microsite,&nbsp;<a href="https://disinformation-nation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Disinformation-Nation.org</a>. You can find other resources to hone your media literacy skills on&nbsp;<a href="https://newseumed.org/medialiteracy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewseumED.org/medialiteracy</a>&nbsp;and with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/newstrition/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newstrition app</a>.From all of us to all of you, Happy Bill of Rights Day! Contributing to this column were Katharine Kosin, NewseumED museum educator and Pierce McManus, NewseumED’s digital communications and outreach director.

FIRST FIVE: ’Tis the season for celebrating freedom

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575642982143.jpeg">Sunday's annual Cathedral Concert will be rebroadcast on Hays Post and on Eagle Radio courtesy Gorham State Bank.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a> <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/mi8g7-ca5bf1?from=yiiadmin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;skin=3&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;pbad=1" height="400" width="400"></iframe>

🎤Post Podcast: Annual Cathedral Concert set for Sunday

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575718664735.jpeg"> KWO TOPEKA - The U.S. Drought Monitor reports more expansion in abnormally dry and moderate drought in southwest and south central Kansas this week. The Kansas expansion of abnormally dry and moderate drought​ was in response to continued developing dryness and impacts to winter wheat. Ellis County is (five counties to right and three down from northwest corner of map) is not yet in the abnormally dry area (D0). For more drought information visit <a href="https://www.kwo.ks.gov/reports2/climate-and-drought-monitoring-response" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kwo.ks.gov/reports2/climate-and-drought-monitoring-response </a> - KANSAS WATER OFFICE -

Drought conditions creeping across western Kansas

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575647172299.jpeg">The new Paradise Roots Pharmacy buildings at 101 E. Main St. in Hill City is still under renovation, but should be open in January. By CRISTINA JANNEYHays Post HILL CITY — A young pharmacist will be opening a new pharmacy in Hill City, preserving the only pharmacy service in Graham County. Kylee Shae, PharmD, has been working for the past nine months at Wise Drug, which has been operated by Steve Mayo for 37 years. In November, Shae purchased the building at 101 E. Main St. in Hill City and started renovations. Shae will open Paradise Roots Pharmacy in early January at the new location and assume Mayo's clients.&nbsp;All of the current employees for the pharmacy will make the transition to Shae's ownership.&nbsp; Shae said all of the medical records also will transfer to the new pharmacy. She will be working with Mayo to ensure a smooth transition, and the pair hopes to avoid any interruption in service. Mayo will continue to stay on as a relief pharmacist for Shae even after the transition is complete. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575647370079.jpeg">Pharmacist Kylee Shae will be assuming the clients of Wise Pharmacy at her new business Paradise Roots Pharmacy. Shae is originally from Plainville, the daughter of two struggling parents, and said she knew early on that she wanted to be a pharmacist and own her own pharmacy in rural northwest Kansas. She started working at Plainville’s Unrein Drug in high school under then-owner Keith Unrein. "Both Keith and Steve [Mayo] taught me how important each customer is and how vital a pharmacy is to a small community," she said in a news release. "I love the personal connection with each customer, knowing everyone by name and being able to help them better their health while hopefully making their day just a little bit better when they come in. "I want to convey that they are in the best hands each time they come in. I ensure you that Paradise Roots Pharmacy will continue the excellent service you receive and expect from Wise Pharmacy.” The name Paradise Roots came from Plainville, which was called Paradise Flats when it was first settled. Both Shae and Mayo are originally from Plainville. Shae said she also wanted to show appreciation for her roots in northwest Kansas. "I have always thought of northwest Kansas as its own kind of paradise," Shae said. "I am so happy to be getting out of eastern Kansas and coming back to my roots. I want to put a foundation down in the community and get more involved and put roots down to keep building and growing." Shae received her undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and graduated from KU Pharmacy School in May 2019. She had spent time at Wise Drug during several of her pharmaceutical rotations and went to work there after graduation. Looking to cut back a little, Mayo and Shae had many discussions about transitioning to new ownership while continuing to work together. Mayo wanted to be sure whoever would be in charge of his store would fit into the community well, take care of his customers as well as he has, and know how to handle a northwest Kansas lifestyle, the duo said in a news release. Shae is planning to expand services to provide same-day delivery to not just Hill City but all customers in a 25‐mile radius, including Plainville, offering a service for area customers who have had to make special trips or rely on the postal service. "I saw how much delivering helped my dad who has StageIV cancer," Shae said. "There are so many trips to the doctor's offices for lab work, chemo, etc. Taking the drugstore out of their to-do list helps him tremendously and lets him get even more rest. "So if that can help him that much, why not add even more patients and communities to that list." Shae also plans to provide immunizations, such as flu and shingles vaccines. Medication synchronization will allow customers to pick up or have delivered all of their ongoing medications on the same day. Automatic refills and compliance packaging, which is blister packages for people who take multiple medications multiple times per day, will be offered. For the first time, the pharmacy in Hill City will offer notifications that medications are ready via text messaging. You can also receive notification through phone calls. Shae said the goal of the changes is to customize patient services to make receiving and taking medications more convenient. Remodeling is still underway at the new location at 101 E. Main St. Shae said she hoped to have the renovations complete by the end of December and the pharmacy open in the new location in January. "We are all looking forward to a new space and a facelift for the pharmacy. It is much needed after 30-some odd years," she said. Hours at the new pharmacy will be 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays. The store is working on a website, but it is not yet available.

Paradise Roots to replace longtime Hill City pharmacy

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575575546180.jpeg">FHSU University Relations <a href="www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks">Kansas Speaks Fall 2019</a>, a survey on issues of importance and on the attitudes of Kansans about their state, was released today by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; Kansas Speaks is the only regular survey of Kansans on issues and opinions.&nbsp; Among the questions presented to respondents was the performance of Gov. Laura Kelly, who is finishing up her first year in the governor’s mansion.&nbsp; “This was the first rating of Gov. Laura Kelly in a Kansas Speaks survey,” said Dr. Brett Zollinger, Docking director and a professor of sociology at Fort Hays State.&nbsp; “More than half are satisfied with the Governor’s overall performance, the highest satisfaction among the political figures and institutions rated,” he said.&nbsp; Specifically, 52.7 percent of respondents to the survey are satisfied so far with Gov. Kelly, and 26.4 percent are dissatisfied. On President Donald Trump, 44.1 percent are satisfied, and 44.3 percent are dissatisfied.&nbsp; The 2019 survey, conducted by Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute of Public Affairs and released today, interviewed 352 Kansans by phone (land line and cell). The survey has a 5.2-percent margin of error.&nbsp; The Docking’s staff and team of Policy Fellows from across the state developed 24 questions in four areas: overall quality of life in Kansas; taxes and the economy; government and politicians; and public policy issues. The series began in 2009.&nbsp; One hot-button issue covered in this year’s survey was Medicaid expansion. The survey found wide support in Kansas.&nbsp; “Almost two-thirds – 62 percent – of Kansans support Medicaid expansion,” said Dr. Jian Sun, a professor of political science at FHSU and the Docking’s assistant director. Fifteen percent of survey respondents were neutral on the issue, and 23 percent did not support expansion.&nbsp; Other questions on Medicaid covered perceived benefits of expansion.&nbsp; “Over 60 percent agree that Medicaid expansion would help rural Kansas hospitals and agree that those who might obtain health insurance from the expansion deserve this benefit,” said Sun. “Clearly this issue is on the minds of Kansans, as only 22 percent give Medicaid expansion no thought at all as a current political issue.”&nbsp; Gun control and prisons were among the policy issues addressed.&nbsp; One question sought respondents’ sentiment on seven gun control issues: Background checks; an assault weapon ban; a ban on high-capacity magazines; preventing sales of firearms to people “who have been reported as dangerous to law enforcement by a mental health provider”; an age requirement of 21 or older to purchase guns; preventing firearms sales to people convicted of violent misdemeanors; and a mandatory three-day waiting period.&nbsp; “Over half of Kansans support each,” said Dr. Patrick Miller, a Docking Policy Fellow, “with support on these items ranging from 52 percent in support of banning assault-style weapons to 88 percent in support of requiring background checks on all gun sales.”&nbsp; Miller is an associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp; One question also asked respondents to rate the frontrunners in the presidential primary for the Democratic Party.&nbsp; “Bernie Sanders has the highest positive and highest negative ratings of any Democratic candidate,” said Dr. Michael Smith, Policy Fellow and a professor of political science at Emporia State University.&nbsp; “This likely reflects the fact that voters are already familiar with him, since he ran in 2016,” said Smith. “Pete Buttigieg has the lowest positive and negative, both likely reflecting that many voters are still not very familiar with him. Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren fall somewhere in between.”&nbsp; Two perennial questions on the survey sought the respondents’ attitudes toward Kansas as a place to live and on whether the state is on the right or wrong track.&nbsp; In 2019, the results are 53.7 who see the state as a “very good” or “excellent” place to live, and only 1.5 percent who found that the state is a “poor” or “very poor” place to live.&nbsp; The right-track-wrong-track ratio is 77.4 percent right, 22.6 percent wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The full report can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks</a>.&nbsp;

Docking Institute releases results of Kansas Speaks 2019 survey

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575488980683.jpeg">FHSU University Relations Student leaders involved in the “All In” campaign at Fort Hays State University have been rewarded for their perseverance in pursuit of a meaningful cause.&nbsp; “All In” is a nationwide effort sponsored by Campus Democracy Challenge. Several comprehensive student voter registration drives prior to the 2018 midterm elections were organized by political science majors Kaytee Wisley, a sophomore from Wichita, and Alex Rea, a junior from Topeka.&nbsp; That duo and their colleagues were able to register 72.5 percent of the FHSU student body to vote in this election – a 16-percent increase from the previous cycle. In recognition of their efforts, the team recently earned the Gold Seal Award from the American Democracy Project for driving overall student voter registration past the 40-percent mark.&nbsp; Dr. Larry Gould, faculty advisor to FHSU’s American Democracy Project and chair of the Department of Political Science, encouraged the student group to be innovative and collaborative in its approach.&nbsp; Led by Wisley and Rea, the group created action plans that included social media campaigns and information booths at key campus locations such as residence halls. They also held on-campus events and participated in national competitions. The team placed eighth overall in the Pledge to Vote Challenge, sponsored by the “All In” Campus Democracy Challenge.&nbsp; Wisley and Rea said it was a learning experience in many ways, and one of the biggest challenges was educating fellow students about their voting rights and options.&nbsp; “I did not realize how many people did not know how to register to vote or how important local elections are to their community,” Rea said. “Participation in this project gave me an immense appreciation for those who devote their careers and lives to their local community and elections.”&nbsp; About the Center for Civic Leadership and the American Democracy Project at FHSU&nbsp;The American Democracy Project was started at Fort Hays State University in 2004 and placed within the Center for Civic Leadership. The center hosts four organizations dedicated to increasing civic education and engagement at all levels of citizenship. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities created a national initiative of the American Democracy Project in 2003 to promote quality civic education. FHSU is one of two participating universities in Kansas.&nbsp; The mission of the Fort Hays State University American Democracy Project is to promote civil discourse, education, and engagement at the local, state, and national levels of government. Learn more about our partnerships and resources that make this possible at&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsu.edu/ccl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/ccl/</a>.&nbsp;

FHSU students turn in golden effort for local election

By BECKY KISERHays Post The total economic impact of Fort Hays State University on the Ellis County region for fiscal year 2018 (starting July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018) is estimated between $175 million and $234 million. A recently completed study by FHSU professors of finance and economics concludes the university also supports approximately 2,854 jobs. The research by Drs. Emily Breit, Tom Johansen, and Samuel Schreyer identifies consistent positive growth in FHSU’s economic impact on the local economy – up to 300 percent overall for the last 30 years. Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president, shared the research results in her <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5de532f1897d147ad4bb1c70" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">monthly news column</a> this week. Hays city commissioners are happy about those numbers. <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fDdyHkmzWrU"></iframe> "Really, really, really interesting data," said Sandy Jacobs at the end of Thursday's city commission work session. "I have an extremely good understanding of what they [FHSU] do for this community. But you put it in those numbers, it's just unbelievable. "I think there's a lot of credibility with the people that completed the study and I think people should look at it," Jacobs urged. Mayor Henry Schwaller, an FHSU business professor, said he is very pleased with the work of his colleagues. "An economic impact in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and they've also restructured the [City of Hays] scholarship programs so it's seamless from freshman to senior. "It's all geared toward retaining students from freshman to senior year," Schwaller explained, "which has been an issue." FHSU students spent approximately $32 million in 2018. Visitors to the campus spent an additional $17 million. Other key economic indicators in the study include direct spending by the university and the FHSU Foundation; local purchases of goods and services by faculty and staff and their families; jobs created due to the presence of the university; and tax revenue. Sales tax is the main revenue for the city of Hays' general fund. "When I first got on the commission, I had people asking me why does the city always give Fort Hays state money," said Shaun Musil, vice mayor. "And you read that and it just shows you how fast that money is returned to us. "In my opinion, do we even give them enough for what they do for us?," Musil asked. "But that's a discussion for another day," he added. The city budgeted $100,000 for the FHSU scholarship program in 2019 and in 2020. The money comes from the economic development portion of the general fund. The full report, “Economic Impact 2018,” is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/president/state-of-the-campus/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(66, 153, 225); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">https://fhsu.edu/president/state-of-the-campus/index.html</a>.

🎥 City commission happy about FHSU economic impact study

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099003602.png"><a href="https://www.hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here. </a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575653521834.jpeg">

KU News Service LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will host its second annual Fall Undergraduate Research Poster Session next week, featuring the work of 57 KU students. The public is invited to the event, sponsored by KU’s Center for Undergraduate Research, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Kansas Union Ballroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have an excellent group of student presentations lined up for the Fall Poster Session,” said Alison Olcott, undergraduate research center director. “We hope the campus community will come out to hear from these students about what they have learned this semester.”&nbsp;Kansas students who will present their work are listed below, along with their major, hometown, project title, and research mentor. Area students presenting include: Barton CountyGage Miller, a psychology major from Ellinwood: “Discounting of Sexual Partners Prospectively Predicts Risky Sexual Behavior,” mentored by David Jarmolowicz, applied behavioral science.&nbsp;Ellis CountyLacey Gregory, a journalism major from Hays: “Kansan Diversity and Representation,” mentored by Teri Finneman, journalism. Norton CountyKirstin Georgeson, a music therapy major from Norton: “Music Stimuli for Mindfulness: Comparison of Four Stimuli Composed Under Similar Principles,” mentored by Abbey Dvorak, music therapy.

KU students from NW Kan. to present undergrad research projects

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/tnjvg-ca58b2?from=yiiadmin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;skin=3&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;pbad=1" height="400" width="400"></iframe>

🎤Post Podcast: Help available for area entrepreneurs

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575655577679.jpeg"> By BECKY KISERHays Post Lighting on the crosswind runway at Hays Regional Airport needs to be replaced. "This project has been on the airport capital improvement program for a little while and it's on the [overall] 2020 capital improvement plan," John Braun, project manager told Hays city commissioners Thursday night. Crosswind runway 4-22 was constructed in 2003. Direct bury wiring was used for the runway edge lighting and has deteriorated, according to Jamie Salter, airport manager. "There are no significant major problems that we've experienced," Salter reported, "but I did speak with the lighting engineer at Burns and McDonnell earlier this week and he said the average life expectancy for the current system in place is about 10 to 12 years. "So next year, we'll be well beyond that at 17 [years]." Salter said the new system's average life expectancy is about 20 years although they can last much longer. The lighting upgrade to a can and conduit system utilizing LED lights will enhance airfield safety while also reducing maintenance and energy costs, she added. The project includes new Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs, Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs, new lighted signs and a new vault and regulators. The FAA has ranked the project as a priority and will fund 90 percent of the project cost. City commissioners reviewed a design engineering agreement with Burns and McDonnell for $95,050. The firm has been the city's airport engineer since 2006. The agreement will be on the Dec. 12 commission agenda. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575471810761.jpeg">Hays Regional Airport crosswind runway Construction cost is estimated at $1,023,650 for a total project cost of $1,118,700. The city's cost would be 10 percent of that, or $111,870. The work, projected to begin in late 2020, will require periodic shutdowns of the crosswind runway.

Lighting upgrade for Hays airport crosswind runway safer, cost-saving 

Due to utility work near the&nbsp;94.3 FM KAYS transmitter, the station will be off-air late Wednesday morning.

The outage is expected to begin at 10:45 a.m. and last approximately one hour.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588779440071.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to utility work near the&nbsp;94.3 FM KAYS transmitter, the station will be off-air late Wednesday morning.The outage is expected to begin at 10:45 a.m. and last approximately one hour.

94.3 FM KAYS will be off air late Wednesday morning

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png">Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. One major myth about prisons is that they are packed with nonviolent offenders whose only crime is marijuana possession. As I have written editorials about Kansas state prisons recently, this has been the top concern of readers contacting me. But this myth is not reality.&nbsp; Criminal justice reform is rightfully getting significant attention. And opinions around marijuana are changing, even in Kansas. In the 2018 FOX News/AP voter analysis survey, 62 percent of Kansas voters believed that marijuana use should “be legal nationwide.” For a public that is increasingly aware of our prison problems and that is less puritanical than our lawmakers on marijuana, this myth is temptingly simple: solve overcrowding in Kansas prisons by stopping this outrage of imprisoning people for possessing weed. However, the Kansas Department of Corrections reports that in fiscal year 2019 only 20 percent of inmates in state prisons were guilty of a drug violation as their most serious offense. Forty-eight percent were listed under non-sex “other person” offenses and 23 percent under sex-related person offenses. That drug share has been stable over time. In 2000, only 20 percent of Kansas offenders had a drug violation as their most serious offense. Caveats: the report did not disclose the nature of those drug offenses, or what drugs were involved. Nor did it disclose whether offenders with more serious offenses also had drug convictions or how drugs related to parole violations. National statistics suggest that few of those drug offenders are likely imprisoned for marijuana possession. Various experts and federal agencies estimate that only 0.5 to 1.5 percent of inmates in state prisons are imprisoned for marijuana possession alone. Most inmates with marijuana convictions are guilty of growing or distribution, and most have additional and more serious non-marijuana offenses. At the federal level, which is generally more focused on drug enforcement than states, only 4 percent of the nearly 20,000 drug cases reported to the U.S. Sentencing Commission in 2018 involved possession. The rest were largely manufacturing and trafficking. And only 12 percent of those cases involved marijuana. So, it’s a stretch to argue that marijuana possession drives overcrowding in Kansas prisons, or that legalizing marijuana will eliminate mass incarceration Though as Attorney General Derek Schmidt noted in an August editorial, Kansas does imprison some offenders for drug possession. But, possession here can mean any drug, and more likely means repeated offenses for meth, cocaine, or heroin than marijuana. Nonetheless, serious policy questions involving marijuana do exist. Dismissed possession charges or convictions that do not result in prison remain on criminal records. This can complicate finding employment and cause heavier sentences for convictions on other crimes.&nbsp; Studies show that while whites and minorities use marijuana at similar rates, marijuana possession arrests are substantially higher among minorities. Thus, the consequences of having a record because of marijuana fall disproportionately on minorities. Also, local jails are separate from state prisons. Local jail conditions, bail reform, and how marijuana factors into that is a separate but important topic. Criminal justice reform is moving ahead in Kansas. But if citizens are to judge our lawmakers on those reforms, then we must get our facts right. Kansas has many legitimate policy questions regarding marijuana, but—bluntly—imprisoning non-violent offenders in state prisons for mere possession does not top that list. Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Tackling a myth about marijuana, mass incarceration

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575661299226.png">A photograph submitted by Allison Wilson of Healy has been named the winner of the second annual Farmers of Fall photo contest, sponsored by Midland Marketing. The contest ran from Oct. 11 to Nov. 13, and photos were submitted from more than 10 counties in western Kansas. Hays-based Midland Marketing has 11 locations in Kansas. Click <a href="https://www.midlandmarketing.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> for more on Midland Marketing operations and services. Check out all the entries in the Farmers of Fall photo contest <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2ae10897d147ad4bb0fc9">HERE</a>. — Sponsored content<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575661638543.png">

Healy resident wins Midland Marketing's Farmers of Fall contest

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg"> The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 2, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log. Suspicious Person--1100 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12:23 AMDomestic Disturbance--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 3:13 AM Animal Injured--1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 6:46 AM; 7:33 AMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--400 block E 20th St, Hays; 7:45 AM; 8:57 AM Animal At Large--600 block E 7th St, Hays; 8:30 AMCivil Dispute-- 1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 8:38 AMSuspicious Activity--1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 12/1 12:30 AM; 1:30 AM Phone/Mail Scam--1300 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:32 AM Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 1:29 PM; 2:02 PMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--2100 block Vine St, Hays; 3:45 PM Phone/Mail Scam--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:31 PMFireworks Violation--400 block W 3rd St, Hays; 4:53 PMAnimal At Large--600 block E 15th St, Hays; 5:13 PMDriving Under the Influence--2200 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 6:39 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 3, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log. Suspicious Person--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:29 AMCivil Dispute--1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 8:23 AM; 8:30 AMFound/Lost Property--700 block Fort St, Hays; 9:18 AM; 11:42 AMCriminal Trespass--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:20 AMAnimal At Large--100 block W 38th St, Hays; 1:10 PMAbandoned Vehicle--Hays; 2:43 PMWelfare Check--1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 3:05 PMAssist - Other (not MV, Hays; 5:26 PMPhone/Mail Scam--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:36 PMTheft of Services--4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 4:47 PM; 4:55 PM Theft (general--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12/2 1:15 PM; 6 PMSuspicious Person--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 8 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Wed., Dec. 4, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log. Drug Offenses--400 block W 20th St, Hays; 2:31 AM Theft (general)--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11/6 7:02 PMTheft (general)--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11/9 4:12 PMTheft (general)--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11/11 2:47 PMSuspicious Activity--1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 7:30 AM; 7:59 AMFound/Lost Property--Hays; 9:48 AMSuspicious Vehicle--2700 block Fort St, Hays; 8:20 AM; 8:40 AMCivil Dispute--W 8th St, Hays; 10:28 AMShoplifting--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11/25 7:25 AM; 7:37 AMWelfare Check--400 block Santa Fe St, Hays; 11:16 AMWelfare Check--400 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:17 AMSex Offense--400 block E 6th St, Hays; 11:17 AMWorthless Check--3000 block New Way, Hays; 2:07 PM; 2:08 PMDrug Offenses--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3:01 PM; 5:02 PMDisturbance - General--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:05 PMJuvenile Complaint--1300 block Schwaller Ave, Hays; 3:10 PM; 5:38 PMCriminal Trespass--700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:51 PMOverdose--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 9 PM; 9:02 PM&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 23 traffic stops Thu., Dec. 5, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log. MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:56 AMCriminal Damage to Property--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 12/4 10 PM; 12/5 5:50 AM 44 - Traffic Stop--1200 block Fort St, Hays; 10:46 AMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:12 AMLost Animals ONLY--200 block W 37th St, Hays; 11:49 AMFound/Lost Property--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:11 PMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--1700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:55 PMFound/Lost Property--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:26 PMAnimal At Large--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 1:31 PMSuspicious Person--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:51 PMLost Animals ONLY--300 block W 33rd St, Hays; 4:44 PMAnimal Call--1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 9:19 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg">

HPD Activity Log Dec. 2-5 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575586009806.jpeg">Dirt moving equipment at the future location of the Avid Hotel Thursday. (Photo by Cristina Janney) By BECKY KISER Hays Post Dirt work has already started at the future location of a planned four-story Avid IHG-flagged hotel immediately west of Old Chicago restaurant and south of the Hilton Garden Inn convention center that is under construction. An ordinance to establish the Saffron West 43rd Community Improvement District (CID, levying the 2% CID sales tax, and authorizing the execution of the development agreement was reviewed by Hays city commissioners Thursday night during their work session. Planning, Inspection and Enforcement (PIE) has already issued an excavation permit to the developer for dirt work on the 2.1 acres, according to Jesse Rohr, public works director, who spoke to Hays Post after the meeting. Rohr said PIE is now reviewing building plans for the hotel. "They [developers] are gonna be ready to go." All materials have been reviewed by the city’s special legal counsel, Gilmore &amp; Bell, P.C., and meet all the requirements of Kansas law and the city’s economic development policy, Kim Rupp, finance director, told the commission. The $7 million project is expected to be completed in December 2020. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575600542488.jpeg"> "However, the agreement does provide they are required to provide a certificate of occupancy no later than July 1, 2021. Their incentive is the fact the CID begins January 2021," Rupp noted. Commissioner Eber Phelps asked if that was a problem or issue with anybody. It's not an issue with the city, according to Rupp. Although he found it unusual, it's what Saffron Hospitality provided for in their development agreement. "I think they're probably allowing a little wiggle room should things happen to fall apart on them in construction," Rupp said. "They're giving themselves a little more time into 2021. "If they happen to have to go to July 2021, it'll cut six months off their CID because the CID is programmed to start in January 2021 if this ordinance is passed," he explained. <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TYTiD87KGfo" height="315" width="560"></iframe> Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp explains the details of a CID request by Saffron Hospitality, LLC, to build a new hotel north of I-70. A public hearing will be conducted at the December 12 meeting. The city commission will then consider the ordinance to establish the CID and impose the CID sales tax.&nbsp;&nbsp; The developer estimates the CID will generate approximately $622,836 over the 20- year term of the CID.&nbsp; A 10-minute executive session was called at the end of the work session to discuss property acquisition. No action was taken.