Kansas Klips

Logan student on NCK team wins silver medal at national welding competition

BELOIT—In June, students from NCK Tech Beloit’s Welding program took home the silver medal at the National Skills USA Welding Fabrication Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. To qualify for the national contest, students must take first place at their respective state competition held in the spring. The welding fabrication team consisted of three students who worked cooperatively to complete a project from blueprints using SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAT/OFC, and PAC welding and cutting processes. The team embers were Josh Uhland (Logan), Brayden Doughman (Canton), and Hunter Teasley (Pratt). Skills utilized included oxy-fuel cutting, welding in all positions, mathematics, layout, drilling, finishing, and the ability to adapt to alterations and stressed in the production environment. In addition to the team events, Evan Claassen (Whitewater) represented Kansas and KNCT Tech in the individual welding competition, placing 11th in the nation. All four students were hired immediately upon graduating. (Hays Post)

Dog stolen two years ago reunited with owner

SEDGWICK COUNTY—According to the Kansas Humane Society, Gauge was stolen nearly two years ago before recently getting confiscated by Wichita Animal Services with another dog.

He had fleas along his back and was diagnosed with alopecia by the humane society vet. All that time, his owner had been looking for him, and he had put an owner reclaim reservation on Gauge through the Humane Society Intake Department. Gauge had his neuter surgery and was still a little loopy, but he definitely remembered his dad when he saw him, flopping right before him. (Hays Post)

“No” vote prevails: USD 112 Central Plains to remain intact

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—The 2023 Primary Election may not have garnered much interest across Kansas. Still, an important matter was decided in Central Kansas as voters in USD 112-Central Plains voted overwhelmingly against disorganizing the school district. According to the Ellsworth County Clerk, there were 1,197 no votes and 587 yes votes. The USD 112 School District will stay the same, keeping the tax rate and schools intact. The District includes the communities of Wilson, Holyrood, Bushton, Claflin, Dorrance, Lorraine, Beaver, and Odin. In January, the school board voted to close Wilson Jr. Sr. High School. Last October, the Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in an effort to keep Wilson High School open. On May 9th, the official petition to disorganize the District was filed in Ellsworth County after the USD 112 Board of Education declined a request to keep Wilson High School open for another year. (Hays Post)

WaKeeney Hospital welcomes new CEO Jeremy Rabe

WAKEENEY—Jeremy Rabe, a native of western Kansas, has joined Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney as its new chief executive officer as of July 31st. Rabe attended Fort Hays State University, where he obtained his bachelor of science in medical diagnostic imaging with a minor in business administration. He received his masters in business administration in healthcare management at Western Governors University. Rabe previously served as the regional director of imaging services for Century Hospitals of Kansas before transitioning to Century. Rabe also served as the director of radiology and assistant administrator for Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. “I look forward to work with and leading the dedicated staff at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital,” Rabe said. “As a lifetime resident of western Kansas, I understand the health car challenges we face.” (Hays Post)

Long-time executive director to retire from High Plains Mental Health Center

HAYS—Walt Hill, long-time executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, has announced he will retire effective January 2024. Hill has had a long and illustrious career in community mental health services, serving High Plains Mental Health Center for 45 years. He has served as executive director since 2002. Hill began his career at HPMHC in 1978 as an outpatient therapist. He was later promoted to director of clinical services before becoming executive director. During Hill’s tenure, High Plains Mental Health Center saw significant growth and expansion throughout northwest Kansas. The number of service locations increased to include more than 50 outreach sites, including the addition of telehealth services in most of the public school districts in HPMHC’s 20-county catchment area and outreach clinics in many hospitals and public health departments. (Hays Post)