By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Grow Hays is launching a pilot program to give parents a hand up as they pursue further education.

The BEACON program, which stands for Building Education and Career Opportunities at Night, will offer child care for parents while they participate in online courses.

Bright Minds is the child care sponsor for the program, and they will use their facilities at the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury in Hays.

The program will supervise infants up to children 13 years old for $5 per night. The parents must remain on site and be enrolled in an online degree completion program, college course, certification program or job training.

Hours will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Free high-speed internet and a quiet place to study will be offered.

James Robben of Grow Hays said the idea for the program came from his sister, a mother, who struggled to finish her degree online.

"She gave me this story that she would cook dinner, help her kids do their homework, and then after they went to bed, she would sometimes stay up until 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning to do her homework."

Robben said she also spent weekends studying and would, at other times, wake up at 5 a.m. to study and then go to work.

"I asked the President of Fort Hays State University, Tisa Mason, 'Do you still have night school?' She said, 'Yes. It's called online,'" Robben said.

Robben said online classes do not solve the problem of parents needing to care for their children and have quiet time to study.

"The [parents] can go home afterward, read a book with their kids and have family time still," Robben said. "Instead of staying up to 2 o'clock, they are going to bed at a more normal time and getting back to family basics.

"And [parents] are able to go back [to school] and better their lives as well."

The $5 per night does not cover the cost of the child care, but Robben said Bright Minds was willing to partner with the program anyway.

Robben said he has had discussions with Thomas More Prep-Marian about its students acting as tutors for service hours, and perhaps Fort Hays State University participating in some way.

"It's dedicated as a quiet space so parents can go back to school, hopefully,  better their education, get a better career and get a better job. Maybe it's just getting a certificate or a GED. It's an opportunity to finish some school or go back to school."

The session for this pilot program will run through the end of the spring semester in May. Another is planned for the fall semester.

"Success for this program doesn't look like 30 people in the room working on homework. It might look like one person four years from now getting a degree and getting a better job," Robben said.

The pilot program is limited to 10 spots, but Robben said he hopes to see expansion.

"We are going to start small and learn and adapt to the challenges we haven't even thought of yet," he said.

You can sign up for the program by calling Robben at Grow Hays at 785-628-3102 or find more information on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowHays">Grow Hays Facebook page.</a>&nbsp;

"If you are a parent in Ellis County looking to go back to school or you're currently enrolled and not finding it easy to get your homework done ..." Robben said. "If you need an opportunity, at least try this out. Get ahold of us.

"Look us up on Facebook. BEACON is here to help you without sacrificing your family life," Robben said.

BEACON program to offer child care, study space for parents

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A grass fire broke out Thursday morning in Russell County, prompting all fire departments in the county to respond.

Russell County Emergency Manager David Elliott said the fire was reported at 6 a.m. near 203rd and 15th streets, south of Wilson Lake.

Elliott said no structures were damaged and no homes were in immediate danger.

No injuries were reported, and the number of acres burned remains unknown.

📷 Russell County fire near Wilson Lake under control

The Salina Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 75-year-old Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter has been located safe in WaKeeney, according to a statement from the KBI.

SALINE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Salina Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Salina woman.

The whereabouts of 75-year-old Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter, of Salina, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Pereirra-Mcwhorter is likely driving a blue 2025 Nissan Pathfinder bearing Texas tag 6YGPZ. She was last spotted north of Norton, Kan., on Thursday morning, March 12.

Pereirra-Mcwhorter is a female who is around 5 foot 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and is known to wear a medical ID bracelet. She is wearing a splint on her right hand.

If you see Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210.

Silver Alert canceled, missing woman found in NW Kansas

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com and include your phone number.&nbsp;

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays State University hosted its third annual lecture series event on Feb. 24, with a panel of three prominent Kansas bankers: Kurt Knutson, Earl McVicker, and Leonard Wolfe. Kansas Bankers Association members and the FHSU community were on hand to make connections and learn more about banking opportunities.

Other speakers during the morning’s event included Dr. Melissa Hunsicker-Walburn, dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at FHSU; W.R. Robbins, namesake of the Robbins Banking Institute at FHSU and CEO of Farmers Bank and Trust; Dale Winklepleck, Robbins Banking Institute Advisory Council chairman; and Lawson Bailey, a senior at FHSU majoring in finance with a banking concentration.

“At Fort Hays State University, we believe business education should be practical, principled, and purposeful,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “Banking, in particular, sits at the center of community and economic vitality.”

“Our local banks finance small businesses, support agricultural producers, help families purchase homes, and serve as trusted advisors during times of growth and times of challenge.”

The three panel members, each of whom started their own bank in Kansas, discussed leadership, vision, and the future of community banking.

“The biggest job that a bank’s CEO has is to be the keeper of the culture,” Knutson said. “If you can hire and try to find shared values and beliefs, and continually remind people what those shared values, attitudes, and beliefs are, that will provide consistency to your customers, and that is what your customers want.”

“They want to know that what they get every day is the same thing they are expecting.”

McVicker pointed out that it is important for individuals who choose banking as a career to look to the future.

“You have to have a vision,” he said. “To get that, you have to have a plan.”

Sharing the insight of professionals with approximately 150 years of banking experience was impactful for Lawson Bailey, who served as co-moderator for the event.

“What I found the most valuable was when the panel members talked about the sacrifice it took to get where they are,” he said. “And being in front of the audience gave me the ability to see the attention everyone was giving them. Everyone there was willing to learn.”

The Robbins Banking Institute, the first banking institute in Kansas, launched in 2017. With close ties to the Kansas Bankers Association and the Kansas banking community, the institute, founded by W.R. Robbins and his late wife Yvonne, offers a quality education that culminates in completing a real-world banking simulation as part of its banking capstone course.

In his opening remarks, Robbins discussed his role in creating the Robbins Banking Institute.

Not long after the institute was established, Robbins knew it needed an industry partner. An agreement was formed with the Kansas Bankers Association. An advisory council comprising KBA members, FHSU faculty, and bankers provides direction to the banking institute.

A unique aspect of the Robbins Banking Institute is its availability not only as an on-campus program but also entirely online for place-bound students, including banking professionals who seek additional education to compete for job promotions.

The Robbins Banking Institute is part of FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting. The department is one of four in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Offering BBA degrees and minors in accounting, finance, and international business and economics, the department also provides certificate programs.

Learn more about the Robbins Banking Institute, at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=at+www.fhsu.edu%2Fefa%2FRobbins-Banking-Institute%2F.&amp;rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1039US1039&amp;oq=at+www.fhsu.edu%2Fefa%2FRobbins-Banking-Institute%2F.&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigAdIBBzg2N2owajeoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">www.fhsu.edu/efa/Robbins-Banking-Institute/.</a>

Robbins Banking Institute lecture series connects FHSU with Kansas banking leaders

In my previous newsletter I mentioned property tax relief for senior citizens and disabled veterans.&nbsp;Under current law, to qualify for this property tax adjustment, a home must be valued at less than $350,000 for a person eligible.

&nbsp;Last week SB 402 was passed out of the Senate and sent to the House for approval. SB 402 would increase the value to $375,000 or less for those who qualify for this tax relief.

An update on our budget: Last Tuesday the Senate bill Sub SB 315 was debated and passed on the Senate floor. The vote represents a key step in the process towards adopting a budget for FY 2027. The budget focuses funding on core state responsibilities such as education, public safety, and transportation. With 70% of the budget dedicated to court-mandated spending on K-12 education and human services, the budget wisely holds the line on true discretionary spending and provisions that will help root out waste, paving the way for a positive fiscal future for our state.

After the incidents in Minnesota this year and similar dangerous interactions between left-wing protestors and law enforcement around the country, it became important to review our laws and close loopholes that exist to protect both the public and law enforcement in situations that may develop in the future. The Senate President worked with law enforcement to create SB 452, which would create the crime of unlawful approach of a first responder and would incorporate federal law enforcement officers, their vehicles and enforcement of federal law into certain traffic, criminal and tort laws. This new law passed the Senate and has been passed to the House for approval.

The Senate passed Sub HB 2299 which establishes a bell-to-bell prohibition on the use of cell phones for all public and KSDE accredited non-public schools giving our state’s teachers a distraction-free environment where students can focus on learning.

The Senate adopted HCR 5033 which ratifies and provides for the continuation of the state of disaster emergency declaration issued on February 24, 2026, for certain counties. This resolution is a continuation for the wildfires in western Kansas, including all the counties in our 40th Senate District.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate update March 10: Budget update, cell phone use in schools

It’s hard to recognize spring when we haven’t had much winter. 

That said, after cleaning our flower beds the other day, I spent a delightful hour admiring swelling ash buds while resting on the deck in 78-degree temps. I watched and listened to robins, sparrows, and Eurasian doves as they poked about in last year’s garden seeking seeds and insects. It occurred to me that it won’t be long 'til that raspy, rusted-gatehinge song announces spring’s official harbinger—the yellow-headed blackbird or y-h-b-b.

According to old-timers, these black birds with brilliant yellow heads and chests are a sure sign spring has sprung. I thought it was cranes flying over, but I’ve seen cranes arrive days or weeks before we have a dandy Great Plains blizzard. If generational prognosticators are right, then we can rely more on the arrival of these fancy black birds than my trusty Sandhills.

Yellow-headed blackbirds don’t live here year round. They winter in northern Mexico and the southern Southwest. A small population lives yearround along the border in southern California. Once these two-toned snowbirds get the mysterious communique declaring it’s time to head north to summer breeding grounds, they migrate in large flocks, stopping along their flight path to rest and refuel.

One afternoon last March, 125-plus picked our yard as a rest stop. Noisy y-h-b-b bobbed from branch to branch in our ash and pine trees, discussing the merits of emerging insects and quality of milo, cracked corn, and other grains we set out for their dining pleasure. With that many guests, we kept busy refilling feeders and multiple bird baths several times a day.

Depending on the y-h-b-b arrival date, trees may be just budding or unfolding early squirrel ear-sized leaves. If branches are mostly bare, I love sitting still as can be to watch what looks like lemons dancing along branches.

 Keep in mind brilliant yellow heads and chests emerging from a shiny black body mark the fashionista males of the species. Females and juveniles tend to have dull brownish bodies and muted yellow heads that make it easy to overlook drab ladies and youngsters.

Among many species, adult females are larger than males. Not so in the case of yellow-headed blackbirds. Gals are smaller. Don’t write the plain dressers off. They’re part of the show.

One would expect such an attractive bird to sing a lovely spring song. Those who hear them before seeing them say they sound like a rusty gate hinge opening. Others report that yellow-headed blackbirds have the nastiest song of all avians. 

When I taught in Kensington, I’d leave my window open in the spring and hear that raspy croak serenading from bushes outside my classroom. My students and I knew then that spring fever was official.

Western Kansas is in yellow-headed blackbird breeding range, but they nest in reed-filled swamps, so we won’t see their babies nurtured in our prairiegrass yard. I have spied their nests in swamps in Wyoming and along the Platte in Nebraska. Now I’ll have to explore local cattail patches along Big Creek to find some nesting closer to home. Perhaps, they’ll bless me with a photo op.

After a warmer winter than normal, I expect any day now to welcome colorful flocks of birds that sound like they desperately need a throat lozenge. Once you see them, celebrate because regardless of the calendar date, spring has arrived.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Spring’s raspy song

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

SALINA - The Hays High Lady Indians advance to the state semifinals for the first time since 1995 with a 49-46 win over Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the 5A state quarterfinals at the Tony's Pizza Events Center.

The biggest lead of the first half happened at halftime when Hays (24-1) took a four point advantage at 27-23. The prior 15:30 was all played with neither team leading by more than three points.&nbsp;

The teams traded the lead seven times in the first quarter. The Indians had the biggest first quarter lead at 10-7 on Jenna Schmeidler's first field goal. Kapaun answered back with a 7-2 run to close out the final 1:50 of the quarter and take a 14-12 lead to the second quarter.

Zoe Winter opened the second quarter with a traditional three point play to give Hays a 15-14 edge. Kapaun (19-7) went on a 6-2 spurt that gave the Crusaders their first of two three point leads. The first at 20-17 and then again at 23-20 ninety seconds later.

Kapaun's last points of the half came with 3:50 remaining before halftime. The Indians ended the half on a 7-0 run. Kinslee Newell got a layup one possession before taking a charge to give Hays the ball back with 1:35 left in the half. Schmeidler scored the final two points of the half for a 27-23 halftime advantage.

Hays never trailed in the second half. After not hitting a single three pointer in the first half, the Indians made three in the third quarter to help build a 12 point lead. Schmeidler made the first three pointer 45 seconds in the quarter and followed that up wit a pair of free throws at 32-25.

Morgan Armbruster, Winter and Ramiyah Turner each scored a field goal on an 8-1 run that gave the Indians the first of two 12 point leads at 40-28. Kapaun held the Indians scoreless for the final three minutes of the third quarter. The Crusaders managed just five points in that stretch to close the gap down to 40-33 at the end of three quarters.

Hays once again built their lead to 12 in the first ninety seconds of the four quarter. Newell scored a second field goal for a 45-33 lead with 6:30 remaining. The Indians though went cold for the rest of the game. Through the remainder of the game Hays made just one of five field goals and turned the ball over four times.&nbsp;

Kapaun was able to cut the lead down to one point at 47-46 with 1:05 remaining. Hays missed a shot near the end of the shot clock but the miss was grabbed by Newell. Two fouls later Schmeidler nailed a pair of free throws with 13.5 left on the clock for a 49-46 lead.

Kapaun got a clean look at a three but missed. The rebound went out-of-bounds and with 0.2 seconds left the Crusaders could do nothing with the remaining time.

The victory is just the fifth state tournament win for Hays in program history. It is the first since 1995.

Hays will face Shawnee Heights in the semifinals at 3:30 on Friday. The game will played at Koch Arena on the campus of Wichita State University. The Hertz Pregame Show starts at 3:10 on 96.9 KFIX. The game will be streamed on Hays Post.

The other half of the bracket will play at 1:30 when the top seeded Andover Trojans face off with St. James Academy.&nbsp;

Rupp 2, Schmeidler 18, Humphrey 0, LaBarge 2, Cunningham 0, Armbruster 3, Turner 3, Newell 4, Buckles 7, Winter 10.

🏀 Hays survives and advances with win over Kapaun

Hays High vs Kapaun Mt. Carmel Wednesday, Mar. 11 - 8:00 Salina, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3808788">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

The Hays High girls make back-to-back state basketball appearances when they play Kapaun Mt. Carmel on Wednesday evening.

Hays (23-1) is playing in consecutive state tournaments for the first time since 1995 and 1996. It is the Indians 10th overall state tournament. Kapaun (19-6) was the four seed in 5A West. This marks the Crusaders 19th trip to state overall but first since 2015.

Winner of this game plays on Friday at 3:30 in Koch Arena at Wichita State University.

Tip-off for tonight is set for 8:00. The Hertz Pregame Show will begin at 7:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;

🏀📺 Hays girls open state tournament versus Kapaun

The Hays High girls will play at 8 p.m. in Salina at Tony's Pizza Event Center. Watch the game via streaming on the Hays Post.

<a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/hayshigh/">WATCH HERE</a>

Watch the Hays High send off to state

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

The Thursday, May 12 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled

Hays City Commission meeting this week is canceled

WICHITA — The American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood&nbsp;supply recover from a severe blood shortage and empower their health by making an appointment&nbsp;to give blood or platelets in March.

 As a thank-you for helping save lives, successful donations will&nbsp;receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, in March (one result per&nbsp;calendar year).

New Red Cross data reveals 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes&nbsp;and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health.&nbsp;

The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood&nbsp;donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025.

&nbsp;Among donors with elevated A1C&nbsp;levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes — a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle&nbsp;changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

“Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close&nbsp;them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like&nbsp;their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director. “By giving blood and&nbsp;downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better&nbsp;manage and advocate for their health.”

The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past&nbsp;three months.

&nbsp;Visit <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED&nbsp;CROSS to schedule your March donation appointment.

&nbsp;All who come to give blood, platelets or&nbsp;plasma March 1-31, 2026, will also receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.&nbsp;See <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/march.html">RedCrossBlood.org/March</a> for details.

Donating blood in March is part of Red Cross Month, a national campaign that encourages people to&nbsp;deliver support when help can’t wait by also making a financial donation, volunteering or taking a&nbsp;lifesaving skills class.

Millions of U.S. adults are living with undiagnosed prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, which are often&nbsp;preventable and in many cases, reversible. These conditions often develop silently, though if untreated,&nbsp;they can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets.

An American Diabetes Association study found that, while people with prediabetes typically incur a few&nbsp;hundred dollars in additional medical costs each year, those with blood sugar levels that have progressed&nbsp;to the diabetic range could face several thousand dollars more in annual expenses — as much as 25&nbsp;times higher.

How to Find Out Your A1C from the Red Cross

After making a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation in March, donors can access their&nbsp;A1C result within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal&nbsp;at RedCrossBlood.org. Anyone with an elevated A1C level is encouraged to consult their health care&nbsp;provider.

In addition, donors can access and track their blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature,&nbsp;which are taken during each donation’s mini-physical to ensure they’re healthy enough to give.

How Blood Donation Can Help Bridge Health Care Gaps

As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to help bridge existing health&nbsp;care gaps by providing blood donors with critical health insights. Through the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp;App and online donor portal, donors can track their results and share them with their health care&nbsp;provider.

These efforts are part of the broader Red Cross mission, which has supported the health of communities&nbsp;for 145 years. 

Today in Kansas, this work includes installing free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high&nbsp;risk for home fires, providing basic health and mental health services to disaster survivors, and supporting the well-being of military families, veterans and their caregivers.

Q: Why is the Red Cross testing blood, platelet and plasma donors’ A1C levels?

A: The Red Cross values the health and well-being of blood donors. By providing this vital health insight,&nbsp;the Red Cross is helping to bridge existing care gaps and empower donors to take an important&nbsp;step toward preventative care and lifesaving intervention.

Q: Should I fast to receive the A1C test on my blood donation?

A: No, the A1C test does not require individuals to fast. This is noteworthy because eating a nutritious&nbsp;meal prior to blood donation is important.

Q: Can I donate blood if I have prediabetes or diabetes?

A: People with prediabetes or diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood, platelets and plasma if they&nbsp;are feeling well on the day of their donation. In most situations, the type of medication donors take to&nbsp;manage their diabetes does not disqualify them from donating blood.

Q: Can I donate blood while taking GLP-1 medication?

A: In most situations, the type of medication you take to manage your diabetes or insulin&nbsp;resistance won't disqualify you from donating blood. Whether you take insulin injections like Apidra or&nbsp;Humalog, an injected diabetes medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro, or oral medications like metformin,&nbsp;you are still eligible to donate if you are feeling well on the day of your donation.

Red Cross offers free A1C testing; 1 in 5 donors prediabetic, diabetic 

Tree removal demonstration set for March 18

The City of Hays will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on March 9th and continue through May 11th. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion. 

Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for longer periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can impact water quality, such as high temperatures or reduced usage of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual.

The Hays Fire Department is conducting their annual testing of hydrants at the same time to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.

Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

City of Hays chlorine conversion begins today

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

The Babysitting Clinic Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (10-18 yrs.) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for infants through school age children.

The participants will learn the basic information on how to be a competent, responsible, and caring babysitter. They will also develop “life skills” such as caring for and managing resources, decision-making, and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” 

Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.

Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.

We also partner with Ellis County EMS to provide CPR and First Aid training. The participants will be certified in CPR and First Aid upon completion of the class. Participants will also receive an information notebook, activity bag, and first aid kits.

Location: Cottonwood Extension District, 601 Main St. Hays, KS

The cost is $50 for babysitting supplies, meal, and CPR/First Aid Certification. You can register online at: <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Lij5HiDjR4Q0dM">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Lij5HiDjR4Q0dM</a>

Class size is limited to 15. The deadline to register is March 12, 2026. Please call the office if you have any questions.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Prepare for role of babysitter at Cottonwood Extension clinic

FHSU University Communications&nbsp;

GREAT BEND — Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host a variety of free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of Spring Break, March 16-20, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.

A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school-aged children. After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

Monday, March 16 – All About That Bass

Get ready for a fintastic fishy adventure! Students will discover how awesome fish features, like cool mouths, speedy tails, and wiggly body shapes, help them survive and thrive. Then it’s time to get crafty and create their very own paper fish with fun adaptations of their choice.

Tuesday, March 17 – Terrariums To Go

Ever want to have your own pocket-sized world? Well, now you can. Learn what goes into creating a perfect habitat for living creatures, and put it into practice by making your very own terrarium to take home and enjoy your own little world.

Wednesday, March 18 – Bioluminescent Beetles: Fantastic Fireflies

Fireflies, lightning bugs, glowworms, blinkies, moon bugs, golden sparklers, marsh flickers; no matter what you call them, these bioluminescent beetles have a unique way of capturing our attention. Flash on over to learn more about these insects. We will learn about how and why they glow at night and craft a paper lantern inspired by fireflies for you to take home with you.

Thursday, March 19 – Cheyenne Bottoms Buffet&nbsp;

As many as 41 species of shorebirds migrate to Cheyenne Bottoms each year. With so many migrants, you might be wondering how all of these birds find enough food to eat.&nbsp;Migrate out to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to learn about microhabitats as well as how these shorebirds eat.&nbsp;In addition, we will be making a flapping bird for you to take home.

Friday, March 20 – A Wild Introduction to Field Journaling

Did you know some of history’s most groundbreaking ideas, expeditions, and discoveries began in the pages of a field journal? Such as Charles Darwin's sketches from the Galapagos Islands and Lewis and Clark's charts from their expedition. So, let’s get started on your very own field journal. Together, you will learn tricks and tips to not only draw your observations but also write about and understand what they mean. Afterwards, we will put your skills to the test with a walk through our very own KWEC trail.

Can't join us in person or want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0d6l0qajQc2cNPx9eB-2BHhpm5IMZ-2B8g1sy0eqGIkhgPELV8VeFlGkoKFvhBqsB6fHoA-3D-3DR9bt_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6ME-2BMd-2FBoxlb3lCwFaJfE6IOBtuQ2h5h0k-2Fn60B0dBy5L1xpsH6WiPySQkzcTJHJjYJFDosaEsYaS0nXHb4DaYA2iBOf6cDjAEHZmA-2B0dGDJJ4YcJcOwzWPq0-2BTDSAEUHoPHZQRTKD2Jy-2B5mKGB3rlMTq2LR4yWBqDzOQG5D4VawnBHt2IwTEg72ILrjt8Vst3gTaqUrHLlN2-2By-2BFLt-2B6-2B-2FCySRN4YFJKa6s1y0gdfKhLxC8eC15ye5B5Ajg0wjQ">https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter</a>&nbsp;for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.

KWEC is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend, on K-156 Highway. For more information, call 877-243-9268 or visit <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OV7rO5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6ME-2BMd-2FBoxlb3lCwFaJfE6IOBtuQ2h5h0k-2Fn60B0dBy5L1xpsH6WiPySQkzcTJHJjYJFDosaEsYaS0nXHb4DaXHdGcAyXWeLnPAZIoj6SavGEGAyE-2BfnujAqTEanhiR9FAnTKxWiWbxD3DBoMf8y9Y0F35UzD82IURDz4tKwwM-2BABb3LG5eq-2FAzWOidK1zsK2JMrzEISe1-2FrehOgcJZAlmyhjp0VOqBOuMlB7sxuDiTKz6S0ZXrDdd-2BIsnn1evWG">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Spring break activities at FHSU Kansas Wetlands Education Center   

This month's presentation, "Eco Acoustics: Harmonizing Humans and Nature," is sponsored by Fort Hays State University's Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, at The Venue in Thirsty's Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Luke Helker, assistant professor and percussion assistant director of bands at Fort Hays State University, will present a lecture-recital of works for percussion and electronics that engage with sonification and acoustic ecology to demonstrate different relationships between humans and the natural world. 

With this recital, audiences will be exposed to sounds unheard of or unimaginable, with the hope that the natural world will be amplified like never before.

Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase, no food will be served&nbsp;during Science Café.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCpL-p_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOL5Vbz6lOSRnn5577dkU80-2FW631O5wh2jOhGQVdeNHxO5CMCD2hHg66IOCHLhJJm9rgd92rkN9XJh2LyW-2FxPUsO-2BEmWOxkBZPDITR1pCBdlYJ5PgMT4NUgSChpCKE3QmvZjHJo4D7XVP0e-2FBTxP-2BtYSNt58XSbv50Y8JhEn16-2BePmgwhbzLdtKEVK0t0XjRjZ-2FDS4vqe4lVZz16hRk0P7M0080JLHK6qN8-2F91nGvBZSp-2FFb7GifavD4mchX0raLeG">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3Dj3K8_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOL5Vbz6lOSRnn5577dkU80-2FW631O5wh2jOhGQVdeNHxO5CMCD2hHg66IOCHLhJJm9rgd92rkN9XJh2LyW-2FxPUsAFFYdrimTPIAPHEYyDIjfXSCN3yv8qOh33THHm62p8c4QNdEpGS8LxbOhOdJgItO110snzTBzrxcUBJSSEau7pG-2FJLrde0SRrVe1sqRJ8YLQkkCI7qwjDLspm2NaQp5FzKz559GqcFfARwzHhapUDZ9aaUr-2BL4aJV7wa7E-2F0wVS">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Eco-acoustics in harmony of humans and nature is next FHSU Science Cafe

Ellis County Environmental Services

As a friendly reminder with warmer weather approaching, if a vehicle enters the Ellis County Landfill without being properly secured, or drops, sifts, leaks, material enroute to the disposal area, the customer will be charged an additional 50% of the total weight disposal fee. We also want to remind customers that municipal waste and construction demolition waste be separated before arriving at the landfill. Mixed loads may need to be refused at the staff’s discretion; we appreciate your cooperation in keeping materials sorted and our roads clean

Such waste includes, but is not limited to:

Household waste PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) Plastic Garbage Stuffed/upholstered furniture Vinyl siding Yard Waste CRT TV’s and computer monitors Cardboard Paper Food waste Fabric Carpet and pad Microwave ovens Foam Empty plastic drums (one side must be open) Mirrors

Such wastes include, but are not limited to:

Other masonry materials Roofing materials Soil Wood Plaster Wall covering Plumbing fixtures (non-plastic, non-PVC “Polyvinyl chloride”) Drywall Electrical Components (Non-Hazardous) Electrical Wiring Toilet Showers Non-friable asbestos

Ellis County landfill secured, mixed load reminder

Register before March 20 to be entered in a drawing to win a free pair of Brooks or Hokas shoes from Brown's Shoe Fit.

Sign up online at <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">firstcallelliscounty.com</a>.

First Call for Help Race to Restock set for April 4

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>

Passengers at a handful of airports this week waited in hours-long security lines as the government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security dragged on.

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