By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board decided not to sell&nbsp;7.23 acres north of Felten Elementary School (the former Hays Middle School) at its meeting on Monday night.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district received four bids for the property, but they were all well below the $630,000 appraised value.

Board President Curt Vajnar suggested the board reject all bids, which it had reserved the right to do during the bidding process.

He said the district is in no hurry to sell the property. He suggested the board discuss the issue further during its upcoming work session on March 23.

Board Vice President Ruth Ruder said, "We're not saying no. We want to see what the future holds."

The property is currently zoned residential and could be transformed into about 20 residential lots. However, a developer could apply for a zoning change, Wilson said.

The board approved contract extensions for district administrators and directors for the 2027-28 school year.

The board unanimously approved the directors' contracts. However, the vote on administrators' contracts was split, with Allen Park and Derek Yarmer voting against.

Yarmer made a motion, and Park seconded it to vote on each administrator contract individually.

"I think if the truth or criticism gives you pause, then I think you need to reflect internally," Yarmer said. ... "I don't think the truth is anything to hide from."

Board member Craig Pallister&nbsp;said Wilson recommended renewing all the administrator contracts, and he supported those recommendations. Ruder said she agreed.

Pallister, a former principal, said, "I think that would be singling people out and saying we do not have faith in you."

Board member Jayme Goetz, a former district teacher, said she thought it was important for the board to be on the same page. She also said she thought the board should support Wilson's recommendations.

Wilson said he opposed the board voting on the contracts one by one.

He said the district is very lucky to have the administrators they have.

He added administrators' jobs are often conflict-based, and not everyone is going to agree with how things are handled.

"It's a tough job. It's a lonely job, and you're singling them out," Wilson said.

The board's approval of the administrators' contracts brought applause from the audience.

Contract revisions to go to work session

Before the vote on the contract extensions, the board members discussed changes to the administrators' contracts. Most of the originally proposed changes were minor, including some recommendations from an attorney at the Kansas Association of School Boards.

The contracts for administrators in several places refer back to the administrator's handbook and benefit guide.

Park and Yarmer said they wanted the specific number of vacation and holiday days, as well as salary, spelled out in each administrator's contract.

Park also expressed frustration that the administration handbook was not approved by the board in 2025. However, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent for business, noted the administration handbook did not come before the board in 2025 because there were no changes since it was last approved in 2024.

The changes to the contract were ultimately tabled by a 5-2 vote, with board members Ruder and Ken Brooks voting against the motion.

If changes to the contract were approved, district counsel Bill Jeter said the administrators could accept the new contract or continue working under their current one.

Wilson said construction continues to progress at O'Loughlin Elementary School.

Demolition work inside Felten Elementary School is set to begin this week.

Kyle Carlin, director of the special education cooperative, has announced his resignation as of the end of June.

Hays USD 489 rejects all bids for land purchase

#4 TMP-Marian vs #5 St. Marys March, 11th, 2:00 p.m Tony's Pizza Event Center, Salina, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3808776">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

&nbsp;The TMP-Marian Monarchs open play at the 2A state tournament Wednesday afternoon against the St. Marys Bears.

The Monarchs are the No. 4 seed at 20-5, while the Bears are the No. 5 seed at 19-7.

The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 1:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian Monarchs takes on St. Marys in state opener

A red flag warning has been issued for Ellis County from 1 through 8 p.m. Thursday.

Other affected counties include&nbsp;Trego, Scott, Lane, Ness, Rush, Hamilton, Kearny, Finney, Hodgeman, Pawnee, Stafford, Stanton, Grant, Haskell-Gray, Ford, Edwards, Kiowa, Pratt, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Meade, Clark, Comanche and Barber.

Winds are forecast to be out of the southwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Humidity is forecast to be as low as 12%.

Any fire that develops will catch and spread  quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended, according to the National Weather Service.

The high in Hays on Thursday is forecast at 73 degrees.

Red Flag warning issued for Thursday for Ellis County

Thomas More Prep-Marian sends its basketball time off to state.

Watch the game via streaming on the Hays Post.

The first game will be in Salina at Tony's Pizza Event Center at 2 pm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/?S=thomasmoreprep">WATCH HERE</a>

Watch the TMP basketball send off to state

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

Trump's biggest new distraction from the Epstein files is his war on Iran and this one just might work. 

We are blowing through a billion dollars a day with no end in sight.

 Secretary Hegseth on March 5 said "if you think you've seen something just wait" and we've "only just began to fight."

 Trump on March 6 called for Iran's "unconditional surrender." 

Meanwhile, the Republican Congress (including our Kansans Marshall, Moran, Mann, Schmidt and Estes) continues to be missing in action. Given a chance to force the administration to define the goals and limit the use of ground troops, they declined to act. They now own this war and the consequences.

 Trump said on March 5, "I guess Americans should worry about Iran retaliating on U.S. soil. Like I said, some people will die." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Kash Patel-led FBI are the agencies responsible for protecting us from this. 

We do not have a DHS director. Senators Marshall and Moran have a chance to atone for their disastrous confirmations of Kristi Noem and Kash Patel by assuring that we get a competent qualified DHS secretary this time.

LETTER: Trump's war on Iran

In 2026, Downtown Hays Development Corporation (The Bricks) celebrates 25 years of serving, strengthening, and shaping downtown Hays. To mark this milestone, The Bricks is launching a community storytelling initiative titled “25 Years on The Bricks.”

The campaign invites residents, business owners, partners, and longtime supporters to share photos, memories, and stories from the past 25 years of downtown life — from Christmas Magic and Market mornings to business grand openings, parades, celebrations, and everyday moments that make Downtown Hays special.

“Downtown Hays has grown and evolved over the last 25 years, but what has remained constant is the community behind it,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. “This campaign is about honoring the people, partnerships, and memories that built the momentum we see today.”

Throughout 2026, submitted stories and photos will be featured on social media, at events, and during the organization’s 25th Birthday Celebration and Pavilion Concession &amp; Storage Ribbon Cutting later this spring.

Community members are encouraged to submit:•&nbsp;

• Historic event photos • Business opening memories • Market and festival moments • Before-and-after building images • Personal stories connected to downtown • “First job on Main” or family traditions

Submissions can be uploaded through a simple online form at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.gle/1qC5ARV1VwbGES1y8">https://forms.gle/1qC5ARV1VwbGES1y8</a>

The Bricks plans to highlight memories weekly and compile select stories into anniversary materials throughout the year. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">www.DowntownHays.com</a> or follow The Bricks on social media.

Downtown Hays Development Corporation (The Bricks) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays as the Heart of our community.&nbsp;

The Bricks launches '25 Years on The Bricks' community storytelling series

LOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan has named 229 high school seniors from 47 northwest Kansas schools as winners in its 51st annual scholarship competition.

Thirty-five Hansen Scholar winners were selected. 

 The stipend of $6,500 was granted for one year and may be renewable for three additional years.  Renewal of scholarships is based upon continued regard for the principles which guided the success of the late Dane G. Hansen, a 3.00 or better GPA at the college level and a progress update describing progress towards educational goals. 

The Foundation offered seventy scholarships for Hansen Student winners.  These awards are for $4,000 and may be renewed for one additional year provided the student has maintained a satisfactory academic record.

For students interested in seeking competence through career and technical education in one of the pre-approved schools in Northwest Kansas, the Foundation offered the following scholarships. These awards are for $4,000 and may be renewed for one additional year provided the student has maintained a satisfactory academic record. 

The winners of the Career and Technical Education scholarships are

Northwest Kansas students win Hansen Scholarships 

The Kansas House of Representatives worked nine bills on the floor last week. The topics of those bills ranged from regulations of public construction contracts to new reporting requirements under the Kansas Open Records Act. 

Detailed below are six of those nine bills worked last week.

· First is House Bill (HB) 2513. This piece of legislation, which is introduced every year, serves to remedy injuries citizens have suffered by the State of Kansas in the previous year, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Special Claims Against the State. HB 2513 was voted out favorably in the House on Wednesday, received by the Senate, and has been referred to the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee.

· Second is HB 2427. This bill would establish two new fiscal auditors within the legislature, for the purpose of providing greater oversight and more rapid response analysis of state agency spends during the year. HB 2427 was voted out favorably in the House on Wednesday, received by the Senate, and has been referred to the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee.

· Third is Senate Bill (SB) 299. This legislation would prohibit the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission from establishing rules to prevent disclosure of nominee names and residential addresses. The bill was voted out favorably by the House on Thursday and will go into conference committee, given it was amended by the House.

· Fourth is House Resolution 6033. This resolution would approve of the new gaming compact negotiated by the State of Kansas and the Wyandotte Tribe of Kansas, which would expand the gambling options offered at the tribe’s gambling facilities. House Resolution 6033 was voted out favorably in the House on Thursday.

· Fifth is HB 2767. This bill would change the name of the Governor’s Military Council into the Kansas Military Affairs Commission, while remaining within the Office of the Governor, and establish the commission’s rules for meetings, votes, membership, and staff requirements. HB 2767 was voted out favorably in the House on Thursday and was received by the Senate on Friday.

· Last is House Substitute for Senate Bill 33. This bill, which was amended in the House Committee on Taxation, would extend the tax apportionment of countywide retailers’ sales tax revenue, that is based on the proportion levied by the county and each city, through the end of calendar year 2027. House Substitute for Senate Bill 33 was voted out favorably in the House on Thursday and will go into conference committee, given it was amended by the House.

The House Appropriations (HAPP) Committee was busier last week, with meetings held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. During those meetings the committee received five informational briefings, heard two bills, and voted out favorably one of said bills.

On Tuesday HAPP received an update on the progress of America Rescue Plan Act projects, from the Kansas Legislative Research Department, and then heard HB 2781. The update on America Rescue Plan Act projects provided members with key insight on the remaining projects and their funds, as 2026 is the last calendar year said funds can be spent. 

Following that, HB 2781 was heard, which grants authority to the State Historical Society to acquire the junior officers’ quarters at Fort Dodge and mandates their maintenance and preservation.

Wednesday witnessed the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority provide updates to the committee and the hearing of HB 2788. 

The Department of Transportation update relayed to members information on the IKE Transportation Plan, from the current project pipeline to the number of miles of road worked, and everything in between. The Kansas Turnpike Authority informed members on the new toll lane installed on Highway 69 in southern Kansas City and its impact on traffic congestion.

 Following that, HB 2788, which establishes an oversight task force for the Kansas Business Enterprise Program, was heard by the committee.

Thursday saw the committee receive presentations from the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, followed by the working of HB 2788. 

The University of Kansas presentation informed members of the university’s architecture program and their need to acquire bonding authority for renovations and construction on its campus, to further said architecture program. 

Wichita State University’s presentation informed members on the expansion of its National Institute of Aviation Research into Department of Defense contracts and the need for continued state support. 

Following that, HB 2788 was worked by the committee, with three amendments added, and then voted out favorably.

BUDGET PROCESS CONTINUED The Kansas Senate finally voted out their budget bill, SB 315, last week on Wednesday, with a final action count of 21 in favor to 19 against. This close vote followed Tuesday where the Senate, working as a Committee of the Whole, took nearly six hours of debate. During that process on Tuesday, 25 amendments were brought to the floor and only 13 were accepted by the chamber.

When amendments are made to fiscal bills on the floor of either chamber, the Pay-Go Rule applies. This rule prohibits amendments to fiscal bills that create a net increase in spending, and therefore any spending increase an amendment makes must at least have a correspondingly equal decrease in spending detailed elsewhere.

 Most of the amendments offered were impacted by this rule, while a minority dealt with non-fiscal matters. With SB 315 finally passed by the Senate, a conference committee will be assigned so that the House and Senate can being conferencing on the budget next week.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th Street Topeka, Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.gov</a> www.troywaymaster.com 785-296-7672

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is state representative for the 109th District.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home: Budget process continues; fiscal auditors 

<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

Early Childhood Connections of Hays is starting enrollments for Head Start Preschool for the 2026-27 school year.

Early Head Start has options year-round for familis who are prenatal to age 3.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">usd489connections.com</a>&nbsp;and click on Enrollment Inquiries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Early Childhood Connections serves Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties and is free for families.

&nbsp;Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064590373991">Early Childhood Connections</a> on Facebook, or call 785-623-2430.&nbsp;

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LEAVENWORTH — CoreCivic will reopen its private prison in Leavenworth to house immigration detainees after city commissioners approved the company’s special use permit on Tuesday, the result of a process one commissioner called “agonizing.”

One person was arrested and multiple people were ejected as they shouted profanity during an hour of public comments and 30 minutes of discussion before the city commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the permit.

CoreCivic and the city of Leavenworth have been fighting for a year as the company sought to reopen the prison it closed in 2021. With&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/30/corecivic-inks-new-contract-with-ice-while-awaiting-legal-decisions-on-kansas-prison/">a $60 million</a>&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement annual contract in hand, the Nashville-based private prison company tried through the courts to reopen without going through the city’s development process.

Brian Todd, a CoreCivic spokesman, said in a statement that ICE officials would decide when the Midwest Regional Reception Center will begin housing detainees.

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