By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

At Fort Hays State University, the power that heats buildings, cools arenas and runs classrooms comes from a mix of wind, diesel and even ice made overnight.

Keith Dreher, director of energy management at FHSU, has worked at the university for almost 35 years, starting in grounds maintenance before becoming director of the energy division. Early in his career, the university wanted to modernize how it controlled the power in its buildings.

"The director of that time asked me whether I'd be interested in doing digital controls for the campus," Dreher said. "They sent me to San Diego to train for a week. I came back, and he showed me a warehouse full of parts and told me to build the system for the campus."

Dreher then replaced what he described as an antiquated HVAC system with a modern building automation system built from the ground up.

In 2003, the department explored ways to offset the university’s peak demand and ultimately chose diesel generators. A decade later, with the help of former FHSU President Ed Hammond, the university took another major step.

"In 2013, we installed wind turbines, and that's really helped us out a bunch in savings. Basically, somewhere around $600,000 a year for the university."

Dreher said the energy division has saved the university more than $11 million to date through the use of wind turbines, diesel generators and building controls housed at the Akers Energy Center.

Dreher said the wind turbines produce about 16 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, with about 12 million used on campus and the remaining 4 million sent back to Midwest Energy.

"[16 million kilowatt-hours annually] is basically all we are able to take internally," he said. "There are times when the wind is producing more power than the campus can even use, so that excess goes back to the grid."

Dreher said the wind turbines have produced 178 million kilowatt-hours since they were installed.

When wind production is low, Midwest Energy supplies the remaining electricity needed to power FHSU. On average, wind energy provides about 56% of the campus’s electrical use each year.

Diesel generators primarily serve as backup power if the university loses utility during storms, but they are also used to offset peak demand during the summer. Without managing peak demand, the university could face about $500,000 in annual utility penalty charges.

"By doing what we do with the diesel generators and wind turbines, we're able to cut that penalty in half," he said.

Excess wind energy can sometimes lead to financial penalties due to what Dreher described as negative prices in the regional electricity market, resulting from overproduction when there is no demand.

He said if the university is producing too much wind energy, others in the area will likely do the same.

Dreher said sending excess wind energy back to the utility offers no benefit if the university is penalized. As a result, the energy division developed a way to store that energy for later use. It implemented a system to reduce wind turbine output during times of unfavorable market pricing.

"What we had to do was come up with ideas on storage," he said. "A pet project of mine that I had for a number of years that I really wanted to try was ice storage."

An ice-storage cooling system freezes water overnight using wind energy and uses the stored ice to cool buildings. The first system was installed on campus at Gross Memorial Coliseum in 2025.

"There are 12 tanks that are buried partially underground out there. This chiller at night is using wind energy to make ice, and that's what we use to cool the building with during the day," Dreher said.

"We are currently looking at another location on campus," Dreher said.

Dreher said FHSU President Tisa Mason supported the ice storage units and helped push for their implementation. Based on a training case study at Gross Memorial Coliseum, the cooling system is projected to save about $18,000 per year.

With a second building under consideration for an ice-cooling system, Dreher said the main challenge is the amount of space the system would occupy.

"Where do you put these 12 tanks and not create an eyesore for like, the middle of the quad or something. It's got to be tactful about where you're going to place an application like this," he said.

Dreher said buildings could run on ice during the day, significantly lowering peak demand, reducing reliance on diesel generators and saving fuel.

Dreher said the next campus building to receive an ice-cooling system will better demonstrate its full cost-saving potential by replacing existing electricity use at FHSU.

Akers Energy Center supplies steam across campus

Steam is also produced at Akers Energy Center and distributed through pipes across campus for multiple uses. It heats buildings during colder months and provides hot water for showers, sinks and kitchen equipment.

Dreher said most campus buildings rely on the steam plant, except for the newer dorm complexes Victor Village and Tiger Village, which have their own heating and hot water systems.

The large boilers are used during winter when heating demand is higher, while the smaller boiler is used when demand is lower, such as during the summer.

Inside FHSU's energy center: Wind, diesel and innovation power campus

FHSU daily crime log: March 8-14, 2026

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Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

By LINN ANN HUNTINTON Special to Hays Post

Thanks to the financial support of a Hays church, a free laundry service for individuals in Ellis County is going to expand.

Laundry Love was begun by First Call for Help of Ells County in June 2024. Since then, it has provided low-income individuals the ability to wash and dry up to six loads of laundry free of charge once a month.

That free service has been provided at the 27th&nbsp;&amp; Hall St. Laundromat, 507 W. 27th, on the third Thursday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m. That service will continue. But funding from Hays First United Methodist Church will provide an additional night on the first Thursday of each month, starting April 2 at a second location. That new location will be 8th&nbsp;Street Laundry Services, 225 E. Eighth St. The times will remain the same, from 4 to 6 pm., with the last load ending at 5:30 p.m.

According to information provided by First Call, in 2025 the Laundry Love program served 204 individuals, with 435 loads of laundry washed and dried completely free at the 27th&nbsp;and Hall location.

The Rev. Dr. Susan Murithi, senior pastor at Hays First United Methodist, said the fact that the program is so well used was a deciding factor in the church’s decision to sponsor the program at both laundromats for 2026.

Macey Pfeifer, First Call’s executive director, said that Sunflower Bank was the sponsor the past two years.

“We are so grateful to Sunflower Bank for bringing this opportunity to us in 2024. They sponsored us for 2024 and 2025 with their original donation of $3,500. First United Methodist’s sponsorship is $1,500 for the year for each location,” Pfeifer said.

First Call’s staff and volunteers will continue running the program at the 27th&nbsp;and Hall location, while volunteers from the church’s Missions and Community Engagement Committee will run the service at the Eighth Street location.

Laundry Love has a contract with Earth Breeze laundry detergent, which will provide boxes of the detergent sheets free of charge. Pfeifer said First Call will also have liquid laundry detergent available, along with fabric softener and dryer sheets. These will all be provided for free at both locations.

Pastor Murithi said the church recently revised its Mission Statement to focus more on 'serving and healing within our community.'

“Whenever we see brokenness or an area needing healing in the community, the congregation is great about stepping up. We try to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

She said Greg Daughhetee, a member of the Missions and Community Engagement Committee, was the one who first heard about Laundry Love and took the idea of sponsoring the program to the committee.

Sherri Brown, chair of the committee, said the group suggested adding a downtown laundromat since many individuals lack the transportation to access the facility at 27th&nbsp;and Hall.

Pfeifer with First Call said she thought the idea was a good one.&nbsp;“Opening this location and having it on an additional day will give households the chance to utilize both nights and wash their clothes twice a month rather than once.”&nbsp;

Murithi said any time First United Methodist Church looks at sponsoring a new project, the members look at several questions: What project represents the greatest need? Do we have an adequate budget? Do we have sufficient people to do this project?

She said the church took up a special collection on Christmas Eve and decided to put all of the money collected toward community service. One of those community service projects was Laundry Love.

Murithi said her goal as a pastor is to have each member of the congregation find some type of outreach project that they can get involved with—whether it’s women knitting prayer shawls to give to people who are grieving; to the church members who help prepare and serve the hot meals once a week for the drive-thru Feeding Hays ministry; to those who volunteer overnight at The Hearth, the cold weather shelter run by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance; to the young people who go shopping each Christmas for Angel Tree gifts for underprivileged children.

Murithi has been the pastor at Hays First United Methodist for about 1½ years. She said of all the churches she has served during her 20-year ministry, “this is one of the most passionate churches about outreach into the community.”

Pfeifer said,&nbsp;“Laundry Love is a wonderful program to have in our community. If you're not blessed enough to own your own machines, it can be quite expensive to wash your clothes every few days or even once a week. The cost adds up. We love that we have businesses/organizations/churches that are willing to be sponsors so this program can remain.

“Every month we have individuals thank us many times throughout the night for offering the program. It really puts into perspective how much you can take for granted. Future goals of Laundry Love would to be to get the word out more and make sure everyone in the community is aware that this is something that is offered.”

Pfeifer said that any organization or church interested in sponsoring Laundry Love in the future may contact her at 785-623-2800.

Church’s support helps expand free laundry service in Hays

The United Way of Ellis County is celebrating another successful Dueling Pianos event, made possible by the incredible generosity of our community.

The February 8 fundraiser, held at the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, delivered an evening packed with music, friendly competition, and enthusiastic crowd participation.

This year’s event raised an impressive $17,000, exceeding last year’s total and further strengthening United Way’s ability to serve Ellis County.

 Funds raised will support 13 local partner agencies that provide essential programs in education, financial stability, and health.

Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks, and high-energy musical entertainment while giving back to a cause that impacts neighbors across the county.

United Way extends heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees. Your continued support makes it possible to invest in local programs that improve lives and build a stronger, more resilient community.

Community turns out for United Way’s Dueling Pianos fundraiser

By TISA MASON FHSU president

In the spring of 2020, the world went quiet. For Ryan Funai, then a high school freshman, the silence of the pandemic was loud with the frustrations of a disrupted education. Like millions of other students, Ryan found himself staring at a screen, relegated to an online modality that felt more like a barrier than a bridge to learning.

Many students waited for the world to return to "normal." Ryan Funai, however, decided to build a new one.

His journey from a 16-year-old GED student to a 2025 FHSU Homecoming King nominee and future PhD candidate is a story of unconventional paths. But more importantly, it is a story that illustrates the soul of Fort Hays State University: the belief that with a bit of grit and a community that cares, there is no limit to how far a student can go.

Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back, but for Ryan, it was about pivoting. Recognizing that the traditional high school structure was no longer serving his growth during the pandemic, Ryan approached his mother, Angela, with a bold proposal: he wanted to leave high school, pursue his GED as a homeschool student, and accelerate his path to adulthood.

It was a risk, but it was grounded in a clear-eyed understanding of his own needs. With a comprehensive study guide and a state-mandated prep course, Ryan didn't just pass; he aced all four GED modules on his first attempt. By the time his peers were starting their sophomore year, Ryan had already completed his secondary education.

However, ambition requires as much patience as it does speed. Knowing he wasn't quite ready for the social landscape of a university at 16, Ryan spent what would have been his junior year working full-time. He saved his earnings, gained experience, and by the age of 17, he arrived at Fort Hays State University not just as a freshman, but as a young man with a plan.

Ryan’s connection to FHSU began even before his first official class. The summer before his freshman year, he took a job at the Tebo Library. It was here that the "small school" advantage of FHSU first changed his life.

While shelving books and assisting patrons, Ryan began meeting faculty members who treated him not as a temporary summer hire, but as a future colleague. Among them was Dr. Todd Moore, the Department of Geosciences chairman, whose encouragement left a lasting impression. Ryan’s 'calling' wasn't just found in books, but in the mentorship of those who saw his potential before he even declared a major.

"Meeting so many people early on encouraged me to get involved," Ryan recalls. "It made college less intimidating."

This early immersion enabled Ryan to shape his college experience. He didn't just join the campus; he became deeply rooted in the university. Now a senior majoring in Geology with a minor in Biology and a Leadership certificate, Ryan has maintained a trajectory of excellence, placing him on track to graduate with academic honors. He is already enrolled in an accelerated master’s program at FHSU, eyeing a PhD and a future career as a university professor.

When asked about his academic success, Ryan quickly pivots to the people he serves. This “ethic of care” is a hallmark of the FHSU community, and Ryan brings it to life through his dedicated leadership in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity.

Serving as the president, Ryan has led his brothers in supporting the WeKan Center, a program of Hays USD 489. The center serves students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have finished high school but still require support before age 21. For Ryan, this isn't just a "philanthropy project"—it’s a manifestation of the SAE creed: being a "true gentleman."

"I think of my fraternity’s creed...putting other people before yourself and being honest and being the best person you can be," Ryan says. "That aligns with a lot of the principles of Fort Hays. Putting other people before yourself is a big aspect of what I strive to do."

This semester, his commitment to the Hays community continues through his LDRS 310 (Field Work in Leadership) course, where he and his team are organizing a 5K Run for First Call for Help, a local organization providing vital social services.

Ryan’s academic pursuits in geology are not merely clinical; they are humanitarian. His research focuses on water, specifically within the complex cave systems of southern Kansas.

"I want to be able to help people as much as I can, and water is an essential part of everyday life," he explains. "The desire to help people spreads into all the other areas of my studies and my involvement on campus."

Supported by an Undergraduate Scholarly Experience Grant, Ryan will return to the caves of southern Kansas this spring to conduct advanced research. For Ryan, the dark, damp passages of a cave are a laboratory for the greater good, ensuring that the most essential resource for life is understood and protected for the community.

The FHSU community recognized Ryan’s impact by nominating him for Homecoming King in 2025. While the title was an honor, for Ryan, the "unique experience" was the opportunity to meet people from across the university—many of whom he remains in close contact with today.

But perhaps the most personal symbol of Ryan’s ethic of care is something many might have missed. In 2020, as he began his unconventional journey through the GED, Ryan started growing out his hair. It became a four-year project that recently concluded at the Hays Academy of Hair Design. Ryan didn't just get a haircut; he donated his hair to organizations that provide hairpieces for children experiencing hair loss. It was a quiet, years-long commitment to a stranger’s well-being—a physical representation of his "others-first" philosophy.

As Ryan prepares to transition from an undergraduate leader to a graduate researcher, his goal remains clear. He wants to teach at a university like Fort Hays State.

"I would choose a smaller school so I can make connections with students, considering how impactful that has been for my own education," he says.

Ryan Funai’s story is not just about a student who beat the odds of a pandemic. It is about a student who found a university that matched his values. At FHSU, Ryan didn't just find a degree; he found a platform for his resilience, a laboratory for his innovation, and a community that shared his heart for service.

As he heads back into the caves of Kansas this spring, he does so not just as a geologist, but as a Tiger—grounded in the earth, but reaching for the stars.

Three-day weather outlook

A grass fire broke out Thursday afternoon near a mobile home park in Hays.

The fire started around 3:50 p.m. on 12th Street. Portions of the roadway remain closed as the fire is ongoing as of 4:15 p.m.

The fire is located between 12th Street and Meadow Acres Park at 1500 W. 27th St.

Grass fire reported near mobile home park in Hays

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

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

&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

TMP-Marian Sports Booster Club presents 'Dueling Pianos' fundraiser March 28

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.

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