Fort Hays State University will host the&nbsp;Teacher Exploration &amp; Employment Fair&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday, Feb. 13, from&nbsp;9 to 11:30 a.m.,&nbsp;on the second floor of the Memorial Union.

More than 60 employers will be on campus to&nbsp;visit with anyone interested in teaching or other professional opportunities in K-12 education.&nbsp;Members of the Hays&nbsp;community, alumni and&nbsp;students&nbsp;are&nbsp;welcome to attend.&nbsp;This includes&nbsp;experienced teachers, Transition to Teaching candidates, and students seeking their first career position.

FHSU is also partnering with other institutions on the Virtual Education Interview Day on Thursday, March 2. The event will be hosted in Handshake from 1 to 4 p.m. Use this link to learn more or register for the fair:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/3YouRrP">http://bit.ly/3YouRrP</a>

There is no cost to participate in&nbsp;either of these events. Contact FHSU Career Services at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:careers@fhsu.edu">careers@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or (785) 628-4260 for more information.

News releaseFort Hays State University will host the&nbsp;Teacher Exploration &amp; Employment Fair&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday, Feb. 13, from&nbsp;9 to 11:30 a.m.,&nbsp;on the second floor of the Memorial Union.More than 60 employers will be on campus to&nbsp;visit with anyone interested in teaching or other professional opportunities in K-12 education.&nbsp;Members of the Hays&nbsp;community, alumni and&nbsp;students&nbsp;are&nbsp;welcome to attend.&nbsp;This includes&nbsp;experienced teachers, Transition to Teaching candidates, and students seeking their first career position.FHSU is also partnering with other institutions on the Virtual Education Interview Day on Thursday, March 2. The event will be hosted in Handshake from 1 to 4 p.m. Use this link to learn more or register for the fair:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/3YouRrP">http://bit.ly/3YouRrP</a>There is no cost to participate in&nbsp;either of these events. Contact FHSU Career Services at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:careers@fhsu.edu">careers@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or (785) 628-4260 for more information.

FHSU will host teacher exploration and employment fair

Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging

Kansans at least 55 years old, who are looking for employment, qualify to participate in the
Older Kansans Employment Program, provided through the Northwest Kansas Area
Agency on Aging. This program is funded by the Kansas Legislature through the
Kansas Department of Commerce.

Older adults who have been out of the workforce for a while and need assistance updating a
resume, managing online applications, and improving their interview skills are perfect for the
OKEP program.


OKEP is designed to provide skills assessments, resume preparation, counseling, basic
computer and online application training, referrals, and job development and mentoring
services. Job Seekers will attend an initial appointment with an Employment Specialist in a
one-on-one setting. An assessment of needs and skills will be completed. After that the job
seeking process begins, from an updated resume to a successful interview, and finally, the
achievement of landing a job.


For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact NWKAAA at (800) 432-7422 or
(785) 628-8204.


Northwest Kansas Area Agency on AgingKansans at least 55 years old, who are looking for employment, qualify to participate in the
Older Kansans Employment Program, provided through the Northwest Kansas Area
Agency on Aging. This program is funded by the Kansas Legislature through the
Kansas Department of Commerce.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675292407194.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Older adults who have been out of the workforce for a while and need assistance updating a
resume, managing online applications, and improving their interview skills are perfect for the
OKEP program.
OKEP is designed to provide skills assessments, resume preparation, counseling, basic
computer and online application training, referrals, and job development and mentoring
services. Job Seekers will attend an initial appointment with an Employment Specialist in a
one-on-one setting. An assessment of needs and skills will be completed. After that the job
seeking process begins, from an updated resume to a successful interview, and finally, the
achievement of landing a job.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact NWKAAA at (800) 432-7422 or
(785) 628-8204.

Program offers assistance to older Kansans looking for work

COLBY — Colby Community College announced the names of students who earned degrees and certificates during the 2022 fall semester. Names are published by home location as indicated by the student.

Kansas residents are arranged by city, out-of-state residents are listed by city and state, and international students by country. By request, some names are not disclosed.

Beatrice, Neb.:&nbsp;Cheyenne Jurgena.&nbsp;Elgin, S.C.:&nbsp;Sierra Parmentier.&nbsp;Hutchinson:&nbsp;Alison Pierce.&nbsp;Lecompton:&nbsp;Brandon Corbin.Springdale, Ark.:&nbsp;Kimberleigh Morris.&nbsp;Topeka:&nbsp;Mayree Gracia, Alexandra Hamm.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Bryant Davis, Garrett Kuhn.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bahamas:&nbsp;Kunal Bain.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Daphne Baney, Hannah Infante, Geovanni Rios-Menjivar.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Melanie Engel, Jenson Schoenfeld.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Kylie Ryser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bahamas:&nbsp;Kunal Bain.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Geovanni Rios-Menjivar.&nbsp;France:&nbsp;Remi Chavenaud.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Ceara Kamla.&nbsp;Ingalls:&nbsp;Regan Ast.Joplin, Mo.:&nbsp;Michaela Jewsbury.&nbsp;Kit Carson, Colo.:&nbsp;Jordyn Weeks.&nbsp;McCook, Neb.:&nbsp;Kayla Borland.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Jenson Schoenfeld, John Stoecker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Certificates&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Atwood:&nbsp;April Chessmore.&nbsp;Bendena:&nbsp;Emma Albers.&nbsp;Clay Center:&nbsp;Kirstyn Rohe.&nbsp;Elgin, S.C.:&nbsp;Sierra Parmentier.&nbsp;Hutchinson:Alison Pierce.&nbsp;Lecompton:&nbsp;Brandon Corbin.&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb.:&nbsp;Faith Mulholland, Clara Speer.&nbsp;Madison:&nbsp;Camille Steffes.&nbsp;Manhattan:Randi Smith.&nbsp;Middletown, Del.:&nbsp;Eden Glover.&nbsp;Paxico:&nbsp;Shelby Spradling.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Kylie Ryser.&nbsp;Springdale, Ark.:Kimberleigh Morris.&nbsp;Topeka:&nbsp;Mayree Gracia, Alexandra Hamm.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Garrett Kuhn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Colby CCCOLBY — Colby Community College announced the names of students who earned degrees and certificates during the 2022 fall semester. Names are published by home location as indicated by the student.Kansas residents are arranged by city, out-of-state residents are listed by city and state, and international students by country. By request, some names are not disclosed.Associate of Applied ScienceBeatrice, Neb.:&nbsp;Cheyenne Jurgena.&nbsp;Elgin, S.C.:&nbsp;Sierra Parmentier.&nbsp;Hutchinson:&nbsp;Alison Pierce.&nbsp;Lecompton:&nbsp;Brandon Corbin.Springdale, Ark.:&nbsp;Kimberleigh Morris.&nbsp;Topeka:&nbsp;Mayree Gracia, Alexandra Hamm.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Bryant Davis, Garrett Kuhn.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Associate of ArtsBahamas:&nbsp;Kunal Bain.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Daphne Baney, Hannah Infante, Geovanni Rios-Menjivar.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Melanie Engel, Jenson Schoenfeld.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Kylie Ryser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Associate of ScienceBahamas:&nbsp;Kunal Bain.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Geovanni Rios-Menjivar.&nbsp;France:&nbsp;Remi Chavenaud.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Ceara Kamla.&nbsp;Ingalls:&nbsp;Regan Ast.Joplin, Mo.:&nbsp;Michaela Jewsbury.&nbsp;Kit Carson, Colo.:&nbsp;Jordyn Weeks.&nbsp;McCook, Neb.:&nbsp;Kayla Borland.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Jenson Schoenfeld, John Stoecker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Certificates&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atwood:&nbsp;April Chessmore.&nbsp;Bendena:&nbsp;Emma Albers.&nbsp;Clay Center:&nbsp;Kirstyn Rohe.&nbsp;Elgin, S.C.:&nbsp;Sierra Parmentier.&nbsp;Hutchinson:Alison Pierce.&nbsp;Lecompton:&nbsp;Brandon Corbin.&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb.:&nbsp;Faith Mulholland, Clara Speer.&nbsp;Madison:&nbsp;Camille Steffes.&nbsp;Manhattan:Randi Smith.&nbsp;Middletown, Del.:&nbsp;Eden Glover.&nbsp;Paxico:&nbsp;Shelby Spradling.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Kylie Ryser.&nbsp;Springdale, Ark.:Kimberleigh Morris.&nbsp;Topeka:&nbsp;Mayree Gracia, Alexandra Hamm.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Garrett Kuhn.

Colby Community College announces fall graduates

BUNKER HILL — The history series Cottonwood Connections is back for season two with host Don Rowlison.&nbsp; The half-hour docu-series airs on Smoky Hills PBS at&nbsp;6p.m.&nbsp;on Sundays and Saturdays starting&nbsp;Feb. 5.

This season the show travels to various locations including museums, historic forts, a restored&nbsp;opera house, a preserved archaeological site, buffalo ranches, and the bottom of Webster Lake&nbsp;for an expanding look at the people, places, events (and animals??) that shaped the Great Plains.

“We are slowly expanding our scope this season,” said series creator Ed Lowry. “The history of&nbsp;Western Kansas and the Great Plains is vast and intriguing. We are hoping to give focus to&nbsp;those various organizations working to share and preserve that history.”

The series is hosted by Don Rowlison and presented by The Friends of Cottonwood Ranch, an&nbsp;organization that supports the work of the Cottonwood Ranch Historic site and has the mission&nbsp;of encouraging historical education about the plains.

Rowlison is an archeologist who specialized in studying the pre-historic people of the plains. In&nbsp;1985, he became site curator for the Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site and devoted himself to&nbsp;studying all the various issues that impacted people settling the region in the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Don is, himself, a cowboy and was inducted to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008 as a historian.

Season one and the documentary The Legacy of Cottonwood Ranch are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/passport/learn-more/">Smoky Hills PBS Passport</a>.

The schedule for the 12 episodes of season two can be found below:

Fort Wallace Museum&nbsp;(Feb. 5) - We visit the Fort Wallace Museum, where decades of&nbsp;volunteers have worked to bring greater understanding to the clash of cultures at this&nbsp;Western Kansas outpost on the Smoky Hill Trail.

Restoration of the Grainfield Opera House&nbsp;(Feb. 12) - The Grainfield Opera House,&nbsp;constructed in 1887 served many functions over the decades. Now, thanks to the&nbsp;collective efforts of a community, it stands as a town’s statement that both its history&nbsp;and its future matter.

The Horse, the Ox and the Animals that Worked&nbsp;(Feb. 19) - A look at the role of the&nbsp;animals whose contribution and dedication made settling the Great Plains possible.

If These Walls Could Talk • Preserving Places that Share Our History&nbsp;(Feb. 26) - Physical&nbsp;sites and buildings help tell the stories of our past. We take a look at the preservation&nbsp;and restoration of Cottonwood Ranch and visit various locations either preserved,&nbsp;restored, remodeled, or rebuilt to share our history.

The Buffalo&nbsp;(March 5) - What was the significance of the buffalo to the native people of the&nbsp;Great Plains? What happened to them, how were some preserved, and how are they&nbsp;being revived today?

Have Town, Will Travel&nbsp;(March 12)- Many small towns in Western Kansas aren’t where they&nbsp;used to be. We take at look at how entire communities would pick up and move to be&nbsp;closer to the railroad, to avoid drowning in a newly built reservoir, or to claim the&nbsp;throne as county seat.

Hometown Historical Societies&nbsp;(March 19) - Many of the most interesting events in history&nbsp;happened right in our own backyards. Area county historical societies highlight the&nbsp;importance of understanding the people and events that shaped the&nbsp;home towns&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Great Plains.

History Makers&nbsp;- George Sternberg (March 26) - We visit the Sternberg Museum in Hays,&nbsp;Kansas, to learn about its namesake, George Sternberg, and his family of renowned&nbsp;paleontologists who helped shape our understanding of our ancient past.

What’s for Dinner?&nbsp;(April 2) - Exploration of food preparation and preservation in the&nbsp;pioneer era, featuring guest Emily Campbell, owner and chef at The Elephant Bar and&nbsp;Bistro in Hoxie, Kansas, preparing a meal of historic recipes in the Cottonwood Ranch&nbsp;kitchen.

“Great American Desert” • The Exploration Era of the Plains&nbsp;(April 9) - In a time when&nbsp;the center of the country was described as a “sea of grass,” trappers, traders and&nbsp;explorers shaped the understanding of both the perils and possibilities on the Great&nbsp;Plains.

Ethnic Heritage of the High Plains&nbsp;(April 16) - We look at how various communities were&nbsp;formed by immigrants from specific places, traditions, religions or people groups, and&nbsp;check in on how these heritages are carried on or celebrated today.

Those Roadside Attractions&nbsp;(April 23) - Balls of Twine. Enormous prairie dogs. The Garden&nbsp;of Eden. The highways and byways of Kansas are blessed with landmarks of the odd&nbsp;and unusual.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675288660955.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL — The history series Cottonwood Connections is back for season two with host Don Rowlison.&nbsp; The half-hour docu-series airs on Smoky Hills PBS at&nbsp;6p.m.&nbsp;on Sundays and Saturdays starting&nbsp;Feb. 5.This season the show travels to various locations including museums, historic forts, a restored&nbsp;opera house, a preserved archaeological site, buffalo ranches, and the bottom of Webster Lake&nbsp;for an expanding look at the people, places, events (and animals??) that shaped the Great Plains.“We are slowly expanding our scope this season,” said series creator Ed Lowry. “The history of&nbsp;Western Kansas and the Great Plains is vast and intriguing. We are hoping to give focus to&nbsp;those various organizations working to share and preserve that history.”The series is hosted by Don Rowlison and presented by The Friends of Cottonwood Ranch, an&nbsp;organization that supports the work of the Cottonwood Ranch Historic site and has the mission&nbsp;of encouraging historical education about the plains.Rowlison is an archeologist who specialized in studying the pre-historic people of the plains. In&nbsp;1985, he became site curator for the Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site and devoted himself to&nbsp;studying all the various issues that impacted people settling the region in the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Don is, himself, a cowboy and was inducted to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008 as a historian.Season one and the documentary The Legacy of Cottonwood Ranch are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/passport/learn-more/">Smoky Hills PBS Passport</a>.The schedule for the 12 episodes of season two can be found below:Fort Wallace Museum&nbsp;(Feb. 5) - We visit the Fort Wallace Museum, where decades of&nbsp;volunteers have worked to bring greater understanding to the clash of cultures at this&nbsp;Western Kansas outpost on the Smoky Hill Trail.Restoration of the Grainfield Opera House&nbsp;(Feb. 12) - The Grainfield Opera House,&nbsp;constructed in 1887 served many functions over the decades. Now, thanks to the&nbsp;collective efforts of a community, it stands as a town’s statement that both its history&nbsp;and its future matter.The Horse, the Ox and the Animals that Worked&nbsp;(Feb. 19) - A look at the role of the&nbsp;animals whose contribution and dedication made settling the Great Plains possible.If These Walls Could Talk • Preserving Places that Share Our History&nbsp;(Feb. 26) - Physical&nbsp;sites and buildings help tell the stories of our past. We take a look at the preservation&nbsp;and restoration of Cottonwood Ranch and visit various locations either preserved,&nbsp;restored, remodeled, or rebuilt to share our history.The Buffalo&nbsp;(March 5) - What was the significance of the buffalo to the native people of the&nbsp;Great Plains? What happened to them, how were some preserved, and how are they&nbsp;being revived today?Have Town, Will Travel&nbsp;(March 12)- Many small towns in Western Kansas aren’t where they&nbsp;used to be. We take at look at how entire communities would pick up and move to be&nbsp;closer to the railroad, to avoid drowning in a newly built reservoir, or to claim the&nbsp;throne as county seat.Hometown Historical Societies&nbsp;(March 19) - Many of the most interesting events in history&nbsp;happened right in our own backyards. Area county historical societies highlight the&nbsp;importance of understanding the people and events that shaped the&nbsp;home towns&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Great Plains.History Makers&nbsp;- George Sternberg (March 26) - We visit the Sternberg Museum in Hays,&nbsp;Kansas, to learn about its namesake, George Sternberg, and his family of renowned&nbsp;paleontologists who helped shape our understanding of our ancient past.What’s for Dinner?&nbsp;(April 2) - Exploration of food preparation and preservation in the&nbsp;pioneer era, featuring guest Emily Campbell, owner and chef at The Elephant Bar and&nbsp;Bistro in Hoxie, Kansas, preparing a meal of historic recipes in the Cottonwood Ranch&nbsp;kitchen.“Great American Desert” • The Exploration Era of the Plains&nbsp;(April 9) - In a time when&nbsp;the center of the country was described as a “sea of grass,” trappers, traders and&nbsp;explorers shaped the understanding of both the perils and possibilities on the Great&nbsp;Plains.Ethnic Heritage of the High Plains&nbsp;(April 16) - We look at how various communities were&nbsp;formed by immigrants from specific places, traditions, religions or people groups, and&nbsp;check in on how these heritages are carried on or celebrated today.Those Roadside Attractions&nbsp;(April 23) - Balls of Twine. Enormous prairie dogs. The Garden&nbsp;of Eden. The highways and byways of Kansas are blessed with landmarks of the odd&nbsp;and unusual.

Cottonwood Connections Season 2 Premieres on Smoky Hills PBS

RUSSELL - The City of Russell Public Transportation bus will not be in service this Friday or Saturday, due to staffing issues. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667324157171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - The City of Russell Public Transportation bus will not be in service this Friday or Saturday, due to staffing issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Russell city public transportation not in service Friday or Saturday

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is accepting applications for the
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.


LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills.
Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted.


Last year, $47 million aided approximately 40,000 households in covering winter heating bills,
averaging $1,180 per home


To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills, payable
either to the landlord or the fuel vendor. The level of benefit varies according to household
income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility
rates.


The combined gross income (before deductiions) of all personans living at the address may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.


Applicants must demonstrate that they have made payments on their heating bill two out of the
last three months.


Applications will be accepted until March 31.


For individuals needing assistance filling out or submitting an application, call Northwest Kansas
Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-432-7422 or 785-628-8204 to schedule an appointment.


Northwest Kansas Area Agency on AgingThe Kansas Department for Children and Families is accepting applications for the
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.
LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills.
Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted.
Last year, $47 million aided approximately 40,000 households in covering winter heating bills,
averaging $1,180 per home
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills, payable
either to the landlord or the fuel vendor. The level of benefit varies according to household
income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility
rates.
The combined gross income (before deductiions) of all personans living at the address may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have made payments on their heating bill two out of the
last three months.
Applications will be accepted until March 31.
For individuals needing assistance filling out or submitting an application, call Northwest Kansas
Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-432-7422 or 785-628-8204 to schedule an appointment.
Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Applications open for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

Ben Folds is bringing his&nbsp;What Matters Most Tour&nbsp;to Salina in August.

Folds is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 11 in downtown Salina's Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $69 and are scheduled to go on sale at noon Friday. Buy online at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. The Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About the artist from the Stiefel Theatre

Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.

He's created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.

For over a decade he's performed with some of the world's greatest symphony orchestras and currently serves as the first-ever artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.

Folds released his first book - a collection of interrelated essays, anecdotes and lessons about art, life and music - in 2019, which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller, and he hosted a podcast series spinoff of his book titled Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds. In addition to solo rock and orchestral touring, he's also developing a new unscripted tv series with Fred Rogers Productions, continues to appear in various film/tv guest starring roles, and is working on two new albums.

An outspoken champion for arts education and music therapy funding in our nation's public schools, Folds has served for more than five years as an active member of the distinguished Artist Committee of Americans For The Arts (AFTA) and serves on the Board of AFTA's Arts Action Fund.

By SALINA POSTBen Folds is bringing his&nbsp;What Matters Most Tour&nbsp;to Salina in August.Folds is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 11 in downtown Salina's Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $69 and are scheduled to go on sale at noon Friday. Buy online at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. The Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.About the artist from the Stiefel TheatreFolds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.He's created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.For over a decade he's performed with some of the world's greatest symphony orchestras and currently serves as the first-ever artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.Folds released his first book - a collection of interrelated essays, anecdotes and lessons about art, life and music - in 2019, which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller, and he hosted a podcast series spinoff of his book titled Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds. In addition to solo rock and orchestral touring, he's also developing a new unscripted tv series with Fred Rogers Productions, continues to appear in various film/tv guest starring roles, and is working on two new albums.An outspoken champion for arts education and music therapy funding in our nation's public schools, Folds has served for more than five years as an active member of the distinguished Artist Committee of Americans For The Arts (AFTA) and serves on the Board of AFTA's Arts Action Fund.

Ben Folds scheduled to perform in Salina in August

GREAT BEND — The Barton Community College Foundation presents scholarships each year from funds received through its fundraising events, endowments and annual scholarship gifts. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Foundation has selected the following students (listed by hometown) for scholarship offers:

Burdett 
Elizabeth Rasmussen, Golda Underhill Bailey Memorial Scholarship

Claflin 
Matthew Donecker, Schmidt Foundation Scholarship 
Brooke Farmer, Monica Bell Reser Memorial Scholarship 
Callie Zink, Loren and Maxine Pease Scholarship

Hays 
Adisyn Jacobs, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Tasiah Nunnery, Verna S. Davis Memorial Scholarship

Hill City 
Drake Stephen, Isbell Wesley Endowment Fund

La Crosse 
Ashton Waggoner, Schmidt Foundation Scholarship

Larned 
Katherine Alnor, Rosalie Jean Pennington Memorial Scholarship 
Tina Dimarzo, George Tregellas Chairman's Scholarship 
Matthew Figger, Mamie Robl Memorial Scholarship 
Jessica Grosfield, Roger and Mary Lou Murphy Endowment 
Samantha Haney, Nancy Bartley Scholarship 
Jessica Linarez, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Jared McFadden, Les and Carol Hopkins Scholarship 
Tyson Nicholson, Lee Turner Endowment 
Jessica Runnels, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Taryn Sieg, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship

Osborne 
Charlie Seifert, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust Financial Management Scholarship

Otis 
Chloe Schenk, BEST Scholarship (Barton Enhancement &amp; Scholarship Team)

Phillipsburg 
Jacie Roth, G.E. and Lois Alban Academic Scholarship

Russell 
Rylee Miller, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Emicka Shoemaker, Barton County Medical Society Scholarship

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675079053655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community CollegeGREAT BEND — The Barton Community College Foundation presents scholarships each year from funds received through its fundraising events, endowments and annual scholarship gifts. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Foundation has selected the following students (listed by hometown) for scholarship offers:Burdett 
Elizabeth Rasmussen, Golda Underhill Bailey Memorial ScholarshipClaflin 
Matthew Donecker, Schmidt Foundation Scholarship 
Brooke Farmer, Monica Bell Reser Memorial Scholarship 
Callie Zink, Loren and Maxine Pease ScholarshipHays 
Adisyn Jacobs, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Tasiah Nunnery, Verna S. Davis Memorial ScholarshipHill City 
Drake Stephen, Isbell Wesley Endowment FundLa Crosse 
Ashton Waggoner, Schmidt Foundation ScholarshipLarned 
Katherine Alnor, Rosalie Jean Pennington Memorial Scholarship 
Tina Dimarzo, George Tregellas Chairman's Scholarship 
Matthew Figger, Mamie Robl Memorial Scholarship 
Jessica Grosfield, Roger and Mary Lou Murphy Endowment 
Samantha Haney, Nancy Bartley Scholarship 
Jessica Linarez, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Jared McFadden, Les and Carol Hopkins Scholarship 
Tyson Nicholson, Lee Turner Endowment 
Jessica Runnels, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Taryn Sieg, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical ScholarshipOsborne 
Charlie Seifert, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust Financial Management ScholarshipOtis 
Chloe Schenk, BEST Scholarship (Barton Enhancement &amp; Scholarship Team)Phillipsburg 
Jacie Roth, G.E. and Lois Alban Academic ScholarshipRussell 
Rylee Miller, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Emicka Shoemaker, Barton County Medical Society Scholarship

NW Kan. students awarded scholarships at Barton CC

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🎙 Eagle Radio of Hays: LISTEN LIVE

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It's a month of music, basketball and wrestling, legislative updates, and of course, love.

Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director,&nbsp; has highlights of some of the local activities and events during February.

For an updated list of community events, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=16796&amp;month=1&amp;year=2023&amp;day=31&amp;calType=0">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673100607004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's a month of music, basketball and wrestling, legislative updates, and of course, love.Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director,&nbsp; has highlights of some of the local activities and events during February.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/QGLeNW2G-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cvb Feb 23" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675202407143.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>For an updated list of community events, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=16796&amp;month=1&amp;year=2023&amp;day=31&amp;calType=0">www.visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: Community events in Hays during February

QUINTER — Kim and Dan Christian will showcase the versatility and showmanship of the accordion at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Quinter High&nbsp;School &nbsp;Auditorium.&nbsp;The married duo will perform a wide variety of music&nbsp;and have established themselves as among the premier accordionists in the world. Their unique ability to play together with exact precision is&nbsp;unparalleled anywhere else on the planet. Their performances are charged with vibrant energy and a passion and love that create an experience that will be cherished.

Dan and Kim have both been teaching the accordion for over thirty years, and many of their previous students have had tremendous success as students and performers.&nbsp;The couple will deliver their “up to date” arrangements of popular music styles and will cover everything from classical to jazz and everything in between. This program is sponsored in part the Dane G. Hansen Fund. Admission for this show is with season ticket or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

Dan and Kim Christian have established themselves as among the premier unique ability to play together with exact excellent technique and mastery of the accordion. Performances are charged with vibrant a passion and love that create an experience that will be cherished. Dan and Kim have both been teaching the accordion for over 30 years. Seven of their previous students have received full music scholarships to the prestigious Lamont School of Music at Denver University. Dan and Kim met while Dan was taking lessons from Kim's father Mike Aman at the Young Musicians of America (YMA) music school. Dan has known Kim since she was 5 years old and they have literally grown up together performing and teaching the accordion, and through the YMA school run by Mike and Alice Aman, they have performed in Disneyland, Disney World, Mexico and Canada.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674856309474.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAQUINTER — Kim and Dan Christian will showcase the versatility and showmanship of the accordion at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Quinter High&nbsp;School &nbsp;Auditorium.&nbsp;The married duo will perform a wide variety of music&nbsp;and have established themselves as among the premier accordionists in the world. Their unique ability to play together with exact precision is&nbsp;unparalleled anywhere else on the planet. Their performances are charged with vibrant energy and a passion and love that create an experience that will be cherished.Dan and Kim have both been teaching the accordion for over thirty years, and many of their previous students have had tremendous success as students and performers.&nbsp;The couple will deliver their “up to date” arrangements of popular music styles and will cover everything from classical to jazz and everything in between. This program is sponsored in part the Dane G. Hansen Fund. Admission for this show is with season ticket or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.Dan and Kim Christian have established themselves as among the premier unique ability to play together with exact excellent technique and mastery of the accordion. Performances are charged with vibrant a passion and love that create an experience that will be cherished. Dan and Kim have both been teaching the accordion for over 30 years. Seven of their previous students have received full music scholarships to the prestigious Lamont School of Music at Denver University. Dan and Kim met while Dan was taking lessons from Kim's father Mike Aman at the Young Musicians of America (YMA) music school. Dan has known Kim since she was 5 years old and they have literally grown up together performing and teaching the accordion, and through the YMA school run by Mike and Alice Aman, they have performed in Disneyland, Disney World, Mexico and Canada.

Squeezebox extravaganza scheduled in Quinter

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced $40 million will be made available under the&nbsp;ARPA Building Opportunities for the Disabled and Elderly (ABODE)&nbsp;and&nbsp;State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT)&nbsp;grant programs. 

The ABODE program will provide $10 million in funding for new construction projects and renovation of affordable multi-dwelling housing units for persons with disabilities and the elderly. 

The SPRINT program will distribute $30 million for investments in regional tourism assets and state parks.

The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.

“In order for us to continue on our path of historic growth, we must continue to invest in quality-of-life assets,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Providing quality housing for all Kansans and developing attractive regional tourist destinations will help us create strong, inviting communities across the state.”

ABODE applications can include health and safety renovations to existing buildings or construction of new multi-housing units that accommodate individuals who are elderly and/or disabled. Project design, engineering costs and architectural designs are also permitted as eligible expenditures. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.

SPRINT applications can include, but are not limited to:

The ABODE and SPRINT grant applications are now open, with submissions closing at 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 27, for both programs.

Informational webinars will be available to the public, with SPRINT’s webinar beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, and ABODE’s webinar beginning at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2. 

Registration for the webinars and guidelines for the grant applications can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMzAuNzA3MDMwOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9hYm9kZS8ifQ.KJJsBff4EGbdmwAzAk8Xjqok02jBmvr2M-3xBGO5hGM/s/1303161001/br/153678651248-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/abode/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMzAuNzA3MDMwOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9zcHJpbnQvIn0.6dxg5FW4hXoW___O48dahJYsQMWK_wzGiHd8SbUMwgs/s/1303161001/br/153678651248-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/sprint/</a>. Applicants can contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CommerceSPARK@ks.gov" target="_blank">CommerceSPARK@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

<figure>
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 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced $40 million will be made available under the&nbsp;ARPA Building Opportunities for the Disabled and Elderly (ABODE)&nbsp;and&nbsp;State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT)&nbsp;grant programs. The ABODE program will provide $10 million in funding for new construction projects and renovation of affordable multi-dwelling housing units for persons with disabilities and the elderly. The SPRINT program will distribute $30 million for investments in regional tourism assets and state parks.The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.“In order for us to continue on our path of historic growth, we must continue to invest in quality-of-life assets,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Providing quality housing for all Kansans and developing attractive regional tourist destinations will help us create strong, inviting communities across the state.”ABODE applications can include health and safety renovations to existing buildings or construction of new multi-housing units that accommodate individuals who are elderly and/or disabled. Project design, engineering costs and architectural designs are also permitted as eligible expenditures. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.Eligible ABODE applicants include:<ul>
 <li>Residential property developers</li><li>Nonprofit organizations in good standing with the state of Kansas</li><li>Counties and local units of government</li><li>Existing entities that provide housing designed specifically for older adults and people with disabilities</li><li>Public housing authorities.</li>
 </ul>SPRINT applications can include, but are not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Infrastructure enhancements, capital projects, renovations</li><li>Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections and environmental assessments</li><li>Renovation and repair of indoor and outdoor facilities, roads and utility connections adjacent to the project site</li><li>Development of public land to create a tourism destination</li><li>Costs associated with recruitment of new permanent and semi-permanent exhibits</li><li>Application costs for national museum affiliation</li>
 </ul>Eligible SPRINT applicants include:<ul>
 <li>Kansas state parks</li><li>Convention and Visitor Bureaus</li><li>Counties and local units of government</li><li>Museums</li><li>Conference centers</li><li>Performing arts centers</li><li>Entertainment venues</li><li>Other tourism-focused businesses and tourism agencies.</li>
 </ul>The ABODE and SPRINT grant applications are now open, with submissions closing at 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 27, for both programs.Informational webinars will be available to the public, with SPRINT’s webinar beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, and ABODE’s webinar beginning at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2. Registration for the webinars and guidelines for the grant applications can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMzAuNzA3MDMwOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9hYm9kZS8ifQ.KJJsBff4EGbdmwAzAk8Xjqok02jBmvr2M-3xBGO5hGM/s/1303161001/br/153678651248-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/abode/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMzAuNzA3MDMwOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9zcHJpbnQvIn0.6dxg5FW4hXoW___O48dahJYsQMWK_wzGiHd8SbUMwgs/s/1303161001/br/153678651248-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/sprint/</a>. Applicants can contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CommerceSPARK@ks.gov" target="_blank">CommerceSPARK@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

KS Dept. of Commerce announces $40M in new housing, tourism grants

DOWNS — USD 272 in Downs was a recent recipient of a grant from the Osborne County Community Foundation for a new flagpole. 

 According to Principal Jeremy Long, “Our current flagpoles, as well as the brick and concrete area where the poles are mounted, are showing their age. Community members have made mention of this to school staff. 

"The flagpole is/will be located at the southeast corner of the Lakeside football field, and therefore all individuals attending events at the field, coming into our building, or anyone driving down Morgan Ave. in Downs will benefit from seeing it. This project will boost pride in our school and grounds while also increasing our display of patriotism.“ 

 The new flagpole is set to be installed in time for the beginning of  the 2023-24 school year. 

For information on becoming a donor or to learn more about the Osborne County Community Foundation, email OCCF board members at OsborneCCF@gmail.com or visit <a href="http://www.osborneccf.org/?fbclid=IwAR0QCFXNWnLr0T9jmUAnWhwSHiu2CxRIkphp7PUDWwc3zCmm_w9FTG7hyR4" target="_blank">www.Osborneccf.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675088960914.png" alt="OCCF" />
 <figcaption>OCCF</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseDOWNS — USD 272 in Downs was a recent recipient of a grant from the Osborne County Community Foundation for a new flagpole. According to Principal Jeremy Long, “Our current flagpoles, as well as the brick and concrete area where the poles are mounted, are showing their age. Community members have made mention of this to school staff. "The flagpole is/will be located at the southeast corner of the Lakeside football field, and therefore all individuals attending events at the field, coming into our building, or anyone driving down Morgan Ave. in Downs will benefit from seeing it. This project will boost pride in our school and grounds while also increasing our display of patriotism.“ The new flagpole is set to be installed in time for the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. For information on becoming a donor or to learn more about the Osborne County Community Foundation, email OCCF board members at OsborneCCF@gmail.com or visit <a href="http://www.osborneccf.org/?fbclid=IwAR0QCFXNWnLr0T9jmUAnWhwSHiu2CxRIkphp7PUDWwc3zCmm_w9FTG7hyR4" target="_blank">www.Osborneccf.org.</a>

OCCF awards grant to Downs USD 272 for flagpole

Gove County Conservation District annual meeting is Feb. 6; reservations required

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Big Creek Chapter annual banquet is 5 p.m. Feb. 4. in the convention center in the Hays Hilton Garden Inn.

Meet like-minded hunters, plus chances to win top notch firearms and bows, premium hunts, limited edition art and hunting gear.

Make your reservations today at&nbsp;<a href="https://events.rmef.org/shop/bigcreek?utm_source=rmef.org&amp;utm_medium=events_page">RMEF.org</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Dennis&nbsp;Craven at 785-650-7912.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Big Creek Chapter annual banquet is 5 p.m. Feb. 4. in the convention center in the Hays Hilton Garden Inn.Meet like-minded hunters, plus chances to win top notch firearms and bows, premium hunts, limited edition art and hunting gear.Make your reservations today at&nbsp;<a href="https://events.rmef.org/shop/bigcreek?utm_source=rmef.org&amp;utm_medium=events_page">RMEF.org</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Dennis&nbsp;Craven at 785-650-7912.— Submitted

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet set for Feb. 4

The Ellis County Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the museum basement, 100 W. Seventh.

ECHS members and the public are invited to view the renovated office space
and enjoy refreshments. 

A short program on estate planning will be offered by Sarah Meitner of Heartland Community Foundation.&nbsp; 

Officers/trustees will be elected (must be a member to vote). 

SubmittedThe Ellis County Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the museum basement, 100 W. Seventh.ECHS members and the public are invited to view the renovated office space
and enjoy refreshments. A short program on estate planning will be offered by Sarah Meitner of Heartland Community Foundation.&nbsp; Officers/trustees will be elected (must be a member to vote).

Ellis County Historical Society annual meeting set for Jan. 30

BUNKER HILL — Another live production from Smoky Hills PBS, "The Kansas Legislature," will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Streaming will also be available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SmokyHillsPBS/videos">YouTube</a>.&nbsp;

The show airs during the legislative session, which gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; For each show, legislators from the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area are invited to participate in the live call-in program, and viewers are encouraged to call in with their legislative questions.

“ 'The Kansas Legislature' is one of the longest running series on Smoky Hills PBS and we are excited to continue this tradition for our viewers,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS."This is a great opportunity for our viewers to connect with our Kansas legislators and ask questions that are important to Kansans, questions that could impact their jobs or everyday life.”

Becky Kiser, news reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2023 season of "The Kansas Legislature." She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.

FEB 3 – Sen. Rick Billinger (Goodland), Rep. Adam Smith (Weskan) Feb 10 – Rep. Troy Waymaster (Bunker Hill)| FEB 17 – Sen. John Doll (Garden City), Rep. Steven Howe (Concordia)

To find a list of legislatures that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2023 season schedule.&nbsp;

The 2023 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-great-plains" target="_blank">ITC Great Plains</a>&nbsp;and through a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — Another live production from Smoky Hills PBS, "The Kansas Legislature," will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Streaming will also be available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SmokyHillsPBS/videos">YouTube</a>.&nbsp;The show airs during the legislative session, which gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; For each show, legislators from the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area are invited to participate in the live call-in program, and viewers are encouraged to call in with their legislative questions.“ 'The Kansas Legislature' is one of the longest running series on Smoky Hills PBS and we are excited to continue this tradition for our viewers,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS."This is a great opportunity for our viewers to connect with our Kansas legislators and ask questions that are important to Kansans, questions that could impact their jobs or everyday life.”Becky Kiser, news reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2023 season of "The Kansas Legislature." She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.Coming in February:FEB 3 – Sen. Rick Billinger (Goodland), Rep. Adam Smith (Weskan) Feb 10 – Rep. Troy Waymaster (Bunker Hill)| FEB 17 – Sen. John Doll (Garden City), Rep. Steven Howe (Concordia)To find a list of legislatures that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2023 season schedule.&nbsp;The 2023 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-great-plains" target="_blank">ITC Great Plains</a>&nbsp;and through a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

New season of 'The Kansas Legislature' begins Feb. 3

Hays High School JAG-K Review: January Edition

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) has announced he will hold a town hall in Ellis County, at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 27.

The meeting will be held at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th, in the basement meeting room.

Area residents are encouraged to attend and share feedback with Sen. Moran on the critical issues facing Kansas and the nation.&nbsp;

Prior to the town hall meeting, Moran will speak at the ribbon cutting at the new location of Camber Hays children's mental health services.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659492643437.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. Moran WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) has announced he will hold a town hall in Ellis County, at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 27.The meeting will be held at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th, in the basement meeting room.Area residents are encouraged to attend and share feedback with Sen. Moran on the critical issues facing Kansas and the nation.&nbsp;Prior to the town hall meeting, Moran will speak at the ribbon cutting at the new location of Camber Hays children's mental health services.&nbsp;

Sen. Moran to host town hall meeting in Hays Friday afternoon

Effective immediately, the 500 block of West Seventh will be closed to traffic for repairs to a water main break in the area. 

Once the leak is repaired, crews will open the road. Traffic control devices will be in place to direct traffic. 

For more information, call 785-628-7380.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674756034596.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>City of HaysEffective immediately, the 500 block of West Seventh will be closed to traffic for repairs to a water main break in the area. Once the leak is repaired, crews will open the road. Traffic control devices will be in place to direct traffic. For more information, call 785-628-7380.&nbsp;

Section of Seventh closed for water main break repair

Students entering the sixth-eighth grades for the 2023-24 year are invited to pre-enroll from 3:30-6 p.m. today at TMP-Marian's school building.

Pre-enrollment takes place in the seconnd floor Learning Commons.

This is not the only chance to enroll, as enrollment is rolling throughout the summer, but it's a chance to reserve your spot and get the first chance at selecting classes.

Families can pay the $35 registration fee at this event.

Students do not need to be Catholic to enroll in Hays Catholic Schools.

Any family with incoming sixth-eighth graders may request an enrollment packet or a curriculum guide at this event as well as meet teachers and administrators.

If the times today do not&nbsp;work for your family, contact the school office at 785-625-6577 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:office@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">office@tmpmarian.org</a>.

SubmittedStudents entering the sixth-eighth grades for the 2023-24 year are invited to pre-enroll from 3:30-6 p.m. today at TMP-Marian's school building.Pre-enrollment takes place in the seconnd floor Learning Commons.This is not the only chance to enroll, as enrollment is rolling throughout the summer, but it's a chance to reserve your spot and get the first chance at selecting classes.Families can pay the $35 registration fee at this event.Students do not need to be Catholic to enroll in Hays Catholic Schools. Any family with incoming sixth-eighth graders may request an enrollment packet or a curriculum guide at this event as well as meet teachers and administrators. If the times today do not&nbsp;work for your family, contact the school office at 785-625-6577 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:office@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">office@tmpmarian.org</a>.

TMP-Marian's new 6th-grade pre-enrollment event today

A rezoning request and conditional use permit from Keith Werth, KC Trucking, 1725 Feedlot Road, for a warehouse and distribution expansion will be discussed tonight by the Ellis County Joint Planning Commission. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ELLIS COUNTYA rezoning request and conditional use permit from Keith Werth, KC Trucking, 1725 Feedlot Road, for a warehouse and distribution expansion will be discussed tonight by the Ellis County Joint Planning Commission. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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KC Trucking request for warehouse and distribution to be reviewed by Ellis Co. Planning Commission

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — K-State Research and Extension, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, is offering online classes at two different times to help people earn the necessary approval to sell wild morel mushrooms.&nbsp;

The classes will be offered online through Zoom on March 23 from noon to 1 p.m., and on March 29 from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;

Morel mushrooms grow in the wild but can be hard to find. For that reason, they are highly favored among chefs and mushroom enthusiasts. False morels include a number of species that look similar but are actually poisonous.&nbsp;

The classes are intended to help ensure that wild harvested mushrooms sold as morels in the state of Kansas are safe to consume. Current regulations under KDA’s food safety and lodging program require that mushrooms picked in the wild for sale must be individually inspected for safety by a registered mushroom identifier.&nbsp;

Upon completing the class -- which includes passing an online exam -- participants will be recognized as registered morel identifiers in Kansas to meet this regulation.&nbsp;

Registration for the classes is now open at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety</a>&nbsp;and costs $5. Participants will receive the Zoom link for the training after registering.&nbsp;

For questions or to register, call the Reno County Extension Office at 620-662-2371 or send an email to Pam Paulsen,<a></a><a href="mailto:ppaulsen@ksu.edu">ppaulsen@ksu.edu</a>, or Londa Nwadike,&nbsp;<a></a><a href="mailto:lnwadike@ksu.edu">lnwadike@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — K-State Research and Extension, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, is offering online classes at two different times to help people earn the necessary approval to sell wild morel mushrooms.&nbsp;The classes will be offered online through Zoom on March 23 from noon to 1 p.m., and on March 29 from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;Morel mushrooms grow in the wild but can be hard to find. For that reason, they are highly favored among chefs and mushroom enthusiasts. False morels include a number of species that look similar but are actually poisonous.&nbsp;The classes are intended to help ensure that wild harvested mushrooms sold as morels in the state of Kansas are safe to consume. Current regulations under KDA’s food safety and lodging program require that mushrooms picked in the wild for sale must be individually inspected for safety by a registered mushroom identifier.&nbsp;Upon completing the class -- which includes passing an online exam -- participants will be recognized as registered morel identifiers in Kansas to meet this regulation.&nbsp;Registration for the classes is now open at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety</a>&nbsp;and costs $5. Participants will receive the Zoom link for the training after registering.&nbsp;For questions or to register, call the Reno County Extension Office at 620-662-2371 or send an email to Pam Paulsen,<a></a><a href="mailto:ppaulsen@ksu.edu">ppaulsen@ksu.edu</a>, or Londa Nwadike,&nbsp;<a></a><a href="mailto:lnwadike@ksu.edu">lnwadike@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Morel-ly right: Online classes will help enthusiasts ID, sell popular wild mushroom 

By STACIE MINSON KSU Watershed Specialist&nbsp;

It is time for the annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays Water Poster Contest. The 2023 theme
is “Use Your Water Smarts." Daycares, Pre-Schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, TMP
Marian and home-school students, Pre-school through 12th, students at Fort Hays State University
and NCK Tech, and adults in the City of Hays are eligible to participate. In addition, this year
we’ve added Intellectual/Development Disabilities (IDD) division (youth through adults).


The “Use your Water Smarts” posters can focus on Water Conservation or Stormwater/Water
Quality messages. Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at
home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. Coli
bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. Both water conservation
and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.


Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12 x 18-inch white poster paper with “Use your Water
Smarts” included. Posters can be designed with pencil, paints, pens, crayons, or markers. In
addition, the posters can be 3-dimensional, or computer generated. Name, age, and teacher need
to be included on the back of the poster. Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works
Department, 1002 Vine, during regular business hours. Prize money will be awarded to 1st-
3rd place winners in each age division. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office
supply during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair.


Posters are due by Thursday, March 9, at school offices, City Hall, or Public Works
Department. Winners will be announced by March 31 and the Awards Celebration will be
held at Sternberg Museum on April 4 at 6pm. To learn more about water conservation and
stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit www.watersmarthays.com or
www.MyKansasWatershed.com (special events tab). For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU
Watershed Specialist, 785-769-3297 or Holly Dickman, City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist,
785-628-7350.

By STACIE MINSON KSU Watershed Specialist&nbsp;It is time for the annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays Water Poster Contest. The 2023 theme
is “Use Your Water Smarts." Daycares, Pre-Schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, TMP
Marian and home-school students, Pre-school through 12th, students at Fort Hays State University
and NCK Tech, and adults in the City of Hays are eligible to participate. In addition, this year
we’ve added Intellectual/Development Disabilities (IDD) division (youth through adults).
The “Use your Water Smarts” posters can focus on Water Conservation or Stormwater/Water
Quality messages. Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at
home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. Coli
bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. Both water conservation
and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.
Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12 x 18-inch white poster paper with “Use your Water
Smarts” included. Posters can be designed with pencil, paints, pens, crayons, or markers. In
addition, the posters can be 3-dimensional, or computer generated. Name, age, and teacher need
to be included on the back of the poster. Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works
Department, 1002 Vine, during regular business hours. Prize money will be awarded to 1st-
3rd place winners in each age division. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office
supply during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair.
Posters are due by Thursday, March 9, at school offices, City Hall, or Public Works
Department. Winners will be announced by March 31 and the Awards Celebration will be
held at Sternberg Museum on April 4 at 6pm. To learn more about water conservation and
stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit www.watersmarthays.com or
www.MyKansasWatershed.com (special events tab). For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU
Watershed Specialist, 785-769-3297 or Holly Dickman, City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist,
785-628-7350.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674252443089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674589090378.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

'Use Your Water Smarts' poster contest announced

The program portion of the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting —&nbsp;Steve Boylan, "Military and the Media: Then and Now" —&nbsp;has been canceled.&nbsp; 

The annual meeting will still be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Historic Fort Hays Visitors Center.

The program portion of the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting —&nbsp;Steve Boylan, "Military and the Media: Then and Now" —&nbsp;has been canceled.&nbsp; The annual meeting will still be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Historic Fort Hays Visitors Center.

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