By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Suicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th&nbsp;in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our State. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.

Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators.&nbsp; Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.

Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotlineat 988.

You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.

Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Local Resources&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Plains Mental Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">https://hpmhc.com/</a>

<a href="https://thecentergb.org/"></a>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictSuicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th&nbsp;in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our State. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators.&nbsp; Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotlineat 988. You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are additional resources:National Resources&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.sprc.org/">https://www.sprc.org/</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/past-events/2019/resources-suicide-prevention">https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/past-events/2019/resources-suicide-prevention</a> &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;State Resources&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.sprc.org/states/kansas">https://www.sprc.org/states/kansas</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">https://www.ksphq.org/</a> &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;Local Resources&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Plains Mental Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">https://hpmhc.com/</a><ul>
 <li>The Center for Counseling and Consultation. 24/7 Crisis line –620-792-2544 or 800-875-8544&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://thecentergb.org/">https://thecentergb.org/</a> </li>
 </ul><a href="https://thecentergb.org/"></a>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Suicide prevention

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Tahoe driven by Saige Caroline&nbsp;Herl, 18, Hays, ran a stop sign at 13th and Barclay Avenue in WaKeeney. A 2017 Chevy Impala driven by Madison Elaine Waggoner, 21, Ellis, struck the driver side of the SUV.

EMS transported Herl to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. Waggoner was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Tahoe driven by Saige Caroline&nbsp;Herl, 18, Hays, ran a stop sign at 13th and Barclay Avenue in WaKeeney. A 2017 Chevy Impala driven by Madison Elaine Waggoner, 21, Ellis, struck the driver side of the SUV.EMS transported Herl to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. Waggoner was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Teen from Hays hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 18, &nbsp;M&amp;D Excavating will begin waterline work on W. 12th&nbsp;Street just east of Ash Street in Hays.

 Work is only expected to last one week. 

Cones and barricades will be placed to divert traffic when necessary. It is recommended that residents avoid the area if possible. &nbsp;

Any residents affected by this project will be notified by the contractor for any interruption of services.&nbsp;

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the contractor, M&amp;D Excavating 785-628-3169 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

City of HaysStarting Wednesday, Sept. 18, &nbsp;M&amp;D Excavating will begin waterline work on W. 12th&nbsp;Street just east of Ash Street in Hays. Work is only expected to last one week. Cones and barricades will be placed to divert traffic when necessary. It is recommended that residents avoid the area if possible. &nbsp;Any residents affected by this project will be notified by the contractor for any interruption of services.&nbsp;The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the contractor, M&amp;D Excavating 785-628-3169 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

Waterline work on W. 12th east of Ash Street starts Wednesday in Hays

Government Surplus Commodities will be distributed in Hays at:

Unite Free Shelves (Inside The Gamers Guild) 200 E 8th&nbsp;Street in Hays, KS, Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 7:30AM-9:00AM. Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below:$1,632 Household of one$2,215 Household of two$2,798 Household of three$3,380 Household of four$3,963 Household of five$4,546 Household of six$5,129 Household of seven$5,712 Household of eight

*Add $583 for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, canned beef, long rice, canned pink salmon, garbanzo beans, peanut butter, k pink canned salmon, raisins, ham slices, blueberries, chicken pouches, green beans, canned collards, mixed vegetables, and ocean perch fillets.&nbsp;Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

SubmittedGovernment Surplus Commodities will be distributed in Hays at:Unite Free Shelves (Inside The Gamers Guild) 200 E 8th&nbsp;Street in Hays, KS, Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 7:30AM-9:00AM. Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.Doors will not open until 7:30AM.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below:$1,632 Household of one$2,215 Household of two$2,798 Household of three$3,380 Household of four$3,963 Household of five$4,546 Household of six$5,129 Household of seven$5,712 Household of eight*Add $583 for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, canned beef, long rice, canned pink salmon, garbanzo beans, peanut butter, k pink canned salmon, raisins, ham slices, blueberries, chicken pouches, green beans, canned collards, mixed vegetables, and ocean perch fillets.&nbsp;Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Commodity distribution set for Sept. 24

A collaborative effort between the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Kansas State University Department of Plant Pathology, and K-State Research and Extension is bringing forth the Sorghum Connection Field Day series. 

This program will provide producers with information on stalk rot management, hybrid selection, fertility, and other cropping systems practices to improve producer productivity and profitability all showcased through on-farm research trials.

The Russell Field Day is Sept. 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of N. Copeland St. and E. State St.

Attendance is free, with lunch provided but registration is required by calling 785-472-4442.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726149927041.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension DistrictA collaborative effort between the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Kansas State University Department of Plant Pathology, and K-State Research and Extension is bringing forth the Sorghum Connection Field Day series. This program will provide producers with information on stalk rot management, hybrid selection, fertility, and other cropping systems practices to improve producer productivity and profitability all showcased through on-farm research trials.The Russell Field Day is Sept. 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of N. Copeland St. and E. State St.Attendance is free, with lunch provided but registration is required by calling 785-472-4442.

Russell to host Sorghum Connection Field Day Sept. 18

This statement was released by USD 489 as of Tuesday morning.

Hays 489 has been made aware of threats circulating on social media, similar to reports in other Kansas school districts.

These threats appear to be part of a broader online trend.

While no credible evidence has been found indicating an immediate threat to our students or staff, it has been noted that Sept. 23 is a potential date for these events.

Hays 489 is working in collaboration with Hays Police Dept to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

We encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity or has concerns to report it immediately to local law enforcement.

Hays PostThis statement was released by USD 489 as of Tuesday morning.Hays 489 has been made aware of threats circulating on social media, similar to reports in other Kansas school districts. These threats appear to be part of a broader online trend. While no credible evidence has been found indicating an immediate threat to our students or staff, it has been noted that Sept. 23 is a potential date for these events. Hays 489 is working in collaboration with Hays Police Dept to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.We encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity or has concerns to report it immediately to local law enforcement.

Hays USD 489 addresses statewide school threats

The Kansas Department of Transportation area engineer confirmed Tuesday morning that an above-height load struck the bridge carrying Hall Street over I-70 at mile marker 158.24 on Saturday evening.

KDOT has been out to inspect the bridge and will be making repairs as warranted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726592643721.png" alt="Hays Post photos" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Kansas Department of Transportation area engineer confirmed Tuesday morning that an above-height load struck the bridge carrying Hall Street over I-70 at mile marker 158.24 on Saturday evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726592695060.png" alt="Law enforcement at the scene of the incident Saturday" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement at the scene of the incident Saturday</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT has been out to inspect the bridge and will be making repairs as warranted.

Oversized load hits Hays bridge over weekend

The Hays Police Department responded to 75 incidents Sept. 8-14, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department responded to 75 incidents Sept. 8-14, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, Sept. 8-14, 2024

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Hays Police Department arrest log, Sept. 8-14, 2024

The Hays Police Department responded to 59 incidents Sept. 1-7, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department responded to 59 incidents Sept. 1-7, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726582177876.png" alt="9-1-24 to 9-7-24 Activity Log-1.png" />
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Hays Police Department activity log, Sept. 1-7, 2024

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Hays Police Department arrest log, Sept. 1-7, 2024

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

This is the third year for the <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/impact/heartland-community-foundation-youth-action-council/">Heartland Community Foundation's Youth Action Council</a>, which has grown to 45 teenage participants from eight high schools in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties.

"They have great ideas, and they're excited about their communities. They want to help,"&nbsp; said Sarah Meitner, Heartland Community Foundation executive director.&nbsp;"They give me a lot of good energy and feel-good time when I'm with them."

One recent idea is a mural project underway in Damar, which was organized by three members of Palco High School, two of whom just graduated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trinity Couse, Lucina Parsons and Kenzie Wells wrote grants to the Office of Rural Prosperity Kansas Department of Commerce and to Heartland Community Foundation and did some additional fundraising.&nbsp;

They've raised more than $12,000 for two building murals, one in Damar and one in Palco. The Heartland grant was for $4,000.

"The painted murals are postcard style, saying 'Welcome to Damar' and 'Welcome to Palco.' They look wonderful," Meitner said of the initial design plan.&nbsp;

"This is a tremendous legacy from these teenagers," she said.

Donors will be recognized on plaques placed at both murals.

The teens meet monthly in their respective counties to talk about different aspects of leadership with adult mentors.

They've learned about organizational tips, grant writing and community engagement.

"Hopefully, we're also instilling in them a sense of rural pride that will stay with them into their adult years," Meitner said. "I'm already eyeing a couple of them as adult board members of the community."

Some original Youth Action Council members have graduated high school and are now attending Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There, they started the new Tiger Action Council.

"It's a little bit more informal," Meitner said. "I want them to come in and have a good college experience. But if we can be a resource and be the wind in their wings for their campus or community, we're here to do that. I'm excited to see those kids grow, too."

The Gen-Z members of Tiger Action Council and Youth Action Council, are hands-on, Meitner said.

Between 12 and 27, they've also grown up sharing their experiences on social media.

"It's [still] community-oriented, but definitely a generational shift in how giving looks. ... They want to leave a mark on their communities."&nbsp;

"They want to feel empowered. They want to get their hands dirty. It's not just raising money. They want to raise the money and then go and do the project."

Other projects for the Youth Action Council are underway in Ellis County. Heartland Community Foundation awarded the group $5,000 for their "Bison on the Loose" public art installation project in Hays, Ellis and Victoria.&nbsp;

Heartland awarded the Rooks County Youth Action Council in Plainville $3,838 for raised garden beds and a collaborative project at Red Bud Village.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726505289661.jpeg" alt="Spearheaded by the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council of Rooks County, the "Welcome to Damar" mural project nears completion. Artwork by Layne Stafford, a Hill City native. Courtesy image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Spearheaded by the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council of Rooks County, the "Welcome to Damar" mural project nears completion. Artwork by Layne Stafford, a Hill City native. Courtesy image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThis is the third year for the <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/impact/heartland-community-foundation-youth-action-council/">Heartland Community Foundation's Youth Action Council</a>, which has grown to 45 teenage participants from eight high schools in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties."They have great ideas, and they're excited about their communities. They want to help,"&nbsp; said Sarah Meitner, Heartland Community Foundation executive director.&nbsp;"They give me a lot of good energy and feel-good time when I'm with them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726093036151.jpeg" alt="The blank building canvas for the new Damar mural. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The blank building canvas for the new Damar mural. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726093009945.jpeg" alt="Trinity Couse and Kenzie Wells, members of the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council in Rooks County, help clean and prep the building wall prior to painting a town mural in Damar. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Couse and Kenzie Wells, members of the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council in Rooks County, help clean and prep the building wall prior to painting a town mural in Damar. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>One recent idea is a mural project underway in Damar, which was organized by three members of Palco High School, two of whom just graduated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trinity Couse, Lucina Parsons and Kenzie Wells wrote grants to the Office of Rural Prosperity Kansas Department of Commerce and to Heartland Community Foundation and did some additional fundraising.&nbsp;They've raised more than $12,000 for two building murals, one in Damar and one in Palco. The Heartland grant was for $4,000."The painted murals are postcard style, saying 'Welcome to Damar' and 'Welcome to Palco.' They look wonderful," Meitner said of the initial design plan.&nbsp;"This is a tremendous legacy from these teenagers," she said.Donors will be recognized on plaques placed at both murals.The teens meet monthly in their respective counties to talk about different aspects of leadership with adult mentors.They've learned about organizational tips, grant writing and community engagement."Hopefully, we're also instilling in them a sense of rural pride that will stay with them into their adult years," Meitner said. "I'm already eyeing a couple of them as adult board members of the community."Some original Youth Action Council members have graduated high school and are now attending Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;There, they started the new Tiger Action Council."It's a little bit more informal," Meitner said. "I want them to come in and have a good college experience. But if we can be a resource and be the wind in their wings for their campus or community, we're here to do that. I'm excited to see those kids grow, too."The Gen-Z members of Tiger Action Council and Youth Action Council, are hands-on, Meitner said.Between 12 and 27, they've also grown up sharing their experiences on social media."It's [still] community-oriented, but definitely a generational shift in how giving looks. ... They want to leave a mark on their communities."&nbsp;"They want to feel empowered. They want to get their hands dirty. It's not just raising money. They want to raise the money and then go and do the project."Other projects for the Youth Action Council are underway in Ellis County. Heartland Community Foundation awarded the group $5,000 for their "Bison on the Loose" public art installation project in Hays, Ellis and Victoria.&nbsp;Heartland awarded the Rooks County Youth Action Council in Plainville $3,838 for raised garden beds and a collaborative project at Red Bud Village.&nbsp;

🎙 Heartland foundation youth council busy with projects in 3 counties

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 11th annual Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Great Bend.

Each year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico. Nets and tags will be available during the event for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies.

Participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to capture monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. 

For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.

On their way to Mexico, data collected from tagged monarchs helps support the research of Monarch Watch. 

Tagging helps answer questions about the origins of monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, mortality during the migration, and changes in geographic distribution. It also shows that the probability of reaching Mexico is related to geographic location, size of the butterfly, and the date.

StoneLion Puppet Theatre will be back again this year presenting “Bubba &amp; Trixie,” a story of a scaredy-cat caterpillar afraid to leave his leaf until it meets a fearless ladybug. This story about friendship and facing fears is sure to delight attendees of all ages.

Larned-based Kellie Honey Farm will be present with a demonstration hive on display in the exhibit hall to educate about the importance of honeybees. KWEC will also feature an invertebrate zoo with giant walking stick insects, butterflies, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions, and more. Kids can make a crawling caterpillar craft or a butterfly mobile at the craft station and take part in many other activities.

Grassland Groupies, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the conservation of grassland ecosystems, will be at the festival with a Bumblebutt Petting Station, an all-male (so they won’t sting) bumble bee interaction display.

Explore the Melody Marsh, a new interactive addition to the KWEC Pollinator Garden, and paint a section of a mural celebrating the monarch butterfly that will be displayed on the garden’s fence.

The garden provides wildflower planting ideas to use at home. It features a variety of native and adaptable plants that serve as host plants for different species of caterpillars and provide nectar sources for pollinators, including butterflies, birds, bees, beetles, and more.

Milkweed plants and wildflower seeds will be available free until they run out. 

For more information, contact KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit: <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726074232022.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s annual Butterfly Festival. Courtesy file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s annual Butterfly Festival. Courtesy file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 11th annual Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Great Bend.Each year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico. Nets and tags will be available during the event for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies.Participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to capture monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.On their way to Mexico, data collected from tagged monarchs helps support the research of Monarch Watch. Tagging helps answer questions about the origins of monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, mortality during the migration, and changes in geographic distribution. It also shows that the probability of reaching Mexico is related to geographic location, size of the butterfly, and the date.StoneLion Puppet Theatre will be back again this year presenting “Bubba &amp; Trixie,” a story of a scaredy-cat caterpillar afraid to leave his leaf until it meets a fearless ladybug. This story about friendship and facing fears is sure to delight attendees of all ages.Larned-based Kellie Honey Farm will be present with a demonstration hive on display in the exhibit hall to educate about the importance of honeybees. KWEC will also feature an invertebrate zoo with giant walking stick insects, butterflies, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions, and more. Kids can make a crawling caterpillar craft or a butterfly mobile at the craft station and take part in many other activities.Grassland Groupies, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the conservation of grassland ecosystems, will be at the festival with a Bumblebutt Petting Station, an all-male (so they won’t sting) bumble bee interaction display.Explore the Melody Marsh, a new interactive addition to the KWEC Pollinator Garden, and paint a section of a mural celebrating the monarch butterfly that will be displayed on the garden’s fence.The garden provides wildflower planting ideas to use at home. It features a variety of native and adaptable plants that serve as host plants for different species of caterpillars and provide nectar sources for pollinators, including butterflies, birds, bees, beetles, and more.Milkweed plants and wildflower seeds will be available free until they run out. For more information, contact KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit: <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Annual Butterfly Festival set for Sept. 28 at Kansas Wetlands Education Center

By <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/maternal-and-neonatal-health.html">KRISTI BIRCH</a> KU News Service

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp; The University of Kansas Medical Center has been awarded a four-year, nearly $4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes in rural Kansas. The grant is part of HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMs) program, which was created to increase access to quality maternal and obstetrics care in rural parts of the United States.

“Because Kansas is very rural, access to obstetrical care is a really pressing issue,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, professor of nursing at the University of Kansas School of Nursing-Salina, associate director of research for the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and the principal investigator on the HRSA grant. 

“And some critical access hospitals (typically rural hospitals with no more than 25 beds) are either closing entirely or closing their obstetrical care, and it’s creating an issue with access to maternal health care.”

In the United States, a country that has among the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, women in rural areas have a 9% greater chance of dying or suffering a severe health condition as a consequence of maternity compared with their urban counterparts, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

 Infant mortality rates are 6% higher in rural American counties compared with small and medium-sized cities, and 20% higher than those in large metropolitan areas.

The grant will be used to pilot a sustainable model of quality obstetrical services and care at a network of three hospitals in counties in central and northwest Kansas that are part of the Sunflower Health Network: Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Sheridan County Health Complex, Goodland, and Smith County Memorial Hospital and Rural Family Practice, Smith Center.

A critical piece of the project will be building the teleradiology component. 

Teleradiology, the transmission of radiologic images such as ultrasounds and X-rays from one location to another, allows radiologists to provide services to patients without being in the same location. This effort will be led by Brian Brost, M.D., and Marc Parrish, D.O., both professors of obstetrics and gynecology at KU School of Medicine with fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine. Both also are co-investigators on the grant.

Teleradiology allows sonographers to be trained in obstetric ultrasonography remotely. 

Obstetric ultrasonography, also known as prenatal ultrasound, is challenging because babies can be in different positions in the womb, and they often move during the ultrasound. However, sonography training typically includes just a couple of months focused on obstetrics. That’s why creating and conducting a remote training program in performing obstetric ultrasounds is an important feature of the project.

The training program will utilize a simulator machine known as ScanTrainer that will enable sonographers to train and practice in their own hospital over time, without having to travel, and Brost can review their work and offer feedback from Kansas City. 

“This training is important, because if we get good images, if we get early identification of a fetal problem, we can get the patient to a higher level of care before bad things happen,” said Brost.

• Create a referral system to provide remote, virtual consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists using telemedicine and teleradiology.

• Develop system-wide review of high-risk patients.. Provide emergency obstetrics training for physicians, nurses and first responders.

• Devise protocols and policies in the network for maternal transports, blood sharing and staff sharing.

• Create nurse navigator positions within the network to coordinate care.. Establish long-term data management and sharing.

The success of the project will be measured by early and consistent prenatal care, reductions in the rate of low-birth weight babies and preterm births, and fewer maternal morbidities and decreased infant and maternal deaths. 

Weis said that eventually, they hope to expand the network to include more rural Kansas hospitals that provide obstetrical services.&nbsp;

“The overall, arching outcome that RMOMs is trying to effect is a decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity through aggregated, coordinated, sustained risk-appropriate care,” said Weis. “So, we've included all these things to build a network and provide the best obstetric care we can in rural environments.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726156192442.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/maternal-and-neonatal-health.html">KRISTI BIRCH</a> KU News Service KANSAS CITY —&nbsp; The University of Kansas Medical Center has been awarded a four-year, nearly $4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes in rural Kansas. The grant is part of HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMs) program, which was created to increase access to quality maternal and obstetrics care in rural parts of the United States.“Because Kansas is very rural, access to obstetrical care is a really pressing issue,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, professor of nursing at the University of Kansas School of Nursing-Salina, associate director of research for the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and the principal investigator on the HRSA grant. “And some critical access hospitals (typically rural hospitals with no more than 25 beds) are either closing entirely or closing their obstetrical care, and it’s creating an issue with access to maternal health care.”In the United States, a country that has among the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, women in rural areas have a 9% greater chance of dying or suffering a severe health condition as a consequence of maternity compared with their urban counterparts, according to a study published in Health Affairs. Infant mortality rates are 6% higher in rural American counties compared with small and medium-sized cities, and 20% higher than those in large metropolitan areas.The grant will be used to pilot a sustainable model of quality obstetrical services and care at a network of three hospitals in counties in central and northwest Kansas that are part of the Sunflower Health Network: Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Sheridan County Health Complex, Goodland, and Smith County Memorial Hospital and Rural Family Practice, Smith Center.A critical piece of the project will be building the teleradiology component. Teleradiology, the transmission of radiologic images such as ultrasounds and X-rays from one location to another, allows radiologists to provide services to patients without being in the same location. This effort will be led by Brian Brost, M.D., and Marc Parrish, D.O., both professors of obstetrics and gynecology at KU School of Medicine with fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine. Both also are co-investigators on the grant.Teleradiology allows sonographers to be trained in obstetric ultrasonography remotely. Obstetric ultrasonography, also known as prenatal ultrasound, is challenging because babies can be in different positions in the womb, and they often move during the ultrasound. However, sonography training typically includes just a couple of months focused on obstetrics. That’s why creating and conducting a remote training program in performing obstetric ultrasounds is an important feature of the project.The training program will utilize a simulator machine known as ScanTrainer that will enable sonographers to train and practice in their own hospital over time, without having to travel, and Brost can review their work and offer feedback from Kansas City. “This training is important, because if we get good images, if we get early identification of a fetal problem, we can get the patient to a higher level of care before bad things happen,” said Brost.The grant also will be used to:• Create a referral system to provide remote, virtual consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists using telemedicine and teleradiology.• Develop system-wide review of high-risk patients.. Provide emergency obstetrics training for physicians, nurses and first responders.• Devise protocols and policies in the network for maternal transports, blood sharing and staff sharing.• Create nurse navigator positions within the network to coordinate care.. Establish long-term data management and sharing.The success of the project will be measured by early and consistent prenatal care, reductions in the rate of low-birth weight babies and preterm births, and fewer maternal morbidities and decreased infant and maternal deaths. Weis said that eventually, they hope to expand the network to include more rural Kansas hospitals that provide obstetrical services.&nbsp;“The overall, arching outcome that RMOMs is trying to effect is a decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity through aggregated, coordinated, sustained risk-appropriate care,” said Weis. “So, we've included all these things to build a network and provide the best obstetric care we can in rural environments.”

Grant to improve maternal, neonatal health in NW Kansas hospitals received by KU 

Work on a pair of resurfacing projects in Sherman County is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 16.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will mill and overlay the 2 miles of U.S. 24B in Goodland between the K-27 junction and I-70 interchange. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Delays not exceeding 15 minutes should be anticipated.

Following completion of work on U.S. 24B, construction will begin on a 15-mile portion of I-70 starting at Exit 12 near Caruso and ending near Edson. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with a decreased speed limit in the areas where crews are actively working.

KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.

Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for both projects with a combined contract cost of $7.9 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

KDOTWork on a pair of resurfacing projects in Sherman County is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 16.The Kansas Department of Transportation will mill and overlay the 2 miles of U.S. 24B in Goodland between the K-27 junction and I-70 interchange. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Delays not exceeding 15 minutes should be anticipated.Following completion of work on U.S. 24B, construction will begin on a 15-mile portion of I-70 starting at Exit 12 near Caruso and ending near Edson. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with a decreased speed limit in the areas where crews are actively working.KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for both projects with a combined contract cost of $7.9 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

U.S. 24B, I-70 resurfacing planned in Sherman County

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726525245773.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

It was perfect kite flying weather Sunday for the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. 

The event featured the spectacular giant kite displays of Great American Kites and was sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587843511.jpeg" alt="The&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show was held Sunday at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. Photos courtesy Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>The&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show was held Sunday at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. Photos courtesy Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Convention &amp; Visitors BureauIt was perfect kite flying weather Sunday for the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. The event featured the spectacular giant kite displays of Great American Kites and was sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588289587.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588670207.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587992708.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588102063.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588868412.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587535439.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587447871.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587632738.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588751780.jpeg" alt="Food trucks at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Food trucks at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588190640.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588552100.jpeg" alt="Attendees at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Photo courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Attendees at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Photo courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588411456.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show delights the crowd Sunday afternoon

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued Do Not Drink Advisory for the Country View Mobile&nbsp;Home Park public water supply system,&nbsp;2280 E. 7th Street in Hays. 

This does not include the city of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;

The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are resolved. 

This advisory was issued due to the use of an unpermitted well resulting in unknown water quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a&nbsp;Do Not Drink Water Advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind&nbsp;notice&nbsp;following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-625-7774, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;

For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb941aa5-82fb0eec-a8a4-4156-8827-90dab0c518a5-000000/wrOhi5RYKXNDCTBHDzspDfEnWrVf4gxSVAti0zrzQ5M=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Do Not Drink Water Advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726503831175.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued Do Not Drink Advisory for the Country View Mobile&nbsp;Home Park public water supply system,&nbsp;2280 E. 7th Street in Hays. This does not include the city of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Water should not be ingested or used for brushing teeth. Use bottled water.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Do not use water to cook or prepare food.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Tap water can be used for bathing. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Tap water may be used to flush toilets.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are resolved. This advisory was issued due to the use of an unpermitted well resulting in unknown water quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a&nbsp;Do Not Drink Water Advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind&nbsp;notice&nbsp;following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-625-7774, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb941aa5-82fb0eec-a8a4-4156-8827-90dab0c518a5-000000/wrOhi5RYKXNDCTBHDzspDfEnWrVf4gxSVAti0zrzQ5M=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Do Not Drink Water Advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;

 Do Not Drink Water Advisory issued for Country View Mobile Home Park in Hays 

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said in an email Monday that the department received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School.&nbsp; 

The threat was texted to Hays resident, who reported it to the Hays Police Department, he said. Other threats were later texted to the Ellis County Communication Center, he said.

"Thank you to the Hays resident for sharing the message and helping us to ensure the safety of the students," Scheibler said.

The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.

During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.

"The Hays Police Department works closely with USD 489 to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students, and we are grateful for this partnership. I am also especially grateful for the quick response of the Kansas Highway Patrol and their assistance with this investigation, Scheibler said.

The following message was sent to Hays Middle School parents regarding a bomb threat on Sunday at Hays Middle School.

On Sunday, September 15, Hays city law enforcement received a report regarding a potential explosive device at Hays Middle School (HMS). In response, the Hays Police Department, along with bomb-sniffing dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol, thoroughly searched the premises. No explosives were found, and the building has been declared safe and secure.

The Hays Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the threat, though the investigation remains ongoing. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We take all threats seriously and conduct thorough investigations to ensure the security of our school community.

We are sharing this information with you to provide clarity and to help you discuss the situation with your child. It is important that they understand the gravity of such threats, as well as the fact that the school has been deemed safe for classes to resume on Tuesday.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of our students' safety and education.

Sincerely, Tom Albers HMS Principal

Hays PostHays Police Chief Don Scheibler said in an email Monday that the department received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School.&nbsp; The threat was texted to Hays resident, who reported it to the Hays Police Department, he said. Other threats were later texted to the Ellis County Communication Center, he said."Thank you to the Hays resident for sharing the message and helping us to ensure the safety of the students," Scheibler said.The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said. The school was determined to be safe.During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said."The Hays Police Department works closely with USD 489 to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students, and we are grateful for this partnership. I am also especially grateful for the quick response of the Kansas Highway Patrol and their assistance with this investigation, Scheibler said.------The following message was sent to Hays Middle School parents regarding a bomb threat on Sunday at Hays Middle School.Dear Parents and Guardians,On Sunday, September 15, Hays city law enforcement received a report regarding a potential explosive device at Hays Middle School (HMS). In response, the Hays Police Department, along with bomb-sniffing dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol, thoroughly searched the premises. No explosives were found, and the building has been declared safe and secure.The Hays Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the threat, though the investigation remains ongoing. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We take all threats seriously and conduct thorough investigations to ensure the security of our school community.We are sharing this information with you to provide clarity and to help you discuss the situation with your child. It is important that they understand the gravity of such threats, as well as the fact that the school has been deemed safe for classes to resume on Tuesday.Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of our students' safety and education.Sincerely, Tom Albers HMS Principal

UPDATE: Hays Middle School receives bomb threat Sunday; search clears school

By SHELDON WICKWAR Special to the Hays Post

Eighty-two race teams checked into the legendary RPM Speedway for championship night racing. Taking home feature winners were Gage Porter in the sport compacts, Blaine Walt in the sport mods, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stocks, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock cars and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds. Taking home 2024 season track championships were Rileigh Flohrs in the sport compact, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stock, Blaine Walt in the sport mod, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock car and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds.

The sport compacts started the evening off, they ran two six-lap heat races won by Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske. Their fifteen-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske, Kaishen Brack led early on but quickly Kyle Mortensen and Gage Porter would fight for second, with Porter grabbing the lead after a few laps. Jake Schwien broke after a few laps, and that would hand the championship over to Rileigh Flohrs, meanwhile nobody could catch Gage Porter as he ran away with the feature win. Gage Porter picked up win number five on the season, second was track champion Rileigh Flohrs, third was Connor Schwien, fourth was Kyle Mortensen and fifth was Kaishen Brack. Hard charger in the event was Rileigh Flohrs who gained seven spots, other nice runs included Connor Schwien up five spots and Gage Porter up three spots.

The hobby stocks were second on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Cody Williams, Colton Czapanskiy and Trent Matson. Their twenty-lap feature main event started with a front row of Blake Holmes and Danny Schulte. Holmes got the early lead, meanwhile Zach Olmstead, Jonathan Saliba and Cody Williams were charging to the front. Dion Priddy gained the lead on lap two, with Williams right behind him. Lap three saw Tyler Heath spin, he was able to continue. The field restarted and Williams found the lead. Williams led for a while, before Zach Olmstead was able to get by. Once Olmstead found the lead, he cruised to the feature win, along with grabbing the track championship. Second was Cody Williams, third was Colton Czapanskiy, fourth was Dylan Bell and fifth was Trent Matson. Hard charger in the event was Dylan Bell who gained fifteen spots, other nice runs included Zach Olmstead up nine spots, and Colton Czapanskiy up eight spots.

The sport mods were third on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Brianna Maughlin, Cody Gearhart and Blaine Walt. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Cody Gearhart and Dalton Bell. Blaine Walt started tenth in the feature event, it took a handful of laps, but he found himself up front, and then got to the lead, and stormed away with the feature event win, securing a track championship after Brianna Maughlin was forced to retire from the race prematurely with an issue. Blaine Walt picked up his fifth RPM track championship, after collecting feature win number six on the season. Second was Tyler Watts, third was Cody Gearhart, fourth was Adam Weber and fifth was Cody Williams. Hard chargers in the event were Cody Williams, Preston Donovan, Ethan Zweygardt, and Justin Meserve who each gained eleven spots. Other nice runs included Blaine Walt up nine spots, Dallas Chambers up seven spots, Dalton Chambers up six spots, and Tyler Watts along with Jeff Hunter gained five spots each.

The stock cars were fourth on the program, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Garrett Hager and Tathan Burkhart. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Garrett Hager. Troy Burkhart led the bulk of the first half of the feature event, before Kyle Pfeifer was able to get by Tathan Burkhart held on to second or third throughout the feature event but was unable to find victory lane to have a shot at the championship. Kyle Pfeifer picked up the feature win, along with the track championship. Second was Tathan Burkhart, third was Garrett Hager, fourth was Tim Watts and fifth was Troy Burkhart. Hard charger in the event was Kyle Pfeifer who gained three spots.

The modifieds closed out the show, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Clay Money and Dylan Sherfick. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaid Calhoon and Dalton Murphy, quickly Jake Nightingale found the race lead, and led the first eight laps before breaking a right rear shock. The broken shock occurred on a restart which formed a parking lot including championship contenders Daniel Gottschalk and Clay Money, both returned to the feature event. Daniel Gottschalk charged from the rear of the field to win the race and collect his fourth track championship at RPM Speedway. Second was Dylan Sherfick, third was Kyle Rohleder, fourth was Clay Money and fifth was Tyler Harr. Hard chargers in the event were Daniel Gottschalk and Ayden Steffens who gained eight spots, other nice runs included Tyler Harr up seven spots, and Dylan Sherfick up five spots.

RPM's next event will be Fall Nationals, which take place Oct. 3, 4 and 5. This big show to end the year will feature all five regular IMCA classes, along with Dirt Car Late Models, and the local cruisers class.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502851136.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT FEATURE WINNER. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT FEATURE WINNER. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHELDON WICKWAR Special to the Hays PostEighty-two race teams checked into the legendary RPM Speedway for championship night racing. Taking home feature winners were Gage Porter in the sport compacts, Blaine Walt in the sport mods, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stocks, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock cars and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds. Taking home 2024 season track championships were Rileigh Flohrs in the sport compact, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stock, Blaine Walt in the sport mod, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock car and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502929305.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT TRACK CHAMP.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT TRACK CHAMP.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The sport compacts started the evening off, they ran two six-lap heat races won by Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske. Their fifteen-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske, Kaishen Brack led early on but quickly Kyle Mortensen and Gage Porter would fight for second, with Porter grabbing the lead after a few laps. Jake Schwien broke after a few laps, and that would hand the championship over to Rileigh Flohrs, meanwhile nobody could catch Gage Porter as he ran away with the feature win. Gage Porter picked up win number five on the season, second was track champion Rileigh Flohrs, third was Connor Schwien, fourth was Kyle Mortensen and fifth was Kaishen Brack. Hard charger in the event was Rileigh Flohrs who gained seven spots, other nice runs included Connor Schwien up five spots and Gage Porter up three spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502959785.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT HOBBY WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT HOBBY WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The hobby stocks were second on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Cody Williams, Colton Czapanskiy and Trent Matson. Their twenty-lap feature main event started with a front row of Blake Holmes and Danny Schulte. Holmes got the early lead, meanwhile Zach Olmstead, Jonathan Saliba and Cody Williams were charging to the front. Dion Priddy gained the lead on lap two, with Williams right behind him. Lap three saw Tyler Heath spin, he was able to continue. The field restarted and Williams found the lead. Williams led for a while, before Zach Olmstead was able to get by. Once Olmstead found the lead, he cruised to the feature win, along with grabbing the track championship. Second was Cody Williams, third was Colton Czapanskiy, fourth was Dylan Bell and fifth was Trent Matson. Hard charger in the event was Dylan Bell who gained fifteen spots, other nice runs included Zach Olmstead up nine spots, and Colton Czapanskiy up eight spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502983005.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT MOD WIN.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT MOD WIN.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The sport mods were third on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Brianna Maughlin, Cody Gearhart and Blaine Walt. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Cody Gearhart and Dalton Bell. Blaine Walt started tenth in the feature event, it took a handful of laps, but he found himself up front, and then got to the lead, and stormed away with the feature event win, securing a track championship after Brianna Maughlin was forced to retire from the race prematurely with an issue. Blaine Walt picked up his fifth RPM track championship, after collecting feature win number six on the season. Second was Tyler Watts, third was Cody Gearhart, fourth was Adam Weber and fifth was Cody Williams. Hard chargers in the event were Cody Williams, Preston Donovan, Ethan Zweygardt, and Justin Meserve who each gained eleven spots. Other nice runs included Blaine Walt up nine spots, Dallas Chambers up seven spots, Dalton Chambers up six spots, and Tyler Watts along with Jeff Hunter gained five spots each.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726503036653.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT SPORT MODIFIED WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT SPORT MODIFIED WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The stock cars were fourth on the program, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Garrett Hager and Tathan Burkhart. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Garrett Hager. Troy Burkhart led the bulk of the first half of the feature event, before Kyle Pfeifer was able to get by Tathan Burkhart held on to second or third throughout the feature event but was unable to find victory lane to have a shot at the championship. Kyle Pfeifer picked up the feature win, along with the track championship. Second was Tathan Burkhart, third was Garrett Hager, fourth was Tim Watts and fifth was Troy Burkhart. Hard charger in the event was Kyle Pfeifer who gained three spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726503060587.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT STOCK WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT STOCK WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The modifieds closed out the show, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Clay Money and Dylan Sherfick. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaid Calhoon and Dalton Murphy, quickly Jake Nightingale found the race lead, and led the first eight laps before breaking a right rear shock. The broken shock occurred on a restart which formed a parking lot including championship contenders Daniel Gottschalk and Clay Money, both returned to the feature event. Daniel Gottschalk charged from the rear of the field to win the race and collect his fourth track championship at RPM Speedway. Second was Dylan Sherfick, third was Kyle Rohleder, fourth was Clay Money and fifth was Tyler Harr. Hard chargers in the event were Daniel Gottschalk and Ayden Steffens who gained eight spots, other nice runs included Tyler Harr up seven spots, and Dylan Sherfick up five spots.RPM's next event will be Fall Nationals, which take place Oct. 3, 4 and 5. This big show to end the year will feature all five regular IMCA classes, along with Dirt Car Late Models, and the local cruisers class.

RPM Speedway: Daniel Gottschalk wins on Championship Night

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Norton

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week HHS vs Wheat Ridge

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 286 incidents Sept. 9-14, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 286 incidents Sept. 9-14, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff's activity log, Sept. 8-14, 2024

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Ellis County Jail bookings, Sept. 9-16, 2024

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Bazine public water supply system located in Ness County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;

KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-398-2495, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb203886-6f6ba33d-78c2-4387-809d-6f425919da2c-000000/_FXdWWgEgCPreIzscc7sDvovLbG4CXdSNEvSGpBnWU0=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578431960692.jpeg" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Bazine public water supply system located in Ness County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-398-2495, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb203886-6f6ba33d-78c2-4387-809d-6f425919da2c-000000/_FXdWWgEgCPreIzscc7sDvovLbG4CXdSNEvSGpBnWU0=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.