By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

On Monday night, the Hays USD 489 school board approved the Lincoln Elementary School building sale to Turn-Key Property Solutions for $850,000.

After the school board meeting on Monday, Developer Michael Graham said he plans to renovate the school into about 26 to 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. He said the apartments will be moderate-income housing. He also plans to build on the property surrounding the school.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fcaae0d8-c61a-4893-ac2c-89700e6880f3">Graham has also developed apartments at Seventh and Oak</a> and his latest project is planned apartments at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">10th and Walnut on former depot property in Hays.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fd1f9bd-1629-4a43-9f0a-808009a42b52">The school district accepted sealed bids for the sale of the 100-year-old school, which will close as an elementary school at the end of the school year.</a>

The closure is part of a series of bond-funded projects, including renovations and the expansion of Roosevelt Elementary School and O'Loughlin Elementary School.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75cab884-e2d6-4264-bf0b-57ea48a9085d">The Roosevelt addition will open in December.</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9c9d8521-815b-4f1d-8bf6-ddea11091306">Work on O'Loughlin will begin in January, weather permitting.&nbsp;</a>

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the money from the school sale would be deposited in the capital outlay fund. Wilson said the administration had been operating under the premise the funds from the sale of Lincoln and, eventually, Rockwell Administration Center would be used for further expenses associated with the bond projects.

However, it could go into paying back the bond. This decision will be up to the board.

Board member Allen Park said he thought the district should have advertised the building in more places and the property should be appraised.

Board member Ken Brooks said the appraisal had been discussed at an earlier board meeting. Appraisal for school buildings are inaccurate because they are public buildings and are not on the tax rolls.

Park said he thought the district should be selling the building for more.

Board member Ruth Ruder said she was pleased with the bid. She said the board members needed to consider the prices of the surrounding properties and the fact that the property is in a flood-prone area.

Other communities have had to abandon their schools or tear them down. Wichita recently turned one of its former schools into a homeless shelter, Ruder said.

Once the school is renovated, it should increase in value and go back on the tax rolls, which will benefit the city and school district in the form of additional property taxes, Ruder said.

The motion to move the sale forward was approved on a vote of 5-2, with Park and board member Derek Yarmer voting against it.

Kansas statute stipulates the state has the first right to purchase former school buildings. The state has to approve the sale before it can be finalized.

Once the contract is written, the Kansas Legislature has 45 days to consider action on the sale.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/551a9176-6517-460f-83bf-7bd35b8f51ac">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 school board votes to sell Lincoln school</a>

The school board also • Approved purchase of O'Loughlin Elementary School electronic access control locks for $53,789 from&nbsp;Nex-Tech. • Approved purchase of Roosevelt Elementary School furniture for&nbsp;$169,411. The money will come from bond funds.

A motion to video record board work sessions failed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726087306663.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOn Monday night, the Hays USD 489 school board approved the Lincoln Elementary School building sale to Turn-Key Property Solutions for $850,000.After the school board meeting on Monday, Developer Michael Graham said he plans to renovate the school into about 26 to 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. He said the apartments will be moderate-income housing. He also plans to build on the property surrounding the school.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fcaae0d8-c61a-4893-ac2c-89700e6880f3">Graham has also developed apartments at Seventh and Oak</a> and his latest project is planned apartments at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">10th and Walnut on former depot property in Hays.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fd1f9bd-1629-4a43-9f0a-808009a42b52">The school district accepted sealed bids for the sale of the 100-year-old school, which will close as an elementary school at the end of the school year.</a>The closure is part of a series of bond-funded projects, including renovations and the expansion of Roosevelt Elementary School and O'Loughlin Elementary School.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75cab884-e2d6-4264-bf0b-57ea48a9085d">The Roosevelt addition will open in December.</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9c9d8521-815b-4f1d-8bf6-ddea11091306">Work on O'Loughlin will begin in January, weather permitting.&nbsp;</a>Superintendent Ron Wilson said the money from the school sale would be deposited in the capital outlay fund. Wilson said the administration had been operating under the premise the funds from the sale of Lincoln and, eventually, Rockwell Administration Center would be used for further expenses associated with the bond projects.However, it could go into paying back the bond. This decision will be up to the board.Board member Allen Park said he thought the district should have advertised the building in more places and the property should be appraised.Board member Ken Brooks said the appraisal had been discussed at an earlier board meeting. Appraisal for school buildings are inaccurate because they are public buildings and are not on the tax rolls.Park said he thought the district should be selling the building for more.Board member Ruth Ruder said she was pleased with the bid. She said the board members needed to consider the prices of the surrounding properties and the fact that the property is in a flood-prone area.Other communities have had to abandon their schools or tear them down. Wichita recently turned one of its former schools into a homeless shelter, Ruder said.Once the school is renovated, it should increase in value and go back on the tax rolls, which will benefit the city and school district in the form of additional property taxes, Ruder said.The motion to move the sale forward was approved on a vote of 5-2, with Park and board member Derek Yarmer voting against it.Kansas statute stipulates the state has the first right to purchase former school buildings. The state has to approve the sale before it can be finalized.Once the contract is written, the Kansas Legislature has 45 days to consider action on the sale.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/551a9176-6517-460f-83bf-7bd35b8f51ac">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 school board votes to sell Lincoln school</a>The school board also • Approved purchase of O'Loughlin Elementary School electronic access control locks for $53,789 from&nbsp;Nex-Tech. • Approved purchase of Roosevelt Elementary School furniture for&nbsp;$169,411. The money will come from bond funds. A motion to video record board work sessions failed.

Hays developer to purchase Lincoln school for apartment project

WaKeeney, KS (November 25, 2024) — Western Cooperative Electric is pleased to announce that Nolan Numrich has been named as the next Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, succeeding Tom Ruth, who will retire on January 4, 2025.

Numrich, who has been with Western Cooperative Electric for over four years, has served as Assistant General Manager and Member Services Manager. In these roles, he built strong relationships with both employees and members while spearheading initiatives to enhance member engagement and operational efficiency.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside the dedicated team at Western Cooperative Electric,” said Numrich. “As we look to the future, I am committed to ensuring excellent service and reliable, affordable electricity for our members.”

A Kansas native, Numrich has demonstrated a deep understanding of the cooperative model and the unique needs of rural communities. During his tenure, he has played a key role in member engagement initiatives and operational advancements, as well as introducing modern tools to enhance the member experience.

The selection of Numrich followed a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with the Ken Holmes Executive Search Firm. The search process was conducted to identify a visionary leader committed to the cooperative's mission of providing reliable and affordable energy solutions to its members.

"We are thrilled to have Nolan step into the CEO and General Manager role," said Board of Trustees President Nick Zerr. " Ultimately, his leadership skills, understanding of our cooperative, and strong commitment to our members made Nolan the right choice. We are confident he will uphold the cooperative’s values and guide us toward a strong future."

Outgoing CEO Tom Ruth expressed confidence in his successor. “Nolan’s leadership, experience, and commitment to our members make him the ideal choice to guide Western Cooperative Electric into the future. I know the cooperative will continue to thrive under his direction.”

For more information about Western Cooperative Electric and its services, visit westercoop.com or call (785) 743-5561.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732559429931.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWaKeeney, KS (November 25, 2024) — Western Cooperative Electric is pleased to announce that Nolan Numrich has been named as the next Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, succeeding Tom Ruth, who will retire on January 4, 2025.Numrich, who has been with Western Cooperative Electric for over four years, has served as Assistant General Manager and Member Services Manager. In these roles, he built strong relationships with both employees and members while spearheading initiatives to enhance member engagement and operational efficiency.“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside the dedicated team at Western Cooperative Electric,” said Numrich. “As we look to the future, I am committed to ensuring excellent service and reliable, affordable electricity for our members.”A Kansas native, Numrich has demonstrated a deep understanding of the cooperative model and the unique needs of rural communities. During his tenure, he has played a key role in member engagement initiatives and operational advancements, as well as introducing modern tools to enhance the member experience.The selection of Numrich followed a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with the Ken Holmes Executive Search Firm. The search process was conducted to identify a visionary leader committed to the cooperative's mission of providing reliable and affordable energy solutions to its members."We are thrilled to have Nolan step into the CEO and General Manager role," said Board of Trustees President Nick Zerr. " Ultimately, his leadership skills, understanding of our cooperative, and strong commitment to our members made Nolan the right choice. We are confident he will uphold the cooperative’s values and guide us toward a strong future."Outgoing CEO Tom Ruth expressed confidence in his successor. “Nolan’s leadership, experience, and commitment to our members make him the ideal choice to guide Western Cooperative Electric into the future. I know the cooperative will continue to thrive under his direction.”For more information about Western Cooperative Electric and its services, visit westercoop.com or call (785) 743-5561.

Nolan Numrich named next CEO/General Manager of Western Cooperative Electric

The deadline for the 2025 CARE Council Application for Funding is Friday, December 6th at 5:00pm.

The CARE Council reviews applications for three funding streams, United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays, and Ellis County. Any organization requesting funding from one or more of these entities must have an application submitted by the deadline to be considered. United Way funding is for 2025 budget year, while City of Hays and Ellis County is for the 2026 budget year.

For any questions or more information, contact Erica Berges, Executive Director of the United Way of Ellis County at 785-628-8281 or erica@liveunited.us

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654867270935.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe deadline for the 2025 CARE Council Application for Funding is Friday, December 6th at 5:00pm.The CARE Council reviews applications for three funding streams, United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays, and Ellis County. Any organization requesting funding from one or more of these entities must have an application submitted by the deadline to be considered. United Way funding is for 2025 budget year, while City of Hays and Ellis County is for the 2026 budget year.For any questions or more information, contact Erica Berges, Executive Director of the United Way of Ellis County at 785-628-8281 or erica@liveunited.us

CARE Council application for funding deadline quickly approaching

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

As I ran to the grocery store on Friday to pick up a few remaining items, I thought about my grocery list for the week.

While it certainly included things like green beans, chicken broth, and extra paper plates, I considered the other list that I needed to focus on to prepare.

A list that includes Thankfulness in many forms. Thankfulness for our family’s health; thankfulness for our kids being able to travel to spend a few days with us; thankfulness for family and friends far and wide who will share greetings whether in person or via text, social media, or even a phone call!A list that also includes thankfulness for communities that care and support small businesses, families in need, and organizations that help at so many levels. That list also includes thankfulness for leaders across our county and the Cottonwood Extension District who have a vision and want to improve the quality of life and livelihood of citizens.

My Thankfulness list also includes my 4-H families, volunteers, and community partners. Helping youth have and improve skills in communication, teamwork, and career readiness is important to me and to the long-term health and success of our communities!

My Gram lived by the adage that there was always room at her table for one more. She didn’t grow up with much and certainly made do her whole life but that never stopped her from being thankful and sharing what she had with family, friends, and neighbors. I do my best to carry on that ideal at our football tailgate, in my kitchen, and at many other meals. I hope that I also carry that ideal into a seat at a discussion table, involvement in an activity, and in caring for others in my community.

What is on your list of Thankfulness this year? A beautiful sunset? A new library book? A co-worker who makes you laugh just when you need it most? A friend who checks in “just because”? Whatever it is, I wish you a blessed day of thankfulness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictAs I ran to the grocery store on Friday to pick up a few remaining items, I thought about my grocery list for the week.While it certainly included things like green beans, chicken broth, and extra paper plates, I considered the other list that I needed to focus on to prepare.A list that includes Thankfulness in many forms. Thankfulness for our family’s health; thankfulness for our kids being able to travel to spend a few days with us; thankfulness for family and friends far and wide who will share greetings whether in person or via text, social media, or even a phone call!A list that also includes thankfulness for communities that care and support small businesses, families in need, and organizations that help at so many levels. That list also includes thankfulness for leaders across our county and the Cottonwood Extension District who have a vision and want to improve the quality of life and livelihood of citizens.My Thankfulness list also includes my 4-H families, volunteers, and community partners. Helping youth have and improve skills in communication, teamwork, and career readiness is important to me and to the long-term health and success of our communities!My Gram lived by the adage that there was always room at her table for one more. She didn’t grow up with much and certainly made do her whole life but that never stopped her from being thankful and sharing what she had with family, friends, and neighbors. I do my best to carry on that ideal at our football tailgate, in my kitchen, and at many other meals. I hope that I also carry that ideal into a seat at a discussion table, involvement in an activity, and in caring for others in my community.What is on your list of Thankfulness this year? A beautiful sunset? A new library book? A co-worker who makes you laugh just when you need it most? A friend who checks in “just because”? Whatever it is, I wish you a blessed day of thankfulness. Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Thankfulness

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by John Anderson, 74, Colby, was southbound on Kansas 25 approximately four miles north of Colby.

The pickup crossed the centerline while driving in the northbound lane and struck a 2000 Peterbilt semi driven by Javier&nbsp;Ochoa, 22, Garden City. After impact the pickup rotated sideways and rolled.

&nbsp;EMS transported Anderson to HCA Healthone Swedish in Denver and Ochoa the hospital in Colby. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by John Anderson, 74, Colby, was southbound on Kansas 25 approximately four miles north of Colby.The pickup crossed the centerline while driving in the northbound lane and struck a 2000 Peterbilt semi driven by Javier&nbsp;Ochoa, 22, Garden City. After impact the pickup rotated sideways and rolled.&nbsp;EMS transported Anderson to HCA Healthone Swedish in Denver and Ochoa the hospital in Colby. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Two Kansas men hospitalized after pickup, semi crash

The Kansas Highway Patrol apprehended an escaped suspect on Thursday after a hunt in the rural area near Walker.

At about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a silver Honda Pilot traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed near Walker, said&nbsp;Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Heilman.

The trooper made a traffic stop and found that a female passenger, 27-year-old Yury Alexandra Agudelo-Forero, had two active warrants out of Colorado for charges of burglary,&nbsp;Heilman said.

The trooper took the suspect into custody, placed her in handcuffs, placed her in the front seat of his vehicle and seatbelted her into the vehicle,&nbsp;Heilman said.

The trooper then returned to the stopped vehicle to assist the other trooper on the scene and assure his safety,&nbsp;Heilman said.

The suspect unbuckled the seatbelt, opened the door and fled,&nbsp;Heilman said.

A search for the suspect ensued, including troopers on the ground and a Kansas Highway Patrol plane in the air.

A witness reported seeing the suspect in a field near Gorham. The suspect, who was still in handcuffs, was taken back into custody without further incident at that location at about 10:05 p.m.,&nbsp;Heilman said.

The suspect was taken to HaysMed for examination because of her exposure to cold weather conditions. She was seen, released by the hospital and booked into the Ellis County Jail.

"No one was in danger of any harm," Heilman said. "She was just trying to get away from us."

Agudelo-Forero was still in custody at the Ellis County Jail as of Monday morning.

Heilman said the burglary case concerning her warrants is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732569160168.png" alt="Agudelo-Forero-photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Agudelo-Forero-photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Kansas Highway Patrol apprehended an escaped suspect on Thursday after a hunt in the rural area near Walker.At about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a silver Honda Pilot traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed near Walker, said&nbsp;Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Heilman.The trooper made a traffic stop and found that a female passenger, 27-year-old Yury Alexandra Agudelo-Forero, had two active warrants out of Colorado for charges of burglary,&nbsp;Heilman said.The trooper took the suspect into custody, placed her in handcuffs, placed her in the front seat of his vehicle and seatbelted her into the vehicle,&nbsp;Heilman said.The trooper then returned to the stopped vehicle to assist the other trooper on the scene and assure his safety,&nbsp;Heilman said.The suspect unbuckled the seatbelt, opened the door and fled,&nbsp;Heilman said.A search for the suspect ensued, including troopers on the ground and a Kansas Highway Patrol plane in the air.A witness reported seeing the suspect in a field near Gorham. The suspect, who was still in handcuffs, was taken back into custody without further incident at that location at about 10:05 p.m.,&nbsp;Heilman said.The suspect was taken to HaysMed for examination because of her exposure to cold weather conditions. She was seen, released by the hospital and booked into the Ellis County Jail."No one was in danger of any harm," Heilman said. "She was just trying to get away from us."Agudelo-Forero was still in custody at the Ellis County Jail as of Monday morning.Heilman said the burglary case concerning her warrants is still under investigation.

Kansas Highway Patrol arrests escapee near Gorham Thursday

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 331 incidents Nov. 19-25, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 331 incidents Nov. 19-25, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity log, Nov. 19-25, 2024

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724699319635.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a><figure>
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Ellis County Jail bookings, Nov. 19-25, 2024

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">I</a>nsurance Planning, Inc. account executive Taylor Pfannenstiel discusses commercial insurance with The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Insurance Planning, Inc. discusses commercial insurance" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4zzxk-174e61a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">I</a>nsurance Planning, Inc. account executive Taylor Pfannenstiel discusses commercial insurance with The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning, Inc. discusses commercial insurance

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique is a new salon in downtown Hays that also offers a variety of clothing options.

The tanning salon is at 705 Fort St. and opened on Oct. 2. Owner Cari Readle said although there are tanning beds in Hays, Bronze On the Bricks is the only tanning salon in the area.

"We are the only tanning salon in town," she said. "There are some gyms that have one or two tanning beds, but we are the only one that's an actual tanning salon."

The salon features stand-up and lay-down tanning beds in private rooms for customers to achieve their perfect tan.

Bronze on the Brick's pricing includes $12.50 for an 11-minute session in a stand-up bed, $9 for a 12-minute session and $7 for a 15-minute session in a tanning bed.

Bronze on the Bricks requires customers to use eye protection and lotion to ensure safety against UV exposure.

"Medical benefits of taning are helping with rosacea and acne," Readle said. "During the winter months, it actually provides some of that vitamin D that we don't get from the sun."

Bronze on the Bricks accepts walk-ins and you can book online <a href="https://bronze-on-the-bricks-tanning-boutique.square.site/">here</a>.&nbsp;

Alongside the salon's opening, Bronze on the Bricks has introduced a boutique offering various clothing and other items.

"We brought in some clothing lines, little gift items and lotions. We thought it'd be an extra little perk for downtown Hays," Readle said.

Readle drew inspiration from larger city salons when reopening Bronze on the Bricks. She also owns Hotworx Infrared Fitness Studio and Coldwell Banker Executive Realty.

Readle said she plans to upgrade tanning equipment and introduce additional skincare services to enhance Hays's health and beauty.

"We may bring in some estheticians at some point to do different services, but then just continue to grow the boutique as well," she said.

The salon is gearing up for its upcoming Black Friday sale. You can visit the Bronze on the Bricks &amp; Boutique <a href="https://www.botb.life/">website </a>or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BronzeontheBricks">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for more details.

Bronze on the Bricks &amp; Boutique is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732130570066.jpeg" alt="The front entrance of Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front entrance of Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostBronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique is a new salon in downtown Hays that also offers a variety of clothing options.The tanning salon is at 705 Fort St. and opened on Oct. 2. Owner Cari Readle said although there are tanning beds in Hays, Bronze On the Bricks is the only tanning salon in the area."We are the only tanning salon in town," she said. "There are some gyms that have one or two tanning beds, but we are the only one that's an actual tanning salon."The salon features stand-up and lay-down tanning beds in private rooms for customers to achieve their perfect tan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211645292.jpeg" alt="A stand-up tanning bed at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A stand-up tanning bed at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211667244.jpeg" alt="A lay-down tanning bed Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A lay-down tanning bed Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211699313.jpeg" alt="A lay-down tanning bed at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A lay-down tanning bed at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Bronze on the Brick's pricing includes $12.50 for an 11-minute session in a stand-up bed, $9 for a 12-minute session and $7 for a 15-minute session in a tanning bed.Bronze on the Bricks requires customers to use eye protection and lotion to ensure safety against UV exposure."Medical benefits of taning are helping with rosacea and acne," Readle said. "During the winter months, it actually provides some of that vitamin D that we don't get from the sun."Bronze on the Bricks accepts walk-ins and you can book online <a href="https://bronze-on-the-bricks-tanning-boutique.square.site/">here</a>.&nbsp;Alongside the salon's opening, Bronze on the Bricks has introduced a boutique offering various clothing and other items.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211406749.jpeg" alt="The clothing section at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The clothing section at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211432074.jpeg" alt="Gift items and skincare products at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Gift items and skincare products at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211586954.jpeg" alt="A skincare and tanning lotion shelf at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A skincare and tanning lotion shelf at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We brought in some clothing lines, little gift items and lotions. We thought it'd be an extra little perk for downtown Hays," Readle said.Readle drew inspiration from larger city salons when reopening Bronze on the Bricks. She also owns Hotworx Infrared Fitness Studio and Coldwell Banker Executive Realty.Readle said she plans to upgrade tanning equipment and introduce additional skincare services to enhance Hays's health and beauty."We may bring in some estheticians at some point to do different services, but then just continue to grow the boutique as well," she said.The salon is gearing up for its upcoming Black Friday sale. You can visit the Bronze on the Bricks &amp; Boutique <a href="https://www.botb.life/">website </a>or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BronzeontheBricks">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for more details.Bronze on the Bricks &amp; Boutique is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211482227.jpeg" alt="Clothing and lotion bottles at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Clothing and lotion bottles at Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211788650.jpeg" alt="The front desk of Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front desk of Bronze on the Bricks Tanning &amp; Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Bronze on the Bricks Tanning & Boutique opens in Hays

<a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/11/21/man-who-scammed-ranchers-desperate-for-hay-during-drought-to-pay-back-100k/">Republished with permission from Cowboy State Daily.</a>

A Logan, Kansas, man who scammed ranchers in Wyoming and Montana desperate for hay during a drought was sentenced to probation Wednesday. He also must pay back more than $100,000 to his victims.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/author/david-madison-for-cowboy-state-daily/">David Madison</a> <a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/">Cowboy State Daily</a>

When severe drought in 2021 made ranchers in Crook County, Wyoming, desperate to secure hay for their cattle before winter, a Kansas man spotted an opportunity and designed a scheme that preyed on stockgrowers worried they wouldn’t have enough cattle feed.&nbsp;

The scam involved hay bought in Nebraska, shipped by a company from Kansas and caused ranchers in Wyoming and Montana to lose more than $100,000.

The man behind it all was Jory Parks, who was sentenced to five years ofprobation Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Billings, Montana. Judge Susan Watters spared Parks a prison sentence of up to 20 years so he could pay restitution to his victims.&nbsp;

Instead, Parks was given 20 years to make his victims whole through $500 monthly payments against his $103,721 debt.&nbsp;

“He took advantage of their need for hay, told lies and stole their money over and over again,” wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove in a pre-sentencing memo. In a presentence investigation report, the prosecution cited a guideline sentence of eight to 14 months of imprisonment.&nbsp;

“The victims’ desperation in this case was central to the success of Parks’ fraud scheme,” Hargrove wrote. “Experiencing a significant drought in the summer of 2021, ranchers in Montana and across the region suffered significant hardships.

“He knew livestock was going to die and peoples’ livelihoods hung in the balance. It was against this backdrop that Parks contracted with ranchers ... to sell them hay, demanded down payments to secure their shipments, and then never delivered or only delivered a fraction of what they purchased.”

That’s what happened to Katalina Pfeil, who raises cattle on her family ranch in Sundance, Wyoming.

By the end of the summer in 2021, Pfeil knew the dryland ranch would not put up enough hay to get their cattle through the winter. So,she started searching on Facebook for anyone selling hay at an affordable price.&nbsp;

“By this point, any hay that was in the region was incredibly expensive. I mean, we're talking towards $300 a ton just to feed your animals when the year before it had been $90 a ton,” Pfeil told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday after Parks was sentenced. “We were desperate, just like everybody else in our region, and I had discovered that down in Nebraska was a bunch of very reasonable hay, and it was worth the effort to get it trucked in.”

Parks responded to Pfeil’s posts on Facebook in October 2021, just a couple months after Parks set up Heart Cross Ranch Trucking, according to documents filed with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office. Three businesses with the Heart Cross Ranch name are now listed as “forfeited.”

But in October 2021, Heart Cross Ranch Trucking was just getting revved up.

“He offered me the lowest rate by far, and he had claimed he had several employees and trucks and that they were going to get it to me right away, that I should expect it within the week,” remembered Pfeil, who said Parks only delivered half what she ordered. “Three loads delivered, three loads disappeared.”

Any early misgivings were smoothed over by Parks who talked a good game.

“I met him, and every victim that you will ever talk to will tell you about his silver tongue,” said Pfeil, accusing Parks of trying to manipulate his way out of their deal. “He knew I was pregnant, and he used it against me. He was claiming that his daughter was sick and in the hospital.”

Pfeil and others victimized by Parks started to communicate online, and Parks responded by filing for a restraining order against Pfeil in Crook County Court.&nbsp;

“One day, I pull up to the ranch entrance and there’s two sheriffs sitting at the entrance and I knew they were looking for me,” remembered Pfeil. “He’s trying to get a restraining order against me? Let me remind you, I'm the young pregnant woman that he stole from, and he was trying to claim that he was the victim.”

A judge denied the restraining order, said Pfeil, who teamed up with another Sundance rancher who also was scammed.

Bryce Conzelman lost $16,000 on a deal with Parks, he said, adding that when you’re a rancher and vulnerable to drought and other market pressures, scams are a real threat.&nbsp;

“Boy, that stuff can happen in a hurry,” said Conzelman, adding that to feed his cows in 2021, “We just had to buck down and buy more hay.”

When Pfeil and Conzelman complained to the Crook County prosecutor, “We were shrugged off and told it was a civil matter,” said Pfeil. “But we had started a Facebook group and began finding all of the victims of the same man, three of which, they were all in Montana. So ultimately that's why the Montana FBI picked up this case.”

Parks also continued to make the most of Facebook, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana.&nbsp;

“A ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find,” the release says. “The couple signed a contract with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch.

“Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased, but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the down payment.”

Investigators also discovered Parks told one victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a respected horse racing facility in Nebraska. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that claim was false.

Cowboy State Daily reached out to Parks, who did not return a voicemail.

Shandor Badaruddin, a Missoula attorney who represented Parks, said that he believes justice was served in this case and a prison sentence spelled out in federal guidelines wasn’t necessary.&nbsp;

“They're guidelines, and they establish benchmarks. I think it was eight to 14 months, but that's not necessarily eight to 14 months in prison. That can be eight to 14 months in prison,” he said. “It could be eight to 14 months on probation. It could be 8 to 14 months on home detention.”

Badaruddin said that in his experience, federal judges strive for “the appropriate sentence, meaning sufficient but not greater than necessary.”

Badaruddin said Parks is “pursuing employment” in Logan, Kansas, trying to find “whatever job pays the most so he can repay the restitution order by the judge. He wants to get that paid as soon as possible and guess what? They want it paid as soon as possible too.

“He wants to live in Logan, Kansas. Well, there ain't a whole lot going on there outside the agricultural industry, so I don't know. I don't know what he's going to do.”

Back in Sundance, Pfeil continues to raise cattle on the 2,000-acre ranch her family first homesteaded in 1880.

Her son, Banks Crane, is the seventh generation to come along, but Pfeil acknowledges ranching as a financially viable way of life is far from guaranteed.&nbsp;

Parks owes her $38,966.70, she said, and as the payments come in, “I've still got a small share of cows on the family ranch. And I'm just going to keep fighting this fight and letting everyone know what this man did to me and hopefully helping others prevent the same thing from happening to them.”

When Pfeil saw Parks in court Wednesday, “He was very downcast. I mean, the best way I could describe it is he looked like a kicked dog.”

With a sigh, Pfeil said this whole mess with Parks could have been avoided, if she’d followed her newly adopted motto: “Cash on delivery.”

<a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/11/21/man-who-scammed-ranchers-desperate-for-hay-during-drought-to-pay-back-100k/">Republished with permission from Cowboy State Daily.</a>A Logan, Kansas, man who scammed ranchers in Wyoming and Montana desperate for hay during a drought was sentenced to probation Wednesday. He also must pay back more than $100,000 to his victims.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732315266837.png" alt="Heart Cross Ranch Trucking delivering hay to Katalina Pfeil at her family ranch in Sundance, Wyoming. The owner of the company, Jory Parks, inset, was sentenced Nov. 20, 2024, for scamming Pfeil and other ranchers desperate for hay during a drought. (Courtesy Katalina Pfeil)" />
 <figcaption>Heart Cross Ranch Trucking delivering hay to Katalina Pfeil at her family ranch in Sundance, Wyoming. The owner of the company, Jory Parks, inset, was sentenced Nov. 20, 2024, for scamming Pfeil and other ranchers desperate for hay during a drought. (Courtesy Katalina Pfeil)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/author/david-madison-for-cowboy-state-daily/">David Madison</a> <a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/">Cowboy State Daily</a>When severe drought in 2021 made ranchers in Crook County, Wyoming, desperate to secure hay for their cattle before winter, a Kansas man spotted an opportunity and designed a scheme that preyed on stockgrowers worried they wouldn’t have enough cattle feed.&nbsp;The scam involved hay bought in Nebraska, shipped by a company from Kansas and caused ranchers in Wyoming and Montana to lose more than $100,000.The man behind it all was Jory Parks, who was sentenced to five years ofprobation Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Billings, Montana. Judge Susan Watters spared Parks a prison sentence of up to 20 years so he could pay restitution to his victims.&nbsp;Instead, Parks was given 20 years to make his victims whole through $500 monthly payments against his $103,721 debt.&nbsp;“He took advantage of their need for hay, told lies and stole their money over and over again,” wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove in a pre-sentencing memo. In a presentence investigation report, the prosecution cited a guideline sentence of eight to 14 months of imprisonment.&nbsp;“The victims’ desperation in this case was central to the success of Parks’ fraud scheme,” Hargrove wrote. “Experiencing a significant drought in the summer of 2021, ranchers in Montana and across the region suffered significant hardships.“He knew livestock was going to die and peoples’ livelihoods hung in the balance. It was against this backdrop that Parks contracted with ranchers ... to sell them hay, demanded down payments to secure their shipments, and then never delivered or only delivered a fraction of what they purchased.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732315480376.png" alt="Katalina Pfeil and her son, Banks Crane. (Courtesy Katalina Pfeil)" />
 <figcaption>Katalina Pfeil and her son, Banks Crane. (Courtesy Katalina Pfeil)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Family Ranch</h2>That’s what happened to Katalina Pfeil, who raises cattle on her family ranch in Sundance, Wyoming.By the end of the summer in 2021, Pfeil knew the dryland ranch would not put up enough hay to get their cattle through the winter. So,she started searching on Facebook for anyone selling hay at an affordable price.&nbsp;“By this point, any hay that was in the region was incredibly expensive. I mean, we're talking towards $300 a ton just to feed your animals when the year before it had been $90 a ton,” Pfeil told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday after Parks was sentenced. “We were desperate, just like everybody else in our region, and I had discovered that down in Nebraska was a bunch of very reasonable hay, and it was worth the effort to get it trucked in.”Parks responded to Pfeil’s posts on Facebook in October 2021, just a couple months after Parks set up Heart Cross Ranch Trucking, according to documents filed with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office. Three businesses with the Heart Cross Ranch name are now listed as “forfeited.”But in October 2021, Heart Cross Ranch Trucking was just getting revved up.<h2>Too Good To Be True</h2>“He offered me the lowest rate by far, and he had claimed he had several employees and trucks and that they were going to get it to me right away, that I should expect it within the week,” remembered Pfeil, who said Parks only delivered half what she ordered. “Three loads delivered, three loads disappeared.”Any early misgivings were smoothed over by Parks who talked a good game.“I met him, and every victim that you will ever talk to will tell you about his silver tongue,” said Pfeil, accusing Parks of trying to manipulate his way out of their deal. “He knew I was pregnant, and he used it against me. He was claiming that his daughter was sick and in the hospital.”Pfeil and others victimized by Parks started to communicate online, and Parks responded by filing for a restraining order against Pfeil in Crook County Court.&nbsp;“One day, I pull up to the ranch entrance and there’s two sheriffs sitting at the entrance and I knew they were looking for me,” remembered Pfeil. “He’s trying to get a restraining order against me? Let me remind you, I'm the young pregnant woman that he stole from, and he was trying to claim that he was the victim.”A judge denied the restraining order, said Pfeil, who teamed up with another Sundance rancher who also was scammed.Bryce Conzelman lost $16,000 on a deal with Parks, he said, adding that when you’re a rancher and vulnerable to drought and other market pressures, scams are a real threat.&nbsp;“Boy, that stuff can happen in a hurry,” said Conzelman, adding that to feed his cows in 2021, “We just had to buck down and buy more hay.”When Pfeil and Conzelman complained to the Crook County prosecutor, “We were shrugged off and told it was a civil matter,” said Pfeil. “But we had started a Facebook group and began finding all of the victims of the same man, three of which, they were all in Montana. So ultimately that's why the Montana FBI picked up this case.”<h2>Scamming Continued</h2>Parks also continued to make the most of Facebook, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana.&nbsp;“A ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find,” the release says. “The couple signed a contract with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch.“Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased, but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the down payment.”Investigators also discovered Parks told one victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a respected horse racing facility in Nebraska. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that claim was false.<h2>The Sentencing</h2>Cowboy State Daily reached out to Parks, who did not return a voicemail.Shandor Badaruddin, a Missoula attorney who represented Parks, said that he believes justice was served in this case and a prison sentence spelled out in federal guidelines wasn’t necessary.&nbsp;“They're guidelines, and they establish benchmarks. I think it was eight to 14 months, but that's not necessarily eight to 14 months in prison. That can be eight to 14 months in prison,” he said. “It could be eight to 14 months on probation. It could be 8 to 14 months on home detention.”Badaruddin said that in his experience, federal judges strive for “the appropriate sentence, meaning sufficient but not greater than necessary.”Badaruddin said Parks is “pursuing employment” in Logan, Kansas, trying to find “whatever job pays the most so he can repay the restitution order by the judge. He wants to get that paid as soon as possible and guess what? They want it paid as soon as possible too.“He wants to live in Logan, Kansas. Well, there ain't a whole lot going on there outside the agricultural industry, so I don't know. I don't know what he's going to do.”<h2>Words to Live By</h2>Back in Sundance, Pfeil continues to raise cattle on the 2,000-acre ranch her family first homesteaded in 1880.Her son, Banks Crane, is the seventh generation to come along, but Pfeil acknowledges ranching as a financially viable way of life is far from guaranteed.&nbsp;Parks owes her $38,966.70, she said, and as the payments come in, “I've still got a small share of cows on the family ranch. And I'm just going to keep fighting this fight and letting everyone know what this man did to me and hopefully helping others prevent the same thing from happening to them.”When Pfeil saw Parks in court Wednesday, “He was very downcast. I mean, the best way I could describe it is he looked like a kicked dog.”With a sigh, Pfeil said this whole mess with Parks could have been avoided, if she’d followed her newly adopted motto: “Cash on delivery.”

Logan man who scammed ranchers needing hay during drought to pay $100K

TOPEKA — Emergency loans are available to help Kansans who had losses from storms last spring.

Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated 13 counties as natural disaster areas due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on May 19.

The counties are Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.

In additionn, neighboring counties Butler, Chase, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Geary, Johnson, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lyon, McPherson, Marion, Mitchell, Ness, Osage, Osborne, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, and Shawnee.

Contiguous counties of Platte, Clay and Jackson in Missouri are also eligible.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, like replacing essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation, or refinancing certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index">emergency loans</a>. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.&nbsp;

On farmers.gov, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/node/28989">Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/fsa-disasterassistance-at-a-glance-sept.-2021.pdf">Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lat.fpac.usda.gov/">Loan Assistance Tool</a>&nbsp;can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator">&nbsp;USDA Service Center</a>.FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations.&nbsp; To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/assistance">fema.gov/assistance</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732376315753.png" alt="Photo National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Emergency loans are available to help Kansans who had losses from storms last spring.Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated 13 counties as natural disaster areas due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on May 19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732376290270.png" alt="Photo city of Russell" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>The counties are Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.In additionn, neighboring counties Butler, Chase, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Geary, Johnson, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lyon, McPherson, Marion, Mitchell, Ness, Osage, Osborne, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, and Shawnee.Contiguous counties of Platte, Clay and Jackson in Missouri are also eligible.&nbsp; &nbsp;The loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, like replacing essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation, or refinancing certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index">emergency loans</a>. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.&nbsp;The deadline to apply is April 21, 2025.On farmers.gov, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/node/28989">Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/fsa-disasterassistance-at-a-glance-sept.-2021.pdf">Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lat.fpac.usda.gov/">Loan Assistance Tool</a>&nbsp;can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator">&nbsp;USDA Service Center</a>.FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations.&nbsp; To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/assistance">fema.gov/assistance</a>.

FEMA designates 13 counties in Kansas as disaster areas

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/21/rural-kansas-needs-thousands-of-homes-per-year-to-address-shortage-lawmakers-hear/?emci=4131d139-84a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;emdi=6ca5279b-b8a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;ceid=115039">By ANNA KAMINSKI</a> Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — Rural Kansas needs around 4,000 new homes per year to meet a growing population’s housing needs and address the state’s housing crisis.&nbsp;

From legislation enabling zoning reform at the local level to boosted tax credits for developers, Kansas legislators heard about a myriad of options this week to increase the state’s housing supply.&nbsp;

A major focus for state lawmakers is finding ways to increase the availability of affordable housing because a majority of low-income Kansans and about 27% of all Kansas residents are spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs such as rent payments, mortgages and utilities.

Erin Beckerman with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which administers housing-related programs for the state, told legislators Tuesday that an estimated 3,800-4,800 homes need to be built each year in rural Kansas to meet demand. That’s based on a 2021 statewide housing needs analysis, but it doesn’t include metro areas.

Topeka conducted its own analysis, which found it needed about 720 new homes annually, which includes affordable and workforce housing along with market-rate and special housing types. About 8,200 new housing units were&nbsp;<a href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/sdc/region.php?area=Kansas&amp;tab=2#HOUSE" target="_blank">created</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.&nbsp;

Federal funding sources, which are administered through the corporation, only stretch so far in Kansas. At the same time, relatively new state programs are filling gaps. They include housing investor tax credits, affordable housing tax credits and Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, which helps fund public infrastructure improvements through developers.

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican and chair of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, said legislators have taken significant steps to address housing affordability and availability.&nbsp;

“We’ve got to be cognizant of the programs that we currently have before we start piling on new programs, and we got to make sure the ones we have work also,” he said Tuesday.

Analysts nationwide point to a lack of affordable and available homes as cause for the housing crisis across the country, and, according to Stan Longhofer, professor and founding director of Wichita State University’s Center for Real Estate, that lack is largely the result of a steady and prolonged decline in home construction after the 2008 financial crisis. Developers, too, have been plagued by rising construction costs, permitting delays and shifting markets.

Longhofer predicted a worsening of the housing crisis because of what wasn’t built in the 2010s, he told legislators Tuesday. Less housing is available to Kansans now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Jamie Sauder, the 2025 president of the Kansas Association of Realtors and an Emporia city commissioner, on Tuesday proposed that legislators reexamine a state statute that he said prevented an earlier effort from Emporia and Lyon County to change their zoning laws.

To Sauder, modifying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch12/012_007_0053.html#:~:text=12%2D753.,manner%20provided%20by%20this%20act." target="_blank">a piece of a state law</a>&nbsp;that ties property use to zoning could have great effect.

Emporia needs about 250 new homes to be built annually to address the area’s housing needs, but the reality has turned out to be about 13 new units annually.&nbsp;

“What we’ve seen in rural areas is an erosion of profitability, and when you don’t have profitability, you’re not going to have development,” he said.

Emporia’s initial goal was to shift from a Euclidean zoning model, a customary type of zoning in the United States and one that typically ties one land use, such as single family residential development, to a single zone. It wanted to adopt form-based zoning codes, which regulate land development based on appearance instead of property use. Such a move could free up local governments to streamline and simplify land use, Sauder said.&nbsp; In turn, building housing, particularly in rural areas, can be approached differently.&nbsp;

Legislators ultimately agreed to take a look at state laws on the books that may restrict local governments’ ability to change their own zoning laws.

“What I would suggest is if there are things that we have in statute at the state level that make it difficult for local municipalities to have the flexibility regarding their zoning laws that we take a look at those,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, on Wednesday.

Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Republican from Baxter Springs near the borders of Oklahoma and Missouri, voiced concerns over builders who aren’t attracted to build in small towns like his own. Small-town workers are forced to live outside of their communities because developers favor building in more profitable and populated areas, he said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Shallenburger proposed to recommend to the 2025 legislature an idea from the city of Pittsburgh to allow homebuilders in cities smaller than 60,000 people to recoup certain costs from a single project through the increase in value that development spurs. It was met with unanimous agreement.

Legislators also recommended reviewing state law to examine barriers to local solutions to affordable housing, examining permit processes and exploring an appraisal process for community land trusts, which are nonprofits that can hold land and facilitate affordable housing development. Some attempted to recommend eviction law reforms and a review of the state’s Landlord Tenant Act, but they were met with pushback, particularly from Tarwater, who said he is a landlord. He warned that any addition of mandatory inspections wouldn’t be likely to reduce rental costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732288789413.jpeg" alt="Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, is the chairman of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, which met Nov. 20, 2024.&nbsp; Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, is the chairman of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, which met Nov. 20, 2024.&nbsp; Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/21/rural-kansas-needs-thousands-of-homes-per-year-to-address-shortage-lawmakers-hear/?emci=4131d139-84a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;emdi=6ca5279b-b8a8-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&amp;ceid=115039">By ANNA KAMINSKI</a> Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — Rural Kansas needs around 4,000 new homes per year to meet a growing population’s housing needs and address the state’s housing crisis.&nbsp;From legislation enabling zoning reform at the local level to boosted tax credits for developers, Kansas legislators heard about a myriad of options this week to increase the state’s housing supply.&nbsp;A major focus for state lawmakers is finding ways to increase the availability of affordable housing because a majority of low-income Kansans and about 27% of all Kansas residents are spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs such as rent payments, mortgages and utilities.Erin Beckerman with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which administers housing-related programs for the state, told legislators Tuesday that an estimated 3,800-4,800 homes need to be built each year in rural Kansas to meet demand. That’s based on a 2021 statewide housing needs analysis, but it doesn’t include metro areas.Topeka conducted its own analysis, which found it needed about 720 new homes annually, which includes affordable and workforce housing along with market-rate and special housing types. About 8,200 new housing units were&nbsp;<a href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/sdc/region.php?area=Kansas&amp;tab=2#HOUSE" target="_blank">created</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.&nbsp;Federal funding sources, which are administered through the corporation, only stretch so far in Kansas. At the same time, relatively new state programs are filling gaps. They include housing investor tax credits, affordable housing tax credits and Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, which helps fund public infrastructure improvements through developers.Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican and chair of the 2024 special committee on available and affordable housing, said legislators have taken significant steps to address housing affordability and availability.&nbsp;“We’ve got to be cognizant of the programs that we currently have before we start piling on new programs, and we got to make sure the ones we have work also,” he said Tuesday.Analysts nationwide point to a lack of affordable and available homes as cause for the housing crisis across the country, and, according to Stan Longhofer, professor and founding director of Wichita State University’s Center for Real Estate, that lack is largely the result of a steady and prolonged decline in home construction after the 2008 financial crisis. Developers, too, have been plagued by rising construction costs, permitting delays and shifting markets.Longhofer predicted a worsening of the housing crisis because of what wasn’t built in the 2010s, he told legislators Tuesday. Less housing is available to Kansans now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.<h2>Rethinking paths to housing development</h2>Jamie Sauder, the 2025 president of the Kansas Association of Realtors and an Emporia city commissioner, on Tuesday proposed that legislators reexamine a state statute that he said prevented an earlier effort from Emporia and Lyon County to change their zoning laws.To Sauder, modifying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch12/012_007_0053.html#:~:text=12%2D753.,manner%20provided%20by%20this%20act." target="_blank">a piece of a state law</a>&nbsp;that ties property use to zoning could have great effect.Emporia needs about 250 new homes to be built annually to address the area’s housing needs, but the reality has turned out to be about 13 new units annually.&nbsp;“What we’ve seen in rural areas is an erosion of profitability, and when you don’t have profitability, you’re not going to have development,” he said.Emporia’s initial goal was to shift from a Euclidean zoning model, a customary type of zoning in the United States and one that typically ties one land use, such as single family residential development, to a single zone. It wanted to adopt form-based zoning codes, which regulate land development based on appearance instead of property use. Such a move could free up local governments to streamline and simplify land use, Sauder said.&nbsp; In turn, building housing, particularly in rural areas, can be approached differently.&nbsp;Legislators ultimately agreed to take a look at state laws on the books that may restrict local governments’ ability to change their own zoning laws.“What I would suggest is if there are things that we have in statute at the state level that make it difficult for local municipalities to have the flexibility regarding their zoning laws that we take a look at those,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, on Wednesday.Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Republican from Baxter Springs near the borders of Oklahoma and Missouri, voiced concerns over builders who aren’t attracted to build in small towns like his own. Small-town workers are forced to live outside of their communities because developers favor building in more profitable and populated areas, he said.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Shallenburger proposed to recommend to the 2025 legislature an idea from the city of Pittsburgh to allow homebuilders in cities smaller than 60,000 people to recoup certain costs from a single project through the increase in value that development spurs. It was met with unanimous agreement.Legislators also recommended reviewing state law to examine barriers to local solutions to affordable housing, examining permit processes and exploring an appraisal process for community land trusts, which are nonprofits that can hold land and facilitate affordable housing development. Some attempted to recommend eviction law reforms and a review of the state’s Landlord Tenant Act, but they were met with pushback, particularly from Tarwater, who said he is a landlord. He warned that any addition of mandatory inspections wouldn’t be likely to reduce rental costs.

Rural Kansas needs thousands of homes per year to address shortage, lawmakers hear

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1,014 graduates during its sixth annual fall commencement on Friday (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, for the virtual ceremonies.&nbsp;

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies on Saturday.&nbsp;

The ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. (Central time) on Friday for undergraduate and master’s candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.&nbsp;

The 11 a.m. ceremony will be the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.&nbsp;

Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. (CT) for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m. (CT).

All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DxLdj_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOVtoW0KIiMGYz1gb5auOI2pc8PdETssSQoqdXD5OM-2BsmCOZEkKauSbL-2Fsy57DK-2BdVexbmHD542qkCVaA6Y0fnzgnzpi6aPZ2Je7OhL0n6kh4eeE2gPIf-2FD-2Bfkv532PuDhia9-2B56o0n0GMyc2AF3Qijv4s-2Fm0ZHCJOiAq0W2auBbHbCRrkRPcMccDSFcMmQR4Rp8x7JQhLJWlD645t9wT6V9j99DiVYT5biVBSBdQOBMvM0AWwzd-2BAG-2B7L5Pof0sDS">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)&nbsp;

Doors to GMC will open at 7:45 a.m. Graduates and guests will be asked to enter through Gates 2 and 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter through the door labeled guest entrance (located at both gates).&nbsp;

Students are asked to wear their regalia to GMC. Graduates may arrange to pick up their regalia before Dec. 13 at the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing <a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>.

Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of the Gross Coliseum. Guests will be seated in the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for guests with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs is available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the disability seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and northeast corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.&nbsp;

Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between the commencement ceremonies. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In the event of inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.

Graduates, families, and friends are encouraged to share photos and messages on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook using the hashtag #tigergrad.&nbsp;

Photo backdrops&nbsp;and flower sales will be available between Gates 2 and 3 on the upper level of the Coliseum.

The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at  <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DJFmp_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOVtoW0KIiMGYz1gb5auOI2pc8PdETssSQoqdXD5OM-2BsmCOZEkKauSbL-2Fsy57DK-2BdVexbmHD542qkCVaA6Y0fnzu0BoATpekndxJ-2FM-2BmLozB1cAVw2v32VBDVJruKMNkbASPTsQddGtCN-2FeCnjaIB8-2BsEdm-2FxYZipUsWprL1ITqOcjhsRxB-2BWEj-2F-2FoaSOA5LsEGQY3-2BSe0ZBCGsrlKpeT3ZLhtqEh2Vuv9KD7VgQVPx3vV0HpX18-2FB86pFBlZmU5V-2B">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.&nbsp;

The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0cdeTry58ih-2F0ByFBW-2FXzaO2dfEgAhUEeT4iu401VQSayEFU_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOVtoW0KIiMGYz1gb5auOI2pc8PdETssSQoqdXD5OM-2BsmCOZEkKauSbL-2Fsy57DK-2BdVexbmHD542qkCVaA6Y0fnzny9HSwIyl-2BFI6yl51AqF5W3tOJqrMuQVWlxd8gL5cue1J162SqmwNFcwgj9DrO-2BlSnF4qYOgFzZtd7JT5-2F5Faw9toWTmXZvYAkLOUfP-2Fdhv1XJtv-2F79xqCrg9ffH8-2BawQORPQw4ezo5N2nbTRmK9zEEIA8MFD5bj17m5D-2BbXDAR">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716302004753.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1,014 graduates during its sixth annual fall commencement on Friday (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, for the virtual ceremonies.&nbsp;Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies on Saturday.&nbsp;The ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. (Central time) on Friday for undergraduate and master’s candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.&nbsp;The 11 a.m. ceremony will be the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.&nbsp;Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. (CT) for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m. (CT).All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DxLdj_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOVtoW0KIiMGYz1gb5auOI2pc8PdETssSQoqdXD5OM-2BsmCOZEkKauSbL-2Fsy57DK-2BdVexbmHD542qkCVaA6Y0fnzgnzpi6aPZ2Je7OhL0n6kh4eeE2gPIf-2FD-2Bfkv532PuDhia9-2B56o0n0GMyc2AF3Qijv4s-2Fm0ZHCJOiAq0W2auBbHbCRrkRPcMccDSFcMmQR4Rp8x7JQhLJWlD645t9wT6V9j99DiVYT5biVBSBdQOBMvM0AWwzd-2BAG-2B7L5Pof0sDS">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)&nbsp;Doors to GMC will open at 7:45 a.m. Graduates and guests will be asked to enter through Gates 2 and 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter through the door labeled guest entrance (located at both gates).&nbsp;Students are asked to wear their regalia to GMC. Graduates may arrange to pick up their regalia before Dec. 13 at the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing <a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>.Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of the Gross Coliseum. Guests will be seated in the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for guests with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs is available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the disability seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and northeast corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.&nbsp;Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between the commencement ceremonies. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In the event of inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.Graduates, families, and friends are encouraged to share photos and messages on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook using the hashtag #tigergrad.&nbsp;Photo backdrops&nbsp;and flower sales will be available between Gates 2 and 3 on the upper level of the Coliseum.The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at  <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DJFmp_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOVtoW0KIiMGYz1gb5auOI2pc8PdETssSQoqdXD5OM-2BsmCOZEkKauSbL-2Fsy57DK-2BdVexbmHD542qkCVaA6Y0fnzu0BoATpekndxJ-2FM-2BmLozB1cAVw2v32VBDVJruKMNkbASPTsQddGtCN-2FeCnjaIB8-2BsEdm-2FxYZipUsWprL1ITqOcjhsRxB-2BWEj-2F-2FoaSOA5LsEGQY3-2BSe0ZBCGsrlKpeT3ZLhtqEh2Vuv9KD7VgQVPx3vV0HpX18-2FB86pFBlZmU5V-2B">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.&nbsp;The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0cdeTry58ih-2F0ByFBW-2FXzaO2dfEgAhUEeT4iu401VQSayEFU_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOVtoW0KIiMGYz1gb5auOI2pc8PdETssSQoqdXD5OM-2BsmCOZEkKauSbL-2Fsy57DK-2BdVexbmHD542qkCVaA6Y0fnzny9HSwIyl-2BFI6yl51AqF5W3tOJqrMuQVWlxd8gL5cue1J162SqmwNFcwgj9DrO-2BlSnF4qYOgFzZtd7JT5-2F5Faw9toWTmXZvYAkLOUfP-2Fdhv1XJtv-2F79xqCrg9ffH8-2BawQORPQw4ezo5N2nbTRmK9zEEIA8MFD5bj17m5D-2BbXDAR">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.&nbsp;

Fall FHSU commencement set for Dec. 13 and 14

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732481670633.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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732559022406.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>

The 2024 Kansas Rural Preservation grant committee&nbsp;reviewed 24 grant requests totaling over $2.2 million. On August 9, 2024, the committee recommended and the Historic Sites Board of Review approved funding for 8 projects totalling $750,000.The historic Safeway Building located at 121 E 11th Street in Downtown Hays was awarded a grant for the historic preservation and the expansion of Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. culinary classroom and event space. To comply with the grant requirements, we are publicly posting this notice to contractors to submit bids.

Property Owner: Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co., LLC

Property Address: 121 East 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays Kansas

Detailed building condition and scope of work detailed below.

1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install new storefront windows and doors.

2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheetrock and finish interior partition walls and repair perimeter plaster walls and paint walls. Trim and molding per specifications.

3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repair and refinish original hardwood floors. Install flooring in kitchen, bathrooms and storerooms.

Bids will be received by Adam Pray, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 until 12:00 PM on November 30, 2024, for the work noted above according to plans approved by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office. This structure is determined eligible for listing as a contributing property in the Historic Chestnut Street District on the National Register of Historic Places. All work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s&nbsp;Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Sealed bids will be publicly opened at 12:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Platinum Group Office, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays KS 67601. Two copies of the bid should be provided.

All inquiries about this Invitation to Bid and requests for copies of the full scope of work / plans may be directed to Adam Pray, phone (785) 650-4029. Bids will be received on a total bid price basis and will include a sum to cover the cost of all items of the contract, including insurance, materials, and performance bonds. Proposals received after the date and time indicated above for opening will be considered late, and therefore will not be considered for award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705521337334.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 2024 Kansas Rural Preservation grant committee&nbsp;reviewed 24 grant requests totaling over $2.2 million. On August 9, 2024, the committee recommended and the Historic Sites Board of Review approved funding for 8 projects totalling $750,000.The historic Safeway Building located at 121 E 11th Street in Downtown Hays was awarded a grant for the historic preservation and the expansion of Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. culinary classroom and event space. To comply with the grant requirements, we are publicly posting this notice to contractors to submit bids.NOTICE TO CONTRACTORSINVITATION TO BIDProperty Owner: Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co., LLCProperty Address: 121 East 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays KansasDetailed building condition and scope of work detailed below.In general, work to be performed:1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install new storefront windows and doors.2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheetrock and finish interior partition walls and repair perimeter plaster walls and paint walls. Trim and molding per specifications.3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repair and refinish original hardwood floors. Install flooring in kitchen, bathrooms and storerooms.Bids will be received by Adam Pray, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 until 12:00 PM on November 30, 2024, for the work noted above according to plans approved by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office. This structure is determined eligible for listing as a contributing property in the Historic Chestnut Street District on the National Register of Historic Places. All work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s&nbsp;Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.Sealed bids will be publicly opened at 12:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Platinum Group Office, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays KS 67601. Two copies of the bid should be provided.All inquiries about this Invitation to Bid and requests for copies of the full scope of work / plans may be directed to Adam Pray, phone (785) 650-4029. Bids will be received on a total bid price basis and will include a sum to cover the cost of all items of the contract, including insurance, materials, and performance bonds. Proposals received after the date and time indicated above for opening will be considered late, and therefore will not be considered for award.The Bid will be awarded on the basis of cost and performance; to the Bidder who, in the Owner’s judgment, is the lowest, most qualified, responsible and responsive Bidder. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to reject the Bid of any Bidder if the Owner believes it would not be in the best interest of the Owner to make an award to that Bidder. The successful Bidder must deliver to the Owner certificates of insurance, performance and materials payment bonds as security for faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the contract. The successful firm will be required to comply with all applicable laws and statutory regulations. No Bidder will in any way, directly or indirectly, discriminate against any person because of age, race, color, handicap, sex, national origin or religious creed.This project has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, a division of the United States Department of the Interior and administered by the Kansas Historical Society. The contents and opinions, however, do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the United States Department of the Interior or the Kansas Historical Society. Regulations of the US&nbsp;Department of the Interior strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination in departmental Federally Assisted Programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.Historic Safeway Building/Gella’s ExpansionBuilding Description: The one-story red brick building at 121 E Eleventh was built ca. 1937 as home to the Safeway Grocery Store. The building is the easternmost structure in a string of one-and two-story buildings with a consistent setback on the north side of E. Eleventh Street, one block off Main Street. The building will be occupied as an expansion of Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. in the one-story buildings at 111-119 East Eleventh Street. An alley runs along the north/rear façade and the storefront fronts Eleventh Street on the south with a public sidewalk along the south façade and brick street with parallel parking along E. Eleventh Street.The storefront is currently boarded with the glass windows missing (wood is visible on the interior). An area above the storefront is also boarded corresponding to the large steel I-beam that spans the storefront opening, supported by one central column). An alternating band of concrete and glass black panels is located on the upper façade framed by buff brick. The recessed entry, extant at the east end, is framed by the brick wall on the west and an angled section of the boarded storefront on the east. A pair of single-light wood doors (one replaced with slab door) serve as the original entrance with a narrow sidelight on the west and a transom panel composed of two horizontal lights about each door. On the interior, no glass is present in the display windows but a short plastered bulkhead is extant. Temporary removal of the wood covering revealed damaged brick tile on the narrow bulkhead.There are four openings on the rear façade – three windows and a single door. All are punched openings with hidden lintels and windows have header-course brick sills. The original windows were multi-light steel windows, two of which are in place. One window has formerly been removed and a ventilation fan installed in the window opening. From the interior, the rear door is a five-horizontal panel wood door, with a metal covering on the exterior that is visible on the rear façade.The interior of the building is currently an open space with framed partition walls. The metal barrel trusses and interim wood framing is extant and exposed throughout the interior of the building. The perimeter walls have a plaster finish and remnants of wood baseboards are in place in isolated locations. At existing openings, plaster has a curved return. There is significant deterioration of plaster in some of the areas and peeling paint throughout. The front two-thirds of the space has a hardwood floor exposed. There are some areas of damaged or missing wood flooring but generally the floor appears to be in sound condition. The rear of the space has a concrete slab that is in fair to poor condition.SCOPE OF WORKProject Description for KSHS Rural Preservation Grant: &nbsp;Detailed floor plans and drawings available upon request for bidding purposes.Detail of Work to include in bid:● Install new storefront system on the existing concrete curb with new black tile installed at the bulkhead. The configuration will be retained with a recessed entrance on the west end. The existing wood doors will be removed and a pair of two-light aluminum doors, with sidelight, will be installed to meet accessibility requirements. The storefront system will be aluminum with a factory silver aluminum finish with 2-1/2” mullions and clear, low e glass. Display windows will be full height in the original opening; the existing glass block band will be retained above the storefront. Aluminum sheet metal to match the storefront will be used as sheathing at center column and horizontal I-beam/lintel above storefront opening. The lintel band will be used for business signage.● The new floor plan will have limited walls with bathrooms along the west wall and a kitchen at the rear, maintaining a large open dining room at the storefront. The existing front and rear door openings will be maintained with a vestibule at the front entrance and a corridor against the west wall at the rear. Men’s and women’s accessible restrooms will be partitions on the west wall and a storage room between the restroom and entry vestibule. The kitchen will span the north wall west of the west corridor with a bar/service area in the northeast corner of the open dining room. A mezzanine will be created over the rear kitchen and west restrooms to be used for mechanical equipment and supply storage.● Plaster will be retained and repaired at perimeter walls, maintaining curved return at the storefront. Wall at the rear opening will be furred for kitchen equipment. Sheetrock may be used at large areas of deteriorated plaster and skim-coated to match adjacent plaster surfaces – this is primarily at areas of former water infiltration on the rear wall where plaster is severely damaged and missing. Plaster walls will have exposed conduit for outlets and switches (painted to match adjacent surface). New partition walls will primarily be sheetrocked on wood studs. Kitchen walls will have stainless/FRP paneled walls for ease of cleaning. Bathrooms will receive porcelain wall and floor tile. New 6” wood baseboards with simple squared profile with eased edge, will be installed at perimeter walls in the dining room. Kitchen will have a rubber/tile base and bathrooms will have tile base/transition at wall/floor tile.● Any remaining tile or adhesive on the wood floor in the dining room will be removed and the original wood floor will be retained, repaired and refinished with satin finish. Damaged wood will be replaced with wood salvaged from bathrooms and store room on the west wall. Kitchen area will receive an epoxy finish on the concrete floor, as will the west storeroom.Detailed floor plans available upon request by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:chris@tumbleweedks.com">chris@tumbleweedks.com</a>General Conditions:● Repair work to be in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Viewable at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm">http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm</a>● Certificates of insurance, performance and material payment bonds required as security for faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the contract.● Storage and handling of all materials must be in a manner which prevents additional loss, deterioration, and damage; storage area to be designated by project administrator.● Construction schedule to be itemized with headings related to the breakdown in payment requests.● All work subject to review by the Kansas State Historical Society throughout the duration of the project.● Compliance with all applicable laws and statutory regulations required.

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