The Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce information about the annual Veterans, Military, Active Duty, and Rervists Local Heroes Appreciation Lunch.

The event will be held on Nov. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering. All veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and national guardsmen are invited to attend. Lunch will be free of charge and courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Hays. The meal will include fried chicken with choice of honey pecan sauce or gravy, potatoes, vegetable, side salad, roll, and dessert.

Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian, and a special thank you video will be provided by students from Hays Middle School. Some of Wilson Elementary’s 5th graders will also be present to help serve and honor the heroes with thank you cards. Singers will provide patriotic music, and a service photo presentation will be shared during the event. Service men and women are encouraged to email their service photos to info@hayskiwanis.com. To RSVP for this event, please email info@hayskiwanis.com or call 785-650-2196. RSVPs are requested by Friday, Nov. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657811948261.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Kiwanis Club of Hays plans veterans and military appreciation lunch" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wkbkf-171e4fa-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>SubmittedThe Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce information about the annual Veterans, Military, Active Duty, and Rervists Local Heroes Appreciation Lunch.The event will be held on Nov. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering. All veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and national guardsmen are invited to attend. Lunch will be free of charge and courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Hays. The meal will include fried chicken with choice of honey pecan sauce or gravy, potatoes, vegetable, side salad, roll, and dessert.Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian, and a special thank you video will be provided by students from Hays Middle School. Some of Wilson Elementary’s 5th graders will also be present to help serve and honor the heroes with thank you cards. Singers will provide patriotic music, and a service photo presentation will be shared during the event. Service men and women are encouraged to email their service photos to info@hayskiwanis.com. To RSVP for this event, please email info@hayskiwanis.com or call 785-650-2196. RSVPs are requested by Friday, Nov. 1.

🎙Kiwanis Club of Hays plans veterans and military appreciation lunch

RAWLINS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident while fleeing from a crime scene just after 11p.m. Sunday in Rawlins County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by Macrae W.&nbsp;Migchelbrink, 28, Atwood, was attempting to flee from a crime scene, recklessly at a high rate of speed northbound on Road 18 just north of Road CC eleven miles north of U.S. 36.

The pickup began to leave the roadway to the right. The driver over-corrected and the pickup traveled into the west ditch, rolled and the driver was ejected.

EMS transported&nbsp;Migchelbrink to a St. Anthony's Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Law enforcement released no additional details on charges&nbsp;Migchelbrink might face.

RAWLINS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident while fleeing from a crime scene just after 11p.m. Sunday in Rawlins County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by Macrae W.&nbsp;Migchelbrink, 28, Atwood, was attempting to flee from a crime scene, recklessly at a high rate of speed northbound on Road 18 just north of Road CC eleven miles north of U.S. 36.The pickup began to leave the roadway to the right. The driver over-corrected and the pickup traveled into the west ditch, rolled and the driver was ejected.EMS transported&nbsp;Migchelbrink to a St. Anthony's Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Law enforcement released no additional details on charges&nbsp;Migchelbrink might face.

Man fleeing NW Kan. crime scene injured in rollover crash

Girl Scout Troop 11298 provided many handmade gifts to the High Plains Humane Society on Sunday, Oct. 21. 

The Girl Scouts have been hard at work over the last few months. They have been working on their Create and Innovate Badge, where they were able to learn about repurposing old items. 

The troop is multi-level, consisting of 26 girls, all from Daisy, Brownie and Junior age levels.

Daisies learned how to repurpose old socks, turning them into catnip toys. Meanwhile, the Brownies were busy taking old T-shirts with tennis balls to make chew toys for the dogs.

The Juniors were then able to take it to the next level, taking old wire hangers, with cardboard and a T-shirt to make a cozy tent for the cats. 

All of the Girl Scouts enjoyed being able to see their hard work pay off.

While the Scouts were there, they also enjoyed seeing their merchandise on display, including T-shirts with "adopt" on them, along with other cute shirts. 

Thank you to all the amazing individuals in the community who support Girl Scouts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729701134222.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11298 from Hays donates repurposed items they made into cat and dog toys to the Humane Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11298 from Hays donates repurposed items they made into cat and dog toys to the Humane Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGirl Scout Troop 11298 provided many handmade gifts to the High Plains Humane Society on Sunday, Oct. 21. The Girl Scouts have been hard at work over the last few months. They have been working on their Create and Innovate Badge, where they were able to learn about repurposing old items. The troop is multi-level, consisting of 26 girls, all from Daisy, Brownie and Junior age levels.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729701248191.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Daisies learned how to repurpose old socks, turning them into catnip toys. Meanwhile, the Brownies were busy taking old T-shirts with tennis balls to make chew toys for the dogs.The Juniors were then able to take it to the next level, taking old wire hangers, with cardboard and a T-shirt to make a cozy tent for the cats. All of the Girl Scouts enjoyed being able to see their hard work pay off.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729701281456.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>While the Scouts were there, they also enjoyed seeing their merchandise on display, including T-shirts with "adopt" on them, along with other cute shirts. Thank you to all the amazing individuals in the community who support Girl Scouts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729701343908.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729701398373.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Girl Scouts repurpose items into toys for Humane Society of High Plains

Safety Advocates Offer Tips to Keep Your Children Safe this Halloween Holiday

TOPEKA –&nbsp;On Halloween, injuries can be just as scary as ghosts and ghouls but are much more real. Pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are just a few of the common injuries that occur on this particular night. The good news is they are preventable. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center and the Office of the State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.

Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.

“While it’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings,”&nbsp;said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas.&nbsp;“Don’t be distracted from hazards because you are texting or talking on the phone.”

Remind children to be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware kids are in a candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away and keep the Poison Help number programmed into your phone: 800-222-1222.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery powered candles or lights. Remember to make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room.

With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe holiday.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.safekids.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">safekids.org</a>.

About Safe Kids KansasSafe Kids Kansas works to prevent childhood injury, the&nbsp;leading cause of death and disability to children. Safe Kids Kansas is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing injuries in children. Coalition members include over 70 statewide organizations, agencies and businesses and a network of local coalitions across the state.&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as the Lead Agency for the coalition.

Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.safekidskansas.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">safekidskansas.org</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/safekidskansas?ref=ts&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/safekidskansas/?hl=en&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Instagram</a>.

About the Office of the State Fire MarshalThe Office of the State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kansas from the hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials. OSFM’s aim is to reduce the deaths, injuries, and property losses of Kansans through inspection, enforcement, regulation, investigation, hazardous material incident mitigation and public education.

Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.firemarshal.ks.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">firemarshal.ks.gov</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://firemarshal.ks.gov/facebook?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://firemarshal.ks.gov/twitter?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">X/Twitter</a>.

About the Kansas Poison CenterThe Kansas Poison Control Center at The University of Kansas Health System serves the entire state of Kansas, including Kansas City. All calls are free and confidential. And the service is available 24/7. The Poison Helpline is&nbsp;<a href="tel:18002221222">1-800-222-1222</a>.

Visit us on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSPoisonCenter?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KSPoisonCenter?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">X/Twitter</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666903908737.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Safety Advocates Offer Tips to Keep Your Children Safe this Halloween Holiday</h2>SubmittedTOPEKA –&nbsp;On Halloween, injuries can be just as scary as ghosts and ghouls but are much more real. Pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are just a few of the common injuries that occur on this particular night. The good news is they are preventable. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center and the Office of the State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.“While it’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings,”&nbsp;said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas.&nbsp;“Don’t be distracted from hazards because you are texting or talking on the phone.”Remind children to be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware kids are in a candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away and keep the Poison Help number programmed into your phone: 800-222-1222.According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery powered candles or lights. Remember to make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room.With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe holiday.Costume Safety<ul>
 <li>Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.</li><li>Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and have kids carry glow sticks and flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.</li><li>Prevent trips and falls by selecting a costume that is the right size and choose non-toxic face paint and makeup instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.</li>
 </ul>Decorate Safely<ul>
 <li>Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, such as &nbsp;candles, light bulbs and heaters.</li><li>Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and when decorating pathways and yards.</li><li>Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.</li><li>If you are attending parties or haunted houses, look for the exits and have an escape in case of an emergency.</li><li>If using dry ice, make sure you use gloves or tongs when handling it and do not put it in cups where it could be swallowed and cause severe burns.</li>
 </ul>Walk Safely<ul>
 <li>Stick to sidewalks or paths. Don’t walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be hazards you can’t see.</li><li>If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to left as possible.</li><li>Only cross the street at corners and crosswalks; not between parked cars. Make eye contact and wave at drivers before crossing.</li><li>Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.</li><li>Pay attention to your surroundings. Put away phones and other distracting electronics.</li>
 </ul>Trick or Treat Safely<ul>
 <li>Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups.</li>
 </ul>Drive Safely<ul>
 <li>Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.</li><li>Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.</li><li>Watch out for pedestrians when turning at intersections. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.</li><li>Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.</li>
 </ul>For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.safekids.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">safekids.org</a>.###About Safe Kids KansasSafe Kids Kansas works to prevent childhood injury, the&nbsp;leading cause of death and disability to children. Safe Kids Kansas is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing injuries in children. Coalition members include over 70 statewide organizations, agencies and businesses and a network of local coalitions across the state.&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as the Lead Agency for the coalition.Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.safekidskansas.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">safekidskansas.org</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/safekidskansas?ref=ts&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/safekidskansas/?hl=en&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Instagram</a>.About the Office of the State Fire MarshalThe Office of the State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kansas from the hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials. OSFM’s aim is to reduce the deaths, injuries, and property losses of Kansans through inspection, enforcement, regulation, investigation, hazardous material incident mitigation and public education.Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.firemarshal.ks.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">firemarshal.ks.gov</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://firemarshal.ks.gov/facebook?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://firemarshal.ks.gov/twitter?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">X/Twitter</a>.About the Kansas Poison CenterThe Kansas Poison Control Center at The University of Kansas Health System serves the entire state of Kansas, including Kansas City. All calls are free and confidential. And the service is available 24/7. The Poison Helpline is&nbsp;<a href="tel:18002221222">1-800-222-1222</a>.Visit us on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSPoisonCenter?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KSPoisonCenter?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">X/Twitter</a>.

Protect Your Children from Scary Boo-Boos and Bumps in the Night

<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/2024/10/1730047242098.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

If you are a Registered Nurse, or you know of a nurse searching for a fulfilling career opportunity, Rawlins County Health Center has a lot to offer!

Our nursing positions offer a 3-day, 12-hour work schedule with overnight stay options. Comprehensive full-time benefits, a $5,000 (pre-tax) sign-on bonus, and student loan forgiveness programs are also being offered to qualifying Registered Nurses.

Rawlins County Health Center is a critical access hospital, part of the Common

Spirit network of hospitals in Northwest Kansas. Rawlins Clinic, Atwood Kansas, is home to primary care and visiting specialty care. Together providing health care for Rawlins County and the surrounding communities since 1950.

Join our passionate and skilled care team. At RCHC you’ll find both professional growth and a supportive, enjoyable work environment. Discover more about this exciting opportunity at www.rchc.us/careers/.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652734737160.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedIf you are a Registered Nurse, or you know of a nurse searching for a fulfilling career opportunity, Rawlins County Health Center has a lot to offer!Our nursing positions offer a 3-day, 12-hour work schedule with overnight stay options. Comprehensive full-time benefits, a $5,000 (pre-tax) sign-on bonus, and student loan forgiveness programs are also being offered to qualifying Registered Nurses.Rawlins County Health Center is a critical access hospital, part of the CommonSpirit network of hospitals in Northwest Kansas. Rawlins Clinic, Atwood Kansas, is home to primary care and visiting specialty care. Together providing health care for Rawlins County and the surrounding communities since 1950.Join our passionate and skilled care team. At RCHC you’ll find both professional growth and a supportive, enjoyable work environment. Discover more about this exciting opportunity at www.rchc.us/careers/.

NWester: Sunny Cycling pedals sunshine into lives of the homebound 

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

I’m always raving about all the wildlife and outdoor adventures we have here in Kansas, but much like an inverse bucket list, there are also things I’m glad we DON’T have here. The other night I watched a TV show about the Florida Everglades. The host of the show was there to try and catch a monster everglades bull shark, and as sort of a rite-of-passage, his local guides made him first swim with alligators and then help them catch a huge python snake which are an invasive species to the everglades and are wreaking havoc with its fragile ecosystem. I used to trap muskrats in the McPherson Valley wetlands just outside Inman, which involves wading around in marshes of cattails and marsh grass that look a little like areas of the Everglades. I’m eternally grateful I don’t have to keep my eyes peeled for gators and pythons; geez, I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas.

I think Joyce and I must have been storm chasers in a previous life; when the tornado sirens blare and the TV weathers guys are yellin’ at us to get in our storm cellars or go to the basement, we’re bustin’ out lawn chairs and watching for the twister, despite the devastation they can cause. Some of the memories I’ll take with me to the grave are pictures and news footage showing all the absolute devastation caused by the hurricanes recently in North Carolina and Florida. So as much as I’d like to own some oceanfront property here in Kansas, I’ll take the occasional tornado that can wipe out parts of towns along its way over a hurricane or tsunami that can wipe out the entire state; geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas.

Dad had a place in a nice “snowbird park” in Mesa Arizona, and one of the activities he enjoyed was picking oranges, lemons and grapefruits with other guys from the park. The Mesa and Scottsdale areas are havens for citrus fruit trees. There are acres of commercial orange groves within the Mesa city limits, plus many homeowners have citrus trees in their backyards like homeowners in Kansas have apple, apricot and pear trees. And like homeowners here, many people don’t want or use most of the citrus fruit from those trees. Each February a crew of guys from dad’s park would go one day each week and pick unwanted fruit for homeowners, then bag the fruit and take it back to the park and put it out for any residents who want it. Many of the homeowners even gave the guys gas money for picking and taking their unwanted fruit. It was a win-win deal all the way around, but the homeowners there seemed much more serious about getting rid of their unwanted oranges, lemons and grapefruit than homeowners here are about getting rid of their unwanted fruit, and I often wondered why. I found out it’s because of a rodent called a “roof rat.”

Roof rats are also known as black rats (but are not really black) and are slightly distinguished from other rats by the length of their tails which are longer than their bodies. Roof rats are historically thought to be the vermin that spread the Plague or Black Death during the Middle Ages. They were first noticed in the Phoenix AZ area in 2001, and have become a problem throughout the area because fresh fruit and especially citrus fruit is their favorite meal. I found a website maintained by Maricopa County AZ, which contains the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, called www.roofrat.net. Its mission statement reads “To help neighborhoods work, donate quality fruit and eradicate roof rats.” On a list of roof rats preferred foods, the top 6 were citrus fruits, which according to the website they will even eat off the tree. To help eradicate roof rats, the website urges homeowners to “Promptly and completely pick all

fruit (ripe or not) on citrus and other fruit and nut trees and pick up all fallen fruit every season.” I was told that Scottsdale residents may even incur a hefty fine for not doing so. Roof rats nest in attics, hedges and even in trees.

Maybe writing this column was a lesson in just how good we Kansans have it compared to some other states. Yes, we have ticks and brown spiders which both require our respect. We have earth shattering thunderstorms and tornados, but not hurricanes. We have bull snakes, rat snakes and the occasional prairie rattler, but not gators and pythons. We have mice, rats and pack rats (which can be a problem if not discovered,) but not roof rats to eat the fruit off our trees and infest our neighborhoods. Geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsI’m always raving about all the wildlife and outdoor adventures we have here in Kansas, but much like an inverse bucket list, there are also things I’m glad we DON’T have here. The other night I watched a TV show about the Florida Everglades. The host of the show was there to try and catch a monster everglades bull shark, and as sort of a rite-of-passage, his local guides made him first swim with alligators and then help them catch a huge python snake which are an invasive species to the everglades and are wreaking havoc with its fragile ecosystem. I used to trap muskrats in the McPherson Valley wetlands just outside Inman, which involves wading around in marshes of cattails and marsh grass that look a little like areas of the Everglades. I’m eternally grateful I don’t have to keep my eyes peeled for gators and pythons; geez, I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas.I think Joyce and I must have been storm chasers in a previous life; when the tornado sirens blare and the TV weathers guys are yellin’ at us to get in our storm cellars or go to the basement, we’re bustin’ out lawn chairs and watching for the twister, despite the devastation they can cause. Some of the memories I’ll take with me to the grave are pictures and news footage showing all the absolute devastation caused by the hurricanes recently in North Carolina and Florida. So as much as I’d like to own some oceanfront property here in Kansas, I’ll take the occasional tornado that can wipe out parts of towns along its way over a hurricane or tsunami that can wipe out the entire state; geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas.Dad had a place in a nice “snowbird park” in Mesa Arizona, and one of the activities he enjoyed was picking oranges, lemons and grapefruits with other guys from the park. The Mesa and Scottsdale areas are havens for citrus fruit trees. There are acres of commercial orange groves within the Mesa city limits, plus many homeowners have citrus trees in their backyards like homeowners in Kansas have apple, apricot and pear trees. And like homeowners here, many people don’t want or use most of the citrus fruit from those trees. Each February a crew of guys from dad’s park would go one day each week and pick unwanted fruit for homeowners, then bag the fruit and take it back to the park and put it out for any residents who want it. Many of the homeowners even gave the guys gas money for picking and taking their unwanted fruit. It was a win-win deal all the way around, but the homeowners there seemed much more serious about getting rid of their unwanted oranges, lemons and grapefruit than homeowners here are about getting rid of their unwanted fruit, and I often wondered why. I found out it’s because of a rodent called a “roof rat.”Roof rats are also known as black rats (but are not really black) and are slightly distinguished from other rats by the length of their tails which are longer than their bodies. Roof rats are historically thought to be the vermin that spread the Plague or Black Death during the Middle Ages. They were first noticed in the Phoenix AZ area in 2001, and have become a problem throughout the area because fresh fruit and especially citrus fruit is their favorite meal. I found a website maintained by Maricopa County AZ, which contains the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, called www.roofrat.net. Its mission statement reads “To help neighborhoods work, donate quality fruit and eradicate roof rats.” On a list of roof rats preferred foods, the top 6 were citrus fruits, which according to the website they will even eat off the tree. To help eradicate roof rats, the website urges homeowners to “Promptly and completely pick allfruit (ripe or not) on citrus and other fruit and nut trees and pick up all fallen fruit every season.” I was told that Scottsdale residents may even incur a hefty fine for not doing so. Roof rats nest in attics, hedges and even in trees.Maybe writing this column was a lesson in just how good we Kansans have it compared to some other states. Yes, we have ticks and brown spiders which both require our respect. We have earth shattering thunderstorms and tornados, but not hurricanes. We have bull snakes, rat snakes and the occasional prairie rattler, but not gators and pythons. We have mice, rats and pack rats (which can be a problem if not discovered,) but not roof rats to eat the fruit off our trees and infest our neighborhoods. Geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas

The public is invited to an open house at the newly opened LIFE Center, 601 W. North Street, in Logan on Sunday, November 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The LIFE Center is a unique, intergenerational facility that serves both children and Seniors in the hometown of Dane G. Hansen.

At his death in 1965, Mr. Hansen created a trust which later became the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Distributions were designated for his hometown of Logan and surrounding Northwest Kansas communities. The concept of the LIFE project was nearly seven years in the making and is considered a physical testament to Mr. Hansen’s legacy of forward thinking and giving back to his community.

The Foundation is the primary funder for the LIFE Center, however local donors contributed $1 million toward furnishings and finishes for the facility.

The LIFE Center includes a 36-bed senior nursing facility that replaces the aging Logan Manor. It is built using the “small house” design, with three separate living pods housing twelve residents each, that include private rooms and an open kitchen in each living area, all of which revolve around the new “person-centered care” model that is being adopted in skilled nursing homes. The senior residents are expected to move from their current facility in Logan to the new LIFE Center in late November.&nbsp;

The Center also replaces the deteriorated elementary school facility. Children from pre-school through 4th&nbsp;grade started school this year in the new building, featuring larger classrooms and the unique “scholastic alley” – an expansive corridor between the classrooms that includes special learning activities. A new gymnasium and locker room are also included.

An indoor corridor connects the LIFE Center to the existing high school building for a completely interconnected complex allowing the senior residents to have access to all school activities, ballgames, etc.

A new weight room and wellness facility, a community room, and a multi-purpose room, which doubles as a community storm shelter will serve the broader community.

Kansas City based McCowenGordon Construction was the general contractor.

The open house will be an opportunity for the community to see the space in person. For more information about the facility, visit&nbsp;loganlifecenter.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729792239423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe public is invited to an open house at the newly opened LIFE Center, 601 W. North Street, in Logan on Sunday, November 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.The LIFE Center is a unique, intergenerational facility that serves both children and Seniors in the hometown of Dane G. Hansen.At his death in 1965, Mr. Hansen created a trust which later became the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Distributions were designated for his hometown of Logan and surrounding Northwest Kansas communities. The concept of the LIFE project was nearly seven years in the making and is considered a physical testament to Mr. Hansen’s legacy of forward thinking and giving back to his community.The Foundation is the primary funder for the LIFE Center, however local donors contributed $1 million toward furnishings and finishes for the facility.The LIFE Center includes a 36-bed senior nursing facility that replaces the aging Logan Manor. It is built using the “small house” design, with three separate living pods housing twelve residents each, that include private rooms and an open kitchen in each living area, all of which revolve around the new “person-centered care” model that is being adopted in skilled nursing homes. The senior residents are expected to move from their current facility in Logan to the new LIFE Center in late November.&nbsp;The Center also replaces the deteriorated elementary school facility. Children from pre-school through 4th&nbsp;grade started school this year in the new building, featuring larger classrooms and the unique “scholastic alley” – an expansive corridor between the classrooms that includes special learning activities. A new gymnasium and locker room are also included.An indoor corridor connects the LIFE Center to the existing high school building for a completely interconnected complex allowing the senior residents to have access to all school activities, ballgames, etc.A new weight room and wellness facility, a community room, and a multi-purpose room, which doubles as a community storm shelter will serve the broader community.Kansas City based McCowenGordon Construction was the general contractor.The open house will be an opportunity for the community to see the space in person. For more information about the facility, visit&nbsp;loganlifecenter.com.

Logan LIFE Center open house planned

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Kansas NWTF State Chapter recently met in Hays to review NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2025 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were approved by the Kansas NWTF State Chapter Board of Directors. The board budgeted $59,000 for conservation projects and $28,730 for hunting heritage projects, including outreach and education events, chapter scholarships and 4-H shooting sports support. NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched with $401,060 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects.&nbsp;

“I commend our volunteer leadership for working so hard to raise these funds to continue our mission in Kansas,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist for Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. “These volunteers are our boots on the ground that put their hard-earned dollars back on the landscape toward critical projects that will greatly impact the wild turkey in our focal landscapes. It is going to be a great year for conservation in Kansas!”

The Super Fund is a funding model where NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other types of fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states and beyond. For Kansas' 2025 Super Fund allocations, projects include:

The following projects support education, outreach, volunteer development and hunter access efforts in Kansas:

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide&nbsp;Healthy Habitats.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Healthy Harvests.&nbsp;for future generations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729790748187.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Darcy Daniels" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Darcy Daniels</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Kansas NWTF State Chapter recently met in Hays to review NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2025 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were approved by the Kansas NWTF State Chapter Board of Directors. The board budgeted $59,000 for conservation projects and $28,730 for hunting heritage projects, including outreach and education events, chapter scholarships and 4-H shooting sports support. NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched with $401,060 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects.&nbsp;“I commend our volunteer leadership for working so hard to raise these funds to continue our mission in Kansas,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist for Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. “These volunteers are our boots on the ground that put their hard-earned dollars back on the landscape toward critical projects that will greatly impact the wild turkey in our focal landscapes. It is going to be a great year for conservation in Kansas!”The Super Fund is a funding model where NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other types of fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states and beyond. For Kansas' 2025 Super Fund allocations, projects include:<ul>
 <li>$7,500&nbsp;to support Ducks Unlimited and Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams timber stand improvement equipment.</li><li>$5,000&nbsp;to support Jamestown Wildlife Area with invasive species removal.</li><li>$3,000&nbsp;to support Lovewell Wildlife Area with a prescribed fire reintroduction project.</li><li>$7,500&nbsp;to support Webster Wildlife Area with invasive species control.</li><li>$7,500&nbsp;(each year for a two-year commitment)&nbsp;to Kansas State University’s wild turkey diets and foraging ecology research project (<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC3PxJGvsplA-2FzF8EK1Dacxg8Y66sY2sX949Nll-2F-2FFrFMamB0eFfDjhqukOkeNi3HJBuqdb2vdGWDnd8VFT7WjnirdLiHdhSCX-2FVREsIaPG3dnFwWXatmz2eiRh5ZYTKWxXR3yvG0vqkq1aEsM5G2nD4-3DCHpX_5xLpiMTNoYC01LKSlW4nRkYYgetL-2FQPppvAjq6wLWrZTsm3DOTEnmsi9O2zho3RLUIo8wtXMC9hHft99DgtoISvlaBLsBX0gSxea98chQNhQymXxNwOVROnfHKOsTBYQnSwCrhJqGs0BIh6hGzCWAK0kTkSLIMBeqHDW2zUn9bZk0DjDGGJCkddTAgDnIJs-2Be-2BFf4inzuFvO6dNms6wnstDA7ehlECtRge1nIaaWE7mrm6d66Eiec-2FycQa8yTIhXuxj8FaPCO0bFIlomNfTdw2e2c8puyDXg-2Ftvr5Z-2FkqKeDR9x5EYwNKn-2Fo5iLyytB7JXEld8xPAIilghStYy8rCUFtf-2FcjzP3yBDtItYLSgaQ-3D">Learn more about this project</a>).</li><li>$15,000&nbsp;to Kansas State University’s wild turkey toxicology research project.</li><li>$13,500&nbsp;to support NWTF’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC4-2FErTyyj0auj6m17aan-2BQ3RGaOZuBGesFwr5Ih7YAMnNqlMEbtMDG8B-2FJgGZnlnXQ-3D-3DdHdb_5xLpiMTNoYC01LKSlW4nRkYYgetL-2FQPppvAjq6wLWrZTsm3DOTEnmsi9O2zho3RLUIo8wtXMC9hHft99DgtoISvlaBLsBX0gSxea98chQNhQymXxNwOVROnfHKOsTBYQnSwCrhJqGs0BIh6hGzCWAK0kTkSLIMBeqHDW2zUn9bZk0DjDGGJCkddTAgDnIJs-2Be-2BFf4inzuFvO6dNms6wnsvXtwbrxoUbD1888avUobdrUeBuSUiYjQR-2Bq-2BnIpfrafgY6vWocdTfoeZyEeHiSygpD3Ue00Cu76P7xFv-2BRQucQle2cbbMhKYhPIIW1q1FyDhQ89SIssXJXuxxHrFBfZ1-2BLXQMnsjHr64UmoVoiPjl8-3D">Waterways for Wildlife Initiative</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC3PxJGvsplA-2FzF8EK1DacxischOE50QIfK-2BBwsDo0qITWJj8vXO5daVyWJ80Oes3dWTCNy45Rge-2BuNjNDRH5wglNzOeGYrpXqNOvKywO11bY3u03_5xLpiMTNoYC01LKSlW4nRkYYgetL-2FQPppvAjq6wLWrZTsm3DOTEnmsi9O2zho3RLUIo8wtXMC9hHft99DgtoISvlaBLsBX0gSxea98chQNhQymXxNwOVROnfHKOsTBYQnSwCrhJqGs0BIh6hGzCWAK0kTkSLIMBeqHDW2zUn9bZk0DjDGGJCkddTAgDnIJs-2Be-2BFf4inzuFvO6dNms6wnsg-2FL8H0WyA6wR0eOktYOLNZ-2FItFGdq6nwV93e0YfOjloy1dRzCEMWr8HUCkXBB7G4J8IovzM7y5hZ9t5N2dN1YJPcGanQwDzsyr8YyJZy7aZ3Cay5HXjR7-2FhEnr-2ByiUT-2FHrRx-2B8Meb3scAZ6cCHWzw4-3D">National RFP Research Program</a>.</li>
 </ul>The following projects support education, outreach, volunteer development and hunter access efforts in Kansas:<ul>
 <li>$2,969&nbsp;to support the Central Kansas District 4-H, Ellis County 4-H and Meade County 4-H projects.</li><li>$1,000&nbsp;to support JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and WITO events.</li><li>$4,000&nbsp;for the Kansas state scholarship for 2024 and 2025.</li><li>$2,000&nbsp;for volunteer travel to convention and leadership meetings.</li><li>$8,761&nbsp;for law enforcement support, NWTF JAKES trailer maintenance, Kansas Natural Resources Conference sponsorship, Kansans for Conservation Coalition membership dues, Kansas membership rebate and other miscellaneous expenses.</li><li>$10,000&nbsp;in carry over funds from the 2024 Kansas 4-H Foundation project.</li>
 </ul>About the National Wild Turkey FederationSince 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide&nbsp;Healthy Habitats.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Healthy Harvests.&nbsp;for future generations.

 NWTF Kansas, partners allocate over $400K to landscape-scale conservation, research and more

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

Most voters make their decisions for various unreflective reasons; engaging in a prolonged internal struggle over whether or not to support any particular candidate, especially a candidate nominated by a party which the voter identifies with, just isn’t typical behavior.

Donald Trump, though, has never been a typical candidate; he’s always been a contentious one. There is less talk today of “Never Trumpers,” as many of those Republicans who opposed Trump’s rise to dominance within the GOP have left the party. But not all have—even in Kansas, a state that gave Trump 56% of the popular vote in 2016 and 2020, and will likely do so again.

Given that Kansas Republicans have historically divided into moderate and conservative factions, perhaps the fact that there remains a small but persistent number of Republicans who still reject Trump’s control over the GOP isn’t surprising. Stephanie Sharp, a Republican who served three terms in the Kansas House, is one of the prime movers behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.women4us.org/">Women 4 U.S.</a>, a national organization of self-identifying conservative women working against Trump’s return to the White House. Steven Howe, current Republican member of the Kansas House, condemned Trump’s “<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">deceit and lies</a>” and plead with his own party to turn away from their support for the former president. And then there is U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, the only one of the Republicans which Kansans have elected to Congress who has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article292202050.html">declined to endorse Trump</a>&nbsp;for president. While he’s never directly condemned Trump either, this is a man who, if you’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-tale-of-two-congressmen-with-10-point.html">paid attention to his speeches over the years</a>, clearly has little respect for the leader of his own party.

I also have to include here a deeply conservative friend of mine, a life-long Republican voter who finds Trump’s dismissive attitude towards both the law and the truth utterly disqualifying, despite mostly agreeing with Trump on matters of policy.

He, like those mentioned above, knows that his opposition won’t significantly affect voting results in Kansas; it’s a given that Kansas’s electoral college votes will go to Donald Trump.

But what will that result have on the longstanding divide within Kansas’s dominant political party? All political parties deal with internal divisions over policy priorities, but a rejection of the person who leads the party itself? The Bernie Sanders faction of the Democratic party, despite its grievances, made its peace with and supported both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, and is set to do the same for Kamala Harris, whereas the absence of any Trump-critical Republicans from the current GOP campaign—from Mitt Romney to Lynn Cheney to Mike Pence--suggests a division quite unlike the divides Kansas Republican faced over Governor Brownback, for example.

I think of another friend, a smart and passionate GOP volunteer, who is entirely on board with the MAGA line: that Trump won the election in 2020, and that Trump’s actions to challenge being denied his supposed win were justified, despite the violence involved. Assuming neither of my friends change their minds, how can their party accommodate such a stark division?

Perhaps by just ignoring it? (It’s notable that Rep. Howe has faced no intra-party challenge in his re-election race). Or if Trump loses, maybe find common ground by treating the past decade as just a strange, rough patch in party history, something that historians will have to figure out?

Neither of those options will be available if Trump wins, or just refuses once again to accept his loss. So long a Trump’s presence endures, I would anticipate that a small but persistent fracture will remain in our state Republican politics. Who knows how long it will take for it to heal then?

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasMost voters make their decisions for various unreflective reasons; engaging in a prolonged internal struggle over whether or not to support any particular candidate, especially a candidate nominated by a party which the voter identifies with, just isn’t typical behavior.Donald Trump, though, has never been a typical candidate; he’s always been a contentious one. There is less talk today of “Never Trumpers,” as many of those Republicans who opposed Trump’s rise to dominance within the GOP have left the party. But not all have—even in Kansas, a state that gave Trump 56% of the popular vote in 2016 and 2020, and will likely do so again.Given that Kansas Republicans have historically divided into moderate and conservative factions, perhaps the fact that there remains a small but persistent number of Republicans who still reject Trump’s control over the GOP isn’t surprising. Stephanie Sharp, a Republican who served three terms in the Kansas House, is one of the prime movers behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.women4us.org/">Women 4 U.S.</a>, a national organization of self-identifying conservative women working against Trump’s return to the White House. Steven Howe, current Republican member of the Kansas House, condemned Trump’s “<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">deceit and lies</a>” and plead with his own party to turn away from their support for the former president. And then there is U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, the only one of the Republicans which Kansans have elected to Congress who has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article292202050.html">declined to endorse Trump</a>&nbsp;for president. While he’s never directly condemned Trump either, this is a man who, if you’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-tale-of-two-congressmen-with-10-point.html">paid attention to his speeches over the years</a>, clearly has little respect for the leader of his own party.I also have to include here a deeply conservative friend of mine, a life-long Republican voter who finds Trump’s dismissive attitude towards both the law and the truth utterly disqualifying, despite mostly agreeing with Trump on matters of policy.He, like those mentioned above, knows that his opposition won’t significantly affect voting results in Kansas; it’s a given that Kansas’s electoral college votes will go to Donald Trump.But what will that result have on the longstanding divide within Kansas’s dominant political party? All political parties deal with internal divisions over policy priorities, but a rejection of the person who leads the party itself? The Bernie Sanders faction of the Democratic party, despite its grievances, made its peace with and supported both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, and is set to do the same for Kamala Harris, whereas the absence of any Trump-critical Republicans from the current GOP campaign—from Mitt Romney to Lynn Cheney to Mike Pence--suggests a division quite unlike the divides Kansas Republican faced over Governor Brownback, for example.I think of another friend, a smart and passionate GOP volunteer, who is entirely on board with the MAGA line: that Trump won the election in 2020, and that Trump’s actions to challenge being denied his supposed win were justified, despite the violence involved. Assuming neither of my friends change their minds, how can their party accommodate such a stark division?Perhaps by just ignoring it? (It’s notable that Rep. Howe has faced no intra-party challenge in his re-election race). Or if Trump loses, maybe find common ground by treating the past decade as just a strange, rough patch in party history, something that historians will have to figure out?Neither of those options will be available if Trump wins, or just refuses once again to accept his loss. So long a Trump’s presence endures, I would anticipate that a small but persistent fracture will remain in our state Republican politics. Who knows how long it will take for it to heal then?Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

INSIGHT KANSAS:  Kansas Republicans and the problem of Donald Trump

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729976622350.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>

If you are a Registered Nurse, or you know of a nurse searching for a fulfilling career opportunity, Goodland Regional Medical Center has a lot to offer!

Goodland Regional Medical Center is a critical access hospital, part of the Common Spirit network of hospitals in Northwest Kansas. The Goodland Family

Health Center is home to primary care and visiting specialty care. Together providing health care for Sherman County and the surrounding communities since 1923.

Join our passionate and skilled care team. At GRMC you’ll find both professional growth and a supportive, enjoyable work environment. Discover more about this exciting opportunity at www.goodlandregional.com/careers/.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686755849841.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedIf you are a Registered Nurse, or you know of a nurse searching for a fulfilling career opportunity, Goodland Regional Medical Center has a lot to offer!Our nursing positions offer a 3-day, 12-hour work schedule with overnight stay options. Comprehensive full-time benefits, a $5,000 (pre-tax) sign-on bonus, and student loan forgiveness programs are also being offered to qualifying Registered Nurses.Goodland Regional Medical Center is a critical access hospital, part of the Common Spirit network of hospitals in Northwest Kansas. The Goodland FamilyHealth Center is home to primary care and visiting specialty care. Together providing health care for Sherman County and the surrounding communities since 1923.Join our passionate and skilled care team. At GRMC you’ll find both professional growth and a supportive, enjoyable work environment. Discover more about this exciting opportunity at www.goodlandregional.com/careers/.

Biola University welcomes Hays resident Jacobi Antonio as a new student

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Tiger Station returns to Hays under the ownership of Verdant Bistro, which now operates Kluckin Chicken and Shirley's German To Go.

Tiger Station, 700 Main St., was previously home to Fusion by Manual and an old gas station.

Verdant Bistro Owner Austin Petz said he was given the opportunity to operate in the historic building and couldn't pass it up.

"We want to give Hays something local, better ingredients and cleaner ingredients while still maintaining that affordable price," Petz said.

Petz opened Verdant Bistro in August of last year and said opening Tiger Station aims to offer a more accessible dining choice.

While fast food options in Hays can fulfill that need, Petz strives to compete with corporate chains by offering quality ingredients.

The menu features the Tiger Station burger, the spicy boi burger, all-day breakfast items and local beer, which will be available soon.

"I have to recommend our tiger-style fries," Petz said. "I also have to definitely recommend our burnt-end tiger dog."

Additional menu items, like crispies and pretzel bites, evoke nostalgia for a gas station, matching the interior and exterior design.

The building features a wall with historic photos of Hays and the downtown area. The patio includes a Sinclair gas pump for display and outdoor seating that Petz plans to make the most of.

"The idea is to get a nice projector TV screen outside. You can expect us to be playing many of the Kansas City Chiefs football games," he said.

Petz said he would also like to implement an app with a reward system and offer midnight hours of operation at Tiger Station.

Tiger Station is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565800494586">Tiger Station</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093034142365">Verdant Bistro</a> on Facebook.

Kluckin' Chicken and Shirley's German To Go

Petz aims to update Kluckin' Chicken and Shirley's German To Go, including plans for rebranding.

Petz said he would rename Kluckin' Chicken to Coupe and reinvent its menu, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients at an affordable price.

"I've heard a lot from the community and their thoughts," Petz said. "We're going to bring in some really great chicken sandwiches."&nbsp;

Given Hays's German heritage, Petz said that running Shirley's German To Go is challenging as the restaurant strives to satisfy everyone's past experiences with German food.

"You have people that will go in there and say, 'Oh, if this doesn't taste like my mom's cooking, it's not good,'" he said.

Petz said Shirley German To Go will not see major changes for the time being.

With more restaurants on his plate, Petz remains optimistic, thanks to his several years of experience in the field.

"The restaurant industry is very risky. There are many ups and downs, and it doesn't matter who you are. It's always going to be like that," he said.

Petz also operates his own catering company, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGourmetKS/?locale=hi_IN">AGourmet</a>, which sprouted into Verdant Bistro.

You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kluckinchicken/">Kluckin' Chicken</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Shirleys-German-To-Go-61555862908901/">Shirley's German To Go</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Verdant-Bistro-100093034142365/">Verdant Bistro</a> on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729726797160.jpeg" alt="The entrance of Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The entrance of Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostTiger Station returns to Hays under the ownership of Verdant Bistro, which now operates Kluckin Chicken and Shirley's German To Go.Tiger Station, 700 Main St., was previously home to Fusion by Manual and an old gas station.Verdant Bistro Owner Austin Petz said he was given the opportunity to operate in the historic building and couldn't pass it up."We want to give Hays something local, better ingredients and cleaner ingredients while still maintaining that affordable price," Petz said.Petz opened Verdant Bistro in August of last year and said opening Tiger Station aims to offer a more accessible dining choice.While fast food options in Hays can fulfill that need, Petz strives to compete with corporate chains by offering quality ingredients.The menu features the Tiger Station burger, the spicy boi burger, all-day breakfast items and local beer, which will be available soon."I have to recommend our tiger-style fries," Petz said. "I also have to definitely recommend our burnt-end tiger dog."Additional menu items, like crispies and pretzel bites, evoke nostalgia for a gas station, matching the interior and exterior design.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729726900110.jpeg" alt="Seating area and interior of Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Seating area and interior of Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729726932126.jpeg" alt="The indoor seating area of Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The indoor seating area of Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729726971429.jpeg" alt="An outdoor seating area and Sinclair gas pump for display at Tiger Station in Hay. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An outdoor seating area and Sinclair gas pump for display at Tiger Station in Hay. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729727010329.jpeg" alt="Patio seating area at Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Patio seating area at Tiger Station in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The building features a wall with historic photos of Hays and the downtown area. The patio includes a Sinclair gas pump for display and outdoor seating that Petz plans to make the most of."The idea is to get a nice projector TV screen outside. You can expect us to be playing many of the Kansas City Chiefs football games," he said.Petz said he would also like to implement an app with a reward system and offer midnight hours of operation at Tiger Station.Tiger Station is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565800494586">Tiger Station</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093034142365">Verdant Bistro</a> on Facebook.<h2>Kluckin' Chicken and Shirley's German To Go</h2>Petz aims to update Kluckin' Chicken and Shirley's German To Go, including plans for rebranding.Petz said he would rename Kluckin' Chicken to Coupe and reinvent its menu, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients at an affordable price."I've heard a lot from the community and their thoughts," Petz said. "We're going to bring in some really great chicken sandwiches."&nbsp;Given Hays's German heritage, Petz said that running Shirley's German To Go is challenging as the restaurant strives to satisfy everyone's past experiences with German food."You have people that will go in there and say, 'Oh, if this doesn't taste like my mom's cooking, it's not good,'" he said.Petz said Shirley German To Go will not see major changes for the time being.With more restaurants on his plate, Petz remains optimistic, thanks to his several years of experience in the field."The restaurant industry is very risky. There are many ups and downs, and it doesn't matter who you are. It's always going to be like that," he said.Petz also operates his own catering company, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGourmetKS/?locale=hi_IN">AGourmet</a>, which sprouted into Verdant Bistro.You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kluckinchicken/">Kluckin' Chicken</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Shirleys-German-To-Go-61555862908901/">Shirley's German To Go</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Verdant-Bistro-100093034142365/">Verdant Bistro</a> on Facebook.

Tiger Station returns in downtown Hays to serve burgers

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Unless there is a protest petition campaign, the transient guest tax at Hays hotels and Airbnbs will increase to 8.25% on April 1.

The current guest tax rate is 7%, established in 1998. Five percent of that is allocated to Convention and Visitors Bureau operations. Another 2% was added in 2018 for North Vine Street improvements.

"To go on a 5% operating budget for 25 years is quite impressive, but the CVB fund is becoming unsustainable," said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.&nbsp;

"Technology has changed, costs have increased, so they're doing a lot of things differently."

Increasing the guest tax by 1.25% will generate about $250,000 more each year.

The Special Parks will receive $50,000 to maintain the city’s parks and recreational facilities.

"Those are amenities that both residents and visitors utilize alike," Bielser said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have to find reasons to make visitors come here," Commissioner Shaun Musil said.

The city's general fund is primarily financed by the local sales tax.

"We want visitors to come enjoy the quality-of-life amenities we've invested in," Commissioner Reese Barrick said.&nbsp;

Only two cities in Kansas have a higher guest tax than Hays will soon have. Overland Park and Mission are at 9%. Many cities are at 8%, including Dodge City, Emporia, and Shawnee.

In other business, city commissioners approved three items that continue moving forward The Grove, a retiree-focused&nbsp;housing project north of Hays Medical Center. 

Those included a low bid award of $3 million to Sporer Land Development, Oakley/Colby, for construction of street, water, storm water, sanitary sewer and other infrastructure improvements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864067308.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hotel guests to pay higher visitors tax in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2dhh4-171b5e5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostUnless there is a protest petition campaign, the transient guest tax at Hays hotels and Airbnbs will increase to 8.25% on April 1.The current guest tax rate is 7%, established in 1998. Five percent of that is allocated to Convention and Visitors Bureau operations. Another 2% was added in 2018 for North Vine Street improvements."To go on a 5% operating budget for 25 years is quite impressive, but the CVB fund is becoming unsustainable," said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.&nbsp;"Technology has changed, costs have increased, so they're doing a lot of things differently."Increasing the guest tax by 1.25% will generate about $250,000 more each year.The Special Parks will receive $50,000 to maintain the city’s parks and recreational facilities."Those are amenities that both residents and visitors utilize alike," Bielser said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We have to find reasons to make visitors come here," Commissioner Shaun Musil said.The city's general fund is primarily financed by the local sales tax."We want visitors to come enjoy the quality-of-life amenities we've invested in," Commissioner Reese Barrick said.&nbsp;Only two cities in Kansas have a higher guest tax than Hays will soon have. Overland Park and Mission are at 9%. Many cities are at 8%, including Dodge City, Emporia, and Shawnee.In other business, city commissioners approved three items that continue moving forward The Grove, a retiree-focused&nbsp;housing project north of Hays Medical Center. Those included a low bid award of $3 million to Sporer Land Development, Oakley/Colby, for construction of street, water, storm water, sanitary sewer and other infrastructure improvements.Commissioners signed a $100,438 construction engineering services agreement with Driggs Design Group, Hays, and approved the development agreement with Grow Hays.Dirt work has begun on a portion of the project, including a new senior/child care/community center. There will also be an extension of the city's multi-use path from 22nd Street and the existing HaysMed path to the north of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.Also approved was a renewal agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas for a triple-option employee health insurance plan. The premium will increase by almost 13% in 2025."That's still well below the national average," Giebler said.The city will continue providing up to $625 in employer match for employees’ health savings accounts.Giebler, the commissioners and Toby Dougherty, city manager, recognized employees who have a combined 315 years of service to the city.<figure>
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