The Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) 13th annual photography contest opened on Wednesday, May 1. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas ranching.

Photos submitted to the contest should express the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Participants may enter up to five photos. The contest will be open through the summer and close on Wednesday, September 4.

Photo contest entries will be judged by representatives of RTK, Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), and special guest judge, Jim Richardson.

Kansas native, Jim Richardson, has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for over 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Lindsborg where his work is featured in their store, Small World Gallery.

Photo contest judges will select one winner in each of the following categories: grand prize, landscape, livestock, people, wildflowers or other wildlife, sunrise/sunset, youth (ages 5-17), KLA member, fan favorite via Facebook voting and one honorable mention.

L’image in Wichita will sponsor the photography contest this year with prizes for the winning photographers. All category winners will be awarded an 8” x 10” plaque mount of their winning photo. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” canvas or metal print of their winning photo.

L’image is locally owned, based in Wichita, Kansas. They specialize in their ready-to-hang plaque mount and offer image mounting, metal prints, laminating, canvas gallery wraps and traditional framing. They are in the business of making the artist or photographer look their best.

For full contest rules and to enter, visit www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org and find Photo Contest on the News and Events page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714676055708.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) 13th annual photography contest opened on Wednesday, May 1. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas ranching.Photos submitted to the contest should express the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Participants may enter up to five photos. The contest will be open through the summer and close on Wednesday, September 4.Photo contest entries will be judged by representatives of RTK, Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), and special guest judge, Jim Richardson.Kansas native, Jim Richardson, has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for over 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Lindsborg where his work is featured in their store, Small World Gallery.Photo contest judges will select one winner in each of the following categories: grand prize, landscape, livestock, people, wildflowers or other wildlife, sunrise/sunset, youth (ages 5-17), KLA member, fan favorite via Facebook voting and one honorable mention.L’image in Wichita will sponsor the photography contest this year with prizes for the winning photographers. All category winners will be awarded an 8” x 10” plaque mount of their winning photo. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” canvas or metal print of their winning photo.L’image is locally owned, based in Wichita, Kansas. They specialize in their ready-to-hang plaque mount and offer image mounting, metal prints, laminating, canvas gallery wraps and traditional framing. They are in the business of making the artist or photographer look their best.For full contest rules and to enter, visit www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org and find Photo Contest on the News and Events page.

Ranchland Trust announces 13th annual photo contest

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

A few years back, Joyce was hooked on a couple British TV shows all about rescuing wildlife, and the British take that VERY seriously. Thing was, they rescued wildlife that (in my opinion) didn’t need or really shouldn’t have been rescued. I remember in one particular segment of the show they repaired the broken leg of a robin. Really? Now I like robins as well as the next guy, but I’ll bet the money spent on that operation could have bought real guns for a few of their “Bobbies” to carry instead of just nightsticks! If only the Brits’ put that much effort into finding a new phrase to replace “Bloody Hell!”

Some of the things they rescued on the shows were huge boa constrictors and pythons that had evidently been turned loose by disenchanted owners who possibly awoke one morning to find the beast wrapped around one of their body parts, prepping them as a snack. They’d bag them and take them back to their rehab center, where they were weighed, measured and checked over to assure they were healthy. Now I’m a snake guy and I always try to relocate rat and bull snakes I find, but if I came across a python or boa constrictor, the rescuers would find it VERY unhealthy when I delivered it. And then there was the question of what to do with them. Unless they planned to UPS them back to Africa where they belong, they couldn’t just turn them loose in the neighbor’s hayfield. I wonder if British homeless shelters accept snake meat.

Then there were the badgers. The British version of a badger looks slightly different than ours, and they don’t seem to be mean at all, but they’re everywhere! Not an episode of the show went by that they didn’t scoop up a badger from someone’s flower garden. They had an entire commune of badgers back at their facility that would eventually be released back into the wild. If word ever got out that I caught and released a badger in these parts, I’d be the one needing rehab! And heaven forbid one of them should appear a little sickly; if so, it was all hands on deck and the animal ER sprang to life! And if one of the little beggars happened to expire on their watch, it was Katie-bar-the-door and the whole staff appeared to need grief counseling.

A few years back the North American Falconry Association (NAFA) held its annual convention in Hutchinson, KS. There, amongst all the exotic birds of prey from all around the world sat Bob the Turkey Vulture. Now Bob was regal in his own way, but setting there on his perch with his wings all fanned out, he looked like Goofy in a room full of Snow Whites. Bob’s story began with falconers Mario and Brandi Nickerson from Ft. Worth, TX who also ran Nature’s Edge Wildlife Rescue, specializing in rescuing (there’s that word again) reptiles and birds of prey. One day they got some calls about an errant buzzard in town, and that evening they were told the thing was waltzing around in the middle of the football field while practice was in session. Can you imagine; to a football field full of city boys, that must have seemed like the stone gargoyle had come down from the front of the court house. The local animal control people were afraid to approach Bob, probably fearing he was Dracula in disguise and would pounce on them for a snack. When the couple arrived, Bob was on the roof of the house next door, so they retrieved a dead squirrel found stuck in the fence and tossed it near the house. Bob unceremoniously flew on down and began gnawing on their offering. With tarps, nets, and an open pet crate at the ready (and probably EMT’s on standby) they surrounded ole’ Bob, expecting a rodeo, but he again called their bluff and simply waddled into the crate with his treat in his mouth.

Back at the Nickerson’s home, the crate containing Bob was put temporarily in their kitchen till they could figure out Bob’s story. Maybe a vulture in your kitchen is the Texas equivalent of a garbage disposal? I’m thinkin’ that to the British wildlife “rescuers,” having a buzzard in your kitchen would put you right up there on a pedestal with the Queen mum herself. Anyway, Brandi said that the next morning when the cage door was opened and she stood there with Bob’s breakfast (one can only guess what that might have been) he charged out the door and across the kitchen aggressively for his hand-out. Long-story-short, they were pretty sure that given Bob’s reaction to humans and other physical characteristics they saw, he had been raised by humans and recently turned loose to fend for himself. I’m not sure what someone was thinking when they took in a turkey vulture chick as a pet. Did they not consider that one day it would grow into a full-grown buzzard? Would walking him through the park on a Sunday afternoon get as many girls as a puppy? I suppose you could always fly him like a kite.

The Nickerson’s credentials allowed them to keep ole’ Bob for educational purposes which was good. I can only guess what would go through a first grader’s mind when seeing a live turkey vulture close up. Although not really considered a pet, can you imagine the conversation starter Bob would be? And would you list him in your profile on an online dating site? “Outdoors loving animal rescue hero with pet turkey vulture looking for gal who likes black and has always wanted a pet buzzard in her kitchen.” Anyway, I’m glad ole’ Bob found a good home, and who knows, maybe he could be trained to start the dishwasher and run the vacuum cleaner once-in-awhile! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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 OutdoorsA few years back, Joyce was hooked on a couple British TV shows all about rescuing wildlife, and the British take that VERY seriously. Thing was, they rescued wildlife that (in my opinion) didn’t need or really shouldn’t have been rescued. I remember in one particular segment of the show they repaired the broken leg of a robin. Really? Now I like robins as well as the next guy, but I’ll bet the money spent on that operation could have bought real guns for a few of their “Bobbies” to carry instead of just nightsticks! If only the Brits’ put that much effort into finding a new phrase to replace “Bloody Hell!”Some of the things they rescued on the shows were huge boa constrictors and pythons that had evidently been turned loose by disenchanted owners who possibly awoke one morning to find the beast wrapped around one of their body parts, prepping them as a snack. They’d bag them and take them back to their rehab center, where they were weighed, measured and checked over to assure they were healthy. Now I’m a snake guy and I always try to relocate rat and bull snakes I find, but if I came across a python or boa constrictor, the rescuers would find it VERY unhealthy when I delivered it. And then there was the question of what to do with them. Unless they planned to UPS them back to Africa where they belong, they couldn’t just turn them loose in the neighbor’s hayfield. I wonder if British homeless shelters accept snake meat.Then there were the badgers. The British version of a badger looks slightly different than ours, and they don’t seem to be mean at all, but they’re everywhere! Not an episode of the show went by that they didn’t scoop up a badger from someone’s flower garden. They had an entire commune of badgers back at their facility that would eventually be released back into the wild. If word ever got out that I caught and released a badger in these parts, I’d be the one needing rehab! And heaven forbid one of them should appear a little sickly; if so, it was all hands on deck and the animal ER sprang to life! And if one of the little beggars happened to expire on their watch, it was Katie-bar-the-door and the whole staff appeared to need grief counseling.A few years back the North American Falconry Association (NAFA) held its annual convention in Hutchinson, KS. There, amongst all the exotic birds of prey from all around the world sat Bob the Turkey Vulture. Now Bob was regal in his own way, but setting there on his perch with his wings all fanned out, he looked like Goofy in a room full of Snow Whites. Bob’s story began with falconers Mario and Brandi Nickerson from Ft. Worth, TX who also ran Nature’s Edge Wildlife Rescue, specializing in rescuing (there’s that word again) reptiles and birds of prey. One day they got some calls about an errant buzzard in town, and that evening they were told the thing was waltzing around in the middle of the football field while practice was in session. Can you imagine; to a football field full of city boys, that must have seemed like the stone gargoyle had come down from the front of the court house. The local animal control people were afraid to approach Bob, probably fearing he was Dracula in disguise and would pounce on them for a snack. When the couple arrived, Bob was on the roof of the house next door, so they retrieved a dead squirrel found stuck in the fence and tossed it near the house. Bob unceremoniously flew on down and began gnawing on their offering. With tarps, nets, and an open pet crate at the ready (and probably EMT’s on standby) they surrounded ole’ Bob, expecting a rodeo, but he again called their bluff and simply waddled into the crate with his treat in his mouth.Back at the Nickerson’s home, the crate containing Bob was put temporarily in their kitchen till they could figure out Bob’s story. Maybe a vulture in your kitchen is the Texas equivalent of a garbage disposal? I’m thinkin’ that to the British wildlife “rescuers,” having a buzzard in your kitchen would put you right up there on a pedestal with the Queen mum herself. Anyway, Brandi said that the next morning when the cage door was opened and she stood there with Bob’s breakfast (one can only guess what that might have been) he charged out the door and across the kitchen aggressively for his hand-out. Long-story-short, they were pretty sure that given Bob’s reaction to humans and other physical characteristics they saw, he had been raised by humans and recently turned loose to fend for himself. I’m not sure what someone was thinking when they took in a turkey vulture chick as a pet. Did they not consider that one day it would grow into a full-grown buzzard? Would walking him through the park on a Sunday afternoon get as many girls as a puppy? I suppose you could always fly him like a kite.The Nickerson’s credentials allowed them to keep ole’ Bob for educational purposes which was good. I can only guess what would go through a first grader’s mind when seeing a live turkey vulture close up. Although not really considered a pet, can you imagine the conversation starter Bob would be? And would you list him in your profile on an online dating site? “Outdoors loving animal rescue hero with pet turkey vulture looking for gal who likes black and has always wanted a pet buzzard in her kitchen.” Anyway, I’m glad ole’ Bob found a good home, and who knows, maybe he could be trained to start the dishwasher and run the vacuum cleaner once-in-awhile! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Xtreme Wildlife Rescue

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It would have been understandable if Mason Ruder was getting a little tired by the end of the evening on the last Saturday of April.

It had been a long night. A long weekend. A long month. A long year.

But his demeanor and the smile on his face said it all. The hard work for this project was worth a million bucks.

To raise $1 million was the goal that Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School had set for its annual Auction for Christian Education, which was celebrating its 50th year in 2024.

It will be another few weeks before the final numbers are in for ACE, to which it is most commonly referred. Last year’s auction set a new record of $897,700, and the Advancement Office hopes to do so again this year.

“We are so blessed by the generosity of our alumni and community members. Even people who didn’t go to school here are some of our biggest supporters,” Ruder said. “People who don’t live here are big donors. ACE is a cross-country thing.”

This was the first go-around of planning the huge annual event for Ruder, a 2010 TMP-Marian graduate.

By the time Ruder was hired as advancement director for Hays Catholic Schools in December 2022, plans for ACE 2023 had virtually been completed.

He got a taste of what was to come at last year’s ACE and the ensuing plans for the 50th, and he admits it wouldn’t happen without the work of a lot of people—mostly volunteers.

The all-hands-on-deck mentality was essential this year because Ruder’s year-and-a-half tenure in his position is the longest for current employees in TMP-M’s Foundation office.

Ruder gave special kudos to Mary Lang and Kathy Kaseforth, former employees of the school’s alumni association for 25-plus years, and Wanda Billinger, long-time alumni director, who had been planning for the 50th ACE for several years.

Lang and Kaseforth returned to the school several times throughout the year, especially in the final days leading up to ACE 2024, to help out wherever was needed. And Billinger frequents the school all year long.

“With our new crew, we are only as successful as we are because of all the work and foundation that those that went before us,” Ruder said. “To be able to carry on from what we learned from the generation that has taken care of us for so long is a privilege.”

ACE began back in 1975 in an effort to establish a financial foundation for Catholic education in Hays and Ellis County.

St. Joseph Military had changed to Thomas More Prep just five years earlier. Then in 1981, TMP’s all-boys school combined with nearby all-girls Marian High School to form TMP-Marian High School.

The community’s Catholic grade school moved from the St. Joseph location in 1998. Holy Family Elementary was established near Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for elementary students from preschool through sixth grade.

TMP-M started a junior high for seventh- and eighth-graders in 2012, and sixth-graders were moved to the junior high from Holy Family this past fall. Hays Catholic Schools now provides a seamless transition from preschool through 12th grade.

Generous support of the auction—and Hays Catholic Schools—has grown steadily over the years. Following that seemingly meager first-year fundraiser of $22,000, ACE surpassed $100,000 in 1997. Less than 10 years later, it hit the $200,000 mark and broke the record almost every year after that.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the auction went online and made $711,576—almost as much as the year before. It has surpassed its previous year’s amount every year since.

The first 49 years raised almost $13 million.

Local philanthropist Don Bickle made a habit of purchasing a dinner years ago that eventually turned into a multi-course, black-tie dinner and usually went for thousands of dollars.

Bickle, 96, wasn’t able to make this year’s ACE, but he was there in spirit as the ACE committee last year named that particular item the “Don Bickle Black-Tie Dinner.”

“That dinner will always be known as Don Bickle’s,” Billinger said. “He always had so much fun with it, so we wanted to honor him by naming it in his honor. He has been so generous to our school.”

Billinger herself is an ACE icon, having been involved with the auction for 35-plus years. She personally solicits hundreds of gifts for ACE each year.

“Wanda lives and breathes ACE and TMP-Marian,” Ruder said.

Father Earl Befort has been involved with the school since he began teacher there shortly after being ordained a Capuchin priest in 1969.

Fr. Earl, a native of Ellis County, served as president of the TMP-M alumni association for several years and is still its current chaplain. He is believed to be the only person who has attended all 50 ACEs and is amazed at the continuous generosity of alumni and other community members.

“The amount of money given now is huge, especially considering that first year,” Fr. Earl said, referencing ACE 1975’s net gain of $22,010. “It’s just grown and grown and grown. The enthusiasm of our townspeople and our alums is such a blessing. They give so generously.”

Coincidentally, one of the popular items on the silent auction each year is a Fr. Earl bobblehead. One year, a TMP-M family donated a box of the popular priest's bobbleheads.

Fr. Earl got a chuckle out of the idea and always obliges whenever the purchaser approaches him to autograph the bobblehead.

In addition to silent and live auctions, people await the drawing of several raffles throughout the night.

One popular large-ticket item is a vehicle donated each year by Dick and Kay Werth from Auto World Used Cars.

Another popular item is Pennies for ACE, where donors match a penny for every dollar raised (excluding oral auction160).

And then there is Item 160 itself, which always targets a specific school need. This year’s funds for that item are earmarked for a financial foundation for the future of Catholic education.

The ACE committee added several items, especially for the 50th year.

The nearly 500 attendees received special wine glasses with “Golden Anniversary ACE 2024” imprinted on them.

A wall just outside the gymnasium featured copies of all 50 program covers. Many enjoyed looking for a particular ACE year and talking about the variety of themes over the decades that culminated with the black and gold 50-year cover with the saying, “Cheers to the Next 50 Years!”

Each year’s program cover also included the amount earned that year.

One special item this year was a live painting.

Lakin Denny from Colby, a student at Kansas State University, spent two hours painting at Friday evening’s preview party and all throughout the dinner and auction on Saturday to finish an oil painting of Mother Mary.

“I kind of planned and built an estimate of how long a painting and the prep work would take me,” she said. “I had never done one ‘live’ before. I really enjoyed it.”

Denny finished the painting just as her item number came up for auction.

Travis Rozean, whose son Landon knows Denny through their connection at the St. Isidore Catholic Campus Center at K-State, won the bid of $1,375 for the oil painting.

“Bidding on the painting was a great opportunity to support TMP,” Rozean said, “as well as the connection with our kids through St. Isidore’s.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to Item 160 can still contact the school at 785-625-6577. All donations of $50 or more will have their name placed on a Golden Legacy plaque to be hung in the school.

The Walter and Marie Dechant family kicked off Item 160 this year with a donation of $102,500. The Leo J. And Albina Dreiling Trust contributed a dollar-for-dollar matching fund for up to $250,000, so that item alone had reached more than $500,000 before the auction even began.

“TMP alumni are some of the most loyal people I’ve ever seen,” Ruder said. “We are definitely blessed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859048033.jpeg" alt="Street lights illuminate the majestic Thomas More Prep-Marian building on the night of the 50th Auction for Christian Education. Photo courtesy of Sarah Meitner" />
 <figcaption>Street lights illuminate the majestic Thomas More Prep-Marian building on the night of the 50th Auction for Christian Education. Photo courtesy of Sarah Meitner</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859077565.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt would have been understandable if Mason Ruder was getting a little tired by the end of the evening on the last Saturday of April.It had been a long night. A long weekend. A long month. A long year.But his demeanor and the smile on his face said it all. The hard work for this project was worth a million bucks.To raise $1 million was the goal that Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School had set for its annual Auction for Christian Education, which was celebrating its 50th year in 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859146745.jpeg" alt="Members of the TMP-M alum board and other volunteers transformed the gym at Al Billinger Fieldhouse into an elegant setting for the festive ACE event. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Members of the TMP-M alum board and other volunteers transformed the gym at Al Billinger Fieldhouse into an elegant setting for the festive ACE event. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>It will be another few weeks before the final numbers are in for ACE, to which it is most commonly referred. Last year’s auction set a new record of $897,700, and the Advancement Office hopes to do so again this year.“We are so blessed by the generosity of our alumni and community members. Even people who didn’t go to school here are some of our biggest supporters,” Ruder said. “People who don’t live here are big donors. ACE is a cross-country thing.”This was the first go-around of planning the huge annual event for Ruder, a 2010 TMP-Marian graduate.By the time Ruder was hired as advancement director for Hays Catholic Schools in December 2022, plans for ACE 2023 had virtually been completed.He got a taste of what was to come at last year’s ACE and the ensuing plans for the 50th, and he admits it wouldn’t happen without the work of a lot of people—mostly volunteers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859235895.jpeg" alt="Jeff Brull, former advancement director at TMP-M and a 1994 graduate of the school, returned to his alma mater a couple of days before ACE to check out the wall displaying all 50 covers of ACE programs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Brull, former advancement director at TMP-M and a 1994 graduate of the school, returned to his alma mater a couple of days before ACE to check out the wall displaying all 50 covers of ACE programs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>The all-hands-on-deck mentality was essential this year because Ruder’s year-and-a-half tenure in his position is the longest for current employees in TMP-M’s Foundation office.Ruder gave special kudos to Mary Lang and Kathy Kaseforth, former employees of the school’s alumni association for 25-plus years, and Wanda Billinger, long-time alumni director, who had been planning for the 50th ACE for several years.Lang and Kaseforth returned to the school several times throughout the year, especially in the final days leading up to ACE 2024, to help out wherever was needed. And Billinger frequents the school all year long.“With our new crew, we are only as successful as we are because of all the work and foundation that those that went before us,” Ruder said. “To be able to carry on from what we learned from the generation that has taken care of us for so long is a privilege.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859323558.jpeg" alt="A favorite item on ACE’s silent auction is a bobblehead of Father Earl Befort, who has attended the auction all 50 years. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A favorite item on ACE’s silent auction is a bobblehead of Father Earl Befort, who has attended the auction all 50 years. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Purpose of establishing ACE</h2>ACE began back in 1975 in an effort to establish a financial foundation for Catholic education in Hays and Ellis County.St. Joseph Military had changed to Thomas More Prep just five years earlier. Then in 1981, TMP’s all-boys school combined with nearby all-girls Marian High School to form TMP-Marian High School.The community’s Catholic grade school moved from the St. Joseph location in 1998. Holy Family Elementary was established near Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for elementary students from preschool through sixth grade.TMP-M started a junior high for seventh- and eighth-graders in 2012, and sixth-graders were moved to the junior high from Holy Family this past fall. Hays Catholic Schools now provides a seamless transition from preschool through 12th grade.Generous support of the auction—and Hays Catholic Schools—has grown steadily over the years. Following that seemingly meager first-year fundraiser of $22,000, ACE surpassed $100,000 in 1997. Less than 10 years later, it hit the $200,000 mark and broke the record almost every year after that.When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the auction went online and made $711,576—almost as much as the year before. It has surpassed its previous year’s amount every year since.The first 49 years raised almost $13 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859424575.jpeg" alt="TMP-M alum Magen (Diehl) Kroetsch and her friend, Leanna Keller, snap a selfie photo in front of the photo app wall at ACE. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>TMP-M alum Magen (Diehl) Kroetsch and her friend, Leanna Keller, snap a selfie photo in front of the photo app wall at ACE. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>ACE icons past and present</h2>Local philanthropist Don Bickle made a habit of purchasing a dinner years ago that eventually turned into a multi-course, black-tie dinner and usually went for thousands of dollars.Bickle, 96, wasn’t able to make this year’s ACE, but he was there in spirit as the ACE committee last year named that particular item the “Don Bickle Black-Tie Dinner.”“That dinner will always be known as Don Bickle’s,” Billinger said. “He always had so much fun with it, so we wanted to honor him by naming it in his honor. He has been so generous to our school.”Billinger herself is an ACE icon, having been involved with the auction for 35-plus years. She personally solicits hundreds of gifts for ACE each year.“Wanda lives and breathes ACE and TMP-Marian,” Ruder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859483439.jpeg" alt="ACE participants were able to witness a live painting of Mother Mary by Lakin Denny, a college student from Colby who attends Kansas State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>ACE participants were able to witness a live painting of Mother Mary by Lakin Denny, a college student from Colby who attends Kansas State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Father Earl Befort has been involved with the school since he began teacher there shortly after being ordained a Capuchin priest in 1969.Fr. Earl, a native of Ellis County, served as president of the TMP-M alumni association for several years and is still its current chaplain. He is believed to be the only person who has attended all 50 ACEs and is amazed at the continuous generosity of alumni and other community members.“The amount of money given now is huge, especially considering that first year,” Fr. Earl said, referencing ACE 1975’s net gain of $22,010. “It’s just grown and grown and grown. The enthusiasm of our townspeople and our alums is such a blessing. They give so generously.”Coincidentally, one of the popular items on the silent auction each year is a Fr. Earl bobblehead. One year, a TMP-M family donated a box of the popular priest's bobbleheads.Fr. Earl got a chuckle out of the idea and always obliges whenever the purchaser approaches him to autograph the bobblehead.<h2>Lots of unique items</h2>In addition to silent and live auctions, people await the drawing of several raffles throughout the night.One popular large-ticket item is a vehicle donated each year by Dick and Kay Werth from Auto World Used Cars.Another popular item is Pennies for ACE, where donors match a penny for every dollar raised (excluding oral auction160).And then there is Item 160 itself, which always targets a specific school need. This year’s funds for that item are earmarked for a financial foundation for the future of Catholic education.The ACE committee added several items, especially for the 50th year.The nearly 500 attendees received special wine glasses with “Golden Anniversary ACE 2024” imprinted on them.A wall just outside the gymnasium featured copies of all 50 program covers. Many enjoyed looking for a particular ACE year and talking about the variety of themes over the decades that culminated with the black and gold 50-year cover with the saying, “Cheers to the Next 50 Years!”Each year’s program cover also included the amount earned that year.One special item this year was a live painting.Lakin Denny from Colby, a student at Kansas State University, spent two hours painting at Friday evening’s preview party and all throughout the dinner and auction on Saturday to finish an oil painting of Mother Mary.“I kind of planned and built an estimate of how long a painting and the prep work would take me,” she said. “I had never done one ‘live’ before. I really enjoyed it.”Denny finished the painting just as her item number came up for auction.Travis Rozean, whose son Landon knows Denny through their connection at the St. Isidore Catholic Campus Center at K-State, won the bid of $1,375 for the oil painting.“Bidding on the painting was a great opportunity to support TMP,” Rozean said, “as well as the connection with our kids through St. Isidore’s.”<h2>Item 160 still open for donations</h2>Anyone wishing to contribute to Item 160 can still contact the school at 785-625-6577. All donations of $50 or more will have their name placed on a Golden Legacy plaque to be hung in the school.The Walter and Marie Dechant family kicked off Item 160 this year with a donation of $102,500. The Leo J. And Albina Dreiling Trust contributed a dollar-for-dollar matching fund for up to $250,000, so that item alone had reached more than $500,000 before the auction even began.“TMP alumni are some of the most loyal people I’ve ever seen,” Ruder said. “We are definitely blessed.”

NWester: Support for Catholic education alive, well in Ellis County

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;— U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) –&nbsp;a&nbsp;member of the Senate&nbsp;Committee on&nbsp;Commerce – joined his colleagues in co-sponsoring the&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional charge. Similar legislation has been introduced in the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;House&nbsp;of Representatives.&nbsp;

“AM radios connect rural communities with news, sports, weather and&nbsp;much more,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“In parts of the country with limited connectivity, AM radios are often the only means to notify residents of tornadoes, snow storms and other dangerous weather. This legislation will help make certain new vehicles are&nbsp;equipped with an AM radio,&nbsp;so that folks in every corner of the country can stay connected to broadcasting and local updates during emergencies.”

This legislation was introduced by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and is now co-sponsored by 60 senators.

SubmittedWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;— U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) –&nbsp;a&nbsp;member of the Senate&nbsp;Committee on&nbsp;Commerce – joined his colleagues in co-sponsoring the&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional charge. Similar legislation has been introduced in the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;House&nbsp;of Representatives.&nbsp;“AM radios connect rural communities with news, sports, weather and&nbsp;much more,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“In parts of the country with limited connectivity, AM radios are often the only means to notify residents of tornadoes, snow storms and other dangerous weather. This legislation will help make certain new vehicles are&nbsp;equipped with an AM radio,&nbsp;so that folks in every corner of the country can stay connected to broadcasting and local updates during emergencies.”This legislation was introduced by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and is now co-sponsored by 60 senators.

Sen. Moran co-sponsors bill to protect AM Radio

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

Like many of you, I’ve seen volunteers for the United Kansas Party over the past few months collecting signatures to gain ballot access as a legitimate political party. I’m happy to see them out there, even though their efforts imply something, I think, quite different from their intentions.

Why support them? Not because I think third parties are an effective way to challenge those in power. Outsiders to America’s two-party system face obstacles in the form of both restrictions put in place by the major parties, and also Americans’ attachment to supporting those party candidates they think can win. Small parties usually can’t overcome these challenges.

But there is also the desire to offer voters more choices, to represent points of view that some think are being ignored. Those are civic efforts that show a faith in democracy. But they also lead to the question: what “points of view” are the UKP seeking greater representation for?

In a recent wide-ranging discussion with the Kansas Reflector podcast, Jack Curtis, the founder of the UKP, was asked what “roster of issues” the movement cares most about. He listed a variety of very practical matters—but before any of them, he insisted that the UKP is “pro-democracy and the rule of law.” Normally, you’d consider words like that uncontroversial. But as we look forward to a presidential election that will feature Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, a man facing multiple criminal charges and who waited passively during a violent attempt to disrupt the election of his replacement, we realize that we do not live in normal times.

Curtis also talked about how 10 years ago he would have described himself as a Republican “in a heartbeat,” but added that “as we’ve seen the country change over the past decade,” he’s found himself voting in a more moderate way. The same could be said for the vice chair of the UKP, Sally Cauble; a longtime member of the state board of education and a moderate Republican, she fought frustrating battles to maintain Kansas’s science curriculum standards. And the same could be said for a half-dozen Kansas GOP legislators that have become Democrats in the past 10 years (the number of Kansas politicians that have gone the other direction in the last decade is zero).

In short, I suspect that many in the UKP reflect a well-known type in Kansas: Republicans frustrated by the sharp divides created by the parties, who want to find some space for moderates like themselves and feel they must either switch sides or just escape the parties altogether.

Curtis’s earnest words point to an uncomfortable realization for many Kansas Republicans. Anyone who studies the evolution of political parties knows that their flaws are baked into the way they operate, regardless of ideology. And yet, sometimes there still really are critical elections, where particular parties transform in ways that are deeply troubling. The business of party politics is tawdry, and I respect and wish the best to those who want to find ways to engage without being sucked in. But for now, American politics is inconceivable without competitive parties. If one of those parties changes in ways that you find intolerable, decisions must be made.

The Kansas Republican party is mostly a Trumpist party now. (Props to Senator Jerry Moran for being an exception.) Many Kansan Republicans are fine with that—but for some others, it poses a dilemma. Alternatives are always appealing, but as with many hard things, such Republicans probably don’t have a way around this partisan reality; they can only go through it, as best they can.

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 KansasLike many of you, I’ve seen volunteers for the United Kansas Party over the past few months collecting signatures to gain ballot access as a legitimate political party. I’m happy to see them out there, even though their efforts imply something, I think, quite different from their intentions.Why support them? Not because I think third parties are an effective way to challenge those in power. Outsiders to America’s two-party system face obstacles in the form of both restrictions put in place by the major parties, and also Americans’ attachment to supporting those party candidates they think can win. Small parties usually can’t overcome these challenges.But there is also the desire to offer voters more choices, to represent points of view that some think are being ignored. Those are civic efforts that show a faith in democracy. But they also lead to the question: what “points of view” are the UKP seeking greater representation for?In a recent wide-ranging discussion with the Kansas Reflector podcast, Jack Curtis, the founder of the UKP, was asked what “roster of issues” the movement cares most about. He listed a variety of very practical matters—but before any of them, he insisted that the UKP is “pro-democracy and the rule of law.” Normally, you’d consider words like that uncontroversial. But as we look forward to a presidential election that will feature Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, a man facing multiple criminal charges and who waited passively during a violent attempt to disrupt the election of his replacement, we realize that we do not live in normal times.Curtis also talked about how 10 years ago he would have described himself as a Republican “in a heartbeat,” but added that “as we’ve seen the country change over the past decade,” he’s found himself voting in a more moderate way. The same could be said for the vice chair of the UKP, Sally Cauble; a longtime member of the state board of education and a moderate Republican, she fought frustrating battles to maintain Kansas’s science curriculum standards. And the same could be said for a half-dozen Kansas GOP legislators that have become Democrats in the past 10 years (the number of Kansas politicians that have gone the other direction in the last decade is zero).In short, I suspect that many in the UKP reflect a well-known type in Kansas: Republicans frustrated by the sharp divides created by the parties, who want to find some space for moderates like themselves and feel they must either switch sides or just escape the parties altogether.Curtis’s earnest words point to an uncomfortable realization for many Kansas Republicans. Anyone who studies the evolution of political parties knows that their flaws are baked into the way they operate, regardless of ideology. And yet, sometimes there still really are critical elections, where particular parties transform in ways that are deeply troubling. The business of party politics is tawdry, and I respect and wish the best to those who want to find ways to engage without being sucked in. But for now, American politics is inconceivable without competitive parties. If one of those parties changes in ways that you find intolerable, decisions must be made.The Kansas Republican party is mostly a Trumpist party now. (Props to Senator Jerry Moran for being an exception.) Many Kansan Republicans are fine with that—but for some others, it poses a dilemma. Alternatives are always appealing, but as with many hard things, such Republicans probably don’t have a way around this partisan reality; they can only go through it, as best they can.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

INSIGHT KANSAS: Facing uncomfortable partisan realities in Kansas

<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/2024/5/1714775825280.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

🎥 Sponsored: High Plains Mental Health Center here to help farmers and ranchers

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;The Kansas State University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/pbk/">Beta of Kansas</a>,&nbsp;recently inducted 52 members. These new members represent 25 majors and consist of 45 seniors and seven juniors.The Beta of Kansas Chapter also inducted Benjamin McCloskey, associate professor of modern languages, as an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa. McCloskey has been instrumental in developing the classical studies program at K-State.The following are the new inductees:Alyvia Johnson, senior in humanities,&nbsp;Abilene; Kamri Younger, senior in kinesiology,&nbsp;Auburn; Chase Johnson, senior in biology,&nbsp;Berryton; Logan Grauberger, senior in history, and Rachel Pratt, junior in psychology, both from&nbsp;Eudora; and Marrissa Raynesford, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;.Caitlyn Champagne, senior in kinesiology,&nbsp;Lawrence; Francis Sheehan, senior in theatre,&nbsp;Leavenworth; Andrew Navarro, senior in political science,&nbsp;Leawood; Ash Leslie, senior in French and Spanish,&nbsp;Lecompton; Kutina Cabrera, senior in French, Lauren Kropf, senior in biology, and Nina Tiger, senior in anthropology, all from&nbsp;Lenexa; Jillian Canterbury, senior in Spanish education, Spanish and French,&nbsp;Lincoln; Jacqueline Waugh, senior in English,&nbsp;Lindsborg; and Madison Quinn, senior in advertising and public relations,&nbsp;Louisburg.Richelle Collado, senior in English, and&nbsp;Anna Poggi-Corradini, senior in English and mathematics, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; Merissa Christensen, senior in English,&nbsp;Norton; Ryan Cole, senior in political science, and Lance Wackerla, graduate masters in regional and community planning, both from&nbsp;Olathe.From&nbsp;Overland Park: Grace Burgett, junior in English;Mark Early, senior in political science and history;&nbsp;Jordan Kreps, senior in life sciences; Brynn Minor, junior in kinesiology; Ava Modin, senior in political science and philosophy; Madeline Willson, senior in mass communications; and Lindsey Wilson, senior in psychology.Hannah Burns, senior in psychology,&nbsp;Pittsburg; and Sophie Lenkiewicz, senior in anthropology,&nbsp;Salina.From&nbsp;Shawnee:&nbsp;Riley Brokeshoulder, senior in English; Rose Elbert, senior in horticulture; AJ January, senior in history; and Ana Rojas-Plumberg, senior in political science.&nbsp;Lauren Andrews, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Stilwell; Garrett Silvers, senior in anthropology,&nbsp;Valley Falls; Alan Salazar-Munoz, senior in social sciences,&nbsp;Wakefield; and Maranda Haile, graduate masters in English,&nbsp;Wamego.From&nbsp;Wichita:&nbsp;Chase Bauman, senior in Spanish; Josie Brooks, senior in human development and family science; Clare Prohaska, junior in biology; and Catherine Torkelson, senior in English.From out of state: Heather Crawshaw, junior in biology,&nbsp;Tucson, Arizona; McKenna Wise, senior in history,&nbsp;Springfield, Illinois; Lauren Apprill, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;West Des Moines, Iowa; Grace Tohill, senior in environmental science,&nbsp;Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Darius Skillen, senior mathematics education,&nbsp;Rock Port, Missouri; Meghan Ward, senior in history,&nbsp;North Platte, Nebraska; Sarah Troub, senior in fine arts,&nbsp;Omaha, Nebraska; Cassidy Hartig, senior in English,&nbsp;Plattsmouth, Nebraska; Ellie Brandt, junior in English,&nbsp;Olean, New York; and Jourdin Edwards, junior in athletic training and rehabilitation sciences,&nbsp;Prosper, Texas.Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. Members are selected based on GPA, knowledge of a second language and depth and breadth of study in the humanities, social sciences, and physical and natural sciences.The Beta of Kansas Chapter is one of only two Phi Beta Kappa organizations in Kansas. Founded in 1974, it initiated 24 members in its first year and has inducted such honorary members as Jimmy Carter and the famous composer, Aaron Copland. Approximately 1,800 members have been elected over the past 50 years.

SubmittedMANHATTAN —&nbsp;The Kansas State University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/pbk/">Beta of Kansas</a>,&nbsp;recently inducted 52 members. These new members represent 25 majors and consist of 45 seniors and seven juniors.The Beta of Kansas Chapter also inducted Benjamin McCloskey, associate professor of modern languages, as an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa. McCloskey has been instrumental in developing the classical studies program at K-State.The following are the new inductees:Alyvia Johnson, senior in humanities,&nbsp;Abilene; Kamri Younger, senior in kinesiology,&nbsp;Auburn; Chase Johnson, senior in biology,&nbsp;Berryton; Logan Grauberger, senior in history, and Rachel Pratt, junior in psychology, both from&nbsp;Eudora; and Marrissa Raynesford, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;.Caitlyn Champagne, senior in kinesiology,&nbsp;Lawrence; Francis Sheehan, senior in theatre,&nbsp;Leavenworth; Andrew Navarro, senior in political science,&nbsp;Leawood; Ash Leslie, senior in French and Spanish,&nbsp;Lecompton; Kutina Cabrera, senior in French, Lauren Kropf, senior in biology, and Nina Tiger, senior in anthropology, all from&nbsp;Lenexa; Jillian Canterbury, senior in Spanish education, Spanish and French,&nbsp;Lincoln; Jacqueline Waugh, senior in English,&nbsp;Lindsborg; and Madison Quinn, senior in advertising and public relations,&nbsp;Louisburg.Richelle Collado, senior in English, and&nbsp;Anna Poggi-Corradini, senior in English and mathematics, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; Merissa Christensen, senior in English,&nbsp;Norton; Ryan Cole, senior in political science, and Lance Wackerla, graduate masters in regional and community planning, both from&nbsp;Olathe.From&nbsp;Overland Park: Grace Burgett, junior in English;Mark Early, senior in political science and history;&nbsp;Jordan Kreps, senior in life sciences; Brynn Minor, junior in kinesiology; Ava Modin, senior in political science and philosophy; Madeline Willson, senior in mass communications; and Lindsey Wilson, senior in psychology.Hannah Burns, senior in psychology,&nbsp;Pittsburg; and Sophie Lenkiewicz, senior in anthropology,&nbsp;Salina.From&nbsp;Shawnee:&nbsp;Riley Brokeshoulder, senior in English; Rose Elbert, senior in horticulture; AJ January, senior in history; and Ana Rojas-Plumberg, senior in political science.&nbsp;Lauren Andrews, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Stilwell; Garrett Silvers, senior in anthropology,&nbsp;Valley Falls; Alan Salazar-Munoz, senior in social sciences,&nbsp;Wakefield; and Maranda Haile, graduate masters in English,&nbsp;Wamego.From&nbsp;Wichita:&nbsp;Chase Bauman, senior in Spanish; Josie Brooks, senior in human development and family science; Clare Prohaska, junior in biology; and Catherine Torkelson, senior in English.From out of state: Heather Crawshaw, junior in biology,&nbsp;Tucson, Arizona; McKenna Wise, senior in history,&nbsp;Springfield, Illinois; Lauren Apprill, senior in biochemistry,&nbsp;West Des Moines, Iowa; Grace Tohill, senior in environmental science,&nbsp;Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Darius Skillen, senior mathematics education,&nbsp;Rock Port, Missouri; Meghan Ward, senior in history,&nbsp;North Platte, Nebraska; Sarah Troub, senior in fine arts,&nbsp;Omaha, Nebraska; Cassidy Hartig, senior in English,&nbsp;Plattsmouth, Nebraska; Ellie Brandt, junior in English,&nbsp;Olean, New York; and Jourdin Edwards, junior in athletic training and rehabilitation sciences,&nbsp;Prosper, Texas.Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. Members are selected based on GPA, knowledge of a second language and depth and breadth of study in the humanities, social sciences, and physical and natural sciences.The Beta of Kansas Chapter is one of only two Phi Beta Kappa organizations in Kansas. Founded in 1974, it initiated 24 members in its first year and has inducted such honorary members as Jimmy Carter and the famous composer, Aaron Copland. Approximately 1,800 members have been elected over the past 50 years.

Beta of Kansas Chapter inducts NW Kansas Phi Beta Kappa members at K-State

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Melinda Fross, 65, has been a child care provider for 45 years but said she does not intend to retire anytime soon.

"I love it that much. I need my purpose to get up in the morning," she said. "I have absolutely no intentions of retiring yet. If God keeps my health good, that is where I'm staying."

"Just having a house full of kids is the best," she said.

Tricia Rupp nominated Fross for the April Child Care Champion award, describing her as "awesome."

Fross, a Hays native, came from a family of nine children. She said her home growing up was always filled with children.

When her first child was born, she wanted to stay home with him, so she opened an in-home child care.

"I thought I would be home for a few years with him, and here it is 45 years later," she said. "I definitely enjoy it."

Fross said her favorite aspect of being a child care provider is the joy she sees in the children.

"When the kids come running to the door every day, and they are excited to stay here," she said. "That's what I like."

Fross said she focuses on teaching the children manners, sharing, life lessons and being kind to each other.

The children love to play with blocks and bubbles, color and create crafts. The children made May baskets this week. They play baseball and soccer in the backyard.

She said she has been thankful to have good parents to work with.

"I want the parents to be able to go to work and not wonder if their kids are being taken care of," she said. "When they walk out of this door, I want them to know their kids are going to be taken care of until they return."

Fross' own four children grew up in the home around her child care children. They had to share their toys, which was difficult at first.&nbsp;

Now her children are adults, they love to come back and visit the child care children, sometimes joining the group for lunch to the delight of the children and Fross.

Fross has had generations of children in her care. After so many years as a child care provider, Fross has cared for children of the children she has had in child care.

Several years back, seven teenagers, who were all in her care at the same time when they were little, came back to her home for prom pictures on her couch.

Although Fross stays in contact with many of her child care families, she said it's tough to say goodbye when the kids start kindergarten.

"Most of them are here 45 hours a week. They spend a lot of time here, so you get very attached," she said.

She said her biggest challenge is meeting the changing rules and regulations for child care providers.

"Years ago, you didn't have to be licensed or registered, which I 100 percent understand why you have to be—just to make everything safe. Yes, the rules have changed so much over the years, and some definitely for the better."

To young people interested in beginning a career in child care, she suggested loving the kids for who they are.&nbsp;

"Don't give up after just a short time because it does get better," she said. "I struggled at first, but it does get better. I wouldn't trade it for anything now."

She said working with young children takes a lot of patience.

"You have to put yourself in their position. You have to be a young kid yourself. You're having to share a home that is not your own. They have to share toys. They have to make new friends."

She said she tries to remind herself, "Adults have bad days. Kids can have bad days, too. You need to be there to love them. ...

"You have to be patient with kids. They are learning and trying to figure out life just like we still are."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714766754181.png" alt="Melinda Fross. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Melinda Fross. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMelinda Fross, 65, has been a child care provider for 45 years but said she does not intend to retire anytime soon."I love it that much. I need my purpose to get up in the morning," she said. "I have absolutely no intentions of retiring yet. If God keeps my health good, that is where I'm staying.""Just having a house full of kids is the best," she said.Tricia Rupp nominated Fross for the April Child Care Champion award, describing her as "awesome."Fross, a Hays native, came from a family of nine children. She said her home growing up was always filled with children.When her first child was born, she wanted to stay home with him, so she opened an in-home child care."I thought I would be home for a few years with him, and here it is 45 years later," she said. "I definitely enjoy it."Fross said her favorite aspect of being a child care provider is the joy she sees in the children."When the kids come running to the door every day, and they are excited to stay here," she said. "That's what I like."Fross said she focuses on teaching the children manners, sharing, life lessons and being kind to each other.The children love to play with blocks and bubbles, color and create crafts. The children made May baskets this week. They play baseball and soccer in the backyard.She said she has been thankful to have good parents to work with."I want the parents to be able to go to work and not wonder if their kids are being taken care of," she said. "When they walk out of this door, I want them to know their kids are going to be taken care of until they return."Fross' own four children grew up in the home around her child care children. They had to share their toys, which was difficult at first.&nbsp;Now her children are adults, they love to come back and visit the child care children, sometimes joining the group for lunch to the delight of the children and Fross.Fross has had generations of children in her care. After so many years as a child care provider, Fross has cared for children of the children she has had in child care.Several years back, seven teenagers, who were all in her care at the same time when they were little, came back to her home for prom pictures on her couch.Although Fross stays in contact with many of her child care families, she said it's tough to say goodbye when the kids start kindergarten."Most of them are here 45 hours a week. They spend a lot of time here, so you get very attached," she said.She said her biggest challenge is meeting the changing rules and regulations for child care providers."Years ago, you didn't have to be licensed or registered, which I 100 percent understand why you have to be—just to make everything safe. Yes, the rules have changed so much over the years, and some definitely for the better."To young people interested in beginning a career in child care, she suggested loving the kids for who they are.&nbsp;"Don't give up after just a short time because it does get better," she said. "I struggled at first, but it does get better. I wouldn't trade it for anything now."She said working with young children takes a lot of patience."You have to put yourself in their position. You have to be a young kid yourself. You're having to share a home that is not your own. They have to share toys. They have to make new friends."She said she tries to remind herself, "Adults have bad days. Kids can have bad days, too. You need to be there to love them. ..."You have to be patient with kids. They are learning and trying to figure out life just like we still are."

Child Care Champion: 45-year child care veteran says kindness key for kids

A group of Hays High students rode horses to school Thursday to share the equine experience with fellow students as well as some children from a local child care.

The students in the photos are Dakota Schmidt, Mark Grabbe, Kaden Haas, Harley Zimmerman, Peyton Brooks, John Stramel,&nbsp;Carter Werth and Gunner Weigel.

SubmittedA group of Hays High students rode horses to school Thursday to share the equine experience with fellow students as well as some children from a local child care.The students in the photos are Dakota Schmidt, Mark Grabbe, Kaden Haas, Harley Zimmerman, Peyton Brooks, John Stramel,&nbsp;Carter Werth and Gunner Weigel.<figure>
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Hays High students share their love of horses, livestock

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Friday in&nbsp; Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by William&nbsp;Alvarez, 50, Winter Haven, Florida, was westbound in the right lane of Interstate 70 one mile west of Kansas 23 highway.

A gust of wind from severe weather in the area caused the vehicle to tip onto the passenger side. The semi came to rest partially in the roadway and partially on the KDOT guard rail.

EMS transported a passenger 40-year-old Zurumy&nbsp;Sanchez Avila to Gove County Medical Center. The KHP did not report where she lived.&nbsp; Alvarez was not injured.&nbsp;Sanchez Avila was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Friday in&nbsp; Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by William&nbsp;Alvarez, 50, Winter Haven, Florida, was westbound in the right lane of Interstate 70 one mile west of Kansas 23 highway.A gust of wind from severe weather in the area caused the vehicle to tip onto the passenger side. The semi came to rest partially in the roadway and partially on the KDOT guard rail.EMS transported a passenger 40-year-old Zurumy&nbsp;Sanchez Avila to Gove County Medical Center. The KHP did not report where she lived.&nbsp; Alvarez was not injured.&nbsp;Sanchez Avila was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Woman hospitalized after wind blows semi over on I-70

The students of Tiger Media Network and the Department of Informatics are no strangers to winning awards. But the most recent honor earned by Fort Hays State University students is believed to be the first in school history.

On Saturday, the TMN sports production team was named the winner of the Live Sporting Event/Game category in the Student Production Awards of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences of the Heartland Chapter. The school’s entry came from the live production of the 2023 football game between FHSU and Emporia State.

“Being awarded a Heartland Regional Emmy for our sports production team's work is a testament to our students' talent and their dedication to their craft,” said Russell Heitmann, news and sports director for TMN. “We are one of the only schools in the country that employs a staff comprised entirely of students on our productions, so for their work and talent to be recognized is a great honor for TMN, the Department of Informatics and Fort Hays State University.”

The winning entry for TMN now automatically qualifies for the national contest.

Students who helped on the winning production included Tim Schoepflin, director; Kaden Depperschmidt, technical director; Haleigh Raber, replay; Ethan Klausmeyer, videoboard operation; Brandon Mejia, camera operator; Maimouna Traore, camera operator; Kyle Rowden-Stum, camera operator; Jonathan Lowe, camera operator; Caleb Todd, play-by-play commentary; and Cayden Sanders, color commentary.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our students for the professional work they provide,” said Nick Schwien, director of TMN. “FHSU students long have produced award-winning productions and content that is recognized nationally. The skills they are learning in the classroom and with our productions gives them a real-world working experience while they are still students. The teaching-hospital approach has been beneficial for them post-graduation as well.”

The Heartland Chapter region includes the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. The chapter was formed in 1986.

“The Student Production Awards presented through the Heartland Chapter of NATAS (the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences) honors excellence among the next generation of journalists and media professionals,” said Traci Bilek, executive director of the Heartland NATAS Chapter. “We are proud to recognize these talented students and their advisors for their work to elevate our craft.”

Two FHSU students were honored with national recognition in the BEA Festival of Media Arts 2024 contest.

Ryan Schuckman was recognized with an Awards of Excellence honor in the Radio Feature category for his piece titled “Cold War.”

Ellinor Couchman earned second place in the Television Long Feature category for her piece on “Half a Century of Hays in the Media.”

This year’s BEA contest received more than 1,900 entries from more than 300 schools.

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

Three students earned recognition in Region 7 in the Society of Professional Journalists 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards. FHSU students competed in the largest enrollment division.

John Carter Jr. was the winner of the General Column Writing category in the Print/Online section for his compilation of Pride Month reviews.

John Billinger took top honors in the Feature Videography category for his mini documentary titled “The Underground of Ellinwood.”

Alicia Feyerherm was the winner in the Science/Environment/Climate Reporting category for her multimedia piece “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation.” She was named a finalist for the same piece in the Best Use of Multimedia category.

Winners of each category move into their respective national competitions of SPJ. Region 7 is made up of schools from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa.

Students also took home seven first place finishes in this year’s Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards. FHSU competed against other universities in the state.

FHSU also brought home a second-place finish and a pair of honorable mention honors from this year’s awards ceremony in late April in Kansas City, Mo.

Raegan Neufeld, Best General News Story, audio category “Applied Learning”

Ryan Schuckman, Best Feature, audio category, “Cold War”

Ellinor Couchman, Best Feature, visual category, “Half a Century of Hays in the Media”

Garrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, audio category

Garrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, visual category

Tiger Media Network, Station Website, audio category

Tiger Media Network, Station Website, visual category

Alicia Feyerherm, Best General News Story, visual category, “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation”

Kerrigan Hutton, 60-second or Less Commercial/PSA Announcement, visual category, “Be Everything at Tiger Media Network”

Raegan Neufeld, Public Affairs/Talk Show Program, visual category, “Academic Affairs Update with Jill Arensdorf”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714600692409.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe students of Tiger Media Network and the Department of Informatics are no strangers to winning awards. But the most recent honor earned by Fort Hays State University students is believed to be the first in school history.On Saturday, the TMN sports production team was named the winner of the Live Sporting Event/Game category in the Student Production Awards of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences of the Heartland Chapter. The school’s entry came from the live production of the 2023 football game between FHSU and Emporia State.“Being awarded a Heartland Regional Emmy for our sports production team's work is a testament to our students' talent and their dedication to their craft,” said Russell Heitmann, news and sports director for TMN. “We are one of the only schools in the country that employs a staff comprised entirely of students on our productions, so for their work and talent to be recognized is a great honor for TMN, the Department of Informatics and Fort Hays State University.”The winning entry for TMN now automatically qualifies for the national contest.Students who helped on the winning production included Tim Schoepflin, director; Kaden Depperschmidt, technical director; Haleigh Raber, replay; Ethan Klausmeyer, videoboard operation; Brandon Mejia, camera operator; Maimouna Traore, camera operator; Kyle Rowden-Stum, camera operator; Jonathan Lowe, camera operator; Caleb Todd, play-by-play commentary; and Cayden Sanders, color commentary.“We couldn’t be prouder of our students for the professional work they provide,” said Nick Schwien, director of TMN. “FHSU students long have produced award-winning productions and content that is recognized nationally. The skills they are learning in the classroom and with our productions gives them a real-world working experience while they are still students. The teaching-hospital approach has been beneficial for them post-graduation as well.”The Heartland Chapter region includes the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. The chapter was formed in 1986.“The Student Production Awards presented through the Heartland Chapter of NATAS (the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences) honors excellence among the next generation of journalists and media professionals,” said Traci Bilek, executive director of the Heartland NATAS Chapter. “We are proud to recognize these talented students and their advisors for their work to elevate our craft.”Broadcast Education Association (BEA)Two FHSU students were honored with national recognition in the BEA Festival of Media Arts 2024 contest.Ryan Schuckman was recognized with an Awards of Excellence honor in the Radio Feature category for his piece titled “Cold War.”Ellinor Couchman earned second place in the Television Long Feature category for her piece on “Half a Century of Hays in the Media.”This year’s BEA contest received more than 1,900 entries from more than 300 schools.Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)Three students earned recognition in Region 7 in the Society of Professional Journalists 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards. FHSU students competed in the largest enrollment division.John Carter Jr. was the winner of the General Column Writing category in the Print/Online section for his compilation of Pride Month reviews.John Billinger took top honors in the Feature Videography category for his mini documentary titled “The Underground of Ellinwood.”Alicia Feyerherm was the winner in the Science/Environment/Climate Reporting category for her multimedia piece “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation.” She was named a finalist for the same piece in the Best Use of Multimedia category.Winners of each category move into their respective national competitions of SPJ. Region 7 is made up of schools from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa.Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB)Students also took home seven first place finishes in this year’s Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards. FHSU competed against other universities in the state.FHSU also brought home a second-place finish and a pair of honorable mention honors from this year’s awards ceremony in late April in Kansas City, Mo.First place:Raegan Neufeld, Best General News Story, audio category “Applied Learning”Ryan Schuckman, Best Feature, audio category, “Cold War”Ellinor Couchman, Best Feature, visual category, “Half a Century of Hays in the Media”Garrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, audio categoryGarrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, visual categoryTiger Media Network, Station Website, audio categoryTiger Media Network, Station Website, visual categorySecond place:Alicia Feyerherm, Best General News Story, visual category, “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation”Honorable mention:Kerrigan Hutton, 60-second or Less Commercial/PSA Announcement, visual category, “Be Everything at Tiger Media Network”Raegan Neufeld, Public Affairs/Talk Show Program, visual category, “Academic Affairs Update with Jill Arensdorf”

Tiger Media Network wins production award;  multiple students honored in contests

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

As the 2024 field season gets into full swing, for farmers now is a good time for a refresher on restricted use pesticides (RUPs) and pesticide applicator licenses.

There are lots of ways to categorize pesticides, one of which is general use versus restricted use. In short, a general-use pesticide is one that can be used without any special training. A RUP, on the other hand, should only be used by an individual who is a certified pesticide applicator or is under the direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. RUPs are classified as such due to their potential to cause ‘unreasonable adverse effects’ on the environment, the applicator, or bystanders if appropriate precautions are not taken when using the product. A few of the RUPs you may be familiar with are Atrazine, Tordon 22K, and Warrior II.

Private applicator versus commercial applicator licenses

There are two types of certifications that will allow you to use a RUP. A private applicator license allows you to use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by you or your employer. However, a commercial license is needed if you are going to apply pesticides on someone else’s property and charge a fee for the service.

You can contact your local Extension office if you need to obtain or renew your private applicator's license. For commercial applicator license those are scheduled by KDA and you have to create an account with them and get registered ahead of time at https://portal.kda.ks.gov/PestFert/CertifiedApplicator/Exam/List or call (785) 564-6688.

Also remember, there are some extra record-keeping requirements for individuals who apply RUPs. There is no standard form, but within two weeks of the application, you should document what was sprayed, including:

· the date and location of the application,

· product name and EPA registration number,

· total amount applied and area treated,

· the site to which the application was made, and

· the name and certification number of the applicator.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAs the 2024 field season gets into full swing, for farmers now is a good time for a refresher on restricted use pesticides (RUPs) and pesticide applicator licenses.There are lots of ways to categorize pesticides, one of which is general use versus restricted use. In short, a general-use pesticide is one that can be used without any special training. A RUP, on the other hand, should only be used by an individual who is a certified pesticide applicator or is under the direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. RUPs are classified as such due to their potential to cause ‘unreasonable adverse effects’ on the environment, the applicator, or bystanders if appropriate precautions are not taken when using the product. A few of the RUPs you may be familiar with are Atrazine, Tordon 22K, and Warrior II.Private applicator versus commercial applicator licensesThere are two types of certifications that will allow you to use a RUP. A private applicator license allows you to use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by you or your employer. However, a commercial license is needed if you are going to apply pesticides on someone else’s property and charge a fee for the service.You can contact your local Extension office if you need to obtain or renew your private applicator's license. For commercial applicator license those are scheduled by KDA and you have to create an account with them and get registered ahead of time at https://portal.kda.ks.gov/PestFert/CertifiedApplicator/Exam/List or call (785) 564-6688.Also remember, there are some extra record-keeping requirements for individuals who apply RUPs. There is no standard form, but within two weeks of the application, you should document what was sprayed, including:· the date and location of the application,· product name and EPA registration number,· total amount applied and area treated,· the site to which the application was made, and· the name and certification number of the applicator.In our office we have a small pocket size “Pesticide Application Field Records” book that is free and you can pick up to record your pesticide applications, and a Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland book that is free and updated each year. This publication provides suggestions for chemical weed control in several major crops.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.