The Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest was recently held at the Hays Recreation Commission.

The event was for boys and girls from 2nd through 7th grades who tested their&nbsp;basketball skills in this fun and competitive challenge.

Participants competed in dribbling, passing, and shooting contests for a chance to win awards and bragging rights.&nbsp;

2nd Grade Boys 1st – Brayden Bechard 91 2nd – Jimmer Fox 90 3rd – Jase Pfeifer 84&nbsp;

3rd Grade Boys 1st – Reid Meiter 115 2nd – Cooper Yohe 94 3rd – Landon Richecky 91&nbsp;

4th Grade Boys 1st – Graham Scott 145 2nd – Declan Haas 128 3rd – Charlie Hartman 122 (Top Gun)&nbsp;

5th Grade Boys 1st – Kasen Fisher 115 2nd – Isaac Seib 112 3rd – Byrson Enslow 110&nbsp;

6th Grade Boys 1st – Carson Crough 145 2nd – William Reed 145 3rd – Theo Reed 124&nbsp;

7th Grade Boys 1st – Mason Basgall 75&nbsp;

2nd Grade Girls 1st - Mila Haas 54

3rd Grade Girls 1st – Braelyn Johnson 95 2nd – Hattie Enslow 83

4th Grade Girls 1st – Riley Leiker 98 2nd – Bostyn Berry 95 3rd – Ella Schwandt 78

5th Grade Girls 1st – Brinley Maska 108 2nd – Brynlee Johnson 86 3rd – Stella Rodger 77

6th Grade Girls 1st – Harper Nicholl 126 2nd – Aria Haselhorst 110 3rd – Gracelyn Inlow 96

7th Grade Girls 1st – Sloane Hill

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741872361924.jpeg" alt="Boys' participants in the recent Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Boys' participants in the recent Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Submitted The Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest was recently held at the Hays Recreation Commission.The event was for boys and girls from 2nd through 7th grades who tested their&nbsp;basketball skills in this fun and competitive challenge.Participants competed in dribbling, passing, and shooting contests for a chance to win awards and bragging rights.&nbsp;Results are:&nbsp;2nd Grade Boys 1st – Brayden Bechard 91 2nd – Jimmer Fox 90 3rd – Jase Pfeifer 84&nbsp;3rd Grade Boys 1st – Reid Meiter 115 2nd – Cooper Yohe 94 3rd – Landon Richecky 91&nbsp;4th Grade Boys 1st – Graham Scott 145 2nd – Declan Haas 128 3rd – Charlie Hartman 122 (Top Gun)&nbsp;5th Grade Boys 1st – Kasen Fisher 115 2nd – Isaac Seib 112 3rd – Byrson Enslow 110&nbsp;6th Grade Boys 1st – Carson Crough 145 2nd – William Reed 145 3rd – Theo Reed 124&nbsp;7th Grade Boys 1st – Mason Basgall 75&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741961694344.jpeg" alt="Girls' participants in the recent Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girls' participants in the recent Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>2nd Grade Girls 1st - Mila Haas 543rd Grade Girls 1st – Braelyn Johnson 95 2nd – Hattie Enslow 834th Grade Girls 1st – Riley Leiker 98 2nd – Bostyn Berry 95 3rd – Ella Schwandt 785th Grade Girls 1st – Brinley Maska 108 2nd – Brynlee Johnson 86 3rd – Stella Rodger 776th Grade Girls 1st – Harper Nicholl 126 2nd – Aria Haselhorst 110 3rd – Gracelyn Inlow 967th Grade Girls 1st – Sloane Hill

Youngsters showcase skills at Kiwanis Tri-Star Basketball Contest 

 As spring approaches and temperatures rise, the City of Hays Parks Department is taking a proactive approach to ready local parks for increased public use.

While some preparations are already underway, city officials note certain tasks cannot be completed until later in the season due to fluctuating temperatures.

“We strive to open as many facilities as possible as early as we can,” said Jeff Boyle, director of parks. “However, overnight freezes still pose a risk to our plumbing systems, and we want to ensure everything is in proper working order when our residents are ready to enjoy the outdoors.”

All park restrooms remain closed, with the exception of the heated restrooms at U.P. Park (located at 10th and Main).

According to Boyle, draining and disassembling restroom plumbing for winter is a meticulous process.

Reassembling the fixtures requires similarly intensive work, making it impractical to open and close facilities repeatedly each time there is a temperature drop.

Restrooms are typically opened by mid- to late April when the threat of freezing overnight temperatures diminishes.

Another frequent inquiry the department has received involves the city’s splash pad, which has been winterized to protect its pipes, tank and filters from damage.

Boyle explained that preparing the splash pad for public use can be time-consuming, and reopening it prematurely risks wasting labor, water and chemicals if weather patterns shift unexpectedly.

“We understand how eager families are to use the splash pad on warm days,” Boyle said. “But if we open too early, a cold snap could force us to drain and shut it down again, causing unnecessary expenses and delaying other park improvements.”

City officials anticipate having the splash pad ready in early to mid-May, once outdoor temperatures remain consistently above freezing.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Hays website and social media channels for updates regarding restroom openings, splash pad availability and other seasonal amenities.

For more information, please contact the City of Hays Parks Department at (785) 628-7375 or visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742308067373.jpeg" alt="Hays splash pad, ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Hays splash pad, ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Parks Department As spring approaches and temperatures rise, the City of Hays Parks Department is taking a proactive approach to ready local parks for increased public use.While some preparations are already underway, city officials note certain tasks cannot be completed until later in the season due to fluctuating temperatures.“We strive to open as many facilities as possible as early as we can,” said Jeff Boyle, director of parks. “However, overnight freezes still pose a risk to our plumbing systems, and we want to ensure everything is in proper working order when our residents are ready to enjoy the outdoors.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742307945036.jpeg" alt="Hays Parks Department. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Parks Department. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>All park restrooms remain closed, with the exception of the heated restrooms at U.P. Park (located at 10th and Main).According to Boyle, draining and disassembling restroom plumbing for winter is a meticulous process.Reassembling the fixtures requires similarly intensive work, making it impractical to open and close facilities repeatedly each time there is a temperature drop.Restrooms are typically opened by mid- to late April when the threat of freezing overnight temperatures diminishes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742308245443.jpeg" alt="The Hays splash pad is anticipated to open in mid- to late March. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The Hays splash pad is anticipated to open in mid- to late March. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Another frequent inquiry the department has received involves the city’s splash pad, which has been winterized to protect its pipes, tank and filters from damage.Boyle explained that preparing the splash pad for public use can be time-consuming, and reopening it prematurely risks wasting labor, water and chemicals if weather patterns shift unexpectedly.“We understand how eager families are to use the splash pad on warm days,” Boyle said. “But if we open too early, a cold snap could force us to drain and shut it down again, causing unnecessary expenses and delaying other park improvements.”City officials anticipate having the splash pad ready in early to mid-May, once outdoor temperatures remain consistently above freezing.Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Hays website and social media channels for updates regarding restroom openings, splash pad availability and other seasonal amenities.For more information, please contact the City of Hays Parks Department at (785) 628-7375 or visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

Hays begins preparing parks for warmer weather, increased use

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is pleased to announce the construction of its newest renewable energy resource, the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell facility, is complete.

&nbsp;The commissioning process and initial synchronization to the electric grid are now underway, marking a significant step forward in Sunflower’s commitment to supplying reliable, cost-effective energy to its member utilities.

Commissioning a solar facility is a critical phase of the project. It ensures the solar photovoltaic (PV) system is installed correctly, safe, and ready for reliable operation. This process involves rigorous testing and inspections to confirm the system’s readiness to synchronize with the electric grid.

Located on 143 acres three miles east of Russell, the $36 million project was designed and constructed by <a href="https://www.depcompower.com/">DEPCOM Power</a>. The facility features 44,408 solar panels equipped with single-axis tracking technology designed to rotate throughout the day and continually face the sun for maximum efficiency and production.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate nearly 50,000 megawatt hours annually, which accounts for about 1% of Sunflower’s total energy needs.

“Solar resources produce energy during the hottest days of the year when our system experiences its highest demand,” said Corey Linville, senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation at Sunflower. “Having generation resources that complement weather patterns boosts both reliability and affordability.” 

The Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell facility not only capitalizes on the abundant solar resources in the region but also provides strategic benefits to Sunflower and its members. By interconnecting to the bulk electric grid near Russell, the facility reduces loading on a nearby transmission line nearing capacity, saving costs for Sunflower’s members by eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, the project provides a fixed-price hedge against market energy prices.

Ken Webre, director of project delivery at DEPCOM Power, shared his thoughts on the project: “DEPCOM Power is proud to partner with Sunflower on the development and construction of this state-of-the-art solar facility. The success of this project is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing energy solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective. We’re excited to see this facility begin delivering renewable energy to Kansas communities.”

The Russell solar project was developed by Sunflower in partnership with National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO). They were also involved in the development of Sunflower’s first solar facility, the Johnson Corner Solar Project near Johnson City, Kan. Johnson Corner Solar is comparable in size to the Russell facility and has been operational since April 2020. The combined 40 megawatts (AC) of clean electricity produced by the two facilities is enough to power more than 8,400 homes across Sunflower’s service territory.

“Sunflower is a cooperatively operated wholesale generation and transmission utility serving our seven member distribution utilities with a fuel-diverse electric generating mix that includes traditional and renewable resources,” said Steve Epperson, president and CEO of Sunflower. “The Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell project adds yet another renewable fuel source to our diversified generation portfolio, which is designed to protect both the affordability and reliability of the energy we provide to our members.”

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based electric generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of electric transmission infrastructure. The focus of Sunflower’s 400+ workforce is supplying reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its seven members who serve electric consumers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at <a href="https://sunflower.net/">sunflower.net</a>.

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Medicine Lodge, is also a member of Sunflower.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742315245601.jpeg" alt="Sunflower Electric's new solar facility near Russell. Photo courtesy Sunflower Electric/DEPCOM Power" />
 <figcaption>Sunflower Electric's new solar facility near Russell. Photo courtesy Sunflower Electric/DEPCOM Power</figcaption>
 </figure>Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is pleased to announce the construction of its newest renewable energy resource, the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell facility, is complete.&nbsp;The commissioning process and initial synchronization to the electric grid are now underway, marking a significant step forward in Sunflower’s commitment to supplying reliable, cost-effective energy to its member utilities.Commissioning a solar facility is a critical phase of the project. It ensures the solar photovoltaic (PV) system is installed correctly, safe, and ready for reliable operation. This process involves rigorous testing and inspections to confirm the system’s readiness to synchronize with the electric grid.Located on 143 acres three miles east of Russell, the $36 million project was designed and constructed by <a href="https://www.depcompower.com/">DEPCOM Power</a>. The facility features 44,408 solar panels equipped with single-axis tracking technology designed to rotate throughout the day and continually face the sun for maximum efficiency and production. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate nearly 50,000 megawatt hours annually, which accounts for about 1% of Sunflower’s total energy needs.“Solar resources produce energy during the hottest days of the year when our system experiences its highest demand,” said Corey Linville, senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation at Sunflower. “Having generation resources that complement weather patterns boosts both reliability and affordability.” The Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell facility not only capitalizes on the abundant solar resources in the region but also provides strategic benefits to Sunflower and its members. By interconnecting to the bulk electric grid near Russell, the facility reduces loading on a nearby transmission line nearing capacity, saving costs for Sunflower’s members by eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, the project provides a fixed-price hedge against market energy prices.Ken Webre, director of project delivery at DEPCOM Power, shared his thoughts on the project: “DEPCOM Power is proud to partner with Sunflower on the development and construction of this state-of-the-art solar facility. The success of this project is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing energy solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective. We’re excited to see this facility begin delivering renewable energy to Kansas communities.”The Russell solar project was developed by Sunflower in partnership with National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO). They were also involved in the development of Sunflower’s first solar facility, the Johnson Corner Solar Project near Johnson City, Kan. Johnson Corner Solar is comparable in size to the Russell facility and has been operational since April 2020. The combined 40 megawatts (AC) of clean electricity produced by the two facilities is enough to power more than 8,400 homes across Sunflower’s service territory.“Sunflower is a cooperatively operated wholesale generation and transmission utility serving our seven member distribution utilities with a fuel-diverse electric generating mix that includes traditional and renewable resources,” said Steve Epperson, president and CEO of Sunflower. “The Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell project adds yet another renewable fuel source to our diversified generation portfolio, which is designed to protect both the affordability and reliability of the energy we provide to our members.”About SunflowerSunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based electric generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of electric transmission infrastructure. The focus of Sunflower’s 400+ workforce is supplying reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its seven members who serve electric consumers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at <a href="https://sunflower.net/">sunflower.net</a>. Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Medicine Lodge, is also a member of Sunflower.

Construction complete at Sunflower Electric's new solar facility near Russell 

<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/2025/3/1742390264923.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

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound lanes of I-70 between the Colorado border and Oakley. Both directions remain closed between Salina and Oakley because of disabled vehicles blocking the roadway.

Several state highways have also reopened throughout northwest Kansas.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened the westbound lanes of I-70 from Oakley to the Colorado border. I-70 remains closed in both directions between Salina and Oakley because of winter weather conditions and disabled vehicles blocking the roadway.

Other reopened routes in northwest Kansas include:

Several highways east of U.S. 83 also remain closed because of winter weather conditions and roadway blockages. Any non-essential travel should continue to be delayed until conditions improve.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🟢ALL LANES OF I-70 NOW OPEN IN NWKS Check <a href="https://t.co/PMwufxHbcT">https://t.co/PMwufxHbcT</a> for road condition and closure information and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KnowBeforeYouGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KnowBeforeYouGo</a>. <a href="https://t.co/4rnOpKMOy7">pic.twitter.com/4rnOpKMOy7</a>&mdash; Kansas Department of Transportation (@KDOTHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDOTHQ/status/1902572822074995042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>----------<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I-70 CLOSURE UPDATE (as of 8:45 PM) ⛔WB CLOSED from Hays to Oakley due to road blockage 🟢All other lanes of I-70 are OPEN. Road conditions have improved; motorists may consider alternate routes while the final closure remains in effect. Updates at <a href="https://t.co/PMwufxHbcT">https://t.co/PMwufxHbcT</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Kdv6Bg1hv8">pic.twitter.com/Kdv6Bg1hv8</a>&mdash; Kansas Department of Transportation (@KDOTHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDOTHQ/status/1902537967505117585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound lanes of I-70 between the Colorado border and Oakley. Both directions remain closed between Salina and Oakley because of disabled vehicles blocking the roadway.Several state highways have also reopened throughout northwest Kansas.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas._____KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened the westbound lanes of I-70 from Oakley to the Colorado border. I-70 remains closed in both directions between Salina and Oakley because of winter weather conditions and disabled vehicles blocking the roadway.Other reopened routes in northwest Kansas include:<ul>
 <li>U.S. 36 between Norton and the Colorado border</li><li>U.S. 40 between Oakley and the Colorado border</li><li>U.S. 24 between Colby and Levant</li><li>K-25 between U.S. 40 and the Nebraska border</li><li>K-27 between Sharon Springs and the Nebraska border</li>
 </ul>Several highways east of U.S. 83 also remain closed because of winter weather conditions and roadway blockages. Any non-essential travel should continue to be delayed until conditions improve.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOT: All lanes of I-70 are open

---------------------------------------------------------

For Kansas road conditions, visit <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/">https://www.kandrive.gov/</a>

<div><a href="https://www.advantageglassplus.com/" target="_blank"> <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700857176405.png"> </a></div>---------------------------------------------------------For Kansas road conditions, visit <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/">https://www.kandrive.gov/</a><h2></h2>

Latest cancellations and delays

As of 2:13 p.m. today, the&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric still had about 4,600 cutomers without power.&nbsp;

Follow the utility on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WesternCoopElectric" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;to get the most up-to-date notifications on large system outages.

Also note these helpful tips from the utility companies website below.

First, check the fuses or circuit breaker. Then check your neighborhood to determine if the electricity is off in your area. If the area electricity is off, call Western Cooperative Electric and report it. &nbsp;

Finally, make sure you're prepared with our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westerncoop.com/storm-center">outage/storm safety center.</a>

If you or any member of your family use essential life-sustaining medical equipment prescribed by a physician, please let us know. Please make Western Cooperative Electric personnel aware of this so we can contact you to let you know about scheduled power interruptions for maintenance purposes.

Please be sure to acquire a back-up power supply (batteries, generator) for any medical equipment that requires a constant power supply.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742412050256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742412101026.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As of 2:13 p.m. today, the&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric still had about 4,600 cutomers without power.&nbsp;See the maps and outage totals above.Follow the utility on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WesternCoopElectric" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;to get the most up-to-date notifications on large system outages.Also note these helpful tips from the utility companies website below.<h2>What To Do If The Electricity Goes Off</h2>First, check the fuses or circuit breaker. Then check your neighborhood to determine if the electricity is off in your area. If the area electricity is off, call Western Cooperative Electric and report it. &nbsp;When reporting an outage, please report:<ul>
 <li>Your name and phone number</li><li>Location of the service and account number and meter number, if available</li><li>Any additional information pertaining to the outage to help Western Cooperative Electric personnel locate the problem so power may be restored quickly</li>
 </ul>Finally, make sure you're prepared with our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westerncoop.com/storm-center">outage/storm safety center.</a><h2>Life-Sustaining Medical Equipment</h2>If you or any member of your family use essential life-sustaining medical equipment prescribed by a physician, please let us know. Please make Western Cooperative Electric personnel aware of this so we can contact you to let you know about scheduled power interruptions for maintenance purposes.Please be sure to acquire a back-up power supply (batteries, generator) for any medical equipment that requires a constant power supply.

Western Cooperative electrical outage update

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A resolution to set a public hearing date for establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District in Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4, will be considered by Hays city commissioners during their work session Thursday.

The local developer, Heart of America, Ellis County, wants the district implemented on the 101 lots north of 22nd Street and east of Wheatland Avenue. It's the largest known housing development ever created in Hays.&nbsp;

Heart of America proposes the city finance and construct the district eligible items, and the city utilize district revenues to offset its costs. Heart of America would also provide a deposit equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs.

If the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District  is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum period of 25 years, an estimated $6.8 million.&nbsp;

The commission will also hear proposed updates to the 2024 city building code, which was last adopted in 2017 as well as a request for permission by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation to build a small storage building adjacent to the pavilion in the Union Pacific Plaza Park, a city park.

In light of the current drought and its projected continuation by the National Weather Service, a wellfield status update of the Smoky Hill River Wellfield will be presented by City Manager Toby Dougherty.

"The wellfield is used every day and is one of our main sources of water," said Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager.&nbsp;

The complete March 20 city agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03202025-1535">here</a>.

The work session begins at 4 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742404529440.png" alt="A Reinvestment Housing Incentive District is proposed by local developer Heart of America for the 101 lots in Tallgrass Housing 2nd Addition Phase 4. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>A Reinvestment Housing Incentive District is proposed by local developer Heart of America for the 101 lots in Tallgrass Housing 2nd Addition Phase 4. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA resolution to set a public hearing date for establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District in Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4, will be considered by Hays city commissioners during their work session Thursday.The local developer, Heart of America, Ellis County, wants the district implemented on the 101 lots north of 22nd Street and east of Wheatland Avenue. It's the largest known housing development ever created in Hays.&nbsp;Heart of America proposes the city finance and construct the district eligible items, and the city utilize district revenues to offset its costs. Heart of America would also provide a deposit equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs.If the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum period of 25 years, an estimated $6.8 million.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742405580650.png" alt="Proposed pavilion storage building. Downtown Hays Development Corporation" />
 <figcaption>Proposed pavilion storage building. Downtown Hays Development Corporation</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission will also hear proposed updates to the 2024 city building code, which was last adopted in 2017 as well as a request for permission by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation to build a small storage building adjacent to the pavilion in the Union Pacific Plaza Park, a city park.In light of the current drought and its projected continuation by the National Weather Service, a wellfield status update of the Smoky Hill River Wellfield will be presented by City Manager Toby Dougherty."The wellfield is used every day and is one of our main sources of water," said Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager.&nbsp;The complete March 20 city agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03202025-1535">here</a>.The work session begins at 4 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to discuss RHID for Tallgrass housing Phase 4 on Thursday

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Fort Hays Tech NC March Mania Bracket Challenge

COLBY—&nbsp;Colby Community College has once again set the standard for academic success in Kansas, earning the highest graduation rate and leading in retention, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.gov/resources/PDF/Data/Community_College_Data_Books/2025_Community_College_Data_Book.pdf">2025 Kansas Community College Data Book</a>. The annual report, published by the Kansas Board of Regents, evaluates all 19 Kansas community colleges.

With 52.9% of first-time, full-time students completing their associate degree within two years, Colby claimed the top graduation rate for the seventh time in the past decade. The retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students who return for a second year, stood at 71.1%, securing Colby’s position as the state leader for the third straight year and the fifth time in six years.

“We are elated to see our students continuing to achieve this level of success,” said President Dr. Seth Carter. “Evaluating the graduation rates of our students is one of the most telling benchmarks of student success. The college continues to help students achieve their academic goals, and this continued level of achievement illustrates that we are doing that at a truly elite level.”

To enhance student success and overall experience, the college has invested in significant facility upgrades, including improvements to the cafeteria, housing, recreational spaces, and technological advancements. Students benefit from free tutoring, counseling services, and a walk-in advising center for academic support. 

Financially, the college eases the burden of textbook costs by offering free resources for more than half of its courses. At the same time, the Endowment Foundation provides a strong scholarship program to assist students in funding their education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581529246979.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Colby Community CollegeCOLBY—&nbsp;Colby Community College has once again set the standard for academic success in Kansas, earning the highest graduation rate and leading in retention, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.gov/resources/PDF/Data/Community_College_Data_Books/2025_Community_College_Data_Book.pdf">2025 Kansas Community College Data Book</a>. The annual report, published by the Kansas Board of Regents, evaluates all 19 Kansas community colleges.With 52.9% of first-time, full-time students completing their associate degree within two years, Colby claimed the top graduation rate for the seventh time in the past decade. The retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students who return for a second year, stood at 71.1%, securing Colby’s position as the state leader for the third straight year and the fifth time in six years.“We are elated to see our students continuing to achieve this level of success,” said President Dr. Seth Carter. “Evaluating the graduation rates of our students is one of the most telling benchmarks of student success. The college continues to help students achieve their academic goals, and this continued level of achievement illustrates that we are doing that at a truly elite level.”To enhance student success and overall experience, the college has invested in significant facility upgrades, including improvements to the cafeteria, housing, recreational spaces, and technological advancements. Students benefit from free tutoring, counseling services, and a walk-in advising center for academic support. Financially, the college eases the burden of textbook costs by offering free resources for more than half of its courses. At the same time, the Endowment Foundation provides a strong scholarship program to assist students in funding their education.

Colby Community College remains on top for graduation, retention rates

UPDATE&nbsp; from Midwest energy as of 2 p.m. via Facebook

We currently have just over 12,000 customers without power, which about 25% of our total customer base. Fortunately, winds have abated and crews are now able to get out and make repairs as needed.

Warmer temps are allowing ice to melt off of the wires. The downside: Many roads, especially outside of town, remain challenging but we're just now getting out to inspect the more rural areas.

More than half those out now are in the City of Hays; crews are out right now, replacing fuses and repairing burned-down lines, in an effort to get folks back on by evening.

Great Bend crews are in the Galatia-Susank area, and Lyons crews east of Ellinwood, making repairs.

Out west, linemen are north and south of Brewster, and south of Oakley, identifying and fixing.

Customers in more rural circuits could be down for longer; we'll know more when we update tonight at 5 pm. Until then, stay in if you can, and thank you for your patience!

As a blizzard pounds northwest Kansas with wind gusts of up to 70 mph, more than 32,000 Kansans are without electrical power according to <a href="https://poweroutage.us/">poweroutage.us</a>. as of 9: 15 a.m.

Counties with the highest number of outages include Ellis, Gove, Graham, Ness, Osborne, Rooks and Russell.&nbsp;

In Hays, approximately 4,600 Midwest Energy customers are without electricity, according to the <a href="https://outageviewer.mwenergy.com/">Midwest Energy outage viewer</a>.&nbsp; It includes a large area of west Hays.&nbsp;

Earlier this morning, Russell was experiencing a city-wide electrical outage. Three circuits remain down because of galloping power lines in the wind along with heavy snow. Crews are on scene.&nbsp;

All highways in northwest Kansas have been closed by the Kansas Department of Transportation because of blizzard conditions and low visibility.

I-70 has also been closed in both directions between Salina and the Colorado border.

All non-essential travel should be delayed until conditions improve. Motorists currently on the road are advised to seek shelter until the storm moves through.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742412615447.png" alt="Midwest Energy outage map as of 2:30 Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy outage map as of 2:30 Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE&nbsp; from Midwest energy as of 2 p.m. via FacebookWe currently have just over 12,000 customers without power, which about 25% of our total customer base. Fortunately, winds have abated and crews are now able to get out and make repairs as needed. Warmer temps are allowing ice to melt off of the wires. The downside: Many roads, especially outside of town, remain challenging but we're just now getting out to inspect the more rural areas. More than half those out now are in the City of Hays; crews are out right now, replacing fuses and repairing burned-down lines, in an effort to get folks back on by evening. Great Bend crews are in the Galatia-Susank area, and Lyons crews east of Ellinwood, making repairs. Out west, linemen are north and south of Brewster, and south of Oakley, identifying and fixing. Customers in more rural circuits could be down for longer; we'll know more when we update tonight at 5 pm. Until then, stay in if you can, and thank you for your patience!-----<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742393431076.png" alt="Regional power outages for Midwest Energy. Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Regional power outages for Midwest Energy. Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAs a blizzard pounds northwest Kansas with wind gusts of up to 70 mph, more than 32,000 Kansans are without electrical power according to <a href="https://poweroutage.us/">poweroutage.us</a>. as of 9: 15 a.m.Counties with the highest number of outages include Ellis, Gove, Graham, Ness, Osborne, Rooks and Russell.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742394216569.png" alt="Midwest Energy outages in Hays at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy outages in Hays at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>In Hays, approximately 4,600 Midwest Energy customers are without electricity, according to the <a href="https://outageviewer.mwenergy.com/">Midwest Energy outage viewer</a>.&nbsp; It includes a large area of west Hays.&nbsp; Earlier this morning, Russell was experiencing a city-wide electrical outage. Three circuits remain down because of galloping power lines in the wind along with heavy snow. Crews are on scene.&nbsp;All highways in northwest Kansas have been closed by the Kansas Department of Transportation because of blizzard conditions and low visibility.I-70 has also been closed in both directions between Salina and the Colorado border.All non-essential travel should be delayed until conditions improve. Motorists currently on the road are advised to seek shelter until the storm moves through.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Update: More than 4,600 Midwest Energy Customers without power in Hays due to blizzard 

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed all highways in its northwest district because of blizzard conditions and low visibility.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has closed all highways in its northwest district because of blizzard conditions and low visibility.I-70 has also been closed in both directions between Salina and the Colorado border.All non-essential travel should be delayed until conditions improve. Motorists currently on the road are advised to seek shelter until the storm moves through.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

All state highways closed in northwest Kansas both directions

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and&nbsp;John Scheck from the Claims Department about claims advocates and tips on filing claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740505767258.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Insurance Planning" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=6ita5-184a2ca-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and&nbsp;John Scheck from the Claims Department about claims advocates and tips on filing claims.

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning on claims advocates, filing insurance claims

27th Street in Hays from Canterbury Road to Commerce Parkway is closed as of 8:35 a.m. Wednesday according to the Ellis County Sheriff's Department. There is zero visibility and vehicles stuck on the road.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol is discouraging travel throughout northwest Kansas due to blowing snow, low visibility and stranded vehicles.

Ellis County Sheriff27th Street in Hays from Canterbury Road to Commerce Parkway is closed as of 8:35 a.m. Wednesday according to the Ellis County Sheriff's Department. There is zero visibility and vehicles stuck on the road.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol is discouraging travel throughout northwest Kansas due to blowing snow, low visibility and stranded vehicles.

27th Street closed from Canterbury to Commerce in Hays

Due to the winter weather conditions, the regular collection of Wednesday’s refuse and recycling in Hays may be delayed several hours. 

In the event that it does not get picked up on Wednesday, please leave your polycarts out and it will be collected on Thursday, March 19. 

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734690570482.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the winter weather conditions, the regular collection of Wednesday’s refuse and recycling in Hays may be delayed several hours. In the event that it does not get picked up on Wednesday, please leave your polycarts out and it will be collected on Thursday, March 19. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Blizzarad causing delay in refuse/recycling collection today in Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The new Hays High School building project is progressing with an opening set for August.&nbsp;

The high school is the most signficant of multiple projects being paid for with a $145 million bond issue.

The current Hays High School will be converted to a middle school with middle school students set to move to their new home in January 2026.

The Hays High principal and Hays USD 489 superintendent March 13 took a group of local relators and a reporter from the Hays Post through the high school construction zone.&nbsp;

"Student collaborative areas, everything is intentional for teaching and learning to blend and combine and bring in career and technical ed and make it all quite visible," Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said.

There are rooms for student collaboration throughout the building. Teachers will not be assigned a classroom, but there are teacher collaborative spaces in each of the learning pods. This gives the school more flexibility and maximizes space. Teachers can plan in the collaborative space instead of occupying a classroom.

Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson told the group the school is being branded in multiple places with the word "Hays," not only to encourgage student pride in their school but their community, which hopefully they will want to live and work in after they complete their education.

Henderson said he foresees the school opening the upstairs track for community members to walk during the day.

Henderson said many community members have expressed concerns about traffic at the new campus. The start times for the two schools will be offset by 10 minutes.

Hays High has never hosted a home football game. They will be able to do that in the new stadium. All of their games have been planned at Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field, Henderson said.

Not pictured is a culinary kitchen for students to learn food service skills, a family and consumer science classroom, and a small playground for students who are interacting with small children during child development classes.

Subjects similar to math, science, English and arts are grouped together to allow for teacher collaboration.

The Hays High students will go from classrooms of about 600 square feet to 900 square feet. The remodel at the current high school will convert three rooms into two. The current middle school has rooms of about 750 square feet. The remodeled building will have 950-square-foot rooms.

There is also a scene shop and dressing room off of the auditorium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742240790855.jpeg" alt="The west side of the athletic wing of the new Hays High School can be seen from what will be a turfed soccer field. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The west side of the athletic wing of the new Hays High School can be seen from what will be a turfed soccer field. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe new Hays High School building project is progressing with an opening set for August.&nbsp;The high school is the most signficant of multiple projects being paid for with a $145 million bond issue.The current Hays High School will be converted to a middle school with middle school students set to move to their new home in January 2026.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742245790960.jpeg" alt="A soccer field that is soon to be turfed. In the distance you can see the current Hays High and green house.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A soccer field that is soon to be turfed. In the distance you can see the current Hays High and green house.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays High principal and Hays USD 489 superintendent March 13 took a group of local relators and a reporter from the Hays Post through the high school construction zone.&nbsp;"Student collaborative areas, everything is intentional for teaching and learning to blend and combine and bring in career and technical ed and make it all quite visible," Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said.There are rooms for student collaboration throughout the building. Teachers will not be assigned a classroom, but there are teacher collaborative spaces in each of the learning pods. This gives the school more flexibility and maximizes space. Teachers can plan in the collaborative space instead of occupying a classroom.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742241363248.jpeg" alt="Construction workers are working in the area that will be a new turfed soccer field. To the right will be a walkway that will connect with what will remain of the current student parking on the west side of the current high school. The greenhouse is going to remain in its current location, but ag students will be able to access it from a short walkway from the athletic wing of the new high school.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Construction workers are working in the area that will be a new turfed soccer field. To the right will be a walkway that will connect with what will remain of the current student parking on the west side of the current high school. The greenhouse is going to remain in its current location, but ag students will be able to access it from a short walkway from the athletic wing of the new high school.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson told the group the school is being branded in multiple places with the word "Hays," not only to encourgage student pride in their school but their community, which hopefully they will want to live and work in after they complete their education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742240569352.jpeg" alt="The main gym from the upper deck. The new gym will be able to accommodate 2,077 people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The main gym from the upper deck. The new gym will be able to accommodate 2,077 people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Henderson said he foresees the school opening the upstairs track for community members to walk during the day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742246113267.jpeg" alt="The auxillary gym under construction at the new Hays High School site. It will accommodate 500 fans. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The auxillary gym under construction at the new Hays High School site. It will accommodate 500 fans. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742246549095.jpeg" alt="The second floor of the HHS weight room.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The second floor of the HHS weight room.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742246785035.jpeg" alt="A view of Hays High School's new football field as seen from the upper floor weight room. What will be the new student parking lot can be seen in the distance to the southwest of the building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of Hays High School's new football field as seen from the upper floor weight room. What will be the new student parking lot can be seen in the distance to the southwest of the building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Henderson said many community members have expressed concerns about traffic at the new campus. The start times for the two schools will be offset by 10 minutes.Hays High has never hosted a home football game. They will be able to do that in the new stadium. All of their games have been planned at Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field, Henderson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742247081307.jpeg" alt="The windows for the Hays High commons curve around the new football field. The English, language, art and performing arts wing can be seen in the distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The windows for the Hays High commons curve around the new football field. The English, language, art and performing arts wing can be seen in the distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742247326972.jpeg" alt="Looking south out of a second floor window of the weight room, you can see where the new Hays High press box will be.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Looking south out of a second floor window of the weight room, you can see where the new Hays High press box will be.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316125848.jpeg" alt="The food servery for the new High School. Students will eat lunch in the new commons. There also will be an outdoor seating area where students can eat during nice weather.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The food servery for the new High School. Students will eat lunch in the new commons. There also will be an outdoor seating area where students can eat during nice weather.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Not pictured is a culinary kitchen for students to learn food service skills, a family and consumer science classroom, and a small playground for students who are interacting with small children during child development classes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316308981.jpeg" alt="Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Doors have yet to be installed. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Doors have yet to be installed. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316354909.jpeg" alt="Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Subjects similar to math, science, English and arts are grouped together to allow for teacher collaboration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316757240.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses a science lab in the new Hays High School. The student work stations will be chemical resistant and on casters and can be pushed into the wall when students are working on labs. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses a science lab in the new Hays High School. The student work stations will be chemical resistant and on casters and can be pushed into the wall when students are working on labs. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316963115.jpeg" alt="Four new tennis courts will be added at Hays High School with capital outlay funds. The existing four courts will be reconditioned. The new facilities will allow the school to host tournaments. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Four new tennis courts will be added at Hays High School with capital outlay funds. The existing four courts will be reconditioned. The new facilities will allow the school to host tournaments. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323649548.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses Hays High's new video studio with a tour group. Students will be able to produce videos for the football and basketball video boards in the studio. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses Hays High's new video studio with a tour group. Students will be able to produce videos for the football and basketball video boards in the studio. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323917849.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the HHS hospitality room, which will have a wall of windows that look out over the new football stadium. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the HHS hospitality room, which will have a wall of windows that look out over the new football stadium. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324024997.jpeg" alt="A view of the Hays High commons from the second floor pedestrian bridge.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of the Hays High commons from the second floor pedestrian bridge.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324103801.jpeg" alt="The Hays High commons and pedestrian bridge looking east. The railing that will be installed the length of the bridge can be seen in the foreground.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High commons and pedestrian bridge looking east. The railing that will be installed the length of the bridge can be seen in the foreground.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324228814.jpeg" alt="The learning stairs that are in the new Hays High commons. Students can gather here to study, eat lunch or for class presentations.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The learning stairs that are in the new Hays High commons. Students can gather here to study, eat lunch or for class presentations.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742325677847.jpeg" alt="View of the new Hays High School football field from the pedestrian bridge in the commons. Turfing of the field will begin soon. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>View of the new Hays High School football field from the pedestrian bridge in the commons. Turfing of the field will begin soon. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742325940647.jpeg" alt="A view of the student entrance of the new Hays High School from the upper deck of commons pedestrian bridge. Most of the student parking will now be on this side of the school. The office can be seen on the lower floor to the left.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of the student entrance of the new Hays High School from the upper deck of commons pedestrian bridge. Most of the student parking will now be on this side of the school. The office can be seen on the lower floor to the left.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742326304404.jpeg" alt="A view of the Hays High athletic wing from the commons.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of the Hays High athletic wing from the commons.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742326421949.jpeg" alt="The Hays High band room has a door that will allow the marching band to go directly onto the football field. Private contributions also supported practice rooms and instrument storage.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High band room has a door that will allow the marching band to go directly onto the football field. Private contributions also supported practice rooms and instrument storage.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742326820230.jpeg" alt="An art room at the new Hays High School building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An art room at the new Hays High School building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays High students will go from classrooms of about 600 square feet to 900 square feet. The remodel at the current high school will convert three rooms into two. The current middle school has rooms of about 750 square feet. The remodeled building will have 950-square-foot rooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742327038325.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the language arts rooms. The two rooms, which will be for German and Spanish, will be divided by a partion and can be opened into one room. Off of each room is a small kitchenette so the students can learn about the cuisine of other cultures.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the language arts rooms. The two rooms, which will be for German and Spanish, will be divided by a partion and can be opened into one room. Off of each room is a small kitchenette so the students can learn about the cuisine of other cultures.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742327527786.jpeg" alt="The auditorium of the high school looking into the seating area from the stage. The new facility will accommodate 800 audience members. The current high school does not have an auditorium.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The auditorium of the high school looking into the seating area from the stage. The new facility will accommodate 800 audience members. The current high school does not have an auditorium.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>There is also a scene shop and dressing room off of the auditorium.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742327652846.jpeg" alt="The new Hays High School commons looking west. The learning stairs can be seen in the background.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new Hays High School commons looking west. The learning stairs can be seen in the background.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Update on new Hays High School construction

The Hays Public Library has hired a new Children’s Coordinator, who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.

Plainville native, Jami Morain, studied at Emporia State University and Washburn University. She discovered her love of working at a library while volunteering at the Plainville Memorial Library.

About her new position, Morain said, “I wanted to work at the library because I grew up going to my local library. Those ladies are so wonderful, and I hope to make an impact on these kids, like my librarians made on me.”

Morain began working at the Hays Public Library on March 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742318721343.png" alt="Jami Morain, Children's Coordinator, Hays Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Jami Morain, Children's Coordinator, Hays Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Public LibraryThe Hays Public Library has hired a new Children’s Coordinator, who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.Plainville native, Jami Morain, studied at Emporia State University and Washburn University. She discovered her love of working at a library while volunteering at the Plainville Memorial Library.About her new position, Morain said, “I wanted to work at the library because I grew up going to my local library. Those ladies are so wonderful, and I hope to make an impact on these kids, like my librarians made on me.”Morain began working at the Hays Public Library on March 3.

Hays Public Library hires children’s coordinator

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Tuesday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Israel A.&nbsp;McClay, 32, Colorado, was southbound on U.S. 83 and Eagle Eye Road.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at a stop sign. The pickup left the roadway south of U.S. 40, began to roll on County Road 430.

EMS transported&nbsp;McClay to the&nbsp;Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Tuesday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Israel A.&nbsp;McClay, 32, Colorado, was southbound on U.S. 83 and Eagle Eye Road.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at a stop sign. The pickup left the roadway south of U.S. 40, began to roll on County Road 430.EMS transported&nbsp;McClay to the&nbsp;Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after NW Kansas rollover accident

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

A 12-member team of student delegates from Fort Hays State University journeyed to St. Louis, Mo., to compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition. The competition took place between February 19-22 and involved more than 200 college students from across the United States.

“Last year, we sent a team of five to St. Louis and won a single Honorable Mention award. This year, with 12 delegates, we won eight awards and finished number three in the award count,” said FHSU Model UN advisor and associate professor of political science, Dr. Jay Steinmetz. &nbsp;

Model UN is a competitive collegiate experience where student delegates advance UN policy in specific committees and work toward resolutions that can ultimately pass the main plenary body. The competition is a superior test of each student’s skills in public speaking, writing resolutions, following rules of order, and researching specific countries and that country’s policy stances. &nbsp;

Students work incredibly hard to prepare for intense competition days filled with negotiations, responses to crisis events, positioning their teams and individuals as principal sponsors and writers of resolutions, and building alliances.

“The competition is dynamic, fluid, intense,” Steinmetz said. “The students love it—in my experience, I have observed that students like strict professionalism and the demands and rigors of intense negotiations; all of this makes the conference more fun and impactful for them.”

This year in St. Louis, four-person teams from FHSU represented the nations of Finland, Moldova, and Ethiopia. The 2025 team included students from diverse backgrounds, majors, home countries, and policy perspectives.

“We had Biology majors, Informatics majors, Music majors, Honor’s College students, student-athletes, local students from western Kansas, and international students from Israel, Senegal, and Togo,” said Daniel Bechle, a sophomore from Aurora, Colo.

Bechle was one of four FHSU students to take home an individual award. He was selected by the other Model UN delegates to receive the Delegates Choice award. 

Other individual award winners include Luke Hampl, a junior from Andover who took home a Position Paper Award; Mayan Paz, a sophomore from Israel, who won the Most Distinguished Delegate Award; and Mickey Mason, a senior from Ulysses, who earned an Honorable Mention Delegation Award.

“I think we earned a lot of respect this year,” Bechle said. “We raised the profile of our program and made some new friends, including a delegate from Johnson County Community College, who I am trying to get to transfer to FHSU.”

Hannah Caycedo from Manhattan was a member of FHSU’s team of delegates that represented the nation of Ethiopia and a high school senior in FHSU’s Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) residential college program.

“I was nervous, especially with the part where we had to research existing UN precedents and write proposals based on those precedents,” Caycedo said. “I got more comfortable as the competition progressed and enjoyed working with the delegates representing Mozambique and South Africa on a youth disarmament initiative.”&nbsp;

Plans are underway for the FHSU team to return to competition next academic year, including a trip to Chicago for the November American Model United Nations conference. Plans are also underway to bring the Model UN experience to western Kansas. The inaugural Heartland Model UN Conference is tentatively scheduled for October of this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741345113191.jpeg" alt="Student delegates from Fort Hays State University compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition in St. Lous. Photo courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Student delegates from Fort Hays State University compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition in St. Lous. Photo courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsA 12-member team of student delegates from Fort Hays State University journeyed to St. Louis, Mo., to compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition. The competition took place between February 19-22 and involved more than 200 college students from across the United States.“Last year, we sent a team of five to St. Louis and won a single Honorable Mention award. This year, with 12 delegates, we won eight awards and finished number three in the award count,” said FHSU Model UN advisor and associate professor of political science, Dr. Jay Steinmetz. &nbsp;Model UN is a competitive collegiate experience where student delegates advance UN policy in specific committees and work toward resolutions that can ultimately pass the main plenary body. The competition is a superior test of each student’s skills in public speaking, writing resolutions, following rules of order, and researching specific countries and that country’s policy stances. &nbsp;Students work incredibly hard to prepare for intense competition days filled with negotiations, responses to crisis events, positioning their teams and individuals as principal sponsors and writers of resolutions, and building alliances.“The competition is dynamic, fluid, intense,” Steinmetz said. “The students love it—in my experience, I have observed that students like strict professionalism and the demands and rigors of intense negotiations; all of this makes the conference more fun and impactful for them.”This year in St. Louis, four-person teams from FHSU represented the nations of Finland, Moldova, and Ethiopia. The 2025 team included students from diverse backgrounds, majors, home countries, and policy perspectives.“We had Biology majors, Informatics majors, Music majors, Honor’s College students, student-athletes, local students from western Kansas, and international students from Israel, Senegal, and Togo,” said Daniel Bechle, a sophomore from Aurora, Colo.Bechle was one of four FHSU students to take home an individual award. He was selected by the other Model UN delegates to receive the Delegates Choice award. Other individual award winners include Luke Hampl, a junior from Andover who took home a Position Paper Award; Mayan Paz, a sophomore from Israel, who won the Most Distinguished Delegate Award; and Mickey Mason, a senior from Ulysses, who earned an Honorable Mention Delegation Award.“I think we earned a lot of respect this year,” Bechle said. “We raised the profile of our program and made some new friends, including a delegate from Johnson County Community College, who I am trying to get to transfer to FHSU.”Hannah Caycedo from Manhattan was a member of FHSU’s team of delegates that represented the nation of Ethiopia and a high school senior in FHSU’s Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) residential college program.“I was nervous, especially with the part where we had to research existing UN precedents and write proposals based on those precedents,” Caycedo said. “I got more comfortable as the competition progressed and enjoyed working with the delegates representing Mozambique and South Africa on a youth disarmament initiative.”&nbsp;Plans are underway for the FHSU team to return to competition next academic year, including a trip to Chicago for the November American Model United Nations conference. Plans are also underway to bring the Model UN experience to western Kansas. The inaugural Heartland Model UN Conference is tentatively scheduled for October of this year.

FHSU team brings home 8 awards from Midwest Model United Nations competition

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

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

*Add $583 for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be grape juice, whole grain pasta macaroni, peaches, dark red kidney beans, chicken breast, pollock, chicken drums tray, v-cut green beans, spinach, and peanut butter.

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernment surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,632 Household of one $2,215 Household of two $2,798 Household of three $3,380 Household of four $3,963 Household of five $4,546 Household of six $5,129 Household of seven $5,712 Household of eight*Add $583 for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be grape juice, whole grain pasta macaroni, peaches, dark red kidney beans, chicken breast, pollock, chicken drums tray, v-cut green beans, spinach, and peanut butter.Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Food commodities to be distributed in Hays March 25

DECATUR COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Tuesday in Decatur County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Sportsman ATV driven by Brad K. Larson, 64, was eastbound in the 400 Block of L. Lane five miles south of U.S. 36.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle when his tool box dislodged and struck him. The ATV entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its right side.

EMS transported Larson to&nbsp;Decatur Health for treatment of serious injuries. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

DECATUR COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Tuesday in Decatur County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Sportsman ATV driven by Brad K. Larson, 64, was eastbound in the 400 Block of L. Lane five miles south of U.S. 36.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle when his tool box dislodged and struck him. The ATV entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its right side.EMS transported Larson to&nbsp;Decatur Health for treatment of serious injuries. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after ATV accident

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742333560571.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound lanes of I-70 at Oakley and westbound lanes between Salina and Hays.

The remaining I-70 closure is on the westbound lanes between Hays and Oakley due to vehicles blocking the roadway. Road conditions have improved across much of the region, and motorists may consider using alternate routes while the closure remains in effect.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound lanes of I-70 at Oakley and westbound lanes between Salina and Hays.The remaining I-70 closure is on the westbound lanes between Hays and Oakley due to vehicles blocking the roadway. Road conditions have improved across much of the region, and motorists may consider using alternate routes while the closure remains in effect.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

UPDATE: KDOT reopens additional portions of I-70 in northwest Kansas

Legislative coffee April 1 in Ellis

Hungry Heartland documents the challenges — and triumphs — of Kansans when affordable food isn't easily accessible.

By&nbsp;MARCIA LOCKE <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">K-State College of Arts and Sciences</a>

MANHATTAN — The story of food insecurity in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dightonkansas.com/">Dighton, Kansas</a>, isn't about when the town's only grocery store burned down in January 2024, but what happened next.

Neighbors immediately worked together to coordinate grocery runs to other towns, and those other grocery stores soon began offering food delivery service. A Dighton community member later opened a space on Main Street to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week.

It was an incredible story of a Kansas community's resilience in the face of potentially becoming a food desert, and one that Io Schmalzried, a recent graduate in social transformation studies and mass communications, got to tell about her hometown&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66d0e1ad5675d972ee5f4d8e/t/67c8909943bc73513f44741b/1741197475885/Hungry+Heartland+Dighton+Kansas+Photo+Essay-%28Io%29Tyler+Schmalzried+%281%29.pdf">through a photo essay</a>&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland storytelling project</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University.

The project, led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty members and students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, is asking—and showing—why healthy and affordable food is out of reach for many people in the nation’s breadbasket. The project aims to both educate about food insecurity and give students real-world experience producing impactful multimedia stories.“

The <a href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland project</a> not only tells moving stories of solutions to food access issues but also helps students learn more deeply how these issues affect their neighbors, classmates and families in every corner of Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/tom-hallaq.html">Tom Hallaq</a>, associate professor in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication</a>. “Students gain valuable, faculty-mentored experience as the stories and artwork they produce become catalysts to spark conversation and change in those communities.”

The six-year project has produced art exhibits, academic articles and a Silver Telly Award-winning documentary called, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIKtkIWpyM">The Empty Breadbasket: When the Land that Feeds the World Cannot Feed Itself</a>,” directed by Hallaq and the late Ian Punnett, professor in the Miller School. It aired on Topeka public television’s KTWU in 2022.

A more recent partnership with the social transformation studies department’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedStoriesLab">Engaged Stories Lab</a>&nbsp;has strengthened the project’s power of storytelling.

“The Hungry Heartland documentary is one of the star storytelling projects of the lab,” said Valerie Padilla Carroll, interim head of the social transformation studies department. “Through the work of engaged students and faculty, this documentary is collecting and archiving important Kansas stories of resilience and empowering Kansas community members to share their food access challenges and triumphs.”

The Hungry Heartland project&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=95400">recently received its second Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;from the university’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>. The grant encourages scholars to collaborate across different fields, showcase rural Kansas communities and bring awareness to obstacles faced by them.

Other project directors are Shreepad Joglekar, Lindy E. Bell Head of the department of art, and Han Yu, professor of English.“Projects like Hungry Heartland exemplify the College of Arts and Sciences’ mission to prepare students for responsible citizenry and career success and contribute to the betterment of society,’” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “Our students and faculty examine some of society’s most pressing challenges—like food insecurity—to make a difference for Kansans, the nation and the world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882677511.jpeg" alt="As part of the Hungry Heartland storytelling project, Julia Alley — a 2021 K-State graduate in fine arts — documented food insecurity in Cuba, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>As part of the Hungry Heartland storytelling project, Julia Alley — a 2021 K-State graduate in fine arts — documented food insecurity in Cuba, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hungry Heartland documents the challenges — and triumphs — of Kansans when affordable food isn't easily accessible.</h2>By&nbsp;MARCIA LOCKE <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">K-State College of Arts and Sciences</a>MANHATTAN — The story of food insecurity in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dightonkansas.com/">Dighton, Kansas</a>, isn't about when the town's only grocery store burned down in January 2024, but what happened next.Neighbors immediately worked together to coordinate grocery runs to other towns, and those other grocery stores soon began offering food delivery service. A Dighton community member later opened a space on Main Street to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week.It was an incredible story of a Kansas community's resilience in the face of potentially becoming a food desert, and one that Io Schmalzried, a recent graduate in social transformation studies and mass communications, got to tell about her hometown&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66d0e1ad5675d972ee5f4d8e/t/67c8909943bc73513f44741b/1741197475885/Hungry+Heartland+Dighton+Kansas+Photo+Essay-%28Io%29Tyler+Schmalzried+%281%29.pdf">through a photo essay</a>&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland storytelling project</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University.The project, led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty members and students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, is asking—and showing—why healthy and affordable food is out of reach for many people in the nation’s breadbasket. The project aims to both educate about food insecurity and give students real-world experience producing impactful multimedia stories.“The <a href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland project</a> not only tells moving stories of solutions to food access issues but also helps students learn more deeply how these issues affect their neighbors, classmates and families in every corner of Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/tom-hallaq.html">Tom Hallaq</a>, associate professor in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication</a>. “Students gain valuable, faculty-mentored experience as the stories and artwork they produce become catalysts to spark conversation and change in those communities.”<div><iframe width="876" height="493" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/okAXLm0TKyA" title="Empty Breadbasket" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The six-year project has produced art exhibits, academic articles and a Silver Telly Award-winning documentary called, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIKtkIWpyM">The Empty Breadbasket: When the Land that Feeds the World Cannot Feed Itself</a>,” directed by Hallaq and the late Ian Punnett, professor in the Miller School. It aired on Topeka public television’s KTWU in 2022.A more recent partnership with the social transformation studies department’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedStoriesLab">Engaged Stories Lab</a>&nbsp;has strengthened the project’s power of storytelling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882481542.jpeg" alt="Hungry Heartland, an interdisciplinary storytelling project at Kansas State University, documents the realities, challenges and triumphs of addressing food insecurity in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Hungry Heartland, an interdisciplinary storytelling project at Kansas State University, documents the realities, challenges and triumphs of addressing food insecurity in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Hungry Heartland documentary is one of the star storytelling projects of the lab,” said Valerie Padilla Carroll, interim head of the social transformation studies department. “Through the work of engaged students and faculty, this documentary is collecting and archiving important Kansas stories of resilience and empowering Kansas community members to share their food access challenges and triumphs.”The Hungry Heartland project&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=95400">recently received its second Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;from the university’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>. The grant encourages scholars to collaborate across different fields, showcase rural Kansas communities and bring awareness to obstacles faced by them.Other project directors are Shreepad Joglekar, Lindy E. Bell Head of the department of art, and Han Yu, professor of English.“Projects like Hungry Heartland exemplify the College of Arts and Sciences’ mission to prepare students for responsible citizenry and career success and contribute to the betterment of society,’” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “Our students and faculty examine some of society’s most pressing challenges—like food insecurity—to make a difference for Kansans, the nation and the world.”

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