By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Fire Department hosted 17 firefighters and law enforcement officers for an intensive fire investigation course during the last two weeks.

On Wednesday, instructors burned three cars and three furniture and appliance cells to give the class members opportunities to practice fire investigation hands-on.

"We're learning to look at fires a little bit differently," Shane Preston, Hays deputy fire chief, said. "We go and put them out, but what we're trying to get more in-depth into what happened.

"Our biggest focus when we investigate these fires is 'Is it something preventable?'"

When a fire is caused by a malfunctioning appliance or a defect in a vehicle, those instances are reported to the insurance company and can contribute to recalls.

The investigators are also looking for intentionally set fires, Preston said.

"How do we go about doing that correctly to build a case to take it before a court?" he said.

The investigators learned about proper documentation and detection of burn patterns. They saw a demonstration from dogs that can detect accelerants.

The students learned about electricity and fire, explosions, interviews and interrogations, and wildfires.

"We're looking at burn patterns and all the little details normally we haven't been looking at," Preston said. "We're getting a little more focused on that."

Instructors placed data collection devices in the furniture/appliance burn cells. These devices record the heat during the fires and help track smoke patterns.

Preston said this data helps in the investigation of fires, as well as in prevention and firefighting. The data helps firefighters know where to attack the fire and areas that need to be cooled inside the fire.

"We'll apply that information to our frontline firefighters who will be going in," he said.&nbsp;

Members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on hand to discuss how the ATF can assist local fire and law enforcement agencies in investigating large-scale fires.

The training was attended by members of the Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department, Hays Police Department, Ellis County Sheriff's Department, and staff from Russell, Topeka, and the fire marshall's office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713459649637.jpeg" alt="Instructors with a fire investigation class taught this week in Hays watch as a car burns on Wednesday. Three cars were burned so class members could get hands-on experience in fire investigation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Instructors with a fire investigation class taught this week in Hays watch as a car burns on Wednesday. Three cars were burned so class members could get hands-on experience in fire investigation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Fire Department hosted 17 firefighters and law enforcement officers for an intensive fire investigation course during the last two weeks.On Wednesday, instructors burned three cars and three furniture and appliance cells to give the class members opportunities to practice fire investigation hands-on."We're learning to look at fires a little bit differently," Shane Preston, Hays deputy fire chief, said. "We go and put them out, but what we're trying to get more in-depth into what happened."Our biggest focus when we investigate these fires is 'Is it something preventable?'"<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MJPJNgFNYM4?si=fwdB8GTsdzPxcOO2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>When a fire is caused by a malfunctioning appliance or a defect in a vehicle, those instances are reported to the insurance company and can contribute to recalls.The investigators are also looking for intentionally set fires, Preston said."How do we go about doing that correctly to build a case to take it before a court?" he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464261182.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigators learned about proper documentation and detection of burn patterns. They saw a demonstration from dogs that can detect accelerants.The students learned about electricity and fire, explosions, interviews and interrogations, and wildfires."We're looking at burn patterns and all the little details normally we haven't been looking at," Preston said. "We're getting a little more focused on that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464364547.jpeg" alt="Firefighters extinguish a car fire Wednesday at the fire training facility in Hays. The car was burned as part of a fire investigation class this week. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters extinguish a car fire Wednesday at the fire training facility in Hays. The car was burned as part of a fire investigation class this week. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Instructors placed data collection devices in the furniture/appliance burn cells. These devices record the heat during the fires and help track smoke patterns.Preston said this data helps in the investigation of fires, as well as in prevention and firefighting. The data helps firefighters know where to attack the fire and areas that need to be cooled inside the fire."We'll apply that information to our frontline firefighters who will be going in," he said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464432147.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on hand to discuss how the ATF can assist local fire and law enforcement agencies in investigating large-scale fires.The training was attended by members of the Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department, Hays Police Department, Ellis County Sheriff's Department, and staff from Russell, Topeka, and the fire marshall's office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464474548.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464507631.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464542763.jpeg" alt="An instructor with a fire investigation class taught this week in Hays watches as a car burns on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An instructor with a fire investigation class taught this week in Hays watches as a car burns on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464572181.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464598029.jpeg" alt="Firefighters stand at the ready to extinguish a car fire. The fire was set as part of a fire investigation class this week in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters stand at the ready to extinguish a car fire. The fire was set as part of a fire investigation class this week in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464637679.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464667845.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464706165.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464723314.jpeg" alt="A firefighter chops into the trunk of a car during fire training. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter chops into the trunk of a car during fire training. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464749532.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464777779.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464844098.jpeg" alt="A dummy made out of old fire hose was used to simulate a victim during a fire investigation class. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A dummy made out of old fire hose was used to simulate a victim during a fire investigation class. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464894813.jpeg" alt="Three cars were burned Wednesday at the fire training facility as part of a fire investigation class. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three cars were burned Wednesday at the fire training facility as part of a fire investigation class. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 📷 Hays hosts fire investigation training

On Monday, April 22, the Hays Fire Department will have a grand opening for Fire Station No. 3 at 1732 W. 41st St. from 3 to 5 p.m. 

The public is invited to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Members of the Hays Fire Department will be on hand to give tours of the new facility.

The Chamber in Hays will assist with a firehose uncoupling, which is traditional for a new fire station, instead of a ribbon cutting. This ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. following comments.

Fire Station No. 3 was established to ensure short response times to emergencies as the city continues to develop to the northwest. Fire department staff will be split between the new location and Fire Station No. 1 at 1507 Main St.

The design concept of the new building allows it to seamlessly fit in with the existing neighborhood. The facility is just more than 12,000 square feet and is designed to be staffed by five firefighters.

PWC Inc. of Hays served as the general contractor.

Fire Station No. 2 is at the Hays Regional Airport and is staffed according to the commercial flight schedule.

For additional information about the Hays Fire Department, call 785-628-7330.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713468942432.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn Monday, April 22, the Hays Fire Department will have a grand opening for Fire Station No. 3 at 1732 W. 41st St. from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Members of the Hays Fire Department will be on hand to give tours of the new facility.The Chamber in Hays will assist with a firehose uncoupling, which is traditional for a new fire station, instead of a ribbon cutting. This ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. following comments.Fire Station No. 3 was established to ensure short response times to emergencies as the city continues to develop to the northwest. Fire department staff will be split between the new location and Fire Station No. 1 at 1507 Main St.The design concept of the new building allows it to seamlessly fit in with the existing neighborhood. The facility is just more than 12,000 square feet and is designed to be staffed by five firefighters.PWC Inc. of Hays served as the general contractor.Fire Station No. 2 is at the Hays Regional Airport and is staffed according to the commercial flight schedule.For additional information about the Hays Fire Department, call 785-628-7330.

New Hays fire station to have grand opening Monday

HILL CITY —&nbsp;U-Haul Co. of Kansas, Inc. is pleased to announce that B&amp;B Tire signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Hill City community.

B&amp;B Tire at 619 W. Main St. will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (785) 421-9125 or visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.YhHu26dlQ-2Fz9yH-2Fk6Pznj1yzEbEFnD3HNrbhi42jJS1sD3vOj5WnDeuOUGtnCvcUzeW-2BbbYO-2FtxbXDUiBgaVFvWs6rDLNtzvGoVfkotJjgpc12-2BPZkBXUBV-2B5RvZeA50pBNA_ai5o7a2ztpywqx-2FSZEU1mC0k3plQ2hEmdQsqZCH-2FtSbSauz5CcYpHe7spQkrAj9oH-2BR6QRGw0-2FZasFyjLybMwCUU33u8jar4i3MkB8tSsLm0ityVLWnO4tM1os2Qsv8tZQ-2Fqq3WLatHUMcBNJsqu4MTawsdOiARYhCv07XEYckx-2FLXsOXczfRXddsEjBhhBWJa-2BykBL-2FgX6kAvLNDrup5mnNBPk3js9IH-2BMmiUAR3E6XphPFTstXF1WcFT8jriAkVnvLXhuIXZnCLJv7C7pIcHMBQt1fz7biuGtJDeHdyoY9BsAG4ebytq8Igaguh6yt1EGcfsMESHS8oe81yIyYmh5kgAd86YusVt4lVlo-2FZXZM7YEyzF7SU00W6I-2BYfFzh">https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Hill-City-KS-67642/011137/</a>&nbsp;today.

B&amp;B Tire owner Brad Roy is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of Graham County.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.

SubmittedHILL CITY —&nbsp;U-Haul Co. of Kansas, Inc. is pleased to announce that B&amp;B Tire signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Hill City community.B&amp;B Tire at 619 W. Main St. will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (785) 421-9125 or visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.YhHu26dlQ-2Fz9yH-2Fk6Pznj1yzEbEFnD3HNrbhi42jJS1sD3vOj5WnDeuOUGtnCvcUzeW-2BbbYO-2FtxbXDUiBgaVFvWs6rDLNtzvGoVfkotJjgpc12-2BPZkBXUBV-2B5RvZeA50pBNA_ai5o7a2ztpywqx-2FSZEU1mC0k3plQ2hEmdQsqZCH-2FtSbSauz5CcYpHe7spQkrAj9oH-2BR6QRGw0-2FZasFyjLybMwCUU33u8jar4i3MkB8tSsLm0ityVLWnO4tM1os2Qsv8tZQ-2Fqq3WLatHUMcBNJsqu4MTawsdOiARYhCv07XEYckx-2FLXsOXczfRXddsEjBhhBWJa-2BykBL-2FgX6kAvLNDrup5mnNBPk3js9IH-2BMmiUAR3E6XphPFTstXF1WcFT8jriAkVnvLXhuIXZnCLJv7C7pIcHMBQt1fz7biuGtJDeHdyoY9BsAG4ebytq8Igaguh6yt1EGcfsMESHS8oe81yIyYmh5kgAd86YusVt4lVlo-2FZXZM7YEyzF7SU00W6I-2BYfFzh">https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Hill-City-KS-67642/011137/</a>&nbsp;today.B&amp;B Tire owner Brad Roy is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of Graham County.U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.

B&B Tire joins U-Haul to serve Hill City movers

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Chamber in Hays</a>

The Chamber in Hays is pleased to announce tickets are now available for the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/events/10th-annual-plinko-patio-party-sponsored-by-stone-house-spirit-and-cigar">Stone House Spirit and Cigar Plinko Patio Party</a>, set to take place on May 3, in conjunction with the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament at the Smoky Hill Country Club.&nbsp;

Tickets are $25 and will remain on sale through today.

This annual tradition, now in its 10th year, allows area residents who do not play golf to enjoy a day at the prestigious country club while supporting the Chamber during the tournament.

Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber, expressed her excitement about this year's Plinko Patio Party.

"The Plinko Patio Party has become a cherished tradition in our community, offering a unique and fun-filled experience for all attendees,” Wasinger said. “It's a fantastic opportunity for our residents to come together, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Smoky Hill Country Club, and support the important work of the Chamber."

The Plinko Patio Party features entertainment and activities, including the namesake Plinko game, gives attendees a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses and community partners, a Taco Bar and cocktails.

Attendees will also have access to an exclusive raffle featuring a cocktail mixology basket, valued at more than $100, provided by Stone House Spirit and Cigar.&nbsp;

Raffle tickets are priced at $1 each or six for $5.

“The Chamber extends its heartfelt gratitude to Stone House Spirit and Cigar for their generous support as the title sponsor of this year's Plinko Patio Party and Raffle and their raffle contributions,” Wasinger said. “As a new business in Hays, their commitment to our community and dedication to making this event a success is commendable.”

Along with the Plinko Patio Party, attendees will have full access to associated tournament events going on throughout the day, including the main Golf Tournament raffle, featuring two prize options: a liquor and cooler package valued at more than $800 and a golf package valued at more than $1,000.

Those raffle tickets are priced at one for $20 or three for $50.

Attendees may also participate in the tournament silent auction and a 50/50 split-the-pot.

For more information or to register for The Plinko Patio Party, visit The Chamber's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/events/10th-annual-plinko-patio-party-sponsored-by-stone-house-spirit-and-cigar">hayschamber.com.</a>&nbsp;

“Don't miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable event and support the Chamber's mission to foster economic growth and prosperity in our community,” Wasinger said. “Grab your tickets today, and join us for a day of fun, fellowship and philanthropy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713390723848.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Chamber in Hays</a>The Chamber in Hays is pleased to announce tickets are now available for the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/events/10th-annual-plinko-patio-party-sponsored-by-stone-house-spirit-and-cigar">Stone House Spirit and Cigar Plinko Patio Party</a>, set to take place on May 3, in conjunction with the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament at the Smoky Hill Country Club.&nbsp;Tickets are $25 and will remain on sale through today.This annual tradition, now in its 10th year, allows area residents who do not play golf to enjoy a day at the prestigious country club while supporting the Chamber during the tournament.Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber, expressed her excitement about this year's Plinko Patio Party."The Plinko Patio Party has become a cherished tradition in our community, offering a unique and fun-filled experience for all attendees,” Wasinger said. “It's a fantastic opportunity for our residents to come together, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Smoky Hill Country Club, and support the important work of the Chamber."The Plinko Patio Party features entertainment and activities, including the namesake Plinko game, gives attendees a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses and community partners, a Taco Bar and cocktails.Attendees will also have access to an exclusive raffle featuring a cocktail mixology basket, valued at more than $100, provided by Stone House Spirit and Cigar.&nbsp;Raffle tickets are priced at $1 each or six for $5.“The Chamber extends its heartfelt gratitude to Stone House Spirit and Cigar for their generous support as the title sponsor of this year's Plinko Patio Party and Raffle and their raffle contributions,” Wasinger said. “As a new business in Hays, their commitment to our community and dedication to making this event a success is commendable.”Along with the Plinko Patio Party, attendees will have full access to associated tournament events going on throughout the day, including the main Golf Tournament raffle, featuring two prize options: a liquor and cooler package valued at more than $800 and a golf package valued at more than $1,000.Those raffle tickets are priced at one for $20 or three for $50.Attendees may also participate in the tournament silent auction and a 50/50 split-the-pot.For more information or to register for The Plinko Patio Party, visit The Chamber's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/events/10th-annual-plinko-patio-party-sponsored-by-stone-house-spirit-and-cigar">hayschamber.com.</a>&nbsp;“Don't miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable event and support the Chamber's mission to foster economic growth and prosperity in our community,” Wasinger said. “Grab your tickets today, and join us for a day of fun, fellowship and philanthropy.”

Tickets now available for Chamber in Hays Plinko Patio Party

<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/2024/4/1713459247280.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

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Ginger Shook of Hoisington!

She heard the code word on 101.9 The Bull.

Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.&nbsp;

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Ginger Shook of Hoisington!She heard the code word on 101.9 The Bull.Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.&nbsp;<div><div data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="b83653f7-0492-4703-9812-ad45a125bfc8" data-routing="hash" data-script="r9ka10"></div>
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Thursday's Cash Grab winner is....

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A group aiming to have a polling location placed on the Fort
Hay State University campus presented the Ellis County Clerk and Election
Officer with a list of more than 450 names in support of the initiative this
week.

Fort Hays State University student Madison Albers, from
Goodland, presented the list of 480 people who signed the petition to County
Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling Tuesday afternoon.

Albers was joined
by Hays residents and Fort Hays State graduates Anna Towns and Anniston Weber, as
well as two representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.&nbsp;

In a letter to the editor in March, Albers argued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/publications/all-democracy-still-local">research shows that in Kansas, having more polling locations in a county has the highest correlation with voter turnout. Fewer voters per poll means a poll is less crowded, has shorter lines, and that voters have less average distance to travel</a>, she said.

Albers and McCord said in a June 2023 letter to the editor they had approached Dreiling about two locations for polling locations at FHSU. Dreiling expressed issues with accessibility at the Memorial Union and availability at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ee55548-9bdd-4bc1-b153-779b4ead3926">LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">LETTER: Ellis County Clerk answers questions on polling locations</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Changes announced to two Hays voting sites</a>

A Hays Post reporter was in the meeting when the petition was presented Tuesday. The two parties had little discussion on Tuesday. Dreiling declined to comment to the group and chose to look
over the petition before commenting to Hays Post later in the day on Tuesday.&nbsp;

She said she has seriously considered the group’s prior proposals
and has had several conversations with them, but as the Ellis County Election Officer, it is her job to represent all of the county's voters.

“I want to make it equally accessible for everybody that's
going to be voting, whether it be students or actual residents of Ellis County,”
Dreiling said. 

She added that the numbers do not show a need for an
additional polling location on campus.

According to Chief FHSU Communications Officer Scott Cason,
about 1,500 of the 3,600 students who attend classes on campus live on
the FHSU campus in Hays.

Dreiling said voter registration data shows fewer than 30
college students live in the dorms and are registered in Ellis County. Fewer
than 250 total registered voters live on campus and the surrounding area,
according to Dreiling.

A common misconception is that all students and staff
members would be able to cast their ballot at an on-campus location.

Voters have to vote in their precinct, which is determined by their address.

Only voters who live near the FHSU campus could cast a ballot at that location.

Dreiling said she has reached out to fellow county clerks
around that state for advice, and no other similar size college town offers on-campus
polling locations. That includes Washburn University in Topeka, Pittsburg State
University in Pittsburg and Emporia State University in Emporia.

Dreiling said the group that is pushing for the on-campus polling location has several times compared
voter turnout for Hays to Lawrence and the University of Kansas campus, but it
is not a fair comparison. 

If the on-campus population at FHSU was the size of the University
of Kansas, Dreiling said she would absolutely place a polling location on
campus.

The recent effort by students to have a polling location placed on campus is not new at FHSU. Dreiling said the attempts go back
the better part of three decades, and she has relied on the advice of the three
prior Ellis County clerks and other county clerks throughout the state when
making her decision.

“They're (the students) not seeing the big picture of the
feasibility and the economics of it,” Dreiling said. “I'm not doing it to spite
them. I'm doing it because not only myself but three prior clerks have all
turned them down, for good reason, and the feasibility of it, it's not there.”

Dreiling said if she chooses to make any changes, she may
consider re-opening the polling location at 601 Main St. 

That polling location, home to the Cottonwood Extension
District, was closed along with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal
Blvd., in Hays last May.

The 601 Main St. location was closed due to voter turnout of
less than 10 percent over the last eight elections.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church was closed to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000
Main St., was chosen as its replacement.

Dreiling said re-opening a polling location at 601
Main St. would be consistent with the centrally located polling locations, allowing all voters to easily access the polls.

Dreiling said she would look over the petition but
was disappointed that it did not contain actual signatures or contact
information for those whose names were on it.

She said she hopes to be able to talk with those individuals,
like she has done throughout the process, who may have not heard both sides. That
includes conversations Dreiling has had with influential leaders
within the Fort Hays State and Hays communities.

While the majority of the people who signed the
petition said they are from Ellis County and are FHSU students, Dreiling said she has not heard from any other FHSU students outside of Albers and Grace McCord.

“I haven't had one student contact me, other than Madison
and Grace, that said we need a polling location on campus” Dreiling said. 

She added, other than Towns and Weber, “Not one resident of Ellis County, that's a
taxpayer, has contacted me to relocate their polling location to the college.” 

McCord and Albers served as co-coordinators of the American
Democracy Project at FHSU. 

Dreiling also took issue with a report from the ACLU that
presents incorrect voter turnout numbers.

The ACLU reported that the voter turnout rate in Ellis
County between 2022 and 2018 dropped by almost 8%, which
was among the highest in the state.

Those figures are inaccurate, according to the official post-canvas
voting report.

In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 54.3% in Ellis County, with 10,612 of the 19,526 registered voters casting ballots. In
2018, 58.8% of the 17,800 registered voters in Ellis County voted.

That is a difference of 4.5% from 2022 to 2018, not
the previously reported 8%.

Leslie Butsch is a field director with the ACLU and was one
of the two representatives the group had at the meeting with Dreiling this week.
She said they are working on election reforms across the state of Kansas.

She said the nonprofit got involved in the Ellis County
issue after being contacted by residents who were in favor of the on-campus polling
location.

The ACLU has been actively running an advertising campaign
on several media outlets, including radio, social media, mailers and text blasts
urging residents to support the initiative.

Dreiling said she will continue to work with the FHSU
students. She already contacts them before advanced voting starts so they can
send out a campus alert. She has also offered to help with a voter registration
drive on campus but said the students have not yet responded to her offers. 

She also opened Saturday voting for the Presidential&nbsp; Preference Primary,
which resulted in an extremely low turnout. But she said that was expected.

Dreiling also said she encourages students and all other Ellis
County residents to participate in early voting at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718
Main St., starting two weeks before any election.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSY polling site</a>

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA group aiming to have a polling location placed on the Fort
Hay State University campus presented the Ellis County Clerk and Election
Officer with a list of more than 450 names in support of the initiative this
week.Fort Hays State University student Madison Albers, from
Goodland, presented the list of 480 people who signed the petition to County
Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling Tuesday afternoon.Albers was joined
by Hays residents and Fort Hays State graduates Anna Towns and Anniston Weber, as
well as two representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.&nbsp;In a letter to the editor in March, Albers argued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/publications/all-democracy-still-local">research shows that in Kansas, having more polling locations in a county has the highest correlation with voter turnout. Fewer voters per poll means a poll is less crowded, has shorter lines, and that voters have less average distance to travel</a>, she said.Albers and McCord said in a June 2023 letter to the editor they had approached Dreiling about two locations for polling locations at FHSU. Dreiling expressed issues with accessibility at the Memorial Union and availability at Gross Memorial Coliseum.RELATED STORIES<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ee55548-9bdd-4bc1-b153-779b4ead3926">LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">LETTER: Ellis County Clerk answers questions on polling locations</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Changes announced to two Hays voting sites</a>A Hays Post reporter was in the meeting when the petition was presented Tuesday. The two parties had little discussion on Tuesday. Dreiling declined to comment to the group and chose to look
over the petition before commenting to Hays Post later in the day on Tuesday.&nbsp;She said she has seriously considered the group’s prior proposals
and has had several conversations with them, but as the Ellis County Election Officer, it is her job to represent all of the county's voters.“I want to make it equally accessible for everybody that's
going to be voting, whether it be students or actual residents of Ellis County,”
Dreiling said. She added that the numbers do not show a need for an
additional polling location on campus.According to Chief FHSU Communications Officer Scott Cason,
about 1,500 of the 3,600 students who attend classes on campus live on
the FHSU campus in Hays.Dreiling said voter registration data shows fewer than 30
college students live in the dorms and are registered in Ellis County. Fewer
than 250 total registered voters live on campus and the surrounding area,
according to Dreiling.A common misconception is that all students and staff
members would be able to cast their ballot at an on-campus location.Voters have to vote in their precinct, which is determined by their address.Only voters who live near the FHSU campus could cast a ballot at that location.Dreiling said she has reached out to fellow county clerks
around that state for advice, and no other similar size college town offers on-campus
polling locations. That includes Washburn University in Topeka, Pittsburg State
University in Pittsburg and Emporia State University in Emporia.Dreiling said the group that is pushing for the on-campus polling location has several times compared
voter turnout for Hays to Lawrence and the University of Kansas campus, but it
is not a fair comparison. If the on-campus population at FHSU was the size of the University
of Kansas, Dreiling said she would absolutely place a polling location on
campus.The recent effort by students to have a polling location placed on campus is not new at FHSU. Dreiling said the attempts go back
the better part of three decades, and she has relied on the advice of the three
prior Ellis County clerks and other county clerks throughout the state when
making her decision.“They're (the students) not seeing the big picture of the
feasibility and the economics of it,” Dreiling said. “I'm not doing it to spite
them. I'm doing it because not only myself but three prior clerks have all
turned them down, for good reason, and the feasibility of it, it's not there.”Dreiling said if she chooses to make any changes, she may
consider re-opening the polling location at 601 Main St. That polling location, home to the Cottonwood Extension
District, was closed along with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal
Blvd., in Hays last May.The 601 Main St. location was closed due to voter turnout of
less than 10 percent over the last eight elections.St. Michael’s Episcopal Church was closed to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000
Main St., was chosen as its replacement.Dreiling said re-opening a polling location at 601
Main St. would be consistent with the centrally located polling locations, allowing all voters to easily access the polls.Dreiling said she would look over the petition but
was disappointed that it did not contain actual signatures or contact
information for those whose names were on it.She said she hopes to be able to talk with those individuals,
like she has done throughout the process, who may have not heard both sides. That
includes conversations Dreiling has had with influential leaders
within the Fort Hays State and Hays communities.While the majority of the people who signed the
petition said they are from Ellis County and are FHSU students, Dreiling said she has not heard from any other FHSU students outside of Albers and Grace McCord.“I haven't had one student contact me, other than Madison
and Grace, that said we need a polling location on campus” Dreiling said. She added, other than Towns and Weber, “Not one resident of Ellis County, that's a
taxpayer, has contacted me to relocate their polling location to the college.” McCord and Albers served as co-coordinators of the American
Democracy Project at FHSU. Dreiling also took issue with a report from the ACLU that
presents incorrect voter turnout numbers.The ACLU reported that the voter turnout rate in Ellis
County between 2022 and 2018 dropped by almost 8%, which
was among the highest in the state.Those figures are inaccurate, according to the official post-canvas
voting report.In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 54.3% in Ellis County, with 10,612 of the 19,526 registered voters casting ballots. In
2018, 58.8% of the 17,800 registered voters in Ellis County voted.That is a difference of 4.5% from 2022 to 2018, not
the previously reported 8%.Leslie Butsch is a field director with the ACLU and was one
of the two representatives the group had at the meeting with Dreiling this week.
She said they are working on election reforms across the state of Kansas.She said the nonprofit got involved in the Ellis County
issue after being contacted by residents who were in favor of the on-campus polling
location.The ACLU has been actively running an advertising campaign
on several media outlets, including radio, social media, mailers and text blasts
urging residents to support the initiative.Dreiling said she will continue to work with the FHSU
students. She already contacts them before advanced voting starts so they can
send out a campus alert. She has also offered to help with a voter registration
drive on campus but said the students have not yet responded to her offers. She also opened Saturday voting for the Presidential&nbsp; Preference Primary,
which resulted in an extremely low turnout. But she said that was expected.Dreiling also said she encourages students and all other Ellis
County residents to participate in early voting at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718
Main St., starting two weeks before any election.RELATED STORIES<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ee55548-9bdd-4bc1-b153-779b4ead3926">LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">LETTER: Ellis County Clerk answers questions on polling locations</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSY polling site</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Changes announced to two Hays voting sites</a>

ACLU presents Ellis Co. Clerk petition; she says numbers don't show need for FHSU polling location

Smoky Valley Hook Antique Tractor Pull set for April 20

<a href="https://golfhub.golfgenius.com/events/fc7c64c6-47ce-4de3-861a-acfd65834437">Click here to register</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713195144703.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://golfhub.golfgenius.com/events/fc7c64c6-47ce-4de3-861a-acfd65834437">Click here to register</a>.

Sign up now for Hays Lions Club annual golf tourney on May 5

I follow several online birding sites and enjoy seeing birders report area sightings and activity. Lately, a common question appears repeatedly. Are orioles back?

To prepare for their return, we ordered a case of grape jelly and bought a sack of oranges to tempt these pretty birds to hang in our hood. Despite our eagerness to welcome them, we’ve yet to spy this favorite spring arrival. According to those who know, they first appear here between April 15 and May Day.

In case you want to encourage these colorful and animated visitors, check nearby cottonwood and elm trees for their distinctive nests. Think of them as tiny sleeping bags woven from grasses and other fibers that dangle from branches. Nest sightings during winter and spring trips through your neighborhood offer clues regarding potential oriole pairs sharing your locale. Once you note sack-like, swinging nests, think about setting up your own oriole feeding station to encourage their visits.

What we’ve learned from decades of gardening and birding is that these combined interests create a backyard universe that invites these eye-catching guests to stop for meals. While we don’t have proper trees for nesting, these and other insectivores thrive on tasty insects such as spiders, meal worms, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. So, cultivating flowers and vegetables encourages them to forage under our watch even if they nest elsewhere. Placing bird baths, perches, and feeders in open areas around the yard increases the success of this natural pest control. In short time, harried bird parents snag insects in flight and off plants to deliver to a nest full of open-beaked young. It entertains me to watch these predators hunt. As a bonus, I pick fewer bugs off plants.

Last summer, we observed five pairs of oriole parents harvesting insects to feed perpetually hungry offspring. Once the oriole young fledged, parents guided them to our prairie Eden for advanced schooling. Watching them instruct youngsters to identify and capture meals entertained me more than one morning while I sipped coffee on our deck. Occasionally, I snorted java as lessons turned western as newbies caught grasshoppers or cicadas nearly their size.

To invite orioles into your world, hang bright orange feeders containing a grape jelly filled dish. These feeders also include prongs for hanging halved oranges. Several visiting pairs can devour an orange a day and lick the jelly bowl clean when they’re not snarfing protein-packed insects.

The detail about oranges gives pause to fruit growers. As summer advances, orioles add fruit to their diet of creepy crawlers. For those making fruit jellies, cobblers, and pies, simply trim bird pecks in peaches, apples or tomatoes. Unfortunately, these invasions alarm fruit sellers so don’t hang feeders near an orchard.

For those who’ve noticed fibrous sacks dangling from nearby branches and get a kick out of backyard birdwatching, design a universe that invites orioles. Provide fresh water and hang a feeder or 2. Heads up! It’s cheaper to order jelly and oranges by the case so you won’t worry about empty-shelf syndrome during the peak of oriole feeding season. Grow flowers and vegetables. Then make time to sit outside watching orioles control pesky insects. It’s worth a pecked tomato or two considering how many bugs they eat.

Such backyard pleasures encourage me to attend to minute details I’d miss otherwise. This alternate universe near our deck fascinates me and cleans my nostrils during a good coffee snort.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712974321460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI follow several online birding sites and enjoy seeing birders report area sightings and activity. Lately, a common question appears repeatedly. Are orioles back?To prepare for their return, we ordered a case of grape jelly and bought a sack of oranges to tempt these pretty birds to hang in our hood. Despite our eagerness to welcome them, we’ve yet to spy this favorite spring arrival. According to those who know, they first appear here between April 15 and May Day.In case you want to encourage these colorful and animated visitors, check nearby cottonwood and elm trees for their distinctive nests. Think of them as tiny sleeping bags woven from grasses and other fibers that dangle from branches. Nest sightings during winter and spring trips through your neighborhood offer clues regarding potential oriole pairs sharing your locale. Once you note sack-like, swinging nests, think about setting up your own oriole feeding station to encourage their visits.What we’ve learned from decades of gardening and birding is that these combined interests create a backyard universe that invites these eye-catching guests to stop for meals. While we don’t have proper trees for nesting, these and other insectivores thrive on tasty insects such as spiders, meal worms, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. So, cultivating flowers and vegetables encourages them to forage under our watch even if they nest elsewhere. Placing bird baths, perches, and feeders in open areas around the yard increases the success of this natural pest control. In short time, harried bird parents snag insects in flight and off plants to deliver to a nest full of open-beaked young. It entertains me to watch these predators hunt. As a bonus, I pick fewer bugs off plants.Last summer, we observed five pairs of oriole parents harvesting insects to feed perpetually hungry offspring. Once the oriole young fledged, parents guided them to our prairie Eden for advanced schooling. Watching them instruct youngsters to identify and capture meals entertained me more than one morning while I sipped coffee on our deck. Occasionally, I snorted java as lessons turned western as newbies caught grasshoppers or cicadas nearly their size.To invite orioles into your world, hang bright orange feeders containing a grape jelly filled dish. These feeders also include prongs for hanging halved oranges. Several visiting pairs can devour an orange a day and lick the jelly bowl clean when they’re not snarfing protein-packed insects.The detail about oranges gives pause to fruit growers. As summer advances, orioles add fruit to their diet of creepy crawlers. For those making fruit jellies, cobblers, and pies, simply trim bird pecks in peaches, apples or tomatoes. Unfortunately, these invasions alarm fruit sellers so don’t hang feeders near an orchard.For those who’ve noticed fibrous sacks dangling from nearby branches and get a kick out of backyard birdwatching, design a universe that invites orioles. Provide fresh water and hang a feeder or 2. Heads up! It’s cheaper to order jelly and oranges by the case so you won’t worry about empty-shelf syndrome during the peak of oriole feeding season. Grow flowers and vegetables. Then make time to sit outside watching orioles control pesky insects. It’s worth a pecked tomato or two considering how many bugs they eat.Such backyard pleasures encourage me to attend to minute details I’d miss otherwise. This alternate universe near our deck fascinates me and cleans my nostrils during a good coffee snort.

MADORIN: On Their Way

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713383742368.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 Hays City Commission will hear details of a design contract for the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Street in Hays at its work session on Thursday.

A section of 32nd/33rd Street from Willow to Vine will be reconstructed in 2025, and the intersection of Skyline and 33rd Street will be widened.

The low bid of&nbsp; $67,000 was received from Driggs Design Group of Hays. 

The funds are set to come from the city's capital reserve fund.

In November 2021, the city of Hays and Ellis County reduced the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction by about 60%. The designated area is where the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations are enforceable.

The Hays Area Planning Commission approved changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map by resolution during a recent annual review and after a public hearing on Feb. 19, 2024.

The city commission will discuss these proposed changes at its meeting Thursday.

City commissioners also will discuss consolidating the duties of the Hays Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Hays has a separate Board of Zoning Appeals but has had difficulty filing the appeals board.

The Planning Commission has seven members. All the seats on that commission are full. Its membership would stay the same under the proposal.

 The Planning Commission voted on Feb. 19 to recommend consolidation of the boards.

If the Hays City Commission votes to accept the proposals, the consolidation could take effect immediately.

The Hays City Commission will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Hays City Hall for its work session.

You can find a complete copy of the agenda packet <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1316">HERE</a>.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will hear details of a design contract for the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Street in Hays at its work session on Thursday.A section of 32nd/33rd Street from Willow to Vine will be reconstructed in 2025, and the intersection of Skyline and 33rd Street will be widened.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713382573142.png" alt="Courtesy of City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The low bid of&nbsp; $67,000 was received from Driggs Design Group of Hays. The funds are set to come from the city's capital reserve fund.<h2>Zoning</h2>In November 2021, the city of Hays and Ellis County reduced the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction by about 60%. The designated area is where the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations are enforceable.The Hays Area Planning Commission approved changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map by resolution during a recent annual review and after a public hearing on Feb. 19, 2024.The city commission will discuss these proposed changes at its meeting Thursday.City commissioners also will discuss consolidating the duties of the Hays Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.Hays has a separate Board of Zoning Appeals but has had difficulty filing the appeals board.The Planning Commission has seven members. All the seats on that commission are full. Its membership would stay the same under the proposal. The Planning Commission voted on Feb. 19 to recommend consolidation of the boards.If the Hays City Commission votes to accept the proposals, the consolidation could take effect immediately.The Hays City Commission will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Hays City Hall for its work session.You can find a complete copy of the agenda packet <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1316">HERE</a>.

Hays City Commission to discuss design contract for 33rd St. reconstruction

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Tay Legleiter of Hays!

<div><div data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="a7330d62-9caa-40ea-99d5-346a1840573c" data-routing="hash" data-script="ni2eze"></div>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036382.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="ni2eze">/**/</script></div>Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Tay Legleiter of Hays!She heard the code word on 101.9 The Bull.Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.&nbsp;

Wednesday's Cash Grab winner is....

An all-day event with activities for all ages! Come out to WaKeeney, KS this Saturday to enjoy the Annual Buzzard Bash!

NOTE: STREET DANCE WITH LAZY WAYNE BAND HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE TREGO COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS – COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 7 PM. BEER GARDEN WILL MOVE TO THIS BUILDING AS WELL AT 6 PM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713298634530.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An all-day event with activities for all ages! Come out to WaKeeney, KS this Saturday to enjoy the Annual Buzzard Bash!NOTE: STREET DANCE WITH LAZY WAYNE BAND HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE TREGO COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS – COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 7 PM. BEER GARDEN WILL MOVE TO THIS BUILDING AS WELL AT 6 PM.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713298776498.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Initiative seeks to expand access to local food in Hays; take the survey

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – introduced the&nbsp;Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act&nbsp;to improve memorialization and burial benefits for veterans and their families.

This legislation would establish a nonprofit entity that would be able to accept private donations to be used to fund the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP). VLP issues grants to educational partners to conduct historical research projects on veterans buried in national cemeteries in their communities to then share those veteran stories through educational programming. This legislation would also make certain veteran burials are dignified and honorable, while also enhancing current burial benefits for dependents and historical Medal of Honor recipients.

“How we memorialize and honor our veterans, when they have passed, sends a message to their families, our servicemembers and the country that we value the sacrifice or our military men and women even as the years pass,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“The Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancement Act would help ensure dignified interment and memorialization in our national cemeteries for veterans and their families, while honoring their service and telling their stories for generations to come.”

“At the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, alone, there are more than 50,000 veterans laid to rest,”&nbsp;said Sen. Hirono.&nbsp;“These veterans have unique, but too often untold stories—stories that deserve to be shared now and into the future. Among other things, the Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act will help to ensure those stories are told and preserved, enabling people across the country to better honor the memory of our veterans and their service.”

The full text of the legislation can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/E356F394-4F39-454A-A297-210FF5DBB5AE" target="_blank">here</a>.

“The VFW supports the Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act,”&nbsp;said VFW National Legislative Associate Director Nancy Springer.&nbsp;“This legislation would establish the National Cemeteries Foundation to enable privately funded grants to sustain the Veterans Legacy Program educational outreach to research and preserve for posterity the stories of veterans interred in national cemeteries. This bill would also empower VA’s National Cemetery Administration to ensure dignified burials, and to enhance interment benefits for burial markers and eligible dependents. The VFW thanks Senators Moran and Hirono for introducing these important legislative proposals to improve the memorialization of our veterans and their family members.”

“All veterans deserve the dignified burial and the military honors that they are entitled to,”&nbsp;said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer for Paralyzed Veterans of America. “The Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act would help ensure the nation is fulfilling that obligation.”

"Establishing a foundation to fund the Veterans Legacy Program brings new life to the national cemeteries,”&nbsp;said President &amp; CEO, American Association for State and Local History, John R. Dichtl.&nbsp;“Generations of students will be able to explore how local and state history, through the lives of individual veterans, connect to national and global events."

This legislation is also supported by the American Legion, National Council on Public History, and American Federation of Teachers.

SubmittedWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – introduced the&nbsp;Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act&nbsp;to improve memorialization and burial benefits for veterans and their families.This legislation would establish a nonprofit entity that would be able to accept private donations to be used to fund the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP). VLP issues grants to educational partners to conduct historical research projects on veterans buried in national cemeteries in their communities to then share those veteran stories through educational programming. This legislation would also make certain veteran burials are dignified and honorable, while also enhancing current burial benefits for dependents and historical Medal of Honor recipients.“How we memorialize and honor our veterans, when they have passed, sends a message to their families, our servicemembers and the country that we value the sacrifice or our military men and women even as the years pass,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“The Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancement Act would help ensure dignified interment and memorialization in our national cemeteries for veterans and their families, while honoring their service and telling their stories for generations to come.”“At the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, alone, there are more than 50,000 veterans laid to rest,”&nbsp;said Sen. Hirono.&nbsp;“These veterans have unique, but too often untold stories—stories that deserve to be shared now and into the future. Among other things, the Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act will help to ensure those stories are told and preserved, enabling people across the country to better honor the memory of our veterans and their service.”The full text of the legislation can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/E356F394-4F39-454A-A297-210FF5DBB5AE" target="_blank">here</a>.“The VFW supports the Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act,”&nbsp;said VFW National Legislative Associate Director Nancy Springer.&nbsp;“This legislation would establish the National Cemeteries Foundation to enable privately funded grants to sustain the Veterans Legacy Program educational outreach to research and preserve for posterity the stories of veterans interred in national cemeteries. This bill would also empower VA’s National Cemetery Administration to ensure dignified burials, and to enhance interment benefits for burial markers and eligible dependents. The VFW thanks Senators Moran and Hirono for introducing these important legislative proposals to improve the memorialization of our veterans and their family members.”“All veterans deserve the dignified burial and the military honors that they are entitled to,”&nbsp;said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer for Paralyzed Veterans of America. “The Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act would help ensure the nation is fulfilling that obligation.”"Establishing a foundation to fund the Veterans Legacy Program brings new life to the national cemeteries,”&nbsp;said President &amp; CEO, American Association for State and Local History, John R. Dichtl.&nbsp;“Generations of students will be able to explore how local and state history, through the lives of individual veterans, connect to national and global events."This legislation is also supported by the American Legion, National Council on Public History, and American Federation of Teachers.

Sen. Moran introduces bill to improve memorial, burial benefits for veterans

First Call for Help of Ellis County held their sixth&nbsp;annual Amazing Race on April 6 with the assistance of a Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 team.

 Competing to the finish were nine teams each consisting of four members. 

These teams went to 10 different businesses within Hays and had to complete a challenge there to receive their clue to the next location. 

Our challenge locations were Arcade 11, Centennial Lanes, Cold Stone Creamery, STEM Harvest, Heartland Gymnastics Academy, Homestead of Hays, Hays Recreation Commission, The Paisley Pear, Sternberg Museum, and BOS Motorsports. 

Each team had a registration fee of $200 and we had a lot of sponsors for our T-shirts. 

First Call for Help has not held this event since 2020 when COVID-19 hit, said Macey Pfeifer, executive director.

We decided that this year we would bring it back and we ended up almost doubling our profits from 2020, she said. We profited $1,792.09 in 2024."

All proceeds went&nbsp;directly into the FCFH "Second Mile Fund." This fund helps families/individuals who are facing eviction or who are in threat of disconnection of utilities in their homes.

We are so thankful for our Leadership 310 team, staff, sponsors, participants, challenge locations, and donors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713199822257.png" alt="Adrian Broman, FCFH project coordinator;&nbsp;Kayleigh Manifold, FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Megan Hober, FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Abby Reif , FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Alex Briggs, FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Laura Shoaff , FCFH client service specialist; and&nbsp;Macey Pfeifer,&nbsp; FCFH executive director. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Adrian Broman, FCFH project coordinator;&nbsp;Kayleigh Manifold, FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Megan Hober, FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Abby Reif , FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Alex Briggs, FHSU Leadership 310 member;&nbsp;Laura Shoaff , FCFH client service specialist; and&nbsp;Macey Pfeifer,&nbsp; FCFH executive director. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
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Profits double in most recent Amazing Race for First Call for Help of Ellis County

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

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 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictFalling is a serious concern for many older adults. With age, bones become fragile, and the risk of injury increases. Fall-related injuries can also result in decreased mobility and reduced independence. As the leading cause of death from injury, there is good reason why many people fear falling with age.The risk of falling increases when we get older due to several factors such as the decline in senses and loss of muscle mass. Both of these can contribute to a lack of balance which many older adults struggle with. In fact, balance starts to decline as early as age 50 and reduced vision, strength, and flexibility can all play a part.The good news is that there are proven ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Increasing strength, focusing on unilateral movements, improving flexibility, and concentrating on vestibular health can all help.Strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase the control of movement.Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.Other factors that affect balance may not be as obvious. A prime example of this is a compromised vestibular system. This is an intricate structure that is located within the ears, and it relays information to the brain regarding orientation and motion. As a person ages, the vestibular system tends to decline and make balance more difficult. However, exercises thatstimulate the vestibular system produce information for the brain to interpret. With repetition, the brain can learn to process this information more accurately. These exercises can include slow movements of bending, turning the head, and stabilizing the eyes. A professional, such as a physical therapist or doctor can provide specific vestibular therapy.As you can see, balance is complex. The brain interprets information from several senses through the eyes, muscles, and vestibular system to produce stability. When any of these systems are not functioning properly, balance can be compromised. So, it is crucial to focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and repairing vestibular health which can be extremely beneficial for improving balance and reducing the risk of falling.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.