LANE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Monday in Lane county.

The Kansas Highway. Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy HHR driven by Harry N. Parker, 81, Dighton, was eastbound on Kansas 96 three miles east of Kansas 23.

&nbsp;The vehicle traveled off the road to the right and struck the northeast railroad crossing sign. EMS transported Parker to the Lane County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LANE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Monday in Lane county.The Kansas Highway. Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy HHR driven by Harry N. Parker, 81, Dighton, was eastbound on Kansas 96 three miles east of Kansas 23.&nbsp;The vehicle traveled off the road to the right and struck the northeast railroad crossing sign. EMS transported Parker to the Lane County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after SUV strikes railroad crossing sign

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will hear a report at 6:30 tonight on changes in graduation requirements for students who will be freshmen next school year.

The school board will also hear a presentation from teachers Kelly Ackerman, Hays High School SPED; Lisa Renz, HHS English; and Heidi Harper-Wamser, Roosevelt kindergarten; on a collaborative project that has had high school students working with kindergarten students at Roosevelt Elementary School.

Superintendent Ron Wilson also will give a bond update.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will hear a report at 6:30 tonight on changes in graduation requirements for students who will be freshmen next school year.The school board will also hear a presentation from teachers Kelly Ackerman, Hays High School SPED; Lisa Renz, HHS English; and Heidi Harper-Wamser, Roosevelt kindergarten; on a collaborative project that has had high school students working with kindergarten students at Roosevelt Elementary School.Superintendent Ron Wilson also will give a bond update.

Hays USD 489 to hear report on new graduation requirements

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Did you know that deer hunting was enjoyed by 7.9 million people in 2016?

White-tailed deer are widely distributed in North America and for at least 10,000 years have been important to human beings for food, clothing, and tools.

White-tailed deer are a medium-sized cervid that evolved in North America. The species’ range extends from the Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada, south through the United States, Mexico, and Central America, into South America as far south as Peru and Bolivia.

Deer hunters and wildlife enthusiast come join us on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Research Center – Hays auditorium, 1232 240th Avenue.

Drew Richetts, an Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist with K-State Research &amp; Extension will give about a ninety-minute program on white-tailed deer biology, space use, cover requirements, nutritional requirements, managing white-tailed deer habitat, supplemental feeding and managing white-tailed deer populations. And there will be time for your questions!

All interested people are invited to attend this free program. No RSVP necessary. If you have any questions contact us at the Cottonwood Extension Office 785-628-9430 or email scampbel@ksu.edu

Come learn how to improve the habitat and increase your chances of success when pursuing the most popular game animal in North America.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

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 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictDid you know that deer hunting was enjoyed by 7.9 million people in 2016?White-tailed deer are widely distributed in North America and for at least 10,000 years have been important to human beings for food, clothing, and tools.White-tailed deer are a medium-sized cervid that evolved in North America. The species’ range extends from the Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada, south through the United States, Mexico, and Central America, into South America as far south as Peru and Bolivia.Deer hunters and wildlife enthusiast come join us on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Research Center – Hays auditorium, 1232 240th Avenue.Drew Richetts, an Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist with K-State Research &amp; Extension will give about a ninety-minute program on white-tailed deer biology, space use, cover requirements, nutritional requirements, managing white-tailed deer habitat, supplemental feeding and managing white-tailed deer populations. And there will be time for your questions!All interested people are invited to attend this free program. No RSVP necessary. If you have any questions contact us at the Cottonwood Extension Office 785-628-9430 or email scampbel@ksu.eduCome learn how to improve the habitat and increase your chances of success when pursuing the most popular game animal in North America.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Cottonwood Extension offers White-tailed deer program

Beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, crews will begin work on the Main Street bridge in south Hays. 

The bridge will remain open during construction, and traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. &nbsp;If there are any questions, call L&amp;M at 620-793-8137 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

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 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, crews will begin work on the Main Street bridge in south Hays. The bridge will remain open during construction, and traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed.The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. &nbsp;If there are any questions, call L&amp;M at 620-793-8137 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

Hays Main Street bridge repairs begin Wednesday; bridge to remain open 

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 283&nbsp; incidents Feb. 11-19, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 283&nbsp; incidents Feb. 11-19, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity report, Feb. 11-19

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Lawmakers in the fourth-biggest crude-producing state hope to ban new oil and gas drilling outright within six years, and revoke new drilling permits in the meantime. In response, the oil and gas industry is using the term "extreme force" to describe the planned public pressure campaign against moderates in the General Assembly. 

According to KUSA TV-9 in Denver, draft language is already on the table and a version of the bill is expected soon.

A Midwest refinery has been offline for more than two weeks, driving a big spike in pump prices. National gasoline prices surged 12 cents in one week to $3.27 per gallon. The statewide average in Kansas rose nine cents to $2.83 per gallon. U.S. diesel prices are up 15 cents on the week. The auto club AAA says a continuing power outage in Whiting, Indiana played a significant role in the surge.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was 621 active rigs, down two oil rigs. The Texas tally was down two rigs, Oklahoma was up one.

Poor field conditions continued to hamper drilling activity in some areas of Kansas, but not in others. Location work has been delayed at dozens of drill sites across western Kansas. But, the Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is higher. It shows 17 active drilling rigs west of Wichita, an increase of five rigs from a week earlier. The tally in eastern Kansas was unchanged at four rigs. The statewide total is down 40% from a month ago and 38% lower than a year ago.

Kansas regulators approved 12 permits for new drilling locations last week. That's 93 permits so far this year, compared to 168 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 11 new well completions last week, with five in eastern Kansas and six west of Wichita. That's 148 completions so far this year, compared to 310 a year ago.

The number-three crude producing state reports a slight drop in output in December. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources says crude production dropped by half a percentage point from the month before to 1,273,071 barrels per day. The December numbers on natural gas production and gas capture show all-time records for both.

U.S. crude production sets another all-time record. The Energy Information Administration says in the week through February 9, output rose by 4,000 barrels per day, to 13,339,000 barrels per day, the best weekly average ever. Current output outpaces last year by more than 1.1 million barrels per day.

Crude oil exports have nearly doubled over the last two years. The government reports U.S. crude exports of more than 4.3 million barrels per day. U.S. crude imports average 6.5 million barrels per day, down by 437,000 barrels per day from the previous week.

Energy Information Administration says crude inventories rose by 12 million barrels, the biggest build in stockpiles since February of 2023. Domestic stockpiles are two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Drilling activity will flatten out, but mergers and acquisitions won't. That's according operators responding to the latest survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The report suggests activity in the oil patch of Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana held steady in the fourth quarter of last year. Most of the companies responding to the survey expect to keep capital spending flat, or slightly higher, than last year. Coming on the heels of two huge deals involving Exxon and Chevron worth more than $50 BILLION each, three out of four survey respondents said they expect the wave of big deals to continue in the next couple of years.

U.S. oil and gas employment held steady in January, with the service sector dropping more than 3,000 jobs. That's according to a new report from the Energy Workforce and Technology Council. Texas payrolls in the patch lead the way, with over 314,000 workers, outnumbering the next 11 states combined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Lawmakers in the fourth-biggest crude-producing state hope to ban new oil and gas drilling outright within six years, and revoke new drilling permits in the meantime. In response, the oil and gas industry is using the term "extreme force" to describe the planned public pressure campaign against moderates in the General Assembly. According to KUSA TV-9 in Denver, draft language is already on the table and a version of the bill is expected soon.A Midwest refinery has been offline for more than two weeks, driving a big spike in pump prices. National gasoline prices surged 12 cents in one week to $3.27 per gallon. The statewide average in Kansas rose nine cents to $2.83 per gallon. U.S. diesel prices are up 15 cents on the week. The auto club AAA says a continuing power outage in Whiting, Indiana played a significant role in the surge.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was 621 active rigs, down two oil rigs. The Texas tally was down two rigs, Oklahoma was up one.Poor field conditions continued to hamper drilling activity in some areas of Kansas, but not in others. Location work has been delayed at dozens of drill sites across western Kansas. But, the Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is higher. It shows 17 active drilling rigs west of Wichita, an increase of five rigs from a week earlier. The tally in eastern Kansas was unchanged at four rigs. The statewide total is down 40% from a month ago and 38% lower than a year ago.Kansas regulators approved 12 permits for new drilling locations last week. That's 93 permits so far this year, compared to 168 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 11 new well completions last week, with five in eastern Kansas and six west of Wichita. That's 148 completions so far this year, compared to 310 a year ago.The number-three crude producing state reports a slight drop in output in December. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources says crude production dropped by half a percentage point from the month before to 1,273,071 barrels per day. The December numbers on natural gas production and gas capture show all-time records for both.U.S. crude production sets another all-time record. The Energy Information Administration says in the week through February 9, output rose by 4,000 barrels per day, to 13,339,000 barrels per day, the best weekly average ever. Current output outpaces last year by more than 1.1 million barrels per day.Crude oil exports have nearly doubled over the last two years. The government reports U.S. crude exports of more than 4.3 million barrels per day. U.S. crude imports average 6.5 million barrels per day, down by 437,000 barrels per day from the previous week.Energy Information Administration says crude inventories rose by 12 million barrels, the biggest build in stockpiles since February of 2023. Domestic stockpiles are two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.Drilling activity will flatten out, but mergers and acquisitions won't. That's according operators responding to the latest survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The report suggests activity in the oil patch of Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana held steady in the fourth quarter of last year. Most of the companies responding to the survey expect to keep capital spending flat, or slightly higher, than last year. Coming on the heels of two huge deals involving Exxon and Chevron worth more than $50 BILLION each, three out of four survey respondents said they expect the wave of big deals to continue in the next couple of years.U.S. oil and gas employment held steady in January, with the service sector dropping more than 3,000 jobs. That's according to a new report from the Energy Workforce and Technology Council. Texas payrolls in the patch lead the way, with over 314,000 workers, outnumbering the next 11 states combined.

News From the Oil Patch: Colorado contemplates drilling ban

FHSU crime log Feb. 9-16, 2024

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Ellis County Jail bookings, Feb. 12-19

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The fifth Oxford House in Hays opened Nov. 1, just four years after the first one opened. There are now four men's houses and one women's house in Hays, with 168 Oxford Houses in Kansas.&nbsp;

The self-run, financially self-supported Oxford Houses provide an opportunity for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorder to learn a clean and sober way of living their lives.&nbsp;Oxford House is a publicly supported, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.&nbsp;

The other four Hays Oxford Houses are in the north part of town.&nbsp;

The new house, 211 E. Sixth, is the first in south Hays and is close to Fort Hays State University.

"We think it's working out great," said&nbsp;Kady Stevens, outreach coordinator for Barton and Ellis counties and an Oxford House alum. She's also a member of the Friends of Recovery Association for Oxford Houses of Kansas.

The new house, which can accommodate seven men, is within walking distance of High Plains Mental Health Center and meetings at Oak Street Alcoholics Anonymous. Many Oxford House members don't have vehicles.

"It's been a big benefit to many of our new guys, being on this side of town," said&nbsp;Dustin Banes, chapter chair of Oxford House Chapter XX. It uses the Roman numerals for 20. 

"And we're not done," Banes said. "There has to be a demonstrated need for a house before a new one can open. One of our chapter goals this year is to open another one. This house filled up quick, so we could easily say there's a need for another house already."

The other homes in Hays can accommodate 10 members.

"We have to make sure the house is big enough," Stevens said, "usually four or five bedrooms ... We have single rooms, and we have shared rooms." 

Two Oxford Houses in Hays have a room large enough to accommodate three shared living spaces.&nbsp;

"Finding a decent house with that amount of room is challenging," she said.

There is a national revolving loan fund available to loan groups of six or more recovering individuals the money to rent a house to start a new Oxford House.&nbsp;

There are Oxford Houses for men, women, women with children, and men with children. The number of members may range from six to 15, depending on the size of the home.&nbsp;

The first Oxford House opened in 1975 in Silver Springs, Md., as a low-cost and effective method of addiction recovery management.

Each Oxford House is autonomous. Members govern themselves, elect officers and have weekly house meetings.

Members work jobs and pay their share of rent and household expenses.&nbsp;

There was plenty of community support in furnishing the newest house in Hays, which is rented. 

Everything was donated, including computer equipment, except the dining table set and a large flat screen TV, which were purchased. "Even the Christmas decorations were donated," Stevens said.&nbsp;

Members may stay as long as they like but will be expelled if they return to using alcohol or drugs or exhibit disruptive behavior.

"There are no bosses. Everything is a group decision. Everyone pays an equal share," Banes said.

The ultimate goal of Oxford House is long-term sobriety.

"One of the greatest benefits of coming into Oxford House is learning responsibility. You learn to hold yourself accountable. You hold other people accountable," he said.

The Oxford House's "3 Rs" include recovery, responsibility and&nbsp; replication.&nbsp;

"We come in for the recovery. We learn the responsibility while we're here. And then, the replication comes by sticking around and teaching the new members that come in after us," Stevens said.

Oxford House Chapter XX has plans to be more involved in the Ellis County community "and just to give back to the community."

Members have volunteered for Special Olympics events and helped at the recent Night to Shine in Hays.&nbsp;

Stevens wants Oxford House to spearhead collection drives to help with needs at Options Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Service and Northwest Kansas Community Corrections.&nbsp;

"Just giving back to the people who have helped us," she said.

More information about Oxford House is available online at <a href="https://www.oxfordhouse.org/">oxfordhouse.org</a>, <a href="https://www.oxfordvacancies.com/">oxfordvacancies.com</a>,&nbsp; <a href="https://oxfordhousekansas.org/">oxfordhousekansas.org</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.friendsofrecovery.com/">friendsofrecovery.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707944116284.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe fifth Oxford House in Hays opened Nov. 1, just four years after the first one opened. There are now four men's houses and one women's house in Hays, with 168 Oxford Houses in Kansas.&nbsp;The self-run, financially self-supported Oxford Houses provide an opportunity for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorder to learn a clean and sober way of living their lives.&nbsp;Oxford House is a publicly supported, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.&nbsp;The other four Hays Oxford Houses are in the north part of town.&nbsp;The new house, 211 E. Sixth, is the first in south Hays and is close to Fort Hays State University."We think it's working out great," said&nbsp;Kady Stevens, outreach coordinator for Barton and Ellis counties and an Oxford House alum. She's also a member of the Friends of Recovery Association for Oxford Houses of Kansas.The new house, which can accommodate seven men, is within walking distance of High Plains Mental Health Center and meetings at Oak Street Alcoholics Anonymous. Many Oxford House members don't have vehicles."It's been a big benefit to many of our new guys, being on this side of town," said&nbsp;Dustin Banes, chapter chair of Oxford House Chapter XX. It uses the Roman numerals for 20. "And we're not done," Banes said. "There has to be a demonstrated need for a house before a new one can open. One of our chapter goals this year is to open another one. This house filled up quick, so we could easily say there's a need for another house already."The other homes in Hays can accommodate 10 members."We have to make sure the house is big enough," Stevens said, "usually four or five bedrooms ... We have single rooms, and we have shared rooms." Two Oxford Houses in Hays have a room large enough to accommodate three shared living spaces.&nbsp;"Finding a decent house with that amount of room is challenging," she said.There is a national revolving loan fund available to loan groups of six or more recovering individuals the money to rent a house to start a new Oxford House.&nbsp;There are Oxford Houses for men, women, women with children, and men with children. The number of members may range from six to 15, depending on the size of the home.&nbsp;The first Oxford House opened in 1975 in Silver Springs, Md., as a low-cost and effective method of addiction recovery management.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nw-RoKEByms" title="Oxford House Chapter XX in Hays" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Each Oxford House is autonomous. Members govern themselves, elect officers and have weekly house meetings.Members work jobs and pay their share of rent and household expenses.&nbsp;There was plenty of community support in furnishing the newest house in Hays, which is rented. Everything was donated, including computer equipment, except the dining table set and a large flat screen TV, which were purchased. "Even the Christmas decorations were donated," Stevens said.&nbsp;Members may stay as long as they like but will be expelled if they return to using alcohol or drugs or exhibit disruptive behavior."There are no bosses. Everything is a group decision. Everyone pays an equal share," Banes said.The ultimate goal of Oxford House is long-term sobriety."One of the greatest benefits of coming into Oxford House is learning responsibility. You learn to hold yourself accountable. You hold other people accountable," he said.The Oxford House's "3 Rs" include recovery, responsibility and&nbsp; replication.&nbsp;"We come in for the recovery. We learn the responsibility while we're here. And then, the replication comes by sticking around and teaching the new members that come in after us," Stevens said.Oxford House Chapter XX has plans to be more involved in the Ellis County community "and just to give back to the community."Members have volunteered for Special Olympics events and helped at the recent Night to Shine in Hays.&nbsp;Stevens wants Oxford House to spearhead collection drives to help with needs at Options Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Service and Northwest Kansas Community Corrections.&nbsp;"Just giving back to the people who have helped us," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707943429887.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>More information about Oxford House is available online at <a href="https://www.oxfordhouse.org/">oxfordhouse.org</a>, <a href="https://www.oxfordvacancies.com/">oxfordvacancies.com</a>,&nbsp; <a href="https://oxfordhousekansas.org/">oxfordhousekansas.org</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.friendsofrecovery.com/">friendsofrecovery.com</a>.

🎥 Newest Oxford House in Hays filled quickly; plans to open 6th home this year

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Holy Family pre-school parent night set for March 7

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.<figure>
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CANCELLED: TMP-M to host 3V3 Basketball Tournament

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

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 </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

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Colorful scarf doodles from Trego Grade School students went from paper to snuggly real-life creations.

Inspired by another teacher who transformed student sketches into stocking caps, Preschool Teacher Niki Sauer brought the same idea to her classroom.

With the help of Sauer's mother, Sherri Ruder, the two planned to surprise the preschoolers on Valentine's Day with their "Act of Love" scarfs.

Sauer said her students receiving scarfs they had colored aligned perfectly with the class's theme of the week: imagination.

"I think it'll influence them by seeing that it's good to give to others and show them acts of kindness," Sauer said.

Ruder has always found joy in crocheting, and ever since Sauer began teaching, she viewed each holiday as a chance to create something new.

"I would find little things to make for the kids," Ruder said. "In my spare time, that relaxes me, and I just love to do it."

For Christmas, Ruder crafted stockings for the students. For Valentine's, she made small envelopes to hold candy. For Easter, she created miniature ducks and rabbits.

Sauer compared her mother's crafts to those on Etsy, suggesting they could be sold. However, Ruder said selling them would take the joy out of crocheting.

Ruder said she appreciates homemade items and the effort people put into creating them rather than going to the store.

"It's more personal because it's not how much you spend or what you buy. It's the thought behind it," she said.

Ruder has also crocheted play toys for the class, including kitchen items like chicken, cans of soda, spaghetti and meatballs, and a miniature fishing game.

"I love kids and I love doing stuff like this," Rude said. "Their personalities came out in those scarfs."

Sauer said arts and crafts play an important role in education, especially in the early stages of child growth. She said the class fosters a sense of unity, similar to a family.

"I'm very blessed to have my mom, who considers all of these kids as her grandchildren, and just like I consider them like my own children," Sauer said.

The students were also gifted lollipops shaped like big lips in their Valentine's Day bags.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708106702629.jpeg" alt="Niki Sauer's preschool class with Sherri Ruder shows off their new scarves. The designs for the scarfs were based on the children's drawings. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Niki Sauer's preschool class with Sherri Ruder shows off their new scarves. The designs for the scarfs were based on the children's drawings. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708110719636.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostColorful scarf doodles from Trego Grade School students went from paper to snuggly real-life creations.Inspired by another teacher who transformed student sketches into stocking caps, Preschool Teacher Niki Sauer brought the same idea to her classroom.With the help of Sauer's mother, Sherri Ruder, the two planned to surprise the preschoolers on Valentine's Day with their "Act of Love" scarfs.Sauer said her students receiving scarfs they had colored aligned perfectly with the class's theme of the week: imagination.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708029736009.jpeg" alt="A student with his brand-new white and blue scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>A student with his brand-new white and blue scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708029783986.jpeg" alt="A student dancing with her new pink and purple scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>A student dancing with her new pink and purple scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708029809350.jpeg" alt="A student excited to receive his personally designed, colorful scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>A student excited to receive his personally designed, colorful scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think it'll influence them by seeing that it's good to give to others and show them acts of kindness," Sauer said.Ruder has always found joy in crocheting, and ever since Sauer began teaching, she viewed each holiday as a chance to create something new."I would find little things to make for the kids," Ruder said. "In my spare time, that relaxes me, and I just love to do it."For Christmas, Ruder crafted stockings for the students. For Valentine's, she made small envelopes to hold candy. For Easter, she created miniature ducks and rabbits.Sauer compared her mother's crafts to those on Etsy, suggesting they could be sold. However, Ruder said selling them would take the joy out of crocheting.Ruder said she appreciates homemade items and the effort people put into creating them rather than going to the store."It's more personal because it's not how much you spend or what you buy. It's the thought behind it," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708106775723.jpeg" alt="Two preschoolers play with toys gifted by Sherri Ruder. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two preschoolers play with toys gifted by Sherri Ruder. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Ruder has also crocheted play toys for the class, including kitchen items like chicken, cans of soda, spaghetti and meatballs, and a miniature fishing game."I love kids and I love doing stuff like this," Rude said. "Their personalities came out in those scarfs."Sauer said arts and crafts play an important role in education, especially in the early stages of child growth. She said the class fosters a sense of unity, similar to a family."I'm very blessed to have my mom, who considers all of these kids as her grandchildren, and just like I consider them like my own children," Sauer said.The students were also gifted lollipops shaped like big lips in their Valentine's Day bags.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708106962020.jpeg" alt="Sherri Ruder with a student and his new blue and orange scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sherri Ruder with a student and his new blue and orange scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708106991033.jpeg" alt="Sherri Ruder with a student and his new yellow and light blue scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sherri Ruder with a student and his new yellow and light blue scarf. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708107024216.jpeg" alt="Sherri Ruder surrounded by several students and their newly crocheted scarfs. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>Sherri Ruder surrounded by several students and their newly crocheted scarfs. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: WaKeeney preschoolers gifted scarfs based on drawings for Valentine's Day

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

One of several problems in our society today is the intolerance of differing opinions. By many, anyone with a different opinion is seen as the enemy. I’m told I sometimes lean in that direction too, so in this column, I’ll attempt to control the urges I have to ridicule the subject matter contained herein. However, having said that, I also have to state right up front, that in today’s world, it seems facts and common sense have been replaced by emotions and ideologies, so here goes nothing.

Wichita is home to Chance Rides, the largest manufacturer of amusement park rides in Kansas and probably one of the biggest in the United States, if not the world. One of their most popular products is the carousel, also known as a merry-go-round, the ride where kids are seated on animals, mostly horses, that bob up and down as the whole ride spins around. Carousels have been around for generations and are a staple at fairs and carnivals.

Recently, our friends at PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) sent a letter to President and Chief Operating Officer of Chance Rides Aaron Landrum urging them to end the production and sale of animal-themed carousels. I’ll use a lot of direct quotes from the letter, as I don’t want to misrepresent anything. The letter began, “PETA urges Chance Rides and all other carousel manufacturers to hit the brakes on old-fashioned animal-themed rides and embrace designs that engage children’s imagination and showcase human talent.” (whatever that means)

The letter continues “asking that the company end production and sale of animal-themed carousels that normalize the use of animals as conveyances and amusements and instead produce carousel figures in the shape of cars, airplanes, spaceships, bulldozers, and other vehicles, or more whimsical designs like shooting stars, rainbows or brooms.” I’m almost at a loss for words…oh wait, here they come. The last time I checked, lots of those other suggested “figures” are already on carousels all over the midway at most fairs and carnivals. And let’s help our kids imagine they can ride brooms, rainbows and shooting stars, but not horses they can actually ride and enjoy in real life.

The letter continues saying “times change, and that animal-themed rides “unintentionally” celebrate animal exploitation. It continues “All animals are thinking, feeling, affectionate, playful and social beings who form strong bonds with their offspring if permitted to keep them (a rarity.) They crave freedom from oppression.”

My tongue is literally bleeding from biting it, but I have to congratulate you PETA, on staying abreast of the times, as your priorities in this letter seem to fall right in line with the world’s priorities of late. I’d like to introduce you to some Amish friends of mine. Yes, their horses work hard for them, but they are treated like kings and queens once in the barn when the work day is over. There are literally thousands of horse enthusiasts around this country who also treat their horses better than our country treats its homeless and veterans. But there are also people and farmers in our land who very much mistreat their animals and pets, so PETA, please concentrate on them where there is actually a problem needing fixed, rather than on plastic horse figures on a carousel ride…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

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

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsOne of several problems in our society today is the intolerance of differing opinions. By many, anyone with a different opinion is seen as the enemy. I’m told I sometimes lean in that direction too, so in this column, I’ll attempt to control the urges I have to ridicule the subject matter contained herein. However, having said that, I also have to state right up front, that in today’s world, it seems facts and common sense have been replaced by emotions and ideologies, so here goes nothing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="STEVE GILLILAND" />
 <figcaption>STEVE GILLILAND</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita is home to Chance Rides, the largest manufacturer of amusement park rides in Kansas and probably one of the biggest in the United States, if not the world. One of their most popular products is the carousel, also known as a merry-go-round, the ride where kids are seated on animals, mostly horses, that bob up and down as the whole ride spins around. Carousels have been around for generations and are a staple at fairs and carnivals.Recently, our friends at PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) sent a letter to President and Chief Operating Officer of Chance Rides Aaron Landrum urging them to end the production and sale of animal-themed carousels. I’ll use a lot of direct quotes from the letter, as I don’t want to misrepresent anything. The letter began, “PETA urges Chance Rides and all other carousel manufacturers to hit the brakes on old-fashioned animal-themed rides and embrace designs that engage children’s imagination and showcase human talent.” (whatever that means)The letter continues “asking that the company end production and sale of animal-themed carousels that normalize the use of animals as conveyances and amusements and instead produce carousel figures in the shape of cars, airplanes, spaceships, bulldozers, and other vehicles, or more whimsical designs like shooting stars, rainbows or brooms.” I’m almost at a loss for words…oh wait, here they come. The last time I checked, lots of those other suggested “figures” are already on carousels all over the midway at most fairs and carnivals. And let’s help our kids imagine they can ride brooms, rainbows and shooting stars, but not horses they can actually ride and enjoy in real life.The letter continues saying “times change, and that animal-themed rides “unintentionally” celebrate animal exploitation. It continues “All animals are thinking, feeling, affectionate, playful and social beings who form strong bonds with their offspring if permitted to keep them (a rarity.) They crave freedom from oppression.”My tongue is literally bleeding from biting it, but I have to congratulate you PETA, on staying abreast of the times, as your priorities in this letter seem to fall right in line with the world’s priorities of late. I’d like to introduce you to some Amish friends of mine. Yes, their horses work hard for them, but they are treated like kings and queens once in the barn when the work day is over. There are literally thousands of horse enthusiasts around this country who also treat their horses better than our country treats its homeless and veterans. But there are also people and farmers in our land who very much mistreat their animals and pets, so PETA, please concentrate on them where there is actually a problem needing fixed, rather than on plastic horse figures on a carousel ride…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: Ye Haw, PETA Rides Again

(TOPEKA) – Young cattlemen and women from across the state met in Topeka February 12-13 for the first installment of the 2024 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA). Merck Animal Health remains the exclusive program sponsor, partnering with&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;to host members for an in-depth look into the association and the beef industry.&nbsp;A series of four seminars will be held throughout the year in various locations across Kansas.

During their first session, the 20 attendees learned about the array of member services provided by&nbsp;KLA, heard about the importance of being an advocate for the livestock industry, saw&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;lobbyists in action at the state Capitol and took part in the annual&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;Legislative Meeting. Additionally, YSA members attended a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting at the Capitol and participated in a financial planning seminar conducted by Pinion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As part of an interactive session led by&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;communications staff, Americus beef producer and industry advocate Jacquelyne Leffler and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcasters Greg Akagi and Slade Wiley, the group was given an overview of various outlets available to help tell the beef production story, as well as how to handle media inquiries. Leffler shared how her experiences led her to become an advocate for the industry and the importance of sharing beef’s message.

Members of the 2024 YSA class are Ethan Bellar, Howard; Michaela Bethard, Kismet; Coulter Croft, Copeland; Nicole DeMars, Clay Center; Drake Dieker, Westphalia; James Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Sam Gleason, Maple Hill; Chisum Grund, Wallace; Kaitlin Houck, Allen; Ryan Koons, Buffalo, OK; Jackie Neville, Andale; Ashlynn Remington, Meade; Jayden Rios, Garden City; Ty Ruckert, Manhattan; Grant Sardella, Cimarron; Libby Schneider, Logan; Tyler Spore, Great Bend; Trenton Turner, Hope, Brendan Whipple, Kismet; and Grady Woodard, Lyons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The second YSA session will be held in May. Members will have the opportunity to learn more about agribusiness and beef retail industries in the Kansas City area.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708117418555.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted(TOPEKA) – Young cattlemen and women from across the state met in Topeka February 12-13 for the first installment of the 2024 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA). Merck Animal Health remains the exclusive program sponsor, partnering with&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;to host members for an in-depth look into the association and the beef industry.&nbsp;A series of four seminars will be held throughout the year in various locations across Kansas.During their first session, the 20 attendees learned about the array of member services provided by&nbsp;KLA, heard about the importance of being an advocate for the livestock industry, saw&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;lobbyists in action at the state Capitol and took part in the annual&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;Legislative Meeting. Additionally, YSA members attended a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting at the Capitol and participated in a financial planning seminar conducted by Pinion.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of an interactive session led by&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;communications staff, Americus beef producer and industry advocate Jacquelyne Leffler and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcasters Greg Akagi and Slade Wiley, the group was given an overview of various outlets available to help tell the beef production story, as well as how to handle media inquiries. Leffler shared how her experiences led her to become an advocate for the industry and the importance of sharing beef’s message.Members of the 2024 YSA class are Ethan Bellar, Howard; Michaela Bethard, Kismet; Coulter Croft, Copeland; Nicole DeMars, Clay Center; Drake Dieker, Westphalia; James Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Sam Gleason, Maple Hill; Chisum Grund, Wallace; Kaitlin Houck, Allen; Ryan Koons, Buffalo, OK; Jackie Neville, Andale; Ashlynn Remington, Meade; Jayden Rios, Garden City; Ty Ruckert, Manhattan; Grant Sardella, Cimarron; Libby Schneider, Logan; Tyler Spore, Great Bend; Trenton Turner, Hope, Brendan Whipple, Kismet; and Grady Woodard, Lyons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The second YSA session will be held in May. Members will have the opportunity to learn more about agribusiness and beef retail industries in the Kansas City area.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit&nbsp;KLA&nbsp;members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

18th Young Stockmen’s Academy meets in Topeka

The City of Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board is planning a mock election to better involve local youth, once of age, with the community through voting. The goal of this program is to get young people interested and educated on what it means to vote, what makes a good candidate, and what to look for in a candidate. Elected Officials from the City of Hays, Ellis County, and across the State of Kansas have been invited to come and participate. 

Confirmed attendees include: Senator Roger Marshall, County Commission Chair Nathan Leiker, County Commissioners Neal Younger and Michael Berges, Ellis County Sherriff Scott Braun and Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling, Hays Mayor Shaun Musil, Hays Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs, City Commissioner Mason Ruder, and USD 489 Board Members Ruth Ruder and Megan Lillpopp. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Thomas More Prep-Marian High School Auditorium. 

The Youth Leadership Advisory Board consists of seven high school students residing in the City of Hays, and they are tasked with promoting and encouraging community development, involvement, and other participation of young leaders within the City of Hays. Current members include Hays High School students: Evyn Cox, Cy Drobeck, Henry Fitzthum, and Isabelle Jones. Members representing Thomas More Prep-Marian High School are Mia Lang, Preston Mermis, and Nathan Stecklein. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698790981397.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe City of Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board is planning a mock election to better involve local youth, once of age, with the community through voting. The goal of this program is to get young people interested and educated on what it means to vote, what makes a good candidate, and what to look for in a candidate. Elected Officials from the City of Hays, Ellis County, and across the State of Kansas have been invited to come and participate. Confirmed attendees include: Senator Roger Marshall, County Commission Chair Nathan Leiker, County Commissioners Neal Younger and Michael Berges, Ellis County Sherriff Scott Braun and Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling, Hays Mayor Shaun Musil, Hays Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs, City Commissioner Mason Ruder, and USD 489 Board Members Ruth Ruder and Megan Lillpopp. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Thomas More Prep-Marian High School Auditorium. The Youth Leadership Advisory Board consists of seven high school students residing in the City of Hays, and they are tasked with promoting and encouraging community development, involvement, and other participation of young leaders within the City of Hays. Current members include Hays High School students: Evyn Cox, Cy Drobeck, Henry Fitzthum, and Isabelle Jones. Members representing Thomas More Prep-Marian High School are Mia Lang, Preston Mermis, and Nathan Stecklein.

Hays Youth Leadership advisory board to host mock election event

By BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

Long before the Chiefs were cementing their dynasty last Sunday and Ted Lasso was bringing Kansan-infused witticisms to the TV-streaming world, the State of Kansas was unknowingly laying groundwork for another transformational event with a foot and a ball: FIFA’s World Cup soccer tournament in 2026.

In 1998, hosting “the largest event in human history” was unimaginable – until the Kansas Legislature and Governor Bill Graves created the STAR bond program for big economic development and tourism projects. Sales tax generated in STAR bond districts pays off government bonds used to build the project. The key was to attract visitor-driven sales and income tax – a huge tenant of economic development’s best practices.&nbsp;

The Kansas Speedway and Legends Mall in Wyandotte County – the first STAR bond district – became the state’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/star-through-difficulty-part-3-a-look-into-the-history-of-sales-tax-revenue-bonds/article_49a6507c-6146-11e5-b213-5b855ec4ba6b.html">number one tourist destination</a>, a cash cow for what was one of the poorest counties in the state, and homebase to Major Leagues Soccer’s Sporting KC, Kansas’ first and only professional sports franchise. This was the impetus behind Kansas and the KC metro area out-kicking other big-time metropolises to be one of 16 North American host cities for the World Cup. The stint spans six games, including a prestigious quarter final match elongating visitor stays.&nbsp;

But to invoke a Coach Lasso-ism, the $30ish million ask of Kansas taxpayers from KC-based organizers KC2026 made some “more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”&nbsp;

KC2026’s ask represents about 19 percent of their budget for transportation, security, and marketing operations. A Senate committee recently recommended $28 million on top of $10 million approved last year for Sporting KC stadium upgrades to support base camp for one of the 48 participating countries.

With all games being played at Arrowhead, Missouri-based businesses and governments stand to reap most of World Cup’s benefits, which is why the State of Missouri has been asked to more than double Kansas’ investment.&nbsp;

Will it be worth it for Kansas – especially for localities outside of the KC Metro? It’s a fair question.

Supporters say it’s a chance for Kansas to put its best foot forward on an unthinkable scale, given the event draws 9-10 times the viewership of the Super Bowl. For sheer eyeball magnitude, nothing comes close.

It’s a chance to build upon Kansas’ rising global footprint and goodwill; we&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldstopexports.com/top-10-exports-from-kansas/">export $14 billion of Kansas-based goods</a>&nbsp;such as aircraft parts, beef, wheat, and soy, and eight of our top 10 trade partners – Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Brazil, and the U.K. – are virtual World Cup locks, bringing dignitaries and throngs of loyal fans.&nbsp;

Also, a projected $163 million return for Kansas exceeds the typical 80 percent return on investment for public incentives.

The World Cup should be viewed as another global and local export. Just like chilled beef and airplane engines, or a $4 billion Panasonic battery plant in DeSoto and $1.9 billion computer chip plant in Burlington. They all import outside dollars that would not be here otherwise, converting into income and sales taxes for reinvestment throughout the state while lessening the tax burden on all Kansans.&nbsp;

That’s the thing about economic development. It’s not a zero-sum game. It’s cumulative. One thing leading to another bigger thing. Just as nobody in 1998 could have imagined this, we should believe the same in 2026.

Bill Fiander is a teacher of university courses specializing in public administration and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka and holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from George Washington University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708024541249.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BILL FIANDER Insight KansasLong before the Chiefs were cementing their dynasty last Sunday and Ted Lasso was bringing Kansan-infused witticisms to the TV-streaming world, the State of Kansas was unknowingly laying groundwork for another transformational event with a foot and a ball: FIFA’s World Cup soccer tournament in 2026.In 1998, hosting “the largest event in human history” was unimaginable – until the Kansas Legislature and Governor Bill Graves created the STAR bond program for big economic development and tourism projects. Sales tax generated in STAR bond districts pays off government bonds used to build the project. The key was to attract visitor-driven sales and income tax – a huge tenant of economic development’s best practices.&nbsp;The Kansas Speedway and Legends Mall in Wyandotte County – the first STAR bond district – became the state’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/star-through-difficulty-part-3-a-look-into-the-history-of-sales-tax-revenue-bonds/article_49a6507c-6146-11e5-b213-5b855ec4ba6b.html">number one tourist destination</a>, a cash cow for what was one of the poorest counties in the state, and homebase to Major Leagues Soccer’s Sporting KC, Kansas’ first and only professional sports franchise. This was the impetus behind Kansas and the KC metro area out-kicking other big-time metropolises to be one of 16 North American host cities for the World Cup. The stint spans six games, including a prestigious quarter final match elongating visitor stays.&nbsp;But to invoke a Coach Lasso-ism, the $30ish million ask of Kansas taxpayers from KC-based organizers KC2026 made some “more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”&nbsp;KC2026’s ask represents about 19 percent of their budget for transportation, security, and marketing operations. A Senate committee recently recommended $28 million on top of $10 million approved last year for Sporting KC stadium upgrades to support base camp for one of the 48 participating countries.With all games being played at Arrowhead, Missouri-based businesses and governments stand to reap most of World Cup’s benefits, which is why the State of Missouri has been asked to more than double Kansas’ investment.&nbsp;Will it be worth it for Kansas – especially for localities outside of the KC Metro? It’s a fair question.Supporters say it’s a chance for Kansas to put its best foot forward on an unthinkable scale, given the event draws 9-10 times the viewership of the Super Bowl. For sheer eyeball magnitude, nothing comes close.It’s a chance to build upon Kansas’ rising global footprint and goodwill; we&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldstopexports.com/top-10-exports-from-kansas/">export $14 billion of Kansas-based goods</a>&nbsp;such as aircraft parts, beef, wheat, and soy, and eight of our top 10 trade partners – Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Brazil, and the U.K. – are virtual World Cup locks, bringing dignitaries and throngs of loyal fans.&nbsp;Also, a projected $163 million return for Kansas exceeds the typical 80 percent return on investment for public incentives.The World Cup should be viewed as another global and local export. Just like chilled beef and airplane engines, or a $4 billion Panasonic battery plant in DeSoto and $1.9 billion computer chip plant in Burlington. They all import outside dollars that would not be here otherwise, converting into income and sales taxes for reinvestment throughout the state while lessening the tax burden on all Kansans.&nbsp;That’s the thing about economic development. It’s not a zero-sum game. It’s cumulative. One thing leading to another bigger thing. Just as nobody in 1998 could have imagined this, we should believe the same in 2026.Bill Fiander is a teacher of university courses specializing in public administration and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka and holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from George Washington University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: World Cup runneth over into Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708123354948.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>

Natoma American Legion participates in Kansas Day celebration

GOVE COUNTY —Two people were injured in two separate accidents Saturday evening when drivers fell asleep.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported just before 5:30p.m. Saturday, a 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Gary W.&nbsp;Repshire, 64, Oakley, was southbound on Kansas 23 approximately 23 miles south of Grainfield.

Repshire&nbsp;fell asleep. The car crossed the center line, traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a field entrance, went airborne and overturned an unknown amount of times before coming to rest upright in the east ditch.

EMS transported Repshire to the Lane County Hospital.

Just before 7p.m., the KHP reported a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by&nbsp; Phillip K. Otten, 25, Luray, was southbound on U.S. 281 one mile south of Russell. Otten fell asleep. The SUV crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2015 Toyota 4Runner driven by Melody A. Johnston, 47, Great Bend.

EMS transported Johnston to the Russell Regional Hospital. Otten was not transported for treatment. All three drivers in both accidents were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY —Two people were injured in two separate accidents Saturday evening when drivers fell asleep.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported just before 5:30p.m. Saturday, a 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Gary W.&nbsp;Repshire, 64, Oakley, was southbound on Kansas 23 approximately 23 miles south of Grainfield.Repshire&nbsp;fell asleep. The car crossed the center line, traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a field entrance, went airborne and overturned an unknown amount of times before coming to rest upright in the east ditch.EMS transported Repshire to the Lane County Hospital.Just before 7p.m., the KHP reported a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by&nbsp; Phillip K. Otten, 25, Luray, was southbound on U.S. 281 one mile south of Russell. Otten fell asleep. The SUV crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2015 Toyota 4Runner driven by Melody A. Johnston, 47, Great Bend.EMS transported Johnston to the Russell Regional Hospital. Otten was not transported for treatment. All three drivers in both accidents were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after drivers in separate accidents fell asleep

A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It all started as a way to make some good memories with – and for – our 12-year-old grandson, Brody.

He is a huge Kansas City Chiefs football fan, so I decided to make the trek to St. Joseph, Mo., last summer for their preseason camp. It was a lot of fun and something he still talks about today.

So, as the Chiefs made their magical run through the NFL playoffs this winter, I started thinking this would be a great idea: if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, I should take Brody to their celebration parade.

While that seemed like a long shot at the end of the regular season, once the postseason began, they just kept winning. And winning. And winning.

I had been running across several messages and posts lately about how children and grandchildren won’t remember you for the material things we give them but for the time we spend with them.

So as soon as Mecole Hardman caught that pass in the Super Bowl overtime, I started making plans to take Brody to the parade – a “from the start of their season to the finish” kind of thing.

I looked up the parade route and asked friends in the KC area where might be a good spot to go.

News stories about the million or so fans who would be on hand for the parade didn’t really scare me.

I’d never before been in a crowd of a million people – and probably never will be again. I was curious to see what that looked and felt like.

I had heard that the World War I Museum and Memorial area overlooking Union Station would be a great place to get a good view of the pep rally that would follow the parade.

Instructions online for those attending the parade gave out lists for being prepared.

Looking back, I can’t think of anything that could have prepared us for this day.

I came up with the idea for our son, Drew, to drive us as close as he could to Union Station, and we would call him later to pick us up.

As we rode to downtown KC, Brody marveled at the mass of people on bridges and walkways and in streets along the way, heading toward their parade-watching spot.

Drew dropped us off just a few blocks from Union Station, and Brody and I were off for a day to remember.

A woman handing out special edition newspaper supplements looked like she might be an authority on where to go so I stopped and asked.

“The hill by the World War I Memorial,” she answered, pointing at the huge Liberty Memorial Tower.

I felt kind of smug. I had guessed right – or so I thought.

The hill is usually a beautiful green space leading up to the tower. On this day, I looked up, and all I could see was red.

“But it’s packed already. Good luck,” the woman added incredulously.

She obviously didn’t know me. Off we proceeded to climb the steep hill.

Oh, yeah, it was packed. But we zigged and zagged our way through bodies and blankets and lawn chairs and found what I thought was a good spot. We could see the stage perfectly.

Before long, Brody asked when we were going to the parade.

Well … I had thought this would be a great spot to hear the players and coaches talk after the parade.

“But I want to see the parade,” he said simply.

Well, this was his day, so off we went again. That’s when I saw firsthand what crowded and being shoulder to shoulder in a large crowd of people really means.

The area that I thought would be best to see the end of the parade was obviously already filled with a lot of red-clad folks who weren’t exactly planning to move anytime soon.

Somehow, and I do mean SOMEHOW, we just kept inching forward, saying “excuse me” and smiling at folks even if they weren’t sporting a happy face.

We had to concentrate on keeping on our feet amidst all the jostling of humanity.

People were going to great lengths to get up high enough to watch the festivities. There were youngsters on their dad’s shoulders and others in trees and even some on street light posts.

A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181675958.jpeg" alt="True to form, Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes launches a football back to a fan – left-handed – while riding atop a double-decker bus during Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade in downtown KC. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>True to form, Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes launches a football back to a fan – left-handed – while riding atop a double-decker bus during Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade in downtown KC. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt all started as a way to make some good memories with – and for – our 12-year-old grandson, Brody.He is a huge Kansas City Chiefs football fan, so I decided to make the trek to St. Joseph, Mo., last summer for their preseason camp. It was a lot of fun and something he still talks about today.So, as the Chiefs made their magical run through the NFL playoffs this winter, I started thinking this would be a great idea: if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, I should take Brody to their celebration parade.While that seemed like a long shot at the end of the regular season, once the postseason began, they just kept winning. And winning. And winning.I had been running across several messages and posts lately about how children and grandchildren won’t remember you for the material things we give them but for the time we spend with them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181727659.jpeg" alt="Freelance writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien and grandson Brody celebrate the KC Chiefs from start to finish this season – from their preseason camp in July in St. Joseph, Mo., to their Super Bowl parade in February in downtown KC. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Freelance writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien and grandson Brody celebrate the KC Chiefs from start to finish this season – from their preseason camp in July in St. Joseph, Mo., to their Super Bowl parade in February in downtown KC. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>So as soon as Mecole Hardman caught that pass in the Super Bowl overtime, I started making plans to take Brody to the parade – a “from the start of their season to the finish” kind of thing.I looked up the parade route and asked friends in the KC area where might be a good spot to go.News stories about the million or so fans who would be on hand for the parade didn’t really scare me.I’d never before been in a crowd of a million people – and probably never will be again. I was curious to see what that looked and felt like.I had heard that the World War I Museum and Memorial area overlooking Union Station would be a great place to get a good view of the pep rally that would follow the parade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181812559.jpeg" alt="The area in front of Union Station in downtown Kansas City was a sea of red as fans gathered for Wednesday’s pep rally celebrating the Super Bowl champion KC Chiefs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>The area in front of Union Station in downtown Kansas City was a sea of red as fans gathered for Wednesday’s pep rally celebrating the Super Bowl champion KC Chiefs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Instructions online for those attending the parade gave out lists for being prepared.Looking back, I can’t think of anything that could have prepared us for this day.I came up with the idea for our son, Drew, to drive us as close as he could to Union Station, and we would call him later to pick us up.Parking situation solved.As we rode to downtown KC, Brody marveled at the mass of people on bridges and walkways and in streets along the way, heading toward their parade-watching spot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181852209.jpeg" alt="Writer’s grandson Brody was front and center as players passed in front of fans during the parade, some high-fiving outstretched hands and another showing off the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Writer’s grandson Brody was front and center as players passed in front of fans during the parade, some high-fiving outstretched hands and another showing off the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Drew dropped us off just a few blocks from Union Station, and Brody and I were off for a day to remember.A woman handing out special edition newspaper supplements looked like she might be an authority on where to go so I stopped and asked.“The hill by the World War I Memorial,” she answered, pointing at the huge Liberty Memorial Tower.I felt kind of smug. I had guessed right – or so I thought.The hill is usually a beautiful green space leading up to the tower. On this day, I looked up, and all I could see was red.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181896459.jpeg" alt="Fans climbed atop anything they could, including this light pole, to get a better view of the parade. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Fans climbed atop anything they could, including this light pole, to get a better view of the parade. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>“But it’s packed already. Good luck,” the woman added incredulously.She obviously didn’t know me. Off we proceeded to climb the steep hill.Oh, yeah, it was packed. But we zigged and zagged our way through bodies and blankets and lawn chairs and found what I thought was a good spot. We could see the stage perfectly.Before long, Brody asked when we were going to the parade.Well … I had thought this would be a great spot to hear the players and coaches talk after the parade.“But I want to see the parade,” he said simply.Well, this was his day, so off we went again. That’s when I saw firsthand what crowded and being shoulder to shoulder in a large crowd of people really means.The area that I thought would be best to see the end of the parade was obviously already filled with a lot of red-clad folks who weren’t exactly planning to move anytime soon.Somehow, and I do mean SOMEHOW, we just kept inching forward, saying “excuse me” and smiling at folks even if they weren’t sporting a happy face.We had to concentrate on keeping on our feet amidst all the jostling of humanity.People were going to great lengths to get up high enough to watch the festivities. There were youngsters on their dad’s shoulders and others in trees and even some on street light posts.Before we knew it, we were only three rows from a short fence lining the end of the parade route. I absolutely couldn’t tell you how we ended up so close.A very nice woman named Erin (who was actually smiling) asked if Brody had ever been to one of the Chiefs’ parades.“Uh, no!”“You’re young – you need to see this. You get on up to the front,” she said, basically wedging him into the second row.Brody then reached into his bravery pouch and asked a woman with a camera and a cell phone in her hands and a scowl on her face if he could “squeeze” in beside her. She begrudgingly moved over a couple of inches, and that’s all he needed.Just like that, Brody was in the front row taking videos and photos like a pro.I got to chatting with Erin and a friend with her, and they could probably sense my amazement, particularly at the size of the crowd. They asked if we were from a small town.I said, “Oh, no, Brody lives in Topeka, and I’m from a city of about 20,000.”One of them gasped. The other laughed like I’d just told a really funny joke. (They both live in the Kansas City area.)It didn’t matter; nothing seemed to matter on this day.There was Brody, all 5 foot, 4 inches of him, standing at the front of the fence – along with people who had been trying to reserve spots since midnight. People actually laid on blankets on concrete so they could have a good view of this parade – wow!We stood and watched as bus after bus passed us, carrying the team and other members of the Chiefs organization. And we had front-row spots.There was no Taylor Swift appearance, and most of the players we didn’t recognize without their numbered jerseys – except, of course Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.But there was lots of cheering and clapping and music and all-around good feelings.The crowd had fun guessing who those players might be, and several players got off the buses to high-five fans.As the parade finally ended, I thanked Erin again for helping make a prime spot (and lasting memories) for a young fan.I wanted to head toward the stage and listen to the rest of the pep rally, but the look on Brody’s face told me he felt otherwise.“Please Néna, I am really hungry!” he said emphasizing the “please” and the name he calls his grandmothers.Well, I guess we had seen the parade, and I could catch the players’ comments later on TV.So we took off eastward instead, not knowing at the time that would be the best decision we made all day.We were a few blocks away from the rally, sitting on a street corner and waiting for Drew to pick us up when we heard sirens and watched numerous emergency vehicles race by.We had fun chatting about the day and what we liked best when a friend from back in Hays texted me and asked me where we were. She was watching the event on TV and saw policemen jumping barricades. She wondered what was happening and if we were safe.As we would soon learn, there was a shooting at the end of the pep rally where shots rang out just outside Union Station. One woman died in the shooting, and 22 others were injured, many of them children attending the parade since school had been called off in KC for the day.In an instant, things other than a parade really did matter.A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.I’m not sure what Brody will remember from that day, but it’s a sure bet the shooting will be vivid in his mind.News accounts on TV that we listened to later revealed the chaos surrounding the shooting area.Brody talked about how he felt badly for the children who had to be terrified and shook his head at the thought that we could have been some of those fans rushing away from the area to safety.I hope he also remembers the good times and spending a few hours of fun with Néna Diane.Something I’ll always remember had nothing to do with the parade or the shooting.It was the warm feeling I had when I asked Brody if he wanted a Super Bowl T-shirt as we approached one of the many stands selling Chiefs memorabilia. After all, his 13th birthday was just three days away.He said “not right now – maybe a sweatshirt later.” Instead, he asked if he could get something for his 5-year-old brother.I looked at those puppy-dog eyes and pulled some cash out of my pocket.“How much are they?” I asked the salesman.Twenty bucks for a doggy cap with a pump at the end of its long ears that make them flop up and down. That seemed a little steep, but how could I say “no” to that request.Now, a few days later, I smile as I type that memory. It made me think of one of those inspirational messages I talked about at the opening of this story.It went something like this – the most powerful and most meaningful lasting memories for a child is to tell them “I love you” and “I’m proud of you.”Well, Brody, I am so darned proud of you, especially today on your 13th birthday!I’m proud of you for caring, proud to be your grandmother.Love, Néna Diane

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