The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;has announced a partnership with Kansas State University to offer attendees of the leadership program three hours of college credit at a significant discount. This year’s ALBSK will be Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, on KSU’s campus in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.

Kansas State is offering two sections of Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) specifically for Kansas Boys State attendees. Attending KBS will fulfill a portion of the course requirements with additional course work assigned by the instructor, Nate Birkhead, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. KBS attendees wishing to take advantage of this course will be enrolled as a KSU student, but they do not have to attend K-State as the credit hours will be transferable. The tuition for the course will be $366 (payable to K-State), a nearly 70 percent savings over the regular three-hour online tuition rate of $1,181.25. KBS attendees should contact their school guidance counselor to enroll in the course.

In addition, Kansas Boys State attendees also have the opportunity to earn two scholarships — the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, and the Boys State of Kansas Director’s Scholarship, worth up to $1,500. For more information on the Samsung Scholarship, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung">legion.org/scholarships/samsung</a>; for more information on the KBS Director’s Scholarship, e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 550-6492.

The American Legion&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community,&nbsp;state&nbsp;and nation.&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the&nbsp;state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The ALBSK program is for individuals who will complete their junior or sophomore year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. The cost to attend Kansas&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or the family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate/">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.

For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

SubmittedThe&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;has announced a partnership with Kansas State University to offer attendees of the leadership program three hours of college credit at a significant discount. This year’s ALBSK will be Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, on KSU’s campus in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.Kansas State is offering two sections of Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) specifically for Kansas Boys State attendees. Attending KBS will fulfill a portion of the course requirements with additional course work assigned by the instructor, Nate Birkhead, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. KBS attendees wishing to take advantage of this course will be enrolled as a KSU student, but they do not have to attend K-State as the credit hours will be transferable. The tuition for the course will be $366 (payable to K-State), a nearly 70 percent savings over the regular three-hour online tuition rate of $1,181.25. KBS attendees should contact their school guidance counselor to enroll in the course.In addition, Kansas Boys State attendees also have the opportunity to earn two scholarships — the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, and the Boys State of Kansas Director’s Scholarship, worth up to $1,500. For more information on the Samsung Scholarship, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung">legion.org/scholarships/samsung</a>; for more information on the KBS Director’s Scholarship, e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 550-6492.The American Legion&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community,&nbsp;state&nbsp;and nation.&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the&nbsp;state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.The ALBSK program is for individuals who will complete their junior or sophomore year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. The cost to attend Kansas&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or the family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate/">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

Boys State of Kansas offering college credit, scholarships for attendees

By RAYMOND CLOYD K-State Extension Specialist in Horticultural Entomology

Brood 19 (XIX) and 13 (XIII) of the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada, will be emerging from certain areas in a number of states in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States but Kansas is not on the list for either cicada.

Periodical cicadas are insects with a 13- or 17-year life cycle depending on geography. Seventeen year life cycles are affiliated with the northern and western regions of the United States whereas 13 year life cycles are associated with the southern regions of the United States. Periodical cicadas have the longest life cycle of any insect, spending almost all their lives as nymphs underground that feed on the xylem (water conducting tissues) of plant roots. From April to June, millions of periodical cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil in an area in almost “perfect synchrony.” The factors responsible for the synchronized emergence are still not well understood.

Each periodical cicada emergence is referred to as a brood with each brood represented by a Roman numeral. There are 30 broods. Seventeen-year periodical cicada broods are designated I to XVII- and 13-year periodical cicada broods are designated XVIII to XXX. Different species are associated with the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles.

Periodical cicada nymphs undergo five instars (stages between each molt). Early instars are translucent or cream colored, and resemble ants or termites. The later instars are over 1 inch in length and move through the soil feeding on the xylem tissue of plant roots for 13 or 17 years. From April to June, fifth instar nymphs emerge from the soil and crawl onto tree trunks, posts, or other objects. The nymphs remain stationary, and then transition into adults that emerge from the hardened exoskeleton of the nymph. These exoskeletons are present long after adult populations have declined. Adults are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, black, with red eyes and legs, and have orange veined wings that are held roof like over the body. Adults are active for four to six weeks. In the

first two weeks after emergence, adult females and males congregate at chorus centers, which are locations where males sing and mating occurs. Each mated female disperses from the chorus center and creates a series of slits or egg nests, using her sawlike ovipositor (egg laying device), along the length of 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter twigs or branches of trees. A female can lay 20 to 30 eggs into each slit or egg nest, with each female capable of laying up to 600 eggs during her six week lifespan. Eggs are laid into the twigs or branches of a number of different trees including: ash, elm, hickory, and oak.

Nymphs emerge (eclose) from the eggs after six to 10 weeks and fall onto the soil surface. The nymphs then enter the soil and start feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicada nymphs are the only insect known to feed on the xylem tissue of plant roots. The nymphs will remain in the soil for 13 or 17 years.

The main plant damage caused by the periodical cicada is associated with egg laying wounds created by females when using their sawlike ovipositor to lay eggs into twigs or small branches. Twig or branch dieback, or flagging may be noticeable later on in the growing season, especially on large trees, such as, oaks. Young, newly planted trees can be substantially damaged or even killed. For those interested, the next brood of periodical cicada to emerge in Kansas will be Brood IV (17 year life cycle), which is scheduled to emerge in 2032.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706040197223.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RAYMOND CLOYD K-State Extension Specialist in Horticultural EntomologyBrood 19 (XIX) and 13 (XIII) of the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada, will be emerging from certain areas in a number of states in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States but Kansas is not on the list for either cicada.Periodical cicadas are insects with a 13- or 17-year life cycle depending on geography. Seventeen year life cycles are affiliated with the northern and western regions of the United States whereas 13 year life cycles are associated with the southern regions of the United States. Periodical cicadas have the longest life cycle of any insect, spending almost all their lives as nymphs underground that feed on the xylem (water conducting tissues) of plant roots. From April to June, millions of periodical cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil in an area in almost “perfect synchrony.” The factors responsible for the synchronized emergence are still not well understood.Each periodical cicada emergence is referred to as a brood with each brood represented by a Roman numeral. There are 30 broods. Seventeen-year periodical cicada broods are designated I to XVII- and 13-year periodical cicada broods are designated XVIII to XXX. Different species are associated with the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles.Periodical cicada nymphs undergo five instars (stages between each molt). Early instars are translucent or cream colored, and resemble ants or termites. The later instars are over 1 inch in length and move through the soil feeding on the xylem tissue of plant roots for 13 or 17 years. From April to June, fifth instar nymphs emerge from the soil and crawl onto tree trunks, posts, or other objects. The nymphs remain stationary, and then transition into adults that emerge from the hardened exoskeleton of the nymph. These exoskeletons are present long after adult populations have declined. Adults are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, black, with red eyes and legs, and have orange veined wings that are held roof like over the body. Adults are active for four to six weeks. In thefirst two weeks after emergence, adult females and males congregate at chorus centers, which are locations where males sing and mating occurs. Each mated female disperses from the chorus center and creates a series of slits or egg nests, using her sawlike ovipositor (egg laying device), along the length of 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter twigs or branches of trees. A female can lay 20 to 30 eggs into each slit or egg nest, with each female capable of laying up to 600 eggs during her six week lifespan. Eggs are laid into the twigs or branches of a number of different trees including: ash, elm, hickory, and oak.Nymphs emerge (eclose) from the eggs after six to 10 weeks and fall onto the soil surface. The nymphs then enter the soil and start feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicada nymphs are the only insect known to feed on the xylem tissue of plant roots. The nymphs will remain in the soil for 13 or 17 years.The main plant damage caused by the periodical cicada is associated with egg laying wounds created by females when using their sawlike ovipositor to lay eggs into twigs or small branches. Twig or branch dieback, or flagging may be noticeable later on in the growing season, especially on large trees, such as, oaks. Young, newly planted trees can be substantially damaged or even killed. For those interested, the next brood of periodical cicada to emerge in Kansas will be Brood IV (17 year life cycle), which is scheduled to emerge in 2032.

COTTONWOOD: 13 and 17 year periodical cicada emergence

<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/2024/4/1713562013168.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

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with CASA of the High Plains executive director&nbsp;Jan Johnson.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiZHgSSbXgE?si=TxdJjOj7HZupVOv2" 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>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with CASA of the High Plains executive director&nbsp;Jan Johnson.

🎤Forward Ever: CASA of the High Plains executive director Jan Johnson

On this episode of The Post Podcast KKQY 101.9 The Bull Morning Show host Mike Holliday speaks with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus about the Home on the Range Cabin Celebration in Smith Center Saturday.

<div><iframe title="Superbowl champs plan Smith Center visit Saturday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jbcmm-15ee027-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of The Post Podcast KKQY 101.9 The Bull Morning Show host Mike Holliday speaks with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus about the Home on the Range Cabin Celebration in Smith Center Saturday.

🎙 Post Podcast: NFL champs plan Smith Center visit Saturday

FHSU crime log April 13-19, 2024

TMP-Marian vs Abilene Friday, April 19 – 4:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - TMP Field

Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1053523"> CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs returns home Friday afternoon for a battle of ranked teams as they host the Abilene Cowboys.

TMP has won four straight, after sweeping Goodland last Thursday. The Monarchs are ranked No. 5 this week in class 2-1A.

The host an Abilene team that has won eight straight and coming off a sweep of the top ranked team in 4A Clay Center.

The Cowboys are ranked 4th in 4A at 11-1.

First pitch of the first game of the doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. with the second game to follow from TMP Field on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Abilene Friday, April 19 – 4:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - TMP FieldRadio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1053523"> CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs returns home Friday afternoon for a battle of ranked teams as they host the Abilene Cowboys.TMP has won four straight, after sweeping Goodland last Thursday. The Monarchs are ranked No. 5 this week in class 2-1A.The host an Abilene team that has won eight straight and coming off a sweep of the top ranked team in 4A Clay Center.The Cowboys are ranked 4th in 4A at 11-1.TMP is 10-2.First pitch of the first game of the doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. with the second game to follow from TMP Field on the Monarchs Sports Network.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Abilene

Unemployment declined slightly in Ellis County in March from 2.4% in February to 2.2%.

The jobless rate in Trego County dropped a full percentage point from 4.7% to 3.7%.

The unemployment rate in the rest of northwest Kansas remains low at 3.1 percent or less for March.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.7 percent for Kansas in March. This is unchanged from 2.7% in February and unchanged from 2.7% in March 2023.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 6,400 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 5,500 over the month, while government increased by 900.

Since March 2023, Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 21,800. This change is due to an increase of 16,400 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,400 government jobs.

Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for March 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. The data collected for this report references the week including March 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713554374251.png" alt="March unemployment numbers" />
 <figcaption>March unemployment numbers</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of LaborUnemployment declined slightly in Ellis County in March from 2.4% in February to 2.2%.The jobless rate in Trego County dropped a full percentage point from 4.7% to 3.7%.The unemployment rate in the rest of northwest Kansas remains low at 3.1 percent or less for March.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.7 percent for Kansas in March. This is unchanged from 2.7% in February and unchanged from 2.7% in March 2023.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 6,400 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 5,500 over the month, while government increased by 900.Since March 2023, Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 21,800. This change is due to an increase of 16,400 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,400 government jobs.Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for March 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. The data collected for this report references the week including March 12.

Jobless rate dips slighting in Ellis County in March; 1% drop in Trego County

Hays Police Department arrest log, April 7-13, 2024

Hays Police Department activity log: April 7-13, 2024

Friends of Hays Public Library Book Sale today, Saturday

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Donna Riedel of Ellis!

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.

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Donna Riedel of Ellis!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.<div><div data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="4c69b1bf-6d78-4d05-a3a5-0d499f7a715c" data-routing="hash" data-script="k2a5fp"></div>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036384.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="k2a5fp">/**/</script></div>

Friday's Cash Grab winner is....

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

<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>

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

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>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036383.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="r9ka10">/**/</script></div>

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>.

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