Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Michael Lacy of Hays.

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, Michael Lacy of Hays.He heard the code word on 94.3 KAYS.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="be3ad4a3-bcd7-4f66-8d0a-e5c271c49356" data-routing="hash" data-script="n6obr3"></div>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036327.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="n6obr3">/**/</script></div>

Friday's Cash Grab winner is....

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Local and international barbershop singers are teaming up in harmony for the "We Believe in Music" show and fundraiser.

The Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will share the stage with the Tumbleweed Chorus, Prairie Timber, Uncalled Four and Big Creek Chorus on Saturday.

Headlining the 56th-annual show is "After Hours," a quartet that Vance Chartier, Hays High Plains Vice President for Public Relations, said is a distinguished group.

"After Hours are the elite of the elite among international barbershop quartets," he said.

<a href="https://www.afterhoursqt.com/">After Hours</a> won the 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Championship with the highest score in the organization's history at 94.7%.

Chartier said melodies performed will span from the mid to late 20th century.

"When you consider the old barbershop style songs, you have songs that range from the '40s up to the '90s," he said.

Featured songs include "I Believe in Music" by Mac Davis, "Let It Be" by the Beatles, "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel and "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan.

The show is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.

The Hays High Plains is kicking off the event that will fund various schools and organizations, including Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

"Our concert is our big money raiser," Chartier said. "Money we raise goes to supporting music programs in the surrounding area."

Students involved in the nonprofit are qualified for financial support regardless of their concentration.&nbsp;

"Anyone in the [Hays High Plains] chorus going to college or a technical school is eligible for a scholarship. We help them pursue their careers, and it doesn't have to be music," he said.

Tickets for the show are available for $15 in advance from any chorus member or at the following locations:

Tickers can also be bought at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center and <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-believe-in-music-tickets-770316787247">online</a>.

"It's going to be a great show, and we hope to see everybody there," Chartier said.

You can donate to the Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus by contacting Vance Chartier at 785-623-6746

You can also follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/">Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ahquartet/">After Hours</a> on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712163544354.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostLocal and international barbershop singers are teaming up in harmony for the "We Believe in Music" show and fundraiser.The Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will share the stage with the Tumbleweed Chorus, Prairie Timber, Uncalled Four and Big Creek Chorus on Saturday.Headlining the 56th-annual show is "After Hours," a quartet that Vance Chartier, Hays High Plains Vice President for Public Relations, said is a distinguished group."After Hours are the elite of the elite among international barbershop quartets," he said.<a href="https://www.afterhoursqt.com/">After Hours</a> won the 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Championship with the highest score in the organization's history at 94.7%.Chartier said melodies performed will span from the mid to late 20th century."When you consider the old barbershop style songs, you have songs that range from the '40s up to the '90s," he said.Featured songs include "I Believe in Music" by Mac Davis, "Let It Be" by the Beatles, "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel and "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan.The show is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.The Hays High Plains is kicking off the event that will fund various schools and organizations, including Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas."Our concert is our big money raiser," Chartier said. "Money we raise goes to supporting music programs in the surrounding area."Students involved in the nonprofit are qualified for financial support regardless of their concentration.&nbsp;"Anyone in the [Hays High Plains] chorus going to college or a technical school is eligible for a scholarship. We help them pursue their careers, and it doesn't have to be music," he said.Tickets for the show are available for $15 in advance from any chorus member or at the following locations:<ul>
 <li>Walgreens, 2600 Vine, Hays</li><li>Cerv's, 2701 Vine and 2722 Hall, Hays </li><li>&nbsp;Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine, Hays </li><li>Couture for Men, 1109 Main, Hays </li><li>Klema Hometown Market, 51 S. Fossil, Russell </li><li>Encore Antiques &amp; Collectibles, 590 S. Fossil, Russell </li><li>Farmers Bank &amp; Trust, 108 S. Main, Bazine </li>
 </ul>Tickers can also be bought at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center and <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-believe-in-music-tickets-770316787247">online</a>."It's going to be a great show, and we hope to see everybody there," Chartier said.You can donate to the Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus by contacting Vance Chartier at 785-623-6746You can also follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/">Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ahquartet/">After Hours</a> on Facebook.

Hays barbershoppers prepare for 56th-annual show: 'We Believe in Music'

By NANCY PIATT Special to the Hays Post

Sunday will be a long-awaited day for Victoria. Following almost two years of planning, community meetings, fundraising events and grant writing, the official groundbreaking ceremony for St. John’s Place will happen.&nbsp;

The community and area dignitaries are invited to the event at 11:30 a.m. on site.&nbsp; Lunch will be served, tours conducted. and hard work celebrated.

The Victoria Community Coalition Board is especially excited to conduct the tours of the old nursing home to give visitors a view of all the demolition work that has been done by community volunteers.

The work includes removing old wiring, plumbing, metal and insulation as well as stripping sheet rock down to the main supports.

The debris removed has filled more than 12 dumpsters. Many items removed have been sold, including copper, good insulation, refrigerators and coolers, bathtubs and sinks. All of this has boosted the Victoria Community Coalition treasury.

Board members estimate the labor donated will save more than $140,000 in demolition costs.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Another accomplishment has been the removal of all the asbestos in the part of the building that is Phase 1: 12 independent senior apartments. &nbsp;

The first part of construction will be the replacement of the entire roof.&nbsp;

In addition to the apartment complex, another part of the project is the construction of a satellite site for the Ellis County Historical Society.&nbsp; Work on its portion of the roof has begun. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712175275336.jpeg" alt="Visitors on Sunday will be able to see the exposed bare pipes and ceiling rafters that reflect the labor of volunteers at St. John's Place in Victoria. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Visitors on Sunday will be able to see the exposed bare pipes and ceiling rafters that reflect the labor of volunteers at St. John's Place in Victoria. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By NANCY PIATT Special to the Hays PostSunday will be a long-awaited day for Victoria. Following almost two years of planning, community meetings, fundraising events and grant writing, the official groundbreaking ceremony for St. John’s Place will happen.&nbsp;The community and area dignitaries are invited to the event at 11:30 a.m. on site.&nbsp; Lunch will be served, tours conducted. and hard work celebrated.The Victoria Community Coalition Board is especially excited to conduct the tours of the old nursing home to give visitors a view of all the demolition work that has been done by community volunteers.The work includes removing old wiring, plumbing, metal and insulation as well as stripping sheet rock down to the main supports.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712175354336.jpeg" alt="As construction begins, this space will soon be a two-bedroom apartment unit at St. John's Place in Victoria. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>As construction begins, this space will soon be a two-bedroom apartment unit at St. John's Place in Victoria. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The debris removed has filled more than 12 dumpsters. Many items removed have been sold, including copper, good insulation, refrigerators and coolers, bathtubs and sinks. All of this has boosted the Victoria Community Coalition treasury.Board members estimate the labor donated will save more than $140,000 in demolition costs.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another accomplishment has been the removal of all the asbestos in the part of the building that is Phase 1: 12 independent senior apartments. &nbsp;The first part of construction will be the replacement of the entire roof.&nbsp;In addition to the apartment complex, another part of the project is the construction of a satellite site for the Ellis County Historical Society.&nbsp; Work on its portion of the roof has begun. &nbsp;

St. John’s project in Victoria to break ground on Sunday

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy pickup driven by Tomas N.&nbsp;Alvarado, 52, Colby, was northbound on County Road 31 and failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 83.

The Chevy pickup entered the intersection. A westbound 2019 Ford pickup driven by Severino&nbsp;Barrera-Penaloza, 42, Colorado Springs, Colorado, struck the Chevy pickup. After impact, both vehicles traveled into the north ditch.

EMS transported&nbsp;Alvarado and&nbsp;Barrera-Penaloza to Citizens Medical Center. Alvarado was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy pickup driven by Tomas N.&nbsp;Alvarado, 52, Colby, was northbound on County Road 31 and failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 83.The Chevy pickup entered the intersection. A westbound 2019 Ford pickup driven by Severino&nbsp;Barrera-Penaloza, 42, Colorado Springs, Colorado, struck the Chevy pickup. After impact, both vehicles traveled into the north ditch.EMS transported&nbsp;Alvarado and&nbsp;Barrera-Penaloza to Citizens Medical Center. Alvarado was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after pickups collide in northwest Kansas

Hays, KS– HaysMed today announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Rural &amp; Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals, based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®.

"Being recognized nationwide as one of the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals holds profound significance for HaysMed," emphasized Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO. "Our commitment to rural health is unwavering, and this prestigious award reaffirms our dedication to delivering exceptional specialty services right in our community's backyard."

HaysMed is celebrating its fifth nationwide Top 100 Rural Hospital award, honored in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and now 2024. HaysMed’s unwavering commitment to rural healthcare sets a shining example for communities nationwide.

“During an era of uncertainty for rural healthcare, the Top 100 rural hospitals continue to provide a unique lens through which we can identify innovation and inspiration for how to deliver high quality care to increasingly vulnerable populations,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We’re delighted to be able to recognize all this year’s Top 100 but especially the more than 40 first-time recipients across both categories. It’s wonderful to see so many new facilities join the ranks of our Top 100 alumni.”

Now in its 14th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Featuring a methodology utilizing publicly available data, the INDEX is leveraged nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712259528135.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays, KS– HaysMed today announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Rural &amp; Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals, based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®."Being recognized nationwide as one of the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals holds profound significance for HaysMed," emphasized Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO. "Our commitment to rural health is unwavering, and this prestigious award reaffirms our dedication to delivering exceptional specialty services right in our community's backyard."HaysMed is celebrating its fifth nationwide Top 100 Rural Hospital award, honored in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and now 2024. HaysMed’s unwavering commitment to rural healthcare sets a shining example for communities nationwide.“During an era of uncertainty for rural healthcare, the Top 100 rural hospitals continue to provide a unique lens through which we can identify innovation and inspiration for how to deliver high quality care to increasingly vulnerable populations,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We’re delighted to be able to recognize all this year’s Top 100 but especially the more than 40 first-time recipients across both categories. It’s wonderful to see so many new facilities join the ranks of our Top 100 alumni.”Now in its 14th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Featuring a methodology utilizing publicly available data, the INDEX is leveraged nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

HaysMed Earns Top 100 Rural, Community Hospital Award from Chartis Center for Rural Health

TOPEKA — Four ceremonies will take place April 6-7, 2024, to&nbsp;recognize teachers nominated for the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year program. The announcement of semifinalists and finalists will be made at the ceremonies. &nbsp;

The mission of the KTOY program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession. &nbsp;

This year, 120 educators from across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. Nominations are made in each of the state’s four congressional districts. &nbsp;

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), sponsor of the KTOY program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region. &nbsp;

Each panel selects six semifinalists – three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.  &nbsp;

The 2025 KTOY regional award banquets will take place at the following locations:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Region 4&nbsp; Wichita&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11 a.m. at the Wichita Marriott Hotel, 9100 E. Corporate Hills Dr., Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Region 1&nbsp; Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. at the Tony’s Event Center, 800 The Midway,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;

Region 2&nbsp; Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 p.m. at the Hotel Topeka at City Center, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka. &nbsp;

Region 3&nbsp; Overland Park&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. at the Overland Park Sheraton, 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park.&nbsp;

The 2025 KTOY regional finalists will gather in Wichita on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, for the announcement of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year. The announcement will be made during the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet. &nbsp;

Nominees for the 2025 KTOY program are the following: &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637537733050.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA — Four ceremonies will take place April 6-7, 2024, to&nbsp;recognize teachers nominated for the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year program. The announcement of semifinalists and finalists will be made at the ceremonies. &nbsp;The mission of the KTOY program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession. &nbsp;This year, 120 educators from across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. Nominations are made in each of the state’s four congressional districts. &nbsp;The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), sponsor of the KTOY program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region. &nbsp;Each panel selects six semifinalists – three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.  &nbsp;The 2025 KTOY regional award banquets will take place at the following locations:&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday, April 6, 2024 &nbsp;Region 4&nbsp; Wichita&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11 a.m. at the Wichita Marriott Hotel, 9100 E. Corporate Hills Dr., Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Region 1&nbsp; Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. at the Tony’s Event Center, 800 The Midway,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday, April 7, 2024 &nbsp;Region 2&nbsp; Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 p.m. at the Hotel Topeka at City Center, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka. &nbsp;Region 3&nbsp; Overland Park&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. at the Overland Park Sheraton, 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park.&nbsp;The 2025 KTOY regional finalists will gather in Wichita on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, for the announcement of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year. The announcement will be made during the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet. &nbsp;Nominees for the 2025 KTOY program are the following: &nbsp;REGION 1 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Chelsee Boe, Sullivan Elementary School, Ulysses USD 214 &nbsp;</li><li>Kaylee Brooks, Lyons Central Elementary School, Lyons USD 405 </li><li>Angela Brumbaugh, North Elementary School, Goodland USD 352 &nbsp;</li><li>Shannon Cooper, Marion Elementary School, Marion-Florence USD 408 &nbsp;</li><li>Shannon Downs, Roosevelt Elementary School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 &nbsp;</li><li>Sara Greene, West Elementary School, Wamego USD 320 &nbsp;</li><li>Jessica Groff, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Hays USD 489 &nbsp;</li><li>Cassendra Hatzenbuehler, Riley Elementary School, Great Bend USD 428 &nbsp;</li><li>Mary Larkin, Syracuse Elementary School, Syracuse USD 494 &nbsp;</li><li>Catherine Leake, Nickerson Elementary School, Nickerson USD 309 &nbsp;</li><li>Jana Miller, Deerfield Elementary School, Deerfield USD 216 &nbsp;</li><li>Rochelle Napier, Plum Creek Elementary School, Buhler USD 313 &nbsp;</li><li>Kristin Peltier, Concordia Elementary School, Concordia USD 333 &nbsp;</li><li>Cari Pfizenmaier, Lincoln Elementary School, Clay County USD 379 &nbsp;</li><li>Brenda Rogers, Stanton County Elementary School, Stanton County USD 452 &nbsp;</li><li>Leslie Specht, McCandless Elementary School, Hutchinson USD 308 &nbsp;</li><li>Maegen Stucky, Roosevelt Elementary School, McPherson USD 418 &nbsp;</li><li>Megan Todd, Rock Creek Middle School, Rock Creek USD 323 &nbsp;</li><li>Sylvia Villa, Cottonwood Elementary School, Liberal USD 480 &nbsp;</li><li>Kelsey Wood, Cottonwood Elementary School, Salina USD 305 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Elizabeth Aldridge, Wamego High School, Wamego USD 320 &nbsp;</li><li>Whitney Aves, Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson USD 308 &nbsp;</li><li>Lindsey Baribeau, Rock Creek Middle School, Rock Creek USD 323 &nbsp;</li><li>John Clark, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313 &nbsp;</li><li>Charles Dirks, Ulysses High School, Ulysses USD 214 &nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Ernst, Nickerson High School, Nickerson USD 309 &nbsp;</li><li>Andrea Flegler, Clay Center Community High School, Clay County USD 379</li><li>Sarah Gerwitz, Comanche Middle School, Dodge City USD 443 &nbsp;</li><li>Michael Hall, Salina Central High School, Salina USD 305 &nbsp;</li><li>Jamie Meyer, Concordia Jr/Sr High School, Concordia USD 333 &nbsp;</li><li>Brian Nelson, Garden City High School, Garden City USD 457 &nbsp;</li><li>Marisol Pena, Seymour Rogers Middle School, Liberal USD 480 &nbsp;</li><li>Mackenzie Phrommany, Manhattan High School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 &nbsp;</li><li>Sergio Ramirez, Great Bend High School, Great Bend USD 428 &nbsp;</li><li>Christopher Rome, Marion High School, Marion-Florence USD 408 &nbsp;</li><li>Annette Sosa, Hugoton High School, Hugoton USD 210 &nbsp;</li><li>Jay Stout II, Goodland Jr/Sr High School, Goodland USD 352 &nbsp;</li><li>Christopher Strathman, McPherson High School, McPherson USD 418 &nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Towery, Stockton High School, Stockton USD 271 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>REGION 2 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Mary Beck, West Indianola Elementary School, Seaman USD 345 &nbsp;</li><li>Laura Cluke, Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School, Topeka USD 501 &nbsp;</li><li>Connie Coleman, Timmerman Elementary School, Emporia USD 253 &nbsp;</li><li>Tricia Dwyre, Piper Prairie Elementary School, Piper USD 203 &nbsp;</li><li>Benjamin Eckelberry, Tecumseh North Elementary School, Shawnee Heights USD 450 &nbsp;</li><li>Tiffany Goracke, Linwood Elementary School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458 &nbsp;</li><li>Jennifer Gustafson, Humboldt Elementary School, Humboldt USD 258 &nbsp;</li><li>Mallory Koger, Overbrook Attendance Center, Santa Fe Trail USD 434 &nbsp;</li><li>Judy Lacey, Marais Des Cygnes Valley Elementary School, Marais Des Cygnes Valley USD 456 &nbsp;</li><li>Kelsey Mann, Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475 &nbsp;</li><li>Kristin Oswald, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence USD 497 &nbsp;</li><li>Erin Scott, Baldwin Elementary Center, Baldwin USD 348 &nbsp;</li><li>Anna Stryker, Pauline Central Primary School, Auburn-Washburn USD 437 &nbsp;</li><li>Denise Thorpe, Horton Elementary School, South Brown County USD 430 &nbsp;</li><li>Dawn Torrain, Richard Warren Intermediate School, Leavenworth USD 453 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Elizabeth Anstine, Leavenworth Sr. High School, Leavenworth USD 453 &nbsp;</li><li>Erik Bailey, Baldwin Jr. High School, Baldwin USD 348 &nbsp;</li><li>Lori Byers, Billy Mills Middle School, Lawrence USD 497 &nbsp;</li><li>Stephanie Cannady, Central Heights High School, Central Heights USD 288 &nbsp;</li><li>Cassie Cowan, Seaman High School, Seaman USD 345 &nbsp;</li><li>Katie Deneault, Piper High School, Piper USD 203 &nbsp;</li><li>Sara Elliott, Fort Riley Middle School, Geary County USD 475 &nbsp;</li><li>Jeff Folger, Jackson Heights High School, North Jackson USD 335</li><li>Michael Gossett, Basehor-Linwood Middle School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458 &nbsp;</li><li>Sara Jackman, Fort Scott Sr. High School, Fort Scott USD 234 &nbsp;</li><li>Diane Kimsey, Topeka High School, Topeka USD 501 &nbsp;</li><li>Susan Livingston, Emporia High School, Emporia USD 253 &nbsp;</li><li>Kathryn Louderback, Washburn Rural Middle School, Auburn-Washburn USD 437 &nbsp;</li><li>Sarah Tschauder, Atchison High School, Atchison USD 409 &nbsp;</li><li>Karen Withers, Shawnee Heights Middle School, Shawnee Heights USD 450 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>REGION 3 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Dandra Arter, Clear Creek Elementary School, De Soto USD 232 &nbsp;</li><li>Malinda Chappell, Sunflower Elementary School, Paola USD 368&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Cambria Fleming, Broadmoor Elementary School, Louisburg USD 416 &nbsp;</li><li>Melanie Golubski, Dayton Creek Elementary School, Spring Hill USD 230 &nbsp;</li><li>Susan Hartley, Edwardsville Elementary School, Bonner Springs USD 204 &nbsp;</li><li>Sharon Kenny, Cottonwood Point Elementary School, Blue Valley USD 229 &nbsp;</li><li>Mackayla Martin, Garnett Elementary School, Garnett USD 365 &nbsp;</li><li>Hannah Mastorakos, Welborn Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500 &nbsp;</li><li>Cara Mills, Sunflower Elementary School, Ottawa USD 290 &nbsp;</li><li>Amber Pagan, Nieman Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512 &nbsp;</li><li>Laura Scoma, Wellsville Elementary School, Wellsville USD 289 &nbsp;</li><li>Nancy Smith, Heatherstone Elementary School, Olathe USD 233 &nbsp;</li><li>Mandy Soetaert, Nike Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231 &nbsp;</li><li>Jason Werner, Midland Trail Elementary School, Turner USD 202 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Aaron Batterbee, Gardner Edgerton High School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231 &nbsp;</li><li>Brianna Derley, Ottawa Sr. High School, Ottawa USD 290 &nbsp;</li><li>Daniel Freeman, Blue Valley North High School, Blue Valley USD 229 &nbsp;</li><li>Annam (Annie) Hasan, Shawnee Mission South High School, Shawnee Mission USD 512 &nbsp;</li><li>Ryan Mellick, Bonner Springs High School, Bonner Springs USD 204 &nbsp;</li><li>Andrew Proctor, De Soto High School, De Soto USD 232 &nbsp;</li><li>Jamie Roecker, Wellsville Middle School, Wellsville USD 289 &nbsp;</li><li>Kathryn Siefken, Louisburg High School, Louisburg USD 416 &nbsp;</li><li>Heather Simons, Paola Middle School, Paola USD 368 &nbsp;</li><li>Tyler Sisco, Washington High School, Kansas City USD 500 &nbsp;</li><li>Cecilia Stump, Turner High School, Turner USD 202 &nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Weltz, Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill USD 230 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>REGION 4 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Robyn Darbyshire, Rex Elementary School, Haysville USD 261 &nbsp;</li><li>Jessica Denner, Blackmore Elementary School, El Dorado USD 490 &nbsp;</li><li>Misty Faudel, Bentley Primary School, Halstead USD 440 &nbsp;</li><li>Mario Flores, Gammon Elementary School, Wichita USD 259 &nbsp;</li><li>Kelsi Gallardo, Garfield Elementary School, Augusta USD 402 &nbsp;</li><li>Katie Hartley, Lowell Elementary School, Winfield USD 465 &nbsp;</li><li>Julie Hines, Kinsley-Offerle Elementary School, Kinsley-Offerle USD 347 &nbsp;</li><li>Kimberly Lies, Andale Elem-Middle School, Renwick USD 267 &nbsp;</li><li>Lynsi Martinez, Circle Greenwich Elementary School, Circle USD 375 &nbsp;</li><li>Leslie McEntire, Maize South Intermediate School, Maize USD 266 &nbsp;</li><li>Margaret Meyer, Wheatland Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262 &nbsp;</li><li>Melissa Short, Discovery Intermediate School, Goddard USD 265 &nbsp;</li><li>Olivia Winegeart, Paul B. Cooper Elementary School, Derby USD 260 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Stanley Bergkamp, Maize Sr. High School, Maize USD 266 &nbsp;</li><li>Lacie Fair, Newton Sr. High School, Newton USD 373 &nbsp;</li><li>Shelia Fulton, Campus High School, Haysville USD 261 &nbsp;</li><li>Todd Hollis, Augusta Sr. High School, Augusta USD 402 &nbsp;</li><li>Kirsten Meireis, Andale High School, Renwick USD 267 &nbsp;</li><li>Mary Roseberry, Sedgwick High School, Sedgwick USD 439 &nbsp;</li><li>Sharon Rott, Kinsley Jr/Sr High School, Kinsley-Offerle USD 347 &nbsp;</li><li>Dawn Rush, El Dorado Middle School, El Dorado USD 490 &nbsp;</li><li>Jodi Schendel, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265 &nbsp;</li><li>Erik Stone, Gordon Parks Academy, Wichita USD 259 &nbsp;</li><li>Ethan Wagoner, Derby Middle School, Derby USD 260 &nbsp;</li><li>Dixon Woodburn, Winfield Middle School, Winfield USD 465 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Hays, area educators to be recognized during  Kansas Teacher of the Year ceremonies  

<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/2024/4/1712258763712.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

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Spring is here and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau events calendar is crowded.

Melissa Dixon, executive director, takes a look at some of April's activities.

An up-to-the-minute events calendar is available on the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575300742886.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSpring is here and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau events calendar is crowded.Melissa Dixon, executive director, takes a look at some of April's activities.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DyLBbXQPFqY" title="CVB: April events in Hays" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712173208918.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An up-to-the-minute events calendar is available on the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

🎥CVB: April events in Hays  

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is recognizing seven outstanding Kansas teachers with its High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards.

The award highlights and rewards inspirational and impactful high school science teachers throughout the state.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/">Biology</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/">chemistry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geology/">geology</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/">physics</a>&nbsp;faculty members in K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;selected the recipients.

Students majoring in biology, chemistry, geology and physics were asked to name the science teachers who inspired them to study science or made a difference in their growth and development, said Pamela Kempton, professor and head of geology.

The nominees were then invited to apply, and a committee selected the awardees.

The following high school teachers have received the 2024 Kansas State University High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards:

• Biology: Brian McCandless, Hutchinson High School,&nbsp;Hutchinson, and Emma Stroyan, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School,&nbsp;Hays.

• Chemistry: Rhonda Reist, Olathe North High School,&nbsp;Olathe, and Carl Behrens, Wamego High School,&nbsp;Wamego.

• Geology: Eric Nelson, Bishop Seabury Academy,&nbsp;Lawrence.

• Physics: Josh Cochran, Labette County High School,&nbsp;Altamont, and Sundara Ghatty, Manhattan High School,&nbsp;Manhattan.

"High school teachers scarcely get the recognition they deserve, and the work they do is critically important to the state and to the educational and scholarly mission of K-State," said Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor and head of chemistry.

The award recipients, their nominators and a few of their current students were invited to a recognition luncheon March 29 on the Manhattan campus.

Each teacher was presented a $500 cash award, a certificate and an artistic piece of glassware custom-made by the university's scientific glassblower, Jim Hodgson.

The visitors also received lunch and a personalized tour of the campus and some laboratories.

"The past few years have been particularly challenging for our high school educators," said Tim Bolton, William and Joan Porter professor and head of physics. "So, we wanted to acknowledge their hard work and recognize those extraordinary high school teachers who inspire students to go into sciences."

"We owe a large debt of gratitude to the many gifted high school science teachers across Kansas,” said Mark Ungerer, director of the Division of Biology. “They provide a critical foundation to students who go on to pursue physical and life sciences degrees at K-State.”

The College of Arts and Sciences at K-State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning the natural and quantitative sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities, along with research opportunities, hands-on experiences and robust advising to prepare students for successful careers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712243897986.jpeg" alt="Recipients of Kansas State University's Kansas High School Science Teachers of the Year award visited the university's Manhattan campus in late March. From left: Sundara Ghatty, Josh Cochran, Eric Nelson, Carl Behrens, Rhonda Reist, Brian McCandless. Not pictured: Emma Stroyan." />
 <figcaption>Recipients of Kansas State University's Kansas High School Science Teachers of the Year award visited the university's Manhattan campus in late March. From left: Sundara Ghatty, Josh Cochran, Eric Nelson, Carl Behrens, Rhonda Reist, Brian McCandless. Not pictured: Emma Stroyan.</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is recognizing seven outstanding Kansas teachers with its High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards.The award highlights and rewards inspirational and impactful high school science teachers throughout the state.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/">Biology</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/">chemistry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geology/">geology</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/">physics</a>&nbsp;faculty members in K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;selected the recipients.Students majoring in biology, chemistry, geology and physics were asked to name the science teachers who inspired them to study science or made a difference in their growth and development, said Pamela Kempton, professor and head of geology.The nominees were then invited to apply, and a committee selected the awardees.The following high school teachers have received the 2024 Kansas State University High School Science Teacher of the Year Awards:• Biology: Brian McCandless, Hutchinson High School,&nbsp;Hutchinson, and Emma Stroyan, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School,&nbsp;Hays.• Chemistry: Rhonda Reist, Olathe North High School,&nbsp;Olathe, and Carl Behrens, Wamego High School,&nbsp;Wamego.• Geology: Eric Nelson, Bishop Seabury Academy,&nbsp;Lawrence.• Physics: Josh Cochran, Labette County High School,&nbsp;Altamont, and Sundara Ghatty, Manhattan High School,&nbsp;Manhattan."High school teachers scarcely get the recognition they deserve, and the work they do is critically important to the state and to the educational and scholarly mission of K-State," said Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor and head of chemistry.The award recipients, their nominators and a few of their current students were invited to a recognition luncheon March 29 on the Manhattan campus.Each teacher was presented a $500 cash award, a certificate and an artistic piece of glassware custom-made by the university's scientific glassblower, Jim Hodgson.The visitors also received lunch and a personalized tour of the campus and some laboratories."The past few years have been particularly challenging for our high school educators," said Tim Bolton, William and Joan Porter professor and head of physics. "So, we wanted to acknowledge their hard work and recognize those extraordinary high school teachers who inspire students to go into sciences.""We owe a large debt of gratitude to the many gifted high school science teachers across Kansas,” said Mark Ungerer, director of the Division of Biology. “They provide a critical foundation to students who go on to pursue physical and life sciences degrees at K-State.”The College of Arts and Sciences at K-State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning the natural and quantitative sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities, along with research opportunities, hands-on experiences and robust advising to prepare students for successful careers.

K-State recognizes TMP teacher as Kansas High School Science Teachers of the Year

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Gene Beilman  of Hays.

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Gene Beilman of Hays.He heard the code word on 103.3 KJLS.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="ed5b4cd4-1179-4dd4-bb4c-60b7f958ee7b" data-routing="hash" data-script="cjdzex"></div>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036326.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="cjdzex">/**/</script></div>

Thursday's Cash Grab winner is....

The Ellis County Historical Society will present its 2024 projects and goals to the Hays City Commission during its work session on Thursday.

The commission will discuss a $150,000 request to replace the Larks Park turf, which was installed in 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 The project cost is being shared among the&nbsp;city, Fort Hays State University and the Hays Larks.&nbsp;The city owns the facility, which is managed by FHSU.

Also on the agenda is a bid award for a new Kansas Highway Patrol hangar at the Hays Regional Airport.&nbsp;KHP is acquiring a new plane larger than can fit its current space. 

The city will construct the hangar, and KHP will pay for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One bid of $1.2 million was received from Commercial Builders, Hays. The airport improvement fund will fund the project.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Ellis County Historical Society will present its 2024 projects and goals to the Hays City Commission during its work session on Thursday.The commission will discuss a $150,000 request to replace the Larks Park turf, which was installed in 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp; The project cost is being shared among the&nbsp;city, Fort Hays State University and the Hays Larks.&nbsp;The city owns the facility, which is managed by FHSU.Also on the agenda is a bid award for a new Kansas Highway Patrol hangar at the Hays Regional Airport.&nbsp;KHP is acquiring a new plane larger than can fit its current space. The city will construct the hangar, and KHP will pay for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;One bid of $1.2 million was received from Commercial Builders, Hays. The airport improvement fund will fund the project.&nbsp;

Ellis County Historical Society to present update to Hays City Commission

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

RAWLINS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office arrested two subjects after a search warrant was executed in McDonald, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after noon Tuesday KBI agents and deputies from the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 204 Decatur Avenue in McDonald.&nbsp; Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located during the search.

Claudine Valles, 48, of McDonald, was arrested for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school, possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Allen Statley, 36, of McDonald, was arrested for possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple violations of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He is being held on a $125,000 bond.

Also assisting in this operation were the Atwood Police Department and the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712233592413.png" alt="Statley-photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Statley-photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>RAWLINS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office arrested two subjects after a search warrant was executed in McDonald, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after noon Tuesday KBI agents and deputies from the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 204 Decatur Avenue in McDonald.&nbsp; Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located during the search.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712233566702.png" alt="Valles-photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Valles-photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Claudine Valles, 48, of McDonald, was arrested for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school, possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.Allen Statley, 36, of McDonald, was arrested for possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple violations of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He is being held on a $125,000 bond.Also assisting in this operation were the Atwood Police Department and the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office.

KBI makes 2 arrests after drug bust at NW Kansas home

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech and&nbsp;Northwest Tech are nearing final approval for their affiliation agreement and are now working with a consultant and the Kansas Congressional delegation to secure funds for workforce development.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., was visiting FHSU on Tuesday for the groundbreaking of the Forsyth Library renovation. He met with the presidents of the two technical colleges and FHSU and a consultant about federal grants that could help fund affiliation initiatives.

"I think it is really important that we educate every Kansas student we can," Moran said. "We want them to stay in state to go to college, to go to technical college, to go to community college, to go to a university. ...

"A better thing would be that when they have that degree or that certificate, they have a job here."

Moran said the focus should be matching community and business needs with education and workers. He said that is the key to keeping our kids in Kansas.

Statewide, Kansas needs health care and mental health care workers, he said.

"Each of these institutions, it's important for them to find out what the needs are for their hometown and of their community, of western Kansas and the state and see how they can meet those needs through the educational process and give that kid a job at home," Moran said.&nbsp;

Moran said Panasonic choosing Kansas was an example of a business that recognized Kansas's valuable resources.&nbsp;

"The greatest challenge we have in answering the door of those who are knocking is do we have a workforce that can meet those companies' needs," he said.

"If a business is coming here and creating jobs, the first thing we need to do is create a workforce they know has trained individuals that will meet their needs, or we [need to] have educational institutions that can move rapidly enough to meet the needs."

Moran said federal programs and funding are already in place that FHSU and the technical colleges could use for workforce development—some of which are going unused.

"It's my job and the delegation's job to make sure we unlock that opportunity not only for our institutions but for businesses and the people they employ," he said.

Ben Schears, Northwest Tech president, said the core of what the schools are doing is connecting with local businesses about their workforce needs.

He said succession planning is essential in rural Kansas. He used the example of a local gas station and mechanics shop. He said the colleges need to make sure someone in the community has the technical and business skills to take over that business when the owner is ready to retire.

If that business closes, the likelihood of it reopening is low. The community likely loses that service.

He said many small business owners in rural Kansas are nearing retirement age, and having workers available to take over those businesses is crucial to the survival of small Kansas communities.

"This is grassroots work that is happening with our faculty, who are talking about how we rethink how we educate, how we rethink the pathways between technical colleges and universities, between technical colleges and technical colleges, and from the university to the technical colleges," Schears said.

He said colleges need to better connect with economic development officers in communities who know what the opportunities are.

"You have a young man or young woman who is entrepreneurial-minded, but they don't know what opportunity exists in that small-town western Kansas community," Schears said. "If you can make that connection and provide the opportunities that are needed to be able to get the skill and the business acumen, that's where the magic happens."

Merchant McIntyre Associates is a consultant working with the three institutions on researching, applying for and advocating for federal grants to support affiliation initiatives and workforce development.

The Kansas Legislature has approved the affiliation agreement. The last step is approval by the Higher Learning Commission, which visited the institutions last week. The commission board will consider approval in June.

"We are very optimistic that it will be a yes vote," FHSU President Tisa Mason said. "I think the visit went very well."

NCK Tech President Eric Burks encouraged community members and business owners to reach out to the institutions about the workforce needs they see in the community. He also urged people to reach out with questions they may have about the affiliation.

Schears said the community members will see the name and logo changes as the affiliation moves forward, but affiliation means much more profound core changes in education.

Mason said she is excited about the opportunities that lay ahead.

"I'm grateful for the partnership," she said. "This an opportunity to come together voluntarily because we have a shared vision for how we want to lift up western Kansas and rural communities."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712157210084.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University, NCK Tech and&nbsp;Northwest Tech are nearing final approval for their affiliation agreement and are now working with a consultant and the Kansas Congressional delegation to secure funds for workforce development.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., was visiting FHSU on Tuesday for the groundbreaking of the Forsyth Library renovation. He met with the presidents of the two technical colleges and FHSU and a consultant about federal grants that could help fund affiliation initiatives."I think it is really important that we educate every Kansas student we can," Moran said. "We want them to stay in state to go to college, to go to technical college, to go to community college, to go to a university. ..."A better thing would be that when they have that degree or that certificate, they have a job here."Moran said the focus should be matching community and business needs with education and workers. He said that is the key to keeping our kids in Kansas.Statewide, Kansas needs health care and mental health care workers, he said."Each of these institutions, it's important for them to find out what the needs are for their hometown and of their community, of western Kansas and the state and see how they can meet those needs through the educational process and give that kid a job at home," Moran said.&nbsp;Moran said Panasonic choosing Kansas was an example of a business that recognized Kansas's valuable resources.&nbsp;"The greatest challenge we have in answering the door of those who are knocking is do we have a workforce that can meet those companies' needs," he said."If a business is coming here and creating jobs, the first thing we need to do is create a workforce they know has trained individuals that will meet their needs, or we [need to] have educational institutions that can move rapidly enough to meet the needs."Moran said federal programs and funding are already in place that FHSU and the technical colleges could use for workforce development—some of which are going unused."It's my job and the delegation's job to make sure we unlock that opportunity not only for our institutions but for businesses and the people they employ," he said.Ben Schears, Northwest Tech president, said the core of what the schools are doing is connecting with local businesses about their workforce needs.He said succession planning is essential in rural Kansas. He used the example of a local gas station and mechanics shop. He said the colleges need to make sure someone in the community has the technical and business skills to take over that business when the owner is ready to retire.If that business closes, the likelihood of it reopening is low. The community likely loses that service.He said many small business owners in rural Kansas are nearing retirement age, and having workers available to take over those businesses is crucial to the survival of small Kansas communities."This is grassroots work that is happening with our faculty, who are talking about how we rethink how we educate, how we rethink the pathways between technical colleges and universities, between technical colleges and technical colleges, and from the university to the technical colleges," Schears said.He said colleges need to better connect with economic development officers in communities who know what the opportunities are."You have a young man or young woman who is entrepreneurial-minded, but they don't know what opportunity exists in that small-town western Kansas community," Schears said. "If you can make that connection and provide the opportunities that are needed to be able to get the skill and the business acumen, that's where the magic happens."Merchant McIntyre Associates is a consultant working with the three institutions on researching, applying for and advocating for federal grants to support affiliation initiatives and workforce development.The Kansas Legislature has approved the affiliation agreement. The last step is approval by the Higher Learning Commission, which visited the institutions last week. The commission board will consider approval in June."We are very optimistic that it will be a yes vote," FHSU President Tisa Mason said. "I think the visit went very well."NCK Tech President Eric Burks encouraged community members and business owners to reach out to the institutions about the workforce needs they see in the community. He also urged people to reach out with questions they may have about the affiliation.Schears said the community members will see the name and logo changes as the affiliation moves forward, but affiliation means much more profound core changes in education.Mason said she is excited about the opportunities that lay ahead."I'm grateful for the partnership," she said. "This an opportunity to come together voluntarily because we have a shared vision for how we want to lift up western Kansas and rural communities."

FHSU, tech colleges to seek federal funding for workforce development

Fort Hays State University’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) is hosting a variety of summer camps for youth entering grades four through eight. Camps are restricted to a maximum of two camps per student and are filling quickly.

All camps run four days per week, Monday through Thursday. Sessions are all three hours each – &nbsp;some in the morning from 9 a.m. to noon and others in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.

•&nbsp;Main Street Math&nbsp;Camp&nbsp;for grades four through six - June 3-6 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Students will work in teams with hands-on activites to design, build, and run their own store on Main Street.

•&nbsp;A Sense of Place: Designing for Folklore and Fairytale&nbsp;Camp&nbsp;for students grades five and six - June 10-13 from&nbsp;9 a.m. to Noon&nbsp;–&nbsp;Students will create their own short story through 2D illustration, 3D image scanning, and design their own 3D model.

•&nbsp;A Sense of Place: Designing for Folklore and Fairytale&nbsp;Camp&nbsp;for students grades seven and eight - June 10-13 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Students will&nbsp;create their own short story through 2D illustration, 3D image scanning, and design their own 3D model.

•&nbsp;Camp North Star&nbsp;for grades five through seven - June 17-20 from&nbsp;9 a.m. to Noon&nbsp;– Explore this camp for budding engineers. Activities will include working with CAD Design to explore rocket designs, Newton’s laws of motion, nanotechnology, robotics, and solid fuel rockets.

•&nbsp;Robot O Rama Camp&nbsp;for grades four and five - June 24-27 from&nbsp;9 a.m. to Noon&nbsp;–&nbsp;Students will learn to build, program, and test LEGO robots using LEGO EV3 software.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Robo Challenge Camp&nbsp;for grades six through eight - June 24-27 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Custom build robots that can operate in real world situations. For students with robotics experience.

The registration fee for each camp is $70, and the registration deadline is Friday, May 3.&nbsp;Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of&nbsp;two&nbsp;camps per student.

For more information about the summer camps, contact Cari Rohleder by phone at 785.628.4743 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>.

More information and registration brochures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0YVxp4teFa-2BId-2Bc7RQ68rKGw1nUnmm4EsNTigZ4On-2BXUZ2BD_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOJBBsolHnUpgCtxPLM23q7hHbz9czFu9BqN72VZ4z5b95X3Mk-2BzyqQL30uVH7bqOvGV9pcJxJGWpYPjni4z7nTW3tGB3GUBHMojlepmVDb7erIfafd13JkduZTb9YsdTfiWeWfRv2Ji8cvCuIwnJFejTEufjOdKvTSe-2BBlIqlL8HfwZ23-2Bdp2SlXXVi4UfYPbkqbIbaOAI7fhUcxL7PDLzKd6xm1EXIyvuWH-2Fja1diT-2BcTNprMTOFD1FqPKqrswg0" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686695431197.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Science and Mathematics Education Institute activity. Becky Kiser/Hays Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Science and Mathematics Education Institute activity. Becky Kiser/Hays Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) is hosting a variety of summer camps for youth entering grades four through eight. Camps are restricted to a maximum of two camps per student and are filling quickly.All camps run four days per week, Monday through Thursday. Sessions are all three hours each – &nbsp;some in the morning from 9 a.m. to noon and others in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.This year’s camps include:•&nbsp;Main Street Math&nbsp;Camp&nbsp;for grades four through six - June 3-6 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Students will work in teams with hands-on activites to design, build, and run their own store on Main Street.•&nbsp;A Sense of Place: Designing for Folklore and Fairytale&nbsp;Camp&nbsp;for students grades five and six - June 10-13 from&nbsp;9 a.m. to Noon&nbsp;–&nbsp;Students will create their own short story through 2D illustration, 3D image scanning, and design their own 3D model.•&nbsp;A Sense of Place: Designing for Folklore and Fairytale&nbsp;Camp&nbsp;for students grades seven and eight - June 10-13 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Students will&nbsp;create their own short story through 2D illustration, 3D image scanning, and design their own 3D model.•&nbsp;Camp North Star&nbsp;for grades five through seven - June 17-20 from&nbsp;9 a.m. to Noon&nbsp;– Explore this camp for budding engineers. Activities will include working with CAD Design to explore rocket designs, Newton’s laws of motion, nanotechnology, robotics, and solid fuel rockets.•&nbsp;Robot O Rama Camp&nbsp;for grades four and five - June 24-27 from&nbsp;9 a.m. to Noon&nbsp;–&nbsp;Students will learn to build, program, and test LEGO robots using LEGO EV3 software.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Robo Challenge Camp&nbsp;for grades six through eight - June 24-27 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Custom build robots that can operate in real world situations. For students with robotics experience.The registration fee for each camp is $70, and the registration deadline is Friday, May 3.&nbsp;Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of&nbsp;two&nbsp;camps per student.For more information about the summer camps, contact Cari Rohleder by phone at 785.628.4743 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>. More information and registration brochures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0YVxp4teFa-2BId-2Bc7RQ68rKGw1nUnmm4EsNTigZ4On-2BXUZ2BD_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOJBBsolHnUpgCtxPLM23q7hHbz9czFu9BqN72VZ4z5b95X3Mk-2BzyqQL30uVH7bqOvGV9pcJxJGWpYPjni4z7nTW3tGB3GUBHMojlepmVDb7erIfafd13JkduZTb9YsdTfiWeWfRv2Ji8cvCuIwnJFejTEufjOdKvTSe-2BBlIqlL8HfwZ23-2Bdp2SlXXVi4UfYPbkqbIbaOAI7fhUcxL7PDLzKd6xm1EXIyvuWH-2Fja1diT-2BcTNprMTOFD1FqPKqrswg0" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/</a>.

Sign up now for FHSU science and math kids' summer camps

By Ron Wilson <a href="https://www.huckboydinstitute.org/">Huck Boyd National Institute&nbsp;</a>

What was a British sailor doing in the middle of the Great Plains more than 100 years ago?

The answer is, he was enjoying a sea of grass, on his historic ranch near Studley, in northwest Kansas. Today this historic ranch still shares this history from more than a century ago.

Don Rowlison is archeologist and curator of the Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site in northwest Kansas. He grew up about 15 miles from this ranch site, went to school in Hoxie and then Colby Community College. He ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in anthropology with an emphasis on archeology, and a master’s degree in education. He also managed a ranch in the Flint Hills

Rowlison went to work for the Kansas State Historical Society. In 1980, he became the agency’s first State Public Archeologist for Kansas.

In that capacity, he presented many programs on historic preservation and cultural resources. He also led the society’s two-week amateur archeological dig.

In 1985, he returned to northwest Kansas as curator of a new state historic site known as the Cottonwood Ranch. That site is owned by the state and is now maintained by the Friends of the Cottonwood Ranch association.

Cottonwood Ranch was founded by a former British Navy sailor named Abraham Pratt. In 1878, Pratt bought 160 acres in Sheridan County. “It was in a sea of grass,” Rowlison said. Pratt later convinced his two sons to leave England and join him. They first lived in a dugout along the Solomon River.

The Pratts planted many cottonwood trees and named the place Cottonwood Ranch. The first building on the place, the house, had native stone walls, a sod-covered roof, and an earthen floor. Eventually the sod roof was replaced with wood and two additions were added on to the building.

Today, this is one of the oldest intact buildings in northwest Kansas. Other stone buildings, still standing, are arranged in what was called the “Yorkshire pattern” of Pratt’s boyhood homeland. Those buildings include a stable, bathhouse, shearing shed, bunkhouse and more.

Abraham Pratt’s son, Fenton, became a highly successful sheep rancher. At one point, they had as many as 3,500 Merino sheep. They shipped wool to markets as far east as Philadelphia.

Fenton helped finance many local settlers. He was also an amateur photographer. “We have almost 200 glass negatives (that once belonged to Fenton Pratt),” Rowlison said.

Abraham Pratt also founded the nearby town of Studley. How did Studley get its name? “The Pratts must have had the foresight to name it for me,” Rowlison said with a smile. He then conceded that Studley was named for Studley Royal, a historic park near the Pratt’s hometown in England.

Studley was never incorporated and had perhaps 100 people at its peak population. Today it is a rural community of 22 people. Now, that’s rural.

The last member of the Pratt family passed in 1980. Two years later, the property was acquired by the Kansas State Historical Society to be used as an outdoor museum to interpret ranching and farming in northwestern Kansas. The historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Don Rowlison is retired but serves as curator of the ranch and provides tours. The well-preserved buildings still stand and can be visited at any time. Cottonwood Ranch is located along Highway 24 near the Sheridan-Graham county border. “We’ve had visitors from all over the world,” Rowlison said.

In 2021, a Cottonwood Ranch film documentary was produced featuring Don Rowlison. It was aired on PBS stations in Kansas and was so well received that it spawned a video series called Cottonwood Connections.

 “We’re on our third season,” Rowlison said. Past episodes can be viewed on YouTube.

<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/show/cottonwood-connection/">See the series on Smoky Hills PBS, Bunker Hill</a>.

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwoodranchks.com/">www.cottonwoodranchks.com</a>.

This is the true story of a historic ranch created by a British sailor who made his home far from the ocean in rural Kansas. We commend Don Rowlison and the Friends of Cottonwood Ranch for making a difference by preserving and promoting this history.

It makes me think of Robert Louis Stevenson’s words in the poem Requiem: “Home is the sailor, home from sea, And the hunter home from the hill.”

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711838276157.png" alt="Don Rowlinson" />
 <figcaption>Don Rowlinson</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ron Wilson <a href="https://www.huckboydinstitute.org/">Huck Boyd National Institute&nbsp;</a> What was a British sailor doing in the middle of the Great Plains more than 100 years ago?The answer is, he was enjoying a sea of grass, on his historic ranch near Studley, in northwest Kansas. Today this historic ranch still shares this history from more than a century ago.Don Rowlison is archeologist and curator of the Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site in northwest Kansas. He grew up about 15 miles from this ranch site, went to school in Hoxie and then Colby Community College. He ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in anthropology with an emphasis on archeology, and a master’s degree in education. He also managed a ranch in the Flint HillsRowlison went to work for the Kansas State Historical Society. In 1980, he became the agency’s first State Public Archeologist for Kansas.In that capacity, he presented many programs on historic preservation and cultural resources. He also led the society’s two-week amateur archeological dig.In 1985, he returned to northwest Kansas as curator of a new state historic site known as the Cottonwood Ranch. That site is owned by the state and is now maintained by the Friends of the Cottonwood Ranch association.Cottonwood Ranch was founded by a former British Navy sailor named Abraham Pratt. In 1878, Pratt bought 160 acres in Sheridan County. “It was in a sea of grass,” Rowlison said. Pratt later convinced his two sons to leave England and join him. They first lived in a dugout along the Solomon River.The Pratts planted many cottonwood trees and named the place Cottonwood Ranch. The first building on the place, the house, had native stone walls, a sod-covered roof, and an earthen floor. Eventually the sod roof was replaced with wood and two additions were added on to the building.Today, this is one of the oldest intact buildings in northwest Kansas. Other stone buildings, still standing, are arranged in what was called the “Yorkshire pattern” of Pratt’s boyhood homeland. Those buildings include a stable, bathhouse, shearing shed, bunkhouse and more.Abraham Pratt’s son, Fenton, became a highly successful sheep rancher. At one point, they had as many as 3,500 Merino sheep. They shipped wool to markets as far east as Philadelphia.Fenton helped finance many local settlers. He was also an amateur photographer. “We have almost 200 glass negatives (that once belonged to Fenton Pratt),” Rowlison said.Abraham Pratt also founded the nearby town of Studley. How did Studley get its name? “The Pratts must have had the foresight to name it for me,” Rowlison said with a smile. He then conceded that Studley was named for Studley Royal, a historic park near the Pratt’s hometown in England.Studley was never incorporated and had perhaps 100 people at its peak population. Today it is a rural community of 22 people. Now, that’s rural.The last member of the Pratt family passed in 1980. Two years later, the property was acquired by the Kansas State Historical Society to be used as an outdoor museum to interpret ranching and farming in northwestern Kansas. The historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Don Rowlison is retired but serves as curator of the ranch and provides tours. The well-preserved buildings still stand and can be visited at any time. Cottonwood Ranch is located along Highway 24 near the Sheridan-Graham county border. “We’ve had visitors from all over the world,” Rowlison said.In 2021, a Cottonwood Ranch film documentary was produced featuring Don Rowlison. It was aired on PBS stations in Kansas and was so well received that it spawned a video series called Cottonwood Connections. “We’re on our third season,” Rowlison said. Past episodes can be viewed on YouTube.<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/show/cottonwood-connection/">See the series on Smoky Hills PBS, Bunker Hill</a>.For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwoodranchks.com/">www.cottonwoodranchks.com</a>.This is the true story of a historic ranch created by a British sailor who made his home far from the ocean in rural Kansas. We commend Don Rowlison and the Friends of Cottonwood Ranch for making a difference by preserving and promoting this history.It makes me think of Robert Louis Stevenson’s words in the poem Requiem: “Home is the sailor, home from sea, And the hunter home from the hill.”Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Now That’s Rural: Don Rowlison, Cottonwood Ranch in northwest Kansas

Some crave novelty. They like new places, people, foods, books, and websites. They love the thrill of discovery. Others, like me, find solace in returning to the familiar. That said, I’ve learned over decades that repeated encounters with the known leads to discovery of nuances missed during previous visits. 

Over 30 plus years of rereading and teaching "To Kill a Mockingbird," I mined gems I’d never have discovered during those first readings. As a result, I seek favorite books and slowly pore through them in search of more to love. 

My most recent adventure led me back to a prairie diamond, "My Antonia" by Willa Cather. Like a visit to a favorite grandmother’s, no matter how often I return, I look forward to every visit.

Besides crafting sympathetic characters that draw readers into her tales, Cather’s sensory memory and accompanying details defy explanation. When she was nine, her family moved from a farm in Virginia to the Nebraska prairie in 1882, early settlement years. A decade later, she attended university in Lincoln. Soon after graduation, she headed to east to work in Pittsburgh for 10 years, finally making New York City her permanent home.

 Although she visited Red Cloud throughout her life, she never again lived there. 

Despite living a mostly Eastern urban life, her prairie trilogy describes this landscape so that readers tumble into its multitudinous universes: flora, fauna, weather, insects, humanity, culture, and spirit. Clearly, as she grew up in Webster County, Nebraska, she soaked in that world like a sponge absorbs moisture.

Early in "My Antonia," narrator Jim Burden describes his first day at his grandparents’ farm, “I can remember exactly how the country looked to me as I walked beside my grandmother along the faint wagon-tracks on that early September morning. Perhaps the glide of long railway travel was still with me, for more than anything else I felt motion in the landscape; in the fresh, easy-blowing morning wind, and in the earth itself, as if the shaggy grass were a sort of loose hide, and underneath it herds of wild buffalo were galloping, galloping . . .’”

Only a page later, Jim describes leaning against a pumpkin in his grandmother’s garden, saying, “… the wind did not blow very hard, but I could hear it singing its humming tune . . . and see the tall grasses wave. The earth was warm under me . . .. Queer little red bugs came out and moved n slow squadrons around me. Their backs were polished vermillion, with black spots. I kept as still as I could. Nothing happened. I did not expect anything to happen. I was something that lay under the sun and felt it, like the pumpkins, and I did not want to be anything more. . . . At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.”

In several hundred words, Cather unveils the secret of the prairie. 

For those willing to silence themselves and open every sense to attend to a single moment, they become something greater than themselves. 

When I see this quote attributed to Cather, “Anyone can love the mountains. It takes a soul to love the prairie,” I recognize the soul of Cather and every prairie dweller willing to dissolve into that state that completes us.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINSome crave novelty. They like new places, people, foods, books, and websites. They love the thrill of discovery. Others, like me, find solace in returning to the familiar. That said, I’ve learned over decades that repeated encounters with the known leads to discovery of nuances missed during previous visits. Over 30 plus years of rereading and teaching "To Kill a Mockingbird," I mined gems I’d never have discovered during those first readings. As a result, I seek favorite books and slowly pore through them in search of more to love. My most recent adventure led me back to a prairie diamond, "My Antonia" by Willa Cather. Like a visit to a favorite grandmother’s, no matter how often I return, I look forward to every visit.Besides crafting sympathetic characters that draw readers into her tales, Cather’s sensory memory and accompanying details defy explanation. When she was nine, her family moved from a farm in Virginia to the Nebraska prairie in 1882, early settlement years. A decade later, she attended university in Lincoln. Soon after graduation, she headed to east to work in Pittsburgh for 10 years, finally making New York City her permanent home. Although she visited Red Cloud throughout her life, she never again lived there. Despite living a mostly Eastern urban life, her prairie trilogy describes this landscape so that readers tumble into its multitudinous universes: flora, fauna, weather, insects, humanity, culture, and spirit. Clearly, as she grew up in Webster County, Nebraska, she soaked in that world like a sponge absorbs moisture.Early in "My Antonia," narrator Jim Burden describes his first day at his grandparents’ farm, “I can remember exactly how the country looked to me as I walked beside my grandmother along the faint wagon-tracks on that early September morning. Perhaps the glide of long railway travel was still with me, for more than anything else I felt motion in the landscape; in the fresh, easy-blowing morning wind, and in the earth itself, as if the shaggy grass were a sort of loose hide, and underneath it herds of wild buffalo were galloping, galloping . . .’”Only a page later, Jim describes leaning against a pumpkin in his grandmother’s garden, saying, “… the wind did not blow very hard, but I could hear it singing its humming tune . . . and see the tall grasses wave. The earth was warm under me . . .. Queer little red bugs came out and moved n slow squadrons around me. Their backs were polished vermillion, with black spots. I kept as still as I could. Nothing happened. I did not expect anything to happen. I was something that lay under the sun and felt it, like the pumpkins, and I did not want to be anything more. . . . At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.”In several hundred words, Cather unveils the secret of the prairie. For those willing to silence themselves and open every sense to attend to a single moment, they become something greater than themselves. When I see this quote attributed to Cather, “Anyone can love the mountains. It takes a soul to love the prairie,” I recognize the soul of Cather and every prairie dweller willing to dissolve into that state that completes us.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: Soul of the prairie

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712181356442.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 High Athletic Hall of Fame announces their third class of inductees. Eight individuals make up the class of 2024.

Coach Gerald Mitchell Preston Weigel Brenda Bruggeman Gary Sechrist Raena Sander Tony May Ron Goates Melissa Beyer

A banquet to will be held to honor the class on Friday, August 16th, 2024. Tickets will be available May 1st.&nbsp;

The Hays High Athletic Hall of Fame announces their third class of inductees. Eight individuals make up the class of 2024.Coach Gerald Mitchell Preston Weigel Brenda Bruggeman Gary Sechrist Raena Sander Tony May Ron Goates Melissa BeyerA banquet to will be held to honor the class on Friday, August 16th, 2024. Tickets will be available May 1st.&nbsp;

Hays High Athletic HOF announces inductees

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Do you have a small backyard? Do you wish you had the space for a garden, but don’t want to sacrifice your entire yard to be able to grow your favorite vegetables? Or, do you want a way to have a garden without the amount of physical labor that is involved with traditional gardening. Well, an option for you is to garden is a small raised bed or containers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictDo you have a small backyard? Do you wish you had the space for a garden, but don’t want to sacrifice your entire yard to be able to grow your favorite vegetables? Or, do you want a way to have a garden without the amount of physical labor that is involved with traditional gardening. Well, an option for you is to garden is a small raised bed or containers.There will be a program on small space and container gardening at the Ellinwood District Hospital in the Education room on April 12 at noon. &nbsp;I will be talking about several different ways to garden in a smaller space, and be able to answer questions to help you get started. Space is limited, so an RSVP to Tonya Pike at 620-564-2548 is requested.Whether you want a couple tomato plants, a bin of potatoes, or just a small herb garden, there is a garden for everyone. We hope to see you on the 12th!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.