&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

“Buffalo Commons Revisited: Change on the Great Plains,” presentation is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

This month’s presentation by Dr. Rob Channell, FHSU Professor of Biological Sciences, will examine how declines in the population of the Great Plains and changes in agriculture offer challenges and opportunities. &nbsp;

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. 

Questions can be directed to&nbsp;Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting: <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCSIv5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwAStyClf3jiRinyVthQoNLaOGN0-2FaADiG1mV-2FCG2XtojcA-2FVQIBJRDWtyo-2B0AfC-2B5WkBvrv2kUt0a0w5LEn-2BP5jeEPiEq3YdOpsy5EPvnwbofZ-2FTy8-2B8cmVvOqmqJEWJyIOzXywfUkW-2Fjwn727bt59yju0bZlluBsU7UYLaU5FTDxqI4o4hm-2BX4cT-2FdHLd4oeeonVTcZhDXUkR05CmViFVbjsAmlHD4sJH-2BNBwmegUTXX6I61AFru6q5uMmbXixi">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DJM-w_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwAStyClf3jiRinyVthQoNLaOGN0-2FaADiG1mV-2FCG2XtojcA-2FVQIBJRDWtyo-2B0AfC-2B5WkBvrv2kUt0a0w5LEn-2BP5L6Nqwc992B9NIZ6Xf4R31mKWKUEs1hFV6TcEVr9g6iUmI7zoQboRQXd-2BaWOslBetItKk8JPdHrcA-2F2IixuMF7iCTCyrgUilNtIxpAKh5l8Cj4iyK4wRzBBBHtmbsn8CmKQHcIa0IpURsslSnFu3sdvVcN0dr-2Bw7EnRoJJAzoit">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741109636842.jpeg" alt="FHSU&nbsp;SMEI" />
 <figcaption>FHSU&nbsp;SMEI</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University Communications“Buffalo Commons Revisited: Change on the Great Plains,” presentation is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.This month’s presentation by Dr. Rob Channell, FHSU Professor of Biological Sciences, will examine how declines in the population of the Great Plains and changes in agriculture offer challenges and opportunities. &nbsp;Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to&nbsp;Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting: <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCSIv5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwAStyClf3jiRinyVthQoNLaOGN0-2FaADiG1mV-2FCG2XtojcA-2FVQIBJRDWtyo-2B0AfC-2B5WkBvrv2kUt0a0w5LEn-2BP5jeEPiEq3YdOpsy5EPvnwbofZ-2FTy8-2B8cmVvOqmqJEWJyIOzXywfUkW-2Fjwn727bt59yju0bZlluBsU7UYLaU5FTDxqI4o4hm-2BX4cT-2FdHLd4oeeonVTcZhDXUkR05CmViFVbjsAmlHD4sJH-2BNBwmegUTXX6I61AFru6q5uMmbXixi">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DJM-w_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwAStyClf3jiRinyVthQoNLaOGN0-2FaADiG1mV-2FCG2XtojcA-2FVQIBJRDWtyo-2B0AfC-2B5WkBvrv2kUt0a0w5LEn-2BP5L6Nqwc992B9NIZ6Xf4R31mKWKUEs1hFV6TcEVr9g6iUmI7zoQboRQXd-2BaWOslBetItKk8JPdHrcA-2F2IixuMF7iCTCyrgUilNtIxpAKh5l8Cj4iyK4wRzBBBHtmbsn8CmKQHcIa0IpURsslSnFu3sdvVcN0dr-2Bw7EnRoJJAzoit">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Buffalo Commons revisited is topic of next FHSU Science Café

&nbsp;By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Most gardeners think soil testing only determines nutrient deficiencies, but the tests also help gardeners understand whether the soil contains adequate nutrients. Basic tests check the soil’s pH, as well as the phosphorus and potassium levels.

“Most of the lawn and garden soil tests that come out of our soil-testing lab (at Kansas State University) show more than adequate levels of both phosphorus and potassium,” K-State horticultural expert Cynthia Domenghini said. “If those nutrients are not needed, applying them is a waste of money and can be a source of pollution.”

Domenghini urges gardeners to test their garden’s soil before beginning spring gardening, particularly if the soil hasn’t been tested in several years.

To do so, she says, take a sample from multiple locations in the garden and lawn. Samples should be taken at a depth between the surface and eight inches, depending on the area being sampled. Next, mix the samples together to total one pint of soil.

More information on taking an accurate soil test is available online from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/soil-analysis/producers-and-homeowners.html">K-State Agronomy Soil Analysis lab.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/soil-analysis/producers-and-homeowners.html"></a>According to Domenghini, the soil sample can then be submitted to your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>&nbsp;to have tests done at the K-State soil testing laboratory for a fee.

“A soil test determines fertility problems, not other conditions that may exist, such as poor drainage, poor soil structure, soil borne diseases or insects, chemical contaminants or damage,” Domenghini said. “All of these conditions may reduce plant performance but cannot be evaluated by a soil test.”Domenghini recommends submitting dry soil samples, as wet soil has different precautions.

“Wet soil samples should be air-dried before being submitted for testing,” Domenghini said. “Do not use artificial means of drying such as an oven or microwave as such treatment may result in inaccurate readings of nutrient levels.”

Soil tests should be used as a tool to identify nutrient deficiencies, Domenghini said, but often they do not tell the whole story of other factors affecting plant growth.

Additional factors that can affect plant growth include: · Not enough sun. · Poor soil physical characteristics. · Walnut trees (walnuts give off a natural herbicide that interferes with the growth of some plants, such as tomatoes). · Tree roots. · Shallow soils. · Improper watering.

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 may contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739899719761.png" alt="Soil sampling. Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Soil sampling. Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictMost gardeners think soil testing only determines nutrient deficiencies, but the tests also help gardeners understand whether the soil contains adequate nutrients. Basic tests check the soil’s pH, as well as the phosphorus and potassium levels.“Most of the lawn and garden soil tests that come out of our soil-testing lab (at Kansas State University) show more than adequate levels of both phosphorus and potassium,” K-State horticultural expert Cynthia Domenghini said. “If those nutrients are not needed, applying them is a waste of money and can be a source of pollution.”Domenghini urges gardeners to test their garden’s soil before beginning spring gardening, particularly if the soil hasn’t been tested in several years.To do so, she says, take a sample from multiple locations in the garden and lawn. Samples should be taken at a depth between the surface and eight inches, depending on the area being sampled. Next, mix the samples together to total one pint of soil.More information on taking an accurate soil test is available online from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/soil-analysis/producers-and-homeowners.html">K-State Agronomy Soil Analysis lab.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/soil-analysis/producers-and-homeowners.html"></a>According to Domenghini, the soil sample can then be submitted to your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>&nbsp;to have tests done at the K-State soil testing laboratory for a fee.“A soil test determines fertility problems, not other conditions that may exist, such as poor drainage, poor soil structure, soil borne diseases or insects, chemical contaminants or damage,” Domenghini said. “All of these conditions may reduce plant performance but cannot be evaluated by a soil test.”Domenghini recommends submitting dry soil samples, as wet soil has different precautions.“Wet soil samples should be air-dried before being submitted for testing,” Domenghini said. “Do not use artificial means of drying such as an oven or microwave as such treatment may result in inaccurate readings of nutrient levels.”Soil tests should be used as a tool to identify nutrient deficiencies, Domenghini said, but often they do not tell the whole story of other factors affecting plant growth.Additional factors that can affect plant growth include: · Not enough sun. · Poor soil physical characteristics. · Walnut trees (walnuts give off a natural herbicide that interferes with the growth of some plants, such as tomatoes). · Tree roots. · Shallow soils. · Improper watering.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 may contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Column soil testing

By&nbsp;RUSSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight Kansas

This week, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed kicked off KDOT’s annual Transportation Safety Conference in Wichita by emphasizing the key components of decreasing fatalities on Kansas’s streets and highways: safer drivers, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and safer roads.

 He was immediately followed by the conference’s keynote speaker, Charles Marohn, the founder of Strong Towns, an organization dedicated to helping America’s cities manage their finances and built environments better. Chuck made the case that, practically speaking, Kansas’s cities should just ignore the first three factors and focus on the last. He’s right.

Kansas’s traffic statistics aren’t terrible, but they aren’t good. Like the rest of the country, Kansas mostly saw fatalities from road accidents increase throughout the 2010s and the first part of this decade. 

There have been some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/10/kansas-traffic-fatalities-trend-downward-after-seven-years-averaging-more-than-420-deaths/">dramatic improvements over the past two years</a>; 2024 saw the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/home/kansas-sees-record-low-traffic-fatalities-in-2024-but-2025-trends-spark-concern/article_5bbfab2c-dd11-11ef-baf2-13b1610ed7bf.html">lowest number of Kansans killed in car crashes</a>—344—in nearly 80 years.

Still<a target="_blank" href="https://tripnet.org/reports/addressing-americas-traffic-safety-crisis-kansas-news-release-07-02-2024/">, Kansas remains above the national average of fatal accidents per population</a>, and so it’s reasonable that KDOT has made reducing traffic deaths—through their “Drive to Zero” initiative—a key priority.

For a variety of reasons, though, most of the actual work that’s been done in support of that initiative has been focused on educating (or shaming) drivers—for speeding, or being distracted, or failing to follow every traffic rule—and on inducing (or requiring) municipalities to lower the speeds on their arterial roads and streets. 

When asked after his presentation about the Drive to Zero plan, Marohn applauded it—but also argued that 98% of the problem here is road design, with driver responsibility, vehicle quality, and speed calculations taking up the tiny remainder.

Marohn’s argument builds upon the basic idea the human beings, being human, will always make mistakes, always be distracted, etc., and thus one ought to focus on fixing the conditions humans operate in, rather than fixing humans themselves. 

In the design of highways, this principle took the form of “forgiving design”—these roads needed to be wide, and the drivers speeding on them needed to be channeled in the same direction, all to minimize the deadly costs of mistakes.

But over the decades these lessons were taken from high-speed, cross-country roads and imposed on city streets. 

Thus we have what Marohn calls “stroads”: neighborhood streets lined with sidewalks and schools and businesses and houses, but designed in ways that assume everyone will drive fast and poorly, requiring them to be huge and thus pedestrian-unfriendly. 

This, obviously, discourages pedestrian use, which not only has negative economic, civic, and public health consequences, but also implicitly encourages drivers to drive even faster and more poorly.

The characteristics of such design assumptions are dangerous one-way streets, drivers gunning at intersections, near-unusable cross-walks, and more. 

Marohn wants to see cities focus on changing these design assumptions, rather than chastising drivers for acting in exactly the way the conditions they encounter on the road encourage them to do. Makes sense to me.

And fortunately, it makes sense to many city leaders and planners across Kansas as well (Marohn likely wouldn’t have been KDOT’s guest of honor otherwise). 

In Wichita, Kansas City, Salina, and elsewhere, Kansas municipalities are slowly but surely making changes. 

One-way streets are being converted to two-way; unnecessary lanes are being shrunk and made safer; designers are thinking more about traffic calming (putting in meridians, for example) and less about draconian speed reductions. 

Zero traffic fatalities may be a distant goal, but we’ll get closer to it by fixing the streets that carry traffic, rather than the drivers negotiating it.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Russell Arben Fox&nbsp;teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Russell Arben Fox&nbsp;teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;RUSSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight KansasThis week, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed kicked off KDOT’s annual Transportation Safety Conference in Wichita by emphasizing the key components of decreasing fatalities on Kansas’s streets and highways: safer drivers, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and safer roads. He was immediately followed by the conference’s keynote speaker, Charles Marohn, the founder of Strong Towns, an organization dedicated to helping America’s cities manage their finances and built environments better. Chuck made the case that, practically speaking, Kansas’s cities should just ignore the first three factors and focus on the last. He’s right.Kansas’s traffic statistics aren’t terrible, but they aren’t good. Like the rest of the country, Kansas mostly saw fatalities from road accidents increase throughout the 2010s and the first part of this decade. There have been some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/10/kansas-traffic-fatalities-trend-downward-after-seven-years-averaging-more-than-420-deaths/">dramatic improvements over the past two years</a>; 2024 saw the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/home/kansas-sees-record-low-traffic-fatalities-in-2024-but-2025-trends-spark-concern/article_5bbfab2c-dd11-11ef-baf2-13b1610ed7bf.html">lowest number of Kansans killed in car crashes</a>—344—in nearly 80 years. Still<a target="_blank" href="https://tripnet.org/reports/addressing-americas-traffic-safety-crisis-kansas-news-release-07-02-2024/">, Kansas remains above the national average of fatal accidents per population</a>, and so it’s reasonable that KDOT has made reducing traffic deaths—through their “Drive to Zero” initiative—a key priority.For a variety of reasons, though, most of the actual work that’s been done in support of that initiative has been focused on educating (or shaming) drivers—for speeding, or being distracted, or failing to follow every traffic rule—and on inducing (or requiring) municipalities to lower the speeds on their arterial roads and streets. When asked after his presentation about the Drive to Zero plan, Marohn applauded it—but also argued that 98% of the problem here is road design, with driver responsibility, vehicle quality, and speed calculations taking up the tiny remainder.Marohn’s argument builds upon the basic idea the human beings, being human, will always make mistakes, always be distracted, etc., and thus one ought to focus on fixing the conditions humans operate in, rather than fixing humans themselves. In the design of highways, this principle took the form of “forgiving design”—these roads needed to be wide, and the drivers speeding on them needed to be channeled in the same direction, all to minimize the deadly costs of mistakes.But over the decades these lessons were taken from high-speed, cross-country roads and imposed on city streets. Thus we have what Marohn calls “stroads”: neighborhood streets lined with sidewalks and schools and businesses and houses, but designed in ways that assume everyone will drive fast and poorly, requiring them to be huge and thus pedestrian-unfriendly. This, obviously, discourages pedestrian use, which not only has negative economic, civic, and public health consequences, but also implicitly encourages drivers to drive even faster and more poorly.The characteristics of such design assumptions are dangerous one-way streets, drivers gunning at intersections, near-unusable cross-walks, and more. Marohn wants to see cities focus on changing these design assumptions, rather than chastising drivers for acting in exactly the way the conditions they encounter on the road encourage them to do. Makes sense to me.And fortunately, it makes sense to many city leaders and planners across Kansas as well (Marohn likely wouldn’t have been KDOT’s guest of honor otherwise). In Wichita, Kansas City, Salina, and elsewhere, Kansas municipalities are slowly but surely making changes. One-way streets are being converted to two-way; unnecessary lanes are being shrunk and made safer; designers are thinking more about traffic calming (putting in meridians, for example) and less about draconian speed reductions. Zero traffic fatalities may be a distant goal, but we’ll get closer to it by fixing the streets that carry traffic, rather than the drivers negotiating it.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The drive to zero begins with streets, not drivers themselves

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741463831282.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

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF March 10 – 14, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--March 10 •&nbsp;2nd Grade has Silly Sock Day today for a feed the pig prize.

•&nbsp;Hourly staff timesheets are due this morning to Ms. Karla in the office. •&nbsp;FHSU Foundations of Ed students will be observing classrooms 12:30-1:20. •&nbsp;Our last Home &amp; School Mtg of the year will be at 7:00 p.m. in L.T. •&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Jade Drohman, PK3.

•&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Keely Ford, 3A, and Lana Schmeidler, 3B.

•&nbsp;Spirit Day. •&nbsp;4th Grade Team Day for a feed the pig prize. •&nbsp;It’s our HFE Jalisco Fundraising Day all day! We hope you can enjoy Jalisco for dinner and support the school! All orders all day, dine-in or carry-out, will give a % back to HFE! •&nbsp;Early Release Day, and students will dismiss at 1:15 p.m.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Dominic Savio Club will meet again after school today. •&nbsp;The Faculty will meet in the Library after dismissal for a presentation from Noalee. •&nbsp;Creative Writing Contest entries are due to the office at 4:00 p.m. for the H.A.C. •&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Jacob Whitmer, 1B, &amp; Kennedi Crathorne, 4B.&nbsp;&nbsp;

•&nbsp;March Birthday Mass &amp; Lunch. •&nbsp;TMP Students will visit 4B this morning. •&nbsp;Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon.

•&nbsp;Kindergarten Sweats &amp; Team Shirt Day for a feed the pig prize. •&nbsp;5th Grade Mix-it and Match-it Day today for a feed the pig prize. •&nbsp;Stations of the Cross at 2:35 p.m. at IHM. •&nbsp;Next week is SPRING BREAK so we will not have school! We hope you all have a safe, wonderful break full of rest and fun! •&nbsp;Greetings to all celebrating a birthday over Spring Break: Lyla Fox, 1B, Finley Patterson, 2B, Miden Pfannenstiel, 3B, Twynn Tetuan, 5A, Lydia Schmeidler, PK4, Victoria Heimann, 2B, Ryker Staab, 3B, Kenton Randa, 5B, Lahna Denton, 2B, and Mrs. Devann Fischer, School Psychologist

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613660020276.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HFEHOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF March 10 – 14, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--March 10 •&nbsp;2nd Grade has Silly Sock Day today for a feed the pig prize.•&nbsp;Hourly staff timesheets are due this morning to Ms. Karla in the office. •&nbsp;FHSU Foundations of Ed students will be observing classrooms 12:30-1:20. •&nbsp;Our last Home &amp; School Mtg of the year will be at 7:00 p.m. in L.T. •&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Jade Drohman, PK3.TUESDAY--March 11•&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Keely Ford, 3A, and Lana Schmeidler, 3B.WEDNESDAY--March 12 •&nbsp;Spirit Day. •&nbsp;4th Grade Team Day for a feed the pig prize. •&nbsp;It’s our HFE Jalisco Fundraising Day all day! We hope you can enjoy Jalisco for dinner and support the school! All orders all day, dine-in or carry-out, will give a % back to HFE! •&nbsp;Early Release Day, and students will dismiss at 1:15 p.m.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Dominic Savio Club will meet again after school today. •&nbsp;The Faculty will meet in the Library after dismissal for a presentation from Noalee. •&nbsp;Creative Writing Contest entries are due to the office at 4:00 p.m. for the H.A.C. •&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Jacob Whitmer, 1B, &amp; Kennedi Crathorne, 4B.&nbsp;&nbsp; THURSDAY--March 13•&nbsp;March Birthday Mass &amp; Lunch. •&nbsp;TMP Students will visit 4B this morning. •&nbsp;Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon.FRIDAY--March 14•&nbsp;Kindergarten Sweats &amp; Team Shirt Day for a feed the pig prize. •&nbsp;5th Grade Mix-it and Match-it Day today for a feed the pig prize. •&nbsp;Stations of the Cross at 2:35 p.m. at IHM. •&nbsp;Next week is SPRING BREAK so we will not have school! We hope you all have a safe, wonderful break full of rest and fun! •&nbsp;Greetings to all celebrating a birthday over Spring Break: Lyla Fox, 1B, Finley Patterson, 2B, Miden Pfannenstiel, 3B, Twynn Tetuan, 5A, Lydia Schmeidler, PK4, Victoria Heimann, 2B, Ryker Staab, 3B, Kenton Randa, 5B, Lahna Denton, 2B, and Mrs. Devann Fischer, School Psychologist

Holy Family Elementary School notes, March 10-14, 2025

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs take on Hoxie in sub-state finale

(6) Hays High at (3) Andover Saturday, Mar. 8th – 5:00 p.m.&nbsp; Andover, Kan. - Andover High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2254158">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

The Hays High boys look to punch a ticket to the 5A State Tournament as they travel to Andover on Saturday. Hays (13-8) defeated Hutchinson in the first round. Andover (18-3) beat Salina Central.

Tip-off&nbsp; is set for 5:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>(6) Hays High at (3) Andover Saturday, Mar. 8th – 5:00 p.m.&nbsp; Andover, Kan. - Andover High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2254158">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>The Hays High boys look to punch a ticket to the 5A State Tournament as they travel to Andover on Saturday. Hays (13-8) defeated Hutchinson in the first round. Andover (18-3) beat Salina Central.Tip-off&nbsp; is set for 5:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

🏀 Hays High travels to Andover for sub-state championship game

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Producers have until April 15, 2025 to make their farm program selections for crops to be harvested in 2025.&nbsp;

 Both Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) are offering higher price benchmarks this year, as historical prices setting these guarantees have been higher.&nbsp;

PLC will make payments if the national Marketing Year Price (MYA) falls below these reference prices. Producers will receive a payment calculated as the difference between the reference price and the MYA, times their individual farm’s established program yield with FSA, then paid on 85% of their base acres in that commodity.&nbsp; This program will pay on losses in price unless the MYA gets below loans rates established in the 2018 Farm Bill, which means large payments will occur if commodity prices are low.

ARC is a revenue program, which takes the benchmark price and multiplies it by the county’s benchmark yield to establish a benchmark revenue for each crop.&nbsp; If the current year’s revenue (national MYA price multiplied by the 2025 county yield) is less than 86% of this amount, there will be an ARC payment. The advantage of this program is that it has both a yield and price component, which has produced ARC payments in recent years due to drought, even at high prices.&nbsp; The disadvantage is that the payment is capped at 10% of benchmark revenue, which tends to happen quite quickly if a payment is triggered.&nbsp; Like PLC, it also pays on 85% of the farm’s base acres in each crop.

Remember the payments for the 2025 crop year will NOT be paid until October of 2026 once the 2025 county yields are determined and Marketing Year Average price is known, so a lot could happen to market prices between now and then. 

While ARC may be more likely to pay unless there is a bumper crop yield in the county, overall protection against low prices is less than PLC because of the 10% cap on payments.

A great tool for assessing potential ARC-CO versus PLC payments at various MYA price levels and county yields is the ARC/PLC Tradeoff spreadsheet found here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill/tradeoff-between-20252026-arc-and-plc">https://agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill/tradeoff-between-20252026-arc-and-plc</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill/tradeoff-between-20252026-arc-and-plc"></a>Another factor in the decision to choose ARC or PLC for each crop is if a producer wants to elect the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) on their individual crop insurance. If so, base acres in that commodity cannot be enrolled in ARC. For many counties, their benchmark yield for ARC is much higher or lower than their expected yield (provided by RMA). A much higher benchmark means ARC will trigger easily, a lower benchmark yield means that this is less likely.

A new tool that also analyzes SCO in relation to ARC and PLC can be found here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-papers-and-information/advanced-arc-plc-sco-tradeoff-tool">https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-papers-and-information/advanced-arc-plc-sco-tradeoff-tool</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-papers-and-information/advanced-arc-plc-sco-tradeoff-tool"></a>The K-State Department of Agricultural Economics recently had a webinar on these topics, with more in-depth information and analysis.&nbsp; The recording available here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/events/2025-winter-wednesday-webinars">https://agmanager.info/events/2025-winter-wednesday-webinars</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/events/2025-winter-wednesday-webinars"></a>If you have any questions over ARC or PLC, you can contact our Extension offices and we can help. The phone numbers are for Great Bend 620-793-1910 and for Hays 785-628-9430.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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 may contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor, Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor, Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictProducers have until April 15, 2025 to make their farm program selections for crops to be harvested in 2025.&nbsp; Both Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) are offering higher price benchmarks this year, as historical prices setting these guarantees have been higher.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740500449489.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PLC will make payments if the national Marketing Year Price (MYA) falls below these reference prices. Producers will receive a payment calculated as the difference between the reference price and the MYA, times their individual farm’s established program yield with FSA, then paid on 85% of their base acres in that commodity.&nbsp; This program will pay on losses in price unless the MYA gets below loans rates established in the 2018 Farm Bill, which means large payments will occur if commodity prices are low.ARC is a revenue program, which takes the benchmark price and multiplies it by the county’s benchmark yield to establish a benchmark revenue for each crop.&nbsp; If the current year’s revenue (national MYA price multiplied by the 2025 county yield) is less than 86% of this amount, there will be an ARC payment. The advantage of this program is that it has both a yield and price component, which has produced ARC payments in recent years due to drought, even at high prices.&nbsp; The disadvantage is that the payment is capped at 10% of benchmark revenue, which tends to happen quite quickly if a payment is triggered.&nbsp; Like PLC, it also pays on 85% of the farm’s base acres in each crop.Remember the payments for the 2025 crop year will NOT be paid until October of 2026 once the 2025 county yields are determined and Marketing Year Average price is known, so a lot could happen to market prices between now and then. While ARC may be more likely to pay unless there is a bumper crop yield in the county, overall protection against low prices is less than PLC because of the 10% cap on payments.A great tool for assessing potential ARC-CO versus PLC payments at various MYA price levels and county yields is the ARC/PLC Tradeoff spreadsheet found here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill/tradeoff-between-20252026-arc-and-plc">https://agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill/tradeoff-between-20252026-arc-and-plc</a><a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill/tradeoff-between-20252026-arc-and-plc"></a>Another factor in the decision to choose ARC or PLC for each crop is if a producer wants to elect the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) on their individual crop insurance. If so, base acres in that commodity cannot be enrolled in ARC. For many counties, their benchmark yield for ARC is much higher or lower than their expected yield (provided by RMA). A much higher benchmark means ARC will trigger easily, a lower benchmark yield means that this is less likely.A new tool that also analyzes SCO in relation to ARC and PLC can be found here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-papers-and-information/advanced-arc-plc-sco-tradeoff-tool">https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-papers-and-information/advanced-arc-plc-sco-tradeoff-tool</a><a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-papers-and-information/advanced-arc-plc-sco-tradeoff-tool"></a>The K-State Department of Agricultural Economics recently had a webinar on these topics, with more in-depth information and analysis.&nbsp; The recording available here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/events/2025-winter-wednesday-webinars">https://agmanager.info/events/2025-winter-wednesday-webinars</a><a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/events/2025-winter-wednesday-webinars"></a>If you have any questions over ARC or PLC, you can contact our Extension offices and we can help. The phone numbers are for Great Bend 620-793-1910 and for Hays 785-628-9430.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;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 may contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Time to make farm program selections for crops to be harvested in 2025

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Julie Ryder, Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director about the upcoming Downtown Hays Market.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Downtown Hays Market" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=se8vw-182a1ee-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Julie Ryder, Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director about the upcoming Downtown Hays Market.&nbsp;

🎙 POST PODCAST: Downtown Hays Market

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

United Way of Ellis County's 71st-annual fundraising campaign came up just short of its fundraising goal.

United Way raised about $282,405.62 of its $350,000 goal to fund local programs.

Executive Director Erica Berges said that while they did not meet their internal goal, the total raised reflects the strong commitment of their donors.

"These funds will support 16 different agencies that provide essential services to Ellis County," Berges said. "Our program reaches every demographic in the community, from birth to senior citizens, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need."

United Way prioritizes Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Communities and Community Resilience. It strives to create lasting change by tackling the root causes of social issues rather than just addressing their symptoms.

Partner agencies are carefully selected through the Care Council, which will be announced soon.

Although the campaign goal was not met, United Way strengthened its reserves through unexpected legacy gifts, allowing it to maintain allocation levels.

Berges said this year's campaign total is lower than last year's, an expected decline due to factors like economic uncertainty, increased competition for donor support and shifting giving patterns.

"Now more than ever, if you are able to contribute, it will make a great difference in helping our community thrive. Your support can help us continue to provide essential services and build a stronger, more resilient community," Berges said.

United Way accepts donations outside of its annual campaign efforts.&nbsp;You can donate by cash or check at the United Way office at 1200 Main St., Suite 102, or <a href="http://www.liveunited.us">online</a>.

You can give a one-time gift, a monthly gift or a roundup option.&nbsp;

United Way Board President Jaden Richardson said the organization's start to 2025 has been exciting, with the success of its Dueling Pianos event on Feb. 8.

"In the new year, we are reflecting on past accomplishments while keeping an open mind to new ideas that can grow the campaign and the fundraising efforts for our partner agencies," Richardson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687976834535.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostUnited Way of Ellis County's 71st-annual fundraising campaign came up just short of its fundraising goal.United Way raised about $282,405.62 of its $350,000 goal to fund local programs.Executive Director Erica Berges said that while they did not meet their internal goal, the total raised reflects the strong commitment of their donors."These funds will support 16 different agencies that provide essential services to Ellis County," Berges said. "Our program reaches every demographic in the community, from birth to senior citizens, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need."United Way prioritizes Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Communities and Community Resilience. It strives to create lasting change by tackling the root causes of social issues rather than just addressing their symptoms.Partner agencies are carefully selected through the Care Council, which will be announced soon.Although the campaign goal was not met, United Way strengthened its reserves through unexpected legacy gifts, allowing it to maintain allocation levels.Berges said this year's campaign total is lower than last year's, an expected decline due to factors like economic uncertainty, increased competition for donor support and shifting giving patterns."Now more than ever, if you are able to contribute, it will make a great difference in helping our community thrive. Your support can help us continue to provide essential services and build a stronger, more resilient community," Berges said.United Way accepts donations outside of its annual campaign efforts.&nbsp;You can donate by cash or check at the United Way office at 1200 Main St., Suite 102, or <a href="http://www.liveunited.us">online</a>.You can give a one-time gift, a monthly gift or a roundup option.&nbsp;United Way Board President Jaden Richardson said the organization's start to 2025 has been exciting, with the success of its Dueling Pianos event on Feb. 8."In the new year, we are reflecting on past accomplishments while keeping an open mind to new ideas that can grow the campaign and the fundraising efforts for our partner agencies," Richardson said.

United Way of Ellis county falls short of fundraising campaign goal

 The Hays Wild West Festival Committee has announced a logo design contest intended to engage the local community in shaping the visual identity of the annual event.

Submissions are now being accepted, with the committee selecting the top 10 designs on March 13. Public voting on these finalists will begin March 17 and continue through the end of the month.

The contest aims to invite designers, artists, and festival enthusiasts to submit logos that capture the spirit of the Wild West Festival.

Interested participants can find additional guidelines and the form to submit entries at <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/logocontest/">wildwestfestival.com/logocontest</a>.

Logos for consideration can also be submitted to contact@wildestfestival.com.

Committee representatives note that the selected logo will be used in official promotional materials for the 2025 celebration.

“We are excited to give the community the opportunity to share in this endeavor,” said Julie Edgeman, president of the Wild West Festival Committee. “Our 100 percent volunteer committee, which manages this not-for-profit festival, is always looking for ways to involve our neighbors in making the event a true highlight of the summer.”

Edgeman also noted that the festival continues to draw large crowds to downtown Hays each year, thanks in part to the contributions of local businesses and individuals who volunteer their time and resources.

The addition of a community-driven logo contest further underscores the committee’s mission to create an inclusive experience for attendees.

Designs submitted between now and March 13 will be evaluated by committee members, who will announce up to 10 finalists on March 17.

At that time, the public will have two weeks to cast votes for their favorite concept, with the final winner revealed in early April. Updates on voting procedures and final results will be shared on social media.

Members of the community are encouraged to follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival">Wild West Festival on Facebook</a> or visit <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">wildwestfestival.com</a> for contest updates, as well as additional information about upcoming performances, events, and festivities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741258018154.png" alt="Wild West Festival, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Festival, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>WWF The Hays Wild West Festival Committee has announced a logo design contest intended to engage the local community in shaping the visual identity of the annual event.Submissions are now being accepted, with the committee selecting the top 10 designs on March 13. Public voting on these finalists will begin March 17 and continue through the end of the month.The contest aims to invite designers, artists, and festival enthusiasts to submit logos that capture the spirit of the Wild West Festival.Interested participants can find additional guidelines and the form to submit entries at <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/logocontest/">wildwestfestival.com/logocontest</a>.Logos for consideration can also be submitted to contact@wildestfestival.com.Committee representatives note that the selected logo will be used in official promotional materials for the 2025 celebration.“We are excited to give the community the opportunity to share in this endeavor,” said Julie Edgeman, president of the Wild West Festival Committee. “Our 100 percent volunteer committee, which manages this not-for-profit festival, is always looking for ways to involve our neighbors in making the event a true highlight of the summer.”Edgeman also noted that the festival continues to draw large crowds to downtown Hays each year, thanks in part to the contributions of local businesses and individuals who volunteer their time and resources.The addition of a community-driven logo contest further underscores the committee’s mission to create an inclusive experience for attendees.Designs submitted between now and March 13 will be evaluated by committee members, who will announce up to 10 finalists on March 17.At that time, the public will have two weeks to cast votes for their favorite concept, with the final winner revealed in early April. Updates on voting procedures and final results will be shared on social media.Members of the community are encouraged to follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival">Wild West Festival on Facebook</a> or visit <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">wildwestfestival.com</a> for contest updates, as well as additional information about upcoming performances, events, and festivities.

Entries open for new logo design contest for Wild West Festival

By TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood District 4-H members from across Ellis County gathered on Sunday, March 2, to showcase their performing arts and communication skills during the annual 4-H Day event.

This special day offers a unique platform for 4-H members to demonstrate their knowledge and build important life skills, such as public speaking, decision-making, and teamwork.

The event emphasizes the power of communication as participants deliver presentations on various project work they have undertaken throughout the year.

 Categories for presentations are as follows: demonstrations, project talks, speeches, skits, music performances, readings, and more, highlighting the diverse talents and interests of 4-H members. 

Participants are encouraged to practice and sharpen their public speaking skills in the supportive environment that 4-H Day provides. It also provides a valuable opportunity for young people to develop confidence, improve their presentation abilities, and share their accomplishments with others.

In addition to showcasing their skills, 4-H members also learn the importance of responsibility and time management as they prepare for the event. After their presentation the judges offer constructive feedback, helping participants grow and set goals for future success.

Those members receiving a Regional Blue designation are eligible to represent Ellis County at the Regional 4-H Day event, with members from Trego, Phillips, and Rooks Counties. 

Results from the Ellis County event are as follows:

Regional Blue— Buckeye Jr Farmers 4-H Club&nbsp;

Junior Demonstrations / Illustrated Talks&nbsp;

Intermediate Demonstrations / Illustrated Talks&nbsp;

Intermediate Public Speaking&nbsp;

1st Reg. Alt. Blue — Esther N. – VV&nbsp;

2nd Reg. Alt. Blue — Ella N. - VV&nbsp;

Intermediate ARI (Application, Resume &amp; Interview)

Regional Blue— Brynlee W. – BJF&nbsp;

1st Reg. Alt. Blue — Emma D. – GH&nbsp;

Regional Blue — Brylie G.– BJF – Piano Solo

Regional Blue—Emma D. – GH - Piano Solo&nbsp;

Reg. Alt. Blue— Jessa F. - BJF - Piano Solo

Blue— Jessa F. - BJF - Instrumental Solo&nbsp;

Regional Blue — Lily D. – GH - Piano Sol&nbsp;

Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with K-State Research and Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at tarobertson@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741105651681.jpeg" alt="Tamara Robertson, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Cottonwood Extension District. Photo by K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Tamara Robertson, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Cottonwood Extension District. Photo by K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood District 4-H members from across Ellis County gathered on Sunday, March 2, to showcase their performing arts and communication skills during the annual 4-H Day event. This special day offers a unique platform for 4-H members to demonstrate their knowledge and build important life skills, such as public speaking, decision-making, and teamwork.The event emphasizes the power of communication as participants deliver presentations on various project work they have undertaken throughout the year. Categories for presentations are as follows: demonstrations, project talks, speeches, skits, music performances, readings, and more, highlighting the diverse talents and interests of 4-H members. Participants are encouraged to practice and sharpen their public speaking skills in the supportive environment that 4-H Day provides. It also provides a valuable opportunity for young people to develop confidence, improve their presentation abilities, and share their accomplishments with others.In addition to showcasing their skills, 4-H members also learn the importance of responsibility and time management as they prepare for the event. After their presentation the judges offer constructive feedback, helping participants grow and set goals for future success.Those members receiving a Regional Blue designation are eligible to represent Ellis County at the Regional 4-H Day event, with members from Trego, Phillips, and Rooks Counties. Results from the Ellis County event are as follows:Skit&nbsp;Regional Blue— Buckeye Jr Farmers 4-H Club&nbsp;Model Meeting&nbsp;Regional Blue— Buckeye Jr Farmers 4-H Club&nbsp;Junior Demonstrations / Illustrated Talks&nbsp;Regional Blue— Jessa T.– GJ&nbsp;Intermediate Demonstrations / Illustrated Talks&nbsp;Regional Blue— Layne H. - BJF&nbsp;Regional Blue — Karci K. - BJF&nbsp;Blue— Alaina Y. – BJF&nbsp;Blue— Josiah C. - GJ&nbsp;Blue— Audrey Y. – BJF&nbsp;Red — Emily D. – BJF&nbsp;Intermediate Public Speaking&nbsp;Red — Gunner G. – ES&nbsp;Senior Public Speaking&nbsp;Regional Blue— Marisa W. – GH&nbsp;Regional Blue — Keeli K. – BJF&nbsp;1st Reg. Alt. Blue — Esther N. – VV&nbsp;2nd Reg. Alt. Blue — Ella N. - VV&nbsp;Intermediate ARI (Application, Resume &amp; Interview)Top Blue— Brynlee W. - BJF&nbsp;Blue— Jadon C. – GJ&nbsp;Junior Project TalkRegional Blue— Ethan Y. – BJF&nbsp;Intermediate Project Talks&nbsp;Regional Blue — Braelyn D. -BJFJunior Readings&nbsp;Regional Blue — Addy H. – BJF&nbsp;Regional Blue — Brylie G.– BJF&nbsp;Intermediate Readings&nbsp;Regional Blue— Brynlee W. – BJF&nbsp;Regional Blue— Audrey Y. – BJF&nbsp;1st Reg. Alt. Blue — Emma D. – GH&nbsp;2nd Reg. Alt. Blue — Layne H. – BJFRed — Jadon C. – GJ&nbsp;Red — Josiah C. - GJJunior Music&nbsp;Regional Blue — Brylie G.– BJF – Piano SoloIntermediate Music&nbsp;Regional Blue—Emma D. – GH - Piano Solo&nbsp;Reg. Alt. Blue— Jessa F. - BJF - Piano SoloBlue— Josiah C. – GJ - Piano SoloBlue— Jessa F. - BJF - Instrumental Solo&nbsp;Senior Music&nbsp;Regional Blue — Lily D. – GH - Piano Sol&nbsp;Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with K-State Research and Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at tarobertson@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.

ROBERTSON: Ellis County 4-H Day results

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Since I have had some questions recently on soil sampling, I thought it might be worth re-visiting. Not always a fun activity but the return on investment (ROI) is guaranteed!

First and foremost what are you sampling for? This will determine how deep of a sample you will need to get. For instance, if you are sampling for phosphorus, potassium, soil pH and even micronutrients such as zinc, and iron, then a 0 to 6 inch sample is necessary; a piece of cake.

However, if you also need to sample for nitrogen (N), and possibly even chloride and sulfur then it gets tougher. Nitrogen, sulfur (S), and chloride (Cl) easily move with water and therefore considered mobile in the soil, as opposed to phosphorus that only moves a little in the soil. To sample properly for N, S, and Cl, K-State recommendations are to sample to a depth of 24 inches.

I will be the first to admit that sampling to a depth of two feet can be a bit tiring with a hand probe, even when soil moisture is good. But if you really want a more accurate N, S &amp; Cl soil test, you should sample to 24 inches. If the soil is dry, sample as deep as you can and record what the average sampling depth was on the form that goes to the lab.

For example if you probe to an average depth of 16 inches, make sure it is recorded on the form. Be sure you completely fill out the entire form. It will ask what the intended yield goal is and crop to be grown, what the previous crop was, dryland or irrigated, and if any manure has been applied; make note of that too. The more information the lab has the better the recommendations will be.

Some folks are using cordless drills and an auger type of bit to pull the 24 inch samples. We have the auger bit and bucket for check-out, as well as hand probes for check-out at our offices.

If you are using a hand probe take along a can of WD-40 and oil up the probe tube before using it. The soil cores come out so much easier, and, no, the WD-40 will not affect the soil in any way to foul up the results. 

Other items needed are two clean plastic buckets to put the 0 to 6 and 0 to 24 inch samples in, the soil sample form from the lab you use, and bags to put the soil into to mail to the lab—about a pint of soil is needed.

K-State recommends taking at least 20 to 30 cores per field, which is a bitter pill to swallow that most don’t. The more cores you take the better representation of the field you will get—to a point. I would recommend taking at least 12 to 15 cores per field, mix thoroughly in a clean bucket, and then fill your soil container from this mixture.&nbsp;

It is actually recommended to divide your fields into uniform areas. For example, if the field has differences in topography--bottom ground, hill sides or sloping, soil texture, etc.

On fields that have been reduced-tilled or no-tilled for several years, a split sample from the top 6 inches (i.e. 0 to 3 inches and 3 to 6 inches) is encouraged to assess pH to determine if there is any nutrient stratification—decrease in soil pH near the surface.

Avoid sampling in old fence rows, dead furrows, low spots, feeding areas, and other areas that might give unusual results. If information is desired on these unusual areas, obtain a separate sample from that area.

County extension offices have the soil sample forms and bags, and most if not all will have a soil probe you can check out and use.

I better quit while I still might be ahead. If I keep pointing out all of the fine details that land grant universities and soil scientists recommend in order to take soil samples, I will probably scare off all that read this. 

The key is to just get started and at least try sampling a few fields, and with time and some experience it will get easier and you will probably learn some tricks to make the experience less time consuming and labor intensive.

 The other alternative is to have someone who does this service come out and pull the samples. 

Either way it will still pay dividends and you will know how much fertilizer to apply, rather than guessing.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension Agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension Agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District Since I have had some questions recently on soil sampling, I thought it might be worth re-visiting. Not always a fun activity but the return on investment (ROI) is guaranteed!First and foremost what are you sampling for? This will determine how deep of a sample you will need to get. For instance, if you are sampling for phosphorus, potassium, soil pH and even micronutrients such as zinc, and iron, then a 0 to 6 inch sample is necessary; a piece of cake.However, if you also need to sample for nitrogen (N), and possibly even chloride and sulfur then it gets tougher. Nitrogen, sulfur (S), and chloride (Cl) easily move with water and therefore considered mobile in the soil, as opposed to phosphorus that only moves a little in the soil. To sample properly for N, S, and Cl, K-State recommendations are to sample to a depth of 24 inches.I will be the first to admit that sampling to a depth of two feet can be a bit tiring with a hand probe, even when soil moisture is good. But if you really want a more accurate N, S &amp; Cl soil test, you should sample to 24 inches. If the soil is dry, sample as deep as you can and record what the average sampling depth was on the form that goes to the lab.For example if you probe to an average depth of 16 inches, make sure it is recorded on the form. Be sure you completely fill out the entire form. It will ask what the intended yield goal is and crop to be grown, what the previous crop was, dryland or irrigated, and if any manure has been applied; make note of that too. The more information the lab has the better the recommendations will be.Some folks are using cordless drills and an auger type of bit to pull the 24 inch samples. We have the auger bit and bucket for check-out, as well as hand probes for check-out at our offices.If you are using a hand probe take along a can of WD-40 and oil up the probe tube before using it. The soil cores come out so much easier, and, no, the WD-40 will not affect the soil in any way to foul up the results. Other items needed are two clean plastic buckets to put the 0 to 6 and 0 to 24 inch samples in, the soil sample form from the lab you use, and bags to put the soil into to mail to the lab—about a pint of soil is needed.K-State recommends taking at least 20 to 30 cores per field, which is a bitter pill to swallow that most don’t. The more cores you take the better representation of the field you will get—to a point. I would recommend taking at least 12 to 15 cores per field, mix thoroughly in a clean bucket, and then fill your soil container from this mixture.&nbsp;It is actually recommended to divide your fields into uniform areas. For example, if the field has differences in topography--bottom ground, hill sides or sloping, soil texture, etc.On fields that have been reduced-tilled or no-tilled for several years, a split sample from the top 6 inches (i.e. 0 to 3 inches and 3 to 6 inches) is encouraged to assess pH to determine if there is any nutrient stratification—decrease in soil pH near the surface.Avoid sampling in old fence rows, dead furrows, low spots, feeding areas, and other areas that might give unusual results. If information is desired on these unusual areas, obtain a separate sample from that area.County extension offices have the soil sample forms and bags, and most if not all will have a soil probe you can check out and use.I better quit while I still might be ahead. If I keep pointing out all of the fine details that land grant universities and soil scientists recommend in order to take soil samples, I will probably scare off all that read this. The key is to just get started and at least try sampling a few fields, and with time and some experience it will get easier and you will probably learn some tricks to make the experience less time consuming and labor intensive. The other alternative is to have someone who does this service come out and pull the samples. Either way it will still pay dividends and you will know how much fertilizer to apply, rather than guessing.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension Agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Soil sampling pays big dividends

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741385214217.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High and Hutchinson battled on Friday evening for a spot in the 5A State Basketball Tournament. The Indians trailed early then went on a big run and never looked back and won 56-17.

Hutchinson scored the first four points of the game. It took the Indians nearly three minutes to put anything on their side of the scoreboard. Katie Linenberger hit a pair of free throws and opened the flood gates.

Hays held the Salthawks scoreless for the remainder of the quarter for an 8-2 lead after the first eight minutes. The second quarter belonged to the Indians. Linenberger scored the first six points of the frame forcing a Hutchinson timeout.

The Salthawks scored out of the time out for their only points of the second quarter. Molly Buckles scored the final two points of the quarter right before the buzzer to polish off a 13-0 run and a 27-6 halftime lead.

Hutchinson scored the first three points out of the locker room. Hays responded with a 22-5 run for the remainder of the quarter. Molly Martin and Jenna Schmeidler scored 21 of the 22 points in the second for a 49-13 lead through three quarters.

Once again the fourth quarter was a running clock. Hays still outscored Hutchinson 7-4 for the 56-17 victory.

The 17 points scored by Hutchinson is the eleventh time the Indians have held an opponent to 29 or less points. It is the twelfth game an opponent had single digit made field goals in a game against Hays. Zoe Winter and Molly Buckles combined for 18 rebounds which was three more than Htuchinson had as a team.

Hays (22-0) sets a school record for wins in a season. The teams to beat Hutchinson (15-7) are a combined 132-6.&nbsp;

The Indians reach the state tournament for the first time since 1996.&nbsp;

Jenna Schmeidler 15; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 0; Morgan Armbruster 0; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Molly Buckles 6; Zoe Winter 9; Liz Cunningham 0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741405959148.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High and Hutchinson battled on Friday evening for a spot in the 5A State Basketball Tournament. The Indians trailed early then went on a big run and never looked back and won 56-17.Hutchinson scored the first four points of the game. It took the Indians nearly three minutes to put anything on their side of the scoreboard. Katie Linenberger hit a pair of free throws and opened the flood gates.Hays held the Salthawks scoreless for the remainder of the quarter for an 8-2 lead after the first eight minutes. The second quarter belonged to the Indians. Linenberger scored the first six points of the frame forcing a Hutchinson timeout.The Salthawks scored out of the time out for their only points of the second quarter. Molly Buckles scored the final two points of the quarter right before the buzzer to polish off a 13-0 run and a 27-6 halftime lead.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2049360884&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-wbkb-highlights-v-1" title="HHS WBKB Highlights v Hutchinson Mar 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS WBKB Highlights v Hutchinson Mar 7, 2025</a></div></div>Hutchinson scored the first three points out of the locker room. Hays responded with a 22-5 run for the remainder of the quarter. Molly Martin and Jenna Schmeidler scored 21 of the 22 points in the second for a 49-13 lead through three quarters.Once again the fourth quarter was a running clock. Hays still outscored Hutchinson 7-4 for the 56-17 victory.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2049360752&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/len-melvin-post-v-hutchinson" title="Len Melvin Post v Hutchinson Mar 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Len Melvin Post v Hutchinson Mar 7, 2025</a></div></div>The 17 points scored by Hutchinson is the eleventh time the Indians have held an opponent to 29 or less points. It is the twelfth game an opponent had single digit made field goals in a game against Hays. Zoe Winter and Molly Buckles combined for 18 rebounds which was three more than Htuchinson had as a team.Hays (22-0) sets a school record for wins in a season. The teams to beat Hutchinson (15-7) are a combined 132-6.&nbsp;The Indians reach the state tournament for the first time since 1996.&nbsp;Jenna Schmeidler 15; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 0; Morgan Armbruster 0; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Molly Buckles 6; Zoe Winter 9; Liz Cunningham 0.

🏀 Hays High girls end 29 year drought, state tourney bound

(1) Hays High vs (8) Hutchinson Friday, Mar. 7th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2253952">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

The Hays High girls host Hutchinson with a spot in the 5A State Basketball Tournament on the line. Hays (21-0) defeated Great Bend in the opening round. Hutchinson (15-6) won at home against Andover Central on Tuesday.

Tip-off&nbsp; is set for 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>(1) Hays High vs (8) Hutchinson Friday, Mar. 7th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2253952">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>The Hays High girls host Hutchinson with a spot in the 5A State Basketball Tournament on the line. Hays (21-0) defeated Great Bend in the opening round. Hutchinson (15-6) won at home against Andover Central on Tuesday.Tip-off&nbsp; is set for 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

🏀🎥 Hays High girls host Hutchinson in sub-state championship

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

In a weird twist in the draw of the seedings, both the Fort Hays State University men’s and women’s teams ended up playing the University of Central Missouri in this year’s quarterfinals of the MIAA Basketball Championships.

Some Tiger fans glanced at each other and chuckled when it was announced that the UCM dancers would be performing during a break in the women’s game Thursday night.

“And here from Central Missouri are the Mule Kickers,” came the announcement over the PA system.

It was the Tigers who actually did the kicking on this day, assuring the teams and their large following they would be enjoying the sites of Kansas City until at least Saturday.

While the Tiger men and women have turned in several exciting doubleheaders this season, fans were treated to a doozy on Thursday in historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

In their first game, the FHSU men led by as many as 26 points in the first half but had to withstand a furious second-half comeback by the Mules to hold on for the win.

A long MIAA banner stretched down the length of the seats is the only thing separating fans from opposing teams sitting behind their teams’ benches.

As the Mules made basket after basket in their comeback and got to within three points late in the game, players from the UCM women’s team were part of the loud cheering section in the crowd.

The Jennies (the UCM women’s mascot) started jawing back and forth with a young man just a few seats away in the Tiger section.

In the end, it was the Tiger fan who got in the last jab as FHSU pulled out the 67-61 victory.

Tiger faithful wondered if the Jennies might have worn themselves out cheering for their men’s team. A few hours later, the UCM women fell to FHSU, 90-74.

Fort Hays State showed Central Missouri – and other MIAA teams – it’s here to stay as a conference stalwart after sophomore Telexa Weeter’s 35-point, 11-rebound performance in the women’s game.

It was uplifting to see how many Fort Hays State students get to take part in the MIAA Championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741372591527.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke gets a hug from FHSU President Tisa Mason Thursday at the MIAA Basketball Championships in Kansas City, Mo. Hammeke, recognized for his 21 years of service before retiring this summer, was joined a midcourt by his wife, Annette. Photo by Ryan Prickett, FHSU Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke gets a hug from FHSU President Tisa Mason Thursday at the MIAA Basketball Championships in Kansas City, Mo. Hammeke, recognized for his 21 years of service before retiring this summer, was joined a midcourt by his wife, Annette. Photo by Ryan Prickett, FHSU Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIn a weird twist in the draw of the seedings, both the Fort Hays State University men’s and women’s teams ended up playing the University of Central Missouri in this year’s quarterfinals of the MIAA Basketball Championships.Some Tiger fans glanced at each other and chuckled when it was announced that the UCM dancers would be performing during a break in the women’s game Thursday night.“And here from Central Missouri are the Mule Kickers,” came the announcement over the PA system.It was the Tigers who actually did the kicking on this day, assuring the teams and their large following they would be enjoying the sites of Kansas City until at least Saturday.While the Tiger men and women have turned in several exciting doubleheaders this season, fans were treated to a doozy on Thursday in historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741372803583.jpeg" alt="As usual, the black and gold of Fort Hays State stood out in the stands in Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium Thursday as many Tiger fans showed up to support their teams. Photo by Ryan Prickett, FHSU Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>As usual, the black and gold of Fort Hays State stood out in the stands in Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium Thursday as many Tiger fans showed up to support their teams. Photo by Ryan Prickett, FHSU Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>In their first game, the FHSU men led by as many as 26 points in the first half but had to withstand a furious second-half comeback by the Mules to hold on for the win.A long MIAA banner stretched down the length of the seats is the only thing separating fans from opposing teams sitting behind their teams’ benches.As the Mules made basket after basket in their comeback and got to within three points late in the game, players from the UCM women’s team were part of the loud cheering section in the crowd.The Jennies (the UCM women’s mascot) started jawing back and forth with a young man just a few seats away in the Tiger section.In the end, it was the Tiger fan who got in the last jab as FHSU pulled out the 67-61 victory.Tiger faithful wondered if the Jennies might have worn themselves out cheering for their men’s team. A few hours later, the UCM women fell to FHSU, 90-74.Fort Hays State showed Central Missouri – and other MIAA teams – it’s here to stay as a conference stalwart after sophomore Telexa Weeter’s 35-point, 11-rebound performance in the women’s game.<h2>FHSU student participation</h2>It was uplifting to see how many Fort Hays State students get to take part in the MIAA Championships.There was Garrett Wellbrock sitting courtside with Pittsburg State student Nick Butler, dressed in shirts, ties and suit jackets announcing the game alongside professional announcers.Students from the video production programs at MIAA members FHSU, Central Missouri and Pittsburg State are streaming the tournament games for the MIAA Network this week.Just a few seats down from Garrett was his dad, Gerard Wellbrock, longtime Voice of the Tigers for Eagle Radio in Hays.Most fans who learned of the father-son connection surely were in unison while thinking, “How cool is that?”Besides the players and their team managers, there was the pep band, the cheerleaders and the Tiger Debs dance team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741372842515.jpeg" alt="The Tiger Debs dance team is just one group of Fort Hays State University students participating in the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championships this week in Kansas City, Mo. Photo by Ryan Prickett, FHSU Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>The Tiger Debs dance team is just one group of Fort Hays State University students participating in the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championships this week in Kansas City, Mo. Photo by Ryan Prickett, FHSU Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>The university mascot, Victor E. Tiger, is always a crowd favorite.And student workers from the Tigers’ athletic department were helping out FHSU Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook, chair of the MIAA Basketball Tournament Committee.“This is great for our students to have them around all our alumni and networking with other professionals as well,” said Curtis Hammeke, FHSU’s athletic director. “The tournament is a great platform that is beneficial for our students in a lot of ways.”The 2025 tournament is a nostalgic one for Hammeke, who is retiring in June after 21 years as the Tiger athletic director. Hammeke, an FHSU graduate, also served as the Tigers’ baseball coach for several years.Bill and Sandi Hubbard from Lawrence traveled east to Kansas City to watch their daughter, Sally, play in the Tiger pep band.“That’s awesome that you’re from Lawrence (home of KU) and your daughter came out west to college Fort Hays,” a Tiger fan told the Hubbards as they stood in line for prime seats.Yes, people stand in line in the hallway – some for as long as an hour – to nab their favorite seat behind the Tiger bench.“We gave our kids the privilege to say they paid for their own college education,” Sandi said with a smile, mentioning the affordability and numerous scholarship opportunities at Fort Hays State.“We’re here to cheer on the band and want the Tigers to keep winning,” Bill added. “The more they win, the more we get to watch our daughter in the band. ”Rest assured, other FHSU supporters have the same wish.

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