More than 250 students from Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) gathered at Fort Hays State University on March 20 for the organization’s annual State Career Development Conference (CDC).

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills.

The CDC was sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation and the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. Deputy Bank Commissioner Tim Kemp served as keynote speaker at the event.

At the event, students elected officers for next year, competed in areas of job preparedness, and met with about a dozen potential employers at a career expo.

“The State CDC is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year for JAG-K students,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “Representing your school at state is a rare opportunity, and all these students should be proud of the work and preparation it took to get there.”

The career expo was sponsored by Central Valley Ag, Goodland Tech and Kansas Gas Service. Students also met with representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 661, Kansas Air National Guard, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, KANSASWORKS, and Larned State Correctional Facility.

JAG-K participants across Kansas voted for statewide officers for the next year. Elected to serve as state officers were: President Kameron Welch, Emporia High School; Vice President Noah Maldonado, Junction City&nbsp;High School; Secretary, Hannah Greenleaf,&nbsp;Kiowa County High School; Parliamentarian, Kalli Peterson,&nbsp;Eudora&nbsp;High School.

The 250-plus participants competed in events that showcase competencies attained in the JAG-K program.

High school students who placed in competition were:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Lauren Saenger, Tanner Norns and Brayden Dorch, Minneapolis; 2nd&nbsp;Reuben Solis, Ausia Martinez and John Seamans, Junction City Innovations

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Bethany Wells, Junction City Innovations Academy; 2nd&nbsp;Jackson Waters, Junction City; 3rd&nbsp;Hannah Gideon, Russell.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Liam Slocum, Caiden Caldwell and Jonathan Leckner, Pratt; 2nd&nbsp;Jaden Exantus, James Lamar and Jae’lynn Dennard, Junction City.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Leo Hernandez, Hays; 2nd&nbsp;Kyla Sterbenz, Shawnee Heights; 3rd&nbsp;Brooke Hubbard, Augusta.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Sam Boetcher, Basehor-Linwood; 2nd&nbsp;Brooklyn Gilchrist, Kiowa County; 3rd&nbsp;Don Ingram, Hiawatha.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jonae Conover, Noah Maldonado and Alani Burks, Junction City&nbsp;; 2nd&nbsp;Greg Martinez, Mattea Kennis and Ashlynn Bradley, Holcomb.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ilyssa Maya, Concordia; 2nd&nbsp;AJ Hase, Emporia; 3rd&nbsp;Miami Holley, Topeka High.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Alyanna Hightower, Shawnee Mission West; 2nd&nbsp;Santina Dickson, Shawnee Mission North; 3rd&nbsp;Dalton Devin, Manhattan.

The top three finishers of the four different individual areas of competition (minus the t-shirt competition) and the top two finishers in the three team competitions earned the opportunity to compete at the National Career Development Conference in St. Louis in April.

High school teams were also awarded recognition based on their collective performance. The top three high school teams were Kiowa County High School (1st&nbsp;place), Junction City Innovations Academy (2nd&nbsp;place) and Junction City High School 2 (3rd&nbsp;place).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Competitions in seven categories were staged for middle school participants as well. Minneapolis Middle School placed first in the team standings, followed by Junction City Middle School and Kiowa County Middle School.

Students who placed in the middle school CDC competitions were:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amelia Barnes, Norma Espericuetta and Aubree Gilchrist, Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ashlynn Mattox, Avary Domme and Makynzie Allen, Shawnee Heights Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Ryan Sanders, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 2nd&nbsp;Lilliana Martinez, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Sara Goheen, Minneapolis Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amiyah Sharp, Auburn Just and Berklee Hesman, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Annabelle Wahl, Natalie Jakubowski and Gabriel Laureano Mendez, Fort Riley Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Quinley Bohl, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Myles Brayton, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 3rd&nbsp;Tyler Sanders, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 4th&nbsp;Layquan Turner, Junction City Karns Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Jaylee Abell, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Cayden Buchenav, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Gabe Thompson, Junction City Karns Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Kaleigh Kurtz, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jemma Ploger, Delaney Little and Addison Minyard. Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Karina Galindo, Angel Flores and Aaliyah Rodriguez, Hutchinson Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ella Nokes, Great Bend Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ava Hammond, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Liliana Aquino, Carl Bruce Middle School (Kansas City); 4th&nbsp;Ray Schendel, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Patience Rowland, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 2nd&nbsp;Adrian Franco, Junction City Karns Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Zyrel Dela Cruz, Junction City Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had more than 900 high school graduates.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dQtJWzVuMd6kQCxXmlQxvCM1USneKtHDznuco0LH61GGEcWVYs6jOFYFVsVwifVT3e_asuFLpMR54wtRydpy-2RA6haRHQPH8LCPCkCpmDCDGX-RgL9d3tDpn3Dz92LHAhw5Ew0IGUkzbmpw0oYuUOgzi8bDs12UAGBAxD-Csi0YIkys4t8yRjzacg4WC4iomjoeFz4ggvHcb_9NsN3VEtx07B_6-VOP2JRXSYufk6SGCdmR0I5Bbk3lN1995-wqp8x1ULQnzHSH8BSvc75TiO8j_n8kV1hJmGsabLBKEHVAx8NA330W980f8yoHkwPENbyFVW9vnLYchpMfYyiMGF6Y4Rg6uQ2sttQqDlqxUYIokUqi9Md-t7o6VcCVCBqmaVXe3g-s36lYe4q6Ov7n5q6bMm38x9DU&amp;c=K5S67b7ng9hfERYrhHaIGf51BGI4uZkheV7DUAsgkLV0GJX4U8PScw==&amp;ch=BUJSnAhwkJAABTyWsbi8upbY0eyedTt2kBafRYhKhvn0FxCvInDwLQ==">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

SubmittedMore than 250 students from Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) gathered at Fort Hays State University on March 20 for the organization’s annual State Career Development Conference (CDC).JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills.The CDC was sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation and the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. Deputy Bank Commissioner Tim Kemp served as keynote speaker at the event.At the event, students elected officers for next year, competed in areas of job preparedness, and met with about a dozen potential employers at a career expo.“The State CDC is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year for JAG-K students,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “Representing your school at state is a rare opportunity, and all these students should be proud of the work and preparation it took to get there.”The career expo was sponsored by Central Valley Ag, Goodland Tech and Kansas Gas Service. Students also met with representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 661, Kansas Air National Guard, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, KANSASWORKS, and Larned State Correctional Facility.JAG-K participants across Kansas voted for statewide officers for the next year. Elected to serve as state officers were: President Kameron Welch, Emporia High School; Vice President Noah Maldonado, Junction City&nbsp;High School; Secretary, Hannah Greenleaf,&nbsp;Kiowa County High School; Parliamentarian, Kalli Peterson,&nbsp;Eudora&nbsp;High School.The 250-plus participants competed in events that showcase competencies attained in the JAG-K program.High school students who placed in competition were:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Lauren Saenger, Tanner Norns and Brayden Dorch, Minneapolis; 2nd&nbsp;Reuben Solis, Ausia Martinez and John Seamans, Junction City InnovationsAcademy.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Bethany Wells, Junction City Innovations Academy; 2nd&nbsp;Jackson Waters, Junction City; 3rd&nbsp;Hannah Gideon, Russell.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Liam Slocum, Caiden Caldwell and Jonathan Leckner, Pratt; 2nd&nbsp;Jaden Exantus, James Lamar and Jae’lynn Dennard, Junction City.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Leo Hernandez, Hays; 2nd&nbsp;Kyla Sterbenz, Shawnee Heights; 3rd&nbsp;Brooke Hubbard, Augusta.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Sam Boetcher, Basehor-Linwood; 2nd&nbsp;Brooklyn Gilchrist, Kiowa County; 3rd&nbsp;Don Ingram, Hiawatha.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jonae Conover, Noah Maldonado and Alani Burks, Junction City&nbsp;; 2nd&nbsp;Greg Martinez, Mattea Kennis and Ashlynn Bradley, Holcomb.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ilyssa Maya, Concordia; 2nd&nbsp;AJ Hase, Emporia; 3rd&nbsp;Miami Holley, Topeka High.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Alyanna Hightower, Shawnee Mission West; 2nd&nbsp;Santina Dickson, Shawnee Mission North; 3rd&nbsp;Dalton Devin, Manhattan.The top three finishers of the four different individual areas of competition (minus the t-shirt competition) and the top two finishers in the three team competitions earned the opportunity to compete at the National Career Development Conference in St. Louis in April.High school teams were also awarded recognition based on their collective performance. The top three high school teams were Kiowa County High School (1st&nbsp;place), Junction City Innovations Academy (2nd&nbsp;place) and Junction City High School 2 (3rd&nbsp;place).&nbsp;&nbsp;Competitions in seven categories were staged for middle school participants as well. Minneapolis Middle School placed first in the team standings, followed by Junction City Middle School and Kiowa County Middle School.Students who placed in the middle school CDC competitions were:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amelia Barnes, Norma Espericuetta and Aubree Gilchrist, Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ashlynn Mattox, Avary Domme and Makynzie Allen, Shawnee Heights Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Ryan Sanders, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 2nd&nbsp;Lilliana Martinez, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Sara Goheen, Minneapolis Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amiyah Sharp, Auburn Just and Berklee Hesman, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Annabelle Wahl, Natalie Jakubowski and Gabriel Laureano Mendez, Fort Riley Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Quinley Bohl, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Myles Brayton, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 3rd&nbsp;Tyler Sanders, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 4th&nbsp;Layquan Turner, Junction City Karns Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Jaylee Abell, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Cayden Buchenav, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Gabe Thompson, Junction City Karns Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Kaleigh Kurtz, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jemma Ploger, Delaney Little and Addison Minyard. Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Karina Galindo, Angel Flores and Aaliyah Rodriguez, Hutchinson Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ella Nokes, Great Bend Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ava Hammond, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Liliana Aquino, Carl Bruce Middle School (Kansas City); 4th&nbsp;Ray Schendel, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Patience Rowland, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 2nd&nbsp;Adrian Franco, Junction City Karns Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Zyrel Dela Cruz, Junction City Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had more than 900 high school graduates.The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains and Walmart.To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dQtJWzVuMd6kQCxXmlQxvCM1USneKtHDznuco0LH61GGEcWVYs6jOFYFVsVwifVT3e_asuFLpMR54wtRydpy-2RA6haRHQPH8LCPCkCpmDCDGX-RgL9d3tDpn3Dz92LHAhw5Ew0IGUkzbmpw0oYuUOgzi8bDs12UAGBAxD-Csi0YIkys4t8yRjzacg4WC4iomjoeFz4ggvHcb_9NsN3VEtx07B_6-VOP2JRXSYufk6SGCdmR0I5Bbk3lN1995-wqp8x1ULQnzHSH8BSvc75TiO8j_n8kV1hJmGsabLBKEHVAx8NA330W980f8yoHkwPENbyFVW9vnLYchpMfYyiMGF6Y4Rg6uQ2sttQqDlqxUYIokUqi9Md-t7o6VcCVCBqmaVXe3g-s36lYe4q6Ov7n5q6bMm38x9DU&amp;c=K5S67b7ng9hfERYrhHaIGf51BGI4uZkheV7DUAsgkLV0GJX4U8PScw==&amp;ch=BUJSnAhwkJAABTyWsbi8upbY0eyedTt2kBafRYhKhvn0FxCvInDwLQ==">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

JAG-K students gather in Hays for Career Development Conference, Career Expo

Most kids grow up wanting to become dinosaur-hunting paleontologists. At some point in their early teenage years, many of these budding dinosaur hunters move on to other interests. 

However, Maggie Wolf and Marjie Cone never waivered in a lifelong, shared, unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. 

Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History was there for Kansas City native Maggie and Chicago native Marjie when their friends began to move on to these other interests.

“We made regular trips to Colorado when I was a kid, and I always made my parents stop at the Sternberg Museum when we came through Hays,” Maggie said. “When I was little, I loved everything about the museum, except maybe the life-size model of a Mosasaur they keep in a dark cavernous space. I thought it might want to eat me.”

Marjie first learned about the Sternberg Museum from her mother in high school.

“I wanted to do an internship with the world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History in downtown Chicago, but didn’t submit my application materials until it was too late,” Marjie said. “Mom found the Sternberg summer camp program for me.”

The Sternberg Museum’s educational opportunities are perfect for kids like Marjie and Maggie, who are innately curious about the natural world, past and present.

Sternberg’s immensely popular summer camps program offers elementary, middle, and high school students unique opportunities to explore and learn in classroom settings and at specimen-rich remote sites across the High Plains of Kansas and beyond.

Kids who attend Sternberg summer camps also get to meet other kids their age who share the same interests and form bonds that last well beyond their time as campers.

Maggie and Marjie met in the summer of 2015 while attending Field Paleontology: Kansas high school camp. From that point forward, their camp connection quickly became a lasting friendship. 

Maggie and Marjie participated in several Sternberg Museum programs, including the Southwest Biology and Field Paleontology: Kansas camps. They were later invited to join the museum’s first international program in Ecuador.

Marjie and Maggie’s all-encompassing passion for science would guide their selection of colleges and chosen degree paths after high school. Marjie attended the University of Illinois, Urbanna-Champaign, and Maggie enrolled at Evansville University in Indiana.

Throughout their undergraduate years, the pair maintained their relationship with each other and the Sternberg Museum. An admirer of the two best friends’ extensive knowledge and experience in the field, David Levering, the museum’s camps director, invited the pair back to work as camp instructors. Over the next several years, Marjie and Maggie would advance from camp counselors to teaching assistants and on to their current roles as camp instructors.

“I call them the ‘M&amp;M’s,’” Levering said. “They’re great leaders who’re accountable, team-oriented, open-minded, and very knowledgeable.”

“I think I can confidently speak for both Marjie and myself when I say we have put a ton of our time and effort into building a community and making these programs exciting, rich with learning opportunities, and inclusive,” Maggie said.

When they are not leading a summer Sternberg camp, Marjie and Maggie work as outreach educators, Marjie in Moab, Utah, and Maggie in Denver. Both call their conservation education work the most fulfilling they have done in their lives.

Learn more about the Sternberg Museum’s summer camps and educational programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">https://sternberg.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583169835265.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsMost kids grow up wanting to become dinosaur-hunting paleontologists. At some point in their early teenage years, many of these budding dinosaur hunters move on to other interests. However, Maggie Wolf and Marjie Cone never waivered in a lifelong, shared, unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History was there for Kansas City native Maggie and Chicago native Marjie when their friends began to move on to these other interests.“We made regular trips to Colorado when I was a kid, and I always made my parents stop at the Sternberg Museum when we came through Hays,” Maggie said. “When I was little, I loved everything about the museum, except maybe the life-size model of a Mosasaur they keep in a dark cavernous space. I thought it might want to eat me.”Marjie first learned about the Sternberg Museum from her mother in high school.“I wanted to do an internship with the world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History in downtown Chicago, but didn’t submit my application materials until it was too late,” Marjie said. “Mom found the Sternberg summer camp program for me.”The Sternberg Museum’s educational opportunities are perfect for kids like Marjie and Maggie, who are innately curious about the natural world, past and present.Sternberg’s immensely popular summer camps program offers elementary, middle, and high school students unique opportunities to explore and learn in classroom settings and at specimen-rich remote sites across the High Plains of Kansas and beyond.Kids who attend Sternberg summer camps also get to meet other kids their age who share the same interests and form bonds that last well beyond their time as campers.Maggie and Marjie met in the summer of 2015 while attending Field Paleontology: Kansas high school camp. From that point forward, their camp connection quickly became a lasting friendship. Maggie and Marjie participated in several Sternberg Museum programs, including the Southwest Biology and Field Paleontology: Kansas camps. They were later invited to join the museum’s first international program in Ecuador.Marjie and Maggie’s all-encompassing passion for science would guide their selection of colleges and chosen degree paths after high school. Marjie attended the University of Illinois, Urbanna-Champaign, and Maggie enrolled at Evansville University in Indiana.Throughout their undergraduate years, the pair maintained their relationship with each other and the Sternberg Museum. An admirer of the two best friends’ extensive knowledge and experience in the field, David Levering, the museum’s camps director, invited the pair back to work as camp instructors. Over the next several years, Marjie and Maggie would advance from camp counselors to teaching assistants and on to their current roles as camp instructors.“I call them the ‘M&amp;M’s,’” Levering said. “They’re great leaders who’re accountable, team-oriented, open-minded, and very knowledgeable.”“I think I can confidently speak for both Marjie and myself when I say we have put a ton of our time and effort into building a community and making these programs exciting, rich with learning opportunities, and inclusive,” Maggie said.When they are not leading a summer Sternberg camp, Marjie and Maggie work as outreach educators, Marjie in Moab, Utah, and Maggie in Denver. Both call their conservation education work the most fulfilling they have done in their lives.Learn more about the Sternberg Museum’s summer camps and educational programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">https://sternberg.fhsu.edu</a>.

Sternberg summer camps led by former Sternberg campers

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Alfalfa weevil eggs are laid inside alfalfa stems in the fall and spring. Larvae feed on terminal and upper plant leaves early in the spring. Resulting in damage occurring before the first cutting.

Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated starting from January 1.

Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring now in all regions of the state, says Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.

Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II w/Zeon Tech) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.

One update to control options to be aware of for 2024 is the reversal of the EPA’s ruling to ban chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and others). On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and sending the issue of chlorpyrifos tolerances back to EPA for further proceedings. Following that, the EPA issued a technical correction in which 11 special uses of chlorpyriphos were allowed. Among the 11 special uses pertinent to Kansas are alfalfa, cotton, soybean, and winter wheat.

For the most up-to-date alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations, visit the Kansas Mesonet Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Calculator (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/degreedays/). For a complete guide to alfalfa weevil management recommendations, please refer to the upcoming K-State Research &amp; Extension publication 2024 Alfalfa Insect Pest Management Guide that will be available online soon.

Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.

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.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAlfalfa weevil eggs are laid inside alfalfa stems in the fall and spring. Larvae feed on terminal and upper plant leaves early in the spring. Resulting in damage occurring before the first cutting.Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated starting from January 1.Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring now in all regions of the state, says Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II w/Zeon Tech) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.One update to control options to be aware of for 2024 is the reversal of the EPA’s ruling to ban chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and others). On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and sending the issue of chlorpyrifos tolerances back to EPA for further proceedings. Following that, the EPA issued a technical correction in which 11 special uses of chlorpyriphos were allowed. Among the 11 special uses pertinent to Kansas are alfalfa, cotton, soybean, and winter wheat.For the most up-to-date alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations, visit the Kansas Mesonet Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Calculator (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/degreedays/). For a complete guide to alfalfa weevil management recommendations, please refer to the upcoming K-State Research &amp; Extension publication 2024 Alfalfa Insect Pest Management Guide that will be available online soon.Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.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: Start monitoring alfalfa weevils using degree days and scouting

<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/2024/3/1711137708863.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

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Cadillac Escalade hauling a trailer and driven by&nbsp; Catalina Ortega Archuleta, 59, Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 83 exit.

The driver fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of the vehicle.

The SUV entered the median spinning counter clockwise, overturned in the median and came to rest on its wheels, facing westbound in the westbound lane.

EMS transported Archuleta and a passenger Celestino&nbsp;Archuleta, 57, Aurora, Colorado, to the Logan County Hospital. They were both properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Cadillac Escalade hauling a trailer and driven by&nbsp; Catalina Ortega Archuleta, 59, Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 83 exit.The driver fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of the vehicle.The SUV entered the median spinning counter clockwise, overturned in the median and came to rest on its wheels, facing westbound in the westbound lane.EMS transported Archuleta and a passenger Celestino&nbsp;Archuleta, 57, Aurora, Colorado, to the Logan County Hospital. They were both properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after driver falls asleep, SUV overturns on I-70

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Ellis and the surrounding counties.

Sunday there will be critical fire conditions west of a Scott City to Meade
line. 

A fire weather watch is in effect Sunday.


Strong winds are possible Sunday afternoon east of highway 283.

There
is a 40 to 60 % chance for wind gusts to be greater than 50 mph.

There will be a 15% chance for severe thunderstorms late Sunday
and Sunday evening.

The main hazards will be large hail and strong
damaging winds.

There will be a chance for some minor accumulating snow late
Sunday night and Monday west of a Hays to Liberal line&nbsp;

National Weather ServiceThe National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Ellis and the surrounding counties.Sunday there will be critical fire conditions west of a Scott City to Meade
line. A fire weather watch is in effect Sunday.
Strong winds are possible Sunday afternoon east of highway 283.There
is a 40 to 60 % chance for wind gusts to be greater than 50 mph.

There will be a 15% chance for severe thunderstorms late Sunday
and Sunday evening.The main hazards will be large hail and strong
damaging winds.There will be a chance for some minor accumulating snow late
Sunday night and Monday west of a Hays to Liberal line&nbsp;

Fire danger, strong winds, possible snow in the forecast this weekend

TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiNDMxLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjIuOTIyMjk4NjEifQ.bmTXDNzVKU6Ib6HWoJQEc7jSlmjxjrC2Mg4-L0WuecY/s/1303179659/br/239312227008-l">Senate Bill 431,</a>&nbsp;which directs the Capitol Preservation Committee to create a memorial honoring Chaplain (Captain) Emil Joesph Kapaun, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient and Pilsen, Kansas native.

“Father Emil Kapaun was known for his selfless, dedicated service and providing care to all, regardless of their religion or beliefs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I am proud to honor his legacy and sacrifices for our country by signing this bipartisan bill.”

Father Kapaun is the most highly decorated chaplain in United States Army history. After serving as a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Wichita, he was deployed in World War II and the Korean War. He was captured in the Battle of Unsan while refusing to leave the wounded and ultimately died as a prisoner of war in North Korea.

“It is an honor to co-sponsor Senate Bill 431 to commemorate our Kansas hero, Father Kapaun,”&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Elaine Bowers, District 36.&nbsp;“As a member of the Capitol Preservation Committee, I pledge to see this memorial through the final stage of approval and permanent, prominent placement in the Statehouse.”

Governor Kelly has previously honored Father Kapaun by proclaiming September 29, 2021, as Father Emil Kapaun Day in Kansas. This marked the date his remains were identified and returned to Wichita be laid to rest.

“Father Kapaun's bravery and service is commendable,”&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Chase Blasi, District 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;“He worked tirelessly to care for many courageous Americans fighting for our freedom in both World War II and the Korean War. It's an honor to recognize his commitment and valor with this memorial."

"Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun served his country and his fellow prisoners of war, regardless of their religion or creed,"&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Rick Wilborn, District 35.&nbsp;"It is only fitting that we honor this native Kansan with an image in our state Capitol where every visitor and public servant may profit by his example."

In addition to Senate Bill 431, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiMzM2LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjIuOTIyMjk4NjEifQ.NBdzUE8WVI58Om0_EBhwoBBWWN2fgP1RPuhK3JFrqMo/s/1303179659/br/239312227008-l">Senate Bill 336:</a>&nbsp;Removing the requirement for underground storage tank operating permits to be obtained annually.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiMzA3LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjIuOTIyMjk4NjEifQ.neu30UsQ_CFeHprhcswy5G7_7qivWVDiFWp7HRTBTUI/s/1303179659/br/239312227008-l">Senate Bill 307:</a>&nbsp;Adding for-profit private entity to the definition of "qualified applicant" in the Kansas fights addiction act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631705866678.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiNDMxLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjIuOTIyMjk4NjEifQ.bmTXDNzVKU6Ib6HWoJQEc7jSlmjxjrC2Mg4-L0WuecY/s/1303179659/br/239312227008-l">Senate Bill 431,</a>&nbsp;which directs the Capitol Preservation Committee to create a memorial honoring Chaplain (Captain) Emil Joesph Kapaun, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient and Pilsen, Kansas native.“Father Emil Kapaun was known for his selfless, dedicated service and providing care to all, regardless of their religion or beliefs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I am proud to honor his legacy and sacrifices for our country by signing this bipartisan bill.”Father Kapaun is the most highly decorated chaplain in United States Army history. After serving as a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Wichita, he was deployed in World War II and the Korean War. He was captured in the Battle of Unsan while refusing to leave the wounded and ultimately died as a prisoner of war in North Korea.“It is an honor to co-sponsor Senate Bill 431 to commemorate our Kansas hero, Father Kapaun,”&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Elaine Bowers, District 36.&nbsp;“As a member of the Capitol Preservation Committee, I pledge to see this memorial through the final stage of approval and permanent, prominent placement in the Statehouse.”Governor Kelly has previously honored Father Kapaun by proclaiming September 29, 2021, as Father Emil Kapaun Day in Kansas. This marked the date his remains were identified and returned to Wichita be laid to rest.“Father Kapaun's bravery and service is commendable,”&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Chase Blasi, District 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;“He worked tirelessly to care for many courageous Americans fighting for our freedom in both World War II and the Korean War. It's an honor to recognize his commitment and valor with this memorial.""Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun served his country and his fellow prisoners of war, regardless of their religion or creed,"&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Rick Wilborn, District 35.&nbsp;"It is only fitting that we honor this native Kansan with an image in our state Capitol where every visitor and public servant may profit by his example."In addition to Senate Bill 431, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiMzM2LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjIuOTIyMjk4NjEifQ.NBdzUE8WVI58Om0_EBhwoBBWWN2fgP1RPuhK3JFrqMo/s/1303179659/br/239312227008-l">Senate Bill 336:</a>&nbsp;Removing the requirement for underground storage tank operating permits to be obtained annually.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiMzA3LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjIuOTIyMjk4NjEifQ.neu30UsQ_CFeHprhcswy5G7_7qivWVDiFWp7HRTBTUI/s/1303179659/br/239312227008-l">Senate Bill 307:</a>&nbsp;Adding for-profit private entity to the definition of "qualified applicant" in the Kansas fights addiction act.

Governor Kelly signs bipartisan bill honoring Father Emil J. Kapaun

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;&nbsp;Manager of Visitor Services,&nbsp;Brad Penka.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TjnI8ORX2mg?si=a9fyngG5bnWU1USs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;&nbsp;Manager of Visitor Services,&nbsp;Brad Penka.

🎤Forward Ever: Sternberg Museum Manager Brad Penka

<a>Work is scheduled to begin on March 27 on a project to improve the U.S. 183 bypass and I-70 interchange at Exit 157 near Hays.</a>

The Kansas Department of Transportation project includes construction of a new overpass, reconfiguration of the existing interchange ramps, intersection improvements and drainage structure extensions.

The new overpass bridge will be built adjacent to the current bridge and constructed one half at a time. Traffic will continue to use the existing bridge while the first half of the new structure is built. Upon completion of the first half, traffic will be routed on to the new structure while the old bridge is removed and the second half of the new bridge is constructed.

Fairground Road will also be reconstructed on a new alignment, which will move its intersection with the U.S. 183 bypass directly across from Frontier Road. U.S. 183 will be widened to accommodate a left-turn lane on to Fairground Road. Turning lanes will also be added for traffic accessing westbound and eastbound I-70. A stoplight will be placed on the south end of the interchange as well.

<a>Both directions of I-70 carrying traffic under the bridge construction will be reduced to one lane with a decreased speed limit and 16-foot width restriction. Information on additional traffic impacts on I-70 and the U.S. 183 bypass will be provided as the project progresses.</a>

KDOT expects project work to be fully completed in October 2025, conditions permitting.

The project is part of KDOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE. Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. of Wichita is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of $20.8 million.

For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Engineer Mitchel Johnson at 785-261-6135 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mitchel.johnson@ks.gov">mitchel.johnson@ks.gov</a>.

KDOT<a>Work is scheduled to begin on March 27 on a project to improve the U.S. 183 bypass and I-70 interchange at Exit 157 near Hays.</a>The Kansas Department of Transportation project includes construction of a new overpass, reconfiguration of the existing interchange ramps, intersection improvements and drainage structure extensions.The new overpass bridge will be built adjacent to the current bridge and constructed one half at a time. Traffic will continue to use the existing bridge while the first half of the new structure is built. Upon completion of the first half, traffic will be routed on to the new structure while the old bridge is removed and the second half of the new bridge is constructed.Fairground Road will also be reconstructed on a new alignment, which will move its intersection with the U.S. 183 bypass directly across from Frontier Road. U.S. 183 will be widened to accommodate a left-turn lane on to Fairground Road. Turning lanes will also be added for traffic accessing westbound and eastbound I-70. A stoplight will be placed on the south end of the interchange as well.<a>Both directions of I-70 carrying traffic under the bridge construction will be reduced to one lane with a decreased speed limit and 16-foot width restriction. Information on additional traffic impacts on I-70 and the U.S. 183 bypass will be provided as the project progresses.</a>KDOT expects project work to be fully completed in October 2025, conditions permitting.The project is part of KDOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE. Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. of Wichita is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of $20.8 million.For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Engineer Mitchel Johnson at 785-261-6135 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mitchel.johnson@ks.gov">mitchel.johnson@ks.gov</a>.

Construction to start on U.S. 183 bypass/I-70 interchange project in Hays

Bill exempts private colleges, lowers financial penalty from $100,000 per offense

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House adopted legislation Thursday imposing a $10,000 fine for every instance in which a public university or college tied student admissions or faculty hiring to an ideological pledge or statement related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The bill crafted by Rep. Steven Howe, chairman of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, wouldn’t apply to private or parochial colleges and universities in Kansas. Amid bipartisan criticism, the committee reduced the financial penalty from $100,000 but retained provisions allowing the attorney general to take alleged offenders to district court if infractions reported to the Kansas Board of Regents remained after a 90-day grace period.

Political special-interest groups and state legislatures have campaigned for years against K-12 and higher education policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion — or simply, DEI. Advocates say attempts to make campuses more welcoming to historically disenfranchised students or faculty amounted to discrimination against people offended by that type of administrative intervention. Supporters of DEI believe the opposite.

“As DEI has expanded, it has created tension,” said Howe, a graduate of Kansas State University. “Instead of a merit-based approach, universities have chosen to embrace ideologies which discriminate against people that do not hew to their orthodoxy.”

He said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2460_01_0000.pdf">House Bill 2460&nbsp;</a>was constitutionally sound and would serve to shield freedom of speech, protect academic freedom and promote intellectual diversity. The House voted 81-39 to send the measure to the Kansas Senate.

Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat, said the bill didn’t attempt to define boundaries of diversity, equity and inclusion. He pointed to a Legislative Post Audit report on DEI spending at the six state universities in the Kansas Board of Regents system which identified six different definitions of DEI.

“It’s hard for me to pass a bill to punish a university for doing something that we don’t define,” Sawyer said. “I don’t know how you could comply with that.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/05/kansas-house-pivots-to-dei-bill-imposing-100000-fines-on-offending-public-colleges-universities">Originally, the bill would have imposed a $100,000 fine</a>&nbsp;for every infraction of the new DEI standard at public universities, community colleges, technical colleges and at Washburn University in Topeka. The bill wouldn’t prevent students or faculty involved in teaching or research from adhering to anti-discrimination law imposed at the state or federal levels.

The bill would enable DEI complaints to be filed with the Board of Regents. The board’s staff would have 45 days to determine guilt or innocence. If guilty, the offending higher educational institution would have 90 days to become compliant. If that failed, the Board of Regents would refer the case to the attorney general. An individual unsatisfied with the Board of Regents’ handling of a complaint could take their case to the attorney general.

Staff with Attorney General Kris Kobach would seek a district court ruling against the alleged violator. In each instance of a DEI violation, the maximum fine would be $10,000. The Board of Regents would be required to promptly disclose confirmed violations and submit annual reports on infractions to the Legislature.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said the compromise bill was the product of debate among House members and incorporated thoughts of university leaders.

“None of the presidents are ever going to be supportive. They’re not going to come out and say, ‘I support this.’ They are truly neutral in this situation and believe we have struck a proper balance,” Hawkins said.

St. John Rep. Brett Stafford, a GOP member of the House higher education committee, said he considered the legislation more of an attempt to affirm freedom of speech on college campuses rather than a mechanism for stifling academic consideration of DEI tenets. He said the primary objective of the legislation was to add a state-level prohibition on discrimination in admissions and hiring on public campuses as it related to DEI.

He said significant amendments to the original bill reduced the proposed penalty for infractions and granted colleges and universities a window of time to correct problems.

Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat and faculty member at Baker University in Baldwin City, said the House bill was an unjustified intrusion into higher education institutions and would serve to undermine intellectual inquiry on campuses. He said diversity enriched academic discourse and critical thinking rather than interfered with those activities.

“It’s an overreach and it violates academic freedom,” Haskins said. “Where’s the problem? Why don’t we trust educators?”

Howe, the sponsor of the bill, said he objected to an assertion by Lenexa Democratic Rep. Brandon Woodard that Sarah Green, a student at the University of Kansas, falsely testified to his House committee about DEI practices on the Lawrence campus.

Woodard alleged Green misrepresented herself to the House committee by not being clear a DEI survey she took when applying for a campus job was related to the university’s private athletics corporation and not the academic side of the university. He said her testimony on that point amounted to a lie.

Howe said it was wrong for Woodard to attack someone in the public square who wasn’t there to defend herself. He said Green exhibited courage by talking about her experiences at KU.

“This bill is not about the merits of DEI. It is not,” Howe said. “DEI is mentioned in the bill, because that’s where we identified the problem. There is evidence that the universities were, in fact, requiring this as a condition for employment.”

<h2>Bill exempts private colleges, lowers financial penalty from $100,000 per offense</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711122997493.jpeg" alt="Salina Republican Rep. Steve Howe, left, convinced the Kansas House to approve 81-39 contents of House Bill 2460, which would forbid public colleges and universities from mandating adherence to diversity, equity and inclusion pledges in admissions and hiring. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from the Kansas Legislature's YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Salina Republican Rep. Steve Howe, left, convinced the Kansas House to approve 81-39 contents of House Bill 2460, which would forbid public colleges and universities from mandating adherence to diversity, equity and inclusion pledges in admissions and hiring. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from the Kansas Legislature's YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House adopted legislation Thursday imposing a $10,000 fine for every instance in which a public university or college tied student admissions or faculty hiring to an ideological pledge or statement related to diversity, equity and inclusion.The bill crafted by Rep. Steven Howe, chairman of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, wouldn’t apply to private or parochial colleges and universities in Kansas. Amid bipartisan criticism, the committee reduced the financial penalty from $100,000 but retained provisions allowing the attorney general to take alleged offenders to district court if infractions reported to the Kansas Board of Regents remained after a 90-day grace period.Political special-interest groups and state legislatures have campaigned for years against K-12 and higher education policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion — or simply, DEI. Advocates say attempts to make campuses more welcoming to historically disenfranchised students or faculty amounted to discrimination against people offended by that type of administrative intervention. Supporters of DEI believe the opposite.“As DEI has expanded, it has created tension,” said Howe, a graduate of Kansas State University. “Instead of a merit-based approach, universities have chosen to embrace ideologies which discriminate against people that do not hew to their orthodoxy.”He said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2460_01_0000.pdf">House Bill 2460&nbsp;</a>was constitutionally sound and would serve to shield freedom of speech, protect academic freedom and promote intellectual diversity. The House voted 81-39 to send the measure to the Kansas Senate.Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat, said the bill didn’t attempt to define boundaries of diversity, equity and inclusion. He pointed to a Legislative Post Audit report on DEI spending at the six state universities in the Kansas Board of Regents system which identified six different definitions of DEI.“It’s hard for me to pass a bill to punish a university for doing something that we don’t define,” Sawyer said. “I don’t know how you could comply with that.”<h2>Revamped bill</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/05/kansas-house-pivots-to-dei-bill-imposing-100000-fines-on-offending-public-colleges-universities">Originally, the bill would have imposed a $100,000 fine</a>&nbsp;for every infraction of the new DEI standard at public universities, community colleges, technical colleges and at Washburn University in Topeka. The bill wouldn’t prevent students or faculty involved in teaching or research from adhering to anti-discrimination law imposed at the state or federal levels.The bill would enable DEI complaints to be filed with the Board of Regents. The board’s staff would have 45 days to determine guilt or innocence. If guilty, the offending higher educational institution would have 90 days to become compliant. If that failed, the Board of Regents would refer the case to the attorney general. An individual unsatisfied with the Board of Regents’ handling of a complaint could take their case to the attorney general.Staff with Attorney General Kris Kobach would seek a district court ruling against the alleged violator. In each instance of a DEI violation, the maximum fine would be $10,000. The Board of Regents would be required to promptly disclose confirmed violations and submit annual reports on infractions to the Legislature.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said the compromise bill was the product of debate among House members and incorporated thoughts of university leaders.“None of the presidents are ever going to be supportive. They’re not going to come out and say, ‘I support this.’ They are truly neutral in this situation and believe we have struck a proper balance,” Hawkins said.St. John Rep. Brett Stafford, a GOP member of the House higher education committee, said he considered the legislation more of an attempt to affirm freedom of speech on college campuses rather than a mechanism for stifling academic consideration of DEI tenets. He said the primary objective of the legislation was to add a state-level prohibition on discrimination in admissions and hiring on public campuses as it related to DEI.He said significant amendments to the original bill reduced the proposed penalty for infractions and granted colleges and universities a window of time to correct problems.<h2>Government overreach</h2>Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat and faculty member at Baker University in Baldwin City, said the House bill was an unjustified intrusion into higher education institutions and would serve to undermine intellectual inquiry on campuses. He said diversity enriched academic discourse and critical thinking rather than interfered with those activities.“It’s an overreach and it violates academic freedom,” Haskins said. “Where’s the problem? Why don’t we trust educators?”Howe, the sponsor of the bill, said he objected to an assertion by Lenexa Democratic Rep. Brandon Woodard that Sarah Green, a student at the University of Kansas, falsely testified to his House committee about DEI practices on the Lawrence campus.Woodard alleged Green misrepresented herself to the House committee by not being clear a DEI survey she took when applying for a campus job was related to the university’s private athletics corporation and not the academic side of the university. He said her testimony on that point amounted to a lie.Howe said it was wrong for Woodard to attack someone in the public square who wasn’t there to defend herself. He said Green exhibited courage by talking about her experiences at KU.“This bill is not about the merits of DEI. It is not,” Howe said. “DEI is mentioned in the bill, because that’s where we identified the problem. There is evidence that the universities were, in fact, requiring this as a condition for employment.”

House bill imposes $10,000 fine on universities for misuse of diversity policy

FHSU crime log March. 10-22, 2024

Bad Boy MZ Rambler Residential Zero turn mower with 42 inch cutting deck. Dual Hydro-Gear ZT 2200 Series Integrated Drive Systems. Heavy –Gauge, all steel, all welded frame. Industry leading 5/16” steel front forks. 3/16 or 7 gauge all steel formed and welded deck with reinforced edges. Deck lift pedal with deck dial adjustments. Seats lifts for easy maintenance and cleaning. Electric PTO. With comfort seat. Features Briggs and Stratton 19 horsepower engine.

Farm Implement Bad Boy mower retail $4,350 Current Bid: $1,887

The legendary Raptor X packs all the performance and reliability Hustler is known for into a simple and durable design.&nbsp; The mowers are engineered to be maintenance and services friendly for the everyday homeowner.&nbsp; From the frame to the deck to their trademark steering, the Raptor X delivers a professional grade cut quality for a perfectly manicured lawn.&nbsp; The Raptor X is backed by a 3 year/300 hour warranty, is ideal for up to 3 acres, has a 42 inch deck, 18HP Kawasaki engine, a premium seat, big rear tires, has a speed up to 7mph and holds 3 gallons of fuel.&nbsp; Additional accessories can be purchased at Better Built.&nbsp; You can also trade the certificate in and upgrade to a larger mower. Retail Price: $4,249 Current Bid: $2,042 ----

Speedrite Portable Solar Fence Charger w/battery

Frontier Ag solar fence charger retail $333 Current Bid: $91 ----

The T3 Post Driver is a small driver that delivers big time results! The T3 Driver will drive T-posts up to a 3" O.D. (outside diameter) pipe at a rate of up to six strikes per second. The top of the post is fully contained to prevent kick out and protected from damage by the strike plate. Use your tractor, skid-steer, mini-ex, loader, or backhoe to carry the weight of the driver. We offer several mounting options, including an offset skid-steer quick attach which allows the operator to drive parallel to the fence line, a bolt-on/weld-on bracket that mounts to almost any flat surface, and a tilt bracket for up to 20° adjustments left or right. Use down pressure from the host vehicle to drive more posts in the ground faster. The T3 Driver includes one bolt-on/weld-on bracket, hoses and flat face ISO couplers for simple plug and play operation. This is an ideal post driver for most farmers, ranchers, fencing contractors, and rental yards

Hoxie Implement post driver retail $2,305 Current bid: $592

This is a set of 4 Hankook Tires, ranging from 205/50R17 to 235/60R17.&nbsp; These tires fit most cars, vans and small SUVs.&nbsp; Mounting, balancing and other tire services are extra.&nbsp; Please redeem by July 30, 2025

Trinity Ag Coop tires retail $660 Current Bid: $131

Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose from 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit your needs. This certificate is for tarps only. Can not be used towards labor or tarp parts. Does not include boat tarps. Tarps Unlimited Stockton Ks. 785-425-7070. Certificate value is $500 and good for one year. Current Bid: $76

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742578226103.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Bad Boy Mower</h2>Bad Boy MZ Rambler Residential Zero turn mower with 42 inch cutting deck. Dual Hydro-Gear ZT 2200 Series Integrated Drive Systems. Heavy –Gauge, all steel, all welded frame. Industry leading 5/16” steel front forks. 3/16 or 7 gauge all steel formed and welded deck with reinforced edges. Deck lift pedal with deck dial adjustments. Seats lifts for easy maintenance and cleaning. Electric PTO. With comfort seat. Features Briggs and Stratton 19 horsepower engine.Farm Implement Bad Boy mower retail $4,350 Current Bid: $1,887 ----<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742578103546.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rapter X Zero Turn Mower</h2>The legendary Raptor X packs all the performance and reliability Hustler is known for into a simple and durable design.&nbsp; The mowers are engineered to be maintenance and services friendly for the everyday homeowner.&nbsp; From the frame to the deck to their trademark steering, the Raptor X delivers a professional grade cut quality for a perfectly manicured lawn.&nbsp; The Raptor X is backed by a 3 year/300 hour warranty, is ideal for up to 3 acres, has a 42 inch deck, 18HP Kawasaki engine, a premium seat, big rear tires, has a speed up to 7mph and holds 3 gallons of fuel.&nbsp; Additional accessories can be purchased at Better Built.&nbsp; You can also trade the certificate in and upgrade to a larger mower. Retail Price: $4,249 Current Bid: $2,042 ---- <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742578317639.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Speedrite Portable Solar Fence Charger w/battery</h2>Frontier Ag solar fence charger retail $333 Current Bid: $91 ----<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742578418056.jpeg" alt="ra 2025 sp 055.jpg" />
 <figcaption>ra 2025 sp 055.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Danuser DA21300 T3 Post Driver</h2>The T3 Post Driver is a small driver that delivers big time results! The T3 Driver will drive T-posts up to a 3" O.D. (outside diameter) pipe at a rate of up to six strikes per second. The top of the post is fully contained to prevent kick out and protected from damage by the strike plate. Use your tractor, skid-steer, mini-ex, loader, or backhoe to carry the weight of the driver. We offer several mounting options, including an offset skid-steer quick attach which allows the operator to drive parallel to the fence line, a bolt-on/weld-on bracket that mounts to almost any flat surface, and a tilt bracket for up to 20° adjustments left or right. Use down pressure from the host vehicle to drive more posts in the ground faster. The T3 Driver includes one bolt-on/weld-on bracket, hoses and flat face ISO couplers for simple plug and play operation. This is an ideal post driver for most farmers, ranchers, fencing contractors, and rental yardsHoxie Implement post driver retail $2,305 Current bid: $592---- <h2>Set of 4 Hankook Tires</h2>This is a set of 4 Hankook Tires, ranging from 205/50R17 to 235/60R17.&nbsp; These tires fit most cars, vans and small SUVs.&nbsp; Mounting, balancing and other tire services are extra.&nbsp; Please redeem by July 30, 2025 Trinity Ag Coop tires retail $660 Current Bid: $131 ----TARP’s Unlimited retail $500<h2>Tarps Unlimited/Wilkens Mfg. Inc.</h2><h2>$500 Certificate</h2>Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose from 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit your needs. This certificate is for tarps only. Can not be used towards labor or tarp parts. Does not include boat tarps. Tarps Unlimited Stockton Ks. 785-425-7070. Certificate value is $500 and good for one year. Current Bid: $76

Mowers, ag supply on the Eagle Radio Auction LIVE NOW!

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Five months after a cybersecurity attack took down the
entire Kansas courts information system, 23rd Judicial
District officials in Hays announced this week they are back to normal operations.


According to the Kansas Supreme Court, the Oct. 12, 2023
security attack was a “sophisticated foreign cyberattack that impacted the
information systems used by the Kansas judicial branch.”

The attack disrupted access to systems used by the court system
statewide and everyday operations in all 104 Kansas counties. The online system was taken offline to avoid any further issues.

That meant court staff had to go back to filing documents on paper. 23rd Judicial District Court Administrator Michael Smith said many of the current employees had never done that before. 

“They had to basically learn a new job on how to file stuff
without the digital world anymore,” Smith said.

Smith called it a “big learning curve” and praised the district
court employees, including District Court Clerk Kalya Acosta, for their work
during that time.

“She did an outstanding job of organizing all that and
putting together a system to keep it together where we knew what needed to be
done and where we were at with everything,” Smith said.

The 23rd Judicial Court offices changed their
operating hours and closed early each weekday from Nov. 20 through Monday to deal with the paperwork backlog.

“When we were doing paper form before, we were equipped for
it. We had the system in place,” Smith said. “Now, we didn't have anywhere to
go with all that paper. We had paper files when I started here, and there was a
big file cabinet, and you could put all that stuff into a file, and it was
there. We don't have those anymore. So, we were really not equipped to go back
to a paper file.”

They were also still scanning and saving the paper copies of
the documents that had to be put into the new online system when it came back
online.

Smith said they are better off now to handle a similar
situation in the future.

“We know how to handle it, (and) we have an organizational
system in place to take care of it,” Smith said. “But man, I hope it doesn't.”

“It is so much more work on the clerks to do it in a paper form,
and it does make you appreciate,&nbsp; how far we've come in the digital
world to make that job easier,” Smith said. “I have a new appreciation for all
the technology that we put in place in the last 20 years.”

Smith also said he was extremely pleased with how court
employees responded.

“They knew that there was a big, big job ahead, and people
are important,” Smith said. "They responded because their job is important. Their
work is important to the people of Ellis County.”

He added, “they're just really cognizant of the fact that
they're working for Ellis County, and they're trying to get the best services
they can for Ellis County.”

The online court system starting coming back online in December and almost every Kansas county was back online at the beginning of the new year.

The Ellis County District Court hours are again 8 a.m.
to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702678815334.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostFive months after a cybersecurity attack took down the
entire Kansas courts information system, 23rd Judicial
District officials in Hays announced this week they are back to normal operations.
According to the Kansas Supreme Court, the Oct. 12, 2023
security attack was a “sophisticated foreign cyberattack that impacted the
information systems used by the Kansas judicial branch.”The attack disrupted access to systems used by the court system
statewide and everyday operations in all 104 Kansas counties. The online system was taken offline to avoid any further issues.That meant court staff had to go back to filing documents on paper. 23rd Judicial District Court Administrator Michael Smith said many of the current employees had never done that before. “They had to basically learn a new job on how to file stuff
without the digital world anymore,” Smith said.Smith called it a “big learning curve” and praised the district
court employees, including District Court Clerk Kalya Acosta, for their work
during that time.“She did an outstanding job of organizing all that and
putting together a system to keep it together where we knew what needed to be
done and where we were at with everything,” Smith said.The 23rd Judicial Court offices changed their
operating hours and closed early each weekday from Nov. 20 through Monday to deal with the paperwork backlog.“When we were doing paper form before, we were equipped for
it. We had the system in place,” Smith said. “Now, we didn't have anywhere to
go with all that paper. We had paper files when I started here, and there was a
big file cabinet, and you could put all that stuff into a file, and it was
there. We don't have those anymore. So, we were really not equipped to go back
to a paper file.”They were also still scanning and saving the paper copies of
the documents that had to be put into the new online system when it came back
online.Smith said they are better off now to handle a similar
situation in the future.“We know how to handle it, (and) we have an organizational
system in place to take care of it,” Smith said. “But man, I hope it doesn't.”“It is so much more work on the clerks to do it in a paper form,
and it does make you appreciate,&nbsp; how far we've come in the digital
world to make that job easier,” Smith said. “I have a new appreciation for all
the technology that we put in place in the last 20 years.”Smith also said he was extremely pleased with how court
employees responded.“They knew that there was a big, big job ahead, and people
are important,” Smith said. "They responded because their job is important. Their
work is important to the people of Ellis County.”He added, “they're just really cognizant of the fact that
they're working for Ellis County, and they're trying to get the best services
they can for Ellis County.”The online court system starting coming back online in December and almost every Kansas county was back online at the beginning of the new year.The Ellis County District Court hours are again 8 a.m.
to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Ellis County District Court back to normal operations following cyberattack

The Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties, is accepting applications for spring grants. Online applications opened March 15 and are due Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

This year, over $130,000 is available to charitable projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties, with more than $30,000 available per county. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

· Projects focused on improving quality of life.

· Projects that support the public health of Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties.

· Projects supporting education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.

Funding for the spring grant cycle is provided by the Heartland Healthy Living Fund, the Heartland Area Action Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Heartland Community, the Stockton Community Fund, Ellis County Legacy Fund, Rooks County Legacy Fund, Trego County Legacy Fund, and Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund.

Grants are limited to projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties and will be awarded through a competitive application process. Nonprofit organizations, including government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches, are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on May 15. Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/grants/

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707171401270.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties, is accepting applications for spring grants. Online applications opened March 15 and are due Wednesday, May 15, 2024.This year, over $130,000 is available to charitable projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties, with more than $30,000 available per county. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:· Projects focused on improving quality of life.· Projects that support the public health of Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties.· Projects supporting education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.Funding for the spring grant cycle is provided by the Heartland Healthy Living Fund, the Heartland Area Action Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Heartland Community, the Stockton Community Fund, Ellis County Legacy Fund, Rooks County Legacy Fund, Trego County Legacy Fund, and Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund.Grants are limited to projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties and will be awarded through a competitive application process. Nonprofit organizations, including government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches, are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on May 15. Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/grants/

Heartland Community Foundation accepting spring grant applications

The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science would like to thank NetWork Kansas for awarding our FIRST Robotics Team #9551 with a $20,000 grant. FIRST Robotics is a global robotics community where 3.2 million students from over 100 countries participate, building industrial-sized robots to compete in a timed field game against other competitors. In Kansas, our team makes up one of twenty-five and is the only team west of I-35. Partnering with Thomas More Prep-Marian High School,&nbsp;Hays High School and STEM Harvest, this initiative combines community and schools together in an effort to promote STEM education.

NetWork Kansas’ award aims to drive innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics&nbsp;within Ellis County.&nbsp; This will certainly benefit our students as they continue advancing their robots while participating in national FIRST competitions. We are excited to utilize this funding and see the positive outcomes the grant will bring.

Thank you, NetWork Kansas, for this investment in Ellis County’s STEM education!

For more information about FIRST Robotics, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.firstinspires.org%2frobotics%2ffrc%2f&amp;c=E,1,HADOZtrMJodg6dNX0Ww-LqVzMSoqLa69kQhY7Ybhz7RWJCwJokFKdcBi6S0DOLUm75T8Ff7rR09RN106S2CdftIHBu6o1J7OzcD-FKQwCmN6X-k,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581950362898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science would like to thank NetWork Kansas for awarding our FIRST Robotics Team #9551 with a $20,000 grant. FIRST Robotics is a global robotics community where 3.2 million students from over 100 countries participate, building industrial-sized robots to compete in a timed field game against other competitors. In Kansas, our team makes up one of twenty-five and is the only team west of I-35. Partnering with Thomas More Prep-Marian High School,&nbsp;Hays High School and STEM Harvest, this initiative combines community and schools together in an effort to promote STEM education.NetWork Kansas’ award aims to drive innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics&nbsp;within Ellis County.&nbsp; This will certainly benefit our students as they continue advancing their robots while participating in national FIRST competitions. We are excited to utilize this funding and see the positive outcomes the grant will bring.Thank you, NetWork Kansas, for this investment in Ellis County’s STEM education!For more information about FIRST Robotics, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.firstinspires.org%2frobotics%2ffrc%2f&amp;c=E,1,HADOZtrMJodg6dNX0Ww-LqVzMSoqLa69kQhY7Ybhz7RWJCwJokFKdcBi6S0DOLUm75T8Ff7rR09RN106S2CdftIHBu6o1J7OzcD-FKQwCmN6X-k,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/</a>

NetWork Kansas awards KAMS robotics team $20,000 grant

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State&nbsp;Representative Rui Xu&nbsp;(Dist. #25 – Westwood), State Representative Susan Concannon (Dist. #107 - Beloit), State Representative Christina Haswood (Dist. #10 – Lawrence) on at 7 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.&nbsp;

Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.

Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp;

To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2024 season schedule.&nbsp;

**Guests subject to change without notice**

The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

SubmittedBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State&nbsp;Representative Rui Xu&nbsp;(Dist. #25 – Westwood), State Representative Susan Concannon (Dist. #107 - Beloit), State Representative Christina Haswood (Dist. #10 – Lawrence) on at 7 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.&nbsp;Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp;To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2024 season schedule.&nbsp;**Guests subject to change without notice**The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

This week on The Kansas Legislature on PBS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711041930452.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>

Once again, the Victoria community is invited to a forum to provide insights and opinions about Phase 2 of St. John’s Place.&nbsp; The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the VFW. Refreshments and door prizes will be part of the event. &nbsp;

Sponsored by the Victoria Community Coalition, the meeting will be facilitated by Betty Johnson of the Dane Hansen Foundation. Groundbreaking for Phase 1 is set for Sunday, April 2.

The Coalition hopes to gain input about future building uses, including a child care, a senior center and a library. The coalition hopes for representation from the Victoria Recreation Commission, the Herzogfest Committee, the Victoria Alumni Association, the USD 432 School Board, Victoria City Council, civics classes and Grow Hays.

The meeting will open with an update on Phase 1, which will include photos of the demolition and design plans.&nbsp;

Coalition President Jeff Pfeifer said some of the hoped-for outcomes will be the formation of task forces/committees and a time for city-wide communication and involvement.

It will also be a time to celebrate community successes, including the new Dollar General store, tree projects and senior high school civics projects that will leave their marks on the community.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOnce again, the Victoria community is invited to a forum to provide insights and opinions about Phase 2 of St. John’s Place.&nbsp; The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the VFW. Refreshments and door prizes will be part of the event. &nbsp;Sponsored by the Victoria Community Coalition, the meeting will be facilitated by Betty Johnson of the Dane Hansen Foundation. Groundbreaking for Phase 1 is set for Sunday, April 2.The Coalition hopes to gain input about future building uses, including a child care, a senior center and a library. The coalition hopes for representation from the Victoria Recreation Commission, the Herzogfest Committee, the Victoria Alumni Association, the USD 432 School Board, Victoria City Council, civics classes and Grow Hays.The meeting will open with an update on Phase 1, which will include photos of the demolition and design plans.&nbsp;Coalition President Jeff Pfeifer said some of the hoped-for outcomes will be the formation of task forces/committees and a time for city-wide communication and involvement.It will also be a time to celebrate community successes, including the new Dollar General store, tree projects and senior high school civics projects that will leave their marks on the community.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Victoria Coalition sets forum to discuss phase 2 at St. John's Place