By TERRI MILLER Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

For college students and parents, paying tuition is often at the top of the to-do list each semester. Imagine getting a call from someone who supposedly works at your school, saying you haven’t paid the bill. They threaten to drop your classes unless you send money right away. The call might raise alarm bells, but slow down — you might end up paying a scammer instead of the real tuition and fees.

Scammers pretend to be from places like a school’s financial aid or bursar’s office. They might call and say financial aid fell through and that you or your child can’t start classes until you pay the full balance right away (not true). Or that school transcripts are on hold until you pay up (also not true). A school won’t call and scare you into&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams">paying them over the phone</a>&nbsp;— but a scammer will.

If you get a call like this, don’t panic. Instead:

If you get a call like this, chances are, you’re not the only one. Share this blog post to spread the word and help others spot and avoid the scam. Then, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724867292699.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TERRI MILLER Consumer Education Specialist, FTCFor college students and parents, paying tuition is often at the top of the to-do list each semester. Imagine getting a call from someone who supposedly works at your school, saying you haven’t paid the bill. They threaten to drop your classes unless you send money right away. The call might raise alarm bells, but slow down — you might end up paying a scammer instead of the real tuition and fees.Scammers pretend to be from places like a school’s financial aid or bursar’s office. They might call and say financial aid fell through and that you or your child can’t start classes until you pay the full balance right away (not true). Or that school transcripts are on hold until you pay up (also not true). A school won’t call and scare you into&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams">paying them over the phone</a>&nbsp;— but a scammer will.If you get a call like this, don’t panic. Instead:<ul>
 <li>Resist the pressure to act quickly.&nbsp;If someone calls and demands that you give them your bank or credit card information immediately, don’t do it. That’s a scam.&nbsp;And only scammers demand payment with&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-and-scams">crypto</a>,&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/you-wire-money">wire transfer service</a>&nbsp;like Western Union or MoneyGram, a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/mobile-payment-apps-how-avoid-scam-when-you-use-one">payment app</a>, or a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards">gift card</a>.</li><li>Don’t trust your caller ID.&nbsp;Scammers fake caller ID numbers — sometimes even “spoofing” the first six digits to make it look like the call came from on-campus. Block&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-block-unwanted-calls">unwanted calls</a>.</li><li>Check it out.&nbsp;Most schools use secure student portals to post your bill and let you pay safely. Check any tuition balance there first. Or call the financial aid or billing office directly using a number you know is legit. They’ll help you verify any outstanding balances and when you need to pay.</li>
 </ul>If you get a call like this, chances are, you’re not the only one. Share this blog post to spread the word and help others spot and avoid the scam. Then, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

Got a call about unpaid college tuition? It could be a scam

For decades, the 1984 Chevron Doctrine gave unelected D.C. bureaucrats the power to bury Kansas businesses—especially our oil fields, farms, and ranches—in unnecessary regulations. Thankfully, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Chevron decision just a few weeks ago, finally reining in those powers.&nbsp;

This is a significant win for Kansas’ economy. Bureaucrats will no longer have free rein to impose extreme environmental regulations that stifle economic growth while offering little progress towards leaving this world cleaner than we found it. Under the Chevron Doctrine, businesses were legally powerless to fight back against these Washington-imposed rules. Federal agencies held all the cards, leaving our elected representatives with little say.&nbsp;

But those days are over. The legal playing field has now been leveled, giving Kansans a fair chance to challenge regulations that threaten their livelihoods. Federal agencies’ unchecked power has been curtailed, slowing down the regulatory assault on businesses across Kansas—from our fields and factories to Main Street.&nbsp;

The Chevron Doctrine was responsible for harmful regulations like the Obama and Biden Administrations’ Waters of the United States rule, which absurdly classified a puddle on a farm as federal water. It also allowed for overbearing, costly rules that hindered medical treatments and burdened workplaces with unnecessary safety regulations. Now, these kinds of federal rules can be legally scrutinized, delaying or even stopping them before they take effect.&nbsp;

This Supreme Court decision is a win for voters, too. It returns some power to our elected officials, ensuring that Washington’s bureaucratic class is more accountable to the people. Unelected agents still hold considerable regulatory power, but now they must adhere more closely to the laws written by Congress—the voice of the American people.&nbsp;

This is a victory for Kansas industries and the companies that call our state home. Reducing overregulation will spur economic activity, create good-paying jobs, and lower the cost of living.&nbsp;

We all want clean water, clean air, and to protect endangered species. But it’s Congress, not unelected bureaucrats, that should define what those terms mean.&nbsp;

— Sen.&nbsp;Roger Marshall, R-Kan.

For decades, the 1984 Chevron Doctrine gave unelected D.C. bureaucrats the power to bury Kansas businesses—especially our oil fields, farms, and ranches—in unnecessary regulations. Thankfully, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Chevron decision just a few weeks ago, finally reining in those powers.&nbsp;This is a significant win for Kansas’ economy. Bureaucrats will no longer have free rein to impose extreme environmental regulations that stifle economic growth while offering little progress towards leaving this world cleaner than we found it. Under the Chevron Doctrine, businesses were legally powerless to fight back against these Washington-imposed rules. Federal agencies held all the cards, leaving our elected representatives with little say.&nbsp;But those days are over. The legal playing field has now been leveled, giving Kansans a fair chance to challenge regulations that threaten their livelihoods. Federal agencies’ unchecked power has been curtailed, slowing down the regulatory assault on businesses across Kansas—from our fields and factories to Main Street.&nbsp;The Chevron Doctrine was responsible for harmful regulations like the Obama and Biden Administrations’ Waters of the United States rule, which absurdly classified a puddle on a farm as federal water. It also allowed for overbearing, costly rules that hindered medical treatments and burdened workplaces with unnecessary safety regulations. Now, these kinds of federal rules can be legally scrutinized, delaying or even stopping them before they take effect.&nbsp;This Supreme Court decision is a win for voters, too. It returns some power to our elected officials, ensuring that Washington’s bureaucratic class is more accountable to the people. Unelected agents still hold considerable regulatory power, but now they must adhere more closely to the laws written by Congress—the voice of the American people.&nbsp;This is a victory for Kansas industries and the companies that call our state home. Reducing overregulation will spur economic activity, create good-paying jobs, and lower the cost of living.&nbsp;We all want clean water, clean air, and to protect endangered species. But it’s Congress, not unelected bureaucrats, that should define what those terms mean.&nbsp;— Sen.&nbsp;Roger Marshall, R-Kan.

Marshall: Overturning Chevron delivers regulatory relief for Kansas’ economy 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Ellis USD 388 school board voted during a special meeting on Aug. 16 to suspend implementation of a new random drug testing policy.

The policy was included in the 2024-25 school handbook and was set to take effect this fall. It would have required random drug testing of students participating in Kansas State High School Activities Association activities by an outside firm.

However, parents expressed concerns about a lack of communication about the policy with parents, a lack of a clear implementation plan and cost.

Board member Latisha Haag said the policy was created because of issues with drug use last school year.

"We started this process last January because we had coaches come to us because we have students coming to practices who were clearly under the influence of something," Haag said.

"It was not only hindering that student's participation. It was hindering other students' participation because practices had to stop. At one point, an ambulance had to be called and, on the ride over, that particular coach in the ambulance learned that person was under the influence," she said.

Haag added, “It’s happening in our schools. I don’t think we have a problem, but it’s present. I think that is something we need to make sure people understand.”

The committee that created the policy included administrators, a law enforcement officer, teachers, a coach and a school nurse.

The drug policy was approved during a special meeting on Aug. 5. Board members said the final vote was delayed because the district was waiting to hire a new high school/junior high principal.

However, the board wanted to approve the policy for inclusion in the student handbook for the 2024-25 school year.

Drug testing was set to apply only to students in KSHAA activities in grades nine through 12. High school parents were emailed to inform them of the new policy.

At the Aug. 16 meeting, some parents said they were not opposed to drug testing, but they wanted to know more about implementation and wished the communication with parents had been better.

Board members said they saw the testing as a deterrent and a way to get students who might have drug issues help.

"It is not meant to punish students. It is meant as a deterrent if there is a problem to identify it and to provide that student help," board member&nbsp;Brian Shannon said.

Parents expressed concerns about student privacy and cost.

According to the board, only a school administrator, the testing company, the student and the student's parents would have access to the test results.&nbsp;

The estimated test costs were $60 to $70 per student.

The board had not yet determined what substances it would test for. However, they said it would not include alcohol or nicotine.

Shannon said law enforcement would only be contacted if a student was found in possession of illegal substances on school property.

“If we have one student using drugs, it’s a problem. It’s not a pandemic. Do we wait until there are 10 students before we address it? Do we wait until there are 50 students before we address it?" he said.

Although Haag ultimately voted with the board to suspend the testing's implementation, she said she thought it should not be postponed until next year.

“We have been looking at this since last December. We did not do this willy-nilly. We started talking to people and asking questions clear back in January,” she said. “If you watch the board meetings, they’re on there.”

Board member Cindy Hertel said she thought the district should wait to start the testing.

&nbsp;“We have a small enough school that there are very few students this is not going to touch,” she said. “It’s not targeted toward athletes. It’s to keep people from doing it. I also understand that we need more answers.”

No timeline was given for when the policy would be implemented.

Below is the full Ellis public school substance abuse policy, including the section on random drug testing.

ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY:

*Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and other controlled substances.

*Cheerleading is classified by KSHSAA as a sport during an athletic season and an organization when no cheering sports are in season.

** A cheering event is one night of cheering regardless of how many games are included.

During this period of ineligibility, the student will practice and participate in team activities/meetings. The student may attend competitions at the coach’s discretion but will not dress out.

Non-Athletic – the student will lose eligibility through the next major event sponsored or attended by the organization. During this time the student will attend organizational meetings and participate in fundraising events.

Students will also miss the next major social event i.e. Homecoming, Snoball, Prom or other school events as determined by administration.&nbsp; Officers of an organization violating this policy will be removed from office, but not the organization.

In the event that more than one organization is involved, the sponsors will meet to determine the consequences.

The organizations’ sponsors shall be responsible for determining “major events”.&nbsp;

Athletic – the student will be ineligible to participate in athletics for the remainder of the year (ALL SPORTS)

Non-Athletic – The student will be dismissed from ALL non-athletic student organizations for the remainder of the school year and not be allowed to attend all remaining social events. (i.e. Prom, Homecoming, etc.)

In addition to consequences from KSHSAA Activities, students will also be subject to the following academic consequences related to the school day;

The USD 388 Board of Education, in an effort to protect the health and safety of its students involved in KSHSAA sponsored extracurricular activities from illegal drug and alcohol use and abuse or injuries resulting from the use of illegal drugs and or alcohol has adopted a policy for drug testing of students participating in KSHSAA sponsored extracurricular activities.&nbsp;

KSHSAA Sponsored Extracurricular Activities – School-sponsored activities including:

The above list of KSHSAA sponsored extracurricular activities will be prepared by the building principal and may be modified as determined by the building principal.

The complete policy may be viewed at www.usd388.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis USD 388 school board voted during a special meeting on Aug. 16 to suspend implementation of a new random drug testing policy.The policy was included in the 2024-25 school handbook and was set to take effect this fall. It would have required random drug testing of students participating in Kansas State High School Activities Association activities by an outside firm.However, parents expressed concerns about a lack of communication about the policy with parents, a lack of a clear implementation plan and cost.Board member Latisha Haag said the policy was created because of issues with drug use last school year."We started this process last January because we had coaches come to us because we have students coming to practices who were clearly under the influence of something," Haag said."It was not only hindering that student's participation. It was hindering other students' participation because practices had to stop. At one point, an ambulance had to be called and, on the ride over, that particular coach in the ambulance learned that person was under the influence," she said.Haag added, “It’s happening in our schools. I don’t think we have a problem, but it’s present. I think that is something we need to make sure people understand.”The committee that created the policy included administrators, a law enforcement officer, teachers, a coach and a school nurse.It did not include parents or students.The drug policy was approved during a special meeting on Aug. 5. Board members said the final vote was delayed because the district was waiting to hire a new high school/junior high principal.However, the board wanted to approve the policy for inclusion in the student handbook for the 2024-25 school year.Drug testing was set to apply only to students in KSHAA activities in grades nine through 12. High school parents were emailed to inform them of the new policy.At the Aug. 16 meeting, some parents said they were not opposed to drug testing, but they wanted to know more about implementation and wished the communication with parents had been better.Board members said they saw the testing as a deterrent and a way to get students who might have drug issues help."It is not meant to punish students. It is meant as a deterrent if there is a problem to identify it and to provide that student help," board member&nbsp;Brian Shannon said.Parents expressed concerns about student privacy and cost.According to the board, only a school administrator, the testing company, the student and the student's parents would have access to the test results.&nbsp;The estimated test costs were $60 to $70 per student.The board had not yet determined what substances it would test for. However, they said it would not include alcohol or nicotine.Shannon said law enforcement would only be contacted if a student was found in possession of illegal substances on school property.“If we have one student using drugs, it’s a problem. It’s not a pandemic. Do we wait until there are 10 students before we address it? Do we wait until there are 50 students before we address it?" he said.Although Haag ultimately voted with the board to suspend the testing's implementation, she said she thought it should not be postponed until next year.“We have been looking at this since last December. We did not do this willy-nilly. We started talking to people and asking questions clear back in January,” she said. “If you watch the board meetings, they’re on there.”Board member Cindy Hertel said she thought the district should wait to start the testing.&nbsp;“We have a small enough school that there are very few students this is not going to touch,” she said. “It’s not targeted toward athletes. It’s to keep people from doing it. I also understand that we need more answers.”No timeline was given for when the policy would be implemented.Below is the full Ellis public school substance abuse policy, including the section on random drug testing.----ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY:*Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and other controlled substances.<ul>
 <li>Students involved in school sponsored athletic programs or non-athletic extracurricular student organizations are subject to this policy, which applies to those students 24 hours per day, any place, and between seasons. The consequences will apply to both athletic and all non-athletic organizations. This policy may not cover every possible scenario. Some interpretation will be left up to the coach/sponsor and administration.&nbsp;</li><li>Use and/or possession or promotion of any tobacco product or nicotine delivery device by students is prohibited in any district facility; in school vehicles; at school-sponsored activities, programs or events; and on school owned or operated property.</li><li>Violations are to be substantiated by law enforcement, faculty/staff member, school administration, social-networking sites or other sources deemed credible by the following 3 people, coach/sponsor of sport or organization, Principal/AD.</li><li>It is a violation of this policy to be under the influence of, in possession of, using, distributing, selling, or attempting to sell any of the substances or devices listed above. Violations are subject to disciplinary action and/or legal action as determined by the administration. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a drug specifically prescribed for a student’s own use by his or her own doctor.</li><li>Students who are concerned about their substance abuse and voluntarily notify faculty or staff will not be subject to disciplinary action. Confidentiality will be observed while seeking and finding support for such a student. Self-disclosure may be utilized once to avoid disciplinary action and must be made prior to determination they have violated this policy.</li><li>Consequence of offenses:</li><li>FIRST OFFENSE:</li><li>HS Football – 1 game			HS Volleyball – 3 matches</li><li>HS Basketball – 2 games		HS Track – 1 meet</li><li>HS Baseball/Softball – 2 games	Wrestling – 1 event			</li><li>Cross Country – 1 event	Golf – 1 Event			</li><li>	HS Cheerleading* -will coincide with the event in which the season currently is in, i.e Football – 1 game, HS Basketball – 2 games, etc.**</li>
 </ul>*Cheerleading is classified by KSHSAA as a sport during an athletic season and an organization when no cheering sports are in season.** A cheering event is one night of cheering regardless of how many games are included.During this period of ineligibility, the student will practice and participate in team activities/meetings. The student may attend competitions at the coach’s discretion but will not dress out.Non-Athletic – the student will lose eligibility through the next major event sponsored or attended by the organization. During this time the student will attend organizational meetings and participate in fundraising events.Students will also miss the next major social event i.e. Homecoming, Snoball, Prom or other school events as determined by administration.&nbsp; Officers of an organization violating this policy will be removed from office, but not the organization.In the event that more than one organization is involved, the sponsors will meet to determine the consequences.The organizations’ sponsors shall be responsible for determining “major events”.&nbsp;SECOND OFFENSEAthletic – the student will be ineligible to participate in athletics for the remainder of the year (ALL SPORTS)Non-Athletic – The student will be dismissed from ALL non-athletic student organizations for the remainder of the school year and not be allowed to attend all remaining social events. (i.e. Prom, Homecoming, etc.)SCHOOL DAY RELATED CONSEQUENCESIn addition to consequences from KSHSAA Activities, students will also be subject to the following academic consequences related to the school day;	1st Offense – 1 day ISS	2nd Offense – 2 days OSS	3rd Offense – Possible ExpulsionRANDOM DRUG TESTINGThe USD 388 Board of Education, in an effort to protect the health and safety of its students involved in KSHSAA sponsored extracurricular activities from illegal drug and alcohol use and abuse or injuries resulting from the use of illegal drugs and or alcohol has adopted a policy for drug testing of students participating in KSHSAA sponsored extracurricular activities.&nbsp;KSHSAA Sponsored Extracurricular Activities – School-sponsored activities including:<ul>
 <li>Grades 9-12 competitive athletic teams, including, but not limited to:&nbsp; boys/girls cross country, football, boys/girls basketball, wrestling, baseball, volleyball, softball, boys/girls track &amp; field, Powerlifting and other athletics as specified by the Board of Education.</li><li>Grades 9-12 noncompetitive extracurricular activities including, but not limited to, cheerleading, forensics, band, orchestra, vocal music, National Honor Society, Student Council, scholar’s bowl, FBLA, TSA and other activities as specified by the Board of Education.</li>
 </ul>The above list of KSHSAA sponsored extracurricular activities will be prepared by the building principal and may be modified as determined by the building principal.The complete policy may be viewed at www.usd388.com.

Ellis USD 388 suspends implementation of random drug testing policy

ECHS is creating a sister site in Victoria Kansas inside the former rest home building, now called St. John’s place. The space will have a permanent storage area for artifacts and a large gallery located through the main south entrance at 701 7th Street. On display will be the majority of the rural county history focusing on the following themes: Walker Army Airfield, Angus Cattle Ranching in the US, Oil Industry in Ellis County, Western Kansas Agriculture, and the Volga German Immigrants, Churches and Villages.

In 1876, the first group of Volga German immigrants left the comfort of their families and the security of their villages to make the treacherous journey seeking a better life in America.

Choosing Ellis County, Kansas, these hard-working, faith-filled men and women transformed a frontier prairie teeming with saloons, brothels and gunslingers into a county known far and wide for its towering limestone churches and productive farmland.

This modern, innovative, compassionate county is what it is today because of them, our ancestors. You are who you are today because of them. Isn’t it time that we gratefully honor them with the recognition that they so richly deserve?

Now is your once -in-a-lifetime opportunity to share your ancestors’ story by being a part of the Ellis County Historical Society’s Settlers Hall of Honor.

Inside the front lobby and Founders’ Gallery, wall space will be set aside for memorial plaques dedicated to first generation Ellis County settlers. Content of the plaques will vary slightly but may include photographs, family genealogy, historical family anecdotes.

Every family has a story worth sharing, and the ECHS Heritage Center will celebrate county residents and village founders throughout its exhibits. This is your opportunity to honor your family's legacy while supporting a cultural center that will endure for generations. Join us in preserving and celebrating our shared history.

These designated spaces are limited and ECHS has set aside a certain number of plaques of each size to be displayed.

The Ellis County Historical Society staff will help each family compile history and information to be included on the wall and will have full design authority and discretion.

Funds collected for the Hall of Honor will be used for the redevelopment of the sister site building (ECHS portion of St. John’s Place) and museum housed within, all currently in the planning stages. ECHS is a 501(c)(3) and your donations are tax deductible.

Download the panel brochure with stipulation and cost info, along with panel examples at our website fundraiser page Support Us | Ellis County Historical Society (echshays.org)

For more information, please contact Cynthia Stone, ECHS Administrative Assistant, by text/call 785-893-1431 or by email at office@echshays.org.

SubmittedECHS is creating a sister site in Victoria Kansas inside the former rest home building, now called St. John’s place. The space will have a permanent storage area for artifacts and a large gallery located through the main south entrance at 701 7th Street. On display will be the majority of the rural county history focusing on the following themes: Walker Army Airfield, Angus Cattle Ranching in the US, Oil Industry in Ellis County, Western Kansas Agriculture, and the Volga German Immigrants, Churches and Villages.You can help us make it a reality!In 1876, the first group of Volga German immigrants left the comfort of their families and the security of their villages to make the treacherous journey seeking a better life in America.Choosing Ellis County, Kansas, these hard-working, faith-filled men and women transformed a frontier prairie teeming with saloons, brothels and gunslingers into a county known far and wide for its towering limestone churches and productive farmland.This modern, innovative, compassionate county is what it is today because of them, our ancestors. You are who you are today because of them. Isn’t it time that we gratefully honor them with the recognition that they so richly deserve?Now is your once -in-a-lifetime opportunity to share your ancestors’ story by being a part of the Ellis County Historical Society’s Settlers Hall of Honor.Inside the front lobby and Founders’ Gallery, wall space will be set aside for memorial plaques dedicated to first generation Ellis County settlers. Content of the plaques will vary slightly but may include photographs, family genealogy, historical family anecdotes.Every family has a story worth sharing, and the ECHS Heritage Center will celebrate county residents and village founders throughout its exhibits. This is your opportunity to honor your family's legacy while supporting a cultural center that will endure for generations. Join us in preserving and celebrating our shared history.These designated spaces are limited and ECHS has set aside a certain number of plaques of each size to be displayed.The Ellis County Historical Society staff will help each family compile history and information to be included on the wall and will have full design authority and discretion.Funds collected for the Hall of Honor will be used for the redevelopment of the sister site building (ECHS portion of St. John’s Place) and museum housed within, all currently in the planning stages. ECHS is a 501(c)(3) and your donations are tax deductible.Download the panel brochure with stipulation and cost info, along with panel examples at our website fundraiser page Support Us | Ellis County Historical Society (echshays.org)For more information, please contact Cynthia Stone, ECHS Administrative Assistant, by text/call 785-893-1431 or by email at office@echshays.org.

Ellis Co. Historical Society continues fundraising efforts for sister-site museum with Hall of Honor

Fort Hays Tech | North Central is delighted to announce that Alyssa Deneke, a dedicated and innovative instructor, has been honored with our esteemed 212 Degree Award. This prestigious award is presented to educators who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to going the extra mile for their students and their profession, embodying the idea of "going beyond" to achieve excellence.

The 212 Degree Award, named after the boiling point of water where it transforms into steam, symbolizes the idea that small efforts can lead to extraordinary results. Alyssa Deneke has exemplified this concept through her tireless dedication, creative teaching methods, and genuine care for her students’ success.

Throughout her time at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Alyssa has been recognized for her ability to inspire students and cultivate an engaging learning environment. Her approach to teaching not only imparts knowledge, but also encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth among her students.

"Alyssa Deneke is a shining example of the impact a passionate educator can have on their students and the broader educational community," said Eric Burks, President at Fort Hays Tech” North Central. "The 212 Degree Award is a fitting recognition of her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team."

This award highlights Alyssa’s exceptional contributions and reinforces the high standard of education provided at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of educators who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference in their students’ lives.

For more information about Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please visit www.ncktc.edu or contact admissions@ncktc.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724703683510.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays Tech | North Central is delighted to announce that Alyssa Deneke, a dedicated and innovative instructor, has been honored with our esteemed 212 Degree Award. This prestigious award is presented to educators who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to going the extra mile for their students and their profession, embodying the idea of "going beyond" to achieve excellence.The 212 Degree Award, named after the boiling point of water where it transforms into steam, symbolizes the idea that small efforts can lead to extraordinary results. Alyssa Deneke has exemplified this concept through her tireless dedication, creative teaching methods, and genuine care for her students’ success.Throughout her time at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Alyssa has been recognized for her ability to inspire students and cultivate an engaging learning environment. Her approach to teaching not only imparts knowledge, but also encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth among her students."Alyssa Deneke is a shining example of the impact a passionate educator can have on their students and the broader educational community," said Eric Burks, President at Fort Hays Tech” North Central. "The 212 Degree Award is a fitting recognition of her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team."This award highlights Alyssa’s exceptional contributions and reinforces the high standard of education provided at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of educators who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference in their students’ lives.For more information about Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please visit www.ncktc.edu or contact admissions@ncktc.edu.

Fort Hays Tech instructor receives 212 Degree Award

Hays Sister Cities board members were pleased to award Hays High School senior Caleb King a $2,500 scholarship to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. hosted by Sister Cities International August 4 - 10.

The Youth Leadership Summit engages future leaders and exposes them to global challenges in hopes to inspire a new generation of citizen diplomats and volunteers to promote peace, mutual respect, and prosperity.

King was nominated to Hays Sister Cities by Jerry Braun, Gifted Education teacher at Hays High. King was one of only 49 applicants chosen by Sister Cities International to attend YLS.

“Our board is excited to use our resources to give a local student an experience that opens their minds to the possibilities of a future in International Relations,” said Sister Cities board chair Olga Detrixhe.

The theme for the 2024 event was “Diplomacy Beyond Borders: Inspire, Connect, Transform.” YLS attendees were housed on the campus of American University and given a schedule that included training seminars and professional development. On the last day of the Summit, students participated in a Diplomacy Simulation led by the U.S. Department of State.

“Getting to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. was one of the best experiences of my life and one that will stick with me forever,” said King.

“Through this event, I learned more about myself and the world around me in a week than I had in years. This week will ultimately change the trajectory of my life and lead me to spend my time helping others. I am so grateful to Hays Sister Cities for enabling me to attend the summit and experience everything that came with it.”

To wrap up his leadership experience, King will present on the D.C. summit to local civic clubs this fall.

Sister Cities International was started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to encourage citizen diplomacy and move toward world peace. For information on Sister Cities International, visit www.sistercities.org. For more information about Hays Sister Cities, visit www.facebook.com/HaysSisterCities or email hayssistercities@gmail.com.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724703550319.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Sister Cities board members were pleased to award Hays High School senior Caleb King a $2,500 scholarship to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. hosted by Sister Cities International August 4 - 10.The Youth Leadership Summit engages future leaders and exposes them to global challenges in hopes to inspire a new generation of citizen diplomats and volunteers to promote peace, mutual respect, and prosperity.King was nominated to Hays Sister Cities by Jerry Braun, Gifted Education teacher at Hays High. King was one of only 49 applicants chosen by Sister Cities International to attend YLS.“Our board is excited to use our resources to give a local student an experience that opens their minds to the possibilities of a future in International Relations,” said Sister Cities board chair Olga Detrixhe.The theme for the 2024 event was “Diplomacy Beyond Borders: Inspire, Connect, Transform.” YLS attendees were housed on the campus of American University and given a schedule that included training seminars and professional development. On the last day of the Summit, students participated in a Diplomacy Simulation led by the U.S. Department of State.“Getting to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. was one of the best experiences of my life and one that will stick with me forever,” said King.“Through this event, I learned more about myself and the world around me in a week than I had in years. This week will ultimately change the trajectory of my life and lead me to spend my time helping others. I am so grateful to Hays Sister Cities for enabling me to attend the summit and experience everything that came with it.”To wrap up his leadership experience, King will present on the D.C. summit to local civic clubs this fall.Sister Cities International was started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to encourage citizen diplomacy and move toward world peace. For information on Sister Cities International, visit www.sistercities.org. For more information about Hays Sister Cities, visit www.facebook.com/HaysSisterCities or email hayssistercities@gmail.com.

Hays Sister Cities awards scholarship to youth leadership summit

<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/2024/8/1724779128389.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>

Three-day weather outlook

Free Animal Safari Party set for Thursday; learn about joining Girl Scouts

Mental health professionals say it’s important for teens to limit their time online and develop healthy social media habits.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/rose-conlon">Rose Conlon</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/the-range/2024-08-16/as-school-begins-mental-health-experts-say-to-watch-social-media-use-by-teens">KMUW&nbsp;</a>

DERBY, Kansas&nbsp;— High school senior Maggie Elliott likes talking to friends on Snapchat and getting inspiration for art projects on Instagram.

But she says it’s easy to spend too much time on social media.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, just one more video. Oh, just one more video.’ And then time goes by, and I’ve wasted two hours,” she said.

Across Kansas and the U.S., teens are living more and more of their lives online — time they’re not spending on homework, hobbies or hanging out with friends face-to-face.

<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/" target="_blank">Up to 95%</a>&nbsp;of teens use some form of social media, according to the Pew Research Center, and a 2023 Gallup survey found that American teens now average&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx" target="_blank">nearly five hours each day</a>&nbsp;on the platforms, with YouTube, TikTok and Instagram being most popular.

Between classes at school, Elliott says it’s become more common to see kids looking down at their phones instead of talking to each other.

“When you’re walking down the hallways, you don’t look up and say hi to someone you know,” she said. “It’s always headphones in, head down, go to class.”

It’s not just teens. Data shows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-social-media-use/" target="_blank">adults are spending more time</a>&nbsp;on social media, too. Maggie’s mom, Sarah Elliott, says she sometimes spends way more time than she wants to on the sites.

“It’s the access to news, current events — that’s where I get sucked in,” she said. “On the political side, depending on what it triggers in me, it can be unhealthy.”

Scrolling for hours probably isn’t great for anyone, but research shows it’s especially bad for teens and their developing brains. In the Gallup survey, teens who were heavy social media users were much more likely to report having poor mental health.

Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, called on Congress to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html" target="_blank">require social media companies</a>&nbsp;to warn users that their platforms are linked to rising adolescent mental health issues like anxiety and depression. He cited research that shows nearly half of teen users say social media&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalwellnesslab.org/wp-content/uploads/Pulse-Survey_Adolescent-Attitudes-Effects-and-Experiences.pdf" target="_blank">makes them feel worse</a>&nbsp;about their appearance.

Experts are&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4739388-its-not-enough-experts-question-whether-social-media-warning-labels-can-protect-teens/" target="_blank">split on how effective</a>&nbsp;such a warning label would be, and some are wary of demonizing social media — acknowledging the sites often make it easier for young people to explore new hobbies and learn more about the world. Nearly 7 in 10 teens&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/" target="_blank">told Pew</a>&nbsp;that social media makes it easier for them to pursue hobbies and interests.

“Surgeon General’s warnings are typically reserved for something that is unsafe at any level. One cigarette is one cigarette too many,” said Eric Litwiller, communications director of the Mental Health America of South Central Kansas. “You cannot arbitrarily paint social media with the same brush.”

Still, experts say social media can make teens more isolated by eating away at time they spend with family and friends, and can reduce their time spent sleeping and exercising. It can expose them to dangerous material, including content encouraging them to harm themselves or others, and it makes it easier for online predators to victimize kids.

Social media can also promote unrealistic beauty standards and has been shown to be particularly harmful for teen girls’ body image.

Sarah Elliott, an elementary and middle school teacher, thinks the sites supercharge the ways her students compare themselves to each other.

“It’s past just how you look. It is, ‘How many likes do I have? How many followers do I have? Oh my gosh, did you see what she posted?’” she said. “It creates a different form of insecurity.”

The increased scrutiny on social media comes as mental health professionals and educators are trying to curb a surge in serious youth mental health challenges. Between 2001 and 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/articles/suicide-among-adolescents-and-youths-in-kansas/" target="_blank">youth suicide deaths in Kansas rose 64%</a>, according to the Kansas Health Institute — outpacing the 41% rise during that time nationally.

But experts say the teen mental health crisis reached new levels during the pandemic, when everyone started spending a lot more time online.

In 2020, COMCARE of Sedgwick County saw a 225% increase in youth needing to be hospitalized or placed in a psychiatric treatment facility due to harming themselves or others, according to quality director Michelle Calvert.

Four years later, Calvert said those numbers still haven’t gone down.

“The problems that came from the pandemic for our youth with their social skills, their isolation, higher rates of depression, higher rates of suicidal thinking,” she said. “All of that is still happening.”

(She emphasized that anyone who’s in crisis can reach 24/7 support by calling or texting 988 or visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank">988lifeline.org</a>.)

Youth mental health often worsens in the fall as school resumes, according to Kansas and federal data.

But Calvert says there are resources for help, including a teen-led suicide prevention effort called&nbsp;<a href="https://zeroreasonswhy.org/" target="_blank">Zero Reasons Why</a>. It started in Johnson County after the community saw a dramatic rise in teen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/community/2018-12-20/with-teen-suicide-on-the-rise-in-kansas-city-adults-ask-young-people-what-they-need" target="_blank">deaths by suicide in 2018</a>. Now with four chapters across Kansas, it brings kids together to support each other.

“We see less stigma,” Calvert said of the organization’s impact in Sedgwick County. “We see teens reaching out for help more.”

Grant Pritz, a therapist at Mental Health America of South Central Kansas, said he recommends some of his patients try cutting down on their social media time or take a break entirely. He says it can be addictive and expose young people to harmful content and people, even cyberbullying.

But it isn’t all bad. Experts say social media&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/upshot/social-media-lgbtq-benefits.html" target="_blank">can be a lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer teens</a>, who might rely on it for support in dealing with unsupportive families or befriending other teens with similar identities. Some research indicates finding online communities where they feel safe and understood is associated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Trevor-Project_LGBTQ-Young-People-of-Color-in-Online-Spaces.pdf" target="_blank">less anxiety and a lower risk of suicide</a>&nbsp;in LGBTQ youth.

“Social media was not created with the purpose of making people feel terrible about themselves,” Pritz said. “It was made to connect people.

“But, as a side effect of that connection, all these things that we experience — struggling with body appearance or struggling to find our place in the world — are so much more noticeable on a much larger scale,” he added.

He said it’s crucial for teens to learn how to use social media responsibly because the habits they develop in adolescence often follow them into adulthood.

Calvert said that’s where parents come in.

“You don’t just give the keys to the car to a kid and send them on their way,” she said. “We teach them. We drive first. Then we sit in the passenger seat while they’re driving.

“We need to do all that with social media and phones as well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724792536948.png" alt="High school senior Maggie Elliott likes following her favorite artists and photographers on Instagram, but she acknowledges teens should be mindful about how they use social media.&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW" />
 <figcaption>High school senior Maggie Elliott likes following her favorite artists and photographers on Instagram, but she acknowledges teens should be mindful about how they use social media.&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Mental health professionals say it’s important for teens to limit their time online and develop healthy social media habits.</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/rose-conlon">Rose Conlon</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/the-range/2024-08-16/as-school-begins-mental-health-experts-say-to-watch-social-media-use-by-teens">KMUW&nbsp;</a> DERBY, Kansas&nbsp;— High school senior Maggie Elliott likes talking to friends on Snapchat and getting inspiration for art projects on Instagram.But she says it’s easy to spend too much time on social media.“I’m like, ‘Oh, just one more video. Oh, just one more video.’ And then time goes by, and I’ve wasted two hours,” she said.Across Kansas and the U.S., teens are living more and more of their lives online — time they’re not spending on homework, hobbies or hanging out with friends face-to-face.<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/" target="_blank">Up to 95%</a>&nbsp;of teens use some form of social media, according to the Pew Research Center, and a 2023 Gallup survey found that American teens now average&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx" target="_blank">nearly five hours each day</a>&nbsp;on the platforms, with YouTube, TikTok and Instagram being most popular.Between classes at school, Elliott says it’s become more common to see kids looking down at their phones instead of talking to each other.“When you’re walking down the hallways, you don’t look up and say hi to someone you know,” she said. “It’s always headphones in, head down, go to class.”It’s not just teens. Data shows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-social-media-use/" target="_blank">adults are spending more time</a>&nbsp;on social media, too. Maggie’s mom, Sarah Elliott, says she sometimes spends way more time than she wants to on the sites.“It’s the access to news, current events — that’s where I get sucked in,” she said. “On the political side, depending on what it triggers in me, it can be unhealthy.”<h2>How social media impacts teens</h2>Scrolling for hours probably isn’t great for anyone, but research shows it’s especially bad for teens and their developing brains. In the Gallup survey, teens who were heavy social media users were much more likely to report having poor mental health.Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, called on Congress to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html" target="_blank">require social media companies</a>&nbsp;to warn users that their platforms are linked to rising adolescent mental health issues like anxiety and depression. He cited research that shows nearly half of teen users say social media&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalwellnesslab.org/wp-content/uploads/Pulse-Survey_Adolescent-Attitudes-Effects-and-Experiences.pdf" target="_blank">makes them feel worse</a>&nbsp;about their appearance.Experts are&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4739388-its-not-enough-experts-question-whether-social-media-warning-labels-can-protect-teens/" target="_blank">split on how effective</a>&nbsp;such a warning label would be, and some are wary of demonizing social media — acknowledging the sites often make it easier for young people to explore new hobbies and learn more about the world. Nearly 7 in 10 teens&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/" target="_blank">told Pew</a>&nbsp;that social media makes it easier for them to pursue hobbies and interests.“Surgeon General’s warnings are typically reserved for something that is unsafe at any level. One cigarette is one cigarette too many,” said Eric Litwiller, communications director of the Mental Health America of South Central Kansas. “You cannot arbitrarily paint social media with the same brush.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724792631899.png" alt="Maggie’s mom, Sarah Elliott, says it’s important for parents to set boundaries around phone use and be aware of their kids’ social media activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Maggie’s mom, Sarah Elliott, says it’s important for parents to set boundaries around phone use and be aware of their kids’ social media activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Still, experts say social media can make teens more isolated by eating away at time they spend with family and friends, and can reduce their time spent sleeping and exercising. It can expose them to dangerous material, including content encouraging them to harm themselves or others, and it makes it easier for online predators to victimize kids.Social media can also promote unrealistic beauty standards and has been shown to be particularly harmful for teen girls’ body image.Sarah Elliott, an elementary and middle school teacher, thinks the sites supercharge the ways her students compare themselves to each other.“It’s past just how you look. It is, ‘How many likes do I have? How many followers do I have? Oh my gosh, did you see what she posted?’” she said. “It creates a different form of insecurity.”<h2>A teen mental health crisis</h2>The increased scrutiny on social media comes as mental health professionals and educators are trying to curb a surge in serious youth mental health challenges. Between 2001 and 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/articles/suicide-among-adolescents-and-youths-in-kansas/" target="_blank">youth suicide deaths in Kansas rose 64%</a>, according to the Kansas Health Institute — outpacing the 41% rise during that time nationally.But experts say the teen mental health crisis reached new levels during the pandemic, when everyone started spending a lot more time online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724792919163.png" alt="COMCARE of Sedgwick County saw the number of youth needing to be hospitalized or placed in a psychiatric facility rise during the pandemic.&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW" />
 <figcaption>COMCARE of Sedgwick County saw the number of youth needing to be hospitalized or placed in a psychiatric facility rise during the pandemic.&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2020, COMCARE of Sedgwick County saw a 225% increase in youth needing to be hospitalized or placed in a psychiatric treatment facility due to harming themselves or others, according to quality director Michelle Calvert.Four years later, Calvert said those numbers still haven’t gone down.“The problems that came from the pandemic for our youth with their social skills, their isolation, higher rates of depression, higher rates of suicidal thinking,” she said. “All of that is still happening.”(She emphasized that anyone who’s in crisis can reach 24/7 support by calling or texting 988 or visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank">988lifeline.org</a>.)Youth mental health often worsens in the fall as school resumes, according to Kansas and federal data.But Calvert says there are resources for help, including a teen-led suicide prevention effort called&nbsp;<a href="https://zeroreasonswhy.org/" target="_blank">Zero Reasons Why</a>. It started in Johnson County after the community saw a dramatic rise in teen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/community/2018-12-20/with-teen-suicide-on-the-rise-in-kansas-city-adults-ask-young-people-what-they-need" target="_blank">deaths by suicide in 2018</a>. Now with four chapters across Kansas, it brings kids together to support each other.“We see less stigma,” Calvert said of the organization’s impact in Sedgwick County. “We see teens reaching out for help more.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724792984062.png" alt="Wichita therapist Grant Pritz says it’s sometimes useful for people to take breaks from social media.&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Wichita therapist Grant Pritz says it’s sometimes useful for people to take breaks from social media.&nbsp;Rose Conlon/KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Grant Pritz, a therapist at Mental Health America of South Central Kansas, said he recommends some of his patients try cutting down on their social media time or take a break entirely. He says it can be addictive and expose young people to harmful content and people, even cyberbullying.But it isn’t all bad. Experts say social media&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/upshot/social-media-lgbtq-benefits.html" target="_blank">can be a lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer teens</a>, who might rely on it for support in dealing with unsupportive families or befriending other teens with similar identities. Some research indicates finding online communities where they feel safe and understood is associated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Trevor-Project_LGBTQ-Young-People-of-Color-in-Online-Spaces.pdf" target="_blank">less anxiety and a lower risk of suicide</a>&nbsp;in LGBTQ youth.“Social media was not created with the purpose of making people feel terrible about themselves,” Pritz said. “It was made to connect people.“But, as a side effect of that connection, all these things that we experience — struggling with body appearance or struggling to find our place in the world — are so much more noticeable on a much larger scale,” he added.He said it’s crucial for teens to learn how to use social media responsibly because the habits they develop in adolescence often follow them into adulthood.Calvert said that’s where parents come in.“You don’t just give the keys to the car to a kid and send them on their way,” she said. “We teach them. We drive first. Then we sit in the passenger seat while they’re driving.“We need to do all that with social media and phones as well.”<h2>Tips for parents</h2><ul>
 <li>That could mean parents keeping tabs on teens’ social media feeds and limiting their time online. But also ensuring they can ask for help without getting in trouble — and parents modeling healthy habits around phone use and social media themselves.</li><li>During early adolescence, the American Psychological Association&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use" target="_blank">recommends</a>&nbsp;parents and adult guardians provide closer monitoring and coaching around social media. It might be appropriate for older teens to have more autonomy as they develop better digital literacy and more need for privacy.</li><li>The association recommends that parents intervene if teens’ social media habits begin to interfere with their sleep or exercise needs. And parents should try to keep an open dialogue with teens about the kinds of harmful material they can encounter — limiting teens’ exposure to content promoting eating disorders, self-harm and violence against others.</li><li>Experts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use" target="_blank">also recommend</a>&nbsp;reminding teens about the long-term consequences of their social media use and the ways their data can be mined by companies or stored and shared with others years into the future.</li><li>Parents' own use of social media has a profound impact on their kids, too. And some evidence suggests parents could improve in this area:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/" target="_blank">Nearly half of teens</a>&nbsp;responding to the 2023 Pew survey said their parents were sometimes or often distracted by their phone when they’re trying to talk to them while less than a third of parents self-reported the same distractions.</li>
 </ul>

As school begins, mental health experts say to watch social media use by teens

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Employment Connections program is a service at Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas dedicated to creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals ages 18 and older across the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

The popular program has been in place for more than 50 years, said LaVonne Giess, DSNWK employment services manager.

"We help individuals with all types of disabilities with the opportunity to work," she said.&nbsp; "If they want to work, and that is their goal, then we are going to make that happen."

Work services is a group of individuals with a working supervisor who goes to the job site, where they complete a set amount of work.

"We have a lawn crew. We have a snow removal crew. We clean the [Hays Regional] airport Monday through Friday. We've been doing that for over 20 years," Giess said.&nbsp;

"We clean the respirators at Enersys and put them back in their lockers. We've been there for more than 20 years."

DSNWK crews also perform janitorial work and help move households.&nbsp;

Giess is proud that her crews never call in sick.

"A lot of the workforce struggles with that. We don't have that problem with work services. We always have people that are subs that can go in and cover for someone else, or staff steps in and covers."

Employment Connections also offers community employment for individuals.

From job assessment and development to training and long-term support, Employment Connections' mission is to help individuals gain the necessary skills and secure competitive employment.

"We look at what kind of job they want to do, what are their skill sets, and what they need help with," Giess said.

Employment Connections staff members work closely with local businesses to match clients with roles that fit their skills and goals and meet the hiring needs of northwest Kansas communities.

"We go with our clients to help them fill out applications and go through the job interview,"&nbsp;Giess said.

Once a client is hired, staff provide job coaching and training on-site.&nbsp;

"We'll do a task analysis," Giess said. "Maybe one of our clients needs a picture board if they struggle with reading, things like that, whatever adaptations might be needed."

DSNWK individuals have worked for many Hays businesses, including Xibit Customs, Bright Minds Academy, Walmart, Good Samaritan Society, Cross Manufacturing, Master Cleaners and McDonalds, for a long time.

The jobs, mostly part-time, include dishwashing, food preparation, child care, car detailing, shelf stocking, assembly, cashier and laundry.

"Just a wide, wide range of opportunity. We're all over this community, " she said.

DSNWK participants in Employee Connections have bills to pay just like we all do, Giess said.

"Many of them live in their own apartments," Giess said. "They've got to pay that rent. They like to go out to eat. They like to go to activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They're a very, very important part of our community."

Businesses interested in hiring people in northwest Kansas through Employment Connections can get more information on the DSNWK website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2oWW_ovrkXFLDU2j59t7DrDf8mzH98FTchDGkwF1PGiDxgc-4IddzwnB8_aem_zWB2hP8UQX-_ivzJIYEWqQ" target="_blank">https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724341420571.jpeg" alt="A DSNWK work services client cleans the Hays Regional Airport. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A DSNWK work services client cleans the Hays Regional Airport. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Chamber, DSNWK discuss workforce development" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=h64s3-16b2d09-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Employment Connections program is a service at Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas dedicated to creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals ages 18 and older across the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.The popular program has been in place for more than 50 years, said LaVonne Giess, DSNWK employment services manager."We help individuals with all types of disabilities with the opportunity to work," she said.&nbsp; "If they want to work, and that is their goal, then we are going to make that happen."There are two types of services offered.Work services is a group of individuals with a working supervisor who goes to the job site, where they complete a set amount of work."We have a lawn crew. We have a snow removal crew. We clean the [Hays Regional] airport Monday through Friday. We've been doing that for over 20 years," Giess said.&nbsp;"We clean the respirators at Enersys and put them back in their lockers. We've been there for more than 20 years."DSNWK crews also perform janitorial work and help move households.&nbsp;Giess is proud that her crews never call in sick."A lot of the workforce struggles with that. We don't have that problem with work services. We always have people that are subs that can go in and cover for someone else, or staff steps in and covers."Employment Connections also offers community employment for individuals.From job assessment and development to training and long-term support, Employment Connections' mission is to help individuals gain the necessary skills and secure competitive employment."We look at what kind of job they want to do, what are their skill sets, and what they need help with," Giess said.Employment Connections staff members work closely with local businesses to match clients with roles that fit their skills and goals and meet the hiring needs of northwest Kansas communities."We go with our clients to help them fill out applications and go through the job interview,"&nbsp;Giess said.Once a client is hired, staff provide job coaching and training on-site.&nbsp;"We'll do a task analysis," Giess said. "Maybe one of our clients needs a picture board if they struggle with reading, things like that, whatever adaptations might be needed."DSNWK individuals have worked for many Hays businesses, including Xibit Customs, Bright Minds Academy, Walmart, Good Samaritan Society, Cross Manufacturing, Master Cleaners and McDonalds, for a long time.The jobs, mostly part-time, include dishwashing, food preparation, child care, car detailing, shelf stocking, assembly, cashier and laundry."Just a wide, wide range of opportunity. We're all over this community, " she said.DSNWK participants in Employee Connections have bills to pay just like we all do, Giess said."Many of them live in their own apartments," Giess said. "They've got to pay that rent. They like to go out to eat. They like to go to activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're a very, very important part of our community."Businesses interested in hiring people in northwest Kansas through Employment Connections can get more information on the DSNWK website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2oWW_ovrkXFLDU2j59t7DrDf8mzH98FTchDGkwF1PGiDxgc-4IddzwnB8_aem_zWB2hP8UQX-_ivzJIYEWqQ" target="_blank">https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections</a>.

🎙DSNWK Employment Connections offers all individuals opportunity to work

Grow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’ - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County. 

Sessions will be held over eight weeks, on Wednesdays beginning September 25 through November 13. 

The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive 8-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Based on the book, Who Owns the Ice House, this curriculum consists of case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. 

This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state and Grow Hays is excited to have local resident Kris Munsch teaching the course.

"To think like an entrepreneur, you need to begin at the beginning. The beginning is 'what is a mindset?' I believe we need that understanding, a foundational building block of self. From there, we can seek, explore, and build our path," said Munsch, Ice House facilitator.

The program fee runs $150 for adults and $75 for students and covers catered meals. We are offering an early bird price of $100 if signed up and paid by September 11. 

Registration is limited, and in-county attendees will have priority to fill the course. Out-of-county attendees are welcome to register but may be put on a waiting list. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 18.

To register for the Think Like an Entrepreneur program online, visit: <a href="https://briefspace.proximity.app/">https://briefspace.proximity.app/</a>

For more information contact James Robben at 785.628.3102 or james@growhays.com.

Think Like an Entrepreneur Program BriefSpace- 219 West 10th Street in Hays – 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Week #1 – Wednesday, September 25 – Power of Choice

Week #2 – Wednesday, October 2 – Recognizing Opportunity

Week #3 – Wednesday, October 9 – Ideas into Action

Week #4 – Wednesday, October 16 – Pursuit of Knowledge

Week #5 – Wednesday, October 23 – Creating Wealth

Week #6 – Wednesday, October 30 – Building Your Brand

Week #7 – Wednesday, November 6– Creating Community

Week #8 – Wednesday, November 13 – The Power of Persistence

For more information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership, visit <a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/">www.networkkansas.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724273005296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Grow HaysGrow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’ - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County. Sessions will be held over eight weeks, on Wednesdays beginning September 25 through November 13. The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive 8-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Based on the book, Who Owns the Ice House, this curriculum consists of case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state and Grow Hays is excited to have local resident Kris Munsch teaching the course."To think like an entrepreneur, you need to begin at the beginning. The beginning is 'what is a mindset?' I believe we need that understanding, a foundational building block of self. From there, we can seek, explore, and build our path," said Munsch, Ice House facilitator.The program fee runs $150 for adults and $75 for students and covers catered meals. We are offering an early bird price of $100 if signed up and paid by September 11. Registration is limited, and in-county attendees will have priority to fill the course. Out-of-county attendees are welcome to register but may be put on a waiting list. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 18.To register for the Think Like an Entrepreneur program online, visit: <a href="https://briefspace.proximity.app/">https://briefspace.proximity.app/</a>For more information contact James Robben at 785.628.3102 or james@growhays.com.Think Like an Entrepreneur Program BriefSpace- 219 West 10th Street in Hays – 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Week #1 – Wednesday, September 25 – Power of ChoiceWeek #2 – Wednesday, October 2 – Recognizing OpportunityWeek #3 – Wednesday, October 9 – Ideas into ActionWeek #4 – Wednesday, October 16 – Pursuit of KnowledgeWeek #5 – Wednesday, October 23 – Creating WealthWeek #6 – Wednesday, October 30 – Building Your BrandWeek #7 – Wednesday, November 6– Creating CommunityWeek #8 – Wednesday, November 13 – The Power of Persistence For more information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership, visit <a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/">www.networkkansas.com</a>.

Think Like an Entrepreneur/Ice House program launches in September at Grow Hays

GOVE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Monday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Volvo semi driven by Jaroslaw&nbsp;Komar, 60, Ontario, Canada, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately three miles east of Quinter in rain and heavy winds. The wind knocked the vehicle over and it came to rest on its driver side in the median.

EMS transported Komar to Gove County Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Monday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Volvo semi driven by Jaroslaw&nbsp;Komar, 60, Ontario, Canada, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately three miles east of Quinter in rain and heavy winds. The wind knocked the vehicle over and it came to rest on its driver side in the median.EMS transported Komar to Gove County Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after storm blows semi over on I-70

Blood drive in Hays Friday; donors urgently needed 

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Handwashing might seem like a routine activity in today’s world, especially after COVID, but that wasn’t always the case. Have you ever wondered where we got this idea? I learned about it in graduate school and was fascinated by how it came about. It wasn’t until the 19th century that handwashing was actually researched and the birth of modern handwashing came about. And the physician that pioneered this work was ridiculed!

Ignaz Semmelweis (1840s) was Hungarian physician that discovered handwashing with chlorinated lime solutions dramatically reduced the incidence of puerperal fever (childbed fever) in his obstetric wards. Despite his findings, his ideas were initially met with skepticism. In the 1800’s the understanding of disease transmission and germ theory were rudimentary. Semmelweis noticed that there was a stark difference in mortality rates between two maternity wards at the Vienna General Hospital. The ward attended by medical students had a much higher mortality rate compared to the ward run by midwives.

With further investigation he found that medical students moved between the dissection room and the maternity ward which we know now that they carried infectious material from the cadavers to the women in labor causing the high mortality rates. In 1847, Semmelweis introduced a policy requiring medical students and doctors to wash their hands with a chlorinated lime solution before examining patients. Handwashing lowered rates of puerperal fever and mortality rates in the maternity ward. However, he faced professional isolation and resistance from his colleagues.

Semmelweis’s methods were dismissed and ridiculed by the medical community and his findings were not accepted until later with the work of Joseph Lister (1860s) and Louis Pasteur that furthered microbiology and germ theory that Semmelweis’s work was accepted. Joseph Lister was a British surgeon who built on Semmelweis’s work by promoting antiseptic techniques in surgery. Lister’s use of carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic led to a significant decrease in post-surgical infections.

Moving forward to the 20th century commercialization of antiseptic agents and soap improved hand hygiene practices, especially in the medical field but then later would move to the general public with Handwashing Campaigns in the 1970s-1980s. Handwashing became a public health issue.

Today handwashing is recognized as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.

Extension agents promote handwashing often whether it’s cooking in the kitchen, outdoor parties, or in the classroom or workplace.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictHandwashing might seem like a routine activity in today’s world, especially after COVID, but that wasn’t always the case. Have you ever wondered where we got this idea? I learned about it in graduate school and was fascinated by how it came about. It wasn’t until the 19th century that handwashing was actually researched and the birth of modern handwashing came about. And the physician that pioneered this work was ridiculed!Ignaz Semmelweis (1840s) was Hungarian physician that discovered handwashing with chlorinated lime solutions dramatically reduced the incidence of puerperal fever (childbed fever) in his obstetric wards. Despite his findings, his ideas were initially met with skepticism. In the 1800’s the understanding of disease transmission and germ theory were rudimentary. Semmelweis noticed that there was a stark difference in mortality rates between two maternity wards at the Vienna General Hospital. The ward attended by medical students had a much higher mortality rate compared to the ward run by midwives.With further investigation he found that medical students moved between the dissection room and the maternity ward which we know now that they carried infectious material from the cadavers to the women in labor causing the high mortality rates. In 1847, Semmelweis introduced a policy requiring medical students and doctors to wash their hands with a chlorinated lime solution before examining patients. Handwashing lowered rates of puerperal fever and mortality rates in the maternity ward. However, he faced professional isolation and resistance from his colleagues.Semmelweis’s methods were dismissed and ridiculed by the medical community and his findings were not accepted until later with the work of Joseph Lister (1860s) and Louis Pasteur that furthered microbiology and germ theory that Semmelweis’s work was accepted. Joseph Lister was a British surgeon who built on Semmelweis’s work by promoting antiseptic techniques in surgery. Lister’s use of carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic led to a significant decrease in post-surgical infections.Moving forward to the 20th century commercialization of antiseptic agents and soap improved hand hygiene practices, especially in the medical field but then later would move to the general public with Handwashing Campaigns in the 1970s-1980s. Handwashing became a public health issue.Today handwashing is recognized as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.Extension agents promote handwashing often whether it’s cooking in the kitchen, outdoor parties, or in the classroom or workplace.Hands pick up bacteria during daily routines, including gardening, taking out the trash, driving, playing with pets and many other activities.It only takes 20 seconds with soap and warm water or about the time it takes to sing the alphabet. Be sure to scrub your hands…because the bubbles really do pick up the dirt and take it away.A fun way we teach this to kids (and adults) is through our Glo-Germ Handwashing program that uses a black light to show the germs on your hands before washing and how they are gone after handwashing. We can also teach high speed handwashing that helps students learn to wash hands quickly and efficiently to save water! Call or email Monique today if you would like to introduce or remind your students how to properly wash their hands to keep everyone as healthy as possible this school year!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

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