A 16 year-old was killed in a rollover accident southwest of
Hays in the early morning hours Saturday.

In a press release Monday, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said that the accident was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. near 230th
Ave. and Spring Hill Rd.

Braun said the teen was one of four teenagers in the car
that left the roadway and rolled.

The unidentified 16-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt and
was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Braun.

A second passenger was transported to the emergency room,
treated and has been released.

"Alcohol was suspected to be Involved, but deputies
will await lab reports before issuing any further details,” Braun said.

Braun added, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the
tragic news of losing a teenager from our community in a devastating accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Hays PostA 16 year-old was killed in a rollover accident southwest of
Hays in the early morning hours Saturday.In a press release Monday, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said that the accident was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. near 230th
Ave. and Spring Hill Rd.Braun said the teen was one of four teenagers in the car
that left the roadway and rolled.The unidentified 16-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt and
was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Braun.A second passenger was transported to the emergency room,
treated and has been released."Alcohol was suspected to be Involved, but deputies
will await lab reports before issuing any further details,” Braun said.Braun added, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the
tragic news of losing a teenager from our community in a devastating accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Teen killed in Ellis County accident

Ellis Co. Fire Department plans fundraiser Oct. 19

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Tax filing season is still months away, but volunteers are now being sought in Hays for the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/get-involved/tax-aide/">AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chuck Henry, Kansas Foundation state coordinator in Manhattan, said Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate incomes and helping them secure much-needed tax refunds.

The service is free. Although the focus is on elderly taxpayers, anyone is welcome to have their taxes prepared, and there are no income limitations.

Volunteers are being recruited in Hays to provide tax preparation and filing services and tech support. The site will be the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp;

"Volunteers are trained, and classes are generally held in December or January," Henry said. "The amount of training required depends on the position."

Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. 

Several volunteer positions are available. They include an intake greeter who ensures the taxpayer's paperwork is in order. Another person prepares the tax return, which is then reviewed by a second, more knowledgeable volunteer to ensure its accuracy before it's filed.&nbsp;

At least three volunteers are needed at each site.&nbsp;

"Typically, an appointment at the AARP site will last an hour to 90 minutes," Henry said. "You'll get it prepared, reviewed, filed and a paper copy, and then you're on your way.

"Our Tax-Aide volunteers make sure they don't miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need."

Volunteers are able to prepare most federal and Kansas filing paperwork.

You don't necessarily need a financial background to be a Tax-Aide volunteer.&nbsp;

"All levels and types of experience are welcome," Henry said. "Volunteers come from a variety of job experiences and range from retirees to college students."

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Henry at 785-236-0382 or email him at dcchuck@yahoo.com.

Tax-Aide is funded by grants from the AARP Foundation and the IRS.&nbsp;

Last year, 27,771 volunteers at 3,600 sites across the country helped 1.7 million taxpayers receive $1.2 billion in tax refunds.&nbsp;

Since 1968, Tax-Aide has been the nation's largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727714340010.png" alt="AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteers. Photo courtesy AARP" />
 <figcaption>AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteers. Photo courtesy AARP</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostTax filing season is still months away, but volunteers are now being sought in Hays for the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/get-involved/tax-aide/">AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck Henry, Kansas Foundation state coordinator in Manhattan, said Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate incomes and helping them secure much-needed tax refunds.The service is free. Although the focus is on elderly taxpayers, anyone is welcome to have their taxes prepared, and there are no income limitations.Volunteers are being recruited in Hays to provide tax preparation and filing services and tech support. The site will be the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp;"Volunteers are trained, and classes are generally held in December or January," Henry said. "The amount of training required depends on the position."Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Several volunteer positions are available. They include an intake greeter who ensures the taxpayer's paperwork is in order. Another person prepares the tax return, which is then reviewed by a second, more knowledgeable volunteer to ensure its accuracy before it's filed.&nbsp;At least three volunteers are needed at each site.&nbsp;"Typically, an appointment at the AARP site will last an hour to 90 minutes," Henry said. "You'll get it prepared, reviewed, filed and a paper copy, and then you're on your way."Our Tax-Aide volunteers make sure they don't miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need."Volunteers are able to prepare most federal and Kansas filing paperwork.You don't necessarily need a financial background to be a Tax-Aide volunteer.&nbsp;"All levels and types of experience are welcome," Henry said. "Volunteers come from a variety of job experiences and range from retirees to college students."Anyone interested in volunteering should call Henry at 785-236-0382 or email him at dcchuck@yahoo.com.Tax-Aide is funded by grants from the AARP Foundation and the IRS.&nbsp;Last year, 27,771 volunteers at 3,600 sites across the country helped 1.7 million taxpayers receive $1.2 billion in tax refunds.&nbsp;Since 1968, Tax-Aide has been the nation's largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program.

Local volunteers needed to help taxpayers for AARP program  

&nbsp;Catholic Charities invites the community to a Volunteer Roundup Meeting for those interested in joining its mission at their new facility located at 1011 Centennial in Hays. This new facility will house the Catholic Charities offices and a new thrift store onsite. The meeting will take place on October 29 at 11:00 AM at the current office location, downstairs at 122 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601 (please note, this is not the new Centennial location).

"Our team is eagerly anticipating the completion of our new facility this fall," said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. "While we don't have an exact opening date yet due to ongoing construction, our contractors are working hard to get everything finished up within the next several weeks. We're confident and excited to welcome our wonderful community members who want to join us in this mission of serving Hays and the surrounding area."

The new thrift store will be open to the public, accepting donations of clothing, household items, and other miscellaneous goods. The organization anticipates being able to start accepting donations in late November or early December.

At this time, there is a need to fill the thrift store volunteer schedule. Volunteers will play a vital role in the operations of the thrift store, which includes running the register, receiving and sorting donations, and assisting on the sales floor.

Community members interested in volunteering at the new Catholic Charities facility are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Those unable to attend may contact Shannon Werth, Hays Thrift Store Manager, at swerth@ccnks.org or call 785-625-2644.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582085227559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Catholic Charities invites the community to a Volunteer Roundup Meeting for those interested in joining its mission at their new facility located at 1011 Centennial in Hays. This new facility will house the Catholic Charities offices and a new thrift store onsite. The meeting will take place on October 29 at 11:00 AM at the current office location, downstairs at 122 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601 (please note, this is not the new Centennial location)."Our team is eagerly anticipating the completion of our new facility this fall," said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. "While we don't have an exact opening date yet due to ongoing construction, our contractors are working hard to get everything finished up within the next several weeks. We're confident and excited to welcome our wonderful community members who want to join us in this mission of serving Hays and the surrounding area."The new thrift store will be open to the public, accepting donations of clothing, household items, and other miscellaneous goods. The organization anticipates being able to start accepting donations in late November or early December.At this time, there is a need to fill the thrift store volunteer schedule. Volunteers will play a vital role in the operations of the thrift store, which includes running the register, receiving and sorting donations, and assisting on the sales floor.Community members interested in volunteering at the new Catholic Charities facility are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Those unable to attend may contact Shannon Werth, Hays Thrift Store Manager, at swerth@ccnks.org or call 785-625-2644.

Catholic Charities invites community to Volunteer Roundup meeting on Oct. 29

Despite being surrounded by farmland, school districts in western Kansas struggle to source local food options to feed kids. But farm tours given by the state’s Child Nutrition and Wellness program can establish new pathways to keep kids healthy

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore">CALEN MOORE</a> Kansas News Service

<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore"></a>GARDEN CITY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Deep into western Kansas, there’s an abundance of corn and cattle. But there aren’t as many juicy tomatoes, crisp apples or fresh squash.

That has left residents in vast pockets of the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2023-03-22/rural-grocery-stores-are-dying-off-heres-what-some-communities-are-doing-to-save-them" target="_blank">without access to nutritious foods</a>. For these communities, finding produce may be inconvenient at best, despite being surrounded by farms.

And schools are no exception in the search for healthy food. That’s why staff from the Kansas Department of Education are trying to find solutions by connecting school districts to local farms to benefit both parties.

As part of that effort, a busload of school district nutrition directors recently drove out to western Kansas farms so that schools could have more options to access local food.

But Eryn Davis, the state’s Farm to Plate program coordinator, said in this part of Kansas, finding food for humans rather than livestock is a challenge.

“From my research, it was limited on what I could find in western Kansas, both in Garden City, and even north in Colby,” Davis said.

Even though rural Kansas has direct access to agriculture, most farms in Kansas grow commodity crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn. That limits the access rural Kansans could have to other healthy foods.

The 2008 farm bill encouraged institutions operating&nbsp;<a href="https://cnw.ksde.org/f2p/program-overview" target="_blank">child nutrition programs</a>&nbsp;to purchase unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products.

This in theory would benefit the health of rural children and boost the ag economy of local farmers, lawmakers said.

As a result, the Farm to School program was established in Kansas to provide grants, materials and connections to local producers and gardening education for schools.

Davis said locally sourced food not only provides more nutrient-dense options, but it also has economic benefits.

“It’s supporting the economy of our Kansas communities that we have here, keeping our dollars. Repurchasing from Kansas producers is a big push for local foods,” Davis said.

Most school district leaders on the tour said they rely on trucking in their food from eastern Kansas, although they each had the same locally sourced foods in common: beef, dairy and tortillas.

But the need for vegetables and fruit in southwest Kansas remains.

The first stop on the tour was connecting districts from Dodge City, Garden City and Sublette to a poultry farm outside of Lakin.

As soon as everyone made their way off the bus, the chickens timidly surrounded the group of outsiders.

The Diamond W Farm and Ranch is a family operation specializing in egg production, owned by Samantha Williams with her husband and three sons.

“I started with 15 chicks, and I said, ‘It’s just as much work (with) 15 chicks as 100 chicks,’ so I got 100, then 200, and now we have anywhere from 300 to 500 chickens laying eggs at a given time,” Williams said.

The Williams family are one of the largest egg producers in southwest Kansas, and they deliver to nearby towns.

Williams initially got her egg license to provide eggs to the day care her boys attended. The operation grew so they could provide eggs to feed more children in the surrounding towns.

“I love getting up and seeing the chickens’ fluffy butts every morning; it's like my form of therapy,” Williams said.

After seeing what the Williams family could offer school districts, everyone filed back onto the bus and started brainstorming ways they would like to use local eggs.

The bus then traveled back to Garden City to the only produce farm in town, Prairie Wind Produce.

Steven Michel runs the produce farm with his wife. One thing about Michel – he’s passionate about produce.

“Me and the wife had a seniors meal the other day. It had two cherry tomatoes; they were mushy and had no flavor. People come try our tomatoes and they’re back three days later,” Michel said.

Standing in a greenhouse forest of tomatoes, school district leaders in Garden City said they hadn’t known about this produce farm in their own town. They passed around fruits and vegetables, marveling at each one.

The Michels are the exception rather than the rule in western Kansas. Michel serves as the vice president for the Kansas Specialty Crop Growers Association.

“We are the only ones that grow more than two or three vegetables in at least a 60-mile radius – it’s just us,” Michel said.

That’s part of the limitation to a Farm to School program like the one in Kansas. For some school districts, there just is not a lot of local produce to source.

Michel said some of this is a lack of growers and education. Western Kansas no longer has horticulture expertise from Kansas State University, which Michel believes has discouraged the growth of gardens.

Most of the produce consumed by Kansans – 95% – is grown outside of the state. Schools are the only place for some kids to get nutritious meals from local sources.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/rural-kansas-food-deserts.html" target="_blank">Those living in the breadbasket</a>&nbsp;have significantly higher rates of diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease, according to the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Experts say for the Farm to School program to be successful in a place like western Kansas, there will need to be more produce growers.

But specialty crops aren’t covered as well by crop insurance that guarantees against drought or hail storms, which have become staples of western Kansas’ climate.

Plus, growing produce is labor intensive, Michel said. And rural Kansas has made its claim to fame being able to grow more with fewer workers thanks to technology advancements and large-scale grain.

But Davis, the coordinator of the Farm to Plate program, is optimistic that these farm tours help make the connections both farmers and school districts need. By giving producers a wholesale market, and schoolchildren fresh produce grown down the road, she thinks that this is a program that can chip away at both problems.

“It's a good way to bring nutritious local foods to the community, and that partnership with the producer is important, too, to support their business,” Davis said.

Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.

The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471604150.png" alt="Kandy Michel, co-owner of Prairie Wind Produce in Garden City, holds up a fresh tomato to school district leaders in her farm’s greenhouse. The tour helped to show off the fruits grown in nearby towns that could be available for schools. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kandy Michel, co-owner of Prairie Wind Produce in Garden City, holds up a fresh tomato to school district leaders in her farm’s greenhouse. The tour helped to show off the fruits grown in nearby towns that could be available for schools. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Despite being surrounded by farmland, school districts in western Kansas struggle to source local food options to feed kids. But farm tours given by the state’s Child Nutrition and Wellness program can establish new pathways to keep kids healthy</h2>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore">CALEN MOORE</a> Kansas News Service<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore"></a>GARDEN CITY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Deep into western Kansas, there’s an abundance of corn and cattle. But there aren’t as many juicy tomatoes, crisp apples or fresh squash.That has left residents in vast pockets of the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2023-03-22/rural-grocery-stores-are-dying-off-heres-what-some-communities-are-doing-to-save-them" target="_blank">without access to nutritious foods</a>. For these communities, finding produce may be inconvenient at best, despite being surrounded by farms.And schools are no exception in the search for healthy food. That’s why staff from the Kansas Department of Education are trying to find solutions by connecting school districts to local farms to benefit both parties.As part of that effort, a busload of school district nutrition directors recently drove out to western Kansas farms so that schools could have more options to access local food.But Eryn Davis, the state’s Farm to Plate program coordinator, said in this part of Kansas, finding food for humans rather than livestock is a challenge.“From my research, it was limited on what I could find in western Kansas, both in Garden City, and even north in Colby,” Davis said.Feeding kids locallyEven though rural Kansas has direct access to agriculture, most farms in Kansas grow commodity crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn. That limits the access rural Kansans could have to other healthy foods.The 2008 farm bill encouraged institutions operating&nbsp;<a href="https://cnw.ksde.org/f2p/program-overview" target="_blank">child nutrition programs</a>&nbsp;to purchase unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products.This in theory would benefit the health of rural children and boost the ag economy of local farmers, lawmakers said.As a result, the Farm to School program was established in Kansas to provide grants, materials and connections to local producers and gardening education for schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471713234.png" alt="State employees and local school leaders from southwest Kansas squeeze by the mini jungle growing fresh produce at a local farm. The plants can grow as tall as 10 feet. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>State employees and local school leaders from southwest Kansas squeeze by the mini jungle growing fresh produce at a local farm. The plants can grow as tall as 10 feet. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Davis said locally sourced food not only provides more nutrient-dense options, but it also has economic benefits.“It’s supporting the economy of our Kansas communities that we have here, keeping our dollars. Repurchasing from Kansas producers is a big push for local foods,” Davis said.Most school district leaders on the tour said they rely on trucking in their food from eastern Kansas, although they each had the same locally sourced foods in common: beef, dairy and tortillas.But the need for vegetables and fruit in southwest Kansas remains.Connecting farms and schoolsThe first stop on the tour was connecting districts from Dodge City, Garden City and Sublette to a poultry farm outside of Lakin.As soon as everyone made their way off the bus, the chickens timidly surrounded the group of outsiders.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471811162.png" alt="Hundreds of chickens roam freely at Diamond W Farm and Ranch. They surrounded the school leaders who were touring the operation as the farmers explained their egg washing process. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Hundreds of chickens roam freely at Diamond W Farm and Ranch. They surrounded the school leaders who were touring the operation as the farmers explained their egg washing process. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The Diamond W Farm and Ranch is a family operation specializing in egg production, owned by Samantha Williams with her husband and three sons.“I started with 15 chicks, and I said, ‘It’s just as much work (with) 15 chicks as 100 chicks,’ so I got 100, then 200, and now we have anywhere from 300 to 500 chickens laying eggs at a given time,” Williams said.The Williams family are one of the largest egg producers in southwest Kansas, and they deliver to nearby towns.Williams initially got her egg license to provide eggs to the day care her boys attended. The operation grew so they could provide eggs to feed more children in the surrounding towns.“I love getting up and seeing the chickens’ fluffy butts every morning; it's like my form of therapy,” Williams said.After seeing what the Williams family could offer school districts, everyone filed back onto the bus and started brainstorming ways they would like to use local eggs.The bus then traveled back to Garden City to the only produce farm in town, Prairie Wind Produce.Steven Michel runs the produce farm with his wife. One thing about Michel – he’s passionate about produce.“Me and the wife had a seniors meal the other day. It had two cherry tomatoes; they were mushy and had no flavor. People come try our tomatoes and they’re back three days later,” Michel said.Standing in a greenhouse forest of tomatoes, school district leaders in Garden City said they hadn’t known about this produce farm in their own town. They passed around fruits and vegetables, marveling at each one.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471913080.png" alt="Fresh produce sprawls in every direction in handmade greenhouses in north Garden City. It’s the only produce farm for miles in southwest Kansas. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Fresh produce sprawls in every direction in handmade greenhouses in north Garden City. It’s the only produce farm for miles in southwest Kansas. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Limitations to local foodsThe Michels are the exception rather than the rule in western Kansas. Michel serves as the vice president for the Kansas Specialty Crop Growers Association.“We are the only ones that grow more than two or three vegetables in at least a 60-mile radius – it’s just us,” Michel said.That’s part of the limitation to a Farm to School program like the one in Kansas. For some school districts, there just is not a lot of local produce to source.Michel said some of this is a lack of growers and education. Western Kansas no longer has horticulture expertise from Kansas State University, which Michel believes has discouraged the growth of gardens.Most of the produce consumed by Kansans – 95% – is grown outside of the state. Schools are the only place for some kids to get nutritious meals from local sources.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/rural-kansas-food-deserts.html" target="_blank">Those living in the breadbasket</a>&nbsp;have significantly higher rates of diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease, according to the University of Kansas Medical Center.Experts say for the Farm to School program to be successful in a place like western Kansas, there will need to be more produce growers.But specialty crops aren’t covered as well by crop insurance that guarantees against drought or hail storms, which have become staples of western Kansas’ climate.Plus, growing produce is labor intensive, Michel said. And rural Kansas has made its claim to fame being able to grow more with fewer workers thanks to technology advancements and large-scale grain.But Davis, the coordinator of the Farm to Plate program, is optimistic that these farm tours help make the connections both farmers and school districts need. By giving producers a wholesale market, and schoolchildren fresh produce grown down the road, she thinks that this is a program that can chip away at both problems.“It's a good way to bring nutritious local foods to the community, and that partnership with the producer is important, too, to support their business,” Davis said.Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

Western Kansas covered in farms but not growing enough local produce for school lunches

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Do you have a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? Maybe you work with dementia patients at your job? Would you like to learn more about this disease?

Twice a year, Cottonwood Extension District, A Different Mindset Association, and Clinkscales Elder Law come together to present an educational workshop aimed to support people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their family or caregivers.

In the spring and the fall, we hold a two-night workshop aimed at educating the public about dementia. The fall workshop will be held October 9th and 10th from 6-8pm at the Cottonwood Extension District office located at 601 Main St. The first night Monique will present on

Nourishing Brain Health: Recommendations for Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases. The second night, Jill Wechsler, Care Coordinator from Clinkscales Elder Law, will present on Dementia Behaviors along with a panel discussion with individuals from A Different Mindset Association. A Different Mindset Association is a non-profit organization from Ellis County that offer support and education to families experiencing dementia.

Please call the Extension office to sign up. We will also offer a zoom link if you cannot attend in person. You must provide a working email address to obtain the zoom link. The sessions will also be recorded for future use and training.

You are welcome to come one or both nights, whatever works best for you. Light refreshments will be served.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictDo you have a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? Maybe you work with dementia patients at your job? Would you like to learn more about this disease?Twice a year, Cottonwood Extension District, A Different Mindset Association, and Clinkscales Elder Law come together to present an educational workshop aimed to support people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their family or caregivers.In the spring and the fall, we hold a two-night workshop aimed at educating the public about dementia. The fall workshop will be held October 9th and 10th from 6-8pm at the Cottonwood Extension District office located at 601 Main St. The first night Monique will present onNourishing Brain Health: Recommendations for Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases. The second night, Jill Wechsler, Care Coordinator from Clinkscales Elder Law, will present on Dementia Behaviors along with a panel discussion with individuals from A Different Mindset Association. A Different Mindset Association is a non-profit organization from Ellis County that offer support and education to families experiencing dementia.Please call the Extension office to sign up. We will also offer a zoom link if you cannot attend in person. You must provide a working email address to obtain the zoom link. The sessions will also be recorded for future use and training.You are welcome to come one or both nights, whatever works best for you. Light refreshments will be served.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.

KOERNER: Dementia workshop

<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/2024/10/1728255975917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

This week’s column is short on outdoor learnin’, but it seems to me we could all use some chuckles about now. So, if you can identify with any of the below, you probably should NOT be a fisherman.

When someone hollers “Quick, get the net,” and you dive for your smart phone to quickly pull up the internet, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.

If you worry more about whether your life jacket makes you look fat than whether it would save your life, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.

If you insist on scrubbing your hands like a surgeon each time you dip into your snack bag, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.

If you feel the need to read a eulogy for each night crawler you thread onto a hook, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.

If you think “trolling” has something to do with ugly, wart-covered creatures that live under bridges you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.

If a deep-seated concern for “night crawler rights” leads you to make midnight covert raids on fishermen’s cabins, emptying worm boxes and pillaging bait buckets you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.

And finally, if bending or stretching the truth even slightly makes you break into a cold sweat, stutter or lose control of your bodily functions, you DEFINEATLY should not be a fisherman!

And along those same lines, if you can relate to any of the conditions stated below, you probably should consider yourself AN OLD fisherman.

You’re probably an old fisherman if you still smell like Ben Gay even after you’ve cleaned your fish.

If, after reaching quickly under the boat seat for the dip net, you’ve found yourself holding your cane instead, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If you have ever started to hold the line between your teeth only to discover you’ve left your teeth at home at home, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If removing that occasional fishbone from your teeth can now be accomplished by removing your teeth and tapping them on the table, you just might be an old fisherman.

If you’re shore lunch during a fishing trip now includes a tall, cool thermos of Metamucil and a box of prunes, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If your fishing buddies are now more than happy to take you along to their secret “honey holes” because they are confident you’ll never remember where you were anyway, you’re probably an old fisherman.

You’re probably an old fisherman if your wife now begs to go fishing with you because she’s afraid you’ll forget your way back home (you should feel lucky she wants you back home).

You’re probably an old fisherman if you recently removed a seat from your boat to make room for your walker.

You just might be an old fisherman, if to you, the letters GPS mean Gotta’ Pee Soon

And finally, it’s easy for anyone to drive off with their coffee cup sitting on the roof or the bumper of the pickup, but if you have gotten to the lake and turned around to back your boat down the boat ramp only to discover the boat was still parked in the driveway at home, you’re an old fisherman.

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsThis week’s column is short on outdoor learnin’, but it seems to me we could all use some chuckles about now. So, if you can identify with any of the below, you probably should NOT be a fisherman.When someone hollers “Quick, get the net,” and you dive for your smart phone to quickly pull up the internet, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.If you worry more about whether your life jacket makes you look fat than whether it would save your life, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.If you insist on scrubbing your hands like a surgeon each time you dip into your snack bag, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.If you feel the need to read a eulogy for each night crawler you thread onto a hook, you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.If you think “trolling” has something to do with ugly, wart-covered creatures that live under bridges you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.If a deep-seated concern for “night crawler rights” leads you to make midnight covert raids on fishermen’s cabins, emptying worm boxes and pillaging bait buckets you probably shouldn’t be a fisherman.And finally, if bending or stretching the truth even slightly makes you break into a cold sweat, stutter or lose control of your bodily functions, you DEFINEATLY should not be a fisherman!And along those same lines, if you can relate to any of the conditions stated below, you probably should consider yourself AN OLD fisherman.You’re probably an old fisherman if you still smell like Ben Gay even after you’ve cleaned your fish.If, after reaching quickly under the boat seat for the dip net, you’ve found yourself holding your cane instead, you’re probably an old fisherman.If you have ever started to hold the line between your teeth only to discover you’ve left your teeth at home at home, you’re probably an old fisherman.If removing that occasional fishbone from your teeth can now be accomplished by removing your teeth and tapping them on the table, you just might be an old fisherman.If you’re shore lunch during a fishing trip now includes a tall, cool thermos of Metamucil and a box of prunes, you’re probably an old fisherman.If your fishing buddies are now more than happy to take you along to their secret “honey holes” because they are confident you’ll never remember where you were anyway, you’re probably an old fisherman.You’re probably an old fisherman if your wife now begs to go fishing with you because she’s afraid you’ll forget your way back home (you should feel lucky she wants you back home).You’re probably an old fisherman if you recently removed a seat from your boat to make room for your walker.You just might be an old fisherman, if to you, the letters GPS mean Gotta’ Pee SoonAnd finally, it’s easy for anyone to drive off with their coffee cup sitting on the roof or the bumper of the pickup, but if you have gotten to the lake and turned around to back your boat down the boat ramp only to discover the boat was still parked in the driveway at home, you’re an old fisherman.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Fishing Proverbs

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Keren, the comfort dog, is visiting Fort Hays State University to comfort and relieve students' stress with her warm, fluffy hugs just before their midterm exams.

Keren visits FHSU three times each semester. She will offer emotional support on Monday at the Memorial Union.

Lutheran Church Charities Top Dog, Carol Kratzer, oversees Keren's ministry work and said students tend to perform better on their tests after Keren's visits.

"Many students talk about how much better they do after they pet her. They are more focused and are able to recall information in tests," Kratzer said.

"Keren's calm, attentive and loving deminer brings people in," she said.

Keren is one of 130&nbsp;Lutheran Church Charities  K-9 comfort dogs who support those in need across 27 states. She has been based at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth since 2021.

Keren is a 5-year-old purebred Golden Retriever who started training at 8 weeks old and knows more than 35 commands for her role. In her free time, she loves playing with her ball.

Kratzer said Keren can sense someone in emotional distress, even without the handler's awareness. On one occasion, Keren focused on an individual who revealed they had recently experienced a significant loss.

"Part of the reason [Lutheran Church Charities] chooses golden retrievers is their empathy. Keren has taken us to people who needed her that we didn't even know we would be visiting," she said.

While Keren has three sisters, she is the only&nbsp;Lutheran Church Charities comfort dog in Kansas. She travels throughout the state, providing comfort in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and disaster areas.

She has also provided support during personal tragedies, including the community of Independence, Missouri, after the death of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JFh5eV2vx5TKdybL/">police officer Cody Allen</a> earlier this year.

"She has done a number of disaster responses here in the state. She has been to Natoma three times and was in Andover after the tornado," Kratzer said.

In addition to Kansas communities, Keren also visited Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, following the 2022 shooting.

Numerous&nbsp;Lutheran Church Charities comfort dogs from across the country <a href="https://vimeo.com/754464975/c1e5b1bf0d?fbclid=IwY2xjawFtAYZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUnQXiPP6RYP_o6QpxzCPC_0BL8nVhnLa_GRlNvp5YP2CrcHNJ2Ls7MQOA_aem_9Qm1gazT_o6DtVcIhzdAqg">traveled to Uvalde</a> for five weeks to accompany children to class when they were afraid.

"Our purpose of being there is just to listen. We're not there to necessarily solve any problem, just help them cope at that time," Kratzer said.

Kratzer said there are misconceptions about Keren and her services due to her affiliation with a church.

"She belongs to a church organization, but we're not here to convert you. We're here to share mercy and compassion," she said.

Lutheran Church Charities, established in 2008, provides services at no cost and relies on donor support. You can make donations <a href="https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/give-lcc-general.html">here</a>.

Keren is scheduled to return to FHSU after her Monday visit for finals week.

You can find more information on the Lutheran Church Charities <a href="https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/">website </a>and follow Keren, the comfort dog, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KerenComfortDog/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728068737349.jpeg" alt="Keren the comfort dog being hugged. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Keren the comfort dog being hugged. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostKeren, the comfort dog, is visiting Fort Hays State University to comfort and relieve students' stress with her warm, fluffy hugs just before their midterm exams.Keren visits FHSU three times each semester. She will offer emotional support on Monday at the Memorial Union.Lutheran Church Charities Top Dog, Carol Kratzer, oversees Keren's ministry work and said students tend to perform better on their tests after Keren's visits."Many students talk about how much better they do after they pet her. They are more focused and are able to recall information in tests," Kratzer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728068808248.jpeg" alt="Keren the comfort dog at Great Bend. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Keren the comfort dog at Great Bend. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728068886762.jpeg" alt="Keren the comfort dog being pet. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Keren the comfort dog being pet. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"Keren's calm, attentive and loving deminer brings people in," she said.Keren is one of 130&nbsp;Lutheran Church Charities K-9 comfort dogs who support those in need across 27 states. She has been based at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth since 2021.Keren is a 5-year-old purebred Golden Retriever who started training at 8 weeks old and knows more than 35 commands for her role. In her free time, she loves playing with her ball.Kratzer said Keren can sense someone in emotional distress, even without the handler's awareness. On one occasion, Keren focused on an individual who revealed they had recently experienced a significant loss."Part of the reason [Lutheran Church Charities] chooses golden retrievers is their empathy. Keren has taken us to people who needed her that we didn't even know we would be visiting," she said.While Keren has three sisters, she is the only&nbsp;Lutheran Church Charities comfort dog in Kansas. She travels throughout the state, providing comfort in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and disaster areas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728069153669.jpeg" alt="Keren the comfort dog accompanying a woman. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Keren the comfort dog accompanying a woman. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728069181353.jpeg" alt="Keren the comfort dog being hugged by a woman. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Keren the comfort dog being hugged by a woman. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She has also provided support during personal tragedies, including the community of Independence, Missouri, after the death of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JFh5eV2vx5TKdybL/">police officer Cody Allen</a> earlier this year."She has done a number of disaster responses here in the state. She has been to Natoma three times and was in Andover after the tornado," Kratzer said.In addition to Kansas communities, Keren also visited Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, following the 2022 shooting.Numerous&nbsp;Lutheran Church Charities comfort dogs from across the country <a href="https://vimeo.com/754464975/c1e5b1bf0d?fbclid=IwY2xjawFtAYZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUnQXiPP6RYP_o6QpxzCPC_0BL8nVhnLa_GRlNvp5YP2CrcHNJ2Ls7MQOA_aem_9Qm1gazT_o6DtVcIhzdAqg">traveled to Uvalde</a> for five weeks to accompany children to class when they were afraid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728069044403.jpeg" alt="Keren the comfort dog being pet by children. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Keren the comfort dog being pet by children. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"Our purpose of being there is just to listen. We're not there to necessarily solve any problem, just help them cope at that time," Kratzer said.Kratzer said there are misconceptions about Keren and her services due to her affiliation with a church."She belongs to a church organization, but we're not here to convert you. We're here to share mercy and compassion," she said.Lutheran Church Charities, established in 2008, provides services at no cost and relies on donor support. You can make donations <a href="https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/give-lcc-general.html">here</a>.Keren is scheduled to return to FHSU after her Monday visit for finals week.You can find more information on the Lutheran Church Charities <a href="https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/">website </a>and follow Keren, the comfort dog, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KerenComfortDog/">Facebook</a>.

Keren, the comfort dog, to help FHSU students de-stress on Monday

By JOE VINDUSKA Barton Community College

Barton Community College’s annual literary publication, “Prairie Ink”, has begun accepting entries for its 16th edition.&nbsp;

The editors are looking for the following types of original work to be considered for publication: fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, drama, graphic narrative, biography, photography, sketch, painting, digital art, and pictures of 3D art. Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 24 with submissions after that considered for the following edition.

Barton students, alums, and all residents of the seven counties in Barton’s service region: Barton, Pawnee, Rush, Russell, Rice, Stafford, and Ellsworth counties, as well as; Barton’s Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Grandview Plaza campuses are encouraged to submit entries.

Submission guidelines and other information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://prairieink.bartonccc.edu/">prairieink.bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727874705392.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA Barton Community CollegeBarton Community College’s annual literary publication, “Prairie Ink”, has begun accepting entries for its 16th edition.&nbsp;The editors are looking for the following types of original work to be considered for publication: fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, drama, graphic narrative, biography, photography, sketch, painting, digital art, and pictures of 3D art. Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 24 with submissions after that considered for the following edition.Barton students, alums, and all residents of the seven counties in Barton’s service region: Barton, Pawnee, Rush, Russell, Rice, Stafford, and Ellsworth counties, as well as; Barton’s Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Grandview Plaza campuses are encouraged to submit entries.Submission guidelines and other information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://prairieink.bartonccc.edu/">prairieink.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Community College’s literary annual “Prairie Ink” accepting submissions

By EUNICE KIM Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits. When it opens in September, you can order up to four kits per household at&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/covid-19/test/Pages/default.aspx">COVIDTests.gov</a>. All for free.

Shipping is free, too. Just give a name and shipping address. Sharing your email is optional if you’d like to get confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.&nbsp;You don’t need to give financial information or pay anything to get these free tests, and nobody can promise you special access or extra tests. If they do, they’re scammers.

One thing to know: the expiration date for many kits has changed. Before you throw away a kit because the expiration date on the package has passed, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list">FDA’s website</a>&nbsp;to see if that kit’s expiration date has been extended.

To avoid scammers impersonating the federal government:

If you spot a scam,&nbsp;tell the&nbsp;FTC&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727974152267.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By EUNICE KIM Consumer Education Specialist, FTCThe federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits. When it opens in September, you can order up to four kits per household at&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/covid-19/test/Pages/default.aspx">COVIDTests.gov</a>. All for free.Shipping is free, too. Just give a name and shipping address. Sharing your email is optional if you’d like to get confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.&nbsp;You don’t need to give financial information or pay anything to get these free tests, and nobody can promise you special access or extra tests. If they do, they’re scammers.One thing to know: the expiration date for many kits has changed. Before you throw away a kit because the expiration date on the package has passed, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list">FDA’s website</a>&nbsp;to see if that kit’s expiration date has been extended.To avoid scammers impersonating the federal government:<ul>
 <li>Don't click links in unexpected emails or text messages, no matter how real they look.</li><li>Start at&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/covid-19/test/Pages/default.aspx">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;to order your free test kits. When you click to order, you'll go to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fspecial.usps.com%2Ftestkits&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2022%2F01%2Fits-official-get-free-covid-test-kits-covidtestsgov">special.usps.com/testkits</a>. The test kits and shipping are free.</li><li>Don't give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to "help" you order free test kits.</li>
 </ul>If you spot a scam,&nbsp;tell the&nbsp;FTC&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers

By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas

In today’s fiercely partisan environment, elected officials struggle to balance their party loyalties with their responsibilities as representatives of the public they serve. Most falter, unable to rise above their tribal instincts: Witness Kris Kobach’s failed 2020 Senate campaign. Still, a few do achieve a successful equilibrium. Governor Laura Kelly comes to mind.

It appears that Secretary of State Scott Schwab has also established a favorable balance.

A couple weeks ago, he launched a well-orchestrated campaign against the United States Postal Service. In a letter to the postmaster general, Schwab blamed USPS for the disqualification of voters in the Kansas primaries.

Specifically, voters had sent their mail ballots in a timely manner, well before Election Day. But the ballots either arrived late, past the three-day post-election grace period, or without an essential postmark.

Under Kansas law, the ballots could not be counted.

Through no fault of their own, nearly 1,000 primary voters – approximately two percent of all mail-in votes – were unfairly disenfranchised.

Bear in mind local elections are often decided by narrow margins. State House District 51 in Leavenworth was decided by a mere 22 votes.

In 2017, the legislature adopted the 3-day grace period in part because of concerns about slow mail delivery.

This is therefore not a new concern, nor a trivial one.

Secretary Schwab recognized the ramifications extended well beyond Kansas to the presidential battle grounds.

In these states, the political climate is highly charged, with intense pressures mounting on election officials and the postal service.

Even a small number of mail-in ballots thrown out could be decisive. In 2016, Georgia rejected over 13,000 mail-in ballots. Four years later Joe Biden won the state by roughly 11,000 votes.

So, it makes sense that national news organizations carried the Kansas story, and CNN invited Schaub for an interview.

“The post office delivers great on excuses, but they don’t deliver great on ballots.”

“If you vote by mail, use a drop box run by the county, give it (ballot) to your county election officials, give it to a polling place, give it to any advanced early polling place.”

“But don’t ever give your ballot to the federal government.” This resonates in a nation that has completely lost faith in its federal institutions.

It strikes a chord with Kansans as well. They visit the post office; they get it.

Several days later, the National Association of State Elections Directors penned its own bipartisan letter outlining serious concerns about long mail delivery times, poor training for postal workers, and an increase in ballots returned as undeliverable.

Next, a bipartisan group of KC area congressional representatives including Sharice Davids, Emanuel Cleaver, Mark Alford, Jake LaTurner and Sam Graves sent a letter citing similar concerns.

Schwab’s efforts resulted in a rare trifecta.

By casting himself as champion of Kansas voters, he drew praise from constituents while simultaneously boosting his partisan credentials and political visibility.

To be sure, Schwab also deflected blame, setting up a handy scapegoat.

Now, as we head down the home stretch of the closest presidential contest in memory, all eyes are on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy – ironically a Trump appointee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK JOSLYN Insight KansasIn today’s fiercely partisan environment, elected officials struggle to balance their party loyalties with their responsibilities as representatives of the public they serve. Most falter, unable to rise above their tribal instincts: Witness Kris Kobach’s failed 2020 Senate campaign. Still, a few do achieve a successful equilibrium. Governor Laura Kelly comes to mind.It appears that Secretary of State Scott Schwab has also established a favorable balance.A couple weeks ago, he launched a well-orchestrated campaign against the United States Postal Service. In a letter to the postmaster general, Schwab blamed USPS for the disqualification of voters in the Kansas primaries.Specifically, voters had sent their mail ballots in a timely manner, well before Election Day. But the ballots either arrived late, past the three-day post-election grace period, or without an essential postmark.Under Kansas law, the ballots could not be counted.Through no fault of their own, nearly 1,000 primary voters – approximately two percent of all mail-in votes – were unfairly disenfranchised.Bear in mind local elections are often decided by narrow margins. State House District 51 in Leavenworth was decided by a mere 22 votes.In 2017, the legislature adopted the 3-day grace period in part because of concerns about slow mail delivery.This is therefore not a new concern, nor a trivial one.Secretary Schwab recognized the ramifications extended well beyond Kansas to the presidential battle grounds.In these states, the political climate is highly charged, with intense pressures mounting on election officials and the postal service.Even a small number of mail-in ballots thrown out could be decisive. In 2016, Georgia rejected over 13,000 mail-in ballots. Four years later Joe Biden won the state by roughly 11,000 votes.So, it makes sense that national news organizations carried the Kansas story, and CNN invited Schaub for an interview.He leveraged the moment:“The post office delivers great on excuses, but they don’t deliver great on ballots.”“If you vote by mail, use a drop box run by the county, give it (ballot) to your county election officials, give it to a polling place, give it to any advanced early polling place.”“But don’t ever give your ballot to the federal government.” This resonates in a nation that has completely lost faith in its federal institutions.It strikes a chord with Kansans as well. They visit the post office; they get it.Several days later, the National Association of State Elections Directors penned its own bipartisan letter outlining serious concerns about long mail delivery times, poor training for postal workers, and an increase in ballots returned as undeliverable.Next, a bipartisan group of KC area congressional representatives including Sharice Davids, Emanuel Cleaver, Mark Alford, Jake LaTurner and Sam Graves sent a letter citing similar concerns.Schwab’s efforts resulted in a rare trifecta.By casting himself as champion of Kansas voters, he drew praise from constituents while simultaneously boosting his partisan credentials and political visibility.To be sure, Schwab also deflected blame, setting up a handy scapegoat.Now, as we head down the home stretch of the closest presidential contest in memory, all eyes are on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy – ironically a Trump appointee.Will he deliver?

INSIGHT KANSAS: Bipartisan support grows after Secretary Schwab’s USPS critique

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728174126391.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>

Kansas State University is growing the talent pool of agriculturists, engineers, business leaders and changemakers for Kansas and beyond, fulfilling its promise as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">a next-generation land-grant university</a>. This fall, university enrollment grew by 2.8% for 2024.

Continuing an upward trajectory, this is the second year of enrollment increases, as K-State's overall headcount this semester grew to 20,295 students across all campuses.

"Our plan to broaden the university's reach in a strategic and measured manner is a responsibility we take seriously every day," said Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez. "But it is also one we celebrate, especially when we see such positive results. These numbers aren't just 20,000-plus students — they're 20,000-plus stories and opportunities to change lives."Total undergraduate enrollment grew by 3.6%, while graduate enrollment slightly declined 1%. The College of Veterinary Medicine increased by 3.6%.K-State's efforts over the past several years to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/">significantly expand access to its quality educational offerings</a>&nbsp;have established a strong sense of momentum as key elements of the university's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">Next-Gen K-State</a>&nbsp;strategic plan, Mendez said.

A standout first-year class highlights K-State's fall 2024 enrollmentThis semester's increase is driven by a 9.4% increase in first-time freshmen, with this year's first-year class of 3,493 being the largest since 2018. This growth did not sacrifice quality: incoming first-time freshmen averaged a high school grade point average of 3.78 — one of the highest for K-State in recent years.

Focusing on its land-grant mission of access, K-State is making significant strides in enrolling low-income, first-generation and underrepresented minority students, especially among its first-year class, said Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management.

Pell-eligible first-year students, as a group, grew by 27.8%, while first-generation enrollment increased 13%. Enrollment from traditionally underrepresented minority groups also grew, up 16% from the previous year. In-state enrollment among those freshmen is up 7.7%, with students coming from 95 of Kansas' 105 counties.

Out-of-state enrollment in this year's first-year class increased 14%, with K-State attracting students from 43 states and U.S. territories.

K-State also drew students from nearly 400 different institutions, as out-of-state transfer student enrollment increased by 7.5%.

"K-State continues to build on its national profile, with this being the largest out-of-state freshman class in recent university history," Goos said. "More students are discovering and recognizing the world-class education and university experience they can expect when they come to K-State."

Student support, access and success core to K-State's mission

As a land-grant institution, K-State strives to provide a high-quality, accessible public research university education. The university offers more than $92 million in scholarships and awards, bolstering affordability and access. More than 79% of students earn some form of aid while earning a degree at the university.

In recent years, K-State has pledged its commitment to access by expanding its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise/">Land Grant Promise grant</a>, which assures that full-time, Pell-eligible undergraduates with total household incomes of $70,000 or less receive a total grant and scholarship aid package — up to the equivalent cost of 15 credit hours of in-state tuition.

That commitment is a promise that continues beyond financial aid, with the university providing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/onestop/">academic experiences and support programs</a>&nbsp;that help students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2024-09/KState-2025-Princeton-Review-rankings-happiest-friendly-student-support.html">find success throughout their entire careers at K-State</a>.

The university retains 85.5% of its first-time freshmen and graduates 53.9% of students within four years — and 71.8% within six years — significantly higher than national averages for public, four-year universities. It's success that continues after graduation, with 96% of undergraduate students reporting being employed or continuing their studies in graduate or professional school six months after graduation.

"Student success is not just measured by graduation rates, but by our ability to create an environment that supports every student's personal, academic and professional growth," Goos said. "This year's enrollment and retention numbers reflect the strength of this commitment, showing that when students feel connected, valued and empowered, they stay and thrive."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712339218486.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas State University is growing the talent pool of agriculturists, engineers, business leaders and changemakers for Kansas and beyond, fulfilling its promise as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">a next-generation land-grant university</a>. This fall, university enrollment grew by 2.8% for 2024.Continuing an upward trajectory, this is the second year of enrollment increases, as K-State's overall headcount this semester grew to 20,295 students across all campuses."Our plan to broaden the university's reach in a strategic and measured manner is a responsibility we take seriously every day," said Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez. "But it is also one we celebrate, especially when we see such positive results. These numbers aren't just 20,000-plus students — they're 20,000-plus stories and opportunities to change lives."Total undergraduate enrollment grew by 3.6%, while graduate enrollment slightly declined 1%. The College of Veterinary Medicine increased by 3.6%.K-State's efforts over the past several years to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/">significantly expand access to its quality educational offerings</a>&nbsp;have established a strong sense of momentum as key elements of the university's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">Next-Gen K-State</a>&nbsp;strategic plan, Mendez said.A standout first-year class highlights K-State's fall 2024 enrollmentThis semester's increase is driven by a 9.4% increase in first-time freshmen, with this year's first-year class of 3,493 being the largest since 2018. This growth did not sacrifice quality: incoming first-time freshmen averaged a high school grade point average of 3.78 — one of the highest for K-State in recent years.Focusing on its land-grant mission of access, K-State is making significant strides in enrolling low-income, first-generation and underrepresented minority students, especially among its first-year class, said Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management.Pell-eligible first-year students, as a group, grew by 27.8%, while first-generation enrollment increased 13%. Enrollment from traditionally underrepresented minority groups also grew, up 16% from the previous year. In-state enrollment among those freshmen is up 7.7%, with students coming from 95 of Kansas' 105 counties.Out-of-state enrollment in this year's first-year class increased 14%, with K-State attracting students from 43 states and U.S. territories.K-State also drew students from nearly 400 different institutions, as out-of-state transfer student enrollment increased by 7.5%."K-State continues to build on its national profile, with this being the largest out-of-state freshman class in recent university history," Goos said. "More students are discovering and recognizing the world-class education and university experience they can expect when they come to K-State."Student support, access and success core to K-State's missionAs a land-grant institution, K-State strives to provide a high-quality, accessible public research university education. The university offers more than $92 million in scholarships and awards, bolstering affordability and access. More than 79% of students earn some form of aid while earning a degree at the university.In recent years, K-State has pledged its commitment to access by expanding its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise/">Land Grant Promise grant</a>, which assures that full-time, Pell-eligible undergraduates with total household incomes of $70,000 or less receive a total grant and scholarship aid package — up to the equivalent cost of 15 credit hours of in-state tuition.That commitment is a promise that continues beyond financial aid, with the university providing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/onestop/">academic experiences and support programs</a>&nbsp;that help students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2024-09/KState-2025-Princeton-Review-rankings-happiest-friendly-student-support.html">find success throughout their entire careers at K-State</a>.The university retains 85.5% of its first-time freshmen and graduates 53.9% of students within four years — and 71.8% within six years — significantly higher than national averages for public, four-year universities. It's success that continues after graduation, with 96% of undergraduate students reporting being employed or continuing their studies in graduate or professional school six months after graduation."Student success is not just measured by graduation rates, but by our ability to create an environment that supports every student's personal, academic and professional growth," Goos said. "This year's enrollment and retention numbers reflect the strength of this commitment, showing that when students feel connected, valued and empowered, they stay and thrive."&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State: Fall 2024 enrollment increases reflect commitment to higher education access

Oktoberfest grew even bigger with the unveiling of the world's largest bierock, weighing in at 118.2 pounds.

Created by Union Catering, the bierock filled many stomachs at the annual celebration. Philip Kuhn, Oktoberfest committee member and Union Catering Owner, led the project.

The project showcases the collaboration between Union Catering and Fort Hays State University, providing support throughout the process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728166071462.jpeg" alt="World's largest bierock reveal at Oktoberfest in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>World's largest bierock reveal at Oktoberfest in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostOktoberfest grew even bigger with the unveiling of the world's largest bierock, weighing in at 118.2 pounds.Created by Union Catering, the bierock filled many stomachs at the annual celebration. Philip Kuhn, Oktoberfest committee member and Union Catering Owner, led the project.The project showcases the collaboration between Union Catering and Fort Hays State University, providing support throughout the process.Kuhn said this year’s bierock weighed over 20 pounds more than the first one in 2022. The first bierock weighed approximately 95 pounds and was limited in distribution.The preparation involved working for around six hours on the dough, filling, and cooking the cabbage, followed by two and a half hours of baking, according to Kuhn.Lewis Automotive sponsored the event and contributed $5,000 to Oktoberfest festivities.