&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Approximately 260 donor scholarships exceeding $327,000 were awarded to business and entrepreneurship students for the 2023-24 academic year at Fort Hays State University. This is an increase of nearly $10,000 over last year.

The awards ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship, held Sept. 14 in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, brought donors and students together to recognize the spirit of those who “pay it forward.”

“We celebrate our philanthropists and welcome a new generation of students whose lives will be changed and impacted by their generosity,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president. “Hopefully, those students will follow the same kindness and philanthropy as they go on to make a difference in the world.”

For Robbins ambassadors Nate Egan and Braden Schulte, the scholarships presented during the ceremony were a part of the larger impact they had discovered at Fort Hays State. Egan and Schulte are recipients of the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity available to undergraduate business students.

“There is no shortage of people willing to offer a smile, advice, or anything I need to further my education,” Schulte said. “This includes all the donors who provide so much support for me and my fellow students.”

Throughout the ceremony, donors, many of whom were FHSU graduates, expressed their enthusiasm for being able to fund scholarships for talented FHSU students. Many companies represented by the donors employ FHSU alums.&nbsp;Jamie Dreher of Brungardt, Hower, Ward, Elliott &amp; Pfeifer said 95 percent of her company’s employees are FHSU graduates.

“Nearly all of us (at Brungardt Hower) have been in your shoes and received scholarships of one type or another,” she said. “We just want to perpetuate the cycle and keep it moving.”

Seeing successful businesses and individuals invest in FHSU students was a highlight of the event for Melissa Hunsicker-Walburn, interim dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“It is an honor to be able to do this event year after year and leave here inspired,” Hunsicker-Walburn said in her concluding remarks. “Donors, you all pay it forward. We are so very grateful to be reminded of the difference you make in the lives of our students.”

Learn how to support students within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7giOwU_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbaK4uoO5oM-2FuhCmhfKuPsqG5r1Kv11Pw8VVMpbrItJx-2BwralAC8SSdqb38QPtSw2eyTu-2FjnJYZnl787b4Rb9-2B6KZZxrnAyt-2FvkOVArHZKJuM6iBM2faZlZ4TeJYPT9ygNf9h6NUkr-2B6HuqfEWAvCL4rVEjw6TvcqQyb90-2FXMmxuKtSr6v9GuqusLOiCuzx9azOUISPGpPIBvlRVljNu2lOYB4QEkcQkZYKsFy2SftYs2-2BQTPdnYal2S2dHWTZycqUQoDXnkcEaH63WA1zrOCRag-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contacting the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695756116750.jpeg" alt="Braden Schulte (L) and&nbsp;Nate Egan (R) received Robbins Ambassador Scholarships during a recent ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship with Hayden Hutchison of the FHSU Foundation. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Braden Schulte (L) and&nbsp;Nate Egan (R) received Robbins Ambassador Scholarships during a recent ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship with Hayden Hutchison of the FHSU Foundation. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsApproximately 260 donor scholarships exceeding $327,000 were awarded to business and entrepreneurship students for the 2023-24 academic year at Fort Hays State University. This is an increase of nearly $10,000 over last year.The awards ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship, held Sept. 14 in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, brought donors and students together to recognize the spirit of those who “pay it forward.”“We celebrate our philanthropists and welcome a new generation of students whose lives will be changed and impacted by their generosity,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president. “Hopefully, those students will follow the same kindness and philanthropy as they go on to make a difference in the world.”For Robbins ambassadors Nate Egan and Braden Schulte, the scholarships presented during the ceremony were a part of the larger impact they had discovered at Fort Hays State. Egan and Schulte are recipients of the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity available to undergraduate business students.“There is no shortage of people willing to offer a smile, advice, or anything I need to further my education,” Schulte said. “This includes all the donors who provide so much support for me and my fellow students.”Throughout the ceremony, donors, many of whom were FHSU graduates, expressed their enthusiasm for being able to fund scholarships for talented FHSU students. Many companies represented by the donors employ FHSU alums.&nbsp;Jamie Dreher of Brungardt, Hower, Ward, Elliott &amp; Pfeifer said 95 percent of her company’s employees are FHSU graduates.“Nearly all of us (at Brungardt Hower) have been in your shoes and received scholarships of one type or another,” she said. “We just want to perpetuate the cycle and keep it moving.”Seeing successful businesses and individuals invest in FHSU students was a highlight of the event for Melissa Hunsicker-Walburn, interim dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.“It is an honor to be able to do this event year after year and leave here inspired,” Hunsicker-Walburn said in her concluding remarks. “Donors, you all pay it forward. We are so very grateful to be reminded of the difference you make in the lives of our students.”Learn how to support students within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7giOwU_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbaK4uoO5oM-2FuhCmhfKuPsqG5r1Kv11Pw8VVMpbrItJx-2BwralAC8SSdqb38QPtSw2eyTu-2FjnJYZnl787b4Rb9-2B6KZZxrnAyt-2FvkOVArHZKJuM6iBM2faZlZ4TeJYPT9ygNf9h6NUkr-2B6HuqfEWAvCL4rVEjw6TvcqQyb90-2FXMmxuKtSr6v9GuqusLOiCuzx9azOUISPGpPIBvlRVljNu2lOYB4QEkcQkZYKsFy2SftYs2-2BQTPdnYal2S2dHWTZycqUQoDXnkcEaH63WA1zrOCRag-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contacting the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

Record-breaking scholarship amount awarded to Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship students 

ELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is Tuesday, October 3, at the home triangular against Plainville and Trego.&nbsp; Volleyball action begins at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; Senior recognition will take place prior to the last match at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the Railroader Volleyball team!&nbsp; Railer Pride!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695920892665.jpeg" alt="Emily James, daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kylee Pfeifer, daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Jadyn Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Braelyn Born, daughter of Brock and Coleen Born; and Kaydawn Haag, daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag." />
 <figcaption>Emily James, daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kylee Pfeifer, daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Jadyn Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Braelyn Born, daughter of Brock and Coleen Born; and Kaydawn Haag, daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is Tuesday, October 3, at the home triangular against Plainville and Trego.&nbsp; Volleyball action begins at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; Senior recognition will take place prior to the last match at approximately 6:30 p.m.Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the Railroader Volleyball team!&nbsp; Railer Pride!

Ellis High School Volleyball senior night is Tuesday

Every year, more than 25% of Americans age 65+ fall down. 

One fall can drastically alter quality of life and reduce independence. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors each year. The good news is that falls are not a natural part of aging and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of falling!

Look for an exercise program in your community that focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension to find a class.

You spend most of your time at home, so make sure it’s a safe space. Increase lighting, remove floor clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the flow of traffic, and install grab bars.

Consult your healthcare provider to assess your fall risk, discuss recent falls, and review medications that may affect balance and coordination.

4. Go for regular vision and hearing checkups.

The eyes and ears provide us with vital senses that affect balance, so it’s important to strive for good vision and hearing health.

Fall prevention is a group effort, and family members can help you spot fall risks, and be a team to call on for help. To check your risk of falling, visit <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup">https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup</a> to take a short quiz.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>Every year, more than 25% of Americans age 65+ fall down. One fall can drastically alter quality of life and reduce independence. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors each year. The good news is that falls are not a natural part of aging and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of falling!1. Stay active.Look for an exercise program in your community that focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension to find a class.2. Assess your home.You spend most of your time at home, so make sure it’s a safe space. Increase lighting, remove floor clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the flow of traffic, and install grab bars.3. Talk to your doctor.Consult your healthcare provider to assess your fall risk, discuss recent falls, and review medications that may affect balance and coordination.4. Go for regular vision and hearing checkups.The eyes and ears provide us with vital senses that affect balance, so it’s important to strive for good vision and hearing health.5. Find support.Fall prevention is a group effort, and family members can help you spot fall risks, and be a team to call on for help. To check your risk of falling, visit <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup">https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup</a> to take a short quiz.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

WINKEL: Fall prevention: Reduce your risk

<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/2023/9/1696015876247.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

&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses franchise systems following their Trispectives presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays gives look into franchise systems" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pymhk-14bc620-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses franchise systems following their Trispectives presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays gives look into franchise systems

Enter to win Cash Grab

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.

The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.

The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. 

An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.

The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.

Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.

“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”

Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.

Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.

“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”

“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.

State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.

Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.

“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”

Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.

The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.

Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.

Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.

“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”

KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.

The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.

Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.

“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.

Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.

Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695387001249.png" alt="Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

Kansas Board of Regents sculpt $300 million plan for boosting state aid to public higher education

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA — Sachin Dhanda of Hays was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. 

Dhanda is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.

Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

Dhanda, graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, will use funds from the award to travel to the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as the 2024 annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America in San Antonio, Texas.

Dhanda was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2023 at Kansas State University.

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning program, which gives 200 awards annually, doubled its funding this year and saw a 50% increase in applicants. 

The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588607236536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseBATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA — Sachin Dhanda of Hays was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Dhanda is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.Dhanda, graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, will use funds from the award to travel to the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as the 2024 annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America in San Antonio, Texas.Dhanda was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2023 at Kansas State University.Established in 2007, the Love of Learning program, which gives 200 awards annually, doubled its funding this year and saw a 50% increase in applicants. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.

Hays student receives Love of Learning award from Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the rear windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.

When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.

A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. 

I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. 

I wandered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!

The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends….once I got&nbsp;a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. 

I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. 

Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back, figuring to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. 

Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to losing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the rear windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. I wandered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends….once I got&nbsp;a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back, figuring to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to losing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Firewood follies

Hays High School senior, Kyzer Fox, was named Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fox is among some 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. 

Although they will not continue in the 2024 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Kyzer Fox is the son of Trent and Mandy Fox. Kyzer has taken numerous honors and college courses throughout his high school career and has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9. 

Fox is also a 2023 Homecoming King candidate. Some of the school activities Fox has been involved in include Student Council, basketball, soccer and student leadership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695674374066.png" alt="Kyzer Fox (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kyzer Fox (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>HHSHays High School senior, Kyzer Fox, was named Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.Fox is among some 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2024 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.Kyzer Fox is the son of Trent and Mandy Fox. Kyzer has taken numerous honors and college courses throughout his high school career and has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Fox is also a 2023 Homecoming King candidate. Some of the school activities Fox has been involved in include Student Council, basketball, soccer and student leadership.

Hays High senior Kyzer Fox commended in National Merit Scholarship Program

A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She had no problem with the plantings, but the city codes are giving her fits.

There are numerous advantages to cultivating pollinator gardens instead of non-native grass and other decorative plantings. Plants like Black-Eyed Susans, Western Yarrow, Wild Bergamot (beebalm), Milkweed, and Kansas’ state flower–the sunflower– have deeper root networks, which help prevent soil erosion and reduce water runoff. They do not need to be mowed, saving energy and pollution. They are natural parts of Kansas’ ecosystem and do not spread invasively. Natives grow well without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Many grow beautiful flowers. They also adapt better to our climate, requiring less watering.

Pollinator gardens supply food to native birds and insects including hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and native bees. In recent years, the population of monarchs has declined alarmingly, which many experts attribute to agricultural pesticides and herbicides. All told, one third of our food requires pollination by insects.

Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances.

 These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. Such scourges include the Bradford Pear, the Eastern Red Cedar, the Tree of Heaven, and wintercreeper. I join legions of other homeowners spending countless weekends trying to remove these noxious pests. Farmers and ranchers do not like them, either.

As for my friend, she won her dispute with the city, but only after cutting part of her beloved pocket prairie and compiling a thick packet of information for her hearing.

She is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Metro Area Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.

This past April, a Kansas family got caught between the city of Overland Park–which discourages such plantings, Johnson County–which encourages them, and their own neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Overland Park feature neatly-manicured lawns in tidy housing subdivisions along cul-de-sac streets. Neighbors must adjust their expectations of what looks beautiful. Lawns should be property maintained, but they need not resemble golf courses.

These codes also reflect the needs of agriculture. For example, milkweed is a beneficial, beautiful, easy to grow native plant that pollinators love, but it is poisonous to cattle and horses. This is fine for farmers and ranchers, but the average suburban homeowner is not going to have cattle and horses in their yard! Some local codes still classify milkweed as a “noxious weed” even when planted in town. Fortunately, some Kansas local governments have started targeting actual noxious weeds such as Bradford Pears, which are highly invasive. Wichita is one of many communities expanding native plantings on public land including parks.

New codes will allow beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly yards while still requiring that yards and lots be properly maintained. MARC’s model legislation is just what you need to start working on this in your own community– and your yard.

Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She had no problem with the plantings, but the city codes are giving her fits.There are numerous advantages to cultivating pollinator gardens instead of non-native grass and other decorative plantings. Plants like Black-Eyed Susans, Western Yarrow, Wild Bergamot (beebalm), Milkweed, and Kansas’ state flower–the sunflower– have deeper root networks, which help prevent soil erosion and reduce water runoff. They do not need to be mowed, saving energy and pollution. They are natural parts of Kansas’ ecosystem and do not spread invasively. Natives grow well without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Many grow beautiful flowers. They also adapt better to our climate, requiring less watering.Pollinator gardens supply food to native birds and insects including hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and native bees. In recent years, the population of monarchs has declined alarmingly, which many experts attribute to agricultural pesticides and herbicides. All told, one third of our food requires pollination by insects.Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. Such scourges include the Bradford Pear, the Eastern Red Cedar, the Tree of Heaven, and wintercreeper. I join legions of other homeowners spending countless weekends trying to remove these noxious pests. Farmers and ranchers do not like them, either.As for my friend, she won her dispute with the city, but only after cutting part of her beloved pocket prairie and compiling a thick packet of information for her hearing.She is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Metro Area Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.Our sensibilities need to change, too. This past April, a Kansas family got caught between the city of Overland Park–which discourages such plantings, Johnson County–which encourages them, and their own neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Overland Park feature neatly-manicured lawns in tidy housing subdivisions along cul-de-sac streets. Neighbors must adjust their expectations of what looks beautiful. Lawns should be property maintained, but they need not resemble golf courses.These codes also reflect the needs of agriculture. For example, milkweed is a beneficial, beautiful, easy to grow native plant that pollinators love, but it is poisonous to cattle and horses. This is fine for farmers and ranchers, but the average suburban homeowner is not going to have cattle and horses in their yard! Some local codes still classify milkweed as a “noxious weed” even when planted in town. Fortunately, some Kansas local governments have started targeting actual noxious weeds such as Bradford Pears, which are highly invasive. Wichita is one of many communities expanding native plantings on public land including parks.New codes will allow beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly yards while still requiring that yards and lots be properly maintained. MARC’s model legislation is just what you need to start working on this in your own community– and your yard.Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Zoning codes should allow native plants and pollinator gardens 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696015835784.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>

Holy Family Elementary weekly update

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDtests.gov</a>.

The tests will detect the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests">currently circulating COVID-19 variants</a>&nbsp;and are intended for use through the end of 2023. The kits will include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list">instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates</a>.&nbsp;Many kits have had their expiration dates extended beyond what may be printed on the packaging.

You don’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never be asked for a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and shipping address. If you’d like an email confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service, you can submit your email address.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.&nbsp;

• Only go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">COVIDtests.gov</a>&nbsp;to order your free test kits from the federal government. When you click to order, you’ll be redirected 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" target="_blank">special.usps.com/testkits</a>. If you’re following a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.&nbsp;

• No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Don’t give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/" target="_blank">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695743544779.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCWASHINGTON, D.C. — Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDtests.gov</a>.The tests will detect the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests">currently circulating COVID-19 variants</a>&nbsp;and are intended for use through the end of 2023. The kits will include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list">instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates</a>.&nbsp;Many kits have had their expiration dates extended beyond what may be printed on the packaging.You don’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never be asked for a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and shipping address. If you’d like an email confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service, you can submit your email address.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.&nbsp;So, remember:• Only go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">COVIDtests.gov</a>&nbsp;to order your free test kits from the federal government. When you click to order, you’ll be redirected 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" target="_blank">special.usps.com/testkits</a>. If you’re following a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.&nbsp;• No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Don’t give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/" target="_blank">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

The Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program document.&nbsp;

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System.

Area counties included are Decatur, Ness, Rush, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace.&nbsp;

The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp" target="_blank">http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp</a>.&nbsp;

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Oct. 4.&nbsp;To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-3254.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688046043635.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program document.&nbsp;The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System.Area counties included are Decatur, Ness, Rush, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace.&nbsp;The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp" target="_blank">http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp</a>.&nbsp;The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Oct. 4.&nbsp;To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-3254.

Area counties part of KDOT transportation improvement amendment

RUSSELL – Russell Community Theater's fall production of "Vino Veritas" will be the organization’s 106th production. "Vino Veritas", by David MacGregor&nbsp; is presented with special permission by Playscripts. Performances are October 17-21, 2023, with curtain at 8 p.m., in the RCT Playhouse, 5th and Kansas, Russell.

Casting has been completed and rehearsals are underway to bring you a quality theater experience.

On Halloween night, two couples, Lauren and Phil (Becky Anschutz and Dalton Mauro, respectively), and their neighbors, Ridley and Claire (Dalton Davis and Cat Webling, respectively), meet at Lauren and Phil’s house for drinks and hors d'oeuvres before planning on heading out to a massive party. 

Dressed in their finest costumes (witch, cowboy, doctor, and Queen Elizabeth I), the hostess, Lauren, brings out a bottle of blue wine she picked up in Peru. Based on an old Incan recipe, the wine supposedly has truth-telling properties and is brewed from the skins of blue dart tree frogs. 

Three of the four drink the wine and the conversation begins to take odd turns. Some of the "truths" are harmless enough, but progressively get darker and more disturbing. It gradually becomes clear that the marriage of one of the couples is disintegrating due to a lack of truthfulness, and the other marriage is only held together by lies.

This insightful and thought-provoking play will leave you thinking long after it’s over.

Russell Community Theater is a non-profit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 105 full-scale theatrical productions.

For more information, call 785-483-4057. Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/russelltheater">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695218843764.jpeg" alt="Dalton Mauro, Becky Anschutz, Dalton Davis, Cat Webling. Photo by Charissa Roe" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Mauro, Becky Anschutz, Dalton Davis, Cat Webling. Photo by Charissa Roe</figcaption>
 </figure>RCTRUSSELL – Russell Community Theater's fall production of "Vino Veritas" will be the organization’s 106th production. "Vino Veritas", by David MacGregor&nbsp; is presented with special permission by Playscripts. Performances are October 17-21, 2023, with curtain at 8 p.m., in the RCT Playhouse, 5th and Kansas, Russell.Casting has been completed and rehearsals are underway to bring you a quality theater experience.On Halloween night, two couples, Lauren and Phil (Becky Anschutz and Dalton Mauro, respectively), and their neighbors, Ridley and Claire (Dalton Davis and Cat Webling, respectively), meet at Lauren and Phil’s house for drinks and hors d'oeuvres before planning on heading out to a massive party. Dressed in their finest costumes (witch, cowboy, doctor, and Queen Elizabeth I), the hostess, Lauren, brings out a bottle of blue wine she picked up in Peru. Based on an old Incan recipe, the wine supposedly has truth-telling properties and is brewed from the skins of blue dart tree frogs. Three of the four drink the wine and the conversation begins to take odd turns. Some of the "truths" are harmless enough, but progressively get darker and more disturbing. It gradually becomes clear that the marriage of one of the couples is disintegrating due to a lack of truthfulness, and the other marriage is only held together by lies.This insightful and thought-provoking play will leave you thinking long after it’s over.**Adult themes and language present**Russell Community Theater is a non-profit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 105 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057. Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/russelltheater">Facebook</a>.

Russell Community Theater fall production cast announcement

Meteorological fall began on September 1. It was warm early in the month, with highs over 100 degrees in many locations during Labor Day weekend. It has since turned more seasonable, with pleasant daytime temperatures, cool mornings, and, so far, no threat of cold air. 

Nowhere in Kansas has there been any frost yet, but it was 39°F in Tribune and 40°F in Colby on the morning of the 12th, a harbinger of colder weather yet to come. The autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical fall, was on Saturday, September 23, at 1:50 a.m. central time. 

We will eventually experience a first frost and, in time, a first freeze, which can end the growing season, depending on how far below freezing the temperature gets and how many hours sub-freezing conditions persist. 

Exactly when do the first frost and freeze typically occur in Kansas? In this report, we look at the average dates for those two significant cold weather events.

Data for 20 sites in Kansas were examined using the full period of record at each location. For this study, the first frost date is defined as the first occurrence of a temperature at or below 36°, and the first freeze is defined as the first occurrence of 32°F or colder. The dates that the first frost occurred each year were sorted from earliest to latest, and then the dates on which 10%, 20%, 30%, etc., of the first frost occurred on or before were identified (Table 1). This methodology was repeated for the first freeze data (Table 2). To see the data tables, go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu.</a>

Looking at the first frost date, the median date is in October, except for the far west and northwest areas of Kansas, where it occurs in late September. The median date is when there is a 50% chance of the first frost having already occurred. The earliest median date is in Oberlin (September 26), and the latest is in Wichita (October 18). Except for Wichita, there is a 10% probability of the first frost occurring before the first of October at all locations and a 90% probability that the first frost has occurred by the end of October.

There is a 60% or greater chance that the first freeze will occur by the end of October at all locations (Table 2), but the probabilities are higher for earlier dates in the west and north. As with the first frost date, Oberlin has the earliest median date (October 3), and Wichita has the latest date (October 28). September freezes happen occasionally, and occasionally, it’s November before the first freeze, but October is typically the month when the growing season ends. October is also when the normal lows each day decrease the fastest (Table 3); the daily normals drop by 11 to 14 degrees. By month’s end, Goodland, Oberlin, and Tribune all have&nbsp;normal lows below freezing. Only eastern and southern locations have normal lows in the 40s by October 31; all other locations have normal lows in the 30s.

Last year, the first freeze was in mid-October across the entire state, thanks to a cold air mass that invaded the state and brought widespread lows in the 20s, with a few upper teens. The first freeze in 2022 was on the 16th in Goodland, the 17th in Garden City and Hutchinson, and the 18th in Wichita and Parsons. For the northwest, this freeze was later than normal, but in the southeast, it was earlier than normal. 

What about this year? It’s too soon to know, but the outlooks for the next two weeks favor above-normal temperatures, so it doesn’t appear that an early freeze will occur in September. As for October, we’ll have to wait and see. Until then, enjoy the pleasant fall weather!

Information and article provided by Matthew Sittel, Assistant State Climatologist, msittel@ksu.edu.

Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Meteorological fall began on September 1. It was warm early in the month, with highs over 100 degrees in many locations during Labor Day weekend. It has since turned more seasonable, with pleasant daytime temperatures, cool mornings, and, so far, no threat of cold air. Nowhere in Kansas has there been any frost yet, but it was 39°F in Tribune and 40°F in Colby on the morning of the 12th, a harbinger of colder weather yet to come. The autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical fall, was on Saturday, September 23, at 1:50 a.m. central time. We will eventually experience a first frost and, in time, a first freeze, which can end the growing season, depending on how far below freezing the temperature gets and how many hours sub-freezing conditions persist. Exactly when do the first frost and freeze typically occur in Kansas? In this report, we look at the average dates for those two significant cold weather events.Data for 20 sites in Kansas were examined using the full period of record at each location. For this study, the first frost date is defined as the first occurrence of a temperature at or below 36°, and the first freeze is defined as the first occurrence of 32°F or colder. The dates that the first frost occurred each year were sorted from earliest to latest, and then the dates on which 10%, 20%, 30%, etc., of the first frost occurred on or before were identified (Table 1). This methodology was repeated for the first freeze data (Table 2). To see the data tables, go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu.</a>Looking at the first frost date, the median date is in October, except for the far west and northwest areas of Kansas, where it occurs in late September. The median date is when there is a 50% chance of the first frost having already occurred. The earliest median date is in Oberlin (September 26), and the latest is in Wichita (October 18). Except for Wichita, there is a 10% probability of the first frost occurring before the first of October at all locations and a 90% probability that the first frost has occurred by the end of October.There is a 60% or greater chance that the first freeze will occur by the end of October at all locations (Table 2), but the probabilities are higher for earlier dates in the west and north. As with the first frost date, Oberlin has the earliest median date (October 3), and Wichita has the latest date (October 28). September freezes happen occasionally, and occasionally, it’s November before the first freeze, but October is typically the month when the growing season ends. October is also when the normal lows each day decrease the fastest (Table 3); the daily normals drop by 11 to 14 degrees. By month’s end, Goodland, Oberlin, and Tribune all have&nbsp;normal lows below freezing. Only eastern and southern locations have normal lows in the 40s by October 31; all other locations have normal lows in the 30s.Last year, the first freeze was in mid-October across the entire state, thanks to a cold air mass that invaded the state and brought widespread lows in the 20s, with a few upper teens. The first freeze in 2022 was on the 16th in Goodland, the 17th in Garden City and Hutchinson, and the 18th in Wichita and Parsons. For the northwest, this freeze was later than normal, but in the southeast, it was earlier than normal. What about this year? It’s too soon to know, but the outlooks for the next two weeks favor above-normal temperatures, so it doesn’t appear that an early freeze will occur in September. As for October, we’ll have to wait and see. Until then, enjoy the pleasant fall weather!Information and article provided by Matthew Sittel, Assistant State Climatologist, msittel@ksu.edu.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Looking ahead to the first frost, freeze dates for Kansas

Oktoberfest 2023 kicked off Friday at Municipal Park in Hays with opening ceremonies and the annual tapping of the keg. Events, including games, music, food and beverages will continue today until 6 p.m.

Below is the complete Oktoberfest schedule for today.

Fort Hays State Unversity is also celebrating a full slate of Homecoming activities today. The Homecoming parade will be at 11 a.m. down Main Street. Kickoff for the FHSU football game is at 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium.

A variety of FHSU organizations will have informational booths as well as fundraisers on Oktoberfest grounds.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuhomecoming.com/events/#full-schedule">https://fhsuhomecoming.com/events/#full-schedule</a> for a complete list of FHSU Homecoming activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696008732592.jpeg" alt="Oktoberfest goers dance to the music of the Joe Dolezal Band Friday in Hays. Oktoberfest continues today in Municipal Park. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Oktoberfest goers dance to the music of the Joe Dolezal Band Friday in Hays. Oktoberfest continues today in Municipal Park. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Oktoberfest 2023 kicked off Friday at Municipal Park in Hays with opening ceremonies and the annual tapping of the keg. Events, including games, music, food and beverages will continue today until 6 p.m.Below is the complete Oktoberfest schedule for today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696010252463.png" alt="Saturday Oktoberfest schedule" />
 <figcaption>Saturday Oktoberfest schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State Unversity is also celebrating a full slate of Homecoming activities today. The Homecoming parade will be at 11 a.m. down Main Street. Kickoff for the FHSU football game is at 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium.A variety of FHSU organizations will have informational booths as well as fundraisers on Oktoberfest grounds.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuhomecoming.com/events/#full-schedule">https://fhsuhomecoming.com/events/#full-schedule</a> for a complete list of FHSU Homecoming activities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009052908.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009093875.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009128891.jpeg" alt="The Oktoberfest opening blessing. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Oktoberfest opening blessing. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009183206.jpeg" alt="Catherine the Great portrayed by Cheryl Maxwell Glassman welcomes guests to Hays' 2023 Oktoberfest.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Catherine the Great portrayed by Cheryl Maxwell Glassman welcomes guests to Hays' 2023 Oktoberfest.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009310237.jpeg" alt="Evan Dealy, far left, is awarded a $500 scholarship to FHSU by the Volga German Association.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Evan Dealy, far left, is awarded a $500 scholarship to FHSU by the Volga German Association.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009528755.jpeg" alt="The family of Janel Moore gathered as she was posthumously honored by the Oktoberfest Committee for Moore's longtime service to the event.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The family of Janel Moore gathered as she was posthumously honored by the Oktoberfest Committee for Moore's longtime service to the event.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696009872779.jpeg" alt="Phil Kuhn, Volga German Society president, and others share in the annual tapping of the keg at the event Friday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Phil Kuhn, Volga German Society president, and others share in the annual tapping of the keg at the event Friday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696010011877.jpeg" alt="Phil Kuhn,&nbsp;Volga German Society president, rings the bell to officially open the event for 2023.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Phil Kuhn,&nbsp;Volga German Society president, rings the bell to officially open the event for 2023.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696033950160.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034055711.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034190843.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034227688.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034270036.jpeg" alt="Sarah Shubert, left, celebrates after winning the stein-holding contest. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Shubert, left, celebrates after winning the stein-holding contest. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034319919.jpeg" alt="Sarah Shubert, center, won the stein-holding contest with a time of 6 minutes and 15 seconds. She is pictured with runner-up Christy Simons, left, and second runner-up Mariah Anstaett, right. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Shubert, center, won the stein-holding contest with a time of 6 minutes and 15 seconds. She is pictured with runner-up Christy Simons, left, and second runner-up Mariah Anstaett, right. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034372822.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034488667.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034537431.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696034604833.jpeg" alt="Clint Newell won the stein-holding contest. He set a record by holding the stein for 19 minutes and 12 seconds.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Clint Newell won the stein-holding contest. He set a record by holding the stein for 19 minutes and 12 seconds.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Oktoberfest 2023 in photos, Saturday schedule

The Sunflower Electric Power Corp. board of directors appointed Corey Linville as senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply and Al Tamimi as senior vice president and chief operations officer of transmission, effective immediately. 

Linville and Tamimi succeed Kyle Nelson, who will retire at the end of 2024 after 35 years at Sunflower.

Nelson joined Sunflower in 1989 and was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2008. He served on the executive team, managed both the generation and transmission operations departments, and worked with Sunflower’s generation expansion task force since May 2001. He will assist with the transition of his duties to Linville and Tamimi during his remaining tenure at Sunflower.

“I cannot express enough gratitude to the Sunflower Board of Directors, both former and current members, for allowing me to spend more than three decades at Sunflower,” Nelson said. “It’s been a rewarding career filled with great people and amazing opportunities and challenges. I’ve taken immense pride in helping Sunflower meet our mission to provide wholesale energy services at the lowest possible cost to our member-owners. It will be hard to leave, but I’m confident Sunflower is in good hands with the recent appointments of Corey and Al.”

Linville joined Sunflower in 1993 and was promoted to vice president of power supply and delivery in 2013. A member of Sunflower’s executive team, his responsibilities have included system operations, resource planning, power contracts, market operations, and member services. As senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply, he will also lead generation operations and generation engineering.

Tamimi joined Sunflower in 2001 and was promoted to vice president of transmission planning and policy in 2015. Also a member of Sunflower’s executive team, his responsibilities have included planning and designing transmission and distribution facilities, along with engagement in transmission and market policy issues. As senior&nbsp;vice president and chief operations officer of transmission, Tamimi will also lead transmission operations and transmission engineering.

Linville and Tamimi concurred that Nelson’s impact on Sunflower, especially on the operations department, will long remain and are honored to succeed him.

“The decision by the Sunflower board illustrates their dedication and commitment to our member-owners and to the Sunflower staff,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s interim president and CEO. “There is no question that Kyle’s retirement will leave big shoes to fill, so the board chose to make organizational structure changes early to ensure a smooth transition. I have no doubt the appointments of Al and Corey will do just that.”

About Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

 Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, established in 1957, is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier dedicated to serving its members by providing reliable power at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business and cooperative practices.

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., Scott City, Kan. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses, is also a member of Sunflower.

For more information, visit <a href="https://sunflower.net/">sunflower.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577977088095.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunflower ElectricThe Sunflower Electric Power Corp. board of directors appointed Corey Linville as senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply and Al Tamimi as senior vice president and chief operations officer of transmission, effective immediately. Linville and Tamimi succeed Kyle Nelson, who will retire at the end of 2024 after 35 years at Sunflower.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695670885186.jpeg" alt="Kyle Nelson, courtesy Sunflower Electric" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Nelson, courtesy Sunflower Electric</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson joined Sunflower in 1989 and was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2008. He served on the executive team, managed both the generation and transmission operations departments, and worked with Sunflower’s generation expansion task force since May 2001. He will assist with the transition of his duties to Linville and Tamimi during his remaining tenure at Sunflower.“I cannot express enough gratitude to the Sunflower Board of Directors, both former and current members, for allowing me to spend more than three decades at Sunflower,” Nelson said. “It’s been a rewarding career filled with great people and amazing opportunities and challenges. I’ve taken immense pride in helping Sunflower meet our mission to provide wholesale energy services at the lowest possible cost to our member-owners. It will be hard to leave, but I’m confident Sunflower is in good hands with the recent appointments of Corey and Al.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695670791279.jpeg" alt="Corey Linville, courtesy Sunflower Electric&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Corey Linville, courtesy Sunflower Electric&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Linville joined Sunflower in 1993 and was promoted to vice president of power supply and delivery in 2013. A member of Sunflower’s executive team, his responsibilities have included system operations, resource planning, power contracts, market operations, and member services. As senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply, he will also lead generation operations and generation engineering.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695670977182.jpeg" alt="Al Tamimi, courtesy Sunflower Electric" />
 <figcaption>Al Tamimi, courtesy Sunflower Electric</figcaption>
 </figure>Tamimi joined Sunflower in 2001 and was promoted to vice president of transmission planning and policy in 2015. Also a member of Sunflower’s executive team, his responsibilities have included planning and designing transmission and distribution facilities, along with engagement in transmission and market policy issues. As senior&nbsp;vice president and chief operations officer of transmission, Tamimi will also lead transmission operations and transmission engineering.Linville and Tamimi concurred that Nelson’s impact on Sunflower, especially on the operations department, will long remain and are honored to succeed him.“The decision by the Sunflower board illustrates their dedication and commitment to our member-owners and to the Sunflower staff,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s interim president and CEO. “There is no question that Kyle’s retirement will leave big shoes to fill, so the board chose to make organizational structure changes early to ensure a smooth transition. I have no doubt the appointments of Al and Corey will do just that.”About Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, established in 1957, is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier dedicated to serving its members by providing reliable power at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business and cooperative practices.Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., Scott City, Kan. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses, is also a member of Sunflower. For more information, visit <a href="https://sunflower.net/">sunflower.net</a>.

Sunflower appoints new chief operations officers; Nelson announces retirement

The Hays Public Library has hired a new Public Services Coordinator,&nbsp;who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.

Hays native Jenni Rajewski says she is&nbsp;looking forward to working with all the elementary school kids and their parents, as well as working to support the schools in all their activities and educational endeavors.

Rajewski began working at the library on September 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695655996437.jpeg" alt="Jenni Rajewski&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jenni Rajewski&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HPLThe Hays Public Library has hired a new Public Services Coordinator,&nbsp;who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.Hays native Jenni Rajewski says she is&nbsp;looking forward to working with all the elementary school kids and their parents, as well as working to support the schools in all their activities and educational endeavors.Rajewski began working at the library on September 11.

Hays Public Library hires youth public services coordinator

BUNKER HILL - Smoky Hills PBS announced that it is now live streaming on Hulu + Live TV, one of the nation’s largest streaming services for live television with more than 4.5 million subscribers. 

Hulu + Live TV’s subscribers will now have access to inspiring and educational content from Smoky Hills PBS like Traveling Kansas and Doctors On Call along with PBS favorites including&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3735452-1&amp;h=107279279&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fshow%2Fnewshour%2F&amp;a=PBS+NEWSHOUR" target="_blank">PBS NewsHour</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3735452-1&amp;h=1384292231&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fshow%2Ffrontline%2F&amp;a=FRONTLINE" target="_blank">FRONTLINE,</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3735452-1&amp;h=2529308816&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fshow%2Fantiques-roadshow%2F&amp;a=ANTIQUES+ROADSHOW" target="_blank">Antiques Roadshow,</a>&nbsp;and Smoky Hills PBS KIDS channel.

Participating PBS stations like Smoky Hills PBS will make Hulu + Live TV available in more than 300 markets over the next year. This agreement represents PBS’s continued commitment to make its quality and award-winning content accessible to all Americans on as many digital platforms as possible.

“We are thrilled that one of the largest live TV streaming services is now home to&nbsp;quality local programming from PBS Member Stations,” said&nbsp;PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Ira Rubenstein. “As more and more households look to digital streaming offerings, this announcement is part of our commitment to meet audiences where they are with the PBS programming they know and love. PBS will continue to make trusted content available to all households across as many platforms as possible. We thank Hulu + Live TV for working with us to provide our viewers with more ways to watch programs through their local PBS station.”

“As one of the largest live TV streaming services in the U.S., we are committed to providing a best-in-class user experience and a premium national and local channel line-up for our millions of subscribers” said&nbsp;Reagan Feeney, SVP, Live TV Content Programming and Partnerships for Hulu.&nbsp;“PBS and PBS KIDS are among the most frequently requested channels by our subscribers and we’re thrilled to add them to our core line-up that now includes more than 90 live channels.”

PBS, PBS KIDS, and local station content is also available on PBS.org and&nbsp;<a href="http://pbskids.org/" target="_blank">pbskids.org</a>, as well as the PBS Video App and PBS KIDS Video app available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and smart TVs from Samsung and Vizio. Local PBS station members are also able to view an extended library of quality public television programming via Passport.&nbsp; Contact Smoky Hills PBS for more details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589894008864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL - Smoky Hills PBS announced that it is now live streaming on Hulu + Live TV, one of the nation’s largest streaming services for live television with more than 4.5 million subscribers. Hulu + Live TV’s subscribers will now have access to inspiring and educational content from Smoky Hills PBS like Traveling Kansas and Doctors On Call along with PBS favorites including&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3735452-1&amp;h=107279279&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fshow%2Fnewshour%2F&amp;a=PBS+NEWSHOUR" target="_blank">PBS NewsHour</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3735452-1&amp;h=1384292231&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fshow%2Ffrontline%2F&amp;a=FRONTLINE" target="_blank">FRONTLINE,</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3735452-1&amp;h=2529308816&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fshow%2Fantiques-roadshow%2F&amp;a=ANTIQUES+ROADSHOW" target="_blank">Antiques Roadshow,</a>&nbsp;and Smoky Hills PBS KIDS channel.Participating PBS stations like Smoky Hills PBS will make Hulu + Live TV available in more than 300 markets over the next year. This agreement represents PBS’s continued commitment to make its quality and award-winning content accessible to all Americans on as many digital platforms as possible.“We are thrilled that one of the largest live TV streaming services is now home to&nbsp;quality local programming from PBS Member Stations,” said&nbsp;PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Ira Rubenstein. “As more and more households look to digital streaming offerings, this announcement is part of our commitment to meet audiences where they are with the PBS programming they know and love. PBS will continue to make trusted content available to all households across as many platforms as possible. We thank Hulu + Live TV for working with us to provide our viewers with more ways to watch programs through their local PBS station.”“As one of the largest live TV streaming services in the U.S., we are committed to providing a best-in-class user experience and a premium national and local channel line-up for our millions of subscribers” said&nbsp;Reagan Feeney, SVP, Live TV Content Programming and Partnerships for Hulu.&nbsp;“PBS and PBS KIDS are among the most frequently requested channels by our subscribers and we’re thrilled to add them to our core line-up that now includes more than 90 live channels.”PBS, PBS KIDS, and local station content is also available on PBS.org and&nbsp;<a href="http://pbskids.org/" target="_blank">pbskids.org</a>, as well as the PBS Video App and PBS KIDS Video app available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and smart TVs from Samsung and Vizio. Local PBS station members are also able to view an extended library of quality public television programming via Passport.&nbsp; Contact Smoky Hills PBS for more details.

Smoky Hills PBS now available to Hulu + Live TV subscribers   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696015768886.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>

TMP-Marian (3-1, 3-0 MCL) at Russell (2-2,
2-1 MCL) Friday, September 29 - 7 p.m. Russell, Kan. – Shaffer Field Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595456">Monarchs Sports Network CLICK
HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marians Monarchs travel to
Russell Friday night for big MCL and 2A district match up between the two longtime
rivals. 

Both teams are looking for a rebound
performance after the Monarchs lost to Scott City last week to drop to 3-1 on
the season while Russell lost their second straight at Beloit.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Shaffer
Field in Russell. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

Friday night’s meeting is the 77th
all-time with TMP leading the series 49-26-1 but Russell has won the last two.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (3-1, 3-0 MCL) at Russell (2-2,
2-1 MCL) Friday, September 29 - 7 p.m. Russell, Kan. – Shaffer Field Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595456">Monarchs Sports Network CLICK
HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marians Monarchs travel to
Russell Friday night for big MCL and 2A district match up between the two longtime
rivals. Both teams are looking for a rebound
performance after the Monarchs lost to Scott City last week to drop to 3-1 on
the season while Russell lost their second straight at Beloit.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Shaffer
Field in Russell. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595456?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Friday night’s meeting is the 77th
all-time with TMP leading the series 49-26-1 but Russell has won the last two.