By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After many years, the IT director for the city of Hays is finally close to getting his fervent wish - a new home for the city's data center.

The proposed project is in conjunction with the city's third fire station, currently under construction at 41st and Post Road in the northwest part of town, Chad Ruder explained to city commissioners during Thursday's work session.

"I care deeply for the firefighters," he said with a smile, "but this is actually more for me on the second point.

"My entire career I've wanted to design a data center and get things out of the flood plain."

The city's server headquarters and fire department headquarters are both currently housed in city hall, 1507 Main, in downtown Hays. 

The building is in the flood plain and has flooded several times over the years. It also has a flat roof susceptible to leaks during hard rains.

"I can't enjoy clouds in the sky," Ruder said. "If it looks like it's going to rain, I think of the times when I'm down here when either flooding comes from the ground or the flat roof situation that we have.

"Just back here in the hall one time, we had a good four inches of rain pouring out. It's not some place you want to keep your server." 

Most of the city's computer servers are housed in city hall, with some redundancy in the police department, 105 W. 12th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Getting out of here and being able to design something that isn't just a closet or an old room that you move your servers to, has been a goal of mine for a very long time."

A city-owned dedicated or "dark" fiber line to the new fire station would be constructed to provide high-speed connectivity for the Hays Fire Department new headquarters and also allow the city’s IT Department to move its core network servers from city hall to the new station.

"We've gotta have something rock solid if the servers are sitting somewhere else to feed the rest of the city," Ruder said.&nbsp;

The project is being done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities. 

The low bid from Nex-Tech, Hays, of $94,608  came in lower than what was budgeted for the city's portion.&nbsp;

The county's share of&nbsp;$144,866 is larger because of the further distance to the new public works building. County commissioners approved their bid during their meeting Tuesday.

Although the cable would be shared from city hall, the individual fiber strands within the cable would be completely segregated allowing the city and county to each have 12 dedicated strands for current needs and future growth to the new facilities.&nbsp;

In other business, commissioner heard from Jesse Rohr, director of public works, about the KCWI Addition final plat. This is an infill plat on the site of the former St. John’s Nursing Home in the 2400 block of Canterbury.&nbsp;

The proposed plat includes six&nbsp; total lots ranging in size from 7,426 sq. ft. to 27,964 sq. ft., allowing for future development of multi-family housing on the property owned by KC Western Investments.&nbsp;

The Hays Area Planning Commission has already approved the final plat and city staff is recommending approval as well.

Commissioner will vote on both items at their Sept. 28 meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695514600691.jpeg" alt="The flat-roof building housing most of the city of Hays data servers and the fire department headquarters, 1507 Main, sits in a flood plain. A new dark fiber cable would allow the servers to be moved to the new fire station under construction at 1732 W. 41st. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The flat-roof building housing most of the city of Hays data servers and the fire department headquarters, 1507 Main, sits in a flood plain. A new dark fiber cable would allow the servers to be moved to the new fire station under construction at 1732 W. 41st. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter many years, the IT director for the city of Hays is finally close to getting his fervent wish - a new home for the city's data center.The proposed project is in conjunction with the city's third fire station, currently under construction at 41st and Post Road in the northwest part of town, Chad Ruder explained to city commissioners during Thursday's work session."I care deeply for the firefighters," he said with a smile, "but this is actually more for me on the second point."My entire career I've wanted to design a data center and get things out of the flood plain."The city's server headquarters and fire department headquarters are both currently housed in city hall, 1507 Main, in downtown Hays. The building is in the flood plain and has flooded several times over the years. It also has a flat roof susceptible to leaks during hard rains.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-NFBgwd1DI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I can't enjoy clouds in the sky," Ruder said. "If it looks like it's going to rain, I think of the times when I'm down here when either flooding comes from the ground or the flat roof situation that we have."Just back here in the hall one time, we had a good four inches of rain pouring out. It's not some place you want to keep your server." Most of the city's computer servers are housed in city hall, with some redundancy in the police department, 105 W. 12th.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Getting out of here and being able to design something that isn't just a closet or an old room that you move your servers to, has been a goal of mine for a very long time."A city-owned dedicated or "dark" fiber line to the new fire station would be constructed to provide high-speed connectivity for the Hays Fire Department new headquarters and also allow the city’s IT Department to move its core network servers from city hall to the new station."We've gotta have something rock solid if the servers are sitting somewhere else to feed the rest of the city," Ruder said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695509737283.png" alt="The new fiber line project would be constructed in coordination with Ellis County. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The new fiber line project would be constructed in coordination with Ellis County. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The project is being done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities. The low bid from Nex-Tech, Hays, of $94,608 came in lower than what was budgeted for the city's portion.&nbsp;The county's share of&nbsp;$144,866 is larger because of the further distance to the new public works building. County commissioners approved their bid during their meeting Tuesday.Although the cable would be shared from city hall, the individual fiber strands within the cable would be completely segregated allowing the city and county to each have 12 dedicated strands for current needs and future growth to the new facilities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695511812278.png" alt="Location of the KCWI Addition, at 24th and Canterbury, where more including multi-family housing units, could be developed in Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Location of the KCWI Addition, at 24th and Canterbury, where more including multi-family housing units, could be developed in Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>In other business, commissioner heard from Jesse Rohr, director of public works, about the KCWI Addition final plat. This is an infill plat on the site of the former St. John’s Nursing Home in the 2400 block of Canterbury.&nbsp;The proposed plat includes six&nbsp; total lots ranging in size from 7,426 sq. ft. to 27,964 sq. ft., allowing for future development of multi-family housing on the property owned by KC Western Investments.&nbsp;The Hays Area Planning Commission has already approved the final plat and city staff is recommending approval as well.Commissioner will vote on both items at their Sept. 28 meeting.&nbsp;

🎥 Hays IT Director: 'Gotta have something rock solid' to house data servers

MANHATTAN — Grain growers in western Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2023, filing deadline. 

The 2024 election will cover districts I, II and III — or the western third of Kansas.

• District I includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas counties.&nbsp;

• District II includes Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego, Wallace and Wichita counties.&nbsp;

• District III includes Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties.

To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.

Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible growers to be included on the 2024 ballot.&nbsp;No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate.&nbsp;Eligible growers are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.&nbsp;

Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. 

The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.IOQ9b4DlnL2rJPQK3xf9CfNMvhlaCNgTRJlGQgB2Phs/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.&nbsp;Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.

Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or directly from the grain commodity commissions.&nbsp; 

• Kansas Department of Agriculture: 785-564-6726 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.72aH4H7_ZA30YOzmqPNpDeTnz7qf-06kDFEnXFETo9k/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Corn Commission: 785-410-5009 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3Njb3JuLmNvbS9rY2MvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.yFteeB64Ty6PJHte0G_29FdNTnVrZhYNOiU5ACTb-a8/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/kcc/</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission: 785-477-9474 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NncmFpbnNvcmdodW0ub3JnL2NvbW1pc3Npb24vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.C9X_5y9cr_53duUVjgfqKoIVnerXmfDWQRHMYNqQvJg/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/commission/</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Soybean Commission: 785-271-1040 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2Fuc2Fzc295YmVhbnMub3JnL2Fib3V0LXRoZS1jb21taXNzaW9uLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.Zl3vVs-ZhKEVVaKfLuC1SPatZyfJRzHyYVTzv68QVoA/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/about-the-commission/</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Sunflower Commission: 785-452-1519 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:peircefarms@gmail.com" target="_blank">peircefarms@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Wheat Commission: 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc3doZWF0LmNvbS9hYm91dC9rYW5zYXMtd2hlYXQtY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.UsmbWG4EqKRK9B9553WI6iXeNcX3_glzLh6QboaUH0c/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/about/kansas-wheat-commission</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684507773485.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixbay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixbay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Grain growers in western Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2023, filing deadline. The 2024 election will cover districts I, II and III — or the western third of Kansas.• District I includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas counties.&nbsp;• District II includes Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego, Wallace and Wichita counties.&nbsp;• District III includes Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties.To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible growers to be included on the 2024 ballot.&nbsp;No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate.&nbsp;Eligible growers are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.&nbsp;Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.IOQ9b4DlnL2rJPQK3xf9CfNMvhlaCNgTRJlGQgB2Phs/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.&nbsp;Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or directly from the grain commodity commissions.&nbsp; More information is available:• Kansas Department of Agriculture: 785-564-6726 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.72aH4H7_ZA30YOzmqPNpDeTnz7qf-06kDFEnXFETo9k/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Corn Commission: 785-410-5009 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3Njb3JuLmNvbS9rY2MvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.yFteeB64Ty6PJHte0G_29FdNTnVrZhYNOiU5ACTb-a8/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/kcc/</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission: 785-477-9474 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NncmFpbnNvcmdodW0ub3JnL2NvbW1pc3Npb24vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.C9X_5y9cr_53duUVjgfqKoIVnerXmfDWQRHMYNqQvJg/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/commission/</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Soybean Commission: 785-271-1040 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2Fuc2Fzc295YmVhbnMub3JnL2Fib3V0LXRoZS1jb21taXNzaW9uLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.Zl3vVs-ZhKEVVaKfLuC1SPatZyfJRzHyYVTzv68QVoA/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/about-the-commission/</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Sunflower Commission: 785-452-1519 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:peircefarms@gmail.com" target="_blank">peircefarms@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Wheat Commission: 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc3doZWF0LmNvbS9hYm91dC9rYW5zYXMtd2hlYXQtY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.UsmbWG4EqKRK9B9553WI6iXeNcX3_glzLh6QboaUH0c/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/about/kansas-wheat-commission</a>&nbsp;

Commodity Commission candidates for W. Kansas face Nov. 30 filing deadline

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chrysler 300M driven by Ethan D.&nbsp;Koelling, 19, Natoma, was southbound on U.S. 183 approximately four miles north of Interstate 70.

The car struck a southbound 2006 Toyota Sienna driven by Kenneth E.&nbsp;Kinderknecht, 68, Collyer, who had slowed to look at a truck for sale on the east side of the road.

EMS transported&nbsp;Koelling to Hays Medical Center. Kinderknecht was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Ellis County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chrysler 300M driven by Ethan D.&nbsp;Koelling, 19, Natoma, was southbound on U.S. 183 approximately four miles north of Interstate 70.The car struck a southbound 2006 Toyota Sienna driven by Kenneth E.&nbsp;Kinderknecht, 68, Collyer, who had slowed to look at a truck for sale on the east side of the road.EMS transported&nbsp;Koelling to Hays Medical Center. Kinderknecht was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man hospitalized after car, minivan crash

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;recognized a group of 11 undergraduate students who will study to be leaders in veterinary medicine through the college's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/">Early Admission Program</a>.&nbsp;

Established in 1999, the Early Admission Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest undergraduate students who are committed to studying veterinary medicine."For the August 2023-February 2024 application cycle, K-State College of Veterinary Medicine received 75 applications for the early admission program," said Caroline Rost, assistant dean of admissions in the college.

"Although we met many talented applicants during the interviews this year, 11 applicants were accepted into the program based on academic history, experiences in the last four years, communication skills and interview outcomes. These students represent some of the brightest students in the undergraduate student body.

"The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars: Conner Dinkel,&nbsp;Hill City; Hudson Hildebrand,&nbsp;Overland Park; Kaley Wagner,&nbsp;Smith Center; Ainsley Stiles,&nbsp;Topeka; and Bridget Johnson,&nbsp;Wichita. From out of state: Sadie Alger, Fair Oaks, California; Alyssa Chevalier,&nbsp;Chicago, Illinois; Kailee Irvin,&nbsp;Vernon Hills, Illinois; Rahul Chopra,&nbsp;Malden, Massachusetts; Aidan Anderson,&nbsp;Saint Paul, Nebraska; and Ella Robinson,&nbsp;Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.

All scholars are first-year students in animal sciences and industry except Johnson, who is studying biology.Successful candidates in the Early Admission Scholars program must maintain a 3.3 GPA during completion of the science prerequisites, and they must complete the 64 hours of prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum in the fall.

The science courses on the prerequisite list must be completed at K-State. Candidates also must strengthen their veterinary experiences, attend K-State events and participate in volunteer work.

The College of Veterinary Medicine assigns a veterinary student mentor to each Early Admit Scholar to stimulate career and academic development and to provide orientation and access to college activities. The pre-veterinary students attend regular meetings during the academic year to develop a sense of community and share their progress.

For information about how to apply for the program and program requirements, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/index.html">Early Admission Program website</a>. Current high school seniors can apply now through Feb. 1, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695039087878.png" alt="The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars for the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will study to become leaders in veterinary medicine. Back row, from left: Rahul Chopra, Ella Gardner, Alyssa Chevalier, Sadie Alger, Hudson Hildebrand and Conner Dinkel. Front row, from left: Kailee Irvin, Ainsley Stiles, Kaley Wagner, Bridget Johnson and Aidan Anderson. " />
 <figcaption>The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars for the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will study to become leaders in veterinary medicine. Back row, from left: Rahul Chopra, Ella Gardner, Alyssa Chevalier, Sadie Alger, Hudson Hildebrand and Conner Dinkel. Front row, from left: Kailee Irvin, Ainsley Stiles, Kaley Wagner, Bridget Johnson and Aidan Anderson. </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Rylee CoyMANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;recognized a group of 11 undergraduate students who will study to be leaders in veterinary medicine through the college's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/">Early Admission Program</a>.&nbsp;Established in 1999, the Early Admission Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest undergraduate students who are committed to studying veterinary medicine."For the August 2023-February 2024 application cycle, K-State College of Veterinary Medicine received 75 applications for the early admission program," said Caroline Rost, assistant dean of admissions in the college."Although we met many talented applicants during the interviews this year, 11 applicants were accepted into the program based on academic history, experiences in the last four years, communication skills and interview outcomes. These students represent some of the brightest students in the undergraduate student body."The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars: Conner Dinkel,&nbsp;Hill City; Hudson Hildebrand,&nbsp;Overland Park; Kaley Wagner,&nbsp;Smith Center; Ainsley Stiles,&nbsp;Topeka; and Bridget Johnson,&nbsp;Wichita. From out of state: Sadie Alger, Fair Oaks, California; Alyssa Chevalier,&nbsp;Chicago, Illinois; Kailee Irvin,&nbsp;Vernon Hills, Illinois; Rahul Chopra,&nbsp;Malden, Massachusetts; Aidan Anderson,&nbsp;Saint Paul, Nebraska; and Ella Robinson,&nbsp;Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.All scholars are first-year students in animal sciences and industry except Johnson, who is studying biology.Successful candidates in the Early Admission Scholars program must maintain a 3.3 GPA during completion of the science prerequisites, and they must complete the 64 hours of prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum in the fall.The science courses on the prerequisite list must be completed at K-State. Candidates also must strengthen their veterinary experiences, attend K-State events and participate in volunteer work.The College of Veterinary Medicine assigns a veterinary student mentor to each Early Admit Scholar to stimulate career and academic development and to provide orientation and access to college activities. The pre-veterinary students attend regular meetings during the academic year to develop a sense of community and share their progress.For information about how to apply for the program and program requirements, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/index.html">Early Admission Program website</a>. Current high school seniors can apply now through Feb. 1, 2024.

KSU College of Veterinary Medicine announces 2023 class of early admission scholars

Our political leaders are old, and many are elderly. Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting Senator at age 90. She has experienced a string of serious health issues, but remains committed to serving out her term. At age 88, Senator Chuck Grassley recently won an eighth term that will end when he reaches his mid-90s.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer is 72, and Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, is 81. McConnell recently froze involuntarily at two public events prompting questions about his fitness for office. At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the oldest representative elected as House Speaker. Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83 and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82. Now at 83, Pelosi declared she will again seek reelection.

Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77. At 80, Biden became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign. His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump, is 77 years old. Congress is older than it’s ever been. The median Senator is 65, and the median House member is 58.

Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages 64 and 69 respectively. Three Kansas House members are notably younger. Representatives Mann and Davis are in their 40s and Jake LaTurner a mere 35. State politicians are aging too. The average age of statehouse members is 56. Some states, like New Hampshire, the average age is much higher at 66. In Kansas it’s 58.

For sitting governors, the average age is 58. Eleven governors, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, are at least 70. Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey is the oldest at 77. No other occupation skews this old nor produces so many senior leaders. We seem to have a gerontocracy. Millennials are the largest generation by population but one of the smallest groups in Congress.

None of this may bother you. People are living and working longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.

Yet age impacts representation. Aging politicians are more focused on issues important to older Americans such as social security and Medicare. And this comes at the expense of issues younger Americans care about. Very few young people even run for office. In 2018, several Kansas teenagers campaigned for governor. The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office.

More typically, young people grow frustrated by our graying institutions and disengage politically, which starts a self-perpetuating cycle. If older legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues important to young people. Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. Kansas for example requires judges to retire at age 75. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected offices. A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldest cohorts.

Americans do appreciate older, seasoned lawmakers. And they know age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. But they also know older politicians stay too long sacrificing younger generations that bring fresh ideas and energy. Senator Mitt Romney’s recent retirement shows aging politicians will pass the torch. Senior senators Cardin, Carper, and Stabenow decided to retire as well.

Dr. Mark Joslyn, is a professor of political science at the&nbsp;University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>Our political leaders are old, and many are elderly. Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting Senator at age 90. She has experienced a string of serious health issues, but remains committed to serving out her term. At age 88, Senator Chuck Grassley recently won an eighth term that will end when he reaches his mid-90s.Senate Majority Leader Schumer is 72, and Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, is 81. McConnell recently froze involuntarily at two public events prompting questions about his fitness for office. At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the oldest representative elected as House Speaker. Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83 and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82. Now at 83, Pelosi declared she will again seek reelection.Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77. At 80, Biden became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign. His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump, is 77 years old. Congress is older than it’s ever been. The median Senator is 65, and the median House member is 58.Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages 64 and 69 respectively. Three Kansas House members are notably younger. Representatives Mann and Davis are in their 40s and Jake LaTurner a mere 35. State politicians are aging too. The average age of statehouse members is 56. Some states, like New Hampshire, the average age is much higher at 66. In Kansas it’s 58.For sitting governors, the average age is 58. Eleven governors, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, are at least 70. Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey is the oldest at 77. No other occupation skews this old nor produces so many senior leaders. We seem to have a gerontocracy. Millennials are the largest generation by population but one of the smallest groups in Congress.None of this may bother you. People are living and working longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Yet age impacts representation. Aging politicians are more focused on issues important to older Americans such as social security and Medicare. And this comes at the expense of issues younger Americans care about. Very few young people even run for office. In 2018, several Kansas teenagers campaigned for governor. The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office.More typically, young people grow frustrated by our graying institutions and disengage politically, which starts a self-perpetuating cycle. If older legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues important to young people. Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. Kansas for example requires judges to retire at age 75. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected offices. A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldest cohorts.Americans do appreciate older, seasoned lawmakers. And they know age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. But they also know older politicians stay too long sacrificing younger generations that bring fresh ideas and energy. Senator Mitt Romney’s recent retirement shows aging politicians will pass the torch. Senior senators Cardin, Carper, and Stabenow decided to retire as well.It’s a start.Dr. Mark Joslyn, is a professor of political science at the&nbsp;University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Politics is for old people  

<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/2023/9/1695413074891.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

🎙 Post Podcast: Carbohydrates an important part of the diet

Annual Essenfest is October 22; chefs can register now

KANSAS CITY – Geographic information system staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are proud to offer hunters a new tool this year designed to make locating fields managed specifically for dove easier than ever. Each year, KDWP’s public land managers work diligently to provide quality wildlife habitat for public enjoyment – to include crops of sunflowers, milo and wheat stubble – that are sure to attract good numbers of wildlife, including dove.

To make locating these areas as seamless as possible, hunters should:

PRO TIP: Hunters should note the tool’s “Nearest Field Locator,” which allows users to select a point on the map and then search within a distance radius of their choosing.

The 2023 Kansas dove hunting season will run September 1 through November 29, during which time hunters may take mourning, white-winged, Eurasian collared, and ringed turtle doves. After the season closes, only Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves may be harvested.

Hunters may keep a daily bag limit of up to 15 doves total, which can be mourning and white-winged doves in any combination; There is no limit on Eurasian collared or ringed turtle doves, but any taken in addition to the mourning and white-winged dove daily bag limit must have a fully-feathered wing attached for identification while in transport. The possession limit for dove is 45.

Lastly, hunters should keep in mind that migratory doves may only be taken while in flight.

To learn more about doves in Kansas, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc291dGRvb3JzLmNvbS9IdW50aW5nL01pZ3JhdG9yeS1CaXJkcy9Eb3ZlMiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjUuODE2ODExODEifQ.ak3r5x3CyxwKDuIaGsYQNr_xEHZ_EVsl9Lvbyk7JBxg/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

To purchase 2023 Kansas hunting licenses and permits, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9nb291dGRvb3Jza2Fuc2FzLmNvbS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjgxMTgxIn0.zMaQ5QTQjjyPzMIymtb0tS7PCnHQkhvsR2dALiZh_AI/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">GoOutdoorsKansas.com</a>&nbsp;or download the Go Outdoor Kansas mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vTGljZW5zZS1QZXJtaXRzL0tEV1AtTW9iaWxlLUFwcHMvR29PdXRkb29yc0tTLU1vYmlsZS1BcHAiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjgxMTgxIn0.m1IJqxP08xMy1tvtUwgAmzCFKn-sdvaZLfibeQwoWOM/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695223855161.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPKANSAS CITY – Geographic information system staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are proud to offer hunters a new tool this year designed to make locating fields managed specifically for dove easier than ever. Each year, KDWP’s public land managers work diligently to provide quality wildlife habitat for public enjoyment – to include crops of sunflowers, milo and wheat stubble – that are sure to attract good numbers of wildlife, including dove.To make locating these areas as seamless as possible, hunters should:<ol>
 <li>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9NaWdyYXRvcnktQmlyZHMvRG92ZTIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjgxMTgxIn0.wenS8Nj00xi82JeHo6R-W3rOuhHxVDq2pR6nhbxwPKQ/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Dove2</a>.</li><li>Click the first available link,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZXhwZXJpZW5jZS5hcmNnaXMuY29tL2V4cGVyaWVuY2UvMWQ2YjRmNTU4NmJjNGNjMmEzMGNmNDEyMjA1YTc2MDciLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjgxMTgxIn0.mz2AwLeSu8qaeVQq18Mio46GueCDwLa1hf46nSgHzs4/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1d6b4f5586bc4cc2a30cf412205a7607</a>.</li><li>Zoom in on the area they’d like to visit.</li><li>Adjust layers accordingly. (Layers allow the user to filter results, based on things such as handicap accessibility or youth-mentor fields. A table-view pop-out at the bottom of the map allows users to sort by different attributes, including wildlife area.)</li>
 </ol>PRO TIP: Hunters should note the tool’s “Nearest Field Locator,” which allows users to select a point on the map and then search within a distance radius of their choosing.The 2023 Kansas dove hunting season will run September 1 through November 29, during which time hunters may take mourning, white-winged, Eurasian collared, and ringed turtle doves. After the season closes, only Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves may be harvested.Hunters may keep a daily bag limit of up to 15 doves total, which can be mourning and white-winged doves in any combination; There is no limit on Eurasian collared or ringed turtle doves, but any taken in addition to the mourning and white-winged dove daily bag limit must have a fully-feathered wing attached for identification while in transport. The possession limit for dove is 45.Lastly, hunters should keep in mind that migratory doves may only be taken while in flight.To learn more about doves in Kansas, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc291dGRvb3JzLmNvbS9IdW50aW5nL01pZ3JhdG9yeS1CaXJkcy9Eb3ZlMiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjUuODE2ODExODEifQ.ak3r5x3CyxwKDuIaGsYQNr_xEHZ_EVsl9Lvbyk7JBxg/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.To purchase 2023 Kansas hunting licenses and permits, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9nb291dGRvb3Jza2Fuc2FzLmNvbS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjgxMTgxIn0.zMaQ5QTQjjyPzMIymtb0tS7PCnHQkhvsR2dALiZh_AI/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">GoOutdoorsKansas.com</a>&nbsp;or download the Go Outdoor Kansas mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vTGljZW5zZS1QZXJtaXRzL0tEV1AtTW9iaWxlLUFwcHMvR29PdXRkb29yc0tTLU1vYmlsZS1BcHAiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjgxMTgxIn0.m1IJqxP08xMy1tvtUwgAmzCFKn-sdvaZLfibeQwoWOM/s/1303179659/br/224844693337-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

KDWP has new tool to locate fields for dove hunting

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Ellis County Fire Department chief Darin Myers discusses plans to celebrate the department's 50th year with The Morning Blends' Jeff Leiker.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Fire Department celebrates 50 years" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xwkms-14b133d-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=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Ellis County Fire Department chief Darin Myers discusses plans to celebrate the department's 50th year with The Morning Blends' Jeff Leiker.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Fire Department celebrates 50 years

College students intermingled with community members at Thursday evening's town hall meeting to hear about the dangers of fentanyl and its impact on Kansas and Ellis County.&nbsp;

"It's a sad reality that there is no community in our state, that there is no demographic in Kansas that is immune from fentanyl," said Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Mattivi, a former paramedic and prosecutor appointed in January by Gov. Laura Kelly, was the keynote speaker for the meeting hosted by High Plains Mental Health Center at Fort Hays State University.

"We have a very senior, very experienced agent at the KBI who woke up one morning to discover his 18-year-old son dead from an overdose of fentanyl," Mattivi said. "I tell you this because he wants to share his tragedy with Kansans. He wants you to become educated about the problem."

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain, according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine; two milligrams is a fatal dose of fentanyl.

Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally-made fentanyl. It's sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.

About three years ago, the fentanyl was coming from China. 

"We know the precursor chemicals are now being sent from China and India to Mexico," Mattivi said. "The drug cartels are manufacturing the fentanyl in Mexico - in pills, powders and liquids - and it's being brought into the U.S. across our southern border and it's being distributed from there through all the historical cartel supply lines."&nbsp;

It's the most profitable drug our society has ever seen, he said.

"In January, a fentanyl pill cost $20 to $30. We made a KBI purchase this week for $2.50 a pill, and it's getting cheaper.

"The cartels are trying to addict users, not kill them."&nbsp;

Dr. Steve Waring, who leads the Hays Medical Center Opioid Task Force, and Dr. Lee Smith, High Plains Mental Health psychiatry specialist, talked about the effects of fentanyl on the body, and how to obtain and use Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose. Known as Narcan, the over-the-counter nasal spray is readily available and can be used on anyone.&nbsp;

Several of the night's speakers encouraged people, especially teens and young adults, to keep Narcan on their person.&nbsp;

Even with targeted enforcement efforts to combat fentanyl and to interrupt its trafficking, Mattivi said "we are not going to be able to enforce our way out of this problem."

"We have to educate. We need the public's help.&nbsp;

"We have to educate our kids. We need parents to understand how dangerous this is for their kids. We need them to understand how it's getting out there to the kids - that social media is being used to distribute fentanyl.

"This really does need to be a call on society response to this epidemic."

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun asked for "the eyes and ears of young people particularly. You're out there. You see this stuff.

"Report it to someone who can make a difference. One life taken is too much."

Both the sheriff and police departments have anonymous crime tipping resources on their respective web sites.&nbsp;

Fentanyl is available in many different forms, and mixed with other illegal drugs including&nbsp;crack cocaine and  methamphetamine. It's even being sprayed on marijuana.

"We had someone in Kansas who died smoking a joint that they didn't know was laced with fentanyl," Mattivi said.

The drug is also sold in pill form as pure fentanyl.

"And then, tragically, we're seeing it mixed in with other (prescribed) drugs where you really wouldn't expect it like Percocet, or Adderall, or Xanax.

"So, if a young person takes a pill that they didn't get from a pharmacist, there's no way of knowing that there's not fentanyl in that pill."

The KBI recently formed the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol and several federal partners.

"We're going after every modality by which fentanyl can be trafficked into and through our state," Mattivi said.

"The Highway Patrol has historically done a wonderful job of highway interdiction, which means intercepting the loads that are being transported on the highway but we need to go beyond that.

"We're gonna go after motor carriers. We believe they're transporting fentanyl on buses,&nbsp;on rail, by air, by package shipments."

Sitting at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway U.S. 183, Hays is located in the midst of a favored drug traffic corridor, Mattivi said.&nbsp;

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler has previously said that counterfeit pills and fentanyl are the biggest drug threat in the community and that overdoses and deaths are occurring in Hays.

In Kansas, it is now a felony to cause a drug death by illegal distribution of that drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695396780016.png" alt="Courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostCollege students intermingled with community members at Thursday evening's town hall meeting to hear about the dangers of fentanyl and its impact on Kansas and Ellis County.&nbsp;"It's a sad reality that there is no community in our state, that there is no demographic in Kansas that is immune from fentanyl," said Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;Mattivi, a former paramedic and prosecutor appointed in January by Gov. Laura Kelly, was the keynote speaker for the meeting hosted by High Plains Mental Health Center at Fort Hays State University."It's even hit the KBI," he said."We have a very senior, very experienced agent at the KBI who woke up one morning to discover his 18-year-old son dead from an overdose of fentanyl," Mattivi said. "I tell you this because he wants to share his tragedy with Kansans. He wants you to become educated about the problem."Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain, according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine; two milligrams is a fatal dose of fentanyl.Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally-made fentanyl. It's sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W73wJNaxDX4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About three years ago, the fentanyl was coming from China. "We know the precursor chemicals are now being sent from China and India to Mexico," Mattivi said. "The drug cartels are manufacturing the fentanyl in Mexico - in pills, powders and liquids - and it's being brought into the U.S. across our southern border and it's being distributed from there through all the historical cartel supply lines."&nbsp;It's the most profitable drug our society has ever seen, he said."In January, a fentanyl pill cost $20 to $30. We made a KBI purchase this week for $2.50 a pill, and it's getting cheaper."The cartels are trying to addict users, not kill them."&nbsp;Dr. Steve Waring, who leads the Hays Medical Center Opioid Task Force, and Dr. Lee Smith, High Plains Mental Health psychiatry specialist, talked about the effects of fentanyl on the body, and how to obtain and use Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose. Known as Narcan, the over-the-counter nasal spray is readily available and can be used on anyone.&nbsp;Several of the night's speakers encouraged people, especially teens and young adults, to keep Narcan on their person.&nbsp;Even with targeted enforcement efforts to combat fentanyl and to interrupt its trafficking, Mattivi said "we are not going to be able to enforce our way out of this problem.""We have to educate. We need the public's help.&nbsp;"We have to educate our kids. We need parents to understand how dangerous this is for their kids. We need them to understand how it's getting out there to the kids - that social media is being used to distribute fentanyl."This really does need to be a call on society response to this epidemic."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695439397800.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun talks about the emerging public health crisis of fentanyl during Thursday's fentanyl town hall meeting in Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun talks about the emerging public health crisis of fentanyl during Thursday's fentanyl town hall meeting in Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun asked for "the eyes and ears of young people particularly. You're out there. You see this stuff. "Report it to someone who can make a difference. One life taken is too much."Both the sheriff and police departments have anonymous crime tipping resources on their respective web sites.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695396626659.jpeg" alt="The audience listens to Bob Duffy, coordinator of the Fort Hays State University Drug and Alcohol Wellness Network. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The audience listens to Bob Duffy, coordinator of the Fort Hays State University Drug and Alcohol Wellness Network. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Fentanyl is available in many different forms, and mixed with other illegal drugs including&nbsp;crack cocaine and methamphetamine. It's even being sprayed on marijuana."We had someone in Kansas who died smoking a joint that they didn't know was laced with fentanyl," Mattivi said.The drug is also sold in pill form as pure fentanyl."And then, tragically, we're seeing it mixed in with other (prescribed) drugs where you really wouldn't expect it like Percocet, or Adderall, or Xanax."So, if a young person takes a pill that they didn't get from a pharmacist, there's no way of knowing that there's not fentanyl in that pill."The KBI recently formed the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol and several federal partners."We're going after every modality by which fentanyl can be trafficked into and through our state," Mattivi said."The Highway Patrol has historically done a wonderful job of highway interdiction, which means intercepting the loads that are being transported on the highway but we need to go beyond that."We're gonna go after motor carriers. We believe they're transporting fentanyl on buses,&nbsp;on rail, by air, by package shipments."Sitting at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway U.S. 183, Hays is located in the midst of a favored drug traffic corridor, Mattivi said.&nbsp;Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler has previously said that counterfeit pills and fentanyl are the biggest drug threat in the community and that overdoses and deaths are occurring in Hays.In Kansas, it is now a felony to cause a drug death by illegal distribution of that drug.

🎥 KBI director: 'No community in Kansas is immune from fentanyl epidemic'

Living Well Wednesday will begin its fall series in October. It will be the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m. 

Here is the amazing line up for October 2023-December 2023:

October 4: It's not so Kool to JUUL

Vaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about vaping? What does it look like and who is behind this epidemic and why? So, how can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years, it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.

Presenter: Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant Coordinator

November 1: Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?

This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.

Presenters: • Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center •&nbsp;&nbsp;Erin Tynon, M.S in Family Life Education and Consultation; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County

December 6: Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it Matters

Offered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.

This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.

Presenters: • Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist • Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District •&nbsp; Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District Presenter for Spanish: • Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life &amp; Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County

We are hoping to reach parents of all ages and those that interact with youth. Spanish versions will also be available through a live webinar on December 7; other topics will be offered through prerecording with links posted on website: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/</a>

Mark your calendars and join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Living Well Wednesday will begin its fall series in October. It will be the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m. Here is the amazing line up for October 2023-December 2023:October 4: It's not so Kool to JUULVaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about vaping? What does it look like and who is behind this epidemic and why? So, how can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years, it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.Presenter: Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant CoordinatorNovember 1: Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.Presenters: • Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center •&nbsp;&nbsp;Erin Tynon, M.S in Family Life Education and Consultation; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County December 6: Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it MattersOffered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.Presenters: • Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist • Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District •&nbsp; Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District Presenter for Spanish: • Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life &amp; Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County We are hoping to reach parents of all ages and those that interact with youth. Spanish versions will also be available through a live webinar on December 7; other topics will be offered through prerecording with links posted on website: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/</a>Mark your calendars and join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Living Well Wednesday virtual learning series starts in Oct.

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College President Dr. Carl Heilman announced his intent to retire during the College’s Board of Trustees study session Sept. 12. Heilman will retire effective June 30, 2024.

Heilman has served as the college's fifth president for over 17 years, beginning his tenure in July of 2006. 

Under his leadership, a focus on new and diverse programming and affordable, accessible options for all students established his commitment to students and the communities the college serves.

“My service to the College has been a highlight of my career,” Heilman said. “There is still much to accomplish, and I look forward to continuing to guide progress for the next nine months while also paving the way for new leadership to move forward.”

Prior to serving Barton, Heilman was campus president for Lincoln Trail College – Illinois Eastern Community College District; vice president for student services and then vice-president for instruction and student services at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona; and chairperson/faculty, Iowa Lakes Community College in Iowa.&nbsp;

The board will begin the process of searching for Heilman’s successor in the coming months. Further details of the search will be available at the upcoming board meeting on Sept. 26, along with regular updates throughout the process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694556719371.jpeg" alt="Carl Heilman" />
 <figcaption>Carl Heilman</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College President Dr. Carl Heilman announced his intent to retire during the College’s Board of Trustees study session Sept. 12. Heilman will retire effective June 30, 2024.Heilman has served as the college's fifth president for over 17 years, beginning his tenure in July of 2006. Under his leadership, a focus on new and diverse programming and affordable, accessible options for all students established his commitment to students and the communities the college serves.“My service to the College has been a highlight of my career,” Heilman said. “There is still much to accomplish, and I look forward to continuing to guide progress for the next nine months while also paving the way for new leadership to move forward.”Prior to serving Barton, Heilman was campus president for Lincoln Trail College – Illinois Eastern Community College District; vice president for student services and then vice-president for instruction and student services at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona; and chairperson/faculty, Iowa Lakes Community College in Iowa.&nbsp;The board will begin the process of searching for Heilman’s successor in the coming months. Further details of the search will be available at the upcoming board meeting on Sept. 26, along with regular updates throughout the process.

Barton Community College president announces retirement

The general target date for planting wheat for optimum grain yields in Kansas is within a week of the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. If forage production is the primary goal, earlier planting (mid-September) can increase forage yield. However, if grain yield is the primary goal, then waiting until the BPMP date to start planting is the best approach 

Planting in mid-September is ideal for dual-purpose wheat systems where forage yields need to be maximized while reducing the effects of early planting on reduced grain yields. However, due to the current dry conditions, coupled with the outlook of continued drought in Kansas, planting wheat for dual-purpose or for forage only does not seem like a viable option this year.

While the BPMP planting date on wheat yield will hold true for most years, they will largely depend on environmental conditions and disease pressure during the growing season.

 In some years, earlier-planted wheat does best and in some years the later-planted wheat does best, and these year-specific performances usually relate to the weather experienced in the fall and spring. For instance, early-planted fields in growing seasons with a warm fall might produce excessive biomass that will use an excessive amount of water during the fall. If the following spring is dry, soil water deficit during grain filling then can reduce grain yield. Conversely, a warm fall would favor tillering of a later-planted wheat crop, helping to compensate for this delay. 

The opposite is also true: in years with an early onset of cold temperatures during the fall, an earlier planted crop might perform better than a later-planted crop due to its ability to produce enough fall tillers to maximize grain yield. 

Research was conducted by Merle Witt with late-sown wheat in Garden City from 1985 through 1991. Averaged across all these years, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date.

In dry years, seedling emergence and stand establishment can be uneven. These dry conditions can also lead to poor crown root development and fall tillering. If fields become too wet to plant by mid-October and stay that way through the remainder of the fall, then producers end up planting much later than the optimum planting date.

 Following an unusual year, producers will often start planting earlier than the recommended date if soil conditions are good because the negative consequences of adverse conditions are fresh on their minds. However, planting early also increases the risk of other production problems including multiple diseases, insect pests, weed infestations, and undesirable growth of the crop, to name a few. 

To read the full article of the many risks associated with early planting and to see accompanying tables with other information related to this article (recommended planting dates, etc.) go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.

In summary, early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, from increased chances of insect or mite-transmitted viral diseases to decreased emergence due to high temperatures and&nbsp;its consequences on wheat germination of particular varieties and reduced coleoptile length. 

Ideally, growers should consider planting around the optimum window; but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers should strongly consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.

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>The general target date for planting wheat for optimum grain yields in Kansas is within a week of the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. If forage production is the primary goal, earlier planting (mid-September) can increase forage yield. However, if grain yield is the primary goal, then waiting until the BPMP date to start planting is the best approach Planting in mid-September is ideal for dual-purpose wheat systems where forage yields need to be maximized while reducing the effects of early planting on reduced grain yields. However, due to the current dry conditions, coupled with the outlook of continued drought in Kansas, planting wheat for dual-purpose or for forage only does not seem like a viable option this year.While the BPMP planting date on wheat yield will hold true for most years, they will largely depend on environmental conditions and disease pressure during the growing season. In some years, earlier-planted wheat does best and in some years the later-planted wheat does best, and these year-specific performances usually relate to the weather experienced in the fall and spring. For instance, early-planted fields in growing seasons with a warm fall might produce excessive biomass that will use an excessive amount of water during the fall. If the following spring is dry, soil water deficit during grain filling then can reduce grain yield. Conversely, a warm fall would favor tillering of a later-planted wheat crop, helping to compensate for this delay. The opposite is also true: in years with an early onset of cold temperatures during the fall, an earlier planted crop might perform better than a later-planted crop due to its ability to produce enough fall tillers to maximize grain yield. Research was conducted by Merle Witt with late-sown wheat in Garden City from 1985 through 1991. Averaged across all these years, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date.In dry years, seedling emergence and stand establishment can be uneven. These dry conditions can also lead to poor crown root development and fall tillering. If fields become too wet to plant by mid-October and stay that way through the remainder of the fall, then producers end up planting much later than the optimum planting date. Following an unusual year, producers will often start planting earlier than the recommended date if soil conditions are good because the negative consequences of adverse conditions are fresh on their minds. However, planting early also increases the risk of other production problems including multiple diseases, insect pests, weed infestations, and undesirable growth of the crop, to name a few. To read the full article of the many risks associated with early planting and to see accompanying tables with other information related to this article (recommended planting dates, etc.) go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.In summary, early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, from increased chances of insect or mite-transmitted viral diseases to decreased emergence due to high temperatures and&nbsp;its consequences on wheat germination of particular varieties and reduced coleoptile length. Ideally, growers should consider planting around the optimum window; but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers should strongly consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.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: Be cautious of planting wheat too early   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695412936694.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 (3-0, 3-0 MCL) at Scott City (2-1, 1-0 GWAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Scott City, Kan. – O.L. Darner Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595455">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Scott City Friday night
for a matchup of a pair of old Mid-States Activities Association rivals.

The Monarchs have won three straight games to start the
season and are looking for their first four-game win streak since 2003. 

Scott City is looking to rebound from their first loss of
the season last week.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at O.L. Darner Field Lewis Field
in Scott City. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

The Beavers has won nine straight over TMP and lead the
all-time series 17-7-1 with the first game played between the two programs in
1940 (0-0).

The TMP victory over the Beavers came in the 2003 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (3-0, 3-0 MCL) at Scott City (2-1, 1-0 GWAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Scott City, Kan. – O.L. Darner Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595455">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Scott City Friday night
for a matchup of a pair of old Mid-States Activities Association rivals.The Monarchs have won three straight games to start the
season and are looking for their first four-game win streak since 2003. Scott City is looking to rebound from their first loss of
the season last week.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at O.L. Darner Field Lewis Field
in Scott City. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.The Beavers has won nine straight over TMP and lead the
all-time series 17-7-1 with the first game played between the two programs in
1940 (0-0).The TMP victory over the Beavers came in the 2003 season.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595455?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 TMP renews old rivarly at Scott City

Garden City (2-1, 0-0 WAC) at Hays High (2-1, 1-0 WAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595464">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians return home Friday night for a key Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Garden City Buffaloes.

The Indians are looking to rebound from their first loss of the season while the Buffaloes have won two straight.&nbsp;

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

For Hays, this is the third most played series with game
number 63 on the way. Garden City leads the series 34-28…with the Indians
winning two of the last three. Prior to 2020 though Garden City had won five
straight games. 25 of the 62 games have been decided by one
possession…including five of the last six. 

The two first started matching up in 1958 (a game Hays won
27-0) and played until 1973. The series was picked up again in 1977 and has
been played ever since. 

The most successful streak Hays ever had against Garden City
was from 1977 through 1987 when the Indians won 10 of 11 games. 

This series sits three games ahead of Larned and four in
front of Russell. The Indians last played Larned in 1991 and lead the series
36-21-2 in 59&nbsp; games and last competed
against Russell in 1986. Hays is ahead in that series with the Broncos
33-20-4…with one result not found.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Garden City (2-1, 0-0 WAC) at Hays High (2-1, 1-0 WAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595464">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians return home Friday night for a key Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Garden City Buffaloes.The Indians are looking to rebound from their first loss of the season while the Buffaloes have won two straight.&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.For Hays, this is the third most played series with game
number 63 on the way. Garden City leads the series 34-28…with the Indians
winning two of the last three. Prior to 2020 though Garden City had won five
straight games. 25 of the 62 games have been decided by one
possession…including five of the last six. The two first started matching up in 1958 (a game Hays won
27-0) and played until 1973. The series was picked up again in 1977 and has
been played ever since. The most successful streak Hays ever had against Garden City
was from 1977 through 1987 when the Indians won 10 of 11 games. This series sits three games ahead of Larned and four in
front of Russell. The Indians last played Larned in 1991 and lead the series
36-21-2 in 59&nbsp; games and last competed
against Russell in 1986. Hays is ahead in that series with the Broncos
33-20-4…with one result not found.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595464?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 Indians return home for WAC showdown with Garden City

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> StuCo president Brin and vice-president Addie discuss StuCo and Homecoming preparations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays High StuCo helps with Homecoming" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=z44ju-14b130d-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=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> StuCo president Brin and vice-president Addie discuss StuCo and Homecoming preparations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High StuCo helps with Homecoming

TOPEKA — Four Kansas elementary schools have been designated 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona announced Sept. 19.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement, according to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

There were 353 schools across the country designated as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including the four in Kansas.

Kansas schools that received the designation are&nbsp;Valley Heights Elementary School,&nbsp;Valley Heights Unified School District 498;&nbsp;Lakeside Elementary School,&nbsp;Waconda USD 272, Cawker City;&nbsp;Edgerton Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231; and&nbsp;Roesland Elementary School,&nbsp;Shawnee Mission USD 512.

The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Schools are recognized on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.

Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students.

Schools nominated for the Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools must complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture, philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures and parent and community involvement.

In the Exemplary High-Performing Category, schools are recognized for being among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

All Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

Now in its 40th&nbsp;year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented about 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards.

In Kansas, 145 (137 public and eight private schools) have been designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools since the program’s inception in 1983.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215293223.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KS Dept. of EducationTOPEKA — Four Kansas elementary schools have been designated 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona announced Sept. 19.The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement, according to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.There were 353 schools across the country designated as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including the four in Kansas.Kansas schools that received the designation are&nbsp;Valley Heights Elementary School,&nbsp;Valley Heights Unified School District 498;&nbsp;Lakeside Elementary School,&nbsp;Waconda USD 272, Cawker City;&nbsp;Edgerton Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231; and&nbsp;Roesland Elementary School,&nbsp;Shawnee Mission USD 512.The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Schools are recognized on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students.Schools nominated for the Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools must complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture, philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures and parent and community involvement.In the Exemplary High-Performing Category, schools are recognized for being among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.All Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.Now in its 40th&nbsp;year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented about 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards.In Kansas, 145 (137 public and eight private schools) have been designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools since the program’s inception in 1983.

Local