By Jonathan Zweygardt Hays Post

After accepting the results of a recent benefit study last
month, the Ellis County Commission will consider several new job descriptions
and a new pay scale at this week’s regularly scheduled meeting.

The commission hired the Arnold Group from Wichita to work
through the study with staff and the county’s executive team and Benefits Committee.


According to Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers, each
department will have to increase its budget authority increased but the overall
county budget will not increase.

A total of $950,000 has been set aside for the 2024 changes.

In other business, the commission will begin setting the
2025 budget calendar, review results of the recent Purple Wave auction, and hear
updates from the Human Society, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, St. John’s
Project in Victoria and activities from emergency preparedness. 

The Ellis County Commission meetings at 8:30 a.m. on the
first three Tuesdays of the month at the County Administrative Center, 718 Main
St., Hays.

By Jonathan Zweygardt Hays PostAfter accepting the results of a recent benefit study last
month, the Ellis County Commission will consider several new job descriptions
and a new pay scale at this week’s regularly scheduled meeting.The commission hired the Arnold Group from Wichita to work
through the study with staff and the county’s executive team and Benefits Committee.
According to Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers, each
department will have to increase its budget authority increased but the overall
county budget will not increase.A total of $950,000 has been set aside for the 2024 changes.In other business, the commission will begin setting the
2025 budget calendar, review results of the recent Purple Wave auction, and hear
updates from the Human Society, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, St. John’s
Project in Victoria and activities from emergency preparedness. The Ellis County Commission meetings at 8:30 a.m. on the
first three Tuesdays of the month at the County Administrative Center, 718 Main
St., Hays.

Ellis County Commission set to consider benefit study

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The next step in a lengthy process to establish another reinvestment housing incentive district was approved by the Hays City Commission Thursday.

The developer of the mixed-housing project north of HaysMed on Canterbury Drive, Grow Hays, is asking the city to finance and construct infrastructure related to the project. The city would utilize the estimated incentive district revenues of $8.2 million to offset its costs.

Unanimously approved was a resolution of affordable housing need findings by the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs to advance the state statutory process for creation of the incentive district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Construction of a new community center to be included at The Grove housing complex is expected to start this summer.&nbsp;

The commission also heard several updates on the R9 Ranch long-term water supply project.&nbsp;

The property was enrolled in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Walk-In Hunting Access Program (WIHA) last fall.

Property manager Chris Smith said the program was very successful with hunters from across the country accessing the ranch. There were no signs of vandalism or littering. Parks Department game wardens, who increased their presence on the newly enrolled property, also had no incident reports.  

Smith said the city may look next year at extending participation in the program into the spring turkey hunting season.

A statewide Mesonet weather station has been installed on the property in partnership with Kansas State University. The station collects various weather reports that can be viewed on&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/">https://mesonet.k-state.edu/</a>.

R9 Project Manager John Brown updated the wellfield and 77-mile pipeline design progress.

&nbsp;Notifications have been sent to affected property owners. The process of purchasing necessary easements from landowners will begin in July.

Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, talked about regulatory and legal proceedings.

The officer for the water transfer hearing has approved the application by the cities of Hays and Russell. A three-person hearing panel must make its decision by May 6.

Updated information about the R9 project is available on the city's website through the Department of Water Resources at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/879/R9-Property">https://www.haysusa.com/879/R9-Property</a>.

Tom Howie, project manager, updated the 13th Street upgrade in relation to the new high school and middle school building projects. It is being cost-shared between the city of Hays, Ellis County, state of Kansas, and Hays USD 489.&nbsp;

In a department projects update, Bielser said an open house for the new fire station will be scheduled later this month.

&nbsp;Commissioners also approved the mayor's appointment of&nbsp;Roderick Hanks, Hilton Garden Inn &amp; Convention Center, to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711933938736.jpeg" alt="Hays city commission at the March 28, 2024 meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commission at the March 28, 2024 meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe next step in a lengthy process to establish another reinvestment housing incentive district was approved by the Hays City Commission Thursday.The developer of the mixed-housing project north of HaysMed on Canterbury Drive, Grow Hays, is asking the city to finance and construct infrastructure related to the project. The city would utilize the estimated incentive district revenues of $8.2 million to offset its costs.Unanimously approved was a resolution of affordable housing need findings by the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs to advance the state statutory process for creation of the incentive district.&nbsp;&nbsp;Construction of a new community center to be included at The Grove housing complex is expected to start this summer.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711934023968.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission also heard several updates on the R9 Ranch long-term water supply project.&nbsp;The property was enrolled in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Walk-In Hunting Access Program (WIHA) last fall.Property manager Chris Smith said the program was very successful with hunters from across the country accessing the ranch. There were no signs of vandalism or littering. Parks Department game wardens, who increased their presence on the newly enrolled property, also had no incident reports. Smith said the city may look next year at extending participation in the program into the spring turkey hunting season.A statewide Mesonet weather station has been installed on the property in partnership with Kansas State University. The station collects various weather reports that can be viewed on&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/">https://mesonet.k-state.edu/</a>.R9 Project Manager John Brown updated the wellfield and 77-mile pipeline design progress.&nbsp;Notifications have been sent to affected property owners. The process of purchasing necessary easements from landowners will begin in July.Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, talked about regulatory and legal proceedings.The officer for the water transfer hearing has approved the application by the cities of Hays and Russell. A three-person hearing panel must make its decision by May 6.Updated information about the R9 project is available on the city's website through the Department of Water Resources at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/879/R9-Property">https://www.haysusa.com/879/R9-Property</a>.Tom Howie, project manager, updated the 13th Street upgrade in relation to the new high school and middle school building projects. It is being cost-shared between the city of Hays, Ellis County, state of Kansas, and Hays USD 489.&nbsp;In a department projects update, Bielser said an open house for the new fire station will be scheduled later this month.&nbsp;Commissioners also approved the mayor's appointment of&nbsp;Roderick Hanks, Hilton Garden Inn &amp; Convention Center, to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee.

City commission approves next step in new Hays housing; hears R9 Ranch update

The number of volunteers at CASA of the High Plains -&nbsp; Court Appointed Special Advocates - has dwindled in the past few years to just five people.

The number of children being served has not dwindled.&nbsp;

Twelve children are being helped by CASA so far this year; 10 new cases were brought forward in 2023 and none of those have been closed.

Jan Johnson has been executive director of CASA of the High Plains, 107 W. 13th, Hays, since May 2023. She's also a CASA volunteer working directly with children.&nbsp;

The non-profit organization serves the 23rd Judicial District, consisting of Ellis, Rooks, and Trego and Gove counties.

It was established in Ellis County in 1989 by now Chief Judge Glenn Braun and has served approximately 444 children since then.

The <a href="https://nationalcasagal.org/">national CASA organization</a> formed in 1977 in Seattle, Washington where Judge David Soukup recognized a need for children's voices to be heard in court.&nbsp;

"In a child in need of care case, the judge was feeling he wasn't getting the whole picture," said Johnson.&nbsp;

All the  adults involved would say something different regarding "a lifetime decision for the child and the judge is having to make it with small bits of conflicting information from the various parties.

"A CASA advocate is given access to pretty much anybody involved with that child - doctors, teachers, mental health providers, the foster parents, the parents, law enforcement, and the child himself, to get a broad picture of exactly what's going on," she said.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"They can give a more personal view of that child than the judge is going to get from many of the other parties that are there."&nbsp;

CASA gathers the information to write a court report for the judge.

"It outlines, as reported to us, the wants of the child, and any concerns we may see."

The report is taken into account by the judge just as others are from St. Francis Ministries, the Kansas Department of Children and Families, or the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

Requests for a CASA volunteer for a child can come from various people. Johnson has also been approaching county attorneys in the local judicial district to ask if CASA can assist with any cases they have.

&nbsp;The local CASA program has been dormant for several years, Johnson said.

She's been busy trying to reinvigorate it, especially the program's volunteer capacity.

"We've got a pretty good group already and are reaching out to the courts and letting them know we're here."

Johnson also wants the communities in the four-county area to know CASA is available.&nbsp;"More volunteers would allow us to take on more cases."

There are currently no volunteers in Rooks County.&nbsp;

Volunteer training and continuing education is available through the <a href="https://www.kansascasa.org/">CASA state</a> and national networks.&nbsp;

Each potential CASA volunteer and board member goes through a seven-year background check. Training is at least 40 hours over six weeks.&nbsp;

"It is definitely a commitment.&nbsp;It is emotionally taxing but it's very gratifying to make a difference."

Johnson says many CASA volunteers her age had similar childhood experiences as those today involved in child in need of care cases.

"But ours just didn't make it to court. Maybe it didn't happen to us personally, but we grew up seeing it in our families, with our friends, in our community. You saw kids that needed help...

"This work makes a difference in kids' lives.&nbsp;CASA getting involved speeds things up to getting them into a permanent placement, "Johnson said. 

"It gets kids to the place they need to be."

<a href="https://nationalcasagal.org/our-impact/">National CASA statistics </a>show&nbsp;that judges report CASA volunteers have the most significant impact on promoting long-term well-being (92.2%), followed by ensuring appropriate services for children and families (83%) and promoting psychological well-being (79.9%).

It costs approximately $1,500 to train one advocate.&nbsp;

Funding for CASA of the High Plains comes from grants, donations and fundraisers, including the United Way of Ellis County, the city of Hays, and the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration's Kansas Permanent Families Fund.

For information about becoming a volunteer or board member for CASA of the High Plains, contact Johnson at 785-628-8641 or by email at casahighplains@Kansascasa.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711926931853.jpeg" alt="Jan Johnson, CASA of the High Plains executive director. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jan Johnson, CASA of the High Plains executive director. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe number of volunteers at CASA of the High Plains -&nbsp; Court Appointed Special Advocates - has dwindled in the past few years to just five people.The number of children being served has not dwindled.&nbsp;Twelve children are being helped by CASA so far this year; 10 new cases were brought forward in 2023 and none of those have been closed.Jan Johnson has been executive director of CASA of the High Plains, 107 W. 13th, Hays, since May 2023. She's also a CASA volunteer working directly with children.&nbsp;The non-profit organization serves the 23rd Judicial District, consisting of Ellis, Rooks, and Trego and Gove counties.It was established in Ellis County in 1989 by now Chief Judge Glenn Braun and has served approximately 444 children since then.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711926664775.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://nationalcasagal.org/">national CASA organization</a> formed in 1977 in Seattle, Washington where Judge David Soukup recognized a need for children's voices to be heard in court.&nbsp;"In a child in need of care case, the judge was feeling he wasn't getting the whole picture," said Johnson.&nbsp;All the adults involved would say something different regarding "a lifetime decision for the child and the judge is having to make it with small bits of conflicting information from the various parties."A CASA advocate is given access to pretty much anybody involved with that child - doctors, teachers, mental health providers, the foster parents, the parents, law enforcement, and the child himself, to get a broad picture of exactly what's going on," she said.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"They can give a more personal view of that child than the judge is going to get from many of the other parties that are there."&nbsp;CASA gathers the information to write a court report for the judge. "It outlines, as reported to us, the wants of the child, and any concerns we may see."The report is taken into account by the judge just as others are from St. Francis Ministries, the Kansas Department of Children and Families, or the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nx7Drhg9m3g" title="" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Requests for a CASA volunteer for a child can come from various people. Johnson has also been approaching county attorneys in the local judicial district to ask if CASA can assist with any cases they have.&nbsp;The local CASA program has been dormant for several years, Johnson said.She's been busy trying to reinvigorate it, especially the program's volunteer capacity."We've got a pretty good group already and are reaching out to the courts and letting them know we're here."Johnson also wants the communities in the four-county area to know CASA is available.&nbsp;"More volunteers would allow us to take on more cases."There are currently no volunteers in Rooks County.&nbsp;Volunteer training and continuing education is available through the <a href="https://www.kansascasa.org/">CASA state</a> and national networks.&nbsp;Each potential CASA volunteer and board member goes through a seven-year background check. Training is at least 40 hours over six weeks.&nbsp;"It is definitely a commitment.&nbsp;It is emotionally taxing but it's very gratifying to make a difference."Johnson says many CASA volunteers her age had similar childhood experiences as those today involved in child in need of care cases."But ours just didn't make it to court. Maybe it didn't happen to us personally, but we grew up seeing it in our families, with our friends, in our community. You saw kids that needed help..."This work makes a difference in kids' lives.&nbsp;CASA getting involved speeds things up to getting them into a permanent placement, "Johnson said. "It gets kids to the place they need to be."<a href="https://nationalcasagal.org/our-impact/">National CASA statistics </a>show&nbsp;that judges report CASA volunteers have the most significant impact on promoting long-term well-being (92.2%), followed by ensuring appropriate services for children and families (83%) and promoting psychological well-being (79.9%).It costs approximately $1,500 to train one advocate.&nbsp;Funding for CASA of the High Plains comes from grants, donations and fundraisers, including the United Way of Ellis County, the city of Hays, and the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration's Kansas Permanent Families Fund.For information about becoming a volunteer or board member for CASA of the High Plains, contact Johnson at 785-628-8641 or by email at casahighplains@Kansascasa.org.

🎥CASA looking for more volunteers, expanding awareness in 23rd Judicial District  

TOPEKA&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that five Kansas cities will receive a share of $1,450,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist with community development projects.

CDBG, administered by the Department of Commerce, is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that help low- to moderate-income neighborhoods prosper.

“These grants provide critical support to Kansas communities and downtown areas for important projects that might not otherwise happen,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG program allows Commerce to partner with local communities and address specific housing and building issues standing in the way of progress.”&nbsp;

The CDBG Housing program provides funding to support the rehabilitation of housing units and the demolition of blighted structures. Awarded cities completed the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) and identified Housing Rehabilitation as a program area to address their needs.

CDBG Housing Rehabilitation grants were awarded to the following cities:

The CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation program provides funding to assist private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures in downtown commercial districts.

The following city has been awarded a CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation grant:

“As the Department of Commerce continues to assist advancing economic growth throughout Kansas,”&nbsp;Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matthew Godinez said, “it’s crucial these grants are awarded to ensure we are investing in communities that otherwise might not have the financial means to do these key projects.”

Overall, CDBG awarded more than $13 million in 2023 for Housing, Commercial Rehabilitation, Community Facilities, Youth Job Training and more. For more information about CDBG grant programs, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9jZGJnLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjguOTI1MDQ1MTEifQ.SMCBYft89Au25Gc47nIfVqVGY6uOPmKEA2iAD8LpKYM/s/1303161001/br/239732264158-l">here</a>.

KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that five Kansas cities will receive a share of $1,450,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist with community development projects.CDBG, administered by the Department of Commerce, is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that help low- to moderate-income neighborhoods prosper.“These grants provide critical support to Kansas communities and downtown areas for important projects that might not otherwise happen,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG program allows Commerce to partner with local communities and address specific housing and building issues standing in the way of progress.”&nbsp;The CDBG Housing program provides funding to support the rehabilitation of housing units and the demolition of blighted structures. Awarded cities completed the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) and identified Housing Rehabilitation as a program area to address their needs.CDBG Housing Rehabilitation grants were awarded to the following cities:<ul>
 <li>Anthony: $300,000, rehabilitate 10 homes and demolish two</li><li>Caney: $300,000, rehabilitate seven homes and demolish three</li><li>Harper: $300,000, rehabilitate nine homes and demolish four</li><li>Peabody: $300,000, rehabilitate seven homes and demolish two</li>
 </ul>The CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation program provides funding to assist private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures in downtown commercial districts.The following city has been awarded a CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation grant:<ul>
 <li>Russell: $250,000, renovate the property at 621 N. Main St. to house a commercial operation currently renting space in another building</li>
 </ul>“As the Department of Commerce continues to assist advancing economic growth throughout Kansas,”&nbsp;Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matthew Godinez said, “it’s crucial these grants are awarded to ensure we are investing in communities that otherwise might not have the financial means to do these key projects.”Overall, CDBG awarded more than $13 million in 2023 for Housing, Commercial Rehabilitation, Community Facilities, Youth Job Training and more. For more information about CDBG grant programs, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9jZGJnLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjguOTI1MDQ1MTEifQ.SMCBYft89Au25Gc47nIfVqVGY6uOPmKEA2iAD8LpKYM/s/1303161001/br/239732264158-l">here</a>.

Russell awarded state CDBG grant for commercial project

Fort Hays State University will kick off Forsyth Library’s upcoming renovation project on Tuesday, April 2, with a ceremonial groundbreaking. 

The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. on the main level of Forsyth Library on FHSU’s campus. 

Construction for the $27.7 million renovation will start in May 2024 and is scheduled to wrap up in 2026. 

Attendees will hear from Senator Jerry Moran, President Tisa Mason, Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams, and FHSU Foundation President and CEO Jason Williby.

The public is encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served and optional tours will be available following the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711572218186.png" alt="Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationFort Hays State University will kick off Forsyth Library’s upcoming renovation project on Tuesday, April 2, with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. on the main level of Forsyth Library on FHSU’s campus. Construction for the $27.7 million renovation will start in May 2024 and is scheduled to wrap up in 2026. Attendees will hear from Senator Jerry Moran, President Tisa Mason, Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams, and FHSU Foundation President and CEO Jason Williby.The public is encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served and optional tours will be available following the event.

Groundbreaking for FHSU Forsyth Library renovation project is Tuesday

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is pleased to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely of Arvada, Colorado to teach two Joy of Painting classes on April 13 and 14. 

On Saturday, April 13 the class will paint “Valley Homestead,” and on Sunday, April 14 “Serenity.” 

Classes are held in the Hansen Museum Community Room, 110 W. Main Street, Logan, KS, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break each day.

The Bob Ross method is designed to be a fun and simple way to paint. Beginner friendly, participants will be guided step-by-step to complete a painting each day just like Bob did on TV. All painting supplies are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Students need only bring a roll of paper towels. Young and old alike (13 and older) will enjoy the camaraderie of these classes.

Call the museum to register or find the registration form on our website (<a href="https://hansenmuseum.org/">hansenmuseum.org</a>) under Classes &amp; Workshops. Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members. This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

For more information, please call 785-689-4846.

The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 

The museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.

Submitted&nbsp;LOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is pleased to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely of Arvada, Colorado to teach two Joy of Painting classes on April 13 and 14. On Saturday, April 13 the class will paint “Valley Homestead,” and on Sunday, April 14 “Serenity.” Classes are held in the Hansen Museum Community Room, 110 W. Main Street, Logan, KS, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break each day.The Bob Ross method is designed to be a fun and simple way to paint. Beginner friendly, participants will be guided step-by-step to complete a painting each day just like Bob did on TV. All painting supplies are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Students need only bring a roll of paper towels. Young and old alike (13 and older) will enjoy the camaraderie of these classes.Call the museum to register or find the registration form on our website (<a href="https://hansenmuseum.org/">hansenmuseum.org</a>) under Classes &amp; Workshops. Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members. This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information, please call 785-689-4846.The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.

Hansen Museum to offer 'Joy of Painting' classes

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711906240741.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

Exploring options in degree concentrations and careers, 80 high school students from Hays High and Ellis High School interacted with faculty members, Tiger Media Network students, and admissions staff at an open house hosted by FHSU’s Department of Informatics on March 25. An early spring blizzard canceled school for many western Kansas students, reducing attendance from 150 who had registered for the event.

The students who attended got an overview of many skills the informatics department offers, from AI data visualization, Premiere Pro tips, web and mobile applications, and radio show development to the psychology behind hype videos and the basics of podcasting. Students interested in cybersecurity got a first look at FHSU’s new Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator (CITI).

FHSU’s admission department gave away three $1,000 scholarships and assisted in preparations for the event. Local businesses partnered with the informatics department to provide food.

“We really enjoyed the opportunity to work with these high school students,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. “It was exciting to be able to show them our state-of-the-art facility in Hammond Hall and give them an overview of all the unique things our department offers.”

Guest speaker Michael Schwanke, Wichita’s KWCH evening Eyewitness News anchor and FactFinder 12 investigator, gave students a window into the life of a news anchor during his presentation at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Schwanke, who graduated from FHSU with a bachelor’s degree in information networking/media studies, discussed the benefits he received from his time at FHSU. One big plus for Schwanke was learning from professors who had worked in the media industry.

“Fort Hays had plucked these people, not just out of academia, but people who had been in the real world and had come back to teach,” he said. “That made a huge difference.”

Schwanke credits the hands-on experience he received at FHSU as helping him to “hit the ground” running in his first position at KBSD in Dodge City. Even though he had changed his major during his sophomore year, he was able to graduate in four years and move into his first role as an anchor and reporter at KBSD.

As he hires new reporters at KWCH, Schwanke said he is seeking applicants with direct experience in digital media.

&nbsp;“Almost every reporter I hire, I’m looking for some hands-on experience. That they’ve been there, they’ve done it,” he said. “I truly don’t care about what degree they have as opposed to the experience they have.”

Schwanke’s dedication to the field of journalism was evident as he shared his story with the students. A two-time Emmy award winner and winner of various other awards, including the national Edward R. Murrow award, Schwanke said he believes in the positive power of the media.

“We (media members) still have the ability to change lives for the better,” he said. “Right wrongs. Be a voice for the voiceless. It’s the stories that change lives for the better or that right a wrong that make a difference.”

“To be an anchorman has taken hard work and luck, but I love what I do.”

Preparing students to find synergy between their chosen major and their future career is a central goal of FHSU’s Department of Informatics. According to Schwien, success stories such as Schwanke’s can provide a positive impact for students.

“It’s important for us to show current and future students how they can make the most of their education from Fort Hays State and jump right into the real-world environment and contribute immediately,” Schwien said. “Michael is an excellent example of that. He made the most of his opportunities at FHSU and worked hard along the way, showing the grit and determination needed to be successful. That’s carried over into his professional career as well, and it all started on our campus.”

The department is planning to host similar events in the future, perhaps adding one in the fall semester as well.

Any school interested in being part of the next event can contact Schwien at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:njschwien@fhsu.edu">njschwien@fhsu.edu</a>.

For more information on the Department of Informatics at FHSU, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0WSZy9eOZ6FcJmnxarvTubR0FJZgxAc1At5t24wcDh8HwrcT_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOdCifIWAjoRsi9PSjGf68ssCakZU8SBtGoJaWoCyXnOTqTjxF-2F85f5pFI0rTufAo7cwiEvTA2YtokWeebH5ThmnLJ63srQxgVep7-2F3XOf934Rr3Zj34HptBOYcJaUc26nFNFjRo6RfYJxHgu3dypfZRSq4WSjKWrvDco-2FmMMwG5ETJWiO4bwOXxQjFe4Jh77wuCSxQAn8oLPuAzdNJDe5GoCjMFxPUHo8RrRTjYeWyeXCXU7jWjkcap74nQ-2BZ8-2B8b" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/informatics/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727068579.jpeg" alt="Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network, and Michael Schwanke, KWCH Eyewitness News anchor, discuss journalism and related topics at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center March 25." />
 <figcaption>Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network, and Michael Schwanke, KWCH Eyewitness News anchor, discuss journalism and related topics at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center March 25.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsExploring options in degree concentrations and careers, 80 high school students from Hays High and Ellis High School interacted with faculty members, Tiger Media Network students, and admissions staff at an open house hosted by FHSU’s Department of Informatics on March 25. An early spring blizzard canceled school for many western Kansas students, reducing attendance from 150 who had registered for the event.The students who attended got an overview of many skills the informatics department offers, from AI data visualization, Premiere Pro tips, web and mobile applications, and radio show development to the psychology behind hype videos and the basics of podcasting. Students interested in cybersecurity got a first look at FHSU’s new Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator (CITI).FHSU’s admission department gave away three $1,000 scholarships and assisted in preparations for the event. Local businesses partnered with the informatics department to provide food.“We really enjoyed the opportunity to work with these high school students,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. “It was exciting to be able to show them our state-of-the-art facility in Hammond Hall and give them an overview of all the unique things our department offers.”Guest speaker Michael Schwanke, Wichita’s KWCH evening Eyewitness News anchor and FactFinder 12 investigator, gave students a window into the life of a news anchor during his presentation at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Schwanke, who graduated from FHSU with a bachelor’s degree in information networking/media studies, discussed the benefits he received from his time at FHSU. One big plus for Schwanke was learning from professors who had worked in the media industry.“Fort Hays had plucked these people, not just out of academia, but people who had been in the real world and had come back to teach,” he said. “That made a huge difference.”Schwanke credits the hands-on experience he received at FHSU as helping him to “hit the ground” running in his first position at KBSD in Dodge City. Even though he had changed his major during his sophomore year, he was able to graduate in four years and move into his first role as an anchor and reporter at KBSD.As he hires new reporters at KWCH, Schwanke said he is seeking applicants with direct experience in digital media.&nbsp;“Almost every reporter I hire, I’m looking for some hands-on experience. That they’ve been there, they’ve done it,” he said. “I truly don’t care about what degree they have as opposed to the experience they have.”Schwanke’s dedication to the field of journalism was evident as he shared his story with the students. A two-time Emmy award winner and winner of various other awards, including the national Edward R. Murrow award, Schwanke said he believes in the positive power of the media.“We (media members) still have the ability to change lives for the better,” he said. “Right wrongs. Be a voice for the voiceless. It’s the stories that change lives for the better or that right a wrong that make a difference.”“To be an anchorman has taken hard work and luck, but I love what I do.”Preparing students to find synergy between their chosen major and their future career is a central goal of FHSU’s Department of Informatics. According to Schwien, success stories such as Schwanke’s can provide a positive impact for students.“It’s important for us to show current and future students how they can make the most of their education from Fort Hays State and jump right into the real-world environment and contribute immediately,” Schwien said. “Michael is an excellent example of that. He made the most of his opportunities at FHSU and worked hard along the way, showing the grit and determination needed to be successful. That’s carried over into his professional career as well, and it all started on our campus.”The department is planning to host similar events in the future, perhaps adding one in the fall semester as well.Any school interested in being part of the next event can contact Schwien at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:njschwien@fhsu.edu">njschwien@fhsu.edu</a>.For more information on the Department of Informatics at FHSU, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0WSZy9eOZ6FcJmnxarvTubR0FJZgxAc1At5t24wcDh8HwrcT_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOdCifIWAjoRsi9PSjGf68ssCakZU8SBtGoJaWoCyXnOTqTjxF-2F85f5pFI0rTufAo7cwiEvTA2YtokWeebH5ThmnLJ63srQxgVep7-2F3XOf934Rr3Zj34HptBOYcJaUc26nFNFjRo6RfYJxHgu3dypfZRSq4WSjKWrvDco-2FmMMwG5ETJWiO4bwOXxQjFe4Jh77wuCSxQAn8oLPuAzdNJDe5GoCjMFxPUHo8RrRTjYeWyeXCXU7jWjkcap74nQ-2BZ8-2B8b" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/informatics/</a>.

Colby native, Wichita newsman offers insight into media careers at FHSU open house

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin work on a resurfacing project on a portion of U.S. 283 in Norton County the week of April 1.

Project work will involve milling and overlaying on 11 miles starting near Armory Drive in Norton and ending at the Nebraska state line. Crews will also resurface a portion within the city limits between Washington Street and North Street.

Traffic will be directed through the work zones by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less.

KDOT expects work to be completed in early May, conditions permitting.

APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $2.9 million project. 

For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

KDOTNORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin work on a resurfacing project on a portion of U.S. 283 in Norton County the week of April 1.Project work will involve milling and overlaying on 11 miles starting near Armory Drive in Norton and ending at the Nebraska state line. Crews will also resurface a portion within the city limits between Washington Street and North Street.Traffic will be directed through the work zones by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less.KDOT expects work to be completed in early May, conditions permitting.APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $2.9 million project. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

U.S. 283 resurfacing project to start in Norton County

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Today, as I sit here at my computer, not sure whether I’m gonna’ hunt turkeys this year or not, one spring turkey hunt from years ago keeps rambling through my mind. 

Now, everyone knows wild turkeys MUST be hunted from the ground. Sitting on the ground or on a five-gallon bucket until your butt and both legs are numb is just part of the turkey hunting experience, and NOT to do so would certainly be as un-American as eating pizza without potato chips, or owning a Corvette with an automatic transmission. 

Yet, that morning, there I stood, gazing longingly up the ladder of the landowner’s tree stand thinking what a perfect spot it would be to call-in the gobbler that roamed this wood lot. But I must persevere and not break turkey hunting protocol!

“What a great seat,” I thought to myself as I surveyed my surroundings from above (I’m sure you saw this coming.) 

At this point several acres of nice timber separated the crop field to my left from the river. Right here is where I wanted to be, but the ground below was unusually void of the normal brush and downed tree limbs that make such good camouflage, so I put out a couple hen decoys and up the tree I went.

My “yelps” were occasionally answered by a gobble from afar, and soon a young gobbler and a hen appeared from the far corner of the crop field and started toward me.

 “This is too easy,” I thought as the pair steadily came my way. 

At 50 yards, they veered away and taunted me from the edge of the trees, hidden from sight by limbs on the tree next to my perch. For the next 45 minutes it was a stand-off, and my desire to harvest him soon turned to wishes that he would just leave so I could climb down without totally spooking him and start afresh in the morning.

The next morning, I followed my bouncing flashlight beam across the field, found the proper tree, set the decoys out and scaled the ladder once more up and into the tree stand.&nbsp;This tree stood barely three feet into the woodlot from the edge of the crop field; if I fell out, I’d land in the bean stubble.

I figured the gobbler to be roosted at the end of the crop field and along the river, some distance away. Usually, you can hear a gobbler even in the dark, as he’ll often gobble at every barking dog, hooting owl or slamming car door, but this morning the woods was unusually quiet. Perhaps that wasn’t good; perhaps I had misdiagnosed where he roosted and would be left high and dry. 

Trying not to shatter yet another turkey hunting rule of “calling very sparingly while the turkeys are still roosted,” I watched and waited as daylight slowly poured itself across the landscape around me. I yelped softly with the box call and a gobble erupted beside me along the river probably seventy yards away; the rascal was roosting where I had not even considered. 

For 30 minutes he gobbled away, and I tried to find a good balance between calling back to let him know I was still interested and playing hard to get to make him come find me. 

For those 30 minutes he seemed not to move, and suddenly he was silent. I called softly a couple times but heard nothing in return. My heart dropped to my toes; what had I done wrong or not done right?

As I tossed the situation around in my mind, a gobble broke the stillness again, this time directly in front of me not far away; he had snuck quietly through the trees and was in the bean stubble where I knew he would see my plastic decoy “jezebels.” Soon, I saw him strutting his way toward the decoys in the open&nbsp;field. 

I put the call aside and brought the shotgun around into position. He got so close I heard him spit each time he fanned out, and could hear the scratching noise as each wingtip drug across the ground. I could see him well, but too many tree limbs were in the way for a sure shot. Like a target in an arcade, he marched back and forth but would not come any closer. 

I had just read an article where the author warned about placing decoys too close and creating just such a situation. It became another standoff as he remained behind too many limbs for a safe killing shot. 

I decided it was time for a plan “B”; if he would just step a little closer to the edge of the trees during his little show, he would momentarily be in a small clear spot for a shot. 

Finally, he appeared to stray a little closer to the trees, so as his back was toward me as he turned, I swung the shotgun around and leaned out around the tree trunk in front of me. He saw or heard me move and immediately dropped his tail feathers to run, but the twelve-gauge nailed him to the ground before he could take more than a couple steps.

If this story leaves some of you turkey hunting purists shaking your heads, I apologize. I’ve never been one to worry much about protocol. Maybe more of you have shot turkeys from tree stands than I know, but if not and the situation presents itself, give it a try. So, from Mr. Politically Incorrect himself, Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland can be contacted by email at 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>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsToday, as I sit here at my computer, not sure whether I’m gonna’ hunt turkeys this year or not, one spring turkey hunt from years ago keeps rambling through my mind. Now, everyone knows wild turkeys MUST be hunted from the ground. Sitting on the ground or on a five-gallon bucket until your butt and both legs are numb is just part of the turkey hunting experience, and NOT to do so would certainly be as un-American as eating pizza without potato chips, or owning a Corvette with an automatic transmission. Yet, that morning, there I stood, gazing longingly up the ladder of the landowner’s tree stand thinking what a perfect spot it would be to call-in the gobbler that roamed this wood lot. But I must persevere and not break turkey hunting protocol!“What a great seat,” I thought to myself as I surveyed my surroundings from above (I’m sure you saw this coming.) At this point several acres of nice timber separated the crop field to my left from the river. Right here is where I wanted to be, but the ground below was unusually void of the normal brush and downed tree limbs that make such good camouflage, so I put out a couple hen decoys and up the tree I went.My “yelps” were occasionally answered by a gobble from afar, and soon a young gobbler and a hen appeared from the far corner of the crop field and started toward me. “This is too easy,” I thought as the pair steadily came my way. At 50 yards, they veered away and taunted me from the edge of the trees, hidden from sight by limbs on the tree next to my perch. For the next 45 minutes it was a stand-off, and my desire to harvest him soon turned to wishes that he would just leave so I could climb down without totally spooking him and start afresh in the morning.The next morning, I followed my bouncing flashlight beam across the field, found the proper tree, set the decoys out and scaled the ladder once more up and into the tree stand.&nbsp;This tree stood barely three feet into the woodlot from the edge of the crop field; if I fell out, I’d land in the bean stubble.I figured the gobbler to be roosted at the end of the crop field and along the river, some distance away. Usually, you can hear a gobbler even in the dark, as he’ll often gobble at every barking dog, hooting owl or slamming car door, but this morning the woods was unusually quiet. Perhaps that wasn’t good; perhaps I had misdiagnosed where he roosted and would be left high and dry. Trying not to shatter yet another turkey hunting rule of “calling very sparingly while the turkeys are still roosted,” I watched and waited as daylight slowly poured itself across the landscape around me. I yelped softly with the box call and a gobble erupted beside me along the river probably seventy yards away; the rascal was roosting where I had not even considered. For 30 minutes he gobbled away, and I tried to find a good balance between calling back to let him know I was still interested and playing hard to get to make him come find me. For those 30 minutes he seemed not to move, and suddenly he was silent. I called softly a couple times but heard nothing in return. My heart dropped to my toes; what had I done wrong or not done right?As I tossed the situation around in my mind, a gobble broke the stillness again, this time directly in front of me not far away; he had snuck quietly through the trees and was in the bean stubble where I knew he would see my plastic decoy “jezebels.” Soon, I saw him strutting his way toward the decoys in the open&nbsp;field. I put the call aside and brought the shotgun around into position. He got so close I heard him spit each time he fanned out, and could hear the scratching noise as each wingtip drug across the ground. I could see him well, but too many tree limbs were in the way for a sure shot. Like a target in an arcade, he marched back and forth but would not come any closer. I had just read an article where the author warned about placing decoys too close and creating just such a situation. It became another standoff as he remained behind too many limbs for a safe killing shot. I decided it was time for a plan “B”; if he would just step a little closer to the edge of the trees during his little show, he would momentarily be in a small clear spot for a shot. Finally, he appeared to stray a little closer to the trees, so as his back was toward me as he turned, I swung the shotgun around and leaned out around the tree trunk in front of me. He saw or heard me move and immediately dropped his tail feathers to run, but the twelve-gauge nailed him to the ground before he could take more than a couple steps.If this story leaves some of you turkey hunting purists shaking your heads, I apologize. I’ve never been one to worry much about protocol. Maybe more of you have shot turkeys from tree stands than I know, but if not and the situation presents itself, give it a try. So, from Mr. Politically Incorrect himself, Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: Treetop turkey

The Easter Bunny had a lot of help in preparing for the Kiwanis Club of Hays 50th annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning at Fort Hays State University.

Kids ages birth to ten and their families gathered in front of the Memorial Union and were led to their age-appropriate hunting grounds on the quad by Kiwanis volunteers.&nbsp;

Approximately 8,000 plastic eggs were stuffed and placed across campus this year.

The Easter Bunny was also be on site to take pictures with guests.

Kiwanis Club of Hays wishes to thank its community partners for their financial contributions to this year’s Easter egg hunt:

· Hays McDonald’s locations for providing ice cream coupons

· Walmart SuperCenter for contributing a $100 gift certificate to purchase candy

· Bank of Hays, Commerce Bank, Emprise Bank, First Kansas Bank, Golden Belt Bank, Golden Plains Credit Union, and Sunflower Bank for their donations of quarters

· Centennial Bowling in Hays for the free bowling coupons

Photo gallery by Jeff Leiker Eagle Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844185462.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Easter Bunny had a lot of help in preparing for the Kiwanis Club of Hays 50th annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning at Fort Hays State University.Kids ages birth to ten and their families gathered in front of the Memorial Union and were led to their age-appropriate hunting grounds on the quad by Kiwanis volunteers.&nbsp;Approximately 8,000 plastic eggs were stuffed and placed across campus this year.The Easter Bunny was also be on site to take pictures with guests.Kiwanis Club of Hays wishes to thank its community partners for their financial contributions to this year’s Easter egg hunt:· Hays McDonald’s locations for providing ice cream coupons· Walmart SuperCenter for contributing a $100 gift certificate to purchase candy· Bank of Hays, Commerce Bank, Emprise Bank, First Kansas Bank, Golden Belt Bank, Golden Plains Credit Union, and Sunflower Bank for their donations of quarters· Centennial Bowling in Hays for the free bowling couponsPhoto gallery by Jeff Leiker Eagle Communications<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844185462.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844573107.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844347129.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844367883.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844412146.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844433184.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844449452.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844469584.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844491360.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844507576.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844529963.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844550175.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711844590039.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis Club 50th Easter Egg Hunt. Photos by Jeff Leiker/Eagle Communications</figcaption>
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📷 Celebrating 50 years of Hays Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt

The section of Wheatland Ave. in Hays, north of 22nd&nbsp;St. (adjacent to North Central Kansas Technical College), will be closed to through traffic for utility work beginning Monday, April 1.

The street will remain closed for approximately three weeks. &nbsp;

During this time, access to NCKTC will only be available from the East 27th&nbsp;St. access located north of the campus. 

If there are any questions, please contact the contractor, M&amp;D Excavating, at 785-259-2383. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708450682772.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays The section of Wheatland Ave. in Hays, north of 22nd&nbsp;St. (adjacent to North Central Kansas Technical College), will be closed to through traffic for utility work beginning Monday, April 1.The street will remain closed for approximately three weeks. &nbsp;During this time, access to NCKTC will only be available from the East 27th&nbsp;St. access located north of the campus. If there are any questions, please contact the contractor, M&amp;D Excavating, at 785-259-2383. &nbsp;

Wheatland Ave, north of 22nd St., closed to through traffic beginning Monday in Hays

Kansas to invest more than $4.7 million to grow availability and training of needed services to support families and prevent foster care

TOPEKA&nbsp;– In response to the need to provide more Therapeutic Family Foster Homes (TFFH), the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announce that seven agencies will receive $4,765,355 in grants to build capacity through innovative approaches that will significantly increase the number of homes available and provide needed training and supportive services.

Last year, the Kansas Legislature appropriated $6 million in state general funds to support the TFFH capacity building program. TFFH receive increased training and supportive services to provide a temporary home for youth with significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. &nbsp;The homes are part of the continuum level of care and support as a resource for children and families.

“Together, the selected agencies will grow the network of Therapeutic Family Foster Homes while providing meaningful services and supports,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “The approaches by the agencies span a number of thoughtful innovations with an ability to have resources customized to meet a child’s or family’s individualized needs.”

The innovative mix of service delivery options will result in specific recruitment strategies and increased wraparound supports to resource families, biological families and youth. Some grants include collaboration with agencies who operate similar programs or support youth requiring a therapeutic level of care.

“DCF is committed to providing supports and services to all agencies sponsoring these types of homes,” Howard continued.

The grants are effective March 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 with the possibility of three one-year renewals. The remaining $1.2 million of the allocated resources will be available to provide other TFFH supports, training and services.&nbsp;

Cornerstones of Care: Cornerstones will support families identified through open family preservation cases by supporting safety plan or respite placement options. Additional support will be available to the placement providers such as access to a virtual resource library, a daily reimbursement rate, incentive payments to placement providers, access to functional family therapy, and an in-home support specialist. This program will support increasing the capacity of TFFH homes by engaging in prevention activities to support youth in their homes and communities rather than in out of home care.

DCCCA: DCCCA will focus on the recruiting, training, and sponsoring TFFH to serve youth in DCF custody as well as through therapeutic stability placements. Therapeutic stability placements are designed for youth who are not in the custody of DCF but may be receiving support through Family First Prevention Services, Family Preservation, or Post Adoption Support. DCCCA will employ a dedicated TFFH recruiter, provide in-person and virtual support groups, specialized training for TFFH providers, mentoring, and incentives for youth, parents and placement providers. DCCCA will utilize Behavioral Interventionists as well as Functional Family Therapy when appropriate.

Eckerd Connects: Eckerd Connects will establish five to eight TFFH homes in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Sumner, and Reno counties to provide TFFH services to youth placed in these homes. The approach will include a recruiter/trainer, clinical licensed mental health professional, respite, support groups, mentoring, flex funds and specialized training for TFFH. Eckerd will make their Functional Family Therapy program available to assist with care coordination and rapid response to support TFFH placements. Eckerd is creating a TFFH Peer Respite model to ensure respite support is available to families providing TFFH as well as accessing flex fund supports for TFFH.

EmberHope YouthVille: EmberHope will recruit TFFH families in Sedgwick County for youth between the ages of three and 18. They will provide specialized training for TFFH providers. EmberHope will create a TFFH team including a therapist, foster care worker, supervisor, TFFH recruiter, and quality improvement coordinator.  EmberHope will also provide a resource room for TFFH to supply youth and families with hardgoods needed during placement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Foster Adopt Connect:&nbsp;Foster Adopt Connect will support a rapid expansion of their Behavioral Intervention (BI) Program into Johnson, Wyandotte, Bourbon, Crawford, Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth, Reno and&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;counties. BI is an in-home support that engages both parents and children with daily management of behaviors to decrease the need for short term hospitalization and assist with crisis de-escalation, re-direction, and the teaching of positive replacement behaviors to the youth. BI services can follow the child and be available to support the transition to either the parents’ home or an adoptive placement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KVC – Mockingbird:&nbsp;KVC will create a Mockingbird Family Model of foster home constellations. These constellations consist of a maximum of 11 families, 10 foster homes and 1 Hub Home. The Hub Home serves to provide support to the homes within the constellation of families. Constellations may include licensed foster homes, relatives or non-related kin placements. The Mockingbird Family Model is designed to assist placement providers in utilizing supports not only from professionals involved in the child welfare system but also their peers. Hub Homes are specially trained to build community within the constellation and maintain open beds to provide respite and emergency supports to other constellation families, and plan social activities for the constellation. KVC will provide support to the hub and constellation through a KVC Liaison staff person, as well as attendant care workers. KVC will utilize the Registered Behavior Technician training to prepare their attendant care staff.

Pressley Ridge: Pressley Ridge will provide TFFH training statewide to agencies in Kansas who wish to utilize this model. Pressley Ridge training will be available in multiple cohorts throughout the state.

<figure>
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 </figure><h2>Kansas to invest more than $4.7 million to grow availability and training of needed services to support families and prevent foster care</h2>DCFTOPEKA&nbsp;– In response to the need to provide more Therapeutic Family Foster Homes (TFFH), the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announce that seven agencies will receive $4,765,355 in grants to build capacity through innovative approaches that will significantly increase the number of homes available and provide needed training and supportive services.Last year, the Kansas Legislature appropriated $6 million in state general funds to support the TFFH capacity building program. TFFH receive increased training and supportive services to provide a temporary home for youth with significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. &nbsp;The homes are part of the continuum level of care and support as a resource for children and families.“Together, the selected agencies will grow the network of Therapeutic Family Foster Homes while providing meaningful services and supports,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “The approaches by the agencies span a number of thoughtful innovations with an ability to have resources customized to meet a child’s or family’s individualized needs.”The innovative mix of service delivery options will result in specific recruitment strategies and increased wraparound supports to resource families, biological families and youth. Some grants include collaboration with agencies who operate similar programs or support youth requiring a therapeutic level of care.“DCF is committed to providing supports and services to all agencies sponsoring these types of homes,” Howard continued.The grants are effective March 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 with the possibility of three one-year renewals. The remaining $1.2 million of the allocated resources will be available to provide other TFFH supports, training and services.&nbsp;<figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711545177180.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Cornerstones of Care: Cornerstones will support families identified through open family preservation cases by supporting safety plan or respite placement options. Additional support will be available to the placement providers such as access to a virtual resource library, a daily reimbursement rate, incentive payments to placement providers, access to functional family therapy, and an in-home support specialist. This program will support increasing the capacity of TFFH homes by engaging in prevention activities to support youth in their homes and communities rather than in out of home care.DCCCA: DCCCA will focus on the recruiting, training, and sponsoring TFFH to serve youth in DCF custody as well as through therapeutic stability placements. Therapeutic stability placements are designed for youth who are not in the custody of DCF but may be receiving support through Family First Prevention Services, Family Preservation, or Post Adoption Support. DCCCA will employ a dedicated TFFH recruiter, provide in-person and virtual support groups, specialized training for TFFH providers, mentoring, and incentives for youth, parents and placement providers. DCCCA will utilize Behavioral Interventionists as well as Functional Family Therapy when appropriate.Eckerd Connects: Eckerd Connects will establish five to eight TFFH homes in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Sumner, and Reno counties to provide TFFH services to youth placed in these homes. The approach will include a recruiter/trainer, clinical licensed mental health professional, respite, support groups, mentoring, flex funds and specialized training for TFFH. Eckerd will make their Functional Family Therapy program available to assist with care coordination and rapid response to support TFFH placements. Eckerd is creating a TFFH Peer Respite model to ensure respite support is available to families providing TFFH as well as accessing flex fund supports for TFFH.EmberHope YouthVille: EmberHope will recruit TFFH families in Sedgwick County for youth between the ages of three and 18. They will provide specialized training for TFFH providers. EmberHope will create a TFFH team including a therapist, foster care worker, supervisor, TFFH recruiter, and quality improvement coordinator. EmberHope will also provide a resource room for TFFH to supply youth and families with hardgoods needed during placement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Foster Adopt Connect:&nbsp;Foster Adopt Connect will support a rapid expansion of their Behavioral Intervention (BI) Program into Johnson, Wyandotte, Bourbon, Crawford, Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth, Reno and&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;counties. BI is an in-home support that engages both parents and children with daily management of behaviors to decrease the need for short term hospitalization and assist with crisis de-escalation, re-direction, and the teaching of positive replacement behaviors to the youth. BI services can follow the child and be available to support the transition to either the parents’ home or an adoptive placement.&nbsp;&nbsp;KVC – Mockingbird:&nbsp;KVC will create a Mockingbird Family Model of foster home constellations. These constellations consist of a maximum of 11 families, 10 foster homes and 1 Hub Home. The Hub Home serves to provide support to the homes within the constellation of families. Constellations may include licensed foster homes, relatives or non-related kin placements. The Mockingbird Family Model is designed to assist placement providers in utilizing supports not only from professionals involved in the child welfare system but also their peers. Hub Homes are specially trained to build community within the constellation and maintain open beds to provide respite and emergency supports to other constellation families, and plan social activities for the constellation. KVC will provide support to the hub and constellation through a KVC Liaison staff person, as well as attendant care workers. KVC will utilize the Registered Behavior Technician training to prepare their attendant care staff.Pressley Ridge: Pressley Ridge will provide TFFH training statewide to agencies in Kansas who wish to utilize this model. Pressley Ridge training will be available in multiple cohorts throughout the state.

DCF: Therapeutic family foster homes to expand in Ellis County 

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

The debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;

Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;

As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;

This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;

While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;

All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;

For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;

While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;

It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;

As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasThe debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas grapples with income tax dilemma 

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