Cathy’s Breads, a home-based, micro-bakery operating in Hays since 2013, will be offering a Micro-Bakery Training Program starting in June. Owner Cathy Drabkin, who plans on retiring in 3-5 years, hopes to develop a pool of skilled bakers able to serve the Hays community.

“I want to be sure that my customers will be able to continue getting great artisan breads and fine-crafted pastries after I’ve closed up shop,” said Drabkin. “But I also know that developing these skills takes time — a bakery isn’t a turn-key operation--so I need to start early at nurturing the right people.”

The first class, Fundamentals of Bread Baking,&nbsp;starts with a 50-hour two-week training in the Cathy’s Breads bakery. “The training will include some lectures, but mostly hands-on learning through the production of many different types of yeast-based breads,” said Drabkin.

Breads produced will include straight doughs, yeasted pre-ferment doughs, lean and enriched doughs, doughs with whole grains and add-ins, and doughs at various hydration levels. Sourdough breads will be covered in a future course.

The class size will be limited to three students, allowing for close and immediate supervision of students’ learning and skills development.

After the two-week training, students will have the opportunity to put their learning into action by planning a market menu and production schedule, producing doughs, baking goods, and selling wares for two markets dates during the Downtown Hays Market season.

In the fall, students will continue their learning through two day-long follow-up trainings which will focus on specialized breads and techniques, trouble-shooting, and skills refinement.

“I think the combination of technical information, skills practice, and real-time production will combine to offer a sound beginning foundation for anyone interested in starting a bread baking business,” said Drabkin.

She plans on repeating the Foundations Course in 2025, as well as offering new courses on Sourdough Baking and Viennoisserie (the production of croissants and other laminated doughs).

According to Drabkin, the ideal participant would have already started their bread journey on their own, having at least experimented with yeast-based or sourdough breads.

“This is not an enrichment class for hobbyists, but a training for accomplished bakers who would like to sell their wares to other people on a regular basis,” explained Drabkin.

“Students could be talented home bakers or current food service workers ready to take the next step into the baking business. They should be eager and able to dedicate significant time and attention to the course, including practice at home,” advised Drabkin.

Additional information about the program and an application can be found on the Cathy’s Breads’ website,&nbsp;<a href="http://cathysbreads.com/" target="_blank">cathysbreads.com</a>. Applications will be due Monday, April 8, followed by in-person interviews of selected candidates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684515342121.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCathy’s Breads, a home-based, micro-bakery operating in Hays since 2013, will be offering a Micro-Bakery Training Program starting in June. Owner Cathy Drabkin, who plans on retiring in 3-5 years, hopes to develop a pool of skilled bakers able to serve the Hays community.“I want to be sure that my customers will be able to continue getting great artisan breads and fine-crafted pastries after I’ve closed up shop,” said Drabkin. “But I also know that developing these skills takes time — a bakery isn’t a turn-key operation--so I need to start early at nurturing the right people.”The first class, Fundamentals of Bread Baking,&nbsp;starts with a 50-hour two-week training in the Cathy’s Breads bakery. “The training will include some lectures, but mostly hands-on learning through the production of many different types of yeast-based breads,” said Drabkin.Breads produced will include straight doughs, yeasted pre-ferment doughs, lean and enriched doughs, doughs with whole grains and add-ins, and doughs at various hydration levels. Sourdough breads will be covered in a future course.The class size will be limited to three students, allowing for close and immediate supervision of students’ learning and skills development.After the two-week training, students will have the opportunity to put their learning into action by planning a market menu and production schedule, producing doughs, baking goods, and selling wares for two markets dates during the Downtown Hays Market season.In the fall, students will continue their learning through two day-long follow-up trainings which will focus on specialized breads and techniques, trouble-shooting, and skills refinement.“I think the combination of technical information, skills practice, and real-time production will combine to offer a sound beginning foundation for anyone interested in starting a bread baking business,” said Drabkin.She plans on repeating the Foundations Course in 2025, as well as offering new courses on Sourdough Baking and Viennoisserie (the production of croissants and other laminated doughs).According to Drabkin, the ideal participant would have already started their bread journey on their own, having at least experimented with yeast-based or sourdough breads.“This is not an enrichment class for hobbyists, but a training for accomplished bakers who would like to sell their wares to other people on a regular basis,” explained Drabkin.“Students could be talented home bakers or current food service workers ready to take the next step into the baking business. They should be eager and able to dedicate significant time and attention to the course, including practice at home,” advised Drabkin.Additional information about the program and an application can be found on the Cathy’s Breads’ website,&nbsp;<a href="http://cathysbreads.com/" target="_blank">cathysbreads.com</a>. Applications will be due Monday, April 8, followed by in-person interviews of selected candidates.

Cathy’s Breads offers training

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

March Madness is upon us! While some people's thoughts turn towards basketball, brackets, and buzzer-beaters, we in the weather community have our own March Madness event: a challenge amongst US states to sign up as many new observers as possible for a program known as CoCoRaHS. CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, is a citizen-based project in which observers measure precipitation at their home or business using a standard, high-quality rain gauge and report their daily totals each morning via the project’s web site or through the CoCoRaHS app. CoCoRaHS aims to accurately determine where and how much precipitation falls across North America. CoCoRaHS began in 1998 at Colorado State University. Kansas was the third state to join back in 2004. 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the project.

CoCoRaHS in Kansas is grateful for all of the observers, but they still need more help to improve the coverage of the entire state. Despite a count that averages out to 8 observers per county, there are five counties in Kansas with no active observers: Greeley, Haskell, Linn, Morton, and Woodson. There are 27 more counties with three or fewer observers. Why is statewide coverage so important? The Kansas Climate Office uses precipitation reports (rain, snow, and ice) to assess drought conditions across Kansas. Without reports, they have no idea exactly how much rain fell or exactly where it fell and where it didn’t, which makes it more difficult to determine drought status properly. They occasionally hear from people who point out that the weekly US Drought Monitor map, which that office contributes weekly, doesn’t accurately reflect conditions at their location. They often have no reported rainfall, or lack thereof, from their location. They are only as good as the data they receive!

Join CoCoRaHS the Kansas Climate Office hopes you’ll consider joining CoCoRaHS: visit www.cocorahs.org to learn more about the project and to become an observer. Help the to track the weather across Kansas; join CoCoRaHS today!

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592053490846.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictMarch Madness is upon us! While some people's thoughts turn towards basketball, brackets, and buzzer-beaters, we in the weather community have our own March Madness event: a challenge amongst US states to sign up as many new observers as possible for a program known as CoCoRaHS. CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, is a citizen-based project in which observers measure precipitation at their home or business using a standard, high-quality rain gauge and report their daily totals each morning via the project’s web site or through the CoCoRaHS app. CoCoRaHS aims to accurately determine where and how much precipitation falls across North America. CoCoRaHS began in 1998 at Colorado State University. Kansas was the third state to join back in 2004. 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the project.CoCoRaHS in Kansas is grateful for all of the observers, but they still need more help to improve the coverage of the entire state. Despite a count that averages out to 8 observers per county, there are five counties in Kansas with no active observers: Greeley, Haskell, Linn, Morton, and Woodson. There are 27 more counties with three or fewer observers. Why is statewide coverage so important? The Kansas Climate Office uses precipitation reports (rain, snow, and ice) to assess drought conditions across Kansas. Without reports, they have no idea exactly how much rain fell or exactly where it fell and where it didn’t, which makes it more difficult to determine drought status properly. They occasionally hear from people who point out that the weekly US Drought Monitor map, which that office contributes weekly, doesn’t accurately reflect conditions at their location. They often have no reported rainfall, or lack thereof, from their location. They are only as good as the data they receive!Join CoCoRaHS the Kansas Climate Office hopes you’ll consider joining CoCoRaHS: visit www.cocorahs.org to learn more about the project and to become an observer. Help the to track the weather across Kansas; join CoCoRaHS today!Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

Campbell: Join the CoCoRaHS Network…because every drop counts!

<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/2024/3/1710532361906.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

A recent educational tour, organized by the Ellis County Farm Bureau Association in celebration of National FFA Week, aimed to provide local FFA students with a hands-on learning experience in the agricultural industry.

Twenty-two FFA students had the opportunity to explore the innovative world of hydroponic farming during their visit to 4-B Hydroponic Greenhouse in Grinnell, Kansas. Witnessing firsthand how crops thrive without soil through nutrient-rich water solutions was truly an eye-opening experience for the participants.

Following their greenhouse tour, students traveled to Quinter, Kansas, where they engaged in an insightful tour by Premier Tillage. They learned about how cutting-edge tillage equipment is created on site at the facility and how it that play a crucial role in modern agricultural practices.

In addition to the tours, students were treated to a lunch at the Center Pivot in Quinter courtesy of the Ellis County Farm Bureau Association.

The Ellis County Farm Bureau Association continues to inspire and educate our youth about the importance of agriculture and nurture the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709946663083.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedA recent educational tour, organized by the Ellis County Farm Bureau Association in celebration of National FFA Week, aimed to provide local FFA students with a hands-on learning experience in the agricultural industry.Twenty-two FFA students had the opportunity to explore the innovative world of hydroponic farming during their visit to 4-B Hydroponic Greenhouse in Grinnell, Kansas. Witnessing firsthand how crops thrive without soil through nutrient-rich water solutions was truly an eye-opening experience for the participants.Following their greenhouse tour, students traveled to Quinter, Kansas, where they engaged in an insightful tour by Premier Tillage. They learned about how cutting-edge tillage equipment is created on site at the facility and how it that play a crucial role in modern agricultural practices.In addition to the tours, students were treated to a lunch at the Center Pivot in Quinter courtesy of the Ellis County Farm Bureau Association.The Ellis County Farm Bureau Association continues to inspire and educate our youth about the importance of agriculture and nurture the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts.

Hays, Ellis County Farm Bureau hosts Agriculture Leadership Tour

By LAAH TUCKER Natoma Lions Club

Natoma Lions Club&nbsp;continues to serve&nbsp;with a myriad of projects throughout the year with emphasis on giving sight to the blind around the world, diabetes awareness, disaster relief, and other projects Nationally and locally. Following the tragic death of Wanda Prowse, a Natoma-Paradise-Waldo USD 399 employee, the club members decided to donate proceeds from their annual pancake supper to the Prowse family.&nbsp;&nbsp;American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 members volunteered to help the Lions members in the Saturday evening project, March 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional volunteers came alongside.

The Natoma community’s acts of kindness in generous donations raised $3,029 for Dan and Colton Prowse during the Natoma Lions Club’s March pancake supper. Local businesses donated $400 to help with the event. Volunteers “flipping” pancakes included Natoma Mayor Rick Dunlap, Lion David Kertz, and Dale Eickhoff, Natoma City Council. The hometown organizations give credence to the Heartland’s heritage of serving others, and the International Lions Club motto: We Serve. For information on the Lions Club contact Lion Shawna Dunlap, club president, 785-885-4478.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710531009144.jpeg" alt="(L-R) Natoma Mayor Rick Dunlap, Lion David Kertz, and Dale Eickhoff, Natoma City Council, “flipped” pancakes during the annual Lions Club pancake community benefit for the Dan Prowse family. (Courtesy&nbsp;Linda Crawford)" />
 <figcaption>(L-R) Natoma Mayor Rick Dunlap, Lion David Kertz, and Dale Eickhoff, Natoma City Council, “flipped” pancakes during the annual Lions Club pancake community benefit for the Dan Prowse family. (Courtesy&nbsp;Linda Crawford)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Natoma Lions ClubNatoma Lions Club&nbsp;continues to serve&nbsp;with a myriad of projects throughout the year with emphasis on giving sight to the blind around the world, diabetes awareness, disaster relief, and other projects Nationally and locally. Following the tragic death of Wanda Prowse, a Natoma-Paradise-Waldo USD 399 employee, the club members decided to donate proceeds from their annual pancake supper to the Prowse family.&nbsp;&nbsp;American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 members volunteered to help the Lions members in the Saturday evening project, March 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional volunteers came alongside.The Natoma community’s acts of kindness in generous donations raised $3,029 for Dan and Colton Prowse during the Natoma Lions Club’s March pancake supper. Local businesses donated $400 to help with the event. Volunteers “flipping” pancakes included Natoma Mayor Rick Dunlap, Lion David Kertz, and Dale Eickhoff, Natoma City Council. The hometown organizations give credence to the Heartland’s heritage of serving others, and the International Lions Club motto: We Serve. For information on the Lions Club contact Lion Shawna Dunlap, club president, 785-885-4478.

Natoma Lions Club Pancake Supper gives credence to the Heartland’s generosity

Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 18, the east leg of 41st and Hall St. intersection will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs. 

Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, March 22, 

&nbsp;If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 18, the east leg of 41st and Hall St. intersection will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, March 22, &nbsp;If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Portion of 41st, Hall intersection in Hays to be closed for pavement repairs starting Monday

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Senators gave initial approval to a $25.1 billion state spending blueprint following a six-hour debate Wednesday that covered legislative pay raises, the absence of special education funding, border security and whether the state should contribute to preparations for the 2026 World Cup on the Missouri side of Kansas City.

The budget contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/">Senate Bill 514</a>&nbsp;includes $15.7 million to send Kansas National Guard troops to Texas, $28 million to support the World Cup and $174.4 million to raise state employee salaries by 5%. It also would hold hostage $35.7 million in funding for state colleges and universities until their top executives certify they have eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in admissions and hiring processes.

In lieu of expanding Medicaid, the proposed budget would invest $78.7 million in increases to Medicaid outpatient hospital reimbursement rates. It allocates $23 million to chip away at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>.

The Judicial Branch would receive $2.6 million and three full-time positions to deal with “a security incident,” following last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">ransomware attack</a>&nbsp;that hindered court filings and public access to court records.

The spending plan, which still requires a final vote in the Senate and negotiations the House, will be subject to line-item vetoes by Gov. Laura Kelly and can be augmented with an omnibus bill before the session ends.

The GOP-dominated Senate is poised to grow government, as it has done every year in recent history, by increasing the spending of state dollars from $9.9 billion in the current fiscal year to $10.2 billion in the fiscal year that begins in July. Republicans trimmed about a billion dollars in federal and state spending from the governor’s proposal by declining to pay down debt early, adding new debt, and removing funding for special education.

As it stands, the Senate budget would leave the state with a $3.4 billion surplus. That figure would be reduced by any forthcoming tax cuts that pass into law.

“This budget will allow for a sizable tax relief for Kansas families,” said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland.

Lawmakers entertained 16 proposed amendments during Wednesday’s debate, including several dealing with plans to raise&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/05/kansas-commission-recommends-raising-annual-base-salary-of-state-legislators-to-43000/">annual compensation for legislators</a>&nbsp;from roughly $29,000 to $57,000.

A state law passed last year authorized a bipartisan commission to study legislative pay and implement changes in 2025. That relieved lawmakers from having to take a public vote to raise their own pay.

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, championed the pay increase as a way to attract younger lawmakers with more diverse backgrounds. Currently, the Legislature is dominated by retirees, wealthy individuals and others who can afford to spend three months of the year in Topeka without worrying about compensation.

“What I make as a public servant is not a motivator to whether I run or not,” Erickson said. “But I’m at a point in my life, and if we’re honest about it, we look around and we can see that most of us are at a point or position in our life, where we can afford to take $88 a day.”

She said the raise approved by the appointed commission “was a way to get more diverse representation in the Kansas legislature by making it at least a financial possibility for those of us not in a position or a point in our lives to be able to afford to serve. And isn’t that what we want — more people being able to serve, and it not being a financial burden on families? And we get, let’s be honest, the potential for younger members of this body, which we need their voices.”

Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, called for lawmakers to abandon the commission’s plan and consider instead a more modest raise of $10,500. That amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313145758_333340/">14-9 vote</a>.

However, senators adopted an amendment brought by Sen. Dennis Pyle, I-Hiawatha, that would require the Legislature to vote on any pay raise before it can take effect.

Pyle held in his hand a packet of information that he said was brought to him during a meeting between legislators and constituents over coffee. The documentation, he said, tells the story of how last year’s bill was introduced, where it went and how it got amended before it went to the compensation commission, and how the pay raise was put in place.

“There were probably about 30 to 40 people in the room, and the paper that was covering it, everyone was questioning: ‘How can that be? Why is there no sunshine on that?’ That was what I took from the people,” Pyle said.

“People were pretty upset that it wasn’t brought in openness and fairness to the light of day,” Pyle said.

His amendment passed on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313161154_733893/">a 20-8 vote</a>&nbsp;with both parties divided, nine members declining to vote and three members absent.

The budget removes about $200 million requested by the governor to meet the state’s statutory requirement for funding special education needs in public schools.

The state is supposed to cover 92% of special education costs in public schools, but hasn’t done so since 2011. The current funding level is at 69% of costs, which means&nbsp;schools have used money that would otherwise be spent in the classroom to cover special education services.

Sen. J.R. Claeys, R-Salina, said funding for special education would be added in an omnibus bill before the session is over. He complained that an amendment brought by Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, would redirect money from Medicaid services, debt payments and several earmarked projects, to cover special education needs. Doll’s amendment was based on “pay-go” rules that require any added expense to be offset by cuts elsewhere in the budget.

Claeys said Doll’s amendment would hamper the state’s fight against fentanyl, hurt the dairy industry, and cost rural hospitals.

“What you’re getting for that is a discussion today about adding money to special ed that was going to occur at omnibus anyway,” Claeys said. “That’s all. You’re getting it four weeks early. And that is the price you’re paying for it.”

“First of all,” Doll responded, “If we can find different places to get this money, I’m all in.”

“But if it wasn’t so sick,” Doll added, “I would find it humorous that we’re talking about closing rural hospitals, and we haven’t had a hearing on Medicaid expansion. That to me is just incredible that we that statement was even made.”

Doll’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313155504_337862/">12-19 vote</a>.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, proposed an amendment that would block state funding from going to private schools unless they were accredited under the same standards as public schools.

That was met with fury by Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, who proposed that schools should welcome public funding for private schools as a “gift” that would force them to compete. Steffen said he watched the decline of public schools during an eight-year period ending in 2016, when his son and daughter had attended public high school.

“I saw our public schools go from recognized centers of excellence to bastions of mediocrity,” Steffen said.

Competition, he said, “will do nothing but improve our public schools.”

“I just wish they had the clarity of vision to understand that this is actually a gift to the public schools, and that they will only make them more responsive and better at what they do,” Steffen said.

Holscher’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313152838_903093/">12-21 vote</a>.

The budget earmarks $28 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid to support economic development around the World Cup games in 2026 — with the caveat that the money will come from the state general fund if federal rules get in the way.

Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, proposed an amendment that would have taken $20 million away from the World Cup and divided it between special education funding and infrastructure investments for small towns.

She read the names of more than 40 towns in her district that have fewer than 2,000 people in them, then fought back tears as she explained her proposal.

“I hate to see the hard-earned money from the people that live in these little bitty towns be sent to build practice facilities for a soccer game,” Straub said. “I don’t think a single one of these towns has a soccer program at their school. In fact, I’m certain that they don’t. They have football — American football. If we keep sending our hard-earned money to other countries, to other companies, to other people, and without taking care of our own first we are going to end up in a very bad situation, which most of these cities already are. Many of them are in their dire straits.”

Straub found support across the aisle in Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, who questioned the merits of subsidizing the World Cup event. He proposed an amendment to eliminate the funding altogether.

“I understand the term of economic development,” he said, “but you know, guys, they already came.”

Holland said he would be amazed if promoters were counting on the state to “pony up taxpayer dollars to help them fund their for-profit deal.”

“Look at basically who’s coming to a soccer event,” Holland said. “There are people come from all over the world. There are people from all points of our country. They’ve got money to spend. And for the life of me, I don’t understand why the Kansas taxpayer has to subsidize wealthy people coming into the Midwest to spend their money.”

He also questioned the lack of transparency behind the request, because it wasn’t clear who asked for the money.

The amendments by Straub and Holland both failed on a voice vote.

“If we don’t provide our necessary funds for the transportation, security and marketing, our Kansas businesses are the ones that are going to be losing because Missouri is going to win and they’re going to have all of the activity on their side of the state line,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518025223.png" alt=" Sen. Dennis Pyle, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, argued in favor of requiring legislators to vote on a planned pay increase. The Senate adopted his amendment during a six-hour budget debate Wednesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Dennis Pyle, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, argued in favor of requiring legislators to vote on a planned pay increase. The Senate adopted his amendment during a six-hour budget debate Wednesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Senators gave initial approval to a $25.1 billion state spending blueprint following a six-hour debate Wednesday that covered legislative pay raises, the absence of special education funding, border security and whether the state should contribute to preparations for the 2026 World Cup on the Missouri side of Kansas City.The budget contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/">Senate Bill 514</a>&nbsp;includes $15.7 million to send Kansas National Guard troops to Texas, $28 million to support the World Cup and $174.4 million to raise state employee salaries by 5%. It also would hold hostage $35.7 million in funding for state colleges and universities until their top executives certify they have eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in admissions and hiring processes.In lieu of expanding Medicaid, the proposed budget would invest $78.7 million in increases to Medicaid outpatient hospital reimbursement rates. It allocates $23 million to chip away at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>.The Judicial Branch would receive $2.6 million and three full-time positions to deal with “a security incident,” following last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">ransomware attack</a>&nbsp;that hindered court filings and public access to court records.The spending plan, which still requires a final vote in the Senate and negotiations the House, will be subject to line-item vetoes by Gov. Laura Kelly and can be augmented with an omnibus bill before the session ends.The GOP-dominated Senate is poised to grow government, as it has done every year in recent history, by increasing the spending of state dollars from $9.9 billion in the current fiscal year to $10.2 billion in the fiscal year that begins in July. Republicans trimmed about a billion dollars in federal and state spending from the governor’s proposal by declining to pay down debt early, adding new debt, and removing funding for special education.As it stands, the Senate budget would leave the state with a $3.4 billion surplus. That figure would be reduced by any forthcoming tax cuts that pass into law.“This budget will allow for a sizable tax relief for Kansas families,” said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518098766.png" alt="Sen. Renee Erickson, seen during an April 26, 2023, committee hearing, defended plans to raise legislator pay as a way of allowing more people to run for office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Renee Erickson, seen during an April 26, 2023, committee hearing, defended plans to raise legislator pay as a way of allowing more people to run for office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislator pay</h2>Lawmakers entertained 16 proposed amendments during Wednesday’s debate, including several dealing with plans to raise&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/05/kansas-commission-recommends-raising-annual-base-salary-of-state-legislators-to-43000/">annual compensation for legislators</a>&nbsp;from roughly $29,000 to $57,000.A state law passed last year authorized a bipartisan commission to study legislative pay and implement changes in 2025. That relieved lawmakers from having to take a public vote to raise their own pay.Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, championed the pay increase as a way to attract younger lawmakers with more diverse backgrounds. Currently, the Legislature is dominated by retirees, wealthy individuals and others who can afford to spend three months of the year in Topeka without worrying about compensation.“What I make as a public servant is not a motivator to whether I run or not,” Erickson said. “But I’m at a point in my life, and if we’re honest about it, we look around and we can see that most of us are at a point or position in our life, where we can afford to take $88 a day.”She said the raise approved by the appointed commission “was a way to get more diverse representation in the Kansas legislature by making it at least a financial possibility for those of us not in a position or a point in our lives to be able to afford to serve. And isn’t that what we want — more people being able to serve, and it not being a financial burden on families? And we get, let’s be honest, the potential for younger members of this body, which we need their voices.”Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, called for lawmakers to abandon the commission’s plan and consider instead a more modest raise of $10,500. That amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313145758_333340/">14-9 vote</a>.However, senators adopted an amendment brought by Sen. Dennis Pyle, I-Hiawatha, that would require the Legislature to vote on any pay raise before it can take effect.Pyle held in his hand a packet of information that he said was brought to him during a meeting between legislators and constituents over coffee. The documentation, he said, tells the story of how last year’s bill was introduced, where it went and how it got amended before it went to the compensation commission, and how the pay raise was put in place.“There were probably about 30 to 40 people in the room, and the paper that was covering it, everyone was questioning: ‘How can that be? Why is there no sunshine on that?’ That was what I took from the people,” Pyle said.“People were pretty upset that it wasn’t brought in openness and fairness to the light of day,” Pyle said.His amendment passed on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313161154_733893/">a 20-8 vote</a>&nbsp;with both parties divided, nine members declining to vote and three members absent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518142729.png" alt=" Sen. J.R. Claeys, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, said a forthcoming bill would include funding for special education. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. J.R. Claeys, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, said a forthcoming bill would include funding for special education. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>School funding</h2>The budget removes about $200 million requested by the governor to meet the state’s statutory requirement for funding special education needs in public schools.The state is supposed to cover 92% of special education costs in public schools, but hasn’t done so since 2011. The current funding level is at 69% of costs, which means&nbsp;schools have used money that would otherwise be spent in the classroom to cover special education services.Sen. J.R. Claeys, R-Salina, said funding for special education would be added in an omnibus bill before the session is over. He complained that an amendment brought by Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, would redirect money from Medicaid services, debt payments and several earmarked projects, to cover special education needs. Doll’s amendment was based on “pay-go” rules that require any added expense to be offset by cuts elsewhere in the budget.Claeys said Doll’s amendment would hamper the state’s fight against fentanyl, hurt the dairy industry, and cost rural hospitals.“What you’re getting for that is a discussion today about adding money to special ed that was going to occur at omnibus anyway,” Claeys said. “That’s all. You’re getting it four weeks early. And that is the price you’re paying for it.”“First of all,” Doll responded, “If we can find different places to get this money, I’m all in.”“But if it wasn’t so sick,” Doll added, “I would find it humorous that we’re talking about closing rural hospitals, and we haven’t had a hearing on Medicaid expansion. That to me is just incredible that we that statement was even made.”Doll’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313155504_337862/">12-19 vote</a>.Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, proposed an amendment that would block state funding from going to private schools unless they were accredited under the same standards as public schools.That was met with fury by Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, who proposed that schools should welcome public funding for private schools as a “gift” that would force them to compete. Steffen said he watched the decline of public schools during an eight-year period ending in 2016, when his son and daughter had attended public high school.“I saw our public schools go from recognized centers of excellence to bastions of mediocrity,” Steffen said.Competition, he said, “will do nothing but improve our public schools.”“I just wish they had the clarity of vision to understand that this is actually a gift to the public schools, and that they will only make them more responsive and better at what they do,” Steffen said.Holscher’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313152838_903093/">12-21 vote</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518185415.png" alt=" Sen. Alicia Straub, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, tried to redirect money from the World Cup to help small towns like the ones in her district. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Alicia Straub, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, tried to redirect money from the World Cup to help small towns like the ones in her district. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>World Cup funding</h2>The budget earmarks $28 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid to support economic development around the World Cup games in 2026 — with the caveat that the money will come from the state general fund if federal rules get in the way.Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, proposed an amendment that would have taken $20 million away from the World Cup and divided it between special education funding and infrastructure investments for small towns.She read the names of more than 40 towns in her district that have fewer than 2,000 people in them, then fought back tears as she explained her proposal.“I hate to see the hard-earned money from the people that live in these little bitty towns be sent to build practice facilities for a soccer game,” Straub said. “I don’t think a single one of these towns has a soccer program at their school. In fact, I’m certain that they don’t. They have football — American football. If we keep sending our hard-earned money to other countries, to other companies, to other people, and without taking care of our own first we are going to end up in a very bad situation, which most of these cities already are. Many of them are in their dire straits.”Straub found support across the aisle in Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, who questioned the merits of subsidizing the World Cup event. He proposed an amendment to eliminate the funding altogether.“I understand the term of economic development,” he said, “but you know, guys, they already came.”Holland said he would be amazed if promoters were counting on the state to “pony up taxpayer dollars to help them fund their for-profit deal.”“Look at basically who’s coming to a soccer event,” Holland said. “There are people come from all over the world. There are people from all points of our country. They’ve got money to spend. And for the life of me, I don’t understand why the Kansas taxpayer has to subsidize wealthy people coming into the Midwest to spend their money.”He also questioned the lack of transparency behind the request, because it wasn’t clear who asked for the money.The amendments by Straub and Holland both failed on a voice vote.“If we don’t provide our necessary funds for the transportation, security and marketing, our Kansas businesses are the ones that are going to be losing because Missouri is going to win and they’re going to have all of the activity on their side of the state line,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa.

Kansas Senate cobbles $25B budget with funds for border security, legislative pay raises, World Cup

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&nbsp; If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741987440676.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&nbsp; If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

Second segment of Eagle Radio auction closes today

Advance voting is underway now for the Kansas presidential primary election in&nbsp; Ellis County at the county Administrative Center, 718 Main St. in Hays.

New this year, voting will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at 718 Main St.

Voters can also cast ballots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and until noon Monday.

Election Day is Tuesday and voters will need to cast ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling location.

It is just the third time that voters in Kansas will take part in a presidential preference primary.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, a preference primary is “an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.”

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed, but voters who did receive one will have to return it to the election office or a polling site by Election Day, which is Tuesday, March 19.

Despite the results of the prior primaries, four candidates will still appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

Democratic candidates Dean Phillips Joseph R. Biden Jr. Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Republican candidates Donald J. Trump Ryan L. Binkley Nikki R. Haley Ron DeSantis Voters also have the option to choose "None of the Names Shown."

Voters can find a sample ballot at&nbsp;<a href="http://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>, and people with questions are encouraged to contact your local election office.

Hays PostAdvance voting is underway now for the Kansas presidential primary election in&nbsp; Ellis County at the county Administrative Center, 718 Main St. in Hays.New this year, voting will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at 718 Main St.Voters can also cast ballots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and until noon Monday.Election Day is Tuesday and voters will need to cast ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling location.It is just the third time that voters in Kansas will take part in a presidential preference primary.According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, a preference primary is “an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.”The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed, but voters who did receive one will have to return it to the election office or a polling site by Election Day, which is Tuesday, March 19.Despite the results of the prior primaries, four candidates will still appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.Democratic candidates Dean Phillips Joseph R. Biden Jr. Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Republican candidates Donald J. Trump Ryan L. Binkley Nikki R. Haley Ron DeSantis Voters also have the option to choose "None of the Names Shown."Voters can find a sample ballot at&nbsp;<a href="http://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>, and people with questions are encouraged to contact your local election office.

Advance voting available Saturday in Hays for presidential preference primary

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays USD 489 has earned six Kansas Department of Education honors for the 2022-23 school year.

The honors were announced at the end of 2023, and full school report cards are now available on the <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/home.aspx?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">KSDE website</a>.

The district received the following honors:

• Copper award for students being academically prepared for post-secondary success • Bronze award for graduation rate • Silver award for postsecondary success • Silver award for social-emotional growth • Bronze award for kindergarten readiness • Comissioner's award with honors.

The academic preparation for post-secondary success award is based on state test scores.&nbsp;

The students at Hays High School performed about the same in 2023 as they did in spring 2022 in math and English and outpaced the state average. Science scores improved slightly in 2023 and also outpaced the state average.

Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding, level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.

For 2023, the district earned a graduation bronze star. The Hays High School 2023 graduation rate was 92.6 percent.

Hays High School's graduation rate was 2 percent lower in 2023 than in 2022. However, it outpaced the state average, which was 88.1 percent.

The four-year cohort only accounts for students who graduate with their peers in four years.

The state also measures post-secondary success.&nbsp;

A student must meet one of the following outcomes within two years of high school graduation.

This measure does not count students who enter the military out of high school or who go straight into the workforce.

The district's effectiveness has remained fairly constant since 2017.

"Our goal as a district is to produce successful high school graduates," said Shanna Dinkel, USD 489 assistant superintendent for curriculum. "We worded it that way because graduation isn't the finish line anymore. We need them to be successful after graduation, and that is what that postsecondary measure is meant to measure."

Those students who are being tracked for spring 2023 graduated in 2021. She said that class was highly affected by the pandemic.

"I see that trending back in a positive way for sure," she said.

Dinkel said the district works to build that success from pre-K through graduation.

"If we haven't done everything to lay the foundation, then it's hard for them to catch up and get to that post-secondary success," she said. Whether it's attendance or student engagement or basic literacy, some of those basic skills are so important. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle that ultimately leads to that successful high school graduate."

Dinkel said she was puzzled why the students' test scores aren't higher, given that the district has a high graduation rate and a high rate of students succeeding post-graduation, both areas for which the state recognized the district for 2023.

Dinkel said, "We do every classroom every day."

"Our directive is what you do every day at the student desk level. If it's tied to standards, and we have some instructional best practices ... if those are aligned, then we should see some growth and improvement, and that one-time assessment will take care of itself," she said.

Dinkel said three years ago, the district could not apply for the social-emotional honor because it didn't meet the standards.

"We have probably done the most work as a district system to put in place social and emotional growth," Dinkel said.&nbsp;

The district worked with Mult-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) on behavior.&nbsp;

The district established data points so administrators could measure the district's progress. These included attendance, behavior such as office referrals, course grades, social and emotional surveys from students, and observations from teachers.

The district uses Second Step as its social/emotional building curriculum at the elementary level, Conscious Discipline is used at the pre-K level, and Seven Mindsets is used at the middle and high school levels.

"It's some things that we didn't systemically have in place that we've developed and really worked on these last couple of years," Dinkel said.

For some children, social and emotional stability is where students have to start before any learning can occur, she said.

"If we're not engaged and regulated in a good spot to learn, the best learning is not going to take place," she said. "There is such a need in&nbsp; our families and with our students to not ignore that piece."

Teachers try to integrate social-emotional learning into academics as much as possible. Principals and teachers are pointing to that as a need among students, Dinkel said.

The high school and middle school have mental health liaisons that refer students with mental health issues to the High Plains Mental Health Center. Students can do counseling without leaving school if needed.

However, Dinkel said promoting social and emotional growth is a need for all students. This type of education encourages soft skills, including respect for others and perseverance through challenges.

Social learning helps students learn skills that employers are looking for in workers, such as responsibility, work ethic, ability to work in teams and customer service skills.

The curriculum also encourages good citizenship, such as voting, volunteerism and philanthropy.

"It's really thinking beyond yourself," she said.

Kindergarten readiness can be difficult to tackle because many students have no interaction with the school district until they enter kindergarten.

However, the district earned a bronze star for kindergarten readiness. The district has a school readiness committee.

In addition to preschool, the district works with many children who have special needs, ages birth through 5, through the special education co-op, Dinkel said.

She added the work of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County and the many child care providers in Ellis County are helping prepare children to enter kindergarten by improving the quality of child care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709158133776.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 has earned six Kansas Department of Education honors for the 2022-23 school year.The honors were announced at the end of 2023, and full school report cards are now available on the <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/home.aspx?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">KSDE website</a>.The district received the following honors:• Copper award for students being academically prepared for post-secondary success • Bronze award for graduation rate • Silver award for postsecondary success • Silver award for social-emotional growth • Bronze award for kindergarten readiness • Comissioner's award with honors.<h2>Test scores</h2>The academic preparation for post-secondary success award is based on state test scores.&nbsp;The students at Hays High School performed about the same in 2023 as they did in spring 2022 in math and English and outpaced the state average. Science scores improved slightly in 2023 and also outpaced the state average.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710278033738.png" alt="Hays High School math scores" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School math scores</figcaption>
 </figure>Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding, level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710278439835.png" alt="Hays High School English scores" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School English scores</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710278577184.png" alt="Hays High School science Scores" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School science Scores</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Graduation rate</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710279116982.png" alt="Hays High School graduation rate." />
 <figcaption>Hays High School graduation rate.</figcaption>
 </figure>For 2023, the district earned a graduation bronze star. The Hays High School 2023 graduation rate was 92.6 percent.Hays High School's graduation rate was 2 percent lower in 2023 than in 2022. However, it outpaced the state average, which was 88.1 percent.The four-year cohort only accounts for students who graduate with their peers in four years.<h2>Post-secondary success</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710279664767.png" alt="Hays High School Post-secondary success" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School Post-secondary success</figcaption>
 </figure>The state also measures post-secondary success.&nbsp;A student must meet one of the following outcomes within two years of high school graduation.<ol>
 <li>Student earned an approved certification while in high school</li><li>Student earned a postsecondary certificate</li><li>Student earned a postsecondary degree</li><li>Student enrolled in postsecondary in both the first and second year following high school graduation</li>
 </ol>This measure does not count students who enter the military out of high school or who go straight into the workforce.The district's effectiveness has remained fairly constant since 2017."Our goal as a district is to produce successful high school graduates," said Shanna Dinkel, USD 489 assistant superintendent for curriculum. "We worded it that way because graduation isn't the finish line anymore. We need them to be successful after graduation, and that is what that postsecondary measure is meant to measure."Those students who are being tracked for spring 2023 graduated in 2021. She said that class was highly affected by the pandemic."I see that trending back in a positive way for sure," she said.Dinkel said the district works to build that success from pre-K through graduation."If we haven't done everything to lay the foundation, then it's hard for them to catch up and get to that post-secondary success," she said. Whether it's attendance or student engagement or basic literacy, some of those basic skills are so important. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle that ultimately leads to that successful high school graduate."Dinkel said she was puzzled why the students' test scores aren't higher, given that the district has a high graduation rate and a high rate of students succeeding post-graduation, both areas for which the state recognized the district for 2023.Dinkel said, "We do every classroom every day.""Our directive is what you do every day at the student desk level. If it's tied to standards, and we have some instructional best practices ... if those are aligned, then we should see some growth and improvement, and that one-time assessment will take care of itself," she said.<h2>Social-emotional learning</h2>Dinkel said three years ago, the district could not apply for the social-emotional honor because it didn't meet the standards."We have probably done the most work as a district system to put in place social and emotional growth," Dinkel said.&nbsp;The district worked with Mult-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) on behavior.&nbsp;The district established data points so administrators could measure the district's progress. These included attendance, behavior such as office referrals, course grades, social and emotional surveys from students, and observations from teachers.The district uses Second Step as its social/emotional building curriculum at the elementary level, Conscious Discipline is used at the pre-K level, and Seven Mindsets is used at the middle and high school levels."It's some things that we didn't systemically have in place that we've developed and really worked on these last couple of years," Dinkel said.For some children, social and emotional stability is where students have to start before any learning can occur, she said."If we're not engaged and regulated in a good spot to learn, the best learning is not going to take place," she said. "There is such a need in&nbsp; our families and with our students to not ignore that piece."Teachers try to integrate social-emotional learning into academics as much as possible. Principals and teachers are pointing to that as a need among students, Dinkel said.The high school and middle school have mental health liaisons that refer students with mental health issues to the High Plains Mental Health Center. Students can do counseling without leaving school if needed.However, Dinkel said promoting social and emotional growth is a need for all students. This type of education encourages soft skills, including respect for others and perseverance through challenges.Social learning helps students learn skills that employers are looking for in workers, such as responsibility, work ethic, ability to work in teams and customer service skills.The curriculum also encourages good citizenship, such as voting, volunteerism and philanthropy."It's really thinking beyond yourself," she said.<h2>Kindergarten readiness</h2>Kindergarten readiness can be difficult to tackle because many students have no interaction with the school district until they enter kindergarten.However, the district earned a bronze star for kindergarten readiness. The district has a school readiness committee.In addition to preschool, the district works with many children who have special needs, ages birth through 5, through the special education co-op, Dinkel said.She added the work of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County and the many child care providers in Ellis County are helping prepare children to enter kindergarten by improving the quality of child care.

USD 489 earns 6 state accreditation honors for 2022-23 school year

TOPEKA -&nbsp;The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors on Tuesday announced it elected three new members and approved one replacement at its first quarter meeting last week.&nbsp;

“The Chamber Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy priorities and future direction,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. "It’s important for them to reflect the diversity of the Kansas business community so the Chamber is well-informed about their operational challenges&nbsp;and growth opportunities. We appreciate the willingness of the new members to work on behalf of all Kansas businesses.”

Elected to their first three-year term are:

&nbsp;Change of member on the board:&nbsp;

The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors includes more than 50 business leaders from across the state, representing all industries and sizes of companies and organizations who support them. You can learn more about the Board at KansasChamber.org/Board-of-Directors.

SubmittedTOPEKA -&nbsp;The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors on Tuesday announced it elected three new members and approved one replacement at its first quarter meeting last week.&nbsp;“The Chamber Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy priorities and future direction,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. "It’s important for them to reflect the diversity of the Kansas business community so the Chamber is well-informed about their operational challenges&nbsp;and growth opportunities. We appreciate the willingness of the new members to work on behalf of all Kansas businesses.”Elected to their first three-year term are:<ul>
 <li>James Brungardt, Sunflower Electric Power Corp, Hays</li><li>Nick Strecker, INA Alert, Inc., Ellinwood</li><li>Patrick Gideon, Silver Lake Bank, Topeka</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;Change of member on the board:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>&nbsp;Patrick Woods, ITC Great Plains&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors includes more than 50 business leaders from across the state, representing all industries and sizes of companies and organizations who support them. You can learn more about the Board at KansasChamber.org/Board-of-Directors.

Area residents selected to serve on Kansas Chamber board

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

Growing up as the daughter of a barber and a bus driver, I couldn’t have imagined that one day, I would be the President of Fort Hays State University. I was a first-generation college student — underfunded and underprepared. However, I had faith in my dreams. I had an on-campus job to help pay my bills but relied on the generosity of donors to reach my goals. Knowing I had strangers who believed in me and contributed to my success pushed me to be the best version of myself.

Whenever I meet students at Fort Hays State, thanks to the generosity of the philanthropists who support our students, I see a young version of myself in them. I know firsthand how donors can change the trajectory of a student’s life. The power of philanthropy and planned giving is evident in its transformative impact on the lives of individuals pursuing higher education, especially those facing financial obstacles.

My journey was shaped by the kindness and faith of strangers who contributed to my success. Their support, combined with my dedication and determination, laid the foundation for the person I am today. Recognizing the profound impact financial assistance can have on a student’s life, I included FHSU in my estate plans.

As I reflect on my life and the impact Fort Hays State University has had on it, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of purpose. I genuinely believe in the value and potential of this university and our hardworking students. It brings me great joy to think about the lasting impact my legacy will have.

The stories of individuals like myself, Ed and Mary Hammond, and the other members of our Wooster Society highlight the impact that philanthropy and planned giving can have on the lives of students at Fort Hays State University. These stories remind us of the importance of supporting higher education and investing in the future of our community.

The creation of scholarships and endowed funds not only provides financial assistance to students but also honors the legacies of loved ones and inspires others to give back. Through the Wooster Society, individuals have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on FHSU and the community as a whole.

As members of the Wooster Society, we have the privilege of supporting students in various ways, ranging from scholarships to academic departments to strategic initiatives, buildings, research, athletics, and so much more. The seamless and impactful guidance provided by the FHSU Foundation ensures that estate and planned gifts will have a meaningful and enduring impact on the university and its students.

Donating to a university can provide tax benefits and establish a lasting legacy that honors your generosity and commitment to education.

I encourage individuals with a strong personal connection to FHSU, including alums or family members who attended school here, to consider establishing an estate gift to support a person or program that has impacted their lives.

This personal connection is my favorite reason. I have enjoyed getting to know the students who benefited from Bill’s and my philanthropy. I know several of our philanthropists who have thoughtfully fostered ongoing relationships with the students and the programs that benefitted from their philanthropy. I also love hearing stories from our philanthropists about why they “paid it forward” and who they honored through their gifts. The stories are remarkable!

Membership in the Wooster Society is not determined by a specific monetary benchmark but by including FHSU in your will, trust, or other beneficiary designations. The legacy of generosity and support that the Hammonds and other members of the Wooster Society are creating at FHSU will have a lasting impact on future generations, inspiring a culture of giving and investment in education. Their dedication to the university and their community inspires us all, reminding us of the power of philanthropy and the importance of investing in education.

I urge anyone touched by the mission and values of Fort Hays State University to consider joining the Wooster Society and including FHSU in their estate plans. By doing so, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our university and empowering students to achieve their dreams.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentGrowing up as the daughter of a barber and a bus driver, I couldn’t have imagined that one day, I would be the President of Fort Hays State University. I was a first-generation college student — underfunded and underprepared. However, I had faith in my dreams. I had an on-campus job to help pay my bills but relied on the generosity of donors to reach my goals. Knowing I had strangers who believed in me and contributed to my success pushed me to be the best version of myself.Whenever I meet students at Fort Hays State, thanks to the generosity of the philanthropists who support our students, I see a young version of myself in them. I know firsthand how donors can change the trajectory of a student’s life. The power of philanthropy and planned giving is evident in its transformative impact on the lives of individuals pursuing higher education, especially those facing financial obstacles.My journey was shaped by the kindness and faith of strangers who contributed to my success. Their support, combined with my dedication and determination, laid the foundation for the person I am today. Recognizing the profound impact financial assistance can have on a student’s life, I included FHSU in my estate plans.As I reflect on my life and the impact Fort Hays State University has had on it, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of purpose. I genuinely believe in the value and potential of this university and our hardworking students. It brings me great joy to think about the lasting impact my legacy will have.The stories of individuals like myself, Ed and Mary Hammond, and the other members of our Wooster Society highlight the impact that philanthropy and planned giving can have on the lives of students at Fort Hays State University. These stories remind us of the importance of supporting higher education and investing in the future of our community.The creation of scholarships and endowed funds not only provides financial assistance to students but also honors the legacies of loved ones and inspires others to give back. Through the Wooster Society, individuals have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on FHSU and the community as a whole.As members of the Wooster Society, we have the privilege of supporting students in various ways, ranging from scholarships to academic departments to strategic initiatives, buildings, research, athletics, and so much more. The seamless and impactful guidance provided by the FHSU Foundation ensures that estate and planned gifts will have a meaningful and enduring impact on the university and its students.Donating to a university can provide tax benefits and establish a lasting legacy that honors your generosity and commitment to education.I encourage individuals with a strong personal connection to FHSU, including alums or family members who attended school here, to consider establishing an estate gift to support a person or program that has impacted their lives.This personal connection is my favorite reason. I have enjoyed getting to know the students who benefited from Bill’s and my philanthropy. I know several of our philanthropists who have thoughtfully fostered ongoing relationships with the students and the programs that benefitted from their philanthropy. I also love hearing stories from our philanthropists about why they “paid it forward” and who they honored through their gifts. The stories are remarkable!Membership in the Wooster Society is not determined by a specific monetary benchmark but by including FHSU in your will, trust, or other beneficiary designations. The legacy of generosity and support that the Hammonds and other members of the Wooster Society are creating at FHSU will have a lasting impact on future generations, inspiring a culture of giving and investment in education. Their dedication to the university and their community inspires us all, reminding us of the power of philanthropy and the importance of investing in education.I urge anyone touched by the mission and values of Fort Hays State University to consider joining the Wooster Society and including FHSU in their estate plans. By doing so, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our university and empowering students to achieve their dreams.

Heart of a Tiger: Philanthropy, Wooster Society at FHSU

The Hays Public Library has hired Lori Allberry for the position of Early Literacy Coordinator. Allberry will be tasked with organizing and leading storytimes, working with daycares and preschools, and overseeing the early literacy area.

Born in Russell, Allberry grew up in Hays. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Business and a major in Business Communications. She spent twenty years in California and Michigan before returning home.

Allberry has worked with children in various schools since 2013. She began working at the Hays Public Library on March 4, 2024.

“One thing I would like to focus on is preparing young children for kindergarten,” said Allberry. “I also have so many fond memories of coming to the Hays Public Library when I was young and want to help create wonderful memories at the library for the young children today.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710353180836.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
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 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Public Library has hired Lori Allberry for the position of Early Literacy Coordinator. Allberry will be tasked with organizing and leading storytimes, working with daycares and preschools, and overseeing the early literacy area.Born in Russell, Allberry grew up in Hays. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Business and a major in Business Communications. She spent twenty years in California and Michigan before returning home.Allberry has worked with children in various schools since 2013. She began working at the Hays Public Library on March 4, 2024.“One thing I would like to focus on is preparing young children for kindergarten,” said Allberry. “I also have so many fond memories of coming to the Hays Public Library when I was young and want to help create wonderful memories at the library for the young children today.”

Hays Public Library hires Early Literacy Coordinator

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

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State Senator John Doll (Dist. #39 – Garden City) and State&nbsp;Representative Clarke Sanders&nbsp;(Dist. # 69 – Salina) on&nbsp;Friday, March 15 at 7 PM.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.&nbsp;

Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.

Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp;

To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2024 season schedule.&nbsp;

The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

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 </figure>SubmittedBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State Senator John Doll (Dist. #39 – Garden City) and State&nbsp;Representative Clarke Sanders&nbsp;(Dist. # 69 – Salina) on&nbsp;Friday, March 15 at 7 PM.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.&nbsp;Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp;To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2024 season schedule.&nbsp;The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

This Week on The Kansas Legislature: Sen Doll, Rep. Sander

Entries open for National Nutrition Month photo contest

SALINA — Two&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;clubs, Flight Team and Women's Air Race Team, are planning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/open-house/community.html">Flight Fest</a>&nbsp;during K-State Salina's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/open-house/">open house</a>&nbsp;on April 6.

Flight Fest will feature a Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, WINGS safety seminar about Controlled Flight into Terrain, or CFIT, on the K-State Ramp at the Salina Regional Airport. The dynamic event will also include an exclusive tour of the campus's aeronautics program, kids activities and a pancake feed, where donations will be accepted to support the student aviation competitive clubs.

The FAA WINGS CFIT seminar is a crucial training for ensuring the safety of the K-State Salina aviation program and its pilots. Terrain-related accidents remain a significant concern in aviation, often resulting in fatalities and substantial aircraft damage. By educating aviators about the causes, warning signs and preventive measures, the seminar enhances the safety awareness and risk mitigation efforts of aviators.

"Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and skills to effectively manage terrain-related challenges, such as terrain awareness, effective communication and adherence to standard operating procedures," said Sydney Oyer, senior in the professional pilot program and member of the Women's Air Race team,&nbsp;Gardner. "This proactive approach not only fosters a culture of safety within our school but also contributes to reducing accident rates and promoting professionalism within the aviation community. Ultimately, the seminar plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, protecting assets and upholding regulatory compliance standards in aviation operations."

Proceeds raised from Flight Fest will support travel, lodging and registration fees for K-State Salina's competitive student aviation teams, Flight Team and Women's Air Race Team. Flight Team competes in regional and national competitions where students compete against and network with their peers from other universities around the country. The Women’s Air Race Team will compete in a national competition called the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airraceclassic.org/">Air Race Classic</a>&nbsp;from June 18-21. Women pilots from across the United States and around the world fly more than 2,600 statute miles through 11 states.

Those arriving for Flight Fest by air can utilize parking provided by Salina-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avflight.com/Network/KSLN">AvFlight</a>. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those interested in the FAA WINGS Program Seminar must&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8kv8Kfs3mzmz159wTQiOd4HOY9v_TyCD9KpxA1zb6rZkXQQ/viewform?fce_id=0a6d173c-efac-46c1-bd15-9eddac21ce27">register</a>&nbsp;by March 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653312965950.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA — Two&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;clubs, Flight Team and Women's Air Race Team, are planning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/open-house/community.html">Flight Fest</a>&nbsp;during K-State Salina's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/about/visitor-information/open-house/">open house</a>&nbsp;on April 6.Flight Fest will feature a Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, WINGS safety seminar about Controlled Flight into Terrain, or CFIT, on the K-State Ramp at the Salina Regional Airport. The dynamic event will also include an exclusive tour of the campus's aeronautics program, kids activities and a pancake feed, where donations will be accepted to support the student aviation competitive clubs.The FAA WINGS CFIT seminar is a crucial training for ensuring the safety of the K-State Salina aviation program and its pilots. Terrain-related accidents remain a significant concern in aviation, often resulting in fatalities and substantial aircraft damage. By educating aviators about the causes, warning signs and preventive measures, the seminar enhances the safety awareness and risk mitigation efforts of aviators."Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and skills to effectively manage terrain-related challenges, such as terrain awareness, effective communication and adherence to standard operating procedures," said Sydney Oyer, senior in the professional pilot program and member of the Women's Air Race team,&nbsp;Gardner. "This proactive approach not only fosters a culture of safety within our school but also contributes to reducing accident rates and promoting professionalism within the aviation community. Ultimately, the seminar plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, protecting assets and upholding regulatory compliance standards in aviation operations."Proceeds raised from Flight Fest will support travel, lodging and registration fees for K-State Salina's competitive student aviation teams, Flight Team and Women's Air Race Team. Flight Team competes in regional and national competitions where students compete against and network with their peers from other universities around the country. The Women’s Air Race Team will compete in a national competition called the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airraceclassic.org/">Air Race Classic</a>&nbsp;from June 18-21. Women pilots from across the United States and around the world fly more than 2,600 statute miles through 11 states.Those arriving for Flight Fest by air can utilize parking provided by Salina-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avflight.com/Network/KSLN">AvFlight</a>. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those interested in the FAA WINGS Program Seminar must&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8kv8Kfs3mzmz159wTQiOd4HOY9v_TyCD9KpxA1zb6rZkXQQ/viewform?fce_id=0a6d173c-efac-46c1-bd15-9eddac21ce27">register</a>&nbsp;by March 26.

K-State Salina aviation students to host FAA WINGS Program Seminar during campus's open house

The Hays Police Department Special Situation Response Team will conduct training in open field searches in coordination with other area agencies between 1 and 7 p.m. today.&nbsp;

This training will take place southeast of Hays in the area near Custer Island Park and Bison Road.

Police officers will be training with special tactical equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.

Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department Special Situation Response Team will conduct training in open field searches in coordination with other area agencies between 1 and 7 p.m. today.&nbsp;This training will take place southeast of Hays in the area near Custer Island Park and Bison Road.Police officers will be training with special tactical equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.As a property owner or traveler in that area, you may see law enforcement officers move through your vicinity. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor (Team Commander Tim Greenwood), or Chief Don Scheibler at 785-625-1030.