TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis announced $13.35 million in loans and grants to upgrade water and electrical systems in rural Kansas communities, including Russell County.

“USDA Rural Development is working to provide rural communities with the infrastructure they need to succeed,” Davis said.

These Kansas projects are part of a larger national announcement that includes 39 other states. USDA is making the investments through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program as well as the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. 

The funding will help improve and repair water and wastewater treatment and connect homes and businesses in rural areas to reliable power.

The details of the Kansas investments are:

· An $8,918,000 loan will help connect 180 consumers to 184 miles of new or improved electrical line. Ninnescah Rural Electric is headquartered in the city of Pratt. It provides service across more than 2,134 miles of line to approximately 4,200 consumers in ten southcentral Kansas counties (Pawnee, Stafford, Reno, Edwards, Pratt, Kingman, Kiowa, Comanche, Barber and Harper).

· A $1,868,000 loan and a $2,569,000 grant will complete the replacement of the distribution system and construction of new storage towers for Russell County Rural Water District No. 3. Rural Development previously provided funding for this project with a $5,014,000 loan and a $2,783,000 grant in 2020.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/40e6497d-efaa-4cef-b121-5d35eaaaf8b0?fbclid=IwAR0eo-SsnBwOE9sFU98W6zDIvt8qCQ5bEEMhuVQT7xKbbxxdEnb8jReV93w">Russell Water District No. 3 installing automated meters</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/08721fcc-5254-45cb-ba4d-ce6ccf887994">Russell water district planning $7.2 million overhaul of system</a>

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.&nbsp;

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/">www.rd.usda.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698850600708.jpeg" alt="Russell County Rural Water District #3&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Russell County Rural Water District #3&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis announced $13.35 million in loans and grants to upgrade water and electrical systems in rural Kansas communities, including Russell County.“USDA Rural Development is working to provide rural communities with the infrastructure they need to succeed,” Davis said.These Kansas projects are part of a larger national announcement that includes 39 other states. USDA is making the investments through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program as well as the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. The funding will help improve and repair water and wastewater treatment and connect homes and businesses in rural areas to reliable power.The details of the Kansas investments are:· An $8,918,000 loan will help connect 180 consumers to 184 miles of new or improved electrical line. Ninnescah Rural Electric is headquartered in the city of Pratt. It provides service across more than 2,134 miles of line to approximately 4,200 consumers in ten southcentral Kansas counties (Pawnee, Stafford, Reno, Edwards, Pratt, Kingman, Kiowa, Comanche, Barber and Harper).· A $1,868,000 loan and a $2,569,000 grant will complete the replacement of the distribution system and construction of new storage towers for Russell County Rural Water District No. 3. Rural Development previously provided funding for this project with a $5,014,000 loan and a $2,783,000 grant in 2020.SEE RELATED STORIES:&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/40e6497d-efaa-4cef-b121-5d35eaaaf8b0?fbclid=IwAR0eo-SsnBwOE9sFU98W6zDIvt8qCQ5bEEMhuVQT7xKbbxxdEnb8jReV93w">Russell Water District No. 3 installing automated meters</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/08721fcc-5254-45cb-ba4d-ce6ccf887994">Russell water district planning $7.2 million overhaul of system</a>USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.&nbsp;For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/">www.rd.usda.gov</a>.

Russell County rural water district gets $2.5M grant from USDA Rural Development 

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;94.3 KAYS The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/102/Sheriff">Ellis County Sheriff</a> Scott Braun about staying safe while driving this winter.

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Sheriff shares winter driving safety tips" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3zzg2-14ea663-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;94.3 KAYS The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/102/Sheriff">Ellis County Sheriff</a> Scott Braun about staying safe while driving this winter.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Sheriff shares winter driving safety tips

RUSSEL COUNTY —There were no injuries from a fire at motel Thursday morning in Russell.

Crews responded just before 8a.m. to The Lodge, 901 S. Fossil, and were able to bring the fire under control around 8:30a.m., according to Fire Chief Dylan Riedel.

Crews contained the fire to the first floor laundry room. A room on the second floor had some some damage. The fire started in a laundry room dryer, according to Riedel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The estimated loss of the dryer is $4,000 while structural damage at the motel is estimated at $6,000, according to the&nbsp; city of Russell.

RUSSELL COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire early Thursday at a motel in Russell, according to the city.

Just before 8 a.m., crews responded to The Lodge, 901 S. Fossil, and were able to bring the&nbsp;fire under control just before 8:30 a.m.

There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

RUSSEL COUNTY —There were no injuries from a fire at motel Thursday morning in Russell.Crews responded just before 8a.m. to The Lodge, 901 S. Fossil, and were able to bring the fire under control around 8:30a.m., according to Fire Chief Dylan Riedel.Crews contained the fire to the first floor laundry room. A room on the second floor had some some damage. The fire started in a laundry room dryer, according to Riedel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The estimated loss of the dryer is $4,000 while structural damage at the motel is estimated at $6,000, according to the&nbsp; city of Russell.------------RUSSELL COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire early Thursday at a motel in Russell, according to the city.Just before 8 a.m., crews responded to The Lodge, 901 S. Fossil, and were able to bring the&nbsp;fire under control just before 8:30 a.m.There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Fire damages motel in Russell 

This column continues exploring the 1913 – 1914 Second Annual Catalogue of Ellis Public Schools. This portion deals with the curricula for the College Preparatory Course. Keep in mind the limited faculty available to prepare Ellis youth for their futures.

According to the catalogue, the district (or perhaps the state) required 15 units for graduation. Those desiring to attend college needed to take and pass “at least two units of a foreign language and three units in one subject besides English, to be taken from the following: Foreign Language, Mathematics, History, Natural Science.”

The catalogue adds an explanation stating, “In the branches that do not require preparation by the student outside of the recitation a unit of credit is given for a course of daily exercises extending through the year with double eighty-minute periods, and a half unit of credit is given for a course extending through the year with forty-minute periods.”

In additional paragraphs, the catalogue records that, “The Normal Training Course meets the requirements of the State Board of Education.

"If agriculture and domestic science are taken in the third year, this course will also satisfy the requirements of the State Board with reference to appropriations for these subjects.

"If two units of foreign language are included in the electives, this course will be satisfactory for admission to most colleges.”

And finally, “Satisfactory rhetoricals are required of all students.”

Clearly, earning a diploma and the right to apply to colleges required diligence on the part of students and faculty. 

I don’t pretend that I understand all of these requirements, but I do recognize that the students and their families sacrificed more than tuition money to achieve educational success. I wish I had more information regarding teacher preparation that detailed how educators instructed students to meet these standards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697658052786.jpeg" alt="Ellis School ca 1911. Courtesy Paul Kraus&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis School ca 1911. Courtesy Paul Kraus&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>This column continues exploring the 1913 – 1914 Second Annual Catalogue of Ellis Public Schools. This portion deals with the curricula for the College Preparatory Course. Keep in mind the limited faculty available to prepare Ellis youth for their futures.According to the catalogue, the district (or perhaps the state) required 15 units for graduation. Those desiring to attend college needed to take and pass “at least two units of a foreign language and three units in one subject besides English, to be taken from the following: Foreign Language, Mathematics, History, Natural Science.”The catalogue adds an explanation stating, “In the branches that do not require preparation by the student outside of the recitation a unit of credit is given for a course of daily exercises extending through the year with double eighty-minute periods, and a half unit of credit is given for a course extending through the year with forty-minute periods.”In additional paragraphs, the catalogue records that, “The Normal Training Course meets the requirements of the State Board of Education."If agriculture and domestic science are taken in the third year, this course will also satisfy the requirements of the State Board with reference to appropriations for these subjects."If two units of foreign language are included in the electives, this course will be satisfactory for admission to most colleges.”And finally, “Satisfactory rhetoricals are required of all students.”Clearly, earning a diploma and the right to apply to colleges required diligence on the part of students and faculty. I don’t pretend that I understand all of these requirements, but I do recognize that the students and their families sacrificed more than tuition money to achieve educational success. I wish I had more information regarding teacher preparation that detailed how educators instructed students to meet these standards.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697658006051.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

MADORIN: History of Ellis schools, part 10

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

BY TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Discover the heart and soul of Latin flavors as Las Hefas Latin Cuisine welcomes downtown Hays through its doors.

Israel Luna, general manager of Las Hefas, was born in Mexico and relocated to Kansas at the age of 13 in 2003.&nbsp;

Luna has been involved in the restaurant industry since his high school years, starting with a position at McDonald’s. He dedicated roughly four years to working at Jaliscos before working at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing for 10 years.

Even while pursuing studies in political science and working in the school district, Luna consistently held positions in restaurants, valuing the additional experience and connections he built over the years.&nbsp;

“There were a lot of hurdles we had to jump through for this, and I knew that the relationships I made here in town were going to make it easier,” Luna said. “I have met so many people that I know if we had a restaurant, they would at least give it a try and come to support it.”

Attending Fort Hays State University, Luna said the most significant lesson he learned was networking, referring to it as his secondary job.

“I always made sure people had a good experience and they knew who I was. I made a lot of connections that I hope will give us a little edge once we open our doors here.” Luna said, describing his work ethic during his time at Gella’s.

Las Hefas Latin Cuisine, 224 W. 11th St., is expected to be open in early to mid-November.

Luna hopes to stand out in the Hays community with his crisp ingredients and traditional style of cooking.&nbsp;

“We're taking a more homestyle approach to cooking Mexican food with my mom's recipes. I think what restaurants here in town lack is the authenticity of what Mexican food is,” he said.

To ensure their freshness, certain dishes such as tamales, pasola and birria will be exclusively available on weekends. Additionally, weekend specials will showcase diverse courses originating from regions beyond Mexico.

“The name of our restaurant is Las Hafas Latin Cuisine because we're also incorporating other dishes from Latin America. We’ll have a couple of dishes from Central America and a couple of dishes from South America,” Luna said.

Luna highlights that the tortillas offered at Las Hefas should be the first choice for customers to experience.

“I think once people try those fresh tortillas, it will almost elevate their standard of what they're looking for,” he said.

Other menu items that Las Heffas will offer are enchiladas, pupusas, fajitas and sopes.

Luna noted that during his time at FHSU, many students expressed an interest in pursuing opportunities in eastern Kansas. However, personally, he never entertained the same idea.

“I think a lot of times rural communities in western Kansas are very affected when people are not willing to start small businesses there,” Luna said. “I'm happy to be here and be able to create a good product for the people of Hays, and hopefully they're willing to give us a chance.”

Luna acknowledges building owner Marvin Rack, Matt Grezeszak from Old Glory Rehab and Restoration, Edgar Gonzoles as well as various family members.

“The reason why we call it Las Hefas is because of my mom, my sister and my wife. They are the people that have made me into the person I am now. Through good and bad experiences, those three ladies are the foundation of who I am,” he said.

Luna specifically credits his mother, who will play a prominent role in the kitchen area for establishing his restaurant.

“Growing up, she was my main role model. I mean, the respect I have for her is everything,” Luna said.

Within Latin American culture, children growing up often refer to their mothers as "La Jefa," a term that translates to "the boss."

Las Hefas will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can follow Las Hefas Latin Cuisine on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lashefas">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698788763807.jpeg" alt="Las Hefas Latin Cuisine sign outside of its restaurant building. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Las Hefas Latin Cuisine sign outside of its restaurant building. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>BY TONY GUERRERO Hays PostDiscover the heart and soul of Latin flavors as Las Hefas Latin Cuisine welcomes downtown Hays through its doors.Israel Luna, general manager of Las Hefas, was born in Mexico and relocated to Kansas at the age of 13 in 2003.&nbsp;Luna has been involved in the restaurant industry since his high school years, starting with a position at McDonald’s. He dedicated roughly four years to working at Jaliscos before working at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing for 10 years.Even while pursuing studies in political science and working in the school district, Luna consistently held positions in restaurants, valuing the additional experience and connections he built over the years.&nbsp;“There were a lot of hurdles we had to jump through for this, and I knew that the relationships I made here in town were going to make it easier,” Luna said. “I have met so many people that I know if we had a restaurant, they would at least give it a try and come to support it.”Attending Fort Hays State University, Luna said the most significant lesson he learned was networking, referring to it as his secondary job.“I always made sure people had a good experience and they knew who I was. I made a lot of connections that I hope will give us a little edge once we open our doors here.” Luna said, describing his work ethic during his time at Gella’s.Las Hefas Latin Cuisine, 224 W. 11th St., is expected to be open in early to mid-November.Luna hopes to stand out in the Hays community with his crisp ingredients and traditional style of cooking.&nbsp;“We're taking a more homestyle approach to cooking Mexican food with my mom's recipes. I think what restaurants here in town lack is the authenticity of what Mexican food is,” he said.To ensure their freshness, certain dishes such as tamales, pasola and birria will be exclusively available on weekends. Additionally, weekend specials will showcase diverse courses originating from regions beyond Mexico.“The name of our restaurant is Las Hafas Latin Cuisine because we're also incorporating other dishes from Latin America. We’ll have a couple of dishes from Central America and a couple of dishes from South America,” Luna said.Luna highlights that the tortillas offered at Las Hefas should be the first choice for customers to experience.“I think once people try those fresh tortillas, it will almost elevate their standard of what they're looking for,” he said.Other menu items that Las Heffas will offer are enchiladas, pupusas, fajitas and sopes.Luna noted that during his time at FHSU, many students expressed an interest in pursuing opportunities in eastern Kansas. However, personally, he never entertained the same idea.“I think a lot of times rural communities in western Kansas are very affected when people are not willing to start small businesses there,” Luna said. “I'm happy to be here and be able to create a good product for the people of Hays, and hopefully they're willing to give us a chance.”Luna acknowledges building owner Marvin Rack, Matt Grezeszak from Old Glory Rehab and Restoration, Edgar Gonzoles as well as various family members.“The reason why we call it Las Hefas is because of my mom, my sister and my wife. They are the people that have made me into the person I am now. Through good and bad experiences, those three ladies are the foundation of who I am,” he said.Luna specifically credits his mother, who will play a prominent role in the kitchen area for establishing his restaurant.“Growing up, she was my main role model. I mean, the respect I have for her is everything,” Luna said.Within Latin American culture, children growing up often refer to their mothers as "La Jefa," a term that translates to "the boss."Las Hefas will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.You can follow Las Hefas Latin Cuisine on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lashefas">Facebook</a>.

Las Hefas restaurant brings authentic Latin flavors, local charm to Hays

HaysMed is excited to announce Moving Moms, an all-encompassing pre/peri/post natal fitness program, aimed at providing invaluable support and guidance to expectant and new mothers during their transformative journey into motherhood. This targeted program is designed to equip women with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery with confidence and vitality.

The Pre/Peri/Post Natal Fitness program is a carefully supervised exercise regimen meticulously designed to prepare women for the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and post-partum. It focuses on building stamina and strength essential for labor and delivery while assisting in restoring muscle tone after childbirth. Participants will learn safe and effective exercise techniques, alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, and receive invaluable nutrition tips tailored to each trimester.

Classes offered under this program adhere to the rigorous guidelines set by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They encompass a diverse range of activities, including low-impact aerobics, moderate strength training, water aerobics, core strengthening, stretching, and relaxation techniques.

Heather Ver Woer - Prenatal/Perinatal/Postnatal Instructor: Credentials: B.S. Kinesiology, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Behavior Change Specialist, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, ACE Weight Management Specialist, AFAA Perinatal Fitness Certified.

Kirsten Angell - Wellness Dietitian: Credentials: B.S. in Dietetics - Kansas State University, Registered Dietitian (RD) - The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian (LD) - State of Kansas, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) - Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE), Certified Insulin Pump Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) - American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Screening and Consultation: For women seeking guidance on safe prenatal and postpartum workouts, one-on-one consultations are available. These sessions provide clarity in navigating the sea of prenatal fitness advice and help determine individualized fitness priorities.

Wellness Coaching: Our dedicated wellness coach serves as supportive guides, helping clients set health goals, manage stress, and overcome daily challenges during all stages of pregnancy. They bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and sustainable positive lifestyle changes.

Personal Training: Our accredited personal trainers tailor workouts to suit all fitness levels, providing guidance, motivation, support, and accountability to achieve desired results.

Nutrition Coaching: A comprehensive assessment of nutrition habits is conducted, focusing on individual goals and needs. Clients receive personalized nutrition plans to support them during and after pregnancy.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Aids in managing symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. Hormonal changes and increased pressure during pregnancy can lead to various pelvic floor and back problems. Pelvic Floor physical therapy can improve quality of life by alleviating painful symptoms, strengthening the core, enhancing flexibility, and normalizing bowel and bladder functions. It addresses a range of issues, from sacroiliac joint instability to urinary incontinence.

There are many benefits of exercising during pregnancy including:

• Lower risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension. • Reduced likelihood of preterm labor and birth. • Increased fitness level for labor. • Greater chance of avoiding cesarean section or other pregnancy interventions. • Quicker recovery from childbirth. • Alleviation of backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling. • Enhanced mood and energy levels. • Prevention of excess weight gain and faster return to pre-pregnancy weight. • Improved sleep quality. • Promotion of muscle tone, strength, endurance, and flexibility. • Immune system boost. • Stress relief and improved mental health.

Pelvic floor physical therapists associated with the program include Whitney Ford, PT, DPT, Janna Manning, PT and Amanda Nelson, PT, DPT.

"Exercise and good nutrition are so important for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery. We know that moms who exercise will have lower rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery, but also experience less constipation and musculoskeletal pain. A well-balanced diet is key for&nbsp;your baby's development in utero and for a successful breastfeeding experience. As an added bonus, by taking care of your body with good nutrition and exercise, your mood is also improved," said Jenna Sloan, MD, Center for Women's Health.

HaysMed is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of expectant and new mothers, ensuring a smoother journey into motherhood and a brighter, healthier future for both moms and babies.

For more information on the Moving Moms program call 785-623-5900.

For more information about our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program, please contact Outpatient Rehabilitation at 785-623-5691.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698422422534.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed is excited to announce Moving Moms, an all-encompassing pre/peri/post natal fitness program, aimed at providing invaluable support and guidance to expectant and new mothers during their transformative journey into motherhood. This targeted program is designed to equip women with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery with confidence and vitality.Class information:The Pre/Peri/Post Natal Fitness program is a carefully supervised exercise regimen meticulously designed to prepare women for the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and post-partum. It focuses on building stamina and strength essential for labor and delivery while assisting in restoring muscle tone after childbirth. Participants will learn safe and effective exercise techniques, alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, and receive invaluable nutrition tips tailored to each trimester.Classes offered under this program adhere to the rigorous guidelines set by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They encompass a diverse range of activities, including low-impact aerobics, moderate strength training, water aerobics, core strengthening, stretching, and relaxation techniques.Course instructors:Heather Ver Woer - Prenatal/Perinatal/Postnatal Instructor: Credentials: B.S. Kinesiology, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Behavior Change Specialist, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, ACE Weight Management Specialist, AFAA Perinatal Fitness Certified.Kirsten Angell - Wellness Dietitian: Credentials: B.S. in Dietetics - Kansas State University, Registered Dietitian (RD) - The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian (LD) - State of Kansas, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) - Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE), Certified Insulin Pump Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) - American Council on Exercise (ACE).Additional services:Screening and Consultation: For women seeking guidance on safe prenatal and postpartum workouts, one-on-one consultations are available. These sessions provide clarity in navigating the sea of prenatal fitness advice and help determine individualized fitness priorities.Wellness Coaching: Our dedicated wellness coach serves as supportive guides, helping clients set health goals, manage stress, and overcome daily challenges during all stages of pregnancy. They bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and sustainable positive lifestyle changes.Personal Training: Our accredited personal trainers tailor workouts to suit all fitness levels, providing guidance, motivation, support, and accountability to achieve desired results.Nutrition Coaching: A comprehensive assessment of nutrition habits is conducted, focusing on individual goals and needs. Clients receive personalized nutrition plans to support them during and after pregnancy.Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Aids in managing symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. Hormonal changes and increased pressure during pregnancy can lead to various pelvic floor and back problems. Pelvic Floor physical therapy can improve quality of life by alleviating painful symptoms, strengthening the core, enhancing flexibility, and normalizing bowel and bladder functions. It addresses a range of issues, from sacroiliac joint instability to urinary incontinence.There are many benefits of exercising during pregnancy including:• Lower risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension. • Reduced likelihood of preterm labor and birth. • Increased fitness level for labor. • Greater chance of avoiding cesarean section or other pregnancy interventions. • Quicker recovery from childbirth. • Alleviation of backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling. • Enhanced mood and energy levels. • Prevention of excess weight gain and faster return to pre-pregnancy weight. • Improved sleep quality. • Promotion of muscle tone, strength, endurance, and flexibility. • Immune system boost. • Stress relief and improved mental health. Pelvic floor physical therapists associated with the program include Whitney Ford, PT, DPT, Janna Manning, PT and Amanda Nelson, PT, DPT."Exercise and good nutrition are so important for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery. We know that moms who exercise will have lower rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery, but also experience less constipation and musculoskeletal pain. A well-balanced diet is key for&nbsp;your baby's development in utero and for a successful breastfeeding experience. As an added bonus, by taking care of your body with good nutrition and exercise, your mood is also improved," said Jenna Sloan, MD, Center for Women's Health.HaysMed is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of expectant and new mothers, ensuring a smoother journey into motherhood and a brighter, healthier future for both moms and babies.For more information on the Moving Moms program call 785-623-5900.For more information about our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program, please contact Outpatient Rehabilitation at 785-623-5691.

HaysMed empowers mothers with comprehensive natal fitness program

American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition recently announced the winners of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event honoring the role of farmers markets.

The Downtown Hays Market was announced as the Best Market in Kansas in September 2023 following a public campaign. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the winners in each state and region.

This season marked the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Hays Market. 

The first season in 2013 consisted of a few pop-up tents on the west side of 10th and Main Street. This year, the market hosted more than 60 registered vendors and welcomed hundreds of customers, including many regulars every week.

“It feels like a big family gathering under the pavilion … it’s a great place to be on Saturday mornings!” said Julie Rider, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp.

Opening Memorial Day weekend and running through October at the downtown pavilion in the Union Pacific Plaza, the market ensures the community has access to fresh, nutritious food produced by local farmers and artisans. As a site that accepts Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and offers a Double Up Food Bucks match to our community, the market is a valuable resource to families.

In addition to fresh food produce vendors, the market regularly features local musicians, live plants and fresh cut flowers, educational components, and a variety of craft vendors. One perk of the market is complimentary coffee provided by Breathe Coffee House, which is sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As a state winner, the Downtown Hays Market will receive $100 for marketing or other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact and are provided with a custom America’s Farmers Market Celebration winner’s badge to display on various platforms. 

Learn more about the Downtown Hays Market at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market">www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684943096978.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DHDCAmerican Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition recently announced the winners of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event honoring the role of farmers markets.The Downtown Hays Market was announced as the Best Market in Kansas in September 2023 following a public campaign. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the winners in each state and region.This season marked the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Hays Market. The first season in 2013 consisted of a few pop-up tents on the west side of 10th and Main Street. This year, the market hosted more than 60 registered vendors and welcomed hundreds of customers, including many regulars every week.“It feels like a big family gathering under the pavilion … it’s a great place to be on Saturday mornings!” said Julie Rider, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp.Opening Memorial Day weekend and running through October at the downtown pavilion in the Union Pacific Plaza, the market ensures the community has access to fresh, nutritious food produced by local farmers and artisans. As a site that accepts Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and offers a Double Up Food Bucks match to our community, the market is a valuable resource to families.In addition to fresh food produce vendors, the market regularly features local musicians, live plants and fresh cut flowers, educational components, and a variety of craft vendors. One perk of the market is complimentary coffee provided by Breathe Coffee House, which is sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.As a state winner, the Downtown Hays Market will receive $100 for marketing or other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact and are provided with a custom America’s Farmers Market Celebration winner’s badge to display on various platforms. Learn more about the Downtown Hays Market at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market">www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market</a>.

Downtown Hays Market named best in Kansas

In recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 13-19, the Kansas Small Business Development Center at FHSU offers a full slate of professional development courses.

“We have so many training opportunities planned that we are spreading them over two weeks to celebrate and support entrepreneurs in Western Kansas,” said Laurie Pieper, assistant state director of SBCD Kansas.

Eight workshops, webinars, and hybrid events will be offered from Liberal to Salina and on the FHSU campus. Topics include international trade opportunities, trademarks and patents, government contracting, podcasting, and business startup planning.

A complete list of opportunities is below:

Monday, November 6, 2023, 10:00-11:30 AM, Garden City, KS, In-Person How to Start a Business: Steps to Take &amp; Resources for Help Registration Link:&nbsp;https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28119

Monday, November 6, 2023, 12:00-1:30 PM Garden City, KS, In-Person How to Write a Business Plan Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPnGFpwdLV4gNl3kTqunpf6A-3D-3Dd5jU_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLSnqvaU6O-2By4jLpSKceeOcjuv2BLF1afhR1b9LxEVht-2Bx0jgt7dC9eETtgMleAu8LHL-2BIAr2gV1yjQw4d7RjQY-2FvO8IZr-2Fjj35Ok1FFFbQHW-2BGYnuYXtYfrsqNqVM9yZtsS8tTpKH-2FQZ7XLwJu5FImZnL5iP0JYaJL8L0qWsI-2BTsZgit8YW51B-2FPCwrQ3n5DAA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28120</a>

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 6:00-7:30 PM, Virtual Podcasting for Profit: Master the Art of Business Podcasting Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPzRbc6vOmo6Oi1Yx0BgD-2FPQ-3D-3DTYGG_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLT7n7k9DwXCGP35inI415Z5JqcoOz7GqmNd-2FlnRZcTi7mbqHKr1nAaFCNpeM3aUqw5oJLtSGxOal7cx43MdxnCoSgfFqoM-2BqvUNiRtObEEetn6FvA80fB7QhvLXbbT2yuqk2dFagl9N2a8ytb3ifP5-2BAWv26fhgytb-2F-2FYD5NSc-2FKrL-2B-2BJZtoFDwaifMITGjfaA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28121</a>

Thursday, November 9, 2023, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Salina, KS, In-Person Government Contracting Workshop: Tips and Resources Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPuFHbzar2D-2FBTCey9-2BAjRaA-3D-3Ds9Me_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLS9w7nhMDaYzpycoQXd3n65LSebl93iZjoXC9NxHQ-2BYo-2BqkYQvfGiAGuuETcT93OfKunvQo2iV18JPQexUyrfGGXFr0J-2BMF2UhaKAj1V23MU3SXZ33umC-2FgBOiNgbRZiEQDMAoFYIsBpPttq-2B025nmWXuI6wbikfr-2F8tbiNZXbY-2Fq-2BQFRjzY2-2BY9td9SuQE3-2FQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28129</a>

Monday, November 13, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM, Virtual Intro to QuickBooks Registration Link:&nbsp;https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28136

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM, Virtual International Trade Opportunities and Resources Webinar Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPJbEFaSw34NWEurvfoC5Hpw-3D-3DhY21_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLc1R8R6e4-2BM6QNvSNSVzWpA9fmaWNOelHcCYlO5ZzSufsmeIGi4ogO1tTjEtI3Jg8R-2FWxSBBa4OoSFicVchENW5rLYSvS-2FM54LYKH8Z-2BAsdeGNIm3DIe9ny4tk-2FE8mlKbOMI-2BAdHYu1Rzx9TLmgWG9TMMlnKgepPnTyo9Y-2Bmg5KyFgdgVVlcKeiSwOyYqyKQ4Q-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28130</a>

Friday, November 17, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Virtual and In-Person Trademark Essentials: What You Need to Protect Your Business Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPjELrjBYX42N-2BSbldOY5mcw-3D-3DEO6s_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLVkLqTjWlvpLQmqkdRu-2BykSr9JWizPDz5hYpXoZB-2FtP7tzkpZG3miOlriwiivZ-2FpGma7qzE5SN3yHDZDWOlCy5lj8QdyVfyvyoevRzPekejf-2FdS1LCJujCbvDEHkt-2BcCFdKRq63PkHIkuY2qYOkZ-2B0MDg539iqLmxwIvaXR5IOAZz1d8cQUD8O9A9O622D685g-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28123</a>

Friday, November 17, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Virtual How to work with U.S. Patent &amp; Trademark Office Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPaAoR8V1MdMZcuZDctvbbcw-3D-3DOtxD_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLd3VX7AyEl2fyEuknZYlxruFlRbF1UCNN6xQtM7EE7Kp37bEgHVoDiZMNTWIJDAyKitYPQWn-2FGGj2ovd8XsFsQyRpW6EnUUIDWCHaRRjNugZNDTIQJLfv7A9Av11dE-2BAp-2FKJHvrcgSTbafcnbcdi2X5jHv-2FrmTSimTeUAOQBM6iRfCGorfO5ahcYuRn2T1p77A-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28132</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676587853600.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsIn recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 13-19, the Kansas Small Business Development Center at FHSU offers a full slate of professional development courses.“We have so many training opportunities planned that we are spreading them over two weeks to celebrate and support entrepreneurs in Western Kansas,” said Laurie Pieper, assistant state director of SBCD Kansas.Eight workshops, webinars, and hybrid events will be offered from Liberal to Salina and on the FHSU campus. Topics include international trade opportunities, trademarks and patents, government contracting, podcasting, and business startup planning.A complete list of opportunities is below:Monday, November 6, 2023, 10:00-11:30 AM, Garden City, KS, In-Person How to Start a Business: Steps to Take &amp; Resources for Help Registration Link:&nbsp;https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28119Monday, November 6, 2023, 12:00-1:30 PM Garden City, KS, In-Person How to Write a Business Plan Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPnGFpwdLV4gNl3kTqunpf6A-3D-3Dd5jU_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLSnqvaU6O-2By4jLpSKceeOcjuv2BLF1afhR1b9LxEVht-2Bx0jgt7dC9eETtgMleAu8LHL-2BIAr2gV1yjQw4d7RjQY-2FvO8IZr-2Fjj35Ok1FFFbQHW-2BGYnuYXtYfrsqNqVM9yZtsS8tTpKH-2FQZ7XLwJu5FImZnL5iP0JYaJL8L0qWsI-2BTsZgit8YW51B-2FPCwrQ3n5DAA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28120</a>Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 6:00-7:30 PM, Virtual Podcasting for Profit: Master the Art of Business Podcasting Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPzRbc6vOmo6Oi1Yx0BgD-2FPQ-3D-3DTYGG_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLT7n7k9DwXCGP35inI415Z5JqcoOz7GqmNd-2FlnRZcTi7mbqHKr1nAaFCNpeM3aUqw5oJLtSGxOal7cx43MdxnCoSgfFqoM-2BqvUNiRtObEEetn6FvA80fB7QhvLXbbT2yuqk2dFagl9N2a8ytb3ifP5-2BAWv26fhgytb-2F-2FYD5NSc-2FKrL-2B-2BJZtoFDwaifMITGjfaA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28121</a>Thursday, November 9, 2023, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Salina, KS, In-Person Government Contracting Workshop: Tips and Resources Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPuFHbzar2D-2FBTCey9-2BAjRaA-3D-3Ds9Me_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLS9w7nhMDaYzpycoQXd3n65LSebl93iZjoXC9NxHQ-2BYo-2BqkYQvfGiAGuuETcT93OfKunvQo2iV18JPQexUyrfGGXFr0J-2BMF2UhaKAj1V23MU3SXZ33umC-2FgBOiNgbRZiEQDMAoFYIsBpPttq-2B025nmWXuI6wbikfr-2F8tbiNZXbY-2Fq-2BQFRjzY2-2BY9td9SuQE3-2FQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28129</a>Monday, November 13, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM, Virtual Intro to QuickBooks Registration Link:&nbsp;https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28136Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM, Virtual International Trade Opportunities and Resources Webinar Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPJbEFaSw34NWEurvfoC5Hpw-3D-3DhY21_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLc1R8R6e4-2BM6QNvSNSVzWpA9fmaWNOelHcCYlO5ZzSufsmeIGi4ogO1tTjEtI3Jg8R-2FWxSBBa4OoSFicVchENW5rLYSvS-2FM54LYKH8Z-2BAsdeGNIm3DIe9ny4tk-2FE8mlKbOMI-2BAdHYu1Rzx9TLmgWG9TMMlnKgepPnTyo9Y-2Bmg5KyFgdgVVlcKeiSwOyYqyKQ4Q-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28130</a>Friday, November 17, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Virtual and In-Person Trademark Essentials: What You Need to Protect Your Business Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPjELrjBYX42N-2BSbldOY5mcw-3D-3DEO6s_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLVkLqTjWlvpLQmqkdRu-2BykSr9JWizPDz5hYpXoZB-2FtP7tzkpZG3miOlriwiivZ-2FpGma7qzE5SN3yHDZDWOlCy5lj8QdyVfyvyoevRzPekejf-2FdS1LCJujCbvDEHkt-2BcCFdKRq63PkHIkuY2qYOkZ-2B0MDg539iqLmxwIvaXR5IOAZz1d8cQUD8O9A9O622D685g-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28123</a>Friday, November 17, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Virtual How to work with U.S. Patent &amp; Trademark Office Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHmQbz4SJu4vt28r3s2EaBAsZOEUBehbnAi4AjzfZOJPaAoR8V1MdMZcuZDctvbbcw-3D-3DOtxD_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbmhx2pe3fn2fYPblUyMeoN0AHW9chpyE-2F2-2FB59vvoLfVQCm3-2BIZOCSvYCPuBCcwosQxZl3rm6h1nHD-2FMp-2BTNgLd3VX7AyEl2fyEuknZYlxruFlRbF1UCNN6xQtM7EE7Kp37bEgHVoDiZMNTWIJDAyKitYPQWn-2FGGj2ovd8XsFsQyRpW6EnUUIDWCHaRRjNugZNDTIQJLfv7A9Av11dE-2BAp-2FKJHvrcgSTbafcnbcdi2X5jHv-2FrmTSimTeUAOQBM6iRfCGorfO5ahcYuRn2T1p77A-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28132</a>

Entrepreneurship courses offered by FHSU Small Business Development Center

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698859587277.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

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.

The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.

Age:&nbsp;40 Profession:&nbsp;Vice president of Operation for Hess Services, Inc. Incumbent:&nbsp;No

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed)&nbsp;Victoria&nbsp;schools?

I have two children in the Victoria School system, one in each building

Why are you running for school board?&nbsp;

I had always wanted to be involved with the school board because I have a passion for learning and I love the number of opportunities that are available for kids to actively get involved in sports and activities when they attend a small school district.&nbsp; I started to realize that now was the time when I needed to get involved from conversations with frustrated parents, teachers, and staff in addition to conversations with school board members. The frustrations from so many angles, led me to believe that we needed someone who is experienced in budgeting, purchasing, human resources, leadership and conflict resolution, if we are going to start pulling these pieces back together.

If you had one thing you could change about the USD&nbsp;432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;

I currently have concerns about our spending, but I will need time in the budgets and district policies to see what the current plans for the funds are and what the rules are around what approvals are required. In the last meeting, I saw the board approve capital expenditures that seemed high to me for the work being performed, and the quotes were from a single vendor. I would push to utilize a multiple quote process for expenditures over a threshold to work to keep costs down.

What is your opinion of the Hays USD&nbsp;432&nbsp;administration?&nbsp;Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?&nbsp;

Yes, I think that I could work with the current administration. Having attended several recent school board meetings, I think there are several items that warranted further discussion by the board and the administration. Also, I thought some of the decisions should have been tabled until a more thorough look at the costs for the proposed work could have been completed. One key example would be multiple expenditures that were single source bids and in my opinion over spends for non-essential items.

What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?&nbsp;

Absolutely. &nbsp;Our school board is made up good people.&nbsp; I have coached with some of them, our kids play sports together and go to school together. I think that in many of the situations that I have had concerns with, during the school board meetings that I have attended, could have went in a different direction if someone would have asked the right questions to prompt a further discussion.&nbsp;

What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?&nbsp;

In my view the board is there to be oversite of the district. They are put in place by tax-paying voters to be good stewards of the money allocated to the district. So they need to find ways to utilize the funds available to best benefit our students and look for opportunities to provide our teachers with tools to help them better the education of our students. The school board is also there to be decision makers on topics that are often complicated. They should review plans put forward by the administration and make decisions in the best interest of the district as a whole. Then the administration should execute those plans.&nbsp; Every board member won’t be an expert on education and how it should be performed. That is why we rely&nbsp;on our teachers and the administration. The school board is made up of elected officials so the administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community should be able to raise concerns to people that they have elected to serve as their representative.

What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies&nbsp;and how they have been applied?&nbsp;

It is more than difficult to make an informed statement about how discipline policies have been applied without being in the room where the information is presented that is not available to the public. I can say that I based on my current job and previous jobs that I have been in leadership and management positions for coming up on a couple of decades. Rules need to be in compliance with regulations and the standards defined by the district policies. Then they need to be applied in a consistent manner otherwise people lose faith in the leaders and the rules.

What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?&nbsp;

I think that academic performance of a student is a combination of the foundation and expectations set at home by the parents, the ability of a teacher to identify and connect with the learning style of each student,&nbsp; challenging students to excel, and the absence of distractions in the classroom.&nbsp; The school system is responsible for 3 of these 4. The best foundation for achieving these 3 is experienced teaching professionals and an aligned, supportive administration.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Matt Orr</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698872481819.jpeg" alt="Matt Orr" />
 <figcaption>Matt Orr</figcaption>
 </figure>Age:&nbsp;40 Profession:&nbsp;Vice president of Operation for Hess Services, Inc. Incumbent:&nbsp;NoDo you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed)&nbsp;Victoria&nbsp;schools? I have two children in the Victoria School system, one in each buildingWhy are you running for school board?&nbsp;I had always wanted to be involved with the school board because I have a passion for learning and I love the number of opportunities that are available for kids to actively get involved in sports and activities when they attend a small school district.&nbsp; I started to realize that now was the time when I needed to get involved from conversations with frustrated parents, teachers, and staff in addition to conversations with school board members. The frustrations from so many angles, led me to believe that we needed someone who is experienced in budgeting, purchasing, human resources, leadership and conflict resolution, if we are going to start pulling these pieces back together.If you had one thing you could change about the USD&nbsp;432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;I currently have concerns about our spending, but I will need time in the budgets and district policies to see what the current plans for the funds are and what the rules are around what approvals are required. In the last meeting, I saw the board approve capital expenditures that seemed high to me for the work being performed, and the quotes were from a single vendor. I would push to utilize a multiple quote process for expenditures over a threshold to work to keep costs down.What is your opinion of the Hays USD&nbsp;432&nbsp;administration?&nbsp;Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?&nbsp;Yes, I think that I could work with the current administration. Having attended several recent school board meetings, I think there are several items that warranted further discussion by the board and the administration. Also, I thought some of the decisions should have been tabled until a more thorough look at the costs for the proposed work could have been completed. One key example would be multiple expenditures that were single source bids and in my opinion over spends for non-essential items.What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?&nbsp;Absolutely. &nbsp;Our school board is made up good people.&nbsp; I have coached with some of them, our kids play sports together and go to school together. I think that in many of the situations that I have had concerns with, during the school board meetings that I have attended, could have went in a different direction if someone would have asked the right questions to prompt a further discussion.&nbsp;What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?&nbsp;In my view the board is there to be oversite of the district. They are put in place by tax-paying voters to be good stewards of the money allocated to the district. So they need to find ways to utilize the funds available to best benefit our students and look for opportunities to provide our teachers with tools to help them better the education of our students. The school board is also there to be decision makers on topics that are often complicated. They should review plans put forward by the administration and make decisions in the best interest of the district as a whole. Then the administration should execute those plans.&nbsp; Every board member won’t be an expert on education and how it should be performed. That is why we rely&nbsp;on our teachers and the administration. The school board is made up of elected officials so the administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community should be able to raise concerns to people that they have elected to serve as their representative.What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies&nbsp;and how they have been applied?&nbsp;It is more than difficult to make an informed statement about how discipline policies have been applied without being in the room where the information is presented that is not available to the public. I can say that I based on my current job and previous jobs that I have been in leadership and management positions for coming up on a couple of decades. Rules need to be in compliance with regulations and the standards defined by the district policies. Then they need to be applied in a consistent manner otherwise people lose faith in the leaders and the rules.What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?&nbsp;I think that academic performance of a student is a combination of the foundation and expectations set at home by the parents, the ability of a teacher to identify and connect with the learning style of each student,&nbsp; challenging students to excel, and the absence of distractions in the classroom.&nbsp; The school system is responsible for 3 of these 4. The best foundation for achieving these 3 is experienced teaching professionals and an aligned, supportive administration.

Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Matt Orr

Age:&nbsp;45 Profession:&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Grade teacher Incumbent:&nbsp;yes

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?

&nbsp;I have children who attend Victoria Jr. and Senior High

I am running for the board because I feel it is important to be involved in all childrens’ education. I feel like I bring a different perspective to the board because I can see issues from a teacher’s point of view as well as a parent’s point of view. I feel education is so important for our children and whatever I can do to help positively impact the education in Victoria I am willing to do.

If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;

I would love to be able to offer a wider variety of opportunities to our kids. We currently have great programs for our students but we can always benefit from expansion of additional opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is your opinion of the Vcitoria USD 432&nbsp;administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?&nbsp;

If you are referencing&nbsp;Victoria USD 432&nbsp;administration, I think they have made great gains for our students. They have the students’ best interest in mind when making decisions for their education.&nbsp; They have continually thought outside of the box to improve our district.&nbsp; I look forward to working with them to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I think our school board works great together.&nbsp; Everyone wants to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp; I would anticipate the same with the upcoming board.

I believe as a board you put the confidence in your administration to run the schools for day-to-day operations.&nbsp; The board’s job is to help set policies and maintain the financial stability of the district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies&nbsp;and how they have been applied? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

I believe the district has good discipline policies and they should be enforced as needed.&nbsp;

I think the teachers need to continue to teach the state standards.&nbsp; We have adopted new curriculum to help meet those standards.&nbsp; We have also added another interventionalist and continue to increase the instruction to help students be successful every day!

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Tammy Lichter&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698265788525.jpeg" alt="Tammy Lichiter" />
 <figcaption>Tammy Lichiter</figcaption>
 </figure>Age:&nbsp;45 Profession:&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Grade teacher Incumbent:&nbsp;yesDo you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?&nbsp;I have children who attend Victoria Jr. and Senior HighWhy are you running for school board?&nbsp;I am running for the board because I feel it is important to be involved in all childrens’ education. I feel like I bring a different perspective to the board because I can see issues from a teacher’s point of view as well as a parent’s point of view. I feel education is so important for our children and whatever I can do to help positively impact the education in Victoria I am willing to do.If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;I would love to be able to offer a wider variety of opportunities to our kids. We currently have great programs for our students but we can always benefit from expansion of additional opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your opinion of the Vcitoria USD 432&nbsp;administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?&nbsp;If you are referencing&nbsp;Victoria USD 432&nbsp;administration, I think they have made great gains for our students. They have the students’ best interest in mind when making decisions for their education.&nbsp; They have continually thought outside of the box to improve our district.&nbsp; I look forward to working with them to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?&nbsp;I think our school board works great together.&nbsp; Everyone wants to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp; I would anticipate the same with the upcoming board.What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?&nbsp;I believe as a board you put the confidence in your administration to run the schools for day-to-day operations.&nbsp; The board’s job is to help set policies and maintain the financial stability of the district.&nbsp;&nbsp;What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies&nbsp;and how they have been applied? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I believe the district has good discipline policies and they should be enforced as needed.&nbsp;What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?&nbsp;I think the teachers need to continue to teach the state standards.&nbsp; We have adopted new curriculum to help meet those standards.&nbsp; We have also added another interventionalist and continue to increase the instruction to help students be successful every day!

Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lichter

RED WILLOW COUNtY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a deadly small plane crash in southwest Nebraska have released additional details.

According to the city of McCook, just before noon Monday, a single-engine Piper PA-46 piloted by Clifton Coffman, 79, Shreveport, Louisiana, crashed in the back yard of a residence in the 1400 Block of East C Street. Coffman died from his injuries.&nbsp;

The passenger identified as Henry Richter, 65, also from Shreveport remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.

The crashed occurred 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported.

&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas. The NTSB and FAA are in charge of the crash investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698756364119.png" alt="Photo courtesy KLKN TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KLKN TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RED WILLOW COUNtY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a deadly small plane crash in southwest Nebraska have released additional details.According to the city of McCook, just before noon Monday, a single-engine Piper PA-46 piloted by Clifton Coffman, 79, Shreveport, Louisiana, crashed in the back yard of a residence in the 1400 Block of East C Street. Coffman died from his injuries.&nbsp;The passenger identified as Henry Richter, 65, also from Shreveport remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.The crashed occurred 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported.&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas. The NTSB and FAA are in charge of the crash investigation.

Pilot who died in SW Nebraska plane crash identified

Kansas Justice Institute files constitutional lawsuit to protect the right to earn an honest living

Bryn Green’s dream business—providing sugaring services in her hometown of Hays—has run head-first into an irrational and arbitrary occupational licensing regime enforced by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. 

She is&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsDwSdi8FGwaWIX9gLgin23YrtxfJWERIYL9BponAwy-2FCGi1mB_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVhsHUrneULHAGqfKoVBG5txACnF2Uv7bA9s7vXI1-2Be-2Bqq1Vsjku-2FWBTN1zvVoGvySEqz4G9Rrs97S64-2FhWxdxj3M0hAzFgR1EnIo0mLO-2F9vPR-2BIlgODBGV6sWhcUCjETLXjcz3vGS35bjOQxtv53j1s-3D" target="_blank">fighting back</a>&nbsp;against the Board of Cosmetology’s unconstitutional occupational license mandates, with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>.&nbsp;

Green is a 32-year-old mom in Hays. To help support her family, wants the opportunity to offer sugaring, an ancient grooming technique that uses a mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water to safely remove unwanted hair. Sugaring would also allow her greater flexibility in raising her son. But in Kansas, it is a crime to practice unlicensed sugaring, and Green is not licensed.&nbsp;

To obtain a license, Bryn would have to complete 1,500 or 1,000 hours of instruction in an expensive cosmetology school.

It is estimated that 99 percent of the cosmetology curriculum teaches things other than sugaring.&nbsp;

After graduating from the 1,500-hour program, Bryn would have to complete two exams. But the practical skills exam is computer-based and does not cover the sugaring technique.

“People shouldn’t be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on irrelevant cosmetology school, and take irrelevant examinations, just to be able to use sugar, lemon juice, and water, to safely remove unwanted hair,”&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;litigation director Sam MacRoberts said.&nbsp;

“It shouldn’t be a crime to use sugar, lemon juice, and water to remove unwanted hair,” MacRoberts said. “There’s no good reason for the State of Kansas to force someone to attend 1,500 hours of irrelevant and expensive schooling,” MacRoberts continued.&nbsp;

“Sugaring is an entirely safe and natural process. It’s been around for centuries,” said Bryn, “it is ridiculous to me that the requirement is to spend thousands of dollars, tens of thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours to obtain a license that I am literally going to use 1 percent of.”

The Kansas Constitution protects the right to earn an honest living, free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;

“Bryn isn’t suing the government for money. She’s fighting to protect everyone’s rights under the Kansas Constitution—the right to earn an honest living,” MacRoberts said.&nbsp;

Over the decades, occupational licensing has exploded even though, as&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUe6yCLKNpLxA0Skk-2BcixzNetcuWtja3rY50TXKE5Yc2qhbc0SbSkCp4rIjLBhWDukRNoe4Iz5Ylk-2FCz7MkIVC0NAEpXZ9vA9aoYMe-2FDw5NA2n-2B5Asml8DGPQkU63fdtmSg-3D-3Dgtml_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVtNqgFsbqOqbjjwZ7hOhP7kUEMDpAi8keLvcS-2FWBya5wxDOKb5-2BRr2XbNyWLe12DUhWCQ-2BESgj1mz6Oz8takyLLWo-2BxgDudJSsmp3-2Bn9twjvcVPZ-2BU2ToAOxz1KktbiJE4KzMokwXXniboR5Ew9YkRs-3D" target="_blank">President Obama’s Administration determined</a>, “most research does not find that licensing improves quality or public health and safety.”

Represented at no charge by Kansas Justice Institute, Green is suing the Board of Cosmetology to vindicate her rights, and the rights of all Kansans, to be free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;

This case is a part of the institute's litigation efforts to make it easier for families to earn honest livings. In 2019,&nbsp;the institute successfully sued the state of Kansas over its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOa1v2buYG7xR-2B86a-2Fbmjn1rDn00tGZuloWDfDByqrCsgA-3D-3DyU1s_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVv4-2F7-2F0yiCbc3P5yv-2FobeDgYBZOiCOnPJdcaY-2By17266FAAIiXo-2BID93P3TxNuqTfcDuzXXCT8hCJ9CescaODdC4f3QvElYugNrkMzCUdeetPtD-2B9dRVa4nCpJxAjt-2BxSIV7Z9TRhMYVw7oyPPJrQ-2Bc-3D" target="_blank">raw milk advertising prohibition</a>, and in 2020, KJI sued the state over its occupational licensing requirement involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BOP6HeNo-2FlLu1uEfoBEpD4tgx9XuvQpcNUVb3cnmvLOauoHgd2KkcN2XpnTbafhvwNlbY_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVuiDwfVdVrOnrzUfiLSAVdtMM87ws-2BWO4dhuoBEcvyA62JrG3sBFLWTXDjpQyQo8JRwLkpmyhIx0FCIm-2F61N9-2FuQsZHs-2F4G4rh7NwmRy-2BxhadFZj6dE3yjfVlvNj85PwgtFi1dmMVXmKZeldkdSKStI-3D" target="_blank">eyebrow threading</a>. Just this year, the institute sued the City of Ottawa, Kan., over its home-based business prohibitions involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2B8MP26JtP6-2FPF9ZhnIskee-2B1zxaZlL-2F6QDNvPNB6TwrlgXTchLYzbuS4xOSD2f-2FVIJy4L_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVkpC9KAzppDGh2o5TQUiQrJnjWofnQIzQbmz5-2Fdc-2FLNPtJlgXLgKvxpfaVO8Z-2BbhZN2vu4zxLcNgK9lrPGfyczGtMviHa-2FPlU-2FHFbVrnnmcgjpM937dt7n3pY42f73kBCccbwokyTMCTaJLEEn0TRog-3D" target="_blank">beekeeping and gardening</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696967207582.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas Justice Institute files constitutional lawsuit to protect the right to earn an honest living</h2>Kansas Policy InstituteBryn Green’s dream business—providing sugaring services in her hometown of Hays—has run head-first into an irrational and arbitrary occupational licensing regime enforced by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. She is&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsDwSdi8FGwaWIX9gLgin23YrtxfJWERIYL9BponAwy-2FCGi1mB_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVhsHUrneULHAGqfKoVBG5txACnF2Uv7bA9s7vXI1-2Be-2Bqq1Vsjku-2FWBTN1zvVoGvySEqz4G9Rrs97S64-2FhWxdxj3M0hAzFgR1EnIo0mLO-2F9vPR-2BIlgODBGV6sWhcUCjETLXjcz3vGS35bjOQxtv53j1s-3D" target="_blank">fighting back</a>&nbsp;against the Board of Cosmetology’s unconstitutional occupational license mandates, with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>.&nbsp;Green is a 32-year-old mom in Hays. To help support her family, wants the opportunity to offer sugaring, an ancient grooming technique that uses a mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water to safely remove unwanted hair. Sugaring would also allow her greater flexibility in raising her son. But in Kansas, it is a crime to practice unlicensed sugaring, and Green is not licensed.&nbsp;To obtain a license, Bryn would have to complete 1,500 or 1,000 hours of instruction in an expensive cosmetology school.It is estimated that 99 percent of the cosmetology curriculum teaches things other than sugaring.&nbsp;After graduating from the 1,500-hour program, Bryn would have to complete two exams. But the practical skills exam is computer-based and does not cover the sugaring technique.“People shouldn’t be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on irrelevant cosmetology school, and take irrelevant examinations, just to be able to use sugar, lemon juice, and water, to safely remove unwanted hair,”&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;litigation director Sam MacRoberts said.&nbsp;“It shouldn’t be a crime to use sugar, lemon juice, and water to remove unwanted hair,” MacRoberts said. “There’s no good reason for the State of Kansas to force someone to attend 1,500 hours of irrelevant and expensive schooling,” MacRoberts continued.&nbsp;“Sugaring is an entirely safe and natural process. It’s been around for centuries,” said Bryn, “it is ridiculous to me that the requirement is to spend thousands of dollars, tens of thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours to obtain a license that I am literally going to use 1 percent of.”The Kansas Constitution protects the right to earn an honest living, free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;“Bryn isn’t suing the government for money. She’s fighting to protect everyone’s rights under the Kansas Constitution—the right to earn an honest living,” MacRoberts said.&nbsp;Over the decades, occupational licensing has exploded even though, as&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUe6yCLKNpLxA0Skk-2BcixzNetcuWtja3rY50TXKE5Yc2qhbc0SbSkCp4rIjLBhWDukRNoe4Iz5Ylk-2FCz7MkIVC0NAEpXZ9vA9aoYMe-2FDw5NA2n-2B5Asml8DGPQkU63fdtmSg-3D-3Dgtml_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVtNqgFsbqOqbjjwZ7hOhP7kUEMDpAi8keLvcS-2FWBya5wxDOKb5-2BRr2XbNyWLe12DUhWCQ-2BESgj1mz6Oz8takyLLWo-2BxgDudJSsmp3-2Bn9twjvcVPZ-2BU2ToAOxz1KktbiJE4KzMokwXXniboR5Ew9YkRs-3D" target="_blank">President Obama’s Administration determined</a>, “most research does not find that licensing improves quality or public health and safety.”Represented at no charge by Kansas Justice Institute, Green is suing the Board of Cosmetology to vindicate her rights, and the rights of all Kansans, to be free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;This case is a part of the institute's litigation efforts to make it easier for families to earn honest livings. In 2019,&nbsp;the institute successfully sued the state of Kansas over its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOa1v2buYG7xR-2B86a-2Fbmjn1rDn00tGZuloWDfDByqrCsgA-3D-3DyU1s_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVv4-2F7-2F0yiCbc3P5yv-2FobeDgYBZOiCOnPJdcaY-2By17266FAAIiXo-2BID93P3TxNuqTfcDuzXXCT8hCJ9CescaODdC4f3QvElYugNrkMzCUdeetPtD-2B9dRVa4nCpJxAjt-2BxSIV7Z9TRhMYVw7oyPPJrQ-2Bc-3D" target="_blank">raw milk advertising prohibition</a>, and in 2020, KJI sued the state over its occupational licensing requirement involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BOP6HeNo-2FlLu1uEfoBEpD4tgx9XuvQpcNUVb3cnmvLOauoHgd2KkcN2XpnTbafhvwNlbY_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVuiDwfVdVrOnrzUfiLSAVdtMM87ws-2BWO4dhuoBEcvyA62JrG3sBFLWTXDjpQyQo8JRwLkpmyhIx0FCIm-2F61N9-2FuQsZHs-2F4G4rh7NwmRy-2BxhadFZj6dE3yjfVlvNj85PwgtFi1dmMVXmKZeldkdSKStI-3D" target="_blank">eyebrow threading</a>. Just this year, the institute sued the City of Ottawa, Kan., over its home-based business prohibitions involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2B8MP26JtP6-2FPF9ZhnIskee-2B1zxaZlL-2F6QDNvPNB6TwrlgXTchLYzbuS4xOSD2f-2FVIJy4L_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVkpC9KAzppDGh2o5TQUiQrJnjWofnQIzQbmz5-2Fdc-2FLNPtJlgXLgKvxpfaVO8Z-2BbhZN2vu4zxLcNgK9lrPGfyczGtMviHa-2FPlU-2FHFbVrnnmcgjpM937dt7n3pY42f73kBCccbwokyTMCTaJLEEn0TRog-3D" target="_blank">beekeeping and gardening</a>.&nbsp;

Young mom from Hays sues Kansas Board of Cosmetology to offer sugaring

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser speaks with <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a> President Tisa Mason about their annual media tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cef4fab6-3605-4108-973d-334650ebf5fa">Read more at FHSU president Mason to make annual media tour of Kansas in November.</a>

<div><iframe title="FHSU media tour underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sitfk-14e8f1f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser speaks with <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a> President Tisa Mason about their annual media tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cef4fab6-3605-4108-973d-334650ebf5fa">Read more at FHSU president Mason to make annual media tour of Kansas in November.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU media tour underway

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will consider three items at their Thursday work session that will ultimately result in property being developed as the site of a new National Guard facility, according to information provided by the public works department.

A rezoning request from agriculture to public and institutional district and light industrial district for Werth Development Group will be presented by Jesse Rohr, director of public works.

The northern part of the two tracts, north of Interstate 70 at the northwest corner of Hall and 48th Streets, is planned to be the location of the National Guard facility.&nbsp;

Commissioners must also approve the final plat of the WDG First Addition and annex the land into the city.

City staff is recommending approval of the project, which has already been approved unanimously by the Hays Planning Commission.&nbsp;

Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11022023-1448">Nov. 2 agenda </a>items include proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code for&nbsp;self-storage, planned developments, and cul-de-sacs.&nbsp;

A resolution of support for planned moderate income housing at 10th and Walnut, site of the former railroad depot, will also be considered and commissioners will hear a review of the 2024 street maintenance program.

The agenda items will be voted on during a future city commission meeting.

Thursday's work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post Hays city commissioners will consider three items at their Thursday work session that will ultimately result in property being developed as the site of a new National Guard facility, according to information provided by the public works department.A rezoning request from agriculture to public and institutional district and light industrial district for Werth Development Group will be presented by Jesse Rohr, director of public works.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698855138662.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The northern part of the two tracts, north of Interstate 70 at the northwest corner of Hall and 48th Streets, is planned to be the location of the National Guard facility.&nbsp;Commissioners must also approve the final plat of the WDG First Addition and annex the land into the city.City staff is recommending approval of the project, which has already been approved unanimously by the Hays Planning Commission.&nbsp;Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11022023-1448">Nov. 2 agenda </a>items include proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code for&nbsp;self-storage, planned developments, and cul-de-sacs.&nbsp;A resolution of support for planned moderate income housing at 10th and Walnut, site of the former railroad depot, will also be considered and commissioners will hear a review of the 2024 street maintenance program.The agenda items will be voted on during a future city commission meeting.Thursday's work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

New National Guard facility planned for Hays north of I-70

Twenty-seven city of Hays employees were recently recognized for their years of service.

The combined total years of service was 490, said Erin Giebler, director of human resources.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>City of Hays Twenty-seven city of Hays employees were recently recognized for their years of service.The combined total years of service was 490, said Erin Giebler, director of human resources.&nbsp;<figure>
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City of Hays employees honored for combined 490 years of service  

The Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Leroux as the business support program director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center. Leroux will work directly with existing businesses and entrepreneurs on issues such as business planning, financial planning, and succession planning.

The Innovation Center is now serving as the Small Business Development Center for the 26-counties in northwest Kansas. 

Housing the KSBDC within the Innovation Center will help develop and sustain businesses in the region, thereby making the economy stronger and more resilient. This expansion was made possible through the K-State 105 Initiative and Fort Hays State University.

“It’s typical for a business owner or an entrepreneur to be very good at building the widget or building the piece that they want to take to market, but it’s uncommon for them to have all the aspects of business they need,” said Scott Sproul, Innovation Center president/CEO.

“This enhanced suite of services we are rolling out for northwest Kansas is designed to strengthen those businesses. Joe will be an important resource in this work.”

Currently living in Victoria, Leroux is retired from the Kansas Army National Guard and is a graduate of Barton County Community College, Villanova, and Golden Gate University in management and financial planning. Leroux is also an alumnus of the state chamber of commerce’s&nbsp;Leadership Kansas program.

Leroux has a background in manufacturing as both an operations manager and human resource manager at Hess Services, Inc. in Hays, and as a human resources/safety manager with Natoma Corporation in Norton. He has also worked in retail as an analyst with Payless ShoeSource, a distribution planner with Collective Brands, and an inventory planner with Alco Stores.

Community involvement is also important to Joe. He was an Ellis County commissioner, northwest district commissioner and governing board member for the Kansas Association of Counties, and state chief-elected official board member for Kansas WorkForceOne. He also served on boards and advisory boards for the Hays Chamber of Commerce, Imagine Ellis County, Grow Hays, Seward County Community College, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Barton County Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698421386263.jpeg" alt="Joe Leroux" />
 <figcaption>Joe Leroux</figcaption>
 </figure>Innovation CenterThe Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Leroux as the business support program director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center. Leroux will work directly with existing businesses and entrepreneurs on issues such as business planning, financial planning, and succession planning.The Innovation Center is now serving as the Small Business Development Center for the 26-counties in northwest Kansas. Housing the KSBDC within the Innovation Center will help develop and sustain businesses in the region, thereby making the economy stronger and more resilient. This expansion was made possible through the K-State 105 Initiative and Fort Hays State University.“It’s typical for a business owner or an entrepreneur to be very good at building the widget or building the piece that they want to take to market, but it’s uncommon for them to have all the aspects of business they need,” said Scott Sproul, Innovation Center president/CEO.“This enhanced suite of services we are rolling out for northwest Kansas is designed to strengthen those businesses. Joe will be an important resource in this work.”Currently living in Victoria, Leroux is retired from the Kansas Army National Guard and is a graduate of Barton County Community College, Villanova, and Golden Gate University in management and financial planning. Leroux is also an alumnus of the state chamber of commerce’s&nbsp;Leadership Kansas program.Leroux has a background in manufacturing as both an operations manager and human resource manager at Hess Services, Inc. in Hays, and as a human resources/safety manager with Natoma Corporation in Norton. He has also worked in retail as an analyst with Payless ShoeSource, a distribution planner with Collective Brands, and an inventory planner with Alco Stores.Community involvement is also important to Joe. He was an Ellis County commissioner, northwest district commissioner and governing board member for the Kansas Association of Counties, and state chief-elected official board member for Kansas WorkForceOne. He also served on boards and advisory boards for the Hays Chamber of Commerce, Imagine Ellis County, Grow Hays, Seward County Community College, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Barton County Community College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698421619357.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Innovation Center serves a 26-county area including Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Phillips, Smith, Rooks, Jewell, Republic, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Rooks, Osborne,&nbsp;Mitchell, Cloud, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Ellis, Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Ellsworth, and Saline counties.For more information on the Innovation Center go to <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">www.nwkeici.org</a>. For more information on the Kansas Small Business Development Center go to <a href="https://www.kansassbdc.net/">www.kansassbdc.net</a>.

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