By LAAH TUCKER Natoma American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 in Natoma launched a new year in planning their annual calendar of projects and events. 

With an exhaustive list, the small unit will continue serving veterans, their families, children, youth, and community. 

On January 29th, Auxiliary members joined in the 164th Kansas Day Celebration by bringing to life Kansas history for Pre-K through 5th grades in the Natoma USD 399 Elementary School. Using exciting material from the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, students were given unique and educational history of the state’s rich heritage through a Kansas State Symbol theme. 

Auxiliary members gave insight into the Kansas State Symbols and the dates signed into law, including: The Great Seal of Kansas “Ad Astra per Aspera”-1861; Native Sunflower-1906; Western Meadowlark-1937; Cottonwood Tree-1937; “Home on the Range”-1947; American Buffalo-1955; Honeybee-1976. Each student tasted local honey butter and sunflower cookies. 

Students joined the Auxiliary in singing the state song, “Home on the Range” and other inspiring songs. 

Each symbol representing the unique aspects of Kansas were approved by former state legislature members and governor before being signed into law.

 The Kansas Museum of History provided a traveling resource trunk filled with artifacts, reproductions, coloring books, and information for the presentations by Auxiliary members, Shawna Dunlap, Linda Crawford, Sharon MacConnell, and Mary Wise Workman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707938935663.jpeg" alt="During Kansas Day, American Legion Auxiliary members, Linda Crawford with Sharon MacConnell (far left), gave insight into Kansas Symbols using photographs and charts. A Kansas reptile chart was enhanced with a pet salamander for Natoma USD 399 Pre-K through 5th grade students and staff during a Kansas Day program. (Photo courtesy Amanda Rice)" />
 <figcaption>During Kansas Day, American Legion Auxiliary members, Linda Crawford with Sharon MacConnell (far left), gave insight into Kansas Symbols using photographs and charts. A Kansas reptile chart was enhanced with a pet salamander for Natoma USD 399 Pre-K through 5th grade students and staff during a Kansas Day program. (Photo courtesy Amanda Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Natoma American Legion AuxiliaryAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 in Natoma launched a new year in planning their annual calendar of projects and events. With an exhaustive list, the small unit will continue serving veterans, their families, children, youth, and community. On January 29th, Auxiliary members joined in the 164th Kansas Day Celebration by bringing to life Kansas history for Pre-K through 5th grades in the Natoma USD 399 Elementary School. Using exciting material from the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, students were given unique and educational history of the state’s rich heritage through a Kansas State Symbol theme. Auxiliary members gave insight into the Kansas State Symbols and the dates signed into law, including: The Great Seal of Kansas “Ad Astra per Aspera”-1861; Native Sunflower-1906; Western Meadowlark-1937; Cottonwood Tree-1937; “Home on the Range”-1947; American Buffalo-1955; Honeybee-1976. Each student tasted local honey butter and sunflower cookies. Students joined the Auxiliary in singing the state song, “Home on the Range” and other inspiring songs. Each symbol representing the unique aspects of Kansas were approved by former state legislature members and governor before being signed into law. The Kansas Museum of History provided a traveling resource trunk filled with artifacts, reproductions, coloring books, and information for the presentations by Auxiliary members, Shawna Dunlap, Linda Crawford, Sharon MacConnell, and Mary Wise Workman.

Natoma American Legion participates in Kansas Day celebration

GOVE COUNTY —Two people were injured in two separate accidents Saturday evening when drivers fell asleep.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported just before 5:30p.m. Saturday, a 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Gary W.&nbsp;Repshire, 64, Oakley, was southbound on Kansas 23 approximately 23 miles south of Grainfield.

Repshire&nbsp;fell asleep. The car crossed the center line, traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a field entrance, went airborne and overturned an unknown amount of times before coming to rest upright in the east ditch.

EMS transported Repshire to the Lane County Hospital.

Just before 7p.m., the KHP reported a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by&nbsp; Phillip K. Otten, 25, Luray, was southbound on U.S. 281 one mile south of Russell. Otten fell asleep. The SUV crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2015 Toyota 4Runner driven by Melody A. Johnston, 47, Great Bend.

EMS transported Johnston to the Russell Regional Hospital. Otten was not transported for treatment. All three drivers in both accidents were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY —Two people were injured in two separate accidents Saturday evening when drivers fell asleep.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported just before 5:30p.m. Saturday, a 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Gary W.&nbsp;Repshire, 64, Oakley, was southbound on Kansas 23 approximately 23 miles south of Grainfield.Repshire&nbsp;fell asleep. The car crossed the center line, traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a field entrance, went airborne and overturned an unknown amount of times before coming to rest upright in the east ditch.EMS transported Repshire to the Lane County Hospital.Just before 7p.m., the KHP reported a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by&nbsp; Phillip K. Otten, 25, Luray, was southbound on U.S. 281 one mile south of Russell. Otten fell asleep. The SUV crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2015 Toyota 4Runner driven by Melody A. Johnston, 47, Great Bend.EMS transported Johnston to the Russell Regional Hospital. Otten was not transported for treatment. All three drivers in both accidents were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after drivers in separate accidents fell asleep

A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It all started as a way to make some good memories with – and for – our 12-year-old grandson, Brody.

He is a huge Kansas City Chiefs football fan, so I decided to make the trek to St. Joseph, Mo., last summer for their preseason camp. It was a lot of fun and something he still talks about today.

So, as the Chiefs made their magical run through the NFL playoffs this winter, I started thinking this would be a great idea: if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, I should take Brody to their celebration parade.

While that seemed like a long shot at the end of the regular season, once the postseason began, they just kept winning. And winning. And winning.

I had been running across several messages and posts lately about how children and grandchildren won’t remember you for the material things we give them but for the time we spend with them.

So as soon as Mecole Hardman caught that pass in the Super Bowl overtime, I started making plans to take Brody to the parade – a “from the start of their season to the finish” kind of thing.

I looked up the parade route and asked friends in the KC area where might be a good spot to go.

News stories about the million or so fans who would be on hand for the parade didn’t really scare me.

I’d never before been in a crowd of a million people – and probably never will be again. I was curious to see what that looked and felt like.

I had heard that the World War I Museum and Memorial area overlooking Union Station would be a great place to get a good view of the pep rally that would follow the parade.

Instructions online for those attending the parade gave out lists for being prepared.

Looking back, I can’t think of anything that could have prepared us for this day.

I came up with the idea for our son, Drew, to drive us as close as he could to Union Station, and we would call him later to pick us up.

As we rode to downtown KC, Brody marveled at the mass of people on bridges and walkways and in streets along the way, heading toward their parade-watching spot.

Drew dropped us off just a few blocks from Union Station, and Brody and I were off for a day to remember.

A woman handing out special edition newspaper supplements looked like she might be an authority on where to go so I stopped and asked.

“The hill by the World War I Memorial,” she answered, pointing at the huge Liberty Memorial Tower.

I felt kind of smug. I had guessed right – or so I thought.

The hill is usually a beautiful green space leading up to the tower. On this day, I looked up, and all I could see was red.

“But it’s packed already. Good luck,” the woman added incredulously.

She obviously didn’t know me. Off we proceeded to climb the steep hill.

Oh, yeah, it was packed. But we zigged and zagged our way through bodies and blankets and lawn chairs and found what I thought was a good spot. We could see the stage perfectly.

Before long, Brody asked when we were going to the parade.

Well … I had thought this would be a great spot to hear the players and coaches talk after the parade.

“But I want to see the parade,” he said simply.

Well, this was his day, so off we went again. That’s when I saw firsthand what crowded and being shoulder to shoulder in a large crowd of people really means.

The area that I thought would be best to see the end of the parade was obviously already filled with a lot of red-clad folks who weren’t exactly planning to move anytime soon.

Somehow, and I do mean SOMEHOW, we just kept inching forward, saying “excuse me” and smiling at folks even if they weren’t sporting a happy face.

We had to concentrate on keeping on our feet amidst all the jostling of humanity.

People were going to great lengths to get up high enough to watch the festivities. There were youngsters on their dad’s shoulders and others in trees and even some on street light posts.

Before we knew it, we were only three rows from a short fence lining the end of the parade route. I absolutely couldn’t tell you how we ended up so close.

A very nice woman named Erin (who was actually smiling) asked if Brody had ever been to one of the Chiefs’ parades.

“You’re young – you need to see this. You get on up to the front,” she said, basically wedging him into the second row.

Brody then reached into his bravery pouch and asked a woman with a camera and a cell phone in her hands and a scowl on her face if he could “squeeze” in beside her. She begrudgingly moved over a couple of inches, and that’s all he needed.

Just like that, Brody was in the front row taking videos and photos like a pro.

I got to chatting with Erin and a friend with her, and they could probably sense my amazement, particularly at the size of the crowd. They asked if we were from a small town.

I said, “Oh, no, Brody lives in Topeka, and I’m from a city of about 20,000.”

One of them gasped. The other laughed like I’d just told a really funny joke. (They both live in the Kansas City area.)

It didn’t matter; nothing seemed to matter on this day.

There was Brody, all 5 foot, 4 inches of him, standing at the front of the fence – along with people who had been trying to reserve spots since midnight. People actually laid on blankets on concrete so they could have a good view of this parade – wow!

We stood and watched as bus after bus passed us, carrying the team and other members of the Chiefs organization. And we had front-row spots.

There was no Taylor Swift appearance, and most of the players we didn’t recognize without their numbered jerseys – except, of course Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

But there was lots of cheering and clapping and music and all-around good feelings.

The crowd had fun guessing who those players might be, and several players got off the buses to high-five fans.

As the parade finally ended, I thanked Erin again for helping make a prime spot (and lasting memories) for a young fan.

I wanted to head toward the stage and listen to the rest of the pep rally, but the look on Brody’s face told me he felt otherwise.

“Please Néna, I am really hungry!” he said emphasizing the “please” and the name he calls his grandmothers.

Well, I guess we had seen the parade, and I could catch the players’ comments later on TV.

So we took off eastward instead, not knowing at the time that would be the best decision we made all day.

We were a few blocks away from the rally, sitting on a street corner and waiting for Drew to pick us up when we heard sirens and watched numerous emergency vehicles race by.

We had fun chatting about the day and what we liked best when a friend from back in Hays texted me and asked me where we were. She was watching the event on TV and saw policemen jumping barricades. She wondered what was happening and if we were safe.

As we would soon learn, there was a shooting at the end of the pep rally where shots rang out just outside Union Station. One woman died in the shooting, and 22 others were injured, many of them children attending the parade since school had been called off in KC for the day.

In an instant, things other than a parade really did matter.

A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.

I’m not sure what Brody will remember from that day, but it’s a sure bet the shooting will be vivid in his mind.

News accounts on TV that we listened to later revealed the chaos surrounding the shooting area.

Brody talked about how he felt badly for the children who had to be terrified and shook his head at the thought that we could have been some of those fans rushing away from the area to safety.

I hope he also remembers the good times and spending a few hours of fun with Néna Diane.

Something I’ll always remember had nothing to do with the parade or the shooting.

It was the warm feeling I had when I asked Brody if he wanted a Super Bowl T-shirt as we approached one of the many stands selling Chiefs memorabilia. After all, his 13th birthday was just three days away.

He said “not right now – maybe a sweatshirt later.” Instead, he asked if he could get something for his 5-year-old brother.

I looked at those puppy-dog eyes and pulled some cash out of my pocket.

“How much are they?” I asked the salesman.

Twenty bucks for a doggy cap with a pump at the end of its long ears that make them flop up and down. That seemed a little steep, but how could I say “no” to that request.

Now, a few days later, I smile as I type that memory. It made me think of one of those inspirational messages I talked about at the opening of this story.

It went something like this – the most powerful and most meaningful lasting memories for a child is to tell them “I love you” and “I’m proud of you.”

Well, Brody, I am so darned proud of you, especially today on your 13th birthday!

I’m proud of you for caring, proud to be your grandmother.

A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181675958.jpeg" alt="True to form, Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes launches a football back to a fan – left-handed – while riding atop a double-decker bus during Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade in downtown KC. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>True to form, Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes launches a football back to a fan – left-handed – while riding atop a double-decker bus during Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade in downtown KC. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt all started as a way to make some good memories with – and for – our 12-year-old grandson, Brody.He is a huge Kansas City Chiefs football fan, so I decided to make the trek to St. Joseph, Mo., last summer for their preseason camp. It was a lot of fun and something he still talks about today.So, as the Chiefs made their magical run through the NFL playoffs this winter, I started thinking this would be a great idea: if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, I should take Brody to their celebration parade.While that seemed like a long shot at the end of the regular season, once the postseason began, they just kept winning. And winning. And winning.I had been running across several messages and posts lately about how children and grandchildren won’t remember you for the material things we give them but for the time we spend with them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181727659.jpeg" alt="Freelance writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien and grandson Brody celebrate the KC Chiefs from start to finish this season – from their preseason camp in July in St. Joseph, Mo., to their Super Bowl parade in February in downtown KC. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Freelance writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien and grandson Brody celebrate the KC Chiefs from start to finish this season – from their preseason camp in July in St. Joseph, Mo., to their Super Bowl parade in February in downtown KC. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>So as soon as Mecole Hardman caught that pass in the Super Bowl overtime, I started making plans to take Brody to the parade – a “from the start of their season to the finish” kind of thing.I looked up the parade route and asked friends in the KC area where might be a good spot to go.News stories about the million or so fans who would be on hand for the parade didn’t really scare me.I’d never before been in a crowd of a million people – and probably never will be again. I was curious to see what that looked and felt like.I had heard that the World War I Museum and Memorial area overlooking Union Station would be a great place to get a good view of the pep rally that would follow the parade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181812559.jpeg" alt="The area in front of Union Station in downtown Kansas City was a sea of red as fans gathered for Wednesday’s pep rally celebrating the Super Bowl champion KC Chiefs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>The area in front of Union Station in downtown Kansas City was a sea of red as fans gathered for Wednesday’s pep rally celebrating the Super Bowl champion KC Chiefs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Instructions online for those attending the parade gave out lists for being prepared.Looking back, I can’t think of anything that could have prepared us for this day.I came up with the idea for our son, Drew, to drive us as close as he could to Union Station, and we would call him later to pick us up.Parking situation solved.As we rode to downtown KC, Brody marveled at the mass of people on bridges and walkways and in streets along the way, heading toward their parade-watching spot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181852209.jpeg" alt="Writer’s grandson Brody was front and center as players passed in front of fans during the parade, some high-fiving outstretched hands and another showing off the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Writer’s grandson Brody was front and center as players passed in front of fans during the parade, some high-fiving outstretched hands and another showing off the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Drew dropped us off just a few blocks from Union Station, and Brody and I were off for a day to remember.A woman handing out special edition newspaper supplements looked like she might be an authority on where to go so I stopped and asked.“The hill by the World War I Memorial,” she answered, pointing at the huge Liberty Memorial Tower.I felt kind of smug. I had guessed right – or so I thought.The hill is usually a beautiful green space leading up to the tower. On this day, I looked up, and all I could see was red.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708181896459.jpeg" alt="Fans climbed atop anything they could, including this light pole, to get a better view of the parade. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Fans climbed atop anything they could, including this light pole, to get a better view of the parade. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>“But it’s packed already. Good luck,” the woman added incredulously.She obviously didn’t know me. Off we proceeded to climb the steep hill.Oh, yeah, it was packed. But we zigged and zagged our way through bodies and blankets and lawn chairs and found what I thought was a good spot. We could see the stage perfectly.Before long, Brody asked when we were going to the parade.Well … I had thought this would be a great spot to hear the players and coaches talk after the parade.“But I want to see the parade,” he said simply.Well, this was his day, so off we went again. That’s when I saw firsthand what crowded and being shoulder to shoulder in a large crowd of people really means.The area that I thought would be best to see the end of the parade was obviously already filled with a lot of red-clad folks who weren’t exactly planning to move anytime soon.Somehow, and I do mean SOMEHOW, we just kept inching forward, saying “excuse me” and smiling at folks even if they weren’t sporting a happy face.We had to concentrate on keeping on our feet amidst all the jostling of humanity.People were going to great lengths to get up high enough to watch the festivities. There were youngsters on their dad’s shoulders and others in trees and even some on street light posts.Before we knew it, we were only three rows from a short fence lining the end of the parade route. I absolutely couldn’t tell you how we ended up so close.A very nice woman named Erin (who was actually smiling) asked if Brody had ever been to one of the Chiefs’ parades.“Uh, no!”“You’re young – you need to see this. You get on up to the front,” she said, basically wedging him into the second row.Brody then reached into his bravery pouch and asked a woman with a camera and a cell phone in her hands and a scowl on her face if he could “squeeze” in beside her. She begrudgingly moved over a couple of inches, and that’s all he needed.Just like that, Brody was in the front row taking videos and photos like a pro.I got to chatting with Erin and a friend with her, and they could probably sense my amazement, particularly at the size of the crowd. They asked if we were from a small town.I said, “Oh, no, Brody lives in Topeka, and I’m from a city of about 20,000.”One of them gasped. The other laughed like I’d just told a really funny joke. (They both live in the Kansas City area.)It didn’t matter; nothing seemed to matter on this day.There was Brody, all 5 foot, 4 inches of him, standing at the front of the fence – along with people who had been trying to reserve spots since midnight. People actually laid on blankets on concrete so they could have a good view of this parade – wow!We stood and watched as bus after bus passed us, carrying the team and other members of the Chiefs organization. And we had front-row spots.There was no Taylor Swift appearance, and most of the players we didn’t recognize without their numbered jerseys – except, of course Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.But there was lots of cheering and clapping and music and all-around good feelings.The crowd had fun guessing who those players might be, and several players got off the buses to high-five fans.As the parade finally ended, I thanked Erin again for helping make a prime spot (and lasting memories) for a young fan.I wanted to head toward the stage and listen to the rest of the pep rally, but the look on Brody’s face told me he felt otherwise.“Please Néna, I am really hungry!” he said emphasizing the “please” and the name he calls his grandmothers.Well, I guess we had seen the parade, and I could catch the players’ comments later on TV.So we took off eastward instead, not knowing at the time that would be the best decision we made all day.We were a few blocks away from the rally, sitting on a street corner and waiting for Drew to pick us up when we heard sirens and watched numerous emergency vehicles race by.We had fun chatting about the day and what we liked best when a friend from back in Hays texted me and asked me where we were. She was watching the event on TV and saw policemen jumping barricades. She wondered what was happening and if we were safe.As we would soon learn, there was a shooting at the end of the pep rally where shots rang out just outside Union Station. One woman died in the shooting, and 22 others were injured, many of them children attending the parade since school had been called off in KC for the day.In an instant, things other than a parade really did matter.A jolly good time turned to concern and prayers for all those affected because of a senseless act of violence. Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting.I’m not sure what Brody will remember from that day, but it’s a sure bet the shooting will be vivid in his mind.News accounts on TV that we listened to later revealed the chaos surrounding the shooting area.Brody talked about how he felt badly for the children who had to be terrified and shook his head at the thought that we could have been some of those fans rushing away from the area to safety.I hope he also remembers the good times and spending a few hours of fun with Néna Diane.Something I’ll always remember had nothing to do with the parade or the shooting.It was the warm feeling I had when I asked Brody if he wanted a Super Bowl T-shirt as we approached one of the many stands selling Chiefs memorabilia. After all, his 13th birthday was just three days away.He said “not right now – maybe a sweatshirt later.” Instead, he asked if he could get something for his 5-year-old brother.I looked at those puppy-dog eyes and pulled some cash out of my pocket.“How much are they?” I asked the salesman.Twenty bucks for a doggy cap with a pump at the end of its long ears that make them flop up and down. That seemed a little steep, but how could I say “no” to that request.Now, a few days later, I smile as I type that memory. It made me think of one of those inspirational messages I talked about at the opening of this story.It went something like this – the most powerful and most meaningful lasting memories for a child is to tell them “I love you” and “I’m proud of you.”Well, Brody, I am so darned proud of you, especially today on your 13th birthday!I’m proud of you for caring, proud to be your grandmother.Love, Néna Diane

Making memories, learning valuable lessons at a parade we’ll never forget

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission has created scholarship
opportunities for family members of county employees, an effort they say will be an incentive for employees and entice young people to remain in the community. 

During the 2024 budgeting process, the commission elected to
set aside $10,000 to offer scholarships to graduating seniors of children or grandchildren
of Ellis County employees.

After two weeks of discussion, on Tuesday, the commission
elected to create 15 scholarships to be spread between Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays, Ellis and Victoria high schools. 

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said the creation of the scholarships is an aid to the county's economic well-being.

“It's a recruitment and retention tool for local employees
that we have with Ellis County, to be able to retain our help, but, it's also
be able to keep all those kids here in Ellis County,” Myers said. 

“The more
kids we keep, the once they go to school, they get married, they have kids, that
increases our population, which eventually will increase our tax base, which
spreads out the tax burden amongst more people and helps be able to do more
within the county as well.”

Commissioner Michael Berges also supported the idea of
keeping the application process to just the children or grandchildren of Ellis
County employees.

“They’re taxpayers too. They're here in the community. They’re
raising kids too, (and) I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong, that
maybe their son or daughter gets a scholarship now, after the work and service
that our employees have put into the county,” Berges said.

Of the 15 scholarships that will be awarded, five will be $1,000 scholarships. One each of those will be awarded to a student at each
Ellis, Victoria and TMP-Marian. Two Hays High School students will receive a
$1,000 scholarship.

There will also be 10 $500 scholarships awarded with two
each going to students at Ellis, Victoria and TMP. Four students at Hays High
will be awarded $500 scholarships.

The scholarships will be limited to seniors at each of the
four high schools who are Ellis County residents attending Hays Academy of Hair
Design, North Central Kansas Technical College of Fort Hays State University as
a first-time freshman.

In deciding to limit those who are eligible to apply for the
scholarship to just the children or grandchildren of Ellis County employees,
Berges said that limits the number of applicants the county will have to
screen. 

He said that and the budget situation are why he supports the
limit and a one-year renewal option for the scholarship.

“I think if it's a small benefit to help our community, I'm OK with it. If we find out through this process that we just don't get
enough applications and we need to expand, we certainly can,” Berges said. 

Beyond the requirements of having a parent or grandparent
work for the county and attending an Ellis County postgraduate institution,
applicants also have to submit information on their knowledge of Ellis County government,
demonstrate financial need, state their future goals, including staying in
Ellis County and provide school activities and community involvement.

The county will create a link on the Ellis County website
and then an administrative assistant for fire and administration will collect
the scholarship and redact the information before it goes in front of a
committee. Those committee members will not have children who are eligible to apply for the
scholarship. They will review the applications and the results of the grading rubric. If needed, grade point average and ACT scores will be used as a tiebreaker.

Preference will be given to students who are going into a
career path that is relevant to one within Ellis County government and Ellis
County. That could include criminal justice, EMS services, IT or heavy
equipment operators.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708124959796.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission has created scholarship
opportunities for family members of county employees, an effort they say will be an incentive for employees and entice young people to remain in the community. During the 2024 budgeting process, the commission elected to
set aside $10,000 to offer scholarships to graduating seniors of children or grandchildren
of Ellis County employees.After two weeks of discussion, on Tuesday, the commission
elected to create 15 scholarships to be spread between Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays, Ellis and Victoria high schools. Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said the creation of the scholarships is an aid to the county's economic well-being.“It's a recruitment and retention tool for local employees
that we have with Ellis County, to be able to retain our help, but, it's also
be able to keep all those kids here in Ellis County,” Myers said. “The more
kids we keep, the once they go to school, they get married, they have kids, that
increases our population, which eventually will increase our tax base, which
spreads out the tax burden amongst more people and helps be able to do more
within the county as well.”Commissioner Michael Berges also supported the idea of
keeping the application process to just the children or grandchildren of Ellis
County employees.“They’re taxpayers too. They're here in the community. They’re
raising kids too, (and) I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong, that
maybe their son or daughter gets a scholarship now, after the work and service
that our employees have put into the county,” Berges said.Of the 15 scholarships that will be awarded, five will be $1,000 scholarships. One each of those will be awarded to a student at each
Ellis, Victoria and TMP-Marian. Two Hays High School students will receive a
$1,000 scholarship.There will also be 10 $500 scholarships awarded with two
each going to students at Ellis, Victoria and TMP. Four students at Hays High
will be awarded $500 scholarships.The scholarships will be limited to seniors at each of the
four high schools who are Ellis County residents attending Hays Academy of Hair
Design, North Central Kansas Technical College of Fort Hays State University as
a first-time freshman.In deciding to limit those who are eligible to apply for the
scholarship to just the children or grandchildren of Ellis County employees,
Berges said that limits the number of applicants the county will have to
screen. He said that and the budget situation are why he supports the
limit and a one-year renewal option for the scholarship.“I think if it's a small benefit to help our community, I'm OK with it. If we find out through this process that we just don't get
enough applications and we need to expand, we certainly can,” Berges said. Beyond the requirements of having a parent or grandparent
work for the county and attending an Ellis County postgraduate institution,
applicants also have to submit information on their knowledge of Ellis County government,
demonstrate financial need, state their future goals, including staying in
Ellis County and provide school activities and community involvement.The county will create a link on the Ellis County website
and then an administrative assistant for fire and administration will collect
the scholarship and redact the information before it goes in front of a
committee. Those committee members will not have children who are eligible to apply for the
scholarship. They will review the applications and the results of the grading rubric. If needed, grade point average and ACT scores will be used as a tiebreaker.Preference will be given to students who are going into a
career path that is relevant to one within Ellis County government and Ellis
County. That could include criminal justice, EMS services, IT or heavy
equipment operators.

Ellis County Commission creates scholarship with taxpayer funds

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Now is the time to finalize plans for kochia control. In western Kansas, kochia is among the first summer annual weed to emerge in the spring. Recent research suggests that kochia can begin emerging in early February, with most kochia emerging by late April. In fact, Pat Geier, Assistant Weed Scientist at the Southwest Research &amp; Extension Center in Garden City, found kochia emerging in fallow plots during the first week of February.

Good control of the first dense flush of kochia is essential for obtaining a good yield. Early-emerging seedlings use the limited spring soil moisture in the dryland production area. Kochia seedlings emerge in dense populations, making adequate herbicide coverage difficult. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia is prevalent across western Kansas, making kochia control even more challenging. For these reasons, it is important to apply preemergence herbicides in late winter or early spring to control this weed before it emerges.

Herbicide program components to effectively manage kochia at germination

To successfully manage kochia, a herbicide program needs two components:

1. a very soluble and effective herbicide that can be incorporated with very little precipitation, such as dicamba; and

2. a herbicide that has longer residual activity, which will require perhaps 0.75 inches or more precipitation for adequate incorporation, such as atrazine.

Precipitation events during late winter are often too small to activate longer residual herbicides, but dicamba may control kochia for 4 to 6 weeks until the longer residual herbicide is incorporated.

The best time to apply herbicides for kochia control is generally January through the first week of March but prior to kochia emergence, which can vary depending on weather conditions. Later applications, for example, at the time of burndown, are more likely to occur after kochia emergence, which increases the risk of control failure. Fall-applied treatments can help ensure timely application; however, they are not likely to control later flushes of kochia effectively.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictNow is the time to finalize plans for kochia control. In western Kansas, kochia is among the first summer annual weed to emerge in the spring. Recent research suggests that kochia can begin emerging in early February, with most kochia emerging by late April. In fact, Pat Geier, Assistant Weed Scientist at the Southwest Research &amp; Extension Center in Garden City, found kochia emerging in fallow plots during the first week of February.Good control of the first dense flush of kochia is essential for obtaining a good yield. Early-emerging seedlings use the limited spring soil moisture in the dryland production area. Kochia seedlings emerge in dense populations, making adequate herbicide coverage difficult. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia is prevalent across western Kansas, making kochia control even more challenging. For these reasons, it is important to apply preemergence herbicides in late winter or early spring to control this weed before it emerges.<h2>Herbicide program components to effectively manage kochia at germination</h2>To successfully manage kochia, a herbicide program needs two components:1. a very soluble and effective herbicide that can be incorporated with very little precipitation, such as dicamba; and2. a herbicide that has longer residual activity, which will require perhaps 0.75 inches or more precipitation for adequate incorporation, such as atrazine.Precipitation events during late winter are often too small to activate longer residual herbicides, but dicamba may control kochia for 4 to 6 weeks until the longer residual herbicide is incorporated.The best time to apply herbicides for kochia control is generally January through the first week of March but prior to kochia emergence, which can vary depending on weather conditions. Later applications, for example, at the time of burndown, are more likely to occur after kochia emergence, which increases the risk of control failure. Fall-applied treatments can help ensure timely application; however, they are not likely to control later flushes of kochia effectively.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Preplant herbicide applications for kochia control

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

NC and NW Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 20 through Tuesday, March 12, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Tuesdays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.

In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers.

Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.

Planned topics of discussion include Intensive Management Wheat Production; Biologicals and their role in Soil Fertility; Managing areas of fields with High pH; and Fallow Replacement options in Dryland Rotations. There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions.

Register ONLINE at https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/crop-talk-series/index.html or call your local Extension Office. Once you register, a link to the ONLINE sessions will be emailed to you. CCA credits have been applied for with 1 credit for each session.

For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local Extension Office. To contact the Cottonwood District Office in Hays 785-628-9430 if you have any questions.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictNC and NW Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 20 through Tuesday, March 12, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Tuesdays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers.Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.Planned topics of discussion include Intensive Management Wheat Production; Biologicals and their role in Soil Fertility; Managing areas of fields with High pH; and Fallow Replacement options in Dryland Rotations. There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions.Register ONLINE at https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/crop-talk-series/index.html or call your local Extension Office. Once you register, a link to the ONLINE sessions will be emailed to you. CCA credits have been applied for with 1 credit for each session.For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local Extension Office. To contact the Cottonwood District Office in Hays 785-628-9430 if you have any questions.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Crop Talk Webinar Series returns in February

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708123322721.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

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Technical College instructor Jeremy Skrdlant.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sxb-0ykR8tM?si=PsXv82Ww5P19T9RQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Technical College instructor Jeremy Skrdlant.

🎤Forward Ever: Northwest Kansas Technical College instructor Jeremy Skrdlant

Hays High vs Garden City Friday, Feb. 16 Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/979085">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians return to league play Friday night to take on the Garden City Buffaloes.

The Hays High girls have won six straight and the boys are winners of seven of their last eight.&nbsp;

The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays High School.

Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Garden City Friday, Feb. 16 Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/979085">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians return to league play Friday night to take on the Garden City Buffaloes.The Hays High girls have won six straight and the boys are winners of seven of their last eight.&nbsp;The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays High School.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Hays High hosts Garden City in WAC matchup

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University has found more mold in its residence halls and plans a 60-day process to clean the affected areas.

Students reported issues inside the&nbsp;McMindes Hall and Victor E. Village beginning this summer. Since then, 67 work orders have been submitted concerning the issue, said David Bollig, assistant vice president for Student Affairs Health and Wellness and Auxiliaries.

About 1,300 FHSU students live on campus.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/82d32673-3622-4377-aa3d-ed198a545918">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU responds to reports of mold in dorms</a>

On Sept. 13, iSi Environmental conducted inspections in 20 rooms within Victor E. Village and McMindes Hall, as well as a common area in McMindes Hall and two adjacent outdoor spaces.

"While on site, the iSi industrial hygienist recommended that we clean several vents and spaces, and our maintenance and custodial staff quickly completed that work," a statement released by the university said.

A final inspection from iSi Environmental on Oct. 24 reported low to moderate levels of two common potential allergen mold types.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, FHSU officials said iSi returned to campus and found more mold.

A team of industrial hygienists from Wichita-based iSi Environmental returned to the FHSU campus on Monday to conduct a follow-up inspection of McMindes Hall and Victor E. Village, two campus residence halls that have been the subject of student concerns regarding the possible presence of mold, the statement said.

iSi conducted a more extensive inspection of a random selection of student rooms and inspections of rooms that were either identified explicitly by students or identified in iSi’s first inspection.

iSi identified possible mold in the interior insulation of two through-the-wall heating and cooling units in McMindes Hall. Surface samples of suspected mold were sent overnight to a testing laboratory, and late Thursday afternoon, iSi confirmed the presence of two forms of allergen-producing mold in those samples.

Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications, said the mold that was found was not black mold, which can cause serious problems for people who are immune compromised.

In response to learning this new information, and based upon the recommendation of our iSi partners, the university has secured the services of Restore and Clean, a bonded, insured, and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certified commercial and residential cleaning and restoration company, the statement said.

As a precautionary measure, beginning Monday, Restore and Clean teams will open every through-the-wall heating and air conditioning unit in McMindes Hall, replace the unit’s interior insulation, and complete a thorough vacuuming and deep cleaning of each unit, whether or not there is visible mold in the unit. They will also clean surface areas and overhead pipes in every room. Each room will be prepped to ensure the containment of airborne particulate, and disposable materials used in the remediation will be carefully bagged and removed, the statement said.

Once this remediation work is complete in McMindes Hall, the Restore and Clean team will move on to Victor E. Village. FHSU expects this process to take about 60 days from start to finish, the statement said.

This work will commence as soon as a schedule is finalized, and students will be informed 24-48 hours in advance of when the Restore and Clean team will be on their floor to complete their work. FHSU estimates that students will be asked to stay out of their rooms for approximately four hours to permit the remediation teams to complete their work and remove any lingering chemical odors, the statement said.

Based upon testing and data received from iSi to date, and Restore and Clean’s assessment of that information and development of a comprehensive remediation effort, FHSU has determined that it is not necessary for all students to immediately vacate the residence halls.

Cason said the FHSU's contractor is unsure what the source of the model might have been. However, it is a common type of mold found in nature and spores could have been tracked in.

Cason said the university will contract with&nbsp;Restore and Clean for regular follow-up inspections every three months.

"I'm confident this approach will address all allergens, not just those that are mold related," Casons said.

He said he did not know at this time how much the cleaning process will cost.

Any students with immediate concerns about their residence hall space are encouraged to submit a work order online at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/reslife/Forms/">https://www.fhsu.edu/reslife/Forms/</a>, and any student with a particular health concern may reach out to Residential Life at 785-628-4245.

Bollig said students who have further medical concerns and need accommodations during the cleaning process should contact Will Burns, FHSU accessibility services adviser, at&nbsp;785-628-4401.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078201076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University has found more mold in its residence halls and plans a 60-day process to clean the affected areas.Students reported issues inside the&nbsp;McMindes Hall and Victor E. Village beginning this summer. Since then, 67 work orders have been submitted concerning the issue, said David Bollig, assistant vice president for Student Affairs Health and Wellness and Auxiliaries.About 1,300 FHSU students live on campus.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/82d32673-3622-4377-aa3d-ed198a545918">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU responds to reports of mold in dorms</a>On Sept. 13, iSi Environmental conducted inspections in 20 rooms within Victor E. Village and McMindes Hall, as well as a common area in McMindes Hall and two adjacent outdoor spaces."While on site, the iSi industrial hygienist recommended that we clean several vents and spaces, and our maintenance and custodial staff quickly completed that work," a statement released by the university said.A final inspection from iSi Environmental on Oct. 24 reported low to moderate levels of two common potential allergen mold types.In a statement released Friday afternoon, FHSU officials said iSi returned to campus and found more mold.A team of industrial hygienists from Wichita-based iSi Environmental returned to the FHSU campus on Monday to conduct a follow-up inspection of McMindes Hall and Victor E. Village, two campus residence halls that have been the subject of student concerns regarding the possible presence of mold, the statement said.iSi conducted a more extensive inspection of a random selection of student rooms and inspections of rooms that were either identified explicitly by students or identified in iSi’s first inspection.iSi identified possible mold in the interior insulation of two through-the-wall heating and cooling units in McMindes Hall. Surface samples of suspected mold were sent overnight to a testing laboratory, and late Thursday afternoon, iSi confirmed the presence of two forms of allergen-producing mold in those samples.Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications, said the mold that was found was not black mold, which can cause serious problems for people who are immune compromised.In response to learning this new information, and based upon the recommendation of our iSi partners, the university has secured the services of Restore and Clean, a bonded, insured, and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certified commercial and residential cleaning and restoration company, the statement said.As a precautionary measure, beginning Monday, Restore and Clean teams will open every through-the-wall heating and air conditioning unit in McMindes Hall, replace the unit’s interior insulation, and complete a thorough vacuuming and deep cleaning of each unit, whether or not there is visible mold in the unit. They will also clean surface areas and overhead pipes in every room. Each room will be prepped to ensure the containment of airborne particulate, and disposable materials used in the remediation will be carefully bagged and removed, the statement said.Once this remediation work is complete in McMindes Hall, the Restore and Clean team will move on to Victor E. Village. FHSU expects this process to take about 60 days from start to finish, the statement said.This work will commence as soon as a schedule is finalized, and students will be informed 24-48 hours in advance of when the Restore and Clean team will be on their floor to complete their work. FHSU estimates that students will be asked to stay out of their rooms for approximately four hours to permit the remediation teams to complete their work and remove any lingering chemical odors, the statement said.Based upon testing and data received from iSi to date, and Restore and Clean’s assessment of that information and development of a comprehensive remediation effort, FHSU has determined that it is not necessary for all students to immediately vacate the residence halls.Cason said the FHSU's contractor is unsure what the source of the model might have been. However, it is a common type of mold found in nature and spores could have been tracked in.Cason said the university will contract with&nbsp;Restore and Clean for regular follow-up inspections every three months."I'm confident this approach will address all allergens, not just those that are mold related," Casons said.He said he did not know at this time how much the cleaning process will cost.Any students with immediate concerns about their residence hall space are encouraged to submit a work order online at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/reslife/Forms/">https://www.fhsu.edu/reslife/Forms/</a>, and any student with a particular health concern may reach out to Residential Life at 785-628-4245.Bollig said students who have further medical concerns and need accommodations during the cleaning process should contact Will Burns, FHSU accessibility services adviser, at&nbsp;785-628-4401.

FHSU to clean 2 residence halls after more mold found

Winning medals at swim meets is old hat for Kendra Clary, who began swimming competitively as a youngster.

These days, Clary – coach of the Hays High School swim teams – is enjoying watching her student-athletes collect the hardware.

But she does admit the most recent medal she was awarded has special meaning.

Clary, who doubles as a Fort Hays State University student, was named coach of the year at the Western Athletic Conference Swimming Championships in Garden City earlier this month.

“I hadn’t even realized they gave out that award,” Clary said. “I was so busy with the meet that when I heard it, I couldn’t believe it.”

Clary’s concentration on her team has paid off in a big way.

The Indians scored in all 12 events at the WAC meet to grab runner-up team honors, the highest conference finish for Hays High in recent years.

“That was really exciting,” Clary said. “The thing I was proudest of was how ever single one of our swimmers contributed to the team score.”

That’s because Clary got her team to buy in to the idea of trying different events this season.

“I can definitely tell a difference with our team this year,” junior Marshall Sook said. “I’m not saying one way of coaching is better than the other. But Kendra coaches in a way to break down our each individual skills and see what we are really good at. This year, we have people doing a different spread of events.”

Even while trying new races, the Indians kept bettering their times this season. That improvement led to a state-qualifying relay team, the first time an HHS relay has qualified for the season finale since 2018.

Sook is the anchor leg on that 200-yard freestyle relay team, whose best time this season was 1 minute, 41 seconds. Leo Hernandez is the only senior on that foursome, so Sook is excited for the future. Other relay members are sophomores Chase Zadina and Karsen Flaska.

Sook said he has personally benefitted from Clary’s philosophy.

For instance, this year, he decided to give the 100-meter butterfly a try and won the first meet he swam it. By the time the WAC meet rolled around, he was convinced that race was one of his new favorite events and placed second at that meet.

“The ’fly is the hardest stroke to do,” Sook said, “but I really like it.”

Clary wasn’t afraid to present her philosophy to the team because she takes this coaching gig seriously – just like she did competing in swimming and track and field in high school.

Clary was born in Wichita and spent her younger years there before moving to the Denver area.

While enjoying success as a freshman and sophomore at George Washington High School in Commerce City, Colo., she started experiencing shoulder problems from overuse.

So she took a break from swimming. Wanting to stay in shape, she decided to go out for track.

Primarily a sprinter in swimming, Clary decided to train for those same kind of events on the track. She had similar success there as she did in the pool.

After graduating from George Washington, she chose to further her education at Fort Hays State. She ran track for two years for the Tigers, helping break the school’s indoor and outdoor 4x400-meter relay records while also winning numerous academic awards.

But she kept being drawn back to the water, so she started coaching the Hays Hurricanes, the local youth swim club.

When Hays High coach Jane Rostrom decided to step aside for this coming season, Clary took over.

“I always stress that the work you do everyday matters,” said Clary, who will also coach the Indian girls’ team this spring.

She will graduate in May with a health and human performance degree, then take a “gap” year from school while applying for occupational therapy programs.

Clary is unsure if she will remain in Hays after graduation.

“If there is an opportunity where I could stay in Hays,” she said, “I’d definitely think about it.”

Until then, Clary is looking forward to a successful girls’ season at Hays High this spring and thinks the Indian boys’ team also has a bright future.

“I think we will have a lot of girls come out this spring,” she said, “and in the future, these guys will bring more with them to the team.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708100384195.jpeg" alt="HHS swim coach Kendra Clary. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HHS swim coach Kendra Clary. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostWinning medals at swim meets is old hat for Kendra Clary, who began swimming competitively as a youngster.These days, Clary – coach of the Hays High School swim teams – is enjoying watching her student-athletes collect the hardware.But she does admit the most recent medal she was awarded has special meaning.Clary, who doubles as a Fort Hays State University student, was named coach of the year at the Western Athletic Conference Swimming Championships in Garden City earlier this month.“I hadn’t even realized they gave out that award,” Clary said. “I was so busy with the meet that when I heard it, I couldn’t believe it.”Clary’s concentration on her team has paid off in a big way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708100522148.jpeg" alt="Representing Hays High at the Class 5-1A boys' state swim meet this weekend is the 200-meters freestyle relay team of Marshall Sook, Chase Zadina, Leo Hernandez and Karsen Flaska. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Representing Hays High at the Class 5-1A boys' state swim meet this weekend is the 200-meters freestyle relay team of Marshall Sook, Chase Zadina, Leo Hernandez and Karsen Flaska. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Indians scored in all 12 events at the WAC meet to grab runner-up team honors, the highest conference finish for Hays High in recent years.“That was really exciting,” Clary said. “The thing I was proudest of was how ever single one of our swimmers contributed to the team score.”That’s because Clary got her team to buy in to the idea of trying different events this season.“I can definitely tell a difference with our team this year,” junior Marshall Sook said. “I’m not saying one way of coaching is better than the other. But Kendra coaches in a way to break down our each individual skills and see what we are really good at. This year, we have people doing a different spread of events.”Even while trying new races, the Indians kept bettering their times this season. That improvement led to a state-qualifying relay team, the first time an HHS relay has qualified for the season finale since 2018.Sook is the anchor leg on that 200-yard freestyle relay team, whose best time this season was 1 minute, 41 seconds. Leo Hernandez is the only senior on that foursome, so Sook is excited for the future. Other relay members are sophomores Chase Zadina and Karsen Flaska.Sook said he has personally benefitted from Clary’s philosophy.For instance, this year, he decided to give the 100-meter butterfly a try and won the first meet he swam it. By the time the WAC meet rolled around, he was convinced that race was one of his new favorite events and placed second at that meet.“The ’fly is the hardest stroke to do,” Sook said, “but I really like it.”Clary wasn’t afraid to present her philosophy to the team because she takes this coaching gig seriously – just like she did competing in swimming and track and field in high school.Clary was born in Wichita and spent her younger years there before moving to the Denver area.While enjoying success as a freshman and sophomore at George Washington High School in Commerce City, Colo., she started experiencing shoulder problems from overuse.So she took a break from swimming. Wanting to stay in shape, she decided to go out for track.Primarily a sprinter in swimming, Clary decided to train for those same kind of events on the track. She had similar success there as she did in the pool.After graduating from George Washington, she chose to further her education at Fort Hays State. She ran track for two years for the Tigers, helping break the school’s indoor and outdoor 4x400-meter relay records while also winning numerous academic awards.But she kept being drawn back to the water, so she started coaching the Hays Hurricanes, the local youth swim club.When Hays High coach Jane Rostrom decided to step aside for this coming season, Clary took over.“I always stress that the work you do everyday matters,” said Clary, who will also coach the Indian girls’ team this spring.She will graduate in May with a health and human performance degree, then take a “gap” year from school while applying for occupational therapy programs.Clary is unsure if she will remain in Hays after graduation.“If there is an opportunity where I could stay in Hays,” she said, “I’d definitely think about it.”Until then, Clary is looking forward to a successful girls’ season at Hays High this spring and thinks the Indian boys’ team also has a bright future.“I think we will have a lot of girls come out this spring,” she said, “and in the future, these guys will bring more with them to the team.”

Local