By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

Cassie Waldschmidt grew up in small-town America but had her sights set on bigger things.

Since graduating from Ellis High School in 2019, Waldschmidt has skydived in Australia, kayaked in Canada and gone snorkeling in the Caribbean. She has seen the sights in Spain and Tasmania and relaxed on beaches in Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Turks and Caicos Islands – and much, much more.

Waldschmidt, who considers herself the adventurous sort, knew from an early age she wanted to make a career out of dancing. So soon after graduating, she moved to Las Vegas to pursue her dream.

“I was a little nervous at first, especially when you move from a small town like Ellis,” Waldschmidt said. “I never drove in the city before. That stood out.”

After several dancing gigs (one-off performances), Waldschmidt landed a role in a Vegas show in December 2021.

“I was so excited,” Waldschmidt said. “I immediately started crying. I was so happy.”

“It felt like everything I was working for finally was coming to fruition,” she added. “Getting your first show – I can’t explain the feeling I had.”

But Waldschmidt’s dream was to become a dancer on a cruise ship.

“I loved it, but I knew there was more I wanted&nbsp; to do,” Waldschmidt said. “It wasn’t my final stop.”

Waldschmidt had applied numerous times previously to become a cast member on a cruise.&nbsp;

Then a fellow dancer in her first show, who had danced on a cruise ship, encouraged Waldschmidt to try again and mention her name when applying.

Disappointment is part of being a dancer, Waldschmidt said. You accept it as a possibility and continue working for your dream.

“It’s a constant battle you have with yourself,” Waldschmidt said. “When you’re first starting out at auditions, you’re going to be told ‘no’ 90 percent of the time.”

“It can be really disheartening because it’s something you really want,” she added. “You really have to remind yourself that perseverance is the biggest thing. Nobody likes rejection, but that’s a big part of what we do.”

That made it all the sweeter for&nbsp;Waldschmidt when she opened her email one day in July 2022 and saw a contract offer from Princess Cruises.

“I think I was the most excited I’ve been in my entire life,” she said.

Waldschmidt moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for rehearsals with her cast members, then they all flew to Sydney, Australia.&nbsp;

After a day of sight-seeing, Waldschmidt boarded the Majestic Princess on Oct. 31, 2022. It was a two-week cruise, which typically means two shows a night three different nights. There also would be smaller performances during the cruise.

For her high school graduation, Waldschmidt’s three older siblings gifted her with a cruise so she could see what it was like.

“I immediately fell in love with it,” Waldschmidt said. “The shows were fascinating. This was something I really wanted to do.”

Waldschmidt’s dance teacher when she was growing up was Alyssa Dechant, owner of Styles Dance Centre. Dechant was not surprised by Waldschmidt’s success.

“Cassie was one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever had,” Dechant said. “I knew she could do anything she wanted to.”

“I work with a lot of very uniquely talented dancers,” she added. “Cassie was just so determined.”

That determination saw Waldschmidt through tough times just starting out. She graduated from Las Vegas’ Theater Arts Preparatory School in March 2020 – right when the COVID-19 pandemic sent the world to a screeching halt.

“It definitely put a stop to everything entertainment-wise,” Waldschmidt said.

Waldschmidt moved back home and worked at Hays restaurants before moving back to Las Vegas a year later. She then landed a summer job as a performer at an amusement park in Pennsylvania before returning to Las Vegas that fall. She worked gigs there until getting a role in her first show.

“It definitely changed everything I thought was going to happen,” Waldschmidt said of the pandemic. “It ended up working out pretty well.”

Waldschmidt determined that dance was for her even though she had track scholarship offers coming out of high school.

She qualified for state track all four years, competing in four events as both a junior and senior.&nbsp;

Waldschmidt, who holds the school record in the 400-meter dash, was runner-up in that event at state her last two years.

“I can always go back to college if this doesn’t work,” said Waldschmidt, now 23. “I only have one shot of being young and giving it a shot.”

Waldschmidt is set for her third cruise later this month. Performing for others is special for her.

“I like entertaining people and being onstage,” Waldschmidt said. “Some people express themselves through painting, some people express themselves through writing.”

“When you see me the most vulnerable is when I’m dancing,” she added. “I think it’s just rewarding to share part of myself with people. When I’m dancing, it’s the most open and vulnerable I can possibly be.”

While enjoying cruising and still wanting to continue doing it for a while longer, eventually Waldschmidt would like to live and perform in shows in California.

But that’s in the future. Now, she is dancing the night away and seeing what life has to offer.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real,” Waldschmidt said. “Sometimes, I have to pinch myself a little bit.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514447727.jpeg" alt="Cassie Waldschmidt" />
 <figcaption>Cassie Waldschmidt</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680730977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostCassie Waldschmidt grew up in small-town America but had her sights set on bigger things.Since graduating from Ellis High School in 2019, Waldschmidt has skydived in Australia, kayaked in Canada and gone snorkeling in the Caribbean. She has seen the sights in Spain and Tasmania and relaxed on beaches in Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Turks and Caicos Islands – and much, much more.Waldschmidt, who considers herself the adventurous sort, knew from an early age she wanted to make a career out of dancing. So soon after graduating, she moved to Las Vegas to pursue her dream.“I was a little nervous at first, especially when you move from a small town like Ellis,” Waldschmidt said. “I never drove in the city before. That stood out.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514568206.jpeg" alt="Cassie Waldschmidt, who grew up in Ellis, first worked as a dancer in Las Vegas after graduating from high school. Third from left, she is in a go-go costume for a performance. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cassie Waldschmidt, who grew up in Ellis, first worked as a dancer in Las Vegas after graduating from high school. Third from left, she is in a go-go costume for a performance. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>After several dancing gigs (one-off performances), Waldschmidt landed a role in a Vegas show in December 2021.“I was so excited,” Waldschmidt said. “I immediately started crying. I was so happy.”“It felt like everything I was working for finally was coming to fruition,” she added. “Getting your first show – I can’t explain the feeling I had.”But Waldschmidt’s dream was to become a dancer on a cruise ship.“I loved it, but I knew there was more I wanted&nbsp; to do,” Waldschmidt said. “It wasn’t my final stop.”Waldschmidt had applied numerous times previously to become a cast member on a cruise.&nbsp;No luck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514618857.jpeg" alt="In her time off from her main job as a cruise ship dancer, Waldschmidt went sky diving in Australia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>In her time off from her main job as a cruise ship dancer, Waldschmidt went sky diving in Australia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Then a fellow dancer in her first show, who had danced on a cruise ship, encouraged Waldschmidt to try again and mention her name when applying.Disappointment is part of being a dancer, Waldschmidt said. You accept it as a possibility and continue working for your dream.“It’s a constant battle you have with yourself,” Waldschmidt said. “When you’re first starting out at auditions, you’re going to be told ‘no’ 90 percent of the time.”“It can be really disheartening because it’s something you really want,” she added. “You really have to remind yourself that perseverance is the biggest thing. Nobody likes rejection, but that’s a big part of what we do.”That made it all the sweeter for&nbsp;Waldschmidt when she opened her email one day in July 2022 and saw a contract offer from Princess Cruises.“I think I was the most excited I’ve been in my entire life,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514660505.jpeg" alt="Waldschmidt got to see a koala bear up close and personal while in Australia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Waldschmidt got to see a koala bear up close and personal while in Australia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Waldschmidt moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for rehearsals with her cast members, then they all flew to Sydney, Australia.&nbsp;After a day of sight-seeing, Waldschmidt boarded the Majestic Princess on Oct. 31, 2022. It was a two-week cruise, which typically means two shows a night three different nights. There also would be smaller performances during the cruise.For her high school graduation, Waldschmidt’s three older siblings gifted her with a cruise so she could see what it was like.“I immediately fell in love with it,” Waldschmidt said. “The shows were fascinating. This was something I really wanted to do.”Waldschmidt’s dance teacher when she was growing up was Alyssa Dechant, owner of Styles Dance Centre. Dechant was not surprised by Waldschmidt’s success.“Cassie was one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever had,” Dechant said. “I knew she could do anything she wanted to.”“I work with a lot of very uniquely talented dancers,” she added. “Cassie was just so determined.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514701657.jpeg" alt="Waldschmidt rehearsed before her first time performing on a cruise ship. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Waldschmidt rehearsed before her first time performing on a cruise ship. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>That determination saw Waldschmidt through tough times just starting out. She graduated from Las Vegas’ Theater Arts Preparatory School in March 2020 – right when the COVID-19 pandemic sent the world to a screeching halt.“It definitely put a stop to everything entertainment-wise,” Waldschmidt said.Waldschmidt moved back home and worked at Hays restaurants before moving back to Las Vegas a year later. She then landed a summer job as a performer at an amusement park in Pennsylvania before returning to Las Vegas that fall. She worked gigs there until getting a role in her first show.“It definitely changed everything I thought was going to happen,” Waldschmidt said of the pandemic. “It ended up working out pretty well.”Waldschmidt determined that dance was for her even though she had track scholarship offers coming out of high school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514743792.jpeg" alt="The night before her first cruise in October 2022, Waldschmidt visited the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The night before her first cruise in October 2022, Waldschmidt visited the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She qualified for state track all four years, competing in four events as both a junior and senior.&nbsp;Waldschmidt, who holds the school record in the 400-meter dash, was runner-up in that event at state her last two years.“I can always go back to college if this doesn’t work,” said Waldschmidt, now 23. “I only have one shot of being young and giving it a shot.”Waldschmidt is set for her third cruise later this month. Performing for others is special for her.“I like entertaining people and being onstage,” Waldschmidt said. “Some people express themselves through painting, some people express themselves through writing.”“When you see me the most vulnerable is when I’m dancing,” she added. “I think it’s just rewarding to share part of myself with people. When I’m dancing, it’s the most open and vulnerable I can possibly be.”While enjoying cruising and still wanting to continue doing it for a while longer, eventually Waldschmidt would like to live and perform in shows in California.But that’s in the future. Now, she is dancing the night away and seeing what life has to offer.“Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real,” Waldschmidt said. “Sometimes, I have to pinch myself a little bit.”

 NWester: Ellis’ Waldschmidt dancing ’round world

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Many factors play into a national retailer deciding to open a location in a new community.

In a recent interview on the Morning Blend, Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, discussed some of the challenges of recruiting national retailers to Hays.

"Everybody would like to see more retail — more choices," Williams said. "We are in a very challenging environment for retail recruitment, but it is something we are working on all of the time."

Both Ellis County and the city of Hays rely on sales tax collection for a significant portion of their budgets, which means retail recruitment is even more important, Williams said.

The general thinking in the past has been if a community recruits manufacturing and reaches a certain population threshold, then retail development will naturally follow. Williams said this is not necessarily the case.

"It's a difficult time to recruit retail like big box stores to a community our size just based on all of the online things that are going on and the challenges that retailers have right now," he said.

Other challenges are land and building costs, which have consistently been high in Hays.

If a big box retailer were to locate in Hays and need a 20,000-square-foot building, they could expect to spend about $5 million or $250 per foot to construct that building. They would pay $10 per square foot for a lease. That's $200,000 per year, Williams said.

Most of the large retailers don't own their buildings, they lease them from investors.

That represents a 4 percent return for someone who owns that building, he said.

"Four percent does not work," Williams said. "No one in today's environment is going to make an investment in a commercial building and get a 4 percent annual return."

In cities the size of Hays, retailers often move into second or third-generation buildings. Williams gave the example of Hobby Lobby, which moved into a former Wal-Mart location.

Williams said Hays does not have a lot of this existing building space.

Demographics play a significant role in retailers' decisions to locate in a new city.

"They'll not only look at the demographics in our area of Ellis County but a 60-mile radius and the population that lives in that kind of geography," he said.

Product distribution can also be a factor in retail development.

Williams said Grow Hays has spoken to Aldi about locating in Hays. The community has the demographics to support a store, but Hays is outside of the company's distribution system.

Logistically, for them, it's a challenge, he said.

Workforce also continues to be a challenge. Ellis County had a 1.3 percent unemployment rate in December.

Ellis County does not have enough regional population to attract a Target, but if they were to locate here they would need 200 to 300 employees, which would not be available in Ellis County at this time.

Williams said Grow Hays is consistently working on recruiting new retailers. That could include another clothing or department store such as Kohl's, Marshalls or T.J. Maxx.&nbsp;

Chick-fil-A has had a huge response to its recent food truck visits to Hays.

However, the chain has very specific requirements for locations. They want to be located close to the interstate and would need easy ingress and egress, Williams said.

That kind of property is hard to find right now in Hays, he said.

"If you drive up and down Vine, it's not like we have a lot of space," he said.

Williams said he thinks enough people live on the east side of Hays to support an additional grocery store.&nbsp;

"Competition helps keep prices in line and gives people variety," Williams said.

On March 5, Grow Hays will have its quarterly luncheon. The topic will be housing. You can call Brief Space at 785-628-3102&nbsp;for reservations.

Grow Hays has tentatively set March 13 as the grand opening for the microfactory. More details will be announced at a later date.

<div><iframe title="Hays constantly recruiting retail but faces challenges" 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=mke79-1579cbb-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>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMany factors play into a national retailer deciding to open a location in a new community.In a recent interview on the Morning Blend, Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, discussed some of the challenges of recruiting national retailers to Hays."Everybody would like to see more retail — more choices," Williams said. "We are in a very challenging environment for retail recruitment, but it is something we are working on all of the time."Both Ellis County and the city of Hays rely on sales tax collection for a significant portion of their budgets, which means retail recruitment is even more important, Williams said.The general thinking in the past has been if a community recruits manufacturing and reaches a certain population threshold, then retail development will naturally follow. Williams said this is not necessarily the case."It's a difficult time to recruit retail like big box stores to a community our size just based on all of the online things that are going on and the challenges that retailers have right now," he said.Other challenges are land and building costs, which have consistently been high in Hays.If a big box retailer were to locate in Hays and need a 20,000-square-foot building, they could expect to spend about $5 million or $250 per foot to construct that building. They would pay $10 per square foot for a lease. That's $200,000 per year, Williams said.Most of the large retailers don't own their buildings, they lease them from investors.That represents a 4 percent return for someone who owns that building, he said."Four percent does not work," Williams said. "No one in today's environment is going to make an investment in a commercial building and get a 4 percent annual return."In cities the size of Hays, retailers often move into second or third-generation buildings. Williams gave the example of Hobby Lobby, which moved into a former Wal-Mart location.Williams said Hays does not have a lot of this existing building space.Demographics play a significant role in retailers' decisions to locate in a new city."They'll not only look at the demographics in our area of Ellis County but a 60-mile radius and the population that lives in that kind of geography," he said.Product distribution can also be a factor in retail development.Williams said Grow Hays has spoken to Aldi about locating in Hays. The community has the demographics to support a store, but Hays is outside of the company's distribution system.Logistically, for them, it's a challenge, he said.Workforce also continues to be a challenge. Ellis County had a 1.3 percent unemployment rate in December.Ellis County does not have enough regional population to attract a Target, but if they were to locate here they would need 200 to 300 employees, which would not be available in Ellis County at this time.Williams said Grow Hays is consistently working on recruiting new retailers. That could include another clothing or department store such as Kohl's, Marshalls or T.J. Maxx.&nbsp;Chick-fil-A has had a huge response to its recent food truck visits to Hays.However, the chain has very specific requirements for locations. They want to be located close to the interstate and would need easy ingress and egress, Williams said.That kind of property is hard to find right now in Hays, he said."If you drive up and down Vine, it's not like we have a lot of space," he said.Williams said he thinks enough people live on the east side of Hays to support an additional grocery store.&nbsp;"Competition helps keep prices in line and gives people variety," Williams said.On March 5, Grow Hays will have its quarterly luncheon. The topic will be housing. You can call Brief Space at 785-628-3102&nbsp;for reservations.Grow Hays has tentatively set March 13 as the grand opening for the microfactory. More details will be announced at a later date.

🎙 Hays constantly recruiting retail but faces challenges

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University recently responded to reports of mold in Victor E. Village and McMindes Hall.

The official statement provides a timeline of events on the university's response to health and safety concerns within student dorms.

"Our goal will always be to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees and campus visitors," the official statement read.

FHSU was aware of the possible mold in a residence hall in late August, an issue that was quickly addressed, according to the statement.

The FHSU Residence Life staff emailed all students living on campus to encourage them to submit work orders if they had health and safety concerns with their living conditions.

The statement said 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," the statement said.

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

The statement further added that mold spores exist both indoors and outdoors, and their growth can be facilitated indoors by the presence of dust, lingering trash, recyclables, clothing, and towels retaining dirt and moisture.

FHSU student and Victor E. resident Reagan Fellman said that the vents in her dorm were cleaned twice between September and November.

"They used a spray that made our room smell like harsh chemicals for the next week," she said. "That's not safe either, to breathe in those harmful toxins and chemicals."

Fellman said complying with the university's request to submit work orders was a challenging process for her and others in the dorms.

This is Fellman's first year at FHSU and said her class is obligated to reside.

According to the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/policies/documents/02-2018-first-year-live-on-campus.pdf">FHSU First Year Live on Campus Policy</a>, undergraduate students new to the university are required to live on campus for their first year, with limited exceptions.

"We have no other option of getting out of this situation, so we're just forced to live in an unhealthy environment," she said.

FHSU student Luis Valencia worked as a counselor for the High Plains Music Camp,&nbsp;a summer camp for middle and high school students to experience a week of concentrated study with nationally recognized musicians, teachers and conductors.

Valencia said the current conditions have been present since campers have stayed at McMindes Hall in July.

"Some of the campers complained that it smells weird," he said. "We looked and there was mold on top of the pipes."

Valencia and another counselor reported sightings of mold in additional locations, including walls and bedding.

Campers were regularly moved to different rooms after community assistants, responsible for a floor or wing in the residence halls, were notified.

Valencia said the measures taken by FHSU, as outlined in the official statement, should have been addressed sooner.

"For Fort Hays to say it was later, I thought, 'Actually, we were saying this for a while now,' but they just chose to ignore it," he said.

Fellman also expressed concerns for student safety.

"I think they need to do a better job at keeping their students safe and healthy," she said. "Improve the dorms for the students that are forced to live here next year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078201076.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University McMindes Hall. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University McMindes Hall. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University recently responded to reports of mold in Victor E. Village and McMindes Hall.The official statement provides a timeline of events on the university's response to health and safety concerns within student dorms."Our goal will always be to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees and campus visitors," the official statement read.FHSU was aware of the possible mold in a residence hall in late August, an issue that was quickly addressed, according to the statement.The FHSU Residence Life staff emailed all students living on campus to encourage them to submit work orders if they had health and safety concerns with their living conditions.The statement said 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," the statement said.A final inspection from ISI Environmental on Oct. 24 reported low to moderate levels of two common potential allergen mold types.The statement further added that mold spores exist both indoors and outdoors, and their growth can be facilitated indoors by the presence of dust, lingering trash, recyclables, clothing, and towels retaining dirt and moisture.FHSU student and Victor E. resident Reagan Fellman said that the vents in her dorm were cleaned twice between September and November."They used a spray that made our room smell like harsh chemicals for the next week," she said. "That's not safe either, to breathe in those harmful toxins and chemicals."Fellman said complying with the university's request to submit work orders was a challenging process for her and others in the dorms.This is Fellman's first year at FHSU and said her class is obligated to reside.According to the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/policies/documents/02-2018-first-year-live-on-campus.pdf">FHSU First Year Live on Campus Policy</a>, undergraduate students new to the university are required to live on campus for their first year, with limited exceptions."We have no other option of getting out of this situation, so we're just forced to live in an unhealthy environment," she said.FHSU student Luis Valencia worked as a counselor for the High Plains Music Camp,&nbsp;a summer camp for middle and high school students to experience a week of concentrated study with nationally recognized musicians, teachers and conductors.Valencia said the current conditions have been present since campers have stayed at McMindes Hall in July."Some of the campers complained that it smells weird," he said. "We looked and there was mold on top of the pipes."Valencia and another counselor reported sightings of mold in additional locations, including walls and bedding.Campers were regularly moved to different rooms after community assistants, responsible for a floor or wing in the residence halls, were notified.Valencia said the measures taken by FHSU, as outlined in the official statement, should have been addressed sooner."For Fort Hays to say it was later, I thought, 'Actually, we were saying this for a while now,' but they just chose to ignore it," he said.Fellman also expressed concerns for student safety."I think they need to do a better job at keeping their students safe and healthy," she said. "Improve the dorms for the students that are forced to live here next year."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707515747781.jpeg" alt="Official statement from Fort Hays State University in response to the presence of mold in Victor E. Village and McMindes Hall." />
 <figcaption>Official statement from Fort Hays State University in response to the presence of mold in Victor E. Village and McMindes Hall.</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU responds to reports of mold in student dorms

The Grow Ellis Downtown Committee is looking to apply for historic district designation for downtown Ellis.

Amy Burton,&nbsp;City Clerk and member of the Ellis Grow Downtown Committee,  said the Ellis City Council has discussed revitalization for as long as she can remember.&nbsp;

"We had a developer purchase some downtown buildings to renovate, and he asked the city to consider a historic district designation," Burton said.

The developer made mention of the success of the Historic Chestnut Street District in downtown Hays.

The process would begin with a preservation specialist conducting surveys on each building within the chosen area to assess its significance.

"Not all the buildings need to have historic value, the buildings in the area selected can have significance either historically or aesthetically," Burton said.

There are about 75 buildings within the area that the Grow Committee has chosen, with the cost of surveying each building estimated at about $200, totaling about $15,000.

The Grow Committee is applying for a grant through the Kansas State&nbsp;Historical Society&nbsp;that can assist in paying for a preservation specialist as well as 65 percent of the surveys conducted.

Burton said the review process can last up to five months. the committee is aiming to conduct surveys by this summer. The surveys will then be evaluated by the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review before being sent to the National Register office in Washington, D.C.

Once the survey is completed, the Grow Committee will have a better idea of what buildings will be included in the historic district designation.

"As far as potential advantages, the designated historic district will provide eligibility to the property owners for state and federal rehabilitation tax credits as well as some grants," Burton said.

Buildings within the designated district will also be eligible for a 100 percent incremental tax rebate.

Drawbacks to having a historic district include the need for approval from the historic preservation office for property improvements to maintain features. This can be a lengthy process.

"If they require you to keep specific elements or do things a certain way like restricting types of materials, it could end up costing the property owner more than if they were just going do it on their own," she said.&nbsp;

A Hays investor spoke to the committee and shared his experience with the historic district designation. He said the&nbsp;tax credits received outweigh the disadvantages of prolonging projects.

Securing the historic district designation would highlight the significance of Ellis and its offerings, a recognition that Burton said would be favorable.

The Ellis Congregational Church, the Chrysler Home and the Memorial City Hall (now the Railroad Museum) are among the three buildings already recognized as eligible.

"Ellis has a lot of great history," Burton said. "This designation would offer a sense of pride that the state and federal historical review boards will find Ellis as unique and special as we do."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582917710542.jpeg" alt="The Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood home is one of the buildings in downtown Ellis that would be included in a proposed downtown historic district. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood home is one of the buildings in downtown Ellis that would be included in a proposed downtown historic district. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Grow Ellis Downtown Committee is looking to apply for historic district designation for downtown Ellis.Amy Burton,&nbsp;City Clerk and member of the Ellis Grow Downtown Committee, said the Ellis City Council has discussed revitalization for as long as she can remember.&nbsp;"We had a developer purchase some downtown buildings to renovate, and he asked the city to consider a historic district designation," Burton said.The developer made mention of the success of the Historic Chestnut Street District in downtown Hays.The process would begin with a preservation specialist conducting surveys on each building within the chosen area to assess its significance."Not all the buildings need to have historic value, the buildings in the area selected can have significance either historically or aesthetically," Burton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582917770295.jpeg" alt="The Grow Ellis Downtown Committee is performing a survey to determine if the Ellis Downtown can be designated as a historic district. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Grow Ellis Downtown Committee is performing a survey to determine if the Ellis Downtown can be designated as a historic district. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>There are about 75 buildings within the area that the Grow Committee has chosen, with the cost of surveying each building estimated at about $200, totaling about $15,000.The Grow Committee is applying for a grant through the Kansas State&nbsp;Historical Society&nbsp;that can assist in paying for a preservation specialist as well as 65 percent of the surveys conducted.Burton said the review process can last up to five months. the committee is aiming to conduct surveys by this summer. The surveys will then be evaluated by the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review before being sent to the National Register office in Washington, D.C.Once the survey is completed, the Grow Committee will have a better idea of what buildings will be included in the historic district designation."As far as potential advantages, the designated historic district will provide eligibility to the property owners for state and federal rehabilitation tax credits as well as some grants," Burton said.Buildings within the designated district will also be eligible for a 100 percent incremental tax rebate.Drawbacks to having a historic district include the need for approval from the historic preservation office for property improvements to maintain features. This can be a lengthy process."If they require you to keep specific elements or do things a certain way like restricting types of materials, it could end up costing the property owner more than if they were just going do it on their own," she said.&nbsp;A Hays investor spoke to the committee and shared his experience with the historic district designation. He said the&nbsp;tax credits received outweigh the disadvantages of prolonging projects.Securing the historic district designation would highlight the significance of Ellis and its offerings, a recognition that Burton said would be favorable.The Ellis Congregational Church, the Chrysler Home and the Memorial City Hall (now the Railroad Museum) are among the three buildings already recognized as eligible."Ellis has a lot of great history," Burton said. "This designation would offer a sense of pride that the state and federal historical review boards will find Ellis as unique and special as we do."

Downtown Ellis seeks historic district designation 

If you have a child who will be entering kindergarten, the annual kindergarten round up is set for 6:30 p.m. March 4 at Hays High School.

To enter kindergarten in Hays USD 489, children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, Kerri Lacy, Lincoln Elementary School principal, said in a recent interview on the Morning Blend.

You need to get your child's name on a list for kindergarten. A master list is kept at the district office; you can email jreling@usd489.com to get your child's name on the list.

Hays USD 489 allows family preference when choosing schools, so parents and guardians are asked to list schools in order of preference.&nbsp;

This includes Lincoln, O'Loughlin, Wilson and Roosevelt elementary schools.

Students do not have to attend the school nearest to their home. However, busing restrictions apply.

Families who already have children in an elementary school will be given preference. However, Lacy said most children are placed in their first preference school.

For those parents who don't have any children in the district yet, the district highly recommends parents attend the kindergarten round up.

Parents and guardians will hear from the superintendent, assistant superintendent and all elementary school principals. They will discuss the health paperwork and other documents that the district will need for enrollment, including the child's birth certificate and immunization records.&nbsp;

All kindergarteners also need a physical before they start school.

Spanish translation will be available but no child care. The meeting will last about 20 to 30 minutes.

In the days after the kindergarten roundup meeting, the district will offer tours at the elementary schools during which families can meet principals and teachers.

Those will be on March 5 and 7. See the schedule below.

Lincoln and Wilson elementary schools are set to close after the bond construction is completed. Hays Middle School will be converted into a new elementary school. Lincoln and Wilson will operate as they are now for two complete school years after the completion of this school year, Lacy said.

You can learn more about kindergarten enrollment on the USD 489 website at <a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/usd-489-kindergarten">www.usd489.com/page/usd-489-kindergarten</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707505824138.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIf you have a child who will be entering kindergarten, the annual kindergarten round up is set for 6:30 p.m. March 4 at Hays High School.To enter kindergarten in Hays USD 489, children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, Kerri Lacy, Lincoln Elementary School principal, said in a recent interview on the Morning Blend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707432430974.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You need to get your child's name on a list for kindergarten. A master list is kept at the district office; you can email jreling@usd489.com to get your child's name on the list.Hays USD 489 allows family preference when choosing schools, so parents and guardians are asked to list schools in order of preference.&nbsp;This includes Lincoln, O'Loughlin, Wilson and Roosevelt elementary schools.<div><iframe title="Kindergarten round up set for March 4 at Hays High" 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=qk2t8-157a920-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>Students do not have to attend the school nearest to their home. However, busing restrictions apply.Families who already have children in an elementary school will be given preference. However, Lacy said most children are placed in their first preference school.For those parents who don't have any children in the district yet, the district highly recommends parents attend the kindergarten round up.Parents and guardians will hear from the superintendent, assistant superintendent and all elementary school principals. They will discuss the health paperwork and other documents that the district will need for enrollment, including the child's birth certificate and immunization records.&nbsp;All kindergarteners also need a physical before they start school.Spanish translation will be available but no child care. The meeting will last about 20 to 30 minutes.In the days after the kindergarten roundup meeting, the district will offer tours at the elementary schools during which families can meet principals and teachers.Those will be on March 5 and 7. See the schedule below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707432502321.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln and Wilson elementary schools are set to close after the bond construction is completed. Hays Middle School will be converted into a new elementary school. Lincoln and Wilson will operate as they are now for two complete school years after the completion of this school year, Lacy said.You can learn more about kindergarten enrollment on the USD 489 website at <a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/usd-489-kindergarten">www.usd489.com/page/usd-489-kindergarten</a>.

🎙Kindergarten round up set for March 4 at Hays High

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-02-02/midwest-brain-drain-persists-and-job-opportunity-is-the-main-driver">By A</a>NNA POPE <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-02-02/midwest-brain-drain-persists-and-job-opportunity-is-the-main-driver">Harvest Public Media</a>

“Brain drain,” the migration of people with a higher education degree, remains an issue in most of the Midwest and Great Plains. Recent U.S. Census data shows many states are losing some of their most educated residents.

Anastasiya Miller moved 1,300 miles away to Tampa, Fla., from her hometown this past year.

“I was excited,” Miller said. “I knew that I wanted to move out of Oklahoma. I had lived in Colorado for a summer prior to moving to Tampa.”

Miller grew up on the outskirts of Edmond, Okla., and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2022. She got a job with Kraft Heinz in her home state, then headed to Florida after getting a promotion as a sales analyst.

If she comes back to the middle of the country, Miller expects it will be to Chicago, where her company is headquartered.

“Just for opportunity sake,” Miller said. “That’s probably where most of my ventures will lead me.”

Thousands of other college graduates through the Midwest and Great Plains left their states in 2022, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/news/updates/2023.html" target="_blank">American Community Survey</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Census Bureau.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/center-for-public-affairs-research/documents/brain-drain-2022-release.pdf" target="_blank">Research</a>&nbsp;from the University of Nebraska at Omaha shows job-centered reasons are the main driver for why people have moved.

This migration of people with a higher education degree has been dubbed “brain drain” and the opposite effect, “brain gain.” Brain drain or gain focuses on the population with a college education or higher.

Josie Schafer, director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research, has been tracking brain drain using census data since about 2010. She said there are jobs available, but many people are looking for what she calls job density.

“I think folks are really looking for those places where it's not just one good job, it's the potential over a lifetime for lots of good jobs,” Schafer said.

Kansas had a net gain of 257 higher education graduates in 2022, according to census data. However, surrounding states, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma all showed declines.

In Nebraska, 4,610 people with a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree left the state in 2022. Schafer said while that's part of a trend, it’s important to understand there remains a high number of people with degrees both in Nebraska and states including Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma.

For instance, there remain over&nbsp;<a href="https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S1502?q=people%20with%20degrees%20in%20nebraska" target="_blank">450,000</a>&nbsp;Nebraskans within the state who have degrees.

“So in terms of the overall size of the of people leaving, it's really not that great,” Schafer said. “It's really just that trending down factor that we're really attuned to.”

In the previous year, Kansas lost more people with degrees that it had gained. Schafer said many states will have a brain gain in urban spaces.

Although there is a downward trend in many Midwestern states, Schafer said there are economic ties being built through investments and internship programs in Nebraska.

“Entrepreneurship is something I'm really focused on in Nebraska,” Schafer said. “It's really hard to get big businesses to just move here and create great jobs, but we can certainly grow jobs from within.”

Schafer said a lack of affordable housing is also an issue that can spur people to move out of state.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cfra.org/" target="_blank">Center for Rural Affairs</a>&nbsp;is a rural advocacy nonprofit organization based in Nebraska, which focuses on economic opportunities. Jillian Linster, the center’s interim policy director, said there is a lot of interest in rural economic development.

“I know that folks in rural Nebraska are invested in their communities, in revitalizing them and strengthening them, in welcoming new community members,” Linster said.

She said areas with development opportunities include broadband access, clean energy, and agriculture.

Linster, who lives and works in a rural area, said such places are filled with knowledge and wisdom.

“We do have a responsibility as rural community members ourselves to actively work to make our communities the kind of places where people will choose to live and work,” she said. “And we have to think carefully about the decisions that we make and the kind of community that we build based on our personal decisions. But I see a great deal of positive growth in our rural communities in Nebraska."

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707512697753.png" alt="Many Midwestern and Great Plains states lost more college-educated residents than they attracted in 2022. That's part of a continuing trend. Photo courtesy of&nbsp;U.S. Department Of Education" />
 <figcaption>Many Midwestern and Great Plains states lost more college-educated residents than they attracted in 2022. That's part of a continuing trend. Photo courtesy of&nbsp;U.S. Department Of Education</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-02-02/midwest-brain-drain-persists-and-job-opportunity-is-the-main-driver">By A</a>NNA POPE <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-02-02/midwest-brain-drain-persists-and-job-opportunity-is-the-main-driver">Harvest Public Media</a><h2>“Brain drain,” the migration of people with a higher education degree, remains an issue in most of the Midwest and Great Plains. Recent U.S. Census data shows many states are losing some of their most educated residents.</h2>Anastasiya Miller moved 1,300 miles away to Tampa, Fla., from her hometown this past year.“I was excited,” Miller said. “I knew that I wanted to move out of Oklahoma. I had lived in Colorado for a summer prior to moving to Tampa.”Miller grew up on the outskirts of Edmond, Okla., and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2022. She got a job with Kraft Heinz in her home state, then headed to Florida after getting a promotion as a sales analyst.If she comes back to the middle of the country, Miller expects it will be to Chicago, where her company is headquartered.“Just for opportunity sake,” Miller said. “That’s probably where most of my ventures will lead me.”Thousands of other college graduates through the Midwest and Great Plains left their states in 2022, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/news/updates/2023.html" target="_blank">American Community Survey</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Census Bureau.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/center-for-public-affairs-research/documents/brain-drain-2022-release.pdf" target="_blank">Research</a>&nbsp;from the University of Nebraska at Omaha shows job-centered reasons are the main driver for why people have moved.This migration of people with a higher education degree has been dubbed “brain drain” and the opposite effect, “brain gain.” Brain drain or gain focuses on the population with a college education or higher.Josie Schafer, director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research, has been tracking brain drain using census data since about 2010. She said there are jobs available, but many people are looking for what she calls job density.“I think folks are really looking for those places where it's not just one good job, it's the potential over a lifetime for lots of good jobs,” Schafer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707512925253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas had a net gain of 257 higher education graduates in 2022, according to census data. However, surrounding states, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma all showed declines.In Nebraska, 4,610 people with a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree left the state in 2022. Schafer said while that's part of a trend, it’s important to understand there remains a high number of people with degrees both in Nebraska and states including Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma.For instance, there remain over&nbsp;<a href="https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S1502?q=people%20with%20degrees%20in%20nebraska" target="_blank">450,000</a>&nbsp;Nebraskans within the state who have degrees.“So in terms of the overall size of the of people leaving, it's really not that great,” Schafer said. “It's really just that trending down factor that we're really attuned to.”In the previous year, Kansas lost more people with degrees that it had gained. Schafer said many states will have a brain gain in urban spaces.Although there is a downward trend in many Midwestern states, Schafer said there are economic ties being built through investments and internship programs in Nebraska.“Entrepreneurship is something I'm really focused on in Nebraska,” Schafer said. “It's really hard to get big businesses to just move here and create great jobs, but we can certainly grow jobs from within.”Schafer said a lack of affordable housing is also an issue that can spur people to move out of state.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cfra.org/" target="_blank">Center for Rural Affairs</a>&nbsp;is a rural advocacy nonprofit organization based in Nebraska, which focuses on economic opportunities. Jillian Linster, the center’s interim policy director, said there is a lot of interest in rural economic development.“I know that folks in rural Nebraska are invested in their communities, in revitalizing them and strengthening them, in welcoming new community members,” Linster said.She said areas with development opportunities include broadband access, clean energy, and agriculture.Linster, who lives and works in a rural area, said such places are filled with knowledge and wisdom.“We do have a responsibility as rural community members ourselves to actively work to make our communities the kind of places where people will choose to live and work,” she said. “And we have to think carefully about the decisions that we make and the kind of community that we build based on our personal decisions. But I see a great deal of positive growth in our rural communities in Nebraska."This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Midwest 'brain drain' persists. And job opportunity is the main driver

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

A group of Cottonwood – Barton 4-H youth recently participated in 4-H Horse Panorama in Salina. The 4-H Horse Panorama encourages young people to develop knowledge of equine-related subject matter. The contests develop alertness, self-confidence, and knowledge in a competitive setting, surrounded by an attitude of friendliness and fairness. The educational experience is great for both the participant and&nbsp;spectator.

Adessa Prosser placed first in Senior Public Speaking, 5th&nbsp;in Senior Open Horse Quiz Bowl, 17th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.

Emaline Debes placed 3rd&nbsp;in Intermediate Demonstration/Illustrated Talk, 5th&nbsp;in Intermediate Photo Contest, 1st&nbsp;in Ad Layout, 1st&nbsp;in Powerpoint, 35th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.

Kylee Miessler placed 11th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.

A team of Emaline Debes, Kylee Miessler, Adessa Prosser, and Lily Rathbun placed 6th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.

Austyn Prosser attended as a first-timer and is looking forward to competing next year.

Many thanks to coaches Wendy Prosser, Julia Debes, Heather Miessler, and Sam Rathbun for chaperoning and helping these young people prepare!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictA group of Cottonwood – Barton 4-H youth recently participated in 4-H Horse Panorama in Salina. The 4-H Horse Panorama encourages young people to develop knowledge of equine-related subject matter. The contests develop alertness, self-confidence, and knowledge in a competitive setting, surrounded by an attitude of friendliness and fairness. The educational experience is great for both the participant and&nbsp;spectator.Adessa Prosser placed first in Senior Public Speaking, 5th&nbsp;in Senior Open Horse Quiz Bowl, 17th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.Emaline Debes placed 3rd&nbsp;in Intermediate Demonstration/Illustrated Talk, 5th&nbsp;in Intermediate Photo Contest, 1st&nbsp;in Ad Layout, 1st&nbsp;in Powerpoint, 35th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.Kylee Miessler placed 11th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.A team of Emaline Debes, Kylee Miessler, Adessa Prosser, and Lily Rathbun placed 6th&nbsp;in Open Hippology.Austyn Prosser attended as a first-timer and is looking forward to competing next year.Many thanks to coaches Wendy Prosser, Julia Debes, Heather Miessler, and Sam Rathbun for chaperoning and helping these young people prepare!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Area youth participate in 4-H Horse Panorama

<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/2024/2/1707525279176.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 the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast,</a>&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason and Chair and Professor Center For Applied Technology Kim Stewart about the strategic affiliation with NCK Tech and Northwest Kansas Tech.

<div><iframe title="FHSU shares updates on strategic affiliation with area technical colleges" 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=gr9ad-157a962-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 <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast,</a>&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason and Chair and Professor Center For Applied Technology Kim Stewart about the strategic affiliation with NCK Tech and Northwest Kansas Tech.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU shares updates on strategic affiliation with area technical colleges

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

As a youth, the after-deer-season joke between me and my buddies was the question “Well, are you eatin’ venison or bologna?” A few years ago, following a deer season with no harvest, I offered to help provide meat for a Sunday school get-together and the joke became “Yup, Steve will probably be bringin’ squirrel since he didn’t get a deer.”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with squirrel meat; our forefathers relied heavily on squirrels as a protein source. Squirrel meat is very similar to rabbit meat and can be prepared the same ways, and even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the world. Their theme is “Squirrel – its’s what’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in a wide variety of dishes from squirrel pizza to squirrel flavored ice cream.

Also known as tree bacon, limb chicken and bird feeder vandals, I know of no wild animal in our society today more pampered than the squirrel. We buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn. We teach them to take peanuts from our hands, and I even heard of someone who had taught the little beggars to tap on the front door when they wanted a handout. Some years back I did a story about two local brothers who cashed-in on our squirrel feeding frenzy by growing and harvesting upwards of one thousand bushels of ear corn every year which they sold for squirrel corn.

I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around in those glass jar feeders and cling upside down to the side of a tree. This year we bought a rig that suspends two ears of corn on a wire with a spring on it a couple feet off the ground, making them jump up and cling onto the ears long enough to get a mouthful before dropping back to the ground. But they have a dark side too. They eat the fruit off fruit trees, the grapes off grape vines, and they litter my front lawn with acorn shells from the nearby Pin Oaks, after they have dug holes in my lawn to bury many. The bird feeder industry works overtime to make their products “squirrel proof,” but I doubt there is such a thing. They will chew on about anything, and I read where their appetite for electrical wiring has caused the shut-down of the NASDAQ twice in its history.

The 2023 - 2024 squirrel season in KS opened June 1, 2023 and runs through Feb 29, 2024, extraordinarily long for any hunting season. Yet, the sport of squirrel hunting seems tremendously underutilized here in Kansas. Granted, we don’t have the woods and forests that make squirrel hunting so popular in some other states, but we do have plenty of squirrels (besides the zillions that inhabit our towns.) From deer stands, I have often watched squirrels’ rustle about in the leaves beneath me, or heard them in the trees above and behind me as they scold me as an intruder, so I believe that our countryside has no squirrel deficiency. Smaller gauge shotguns and .22 rifles have always been the favored weapons for squirrel hunting, but many of the newer air-powered rifles would be excellent choices as squirrel guns.

Naturally nut trees are the biggest draw, but in the fall and winter, Osage Oranges (Hedge Apples) become an important food source too. Squirrel hunting is a waiting game, so find a spot in the trees along the river or near a thick fencerow where small chips of hedge

apple or nut shells litter the ground, and pick yourself a comfortable seat. Your patience will be rewarded as Mr. Bushy Tail will soon come out of hiding and begin scampering about, or scolding you from a nearby branch. In either case, bide your time, and you’ll eventually get a shot. Squirrel hunting is a good way to hone your rifle marksmanship, as they don’t stand still very long.

So, dust off the old .22, sight in the scope (or adjust the open sights for you purists,) and head to the woods. Find yourself a comfy’ seat against a big tree, and don’t be surprised if the serenity of the situation puts you to sleep. The worst-case scenario will be some quiet time to yourself and a nice nap. The best-case scenario will be both of the above plus a squirrel dinner. Either way, you’ll Explore Kansas Outdoors, so how can you lose?

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsAs a youth, the after-deer-season joke between me and my buddies was the question “Well, are you eatin’ venison or bologna?” A few years ago, following a deer season with no harvest, I offered to help provide meat for a Sunday school get-together and the joke became “Yup, Steve will probably be bringin’ squirrel since he didn’t get a deer.”There is absolutely nothing wrong with squirrel meat; our forefathers relied heavily on squirrels as a protein source. Squirrel meat is very similar to rabbit meat and can be prepared the same ways, and even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the world. Their theme is “Squirrel – its’s what’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in a wide variety of dishes from squirrel pizza to squirrel flavored ice cream.Also known as tree bacon, limb chicken and bird feeder vandals, I know of no wild animal in our society today more pampered than the squirrel. We buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn. We teach them to take peanuts from our hands, and I even heard of someone who had taught the little beggars to tap on the front door when they wanted a handout. Some years back I did a story about two local brothers who cashed-in on our squirrel feeding frenzy by growing and harvesting upwards of one thousand bushels of ear corn every year which they sold for squirrel corn.I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around in those glass jar feeders and cling upside down to the side of a tree. This year we bought a rig that suspends two ears of corn on a wire with a spring on it a couple feet off the ground, making them jump up and cling onto the ears long enough to get a mouthful before dropping back to the ground. But they have a dark side too. They eat the fruit off fruit trees, the grapes off grape vines, and they litter my front lawn with acorn shells from the nearby Pin Oaks, after they have dug holes in my lawn to bury many. The bird feeder industry works overtime to make their products “squirrel proof,” but I doubt there is such a thing. They will chew on about anything, and I read where their appetite for electrical wiring has caused the shut-down of the NASDAQ twice in its history.The 2023 - 2024 squirrel season in KS opened June 1, 2023 and runs through Feb 29, 2024, extraordinarily long for any hunting season. Yet, the sport of squirrel hunting seems tremendously underutilized here in Kansas. Granted, we don’t have the woods and forests that make squirrel hunting so popular in some other states, but we do have plenty of squirrels (besides the zillions that inhabit our towns.) From deer stands, I have often watched squirrels’ rustle about in the leaves beneath me, or heard them in the trees above and behind me as they scold me as an intruder, so I believe that our countryside has no squirrel deficiency. Smaller gauge shotguns and .22 rifles have always been the favored weapons for squirrel hunting, but many of the newer air-powered rifles would be excellent choices as squirrel guns.Naturally nut trees are the biggest draw, but in the fall and winter, Osage Oranges (Hedge Apples) become an important food source too. Squirrel hunting is a waiting game, so find a spot in the trees along the river or near a thick fencerow where small chips of hedgeapple or nut shells litter the ground, and pick yourself a comfortable seat. Your patience will be rewarded as Mr. Bushy Tail will soon come out of hiding and begin scampering about, or scolding you from a nearby branch. In either case, bide your time, and you’ll eventually get a shot. Squirrel hunting is a good way to hone your rifle marksmanship, as they don’t stand still very long.So, dust off the old .22, sight in the scope (or adjust the open sights for you purists,) and head to the woods. Find yourself a comfy’ seat against a big tree, and don’t be surprised if the serenity of the situation puts you to sleep. The worst-case scenario will be some quiet time to yourself and a nice nap. The best-case scenario will be both of the above plus a squirrel dinner. Either way, you’ll Explore Kansas Outdoors, so how can you lose?Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Squirrels; Love em’ or Hate em’

To gauge the overall community health needs of residents, Hays Medical Center, in conjunction with other area providers, invites the public to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment Town Hall roundtable from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 for lunch at The Venue, 2704 Vine, Hays.

This event is being conducted to identify and prioritize the community health needs. Findings from this community discussion will also serve to fulfill both federal and state mandates.

To adequately prepare for this event, is vital everyone planning to attend this event RSVPs. Please click on the RSVP link below to complete your RSVP.

We hope that you will be able to join us for this discussion on Feb. 23. Thanks in advance for your time and support! If you have any questions about CHNA activities, call 785-623-2265.

RSVP LINK: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HaysMedTownHallRSVP">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HaysMedTownHallRSVP</a>

&nbsp;SubmittedTo gauge the overall community health needs of residents, Hays Medical Center, in conjunction with other area providers, invites the public to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment Town Hall roundtable from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 for lunch at The Venue, 2704 Vine, Hays.This event is being conducted to identify and prioritize the community health needs. Findings from this community discussion will also serve to fulfill both federal and state mandates.To adequately prepare for this event, is vital everyone planning to attend this event RSVPs. Please click on the RSVP link below to complete your RSVP.We hope that you will be able to join us for this discussion on Feb. 23. Thanks in advance for your time and support! If you have any questions about CHNA activities, call 785-623-2265.RSVP LINK: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HaysMedTownHallRSVP">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HaysMedTownHallRSVP</a>

Hays Medical Center to host community health needs town hall

By Michael A. Smith Insight Kansas

Why on earth are Kansas Legislators seeking to ban Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Michael A. Smith Insight KansasWhy on earth are Kansas Legislators seeking to ban Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)?Sponsored by Senator Chase Blasi of Wichita, Senate Bill 368 would prohibit this practice, which is becoming increasingly popular in many U.S. cities and states.&nbsp; In a recent hearing, the senate heard conflicting testimony.&nbsp; Proponents argue that RCV is a better way to select the voters’ true preferences, while opponents dismiss it as confusing.&nbsp; The bill is specifically targeted at Kansas cities and counties– yet another state attempt to usurp power from its localities for no clear reason.Last year, the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee considered a bill that would have authorized RCV.&nbsp; Most likely, this is because Republicans on the committee believe that RCV might well have led to the election of Republican Derek Schmidt to the governorship in 2022, instead of Governor Laura Kelly being re-elected.&nbsp;&nbsp;RCV is one of many alternative voting systems which can better-represent the preferences of voters.&nbsp; Kansas currently uses the plurality system for most offices.&nbsp; A candidate getting the most votes wins a race, even if their vote totals fall short of a majority.&nbsp; For example, in 2022 Kelly won 49.5% of the vote, Schmidt won 47.4%,&nbsp; Independent Dennis Pyle won 2%, and Libertarian Seth Cordell won 1.1%. The votes for Pyle and Cordell were essentially “wasted” votes, a derogatory term often used to discourage votes from supporting Independent and third party candidates.&nbsp; Imagine if each Pyle and Cordell supporter could have cast a “backup” vote in the event that their candidate did not get enough votes to win.This is how RCV works.&nbsp; While it is new to many Americans, it is not complicated.&nbsp; Voters simply rank their choices in order.&nbsp; If a candidate does not have any chance of winning, their voters’ votes are re-cast for their second choices.&nbsp; Additional choices may be taken into account, depending on circumstances.&nbsp; Anyone who has ever made a list putting priorities in order has already done this–just not at the ballot box.&nbsp; As with the example above, the primary benefit of RCV is to allow voters to back Independent and third party candidates without the fear that they are casting “wasted” votes.&nbsp; No city in Kansas has RCV, but the Kansas Democratic Party has used it in their presidential primaries and caucuses since 2020.The plurality method does a poor job of translating voters’ preferences into policy.&nbsp; Most state house, state senate and Congressional districts are uncompetitive between the two parties, so candidates need only placate their party base in order to avoid being “primaried.”&nbsp; This pushes the parties toward their respective extremes. Third-party and Independent candidates serve primarily as “spoilers” for the major parties, not serious alternatives for frustrated voters. Other alternatives worth exploring include approval voting, in which voters may vote for as many candidates as they choose, and proportional representation, in which seats are divided up in proportion to the percentage of votes cast for the parties.&nbsp; Political science studies confirm that these alternatives often do a far better job of matching election results to voters’ true desires.&nbsp; For example, in 2021 the City of St. Louis held its first mayoral election with approval voting, and it went fine.&nbsp; The new system helped to break down the city’s notorious, racially-divided voting behavior.&nbsp; RCV is also proving popular statewide in Maine and Alaska.It would be foolish to preemptively ban a reform that is showing real promise in other states.&nbsp; RCV deserves a second look here in Kansas.

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