TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the city of Bunker Hill indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-483-6250 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Consumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621008205705.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Laboratory testing samples collected from the city of Bunker Hill indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-483-6250 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Consumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.

Bunker Hill boil water advisory is rescinded by KDHE

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

"Bad guys only have to be lucky once. You have to be good all the time."

That's the reality of cybersecurity for any business in today's interconnected world.

Being good means being educated about cybersecurity in your business, knowing how to protect your vital information, planning for the worst, and having a recovery plan, said George Schultzel, special agent with the FBI's cyber crime task force in the Kansas City field office.

Schultzel was a keynote speaker at Wednesday's cybersecurity conference presented by the Fort Hays State University Small Business Development Center and the FHSU Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator.

Schultzel and a panel of local experts stressed the importance of education about cybersecurity across an entire company.

Cyber attack objectives fall into three categories — financial gain, intelligence collection and organization impact. In the FBI's experience, the bad actors are working via hacking, crime, insiders, espionage,&nbsp;terrorists or warfare.&nbsp;

Nation-state actors target all facets of U.S. life and property for a variety of different reasons, including in Kansas.

"We have a current case where a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/180d7f9a-a1fe-48d1-b71d-4958cb3f312e">Kansas medical center got hit by ransomware </a>a couple years back.

"We started following our leads. We watched our bad guys launder money back to an account back in Hong Kong. ... As we went through our investigation, turns out it was the North Koreans.&nbsp; And the North Koreans were utilizing that money that they stole from us to fund their nuclear program of weapons of mass destruction.&nbsp;

"So, why pay for it [themselves] when they could ransom U.S. citizens for that technology, for that money," he said.

The FBI was able to seize some of the ransom money back for the victims and continues with the investigation today.

Schultzel encouraged the conference participants, employees and owners of local businesses as well as some in southwest Kansas, to be aware of cybersecurity threats and be willing to act before they're carried out.&nbsp;

And that's fairly easy for small businesses to do, said Olga Detrixhe, sales supervisor at Next-Tech, Hays, who was part of the power panel discussion.

"Small businesses are nimble and flexible," she said. "Another huge advantage that small businesses have over a large organization is their ability to pivot and change quickly. Small businesses can make vast improvements quickly in comparison to their larger counterparts."

Schultzel  stressed that business executives should support and fund cybersecurity protection measures.&nbsp;

There are more than 100 active FBI investigations on ransomware variants. Cyber threats are now a priority in the FBI, he said.

"These nation-state actors aren't after you, they're after what you have access to," Schultzel said.

Recommended tips from the group included the use of long passwords of at least 15 characters, multi-factor authentication, software and antivirus updates, secure wi-fi connections and encryption of important data.

You should also keep work thumb drives safe and not easily accessible and destroy external hard drives that are no longer serviceable.&nbsp;

The security measures used at work should also be used with your personal information, said Mark Griffin, FHSU assistant vice president for technology services.&nbsp;

"We here are all prepared for a tornado to hit us," said Dallas Haselhorst, TreeTop Security, Hays. "But a cyber attack is much more likely to happen to our businesses and most of them are completely unprepared."

Haselhorst has a series of free cyber security events upcoming in the community. They are as follows:

Oct. 11 at noon at STEM Harvest in Hays "Cybersecurity Awareness"

Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at Hays Public Library&nbsp;"Cybersecurity Awareness"

Oct. 20 at noon at STEM Harvest in Hays "Scams, Lies and Bad Guys"

Oct. 24 at noon STEM Harvest in Hays "Cybersecurity Awareness"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696520718313.jpeg" alt="Michael Aumack, U.S. Small Business Administration; Mark Griffin, Fort Hays State University assistant vice president; Olga Detrixhe, Nex-Tech; Dallas Haselhorst, TreeTop Security; and Jason Zeller FHSU Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator co-director on a panel discussion for the Oct. 3&nbsp; business cybersecurity conference at FHSU. Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Michael Aumack, U.S. Small Business Administration; Mark Griffin, Fort Hays State University assistant vice president; Olga Detrixhe, Nex-Tech; Dallas Haselhorst, TreeTop Security; and Jason Zeller FHSU Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator co-director on a panel discussion for the Oct. 3&nbsp; business cybersecurity conference at FHSU. Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"Bad guys only have to be lucky once. You have to be good all the time."That's the reality of cybersecurity for any business in today's interconnected world.Being good means being educated about cybersecurity in your business, knowing how to protect your vital information, planning for the worst, and having a recovery plan, said George Schultzel, special agent with the FBI's cyber crime task force in the Kansas City field office.Schultzel was a keynote speaker at Wednesday's cybersecurity conference presented by the Fort Hays State University Small Business Development Center and the FHSU Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator.Schultzel and a panel of local experts stressed the importance of education about cybersecurity across an entire company.Cyber attack objectives fall into three categories — financial gain, intelligence collection and organization impact. In the FBI's experience, the bad actors are working via hacking, crime, insiders, espionage,&nbsp;terrorists or warfare.&nbsp;Nation-state actors target all facets of U.S. life and property for a variety of different reasons, including in Kansas."We have a current case where a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/180d7f9a-a1fe-48d1-b71d-4958cb3f312e">Kansas medical center got hit by ransomware </a>a couple years back. "We started following our leads. We watched our bad guys launder money back to an account back in Hong Kong. ... As we went through our investigation, turns out it was the North Koreans.&nbsp; And the North Koreans were utilizing that money that they stole from us to fund their nuclear program of weapons of mass destruction.&nbsp;"So, why pay for it [themselves] when they could ransom U.S. citizens for that technology, for that money," he said.The FBI was able to seize some of the ransom money back for the victims and continues with the investigation today.Schultzel encouraged the conference participants, employees and owners of local businesses as well as some in southwest Kansas, to be aware of cybersecurity threats and be willing to act before they're carried out.&nbsp;And that's fairly easy for small businesses to do, said Olga Detrixhe, sales supervisor at Next-Tech, Hays, who was part of the power panel discussion."Small businesses are nimble and flexible," she said. "Another huge advantage that small businesses have over a large organization is their ability to pivot and change quickly. Small businesses can make vast improvements quickly in comparison to their larger counterparts."Schultzel stressed that business executives should support and fund cybersecurity protection measures.&nbsp;There are more than 100 active FBI investigations on ransomware variants. Cyber threats are now a priority in the FBI, he said."These nation-state actors aren't after you, they're after what you have access to," Schultzel said.Recommended tips from the group included the use of long passwords of at least 15 characters, multi-factor authentication, software and antivirus updates, secure wi-fi connections and encryption of important data.You should also keep work thumb drives safe and not easily accessible and destroy external hard drives that are no longer serviceable.&nbsp;The security measures used at work should also be used with your personal information, said Mark Griffin, FHSU assistant vice president for technology services.&nbsp;"We here are all prepared for a tornado to hit us," said Dallas Haselhorst, TreeTop Security, Hays. "But a cyber attack is much more likely to happen to our businesses and most of them are completely unprepared."Haselhorst has a series of free cyber security events upcoming in the community. They are as follows:Oct. 11 at noon at STEM Harvest in Hays "Cybersecurity Awareness"Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at Hays Public Library&nbsp;"Cybersecurity Awareness"Oct. 20 at noon at STEM Harvest in Hays "Scams, Lies and Bad Guys"Oct. 24 at noon STEM Harvest in Hays "Cybersecurity Awareness"

FBI cyber crime investigator at Hays conference: 'Everybody is a target'

To kick off the recent homecoming weekend, Fort Hays State University community members, alumni, and friends gathered for a Friday morning ribbon cutting at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club to celebrate the newly completed Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg Training Center, home of the FHSU Shotgun Team.

The facility would not have been possible without a generous lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer. Other individuals and businesses followed suit and contributed to bring the project to fruition.

Two members of the FHSU Shotgun Team shared their excitement for the facility at the ribbon-cutting event, Michaela Baalmann, a freshman from Schulte, Kansas, majoring in medical diagnostic imaging, and Austin Smith, a sophomore from Weatherford, Oklahoma, an agricultural business major.

“Team members before us have set an example and built a foundation that has earned national respect. We all put in the work to maintain the high expectations of those around us. Overall, this building will be a game changer for the future of this team, and I want to thank everyone who had a part in it,” Smith said.

The Kellogg Training Center will provide additional resources to build upon the team’s past accomplishments. Not only will the team’s new head coach, Jerrod Lies, an FHSU Shotgun Team alum and former assistant coach, have an on-site office to provide mentorship to those currently on the team, but he can also meet and recruit future members in the new space. In addition, its new reloading room and equipment will allow multiple members at a time to efficiently reload shells.

Unlike previous winters when team members shoveled several feet of snow to practice for upcoming competitions, the new indoor shooting simulations allow students to implement current technology to practice and improve their abilities year-round. Additionally, students living on campus have a place to store their shotguns and ammunition in the training center’s on-site storage.

“I want to thank the Kelloggs for their support over the years and for making this facility possible with their generous gift. It has been a fantastic experience continuing my shooting career at FHSU,” said Baalmann.

“Every year, this talented group of students excel in their sport. We are so proud of the team and its members who represent the best of the best at Fort Hays State University,” said former head coach Dr. Duane Shepherd.

For information about the Kellogg Training Center or the FHSU Shotgun Team, please contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation at 785-628-5620 or head coach Jerrod Lies at 785-628-4566 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jglies@fhsu.edu">jglies@fhsu.edu</a>.

If you’d like to support the FHSU Shotgun Team, make your gift online today at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJMfKYvF9QOOjCMgHZKm-2BYsN8dTXNuG1C5B5qk1qWEquQTfTz_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb5JZqerblGReHF6y-2B2A0nF2Uxb5EaHqePNt9eG8vJaLQhTTWXyqxg1HnFkX-2BaWrBS5Ktl8cuAjcxRhTiTrn3QtU-2Bt-2BScaTOnEWwnq6ltxQZfEqdqDBqG-2BPA4S-2B9UGrTOz-2BzgYNxCUnlLS9mXVi80JmRtBVbcMFTgnq-2FvfB-2Fg1jZpVdQyF7xGWM1TZ9B17M974oajvmdXa-2BqKeXHRoTN8txD0IMfTr7iICvY7hSWdWkI-2B6tI59ap-2BzYNsZ6jtQcfM2bwnjNUZYyubb-2BEkOUVeyvQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">foundation.fhsu.edu/donate</a>&nbsp;and list “Shotgun Team” as your area of designation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696347572083.jpeg" alt="Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg Training Center, home of the FHSU Shotgun Team is located at the Hays City Sportsmen's Club,&nbsp;5810 230th Ave." />
 <figcaption>Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg Training Center, home of the FHSU Shotgun Team is located at the Hays City Sportsmen's Club,&nbsp;5810 230th Ave.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationTo kick off the recent homecoming weekend, Fort Hays State University community members, alumni, and friends gathered for a Friday morning ribbon cutting at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club to celebrate the newly completed Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg Training Center, home of the FHSU Shotgun Team.The facility would not have been possible without a generous lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer. Other individuals and businesses followed suit and contributed to bring the project to fruition.Two members of the FHSU Shotgun Team shared their excitement for the facility at the ribbon-cutting event, Michaela Baalmann, a freshman from Schulte, Kansas, majoring in medical diagnostic imaging, and Austin Smith, a sophomore from Weatherford, Oklahoma, an agricultural business major.“Team members before us have set an example and built a foundation that has earned national respect. We all put in the work to maintain the high expectations of those around us. Overall, this building will be a game changer for the future of this team, and I want to thank everyone who had a part in it,” Smith said.The Kellogg Training Center will provide additional resources to build upon the team’s past accomplishments. Not only will the team’s new head coach, Jerrod Lies, an FHSU Shotgun Team alum and former assistant coach, have an on-site office to provide mentorship to those currently on the team, but he can also meet and recruit future members in the new space. In addition, its new reloading room and equipment will allow multiple members at a time to efficiently reload shells.Unlike previous winters when team members shoveled several feet of snow to practice for upcoming competitions, the new indoor shooting simulations allow students to implement current technology to practice and improve their abilities year-round. Additionally, students living on campus have a place to store their shotguns and ammunition in the training center’s on-site storage.“I want to thank the Kelloggs for their support over the years and for making this facility possible with their generous gift. It has been a fantastic experience continuing my shooting career at FHSU,” said Baalmann.“Every year, this talented group of students excel in their sport. We are so proud of the team and its members who represent the best of the best at Fort Hays State University,” said former head coach Dr. Duane Shepherd.For information about the Kellogg Training Center or the FHSU Shotgun Team, please contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation at 785-628-5620 or head coach Jerrod Lies at 785-628-4566 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jglies@fhsu.edu">jglies@fhsu.edu</a>. If you’d like to support the FHSU Shotgun Team, make your gift online today at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJMfKYvF9QOOjCMgHZKm-2BYsN8dTXNuG1C5B5qk1qWEquQTfTz_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb5JZqerblGReHF6y-2B2A0nF2Uxb5EaHqePNt9eG8vJaLQhTTWXyqxg1HnFkX-2BaWrBS5Ktl8cuAjcxRhTiTrn3QtU-2Bt-2BScaTOnEWwnq6ltxQZfEqdqDBqG-2BPA4S-2B9UGrTOz-2BzgYNxCUnlLS9mXVi80JmRtBVbcMFTgnq-2FvfB-2Fg1jZpVdQyF7xGWM1TZ9B17M974oajvmdXa-2BqKeXHRoTN8txD0IMfTr7iICvY7hSWdWkI-2B6tI59ap-2BzYNsZ6jtQcfM2bwnjNUZYyubb-2BEkOUVeyvQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">foundation.fhsu.edu/donate</a>&nbsp;and list “Shotgun Team” as your area of designation.

National award-winning FHSU Shotgun Team celebrates new facility

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Thirty-three undergraduate students in the&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University are receiving research awards for fall 2023. Award recipients will do semester-long faculty-mentored research projects and receive $1,000 scholarships.

Undergraduate students enrolled full time in any major in the college are eligible for the research awards, which are offered in spring, summer and fall. Applications for spring 2024 are due Nov. 1.

Students receiving College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awards for fall 2023 include:&nbsp;Hailey Casey, senior in biology, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology,&nbsp;and Marrissa Raynesford, senior in chemistry, mentored by Christer Aakeroy, university distinguished professor of chemistry, both from&nbsp;Hays.

More information about the award program and how to apply is on the college's&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/research/undergraduate/" target="_blank">Student Research and Creative Inquiry Opportunities</a>&nbsp;webpage. The college is committed to providing a research opportunity to every Arts and Sciences student who wants one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695912102958.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KSU News ServiceMANHATTAN —&nbsp;Thirty-three undergraduate students in the&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University are receiving research awards for fall 2023. Award recipients will do semester-long faculty-mentored research projects and receive $1,000 scholarships.Undergraduate students enrolled full time in any major in the college are eligible for the research awards, which are offered in spring, summer and fall. Applications for spring 2024 are due Nov. 1.Students receiving College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awards for fall 2023 include:&nbsp;Hailey Casey, senior in biology, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology,&nbsp;and Marrissa Raynesford, senior in chemistry, mentored by Christer Aakeroy, university distinguished professor of chemistry, both from&nbsp;Hays.More information about the award program and how to apply is on the college's&nbsp;<a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/research/undergraduate/" target="_blank">Student Research and Creative Inquiry Opportunities</a>&nbsp;webpage. The college is committed to providing a research opportunity to every Arts and Sciences student who wants one.

K-State students from Hays receive research scholarships 

October 1-7 is an exciting time as 4-H families across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week. 

According to the National 4-H website, 4-H was established as Youth Clubs in 1902 with agricultural after-school clubs focused on particular ag products such as tomatoes or corn. The passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 created the Cooperative Extension System at USDA and nationalized 4-H. By 1914, 4-H Clubs were formed and the clover emblem was adopted. 

The Cooperative Extension System is a partnership of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the USDA, more than 100 land-grant universities and more than 3,000 county offices across the nation, including all 105 counties in Kansas. Cooperative Extension combines the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local governments to meet the need for research, knowledge, and educational programs. 

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

On September 26, I was joined by 4-H Ambassador Ailey Williams to address the Barton County Commission. 

We were delighted with Proclamation 2023-13 which states, in part, “4-H, as delivered by Cooperative Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse, and advocating for equity and inclusion for all; and whereas, National 4-H Week showcases the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in Kansas and throughout America who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Barton County, Kansas, that October 1-7, 2023 is hereby known as National 4-H Week throughout Barton County; and further, that the Commission recognizes the importance of using the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, the four core values of the 4-H mission, to make the best better….”

If you know of a young person who would benefit from the opportunities of 4-H, enrollment for the new year began October 1. The Cottonwood Extension District offers eight community clubs in Barton County and over 40 project areas from art&nbsp;to woodworking for youth to explore, learn, and grow. 

More information can be found at our website cottonwood.k-state.edu or by calling one of our offices.

If you happen to be in our Ellis County area, 4-H members will have several displays around the county.

Community service and citizenship are hallmarks of the 4-H program. "48 Hours of 4-H" is a state-wide service challenge. 

Cottonwood-Barton 4-H families will meet at the 4-H Educational Buildings on Sunday, Oct. 8 to clean up and work on a variety of projects. 

Previous projects have included cleanup at Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo and the making cookies for county-wide emergency service personnel. Many individual clubs will take on separate projects in their town. Teaching youth the value of giving back to their communities helps all communities be stronger and to develop the leaders needed to not just survive but to thrive.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

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 mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>October 1-7 is an exciting time as 4-H families across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week. According to the National 4-H website, 4-H was established as Youth Clubs in 1902 with agricultural after-school clubs focused on particular ag products such as tomatoes or corn. The passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 created the Cooperative Extension System at USDA and nationalized 4-H. By 1914, 4-H Clubs were formed and the clover emblem was adopted. The Cooperative Extension System is a partnership of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the USDA, more than 100 land-grant universities and more than 3,000 county offices across the nation, including all 105 counties in Kansas. Cooperative Extension combines the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local governments to meet the need for research, knowledge, and educational programs. In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.On September 26, I was joined by 4-H Ambassador Ailey Williams to address the Barton County Commission. We were delighted with Proclamation 2023-13 which states, in part, “4-H, as delivered by Cooperative Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse, and advocating for equity and inclusion for all; and whereas, National 4-H Week showcases the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in Kansas and throughout America who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Barton County, Kansas, that October 1-7, 2023 is hereby known as National 4-H Week throughout Barton County; and further, that the Commission recognizes the importance of using the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, the four core values of the 4-H mission, to make the best better….”If you know of a young person who would benefit from the opportunities of 4-H, enrollment for the new year began October 1. The Cottonwood Extension District offers eight community clubs in Barton County and over 40 project areas from art&nbsp;to woodworking for youth to explore, learn, and grow. More information can be found at our website cottonwood.k-state.edu or by calling one of our offices.If you happen to be in our Ellis County area, 4-H members will have several displays around the county.Community service and citizenship are hallmarks of the 4-H program. "48 Hours of 4-H" is a state-wide service challenge. Cottonwood-Barton 4-H families will meet at the 4-H Educational Buildings on Sunday, Oct. 8 to clean up and work on a variety of projects. Previous projects have included cleanup at Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo and the making cookies for county-wide emergency service personnel. Many individual clubs will take on separate projects in their town. Teaching youth the value of giving back to their communities helps all communities be stronger and to develop the leaders needed to not just survive but to thrive.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.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 mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: It's 4-H enrollment time

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696548544151.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

The winner of $50 in the 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Michael Wickham of Hays. He was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.

The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Jeff Ackerman of Hays. She was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.

Listen to Eagle Radio stations, including 94.3 KAYS; 99.5 KZ Country KHAZ; 103.3 The Mix KJLS; 101.9 The Bull KKQY; and Hull Broadcasting's 96.9 KFIX for the keyword at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You will have 20 minutes to go to the Hays Post and enter the keyword.

All entries will have a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680036055088.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The winner of $50 in the 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Michael Wickham of Hays. He was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Jeff Ackerman of Hays. She was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.Listen to Eagle Radio stations, including 94.3 KAYS; 99.5 KZ Country KHAZ; 103.3 The Mix KJLS; 101.9 The Bull KKQY; and Hull Broadcasting's 96.9 KFIX for the keyword at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.You will have 20 minutes to go to the Hays Post and enter the keyword.All entries will have a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000.

Thursday Oct. 5 Cash Grab winners; you can win too

Editor's note: The date for the Options 40th anniversary and tree lighting has changed to Friday,&nbsp;Oct. 6.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will not only be observing the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. It will be. celebrating 40 years of service.

Options started as a grassroots movement in the 1970s. Women were opening their own homes to provide shelter to women who were victims of domestic violence, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.

One of Options' current board members was one of those people in the '70s who was providing safe haven to victims.

"What happened with those early folks is that they realized a room or space on the couch provided immediate safety, but there were so many services people needed that they did not have the capacity to give," Hecker said.&nbsp;

Through local support, including the University Women at Fort Hays State University, the Northwest Kansas Family Shelter was founded.

The name of the agency has changed over the years. Today Options offers a shelter and community services in 18 northwest Kansas counties, including a satellite office in Colby and mobile services across its coverage area.

Options will have a variety of activities beginning Sept. 22 with a Hays Chamber Chat to honor its anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Below is a schedule of activities: • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 - tree lighting ceremony at Goodland Regional Medical Center • 7 p.m. Oct. 3 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Fike Park in Colby • 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Russell Regional Hospital • 7 p.m. Oct. 6 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony followed by the 40th-anniversary celebration at Farmers Insurance, Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main, Hays • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 - Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Colby Community College Student Union • 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 -&nbsp; Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays Oct. 19 - Wear Purple Day - Show your support for survivors of domestic violence by wearing purple

"Wear purple on Oct. 19 and stand in solidarity with victims who are still suffering in silence to really show there's a whole community of support out there for folks," Hecker said.

"Wear purple—purple hair, purple shirt, purple pants. Whatever you got, put it on."

Hecker said Options has five main programming elements—shelter, legal advocacy for victims, a rapid rehousing program, community support services and community advocacy. All services are free and confidential.

Options helps victims to navigate the criminal justice system if they choose to report crimes against them.

The goal of the rapid rehousing program is to get victims back into a home that is their own as soon as possible.

"Not everyone needs shelter, but they will still need services," she said of the community support program.&nbsp;

Some of the community awareness programs have included art displays, such as "Broken Brides" and "What Were You Wearing." "Broken Brides" is a display of products that a domestic violence victim might need like cream for cigarette burns.

"What Were You Wearing" is an exhibit that seeks to break the myth what victims were wearing contributed to their sexual assaults. It includes recreations and, in some instances, the exact clothing victims were wearing when they were assaulted.

Options also provides training for bar staff through the Safe Bar Alliance program. Employees learn to recognize signs of sexual predators and ways to keep customers safe.

Cut it Out teaches salon staff to recognize signs of abuse and gives them tips on how to talk to their customers about getting help.

Options can also help businesses write domestic violence policies, Hecker said.

Hecker said the number of people seeking assistance through Options has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

"I've said this many times. I think the pandemic ripped the band-aid off of America's dirty little secret," she said. "Things happen behind closed doors, so I think it makes it really easy not to talk about it or pretend it's not happening."

The increase in the number of people seeking help to deal with domestic violence has been partially the result of an increase in the different avenues now available to access resources, Hecker said.

You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby.&nbsp; You can call Options 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

A live chat option or a virtual video conference with an advocate is available on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.

The website has a safe escape button that will allow you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies so anyone who is on the computer after you would not be able to see that you have been on the website.

Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

You can donate to help the Options online at&nbsp;https://help4abuse.org/donate/.&nbsp; Donations can also be mailed to&nbsp;2716 Plaza, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;

In light of Options' 40th Anniversary, businesses in Hays are encouraging other businesses to donate $400 each to the organization.

"We are so grateful for the community partners who have seen the benefit to their employees or their customers and want to pay that forward," Hecker said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626112639824.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Options prepares for upcoming events" 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=ygxym-149e9d5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Editor's note: The date for the Options 40th anniversary and tree lighting has changed to Friday,&nbsp;Oct. 6.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOptions Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will not only be observing the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. It will be. celebrating 40 years of service.Options started as a grassroots movement in the 1970s. Women were opening their own homes to provide shelter to women who were victims of domestic violence, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.One of Options' current board members was one of those people in the '70s who was providing safe haven to victims."What happened with those early folks is that they realized a room or space on the couch provided immediate safety, but there were so many services people needed that they did not have the capacity to give," Hecker said.&nbsp;Through local support, including the University Women at Fort Hays State University, the Northwest Kansas Family Shelter was founded.The name of the agency has changed over the years. Today Options offers a shelter and community services in 18 northwest Kansas counties, including a satellite office in Colby and mobile services across its coverage area.Options will have a variety of activities beginning Sept. 22 with a Hays Chamber Chat to honor its anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Below is a schedule of activities: • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 - tree lighting ceremony at Goodland Regional Medical Center • 7 p.m. Oct. 3 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Fike Park in Colby • 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Russell Regional Hospital • 7 p.m. Oct. 6 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony followed by the 40th-anniversary celebration at Farmers Insurance, Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main, Hays • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 - Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Colby Community College Student Union • 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 -&nbsp; Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays Oct. 19 - Wear Purple Day - Show your support for survivors of domestic violence by wearing purple"Wear purple on Oct. 19 and stand in solidarity with victims who are still suffering in silence to really show there's a whole community of support out there for folks," Hecker said."Wear purple—purple hair, purple shirt, purple pants. Whatever you got, put it on."Hecker said Options has five main programming elements—shelter, legal advocacy for victims, a rapid rehousing program, community support services and community advocacy. All services are free and confidential.Options helps victims to navigate the criminal justice system if they choose to report crimes against them.The goal of the rapid rehousing program is to get victims back into a home that is their own as soon as possible."Not everyone needs shelter, but they will still need services," she said of the community support program.&nbsp;Some of the community awareness programs have included art displays, such as "Broken Brides" and "What Were You Wearing." "Broken Brides" is a display of products that a domestic violence victim might need like cream for cigarette burns."What Were You Wearing" is an exhibit that seeks to break the myth what victims were wearing contributed to their sexual assaults. It includes recreations and, in some instances, the exact clothing victims were wearing when they were assaulted.Options also provides training for bar staff through the Safe Bar Alliance program. Employees learn to recognize signs of sexual predators and ways to keep customers safe.Cut it Out teaches salon staff to recognize signs of abuse and gives them tips on how to talk to their customers about getting help.Options can also help businesses write domestic violence policies, Hecker said.Hecker said the number of people seeking assistance through Options has not returned to pre-pandemic levels."I've said this many times. I think the pandemic ripped the band-aid off of America's dirty little secret," she said. "Things happen behind closed doors, so I think it makes it really easy not to talk about it or pretend it's not happening."The increase in the number of people seeking help to deal with domestic violence has been partially the result of an increase in the different avenues now available to access resources, Hecker said.You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby.&nbsp; You can call Options 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.A live chat option or a virtual video conference with an advocate is available on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.The website has a safe escape button that will allow you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies so anyone who is on the computer after you would not be able to see that you have been on the website.Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."You can donate to help the Options online at&nbsp;https://help4abuse.org/donate/.&nbsp; Donations can also be mailed to&nbsp;2716 Plaza, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;In light of Options' 40th Anniversary, businesses in Hays are encouraging other businesses to donate $400 each to the organization."We are so grateful for the community partners who have seen the benefit to their employees or their customers and want to pay that forward," Hecker said.

Options to honor 40th anniversary Friday, Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

TOPEKA&nbsp; - The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is partnering with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education to host the Fly Kansas Air Tour from Thursday, Oct. 5, to Saturday, Oct. 7.

“The Fly Kansas Air Tour brings airplanes within reach for over 1,000 children in only three days - an experience we hope many will look back on as their first step into aviation,” said Bob Brock, KDOT director of aviation.&nbsp; “Kansas maintains thousands of aviation jobs, and an interest in the industry could lead them to exciting aviation career opportunities in the future.”

Over 50 pilots and corporate sponsors have already registered to fly the Air Tour this year, visiting 10 communities across Kansas. The tour includes presentations related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as the new jobs and economic growth that aviation industries bring to rural Kansas communities. Highlights for this year include opportunities for students to learn from pilots, attend community events and view aircraft participating in the tour.

Day 1 (Oct. 5):&nbsp;Goodland, 10 a.m.–10:40 a.m.; Colby, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Scott City, 1:15 p.m. –2:30 p.m.; Dodge City, 3:30 p.m.–8 p.m.

Day 2 (Oct. 6):&nbsp;Great Bend, 9:45 a.m.–10:45 a.m.; Wellington, noon–2:15 p.m.; Hutchinson 3 p.m.–4 p.m.; Salina, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Day 3 (Oct. 7):&nbsp;Emporia, 10 a.m.–11 a.m.; and a final stop at Topeka Regional, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

For more information, visit the Fly Kansas Air Tour page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWlya2Fuc2FzLmtzZG90Lmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAwMi44MzQ0NjY2MSJ9.smq0BU-IRzcYx6Zvwn12WXUkZIDg0-bWK9VoZd2wWu8/s/1410649012/br/227230703651-l" target="_blank">https://airkansas.ksdot.gov/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696350789398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA&nbsp; - The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is partnering with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education to host the Fly Kansas Air Tour from Thursday, Oct. 5, to Saturday, Oct. 7.“The Fly Kansas Air Tour brings airplanes within reach for over 1,000 children in only three days - an experience we hope many will look back on as their first step into aviation,” said Bob Brock, KDOT director of aviation.&nbsp; “Kansas maintains thousands of aviation jobs, and an interest in the industry could lead them to exciting aviation career opportunities in the future.”Over 50 pilots and corporate sponsors have already registered to fly the Air Tour this year, visiting 10 communities across Kansas. The tour includes presentations related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as the new jobs and economic growth that aviation industries bring to rural Kansas communities. Highlights for this year include opportunities for students to learn from pilots, attend community events and view aircraft participating in the tour.Stops include the following airports:Day 1 (Oct. 5):&nbsp;Goodland, 10 a.m.–10:40 a.m.; Colby, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Scott City, 1:15 p.m. –2:30 p.m.; Dodge City, 3:30 p.m.–8 p.m.Day 2 (Oct. 6):&nbsp;Great Bend, 9:45 a.m.–10:45 a.m.; Wellington, noon–2:15 p.m.; Hutchinson 3 p.m.–4 p.m.; Salina, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.Day 3 (Oct. 7):&nbsp;Emporia, 10 a.m.–11 a.m.; and a final stop at Topeka Regional, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.For more information, visit the Fly Kansas Air Tour page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWlya2Fuc2FzLmtzZG90Lmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAwMi44MzQ0NjY2MSJ9.smq0BU-IRzcYx6Zvwn12WXUkZIDg0-bWK9VoZd2wWu8/s/1410649012/br/227230703651-l" target="_blank">https://airkansas.ksdot.gov/</a>.

2023 Fly Kansas air tour to touch down in Goodland, Colby, Great Bend

On October 4 at approximately 7:38 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 1414 E. 29th Steet in Hays.

Initial reports from neighbors calling 911 were that a smoke alarm was going off in the apartment with smoke coming from the front door and possibly someone was inside. 

Arriving fire crews found smoke coming from the front door. The firefighters had to force the door open and discovered an unconscious female on a couch. Firefighters rescued the female occupant and extinguished the smoldering fire. The female occupant was transported to the hospital.

 The cause of the fire is determined to be accidental due to cigarette smoking. 

Damage to the apartment was minor smoke damage and some fire damage to chair cushion. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department for their assistance. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626794778894.jpeg" alt="Photo by Hays Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Hays Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Fire DepartmentOn October 4 at approximately 7:38 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 1414 E. 29th Steet in Hays. Initial reports from neighbors calling 911 were that a smoke alarm was going off in the apartment with smoke coming from the front door and possibly someone was inside. Arriving fire crews found smoke coming from the front door. The firefighters had to force the door open and discovered an unconscious female on a couch. Firefighters rescued the female occupant and extinguished the smoldering fire. The female occupant was transported to the hospital. The cause of the fire is determined to be accidental due to cigarette smoking. Damage to the apartment was minor smoke damage and some fire damage to chair cushion. The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department for their assistance. The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program.&nbsp;

Unconscious woman rescued from smoldering fire in Hays apartment

The Hays City Commission will consider approving the final plat and rezoning for The Grove housing development north of the hospital during their work session this afternoon.

City Manager Toby Dougherty explained what is proposed for the area:

Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052023-1444">agenda items for Oct. 5</a> include a renewal of the municipal golf course pro-shop operations with manager Jeremy Coulter and a bid to refurbish the large yellow slide in the Hays Aquatic Park.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574093858004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will consider approving the final plat and rezoning for The Grove housing development north of the hospital during their work session this afternoon.City Manager Toby Dougherty explained what is proposed for the area:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WU-A_BDVo_Q"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052023-1444">agenda items for Oct. 5</a> include a renewal of the municipal golf course pro-shop operations with manager Jeremy Coulter and a bid to refurbish the large yellow slide in the Hays Aquatic Park.The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

🎥 Hays City Commission to consider final plat of The Grove housing project 

As Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson kicked off the groundbreaking for the new Hays High School Wednesday, he urged the children in the audience to capture the moment for their memories.

"If you can, I want to put this in your memory banks," Wilson said, "and remember this day. Someday when you're older and you have kids of your own, you're going to be able to share with them."

The event officially launched work on the almost $105 million, 226,000-square-foot building. The new HHS will be built on land already owned by the district adjacent to the existing high school on 13th Street.

Attendees were able to take virtual tours through the new school, which is set to open in fall 2025. They could also walk the floor plan and stand in the area where the main basketball court, commons or auditorium will eventually be.&nbsp;

The new high school is part of a&nbsp;$143.5 million bond issue passed in May 2022. It is the largest of the bond projects.

"A little over two years ago,&nbsp; we put together a plan that envisioned new and updated spaces for every student and every staff member in our schools and our district," Wilson said. ...

"The bond that we passed in May of 2022 was really about the value of our community and getting our community to understand the value of community growth," Wilson said, "competing with other communities to provide kids and families with the best future-forward learning space for every student in our schools."

He said the bond was passed because there are so many thoughtful people in the community who came together and united the community to rally behind the school bond.

"For those who supported and voted for the bond, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said. "This is going to be a great opportunity for our community, for our kids, our students and everyone going forward."

HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the new school will take advantage of light, open spaces, sound, collaboration areas, conference rooms and an auditorium with seats for 800 people.

Henderson said the plans were not thrust upon them but included collaboration from the community and district and the architects, DLR.

The new school will have a capacity of 1,200 students. Enrollment at the high school this fall is about 998 students.

"This is about the city of Hays," Ken Brooks, school board president, said. "This is about our students — every student, every day — and I am excited about the future for them."

Kirby Pennington, lead project architect, said she was impressed by the participation of 400 people, including staff members, faculty, administrators and community members in the build-a-bond exercise, which ultimately shaped the scope of the bond projects.

"Our role was not to dictate, but to empower your voices and hear your needs," she said. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see your community come together to pass a bond where one had not been passed in nearly three decades."

The new school will have an 800-seat, handicap-accessible performing arts center, a new gym and a large commons/cafeteria.

Classes will be separated into learning commons with large hallways with extra seating where students can work collaboratively.

Superintendent Ron Wilsons said collaborative areas are lacking in the existing high school. Students are often found sitting on the floor in hallways to work on group projects in the current high school.

Teachers will also have shared workspaces. This will allow classrooms to be used to capacity by allowing teachers to share classrooms more readily.

A new commons space will have large windows overlooking the new football field. The Hays High School football team will be able to truly have home football games. The district has been leasing Lewis Field from Fort Hays State University for years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696468953133.jpeg" alt="Three children listen to the Hays USD 489 district choir sing the Hays High School Alma Mater prior to the groundbreaking for the new high school on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three children listen to the Hays USD 489 district choir sing the Hays High School Alma Mater prior to the groundbreaking for the new high school on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAs Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson kicked off the groundbreaking for the new Hays High School Wednesday, he urged the children in the audience to capture the moment for their memories."If you can, I want to put this in your memory banks," Wilson said, "and remember this day. Someday when you're older and you have kids of your own, you're going to be able to share with them."The event officially launched work on the almost $105 million, 226,000-square-foot building. The new HHS will be built on land already owned by the district adjacent to the existing high school on 13th Street.Attendees were able to take virtual tours through the new school, which is set to open in fall 2025. They could also walk the floor plan and stand in the area where the main basketball court, commons or auditorium will eventually be.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469458707.jpeg" alt="District representatives, school board members and representatives of Nabholz C0nstrucion and DLR break ground on the new high school Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>District representatives, school board members and representatives of Nabholz C0nstrucion and DLR break ground on the new high school Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The new high school is part of a&nbsp;$143.5 million bond issue passed in May 2022. It is the largest of the bond projects."A little over two years ago,&nbsp; we put together a plan that envisioned new and updated spaces for every student and every staff member in our schools and our district," Wilson said. ..."The bond that we passed in May of 2022 was really about the value of our community and getting our community to understand the value of community growth," Wilson said, "competing with other communities to provide kids and families with the best future-forward learning space for every student in our schools."He said the bond was passed because there are so many thoughtful people in the community who came together and united the community to rally behind the school bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469664590.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school district Superintendent Ron Wilson welcomes several hundred guests to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school district Superintendent Ron Wilson welcomes several hundred guests to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"For those who supported and voted for the bond, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said. "This is going to be a great opportunity for our community, for our kids, our students and everyone going forward."HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the new school will take advantage of light, open spaces, sound, collaboration areas, conference rooms and an auditorium with seats for 800 people.Henderson said the plans were not thrust upon them but included collaboration from the community and district and the architects, DLR."I can't wait for move-in day," he said.The new school will have a capacity of 1,200 students. Enrollment at the high school this fall is about 998 students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469791580.jpeg" alt="Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson said he can't wait for the move-in day for the new school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson said he can't wait for the move-in day for the new school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is about the city of Hays," Ken Brooks, school board president, said. "This is about our students — every student, every day — and I am excited about the future for them."Kirby Pennington, lead project architect, said she was impressed by the participation of 400 people, including staff members, faculty, administrators and community members in the build-a-bond exercise, which ultimately shaped the scope of the bond projects."Our role was not to dictate, but to empower your voices and hear your needs," she said. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see your community come together to pass a bond where one had not been passed in nearly three decades."The new school will have an 800-seat, handicap-accessible performing arts center, a new gym and a large commons/cafeteria.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469942628.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school board President Ken Brooks said the new school is a great opportunity for Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school board President Ken Brooks said the new school is a great opportunity for Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Classes will be separated into learning commons with large hallways with extra seating where students can work collaboratively.Superintendent Ron Wilsons said collaborative areas are lacking in the existing high school. Students are often found sitting on the floor in hallways to work on group projects in the current high school.Teachers will also have shared workspaces. This will allow classrooms to be used to capacity by allowing teachers to share classrooms more readily.A new commons space will have large windows overlooking the new football field. The Hays High School football team will be able to truly have home football games. The district has been leasing Lewis Field from Fort Hays State University for years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470199709.jpeg" alt="Students take a virtual tour of the new Hays High School at the school's groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students take a virtual tour of the new Hays High School at the school's groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470341824.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470403989.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School Band plays prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School Band plays prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470668300.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School&nbsp;cheer squad performs prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School&nbsp;cheer squad performs prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470773668.jpeg" alt="The sign denotes the location of the new Hays High School front office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The sign denotes the location of the new Hays High School front office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ground broken on new $105M Hays High School

The Hays USD 489 school board had a heated special meeting this morning.

The one agenda item was to approve the guaranteed maximum price contract with Nabholz Construction for the new Hays High School building and the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and renovations.

Those contract amounts are listed below.&nbsp;

Board president Ken Brooks said the meeting was called because the board was striving for transparency.

The board had been given a presentation on the plans for the new high school and the guaranteed maximum price for the project at a special meeting on Sept. 18. However, the board adjourned without officially voting on the contract.

"When looking at that, it was a simple oversight, and we are here today to correct that," Brooks said.

Board member Curt Vajnar said he was concerned about how he was notified about today's special meeting. He received an email from Superintendent Ron Wilson. Vajnar said he thought he should have been notified by Brooks. He said he thought Brooks was in violation of board policy.

Brooks said the policy does not stipulate the board members have to be notified by the board president as long as they are notified.

Special meeting agendas can't be changed. The board is also not required to offer a public comment session during those meetings.

Both board members Allen Park and Vajnar voted against approving the agenda, but the motion passed 5-2.

Park asked why the board attorney was not present. Wilson said he talked to the attorney Bill Jeter and they determined that he did not need to be at the meeting.

Park also asked why the meeting was not being videoed. Brooks said the district had not done that for past special meetings.

Open meetings law in Kansas does not require school board meetings to be videoed.

Board members had a copy of the Nabholz contract as of their Sept. 18 meeting. The contract was signed by Superintendent Wilson as of Sept. 19. Vajnar said he was concerned the contract was signed before the board officially approved it.

Wilson said the contract was presented to the board and discussed at the Sept. 18 meeting. Wilson signed the contract as a representative of the board. He said he had talked to Jeter, and he said Wilson signing the contract was "perfectly fine."

"There is nothing illegal in what you're trying to create here," Wilson said. "It was done in transparency if you want to use that word that was thrown out.

"The project is moving forward. It's disappointing that these types of games are being played at this point," Wilson said.

Vajnar said he did not believe he had an opportunity to educate himself on the contract.

Park asked Wilson, "Do you see anything that you failed to do?"

Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp asked Wilson to explain the process of hiring Nabholz Construction as the district's construction manager-at-risk for the bond projects.

The board several years ago signed a contract with Nabholz to manage the construction. Nabholz shared a virtual tour of the school at the Sept. 18 meeting and representatives answered questions. The oversight happened when the board did not officially approve the guaranteed maximum price contract on the HHS and Roosevelt projects, Wilson said.

Wilsons said there's no new information since the meeting on Sept. 18.

"We'll celebrate tonight the groundbreaking (of the high school) and a great thing in this community and it's wonderful," Wilson said. "And it's sad that we have people who are choosing because the bond passed to make issues of minor, small little details that don't really matter."

Park said, "I don't think that signing a contract for over $100 million is minor."

Wilson said, "You knew exactly what it was. We talked about it."

Park said, "People out here in our community expect us to be involved in that process ...

"You've made all the decisions yourself as far as what is in here," Park said.

Brooks said the board has had the information.&nbsp;

Park again brought up his concerns about private bathrooms at the new high school. That part of the plan was discussed at a regular board meeting in April and again on Sept. 18.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/677ac412-2adb-48bd-85f8-bbd5f05bb92f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 hears concerns about private bathrooms at new high school</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High construction to begin in August; project on budget</a>

Brooks said the bathroom issue has already been discussed.

"We should take two hours," Park said.&nbsp; "We should have special meetings on just that."

Board member Craig Pallister said every board member when they ran for office said they supported the bond issue.

"We spent hours with DLR [the district's architectural firm], meeting with architects and having the community come in and talk. We've had hours to spend looking at different parts of the building and what are the design needs and what they look like," he said.&nbsp;

"When we have one board member start issuing things that it is his opinion, he is not speaking for the whole board."

Pallister said there may have been an oversight in not approving the Nabholz contract on Sept. 18. He said the board has the grace to correct the mistake.

"If we still support the bond issue like you said you did earlier, we need to make adjustments and move on and do better at the next meeting," Pallister said. ... "Don't rehash things as if you have a vendetta almost."

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciates the team of people who have put in the hours and hours of work to get the bond projects to the construction stage.

"I'm working on a premise of trust," she said. "I believe there's been mistakes, but I don't think that this is indicative of malicious intent."

She said although she has heard concerns from residents who share Park's sentiments, she's heard from three times more people who are excited about the new high school and other bond improvements.

"I feel as a board member I have done my due diligence in listening to the community, and also reviewing what we have," she said. "There is simply no expectation that should be put on any of us that we should have been in all those hours of meetings like our team members at the school district have. I am prepared to move forward and support this contract."

Vajnar said, "I agree the bond is exciting, but we should put in hours and hours to make sure it's done right."

Zampieri-Lillpopp said she has listened to the community concerns.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board had a heated special meeting this morning.The one agenda item was to approve the guaranteed maximum price contract with Nabholz Construction for the new Hays High School building and the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and renovations.Those contract amounts are listed below.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696378771545.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Board president Ken Brooks said the meeting was called because the board was striving for transparency.The board had been given a presentation on the plans for the new high school and the guaranteed maximum price for the project at a special meeting on Sept. 18. However, the board adjourned without officially voting on the contract."When looking at that, it was a simple oversight, and we are here today to correct that," Brooks said.Board member Curt Vajnar said he was concerned about how he was notified about today's special meeting. He received an email from Superintendent Ron Wilson. Vajnar said he thought he should have been notified by Brooks. He said he thought Brooks was in violation of board policy.Brooks said the policy does not stipulate the board members have to be notified by the board president as long as they are notified.Special meeting agendas can't be changed. The board is also not required to offer a public comment session during those meetings.Both board members Allen Park and Vajnar voted against approving the agenda, but the motion passed 5-2.Park asked why the board attorney was not present. Wilson said he talked to the attorney Bill Jeter and they determined that he did not need to be at the meeting.Park also asked why the meeting was not being videoed. Brooks said the district had not done that for past special meetings.Open meetings law in Kansas does not require school board meetings to be videoed.Board members had a copy of the Nabholz contract as of their Sept. 18 meeting. The contract was signed by Superintendent Wilson as of Sept. 19. Vajnar said he was concerned the contract was signed before the board officially approved it.Wilson said the contract was presented to the board and discussed at the Sept. 18 meeting. Wilson signed the contract as a representative of the board. He said he had talked to Jeter, and he said Wilson signing the contract was "perfectly fine.""There is nothing illegal in what you're trying to create here," Wilson said. "It was done in transparency if you want to use that word that was thrown out."The project is moving forward. It's disappointing that these types of games are being played at this point," Wilson said.Vajnar said he did not believe he had an opportunity to educate himself on the contract.Park asked Wilson, "Do you see anything that you failed to do?"Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp asked Wilson to explain the process of hiring Nabholz Construction as the district's construction manager-at-risk for the bond projects.The board several years ago signed a contract with Nabholz to manage the construction. Nabholz shared a virtual tour of the school at the Sept. 18 meeting and representatives answered questions. The oversight happened when the board did not officially approve the guaranteed maximum price contract on the HHS and Roosevelt projects, Wilson said.Wilsons said there's no new information since the meeting on Sept. 18."We'll celebrate tonight the groundbreaking (of the high school) and a great thing in this community and it's wonderful," Wilson said. "And it's sad that we have people who are choosing because the bond passed to make issues of minor, small little details that don't really matter."Park said, "I don't think that signing a contract for over $100 million is minor."Wilson said, "You knew exactly what it was. We talked about it."Park said, "People out here in our community expect us to be involved in that process ..."You've made all the decisions yourself as far as what is in here," Park said.Brooks said the board has had the information.&nbsp;Park again brought up his concerns about private bathrooms at the new high school. That part of the plan was discussed at a regular board meeting in April and again on Sept. 18.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/677ac412-2adb-48bd-85f8-bbd5f05bb92f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 hears concerns about private bathrooms at new high school</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High construction to begin in August; project on budget</a>Brooks said the bathroom issue has already been discussed."We should take two hours," Park said.&nbsp; "We should have special meetings on just that."Board member Craig Pallister said every board member when they ran for office said they supported the bond issue."We spent hours with DLR [the district's architectural firm], meeting with architects and having the community come in and talk. We've had hours to spend looking at different parts of the building and what are the design needs and what they look like," he said.&nbsp;"When we have one board member start issuing things that it is his opinion, he is not speaking for the whole board."Pallister said there may have been an oversight in not approving the Nabholz contract on Sept. 18. He said the board has the grace to correct the mistake."If we still support the bond issue like you said you did earlier, we need to make adjustments and move on and do better at the next meeting," Pallister said. ... "Don't rehash things as if you have a vendetta almost."Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciates the team of people who have put in the hours and hours of work to get the bond projects to the construction stage."I'm working on a premise of trust," she said. "I believe there's been mistakes, but I don't think that this is indicative of malicious intent."She said although she has heard concerns from residents who share Park's sentiments, she's heard from three times more people who are excited about the new high school and other bond improvements."I feel as a board member I have done my due diligence in listening to the community, and also reviewing what we have," she said. "There is simply no expectation that should be put on any of us that we should have been in all those hours of meetings like our team members at the school district have. I am prepared to move forward and support this contract."Vajnar said, "I agree the bond is exciting, but we should put in hours and hours to make sure it's done right."Zampieri-Lillpopp said she has listened to the community concerns."In my purview, the thing we said we were going to do, we are going to do. We are equipping our staff, our faculty and our administrators with the tools they asked for in these new buildings," she said.Park expressed concern that there was no public comment opportunity during the special meeting.He circled back to the bathroom issue again and suggested the district do a survey of parents about the private bathrooms.Brooks said the board has discussed the bathroom issue."The whole bond process was done out in public," he said, "and community involvement was key."Park said as a minority opinion on the board, he should be allowed to bring forward issues for discussion.Brooks said "On a regular basis you take things off the consent agenda to talk about something unrelated to the agenda. We have discussed that practice. You talk and you have that opportunity. What I am asking of you is to be respectful of everyone else. That's not what we get from you."Brooks asked Park to offer comments and points that had not been made before.Park brought up the bathroom issue again.Brooks asked for a vote.The contract was approved on a roll-call vote of 5-2 with Park and Vajnar voting against the contract.

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