I recently had a conversation with a retired farmer, and he commented that his fields seem to have more runoff and water erosion then he’s ever seen in the past 40 years he farmed the ground. He went on to say that this climate change thing everyone is talking about might be the cause of getting these heavier rainfall events that the soil just can’t absorb. 

Not wanting to offend my friend I half-heartly agreed with him even though I knew there was more to the story. What wasn’t mentioned during the conversation was that his current tenant, like he did for the last forty years, is using a very intense tillage system with long periods of fallow. My suspicion is this likely is the main contributing factor to the runoff and erosion issue.

Soil water infiltration is influenced by several things. Different soil types can make a big difference. Water will move more quickly through a sandy soil, where there are large pore spaces, than in a clay soil where pore spaces can be very small, especially in degraded soil that has no structure or aggregation. On the other hand, clay soil tends to shrink and crack when they dry, which allows a direct conduit for water to enter the soils. 

But how the soil is managed also plays a big role in how much water infiltrates into the soil.

Keeping the soil covered, either with crop residue from the previous crop, or with a crop canopy helps with infiltration by reducing the direct impact of the raindrop. 

If the raindrop hits the soil directly it tends to dislodge and break down soil particles which leads to the soil surface crusting and seals it off, which doesn’t allow any additional water to soak in. If there is something to intercept the rain drop, like residue or canopy, this will slow the rain drop down and reduce the force of the impact to the soil surface. This allows more water to enter the soil before it begins to runoff. Keeping the soil covered also helps with evaporation losses, which in our part of the world is a huge water loss.

Having stable soil aggregates also plays a key role in water infiltration. A soil aggregate is basically a bunch of individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay being held together by what I call biological glues. These glues are produced and secreted by soil microbes that live in the soil. These microbes rely on a living plant for their livelihood, so when a field is fallowed for a long period of time microbial life in the soil is significantly decreased. 

Excessive tillage can also be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. If it doesn’t just kill them outright it will certainly destroy the habitat that they live in.

Soils with good aggregate stability, provide bunches of pore space for water to enter and be held in the soil. Kind of like the difference one jar filled with gravel and another one filled with&nbsp;clay. The jar that has the gravel will hold a lot more water because the larger and more abundant pore spaces.

So how do we increase infiltration rates? The short answer is to reduce tillage and shorten fallow periods the extent that the climate will allow.

 I understand this is a hard sell in western Kansas on dryland cropping systems, and even more so when we are in the middle of a prolonged drought. But if the weather and weed pressure allows an opportunity to shorten up the fallow period by slipping a cash or cover crop in the rotation, or if a tillage pass or two could be eliminated, it would certainly increase the opportunity to capture more water in the soil.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>I recently had a conversation with a retired farmer, and he commented that his fields seem to have more runoff and water erosion then he’s ever seen in the past 40 years he farmed the ground. He went on to say that this climate change thing everyone is talking about might be the cause of getting these heavier rainfall events that the soil just can’t absorb. Not wanting to offend my friend I half-heartly agreed with him even though I knew there was more to the story. What wasn’t mentioned during the conversation was that his current tenant, like he did for the last forty years, is using a very intense tillage system with long periods of fallow. My suspicion is this likely is the main contributing factor to the runoff and erosion issue.Soil water infiltration is influenced by several things. Different soil types can make a big difference. Water will move more quickly through a sandy soil, where there are large pore spaces, than in a clay soil where pore spaces can be very small, especially in degraded soil that has no structure or aggregation. On the other hand, clay soil tends to shrink and crack when they dry, which allows a direct conduit for water to enter the soils. But how the soil is managed also plays a big role in how much water infiltrates into the soil.Keeping the soil covered, either with crop residue from the previous crop, or with a crop canopy helps with infiltration by reducing the direct impact of the raindrop. If the raindrop hits the soil directly it tends to dislodge and break down soil particles which leads to the soil surface crusting and seals it off, which doesn’t allow any additional water to soak in. If there is something to intercept the rain drop, like residue or canopy, this will slow the rain drop down and reduce the force of the impact to the soil surface. This allows more water to enter the soil before it begins to runoff. Keeping the soil covered also helps with evaporation losses, which in our part of the world is a huge water loss.Having stable soil aggregates also plays a key role in water infiltration. A soil aggregate is basically a bunch of individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay being held together by what I call biological glues. These glues are produced and secreted by soil microbes that live in the soil. These microbes rely on a living plant for their livelihood, so when a field is fallowed for a long period of time microbial life in the soil is significantly decreased. Excessive tillage can also be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. If it doesn’t just kill them outright it will certainly destroy the habitat that they live in.Soils with good aggregate stability, provide bunches of pore space for water to enter and be held in the soil. Kind of like the difference one jar filled with gravel and another one filled with&nbsp;clay. The jar that has the gravel will hold a lot more water because the larger and more abundant pore spaces.So how do we increase infiltration rates? The short answer is to reduce tillage and shorten fallow periods the extent that the climate will allow. I understand this is a hard sell in western Kansas on dryland cropping systems, and even more so when we are in the middle of a prolonged drought. But if the weather and weed pressure allows an opportunity to shorten up the fallow period by slipping a cash or cover crop in the rotation, or if a tillage pass or two could be eliminated, it would certainly increase the opportunity to capture more water in the soil.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Increasing water infiltration rates on our soils

Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. seated Richard Jennison as one of its 12 directors on August 16. Jennison succeeds Paul Seib as a Sunflower board representative for Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Dighton. Seib recently retired after serving 44 years on the Sunflower Board of Directors.

Each of Sunflower’s six member cooperatives—Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Victory Electric Cooperative, Western Cooperative Electric, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, and Prairie Land Electric Cooperative—has two representatives elected by local distribution cooperative members. Sunflower’s board meets monthly to strategize on the current and future operation of Sunflower and the best approaches to continue providing its members with reliable wholesale energy at the lowest possible cost.

Jennison has been a member of the Lane-Scott Board of Trustees for 41 years, serving as president for 14 years and vice president for 25 years.

“Paul left some large shoes to fill, and I am honored to have been chosen to succeed him,” Jennison said. A lifelong resident of rural Healy in Lane County, he graduated from Healy High School and Kansas State University.

Jennison and his wife, Diana, have three children.

About Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, established in 1957, is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier dedicated to serving its members by providing reliable power at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business and cooperative practices.

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., Scott City, Kan. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses, is also a member of Sunflower.

For more information, visit sunflower.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694011734795.jpeg" alt="Richard Jennison (Courtesy Sunflower Electric)" />
 <figcaption>Richard Jennison (Courtesy Sunflower Electric)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sunflower ElectricHays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. seated Richard Jennison as one of its 12 directors on August 16. Jennison succeeds Paul Seib as a Sunflower board representative for Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Dighton. Seib recently retired after serving 44 years on the Sunflower Board of Directors.Each of Sunflower’s six member cooperatives—Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Victory Electric Cooperative, Western Cooperative Electric, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, and Prairie Land Electric Cooperative—has two representatives elected by local distribution cooperative members. Sunflower’s board meets monthly to strategize on the current and future operation of Sunflower and the best approaches to continue providing its members with reliable wholesale energy at the lowest possible cost.Jennison has been a member of the Lane-Scott Board of Trustees for 41 years, serving as president for 14 years and vice president for 25 years.“Paul left some large shoes to fill, and I am honored to have been chosen to succeed him,” Jennison said. A lifelong resident of rural Healy in Lane County, he graduated from Healy High School and Kansas State University.Jennison and his wife, Diana, have three children.About Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, established in 1957, is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier dedicated to serving its members by providing reliable power at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business and cooperative practices.Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., Scott City, Kan. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses, is also a member of Sunflower. For more information, visit sunflower.net.

Richard Jennison new to Sunflower Electric Power Corp. board of directors

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

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

Three-day weather outlook

Oakley Gun, Coin and Knife show set for Sept. 16-17

WICHITA - Wichita State University conferred 469 degrees to 438 students in summer 2023.&nbsp;Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude. 

At the undergraduate level, there were 220 degrees and certificates conferred. At the graduate level, there were 249 degrees and certificates conferred.&nbsp;And of those earning a bachelor's degree, 57 were cum laude, 41 were magna cum laude, and eight summa cum laude. 

Blake Roth, Hays, received a doctor of philosophy degree in communication sciences and disorders.

<figure>
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 </figure>WSUWICHITA - Wichita State University conferred 469 degrees to 438 students in summer 2023.&nbsp;Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude. At the undergraduate level, there were 220 degrees and certificates conferred. At the graduate level, there were 249 degrees and certificates conferred.&nbsp;And of those earning a bachelor's degree, 57 were cum laude, 41 were magna cum laude, and eight summa cum laude. Blake Roth, Hays, received a doctor of philosophy degree in communication sciences and disorders.

Blake Roth of Hays earns doctorate degree from Wichita State University

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take the road for the first time Friday to take on the Ellis Railroaders.

You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;You can also listen to the Monarchs all season long on 99.5 KHAZ or online&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take the road for the first time Friday to take on the Ellis Railroaders.You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595453?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe>
</div>&nbsp; &nbsp;You can also listen to the Monarchs all season long on 99.5 KHAZ or online&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE - Thomas More Prep-Marian at Ellis

The Hays High Indians are at home for the first time this season as they host the WAC rivals the Great Bend Panthers Friday at Lewis Field.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595460">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp;

You can also listen to the Indians all season long on 96.9 KFIX or online&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hays High Indians are at home for the first time this season as they host the WAC rivals the Great Bend Panthers Friday at Lewis Field.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595460">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kickoff set for 7 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595460?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>You can also listen to the Indians all season long on 96.9 KFIX or online&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High Indians v Great Bend

The annual Frontier Open Disc Golf Tournament is today and Saturday at Frontier Park in Hays.

This is the 39th-annual tournament and the 40th year for the course at Frontier Park.

Hays is celebrating 90 years that Frontier Park has been designated for public use.

The tournament has about 180 competitors for the two-day event. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680189056313.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The annual Frontier Open Disc Golf Tournament is today and Saturday at Frontier Park in Hays.This is the 39th-annual tournament and the 40th year for the course at Frontier Park.Hays is celebrating 90 years that Frontier Park has been designated for public use.The tournament has about 180 competitors for the two-day event.

39th-annual disc golf tournament continues today in Hays

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689001138921.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>-------------------------------------------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694194447993.jpeg" alt="" />
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Hays Police Dept. arrest log, Aug. 27-Sept. 1

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with The Stop Trafficking Project founder Russ Tuttle.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694191437562.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Po4l1F14GTs?si=bHoTmPvWOyfJM5SY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with The Stop Trafficking Project founder Russ Tuttle.&nbsp;

🎤 Forward Ever: Stop Trafficking Project founder Russ Tuttle

The winner of the Keystone Light UTV is Perry Riebel from Russell.

The winner was drawn live at halftime of the Fort Hays State University football game Thursday night.

Riebel&nbsp;registered on June 21 at Fossil Station Convenience Store in Russell.  Perry outlasted 27 total finalists to be the LAST name pulled out of the bucket to win a beautiful Keystone Light UTV.

The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway was the summer promotion presented by A &amp; A Coors, Miller, Boulevard, and Keystone Light, Advantage Glass Plus, Hays Post and the Eagle Media Center in Hays.&nbsp;

There were 14 on-location broadcasts throughout the months of June, July, August and September.

From the 14 on-location broadcasts, there were 27 finalists selected. The average number of entries from each on-location broadcast was about 200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694187620543.jpeg" alt="Coors representatives&nbsp;Corey Leiker,&nbsp;Brian Schmidt and&nbsp;Jimmy Smith with the Keystone UTV winner&nbsp;&nbsp;Perry Riebel from Russell (second from the left) Thursday night at the Fort Hays State University football game. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Coors representatives&nbsp;Corey Leiker,&nbsp;Brian Schmidt and&nbsp;Jimmy Smith with the Keystone UTV winner&nbsp;&nbsp;Perry Riebel from Russell (second from the left) Thursday night at the Fort Hays State University football game. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe winner of the Keystone Light UTV is Perry Riebel from Russell.The winner was drawn live at halftime of the Fort Hays State University football game Thursday night.Riebel&nbsp;registered on June 21 at Fossil Station Convenience Store in Russell. Perry outlasted 27 total finalists to be the LAST name pulled out of the bucket to win a beautiful Keystone Light UTV.The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway was the summer promotion presented by A &amp; A Coors, Miller, Boulevard, and Keystone Light, Advantage Glass Plus, Hays Post and the Eagle Media Center in Hays.&nbsp;There were 14 on-location broadcasts throughout the months of June, July, August and September.From the 14 on-location broadcasts, there were 27 finalists selected. The average number of entries from each on-location broadcast was about 200.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694188346585.jpeg" alt="Eagle programmer Mike Holiday announces the next person eliminated during the Keystone UTV drawing as the three remaining finalists look on. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Eagle programmer Mike Holiday announces the next person eliminated during the Keystone UTV drawing as the three remaining finalists look on. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694188602070.jpeg" alt="All the UTV finalists as they wait for the final drawing to begin Thursday night at the FHSU football game.&nbsp;Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>All the UTV finalists as they wait for the final drawing to begin Thursday night at the FHSU football game.&nbsp;Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
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Keystone UTV winner chosen at Thursday's FHSU game

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Kayla Taylor was 33 weeks pregnant when she lost her son, Mason, two years ago in June 2021.

"We went to a scheduled ultrasound, and he didn't have a heartbeat," she said.

His umbilical cord had become knotted, and he died in utero. She said she had good support through the delivery of the baby, but no community support existed after she and her husband left the hospital.

She finally found comfort in an organization in Nebraska.

The lack of services in Western Kansas for grieving families inspired her to found Mason's Mourning Light Foundation, which assists families who face infertility or the loss of a child from conception through infancy.

"We support women who've had miscarriages, especially early miscarriages," she said. "A lot of time, people don't have any support. It's just a day off of work. It's something they have to completely internalize."

The group sends comfort packages to families. These items are hand-selected to meet the family's needs. If the child who died has older siblings, the basket will include age-appropriate care items for those children. The group also has a father-to-father support system.

Mason's Mourning Light will assist with the funding of memorial items. This could include a memory bear, a registered star in the child's name, an urn or a headstone.

Taylor and her husband had necklace charms made from Mason's footprints—something that Taylor continues to wear and cherish.

Taylor said as the group grows, she would like to be able to help families with medical bills and funeral expenses.

"So as you're working through this grief, you're not having all of these logistical things that make it harder," Taylor said.

The foundation does not offer grief support groups. The Center for Life Experience in Hays already has a grief support group for people who have lost children of all ages. She said she did not want to duplicate services that already existed.

Healing Hearts&nbsp;meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the&nbsp;Center for Life Experience, 103 C East 27th, Hays. You can learn about this group on the <a href="https://www.cflehope.org/">Center for Life Experience website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CenterforLifeExperienceinc">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

Once you've lost a child, you are not as you were before, Taylor said.

"It's like you say goodbye to your life and start over," she said.&nbsp;

Taylor said she and her husband had good support from their friends and family as well as their employers, but she still felt lonely.

"It still felt like we were the only ones who had ever experienced this," she said. "That was one of my goals—to show people that, unfortunately, it is way more common. I wanted to help people through that."

About one in four families have lost a child, Taylor said.

"That number may seem really far even though it's a really big percentage," she said. "But when you put a name—a kid's name or a mom's name or a dad's name to that 1 in 4, you really do get that sense of community. You get that this is not just you or just them. It is everywhere."

She said she wanted people to have a place where they could talk about their children. When she went back to work, her co-workers who had children avoided her. They were afraid of hurting her.

Taylor has two other children, a 4-year-old and Mason's younger sibling, who just turned 1.

Her most recent pregnancy was filled with anxiety, especially when she had to have sonograms. If the baby wasn't moving, she was filled with dread that the baby had suffered the same fate as Mason. Knowing other families who have lost children helped her, she said.

Taylor and her family continue to memorialize Mason. On what would have been Mason's first birthday, her family made comfort boxes and donated them to HaysMed for families dealing with stillbirths.

"I don't think there is an amount of time that doesn't make it hard," she said. "I think if I was 90, it would still hurt."

Taylor offered advice for family and friends who may be offering comfort to a father or mother who is grieving the loss of a child.

She said actions speak louder than words.

"We got a lot of 'Let me know what you need,'" she said. "When you're grieving, you have no idea what you need. You just feel horrible."

She suggested talking about the child and helping the parents keep the child's memory alive.

"A nurse came in when I was in the hospital. I was looking at pictures of Mason. The funeral home had already taken him. She asked to look at baby pictures. That made such a huge difference because she cared about my baby," she said.

You can learn more about Mason's Mourning Light through its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091628208016">Facebook page</a>. The foundation can also be reached by phone at 785-365-9380 or by email at&nbsp;masonsmourninglight@gmail.com.

A form to request a comfort package is pinned to the top of the foundation's Facebook page. The foundation will be serving all of western Kansas—anyone who lives west of Salina. You can request a package for yourself or someone else.

The foundation will have a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting at noon Oct. 12 at the Hays Welcome Center.

The organization will accept monetary donations or you can choose an item from its Amazon wish list for its comfort packages at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/7NNSZ4G2BVJR?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/7NNSZ4G2BVJR?ref_=wl_share</a>.

The organization also will have a Bowling Bingo fundraiser from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Centennial Lanes in Hays. The event will feature a silent auction, cash bar, prizes, a photo booth and bowling bingo contest.

Instead of a bingo number like B4, you might bowl with your left hand or bowl a split.

Individual tickets are $35. Corporate sponsors are $300.

Checks can be mailed to the foundation at 4320 Vine St., Unit 80, PMB 323,&nbsp; Hays, KS 67601.

"We want families to be able to live a happy, healthy life while still missing one of their kids or sometimes multiple kids," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693944710623.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKayla Taylor was 33 weeks pregnant when she lost her son, Mason, two years ago in June 2021."We went to a scheduled ultrasound, and he didn't have a heartbeat," she said.His umbilical cord had become knotted, and he died in utero. She said she had good support through the delivery of the baby, but no community support existed after she and her husband left the hospital.She finally found comfort in an organization in Nebraska.The lack of services in Western Kansas for grieving families inspired her to found Mason's Mourning Light Foundation, which assists families who face infertility or the loss of a child from conception through infancy."We support women who've had miscarriages, especially early miscarriages," she said. "A lot of time, people don't have any support. It's just a day off of work. It's something they have to completely internalize."The group sends comfort packages to families. These items are hand-selected to meet the family's needs. If the child who died has older siblings, the basket will include age-appropriate care items for those children. The group also has a father-to-father support system.Mason's Mourning Light will assist with the funding of memorial items. This could include a memory bear, a registered star in the child's name, an urn or a headstone.Taylor and her husband had necklace charms made from Mason's footprints—something that Taylor continues to wear and cherish.Taylor said as the group grows, she would like to be able to help families with medical bills and funeral expenses."So as you're working through this grief, you're not having all of these logistical things that make it harder," Taylor said.The foundation does not offer grief support groups. The Center for Life Experience in Hays already has a grief support group for people who have lost children of all ages. She said she did not want to duplicate services that already existed.Healing Hearts&nbsp;meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the&nbsp;Center for Life Experience, 103 C East 27th, Hays. You can learn about this group on the <a href="https://www.cflehope.org/">Center for Life Experience website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CenterforLifeExperienceinc">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;Once you've lost a child, you are not as you were before, Taylor said."It's like you say goodbye to your life and start over," she said.&nbsp;Taylor said she and her husband had good support from their friends and family as well as their employers, but she still felt lonely."It still felt like we were the only ones who had ever experienced this," she said. "That was one of my goals—to show people that, unfortunately, it is way more common. I wanted to help people through that."About one in four families have lost a child, Taylor said."That number may seem really far even though it's a really big percentage," she said. "But when you put a name—a kid's name or a mom's name or a dad's name to that 1 in 4, you really do get that sense of community. You get that this is not just you or just them. It is everywhere."She said she wanted people to have a place where they could talk about their children. When she went back to work, her co-workers who had children avoided her. They were afraid of hurting her.Taylor has two other children, a 4-year-old and Mason's younger sibling, who just turned 1.Her most recent pregnancy was filled with anxiety, especially when she had to have sonograms. If the baby wasn't moving, she was filled with dread that the baby had suffered the same fate as Mason. Knowing other families who have lost children helped her, she said.Taylor and her family continue to memorialize Mason. On what would have been Mason's first birthday, her family made comfort boxes and donated them to HaysMed for families dealing with stillbirths."I don't think there is an amount of time that doesn't make it hard," she said. "I think if I was 90, it would still hurt."Taylor offered advice for family and friends who may be offering comfort to a father or mother who is grieving the loss of a child.She said actions speak louder than words."We got a lot of 'Let me know what you need,'" she said. "When you're grieving, you have no idea what you need. You just feel horrible."She suggested talking about the child and helping the parents keep the child's memory alive."A nurse came in when I was in the hospital. I was looking at pictures of Mason. The funeral home had already taken him. She asked to look at baby pictures. That made such a huge difference because she cared about my baby," she said.You can learn more about Mason's Mourning Light through its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091628208016">Facebook page</a>. The foundation can also be reached by phone at 785-365-9380 or by email at&nbsp;masonsmourninglight@gmail.com.A form to request a comfort package is pinned to the top of the foundation's Facebook page. The foundation will be serving all of western Kansas—anyone who lives west of Salina. You can request a package for yourself or someone else.The foundation will have a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting at noon Oct. 12 at the Hays Welcome Center.The organization will accept monetary donations or you can choose an item from its Amazon wish list for its comfort packages at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/7NNSZ4G2BVJR?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/7NNSZ4G2BVJR?ref_=wl_share</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693944677573.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The organization also will have a Bowling Bingo fundraiser from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Centennial Lanes in Hays. The event will feature a silent auction, cash bar, prizes, a photo booth and bowling bingo contest.Instead of a bingo number like B4, you might bowl with your left hand or bowl a split.Individual tickets are $35. Corporate sponsors are $300.Checks can be mailed to the foundation at 4320 Vine St., Unit 80, PMB 323,&nbsp; Hays, KS 67601."We want families to be able to live a happy, healthy life while still missing one of their kids or sometimes multiple kids," she said.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Western Kansas group seeks to offer comfort after miscarriages, death of babies

The Hays Police Department responded to 76 incidents Aug. 25 to Sept. 2, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 76 incidents Aug. 25 to Sept. 2, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Dept. activity log, Aug. 25-Sept. 2

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It's a packed calendar of community events in Hays this month as summer winds down and school starts up.

Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, talks about some of the September highlights.&nbsp;

An up-to-the-minute calendar of events is available on the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673100607004.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's a packed calendar of community events in Hays this month as summer winds down and school starts up.Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, talks about some of the September highlights.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694112170759.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7tQv0YVYY8"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An up-to-the-minute calendar of events is available on the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: Sept. events in Hays 

TOPEKA — The nomination voting period is now open for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSrNwMTR1QdT6KVuhZYZbXJi7ebIbuTaXmhsRuSeGnmUCgyrHSsbkTf6KK4YyeyztSt93eDCQSHNXNagTHdASsrCslDRMfy5uFQ==&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>&nbsp;contest.&nbsp;Kansans nominated 58 Kansas-made products for this year's People's Choice contest.

Among the nominated products are two Hays businesses:

• DataSafe Backup Batteries by EnerSys, Inc., Hays • S-21 Outbound Ready to Fly Plane by RANS Designs, Inc., Hays

The 16 products which receive the most votes by Sept. 9th will move on to compete head to head in the bracket-style tournament. 

Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSm-9lkeJ1dBNhmxlv7JhSKbLyxmLoc03pdk1S1IIS9fp805kFoHhglTNiFqYDLhRGodMCAqaDmWUMcXjzLBqJiSmxPpAif59GQirqPtp64V8vfZfITgJgyY=&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to vote for this year's nominated products.

Kansans also nominated 29 Kansas-made products for this year's Coolest Innovation contest. Those products will complete a questionnaire about their innovations that will be reviewed by a panel of manufacturing experts. The four highest scoring companies will present to the panel about their innovative products. 

Presented by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSmyLEAhXWH5n6WO4_rPys066fOgmeuf6IIvQEyCeXiUBbjxxb1UK_5UWhhuFfYLEtRdNHhUw_xRyWyJV0c7YLAHOYxtxPw37HQ==&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">FORVIS</a>, the Coolest Thing Made In Kansas annual contest promotes Kansas manufacturers and highlights products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.

The winners for both categories will be announced on October 24th at the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSk1jduE3XFRDIQCJw3E-C5wUM6izQL8HfBYzHs_Ttai0L4n7lcsOHJDxrqV_c7ckPhuA33r2Cbts9YrpXh-TsRiyKiZk4b89gTbniEhRjXmImt-jRQc6eaV7IeHNbPHGdzz0EtqvMpGiacCif6j3G0wJqFXkhYOY9NIHByOVIdX9&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">2023 Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694181083668.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KS Manufacturing CouncilTOPEKA — The nomination voting period is now open for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSrNwMTR1QdT6KVuhZYZbXJi7ebIbuTaXmhsRuSeGnmUCgyrHSsbkTf6KK4YyeyztSt93eDCQSHNXNagTHdASsrCslDRMfy5uFQ==&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>&nbsp;contest.&nbsp;Kansans nominated 58 Kansas-made products for this year's People's Choice contest.Among the nominated products are two Hays businesses:• DataSafe Backup Batteries by EnerSys, Inc., Hays • S-21 Outbound Ready to Fly Plane by RANS Designs, Inc., HaysThe 16 products which receive the most votes by Sept. 9th will move on to compete head to head in the bracket-style tournament. Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSm-9lkeJ1dBNhmxlv7JhSKbLyxmLoc03pdk1S1IIS9fp805kFoHhglTNiFqYDLhRGodMCAqaDmWUMcXjzLBqJiSmxPpAif59GQirqPtp64V8vfZfITgJgyY=&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to vote for this year's nominated products. Kansans also nominated 29 Kansas-made products for this year's Coolest Innovation contest. Those products will complete a questionnaire about their innovations that will be reviewed by a panel of manufacturing experts. The four highest scoring companies will present to the panel about their innovative products. Presented by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSmyLEAhXWH5n6WO4_rPys066fOgmeuf6IIvQEyCeXiUBbjxxb1UK_5UWhhuFfYLEtRdNHhUw_xRyWyJV0c7YLAHOYxtxPw37HQ==&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">FORVIS</a>, the Coolest Thing Made In Kansas annual contest promotes Kansas manufacturers and highlights products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally. The winners for both categories will be announced on October 24th at the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w77fP1ZA4dAfTFo4WB2X8cbYPdA08kFYyPz7tPSnFEt81AetkRuvSk1jduE3XFRDIQCJw3E-C5wUM6izQL8HfBYzHs_Ttai0L4n7lcsOHJDxrqV_c7ckPhuA33r2Cbts9YrpXh-TsRiyKiZk4b89gTbniEhRjXmImt-jRQc6eaV7IeHNbPHGdzz0EtqvMpGiacCif6j3G0wJqFXkhYOY9NIHByOVIdX9&amp;c=y-b9gfC_Xas4HMAGSc052r0HnEgIcu6keGRYbx0qOCihH9HgwFV4Xg==&amp;ch=5BZweiTvcStRuKIoFtGcvSqzieD09pWjkuSfaGbbiThpSO62DFM44g==" target="_blank">2023 Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays products compete in Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest; voting open now

Fort Hays State University, the Tiger Fitness Center, and local first responders will host the third-annual 9/11 Memorial Event and Stair Climb on Saturday. The event, held at Lewis Field on the campus of Fort Hays State University, begins at 7:46 a.m.

All ages are welcome at the event, with a brief memorial ceremony taking place ahead of the stair climb or walk. The memorial will highlight the sacrifices of first responders who put others first during the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on Flight 93.

Participants are encouraged to attend the memorial event and participate in as much, or as little of the stair climb or walk as preferred to honor first responders and reflect on the events from Sept. 11, 2001. 

The FHSU track will be open and available for participants who do not wish to climb stairs.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the official start time aligning with the moment the first tower was struck at 7:46 CST.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694093003145.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays State University, the Tiger Fitness Center, and local first responders will host the third-annual 9/11 Memorial Event and Stair Climb on Saturday. The event, held at Lewis Field on the campus of Fort Hays State University, begins at 7:46 a.m.All ages are welcome at the event, with a brief memorial ceremony taking place ahead of the stair climb or walk. The memorial will highlight the sacrifices of first responders who put others first during the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on Flight 93.Participants are encouraged to attend the memorial event and participate in as much, or as little of the stair climb or walk as preferred to honor first responders and reflect on the events from Sept. 11, 2001. The FHSU track will be open and available for participants who do not wish to climb stairs.Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the official start time aligning with the moment the first tower was struck at 7:46 CST.

9/11 memorial stair climb/walk Saturday at FHSU Lewis Field

FHSU is hiring multiple Skilled Trades Technician positions in the Energy Division

Training available for the right responsible and reliable individual(s)

These positions perform operation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment as in boilers, generators, pumps and valves. Work involves all aspects of boiler operation and steam distribution to include general maintenance and repair of related Energy Division/Power Plant equipment. Follow written and oral procedures, reading and recording gauges and water testing.

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED equivalency. One year of experience in a skilled craft area. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the university.

Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit resume and names and contact information for three professional references. Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

Find more details and application instructions at: https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578077978142.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Fort Hays State UniversityFHSU is hiring multiple Skilled Trades Technician positions in the Energy DivisionTraining available for the right responsible and reliable individual(s)These positions perform operation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment as in boilers, generators, pumps and valves. Work involves all aspects of boiler operation and steam distribution to include general maintenance and repair of related Energy Division/Power Plant equipment. Follow written and oral procedures, reading and recording gauges and water testing.Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED equivalency. One year of experience in a skilled craft area. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the university.Many perks and excellent benefits!Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit resume and names and contact information for three professional references. Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.Find more details and application instructions at: https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS

BERAN: Failure 

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

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University chief communication officer Scott Cason, assistant athletic director Matt Cook and police chief Terry Pierce discuss changes at Lewis Field as FHSU Football prepares for the first home game of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="FHSU Football first home game: What attendees need to know" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2chnk-149d3d1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University chief communication officer Scott Cason, assistant athletic director Matt Cook and police chief Terry Pierce discuss changes at Lewis Field as FHSU Football prepares for the first home game of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Football first home game: What attendees need to know

Emma Basgall and Peyton Schwartz – Peyton is the son of Greg and Christy (Class of 1990) (Wasinger) Schwartz,&nbsp; and Emma is the daughter of Brad and April Basgall.

Mia Lang and Kendal Walker– Kendal is the son of Brian and Vicky (Class of 1993) (Taylor) Walker, and Mia&nbsp; is the daughter of Greg (Class of 1994) and LaNae (Class of 1994) (Gross) Lang.

Aliya Seib and Evan Balthazor –Evan is the son of Steve and Sarah Balthazor and Aliya is the daughter of Brent and Jessica Seib.

Madelyn Rozean and Jacob Heimerman – Jacob is the son of Mark and Melanie Heimerman, and Madelyn is the daughter of Travis &amp; Jill (Class of 1996) (Werth) Rozean.

Amelia Herrman and Griffin Schumacher – Griffin is the son of Chris (Class of 1996) and Dana (Class of 1996) (Witthuhn) Schumacher, Amelia is the daughter of Eddie and Ashley Herrman.

They are joined by the Mini Monarch Homecoming Court, pictured from left to right:

Cecila Marintzer and River Stewart - River is the son of Jestin Stewart and Shandra Cosgriff, and Cecila is the daughter of Cody and Karen (Class of 1998) (Flax) Marintzer.

Brynn Featherstone and Ryker Tebo -&nbsp; Ryker is the son of Skyler and Morgan Tebo, and Brynn is the daughter of Brian and Mindy Featherstone.

Kinlee VonFeldt and Hudson Minear - Hudson is the son of Corey Minear and Jenaya Scheuerman, and Kinlee is the daughter of Bryan and Brittney VonFeldt.&nbsp;

Blair Schumacher and Gavin Numrich - Gavin is the son of Nolan and Ragen Numrich, and Blair is the daughter of Dustin (Class of 2000) and Becky Schumacher.&nbsp;

Haven Dinkel and Jude Wilkens - Jude is the son of Drue and Kaylee Wilkens, Haven is the daughter of Danny (Class of 1993) and Jill (Class of 2000) (Hammerschmidt) Dinkel.

The 2023 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime of the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 15, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Plainville Cardinals at 7 p.m.

Kindergarten candidates will get to ride with their high school candidates in the homecoming parade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694101578159.jpeg" alt="2023 Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming court and their Holy Family Elementary mini court:&nbsp;Amelia Herrman and Griffin Schumacher, Madelyn Rozean and Jacob Heimerman, Aliya Seib and Evan Balthazor, Mia Lang and Kendall Walker Emma Basgall and Peyton Schwartz. Holy Family Elementary homecoming mini court: Haven Dinkel and Jude Wilkens, Blair Schumacher and Gavin Numrich, Kinlee Vonfeldt and Hudsen Minear, Brynn Featherstone and Ryker TeboCecilia Marintzer and River Stewart" />
 <figcaption>2023 Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming court and their Holy Family Elementary mini court:&nbsp;Amelia Herrman and Griffin Schumacher, Madelyn Rozean and Jacob Heimerman, Aliya Seib and Evan Balthazor, Mia Lang and Kendall Walker Emma Basgall and Peyton Schwartz. Holy Family Elementary homecoming mini court: Haven Dinkel and Jude Wilkens, Blair Schumacher and Gavin Numrich, Kinlee Vonfeldt and Hudsen Minear, Brynn Featherstone and Ryker TeboCecilia Marintzer and River Stewart</figcaption>
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 </figure>SubmittedThe 2023 homecoming court is as followsEmma Basgall and Peyton Schwartz – Peyton is the son of Greg and Christy (Class of 1990) (Wasinger) Schwartz,&nbsp; and Emma is the daughter of Brad and April Basgall.Mia Lang and Kendal Walker– Kendal is the son of Brian and Vicky (Class of 1993) (Taylor) Walker, and Mia&nbsp; is the daughter of Greg (Class of 1994) and LaNae (Class of 1994) (Gross) Lang.Aliya Seib and Evan Balthazor –Evan is the son of Steve and Sarah Balthazor and Aliya is the daughter of Brent and Jessica Seib.Madelyn Rozean and Jacob Heimerman – Jacob is the son of Mark and Melanie Heimerman, and Madelyn is the daughter of Travis &amp; Jill (Class of 1996) (Werth) Rozean.Amelia Herrman and Griffin Schumacher – Griffin is the son of Chris (Class of 1996) and Dana (Class of 1996) (Witthuhn) Schumacher, Amelia is the daughter of Eddie and Ashley Herrman.They are joined by the Mini Monarch Homecoming Court, pictured from left to right:Cecila Marintzer and River Stewart - River is the son of Jestin Stewart and Shandra Cosgriff, and Cecila is the daughter of Cody and Karen (Class of 1998) (Flax) Marintzer.Brynn Featherstone and Ryker Tebo -&nbsp; Ryker is the son of Skyler and Morgan Tebo, and Brynn is the daughter of Brian and Mindy Featherstone.Kinlee VonFeldt and Hudson Minear - Hudson is the son of Corey Minear and Jenaya Scheuerman, and Kinlee is the daughter of Bryan and Brittney VonFeldt.&nbsp;Blair Schumacher and Gavin Numrich - Gavin is the son of Nolan and Ragen Numrich, and Blair is the daughter of Dustin (Class of 2000) and Becky Schumacher.&nbsp;Haven Dinkel and Jude Wilkens - Jude is the son of Drue and Kaylee Wilkens, Haven is the daughter of Danny (Class of 1993) and Jill (Class of 2000) (Hammerschmidt) Dinkel.The 2023 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime of the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 15, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Plainville Cardinals at 7 p.m.Kindergarten candidates will get to ride with their high school candidates in the homecoming parade.<figure>
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Thomas More Prep-Marian announces 2023 homecoming court

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

A new recognition for employees within the Hays Police Department was&nbsp; awarded recently to a 911 dispatcher who talked a couple through the birth of their brand new baby before emergency responders could arrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And then it happened again. On the same shift to a different dispatcher.&nbsp;

Quite unusual, and deserving of recognition with the first-ever Hays Police Department Stork Awards.

Emergency communications shift lead Austin Schmeidler and dispatcher Rachel Barnes were honored by Don Scheibler, police chief, during the Aug. 24 Hays City Commission work session.&nbsp;

Schmeidler and Barnes work together on the same shift and both took 911 calls where they helped bring new babies into the world.&nbsp;

"In today's modern world, this doesn't happen very often so it's extremely unusual to happen on the same shift in such a short period of time," Scheibler said.&nbsp;

On June 4 at about 1 p.m., Schmeidler answered a 911 call from a couple traveling along Interstate 70.&nbsp;

The caller reported his wife was in labor and the baby was about to make its appearance.

"Dispatcher Schmeidler directed the caller to safely pull over to the side so that EMS could assist," Scheibler said.

"As Austin was asking the primary questions in the emergency dispatch protocol, the mother gave birth to a baby girl.

"Schmeidler provided post-birth instructions prior to the arrival of EMS. EMS arrived to assist the family and their brand-new daughter."

The emergency phone call was just a little more than five minutes.&nbsp;

"Dispatcher Austin Schmeidler maintained a calm, professional demeanor," Scheibler said.

While Schmeidler was talking to the family, co-worker Rachel Barnes took his role as lead dispatcher and sent EMS to the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Not to be outdone, on Aug. 12, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Dispatcher Rachel Barnes took a 911 call with the individual stating his wife had gone into labor at their home in rural northern Ellis County," Scheibler said.&nbsp;

"Dispatcher Barnes quickly began working through the appropriate protocol while Shift Lead Brian Schmeidler immediately dispatched EMS to the residence.

"Dispatcher Barnes provided instructions and reassurance to the mother, helping her through the birth."

The child was born about six minutes after the call was received, and EMS arrived shortly afterward.

"During the entire 20-minute call, Dispatcher Barnes was calm and professional, providing the mother with support and appropriate post-birth instructions prior to the arrival of EMS," Scheibler said.

Scheibler further praised both Schmeidler and Barnes for their "calm and professional support regularly given by our communication division— many are here tonight—to callers who are in crisis."

The pair posed for pictures with their co-workers, police officers, Hays City commissioners and family members after being presented with their Stork Awards, "when the babies win the race against the responders to the scene."

"Wow! That was cool," said Mayor Shaun Musil after the recognition ceremony.

"Those are the kinds of things you like to have happen," she said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694034642984.jpeg" alt="Austin Schmeidler and Rachel Barnes, Ellis County emergency communications dispatchers, (center) with family members and Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, who recently presented the co-workers with the police department's first-ever Stork Award. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Austin Schmeidler and Rachel Barnes, Ellis County emergency communications dispatchers, (center) with family members and Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, who recently presented the co-workers with the police department's first-ever Stork Award. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA new recognition for employees within the Hays Police Department was&nbsp; awarded recently to a 911 dispatcher who talked a couple through the birth of their brand new baby before emergency responders could arrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;An unusual event.&nbsp;And then it happened again. On the same shift to a different dispatcher.&nbsp;Quite unusual, and deserving of recognition with the first-ever Hays Police Department Stork Awards.Emergency communications shift lead Austin Schmeidler and dispatcher Rachel Barnes were honored by Don Scheibler, police chief, during the Aug. 24 Hays City Commission work session.&nbsp;Schmeidler and Barnes work together on the same shift and both took 911 calls where they helped bring new babies into the world.&nbsp;"In today's modern world, this doesn't happen very often so it's extremely unusual to happen on the same shift in such a short period of time," Scheibler said.&nbsp;On June 4 at about 1 p.m., Schmeidler answered a 911 call from a couple traveling along Interstate 70.&nbsp;The caller reported his wife was in labor and the baby was about to make its appearance."Dispatcher Schmeidler directed the caller to safely pull over to the side so that EMS could assist," Scheibler said."As Austin was asking the primary questions in the emergency dispatch protocol, the mother gave birth to a baby girl."Schmeidler provided post-birth instructions prior to the arrival of EMS. EMS arrived to assist the family and their brand-new daughter."The emergency phone call was just a little more than five minutes.&nbsp;"Dispatcher Austin Schmeidler maintained a calm, professional demeanor," Scheibler said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694037202831.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>While Schmeidler was talking to the family, co-worker Rachel Barnes took his role as lead dispatcher and sent EMS to the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then it was Barnes' turn."Not to be outdone, on Aug. 12, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Dispatcher Rachel Barnes took a 911 call with the individual stating his wife had gone into labor at their home in rural northern Ellis County," Scheibler said.&nbsp;"Dispatcher Barnes quickly began working through the appropriate protocol while Shift Lead Brian Schmeidler immediately dispatched EMS to the residence."Dispatcher Barnes provided instructions and reassurance to the mother, helping her through the birth."The child was born about six minutes after the call was received, and EMS arrived shortly afterward."During the entire 20-minute call, Dispatcher Barnes was calm and professional, providing the mother with support and appropriate post-birth instructions prior to the arrival of EMS," Scheibler said.Scheibler further praised both Schmeidler and Barnes for their "calm and professional support regularly given by our communication division— many are here tonight—to callers who are in crisis."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694037267827.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The pair posed for pictures with their co-workers, police officers, Hays City commissioners and family members after being presented with their Stork Awards, "when the babies win the race against the responders to the scene.""Wow! That was cool," said Mayor Shaun Musil after the recognition ceremony.Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, agreed."Those are the kinds of things you like to have happen," she said.&nbsp;

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