The winner of $50 in the 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Kurtsi Brock of WaKeeney. He was listening to 103.3 The Mix KJLS.

The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Kerri Fuertges of Hays. She was listening to 94.3 KAYS.

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. 19 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Kurtsi Brock of WaKeeney. He was listening to 103.3 The Mix KJLS.The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Kerri Fuertges of Hays. She was listening to 94.3 KAYS.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. 19 Cash Grab winners; you can win too

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697744320849.jpeg" alt="Coat_Drive_2023.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Coat_Drive_2023.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Coats, hats, gloves still needed for Oct. 28 annual giveaway in Hays; kids sizes needed 

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Curtis Brown about the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence and the upcoming Annual Project 489 Auction.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 Foundation’s Project 489 Auction set for Oct. 21" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=53nkk-14d66f3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Curtis Brown about the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence and the upcoming Annual Project 489 Auction.

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 Foundation's Project 489 Auction set for Oct. 21

&nbsp;On October 7, Jana’s Campaign hosted their annual fundraising event, "Empty Place at the Table." The evening was an extraordinary success, raising a total of $80,815.84. 

This remarkable event has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier gala gatherings in the Hays community. It serves a dual purpose: raising both awareness and essential funds for Jana’s Campaign's mission of preventing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

The 2023 gala had an added layer of significance, as it commemorated the fifteenth-year anniversary of Jana’s death and the creation of Jana’s Campaign. 

The evening was a celebration of program successes and an acknowledgment of the remarkable journey the organization has undertaken. 

Moreover, it marked a milestone in our mission to prevent gender and relationship violence as we had the privilege of providing bystander intervention training programming to all freshman students at Hays High School for the eighth year, the same week of the event. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and actively involving the community in this work. 

"To be in a room filled with individuals who understand the vital importance of preventing gender-based violence but are also wholeheartedly dedicated to making a difference is incredibly inspiring," remarked Kaiti Blackburn, Jana’s Campaign executive director. "With the funds raised during this event, we are poised to achieve remarkable strides in our mission." 

Jana’s Campaign, headquartered in Hays is a national education and gender-based violence prevention organization established in memory of Jana Mackey. Jana, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas, lost her life in 2008 at the hands of an ex-boyfriend. Her memory fuels the organization's commitment to preventing such tragedies and fostering safer communities. 

The resounding success of this year's "Empty Place at the Table" is a testament to the unwavering support of this community. Jana’s Campaign extends its gratitude to all who volunteered, participated, and donated to this important cause. Together, we can create a world free from gender and relationship violence. 

For more information about Jana’s Campaign and its mission, please visit <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.JanasCampaign.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697657613427.jpeg" alt="The 2023 Empty Place at the Table Under the Stars gala broke records with more than $80,000 raised for Jana's Campaign. Photo courtesy Jana's Campaign.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The 2023 Empty Place at the Table Under the Stars gala broke records with more than $80,000 raised for Jana's Campaign. Photo courtesy Jana's Campaign.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Jana's Campaign&nbsp;On October 7, Jana’s Campaign hosted their annual fundraising event, "Empty Place at the Table." The evening was an extraordinary success, raising a total of $80,815.84. This remarkable event has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier gala gatherings in the Hays community. It serves a dual purpose: raising both awareness and essential funds for Jana’s Campaign's mission of preventing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The 2023 gala had an added layer of significance, as it commemorated the fifteenth-year anniversary of Jana’s death and the creation of Jana’s Campaign. The evening was a celebration of program successes and an acknowledgment of the remarkable journey the organization has undertaken. Moreover, it marked a milestone in our mission to prevent gender and relationship violence as we had the privilege of providing bystander intervention training programming to all freshman students at Hays High School for the eighth year, the same week of the event. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and actively involving the community in this work. "To be in a room filled with individuals who understand the vital importance of preventing gender-based violence but are also wholeheartedly dedicated to making a difference is incredibly inspiring," remarked Kaiti Blackburn, Jana’s Campaign executive director. "With the funds raised during this event, we are poised to achieve remarkable strides in our mission." Jana’s Campaign, headquartered in Hays is a national education and gender-based violence prevention organization established in memory of Jana Mackey. Jana, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas, lost her life in 2008 at the hands of an ex-boyfriend. Her memory fuels the organization's commitment to preventing such tragedies and fostering safer communities. The resounding success of this year's "Empty Place at the Table" is a testament to the unwavering support of this community. Jana’s Campaign extends its gratitude to all who volunteered, participated, and donated to this important cause. Together, we can create a world free from gender and relationship violence. For more information about Jana’s Campaign and its mission, please visit <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.JanasCampaign.org</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578075822734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

'Empty Place at the Table' breaks records with over $80,000 for Jana's Campaign

7th annual Hays Area Toy Run is Oct. 28; all cyclists welcome

A children’s song by musician Randy Sauer, Hays, wins in The Artists Forum Music Competition based out of New York.&nbsp; 

The song “Fits Just Right” was selected as a finalist with nine other songs from around the world and on October 15 it was selected as a winner in the Children’s/Holiday/Novelty Category.

In 2022 Sauer’s song “We All Have Feelings” was a finalist in the same competition.&nbsp;Sauer and his wife, Niki, traveled to New York for the awards ceremony last year but it did not win. 

“Fits Just Right” is a song about how being a grandparent fits Sauer just right and how he loves spending time with the grandkids. 

This is the second award for this song.&nbsp; In 2022, “Fits Just Right” won Best Children’s Songwriter in the Indie Music Channel Awards out of Hollywood, California.&nbsp;

Presently, Sauer is a music teacher in WaKeeney, and teaches 6-12 instrumental music, guitar and an audio/video technology class. He was selected as the 2013 - 2014 and 2019-2020 Outstanding Elementary Music Teacher by the Northwest Kansas Music Educators Association. Randy has won over 50 children's songwriting awards.&nbsp;

The Artists Forum Music Competition is open to musical artists of all genres seeking to gain exposure in the New York City and international music and media markets.

Its mission is to provide an accessible platform for songwriters and composers to present their best work for juried selection, increase artist communication and business contacts, provide career advancement opportunities, and publicly acknowledge talented artists in an industry-saturated arena.&nbsp;

Each submission, reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, is rated upon its individual merits. Finalists in each category are judged against one another and a winner declared.

The Artists Forum, Inc., now in its 25th year, is a New York City-based non-profit arts service organization specializing in events, juried competitions, and media for artists. The organization provides an unparalleled platform for emerging and mid-career artists to share their stories with the world’s creative communities.

CORRECTION: This article was corrected at 7:51 a.m. Oct. 20, 2023. Randy Sauer is a music teacher in WaKeeney, not Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697728156991.jpeg" alt="Randy Sauer, music teacher in WaKeeney, won a national award with his latest children's song, "Fits Just Right." Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Randy Sauer, music teacher in WaKeeney, won a national award with his latest children's song, "Fits Just Right." Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedA children’s song by musician Randy Sauer, Hays, wins in The Artists Forum Music Competition based out of New York.&nbsp; The song “Fits Just Right” was selected as a finalist with nine other songs from around the world and on October 15 it was selected as a winner in the Children’s/Holiday/Novelty Category.In 2022 Sauer’s song “We All Have Feelings” was a finalist in the same competition.&nbsp;Sauer and his wife, Niki, traveled to New York for the awards ceremony last year but it did not win. “Fits Just Right” is a song about how being a grandparent fits Sauer just right and how he loves spending time with the grandkids. This is the second award for this song.&nbsp; In 2022, “Fits Just Right” won Best Children’s Songwriter in the Indie Music Channel Awards out of Hollywood, California.&nbsp;Presently, Sauer is a music teacher in WaKeeney, and teaches 6-12 instrumental music, guitar and an audio/video technology class. He was selected as the 2013 - 2014 and 2019-2020 Outstanding Elementary Music Teacher by the Northwest Kansas Music Educators Association. Randy has won over 50 children's songwriting awards.&nbsp;The Artists Forum Music Competition is open to musical artists of all genres seeking to gain exposure in the New York City and international music and media markets.Its mission is to provide an accessible platform for songwriters and composers to present their best work for juried selection, increase artist communication and business contacts, provide career advancement opportunities, and publicly acknowledge talented artists in an industry-saturated arena.&nbsp;Each submission, reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, is rated upon its individual merits. Finalists in each category are judged against one another and a winner declared.The Artists Forum, Inc., now in its 25th year, is a New York City-based non-profit arts service organization specializing in events, juried competitions, and media for artists. The organization provides an unparalleled platform for emerging and mid-career artists to share their stories with the world’s creative communities.CORRECTION: This article was corrected at 7:51 a.m. Oct. 20, 2023. Randy Sauer is a music teacher in WaKeeney, not Hays.

Hays musician wins national contest with song about being a grandfather

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

More information will be shared with the Hays city commission today on the plans for a new travel plaza to be built north of Interstate 70 at the west Exit 157.

Triplett, Inc., Salina, is requesting tax increment financing,&nbsp; a community improvement district, and industrial revenue bonds as outlined in the city's economic development policy.

Kim Rupp, city finance director, will discuss a public hearing date and ordinance establishing the tax increment financing district.&nbsp;The primary effect of passing the 0rdinance is locking in the base year assessed valuation of the project site.

Due to the planned reconstruction of the interchange at Exit 157 by the Kansas Department of Transportation, a waterline will have to be relocated. 

Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, has more highlights of this afternoon's work session.

The October 19 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10192023-1446">here</a>. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMore information will be shared with the Hays city commission today on the plans for a new travel plaza to be built north of Interstate 70 at the west Exit 157.Triplett, Inc., Salina, is requesting tax increment financing,&nbsp; a community improvement district, and industrial revenue bonds as outlined in the city's economic development policy.Kim Rupp, city finance director, will discuss a public hearing date and ordinance establishing the tax increment financing district.&nbsp;The primary effect of passing the 0rdinance is locking in the base year assessed valuation of the project site.Due to the planned reconstruction of the interchange at Exit 157 by the Kansas Department of Transportation, a waterline will have to be relocated. Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, has more highlights of this afternoon's work session.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aa7eMqQ0HSw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The October 19 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10192023-1446">here</a>. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

🎥 City to hear more about financing plans of new travel plaza north of I-70  

Midwest Energy has been named as a selectee of a $97 million U.S. Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships grant, to provide upgrades in substations and to rebuild 150 miles of transmission lines across seven western Kansas counties.

Under the terms of the grant, Midwest Energy will address $145 million in transmission system and substation protection upgrades, with $97 million in grant funding from DoE. 

Projects must be completed within five years and will focus on several 115 kilovolt transmission lines primarily in Rush, Ness, Ellis, Graham, Sheridan, Thomas and Rawlins counties, as well as upgrades to relay and protection equipment in substations in Hodgeman, Stafford, Ness and Ellis counties.

“This grant will help keep rates affordable for our customers as we address projects where assets are nearing the end of their service lives,” said Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO. “Our customers and our communities will benefit as our system is improved through better reliability, increased line capacity to facilitate renewable energy access, and mitigated wildfire risk.”

The grant to Midwest is part of $10.5 billion being made available through DoE under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and to ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity.

Parke noted that several organizations wrote letters of support for the grant application stating how they would be positively impacted by the project’s goals. These included the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 304; the City of Hays; the Rush County Commission; Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University; High Plains Mental Health; the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and ENGIE North America, a renewable energy developer.

“Having support for our application from such a broad spectrum of labor, educational, local government, community services and renewable energy groups underscores the impact these projects will have on Kansas,” Parke said. “We also thank Senators Jerry Mora and Roger Marshall for their strong support of our application, and for ensuring Kansas received consideration for these historic grants.”

Midwest Energy is an electric and natural gas cooperative serving 50,000 electric and 43,000 natural gas customers, located in 40 central and western Kansas counties. Midwest Energy also provides transmission services to several other electric cooperatives and municipal utility systems.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697656704405.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest EnergyMidwest Energy has been named as a selectee of a $97 million U.S. Department of Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships grant, to provide upgrades in substations and to rebuild 150 miles of transmission lines across seven western Kansas counties.Under the terms of the grant, Midwest Energy will address $145 million in transmission system and substation protection upgrades, with $97 million in grant funding from DoE. Projects must be completed within five years and will focus on several 115 kilovolt transmission lines primarily in Rush, Ness, Ellis, Graham, Sheridan, Thomas and Rawlins counties, as well as upgrades to relay and protection equipment in substations in Hodgeman, Stafford, Ness and Ellis counties.“This grant will help keep rates affordable for our customers as we address projects where assets are nearing the end of their service lives,” said Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO. “Our customers and our communities will benefit as our system is improved through better reliability, increased line capacity to facilitate renewable energy access, and mitigated wildfire risk.”The grant to Midwest is part of $10.5 billion being made available through DoE under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and to ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity.Parke noted that several organizations wrote letters of support for the grant application stating how they would be positively impacted by the project’s goals. These included the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 304; the City of Hays; the Rush County Commission; Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University; High Plains Mental Health; the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and ENGIE North America, a renewable energy developer.“Having support for our application from such a broad spectrum of labor, educational, local government, community services and renewable energy groups underscores the impact these projects will have on Kansas,” Parke said. “We also thank Senators Jerry Mora and Roger Marshall for their strong support of our application, and for ensuring Kansas received consideration for these historic grants.”Midwest Energy is an electric and natural gas cooperative serving 50,000 electric and 43,000 natural gas customers, located in 40 central and western Kansas counties. Midwest Energy also provides transmission services to several other electric cooperatives and municipal utility systems.

Midwest Energy selected for $97 million federal grant for transmission system, substation upgrades

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

ELLIS — Ellis High School Fall Senior Night (band, choir, cross country, and football) is Friday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Ellis vs. Syracuse football game.&nbsp;

Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the football team on Friday!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697547845157.jpeg" alt="Back row (L to R): Layton Martinson, son of Robert Farr and Crystal Martinson; Logan Russell, son of Kenton and Jessica Russell; Kaiden Colby, son of Jason and Jennifer Colby; Mason Younger, son of Aaron and Jennifer Younger; and Landon Dinkel, son of Doug Dinkel and Alison Melby.&nbsp;Front row (L to R): Austin Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Eryn Boss, daughter of Eric and Melissa Boss; and Macy Eberle, daughter of Cory and Michele Eberle. " />
 <figcaption>Back row (L to R): Layton Martinson, son of Robert Farr and Crystal Martinson; Logan Russell, son of Kenton and Jessica Russell; Kaiden Colby, son of Jason and Jennifer Colby; Mason Younger, son of Aaron and Jennifer Younger; and Landon Dinkel, son of Doug Dinkel and Alison Melby.&nbsp;Front row (L to R): Austin Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Eryn Boss, daughter of Eric and Melissa Boss; and Macy Eberle, daughter of Cory and Michele Eberle. </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS — Ellis High School Fall Senior Night (band, choir, cross country, and football) is Friday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Ellis vs. Syracuse football game.&nbsp;Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the football team on Friday!

Ellis High School Fall Senior Night is Friday

I love finding a great read. The more books I finish, the harder that seems, but thanks to the Kansas Room Director at the Hays Public Library, I found a book to buy for my personal library so I can revisit it any time I want.

Local history buffs meet in the Kansas room every Thursday, and this director overhears discussions that cover everything from Volga German and Bukovina immigration to The Flippers to fossils to where’d the bones from Boot Hill get relocated. Apparently, he observed I love wildlife topics past and present so one day he handed me Dan Flores’ "American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains."

There wasn’t any magic in figuring I’d love this book. I’m an avid Great Plains and natural history student and conversations regarding these topics grab my attention. It doesn’t hurt to toss in archeological and paleontological details. Bless my parents and later my husband for numerous side trips leading to Indian ruins, museums, petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, mammoth, fossil fish, and other prehistoric beast digs, and wildlife sightings.

I happily report Flores takes readers through Great Plains natural history from before the Pleistocene to the present. His solid research logically debunks myth and supports points with evidence. While I felt he pushed uncomfortable boundaries involving reinstituting an American Serengeti, Flores makes me think and explore additional sources to develop those thoughts.

Reading his chapters on the pronghorn, coyote, horse, grizzly, bison, and wolf had me repeatedly flipping pages to revisit interesting points. For instance, in grade school, I learned about dawn horse and how it began in North America. Somehow, I forgot equines are native to North America and followed the narrative that Spaniards introduced them to the New World. Flores’ horse chapter reminded me these creatures actually began on this continent’s grasslands and grazed alongside bison herds once they returned.

Years earlier, I learned how pronghorn eye placement and speed resulted as they evolved to escape large, swift cats like saber-tooth tigers that haven’t lived in North America since the Pleistocene. Flores reminded me that despite a lack of serious predators, speedgoats see and outrun any perceived threat.

As a 6th generation Kansan familiar with historic buffalo ranges, I read and reread the bison chapter, which altered several of my pre-conceived notions. Flores focused on statistics involving climatology, economics, cultural practices, disease, and more regarding this population’s repeated waxing and waning. Text books and popular culture had drilled into me the simple reason for the species’ near demise—the U.S. government wanted them wiped out to destroy natives’ resources. After reading and reviewing the author’s citations, I see that, like much history, explanations are more complicated than they initially appear. 

Citing numerous reliable resources, he debunks the theory that the government via the military supported destroying all buffalo. Flores’ citation of General Sheridan who wrote, “I consider it important that this wholesale slaughter of the Buffalo should be stopped” forced me to rethink what I’d learned about him. Flores’ research reveals multiple players and rationales in this tragedy.

While this book won’t interest all readers, anyone who loves the prairie and seeks natural history and wildlife knowledge will find new tangents to explore. It’s not too academic—but--you can’t watch Guardians of the Galaxy and follow this text at the same time.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>I love finding a great read. The more books I finish, the harder that seems, but thanks to the Kansas Room Director at the Hays Public Library, I found a book to buy for my personal library so I can revisit it any time I want.Local history buffs meet in the Kansas room every Thursday, and this director overhears discussions that cover everything from Volga German and Bukovina immigration to The Flippers to fossils to where’d the bones from Boot Hill get relocated. Apparently, he observed I love wildlife topics past and present so one day he handed me Dan Flores’ "American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains."There wasn’t any magic in figuring I’d love this book. I’m an avid Great Plains and natural history student and conversations regarding these topics grab my attention. It doesn’t hurt to toss in archeological and paleontological details. Bless my parents and later my husband for numerous side trips leading to Indian ruins, museums, petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, mammoth, fossil fish, and other prehistoric beast digs, and wildlife sightings.I happily report Flores takes readers through Great Plains natural history from before the Pleistocene to the present. His solid research logically debunks myth and supports points with evidence. While I felt he pushed uncomfortable boundaries involving reinstituting an American Serengeti, Flores makes me think and explore additional sources to develop those thoughts.Reading his chapters on the pronghorn, coyote, horse, grizzly, bison, and wolf had me repeatedly flipping pages to revisit interesting points. For instance, in grade school, I learned about dawn horse and how it began in North America. Somehow, I forgot equines are native to North America and followed the narrative that Spaniards introduced them to the New World. Flores’ horse chapter reminded me these creatures actually began on this continent’s grasslands and grazed alongside bison herds once they returned.Years earlier, I learned how pronghorn eye placement and speed resulted as they evolved to escape large, swift cats like saber-tooth tigers that haven’t lived in North America since the Pleistocene. Flores reminded me that despite a lack of serious predators, speedgoats see and outrun any perceived threat.As a 6th generation Kansan familiar with historic buffalo ranges, I read and reread the bison chapter, which altered several of my pre-conceived notions. Flores focused on statistics involving climatology, economics, cultural practices, disease, and more regarding this population’s repeated waxing and waning. Text books and popular culture had drilled into me the simple reason for the species’ near demise—the U.S. government wanted them wiped out to destroy natives’ resources. After reading and reviewing the author’s citations, I see that, like much history, explanations are more complicated than they initially appear. Citing numerous reliable resources, he debunks the theory that the government via the military supported destroying all buffalo. Flores’ citation of General Sheridan who wrote, “I consider it important that this wholesale slaughter of the Buffalo should be stopped” forced me to rethink what I’d learned about him. Flores’ research reveals multiple players and rationales in this tragedy.While this book won’t interest all readers, anyone who loves the prairie and seeks natural history and wildlife knowledge will find new tangents to explore. It’s not too academic—but--you can’t watch Guardians of the Galaxy and follow this text at the same time.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: A great Great Plains read   

Extension could not do the work we do without community partners! 

For myself with 4-H work, partnerships with our local recreation centers, libraries, and school districts are invaluable. Our Family and Community Wellness agents also partner with health departments, medical providers, and day care facilities to provide a wide variety of services. Our ag and natural resources agents work with ag cooperatives, livestock producers and facilities, and many others in the ag service industries. 

We partner to provide programming for a wide audience across the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Extension is literally the extension of research from and for the land-grant university. As our community, you have an opportunity&nbsp;to participate in regional community visits with administration from Kansas State University. 

From the press release information provided, Kansas State University is gearing up for the second year of presidential community visits across Kansas. The regional community visit initiative focuses on the people of Kansas and their communities. K-State is visiting multiple communities throughout the state to listen to and learn from the Kansans who live here.&nbsp;

Visits for the Cottonwood Extension District include a community open forum on Tuesday, November 7th, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. On Wednesday, November 8th, a water management session will be held at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center from 9-10 a.m. Also on Wednesday, November 8, child-care partnerships will be a focus of a discussion in Hays from 11:30-1. Following that event,&nbsp;prospective students and their families are invited to attend an event at The Strand in Hays from 6-7:15 pm.

All of these events are open to the public and more information, including registration, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits" target="_blank">https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits</a>.

You can also call either of our offices for more information. We look forward to seeing you at one of these community events!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;mberan@ksu.edu&nbsp;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. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Extension could not do the work we do without community partners! For myself with 4-H work, partnerships with our local recreation centers, libraries, and school districts are invaluable. Our Family and Community Wellness agents also partner with health departments, medical providers, and day care facilities to provide a wide variety of services. Our ag and natural resources agents work with ag cooperatives, livestock producers and facilities, and many others in the ag service industries. We partner to provide programming for a wide audience across the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Extension is literally the extension of research from and for the land-grant university. As our community, you have an opportunity&nbsp;to participate in regional community visits with administration from Kansas State University. From the press release information provided, Kansas State University is gearing up for the second year of presidential community visits across Kansas. The regional community visit initiative focuses on the people of Kansas and their communities. K-State is visiting multiple communities throughout the state to listen to and learn from the Kansans who live here.&nbsp;Visits for the Cottonwood Extension District include a community open forum on Tuesday, November 7th, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. On Wednesday, November 8th, a water management session will be held at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center from 9-10 a.m. Also on Wednesday, November 8, child-care partnerships will be a focus of a discussion in Hays from 11:30-1. Following that event,&nbsp;prospective students and their families are invited to attend an event at The Strand in Hays from 6-7:15 pm. All of these events are open to the public and more information, including registration, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits" target="_blank">https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits</a>. You can also call either of our offices for more information. We look forward to seeing you at one of these community events!&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;mberan@ksu.edu&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Community Partners

Fort Hays State University's National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association will host its 3rd&nbsp;annual Soup Fest fundraiser Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Albertson Hall Lobby. The association is a student organization in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Proceeds from the event will go to offset expenses of families with children receiving services at the FHSU Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

The clinic’s primary purpose is to provide undergraduate students in communications sciences and disorders and graduate students majoring in speech-language pathology hands-on experience providing services in speech, language, and hearing.

Soup Fest is open to the public. The cost is $10 for three samples and one bowl of soup, dessert, and drink. Attendees are encouraged to vote on their favorite soup and tour the Herndon Clinic.

“Soup Fest has been a great way to reach out to the community in a fun and friendly way, while providing awareness of the Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and fundraising for our client scholarships,” said Ciara Kern, graduate student and National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association member. “As a student, it is an exciting time to interact with the community while enjoying some wonderful soup.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696348511000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays State University's National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association will host its 3rd&nbsp;annual Soup Fest fundraiser Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Albertson Hall Lobby. The association is a student organization in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Proceeds from the event will go to offset expenses of families with children receiving services at the FHSU Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.The clinic’s primary purpose is to provide undergraduate students in communications sciences and disorders and graduate students majoring in speech-language pathology hands-on experience providing services in speech, language, and hearing.Soup Fest is open to the public. The cost is $10 for three samples and one bowl of soup, dessert, and drink. Attendees are encouraged to vote on their favorite soup and tour the Herndon Clinic.“Soup Fest has been a great way to reach out to the community in a fun and friendly way, while providing awareness of the Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and fundraising for our client scholarships,” said Ciara Kern, graduate student and National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association member. “As a student, it is an exciting time to interact with the community while enjoying some wonderful soup.”

Soup Fest will benefit families receiving FHSU Herndon Clinic services Friday

<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/2023/10/1697656325802.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

ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Robert W. Miller, 45, Springfield, Missouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Yocemento Avenue.

The driver made an evasive maneuver and lost control of the vehicle. The semi left the roadway to the right and when the driver attempted to correct back to onto the roadway it overturned in the north ditch.

EMS transported Miller to Hays Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697672243171.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Robert W. Miller, 45, Springfield, Missouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Yocemento Avenue.The driver made an evasive maneuver and lost control of the vehicle. The semi left the roadway to the right and when the driver attempted to correct back to onto the roadway it overturned in the north ditch.EMS transported Miller to Hays Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver. hospitalized in Hays after semi overturns on I-70

The winner of $50 in the 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Mike Lacy. He was listening to Hull Broadcasting's 96.9 KFIX.

The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Katie McCall of WaKeeney. She was listening to 101.9 The Bull KKQY.

<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. Wednesday, Oct. 18 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Mike Lacy. He was listening to Hull Broadcasting's 96.9 KFIX.The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Katie McCall of WaKeeney. She was listening to 101.9 The Bull KKQY.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.

Wednesday, Oct. 18 Cash Grab winners; you can win too

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser discusses ongoing renovations at Roosevelt Elementary with Principal Chris Sramek.

<div><iframe title="Roosevelt Elementary construction underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qg6rf-14d0faf-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser discusses ongoing renovations at Roosevelt Elementary with Principal Chris Sramek.

🎙 Post Podcast: Roosevelt Elementary construction underway

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Private bathrooms at the new high school and board relations were major topics of discussion during a Hays USD 489 school board candidates forum Tuesday night at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

The forum was presented by the Hays Chamber, Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs, FHSU Political Science Department and FHSU Student Government Association.

Candidates include incumbents Craig Pallister, Lori Hertel and Allen Park and newcomers David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.

The issue of private bathrooms at the new high school has been an issue of controversy as the school district moves forward with its $143. 5 million bond issue. The construction of a new high school is the largest of the bond projects. Ground was broken on the high school on Oct. 4.

About 30 percent of the bathrooms in the new building will be private with a shared sink area for both female and male students. The doors on the private stalls go from floor to ceiling. The rest of the restrooms in the building will be traditional bathrooms.

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

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6942435f-2284-422c-9ed9-5bf7d68c4984">RELATED STORY: Hays school board approves HHS, Roosevetl contract; discussion heated</a>

The candidates were asked about their stances on the bathrooms.

Allen Park said he has repeatedly asked for the bathroom issue to be placed on the board agenda. The issue has been discussed several times at board meetings. (See the related links above).

Park did not take a stance on the bathroom issue at the forum on Tuesday.

"I asked that we survey the parents of not just the high school but K-12 because there are two levels of this," he said. ... "We just need to know what they think ... the kids, the students, the grandparents, the whole community should be involved in that."

"That's just gathering the data, gathering the information so we can make a good decision."

Ruder, whose daughter is a Hays High  sophomore, said she asked students and taxpayers about what they thought about the bathroom design.

"The children voiced to me that nobody asks us," she said. "They are very excited with the way it's planned now to have a choice between the way it is now and a separate bathroom for privacy."

Watson said he did not agree with the design.

"I think all students, no matter who you are, need to feel comfortable," he said. "I think if you have gender-neutral bathrooms, you will have many students who don't feel comfortable in that spot."

Wilkie said parents and not children should make the decision about the bathrooms. He said he thought the private bathrooms open the district to litigation.&nbsp;

"There is a potential for things that are not so great," he said. "By creating these private spaces in a public setting that aren't necessary, I think it's wrong, and I would change it if I got on the school board."

Yarmer said there should have been an earlier discussion of the bathroom design. The board first discussed the bathroom design at a school board meeting in April.

He said he favored separate private bathrooms for male and female students.

"At the end of the day, I think it should have been brought before the people, the citizens that voted for the bond to make sure they are doing what you want and that we are spending the money you gave us the way you want it to be spent," Yarmer said.

Clingan said the private bathrooms give the students options.&nbsp;

"I see this as a positive impact on our students," he said. "I see this as a positive impact on mental health. I see it as a deterrent from bullying, the vandalism that can happen. The safety concerns that can happen are more controlled."

The sink areas for the private bathrooms will be open to the hall. The sink area will also be monitored by cameras.

Feyerherm said he saw the private bathrooms as a positive option for kids.

He related a story of being bullied as a student. Administrators, including Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson, said he hopes the new design will reduce bullying in restrooms at the new school.

Goetz, a former district teacher, said she favors the new bathroom design. She said students are avoiding using the bathroom all day because of issues with privacy and bullying in the current bathrooms.

"These students are preparing to enter the real world. They should have a say in what their school is going to look like and what they feel comfortable with," she said.&nbsp;

Hertel said she supported the idea of a mix of traditional and private bathrooms. She said parents should be involved and speak to their children about bullying in each area.

Pallister said he supported the bathrooms.

"Our kids deserve the same privacy that adults have," he said, "no matter if they are in a school or church, in a business. Adults demand privacy as much as possible. Our kids deserve the privacy."

Pallister, who was the long-time principal at Hays Middle School, also said children at HMS refused to use the bathroom all day because of issues with privacy in the traditional school bathrooms.

Someone from the audience asked what the candidates would do to create functionality in what appears to be a very dysfunctional body.

Watson said he would have to listen to all parties involved and do more research.&nbsp;

Wilkie said he would rethink how meetings are conducted.

"I think its current format, from what I've seen, stifles the public's voice, doesn't allow for the minority to speak in a lot of scenarios and gives the perception, while it might not be the reality, that decisions are being made behind closed doors," he said.

He said he thinks the board needs a rules overhaul to make the board more open, transparent and accessible.

Yarmer said he thought the biggest issue is that not everyone on the board is allowed to speak. He said he thought special meetings should be televised.

Although the final contract for the new high school was discussed in a regular meeting, it was approved at a special meeting. Yarmer said he disapproved of the timing of that vote and said more community input should have been allowed.

Clingan said communication and respect will be important moving forward.

"We are a role model for the students that we are here to take care of," he said. "We build on that relationship. We build on that trust. ... Everything we do goes back to that one main decision, 'Is it right for our kids? Is it good for our students?'"

Feyerherm said he thought the meetings should be configured so the board addresses public comments at the same meeting.

"[Members of the public] say their peace and then next agenda item," he said.

Goetz said she did not like the term dysfunctional. She said the current board has accomplished many positive things. This has included passage of the bond, renovations to the baseball field and free breakfast for all students.

Hetel, an incumbent, said she thought the board is unified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pallister, also an incumbent, said he took issue with the word dysfunctional.

"Our board all are dedicated to what is good for kids," he said. "We have done a tone of things. We have been able to negotiate with our teachers the last three or four years and get outstanding contracts and get it done over the summer ..."

Pallister also said the current board has been able to retain a superintendent. Superintendent Ron Wilson has been with the district for five years. The last several superintendents were only with the districts for about two years each. Pallister said that consistency under Wilson has been very important.

Park suggested in-service for the board on parliamentary procedure

Ruder said she would review board policies. She also said she thought the board should ask advice from the board attorney when appropriate and have additional work sessions. The school board meets twice a month.&nbsp;The city and county commissions meet more often.

The candidates were asked about potential conflicts of interest that they might have if elected to the board.&nbsp;

Wilkie said he would have to abstain from any votes involving his employer Roofmaster.

Watson, who is the IT director at Holy Family Elementary School, said he did not think that working at a private school would affect his decisions on the public school board. He said he is a former public school teacher.

Clingan, who works for Grow Hays, which advocates for improvement districts for housing and business development, said if one of those issues came before the school board, he said he would recuse himself.

Feyerherm's wife works as a paraprofessional at the school district. He said he would recuse himself from issues of pay for paras.

Goetz sad her husband works for Glassman Corp. She said she would recuse herself from votes on HVAC contracts.

As a retired therapist, Hertel formerly worked with juveniles in the court system. She said if any issues arose involving one of those juveniles, she would recuse herself.

Yarmer's wife is a substitute teacher for the district.

Palliser, Park and Ruder said they did not think they would have any conflicts of interest.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Hays USD 489 school district has four at-large positions open.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697649362212.jpeg" alt="Candidates for the USD 489 school board participated in a forum at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Tuesday. Photo by. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Candidates for the USD 489 school board participated in a forum at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Tuesday. Photo by. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPrivate bathrooms at the new high school and board relations were major topics of discussion during a Hays USD 489 school board candidates forum Tuesday night at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.The forum was presented by the Hays Chamber, Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs, FHSU Political Science Department and FHSU Student Government Association.Candidates include incumbents Craig Pallister, Lori Hertel and Allen Park and newcomers David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.The issue of private bathrooms at the new high school has been an issue of controversy as the school district moves forward with its $143. 5 million bond issue. The construction of a new high school is the largest of the bond projects. Ground was broken on the high school on Oct. 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697650445523.png" alt="Conceptual drawing of the private bathrooms that are part of the design for the new Hays High School. The bathrooms have private toilet stalls and shared sinks. Image courtesy of USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Conceptual drawing of the private bathrooms that are part of the design for the new Hays High School. The bathrooms have private toilet stalls and shared sinks. Image courtesy of USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>About 30 percent of the bathrooms in the new building will be private with a shared sink area for both female and male students. The doors on the private stalls go from floor to ceiling. The rest of the restrooms in the building will be traditional bathrooms.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">RELATED STORY: Hays High construction to begin in August; project on budget</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/677ac412-2adb-48bd-85f8-bbd5f05bb92f">RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 board hears concerns about private bathrooms at new high school</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6942435f-2284-422c-9ed9-5bf7d68c4984">RELATED STORY: Hays school board approves HHS, Roosevetl contract; discussion heated</a>The candidates were asked about their stances on the bathrooms.Allen Park said he has repeatedly asked for the bathroom issue to be placed on the board agenda. The issue has been discussed several times at board meetings. (See the related links above).Park did not take a stance on the bathroom issue at the forum on Tuesday."I asked that we survey the parents of not just the high school but K-12 because there are two levels of this," he said. ... "We just need to know what they think ... the kids, the students, the grandparents, the whole community should be involved in that.""That's just gathering the data, gathering the information so we can make a good decision."Ruder, whose daughter is a Hays High sophomore, said she asked students and taxpayers about what they thought about the bathroom design."The children voiced to me that nobody asks us," she said. "They are very excited with the way it's planned now to have a choice between the way it is now and a separate bathroom for privacy."Watson said he did not agree with the design."I think all students, no matter who you are, need to feel comfortable," he said. "I think if you have gender-neutral bathrooms, you will have many students who don't feel comfortable in that spot."Wilkie said parents and not children should make the decision about the bathrooms. He said he thought the private bathrooms open the district to litigation.&nbsp;"There is a potential for things that are not so great," he said. "By creating these private spaces in a public setting that aren't necessary, I think it's wrong, and I would change it if I got on the school board."Yarmer said there should have been an earlier discussion of the bathroom design. The board first discussed the bathroom design at a school board meeting in April.He said he favored separate private bathrooms for male and female students."At the end of the day, I think it should have been brought before the people, the citizens that voted for the bond to make sure they are doing what you want and that we are spending the money you gave us the way you want it to be spent," Yarmer said.Clingan said the private bathrooms give the students options.&nbsp;"I see this as a positive impact on our students," he said. "I see this as a positive impact on mental health. I see it as a deterrent from bullying, the vandalism that can happen. The safety concerns that can happen are more controlled."The sink areas for the private bathrooms will be open to the hall. The sink area will also be monitored by cameras.Feyerherm said he saw the private bathrooms as a positive option for kids.He related a story of being bullied as a student. Administrators, including Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson, said he hopes the new design will reduce bullying in restrooms at the new school.Goetz, a former district teacher, said she favors the new bathroom design. She said students are avoiding using the bathroom all day because of issues with privacy and bullying in the current bathrooms."These students are preparing to enter the real world. They should have a say in what their school is going to look like and what they feel comfortable with," she said.&nbsp;Hertel said she supported the idea of a mix of traditional and private bathrooms. She said parents should be involved and speak to their children about bullying in each area.Pallister said he supported the bathrooms."Our kids deserve the same privacy that adults have," he said, "no matter if they are in a school or church, in a business. Adults demand privacy as much as possible. Our kids deserve the privacy."Pallister, who was the long-time principal at Hays Middle School, also said children at HMS refused to use the bathroom all day because of issues with privacy in the traditional school bathrooms.<h2>Dysfunction on the board</h2>Someone from the audience asked what the candidates would do to create functionality in what appears to be a very dysfunctional body.Watson said he would have to listen to all parties involved and do more research.&nbsp;Wilkie said he would rethink how meetings are conducted."I think its current format, from what I've seen, stifles the public's voice, doesn't allow for the minority to speak in a lot of scenarios and gives the perception, while it might not be the reality, that decisions are being made behind closed doors," he said.He said he thinks the board needs a rules overhaul to make the board more open, transparent and accessible.Yarmer said he thought the biggest issue is that not everyone on the board is allowed to speak. He said he thought special meetings should be televised.Although the final contract for the new high school was discussed in a regular meeting, it was approved at a special meeting. Yarmer said he disapproved of the timing of that vote and said more community input should have been allowed.Clingan said communication and respect will be important moving forward."We are a role model for the students that we are here to take care of," he said. "We build on that relationship. We build on that trust. ... Everything we do goes back to that one main decision, 'Is it right for our kids? Is it good for our students?'"Feyerherm said he thought the meetings should be configured so the board addresses public comments at the same meeting."[Members of the public] say their peace and then next agenda item," he said.Goetz said she did not like the term dysfunctional. She said the current board has accomplished many positive things. This has included passage of the bond, renovations to the baseball field and free breakfast for all students.Hetel, an incumbent, said she thought the board is unified.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pallister, also an incumbent, said he took issue with the word dysfunctional."Our board all are dedicated to what is good for kids," he said. "We have done a tone of things. We have been able to negotiate with our teachers the last three or four years and get outstanding contracts and get it done over the summer ..."Pallister also said the current board has been able to retain a superintendent. Superintendent Ron Wilson has been with the district for five years. The last several superintendents were only with the districts for about two years each. Pallister said that consistency under Wilson has been very important.Park suggested in-service for the board on parliamentary procedureRuder said she would review board policies. She also said she thought the board should ask advice from the board attorney when appropriate and have additional work sessions. The school board meets twice a month.&nbsp;The city and county commissions meet more often.<h2>&nbsp;Conflicts of interest</h2>The candidates were asked about potential conflicts of interest that they might have if elected to the board.&nbsp;Wilkie said he would have to abstain from any votes involving his employer Roofmaster.Watson, who is the IT director at Holy Family Elementary School, said he did not think that working at a private school would affect his decisions on the public school board. He said he is a former public school teacher.Clingan, who works for Grow Hays, which advocates for improvement districts for housing and business development, said if one of those issues came before the school board, he said he would recuse himself.Feyerherm's wife works as a paraprofessional at the school district. He said he would recuse himself from issues of pay for paras.Goetz sad her husband works for Glassman Corp. She said she would recuse herself from votes on HVAC contracts.As a retired therapist, Hertel formerly worked with juveniles in the court system. She said if any issues arose involving one of those juveniles, she would recuse herself.Yarmer's wife is a substitute teacher for the district.Palliser, Park and Ruder said they did not think they would have any conflicts of interest.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Hays USD 489 school district has four at-large positions open.

Hays USD 489 BOE candidates discuss bathrooms, board relations at forum

The needs for more housing and more business development in Hays dominated many of the answers from the five city commission candidates during Tuesday night's hour-long forum.

The three incumbents, Reese Barrick, Alaina Cunningham, and Mason Ruder, along with newcomers Kelly Ancar and Diana Pantle answered questions from the moderators as well as several submitted by audience members.

Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and Ruder, TMP-Marian advancement director, also included as a priority in the next two to four years, a long-term water supply with completion of the R-9 Ranch water transfer process to Hays and Russell from the cities' property in Edwards County.&nbsp;

"Without water, none of us are going to be around," she said, and added education as one of her top priorities. 

"I want to be sure my granddaughter gets the highest education possible. We've got a great system here and I think we need to do whatever we can to retain that," said the retired Pantel, who moved to Hays from Colorado six years ago to be with family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cunningham, a nurse and fitness instructor, said "retaining youth in the community instead of them moving away" is one of her top priorities. She tied that problem to a need for a "better variety of housing for them and wanting to stay in Hays."

Ancar, a nurse and owner of Amazing Grace Homecare, focused on the taxpayer as her top priority.

"Taking a good hard look at how we're spending the taxpayer dollars, and work towards managing that spending, cutting waste wherever we can, identifying small places where we can save money, so that we can maintain the revenue-neutral status."

All the candidates agreed that the shortage of workers in Hays is largely due to the housing shortage. Incentives for developers, builders and property owners were suggested as possible solutions.

Barrick talked about ensuring the continued success of Fort Hays State "with more students who'll stay here."&nbsp;

Cunningham said the process of growing a workforce is multi-layered. She suggested incentivizing students to stay in Hays after they attend the local educational institutions of NCK-Tech College, FHSU or the Hays Academy of Hair Design. She would also incentivize students to return to Hays who left the area to attend college.

Ancar said her staff has a "tough time finding housing" and suggested the city become more involved in renters' rights, which might encourage more people to remain Hays residents.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Each candidate also supported population growth for Hays and the role of the city in economic development.&nbsp;

"Really focus on our partnerships with the business leaders, Grow Hays, and other people within the community looking to grow our workforce and develop housing," Ruder said. "We're one of the few cities our size in the entire state that actually saw growth in the last census. If we continue on the path that we're on now, I see a bright future ahead."

Ancar again stressed the need to "stay revenue-neutral, keep control over property taxes so people want to live here or to move back here and it's affordable to live here."

"Innovation comes through turmoil," Barrick said, suggesting the city should work on issuing a STAR bond, a funding method for Kansas municipalities to develop major commercial, entertainment and tourism destinations.&nbsp;

Cunningham wants the city to "continue exploring incentives that would help bring more builders or developers into the area to help us bring new attractions or retail businesses that would then bring in more visitors."&nbsp;

Pantle served on a Grow Hays committee responsible for marketing Hays to new residents, including retirees.&nbsp;

Sustainability is a part of that, she said. "There are businesses in town where the owners are getting older and want to retire. I think it's important that the city makes those owners know that we will do whatever possible to find younger owners to take over that business."

Audience questions included discussions about city funding to outside agencies, the city's Essential Air Service program and contract with SkyWest/United Airlines, and the newly approved common consumption area in downtown Hays.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Asked about partisanship, each candidate said they would lead without a personal agenda and answer solely to Hays residents. The Hays City Commission is a non-partisan governing body.&nbsp;

The forum was streamed live on the FHSU Tiger Media Network's YouTube channel and is available for playback <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWDYS_wIXpY&amp;t=418s">here</a>.&nbsp;

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Three city commission seats are open.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697592127679.jpeg" alt="Hays city commission candidates Kelly Ancar, Reese Barrick, Alaina Cunningham, Diana Pantle, and Mason Ruder during Tuesday's forum at the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commission candidates Kelly Ancar, Reese Barrick, Alaina Cunningham, Diana Pantle, and Mason Ruder during Tuesday's forum at the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe needs for more housing and more business development in Hays dominated many of the answers from the five city commission candidates during Tuesday night's hour-long forum.The forum was presented by the Hays Chamber, Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs, FHSU Political Science Department and FHSU Student Government Association.The three incumbents, Reese Barrick, Alaina Cunningham, and Mason Ruder, along with newcomers Kelly Ancar and Diana Pantle answered questions from the moderators as well as several submitted by audience members.Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and Ruder, TMP-Marian advancement director, also included as a priority in the next two to four years, a long-term water supply with completion of the R-9 Ranch water transfer process to Hays and Russell from the cities' property in Edwards County.&nbsp;Pantle agreed with the water project. "Without water, none of us are going to be around," she said, and added education as one of her top priorities. "I want to be sure my granddaughter gets the highest education possible. We've got a great system here and I think we need to do whatever we can to retain that," said the retired Pantel, who moved to Hays from Colorado six years ago to be with family.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cunningham, a nurse and fitness instructor, said "retaining youth in the community instead of them moving away" is one of her top priorities. She tied that problem to a need for a "better variety of housing for them and wanting to stay in Hays."Ancar, a nurse and owner of Amazing Grace Homecare, focused on the taxpayer as her top priority."Taking a good hard look at how we're spending the taxpayer dollars, and work towards managing that spending, cutting waste wherever we can, identifying small places where we can save money, so that we can maintain the revenue-neutral status."All the candidates agreed that the shortage of workers in Hays is largely due to the housing shortage. Incentives for developers, builders and property owners were suggested as possible solutions.Barrick talked about ensuring the continued success of Fort Hays State "with more students who'll stay here."&nbsp;Cunningham said the process of growing a workforce is multi-layered. She suggested incentivizing students to stay in Hays after they attend the local educational institutions of NCK-Tech College, FHSU or the Hays Academy of Hair Design. She would also incentivize students to return to Hays who left the area to attend college.Ancar said her staff has a "tough time finding housing" and suggested the city become more involved in renters' rights, which might encourage more people to remain Hays residents.&nbsp; &nbsp;Each candidate also supported population growth for Hays and the role of the city in economic development.&nbsp;"Really focus on our partnerships with the business leaders, Grow Hays, and other people within the community looking to grow our workforce and develop housing," Ruder said. "We're one of the few cities our size in the entire state that actually saw growth in the last census. If we continue on the path that we're on now, I see a bright future ahead."Ancar again stressed the need to "stay revenue-neutral, keep control over property taxes so people want to live here or to move back here and it's affordable to live here.""Innovation comes through turmoil," Barrick said, suggesting the city should work on issuing a STAR bond, a funding method for Kansas municipalities to develop major commercial, entertainment and tourism destinations.&nbsp;Cunningham wants the city to "continue exploring incentives that would help bring more builders or developers into the area to help us bring new attractions or retail businesses that would then bring in more visitors."&nbsp;Pantle served on a Grow Hays committee responsible for marketing Hays to new residents, including retirees.&nbsp;Sustainability is a part of that, she said. "There are businesses in town where the owners are getting older and want to retire. I think it's important that the city makes those owners know that we will do whatever possible to find younger owners to take over that business."Audience questions included discussions about city funding to outside agencies, the city's Essential Air Service program and contract with SkyWest/United Airlines, and the newly approved common consumption area in downtown Hays.&nbsp; &nbsp;Asked about partisanship, each candidate said they would lead without a personal agenda and answer solely to Hays residents. The Hays City Commission is a non-partisan governing body.&nbsp;The forum was streamed live on the FHSU Tiger Media Network's YouTube channel and is available for playback <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWDYS_wIXpY&amp;t=418s">here</a>.&nbsp;The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Three city commission seats are open.&nbsp;

Housing, business development needs dominate Hays city commission candidate forum 

October 15-21, 2023 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health celebrates National Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week. The 2023 theme is "Getting to the Heart of It All."

The initiative aims to highlight best practices in blood pressure control, raise awareness about the significance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and educate our communities about the contributing factors, and implications of high blood pressure.

A recent survey shows most women do not recognize that heart disease is their number one health threat. We know that many different factors contribute to blood pressure control and heart health.

Blood pressure is the force your blood puts on your artery walls. If this pressure is too high, called hypertension it can damage your heart over time. A blood pressure of less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic is considered normal and healthy by the American Heart Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension , Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension , Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>October 15-21, 2023 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health celebrates National Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week. The 2023 theme is "Getting to the Heart of It All."The initiative aims to highlight best practices in blood pressure control, raise awareness about the significance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and educate our communities about the contributing factors, and implications of high blood pressure.A recent survey shows most women do not recognize that heart disease is their number one health threat. We know that many different factors contribute to blood pressure control and heart health.Know the NumbersBlood pressure is the force your blood puts on your artery walls. If this pressure is too high, called hypertension it can damage your heart over time. A blood pressure of less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic is considered normal and healthy by the American Heart Association.Heart Healthy HabitsLifestyle habits such as physical activity and nutrition play a large part in keeping your heart healthy. Many risk factors for developing high blood pressure are modifiable, which means you have the power to change them. Getting enough physical activity each week (150 minutes) and strength training twice a week are the current recommendations. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet and the Mediterranean Diet are two diets recommended for both heart and brain health.Cut Out Tobacco UseSmoking, vaping and other tobacco use harms nearly every part of the body including the heart. Nicotine raises your heart rate and blood pressure. It’s never too late to quick smoking, vaping or using tobacco products.Monitor Your Blood PressureChecking your blood pressure regularly is important. You can make an appointment with your health care provider or visit a blood pressure station. Purchasing a monitor and self-monitoring is also an option.Managing Blood Pressure Before, During and After PregnancyWork with your provider before you get pregnant can set you up for success during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy discuss signs and symptoms of preeclampsia with your provider and self-monitor your blood pressure at home. If you experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy you are at risk of having other complications after birth. Pay attention to how you feel.Link between Mental and Heart HealthMental and physical health are closely related. People who experience chronic stress, depression, and anxiety for a long period of time are more likely to develop conditions like high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. It is also common for people to develop mental health conditions after having an event like a heart attack. Managing stress and mental health symptoms is important for proper heart health.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.