By BECKY KISER Hays Post

"I just want to get it down as low as possible."

That was the comment of one attendee, and others agreed, during Thursday's presentation at the Hays Senior Center about Midwest Energy's new rate structure for residential customers.

Two previous components - a monthly customer charge, and an energy charge based on the number of kilowatt hours used - remain unchanged. There is now a new third component, a demand charge.

Demand rates are already in place for commercial customers.

Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, spoke to the crowd about how to keep the demand charge low.

A demand charge is not unusual. Several electric companies in Kansas have already implemented one, as well as companies in other states.

Midwest Energy is a customer cooperative, "so this is revenue neutral. There is no intention to either raise rates or lower rates," Macdonald pointed out.

Demand refers to the amount of electrical power being used at a given time. Demand charges will be a monthly charge based on “peak demand,” or the maximum number of kilowatts a customer used in an hour, measured in 15-minute increments.&nbsp;

In the summer months of June 1 through September 30, when it's hot and cooling devices are in high use, demand would be billed based on peak demand between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. That's when the heat of the day is the hottest - the air conditioning is cranked up - and most households are using appliances to prepare supper, running the dishwasher afterwards, and throwing in a load of laundry.

 The rest of the year - October through May - the billed demand would be based on whenever peak demand was reached during each month.

Macdonald talked to the senior center crowd about why the rate changed in January, bill impacts, and steps customers can take to save money on their energy bills.

Bottom line, the change which occurs over four years, will "lower costs for all of us," Macdonald told the audience and it will "result in no overall increase for the average customer."

The goal is to spread out the peak uses, smoothing out the highest potential demand from all customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The presentation to older adults included several suggestions on how to lower the peak demand charge.

"When in doubt, spread it out," Macdonald repeated several times during his 30-minute presentation. By spreading out the use of large electrical appliances throughout the day, you can decrease your demand charge.&nbsp;

Comparisons of kW use by major appliances were reviewed. 

Macdonald told one attendee the use of his microwave at 7 p.m. each day for popcorn would be negligible.&nbsp; Another senior asked about the kW reduction if he used an air fryer instead of his oven or microwave. "I honestly don't know," Macdonald admitted, and he told the customer he would research air fryers and get back to him personally with an answer.

All audience members were invited to sign up for a free estimation of how their Midwest Energy bills will change over the next four years.

Most residential customers' bills are expected to change minimally, either going up slightly, or even reducing a small amount.

It's costly to build and maintain the electrical grid for the biggest use - or stress - placed on it for that short time during the year.

"By decreasing demand, we can eventually lower the cooperative's capacity for the electrical system, resulting in lower costs for all customers in the future," Macdonald explained.&nbsp;

Although the change was effective at the first of the year, during all of 2023, there is a $0 demand charge levied to allow residential customers to get a better understanding of demand charges and bill impacts.

Unchanged is the $28 monthly customer charge.&nbsp;

The energy charge is variable based on the amount of kilowatt hours used during any month. As demand charges phase in over four years, the energy charge will reduce each year.&nbsp;

Macdonald said energy charges are projected to from 7.8¢ today to 4.2¢ per kWh by 2026, making the changes revenue-neutral for Midwest Energy customers.

You can view your actual demand by logging into the Midwest Energy CustomerConnect portal. To access CustomerConnect, visit www.mwenergy.com, log-in to your Midwest Energy account and click the house icon in the upper right of the screen. 

For more information about demand and demand rates, and tips on how to reduce your demand visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand-rates">the demand rates page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Macdonald and two other senior Midwest Energy employees are in the midst of visiting more than 50 communities in the electric/gas company's service area to explain the changes, more importantly, answer questions from customers.

In the next few days, Midwest Energy will make the following similar presentations:

May 30-Goodland, 10 a.m. at Goodland Senior Center June 1-Victoria, 10 a.m. at Victoria High School Cafeteria June 6-St. John, 10 a.m. at Goodman Library June 6-Great Bend, 11:30 a.m. at Great Bend Senior Center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400215376.jpeg" alt="Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, answers a question from the audience at the Hays Senior Center Thursday about the new demand charge the electric/gas cooperative has implemented. Photo by Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, answers a question from the audience at the Hays Senior Center Thursday about the new demand charge the electric/gas cooperative has implemented. Photo by Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"I just want to get it down as low as possible."That was the comment of one attendee, and others agreed, during Thursday's presentation at the Hays Senior Center about Midwest Energy's new rate structure for residential customers.Two previous components - a monthly customer charge, and an energy charge based on the number of kilowatt hours used - remain unchanged. There is now a new third component, a demand charge.Demand rates are already in place for commercial customers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685402843827.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, spoke to the crowd about how to keep the demand charge low.A demand charge is not unusual. Several electric companies in Kansas have already implemented one, as well as companies in other states.Midwest Energy is a customer cooperative, "so this is revenue neutral. There is no intention to either raise rates or lower rates," Macdonald pointed out.Demand refers to the amount of electrical power being used at a given time. Demand charges will be a monthly charge based on “peak demand,” or the maximum number of kilowatts a customer used in an hour, measured in 15-minute increments.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400571795.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>In the summer months of June 1 through September 30, when it's hot and cooling devices are in high use, demand would be billed based on peak demand between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. That's when the heat of the day is the hottest - the air conditioning is cranked up - and most households are using appliances to prepare supper, running the dishwasher afterwards, and throwing in a load of laundry. The rest of the year - October through May - the billed demand would be based on whenever peak demand was reached during each month.Macdonald talked to the senior center crowd about why the rate changed in January, bill impacts, and steps customers can take to save money on their energy bills.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/PgIhMnjr-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Mwe Macdonald 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Bottom line, the change which occurs over four years, will "lower costs for all of us," Macdonald told the audience and it will "result in no overall increase for the average customer."The goal is to spread out the peak uses, smoothing out the highest potential demand from all customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685399801827.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400752498.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>The presentation to older adults included several suggestions on how to lower the peak demand charge."When in doubt, spread it out," Macdonald repeated several times during his 30-minute presentation. By spreading out the use of large electrical appliances throughout the day, you can decrease your demand charge.&nbsp;Comparisons of kW use by major appliances were reviewed. Macdonald told one attendee the use of his microwave at 7 p.m. each day for popcorn would be negligible.&nbsp; Another senior asked about the kW reduction if he used an air fryer instead of his oven or microwave. "I honestly don't know," Macdonald admitted, and he told the customer he would research air fryers and get back to him personally with an answer.All audience members were invited to sign up for a free estimation of how their Midwest Energy bills will change over the next four years.Most residential customers' bills are expected to change minimally, either going up slightly, or even reducing a small amount.It's costly to build and maintain the electrical grid for the biggest use - or stress - placed on it for that short time during the year."By decreasing demand, we can eventually lower the cooperative's capacity for the electrical system, resulting in lower costs for all customers in the future," Macdonald explained.&nbsp;Although the change was effective at the first of the year, during all of 2023, there is a $0 demand charge levied to allow residential customers to get a better understanding of demand charges and bill impacts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400036766.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>Unchanged is the $28 monthly customer charge.&nbsp;The energy charge is variable based on the amount of kilowatt hours used during any month. As demand charges phase in over four years, the energy charge will reduce each year.&nbsp;Macdonald said energy charges are projected to from 7.8¢ today to 4.2¢ per kWh by 2026, making the changes revenue-neutral for Midwest Energy customers.You can view your actual demand by logging into the Midwest Energy CustomerConnect portal. To access CustomerConnect, visit www.mwenergy.com, log-in to your Midwest Energy account and click the house icon in the upper right of the screen. For more information about demand and demand rates, and tips on how to reduce your demand visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand-rates">the demand rates page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Macdonald and two other senior Midwest Energy employees are in the midst of visiting more than 50 communities in the electric/gas company's service area to explain the changes, more importantly, answer questions from customers.In the next few days, Midwest Energy will make the following similar presentations:May 30-Goodland, 10 a.m. at Goodland Senior Center June 1-Victoria, 10 a.m. at Victoria High School Cafeteria June 6-St. John, 10 a.m. at Goodman Library June 6-Great Bend, 11:30 a.m. at Great Bend Senior Center

🎥 Senior citizens learn how to reduce new peak energy demand rate at Midwest Energy

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Far above the streets of Ellis, a giant mural depicting Ellis High School athletes is taking shape.

Dennis Schiel of Hays is working on his largest and what may be his last mural.

The Ellis mural, which is 35 by 65 feet, is on the side of a grain elevator that faces Washington Street in downtown Ellis.

Schiel, who has lived in Hays for 16 years, has painted murals across the area. He coordinated the downtown Hays Brush the Bricks mural project and personally painted four of the murals for that project.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c249f967-7e8d-4a80-897e-25bccb78992e">• The three amigos mural on the S&amp;W building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/274e05fe-f437-4c8a-95f7-2d33bdfb4c44">• The Arc mural on the Arc Thrift Store building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d8987c98-30c5-4304-8b88-cabf4ef0efb4">• The Hays postcard mural on the side of the Golden Q building</a> •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fc07702-44b6-4f24-a80c-bb9aa092c12f">The farmer and team mural on the side of the&nbsp;Midland Marketing building.</a>

He also painted the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2016/09/23/community-connection-dennis-schiel/">Fox Theatre in Hays</a> and the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/08/18/%f0%9f%8e%a5-150-years-of-service-mural-nearing-completion/">Hays VFW</a>.

A mural&nbsp;Schiel painted depicting famous people and places in the state hangs in the Kansas capitol.

Schiel said he hopes he has left an artistic legacy in the community.

Schiel's grandchildren attended Ellis High School, which sparked the idea for his latest mural. EHS wrote grants, and the Ellis Foundation raised funds to support the mural.

Although&nbsp;Schiel said he has tried to keep most of the athletes generic, one of the softball players is loosely based on his granddaughter. The mural also depicts a train crashing out of the grain elevator. EHS' mascot is the Railroaders.

Schiel has been working on the mural for about a month. He is in the process of moving to Colorado to be closer to family and may not be able to finish the mural until mid-summer.

Schiel, 65, said he would likely continue to paint smaller works, but the mural in Ellis may be his last mural. He said it is becoming harder to stand on ladders and scaffolding for long periods of time to paint large outdoor paintings.&nbsp;

"It's bittersweet," he said. "It's good that it's a fun one because it's a lot of whatever I want to paint.

Schiel said he thought the community is enjoying seeing the mural take shape.&nbsp;

Schiel said he is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren in Colorado. A former Colorado resident and Rockies fan, he hopes to attend some baseball games when he moves back.&nbsp;He did some artwork for the Rockies earlier in his career.

"Kansas, I've liked Kansas. I hate to lose Kansas, to leave here. Some things have to be," he said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43961af5-98c5-41fe-980d-1b731a33083c">Ellis Railroad Museum improvements almost complete; murals finished</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96983f5b-a3e7-4109-9922-07963f8c5889">Cut, Shave and a beer: Blue Moon Lounge set to open Monday in Hays</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/069474fd-90fb-49e4-a971-0d7ea5d2f88c">Dolce Vita event venue opens in Ellis, seats up to 800</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684947969740.jpeg" alt="Hays artist Dennis Schiel paints the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis Schiel, who has painted murals across the region, said this may be his last mural. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays artist Dennis Schiel paints the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis Schiel, who has painted murals across the region, said this may be his last mural. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFar above the streets of Ellis, a giant mural depicting Ellis High School athletes is taking shape.Dennis Schiel of Hays is working on his largest and what may be his last mural.The Ellis mural, which is 35 by 65 feet, is on the side of a grain elevator that faces Washington Street in downtown Ellis.Schiel, who has lived in Hays for 16 years, has painted murals across the area. He coordinated the downtown Hays Brush the Bricks mural project and personally painted four of the murals for that project.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c249f967-7e8d-4a80-897e-25bccb78992e">• The three amigos mural on the S&amp;W building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/274e05fe-f437-4c8a-95f7-2d33bdfb4c44">• The Arc mural on the Arc Thrift Store building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d8987c98-30c5-4304-8b88-cabf4ef0efb4">• The Hays postcard mural on the side of the Golden Q building</a> •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fc07702-44b6-4f24-a80c-bb9aa092c12f">The farmer and team mural on the side of the&nbsp;Midland Marketing building.</a>He also painted the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2016/09/23/community-connection-dennis-schiel/">Fox Theatre in Hays</a> and the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/08/18/%f0%9f%8e%a5-150-years-of-service-mural-nearing-completion/">Hays VFW</a>.A mural&nbsp;Schiel painted depicting famous people and places in the state hangs in the Kansas capitol.Schiel said he hopes he has left an artistic legacy in the community.Schiel's grandchildren attended Ellis High School, which sparked the idea for his latest mural. EHS wrote grants, and the Ellis Foundation raised funds to support the mural.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948132093.jpeg" alt="A closer view of the Ellis High School athletic mural, which is on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A closer view of the Ellis High School athletic mural, which is on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although&nbsp;Schiel said he has tried to keep most of the athletes generic, one of the softball players is loosely based on his granddaughter. The mural also depicts a train crashing out of the grain elevator. EHS' mascot is the Railroaders.Schiel has been working on the mural for about a month. He is in the process of moving to Colorado to be closer to family and may not be able to finish the mural until mid-summer.Schiel, 65, said he would likely continue to paint smaller works, but the mural in Ellis may be his last mural. He said it is becoming harder to stand on ladders and scaffolding for long periods of time to paint large outdoor paintings.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948271189.jpeg" alt="Artist Dennis Schiel paints a mural depicting Ellis High School athletes on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artist Dennis Schiel paints a mural depicting Ellis High School athletes on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's bittersweet," he said. "It's good that it's a fun one because it's a lot of whatever I want to paint."It's the end of a career," he added.Schiel said he thought the community is enjoying seeing the mural take shape.&nbsp;Schiel said he is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren in Colorado. A former Colorado resident and Rockies fan, he hopes to attend some baseball games when he moves back.&nbsp;He did some artwork for the Rockies earlier in his career.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669059521628.jpeg" alt="Schiel's mural on the side of the Midland Marketing building in Hays. This mural was part of the Brush the Bricks project. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Schiel's mural on the side of the Midland Marketing building in Hays. This mural was part of the Brush the Bricks project. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Kansas, I've liked Kansas. I hate to lose Kansas, to leave here. Some things have to be," he said.He added, "Thank you, Hays and Kansas."<h2>Other Schiel projects</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948670823.jpeg" alt="Ellis Railroad Museum exterior murals by Dennis Schiel. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Ellis Railroad Museum exterior murals by Dennis Schiel. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43961af5-98c5-41fe-980d-1b731a33083c">Ellis Railroad Museum improvements almost complete; murals finished</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96983f5b-a3e7-4109-9922-07963f8c5889">Cut, Shave and a beer: Blue Moon Lounge set to open Monday in Hays</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948760505.jpeg" alt="The west room in the newly opened Dolce Vita event center in Ellis is graced with a mural of the Ellis depot. A portion of the mural was existing, but Schiel rehabilitated the mural and expanded it. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The west room in the newly opened Dolce Vita event center in Ellis is graced with a mural of the Ellis depot. A portion of the mural was existing, but Schiel rehabilitated the mural and expanded it. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/069474fd-90fb-49e4-a971-0d7ea5d2f88c">Dolce Vita event venue opens in Ellis, seats up to 800</a>

Ellis High School mural may be last for prolific Hays artist

The Hays City Band will return this summer,
bringing musicians young and old together for a series of concerts downtown.

“It
doesn't matter if you're a person who regularly plays or if you've got an
instrument that's been sitting in a closet collecting dust, no better time to
break it out and make sure that thing still works,” said director Matt Rome,
who during the school year serves as the Hays High School band director.

Work in
other district buildings will drive rehearsals to his regular practice location.

“The
high school is where we're going to be hosting rehearsals this year,” Rome
said. “Last year, those of you may remember, we had to be at his middle school as
they were ripping the AC unit out of my ceiling. So no falling debris this time.
That'll be fun.”

And
returning to Hays High allows participants to use their band instruments, for
those in need, especially larger instruments like tubas, he said.

Like
previous years, practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June.

Performances
are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays on June 13, 20 and 27 in the downtown Hays pavilion
and run for around an hour.

“I just
really want to encourage anyone and everyone who's maybe been on the fence,
maybe you've come out to a concert or something and thought it might be fun to
join in, please do,” Rome said. “Just give it a shot. The beautiful thing about
the city band is it really is comprised of everything from amateurs and
students in the area all the way up to teachers and professionals. And then, of
course, everything in between.”

And
while attending the entire season of practices and performances is ideal, he
said, those who can participate for a limited time are also welcome.

So far,
those pledging to attend have created a good blend of performers from the
community.

“I think
we've got a really good mix of college students, high school students, and a handful
of middle school students are even stepping up,” Rome said. “A bunch of Fort
Hays faculty I've talked to, and it sounds like they're in. I mean, it just
sounds like it's going to be a really, really good band. And I just want as
many people to experience that as we can.”

He said
the music selections reflect the ability typical of an advanced middle school
student.

“We kind
of know that advanced middle school into like high school repertoire, we might
have one or two things that stretch just a little beyond that, but most of its going
to sit in that in that kind of range.”

“And
like last summer, what I've tried to do is pick just a really broad variety of band
literature, written as early as 1909,” Rome said. “And then up to, in fact, I
think we'll play a couple that were copywritten in 2022.

“So, a
really wide variety of really diverse variety of music, some classics, some new
things, but like I said, really trying to stick into that, that kind of generic
high school level of, of repertoire so that hopefully nobody's too stressed out
trying to sit in.”

For the
listener, that level of music also means it is enjoyable to most audiences. And
with the performances set in the pavilion, attendees will find a relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy the selections.

“People
can bring their lawn chairs and just relax and enjoy an evening of some really
quality, but easy listening band music,” Rome said.

And
while Rome will serve as the principal director, he said others will join in.

“I'm
happy to step off the podium and give some other people the chance to do that,”
Rome said.

Among those others that will take the podium are Hays High principal
Shawn Henderson, TMP band director Hector Hernandez and members of the FHSU
faculty.

If you have questions, he said he can be contacted via email at <a href="mailto:mrome2@usd489.com">mrome2@usd489.com</a>, otherwise, performers
can simply attend the rehearsals.

The Hays
High School band room can be accessed by parking in the main student parking
lot in front of the building.

“I'll
have signs to guide you in, but there's a door directly in, so you don't have
to go through the building,” Rome said.

<div><iframe title="Strike up the band: Area musicians to gather for summer sessions" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=js8bx-1411ff3-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="The Downtown Pavillion at 10th and Main will host the upcoming Hays City Band concerts in June. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Downtown Pavillion at 10th and Main will host the upcoming Hays City Band concerts in June. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays City Band will return this summer,
bringing musicians young and old together for a series of concerts downtown.“It
doesn't matter if you're a person who regularly plays or if you've got an
instrument that's been sitting in a closet collecting dust, no better time to
break it out and make sure that thing still works,” said director Matt Rome,
who during the school year serves as the Hays High School band director.Work in
other district buildings will drive rehearsals to his regular practice location.“The
high school is where we're going to be hosting rehearsals this year,” Rome
said. “Last year, those of you may remember, we had to be at his middle school as
they were ripping the AC unit out of my ceiling. So no falling debris this time.
That'll be fun.”And
returning to Hays High allows participants to use their band instruments, for
those in need, especially larger instruments like tubas, he said.Like
previous years, practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June.Performances
are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays on June 13, 20 and 27 in the downtown Hays pavilion
and run for around an hour.“I just
really want to encourage anyone and everyone who's maybe been on the fence,
maybe you've come out to a concert or something and thought it might be fun to
join in, please do,” Rome said. “Just give it a shot. The beautiful thing about
the city band is it really is comprised of everything from amateurs and
students in the area all the way up to teachers and professionals. And then, of
course, everything in between.”And
while attending the entire season of practices and performances is ideal, he
said, those who can participate for a limited time are also welcome.So far,
those pledging to attend have created a good blend of performers from the
community.“I think
we've got a really good mix of college students, high school students, and a handful
of middle school students are even stepping up,” Rome said. “A bunch of Fort
Hays faculty I've talked to, and it sounds like they're in. I mean, it just
sounds like it's going to be a really, really good band. And I just want as
many people to experience that as we can.”He said
the music selections reflect the ability typical of an advanced middle school
student.“We kind
of know that advanced middle school into like high school repertoire, we might
have one or two things that stretch just a little beyond that, but most of its going
to sit in that in that kind of range.”“And
like last summer, what I've tried to do is pick just a really broad variety of band
literature, written as early as 1909,” Rome said. “And then up to, in fact, I
think we'll play a couple that were copywritten in 2022.“So, a
really wide variety of really diverse variety of music, some classics, some new
things, but like I said, really trying to stick into that, that kind of generic
high school level of, of repertoire so that hopefully nobody's too stressed out
trying to sit in.”For the
listener, that level of music also means it is enjoyable to most audiences. And
with the performances set in the pavilion, attendees will find a relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy the selections.“People
can bring their lawn chairs and just relax and enjoy an evening of some really
quality, but easy listening band music,” Rome said.And
while Rome will serve as the principal director, he said others will join in.“I'm
happy to step off the podium and give some other people the chance to do that,”
Rome said.Among those others that will take the podium are Hays High principal
Shawn Henderson, TMP band director Hector Hernandez and members of the FHSU
faculty.If you have questions, he said he can be contacted via email at <a href="mailto:mrome2@usd489.com">mrome2@usd489.com</a>, otherwise, performers
can simply attend the rehearsals.The Hays
High School band room can be accessed by parking in the main student parking
lot in front of the building.“I'll
have signs to guide you in, but there's a door directly in, so you don't have
to go through the building,” Rome said.

🎙 Strike up the band: Area musicians to gather for summer sessions, concerts in downtown Hays

Sen. Roger Marshall was in Hays Friday morning to meet with community officials and business leaders.

Some of the topics the group discussed included health care, energy, broadband and wireless service.

Shae Veach, vice president of regional operations&nbsp;at&nbsp;Hays Medical Center, said the hospital has been as busy as ever.&nbsp;

Pharmaceutical costs are through the roof, Veach said. The hospital does not benefit from the 340B program, which provides financial help to hospitals serving vulnerable communities to manage rising prescription drug costs.

Large, wealthy hospitals are qualifying for the program, but HaysMed is not, Veach said. Marshall said he would try to address that issue in Washington.

Labor costs and supply costs have increased as a result of inflation.

The cost of providing services is going up much faster than reimbursement rates, he said.

"We are not the gas station where we can just increase our costs. That is what we get from Medicare and Medicaid, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and third-party payers," he said.

Veach also talked about the addition of its child care facility, which will open this fall, and the need for housing to recruit and retain employees.

Eric Flax, CEO First Care Clinic, said the clinic's new pharmacy, which is set to open soon at 13th and Main in Hays, will qualify for the&nbsp;340B program.

First Care already provides sliding-scale fees for patients for medical, dental and behavioral health services. This will be extended to the pharmacy when it opens, Flax said.

Flax said First Care also struggles to find qualified employees to do the front-line work, including dentists, behavioral health professionals and nurses.

Marshall said Medicaid is so broken, and it will never be the solution to providing health care to those in need. He said federally qualified health clinics, which includes First Care Clinic, are a better solution.

Marshall said a Senate committee that he is on was able to advance legislation that would limit pharmacy benefit managers.

"They take 84 cents of every dollar for a prescription," Marshall said. ... "There's three of them. They control 90 percent of the market. They are vertically integrated. They own the insurance company, the pharmacy, the retail pharmacy, and now they are owning the doctors and caregivers as well."

"It's the most horrible thing I have ever seen in health care," he said.&nbsp;

Ron Nelson of Dowing Nelson Oil said he did not like the White House's move to release oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.

He said he also opposes the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species. This could affect the ability of oil producers to drill wells in the prairie chickens' prime breeding ground. Marshall has also opposed the listing.

"We don't need any more rules and regulations," Nelson said.

Pat Parke, Midwest Energy CEO, said the utility's inability to procure transformers is slowing local development. He said it is taking up to two years to receive the transformers.

"The manufacturing companies are reluctant to increase their production capacity now if it's going to be obsolete in three years," he said.

Parke said recommended the Department of Energy wait to change its standards so the manufacturers can receive a return on their investment.

He also said anything that supports housing, child care, or rural health care helps Midwest Energy recruit.

He recommended student loan forgiveness for engineers. Although he said he is a Republican, he thought the federal government should rethink its position on immigration. He suggested immigrants could be helpful in dealing with the severe worker shortages in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Although he did not mention immigration, Toby Dougherty,&nbsp;Hays city manager, also mentioned the need for more workers in Hays.

Parke said he would also like Kansas farmers to have opportunities to be a part of carbon sequestration.

He said although Midwest Energy has taken advantage of renewable energy, saving its customers millions of dollars, fossil fuels still need to be part of the energy system to maintain grid reliability.

As coal plants age out of the system, utilities are relying more on natural gas. However, the natural gas industry is deregulated.

He pointed to power issues in Texas during the winter of 2021.

"We don't have good coordination of electric and natural gas industries in this nation," he said.

Marshall said he sees modular reactors,&nbsp; which are defined as nuclear reactors generally 300 MWe equivalent or less, as a viable energy solution for Kansas in the future.&nbsp;

Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO, also talked about issues the company was having with the supply chain.

Although the company has laid fiber, the electronic elements that connect users are wearing out and are in need of replacement. Nex-Tech is struggling to obtain parts that are manufactured overseas.

Todd said companies from outside of the state have received federal funds to expand rural broadband but haven't done anything in Kansas.

"They are creating Swiss cheese out of opportunities to expand the network. That makes it very difficult to make a business case for building ..."

He said he was concerned the latest round of funding is not going to go where it is truly needed.

Aaron Gillespie, Nex-Tech Wireless COO, said Nex-Tech is struggling against large companies like Verizon and AT&amp;T that have hugely exaggerated their 5G maps.

Gillespie said they had 2.3 million challenges to Verizon and AT&amp;T's maps.

"We are spending a ton of time and talent to drive our footprint," he said

"Our goal is to make sure that rural residents have equivalent technology to their counterparts," Gillespie added.

However, Todd said he has been on a federal committee that has made recommendations to the FCC and USDA on precision ag, and none of their recommendations have been implemented.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685132794548.jpeg" alt="Sen. Roger Marshall talks to local officials, including Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty, left, at a meeting Friday morning in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Roger Marshall talks to local officials, including Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty, left, at a meeting Friday morning in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSen. Roger Marshall was in Hays Friday morning to meet with community officials and business leaders.Some of the topics the group discussed included health care, energy, broadband and wireless service.Shae Veach, vice president of regional operations&nbsp;at&nbsp;Hays Medical Center, said the hospital has been as busy as ever.&nbsp;"We just can't make any money," he said.Pharmaceutical costs are through the roof, Veach said. The hospital does not benefit from the 340B program, which provides financial help to hospitals serving vulnerable communities to manage rising prescription drug costs.Large, wealthy hospitals are qualifying for the program, but HaysMed is not, Veach said. Marshall said he would try to address that issue in Washington.Labor costs and supply costs have increased as a result of inflation.The cost of providing services is going up much faster than reimbursement rates, he said."We are not the gas station where we can just increase our costs. That is what we get from Medicare and Medicaid, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and third-party payers," he said.Veach also talked about the addition of its child care facility, which will open this fall, and the need for housing to recruit and retain employees.Eric Flax, CEO First Care Clinic, said the clinic's new pharmacy, which is set to open soon at 13th and Main in Hays, will qualify for the&nbsp;340B program.First Care already provides sliding-scale fees for patients for medical, dental and behavioral health services. This will be extended to the pharmacy when it opens, Flax said.Flax said First Care also struggles to find qualified employees to do the front-line work, including dentists, behavioral health professionals and nurses.Marshall said Medicaid is so broken, and it will never be the solution to providing health care to those in need. He said federally qualified health clinics, which includes First Care Clinic, are a better solution.Marshall said a Senate committee that he is on was able to advance legislation that would limit pharmacy benefit managers."They take 84 cents of every dollar for a prescription," Marshall said. ... "There's three of them. They control 90 percent of the market. They are vertically integrated. They own the insurance company, the pharmacy, the retail pharmacy, and now they are owning the doctors and caregivers as well.""It's the most horrible thing I have ever seen in health care," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Energy</h2>Ron Nelson of Dowing Nelson Oil said he did not like the White House's move to release oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.He said he also opposes the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species. This could affect the ability of oil producers to drill wells in the prairie chickens' prime breeding ground. Marshall has also opposed the listing."We don't need any more rules and regulations," Nelson said.Pat Parke, Midwest Energy CEO, said the utility's inability to procure transformers is slowing local development. He said it is taking up to two years to receive the transformers."The manufacturing companies are reluctant to increase their production capacity now if it's going to be obsolete in three years," he said.Parke said recommended the Department of Energy wait to change its standards so the manufacturers can receive a return on their investment.He also said anything that supports housing, child care, or rural health care helps Midwest Energy recruit.He recommended student loan forgiveness for engineers. Although he said he is a Republican, he thought the federal government should rethink its position on immigration. He suggested immigrants could be helpful in dealing with the severe worker shortages in rural Kansas.&nbsp;Although he did not mention immigration, Toby Dougherty,&nbsp;Hays city manager, also mentioned the need for more workers in Hays.Parke said he would also like Kansas farmers to have opportunities to be a part of carbon sequestration.He said although Midwest Energy has taken advantage of renewable energy, saving its customers millions of dollars, fossil fuels still need to be part of the energy system to maintain grid reliability.As coal plants age out of the system, utilities are relying more on natural gas. However, the natural gas industry is deregulated.He pointed to power issues in Texas during the winter of 2021."We don't have good coordination of electric and natural gas industries in this nation," he said.Marshall said he sees modular reactors,&nbsp; which are defined as nuclear reactors generally 300 MWe equivalent or less, as a viable energy solution for Kansas in the future.&nbsp;<h2>Wireless, broadband</h2>Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO, also talked about issues the company was having with the supply chain.Although the company has laid fiber, the electronic elements that connect users are wearing out and are in need of replacement. Nex-Tech is struggling to obtain parts that are manufactured overseas.Todd said companies from outside of the state have received federal funds to expand rural broadband but haven't done anything in Kansas."They are creating Swiss cheese out of opportunities to expand the network. That makes it very difficult to make a business case for building ..."He said he was concerned the latest round of funding is not going to go where it is truly needed.Aaron Gillespie, Nex-Tech Wireless COO, said Nex-Tech is struggling against large companies like Verizon and AT&amp;T that have hugely exaggerated their 5G maps.Gillespie said they had 2.3 million challenges to Verizon and AT&amp;T's maps."We are spending a ton of time and talent to drive our footprint," he said"Our goal is to make sure that rural residents have equivalent technology to their counterparts," Gillespie added.Precision ag has been a driver for that.However, Todd said he has been on a federal committee that has made recommendations to the FCC and USDA on precision ag, and none of their recommendations have been implemented.

Sen. Marshall hears local concerns on federal policy on health care, energy, tech

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Sunday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy 1500 driven by Wad R. Dyer, 45, Dorrance, was westbound on U.S. 40 one mile east of Dorrance.

The pickup crossed eastbound lanes, entered the ditch, collided with a concrete bridge barrier, fell over the edge of the bridge and landed on its wheels in the ditch channel. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.

Dyer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Pohlman Varner Peeler Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Sunday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy 1500 driven by Wad R. Dyer, 45, Dorrance, was westbound on U.S. 40 one mile east of Dorrance.The pickup crossed eastbound lanes, entered the ditch, collided with a concrete bridge barrier, fell over the edge of the bridge and landed on its wheels in the ditch channel. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.Dyer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Pohlman Varner Peeler Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after violent pickup crash

A couple of cloudbursts moving through Ellis County on Sunday yielded 0.78 inches of rain in Hays, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.&nbsp;

Several other brief rain showers over the three-day Memorial Day weekend yielded another 0.05 inches, for a total of 0.83 inches.

The three-day total at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, was an even one inch.

The three-quarter inch amount moves Hays closer to the 3.24 inches that is the 153-year cumulative average by the end of May. As of Tuesday morning, Hays sits at 2.78 inches of rain so far this month.

With 5.05 inches of moisture measured so far this year, Hays remains well behind its average of 7.81 inches by May 31.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d26b735-3758-4bcf-bd06-50e75e894361">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for a chance of rain each day through Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685461454737.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA couple of cloudbursts moving through Ellis County on Sunday yielded 0.78 inches of rain in Hays, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.&nbsp;Several other brief rain showers over the three-day Memorial Day weekend yielded another 0.05 inches, for a total of 0.83 inches.The three-day total at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, was an even one inch.The three-quarter inch amount moves Hays closer to the 3.24 inches that is the 153-year cumulative average by the end of May. As of Tuesday morning, Hays sits at 2.78 inches of rain so far this month.With 5.05 inches of moisture measured so far this year, Hays remains well behind its average of 7.81 inches by May 31.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d26b735-3758-4bcf-bd06-50e75e894361">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for a chance of rain each day through Thursday.

3/4" rain in Hays Sunday; still 3" behind normal precipitation for the year

The annual deadline for individuals interested in running
for city council, school board and improvement district positions is June 1st&nbsp;with the election Nov. 7.

You can find the list of candidates that have filed for office as of Tuesday morning below of by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/4937/2023-Candidate-Filings">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to the Ellis County Elections Office, there are
four positions up for election on the USD 489 Hays and USD 432 Victoria school
boards. There are four positions and one unexpired term up for election on the
USD 388 Ellis school board.

There are three positions up for election on the Ellis and the Hays City Commission. There are two positions on the Victoria city councils as well.

The Victoria and Ellis mayor positions are also up for
election this fall. The Ellis city treasurer position is also up for election.

In Schoenchen, five city council positions are up for
election as well as the position of mayor.

There are three positions each up for election on the Big
Creek, Munjor, Suburban Estates and Prairie Acres Improvement Districts.

The Cottonwood Extension also has two positions up for
election.

The Ellis County Elections Office added these positions are
unofficial until May 1, the certification deadline for the entities.

The necessary paperwork to file for each position is available
under the elections section of the Ellis County website or by clicking <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/431/Filing-Packets">HERE</a>.

The filing deadline is June 1st at 12 p.m.
Paperwork must be submitted to the County Clerk’s office at 718 Main St. in
Hays.

Hays PostThe annual deadline for individuals interested in running
for city council, school board and improvement district positions is June 1st&nbsp;with the election Nov. 7.You can find the list of candidates that have filed for office as of Tuesday morning below of by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/4937/2023-Candidate-Filings">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;According to the Ellis County Elections Office, there are
four positions up for election on the USD 489 Hays and USD 432 Victoria school
boards. There are four positions and one unexpired term up for election on the
USD 388 Ellis school board.There are three positions up for election on the Ellis and the Hays City Commission. There are two positions on the Victoria city councils as well.The Victoria and Ellis mayor positions are also up for
election this fall. The Ellis city treasurer position is also up for election.In Schoenchen, five city council positions are up for
election as well as the position of mayor.There are three positions each up for election on the Big
Creek, Munjor, Suburban Estates and Prairie Acres Improvement Districts.The Cottonwood Extension also has two positions up for
election.The Ellis County Elections Office added these positions are
unofficial until May 1, the certification deadline for the entities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685452443652.jpeg" alt="List of candidates who have filed with the county clerk's office of of Tuesday morning." />
 <figcaption>List of candidates who have filed with the county clerk's office of of Tuesday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>The necessary paperwork to file for each position is available
under the elections section of the Ellis County website or by clicking <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/431/Filing-Packets">HERE</a>.The filing deadline is June 1st at 12 p.m.
Paperwork must be submitted to the County Clerk’s office at 718 Main St. in
Hays.The filing fee is $20.

Filing deadline for city, school board elections is Thursday

The Morning Blend's Summer Music Showdown is underway! Listen in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS</a> to hear today's selections

Each Friday through the month of July, one lucky voter will win a Date Night package, including an appetizer, two dinners and a dessert to share from the&nbsp;<a href="https://paisleypear.net/">Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687537524742.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Which song is best!?</h2>The Morning Blend's Summer Music Showdown is underway! Listen in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS</a> to hear today's selections <h2>Vote for your favorites below</h2><div>  <script src="https://embed-993209.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="c830ea8c-7e8e-404d-8668-1bcac7db7520" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Each Friday through the month of July, one lucky voter will win a Date Night package, including an appetizer, two dinners and a dessert to share from the&nbsp;<a href="https://paisleypear.net/">Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687537556658.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KAYS Summer Music Showdown underway

Kansas Reflector: Weeklong series to examine influence of religious beliefs on policy decisions at Statehouse

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Dave DePue, a pastor and director of the Kansas Capitol Commission, smiled in the background as Rep. Emil Bergquist’s voice bounced around the Statehouse rotunda during his baritone rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Bergquist, along with state Treasurer Steven Johnson and Wellington Republican Rep. Bill Rhiley, led prayers during the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/04/kansas-lawmakers-ask-for-godly-influences-during-statehouse-prayer-ceremony/">May 4 prayer ceremony</a>, asking God for more religious influence in society at large.

DePue, who leads a Christian organization geared toward prayer in the Capitol, has been a quiet influence in the Statehouse for years. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article164075087.html">spiritual adviser to former Gov. Sam Brownback</a>, DuPue teaches Bible studies during the legislative session to senators and representatives. His organization hand delivers Bible study notes to all the Capitol offices, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://capitolcom.org/state/kansas/">the organization’s website</a>.

“It’s not religion so much. It’s faith,” DePue said in an interview following the May 4 Statehouse prayer event, which he helped to organize. “It’s hard to be on the front lines of the work, like in government. We just support them. We got their back. We just try to be a supportive environment for legislators and our administrators. We have people pray for them. We walk around and encourage them. No agenda, just to kind of shore them up and strengthen them.”

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever,” Bergquist sang, his voice rising and falling. “Amen.”

Bergquist’s performance was a repeat of an earlier one in which he sang “The Lord’s Prayer” to his fellow House lawmakers on April 6, one of the last days of the regular 2023 legislative session. Lawmakers that day proceeded to vote on a bill that would allow parents to pull their children from classes that didn’t align with their moral or religious beliefs, and a bill separating&nbsp;students by sex assigned at birth for overnight school field trips.

Kansas Reflector is examining the influence of religious beliefs on state government through a series of stories.

While Bergquist’s a cappella prayer was new, the dedication to religion in the Statehouse was not. The House and Senate open each daily legislative session with a prayer to God as lawmakers seek spiritual guidance before turning their attention to policymaking.

A quiet room on the second floor of the Statehouse has been set aside as a meditation space for lawmakers. Outfitted with Bibles, one tattered copy of the Holy Qur’an and scattered religious pamphlets, literature stacked in the room’s bookshelves bear titles such as “God’s Intervention,” and “Who is Jesus?” A framed poster reading “In God We Trust” sits near a canister of blessed soil ready to be contemplated by lawmakers and other Capitol visitors.

The daily prayers are published in the front pages of Senate and House journals, which record lawmakers actions throughout the session. On April 5, the day before Bergquist’s song, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/chamber/documents/daily_journal_house_20230405183803.pdf">House prayer</a>, delivered by the Rev. Justin Panzer, asked God to direct lawmakers in doing His work.

“Equip them to use the positions entrusted to them to bring Your honor and glory,” the prayer read. “Lead them to protect life from conception to natural death. Guide them to make decisions that will benefit all citizens of this nation. In all matters of deliberation, give them open ears and discerning and understanding hearts.”

Bergquist, a Park City Republican, is just one of several Kansas lawmakers whose public service has been shaped by Christian beliefs and religious views.

During&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/kansas-republican-asserts-god-given-gun-rights-during-debate-on-concealed-carry-fees/">a legislative debate in March</a>, Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, an Ottawa Republican, asserted the concealed carry of a firearm is among “our natural, God-given rights.”

Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican, offered to convert a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/muslim-advocacy-group-asks-kansas-senator-for-equal-representation-after-offer-to-convert/">Muslim woman and a news reporter</a>&nbsp;when asked in March how he represented his non-Christian constituents.

“I care about you and God loves you. It’s not complicated. Our happiness, our contentment, our eternal life is thru Christ our Savior,” Steffen wrote in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/steffenstatesenate/">April 27 Facebook post</a>&nbsp;following news stories about his offer,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/11/after-lying-about-offer-to-convert-muslim-woman-kansas-senator-opines-on-lost-souls/">which he had lied about</a>.

“Steffen’s a good guy, one of our favorite senators,” DePue said. “He’s in his first term, and he’s learning how the system works. He means well — three cheers for Mark Steffen.”

Behind closed doors at Riverside Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Steffen and other Republicans strategized ways of evangelizing Kansans. A secret audio recording of their March 2 meeting was shared with Kansas Reflector.

Reno County Commissioner John Whitesel, Reno County GOP chairman Ryan Patton, Rep. Mike Murphy and Ellis County GOP chairman Adam Peters emphasized the importance of spreading Christianity. Peters said more of his fellow Christian Republicans needed to run for government positions to counteract liberal influence and pass bills such as parental rights legislation as a first step toward “healing” the country.

“We don’t control the media,” Peters said. “We don’t control Hollywood. Big corporations, big tech, academic institutions, most government bureaucracies, most of those are led by people who are hostile to us. What we do tend to control are state legislatures. So I believe we need to start there. Now to be clear, legislative action is no cure-all. Our society is severely injured, and it’s gonna take decades to heal the damage, but the first thing to do is to stop the bleeding.”&nbsp;

Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said topics such as transgender student athlete bans, religious education exemptions, voucher programs for private schools and other bills debated during this year’s legislative session are evidence of harmful religious beliefs.

“This session, the conversation’s completely stymied, or controlled. The only things that come up are the priorities or the obsessions of leadership or of this right-wing group,” Rieber said. “This is something that we need to push back on because we don’t believe that this kind of understanding of white Christian nationalism should be the way the country’s governed, or the lens through which we see important issues.”

Rieber said most Kansans are moderates who don’t welcome the intermingling of politics and religion.

“There’s a very black or white, good or evil kind of framing that they have,” Rieber said. “They think that God wants them to do x and y, and if it’s not done, then they’ve failed God. And where does that leave anyone who doesn’t believe the way they do?”

In an interview for this series, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and pastor, questioned how a radical minority had gained such a large footing in state politics.

“The question is: Are you on God’s side?” Schlingensiepen said. “Not the casual assumption that God is on your side. This is a very dangerous assumption, and that God is almost invariably an idol. Idolatry is when you essentially divinize your own personal desires.”

Schlingensiepen, a first-term legislator, thought about the way faith should guide a politician as he navigates decisions in the often-hectic Legislature.

“I like the mess. It’s where I want to be … and I think it is a fantastic challenge to what I believe as a Christian and as a pastor,” Schlingensiepen said. “And I think what we need most in this time is courage and education and honesty to the greatest extent possible.&nbsp;And the only places where those get challenged is where they’re under fire. I’m kind of curious to see how I respond to all these challenges.“

<h2>Kansas Reflector: Weeklong series to examine influence of religious beliefs on policy decisions at Statehouse</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685027850710.jpeg" alt="Dave DePue, facing the camera in shades, participates in a 2021 prayer ceremony at the Statehouse in Topeka. A steady source of religious guidance in the state Capitol, DePue says his role is to encourage lawmakers. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Dave DePue, facing the camera in shades, participates in a 2021 prayer ceremony at the Statehouse in Topeka. A steady source of religious guidance in the state Capitol, DePue says his role is to encourage lawmakers. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Dave DePue, a pastor and director of the Kansas Capitol Commission, smiled in the background as Rep. Emil Bergquist’s voice bounced around the Statehouse rotunda during his baritone rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”Bergquist, along with state Treasurer Steven Johnson and Wellington Republican Rep. Bill Rhiley, led prayers during the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/04/kansas-lawmakers-ask-for-godly-influences-during-statehouse-prayer-ceremony/">May 4 prayer ceremony</a>, asking God for more religious influence in society at large.DePue, who leads a Christian organization geared toward prayer in the Capitol, has been a quiet influence in the Statehouse for years. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article164075087.html">spiritual adviser to former Gov. Sam Brownback</a>, DuPue teaches Bible studies during the legislative session to senators and representatives. His organization hand delivers Bible study notes to all the Capitol offices, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://capitolcom.org/state/kansas/">the organization’s website</a>.“It’s not religion so much. It’s faith,” DePue said in an interview following the May 4 Statehouse prayer event, which he helped to organize. “It’s hard to be on the front lines of the work, like in government. We just support them. We got their back. We just try to be a supportive environment for legislators and our administrators. We have people pray for them. We walk around and encourage them. No agenda, just to kind of shore them up and strengthen them.”“For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever,” Bergquist sang, his voice rising and falling. “Amen.”Bergquist’s performance was a repeat of an earlier one in which he sang “The Lord’s Prayer” to his fellow House lawmakers on April 6, one of the last days of the regular 2023 legislative session. Lawmakers that day proceeded to vote on a bill that would allow parents to pull their children from classes that didn’t align with their moral or religious beliefs, and a bill separating&nbsp;students by sex assigned at birth for overnight school field trips.Kansas Reflector is examining the influence of religious beliefs on state government through a series of stories.While Bergquist’s a cappella prayer was new, the dedication to religion in the Statehouse was not. The House and Senate open each daily legislative session with a prayer to God as lawmakers seek spiritual guidance before turning their attention to policymaking.A quiet room on the second floor of the Statehouse has been set aside as a meditation space for lawmakers. Outfitted with Bibles, one tattered copy of the Holy Qur’an and scattered religious pamphlets, literature stacked in the room’s bookshelves bear titles such as “God’s Intervention,” and “Who is Jesus?” A framed poster reading “In God We Trust” sits near a canister of blessed soil ready to be contemplated by lawmakers and other Capitol visitors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685027931493.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;A bookshelf in the Statehouse’s second floor meditation room is lined with religious texts. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A bookshelf in the Statehouse’s second floor meditation room is lined with religious texts. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The daily prayers are published in the front pages of Senate and House journals, which record lawmakers actions throughout the session. On April 5, the day before Bergquist’s song, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/chamber/documents/daily_journal_house_20230405183803.pdf">House prayer</a>, delivered by the Rev. Justin Panzer, asked God to direct lawmakers in doing His work.“Equip them to use the positions entrusted to them to bring Your honor and glory,” the prayer read. “Lead them to protect life from conception to natural death. Guide them to make decisions that will benefit all citizens of this nation. In all matters of deliberation, give them open ears and discerning and understanding hearts.”Bergquist, a Park City Republican, is just one of several Kansas lawmakers whose public service has been shaped by Christian beliefs and religious views.During&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/kansas-republican-asserts-god-given-gun-rights-during-debate-on-concealed-carry-fees/">a legislative debate in March</a>, Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, an Ottawa Republican, asserted the concealed carry of a firearm is among “our natural, God-given rights.”Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican, offered to convert a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/muslim-advocacy-group-asks-kansas-senator-for-equal-representation-after-offer-to-convert/">Muslim woman and a news reporter</a>&nbsp;when asked in March how he represented his non-Christian constituents.“I care about you and God loves you. It’s not complicated. Our happiness, our contentment, our eternal life is thru Christ our Savior,” Steffen wrote in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/steffenstatesenate/">April 27 Facebook post</a>&nbsp;following news stories about his offer,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/11/after-lying-about-offer-to-convert-muslim-woman-kansas-senator-opines-on-lost-souls/">which he had lied about</a>.DePue said Steffen had good intentions.“Steffen’s a good guy, one of our favorite senators,” DePue said. “He’s in his first term, and he’s learning how the system works. He means well — three cheers for Mark Steffen.”Behind closed doors at Riverside Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Steffen and other Republicans strategized ways of evangelizing Kansans. A secret audio recording of their March 2 meeting was shared with Kansas Reflector.Reno County Commissioner John Whitesel, Reno County GOP chairman Ryan Patton, Rep. Mike Murphy and Ellis County GOP chairman Adam Peters emphasized the importance of spreading Christianity. Peters said more of his fellow Christian Republicans needed to run for government positions to counteract liberal influence and pass bills such as parental rights legislation as a first step toward “healing” the country.“We don’t control the media,” Peters said. “We don’t control Hollywood. Big corporations, big tech, academic institutions, most government bureaucracies, most of those are led by people who are hostile to us. What we do tend to control are state legislatures. So I believe we need to start there. Now to be clear, legislative action is no cure-all. Our society is severely injured, and it’s gonna take decades to heal the damage, but the first thing to do is to stop the bleeding.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685028009078.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Pamphlets from the National Day of Prayer event direct Kansans to pray for topics such as the media and society. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Pamphlets from the National Day of Prayer event direct Kansans to pray for topics such as the media and society. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said topics such as transgender student athlete bans, religious education exemptions, voucher programs for private schools and other bills debated during this year’s legislative session are evidence of harmful religious beliefs.“This session, the conversation’s completely stymied, or controlled. The only things that come up are the priorities or the obsessions of leadership or of this right-wing group,” Rieber said. “This is something that we need to push back on because we don’t believe that this kind of understanding of white Christian nationalism should be the way the country’s governed, or the lens through which we see important issues.”Rieber said most Kansans are moderates who don’t welcome the intermingling of politics and religion.“There’s a very black or white, good or evil kind of framing that they have,” Rieber said. “They think that God wants them to do x and y, and if it’s not done, then they’ve failed God. And where does that leave anyone who doesn’t believe the way they do?”In an interview for this series, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and pastor, questioned how a radical minority had gained such a large footing in state politics.“The question is: Are you on God’s side?” Schlingensiepen said. “Not the casual assumption that God is on your side. This is a very dangerous assumption, and that God is almost invariably an idol. Idolatry is when you essentially divinize your own personal desires.”Schlingensiepen, a first-term legislator, thought about the way faith should guide a politician as he navigates decisions in the often-hectic Legislature.“I like the mess. It’s where I want to be … and I think it is a fantastic challenge to what I believe as a Christian and as a pastor,” Schlingensiepen said. “And I think what we need most in this time is courage and education and honesty to the greatest extent possible.&nbsp;And the only places where those get challenged is where they’re under fire. I’m kind of curious to see how I respond to all these challenges.“<h2>Church and State</h2>On Hays Post:<ul>
 <li>Thursday:&nbsp;Conservative sanctuary</li><li>Friday:&nbsp;LGBTQ targets</li><li>Saturday:&nbsp;Private education</li><li>Sunday:&nbsp;Abortion rights</li><li>Monday:&nbsp;Systemic racism</li><li>Tuesday:&nbsp;Statehouse spiritual</li>
 </ul>

Church and state: Devotion infuses Kansas Legislature, with spiritual adviser, daily prayers

WAKEENEY - After a three-year hiatus, Western Cooperative Electric proudly resumes the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., for high school juniors June 15-22.

This year's winners are Austin Carroll, Ellis High School, and Jaiden Pfannenstiel, Hays High School.

Carroll and Pfannenstiel will be traveling to Washington, D.C., with 24 other students from Kansas and four from Hawaii. This summer, they will join 33 states in bringing more than 1,300 students to the nation's capital.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a program offered by co-ops nationwide to high school students from their co-op membership. Participants receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation's capital and learn about the nation's history with visits to the Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian Museums. In addition, students not only meet with other participants their age from across the nation, but they also get the opportunity to discuss current issues with Congressional representatives and senators.

"The students selected for our youth programs are leaders inside and outside the classroom," said Nolan Numrich, Western's assistant general manager/member services manager. "We know this trip will provide valuable, life-long experiences for these students and help equip them to become community leaders in the future."

Students who applied for Western's 2023 youth programs and scholarships were judged based on a short essay, a quiz on electric cooperatives, and a virtual interview with a three-judge panel. The four students with the highest scores were awarded $1,000 Cooperative Youth Leadership scholarships and a choice of youth trips. The student with the fifth most points was awarded the Darrell Brown Memorial Scholarship and the choice to serve as the trip alternate. If a scheduling conflict existed, the student with the next highest point total was offered the trip as an alternate. 

Contest details for the 2024 Youth Contest will be released in December 2023. If you have any questions, please contact nolann@westerncoop.com.

Western Cooperative Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative headquartered in WaKeeney, Kansas. Established in 1945, Western now serves more than 12,000 meters and maintains over 4,000 miles of power lines across western and central Kansas. Together, with our members' help, Western Co-op is committed to building a stronger rural America. For more information about Western, visit www.westerncoop.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685027648375.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WCEWAKEENEY - After a three-year hiatus, Western Cooperative Electric proudly resumes the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., for high school juniors June 15-22.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685027684005.jpeg" alt="Austin Carroll (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Austin Carroll (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685027718892.jpeg" alt="Jaiden Pfannenstiel (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Jaiden Pfannenstiel (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>This year's winners are Austin Carroll, Ellis High School, and Jaiden Pfannenstiel, Hays High School.Carroll and Pfannenstiel will be traveling to Washington, D.C., with 24 other students from Kansas and four from Hawaii. This summer, they will join 33 states in bringing more than 1,300 students to the nation's capital.The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a program offered by co-ops nationwide to high school students from their co-op membership. Participants receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation's capital and learn about the nation's history with visits to the Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian Museums. In addition, students not only meet with other participants their age from across the nation, but they also get the opportunity to discuss current issues with Congressional representatives and senators."The students selected for our youth programs are leaders inside and outside the classroom," said Nolan Numrich, Western's assistant general manager/member services manager. "We know this trip will provide valuable, life-long experiences for these students and help equip them to become community leaders in the future."Students who applied for Western's 2023 youth programs and scholarships were judged based on a short essay, a quiz on electric cooperatives, and a virtual interview with a three-judge panel. The four students with the highest scores were awarded $1,000 Cooperative Youth Leadership scholarships and a choice of youth trips. The student with the fifth most points was awarded the Darrell Brown Memorial Scholarship and the choice to serve as the trip alternate. If a scheduling conflict existed, the student with the next highest point total was offered the trip as an alternate. Contest details for the 2024 Youth Contest will be released in December 2023. If you have any questions, please contact nolann@westerncoop.com.Western Cooperative Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative headquartered in WaKeeney, Kansas. Established in 1945, Western now serves more than 12,000 meters and maintains over 4,000 miles of power lines across western and central Kansas. Together, with our members' help, Western Co-op is committed to building a stronger rural America. For more information about Western, visit www.westerncoop.com.

Hays, Ellis students to join Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

BUNKER HILL - This summer Smoky Hills PBS is working with public libraries throughout central and western Kansas, including the Hays and Ellis Public Libraries, to conduct summer reading programs through the Share a Story project.&nbsp;

Share a Story is a 45-60 minute program geared toward children ages 2-7.&nbsp; Each program consists of the following format:

&nbsp; &nbsp;1.&nbsp; &nbsp; Read it&nbsp;– Read a PBS KIDS book &nbsp; &nbsp;2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Watch it&nbsp;– View a show related to the book &nbsp; &nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do it&nbsp;– Have fun making a craft&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Each participant receives his or her own book and related materials.&nbsp;

Share a Story helps children become better readers by inspiring adults to read to children every day.&nbsp; Research shows that activities like these do make a difference.&nbsp; Children who are read to every day, from birth on, do better in school, become good listeners and writers, and have better language, critical and imaginative skills.

Simple, fun daily activities like reading aloud, storytelling, rhyming, singing, exercise, drawing, and acting, teach young children language and literacy skills – and that’s what Smoky Hills PBS Share a Story is all about!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684875553347.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL - This summer Smoky Hills PBS is working with public libraries throughout central and western Kansas, including the Hays and Ellis Public Libraries, to conduct summer reading programs through the Share a Story project.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684875805530.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Share a Story is a 45-60 minute program geared toward children ages 2-7.&nbsp; Each program consists of the following format:&nbsp; &nbsp;1.&nbsp; &nbsp; Read it&nbsp;– Read a PBS KIDS book &nbsp; &nbsp;2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Watch it&nbsp;– View a show related to the book &nbsp; &nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do it&nbsp;– Have fun making a craft&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Each participant receives his or her own book and related materials.&nbsp;Share a Story helps children become better readers by inspiring adults to read to children every day.&nbsp; Research shows that activities like these do make a difference.&nbsp; Children who are read to every day, from birth on, do better in school, become good listeners and writers, and have better language, critical and imaginative skills.Simple, fun daily activities like reading aloud, storytelling, rhyming, singing, exercise, drawing, and acting, teach young children language and literacy skills – and that’s what Smoky Hills PBS Share a Story is all about!The Share a Story program begins in libraries across central and western Kansas&nbsp;starting May 31st.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complete schedule of Share a Story events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

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