The Hays Police Department responded to 81 incidents July 23-29, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 81 incidents July 23-29, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691417310200.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691417379045.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691417425541.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD activity log, July 23-29

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The United Way of Ellis County will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, and to honor that milestone the campaign has set a goal of $370,000.

Erica Berges, executive director of the United Way of Ellis County, said that goal will allow the United Way to keep funding allocations the same for its partner agencies.

"We are showing a little bit of our past, but yet looking toward our future. Our theme this year is 'Creating a Brighter Tomorrow,'" Berges said.

All the funds donated during the campaign stay local. Nonprofit groups that would have difficulty otherwise raising substantial funds on their own rely on annual allocations from the United Way to support programs.

The United Way supports three main pillars in the community—health, education and financial stability.

The funds are allocated by a group of volunteers called the Cares Council.

The 14 partner agencies that were funded in 2023 include American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sisters, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Catholic Charities, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), DSNWK, First Call for Help, Salvation Army, Ellis County Senior Center, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Parents and Children Together, Western Kanas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

You can learn more about these agencies on the United Way website, <a href="http://liveunitedks">liveunitedks</a>.

Recent inflation has been driving up costs for the agencies as well as resulting in more people in need of services in some cases, Berges said.

"If your gas or your rent or your groceries continues to go up, something has to give. A lot of that need for necessities like food [has increased,]" Berges said.

The United Way encourages businesses to offer payroll deductions that will go to the campaign. The nonprofit awards a Champions Circle Trophy annually to the large and small businesses with the most per capita giving.

Last year Bank of Hays won the small-business trophy, and Midwest Energy won the large-business award.

The United Way Campaign Kickoff will be at noon Friday, Aug. 25 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall during the monthly <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;luncheon.&nbsp;

The presentation will include success stories from some of the United Way's partner agencies.

"You can see where your donation is going and how it's helping people," she said.

You don't have to be a Chamber member to attend. The cost for lunch is $14 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members. You can call the Chamber at&nbsp;785-628-8201 to make a reservation.

The United Way Pumpkin Packers gather donations during the fall homecoming parades in Hays. They carry Halloween pumpkins along the parade route and collect spare change from spectators.

Thomas More Prep-Marian's homecoming parade will be Sept. 15. Hays High School's homecoming parade will be Sept. 29, and Fort Hays State University's homecoming parade will be Sept. 30.

United Way has many ways to donate. You can make a one-time donation or sign up for monthly or roundup options on the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way website</a>.&nbsp;

The roundup option will round up purchases to the nearest dollar with the change going to United Way. You can set a maximum donation per month.

You can drop checks or cash in person at the United Way office in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main St., Suite 1o2, Hays or mail checks to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.

You also can use Venmo at @United-Way-of Ellis-County.

You can follow the campaign and learn more about partner agencies by following the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">United Way Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608409381692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe United Way of Ellis County will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, and to honor that milestone the campaign has set a goal of $370,000.Erica Berges, executive director of the United Way of Ellis County, said that goal will allow the United Way to keep funding allocations the same for its partner agencies."We are showing a little bit of our past, but yet looking toward our future. Our theme this year is 'Creating a Brighter Tomorrow,'" Berges said.All the funds donated during the campaign stay local. Nonprofit groups that would have difficulty otherwise raising substantial funds on their own rely on annual allocations from the United Way to support programs.The United Way supports three main pillars in the community—health, education and financial stability.The funds are allocated by a group of volunteers called the Cares Council.The 14 partner agencies that were funded in 2023 include American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sisters, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Catholic Charities, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), DSNWK, First Call for Help, Salvation Army, Ellis County Senior Center, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Parents and Children Together, Western Kanas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.You can learn more about these agencies on the United Way website, <a href="http://liveunitedks">liveunitedks</a>.Recent inflation has been driving up costs for the agencies as well as resulting in more people in need of services in some cases, Berges said."If your gas or your rent or your groceries continues to go up, something has to give. A lot of that need for necessities like food [has increased,]" Berges said.The United Way encourages businesses to offer payroll deductions that will go to the campaign. The nonprofit awards a Champions Circle Trophy annually to the large and small businesses with the most per capita giving.Last year Bank of Hays won the small-business trophy, and Midwest Energy won the large-business award.The United Way Campaign Kickoff will be at noon Friday, Aug. 25 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall during the monthly <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;luncheon.&nbsp;The presentation will include success stories from some of the United Way's partner agencies."You can see where your donation is going and how it's helping people," she said.You don't have to be a Chamber member to attend. The cost for lunch is $14 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members. You can call the Chamber at&nbsp;785-628-8201 to make a reservation.The United Way Pumpkin Packers gather donations during the fall homecoming parades in Hays. They carry Halloween pumpkins along the parade route and collect spare change from spectators.Thomas More Prep-Marian's homecoming parade will be Sept. 15. Hays High School's homecoming parade will be Sept. 29, and Fort Hays State University's homecoming parade will be Sept. 30.United Way has many ways to donate. You can make a one-time donation or sign up for monthly or roundup options on the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way website</a>.&nbsp;The roundup option will round up purchases to the nearest dollar with the change going to United Way. You can set a maximum donation per month.You can drop checks or cash in person at the United Way office in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main St., Suite 1o2, Hays or mail checks to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.You also can use Venmo at @United-Way-of Ellis-County.You can follow the campaign and learn more about partner agencies by following the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">United Way Facebook page</a>.

United Way of Ellis County sets campaign kickoff for 70th year on Aug. 25

Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. 

Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. 

Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.

The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023 (formerly called Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings), from K-State Research and Extension, has now been released for this year. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas.

Updates this year include the addition of variety profiles for varieties AP Bigfoot, KS Territory, KS Providence, and Strad CL + as well as disease, insect, and agronomic ratings for several other new varieties.

Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.

A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection are the Kansas wheat variety performance tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. These variety performance tests are replicated, each variety is randomly planted in four different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. 

That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.

The Colorado Wheat Variety Database decision tool provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states, including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). 

The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. It is an easy tool to use and very helpful!

Lastly our local variety demonstration plot in Ellis County is also available on our web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/ag_articles/2023%20Ellis%20County%20Wheat%20Variety%20Demonstration%20Plot.pdf">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for any of these resources.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023 (formerly called Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings), from K-State Research and Extension, has now been released for this year. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas.Updates this year include the addition of variety profiles for varieties AP Bigfoot, KS Territory, KS Providence, and Strad CL + as well as disease, insect, and agronomic ratings for several other new varieties.Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection are the Kansas wheat variety performance tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. These variety performance tests are replicated, each variety is randomly planted in four different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.The Colorado Wheat Variety Database decision tool provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states, including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. It is an easy tool to use and very helpful!Lastly our local variety demonstration plot in Ellis County is also available on our web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/ag_articles/2023%20Ellis%20County%20Wheat%20Variety%20Demonstration%20Plot.pdf">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for any of these resources.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023 now available

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking public for assistance with identifying a suspect and vehicle. 

On July 26th and August 1st, a man entered one of the buildings at Hess Services in rural Ellis County and stole a large amount of semi tires, according to a social media report from the Ellis County Sheriff's office.

The suspect was driving a white early 2000's Chevy or GMC 3500 dually pickup. 

There is significant damage to both rear fenders and the amber clearance light is out on the driver side. 

If you have any information that would help investigators identify the suspect, please contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking public for assistance with identifying a suspect and vehicle. On July 26th and August 1st, a man entered one of the buildings at Hess Services in rural Ellis County and stole a large amount of semi tires, according to a social media report from the Ellis County Sheriff's office.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEllisCoSheriff.KS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02i4k2nzHMHtnTSKHnS9QvbpqtJTLT6mM3gFDCAz31K4soiFvxX6yUxdZfZmYrMA9fl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="781" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The suspect was driving a white early 2000's Chevy or GMC 3500 dually pickup. There is significant damage to both rear fenders and the amber clearance light is out on the driver side. If you have any information that would help investigators identify the suspect, please contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff asks for help to ID suspects in rural burglary

Divine Mercy Radio is gearing up for its 13th annual appreciation banquet to be held in Hays Sept. 9 and in Salina Sept. 10. 

A well-known couple from the Eternal Word Television Network, Jack and Johnnette Williams, will be the guest speakers.

The banquet in Hays will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. 8th St.

In Salina, the banquet will also begin with a social hour, but at 5 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held in the Hall of Bishops at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. 9th St.

Jack Williams is the general manager of EWTN Radio as well as the host of “Open Line,” which airs at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Johnnette Williams is the executive producer of the “Women of Grace” television program and host of the radio program, “Women of Grace,” which airs at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday on Divine Mercy Radio.

“Both Jack and Johnnette have interesting stories,” said Donetta Robben, executive director of Divine Mercy Radio. “They both came into their faith in adulthood and they both lost their first spouses to cancer. Their mutual work at EWTN brought them together, happily united in marriage.”

The title of their talk will be “Speaking Truth to Darkness: The Call of Radio for Such a Time as This.”

Tickets are $55 if ordered before Aug. 20. After that date, the price goes up to $60. No tickets can be sold after Sept. 1. 

Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to: Appreciation Banquet, Divine Mercy Radio, 108 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601. Tickets can also be purchased online at dvmercy.com. Please state which banquet you will be attending, Hays or Salina. If attending the banquet in Salina, please indicate if your meal choice will be beef or chicken. 

For more information, as well as the menu, go to dvmercy.com.

Divine Mercy Radio began in 2010 with 88.1, KVDM, Hays. Five years later they expended to 88.1, KRTT, Great Bend. Then, in 2020, 101.7 KJDM, Lindsborg/Salina went on the air as well as 105.7, KMDG, Hays. The original station, KVDM in Hays, began airing Catholic classic radio.&nbsp;In May, the fifth Divine Mercy Radio station went on the air – 89.1, KGOH in Colby.

Divine Mercy Radio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization relying on the generosity of its listeners as well as business underwriters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684878858041.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDivine Mercy Radio is gearing up for its 13th annual appreciation banquet to be held in Hays Sept. 9 and in Salina Sept. 10. A well-known couple from the Eternal Word Television Network, Jack and Johnnette Williams, will be the guest speakers.The banquet in Hays will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. 8th St.In Salina, the banquet will also begin with a social hour, but at 5 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held in the Hall of Bishops at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. 9th St.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690317172507.jpeg" alt="Jack Williams" />
 <figcaption>Jack Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Williams is the general manager of EWTN Radio as well as the host of “Open Line,” which airs at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690317238215.jpeg" alt="Johnnette Willliams" />
 <figcaption>Johnnette Willliams</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnnette Williams is the executive producer of the “Women of Grace” television program and host of the radio program, “Women of Grace,” which airs at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday on Divine Mercy Radio.“Both Jack and Johnnette have interesting stories,” said Donetta Robben, executive director of Divine Mercy Radio. “They both came into their faith in adulthood and they both lost their first spouses to cancer. Their mutual work at EWTN brought them together, happily united in marriage.”The title of their talk will be “Speaking Truth to Darkness: The Call of Radio for Such a Time as This.”Tickets are $55 if ordered before Aug. 20. After that date, the price goes up to $60. No tickets can be sold after Sept. 1. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to: Appreciation Banquet, Divine Mercy Radio, 108 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601. Tickets can also be purchased online at dvmercy.com. Please state which banquet you will be attending, Hays or Salina. If attending the banquet in Salina, please indicate if your meal choice will be beef or chicken. For more information, as well as the menu, go to dvmercy.com.Divine Mercy Radio began in 2010 with 88.1, KVDM, Hays. Five years later they expended to 88.1, KRTT, Great Bend. Then, in 2020, 101.7 KJDM, Lindsborg/Salina went on the air as well as 105.7, KMDG, Hays. The original station, KVDM in Hays, began airing Catholic classic radio.&nbsp;In May, the fifth Divine Mercy Radio station went on the air – 89.1, KGOH in Colby.Divine Mercy Radio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization relying on the generosity of its listeners as well as business underwriters.

Divine Mercy Radio to celebrate 13th-annual appreciation banquet in Hays, Salina

Join the Girl Scouts for National S’mores Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Hays office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8.

 We’ll have free hot dogs, games and activities, and of course, s’mores. Celebrate the end of summer with your fellow Girl Scouts and come meet CEO Rolinda Sample. You may even get an exclusive patch from her.&nbsp;

You do not have to be a registered Girl Scout to attend. Learn more about signing up for Scouts.

The shop will be open and full of new items and product program staff will have fall program materials available for pickup. Registration is not required for this free event, so be sure to come to see us and enjoy an afternoon of Girl Scout fun.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690987722802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join the Girl Scouts for National S’mores Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Hays office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8. We’ll have free hot dogs, games and activities, and of course, s’mores. Celebrate the end of summer with your fellow Girl Scouts and come meet CEO Rolinda Sample. You may even get an exclusive patch from her.&nbsp;You do not have to be a registered Girl Scout to attend. Learn more about signing up for Scouts.The shop will be open and full of new items and product program staff will have fall program materials available for pickup. Registration is not required for this free event, so be sure to come to see us and enjoy an afternoon of Girl Scout fun.

Hays Girl Scouts to celebrate S'mores Day Thursday

<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/2023/8/1691172689535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

On August 10, First Care Clinic and Heartland Dermatology Center will again team up to offer a free health screening and education event.

This event will take place from 4-7 p.m. at First Care Clinic located at 105 W. 13th.

 The screenings are open to the public, are free of charge, and do not require an appointment. 

Opportunities include skin cancer screenings, vision screenings, blood pressure checks, and blood glucose testing. Assistance with meal planning will also be available.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with First Care Clinic again for the upcoming health screening event, offering free skin cancer screening to raise awareness and promote early detection," said&nbsp;Tara Gillespie, APRN-C and CEO of Heartland Dermatology. "Join us in prioritizing health and empowering our community to take proactive steps towards a healthier future.”

"The purpose of a health screening event is to empower attendees with knowledge and practical strategies to lead healthier lives and take proactive steps towards preventative care," said Stephanie Burkholder, Regional Director for Heartland Dermatology.

The event is completely free of charge and the community is invited to bring their friends and family to come partake in these screenings. 

Refreshments will be served and staff from both clinics will be onsite to answer questions.

First Care Clinic has two primary care locations in Hays. 

They also recently opened an Express Care Clinic at 1301 Main St., which will house the First Care Pharmacy that is set to open in several months.

Heartland Dermatology Center has been serving patients in Hays since 1977 and has fourteen locations throughout the state of Kansas. 

Heartland is committed to setting the standard for excellence in dermatologic care throughout the Heartland by the provision of high-quality comprehensive medical, surgical, pathology and cosmetic services that are patient-centered, convenient, and accessible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689877474110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On August 10, First Care Clinic and Heartland Dermatology Center will again team up to offer a free health screening and education event.This event will take place from 4-7 p.m. at First Care Clinic located at 105 W. 13th. The screenings are open to the public, are free of charge, and do not require an appointment. Opportunities include skin cancer screenings, vision screenings, blood pressure checks, and blood glucose testing. Assistance with meal planning will also be available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689877442496.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We are thrilled to be partnering with First Care Clinic again for the upcoming health screening event, offering free skin cancer screening to raise awareness and promote early detection," said&nbsp;Tara Gillespie, APRN-C and CEO of Heartland Dermatology. "Join us in prioritizing health and empowering our community to take proactive steps towards a healthier future.”"The purpose of a health screening event is to empower attendees with knowledge and practical strategies to lead healthier lives and take proactive steps towards preventative care," said Stephanie Burkholder, Regional Director for Heartland Dermatology.The event is completely free of charge and the community is invited to bring their friends and family to come partake in these screenings. Refreshments will be served and staff from both clinics will be onsite to answer questions.First Care Clinic has two primary care locations in Hays. They also recently opened an Express Care Clinic at 1301 Main St., which will house the First Care Pharmacy that is set to open in several months.Heartland Dermatology Center has been serving patients in Hays since 1977 and has fourteen locations throughout the state of Kansas. Heartland is committed to setting the standard for excellence in dermatologic care throughout the Heartland by the provision of high-quality comprehensive medical, surgical, pathology and cosmetic services that are patient-centered, convenient, and accessible.

🎙 Post Podcast: Brief Space to celebrate five year anniversary

MacArthur Road will be reopening at 9 a.m. Monday. If there are any questions, please call T&amp;T Builders at 785-650-4507 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350

MacArthur Road will be reopening at 9 a.m. Monday. If there are any questions, please call T&amp;T Builders at 785-650-4507 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350

MacArthur Road to reopen Monday

On August 14, Dolly Parton is coming to Kansas to celebrate the statewide success of her Imagination Library program.

Dolly's Imagination Library is an example of how music, art, and culture can intersect with social change. Through her deep commitment to education and literacy, Dolly has shown that celebrities can be powerful catalysts for positive transformation.

Founded in 1995 by Dolly Parton herself, the Imagination Library is a unique book-gifting program that provides free books to children from birth to five years old with the mission of fostering a lifelong passion for reading.

The program runs in all 50 U.S. states, including our very own Kansas, and has gifted over 200 million free books across the globe.

The Imagination Library has had a significant positive impact on childhood development and literacy skills for Kansas’ children.

Research has consistently shown that early exposure to books and reading positively influences a child's cognitive development, language skills, and emotional well-being.

Children who have participated in the program have demonstrated better preparedness for school, stronger reading and math skills, improved vocabulary, and increased levels of reading comprehension.

Some studies have indicated that children who participated in the Imagination Library program are more likely to perform better academically throughout their school years. Improved early literacy skills have been associated with higher achievement levels in later grades.

The Imagination Library has also become a significant force in leveling the playing field for young readers.

By delivering carefully selected books tailored to each child's age and interests, Dolly's Library has equalized access to education for children irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.

The Imagination Library ensures that every child, regardless of their family’s socio-economic status, has access to books from an early age.

By providing free books directly to children's homes, the library ensures that even those in underserved and disadvantaged communities have access to quality literature. This reduces educational disparities and helps bridge the gap between different social and economic groups, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all children.

While Dolly’s Imagination Library provides an incredibly important service for children, and certainly earns the praise it receives, it is also indicative of a concerning societal shift towards the outsourcing of public services.

Rather than coming together in collective action and making demands on government — like increasing funding to local libraries — citizens are relying on private entities to provide public goods — like sending free books through the mail.

When public services are outsourced to private entities, citizens may feel less connected to the provision of those services. They might also perceive their role in contributing to the common good as diminished.

Research on civic engagement suggests that this leads to a reduced sense of civic duty, which results in a less engaged, informed, and active citizenry.

Civic duty refers to the responsibility and obligation citizens feel to actively engage in the democratic process and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

When citizens experience a weakening of this sense of duty, it can lead to reduced levels of participation in several ways: a decline in political engagement, decreased interest in public affairs, and lower levels of volunteering and community involvement, just to name a few.

Citizen involvement is essential for a robust and thriving society. Historically, such involvement has pressured government to create comprehensive and equitable social safety nets that address the broad spectrum of societal needs. Charitable organizations like the Imagination Library can complement and enhance government efforts, but a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors is most effective in achieving lasting social change.

So, while charitable organizations like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provide an important service to young children, they should not be viewed as a replacement for government-provided public goods.

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 14, Dolly Parton is coming to Kansas to celebrate the statewide success of her Imagination Library program.Dolly's Imagination Library is an example of how music, art, and culture can intersect with social change. Through her deep commitment to education and literacy, Dolly has shown that celebrities can be powerful catalysts for positive transformation.Founded in 1995 by Dolly Parton herself, the Imagination Library is a unique book-gifting program that provides free books to children from birth to five years old with the mission of fostering a lifelong passion for reading.The program runs in all 50 U.S. states, including our very own Kansas, and has gifted over 200 million free books across the globe.The Imagination Library has had a significant positive impact on childhood development and literacy skills for Kansas’ children.Research has consistently shown that early exposure to books and reading positively influences a child's cognitive development, language skills, and emotional well-being.Children who have participated in the program have demonstrated better preparedness for school, stronger reading and math skills, improved vocabulary, and increased levels of reading comprehension.Some studies have indicated that children who participated in the Imagination Library program are more likely to perform better academically throughout their school years. Improved early literacy skills have been associated with higher achievement levels in later grades.The Imagination Library has also become a significant force in leveling the playing field for young readers.By delivering carefully selected books tailored to each child's age and interests, Dolly's Library has equalized access to education for children irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.The Imagination Library ensures that every child, regardless of their family’s socio-economic status, has access to books from an early age.By providing free books directly to children's homes, the library ensures that even those in underserved and disadvantaged communities have access to quality literature. This reduces educational disparities and helps bridge the gap between different social and economic groups, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While Dolly’s Imagination Library provides an incredibly important service for children, and certainly earns the praise it receives, it is also indicative of a concerning societal shift towards the outsourcing of public services.Rather than coming together in collective action and making demands on government — like increasing funding to local libraries — citizens are relying on private entities to provide public goods — like sending free books through the mail.When public services are outsourced to private entities, citizens may feel less connected to the provision of those services. They might also perceive their role in contributing to the common good as diminished.Research on civic engagement suggests that this leads to a reduced sense of civic duty, which results in a less engaged, informed, and active citizenry.Civic duty refers to the responsibility and obligation citizens feel to actively engage in the democratic process and contribute to the well-being of their communities.When citizens experience a weakening of this sense of duty, it can lead to reduced levels of participation in several ways: a decline in political engagement, decreased interest in public affairs, and lower levels of volunteering and community involvement, just to name a few.Citizen involvement is essential for a robust and thriving society. Historically, such involvement has pressured government to create comprehensive and equitable social safety nets that address the broad spectrum of societal needs. Charitable organizations like the Imagination Library can complement and enhance government efforts, but a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors is most effective in achieving lasting social change.So, while charitable organizations like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provide an important service to young children, they should not be viewed as a replacement for government-provided public goods.Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Private organizations no replacement for government public goods

Lora Schneider has been named to open a new Edward Jones branch office located at 213 W. 43rd St. in Hays, the firm announced. Schneider said&nbsp;she is enthusiastic about opening a new branch office.

 "In my Edward Jones branch in Garden City, I had the pleasure of building deep, personal relationships with my clients in order to understand what really mattered to them and put their money to work toward those goals,"&nbsp;she said.

"Now, I'm looking forward to partnering with the people here in&nbsp;Hays and northwest Kansas and helping them find, and fund, the possibilities for their lives." Schneider has over 13 years of experience as an Edward Jones financial advisor. Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.7 trillion in client assets under care at the end of March 2023.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691092059435.jpeg" alt="Lora M.Schneider" />
 <figcaption>Lora M.Schneider</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLora Schneider has been named to open a new Edward Jones branch office located at 213 W. 43rd St. in Hays, the firm announced. Schneider said&nbsp;she is enthusiastic about opening a new branch office. "In my Edward Jones branch in Garden City, I had the pleasure of building deep, personal relationships with my clients in order to understand what really mattered to them and put their money to work toward those goals,"&nbsp;she said. "Now, I'm looking forward to partnering with the people here in&nbsp;Hays and northwest Kansas and helping them find, and fund, the possibilities for their lives." Schneider has over 13 years of experience as an Edward Jones financial advisor. Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.7 trillion in client assets under care at the end of March 2023.&nbsp;

New Edward Jones branch office opens in Hays 

Join Options in creating a special quilt for its 40th anniversary.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057187641106&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWzeUkllxiwWOiKxqHKNzDHjDIIoB-ZZ16AYmN5fGtROgoIMO4Y0zWOPy_qim-453U4G8EKt8rxKpiFr_4RcjEOYcfCNoYvaOkxjNTr2BVyouD36p3S_TOzPx5zdpPUV-RyAGvYcQr-3WgYnugifZ-c76G-3eifVQc376ksqydoGxjwvRAZvnya6Tywks5JAos&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Quilt Cottage Co.</a> is partnering with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for this memorable project.

Help Options make it unique by contributing a 9-inch quilt block in purple and teal, representing "help, hope, and healing."

See the Options logo for color reference.

Please have blocks turned in to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057187641106&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWzeUkllxiwWOiKxqHKNzDHjDIIoB-ZZ16AYmN5fGtROgoIMO4Y0zWOPy_qim-453U4G8EKt8rxKpiFr_4RcjEOYcfCNoYvaOkxjNTr2BVyouD36p3S_TOzPx5zdpPUV-RyAGvYcQr-3WgYnugifZ-c76G-3eifVQc376ksqydoGxjwvRAZvnya6Tywks5JAos&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Quilt Cottage Co.</a> by Saturday, Aug. 12. For more information, call 785-625-0080.

Guidelines : Use quality cotton fabrics in purple, teal, and light to medium grey, with a white background.

Get creative. Feel free to add applique or embroidery. If you want to include a message, use only a fabric pen in grey or silver (no sharpies or fabric paint). Don't forget to add your name and county on a note accompanying your block. The deadline is Aug. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690987116297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OptionsJoin Options in creating a special quilt for its 40th anniversary.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057187641106&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWzeUkllxiwWOiKxqHKNzDHjDIIoB-ZZ16AYmN5fGtROgoIMO4Y0zWOPy_qim-453U4G8EKt8rxKpiFr_4RcjEOYcfCNoYvaOkxjNTr2BVyouD36p3S_TOzPx5zdpPUV-RyAGvYcQr-3WgYnugifZ-c76G-3eifVQc376ksqydoGxjwvRAZvnya6Tywks5JAos&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Quilt Cottage Co.</a> is partnering with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for this memorable project.Help Options make it unique by contributing a 9-inch quilt block in purple and teal, representing "help, hope, and healing."See the Options logo for color reference.Please have blocks turned in to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057187641106&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWzeUkllxiwWOiKxqHKNzDHjDIIoB-ZZ16AYmN5fGtROgoIMO4Y0zWOPy_qim-453U4G8EKt8rxKpiFr_4RcjEOYcfCNoYvaOkxjNTr2BVyouD36p3S_TOzPx5zdpPUV-RyAGvYcQr-3WgYnugifZ-c76G-3eifVQc376ksqydoGxjwvRAZvnya6Tywks5JAos&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Quilt Cottage Co.</a> by Saturday, Aug. 12. For more information, call 785-625-0080.Guidelines : Use quality cotton fabrics in purple, teal, and light to medium grey, with a white background.Get creative. Feel free to add applique or embroidery. If you want to include a message, use only a fabric pen in grey or silver (no sharpies or fabric paint). Don't forget to add your name and county on a note accompanying your block. The deadline is Aug. 12.

Options requests quilt blocks for 40th anniversary quilt

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691172660486.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>

KS firefighter recruitment, safety grant applications now open

LAWRENCE — More than 6,800 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the spring 2023 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences and in the schools of Architecture &amp; Design, Business, Education &amp; Human Sciences, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism &amp; Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies and Social Welfare.

Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.

Those on the honor roll include the following area residents:&nbsp;

Search for students by Kansas county:&nbsp;

&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Allen">Allen</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Anderson">Anderson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Atchison">Atchison</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Barber">Barber</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Barton">Barton</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Bourbon">Bourbon</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Brown">Brown</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Butler">Butler</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Chase">Chase</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Chautauqua">Chautauqua</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cherokee">Cherokee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cheyenne">Cheyenne</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Clay">Clay</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cloud">Cloud</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Coffey">Coffey</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cowley">Cowley</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Crawford">Crawford</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Dickinson">Dickinson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Doniphan">Doniphan</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Douglas">Douglas</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Edwards">Edwards</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ellis">Ellis</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ellsworth">Ellsworth</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Finney">Finney</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ford">Ford</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Franklin">Franklin</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Geary">Geary</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Gove">Gove</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Graham">Graham</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Grant">Grant</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Gray">Gray</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Greenwood">Greenwood</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Hamilton">Hamilton</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Harper">Harper</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Harvey">Harvey</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Hodgeman">Hodgeman</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Jackson">Jackson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Jefferson">Jefferson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Jewell">Jewell</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Johnson">Johnson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Kingman">Kingman</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Labette">Labette</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Leavenworth">Leavenworth</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Lincoln">Lincoln</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Linn">Linn&nbsp;&nbsp;</a><a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Logan">Logan</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Lyon">Lyon</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Marion">Marion</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Marshall">Marshall</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#McPherson">McPherson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Meade">Meade</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Miami">Miami</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Mitchell">Mitchell</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Montgomery">Montgomery</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Morris">Morris</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Nemaha">Nemaha</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Neosho">Neosho</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ness">Ness</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Norton">Norton</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Osage">Osage</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Pawnee">Pawnee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Phillips">Phillips</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Pottawatomie">Pottawatomie</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Pratt">Pratt</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rawlins">Rawlins</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Reno">Reno</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Republic">Republic</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rice">Rice</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Riley">Riley</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rooks">Rooks</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rush">Rush</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Russell">Russell</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Saline">Saline</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Scott">Scott</a> <a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Sedgwick">Sedgwick</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Seward">S</a><a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Seward">eward</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Shawnee">Shawnee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Sherman">Sherman</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Smith">Smith</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Stafford">Stafford</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Stevens">Stevens</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Sumner">Sumner</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Thomas">Thomas</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Trego">Trego</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Wabaunsee">Wabaunsee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Washington">Washington</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Wilson">Wilson</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Woodson">Woodson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Wyandotte">Wyandotte</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575650214747.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU news serviceLAWRENCE — More than 6,800 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the spring 2023 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences and in the schools of Architecture &amp; Design, Business, Education &amp; Human Sciences, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism &amp; Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies and Social Welfare.Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.Those on the honor roll include the following area residents:&nbsp;ELLIS COUNTY<ol>
 <li>George Crawford, Ellis, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Brett Bowles, Hays, School of Business</li><li>Alexandra Coveney, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Amanti Debelo, Hays, School of Business</li><li>Kilee Hale, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Ginny Ke, Hays, School of Engineering</li><li>Hope Kisner, Hays, School of Business</li><li>Lance Lang, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Leah Legleiter, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Kallie Leiker, Hays, School of Pharmacy</li><li>Andrea Lopez, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Emry Lundy, Hays, School of Journalism &amp; Mass Communications</li><li>Keaton Markley, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Sophia Mickelson-Coulter, Hays, School of Business</li><li>Mkilar Otte, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Mylah Potter, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Blayne Riedel, Hays, School of Business</li><li>Jenna Romme, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Brianna Romme, Hays, School of Nursing</li><li>Cameron Rozean, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Ryan Stoecklein, Hays, School of Pharmacy</li><li>Connor Teget, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>McKinley Wamser, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Kassidi Yost, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Camry Young, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Shelby Schmeidler, Victoria, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Kenzie Sweat, Victoria, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Ashlyn Windholz, Victoria, School of Nursing</li>
 </ol>ROOKS COUNTY<ol>
 <li>Jared Casey, Plainville, School of Education &amp; Human Sciences</li><li>Benjamin Hansen, Plainville, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li>
 </ol>RUSH COUNTY<ol>
 <li>Paige Holopirek, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Audrey Irvin, La Crosse, School of Business</li><li>Will Rues, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Basia Schendzielos, Rush Center, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li>
 </ol>RUSSELL COUNTY<ol>
 <li>Sheree Ward-Herold, Lucas, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Lauren Chinski, Luray, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Cole Birky, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li><li>Ryan Birky, Russell, School of Pharmacy</li><li>Lauren Myers, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences</li>
 </ol>TREGO COUNTY<ol>
 <li>Libby Frost, WaKeeney, School of Business</li><li>Olivia Herman, WaKeeney, School of the Arts</li>
 </ol>Search for students by Kansas county:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Allen">Allen</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Anderson">Anderson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Atchison">Atchison</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Barber">Barber</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Barton">Barton</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Bourbon">Bourbon</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Brown">Brown</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Butler">Butler</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Chase">Chase</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Chautauqua">Chautauqua</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cherokee">Cherokee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cheyenne">Cheyenne</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Clay">Clay</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cloud">Cloud</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Coffey">Coffey</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Cowley">Cowley</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Crawford">Crawford</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Dickinson">Dickinson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Doniphan">Doniphan</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Douglas">Douglas</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Edwards">Edwards</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ellis">Ellis</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ellsworth">Ellsworth</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Finney">Finney</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ford">Ford</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Franklin">Franklin</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Geary">Geary</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Gove">Gove</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Graham">Graham</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Grant">Grant</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Gray">Gray</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Greenwood">Greenwood</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Hamilton">Hamilton</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Harper">Harper</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Harvey">Harvey</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Hodgeman">Hodgeman</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Jackson">Jackson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Jefferson">Jefferson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Jewell">Jewell</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Johnson">Johnson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Kingman">Kingman</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Labette">Labette</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Leavenworth">Leavenworth</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Lincoln">Lincoln</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Linn">Linn&nbsp;&nbsp;</a><a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Logan">Logan</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Lyon">Lyon</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Marion">Marion</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Marshall">Marshall</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#McPherson">McPherson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Meade">Meade</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Miami">Miami</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Mitchell">Mitchell</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Montgomery">Montgomery</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Morris">Morris</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Nemaha">Nemaha</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Neosho">Neosho</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Ness">Ness</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Norton">Norton</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Osage">Osage</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Pawnee">Pawnee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Phillips">Phillips</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Pottawatomie">Pottawatomie</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Pratt">Pratt</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rawlins">Rawlins</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Reno">Reno</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Republic">Republic</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rice">Rice</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Riley">Riley</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rooks">Rooks</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Rush">Rush</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Russell">Russell</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Saline">Saline</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Scott">Scott</a> <a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Sedgwick">Sedgwick</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Seward">S</a><a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Seward">eward</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Shawnee">Shawnee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Sherman">Sherman</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Smith">Smith</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Stafford">Stafford</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Stevens">Stevens</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Sumner">Sumner</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Thomas">Thomas</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Trego">Trego</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Wabaunsee">Wabaunsee</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Washington">Washington</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Wilson">Wilson</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Woodson">Woodson</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2023-honor-roll-kansas-students#Wyandotte">Wyandotte</a>

Area students earn KU honor roll distinction for spring '23 semester

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; is pleased to announce the recipients of the solid waste reduction grants.&nbsp;Grants totaled $333,037.56 and were awarded to 14 different cities, counties and organizations, including three in northwest Kansas.

The solid waste tire reduction grant is used to support projects related to the development and operation of recycling, source reduction, waste minimization and solid waste management public education programs. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the solid waste tonnage fee - a $1.00/per ton of solid waste disposed at any solid waste disposal area in the state.

“These grants will help cover the costs of proper disposal of many materials including scrap tires and assist local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Secretary Janet Stanek. “KDHE applauds the creativity and innovation of our communities in reusing materials that help protect the health and environment of all Kansans.”

The Solid Waste Reduction Grants and the communities they will serve include:

City of Abilene, Dickinson - $46,516.00. City of Leavenworth, Leavenworth - $7,500.00. City of Lyndon, Osage - $32,174.21. Gove County Landfill, Gove - $14,031.00;&nbsp;Recycling Trailer. Kansas Trophy Outfitters, Osage - $62,700.00. Lake Region Solid Waste Authority, Miami - $5,854.40. Lakemary Center, Miami - $27,172.00. Missouri Organic Recycling, Kansas City - $16,852.50 (this funding directly benefits Kansas residents). Nemaha County, Nemaha - $12,003.00. Rawlins County Recycling, Rawlins - $20,355.75;&nbsp;Drop Deck-Semi Trailer. Sheridan County, Sheridan - $15,738.75;&nbsp;Can Crusher. Sunflower Diversified Services Inc., Barton - $23,254.72;&nbsp;Recycling Storage. Twin Valley Developmental Services Inc., Washington - $15,622.73. Washington County Environmental Sciences, Washington - $33,262.50

Learn more about the proposed projects at,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzcwMC9XYXN0ZS1SZWR1Y3Rpb24tUHVibGljLUVkdWNhdGlvbi1HcmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwMi44MDU1MTY3MSJ9.5mWH-ibjOa83KOsOwta0aSMJmPwIee2te0Gl3WCawng/s/1305914033/br/223592612542-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/700/</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691013605295.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; is pleased to announce the recipients of the solid waste reduction grants.&nbsp;Grants totaled $333,037.56 and were awarded to 14 different cities, counties and organizations, including three in northwest Kansas.The solid waste tire reduction grant is used to support projects related to the development and operation of recycling, source reduction, waste minimization and solid waste management public education programs. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the solid waste tonnage fee - a $1.00/per ton of solid waste disposed at any solid waste disposal area in the state.“These grants will help cover the costs of proper disposal of many materials including scrap tires and assist local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Secretary Janet Stanek. “KDHE applauds the creativity and innovation of our communities in reusing materials that help protect the health and environment of all Kansans.”The Solid Waste Reduction Grants and the communities they will serve include:City of Abilene, Dickinson - $46,516.00. City of Leavenworth, Leavenworth - $7,500.00. City of Lyndon, Osage - $32,174.21. Gove County Landfill, Gove - $14,031.00;&nbsp;Recycling Trailer. Kansas Trophy Outfitters, Osage - $62,700.00. Lake Region Solid Waste Authority, Miami - $5,854.40. Lakemary Center, Miami - $27,172.00. Missouri Organic Recycling, Kansas City - $16,852.50 (this funding directly benefits Kansas residents). Nemaha County, Nemaha - $12,003.00. Rawlins County Recycling, Rawlins - $20,355.75;&nbsp;Drop Deck-Semi Trailer. Sheridan County, Sheridan - $15,738.75;&nbsp;Can Crusher. Sunflower Diversified Services Inc., Barton - $23,254.72;&nbsp;Recycling Storage. Twin Valley Developmental Services Inc., Washington - $15,622.73. Washington County Environmental Sciences, Washington - $33,262.50Learn more about the proposed projects at,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzcwMC9XYXN0ZS1SZWR1Y3Rpb24tUHVibGljLUVkdWNhdGlvbi1HcmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwMi44MDU1MTY3MSJ9.5mWH-ibjOa83KOsOwta0aSMJmPwIee2te0Gl3WCawng/s/1305914033/br/223592612542-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/700/</a>.&nbsp;

NW Kansas counties receive solid waste reduction grants from KDHE

TOPEKA -&nbsp; The Kansas Manufacturing Council, an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3f6i-8VDr2Xu8GH4og4HvYXe_9aYlHJaR_wsxtGMifqjdFTzUkqFNJvlp3gVMGAcpYY2qfKmTOGLRUj01Yv_u0cRJebGN87STg==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>.

Presented by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3agS4I45P7Q_1NYmp1Krly2vvHs0XBVyLq5m_yCK--qaWxEMwLklkQTTlYft-1dyZ7UdZNwhGQH7MOe7mEAMI1D5BWwhPtL-kQ==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">FORVIS</a>, the Kansas Manufacturing Council, launched this competition in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas manufacturers and to highlight products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.

“The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future,” said Brandie McPherson, the council's executive director.

Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition. 

There are two categories in this year's competition: People's Choice and Coolest Innovation. 

The People’s Choice contest begins with product nominations and the popular vote round. The top 16 vote-getters will move on to a bracket-style tournament where they will compete in head-to-head match-ups. The ones that receive the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the People’s Choice - Coolest Thing Made in Kansas.

The Coolest Innovation contest highlights the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address crucial challenges.

A panel of expert judges will review and score questionnaires completed by the companies regarding their nominated products. The top four scoring products will be invited to present in-person to the expert panel on October 23 at the&nbsp;Coolest Celebration Reception. The judges will choose the winning product&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNa9AwPm1v7oVofpQVabCpSG0QPPjYXjlCMTojgLlpSbSpMk2cKvJbprJQuf4DbbOWL-S_yDwIfQ9j9drz9cvL5tkrROh27uqkCPx1veugGzd7R4dg5tTtTYiXp2KG3r-hRf6KSzB6hWiX_anjDbFJw7RUG4TztDxXwIdvr3ec73_4=&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">based on a criteria&nbsp;</a>that includes its impact on the challenge it solves as well as the business, its employees, and customers.

Winners for both categories will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3Yn05dZhlCIZQ33ze_EQWEyvSHxCYxcN8PjUG_zh2TiSaPWz6E87e1JiYZfGKRTZXA2WwZYvBCeIFDRHQk4Sb9QTgwyE7054W59WpXDtXx1winnMvUkLozFFvyVHKfCX2Qwmej84YbLG-g2dcNLwyJhuKxT2nCJxX3eq3LTPmC7A&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita.

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNaHhDcdC1ivY_jpu23pj9vTjIAR5VOihW0ZvEARkv245oEiYcx2vqFPeQmJUbJ2eQMszI5qQdYW_BsUgqPVZ_aWnT4M6-eg824NR5aSmOCYrYeK83ZWUG2LxKLSxLqc1MFFi5Z0TxlElkRw3cdOgt0W5sT9hxY23WT&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2023 contest close on August 30 at midnight CT.

2023 Competition Details Nomination Rules

Voting Rules for People's Choice contest

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690920883205.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA -&nbsp; The Kansas Manufacturing Council, an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3f6i-8VDr2Xu8GH4og4HvYXe_9aYlHJaR_wsxtGMifqjdFTzUkqFNJvlp3gVMGAcpYY2qfKmTOGLRUj01Yv_u0cRJebGN87STg==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>.Presented by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3agS4I45P7Q_1NYmp1Krly2vvHs0XBVyLq5m_yCK--qaWxEMwLklkQTTlYft-1dyZ7UdZNwhGQH7MOe7mEAMI1D5BWwhPtL-kQ==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">FORVIS</a>, the Kansas Manufacturing Council, launched this competition in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas manufacturers and to highlight products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.“The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future,” said Brandie McPherson, the council's executive director.Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition. There are two categories in this year's competition: People's Choice and Coolest Innovation. The People’s Choice contest begins with product nominations and the popular vote round. The top 16 vote-getters will move on to a bracket-style tournament where they will compete in head-to-head match-ups. The ones that receive the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the People’s Choice - Coolest Thing Made in Kansas. The Coolest Innovation contest highlights the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address crucial challenges.A panel of expert judges will review and score questionnaires completed by the companies regarding their nominated products. The top four scoring products will be invited to present in-person to the expert panel on October 23 at the&nbsp;Coolest Celebration Reception. The judges will choose the winning product&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNa9AwPm1v7oVofpQVabCpSG0QPPjYXjlCMTojgLlpSbSpMk2cKvJbprJQuf4DbbOWL-S_yDwIfQ9j9drz9cvL5tkrROh27uqkCPx1veugGzd7R4dg5tTtTYiXp2KG3r-hRf6KSzB6hWiX_anjDbFJw7RUG4TztDxXwIdvr3ec73_4=&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">based on a criteria&nbsp;</a>that includes its impact on the challenge it solves as well as the business, its employees, and customers.Winners for both categories will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3Yn05dZhlCIZQ33ze_EQWEyvSHxCYxcN8PjUG_zh2TiSaPWz6E87e1JiYZfGKRTZXA2WwZYvBCeIFDRHQk4Sb9QTgwyE7054W59WpXDtXx1winnMvUkLozFFvyVHKfCX2Qwmej84YbLG-g2dcNLwyJhuKxT2nCJxX3eq3LTPmC7A&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita.<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNaHhDcdC1ivY_jpu23pj9vTjIAR5VOihW0ZvEARkv245oEiYcx2vqFPeQmJUbJ2eQMszI5qQdYW_BsUgqPVZ_aWnT4M6-eg824NR5aSmOCYrYeK83ZWUG2LxKLSxLqc1MFFi5Z0TxlElkRw3cdOgt0W5sT9hxY23WT&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2023 contest close on August 30 at midnight CT.2023 Competition Details Nomination Rules <ol>
 <li>Everyone is encouraged to nominate their favorite products. There is no limit to the number of product nominations per person.</li><li>Products nominated can be from any sector of the state’s manufacturing industry.</li><li>The company does not have to be headquartered in Kansas but the product must be manufactured in a Kansas-based facility.</li><li>The product must be made using a manufacturing process.</li><li>The Kansas Manufacturing Council will review each nomination to ensure these requirements are met. If for any reason the nomination does not meet these requirements, the nominator will be notified.</li><li>Companies may only have one product featured in the top four, so only one product nomination per company is encouraged.</li><li>Winning companies are prohibited from participating in the contest for one year, while each winning product is indefinitely prohibited from being nominated again.</li><li>Companies with products nominated will be notified by the Kansas Manufacturing Council.</li><li>Products can be nominated for both categories but may only be in one of the category's finals.</li>
 </ol>Voting Rules for People's Choice contest <ol>
 <li>Voting is open to the public. A voter may vote once per day.</li><li>The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round.</li><li>The 16 nominated products who receive the most votes during the popular vote round will advance to the bracket-style tournament.</li><li>The products receiving the highest number of votes in their head-to-head match-ups during each voting period will advance to the next round.</li><li>&nbsp;The final round of final four (4) will be decided by popular vote.</li>
 </ol>

Nominations open for 'Coolest Thing Made In Kansas' to highlight manufacturers  

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

What's more fun than playing with a little toy duck in the bathtub?

Racing thousands of yellow rubber ducks down the slide and around the cool water of the Lazy River at the Hays municipal swimming pool.

The eighth annual Hays Duck Derby, a popular fundraiser for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County, will be held 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wed., August 9 at the Hays Aquatic Park.

 "We sell between five and six-thousand ducks which will race in two heats, " said Jenny Bates, director of the Ellis County nonprofit group. "It's been an amazing community event hundreds of people turn out to watch."

The first 500 ducks to cross the finish line in those races are captured for the championship run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The owner of the first duck across the final finish line wins the $10,000 grand prize.&nbsp;

There are nine other significant prizes to be awarded that night.&nbsp;

Supporters "adopt" their ducks with donations, from a single duck for $5 to a 25-duck colony for $100 bucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There's a separate kids' duck dash, with 1,000 ducks available at $2 each. All those ducks are usually adopted right away.

Prizes range from free rental of an inflatable jump house to mini-golf passes.

The most adventurous donors will participate in the "Sink or Sail! Cardboard Regatta," so named by last year's winner, High Plains Baptist Church.

Sponsored teams will construct water-worthy crafts of cardboard and "duck" tape and paddle them across the deep end of the pool. There's a $500 entry fee and prizes for the fastest boats. "They get pretty creative and pretty competitive,"&nbsp;said Bates. 

"We have lots of winners and lots to be given away, thanks to our many sponsors."&nbsp;

It's a wet, fun-filled summer evening that's grown to be one of the bigger fundraisers for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

There are currently 160 Big/Little matches in Ellis County.

"That means there are 160 children who are able to have that impact of having a Big in their life," Bates said.&nbsp;

"It's amazing there that many volunteers in our community who are stepping up and walking alongside children who are needing that kind of support in their lives."

The volunteers, who can be individual adults, couples, or families, are thoroughly screened and undergo&nbsp;a background check before they're accepted as Bigs.

The Duck Derby helps pay for the costs of that process.

"The children are facing some kind of adversity or struggle in their life and they need that extra support," Bates said, "someone who will be that consistent person in their life who is cheering them on and is in their corner."

Children are recommended for the program by parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and social service agencies.&nbsp;

There are currently about 30 Littles on the waiting list for a Big.

Bigs agree to meet with their Littles at least twice a month for at least an hour.

The get-together might be something special like going fishing, or as simple as taking a pet dog for a walk.&nbsp;

The average match length is three years in Ellis County, Bates said, with the longest lasting 18 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Derby Ducks are available for adoption at several Hays businesses where you see a huge blowup yellow duck, and online at <a href="https://www.4kidsake.org/duckderby/Donate/Tickets">4kidsake.org/duckderby</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659631593227.jpeg" alt="Duck Derby 2022&nbsp; (Photos by Cris Janney/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Duck Derby 2022&nbsp; (Photos by Cris Janney/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWhat's more fun than playing with a little toy duck in the bathtub?Racing thousands of yellow rubber ducks down the slide and around the cool water of the Lazy River at the Hays municipal swimming pool.The eighth annual Hays Duck Derby, a popular fundraiser for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County, will be held 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wed., August 9 at the Hays Aquatic Park. "We sell between five and six-thousand ducks which will race in two heats, " said Jenny Bates, director of the Ellis County nonprofit group. "It's been an amazing community event hundreds of people turn out to watch."The first 500 ducks to cross the finish line in those races are captured for the championship run.&nbsp;&nbsp;The owner of the first duck across the final finish line wins the $10,000 grand prize.&nbsp;There are nine other significant prizes to be awarded that night.&nbsp;Supporters "adopt" their ducks with donations, from a single duck for $5 to a 25-duck colony for $100 bucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a separate kids' duck dash, with 1,000 ducks available at $2 each. All those ducks are usually adopted right away.Prizes range from free rental of an inflatable jump house to mini-golf passes.The most adventurous donors will participate in the "Sink or Sail! Cardboard Regatta," so named by last year's winner, High Plains Baptist Church.Sponsored teams will construct water-worthy crafts of cardboard and "duck" tape and paddle them across the deep end of the pool. There's a $500 entry fee and prizes for the fastest boats. "They get pretty creative and pretty competitive,"&nbsp;said Bates. "We have lots of winners and lots to be given away, thanks to our many sponsors."&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/HFEZOHrQ-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Duck Derby Preview 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>It's a wet, fun-filled summer evening that's grown to be one of the bigger fundraisers for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.There are currently 160 Big/Little matches in Ellis County."That means there are 160 children who are able to have that impact of having a Big in their life," Bates said.&nbsp;"It's amazing there that many volunteers in our community who are stepping up and walking alongside children who are needing that kind of support in their lives."The volunteers, who can be individual adults, couples, or families, are thoroughly screened and undergo&nbsp;a background check before they're accepted as Bigs.The Duck Derby helps pay for the costs of that process."The children are facing some kind of adversity or struggle in their life and they need that extra support," Bates said, "someone who will be that consistent person in their life who is cheering them on and is in their corner."Children are recommended for the program by parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and social service agencies.&nbsp;There are currently about 30 Littles on the waiting list for a Big.Bigs agree to meet with their Littles at least twice a month for at least an hour.The get-together might be something special like going fishing, or as simple as taking a pet dog for a walk.&nbsp;The average match length is three years in Ellis County, Bates said, with the longest lasting 18 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Derby Ducks are available for adoption at several Hays businesses where you see a huge blowup yellow duck, and online at <a href="https://www.4kidsake.org/duckderby/Donate/Tickets">4kidsake.org/duckderby</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691149959721.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691149982900.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Local