As the Cottonwood Extension District
completed its Walk Kansas programing, a part of the program will be featured at
an upcoming community event.

MED instead of MEDS, a program
that helps introduce the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, will be
featured at noon, May 24, at the extension district office at 601 Main.

“We have had
some good discussions after the webinars and taste-tested a few recipes,” said family
and consumer wellness agent Monique Koerner.

The program was featured in watch
parties during Walk Kansas, and Koerner said she hopes to spur additional
interest with the upcoming session.

“To kind
of wrap up Walk Kansas, we're going to be doing a Mediterranean taste-testing
party,” she said. “The MED instead of MEDS program is basically focusing on
your diet.”

The program
helps participants focus on healthy eating, which can stave off the need for
medical interventions.

“Some of
those things that they have included is, for instance, eating lots of fruits
and vegetables,” Koerner said. “Research shows that if you have nine or more servings
of fruits and vegetables, it results in a 60 percent reduction in
cardiovascular disease.”

She said
the significant impact could be a motivator to try the diet.

“More
aspects of the program are eating whole grains, eating more fish and seafood,
eating nuts and seeds for snacks, replacing solid fats with olive oil, using
herbs and spices,” Koerner said. “And then, of course, they also throw in there
things like physical activity, enjoying your meals, really focusing on family
and friends and slowing down the mindful eating and then limiting sugar.”

The
webinars provided different focuses, with practical ways to incorporate a Mediterranean
diet.

“Sometimes
it can be overwhelming when we think about having to change our whole diet,”
Koerner said. “But really, you can take bits and pieces out of this. And I
think it's important to maybe try smaller steps along the way rather than
trying to overhaul everything in our lives all at once. Because then it gets
overwhelming. And we tend to slide back into our old routines.”

Overall
the program provided a continuum for users to follow.

“It's not
that you have to do this or have to do that,” Koerner said. “It's a look at
your whole menu and where could you maybe stick a few more, fish meals, or
maybe switch up your snacks to eat a fruit or a vegetable or nuts or seeds, rather
than some of those sweet treats.”

“It's
eat more of this and less of this. So, it's not like you have to cut a certain
thing out of your diet. And I think That's where we kind of get into trouble
too. If we remove all of the good things out of our diet, or we remove certain
food crew or something we like, then we tend to fall back the other way, when
we have a little bit of stress or some little hiccup in life happens.”

Other topics
include meal planning, using leftovers, reducing food waste and portion sizes, she
said.

And Koerner
will present some of the best “tips, tricks and hacks,” she said during the
upcoming event.

RSVPs
are required and can be made by contacting the Cottonwood Extension District at
(785) 628-9430.

<div><iframe title="Area residents offered opportunity to explore MED instead of Meds" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=f7bpj-140736f-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=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs the Cottonwood Extension District
completed its Walk Kansas programing, a part of the program will be featured at
an upcoming community event.MED instead of MEDS, a program
that helps introduce the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, will be
featured at noon, May 24, at the extension district office at 601 Main.“We have had
some good discussions after the webinars and taste-tested a few recipes,” said family
and consumer wellness agent Monique Koerner.The program was featured in watch
parties during Walk Kansas, and Koerner said she hopes to spur additional
interest with the upcoming session.“To kind
of wrap up Walk Kansas, we're going to be doing a Mediterranean taste-testing
party,” she said. “The MED instead of MEDS program is basically focusing on
your diet.”The program
helps participants focus on healthy eating, which can stave off the need for
medical interventions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683829012182.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>“Some of
those things that they have included is, for instance, eating lots of fruits
and vegetables,” Koerner said. “Research shows that if you have nine or more servings
of fruits and vegetables, it results in a 60 percent reduction in
cardiovascular disease.”She said
the significant impact could be a motivator to try the diet.“More
aspects of the program are eating whole grains, eating more fish and seafood,
eating nuts and seeds for snacks, replacing solid fats with olive oil, using
herbs and spices,” Koerner said. “And then, of course, they also throw in there
things like physical activity, enjoying your meals, really focusing on family
and friends and slowing down the mindful eating and then limiting sugar.”The
webinars provided different focuses, with practical ways to incorporate a Mediterranean
diet.“Sometimes
it can be overwhelming when we think about having to change our whole diet,”
Koerner said. “But really, you can take bits and pieces out of this. And I
think it's important to maybe try smaller steps along the way rather than
trying to overhaul everything in our lives all at once. Because then it gets
overwhelming. And we tend to slide back into our old routines.”Overall
the program provided a continuum for users to follow.“It's not
that you have to do this or have to do that,” Koerner said. “It's a look at
your whole menu and where could you maybe stick a few more, fish meals, or
maybe switch up your snacks to eat a fruit or a vegetable or nuts or seeds, rather
than some of those sweet treats.”“It's
eat more of this and less of this. So, it's not like you have to cut a certain
thing out of your diet. And I think That's where we kind of get into trouble
too. If we remove all of the good things out of our diet, or we remove certain
food crew or something we like, then we tend to fall back the other way, when
we have a little bit of stress or some little hiccup in life happens.”Other topics
include meal planning, using leftovers, reducing food waste and portion sizes, she
said.And Koerner
will present some of the best “tips, tricks and hacks,” she said during the
upcoming event.RSVPs
are required and can be made by contacting the Cottonwood Extension District at
(785) 628-9430.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683828383563.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Area residents offered opportunity to explore MED instead of MEDS

WAKEENEY - Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney,&nbsp;403 South 13th, will host its&nbsp;18th annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m.&nbsp; Monday, May 29.

Guest speaker is retired U.S. Army veterinarian Fr. Richard Daise, Hays.&nbsp;

* Marine Corps League E.A. Schumacher Detachment * WaKeeney VFW * Cavalry Re-enactment Troop (under the direction of Jake Bauer) * American Legion Riders * Punishers M.C. * Hays High Plains Chapter Barbershop Chorus * WaKeeney VFW Auxiliary (Peggy White &amp; MaDonna Richeson)

Taps will be played by Trego Community High School Band member Gage Hilmes.&nbsp;Bagpipes will be played by Rev. Randy Gibbs.

Seating is limited. Lawn chairs are welcome.&nbsp;

North gates will be open for additional parking.&nbsp;Handicapped parking available near the shelter area.

For more information contact&nbsp;Charlene Lix, cemetery manager at 785-743-5685.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683746583931.jpeg" alt="Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>News release WAKEENEY - Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney,&nbsp;403 South 13th, will host its&nbsp;18th annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m.&nbsp; Monday, May 29.Guest speaker is retired U.S. Army veterinarian Fr. Richard Daise, Hays.&nbsp;The service will feature:* Marine Corps League E.A. Schumacher Detachment * WaKeeney VFW * Cavalry Re-enactment Troop (under the direction of Jake Bauer) * American Legion Riders * Punishers M.C. * Hays High Plains Chapter Barbershop Chorus * WaKeeney VFW Auxiliary (Peggy White &amp; MaDonna Richeson) Taps will be played by Trego Community High School Band member Gage Hilmes.&nbsp;Bagpipes will be played by Rev. Randy Gibbs.Seating is limited. Lawn chairs are welcome.&nbsp; North gates will be open for additional parking.&nbsp;Handicapped parking available near the shelter area.All are invited.For more information contact&nbsp;Charlene Lix, cemetery manager at 785-743-5685.

Memorial Day tribute at WaKeeney Kansas Veterans Cemetery

As a heartfelt tribute to their alma mater, the Hays High School Class of 1972 has honored five seniors with $1000 scholarships. 

These awards were presented to the students at their annual awards night on May 8 by Margie Denning Hammerschmidt, project leader for this initiative.

Last October, the HHS Class of 1972 celebrated their 50 years of “living life” since high school graduation by donating items and participating in a raffle and auction held during their reunion event. 

Generous monetary donations were also given to support this scholarship effort. 

The response was overwhelmingly positive and allowed this class to provide scholarships to promising students in our community. 

This generous contribution is a testament to the enduring spirit of HHS graduates and a reminder that investing in the education of our youth is critical to our future.

For the selection process, significance was assigned to the values of character, work ethic,&nbsp; integrity and a commitment to helping others. 

The importance of both ‘giving back’ and ‘paying it forward’ are values the HHS Class of 1972 believes will provide a good foundation for incorporating a charitable awareness of social responsibility.

The Class of 1972 would like to thank all the students who applied to this process.

 All students planning to attend ANY higher education Hays institution were invited to apply (Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech-Hays and the Hays Academy of Hair Design). 

The applications received confirmed there are many fine students who emphasize the importance of valuing oneself and recognizing the positive contributions they can make every day. 

We are proud to award $1000 scholarships to five deserving students: 

"May your dreams take you on a journey that makes your soul sing, and may your heart be filled with the grace and courage to fulfill your purpose." - Unknown

SubmittedAs a heartfelt tribute to their alma mater, the Hays High School Class of 1972 has honored five seniors with $1000 scholarships. These awards were presented to the students at their annual awards night on May 8 by Margie Denning Hammerschmidt, project leader for this initiative.Last October, the HHS Class of 1972 celebrated their 50 years of “living life” since high school graduation by donating items and participating in a raffle and auction held during their reunion event. Generous monetary donations were also given to support this scholarship effort. The response was overwhelmingly positive and allowed this class to provide scholarships to promising students in our community. This generous contribution is a testament to the enduring spirit of HHS graduates and a reminder that investing in the education of our youth is critical to our future.For the selection process, significance was assigned to the values of character, work ethic,&nbsp; integrity and a commitment to helping others. The importance of both ‘giving back’ and ‘paying it forward’ are values the HHS Class of 1972 believes will provide a good foundation for incorporating a charitable awareness of social responsibility.The Class of 1972 would like to thank all the students who applied to this process. All students planning to attend ANY higher education Hays institution were invited to apply (Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech-Hays and the Hays Academy of Hair Design). The applications received confirmed there are many fine students who emphasize the importance of valuing oneself and recognizing the positive contributions they can make every day. We are proud to award $1000 scholarships to five deserving students: <ul>
 <li>Halle Lohmeyer</li><li>Ashlyn Zimmer</li><li>Matthew Berner</li><li>Chase Victoria Wittman</li><li>Allie Straub</li>
 </ul>"May your dreams take you on a journey that makes your soul sing, and may your heart be filled with the grace and courage to fulfill your purpose." - Unknown

Hays High Class of 1972 honors five HHS seniors with $1000 scholarships

Content Warning: This column contains discussion of gun violence and gun related homicide and suicide.

Medicaid expansion has been a hot topic over the past decade. Despite many states across the country expanding their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, Kansas has yet to do so.

According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, nearly 76% of Kansans support KanCare expansion — KanCare is the name of the state’s Medicaid program.

Despite extremely high levels of public support, the state legislature has failed to expand KanCare. The reason is most often attributed to partisan politics.

However, opponents of KanCare expansion may want to take a second look at some specific benefits of extending the program — 90% of which would be paid for by the federal government.

The RAND Corporation, a non-partisan policy think tank, has published new data about state-level firearm related deaths.

According to their findings, Kansas’ firearm death rates are 24% higher than the national average. This high percentage is driven mostly by the state’s firearm death by suicide rate, which is 46% higher than the national average.

Firearm homicides are 7% lower in Kansas than the national average.

Contrary to popular belief, gun violence is not unique to urban areas.

New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) last month finds that gun violence is not even predominantly an urban issue — an argument that is generally used as justification for loosening gun laws. Rather, all areas of Kansas are impacted by gun violence. Especially self-harm via firearms.

In Kansas’ rural areas, firearm deaths are 14% higher than the national average, firearm deaths by suicide are 25% higher, and rural firearm homicides are 9% lower.

What does this have to do with KanCare expansion?

Research from the Kaiser Foundation finds that Medicaid expansion increases access to care for adults with mental health conditions, such as depression.

Medicaid expansion is associated with an increase in the number of mental health facilities accepting Medicaid patients and an increase in the number of visits individual patients make to mental health providers.

Medicaid expansion is especially beneficial in providing much needed mental healthcare to rural residents, as nearly half of all mental health professional shortage areas nationally are located in rural areas.

Furthermore, a report from the Kansas Health Institute and the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas found that an estimated 24,154 Kansans are likely to use extended mental and behavioral health services under KanCare expansion.

Another research study published in JAMA, this one in June 2022, finds that an average of 1818 deaths by suicide were averted in Medicaid expansion states after the expansions — mostly among 20-29 year olds.

Expanding KanCare could — and based on the research likely would — prevent firearms deaths, especially those by suicide, in our state.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD 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, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Content Warning: This column contains discussion of gun violence and gun related homicide and suicide.Medicaid expansion has been a hot topic over the past decade. Despite many states across the country expanding their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, Kansas has yet to do so.According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, nearly 76% of Kansans support KanCare expansion — KanCare is the name of the state’s Medicaid program.Despite extremely high levels of public support, the state legislature has failed to expand KanCare. The reason is most often attributed to partisan politics.However, opponents of KanCare expansion may want to take a second look at some specific benefits of extending the program — 90% of which would be paid for by the federal government.The RAND Corporation, a non-partisan policy think tank, has published new data about state-level firearm related deaths.According to their findings, Kansas’ firearm death rates are 24% higher than the national average. This high percentage is driven mostly by the state’s firearm death by suicide rate, which is 46% higher than the national average.Firearm homicides are 7% lower in Kansas than the national average.Contrary to popular belief, gun violence is not unique to urban areas.New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) last month finds that gun violence is not even predominantly an urban issue — an argument that is generally used as justification for loosening gun laws. Rather, all areas of Kansas are impacted by gun violence. Especially self-harm via firearms.In Kansas’ rural areas, firearm deaths are 14% higher than the national average, firearm deaths by suicide are 25% higher, and rural firearm homicides are 9% lower.What does this have to do with KanCare expansion?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Research from the Kaiser Foundation finds that Medicaid expansion increases access to care for adults with mental health conditions, such as depression.Medicaid expansion is associated with an increase in the number of mental health facilities accepting Medicaid patients and an increase in the number of visits individual patients make to mental health providers.Medicaid expansion is especially beneficial in providing much needed mental healthcare to rural residents, as nearly half of all mental health professional shortage areas nationally are located in rural areas.Furthermore, a report from the Kansas Health Institute and the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas found that an estimated 24,154 Kansans are likely to use extended mental and behavioral health services under KanCare expansion.Another research study published in JAMA, this one in June 2022, finds that an average of 1818 deaths by suicide were averted in Medicaid expansion states after the expansions — mostly among 20-29 year olds.Expanding KanCare could — and based on the research likely would — prevent firearms deaths, especially those by suicide, in our state.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Firearms related deaths are high in Kansas, KanCare expansion could help

<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/2023/5/1683920411098.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 this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with NASA <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/victor-j-glover/biography" target="_blank">Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;who will pilot NASA's mission to the moon next year.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr." allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=php3r-1408c50-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=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with NASA <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/victor-j-glover/biography" target="_blank">Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;who will pilot NASA's mission to the moon next year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680538101123.png" alt="The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA" />
 <figcaption>The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎤 Forward Ever: NASA Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.

The Hays Police Department responded to 82 incidents April 30-May 5, 2023, according to the HPD Activity Log

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 82 incidents April 30-May 5, 2023, according to the HPD Activity Log<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683904780590.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683904846919.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683904941583.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, April 30-May 5

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board received the maximum price for the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and remodel during a special meeting on Monday.

<a href="https://nabholz.com/">Nabholz Construction</a>, the construction manager at risk, set that price at $21.9 million. That is about 1 percent of the estimated price for the project.&nbsp;

Preston Moore of Nabholz said that was an excellent result, as many other projects have seen their projects' costs go up much more with recent inflation.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5911a80-0122-4fce-91f8-27835e5435c7">The work is part of a $143.5 million bond issue. Roosevelt, which has three classes of each grade, will be expanded to accommodate five classes of each grade.</a>

The school will be able to accommodate 690 students once the renovations are complete.

The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2024.&nbsp;

As the construction manager at risk, Nabholz guarantees $21.9 million will be the maximum project cost. Any savings that are found in the project go back to the school district.

The $21.9 million includes the project budget, design fees and owner costs, such as furnishings and fixtures.

The district has several alternates that were parts of the Roosevelt bids. One of these included replacing damaged doors in the existing building.

If savings can be found, the district would likely opt to do some of this additional work.

More than 3,200 companies were invited to bid on the Roosevelt contracts. The project received 125 bids. Local contractors were selected for 36 percent of the total cost of the project, which Moore also said was a good number.

On most of Nabholz's recent projects, only about 20 percent of the work was done by local contractors.

Official groundbreaking on the project will be at noon, May 18, on the north side of the school. You can RSVP by emailing ccrough@usd489.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678295560251.jpeg" alt="A rendering of the new entrance of Roosevelt Elementary School. The school is being renovated as part of a $143.5 million bond issue. A new addition will increase the school's capacity to five classes for each grade. Image courtesy of DLR" />
 <figcaption>A rendering of the new entrance of Roosevelt Elementary School. The school is being renovated as part of a $143.5 million bond issue. A new addition will increase the school's capacity to five classes for each grade. Image courtesy of DLR</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board received the maximum price for the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and remodel during a special meeting on Monday.<a href="https://nabholz.com/">Nabholz Construction</a>, the construction manager at risk, set that price at $21.9 million. That is about 1 percent of the estimated price for the project.&nbsp;Preston Moore of Nabholz said that was an excellent result, as many other projects have seen their projects' costs go up much more with recent inflation.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5911a80-0122-4fce-91f8-27835e5435c7">The work is part of a $143.5 million bond issue. Roosevelt, which has three classes of each grade, will be expanded to accommodate five classes of each grade.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678295960413.jpeg" alt="Roosevelt's new gym also will be a storm shelter. It will have a drop-down screen that could be used during assemblies and a partition that would allow two gym classes to be conducted at once. Image courtesy of DLR" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt's new gym also will be a storm shelter. It will have a drop-down screen that could be used during assemblies and a partition that would allow two gym classes to be conducted at once. Image courtesy of DLR</figcaption>
 </figure>The school will be able to accommodate 690 students once the renovations are complete.The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2024.&nbsp;As the construction manager at risk, Nabholz guarantees $21.9 million will be the maximum project cost. Any savings that are found in the project go back to the school district.The $21.9 million includes the project budget, design fees and owner costs, such as furnishings and fixtures.The district has several alternates that were parts of the Roosevelt bids. One of these included replacing damaged doors in the existing building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678296061065.jpeg" alt="A rendering of one of the new classrooms at Roosevelt. Image courtesy of DLR " />
 <figcaption>A rendering of one of the new classrooms at Roosevelt. Image courtesy of DLR </figcaption>
 </figure>If savings can be found, the district would likely opt to do some of this additional work.More than 3,200 companies were invited to bid on the Roosevelt contracts. The project received 125 bids. Local contractors were selected for 36 percent of the total cost of the project, which Moore also said was a good number.On most of Nabholz's recent projects, only about 20 percent of the work was done by local contractors.Official groundbreaking on the project will be at noon, May 18, on the north side of the school. You can RSVP by emailing ccrough@usd489.com.

Hays' Roosevelt Elementary School addition price set at $21.9 M

WICHITA - Rural Kansans who thought they were just too far away from where medical research happens might be pleasantly surprised with the changes taking place at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/research/center-for-clinical-research-wichita.html">Center for Clinical Research at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita</a>&nbsp;(CCR).

Using telehealth, telephone and even the United States Postal Service, researchers at CCR are devising new ways to include more rural residents in their clinical trials.

“We’re really excited about our rural outreach, about breaking down barriers for people that live in rural regions,” said Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and director of the CCR.

The CCR is a research facility on KU Medical Center’s Wichita campus, and it is one of the KU Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/ctsu.html">Clinical and Translational Science Units</a>&nbsp;(CTSUs) that provides services to researchers. Although it shares the same address as the Wichita campus, its separate entrance, dedicated parking and proximity to Interstate 135 allows rural residents easy access to its facility.

“Clinical trials open up potential opportunities,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “In a lot of the clinical trials that we do, people have tried other treatments and they haven’t been successful, or there just haven’t been a lot of treatments available. Just having the opportunity to try something — that’s a significant opportunity for patients.”

Inside the CCR are a laboratory, pharmacy and two exam rooms as well as researchers and study coordinators.&nbsp; These scientists are tackling some of medicine’s toughest challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease, treatment-resistant depression and COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

People who live in rural areas have different environmental factors than those who live in urban or suburban areas, and those factors need to be studied in clinical trials, Schwasinger-Schmidt said.

“We have different socio-economic areas that we live in, and we have different exposures to environmental components,” she said. “We have different stressors — so many different things that interplay into our health, that define the social determinants of health.”

K. James Kallail, Ph.D., associate dean for research for KU School of Medicine-Wichita, said rural Kansans no doubt have barriers to participating in clinical trials. “These individuals usually live distant to academic hospitals and clinical researchers, yet they need representation, “ Kallail said. “Especially in new drug development, their participation is needed to provide robust data on drug effectiveness and efficacy.”

There’s a myth that rural residents don’t want to participate in scientific research, which Schwasinger-Schmidt hasn’t found to be true.

“I think there’s a misconception that people who move to rural areas are looking for more solitude,” she said. “And while there is some peacefulness and solitude out in the country, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have access to cutting-edge therapies. And just because you don’t choose the hustle and bustle of the city doesn’t mean that you don’t want to do your part for advancing science.”

Schwasinger-Schmidt understands those motives because she’s lived them. As a girl growing up in Goodland, Kansas, the future doctor had to spend hours in the car to access medical care.

“I’m a western Kansas girl, born and raised. And I know the challenges that people face living in those rural areas with access to health care, and especially access to clinical trials and research,” she said.

She’s also aware of the potential for perception problems when rural-centered research isn’t conducted in a rural area. “Wichita is the biggest city within Kansas, so sometimes when I talk about rural outreach, people say, ‘But you’re in the largest city in Kansas.’ But it’s the connections to rural communities that matter, and really focusing on how we can help others.”

Clinical trial participant Jo Dove and her husband, Kent, make bimonthly visits to the CCR from their home in rural Sedgewick, Kansas, population 1,603. The route is around one hour round-trip, but the retired couple said they don’t mind the drive.

“When you see each other every two weeks, you sit down and have conversations with (CCR personnel),” Jo Dove said. “They ask, ‘How has your week been?’ It feels like a family conversing.”

Jo has been part of multiple clinical trials studying Alzheimer’s disease, and Kent participated in a COVID-19 study in 2021. Their visits to the CCR have easily reached the triple digits. Jo said she’s on her 84th&nbsp;visit for this particular clinical trial involving infusions of an investigational product.

“When you live in the country, you get used to going somewhere for services, whether it be for groceries or other places to shop,” Kent explained. “To travel down here is just a reason to go out to eat afterward.”

The CCR has a variety of different strategies for clinical trial participants, including in-person, telehealth, and even via U.S. mail.

“We have analyzed just how many visits are needed in a face-to-face environment,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “And we’re considering the financial burden placed on rural participants who have to drive to Wichita, pay for transportation costs, and then maybe pay for lodging if an overnight stay is needed.”

Instead of traveling to Wichita, rural residents can participate in some clinical trials via a secure video platform. “Before the pandemic, using telehealth in clinical trials was unheard of,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “The participants came to our center to be seen for study visits. But the pandemic opened things up, and now we consider what we can do safely over a telemedicine platform.”

For telehealth to be an equitable solution, however, all of Kansas needs affordable, high-speed internet access, she said. “In some areas of Kansas, internet signals and cell phone signals are not always the most reliable. Solving this problem addresses the social issue of getting people better connected, not just for clinical trials but for other important opportunities.”

One recent COVID-19 study named ACTIV-6 introduced Schwasinger-Schmidt (and clinical trial participants all over the state) to the concept of “virtual” clinical trials using online forms and medication sent through the mail. Schwasinger-Schmidt led a statewide effort that mailed medications such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/jama-ivermectin-study.html">ivermectin</a>&nbsp;to participants who met specific criteria. Follow-up was also conducted remotely.

Study coordinators tracked the participants’ daily diaries, which included when they took the medication, how they felt while taking it and how long it took COVID-19 symptoms to resolve.

“It’s a great way to be able to reach out to everyone who wants to participate and to eliminate distance barriers,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said.

Clinical trials such as the ACTIV-6 platform set the stage for future trials to use delivery via mail or courier, Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “I think there are going to be more and more opportunities to do remote work and break down barriers. These remote opportunities allow us to still take great care of people and advance medicine regardless of their physical location.”

Rural outreach for Alzheimer’s clinical trials

The Center for Clinical Research (CCR) in Wichita is currently running four different studies on Alzheimer’s disease and regularly focuses 20-25% of its clinical trials on dementia research.

Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D., director of the CCR, said the current studies use a mixture of in-person visits and phone calls or telehealth videoconferencing. “Participants will need to be seen in person for at least 50% of the time for our current trials,” she said.

About half (46%) of all Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial participants have identified themselves as living in rural areas.

“I have made it a priority to engage with rural communities to promote access to clinical trials research. This is especially important in the field of neurocognitive disorders, given the limited number of neurologists in the state of Kansas,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said.

Eric Vidoni, Ph.D., associate professor of neurology at the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, said that for new treatments to help as many people as possible, “our friends and family in rural and frontier Kansas need to be included.”

He explained why that diversity was important. “If a drug or treatment is difficult to produce, transport or administer, that drug may not work in a county that recently lost a trusted clinic or pharmacy” even if the drug is approved. “Making sure people in rural and frontier counties are included in trials gives us an opportunity to identify those problems early.”

Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/research/center-for-clinical-research-wichita/clinical-trials-interest-form.html">joining a clinical trial&nbsp;</a>in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683745511775.jpeg" alt="Goodland native&nbsp;Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D. with a patient. Photo by University of Kansas Medical School-Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Goodland native&nbsp;Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D. with a patient. Photo by University of Kansas Medical School-Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>KU Medical CenterWICHITA - Rural Kansans who thought they were just too far away from where medical research happens might be pleasantly surprised with the changes taking place at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/research/center-for-clinical-research-wichita.html">Center for Clinical Research at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita</a>&nbsp;(CCR).Using telehealth, telephone and even the United States Postal Service, researchers at CCR are devising new ways to include more rural residents in their clinical trials.“We’re really excited about our rural outreach, about breaking down barriers for people that live in rural regions,” said Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and director of the CCR.The CCR is a research facility on KU Medical Center’s Wichita campus, and it is one of the KU Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/ctsu.html">Clinical and Translational Science Units</a>&nbsp;(CTSUs) that provides services to researchers. Although it shares the same address as the Wichita campus, its separate entrance, dedicated parking and proximity to Interstate 135 allows rural residents easy access to its facility.“Clinical trials open up potential opportunities,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “In a lot of the clinical trials that we do, people have tried other treatments and they haven’t been successful, or there just haven’t been a lot of treatments available. Just having the opportunity to try something — that’s a significant opportunity for patients.”Inside the CCR are a laboratory, pharmacy and two exam rooms as well as researchers and study coordinators.&nbsp; These scientists are tackling some of medicine’s toughest challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease, treatment-resistant depression and COVID-19 prevention and treatment.<h2>Rural representation</h2>People who live in rural areas have different environmental factors than those who live in urban or suburban areas, and those factors need to be studied in clinical trials, Schwasinger-Schmidt said.“We have different socio-economic areas that we live in, and we have different exposures to environmental components,” she said. “We have different stressors — so many different things that interplay into our health, that define the social determinants of health.”K. James Kallail, Ph.D., associate dean for research for KU School of Medicine-Wichita, said rural Kansans no doubt have barriers to participating in clinical trials. “These individuals usually live distant to academic hospitals and clinical researchers, yet they need representation, “ Kallail said. “Especially in new drug development, their participation is needed to provide robust data on drug effectiveness and efficacy.”There’s a myth that rural residents don’t want to participate in scientific research, which Schwasinger-Schmidt hasn’t found to be true.“I think there’s a misconception that people who move to rural areas are looking for more solitude,” she said. “And while there is some peacefulness and solitude out in the country, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have access to cutting-edge therapies. And just because you don’t choose the hustle and bustle of the city doesn’t mean that you don’t want to do your part for advancing science.”Schwasinger-Schmidt understands those motives because she’s lived them. As a girl growing up in Goodland, Kansas, the future doctor had to spend hours in the car to access medical care.“I’m a western Kansas girl, born and raised. And I know the challenges that people face living in those rural areas with access to health care, and especially access to clinical trials and research,” she said.She’s also aware of the potential for perception problems when rural-centered research isn’t conducted in a rural area. “Wichita is the biggest city within Kansas, so sometimes when I talk about rural outreach, people say, ‘But you’re in the largest city in Kansas.’ But it’s the connections to rural communities that matter, and really focusing on how we can help others.”<figure>
 <img src="https://www.kumc.edu/images/news/news-wichita-rural-research-participants.jpg" alt="Kent and Jo Dove, Sedgewick, have both participated in clinical trials at the Center for Clinical Research in Wichita. Photo courtesy Jo and Kent Dove.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kent and Jo Dove, Sedgewick, have both participated in clinical trials at the Center for Clinical Research in Wichita. Photo courtesy Jo and Kent Dove.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Clinical trial participant Jo Dove and her husband, Kent, make bimonthly visits to the CCR from their home in rural Sedgewick, Kansas, population 1,603. The route is around one hour round-trip, but the retired couple said they don’t mind the drive.“When you see each other every two weeks, you sit down and have conversations with (CCR personnel),” Jo Dove said. “They ask, ‘How has your week been?’ It feels like a family conversing.”Jo has been part of multiple clinical trials studying Alzheimer’s disease, and Kent participated in a COVID-19 study in 2021. Their visits to the CCR have easily reached the triple digits. Jo said she’s on her 84th&nbsp;visit for this particular clinical trial involving infusions of an investigational product.“When you live in the country, you get used to going somewhere for services, whether it be for groceries or other places to shop,” Kent explained. “To travel down here is just a reason to go out to eat afterward.”<h2>Different strategies for outreach</h2>The CCR has a variety of different strategies for clinical trial participants, including in-person, telehealth, and even via U.S. mail.“We have analyzed just how many visits are needed in a face-to-face environment,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “And we’re considering the financial burden placed on rural participants who have to drive to Wichita, pay for transportation costs, and then maybe pay for lodging if an overnight stay is needed.”Instead of traveling to Wichita, rural residents can participate in some clinical trials via a secure video platform. “Before the pandemic, using telehealth in clinical trials was unheard of,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “The participants came to our center to be seen for study visits. But the pandemic opened things up, and now we consider what we can do safely over a telemedicine platform.”For telehealth to be an equitable solution, however, all of Kansas needs affordable, high-speed internet access, she said. “In some areas of Kansas, internet signals and cell phone signals are not always the most reliable. Solving this problem addresses the social issue of getting people better connected, not just for clinical trials but for other important opportunities.”<figure>
 <img src="https://www.kumc.edu/images/news/news-wichita-rural-research-team.jpg" alt="Tina Peck, APRN, confers with CCR site manager Trish Steele and Schwasinger-Schmidt. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tina Peck, APRN, confers with CCR site manager Trish Steele and Schwasinger-Schmidt. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>One recent COVID-19 study named ACTIV-6 introduced Schwasinger-Schmidt (and clinical trial participants all over the state) to the concept of “virtual” clinical trials using online forms and medication sent through the mail. Schwasinger-Schmidt led a statewide effort that mailed medications such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/jama-ivermectin-study.html">ivermectin</a>&nbsp;to participants who met specific criteria. Follow-up was also conducted remotely.Study coordinators tracked the participants’ daily diaries, which included when they took the medication, how they felt while taking it and how long it took COVID-19 symptoms to resolve.“It’s a great way to be able to reach out to everyone who wants to participate and to eliminate distance barriers,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said.Clinical trials such as the ACTIV-6 platform set the stage for future trials to use delivery via mail or courier, Schwasinger-Schmidt said. “I think there are going to be more and more opportunities to do remote work and break down barriers. These remote opportunities allow us to still take great care of people and advance medicine regardless of their physical location.”<h2>Rural outreach for Alzheimer’s clinical trials</h2>The Center for Clinical Research (CCR) in Wichita is currently running four different studies on Alzheimer’s disease and regularly focuses 20-25% of its clinical trials on dementia research.Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D., director of the CCR, said the current studies use a mixture of in-person visits and phone calls or telehealth videoconferencing. “Participants will need to be seen in person for at least 50% of the time for our current trials,” she said.About half (46%) of all Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial participants have identified themselves as living in rural areas.“I have made it a priority to engage with rural communities to promote access to clinical trials research. This is especially important in the field of neurocognitive disorders, given the limited number of neurologists in the state of Kansas,” Schwasinger-Schmidt said.Eric Vidoni, Ph.D., associate professor of neurology at the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, said that for new treatments to help as many people as possible, “our friends and family in rural and frontier Kansas need to be included.”He explained why that diversity was important. “If a drug or treatment is difficult to produce, transport or administer, that drug may not work in a county that recently lost a trusted clinic or pharmacy” even if the drug is approved. “Making sure people in rural and frontier counties are included in trials gives us an opportunity to identify those problems early.”Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/research/center-for-clinical-research-wichita/clinical-trials-interest-form.html">joining a clinical trial&nbsp;</a>in Wichita.

Goodland native runs UKSM-Wichita research clinic for rural residents

The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $12,000 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=f25874781f&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Literacy Institute</a>, an organization that provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need.

Chartered in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. 

The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. 

Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $20,000 to the Fort Hays State University Virtual Literacy Institute.&nbsp;

“One of the earliest lessons a Mason learns is to be a supporter and a student of the liberal arts and sciences. So, in our hearts, it was an easy decision to partner with Dr. Miller in 2021, as we wanted to give her the resources she needed to create this Institute,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “Over the last two years, we have watched as Sarah held family literacy nights and pulled the expertise and resources needed to make the Institute a success."

"When we help serve food at her events, and the room is full of members of our community, it is abundantly clear that what she is doing works. Her contagious enthusiasm and work ethic combined with this science-based approach to literacy and language will make the FHSU Literacy Institute the envy of Kansas Universities.” &nbsp;

This year, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute. 

The program rejects some of the traditionally accepted methods and incorporates more modern instruction based upon experimentally proven methods within the science of reading practices. 

The program provides free language and literacy services both online and in person to people from birth to adulthood, supporting English language learners and those who are not proficient readers. 

This year’s funds donated will be used to cover the cost of the Reading Horizons software needed to offer language and literacy tutoring services online. 

A formal donation announcement was made on May 5, at the Hays Masonic Building.

News ReleaseThe Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $12,000 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=f25874781f&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Literacy Institute</a>, an organization that provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need.Chartered in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $20,000 to the Fort Hays State University Virtual Literacy Institute.&nbsp;“One of the earliest lessons a Mason learns is to be a supporter and a student of the liberal arts and sciences. So, in our hearts, it was an easy decision to partner with Dr. Miller in 2021, as we wanted to give her the resources she needed to create this Institute,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “Over the last two years, we have watched as Sarah held family literacy nights and pulled the expertise and resources needed to make the Institute a success.""When we help serve food at her events, and the room is full of members of our community, it is abundantly clear that what she is doing works. Her contagious enthusiasm and work ethic combined with this science-based approach to literacy and language will make the FHSU Literacy Institute the envy of Kansas Universities.” &nbsp;This year, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute. The program rejects some of the traditionally accepted methods and incorporates more modern instruction based upon experimentally proven methods within the science of reading practices. The program provides free language and literacy services both online and in person to people from birth to adulthood, supporting English language learners and those who are not proficient readers. This year’s funds donated will be used to cover the cost of the Reading Horizons software needed to offer language and literacy tutoring services online. A formal donation announcement was made on May 5, at the Hays Masonic Building.

Hays Masonic Lodge No. 195 Donates $12,000 to the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute

By Tisa Mason FHSU President

As a high school student, Mason
Cloud thought that no college located way out in western Kansas would be worth
considering. 

However, based on his art teacher’s recommendation, he decided to
visit Fort Hays State University.

When he got to campus, he was amazed by what he
found. 

“It was the most beautiful college campus I had
ever seen,” Mason said. 

Soon after arriving, he took a faculty-led walking tour
of campus. When they reached the end of the tour, Mason recalls asking his
faculty tour guide who would be his professor if he chose to study ceramics.
She replied that she would be his teacher. His tour guide that day, and his
mentor to this day, was ceramics professor Linda Ganstrom. 

Fast forward four years and a soon-to-graduate
artist Mason Cloud is presenting at the annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and
Creative Activity Day (SACAD). SACAD celebrates scholarly, research, and
creative activity at FHSU. This year, students, faculty, and staff shared more
than 100 scholarly and research posters and works of art. 

Among the paintings, drawings, and sculptures,
Mason Cloud presented one of the more intricate pieces of ceramics at SACAD
this year. The piece, titled “Victory Vessel,” is a tall vase-like creation
that features elegant arms that you might find on a sports trophy, heavy chains
that extend from top to bottom of the piece, and a topper of small saucers and
cylinders that resemble barnacles. The piece looks like it is made from a
combination of copper and rusty iron, but the satiny metallic finishes are the
result of a high-temperature glazing process that involves sodium carbonate,
otherwise known as soda ash. When subjected the intense heat, the ash turns to
glass, giving the glaze a mottled and sleek finish. Mason said that if he knew
how much a detailed understanding of chemistry would be a part of working in
ceramics, he would have paid more attention in high school chemistry class.

This piece is special to Mason Cloud. It
commemorates his victory over more than a decade of mental health challenges.
It also represents how art can be a catalyst for healing. He will graduate this
month with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Mason wants to become an art
therapist and put his talents as an artist and the lessons he has learned from
his journey to mental health to work helping others. According to Psychology
Today magazine, art&nbsp;therapy&nbsp;involves using creative techniques such
as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, or sculpting to help people express
themselves artistically and examine their art's psychological and emotional
undertones. 

Mason is a firm believer in the value of mental
health counseling from personal and family experience. 

“I had this constant sense of anxiety and
doubt. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself, and at times it was just
overwhelming,” Mason said. 

He found solace in the artistic expression of
ceramics and from long skateboard tours around campus in the wee hours of the
morning. From this form of self-help, Mason eventually started to think less
about what drove his negative feelings and persistent anxiety. He began to
appreciate that his life was actually pretty good. 

“I had great friends, and life with my family
had never been better. After struggling for years, I finally began to open up
about things that I had closed off previously,” Mason said. 

Halfway through his
junior year, Mason’s proactive self-help approach opened the door to seeking
the counseling help he still needed. 

“I went into each session ready to open up
about the challenges I was facing and with a clear idea of the questions I
wanted to explore,” Mason said. 

Mason will graduate from FHSU this week with a
bachelor’s degree in fine arts. He then plans to enroll in the Master of
Science degree program in family therapy at Friends University in Wichita. He hopes
to pay forward the mental health recovery he experienced from working with his
therapist. 

Mason, the future therapist, is not about to
step away from his work as an artist, so how exactly does his remarkable
artistry find its way into his future work as a marriage and family therapist?


That is yet to be seen, but he sees great promise in helping others create
their own victory vessel, their own expression of their emotions and
experiences through artistic expression. 

By Tisa Mason FHSU PresidentAs a high school student, Mason
Cloud thought that no college located way out in western Kansas would be worth
considering. However, based on his art teacher’s recommendation, he decided to
visit Fort Hays State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>When he got to campus, he was amazed by what he
found. “It was the most beautiful college campus I had
ever seen,” Mason said. Soon after arriving, he took a faculty-led walking tour
of campus. When they reached the end of the tour, Mason recalls asking his
faculty tour guide who would be his professor if he chose to study ceramics.
She replied that she would be his teacher. His tour guide that day, and his
mentor to this day, was ceramics professor Linda Ganstrom. Fast forward four years and a soon-to-graduate
artist Mason Cloud is presenting at the annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and
Creative Activity Day (SACAD). SACAD celebrates scholarly, research, and
creative activity at FHSU. This year, students, faculty, and staff shared more
than 100 scholarly and research posters and works of art. Among the paintings, drawings, and sculptures,
Mason Cloud presented one of the more intricate pieces of ceramics at SACAD
this year. The piece, titled “Victory Vessel,” is a tall vase-like creation
that features elegant arms that you might find on a sports trophy, heavy chains
that extend from top to bottom of the piece, and a topper of small saucers and
cylinders that resemble barnacles. The piece looks like it is made from a
combination of copper and rusty iron, but the satiny metallic finishes are the
result of a high-temperature glazing process that involves sodium carbonate,
otherwise known as soda ash. When subjected the intense heat, the ash turns to
glass, giving the glaze a mottled and sleek finish. Mason said that if he knew
how much a detailed understanding of chemistry would be a part of working in
ceramics, he would have paid more attention in high school chemistry class.This piece is special to Mason Cloud. It
commemorates his victory over more than a decade of mental health challenges.
It also represents how art can be a catalyst for healing. He will graduate this
month with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Mason wants to become an art
therapist and put his talents as an artist and the lessons he has learned from
his journey to mental health to work helping others. According to Psychology
Today magazine, art&nbsp;therapy&nbsp;involves using creative techniques such
as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, or sculpting to help people express
themselves artistically and examine their art's psychological and emotional
undertones. Mason is a firm believer in the value of mental
health counseling from personal and family experience. “I had this constant sense of anxiety and
doubt. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself, and at times it was just
overwhelming,” Mason said. He found solace in the artistic expression of
ceramics and from long skateboard tours around campus in the wee hours of the
morning. From this form of self-help, Mason eventually started to think less
about what drove his negative feelings and persistent anxiety. He began to
appreciate that his life was actually pretty good. “I had great friends, and life with my family
had never been better. After struggling for years, I finally began to open up
about things that I had closed off previously,” Mason said. Halfway through his
junior year, Mason’s proactive self-help approach opened the door to seeking
the counseling help he still needed. “I went into each session ready to open up
about the challenges I was facing and with a clear idea of the questions I
wanted to explore,” Mason said. Mason will graduate from FHSU this week with a
bachelor’s degree in fine arts. He then plans to enroll in the Master of
Science degree program in family therapy at Friends University in Wichita. He hopes
to pay forward the mental health recovery he experienced from working with his
therapist. Mason, the future therapist, is not about to
step away from his work as an artist, so how exactly does his remarkable
artistry find its way into his future work as a marriage and family therapist?
That is yet to be seen, but he sees great promise in helping others create
their own victory vessel, their own expression of their emotions and
experiences through artistic expression.

Heart of a Tiger: Mason Cloud’s Victory Vessel

By BOYCE DURR FHSU University Communications

This week, Brynn Wooten will finish an incredible four years at Fort Hays State University when she crosses the graduation stage on May 13 and receive degrees in biology and geosciences. In her time at FHSU, Wooten has had many outstanding accomplishments.

In addition to winning five national awards and two honorable mentions for her academic achievements and being <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d34c2341-11a0-404e-a206-78ad24357b62">FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar</a>, Wooten was recently awarded a $147,000 graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her graduate studies in paleontology.

“I applied for the NSF Fellowship in October mainly for the experience, not expecting that I would get it, but I thought it was a good opportunity to hone my scientific writing skills,” Wooten said. “The main aspects of the application were a three-page personal statement and a one-page research proposal.”

In her research proposal, Wooten discussed plans for a comparison study between several historical mass extensions. Her idea was to examine survival patterns from those events and apply those patterns to current animal extinctions today to see if she could create survival projections for modern mammals.

“I had a lot of fun researching and writing a proposal that was all my own,” Wooten commented. She realizes this may not be what she ends up studying, at least not right away, as her initial graduate research will depend upon where she goes to graduate school.

Completing a double major in both biology and geosciences/geology with an emphasis in paleontology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology, Wooten has received numerous offers for continuing her education, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Vanderbilt&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to Biological Sciences and to Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences ◦ Awarded a five-year College of Arts &amp; Sciences Graduate Fellowship

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the School of Earth Sciences ◦ Awarded a one-year University Fellowship + four-years GTA/GRA support&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Geology ◦ Awarded a one-year Graduate University Fellowship + three-year departmental Smith Fellowship

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Idaho State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences ◦ Awarded a GTA assistantship

“I applied to five schools and was accepted to four,” Wooten said. After weighing all her offers, she has committed to Vanderbilt and will head to Nashville for the fall 2023 semester.

“It’s an amazing program with a great reputation, and they made me a great offer,” Wooten said.

Hard work has been one of the secrets of Wooten’s success, but it is not the only one.

“I have had so many amazing professors help me along the way,” Wooten said. “I am the biggest advocate of Fort Hays State.” While she admits that many professors deserve her thanks because they were willing to give their time, share knowledge, and write letters of recommendation, Wooten acknowledges two people in particular that she believes were key to her success.

“Dr. Laura Wilson, the paleontologist here, and Dr. Kevin Amidon, the director of the honors college, have been astronomically helpful to me in my time here,” Wooten explains. “These were the main two people that I felt like I could turn to no matter what.”

“Brynn is the rare student that is willing to take a chance, fill out applications, apply for positions she thinks will help her grow, take on leadership roles and responsibilities in clubs and organizations, and really go the extra mile,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, Professor of Geosciences and Chief Curator at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. “In addition to her studies and clubs, Brynn has been doing outstanding work at the Sternberg as well.”

Wooten admits that leaving Hays will be bittersweet.

“I stepped on campus and knew this was where I wanted to be. It is so gorgeous here. I routinely go on walks and just take in the beauty of campus. I walk around campus and look at the fossils in the walls of the buildings. Where else can you find fossils in the walls of the buildings?” Wooten asks.

“It’s a fantastic school,” Wooten said. “I genuinely believe that I have gotten a better education here than I would have at a state flagship school.” When comparing her education to that of her brother, who happened to attend a large state school, Wooten believes the personal attention she received at FHSU was something she was unlikely to get at other, larger universities. She admits this has significantly impacted her and contributed greatly to her success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683754568749.jpeg" alt="Brynn Wooten" />
 <figcaption>Brynn Wooten</figcaption>
 </figure>By BOYCE DURR FHSU University CommunicationsThis week, Brynn Wooten will finish an incredible four years at Fort Hays State University when she crosses the graduation stage on May 13 and receive degrees in biology and geosciences. In her time at FHSU, Wooten has had many outstanding accomplishments.In addition to winning five national awards and two honorable mentions for her academic achievements and being <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d34c2341-11a0-404e-a206-78ad24357b62">FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar</a>, Wooten was recently awarded a $147,000 graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her graduate studies in paleontology.“I applied for the NSF Fellowship in October mainly for the experience, not expecting that I would get it, but I thought it was a good opportunity to hone my scientific writing skills,” Wooten said. “The main aspects of the application were a three-page personal statement and a one-page research proposal.”In her research proposal, Wooten discussed plans for a comparison study between several historical mass extensions. Her idea was to examine survival patterns from those events and apply those patterns to current animal extinctions today to see if she could create survival projections for modern mammals.“I had a lot of fun researching and writing a proposal that was all my own,” Wooten commented. She realizes this may not be what she ends up studying, at least not right away, as her initial graduate research will depend upon where she goes to graduate school.Completing a double major in both biology and geosciences/geology with an emphasis in paleontology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology, Wooten has received numerous offers for continuing her education, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Vanderbilt&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to Biological Sciences and to Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences ◦ Awarded a five-year College of Arts &amp; Sciences Graduate Fellowship&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the School of Earth Sciences ◦ Awarded a one-year University Fellowship + four-years GTA/GRA support&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Geology ◦ Awarded a one-year Graduate University Fellowship + three-year departmental Smith Fellowship&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Idaho State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences ◦ Awarded a GTA assistantship“I applied to five schools and was accepted to four,” Wooten said. After weighing all her offers, she has committed to Vanderbilt and will head to Nashville for the fall 2023 semester.“It’s an amazing program with a great reputation, and they made me a great offer,” Wooten said.Hard work has been one of the secrets of Wooten’s success, but it is not the only one.“I have had so many amazing professors help me along the way,” Wooten said. “I am the biggest advocate of Fort Hays State.” While she admits that many professors deserve her thanks because they were willing to give their time, share knowledge, and write letters of recommendation, Wooten acknowledges two people in particular that she believes were key to her success.“Dr. Laura Wilson, the paleontologist here, and Dr. Kevin Amidon, the director of the honors college, have been astronomically helpful to me in my time here,” Wooten explains. “These were the main two people that I felt like I could turn to no matter what.”“Brynn is the rare student that is willing to take a chance, fill out applications, apply for positions she thinks will help her grow, take on leadership roles and responsibilities in clubs and organizations, and really go the extra mile,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, Professor of Geosciences and Chief Curator at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. “In addition to her studies and clubs, Brynn has been doing outstanding work at the Sternberg as well.”Wooten admits that leaving Hays will be bittersweet.“I stepped on campus and knew this was where I wanted to be. It is so gorgeous here. I routinely go on walks and just take in the beauty of campus. I walk around campus and look at the fossils in the walls of the buildings. Where else can you find fossils in the walls of the buildings?” Wooten asks.“It’s a fantastic school,” Wooten said. “I genuinely believe that I have gotten a better education here than I would have at a state flagship school.” When comparing her education to that of her brother, who happened to attend a large state school, Wooten believes the personal attention she received at FHSU was something she was unlikely to get at other, larger universities. She admits this has significantly impacted her and contributed greatly to her success.

FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar receives NSF fellowship

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683817035988.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>

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;professor of finance Tom Johansen and Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro discuss the FHSU <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/solution/bloomberg-terminal/" target="_blank">Bloomberg Terminals.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de9a0ea1-8a21-4c96-8e55-5b5279f9e3d5">Read more- Anonymous donations provide Bloomberg Terminals to FHSU</a>

<div><iframe title="Bloomberg terminals help give FHSU students real world experience" 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=xf8fx-1407354-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;professor of finance Tom Johansen and Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro discuss the FHSU <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/solution/bloomberg-terminal/" target="_blank">Bloomberg Terminals.</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de9a0ea1-8a21-4c96-8e55-5b5279f9e3d5">Read more- Anonymous donations provide Bloomberg Terminals to FHSU</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Bloomberg terminals help give FHSU students real world experience

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

"I think you just presided over a meeting that's history for our community."

Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil knows it's just the beginning of the R9 Ranch pipeline design process, and "it's exciting," he said to Hays Mayor Mason Ruder last week after the commission heard from Brian Meier with&nbsp;Burns-McDonnell engineering, Wichita.&nbsp;

"This has been a lot of years and it's very special to be a part of this," Musil said.

City staff has negotiated design engineering agreements with Burns and McDonnell for the wellfield and pipeline projects associated with the R9 development as a long-term water supply for the cities of Hays and Russell.&nbsp;

Hays purchased the Edwards County R9 Ranch in 1995, when Mayor Ruder was four years old, Ruder noted.

 The regulatory process of working through the Kansas Water Transfer Act kicked off in 2014.&nbsp;

Meier reviewed the R9 project design for the city commission.&nbsp;

The 20-inch water transmission pipeline will be approximately 65 miles long and connect with Hays' existing water system.

Meier also talked about the wells and well houses that will be required, piping for the well field water distribution, a million-gallon above ground raw water storage tank on the ranch property, and a high-service pump station.&nbsp;

There are two electrical providers to the property, Pratt-based Ninnescah Electric and Victory Electric based in Dodge City.&nbsp;

The final design phase and state review is projected to be the spring/summer of 2025.

The project is divided into two components, the wellfield and the pipeline.

"We hope that possibly allows us take advantage of federal (grant) dollars a little easier," said Toby Dougherty, city manager.&nbsp;

Contracts with Burns-McDonnell, the city's engineer on the R9 project since its inception, have been developed and vetted by city attorney Don Hoffman.&nbsp;

Cost of the pipeline design engineering services is $4 million. Cost of the&nbsp;wellfield design engineering services is $3.97 million.&nbsp;Adequate monies exist in the water sales tax reserve to fund both of the contracts, according to Dougherty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683733781740.png" alt="R9 project design wellfield properties. Courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>R9 project design wellfield properties. Courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"I think you just presided over a meeting that's history for our community."Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil knows it's just the beginning of the R9 Ranch pipeline design process, and "it's exciting," he said to Hays Mayor Mason Ruder last week after the commission heard from Brian Meier with&nbsp;Burns-McDonnell engineering, Wichita.&nbsp;"This has been a lot of years and it's very special to be a part of this," Musil said.City staff has negotiated design engineering agreements with Burns and McDonnell for the wellfield and pipeline projects associated with the R9 development as a long-term water supply for the cities of Hays and Russell.&nbsp;Hays purchased the Edwards County R9 Ranch in 1995, when Mayor Ruder was four years old, Ruder noted. The regulatory process of working through the Kansas Water Transfer Act kicked off in 2014.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683734259308.png" alt="Courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683737053726.jpeg" alt="Brian Meier, Burns-McDonnell engineering, Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brian Meier, Burns-McDonnell engineering, Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Meier reviewed the R9 project design for the city commission.&nbsp;The 20-inch water transmission pipeline will be approximately 65 miles long and connect with Hays' existing water system.Meier also talked about the wells and well houses that will be required, piping for the well field water distribution, a million-gallon above ground raw water storage tank on the ranch property, and a high-service pump station.&nbsp;There are two electrical providers to the property, Pratt-based Ninnescah Electric and Victory Electric based in Dodge City.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683734974982.png" alt="There are three potential pipeline routes between the R9 Ranch and the city of Hays. Each is approximately 65 miles long. Courtesy city of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>There are three potential pipeline routes between the R9 Ranch and the city of Hays. Each is approximately 65 miles long. Courtesy city of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The final design phase and state review is projected to be the spring/summer of 2025.The project is divided into two components, the wellfield and the pipeline."We hope that possibly allows us take advantage of federal (grant) dollars a little easier," said Toby Dougherty, city manager.&nbsp;Contracts with Burns-McDonnell, the city's engineer on the R9 project since its inception, have been developed and vetted by city attorney Don Hoffman.&nbsp;Cost of the pipeline design engineering services is $4 million. Cost of the&nbsp;wellfield design engineering services is $3.97 million.&nbsp;Adequate monies exist in the water sales tax reserve to fund both of the contracts, according to Dougherty.The commission will vote on the two proposed contracts at the meeting Thursday afternoon.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/roFv6uF1-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="R9 Design Agree 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>A public comment hearing in the Hays-Russell water transfer proceeding will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in the Black and Gold Room at the Fort Hays State University Student Union. The hearing will start with brief presentations by Hays, Russell, Water PACK, Edwards County, the Big Bend Groundwater Management District No. 5, and possibly state agencies. The public will then have an opportunity to provide comments.&nbsp;