By RANDY GONZALES Special to the Hays Post

Jason Jones thought it would be a fun trip down memory lane.

Jones, who coached track and field at Norton Community High School for 21 years, accumulated dozens of team shirts through the years.

Shortly before school started this past fall, Jones decided to wear a different team shirt or jacket to school every day.

“I thought it might be fun to put them on and wear them again, maybe spark a little conversation among former athletes,” said Jones, who teaches English at the school. “I have pretty strong memories attached to each and every shirt. It’s been fun to pull them out again, put them on.”

Jones was an assistant coach for the track and field team for four years, then was head coach for 17 seasons before deciding to step down from coaching following the 2023 spring season. His girls’ team won the state championship in 2008, and his boys’ squad won it all in 2016.

In addition to being a fun project, wearing a different shirt each day from years gone by elicited a different emotion from Jones.

“It’s kind of a way to have fun for me and provide closure to my coaching career,” Jones said. “It’s been good to re-live those memories.”

Jones, now 47, might have been a little surprised that he was still able to slip into each shirt.

“I have been able to get them all on,” he said. “(But) they don’t fit like they used to.”

Jones walked the hallways in an old shirt for the first time on Sept. 4. He wore his girls’ Class 3A state championship shirt in September and then donned the boys’ state title shirt a couple of weeks ago.

Jones said every season he would get both a coach’s shirt and a team shirt designed by that year’s seniors. In addition, there was state-meet clothing each year.

Jones knew as the holidays approached, he was reaching the end of the line to wear a different shirt each day.

Jones pulled on his 50th and final shirt on Tuesday. He thought he had a shirt for every year, but after checking his closet, he found he was missing a few years.

“I’ve got multiple shirts for every year, but I don’t have them all,” he said.

Jones doesn’t have a favorite shirt but he knew which one to wear last. It’s from the 2020 season that was canceled due to COVID-19.

“We had a meeting right before the shutdown,” Jones said. “That was a great group of kids, a lot of talent. I was really looking forward to that season.”

With that 2020 season canceled, Jones still wanted his athletes to experience team bonding.

“Every day there was a scheduled track meet we didn’t get to compete in, we did a crazy, funny post (on social media),” Jones said. “We did that the whole spring.”

Jones joined his athletes in posting photos, including some with his son, Carter, and his daughter, Courtney, who both would have been on the team that spring.

Staci Montgomery, also an English teacher at Norton, liked Jones’ shirt idea from the very beginning and said she thought the photos needed to be put on social media so former athletes could see them.

Montgomery would dutifully post the photos on Facebook for Jones.

“Jason’s life passion is not just track but being connected with his athletes,” Montgomery said. “He spends an enormous amount of time being invested in their lives, not just their track lives. I just thought it would be great if everybody knew how important this was to him, and how important they were to him.”

Montgomery said Jones’ shirt idea caught fire around the school and has become popular among students and teachers alike.

“I laughed, told him he was getting a cult following,” Montgomery said. “I wish it could go on. I really want to do something with those shirts.”

There has been talk of turning the shirts into a quilt, but Jones wasn’t so sure because then he wouldn’t be able to wear them again.

“I’m kind of sad it’s over with,” Montgomery said.&nbsp;“It’s been really fun to do every day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680489719.jpeg" alt="Norton Community High School track and field coach Jason Jones shows off the front and back of one of his Bluejay team shirts he wore each day this fall. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Norton Community High School track and field coach Jason Jones shows off the front and back of one of his Bluejay team shirts he wore each day this fall. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680730977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to the Hays PostJason Jones thought it would be a fun trip down memory lane.Jones, who coached track and field at Norton Community High School for 21 years, accumulated dozens of team shirts through the years.Shortly before school started this past fall, Jones decided to wear a different team shirt or jacket to school every day.“I thought it might be fun to put them on and wear them again, maybe spark a little conversation among former athletes,” said Jones, who teaches English at the school. “I have pretty strong memories attached to each and every shirt. It’s been fun to pull them out again, put them on.”Jones was an assistant coach for the track and field team for four years, then was head coach for 17 seasons before deciding to step down from coaching following the 2023 spring season. His girls’ team won the state championship in 2008, and his boys’ squad won it all in 2016.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680569161.png" alt="Norton track and field coach Jason Jones shows off one of his team shirts he has worn through the years as coach. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Norton track and field coach Jason Jones shows off one of his team shirts he has worn through the years as coach. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to being a fun project, wearing a different shirt each day from years gone by elicited a different emotion from Jones.“It’s kind of a way to have fun for me and provide closure to my coaching career,” Jones said. “It’s been good to re-live those memories.”Jones, now 47, might have been a little surprised that he was still able to slip into each shirt.“I have been able to get them all on,” he said. “(But) they don’t fit like they used to.”Jones walked the hallways in an old shirt for the first time on Sept. 4. He wore his girls’ Class 3A state championship shirt in September and then donned the boys’ state title shirt a couple of weeks ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680623595.png" alt="Norton coaches also wore jackets supporting their teams. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Norton coaches also wore jackets supporting their teams. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jones said every season he would get both a coach’s shirt and a team shirt designed by that year’s seniors. In addition, there was state-meet clothing each year.Jones knew as the holidays approached, he was reaching the end of the line to wear a different shirt each day.Jones pulled on his 50th and final shirt on Tuesday. He thought he had a shirt for every year, but after checking his closet, he found he was missing a few years.“I’ve got multiple shirts for every year, but I don’t have them all,” he said.Jones doesn’t have a favorite shirt but he knew which one to wear last. It’s from the 2020 season that was canceled due to COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680651994.png" alt="Jones points to an inspirational saying while wearing one of his team sweatshirts he has collected through the years. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jones points to an inspirational saying while wearing one of his team sweatshirts he has collected through the years. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We had a meeting right before the shutdown,” Jones said. “That was a great group of kids, a lot of talent. I was really looking forward to that season.”With that 2020 season canceled, Jones still wanted his athletes to experience team bonding.“Every day there was a scheduled track meet we didn’t get to compete in, we did a crazy, funny post (on social media),” Jones said. “We did that the whole spring.”Jones joined his athletes in posting photos, including some with his son, Carter, and his daughter, Courtney, who both would have been on the team that spring.Staci Montgomery, also an English teacher at Norton, liked Jones’ shirt idea from the very beginning and said she thought the photos needed to be put on social media so former athletes could see them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680690762.png" alt="Jones is with fellow teacher Staci Montgomery, who posted Facebook this fall Jones’ shirt choice of the day. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jones is with fellow teacher Staci Montgomery, who posted Facebook this fall Jones’ shirt choice of the day. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Montgomery would dutifully post the photos on Facebook for Jones.“Jason’s life passion is not just track but being connected with his athletes,” Montgomery said. “He spends an enormous amount of time being invested in their lives, not just their track lives. I just thought it would be great if everybody knew how important this was to him, and how important they were to him.”Montgomery said Jones’ shirt idea caught fire around the school and has become popular among students and teachers alike.“I laughed, told him he was getting a cult following,” Montgomery said. “I wish it could go on. I really want to do something with those shirts.”There has been talk of turning the shirts into a quilt, but Jones wasn’t so sure because then he wouldn’t be able to wear them again.“I’m kind of sad it’s over with,” Montgomery said.&nbsp;“It’s been really fun to do every day.”

NWester: Former Norton coach still proudly sporting Bluejay apparel

The Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia wishes to invite
you to their annual Christmas dinner on Dec. 10 at the
Kennedy Middle School (enter the basement cafeteria from the west side behind
St. Joseph’s Church).

The festivities will begin at noon with a
catered meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken and noodles,
green beans, corn, dinner roll, and dessert. 

The cost per ticket is $20 for adults (age 13 and older) $10 for children (age 6 to 12) Free for (age 5 and younger)

Reservations must be made by 10 p.m. Nov. 30. Please contact Cynthia Stone at 785-893-1431 by text or call
(leave message with your name) or email her at <a href="mailto:gtzstone@sbcglobal.net">gtzstone@sbcglobal.net</a>.

Payment is made at the door by cash or check. There
will be door prize drawings and every meal ticket can be entered to win.

Guest speaker Brent Mai, Dean of Libraries at
Wichita State University, will present on the churches in Russia. 

The Ellis County Historical Society will set up
the exhibit “Insights Into Religion,” which showcases the churches in Russia. 

The Hays High School German Club will have tables
displaying “Celebrations of German Traditions” to share and discuss with
attendees.

Please bring your family and friends for an
afternoon of fun and fellowship sharing Volga German heritage, including visits
with Der Belsnikle and Christkind.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700603345466.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Historical SocietyFroehliche Weihnachten!The Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia wishes to invite
you to their annual Christmas dinner on Dec. 10 at the
Kennedy Middle School (enter the basement cafeteria from the west side behind
St. Joseph’s Church).The festivities will begin at noon with a
catered meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken and noodles,
green beans, corn, dinner roll, and dessert. The cost per ticket is $20 for adults (age 13 and older) $10 for children (age 6 to 12) Free for (age 5 and younger)Reservations must be made by 10 p.m. Nov. 30. Please contact Cynthia Stone at 785-893-1431 by text or call
(leave message with your name) or email her at <a href="mailto:gtzstone@sbcglobal.net">gtzstone@sbcglobal.net</a>. Payment is made at the door by cash or check. There
will be door prize drawings and every meal ticket can be entered to win.Guest speaker Brent Mai, Dean of Libraries at
Wichita State University, will present on the churches in Russia. The Ellis County Historical Society will set up
the exhibit “Insights Into Religion,” which showcases the churches in Russia. The Hays High School German Club will have tables
displaying “Celebrations of German Traditions” to share and discuss with
attendees.Please bring your family and friends for an
afternoon of fun and fellowship sharing Volga German heritage, including visits
with Der Belsnikle and Christkind.&nbsp;

Germans from Russia annual Christmas dinner set for Dec. 10

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700601977727.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted

Enjoy the Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering in Stockton on Dec. 10

While over 80% of the land area across Kansas qualifies as rural, the population of our state—which is mostly concentrated in about 10 of the state’s 105 counties--is increasingly urban, something which geographers and political leaders and others have been aware of for decades.

This urban-rural divide creates all sorts of long-term problems, especially since the state as whole is growing very slowly, both economically and in terms of population, meaning that even as Kansans gradually become more urban and more diverse, patterns of rural conservatism nonetheless continue to dominate our politics.

But there are upsides to the pervasiveness of Kansas’s rural self-understanding. Among them is the fact that many urban Kansans, motivated by concerns over the sustainability of our food systems, and reminded of the possibilities for healthy food production in every empty rural acre around our cities they see, are becoming leaders in small-scale agricultural innovation.

That’s not to say that Kansas is likely to turn into a Vermont or an Oregon anytime soon, with their long counter-cultural history of well-funded farmers markets, food co-ops, and state-supported local agriculture initiatives. Farming and food production in Kansas remains very much the domain of big agricultural operators and the national Farm Bill subsidies which undergird them.

Still, if one pays attention, the innovations of urban gardeners and local farmers across the state is attracting the attention and support of food sustainability visionaries (and the governmental and private programs which support them) from across the nation. 

In Salina, the Land Institute has spent decades developing kernza, a perennial grain. This environmentally friendly relative of wheat may finally be finding its financial legs—partly due to small batches being grown for distillers in towns throughout Kansas, Colorado, and elsewhere, who looking to bring a new flavor of whiskey to the market.

In Lawrence, Maseualkualli Farms has become a pioneer in the Peoples’ Century Farm project, sharing food and providing workshops, particularly with and for lower-income and non-White neighborhoods, upending and diversifying the usual farming model.

In Ottawa, gardeners fought—with the surprising assistance of the normally business-friendly Kansas Policy Institute—to change zoning codes and other rules which stand in the way, as they do in too many towns, of a flourishing economy in locally produced honey, fruits, and more.

Of course, these and hundreds of other local successes across the state in making Kansas’s food systems more diverse and resilient face many obstacles, one of which is the frequent resistance to composting which exists throughout America’s HOAs and its suburban neighborhoods generally.

With food waste--and the methane it releases--being such a major factor in the impact landfills have on climate change, getting county and city governments to support community composting stations (including educating people about comparatively easily controlled smell or pest&nbsp;problems they are too often associated with) is not only a smart way to mitigate the heat sinks that urban areas create, but would also be a major step towards helping many backyard gardeners up their game, and join the low-key, small-scale revolution in urban agriculture taking place across the state.

This Thanksgiving week, many celebrators will give thanks for food produced in the rural parts of Kansas. But let’s remember to also be thankful this holiday for the many urban Kansans who, wanting to make our food systems more environmentally sustainable, and inspired by the fertile land all around us, are finding new ways to bring healthy, local food into our cities as well.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>While over 80% of the land area across Kansas qualifies as rural, the population of our state—which is mostly concentrated in about 10 of the state’s 105 counties--is increasingly urban, something which geographers and political leaders and others have been aware of for decades.This urban-rural divide creates all sorts of long-term problems, especially since the state as whole is growing very slowly, both economically and in terms of population, meaning that even as Kansans gradually become more urban and more diverse, patterns of rural conservatism nonetheless continue to dominate our politics.But there are upsides to the pervasiveness of Kansas’s rural self-understanding. Among them is the fact that many urban Kansans, motivated by concerns over the sustainability of our food systems, and reminded of the possibilities for healthy food production in every empty rural acre around our cities they see, are becoming leaders in small-scale agricultural innovation.That’s not to say that Kansas is likely to turn into a Vermont or an Oregon anytime soon, with their long counter-cultural history of well-funded farmers markets, food co-ops, and state-supported local agriculture initiatives. Farming and food production in Kansas remains very much the domain of big agricultural operators and the national Farm Bill subsidies which undergird them.Still, if one pays attention, the innovations of urban gardeners and local farmers across the state is attracting the attention and support of food sustainability visionaries (and the governmental and private programs which support them) from across the nation. For example:In Salina, the Land Institute has spent decades developing kernza, a perennial grain. This environmentally friendly relative of wheat may finally be finding its financial legs—partly due to small batches being grown for distillers in towns throughout Kansas, Colorado, and elsewhere, who looking to bring a new flavor of whiskey to the market.In Lawrence, Maseualkualli Farms has become a pioneer in the Peoples’ Century Farm project, sharing food and providing workshops, particularly with and for lower-income and non-White neighborhoods, upending and diversifying the usual farming model.In Ottawa, gardeners fought—with the surprising assistance of the normally business-friendly Kansas Policy Institute—to change zoning codes and other rules which stand in the way, as they do in too many towns, of a flourishing economy in locally produced honey, fruits, and more.Of course, these and hundreds of other local successes across the state in making Kansas’s food systems more diverse and resilient face many obstacles, one of which is the frequent resistance to composting which exists throughout America’s HOAs and its suburban neighborhoods generally.With food waste--and the methane it releases--being such a major factor in the impact landfills have on climate change, getting county and city governments to support community composting stations (including educating people about comparatively easily controlled smell or pest&nbsp;problems they are too often associated with) is not only a smart way to mitigate the heat sinks that urban areas create, but would also be a major step towards helping many backyard gardeners up their game, and join the low-key, small-scale revolution in urban agriculture taking place across the state.This Thanksgiving week, many celebrators will give thanks for food produced in the rural parts of Kansas. But let’s remember to also be thankful this holiday for the many urban Kansans who, wanting to make our food systems more environmentally sustainable, and inspired by the fertile land all around us, are finding new ways to bring healthy, local food into our cities as well.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

Insight Kansas: Being thankful for Kansas’s Urban Farming Revolution

<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/2023/11/1700861401512.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

KHP: Speed a factor in accidents on NW Kan. highways

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Pickleball, which has become increasingly popular in the United States, has been around since 1965, and more courts continue to be added, including in Hays.&nbsp;

Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Wash., by three dads whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities, according to the <a href="https://usapickleball.org/">USA Pickleball website</a>.

In Hays, pickleball players can enjoy their sport indoors on public courts at the Hays Recreation Center and outdoors in Municipal Park.&nbsp;

"I think the reason it's popular is because people of all ages can play it," said Roger Bixenman, Hays Recreation Commission superintendent.

"It's good exercise, especially for seniors 55 and older. It's pretty popular with retired folks.&nbsp;

"It's not like basketball, where as you get a little older, you can't really run up and down the court and keep up with the young guys and gals.&nbsp;

"It's a lot easier on the body to play, and fun, obviously."

The number of players nationwide has jumped from 3.9 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million players, according to the&nbsp; most recent figures, Bixenman said.&nbsp;

"It's also a social thing, get out socially and play, get a little bit of exercise."

Or you can get a lot of exercise, as Kelli Karlin of Hays does.&nbsp;She's been playing about four years.

Some friends of Karlin's in an exercise class she attended regularly at the Rec Center convinced her to try pickleball.

Karlin tried it out with another friend and "we absolutely loved it. It's like we were addicted right away. We went to Wichita that weekend and bought ourselves paddles, pickleball shoes, the whole nine yards."

Karlin wanted the high end-specialty equipment. The court shoes help prevent injuries.

"Probably because of the age that plays pickleball. We're all older. A lot of falls can occur. We've had a broken hip. We've had broken wrists," she said.

But it doesn't have to be super competitive. There are all levels of players at the recreation center.

Micki Armstrong, Hays, has been playing since the first of the year, a "newbie" according to pickleball rules.

Armstrong's friend in Topeka finally convinced her to pick up the game.&nbsp;

"I retired, my schedule kind of freed up so I decided to try it."

She plays on the center's open courts on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, sometimes Fridays, "with whoever is here."

"It's a social thing for me," said the former high school tennis player.&nbsp;

Bixenman describes pickleball as a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, played on a 40 by 20-foot court.&nbsp;

"It's kind of lined out like a tennis court but it's a lot smaller," he said.

The plastic ball resembles a wiffle ball, which is perforated. There are all types of paddles available for purchase, resembling a racquetball paddle.

The equipment "is pretty inexpensive. I think that's also why people like playing pickleball because you don't have a whole lot of money invested in it."

There is a total of six pickleball courts in the Hays Recreation Center's three gyms.&nbsp;

Most games are played during open gym hours between 8:30 and 11 a.m. with other groups coming in the afternoon.

Drop-in pickleball is offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with a charge of $1 per player.

Sunday morning drop-in pickleball from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. was started recently with all six courts available for use at a cost of $2 per player.

The Hays Recreation Commission has also hosted tournament play.&nbsp;

Teams can be women-only, men-only or co-ed.

"Gym space is not always ideal," Karlin said, "because there are so many people that enjoy the game of pickleball that we wish we had more pickleball courts available in our community."

Karlin prefers playing outdoors at the city's courts but the weather doesn't always cooperate.&nbsp;

A request from local players for more courts in Municipal Park prompted the Hays City Commission to add the expense of&nbsp;restriping another tennis court into two temporary pickleball courts next year. The $8,000 will come from the&nbsp;special parks and recreation fund. 

Across the country, there are nationally sanctioned professional events with play aired on ESPN television. Kansas City and Wichita host sanctioned tournaments.

"They're teaching it in schools at a younger age," Bixenman said. "I think pickleball is here to stay just because of the wide variety of ages that can play it."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700863105331.jpeg" alt="Pickleball court closeup. Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pickleball court closeup. Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostPickleball, which has become increasingly popular in the United States, has been around since 1965, and more courts continue to be added, including in Hays.&nbsp;Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Wash., by three dads whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities, according to the <a href="https://usapickleball.org/">USA Pickleball website</a>.In Hays, pickleball players can enjoy their sport indoors on public courts at the Hays Recreation Center and outdoors in Municipal Park.&nbsp;"I think the reason it's popular is because people of all ages can play it," said Roger Bixenman, Hays Recreation Commission superintendent."It's good exercise, especially for seniors 55 and older. It's pretty popular with retired folks.&nbsp;"It's not like basketball, where as you get a little older, you can't really run up and down the court and keep up with the young guys and gals.&nbsp;"It's a lot easier on the body to play, and fun, obviously."<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y7vCdC3k9Sg" title="Pickleball popularity" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The number of players nationwide has jumped from 3.9 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million players, according to the&nbsp; most recent figures, Bixenman said.&nbsp;"It's also a social thing, get out socially and play, get a little bit of exercise."Or you can get a lot of exercise, as Kelli Karlin of Hays does.&nbsp;She's been playing about four years.Some friends of Karlin's in an exercise class she attended regularly at the Rec Center convinced her to try pickleball.Karlin tried it out with another friend and "we absolutely loved it. It's like we were addicted right away. We went to Wichita that weekend and bought ourselves paddles, pickleball shoes, the whole nine yards."Karlin wanted the high end-specialty equipment. The court shoes help prevent injuries."Probably because of the age that plays pickleball. We're all older. A lot of falls can occur. We've had a broken hip. We've had broken wrists," she said."It is a very competitive game."But it doesn't have to be super competitive. There are all levels of players at the recreation center.Micki Armstrong, Hays, has been playing since the first of the year, a "newbie" according to pickleball rules. Armstrong's friend in Topeka finally convinced her to pick up the game.&nbsp;"I retired, my schedule kind of freed up so I decided to try it."She plays on the center's open courts on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, sometimes Fridays, "with whoever is here.""It's a social thing for me," said the former high school tennis player.&nbsp;Bixenman describes pickleball as a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, played on a 40 by 20-foot court.&nbsp;"It's kind of lined out like a tennis court but it's a lot smaller," he said.The plastic ball resembles a wiffle ball, which is perforated. There are all types of paddles available for purchase, resembling a racquetball paddle.The equipment "is pretty inexpensive. I think that's also why people like playing pickleball because you don't have a whole lot of money invested in it."There is a total of six pickleball courts in the Hays Recreation Center's three gyms.&nbsp;Most games are played during open gym hours between 8:30 and 11 a.m. with other groups coming in the afternoon.Drop-in pickleball is offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with a charge of $1 per player.Sunday morning drop-in pickleball from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. was started recently with all six courts available for use at a cost of $2 per player.The Hays Recreation Commission has also hosted tournament play.&nbsp;Teams can be women-only, men-only or co-ed."Gym space is not always ideal," Karlin said, "because there are so many people that enjoy the game of pickleball that we wish we had more pickleball courts available in our community."Karlin prefers playing outdoors at the city's courts but the weather doesn't always cooperate.&nbsp;A request from local players for more courts in Municipal Park prompted the Hays City Commission to add the expense of&nbsp;restriping another tennis court into two temporary pickleball courts next year. The $8,000 will come from the&nbsp;special parks and recreation fund. Across the country, there are nationally sanctioned professional events with play aired on ESPN television. Kansas City and Wichita host sanctioned tournaments."They're teaching it in schools at a younger age," Bixenman said. "I think pickleball is here to stay just because of the wide variety of ages that can play it."&nbsp;

🎥 Pickleball popularity booms; another court to be added at Hays Municipal Park

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that nearly $15 million in federal grants have been awarded to 65 crime victims and survivor services organizations, including those in Barton, Ellis and Scott counties.

The funding is provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program to increase access to justice, to support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, and to strengthen community safety.

“Crime victims and survivor services are critical to the well-being of impacted Kansans,” Kelly said. “This funding ensures these organizations can continue providing services to get victims and survivors the support and justice they deserve.”

VOCA grants support the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims and survivors through direct services. Services include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices; crisis counseling, provided by sexual assault crisis centers and mental health centers; forensic interviews, provided by children’s advocacy centers; and shelter, transportation, and transitional housing, provided by domestic violence programs.&nbsp;

A total of $14,952,784 was awarded. Among the recipients were:

Barton County:&nbsp;Barton County Attorney’s Office-$47,944 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Family Crisis Center-$335,927 Ellis County: Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services-$308,841 Scott County: Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center-$479,409

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700253827140.jpeg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that nearly $15 million in federal grants have been awarded to 65 crime victims and survivor services organizations, including those in Barton, Ellis and Scott counties.The funding is provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program to increase access to justice, to support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, and to strengthen community safety.“Crime victims and survivor services are critical to the well-being of impacted Kansans,” Kelly said. “This funding ensures these organizations can continue providing services to get victims and survivors the support and justice they deserve.”VOCA grants support the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims and survivors through direct services. Services include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices; crisis counseling, provided by sexual assault crisis centers and mental health centers; forensic interviews, provided by children’s advocacy centers; and shelter, transportation, and transitional housing, provided by domestic violence programs.&nbsp;A total of $14,952,784 was awarded. Among the recipients were:Barton County:&nbsp;Barton County Attorney’s Office-$47,944 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Family Crisis Center-$335,927 Ellis County: Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services-$308,841 Scott County: Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center-$479,409

Ellis, regional counties receive federal funding for crime victim assistance agencies

K-State Research and Extension, NW Region Extension counties/districts are hosting two Crop Pest Management Schools, December 5, in Colby at the City Limits Convention Center and December 6, in Russell at the Elks Lodge starting at 7:45 a.m. with registration and concluding at 5:00 p.m.

Join us in-person to learn about how to control the latest pests – weeds, insects, and diseases – affecting all crops in central and western Kansas.

Commercial applicators will earn one core hour and seven hours for 1A, certified by Kansas Department of Agriculture. Certified Crop Advisors&nbsp; will also earn eight pest management credits. These schools would also be an excellent educational opportunity for producers.

The cost to participate is $50 if registered by November 27, after that date the fee is $75. Those wishing to participate are asked to register by Monday, November 27, by midnight. Simply go to: <a href="https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/crop-pest-mangagement-school/">http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/events/crop-pest-mangagement-school</a> or call Jeanne Falk-Jones, K-State Research and Extension, at 785-462-6281 or Craig Dinkel, at 785-472-4442

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700155321496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood ExtensionK-State Research and Extension, NW Region Extension counties/districts are hosting two Crop Pest Management Schools, December 5, in Colby at the City Limits Convention Center and December 6, in Russell at the Elks Lodge starting at 7:45 a.m. with registration and concluding at 5:00 p.m.Join us in-person to learn about how to control the latest pests – weeds, insects, and diseases – affecting all crops in central and western Kansas.Commercial applicators will earn one core hour and seven hours for 1A, certified by Kansas Department of Agriculture. Certified Crop Advisors&nbsp; will also earn eight pest management credits. These schools would also be an excellent educational opportunity for producers.The cost to participate is $50 if registered by November 27, after that date the fee is $75. Those wishing to participate are asked to register by Monday, November 27, by midnight. Simply go to: <a href="https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/crop-pest-mangagement-school/">http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/events/crop-pest-mangagement-school</a> or call Jeanne Falk-Jones, K-State Research and Extension, at 785-462-6281 or Craig Dinkel, at 785-472-4442

Crop pest management schools to be offered in Colby, Russell

Cathedral Christmas Concert,&nbsp;Sunday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m. at&nbsp;Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria.

Start the Advent/holiday season on a glorious note with the FHSU choirs: Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at the annual Cathedral Christmas Concert in Victoria.

Hays HS Chamber Singers and Hillsboro Girl’s Ensemble are the guest choirs. Also appearing are FHSU Horn Ensemble; Tom Meagher, organ; FHSU Saxophone Quartet; several FHSU Music Faculty will perform, plus other members of the Music &amp; Theatre Dept.

This concert free and open to the public.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010791180.jpeg" alt="The Basilica of St. Fidelis, commonly known as the Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Basilica of St. Fidelis, commonly known as the Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCathedral Christmas Concert,&nbsp;Sunday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m. at&nbsp;Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria.Start the Advent/holiday season on a glorious note with the FHSU choirs: Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at the annual Cathedral Christmas Concert in Victoria.Hays HS Chamber Singers and Hillsboro Girl’s Ensemble are the guest choirs. Also appearing are FHSU Horn Ensemble; Tom Meagher, organ; FHSU Saxophone Quartet; several FHSU Music Faculty will perform, plus other members of the Music &amp; Theatre Dept.This concert free and open to the public.&nbsp;

Annual Cathedral Christmas Concert in Victoria Dec. 10 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700861367367.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>

ELLIS — On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Ellis High School inducted ten juniors and nine seniors into the local chapter of the National Honor Society. Requirements to get into NHS are a 3.5 GPA, leadership in seven organizations within the school or community, accumulation of 40 hours of community service, and a positive character evaluation by teachers.

The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society:

(BACK ROW) 1st year members: Maleah Vine (Jr.), daughter of Dustin and Tanna Vine; Jadyn Starns (Sr.), daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Brooke Starns (Jr.), daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taegan Shannon (Jr.), daughter of Brian and Amanda Shannon; Alyssa Rome (Jr.), daughter of James and Sandra Rome; Natalee North (Jr.), daughter of Travis and Ava North; MaKenzie Kohlrus (Jr.), daughter of Travis and Susie Kohlrus; Addison Kohl (Jr.), daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Chance Jimenez (Jr.), son of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Toby Honas (Jr.), son of Randy and Wendy Honas; and Isabella Eck (Jr.), daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck

(FRONT ROW) 2nd year members: Mason Younger (Sr.), son of Aaron and Jennifer Younger; Taylor Seibel (Sr.), daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Ava Reed (Sr.), daughter of Darin and April Reed; Kylee Pfeifer (Sr.), daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Emily James (Sr.), daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kaydawn Haag (Sr.), daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag; Macy Eberle (Sr.), daughter of Cory and Michele Eberle; and Austin Carroll (Sr.), son of Matt and Nicole Carroll

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700661924756.png" alt="Ellis USD 388" />
 <figcaption>Ellis USD 388</figcaption>
 </figure>EHSELLIS — On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Ellis High School inducted ten juniors and nine seniors into the local chapter of the National Honor Society. Requirements to get into NHS are a 3.5 GPA, leadership in seven organizations within the school or community, accumulation of 40 hours of community service, and a positive character evaluation by teachers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700661585638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society:(BACK ROW) 1st year members: Maleah Vine (Jr.), daughter of Dustin and Tanna Vine; Jadyn Starns (Sr.), daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Brooke Starns (Jr.), daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taegan Shannon (Jr.), daughter of Brian and Amanda Shannon; Alyssa Rome (Jr.), daughter of James and Sandra Rome; Natalee North (Jr.), daughter of Travis and Ava North; MaKenzie Kohlrus (Jr.), daughter of Travis and Susie Kohlrus; Addison Kohl (Jr.), daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Chance Jimenez (Jr.), son of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Toby Honas (Jr.), son of Randy and Wendy Honas; and Isabella Eck (Jr.), daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck(FRONT ROW) 2nd year members: Mason Younger (Sr.), son of Aaron and Jennifer Younger; Taylor Seibel (Sr.), daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Ava Reed (Sr.), daughter of Darin and April Reed; Kylee Pfeifer (Sr.), daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Emily James (Sr.), daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kaydawn Haag (Sr.), daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag; Macy Eberle (Sr.), daughter of Cory and Michele Eberle; and Austin Carroll (Sr.), son of Matt and Nicole Carroll<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700661780260.jpeg" alt="1st year NHS members, Ellis High School 2023-2024" />
 <figcaption>1st year NHS members, Ellis High School 2023-2024</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700661709503.jpeg" alt="2nd year NHS members, Ellis High School 2023-2024" />
 <figcaption>2nd year NHS members, Ellis High School 2023-2024</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis High School inducts 19 into National Honor Society 

RUSSELL — As a result of a forecasted snowstorm and snowstorms impeding traffic and causing difficulty in the clearance of streets, parking upon the following listed streets, designated as emergency snow routes, in the city of Russell is prohibited beginning at 6 a.m., November 25, 2023, and until further notice:

• Copeland Street from Wichita Avenue to Wisconsin Street • Lincoln Street from Wichita Avenue to 15th Street • Wisconsin Street from Van Houten to Copeland Street • 15th Street from Van Houten Street to Copeland Street • Ash Street from Wichita Avenue to Dorrance Street • Jewell Street from Fossil Street to Maple Street • Maple Street from Jewell Street to Luray Street • Luray Street from Maple Street to Kansas Street • Kansas Street from Luray Street to Jewell Street

Any vehicle parked on an emergency snow route after such time may be towed. Any expenses incurred for vehicles requiring towing away as a result of snow removal work shall be the owner or operator's responsibility and not at the expense or responsibility of the city of Russell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700882689531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Russell RUSSELL — As a result of a forecasted snowstorm and snowstorms impeding traffic and causing difficulty in the clearance of streets, parking upon the following listed streets, designated as emergency snow routes, in the city of Russell is prohibited beginning at 6 a.m., November 25, 2023, and until further notice:• Copeland Street from Wichita Avenue to Wisconsin Street • Lincoln Street from Wichita Avenue to 15th Street • Wisconsin Street from Van Houten to Copeland Street • 15th Street from Van Houten Street to Copeland Street • Ash Street from Wichita Avenue to Dorrance Street • Jewell Street from Fossil Street to Maple Street • Maple Street from Jewell Street to Luray Street • Luray Street from Maple Street to Kansas Street • Kansas Street from Luray Street to Jewell StreetAny vehicle parked on an emergency snow route after such time may be towed. Any expenses incurred for vehicles requiring towing away as a result of snow removal work shall be the owner or operator's responsibility and not at the expense or responsibility of the city of Russell.

Russell issues no parking on designated snow routes starting at 6 a.m. Saturday

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Western Star Straight Truck driven by Billy Jack Pruitt, 52, Oakley, was southbound on County Road 460 just north of Jayhawk.

The truck left the roadway to the right, traveled off to the left and then back to the right.&nbsp; It slid backwards into the ditch and came to rest on its wheels facing north.

EMS transported Pruitt to the Logan County Hospital. He was not waring a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Western Star Straight Truck driven by Billy Jack Pruitt, 52, Oakley, was southbound on County Road 460 just north of Jayhawk.The truck left the roadway to the right, traveled off to the left and then back to the right.&nbsp; It slid backwards into the ditch and came to rest on its wheels facing north.EMS transported Pruitt to the Logan County Hospital. He was not waring a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after truck crash

Congrats to Debbie Ross of Hays for winning the second prize in our weekly KAYS Reindeer Radio giveaway!

The prize this week was sponsored by&nbsp;The ARC of Central Plains Thriftshop.

Listen to 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS Monday through Thursday next week, listen for the code word and enter it here on Hays Post for more chances to win!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700251607468.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to Debbie Ross of Hays for winning the second prize in our weekly KAYS Reindeer Radio giveaway!The prize this week was sponsored by&nbsp;The ARC of Central Plains Thriftshop.Listen to 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS Monday through Thursday next week, listen for the code word and enter it here on Hays Post for more chances to win!

Reindeer Radio week 2 winner announced

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

KAYS 94.3's The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker discusses upcoming events at the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Cottonwood Extension District</a> with agent Stacy Campbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Cottonwood District continues information programing for area residents" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ytbpg-150a159-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

KAYS 94.3's The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker discusses upcoming events at the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Cottonwood Extension District</a> with agent Stacy Campbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Cottonwood District continues information programing for area residents

OAKLEY — The city of Oakley will be implementing emergency snow routes at midnight Saturday.&nbsp;

 Please remove all vehicles off of the snow routes. Also please remove vehicles off the secondary routes and consider removing vehicles from narrow streets and one-way streets to give the plows room to operate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668426123306.jpg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>City of OakleyOAKLEY — The city of Oakley will be implementing emergency snow routes at midnight Saturday.&nbsp; Please remove all vehicles off of the snow routes. Also please remove vehicles off the secondary routes and consider removing vehicles from narrow streets and one-way streets to give the plows room to operate.&nbsp;

Oakley implementing emergency snow routes at midnight Saturday

Between students on campus, online students, and international student partnership programs, Fort Hays State University had a total enrollment of 16,984 students for academic year 2023. 

Slightly more than 2,000 of those students came from Ellis County. There were another 4,731 students from western Kansas.

The economic impact of Fort Hays State on Ellis County in fiscal year 2022 is estimated between $167.8 million and $239.2 million dollars.&nbsp;

President Tisa Mason spoke to Hays city commissioners Nov. 9 about the university's mission and updated commitments.

Two years ago, FHSU began exploring a strategic affiliation with NCK Technical College in Hays and Beloit, and Northwest Technical College in Goodland.&nbsp;

Campus committees and governing boards of the three institutions approved the affiliation in January. It was passed by the Kansas legislature in the 2023 session.&nbsp;

Next comes a request for the Higher Learning Commission's approval and finalizing a formal affiliation agreement in the summer of 2024.&nbsp;

The goal, says Mason, is to be able to start admitting students under the new structure by fall 2024.

"We want to help western Kansas by no longer working in competition or even a simple cooperation, but strategically joining forces and working together to help students, businesses, and western Kansas communities to thrive," Mason said.

The basic structure is a governance transfer from the local technical college boards to FHSU, with all three institutions keeping their separate funding streams and Higher Learning Commission accreditations.&nbsp;

The schools will unite with one brand - Tigers - and utilize the colors black and gold.&nbsp;

"That has passed both the tech college boards unanimously," Mason said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Hays State's annual legislative budget request is underway with four "asks" that have been endorsed by the Kansas Board of Regents.&nbsp;

The nursing program at Fort Hays State is focused on working in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Based on consistent pass rates of 100% in the doctorate of nursing practice program and a pass rate of 100% on-track this year for the bachelor of science in nursing, the Kansas Board of Nursing has allowed the department to increase undergraduate student enrollment by 67%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mason said she finds that "incredible" and "there is a waiting list" of prospective nursing students.

To accommodate the increase, FHSU will ask the legislature for $15 million to add two floors on top of the Stroup Building, home to the nursing department. Another recurring $400,000 will be requested to hire more nursing faculty as well as to build a simulation lab.&nbsp;

FHSU wants $750,000 to create a centralized professional and continuing education unit to deliver workforce development.&nbsp;

"We want to drive technical education, specialized certifications, and respond to the rapidly growing need for&nbsp; re-skilling and up-skilling, especially as artificial intelligence and other trends significantly interrupt the work environment as we know it today."&nbsp; &nbsp;

"I'm so impressed by this," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. "We need it so badly."

Smaller budget requests will be made for the other two initiatives.

A request for $250,000 for five years will be made for telehealth certification for mental health providers and to increase the counseling program capacity by 50 students.

A review of data provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on mental health professional shortage areas indicates most of Kansas falls into that category.

The fourth funding request for a recurring $220,000 would be used to establish assistantships designed to support businesses and schools that need help with technology services.&nbsp;

"Our graduate program in computer science is growing online. We want to bring some of those students into our community and get them on campus.&nbsp;

"We want to take some of their time and put them in schools, non-profits, small businesses, to help them with their computer and IT needs."

The federal and state governments are all committed to broadband expansion, especially in rural communities such as those in the FHSU service area.&nbsp;

"It will be critical to have a support system in place," Mason said.

"I can't wait to see in about five years where all this will have gone," said Shaun Musil, mayor, "especially for small businesses. It's very much appreciated."

<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dEizX_G69P4" title="FHSU requests for legislative funding in 2024" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostBetween students on campus, online students, and international student partnership programs, Fort Hays State University had a total enrollment of 16,984 students for academic year 2023. Slightly more than 2,000 of those students came from Ellis County. There were another 4,731 students from western Kansas.The economic impact of Fort Hays State on Ellis County in fiscal year 2022 is estimated between $167.8 million and $239.2 million dollars.&nbsp;President Tisa Mason spoke to Hays city commissioners Nov. 9 about the university's mission and updated commitments.Two years ago, FHSU began exploring a strategic affiliation with NCK Technical College in Hays and Beloit, and Northwest Technical College in Goodland.&nbsp;Campus committees and governing boards of the three institutions approved the affiliation in January. It was passed by the Kansas legislature in the 2023 session.&nbsp;Next comes a request for the Higher Learning Commission's approval and finalizing a formal affiliation agreement in the summer of 2024.&nbsp;The goal, says Mason, is to be able to start admitting students under the new structure by fall 2024."We want to help western Kansas by no longer working in competition or even a simple cooperation, but strategically joining forces and working together to help students, businesses, and western Kansas communities to thrive," Mason said.The basic structure is a governance transfer from the local technical college boards to FHSU, with all three institutions keeping their separate funding streams and Higher Learning Commission accreditations.&nbsp;The schools will unite with one brand - Tigers - and utilize the colors black and gold.&nbsp;"That has passed both the tech college boards unanimously," Mason said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Hays State's annual legislative budget request is underway with four "asks" that have been endorsed by the Kansas Board of Regents.&nbsp;The nursing program at Fort Hays State is focused on working in rural Kansas.&nbsp;Based on consistent pass rates of 100% in the doctorate of nursing practice program and a pass rate of 100% on-track this year for the bachelor of science in nursing, the Kansas Board of Nursing has allowed the department to increase undergraduate student enrollment by 67%.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason said she finds that "incredible" and "there is a waiting list" of prospective nursing students.To accommodate the increase, FHSU will ask the legislature for $15 million to add two floors on top of the Stroup Building, home to the nursing department. Another recurring $400,000 will be requested to hire more nursing faculty as well as to build a simulation lab.&nbsp;FHSU wants $750,000 to create a centralized professional and continuing education unit to deliver workforce development.&nbsp;"We want to drive technical education, specialized certifications, and respond to the rapidly growing need for&nbsp; re-skilling and up-skilling, especially as artificial intelligence and other trends significantly interrupt the work environment as we know it today."&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm so impressed by this," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. "We need it so badly."Smaller budget requests will be made for the other two initiatives.A request for $250,000 for five years will be made for telehealth certification for mental health providers and to increase the counseling program capacity by 50 students.A review of data provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on mental health professional shortage areas indicates most of Kansas falls into that category.The fourth funding request for a recurring $220,000 would be used to establish assistantships designed to support businesses and schools that need help with technology services.&nbsp;"Our graduate program in computer science is growing online. We want to bring some of those students into our community and get them on campus.&nbsp;"We want to take some of their time and put them in schools, non-profits, small businesses, to help them with their computer and IT needs."The federal and state governments are all committed to broadband expansion, especially in rural communities such as those in the FHSU service area.&nbsp;"It will be critical to have a support system in place," Mason said."I can't wait to see in about five years where all this will have gone," said Shaun Musil, mayor, "especially for small businesses. It's very much appreciated."

🎥 FHSU strategy update presented to Hays city commission

One of my favorite campus events is our annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Tiger Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made an extraordinary contribution to Tiger athletics.

What I love most is the authentic celebration of humble, extraordinary people who share stories of grit, humor, and, most of all, love – love of their sport, teammates, and coaches. It is a day when our honorees gather with family, teammates, and friends to smile, laugh, and, I guarantee, shed a tear. It is a day for gratitude, heart, and thanksgiving.

Here, in Part 1 of this two-part column, are the first four of eight stories that filled me with emotion and appreciation for the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. The remaining stories will be included in my next column.

Tyrone Shepard's story is an inspiring tale of achievement and selflessness. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Tyrone carved out an exceptional basketball career that left a lasting impression. Despite his undeniable talent, his humble approach and focus on teamwork set him apart from others.

Head men's basketball Coach Mark Johnson spoke highly of Tyrone's character and profound influence on the team. Tyrone's upbringing and high school basketball experience played a pivotal role in shaping him into the player and person he became. Raised by a mother who instilled values of hard work and caring for others, Tyrone understood that success went beyond personal achievements; it was about winning as a team.

Tyrone's calm demeanor and level-headedness earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates. In fact, his popularity drew in large crowds, leading to the first-ever advanced sellout in Fort Hays State basketball history during his 2006 season.

Tyrone's selflessness and team-oriented mindset were evident in every aspect of his play. Despite having talented teammates and playing on a deep roster, he never complained about minutes or shots. Coach Johnson recalled a remarkable incident during senior night when Tyrone offered his starting spot to a teammate - an act that showcased his incredible leadership and willingness to put others before himself.

Tyrone's story serves as a reminder of the true essence of team sports. It highlights how selflessness, humility, and a strong work ethic can propel individuals and teams to exceptional achievements. Tyrone's journey is an inspiration to future athletes, demonstrating that true success is built on camaraderie, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to a shared goal.

Jim Belch's journey through the wrestling world is an inspiring testament to dedication and passion. Hailing from Goodland, Kansas, Jim's achievements as a wrestler and coach profoundly impact those who know his story.

As a two-time All-American and a prominent figure in Kansas wrestling, Jim's success on the mat showcases his unwavering commitment to the sport. But his influence didn't end there.

Transitioning into coaching, Jim dedicated 33 years of his life to mentoring student-athletes at various schools, including Atwood, Wellington, and Lawrence High School. His coaching prowess was unparalleled, becoming the first Kansas High School coach to achieve 300 dual wins and setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.

Jim's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mentorship, camaraderie, and a shared passion. Not only have individuals been positively influenced by Jim's guidance, but an entire community has been uplifted by his presence. His story stands as a testament to the lasting impact one person can make when they pour their heart and soul into something they love.

Another touching story introduces Richard and Tawnita Augustine, who served as coaches for the Fort Hays State women's gymnastics team in the 1980s. Their impact on the program and the athletes they coached profoundly led to multiple All-American performances and top-five finishes in the NCAA Division II.

The sport of gymnastics was strong in Kansas when the Augustines started with the program, but over time, the shrinking number of local high school programs led to the need to recruit from across the nation. The Augustines reached out far and wide to build FHSU into a national championship contender by the mid-1980s with athletes from all over the United States, including Hawaii, New York, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Kansas. By the program's last year in 1990, FHSU was the only school remaining in Kansas with a women's team.

What resonated most for me about their story was how they epitomized the ethic of care for which our campus is known. The long-lasting influence of the Augustines was so evident as they shared with pride their continued involvement to this day in the lives of all the Tiger athletes they coached and loved as a close-knit family they built around their team. Their coaching went beyond gymnastics. They caringly shaped successful individuals who pursued careers in various fields, creating lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and a lasting legacy. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering support nurtured young athletes, helping them grow into strong, intelligent, and successful women. The Augustines' legacy will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to be a part of their journey.

Daniel Traffas, a native of Sharon, Kansas, left an indelible mark on the baseball field during his time at Fort Hays State. His achievements as a pitcher are a testament to his talent and unwavering dedication. In his senior year, Daniel soared to new heights, earning the prestigious title of the 1995-Mile-High Intercollegiate Baseball League Pitcher of the Year. With an impressive 8-3 record and a remarkable 2.47 ERA, he dominated the baseball diamond.

What stood out for me in Daniel’s story was his family bonds. Behind every great individual lies a support system that drives them forward. For Daniel, this pillar of strength was his mother, Karen. Amidst their father's health battles, Karen selflessly took on the responsibility of caring for the family, exemplifying unwavering resilience. Her commitment and ability to juggle numerous roles without complaint left a lasting impact on me.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>One of my favorite campus events is our annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Tiger Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made an extraordinary contribution to Tiger athletics.What I love most is the authentic celebration of humble, extraordinary people who share stories of grit, humor, and, most of all, love – love of their sport, teammates, and coaches. It is a day when our honorees gather with family, teammates, and friends to smile, laugh, and, I guarantee, shed a tear. It is a day for gratitude, heart, and thanksgiving.Here, in Part 1 of this two-part column, are the first four of eight stories that filled me with emotion and appreciation for the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. The remaining stories will be included in my next column.Tyrone Shepard's story is an inspiring tale of achievement and selflessness. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Tyrone carved out an exceptional basketball career that left a lasting impression. Despite his undeniable talent, his humble approach and focus on teamwork set him apart from others.Head men's basketball Coach Mark Johnson spoke highly of Tyrone's character and profound influence on the team. Tyrone's upbringing and high school basketball experience played a pivotal role in shaping him into the player and person he became. Raised by a mother who instilled values of hard work and caring for others, Tyrone understood that success went beyond personal achievements; it was about winning as a team.Tyrone's calm demeanor and level-headedness earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates. In fact, his popularity drew in large crowds, leading to the first-ever advanced sellout in Fort Hays State basketball history during his 2006 season.Tyrone's selflessness and team-oriented mindset were evident in every aspect of his play. Despite having talented teammates and playing on a deep roster, he never complained about minutes or shots. Coach Johnson recalled a remarkable incident during senior night when Tyrone offered his starting spot to a teammate - an act that showcased his incredible leadership and willingness to put others before himself.Tyrone's story serves as a reminder of the true essence of team sports. It highlights how selflessness, humility, and a strong work ethic can propel individuals and teams to exceptional achievements. Tyrone's journey is an inspiration to future athletes, demonstrating that true success is built on camaraderie, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to a shared goal.Jim Belch's journey through the wrestling world is an inspiring testament to dedication and passion. Hailing from Goodland, Kansas, Jim's achievements as a wrestler and coach profoundly impact those who know his story.As a two-time All-American and a prominent figure in Kansas wrestling, Jim's success on the mat showcases his unwavering commitment to the sport. But his influence didn't end there.Transitioning into coaching, Jim dedicated 33 years of his life to mentoring student-athletes at various schools, including Atwood, Wellington, and Lawrence High School. His coaching prowess was unparalleled, becoming the first Kansas High School coach to achieve 300 dual wins and setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.Jim's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mentorship, camaraderie, and a shared passion. Not only have individuals been positively influenced by Jim's guidance, but an entire community has been uplifted by his presence. His story stands as a testament to the lasting impact one person can make when they pour their heart and soul into something they love.Another touching story introduces Richard and Tawnita Augustine, who served as coaches for the Fort Hays State women's gymnastics team in the 1980s. Their impact on the program and the athletes they coached profoundly led to multiple All-American performances and top-five finishes in the NCAA Division II.The sport of gymnastics was strong in Kansas when the Augustines started with the program, but over time, the shrinking number of local high school programs led to the need to recruit from across the nation. The Augustines reached out far and wide to build FHSU into a national championship contender by the mid-1980s with athletes from all over the United States, including Hawaii, New York, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Kansas. By the program's last year in 1990, FHSU was the only school remaining in Kansas with a women's team.What resonated most for me about their story was how they epitomized the ethic of care for which our campus is known. The long-lasting influence of the Augustines was so evident as they shared with pride their continued involvement to this day in the lives of all the Tiger athletes they coached and loved as a close-knit family they built around their team. Their coaching went beyond gymnastics. They caringly shaped successful individuals who pursued careers in various fields, creating lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and a lasting legacy. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering support nurtured young athletes, helping them grow into strong, intelligent, and successful women. The Augustines' legacy will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to be a part of their journey.Daniel Traffas, a native of Sharon, Kansas, left an indelible mark on the baseball field during his time at Fort Hays State. His achievements as a pitcher are a testament to his talent and unwavering dedication. In his senior year, Daniel soared to new heights, earning the prestigious title of the 1995-Mile-High Intercollegiate Baseball League Pitcher of the Year. With an impressive 8-3 record and a remarkable 2.47 ERA, he dominated the baseball diamond.What stood out for me in Daniel’s story was his family bonds. Behind every great individual lies a support system that drives them forward. For Daniel, this pillar of strength was his mother, Karen. Amidst their father's health battles, Karen selflessly took on the responsibility of caring for the family, exemplifying unwavering resilience. Her commitment and ability to juggle numerous roles without complaint left a lasting impact on me.Daniels’ love of baseball is largely due to his father's influence. Countless hours were spent practicing together, forging a bond that would last a lifetime. Even in the face of adversity, when an accidental injury left their father with a broken jaw during a practice session, his resilience and unyielding spirit shone through. The vivid memory of their dad's sacrifice serves as a poignant example of the love and admiration between father and son.This heartfelt story encapsulated a range of emotions, from excitement and gratitude to admiration and love. And that is what I love most about this annual celebration. It is a reminder of the profound impact that family, teammates, and coaches can have on an individual's life. Daniel Traffas' journey is a testament to the resilience and unwavering dedication required to achieve greatness.

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