HaysMed has engaged Bright Minds Academy, LLC to manage their onsite childcare center. Bright Minds operates a childcare facility close to the hospital located at&nbsp;2106 Wheatland Ave. and will assume the management of the HaysMed Childcare Center when it opens in August.

“We are so fortunate to have secured a relationship with Bright Minds,” said Shae Veach, VP for Regional Operations and Marketing. “Under their management we will be able to provide a childcare facility with a learning environment curriculum.”

The childcare center can accommodate 77 children from ages 2 weeks to 6 years of age. HaysMed Associates will have priority for the slots. The facility is located on the east side of The Center for Health Improvement.

“Bright Minds Academy is extremely excited to partner with HaysMed to bring a new childcare option to their associates. We are grateful that we can be a part of the next step in stabilizing childcare in the community. We can’t wait to pour our love into a new center and educate more children!” noted Nick and Andrea Felder, owners of Bright Minds.

There are three play areas for the children and a designated drop-off and pick up area. During inclement weather the fitness center gym will be utilized for playtime.

The childcare center was made possible through nearly $1.5 million in generous commitments from the HaysMed Foundation, the Hadley Foundation, and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Additionally, Nex-Tech has established an endowed fund with the HaysMed Foundation to assist with future needs of the facility.

“Having childcare available onsite is a great benefit when recruiting and retaining healthcare providers.” Veach said. “Families are looking for reliable childcare as close to their work environment as possible.”

The new facility will help address one of the top five identified needs from the Ellis County Health Needs Assessment which indicated a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/19b769f2-c8c9-4c84-a9cf-276cbcced4b0">shortfall of over 600 spots in childcare</a> for our county.

“No matter how you look at this it is a win for not only HaysMed but also for Ellis County.” Veach concluded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682971264546.png" alt="Artist's rendition of HaysMed Childcare Center which will open in August. Courtesy HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Artist's rendition of HaysMed Childcare Center which will open in August. Courtesy HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMed HaysMed has engaged Bright Minds Academy, LLC to manage their onsite childcare center. Bright Minds operates a childcare facility close to the hospital located at&nbsp;2106 Wheatland Ave. and will assume the management of the HaysMed Childcare Center when it opens in August.“We are so fortunate to have secured a relationship with Bright Minds,” said Shae Veach, VP for Regional Operations and Marketing. “Under their management we will be able to provide a childcare facility with a learning environment curriculum.”The childcare center can accommodate 77 children from ages 2 weeks to 6 years of age. HaysMed Associates will have priority for the slots. The facility is located on the east side of The Center for Health Improvement.“Bright Minds Academy is extremely excited to partner with HaysMed to bring a new childcare option to their associates. We are grateful that we can be a part of the next step in stabilizing childcare in the community. We can’t wait to pour our love into a new center and educate more children!” noted Nick and Andrea Felder, owners of Bright Minds.There are three play areas for the children and a designated drop-off and pick up area. During inclement weather the fitness center gym will be utilized for playtime.The childcare center was made possible through nearly $1.5 million in generous commitments from the HaysMed Foundation, the Hadley Foundation, and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Additionally, Nex-Tech has established an endowed fund with the HaysMed Foundation to assist with future needs of the facility.“Having childcare available onsite is a great benefit when recruiting and retaining healthcare providers.” Veach said. “Families are looking for reliable childcare as close to their work environment as possible.”The new facility will help address one of the top five identified needs from the Ellis County Health Needs Assessment which indicated a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/19b769f2-c8c9-4c84-a9cf-276cbcced4b0">shortfall of over 600 spots in childcare</a> for our county.“No matter how you look at this it is a win for not only HaysMed but also for Ellis County.” Veach concluded.

HaysMed Childcare Center to be managed by Bright Minds Academy

Oakley, Sharon Springs and surrounding area residents, join us on Tuesday, May 2, for short presentations in Oakley and Sharon Springs to learn about demand rates, their impacts on bills and how you have more ways to save. 

Midwest Energy will provide donuts for Oakley and sub sandwiches for Sharon Springs. 

RSVP is not necessary for this event. We look forward to seeing you there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682613912749.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MWEOakley, Sharon Springs and surrounding area residents, join us on Tuesday, May 2, for short presentations in Oakley and Sharon Springs to learn about demand rates, their impacts on bills and how you have more ways to save. Midwest Energy will provide donuts for Oakley and sub sandwiches for Sharon Springs. RSVP is not necessary for this event. We look forward to seeing you there.

MWE to offer demand rates presentations in Oakley, Sharon Springs

RUSSELL —The City of Russell Fire Department was dispatched to 1430 South Fossil for a report of an electrical fire located somewhere in the Dole-Specter Conference Center at the Fossil Creek Inn &amp; Suites, according to a media release from the city of Russell Fire Department.

Crews on scene observed no visible flame or smoke from the outside. Once entry was gained into the conference center, smoke could be seen near the ceiling along with the smell of burning electrical.

Crews evacuated the hotel and began searching for the source. Crews were able to determine that the electrical fire was from a burnt motor on the outside, inside the heating/cooling unit, causing the smoke and burnt electrical smell to enter the conference center.

The unit was isolated, and the hotel resumed normal operation.

RUSSELL —The City of Russell Fire Department was dispatched to 1430 South Fossil for a report of an electrical fire located somewhere in the Dole-Specter Conference Center at the Fossil Creek Inn &amp; Suites, according to a media release from the city of Russell Fire Department.Crews on scene observed no visible flame or smoke from the outside. Once entry was gained into the conference center, smoke could be seen near the ceiling along with the smell of burning electrical.Crews evacuated the hotel and began searching for the source. Crews were able to determine that the electrical fire was from a burnt motor on the outside, inside the heating/cooling unit, causing the smoke and burnt electrical smell to enter the conference center.The unit was isolated, and the hotel resumed normal operation.

Hotel evacuated after electrical fire in Russell

<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/2023/5/1682961430835.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

We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. 

ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.

Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. 

This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply within at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642173081488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply within at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Game warden: Hunter attempted to falsify turkey tag

On the 1st of May, we will begin charging at our ramps again. 

Prices are still five dollars a day, or an annual pass can be bought at the project office or at the park booths once we open for the recreation season for forty dollars. 

Currently, with the lake being down about 20 inches, all of our slide-in docks are pushed in about as far as they will go. 

Staff at the lake will keep an eye on the slid-in docks to ensure they are usable. 

Hopefully, in the near future, we will get some much-needed rain and can get back to conservation pool for the summer months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Army Corp of EngineersOn the 1st of May, we will begin charging at our ramps again. Prices are still five dollars a day, or an annual pass can be bought at the project office or at the park booths once we open for the recreation season for forty dollars. Currently, with the lake being down about 20 inches, all of our slide-in docks are pushed in about as far as they will go. Staff at the lake will keep an eye on the slid-in docks to ensure they are usable. Hopefully, in the near future, we will get some much-needed rain and can get back to conservation pool for the summer months.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWilsonLakeUSACE%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02r4q8azPXZK1MMSoN14FnVfDrgPCmpS2zf4ByoGSNgZD1KrcCvX2pwVXnesu6GMeQl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="633" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Wilson Lake boat ramps charges begin May 1

The Fort
Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre is wrapping up its year
with a series of concerts.

Kicking
off the events this week was the New Music Festival, which began Friday and will
conclude Saturday with an “evening of the music of Katherine Bergman,”
according to an FHSU announcement.

“Bergman&nbsp;is a
Minnesota-based composer who draws on environmentalism and literature to create
music described as hypnotic and visceral,” the announcement said. “She has
received commissions and performances from leading ensembles throughout the
United States and abroad.”&nbsp;

The New Music Festival
concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts
Center.

Her performance will feature the world premiere of&nbsp;“An
Absence of Silence”&nbsp;for violin, cello, piano and bass clarinet,
commissioned by the FHSU New Music Ensemble, comprised of FHSU instructors that “share
a passion for the music of living composers.”

At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHSU senior Kathryn Walters will
perform her senior vocal performance in Palmer Hall.

FHSU choirs will next take the stage for the annual Choirs
Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the
Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

“We call it our Masterworks Concert
and start off with the Fort Hays Singers doing a folksy eight-movement piece
called Southern Grace,” said FHSU director of choral activities, Terry Crull. 

The Smoky Hill Choral will
follow with Schubert's famous Mass in G, he said.

“And then the Concert Choir is
going to finish with one of my favorite works, 'Frostiana,' the poetry of Robert
Frost, set by Randall Thompson, one of my favorite composers,” Crull said. 

He said the concert will run less
than 90 minutes and is a “nice concert, great way to end the year.”

The FHSU Bands Concert will
take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday under the direction of Peter Lillpopp, director
of bands, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

And wrapping up the week the calendar
is the Junior Music Recital of Jackson Scott and Julia Long in Palmer Hall at
7:30 p.m. Friday.

For the full FHSU Department
of Music and Theatre calendar, visit the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/arts-calendar">FHSU website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078090893.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays Post<div><iframe title="FHSU Music and Theater wraps year with a week of events" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=2sudy-13f44f9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315"></iframe></div>The Fort
Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre is wrapping up its year
with a series of concerts.Kicking
off the events this week was the New Music Festival, which began Friday and will
conclude Saturday with an “evening of the music of Katherine Bergman,”
according to an FHSU announcement.“Bergman&nbsp;is a
Minnesota-based composer who draws on environmentalism and literature to create
music described as hypnotic and visceral,” the announcement said. “She has
received commissions and performances from leading ensembles throughout the
United States and abroad.”&nbsp;The New Music Festival
concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts
Center.Her performance will feature the world premiere of&nbsp;“An
Absence of Silence”&nbsp;for violin, cello, piano and bass clarinet,
commissioned by the FHSU New Music Ensemble, comprised of FHSU instructors that “share
a passion for the music of living composers.”At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHSU senior Kathryn Walters will
perform her senior vocal performance in Palmer Hall.FHSU choirs will next take the stage for the annual Choirs
Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the
Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.“We call it our Masterworks Concert
and start off with the Fort Hays Singers doing a folksy eight-movement piece
called Southern Grace,” said FHSU director of choral activities, Terry Crull. The Smoky Hill Choral will
follow with Schubert's famous Mass in G, he said.“And then the Concert Choir is
going to finish with one of my favorite works, 'Frostiana,' the poetry of Robert
Frost, set by Randall Thompson, one of my favorite composers,” Crull said. He said the concert will run less
than 90 minutes and is a “nice concert, great way to end the year.”The FHSU Bands Concert will
take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday under the direction of Peter Lillpopp, director
of bands, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.And wrapping up the week the calendar
is the Junior Music Recital of Jackson Scott and Julia Long in Palmer Hall at
7:30 p.m. Friday.For the full FHSU Department
of Music and Theatre calendar, visit the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/arts-calendar">FHSU website</a>.

🎙 New Music Festival underway as FHSU Music, Theatre wraps year with performance-filled week

By MONIQUE KOERNER KSRE Cottonwood Dist.&nbsp;

I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition. 

I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.

I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:

• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.

• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.

Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.

May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER KSRE Cottonwood Dist.&nbsp;I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition. I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: It's May!

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider closing the 12th
Street bridge one mile west of Hays due to its deterioration at its meeting Tuesday.

Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay said the
closure will also allow the county to take advantage of a state program that pays
to close bridges that are in poor condition.

Mackay said the 12th Street bridge needs a
bridge deck replacement as well as the expansion joints and bearings.

He said the county has known since 2008 the bridge
needs to be replaced.

They discovered when the county had to replace the bridge
on Eighth Street in 2009. The engineers inspected both the Eighth
and 12th Street bridges and determined the deck on the 12th Street bridge also needed to be replaced.

Mackay&nbsp;said an inspection in 2015 also determined the same
thing.

“It came to the same conclusion that patching and overlaying
was not going to be an economical choice,” Mackay said. “[Because of] the amount it
would take to do that, the county would be better off putting a whole new deck
on the structure.”

Mackay said the detour around the 12th Street bridge
is just 0.3 miles while other detours are several miles. He added they have
done several traffic studies and determined the best use of county funds would
be to close the 12th Street bridge and potentially use the funds to
replace the bridge on 125th Avenue 12.5 miles north of Ellis over the
Saline River.

Through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program, the
county could receive $232,000 if selected by KDOT for replacement. Mackay estimated
it could cost almost $1 million to replace the bridge.

Mackay said if they receive state funding to place the deck
on the bridge on 125th Avenue and the additional funds from closing
the 12th Street bridge would greatly reduce the county’s cost.

He said the options for the county commission will be to
leave the bridge open and pay to replace the deck or close the bridge.

In other business, the commission will consider
reimbursements for the Dec. 15 fire, discuss a land annexation for the city of
Victoria and consider a food service contract for the jail.

The agenda is available <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05022023-533">HERE</a>.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider closing the 12th
Street bridge one mile west of Hays due to its deterioration at its meeting Tuesday.Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay said the
closure will also allow the county to take advantage of a state program that pays
to close bridges that are in poor condition.Mackay said the 12th Street bridge needs a
bridge deck replacement as well as the expansion joints and bearings.He said the county has known since 2008 the bridge
needs to be replaced.They discovered when the county had to replace the bridge
on Eighth Street in 2009. The engineers inspected both the Eighth
and 12th Street bridges and determined the deck on the 12th Street bridge also needed to be replaced.Mackay&nbsp;said an inspection in 2015 also determined the same
thing.“It came to the same conclusion that patching and overlaying
was not going to be an economical choice,” Mackay said. “[Because of] the amount it
would take to do that, the county would be better off putting a whole new deck
on the structure.”Mackay said the detour around the 12th Street bridge
is just 0.3 miles while other detours are several miles. He added they have
done several traffic studies and determined the best use of county funds would
be to close the 12th Street bridge and potentially use the funds to
replace the bridge on 125th Avenue 12.5 miles north of Ellis over the
Saline River.Through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program, the
county could receive $232,000 if selected by KDOT for replacement. Mackay estimated
it could cost almost $1 million to replace the bridge.Mackay said if they receive state funding to place the deck
on the bridge on 125th Avenue and the additional funds from closing
the 12th Street bridge would greatly reduce the county’s cost.He said the options for the county commission will be to
leave the bridge open and pay to replace the deck or close the bridge.In other business, the commission will consider
reimbursements for the Dec. 15 fire, discuss a land annexation for the city of
Victoria and consider a food service contract for the jail.The agenda is available <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05022023-533">HERE</a>.

Ellis Co. Commission set to consider bridge closure

The Fort Hays State University Alumni Office has announced nominees for its three honorary commencement awards. Recipients of each award will be announced at a press conference at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, in the Memorial Union Sunset Atrium on campus, with refreshments to follow. The public is welcome to attend and join in celebrating these outstanding Tigers.

Twenty graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2023 Torch Award, acknowledging classroom excellence, leadership, participation in professional organizations, and student, civic, or research activities. Eight graduate students from the 2022-23 academic year received nominations for the Lighthouse Award, honoring outstanding students completing graduate studies.

The graduating class of 2023 nominated 27 faculty members for the Pilot Award, recognizing classroom excellence, ongoing research, and service activities.

The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, and the Lighthouse Award, established in 2018, are presented annually. Nominees listed completed all requested information by the deadline specified by the Alumni Office.&nbsp;

Nominees for the Torch and Lighthouse Awards are listed alphabetically by state and hometown. Pilot Award nominees are listed alphabetically by last name.

Kansas BELOIT Trinity Wagner, Business Administration – Marketing CHENEY Coy Lampe, Business Administration – Finance CONCORDIA Ciara Kearn, Communication Sciences and Disorders GARNETT Jenna Schmit*, Communication Sciences and Disorders HAYS Loganne Ditter, Psychology, Criminal Justice Ethan Lang*, Finance – Financial Planning Holly Linenberger, Fine Arts – Interior Design MINNEAPOLIS Karisma Vignery, Math Education OXFORD Elisa Donley*, Agriculture – Agronomy Business PRATT Sydney Koirth, Medical Diagnostic Imaging – Ultrasound SALINA Kaiden O’Dell, Geology STERLING Jessica Reid, Medical Diagnostic Imaging – Ultrasound TOPEKA Cole Berry, Organizational Leadership ULYSSES Slater Heglin, Business Education – Talent Development WICHITA Brett Loving, Business Administration – Accounting

Colorado BOULDER Reilly Madden, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Criminal Justice LONGMONT Emily Reitz*, Health and Human Performance – Sport and Exercise Therapy&nbsp;&nbsp; WESTMINSTER Brynn Wooten*, Geology, Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Dakota MANDAN Niassa Harris-Wazoua, Organizational Leadership

Oklahoma OWASSO William Tinney, Organizational Leadership

Kansas BALDWIN CITY Abigail Hayes*, Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice DODGE CITY &nbsp;Omar Alvarez, Master of Business Administration HAYS Tanner Callis*, MA in English Robyn Hartman*, Master of Professional Studies in Instructional Design HUTCHINSON Anna Deal, Master of Science in Organizational Communication&nbsp;&nbsp; TOPEKA Diane Nuñez*, Master of Science in Geosciences – Geography&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colorado EADS Mindi Uhland, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Oklahoma ALVA Whitney Randall*, Master of Science in Health and Human Performance – Sports Administration

Ivalah Allen, associate professor, Music and Theatre

Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, assistant professor, Biological Sciences

Dr. James Balthazor, associate professor, Chemistry

Dr. Sarah Broman Miller, assistant professor, Teacher Education

Dr. Matthew Clay, assistant professor, Teacher Education

Dr. Clyde Cranwell, associate professor, Agriculture

Eric Deneault*, associate professor, Applied Technology

Dr. Linda Feldstein, assistant professor, Teacher Education

Brad Goebel, instructor, Applied Business Studies

Dr. Brent Goertzen, professor, Leadership Studies

Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor, Economics, Finance, and Accounting

Nathan Howard, assistant professor, Applied Technology

Dr. Kaley Klaus*, assistant professor and international coordinator, Leadership Studies

Dr. Robert Lloyd, associate professor and Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship director of strategic partnerships, Management

Dr. Tamara Lynn*, chair, Criminal Justice

Tara Marshall*, instructor Communication Sciences and Disorders

Mary Martin, professor, Applied Business Studies

Dr. Edwin Olmstead, assistant professor, Chemistry

Dr. Lorelei Patrick, assistant professor, Biological Sciences

Dr. Ziwei Qi*, assistant professor, Criminal Justice

Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, assistant professor, Political Science

Dr. Samuel Schreyer, professor, Economics, Finance, and Accounting

Jennifer Wagner, director and professor, Allied Health

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682904714268.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Alumni Office The Fort Hays State University Alumni Office has announced nominees for its three honorary commencement awards. Recipients of each award will be announced at a press conference at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, in the Memorial Union Sunset Atrium on campus, with refreshments to follow. The public is welcome to attend and join in celebrating these outstanding Tigers.Twenty graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2023 Torch Award, acknowledging classroom excellence, leadership, participation in professional organizations, and student, civic, or research activities. Eight graduate students from the 2022-23 academic year received nominations for the Lighthouse Award, honoring outstanding students completing graduate studies.The graduating class of 2023 nominated 27 faculty members for the Pilot Award, recognizing classroom excellence, ongoing research, and service activities.The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, and the Lighthouse Award, established in 2018, are presented annually. Nominees listed completed all requested information by the deadline specified by the Alumni Office.&nbsp;Nominees for the Torch and Lighthouse Awards are listed alphabetically by state and hometown. Pilot Award nominees are listed alphabetically by last name.2023 Torch Award Nominees* Denotes finalists for each award.Kansas BELOIT Trinity Wagner, Business Administration – Marketing CHENEY Coy Lampe, Business Administration – Finance CONCORDIA Ciara Kearn, Communication Sciences and Disorders GARNETT Jenna Schmit*, Communication Sciences and Disorders HAYS Loganne Ditter, Psychology, Criminal Justice Ethan Lang*, Finance – Financial Planning Holly Linenberger, Fine Arts – Interior Design MINNEAPOLIS Karisma Vignery, Math Education OXFORD Elisa Donley*, Agriculture – Agronomy Business PRATT Sydney Koirth, Medical Diagnostic Imaging – Ultrasound SALINA Kaiden O’Dell, Geology STERLING Jessica Reid, Medical Diagnostic Imaging – Ultrasound TOPEKA Cole Berry, Organizational Leadership ULYSSES Slater Heglin, Business Education – Talent Development WICHITA Brett Loving, Business Administration – Accounting Colorado BOULDER Reilly Madden, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Criminal Justice LONGMONT Emily Reitz*, Health and Human Performance – Sport and Exercise Therapy&nbsp;&nbsp; WESTMINSTER Brynn Wooten*, Geology, Biology&nbsp;&nbsp; North Dakota MANDAN Niassa Harris-Wazoua, Organizational Leadership Oklahoma OWASSO William Tinney, Organizational Leadership 2023 Lighthouse Award NomineesKansas BALDWIN CITY Abigail Hayes*, Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice DODGE CITY &nbsp;Omar Alvarez, Master of Business Administration HAYS Tanner Callis*, MA in English Robyn Hartman*, Master of Professional Studies in Instructional Design HUTCHINSON Anna Deal, Master of Science in Organizational Communication&nbsp;&nbsp; TOPEKA Diane Nuñez*, Master of Science in Geosciences – Geography&nbsp;&nbsp; Colorado EADS Mindi Uhland, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Oklahoma ALVA Whitney Randall*, Master of Science in Health and Human Performance – Sports Administration 2023 Pilot Award NomineesIvalah Allen, associate professor, Music and TheatreDr. Medhavi Ambardar, assistant professor, Biological SciencesDr. James Balthazor, associate professor, ChemistryDr. Sarah Broman Miller, assistant professor, Teacher EducationDr. Matthew Clay, assistant professor, Teacher EducationDr. Clyde Cranwell, associate professor, AgricultureEric Deneault*, associate professor, Applied TechnologyDr. Linda Feldstein, assistant professor, Teacher EducationBrad Goebel, instructor, Applied Business StudiesDr. Brent Goertzen, professor, Leadership StudiesDr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor, Economics, Finance, and AccountingNathan Howard, assistant professor, Applied TechnologyDr. Kaley Klaus*, assistant professor and international coordinator, Leadership StudiesDr. Robert Lloyd, associate professor and Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship director of strategic partnerships, ManagementDr. Tamara Lynn*, chair, Criminal JusticeBrooke Mann, instructor, PsychologyTara Marshall*, instructor Communication Sciences and DisordersMary Martin, professor, Applied Business StudiesHollie Marquess, lecturer, HistoryDr. Edwin Olmstead, assistant professor, ChemistryDr. Lorelei Patrick, assistant professor, Biological SciencesDr. Ziwei Qi*, assistant professor, Criminal JusticeDr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, assistant professor, Political ScienceJeremy Ryan, instructor, AgricultureDr. Samuel Schreyer, professor, Economics, Finance, and AccountingJennifer Wagner, director and professor, Allied Health

Hays students among FHSU Torch and Lighthouse awards nominees

A team of five Fort Hays State University organizational leadership students were awarded the Team Communication Award out of 15 teams in the college division at the recent Leadership Challenge Event at Washburn University.

Team members included Diana Angarita, San Felipe, Venezuela; Kourtney Davidson, Park; Slater Heglin, Ulysses; Laike Imm, Phillipsburg; and Tarah Stockebrand, Chanute.

During the annual Washburn Leadership Challenge Event, students received a half day of leadership development and participated in a full-day leadership simulation. Each student took on a role within the fictitious community of Metropolis and responded as a team to a leadership challenge.

At the event, which was hosted by Washburn’s Leadership Institute, students engaged with their team through an intense simulation throughout the day. Dr. Lori Kniffin, assistant professor of Leadership, said students typically comment on how real the experience feels.

“It’s a unique experience for our leadership students to put into practice what they have learned in our courses,” she said. “I was really proud of how they engaged in learning on the first day and put so much knowledge and passion into their proposal and presentation.”

“There were some lightbulb moments when the students saw some leadership concepts from class come to life.”

This year the team put together a community grant proposal to support their recommendations for responding to a grocery store that burnt down in a low-income neighborhood. Throughout the day, the students were judged on their communication, collaboration, and role-play in meetings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682614750172.png" alt="FHSU team at the Washburn Leadership Challenge event. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU team at the Washburn Leadership Challenge event. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA team of five Fort Hays State University organizational leadership students were awarded the Team Communication Award out of 15 teams in the college division at the recent Leadership Challenge Event at Washburn University.Team members included Diana Angarita, San Felipe, Venezuela; Kourtney Davidson, Park; Slater Heglin, Ulysses; Laike Imm, Phillipsburg; and Tarah Stockebrand, Chanute.During the annual Washburn Leadership Challenge Event, students received a half day of leadership development and participated in a full-day leadership simulation. Each student took on a role within the fictitious community of Metropolis and responded as a team to a leadership challenge.At the event, which was hosted by Washburn’s Leadership Institute, students engaged with their team through an intense simulation throughout the day. Dr. Lori Kniffin, assistant professor of Leadership, said students typically comment on how real the experience feels.“It’s a unique experience for our leadership students to put into practice what they have learned in our courses,” she said. “I was really proud of how they engaged in learning on the first day and put so much knowledge and passion into their proposal and presentation.”“There were some lightbulb moments when the students saw some leadership concepts from class come to life.”This year the team put together a community grant proposal to support their recommendations for responding to a grocery store that burnt down in a low-income neighborhood. Throughout the day, the students were judged on their communication, collaboration, and role-play in meetings.

Two area FHSU students on winning team at Leadership Challenge event

I love getting to highlight all of the different projects that 4-H offers! While livestock is usually the first thing that people think of, I have highlighted eighteen projects over the last few weeks and, while several have been related to agriculture, none have been our livestock projects.

This week I am starting off with the Rabbit project! Rabbits are a great small animal project and help teach animal science and responsibility as well as a multitude of specific features of different breeds, and grooming and showmanship. I had no idea there were so many types of rabbits! Additionally, youth can experience learning to judge rabbits.

Another small species project is poultry. While we generally think of chickens, the poultry project can include turkeys, geese, and ducks. Youth also have the opportunity to learn about other types of poultry, about eggs and candling, and can experience learning to poultry judge.

Nearly everyone has had a pet at some point and learning responsibility for feeding and care is a big deal! The Pet project lets 4-H youth explore different types of pets and how to care for a variety from fish to cats. Youth learn about potential hazards for pets in the home, about nutritional needs, and about diseases and symptoms. This is a great project for kids who want to explore the first steps of veterinary science.

Like any animal, the more that rabbits, poultry, and most pets are handled, the easier it is for youth to showcase their animal and what they have learned while gaining confidence and practicing communication skills in talking to a judge.

If you are interested in learning more about these or other 4-H projects, check out <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">kansas4-h.org</a> in the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/ellis_projectResouces.html">Projects</a> section! All projects include communications skills, record keeping, career connections, and opportunities for leadership and community service!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682675861117.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran&nbsp;&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran&nbsp;&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I love getting to highlight all of the different projects that 4-H offers! While livestock is usually the first thing that people think of, I have highlighted eighteen projects over the last few weeks and, while several have been related to agriculture, none have been our livestock projects.This week I am starting off with the Rabbit project! Rabbits are a great small animal project and help teach animal science and responsibility as well as a multitude of specific features of different breeds, and grooming and showmanship. I had no idea there were so many types of rabbits! Additionally, youth can experience learning to judge rabbits.Another small species project is poultry. While we generally think of chickens, the poultry project can include turkeys, geese, and ducks. Youth also have the opportunity to learn about other types of poultry, about eggs and candling, and can experience learning to poultry judge.Nearly everyone has had a pet at some point and learning responsibility for feeding and care is a big deal! The Pet project lets 4-H youth explore different types of pets and how to care for a variety from fish to cats. Youth learn about potential hazards for pets in the home, about nutritional needs, and about diseases and symptoms. This is a great project for kids who want to explore the first steps of veterinary science.Like any animal, the more that rabbits, poultry, and most pets are handled, the easier it is for youth to showcase their animal and what they have learned while gaining confidence and practicing communication skills in talking to a judge.If you are interested in learning more about these or other 4-H projects, check out <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">kansas4-h.org</a> in the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/ellis_projectResouces.html">Projects</a> section! All projects include communications skills, record keeping, career connections, and opportunities for leadership and community service!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

BERAN: Rabbits, poultry and pet projects for 4-H

Karlyn Rohr and Arin Schibi were all smiles as they presented a check for $10,206.84 to DSNWK from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63efb9e0-497a-4356-bbbc-97fcb89a1ec3">Dancing Together for DSNWK fundraiser</a> held on February 26th hosted by Styles Dance Centre.

Rohr and Schibi are both dancers at Styles Dance Centre and seniors at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. They stepped up to lead the event for their senior capstone project, which is a service project for students at TMP.

Forty-four individuals served by DSWK participated in the recital held at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Dancing Together for DSNWK was brought back through the efforts of Rohr, Schibi and Styles Dance Centre after a long break due to COVID-19. It featured dances by both the dancers at Styles as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK.

“We are so appreciative of Styles Dance Centre and of both Karlyn and Arin,” said Steve Keil, DSNWK director of development. “I know that a lot of work has gone into this and it does not go unnoticed. They were able to create one of the biggest highlights of the year for us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682679340576.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for DSNWK raised more than $10,000. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for DSNWK raised more than $10,000. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKKarlyn Rohr and Arin Schibi were all smiles as they presented a check for $10,206.84 to DSNWK from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63efb9e0-497a-4356-bbbc-97fcb89a1ec3">Dancing Together for DSNWK fundraiser</a> held on February 26th hosted by Styles Dance Centre. Rohr and Schibi are both dancers at Styles Dance Centre and seniors at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. They stepped up to lead the event for their senior capstone project, which is a service project for students at TMP.Forty-four individuals served by DSWK participated in the recital held at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.Dancing Together for DSNWK was brought back through the efforts of Rohr, Schibi and Styles Dance Centre after a long break due to COVID-19. It featured dances by both the dancers at Styles as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK.“We are so appreciative of Styles Dance Centre and of both Karlyn and Arin,” said Steve Keil, DSNWK director of development. “I know that a lot of work has gone into this and it does not go unnoticed. They were able to create one of the biggest highlights of the year for us."

Dancing Together for DSNWK raises more than $10,000

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682692904393.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>

By DR. TISA MASON FHSU President

&nbsp;I am constantly reminded of the compassion and spirit of generosity of our Fort Hays State University students. I love hearing the stories of how they are impacting the lives of others every day. Emily Schulte, Hays, is one of those stories. As she sets her sights on a path to medical school after her FHSU graduation, Emily put herself on the patient side of the bone marrow donation process in January.

Emily is soft-spoken and known for her humble nature. As a biology major and student employee of FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services, Emily made the decision as a freshman to become a bone marrow donor when she worked at a Be the Match bone marrow drive on the FHSU campus.

During the drive, a DNA sample was swabbed from Emily’s cheek, sent to Be the Match, and then added to a national registry list. After waiting three years, Emily was notified last fall that she was a potential match for someone in need of a transplant.

“A large part of what motivated me was to be able to say that I gave someone the gift of life,” Emily said. “Also, to understand the donor process and know what donors go through.”

“For me, I didn’t have any doubts about doing it. I got called (from Be the Match) and knew that whatever I had to do, I was going to do it.”

Be the Match flew Emily and her mother to Chicago in January, where her bone marrow donation, which she described as similar to a lengthy blood donation, took about 4 ½ hours. Prior to the donation, filgrastim injections were performed to stimulate stem cell production, enabling Emily’s donation to have an above-average stem cell quantity.

As a student preparing for a medical career, Emily did some of the preparation work for the donation on her own. Her coworkers at FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services assisted her in the process.

“I definitely also had a really good support system, from both my coworkers and Be the Match during the preparation process,” Emily said.

Be the Match funded the flight, transportation, meals, and lodging for her and her mother during the trip. From their flight to Chicago to their flight back to Hays, the trip took the pair three days. The whirlwind travel and donation process were physically exhausting for Emily.

“Honestly, I felt like I got hit by a bus. But within two to three days after the donation, I felt pretty much back to normal,” she said. “They (the medical staff) want you to hydrate and rest and take care of yourself. I didn’t have any bad side effects after or before.”

Emily received a text saying her donation had been sent to the patient’s hospital within a day of her donation. She will be allowed to contact the recipient anonymously if she chooses. After a year, though, she and the recipient can exchange contact information. She hopes to meet the recipient with whom she shares this special connection.

Emily inspires those around her to consider donating bone marrow or contributing to an organization that provides that service.

“I would tell them that despite any doubts you might have, go through with it,” she said. “It is a really unique opportunity. The best gift you can give someone is a second chance at life.”

This is exactly why Fort Hays State is such a special place. Our students who are willing to step out of their comfort zones to ensure a future for others give me tremendous hope for the future. Thank you to Emily and all those who choose to make second chances possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>By DR. TISA MASON FHSU President&nbsp;I am constantly reminded of the compassion and spirit of generosity of our Fort Hays State University students. I love hearing the stories of how they are impacting the lives of others every day. Emily Schulte, Hays, is one of those stories. As she sets her sights on a path to medical school after her FHSU graduation, Emily put herself on the patient side of the bone marrow donation process in January.Emily is soft-spoken and known for her humble nature. As a biology major and student employee of FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services, Emily made the decision as a freshman to become a bone marrow donor when she worked at a Be the Match bone marrow drive on the FHSU campus.During the drive, a DNA sample was swabbed from Emily’s cheek, sent to Be the Match, and then added to a national registry list. After waiting three years, Emily was notified last fall that she was a potential match for someone in need of a transplant.“A large part of what motivated me was to be able to say that I gave someone the gift of life,” Emily said. “Also, to understand the donor process and know what donors go through.”“For me, I didn’t have any doubts about doing it. I got called (from Be the Match) and knew that whatever I had to do, I was going to do it.”Be the Match flew Emily and her mother to Chicago in January, where her bone marrow donation, which she described as similar to a lengthy blood donation, took about 4 ½ hours. Prior to the donation, filgrastim injections were performed to stimulate stem cell production, enabling Emily’s donation to have an above-average stem cell quantity.As a student preparing for a medical career, Emily did some of the preparation work for the donation on her own. Her coworkers at FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services assisted her in the process.“I definitely also had a really good support system, from both my coworkers and Be the Match during the preparation process,” Emily said.Be the Match funded the flight, transportation, meals, and lodging for her and her mother during the trip. From their flight to Chicago to their flight back to Hays, the trip took the pair three days. The whirlwind travel and donation process were physically exhausting for Emily.“Honestly, I felt like I got hit by a bus. But within two to three days after the donation, I felt pretty much back to normal,” she said. “They (the medical staff) want you to hydrate and rest and take care of yourself. I didn’t have any bad side effects after or before.”Emily received a text saying her donation had been sent to the patient’s hospital within a day of her donation. She will be allowed to contact the recipient anonymously if she chooses. After a year, though, she and the recipient can exchange contact information. She hopes to meet the recipient with whom she shares this special connection.Emily inspires those around her to consider donating bone marrow or contributing to an organization that provides that service.“I would tell them that despite any doubts you might have, go through with it,” she said. “It is a really unique opportunity. The best gift you can give someone is a second chance at life.”This is exactly why Fort Hays State is such a special place. Our students who are willing to step out of their comfort zones to ensure a future for others give me tremendous hope for the future. Thank you to Emily and all those who choose to make second chances possible.

Heart of a Tiger: Giving the gift of life

​A bonus of living on the prairie&nbsp;involves&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;stunning sunrises and sunsets&nbsp;regularly. Anyone&nbsp;awakening&nbsp;as the eastern sky lightens&nbsp;enjoys&nbsp;colorful&nbsp;shows&nbsp;folks&nbsp;elsewhere&nbsp;would&nbsp;love&nbsp;to see.&nbsp;A similar event&nbsp;happens several evenings a week. Those&nbsp;viewing the&nbsp;western horizon can watch sky colors morph from hues of blue to&nbsp;shades of&nbsp;orange, red, crimson, violet, lavender, and deep purple.&nbsp;Few enjoy frequent displays of&nbsp;breathtaking beauty, but&nbsp;one&nbsp;sight Kansans&nbsp;seldom&nbsp;see is the&nbsp;Northern Lights&nbsp;akaAurora&nbsp;Borealis.&nbsp;One&nbsp;such&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;occurred last week. Based&nbsp;on Kansas&nbsp;photography site&nbsp;postings, that solar storm&nbsp;created a&nbsp;lifetime memory&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;few fortunate observers.

​I kick myself I didn’t&nbsp;prop my eyelids open&nbsp;to watch&nbsp;night&nbsp;skies&nbsp;after receiving&nbsp;the&nbsp;Aurora Alert by Soft Serve News&nbsp;on my cell phone. However,&nbsp;after&nbsp;getting&nbsp;dozens of these the past eight years&nbsp;and staying&nbsp;awake&nbsp;through previous warnings&nbsp;without a payoff, I&nbsp;headed&nbsp;to bed.&nbsp;This&nbsp;alert&nbsp;looked good forNorthern Wyoming, but&nbsp;the diagram didn’t suggest&nbsp;a show in Northwest Kansas.&nbsp;Once&nbsp;I saw&nbsp;a&nbsp;vivid aurora photo from Perryton, Texas,&nbsp;the next morning&nbsp;I realized&nbsp;this&nbsp;magnetic surge&nbsp;ended up bigger than predicted.&nbsp;

​I won’t pretend to understand the science behind these light shows, but it&nbsp;involves&nbsp;solar activity and&nbsp;Earth’s magnetic field.&nbsp;Professionals who monitor&nbsp;such phenomena&nbsp;can&nbsp;identify&nbsp;solar&nbsp;storms&nbsp;that trigger these amazing light shows&nbsp;before the performance begins&nbsp;and alert hopeful viewers.

​Recently,&nbsp;NPR&nbsp;published&nbsp;an article titled “What Causes the Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know for Sure” written by Joe Hernandez.&nbsp;He&nbsp;cited several prominent scientists’&nbsp;explanation of these events,&nbsp;referring&nbsp;several times to&nbsp;Nature Communications.&nbsp;This journal article&nbsp;explained&nbsp;that “disturbances on the sun pull on Earth’s magnetic field.” Other&nbsp;experts&nbsp;validate&nbsp;this. &nbsp;Apparently, this&nbsp;tugging&nbsp;triggers “cosmic undulations known as Alfvén waves that launch electrons at high speeds into Earth’s atmosphere where they create the aurora.”&nbsp;This&nbsp;explains&nbsp;that sense of&nbsp;movement&nbsp;humans&nbsp;perceive&nbsp;during&nbsp;these&nbsp;cosmic events.

So,&nbsp;imagine&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;geomagnetic storms agitating uncountable&nbsp;electrons traveling toward Earth. Hernandez’s article referred to Jim Schroeder, physic professor and lead author on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Nature Communications&nbsp;article who compared these electrons to surfers paddling to catch waves.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;a&nbsp;surfer catching&nbsp;a&nbsp;surge of cresting water, these&nbsp;electrons latch onto&nbsp;and ride&nbsp;those&nbsp;Alfvén waves. As a result,&nbsp;their rate of speed&nbsp;increases&nbsp;considerably.&nbsp;Anyone&nbsp;who’s&nbsp;ridden fast amusement park rides, cars,&nbsp;or&nbsp;skis knows&nbsp;speed&nbsp;intensifies&nbsp;excitement.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;faster Alfvén waves&nbsp;affect&nbsp;hitchhiking&nbsp;electrons&nbsp;the same way.&nbsp;

​Eventually, the speed diminishes and those electrons’&nbsp;excitement&nbsp;dwindles.&nbsp;Humans&nbsp;who happen to observe that&nbsp;electro-magnetic calming&nbsp;view&nbsp;a “release of light, which&nbsp;they then&nbsp;see as the aurora.”

Anyone who has surfed&nbsp;can&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;that scientist’s analogy.&nbsp;Clearly,&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;speed&nbsp;adds thrill, but eventually&nbsp;the rush&nbsp;ends. Where wave-riders&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;search the sea&nbsp;behind them&nbsp;for the next&nbsp;rising&nbsp;crest,&nbsp;spent electrons undulate in&nbsp;multi-colored&nbsp;light&nbsp;waves&nbsp;on the horizon.&nbsp;Ironically,&nbsp;spying this&nbsp;brilliant end result stimulates human nerve endings&nbsp;and shutter clicks. Soon afterward, a&nbsp;flood of northern light&nbsp;images&nbsp;overwhelms&nbsp;internet&nbsp;photo sites.

After missing this chance of a lifetime view of Northern Lights in Kansas, I’ll make a point to stay awake and watch dark skies next time I get an Aurora Alert.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682605270441.jpeg" alt="Photo Credit: Chris Schmidt took this aurora photo north of Ellis at approximately 12:30 a.m. April 23." />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit: Chris Schmidt took this aurora photo north of Ellis at approximately 12:30 a.m. April 23.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Solar storms gone crazy</h2>By KAREN MADORIN​A bonus of living on the prairie&nbsp;involves&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;stunning sunrises and sunsets&nbsp;regularly. Anyone&nbsp;awakening&nbsp;as the eastern sky lightens&nbsp;enjoys&nbsp;colorful&nbsp;shows&nbsp;folks&nbsp;elsewhere&nbsp;would&nbsp;love&nbsp;to see.&nbsp;A similar event&nbsp;happens several evenings a week. Those&nbsp;viewing the&nbsp;western horizon can watch sky colors morph from hues of blue to&nbsp;shades of&nbsp;orange, red, crimson, violet, lavender, and deep purple.&nbsp;Few enjoy frequent displays of&nbsp;breathtaking beauty, but&nbsp;one&nbsp;sight Kansans&nbsp;seldom&nbsp;see is the&nbsp;Northern Lights&nbsp;akaAurora&nbsp;Borealis.&nbsp;One&nbsp;such&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;occurred last week. Based&nbsp;on Kansas&nbsp;photography site&nbsp;postings, that solar storm&nbsp;created a&nbsp;lifetime memory&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;few fortunate observers.​I kick myself I didn’t&nbsp;prop my eyelids open&nbsp;to watch&nbsp;night&nbsp;skies&nbsp;after receiving&nbsp;the&nbsp;Aurora Alert by Soft Serve News&nbsp;on my cell phone. However,&nbsp;after&nbsp;getting&nbsp;dozens of these the past eight years&nbsp;and staying&nbsp;awake&nbsp;through previous warnings&nbsp;without a payoff, I&nbsp;headed&nbsp;to bed.&nbsp;This&nbsp;alert&nbsp;looked good forNorthern Wyoming, but&nbsp;the diagram didn’t suggest&nbsp;a show in Northwest Kansas.&nbsp;Once&nbsp;I saw&nbsp;a&nbsp;vivid aurora photo from Perryton, Texas,&nbsp;the next morning&nbsp;I realized&nbsp;this&nbsp;magnetic surge&nbsp;ended up bigger than predicted.&nbsp;​I won’t pretend to understand the science behind these light shows, but it&nbsp;involves&nbsp;solar activity and&nbsp;Earth’s magnetic field.&nbsp;Professionals who monitor&nbsp;such phenomena&nbsp;can&nbsp;identify&nbsp;solar&nbsp;storms&nbsp;that trigger these amazing light shows&nbsp;before the performance begins&nbsp;and alert hopeful viewers.​Recently,&nbsp;NPR&nbsp;published&nbsp;an article titled “What Causes the Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know for Sure” written by Joe Hernandez.&nbsp;He&nbsp;cited several prominent scientists’&nbsp;explanation of these events,&nbsp;referring&nbsp;several times to&nbsp;Nature Communications.&nbsp;This journal article&nbsp;explained&nbsp;that “disturbances on the sun pull on Earth’s magnetic field.” Other&nbsp;experts&nbsp;validate&nbsp;this. &nbsp;Apparently, this&nbsp;tugging&nbsp;triggers “cosmic undulations known as Alfvén waves that launch electrons at high speeds into Earth’s atmosphere where they create the aurora.”&nbsp;This&nbsp;explains&nbsp;that sense of&nbsp;movement&nbsp;humans&nbsp;perceive&nbsp;during&nbsp;these&nbsp;cosmic events.So,&nbsp;imagine&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;geomagnetic storms agitating uncountable&nbsp;electrons traveling toward Earth. Hernandez’s article referred to Jim Schroeder, physic professor and lead author on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Nature Communications&nbsp;article who compared these electrons to surfers paddling to catch waves.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;a&nbsp;surfer catching&nbsp;a&nbsp;surge of cresting water, these&nbsp;electrons latch onto&nbsp;and ride&nbsp;those&nbsp;Alfvén waves. As a result,&nbsp;their rate of speed&nbsp;increases&nbsp;considerably.&nbsp;Anyone&nbsp;who’s&nbsp;ridden fast amusement park rides, cars,&nbsp;or&nbsp;skis knows&nbsp;speed&nbsp;intensifies&nbsp;excitement.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;faster Alfvén waves&nbsp;affect&nbsp;hitchhiking&nbsp;electrons&nbsp;the same way.&nbsp;​Eventually, the speed diminishes and those electrons’&nbsp;excitement&nbsp;dwindles.&nbsp;Humans&nbsp;who happen to observe that&nbsp;electro-magnetic calming&nbsp;view&nbsp;a “release of light, which&nbsp;they then&nbsp;see as the aurora.”Anyone who has surfed&nbsp;can&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;that scientist’s analogy.&nbsp;Clearly,&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;speed&nbsp;adds thrill, but eventually&nbsp;the rush&nbsp;ends. Where wave-riders&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;search the sea&nbsp;behind them&nbsp;for the next&nbsp;rising&nbsp;crest,&nbsp;spent electrons undulate in&nbsp;multi-colored&nbsp;light&nbsp;waves&nbsp;on the horizon.&nbsp;Ironically,&nbsp;spying this&nbsp;brilliant end result stimulates human nerve endings&nbsp;and shutter clicks. Soon afterward, a&nbsp;flood of northern light&nbsp;images&nbsp;overwhelms&nbsp;internet&nbsp;photo sites.After missing this chance of a lifetime view of Northern Lights in Kansas, I’ll make a point to stay awake and watch dark skies next time I get an Aurora Alert.

MADORIN: Magic in Kansas skies

I’ve used this space many times over the years to provide some defense of the political powers and interests of the cities that over 75% of Kansans live in. I did last month in response to a bill in Topeka—which thankfully died in committee—that would have forbidden cities from exercising almost any kind of local control over the businesses which their residents interact with. This month I’m looking at another bill, one that isn’t as egregious a violation of Home Rule on its face, but in the long run might turn out to be just as bad, or worse.

The bill in question is an omnibus bill, containing a large huge number of proposed changes to Kansas tax laws. There is much in it that Kansans of many different political orientations might either criticize or praise, but its “government competition” section deserves special criticism.

As written, it would mean that any restaurant, child-care center, or heath club which operates within five miles of any similar entity which can be defined, on the basis of its tax status, as “owned or operated by a governmental entity,” would be exempt from paying property taxes.

That this provision of the bill is an attempt (the latest of several) by the owners of Genesis Health Clubs to get state legislators to guarantee them the same property-tax exemption which non-profit YMCAs enjoy has been exposed by multiple journalists.&nbsp;It is worth taking a moment, though, to be clear on why a provision like this can get this far.

It’s not simply because of the influence of wealthy constituents and donors. Sure, that’s what philosophers might call the efficient cause of the provision—the part that actually acted to make it happen. But what of its material cause—that is, the substance or context out of which the provision was made or was enabled to come to be, when the efficient cause went to work?

Here I think one can only point to the pervasive disrespect too many in our state government have for the responsibility of the cities and counties to make governing decisions in response to the needs and demands of their own residents.

If we believe in local government, then those local governments obviously need revenue to be able to do the collective work which the citizens who live in those cities and counties ask them to do, particularly when it comes to providing the quality-of-life improvements which many non-profits make available at no (or at least comparatively low) cost to Kansas communities. If this provision becomes law, it could greatly harm the ability of Kansas municipalities to collect property taxes, as it may allow restaurants and gyms operating miles from not just from YMCAs, but from anything as small as a limited-hours deli, or an on-site day-care center, operating inside a city hall or a court house or other public facility, to no longer contribute any property tax to the cities which provide them with fire and police protection and much more. Which would only help undermine the whole point of local democracy in the first place.

With any luck, Governor Kelly will use her line-item veto power to strike out this provision, thus making certain Kansas cities and counties can continue to take responsibility for those things which the Home Rule provision of the state constitution says they should be able to. But as for striking out the disregard too many have the right of municipalities to govern themselves—well, the evidence suggests that will take a lot longer.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>I’ve used this space many times over the years to provide some defense of the political powers and interests of the cities that over 75% of Kansans live in. I did last month in response to a bill in Topeka—which thankfully died in committee—that would have forbidden cities from exercising almost any kind of local control over the businesses which their residents interact with. This month I’m looking at another bill, one that isn’t as egregious a violation of Home Rule on its face, but in the long run might turn out to be just as bad, or worse.The bill in question is an omnibus bill, containing a large huge number of proposed changes to Kansas tax laws. There is much in it that Kansans of many different political orientations might either criticize or praise, but its “government competition” section deserves special criticism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As written, it would mean that any restaurant, child-care center, or heath club which operates within five miles of any similar entity which can be defined, on the basis of its tax status, as “owned or operated by a governmental entity,” would be exempt from paying property taxes.That this provision of the bill is an attempt (the latest of several) by the owners of Genesis Health Clubs to get state legislators to guarantee them the same property-tax exemption which non-profit YMCAs enjoy has been exposed by multiple journalists.&nbsp;It is worth taking a moment, though, to be clear on why a provision like this can get this far.It’s not simply because of the influence of wealthy constituents and donors. Sure, that’s what philosophers might call the efficient cause of the provision—the part that actually acted to make it happen. But what of its material cause—that is, the substance or context out of which the provision was made or was enabled to come to be, when the efficient cause went to work?Here I think one can only point to the pervasive disrespect too many in our state government have for the responsibility of the cities and counties to make governing decisions in response to the needs and demands of their own residents.If we believe in local government, then those local governments obviously need revenue to be able to do the collective work which the citizens who live in those cities and counties ask them to do, particularly when it comes to providing the quality-of-life improvements which many non-profits make available at no (or at least comparatively low) cost to Kansas communities. If this provision becomes law, it could greatly harm the ability of Kansas municipalities to collect property taxes, as it may allow restaurants and gyms operating miles from not just from YMCAs, but from anything as small as a limited-hours deli, or an on-site day-care center, operating inside a city hall or a court house or other public facility, to no longer contribute any property tax to the cities which provide them with fire and police protection and much more. Which would only help undermine the whole point of local democracy in the first place.With any luck, Governor Kelly will use her line-item veto power to strike out this provision, thus making certain Kansas cities and counties can continue to take responsibility for those things which the Home Rule provision of the state constitution says they should be able to. But as for striking out the disregard too many have the right of municipalities to govern themselves—well, the evidence suggests that will take a lot longer.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Limiting Kansas cities in the name of 'competition'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682692782292.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>

Driver hospitalized in Hays after car strikes guardrail

NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating reports of oilfield pipe being stolen from leases in Ness County, according to the sheriff's office.

 Theft from oil leases is very easy, due to the rural access and oilfield pipe is not traceable. However, these cases are not unsolvable, according to the sheriff's office.

 If you believe pipe or other other property has been stolen from oilfield properties, or have information about oifield thefts, please reach out to law enforcement. We take property crime very seriously.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682713236329.png" alt="photo Ness Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Ness Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating reports of oilfield pipe being stolen from leases in Ness County, according to the sheriff's office. Theft from oil leases is very easy, due to the rural access and oilfield pipe is not traceable. However, these cases are not unsolvable, according to the sheriff's office. If you believe pipe or other other property has been stolen from oilfield properties, or have information about oifield thefts, please reach out to law enforcement. We take property crime very seriously.&nbsp;"Ness County is a oilfield community. It's our livelihood. Our passion will always be protecting the way of life we all love here in Ness County, Kansas, USA."