More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. 59 percent were of children who were prepubescent. 8 percent were of infants or toddlers.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project&nbsp;spoke to an adult audience Sunday night at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Tuttle will be giving age-appropriate presentations to youth in the public and Catholic schools in Ellis County this week.

Kids feel fear and shame, Tuttle said, and that's why they don't tell.

Child sex crimes, sex abuse material and domestic minor sex trafficking are increasing in Kansas. 2021 was the worst year on record for online sex abuse, he said.

There was a three-fold increase of self-generated images of children 7 to 10, he said. That is children taking their clothes off and sending naked pictures.

"At the Stop Trafficking Project, it is our vision is to end domestic minor sex trafficking before it starts," he said, " by disrupting the exploration of vulnerability. ...

"My heart is that a student will never need to be rescued by law enforcement," Tuttle said. "Our heart is that a student will never need to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner. 

"Our heart is that a student will never experience such severe trauma that they now require a lifetime of housing and public assistance and trauma-informed therapy. Our heart is to function on the very front end of this crisis."

After a student assembly in another community, a sixth-grade girl came up to Tuttle with tears in her eyes and showed him the bruises on her neck where her eighth-grade boyfriend had choked her out while having sex the day before.

The boy, who had started watching porn when he was in the second grade, thought this was normal. He had recorded the act on a cell phone. Within 24 hours of the act, that eighth-grade boy had been approached by 37 adult men who were trying to figure out how to pay the eighth-grade boy to sexually assault that sixth-grade girl.

The United States far outpaces every other country in the world in its porn usage, according to Pornhub. The United States consumes more than double the next country on the list, which is the United Kingdom.

The average age of exposure to porn is between 8 and 11, Tuttle said. Eighty-four percent of porn is viewed through a cell phone, according to Pornhub. Even if your child doesn't have a cell phone, they have a friend who does, Tuttle said.&nbsp;

One of the pervasive ideas about sex trafficking is that young kids are being snatched off the street by a person in a scary vehicle. Tuttle said that is very rare and is a very narrow view of what trafficking can be.

One hundred percent of sex trafficking today is coming through digital devices, almost all of them cell phones, he said.

The initial contact and grooming usually come through an app that has some kind of chat function, he said.

Tuttle said the youngest child he's encountered who was on Tinder, which is an adult hook-up app, was in the second grade. Seventeen adult men, who all knew she was in second grade, had asked her to take off her clothes and send them naked pictures of herself.

An eighth-grade boy in Missouri convinced 80 girls in junior high to take naked pictures of themselves. He created an app and was selling the pictures to adult men for $25 each. His goal was to sell the girls in person. That ring was disrupted before those in-person interactions happened.

"... people online want to harm kids' brains and their minds, so they can later harm them in person," Tuttle said.

All the crimes of sex trafficking come down to three words — exploration of vulnerability, Tuttle said.

"This is the loneliest generation that has ever lived on planet Earth," he said, "yet they are the most connected."

Kids can find out on social media they didn't get invited to the party and what other kids are saying about them. Depression is skyrocketing among youth, Tuttle said.

"Perverts, predators and pimps love this," Tuttle said. "When in the process of grooming if a kid is lonely, isolated and depressed and wondering in life if they are even important, they pounce on that."

They are extremely kind or extremely controlling, he said.

"We don't let these people in our homes, but we don't know what our kids are doing online or we don't know how to know what our kids are doing online or we say, 'not my kids,'" Tuttle said.

The perverts, predators and pimps start by casing children online. Tuttle showed a video from a woman who had been lured into sex trafficking when she was a child. She met the predator through an online book club.

"Then the grooming started, because he found her weaknesses," Tuttle said.&nbsp;

"What I hear all the time from kids is 'He's so nice. She's so nice. They're so nice,'" Tuttle said.&nbsp;

More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. Fifty-nine percent were of children who were prepubescent. Eight percent were of infants or toddlers, Tuttle said.

&nbsp;Two sixth-grade girls independently of each other came to Tuttle after a school assembly and said they were engaging in online sex during school hours on school-issued Macbooks. Both girls said they had plans to meet these "boys" that weekend in-person. They were actually all adult male registered sex offenders.

"We ended it before it started," Tuttle said.

"If we go into schools and tell the truth about this to kids, when we appeal to the hero in kids in a space that is very near and dear to them, it's amazing to watch them step up."

Predators infiltrate any number of apps and groom children. Tuttle mentioned Snapchat, Blender and TikTok.

You can find a list of 100 problematic apps through the Stop Trafficking Project app, which is available for download for free for Apple and Android devices.

People upload images to Blender and others rank them as hot or not hot. Two 12-year-old girls at the same school uploaded naked images to the app. One was ranked as "hot," but within 30 minutes she was being body-shamed and exploited online. She was suicidal.

 The second girl was ranked as"not hot." She was also suicidal.

"This is where kids live. We better figure it out," Tuttle said.

Tuttle said TikTok was the worst app on the market in terms of child safety.&nbsp;

"This is where they are learning how to die by suicide," he said. "This is learning the latest self-harming techniques such as cutting and burning. This is where they are learning dangerous diet fads to lessen the pain of the seductions they are facing online."

Seven-year-old Jessy had no technology of her own. Her mother set a timer for 15 minutes and allowed her to get online on her phone. In that short time, a grown man who said he was her age, tried to get Jesse to take a picture of herself with her shirt off and send it to him.&nbsp;

Her father was a law enforcement officer. He ended the chat before his daughter sent the image the man requested.

When Tuttle does presentations for young children, he shares with them to not keep secrets and to go to a trusted adult and ask for "screen help," if they encounter something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Predators will lie about their age and send fake photos. They appeal to a child's fantasy of love.

A ninth-grade boy told Tuttle that a "smokin' hot" woman sent him naked photos and asked him to send her naked photos of himself. He sent pictures and videos. Within an hour he had multiple messages that if he didn't pay $1,000, they were going to make him famous on the Internet.

The boy stole his dad's credit card and paid $18,000 before his disclosure. Tuttle said if that happens to your child, never pay. The photos are going to be circulated anyway.

"We are not arguing with kids. We are arguing with their fantasy," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695063779015.jpeg" alt="Russ Tuttle&nbsp; of the Stop Trafficking Project spoke at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center Sunday in Hays. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Russ Tuttle&nbsp; of the Stop Trafficking Project spoke at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center Sunday in Hays. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. 59 percent were of children who were prepubescent. 8 percent were of infants or toddlers.</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRuss Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project&nbsp;spoke to an adult audience Sunday night at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Tuttle will be giving age-appropriate presentations to youth in the public and Catholic schools in Ellis County this week.Kids feel fear and shame, Tuttle said, and that's why they don't tell.Child sex crimes, sex abuse material and domestic minor sex trafficking are increasing in Kansas. 2021 was the worst year on record for online sex abuse, he said.There was a three-fold increase of self-generated images of children 7 to 10, he said. That is children taking their clothes off and sending naked pictures."At the Stop Trafficking Project, it is our vision is to end domestic minor sex trafficking before it starts," he said, " by disrupting the exploration of vulnerability. ..."My heart is that a student will never need to be rescued by law enforcement," Tuttle said. "Our heart is that a student will never need to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner. "Our heart is that a student will never experience such severe trauma that they now require a lifetime of housing and public assistance and trauma-informed therapy. Our heart is to function on the very front end of this crisis."After a student assembly in another community, a sixth-grade girl came up to Tuttle with tears in her eyes and showed him the bruises on her neck where her eighth-grade boyfriend had choked her out while having sex the day before.The boy, who had started watching porn when he was in the second grade, thought this was normal. He had recorded the act on a cell phone. Within 24 hours of the act, that eighth-grade boy had been approached by 37 adult men who were trying to figure out how to pay the eighth-grade boy to sexually assault that sixth-grade girl."That's sex trafficking," Tuttle said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695056730023.jpeg" alt="The United States is the top viewer of porn in the world, according to Pornhub." />
 <figcaption>The United States is the top viewer of porn in the world, according to Pornhub.</figcaption>
 </figure>The United States far outpaces every other country in the world in its porn usage, according to Pornhub. The United States consumes more than double the next country on the list, which is the United Kingdom.The average age of exposure to porn is between 8 and 11, Tuttle said. Eighty-four percent of porn is viewed through a cell phone, according to Pornhub. Even if your child doesn't have a cell phone, they have a friend who does, Tuttle said.&nbsp;One of the pervasive ideas about sex trafficking is that young kids are being snatched off the street by a person in a scary vehicle. Tuttle said that is very rare and is a very narrow view of what trafficking can be.One hundred percent of sex trafficking today is coming through digital devices, almost all of them cell phones, he said.The initial contact and grooming usually come through an app that has some kind of chat function, he said.Tuttle said the youngest child he's encountered who was on Tinder, which is an adult hook-up app, was in the second grade. Seventeen adult men, who all knew she was in second grade, had asked her to take off her clothes and send them naked pictures of herself.An eighth-grade boy in Missouri convinced 80 girls in junior high to take naked pictures of themselves. He created an app and was selling the pictures to adult men for $25 each. His goal was to sell the girls in person. That ring was disrupted before those in-person interactions happened."... people online want to harm kids' brains and their minds, so they can later harm them in person," Tuttle said.All the crimes of sex trafficking come down to three words — exploration of vulnerability, Tuttle said."This is the loneliest generation that has ever lived on planet Earth," he said, "yet they are the most connected."Kids can find out on social media they didn't get invited to the party and what other kids are saying about them. Depression is skyrocketing among youth, Tuttle said."Perverts, predators and pimps love this," Tuttle said. "When in the process of grooming if a kid is lonely, isolated and depressed and wondering in life if they are even important, they pounce on that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066147581.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066496572.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066624469.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066624469.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure>They are extremely kind or extremely controlling, he said."We don't let these people in our homes, but we don't know what our kids are doing online or we don't know how to know what our kids are doing online or we say, 'not my kids,'" Tuttle said.The perverts, predators and pimps start by casing children online. Tuttle showed a video from a woman who had been lured into sex trafficking when she was a child. She met the predator through an online book club."Then the grooming started, because he found her weaknesses," Tuttle said.&nbsp;"What I hear all the time from kids is 'He's so nice. She's so nice. They're so nice,'" Tuttle said.&nbsp;More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. Fifty-nine percent were of children who were prepubescent. Eight percent were of infants or toddlers, Tuttle said.&nbsp;Two sixth-grade girls independently of each other came to Tuttle after a school assembly and said they were engaging in online sex during school hours on school-issued Macbooks. Both girls said they had plans to meet these "boys" that weekend in-person. They were actually all adult male registered sex offenders."We ended it before it started," Tuttle said."If we go into schools and tell the truth about this to kids, when we appeal to the hero in kids in a space that is very near and dear to them, it's amazing to watch them step up."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068015938.jpeg" alt="Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking." />
 <figcaption>Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068046590.jpeg" alt="Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking." />
 <figcaption>Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking.</figcaption>
 </figure>Predators infiltrate any number of apps and groom children. Tuttle mentioned Snapchat, Blender and TikTok.You can find a list of 100 problematic apps through the Stop Trafficking Project app, which is available for download for free for Apple and Android devices.People upload images to Blender and others rank them as hot or not hot. Two 12-year-old girls at the same school uploaded naked images to the app. One was ranked as "hot," but within 30 minutes she was being body-shamed and exploited online. She was suicidal. The second girl was ranked as"not hot." She was also suicidal."This is where kids live. We better figure it out," Tuttle said.Tuttle said TikTok was the worst app on the market in terms of child safety.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068284754.jpeg" alt="Talking point for adults with children on safety online from Russ Tuttle." />
 <figcaption>Talking point for adults with children on safety online from Russ Tuttle.</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is where they are learning how to die by suicide," he said. "This is learning the latest self-harming techniques such as cutting and burning. This is where they are learning dangerous diet fads to lessen the pain of the seductions they are facing online."Seven-year-old Jessy had no technology of her own. Her mother set a timer for 15 minutes and allowed her to get online on her phone. In that short time, a grown man who said he was her age, tried to get Jesse to take a picture of herself with her shirt off and send it to him.&nbsp;He said it would be their secret.Her father was a law enforcement officer. He ended the chat before his daughter sent the image the man requested.When Tuttle does presentations for young children, he shares with them to not keep secrets and to go to a trusted adult and ask for "screen help," if they encounter something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.Predators will lie about their age and send fake photos. They appeal to a child's fantasy of love.A ninth-grade boy told Tuttle that a "smokin' hot" woman sent him naked photos and asked him to send her naked photos of himself. He sent pictures and videos. Within an hour he had multiple messages that if he didn't pay $1,000, they were going to make him famous on the Internet.The boy stole his dad's credit card and paid $18,000 before his disclosure. Tuttle said if that happens to your child, never pay. The photos are going to be circulated anyway."We are not arguing with kids. We are arguing with their fantasy," he said.

Speaker: Children are cell phone chat away from predators, perverts, pimps

Jana’s Campaign, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to preventing gender and relationship violence, is excited to share their annual fundraising event, Empty Place at the Table gala, is scheduled for Saturday, October 7 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays. Join Jana’s Campaign for their annual community gathering that unites supporters and friends as they commemorate 15 years of dedicated work in honor of Jana Lynne Mackey.

&nbsp;Throughout the night Jana’s Campaign will reflect on their achievements in constructing a safer and more compassionate world. In honor of Mackey and the countless survivors of gender-based violence, Jana’s Campaign’s mission is to deliver engaging, evidence-based educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.

This year's gala promises a unique blend of in-person experiences and the excitement of live online streaming for those who cannot attend in-person.&nbsp;

Ticket holders will receive comprehensive event details about attending or participating virtually, including bidding on items online. The evening will feature a vibrant cocktail hour, a delicious dinner, live entertainment, a raffle, and both silent and live auctions. Businesses from the local community and across the state have generously donated items and experiences to support this event.

Jana’s Campaign is proud to celebrate its impact on nearly 90,000 students from 652 middle and high schools across ten states.

Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of Jana’s Campaign, shared, “Empty Place at the Table grows year after year, thanks to the incredible support from the Hays community and beyond. With this backing, we are able to empower tens of thousands of preteens, teens, and young adults, as well as citizens, working diligently to prevent violent and unhealthy relationship behaviors before they take root.”

&nbsp;Join Jana’s Campaign for a memorable evening, as they illuminate a pathway of change and continue to make a profound impact, not only in the Hays community, but also in communities across the nation. To purchase tickets and learn more about this event, please visit <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.janascampaign.org</a>.

Jana’s Campaign is a Hays-based national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey, a 25-year old law student at the University of Kansas who lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008, and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578075822734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedJana’s Campaign, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to preventing gender and relationship violence, is excited to share their annual fundraising event, Empty Place at the Table gala, is scheduled for Saturday, October 7 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays. Join Jana’s Campaign for their annual community gathering that unites supporters and friends as they commemorate 15 years of dedicated work in honor of Jana Lynne Mackey.&nbsp;Throughout the night Jana’s Campaign will reflect on their achievements in constructing a safer and more compassionate world. In honor of Mackey and the countless survivors of gender-based violence, Jana’s Campaign’s mission is to deliver engaging, evidence-based educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694794607663.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This year's gala promises a unique blend of in-person experiences and the excitement of live online streaming for those who cannot attend in-person.&nbsp;Ticket holders will receive comprehensive event details about attending or participating virtually, including bidding on items online. The evening will feature a vibrant cocktail hour, a delicious dinner, live entertainment, a raffle, and both silent and live auctions. Businesses from the local community and across the state have generously donated items and experiences to support this event.Jana’s Campaign is proud to celebrate its impact on nearly 90,000 students from 652 middle and high schools across ten states.Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of Jana’s Campaign, shared, “Empty Place at the Table grows year after year, thanks to the incredible support from the Hays community and beyond. With this backing, we are able to empower tens of thousands of preteens, teens, and young adults, as well as citizens, working diligently to prevent violent and unhealthy relationship behaviors before they take root.”&nbsp;Join Jana’s Campaign for a memorable evening, as they illuminate a pathway of change and continue to make a profound impact, not only in the Hays community, but also in communities across the nation. To purchase tickets and learn more about this event, please visit <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.janascampaign.org</a>.Jana’s Campaign is a Hays-based national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey, a 25-year old law student at the University of Kansas who lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008, and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.&nbsp;

15 years of impact: Jana’s Campaign presents annual Empty Place at the Table gala 

Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas offers one-on-one, non-biased counseling and assistance to individuals and families either getting ready to sign up for Medicare, or those who already have Medicare.

Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15-December 7. During this time period you can:

· Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. · Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare. · Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan. · Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage. · Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage. · Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. · Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan. · Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

Volunteer counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and other health insurance issues that concern Kansans. The Senior Health Insurance counselors are not affiliated with the insurance industry. 

If you are new to Medicare or have questions about Medicare or Medicare-related issues, the Senior Health Insurance counselors at the Cottonwood Extension office are taking one-on-one appointments for October. Call 620-793-1910 to learn more.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas offers one-on-one, non-biased counseling and assistance to individuals and families either getting ready to sign up for Medicare, or those who already have Medicare.Medicare Open EnrollmentMedicare Open Enrollment is from October 15-December 7. During this time period you can:· Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. · Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare. · Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan. · Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage. · Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage. · Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. · Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan. · Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely. Volunteer counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and other health insurance issues that concern Kansans. The Senior Health Insurance counselors are not affiliated with the insurance industry. If you are new to Medicare or have questions about Medicare or Medicare-related issues, the Senior Health Insurance counselors at the Cottonwood Extension office are taking one-on-one appointments for October. Call 620-793-1910 to learn more.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Extension available for Medicare open enrollment counseling

EVANSTON, IL — Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation&nbsp; announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists, including Hays High School student Addison Otte, in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Addison is the daughter of Adam and Gabrielle Otte.&nbsp;

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. 

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. 

Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. 

The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695055842479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NMSC EVANSTON, IL — Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation&nbsp; announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists, including Hays High School student Addison Otte, in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.Addison is the daughter of Adam and Gabrielle Otte.&nbsp;These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Hays High School senior named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist 

<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/2023/9/1695056008514.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

GRAHAM COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Monday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Avlaanche driven by Timothy James Cameron, 63, Hill City, was southbound on Fourth Street/U.S. 283 in Hill City.&nbsp; 

The driver made left turn onto U.S. 24 and struck a pedestrian identified as Nathan Phillip Schmidt, 46, Hill City, in the crosswalk.

EMS transported Schmidt to the Graham County Hospital. Cameron was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

GRAHAM COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Monday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Avlaanche driven by Timothy James Cameron, 63, Hill City, was southbound on Fourth Street/U.S. 283 in Hill City.&nbsp; The driver made left turn onto U.S. 24 and struck a pedestrian identified as Nathan Phillip Schmidt, 46, Hill City, in the crosswalk.EMS transported Schmidt to the Graham County Hospital. Cameron was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man hospitalized after struck in crosswalk

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

Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses Dale Carnegie training with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber </a>president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber brings Dale Carnegie training to area" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a6kwb-14ab404-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" 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;

Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses Dale Carnegie training with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber </a>president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber brings Dale Carnegie training to area

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>-------------------------------------------------<figure>
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Hays Police Department arrest log, Sept. 3-9, 2023

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Baylee K.&nbsp;Wolkensdorfer, 16, Scott City, was westbound on Bison Road at County Road 290.

The driver attempted to avoid a divot in the middle of the road. The pickup left the roadway to the left and rolled an undetermined number of times.

EMS transported Wolkensdorfer to the Scott County Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

One other juvenile was present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data.&nbsp;

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Baylee K.&nbsp;Wolkensdorfer, 16, Scott City, was westbound on Bison Road at County Road 290.The driver attempted to avoid a divot in the middle of the road. The pickup left the roadway to the left and rolled an undetermined number of times.EMS transported Wolkensdorfer to the Scott County Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.One other juvenile was present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data.&nbsp;

16-year-old injured in NW Kansas pickup rollover accident

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Two public hearings will be conducted this afternoon by the Hays Area Planning Commission for potential future development.

The first hearing will be a rezoning request from neighborhood conservation and commercial general to residential general and agriculture for the proposed “The Grove” development on a tract of land near 27th &amp; Canterbury.

The second public hearing is a rezoning request from agriculture to public and institutional and light industrial on WDG First Addition, a tract of land near 48th &amp; Hall St.

The planning commission will also consider approving the preliminary and final plats for&nbsp; both "The Grove" and WDG First Addition.

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09182023-1441">here</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

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 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostTwo public hearings will be conducted this afternoon by the Hays Area Planning Commission for potential future development.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695054624250.png" alt="Future location of "The Grove" housing development in Hays near 27th and Canterbury." />
 <figcaption>Future location of "The Grove" housing development in Hays near 27th and Canterbury.</figcaption>
 </figure>The first hearing will be a rezoning request from neighborhood conservation and commercial general to residential general and agriculture for the proposed “The Grove” development on a tract of land near 27th &amp; Canterbury.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695054861822.png" alt="WDG First Addition near 48th and Hall St. in Hays" />
 <figcaption>WDG First Addition near 48th and Hall St. in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The second public hearing is a rezoning request from agriculture to public and institutional and light industrial on WDG First Addition, a tract of land near 48th &amp; Hall St.The planning commission will also consider approving the preliminary and final plats for&nbsp; both "The Grove" and WDG First Addition.The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09182023-1441">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting starts at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Two rezoning public hearings on tap for Hays Area Planning Commission 

The Hays Police Department responded to 68 incidents Sept. 3-9, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.

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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 68 incidents Sept. 3-9, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Dept. activity log, Sept. 3-9

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider bids for
construction of the new Public Works facility north of Hays Tuesday.

The county purchased land north of Hays, just off Highway
183, in 2022 to serve as the new home of the Public Works Department after it
was determined that the department had outgrown its current location east of
Hays.

According to the <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192023-554">agenda</a>, the commission will consider five
bids, with the low bid coming from Paul Wertenberger Construction.

If the commission approves the facility construction, they
will also have to consider utility and fiber installation as well as hiring a
construction administration for the project.

The commission also&nbsp;will  consider the reconstruction of the entrance
to the FHSU Livestock Arena in connection to the construction of the Northwest Business
Corridor.

Tuesday’s Ellis County Commission is set for 8:30 a.m. at
the Ellis County Administrative Center.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider bids for
construction of the new Public Works facility north of Hays Tuesday.The county purchased land north of Hays, just off Highway
183, in 2022 to serve as the new home of the Public Works Department after it
was determined that the department had outgrown its current location east of
Hays.According to the <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192023-554">agenda</a>, the commission will consider five
bids, with the low bid coming from Paul Wertenberger Construction.If the commission approves the facility construction, they
will also have to consider utility and fiber installation as well as hiring a
construction administration for the project.The commission also&nbsp;will consider the reconstruction of the entrance
to the FHSU Livestock Arena in connection to the construction of the Northwest Business
Corridor.Tuesday’s Ellis County Commission is set for 8:30 a.m. at
the Ellis County Administrative Center.

Ellis County Commission set to consider bids for Public Works facility

In Municipal Park Saturday, the annual Thunder on the Plains returned to downtown Hays.

Take a look at some of the day's activities below.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694998083028.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell/ Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by James Bell/ Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>In Municipal Park Saturday, the annual Thunder on the Plains returned to downtown Hays.Take a look at some of the day's activities below.<figure>
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📷 Thunder on the Plains: A revved-up rhapsody of cars, trucks, tractors and fun

Members of the community are invited to participate in an important community discussion on the dangers of fentanyl and its increasingly deadly impact on our nation.

"Fentanyl: The Facts" will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 Thursday in the Memorial Ballroom on the campus of Fort Hays State University.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.

“Evidence suggests that 6 out of every 10 pills with Fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. This topic needs to be addressed on campus and in the community, as awareness and prompt response can help save lives,” said Walt Hill, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, one of the event's principal sponsors.&nbsp;

The town hall event will feature several guest speakers, including Tony Mattivi,&nbsp; director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Dr. Steven Waring, who leads the Hays Medical Center Opioid Task Force. 

Discussion topics will include information on the effect of fentanyl on the body, the prevalence of the drug in northwest Kansas, how to obtain and use&nbsp;Naloxone,&nbsp;a life-saving medication that can&nbsp;reverse an overdose, the impact of the drug on teens and young&nbsp;adults, and where those affected by the drug can receive treatment and counseling.

“Counterfeit pills and fentanyl are the biggest drug threat in our community. Overdoses and deaths are occurring in Hays, and we have to work together to educate our children on the dangers that they are facing. This town hall meeting will be instrumental in helping to keep our friends and family safe,” said Don Scheibler, Hays chief of police.

The city of Hays is the principal financial sponsor of the town hall meeting, and the High Plains Mental Health Center is the principal organizer. Many local agencies involved in combatting opioid abuse in the region, including the Hays Police Department, FHSU Health and Wellness Services, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, and DCCCA, will also contribute speakers and expertise to the discussion. Dessert and coffee will also be provided for attendees.

High Plains Mental Health has created an event web page on Facebook where the community can learn more about this emerging public health crisis.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYRSwv7XEUQalC1y6mIkwPD-2Bd4nvB-2B7lZsZqrvHbHo6ZXkYU3rIDUbpCL9UgAYP2qyjzvePjePi11TFPgw728C-2BMmKy8wvzK6av-2BBHRXW7m-2BVQ-3D-3Dvloz_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb7QaYWSqVV0-2FGWobkMm5Rf5oWtTyu1CKVCuKpdFpzmyUZrEmYgUX-2F-2FThevmjMtw4PlX-2FuC7EQOO-2BTsixlwQrwD8WotH032HRA0SCIQzzpDUtjYub-2FxHen-2BMsv6-2BYfm0o-2Bim7evgz0OVJ4sQDhTQqe01EGSHlNpOV-2BQtDGnxNRGGU105JAEy0oJLlOyAM8CgS64uZcS3EYplkzB-2FsYYZUpXk-2F8TBhzWUpKSWNB7zR5MFjOC81UZlLzlvnPsvxAR-2B9BiexsSzuGFZpVHlBfo1q7Sw-3D-3D" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to visit the event page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694716675613.jpeg" alt="Fentanyl&nbsp; (DEA photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fentanyl&nbsp; (DEA photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsMembers of the community are invited to participate in an important community discussion on the dangers of fentanyl and its increasingly deadly impact on our nation."Fentanyl: The Facts" will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 Thursday in the Memorial Ballroom on the campus of Fort Hays State University.According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.“Evidence suggests that 6 out of every 10 pills with Fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. This topic needs to be addressed on campus and in the community, as awareness and prompt response can help save lives,” said Walt Hill, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, one of the event's principal sponsors.&nbsp;The town hall event will feature several guest speakers, including Tony Mattivi,&nbsp; director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Dr. Steven Waring, who leads the Hays Medical Center Opioid Task Force. Discussion topics will include information on the effect of fentanyl on the body, the prevalence of the drug in northwest Kansas, how to obtain and use&nbsp;Naloxone,&nbsp;a life-saving medication that can&nbsp;reverse an overdose, the impact of the drug on teens and young&nbsp;adults, and where those affected by the drug can receive treatment and counseling.“Counterfeit pills and fentanyl are the biggest drug threat in our community. Overdoses and deaths are occurring in Hays, and we have to work together to educate our children on the dangers that they are facing. This town hall meeting will be instrumental in helping to keep our friends and family safe,” said Don Scheibler, Hays chief of police.The city of Hays is the principal financial sponsor of the town hall meeting, and the High Plains Mental Health Center is the principal organizer. Many local agencies involved in combatting opioid abuse in the region, including the Hays Police Department, FHSU Health and Wellness Services, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, and DCCCA, will also contribute speakers and expertise to the discussion. Dessert and coffee will also be provided for attendees.High Plains Mental Health has created an event web page on Facebook where the community can learn more about this emerging public health crisis.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYRSwv7XEUQalC1y6mIkwPD-2Bd4nvB-2B7lZsZqrvHbHo6ZXkYU3rIDUbpCL9UgAYP2qyjzvePjePi11TFPgw728C-2BMmKy8wvzK6av-2BBHRXW7m-2BVQ-3D-3Dvloz_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb7QaYWSqVV0-2FGWobkMm5Rf5oWtTyu1CKVCuKpdFpzmyUZrEmYgUX-2F-2FThevmjMtw4PlX-2FuC7EQOO-2BTsixlwQrwD8WotH032HRA0SCIQzzpDUtjYub-2FxHen-2BMsv6-2BYfm0o-2Bim7evgz0OVJ4sQDhTQqe01EGSHlNpOV-2BQtDGnxNRGGU105JAEy0oJLlOyAM8CgS64uZcS3EYplkzB-2FsYYZUpXk-2F8TBhzWUpKSWNB7zR5MFjOC81UZlLzlvnPsvxAR-2B9BiexsSzuGFZpVHlBfo1q7Sw-3D-3D" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to visit the event page.<figure>
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Fentanyl danger in Hays to be highlighted at public presentation Thursday

THOMAS COUNTY —A northwest Kansas game warden recently rescued a storm victim from the Thomas County community of Rexford,  with the help of a couple of local residents, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 The pelican was delivered to a rehabilitation facility for further evaluation.

One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan, pelicans,&nbsp;stop off in Kansas when migrating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694998494895.png" alt="Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY —A northwest Kansas game warden recently rescued a storm victim from the Thomas County community of Rexford, with the help of a couple of local residents, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The pelican was delivered to a rehabilitation facility for further evaluation.One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan, pelicans,&nbsp;stop off in Kansas when migrating.

NW Kan. game warden helps rescue pelican injured after storm

You’ve probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven&nbsp;—&nbsp;for a price. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.

The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/">Federal Student Aid</a>. Also, you don’t need to pay to sign up for any programs to lower your payments or get forgiveness&nbsp;—&nbsp;it’s all free at&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. And you can do it yourself. (Again: for free.)

Worried about repaying your loans? The calls and texts that offer "help" might be tempting. But before you act, know how to spot the scams:

• Don’t give away your FSA ID login information.&nbsp;Anyone who says they need it to help you is a scammer. If you share it, the scammer can cut off contact between you and your servicer — and even steal your identity.&nbsp;

• Don’t trust anyone who contacts you promising debt relief or loan forgiveness, even if they say they're affiliated with the Department of Education.&nbsp;Scammers try to look real, with official-looking names, seals, and logos. They promise special access to repayment plans or forgiveness options — which don’t exist. If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your options.&nbsp;

As you get&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart">ready for repayment</a>, here are some steps to take:

• Update your contact information with&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing" target="_blank">FSA&nbsp;</a>and your&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers" target="_blank">loan servicers</a>.&nbsp;This way, you’ll get timely updates about your repayment plans.&nbsp;

• Enroll in a&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans" target="_blank">repayment plan</a>.&nbsp;Use FSA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator" target="_blank">Loan Simulator</a>&nbsp;to estimate your monthly payments and compare your repayment options. If you’ve defaulted on your loans, look into the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start" target="_blank">Fresh Start program</a>.&nbsp;

If you spot a scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: &nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694718358051.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ARI LAZARUS FTCYou’ve probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven&nbsp;—&nbsp;for a price. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/">Federal Student Aid</a>. Also, you don’t need to pay to sign up for any programs to lower your payments or get forgiveness&nbsp;—&nbsp;it’s all free at&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. And you can do it yourself. (Again: for free.)Worried about repaying your loans? The calls and texts that offer "help" might be tempting. But before you act, know how to spot the scams:• Don’t give away your FSA ID login information.&nbsp;Anyone who says they need it to help you is a scammer. If you share it, the scammer can cut off contact between you and your servicer — and even steal your identity.&nbsp;• Don’t trust anyone who contacts you promising debt relief or loan forgiveness, even if they say they're affiliated with the Department of Education.&nbsp;Scammers try to look real, with official-looking names, seals, and logos. They promise special access to repayment plans or forgiveness options — which don’t exist. If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your options.&nbsp;As you get&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart">ready for repayment</a>, here are some steps to take:• Update your contact information with&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing" target="_blank">FSA&nbsp;</a>and your&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers" target="_blank">loan servicers</a>.&nbsp;This way, you’ll get timely updates about your repayment plans.&nbsp;• Enroll in a&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans" target="_blank">repayment plan</a>.&nbsp;Use FSA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator" target="_blank">Loan Simulator</a>&nbsp;to estimate your monthly payments and compare your repayment options. If you’ve defaulted on your loans, look into the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start" target="_blank">Fresh Start program</a>.&nbsp;If you spot a scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: &nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Pay your student loans — not scammers

The Kansas State Fair finished up this weekend and we couldn’t have ordered nicer weather! The fair experienced great crowds and it was so nice to see the number of people who walked through Centennial Hall or sat in the bleachers during the livestock shows.

While the midway is lots of fun, there are so many additional areas to experience! 

Some of my favorites are the K-State Vet Med Birthing Center, the Domestic Arts Building with all of the open class foods and quilts, and the Pride of Kansas Building. Of course, Centennial Hall is my favorite as it holds the 4-H entries!

Cottonwood-Barton 4-H members entered 57 projects which doesn’t include any livestock. A variety of ribbons were earned by these 4-H members and I hope that each family was able to attend the fair to see their items on display.

Just like the Barton County Fair, this is a showcase event for 4-H members who have worked hard on project learning all year. It is easy to get caught up in the ribbon placing but we are really celebrating the hours spent in a barn working with livestock, the dozens of time a recipe was made and kitchen skills honed, and the meticulous gathering and labeling of insects.

We have had packed schedules on both weekends for communications presentations. 

Standing up in front of a crowd is hard enough but these young people are presenting in front of a crowd that may keep moving, little ones who cry or shout in the middle of their presentation, and using equipment that may be a bit different than they are used to. 

One of my favorite moments occurred during the first weekend when a 4-H member was really struggling as she was to present the next day. 

One of the Kansas 4-H Youth Council members knew her and immediately began to calm and coach her. She knew that others were cheering for her and giving her good advice which helped. By the way, that 4-H member received a blue ribbon on her presentation and has set a goal to qualify again next year!

If you know a 4-H member, be sure to ask what they learned before you asked where they placed!

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177519229.png" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas State Fair finished up this weekend and we couldn’t have ordered nicer weather! The fair experienced great crowds and it was so nice to see the number of people who walked through Centennial Hall or sat in the bleachers during the livestock shows.While the midway is lots of fun, there are so many additional areas to experience! Some of my favorites are the K-State Vet Med Birthing Center, the Domestic Arts Building with all of the open class foods and quilts, and the Pride of Kansas Building. Of course, Centennial Hall is my favorite as it holds the 4-H entries!Cottonwood-Barton 4-H members entered 57 projects which doesn’t include any livestock. A variety of ribbons were earned by these 4-H members and I hope that each family was able to attend the fair to see their items on display.Just like the Barton County Fair, this is a showcase event for 4-H members who have worked hard on project learning all year. It is easy to get caught up in the ribbon placing but we are really celebrating the hours spent in a barn working with livestock, the dozens of time a recipe was made and kitchen skills honed, and the meticulous gathering and labeling of insects.We have had packed schedules on both weekends for communications presentations. Standing up in front of a crowd is hard enough but these young people are presenting in front of a crowd that may keep moving, little ones who cry or shout in the middle of their presentation, and using equipment that may be a bit different than they are used to. One of my favorite moments occurred during the first weekend when a 4-H member was really struggling as she was to present the next day. One of the Kansas 4-H Youth Council members knew her and immediately began to calm and coach her. She knew that others were cheering for her and giving her good advice which helped. By the way, that 4-H member received a blue ribbon on her presentation and has set a goal to qualify again next year!If you know a 4-H member, be sure to ask what they learned before you asked where they placed!Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: State fair follow up

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694792012854.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced a Kansas woman has been sentenced to 18 months of probation for insurance fraud.

Carolyn Engelhardt, age 30, pleaded guilty in the District Court of Norton County on July 25, 2023, to one felony count of a fraudulent insurance act after she knowingly submitted a fraudulent auto claim to her insurance company for a loss that occurred prior to her purchasing the auto coverage.

She was sentenced on Monday to 18 months probation with 10 months underlying prison time if her probation is violated. Engelhardt also was assessed a $500 fine and associated court costs.

Kansas Insurance DepartmentKansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced a Kansas woman has been sentenced to 18 months of probation for insurance fraud.Carolyn Engelhardt, age 30, pleaded guilty in the District Court of Norton County on July 25, 2023, to one felony count of a fraudulent insurance act after she knowingly submitted a fraudulent auto claim to her insurance company for a loss that occurred prior to her purchasing the auto coverage.She was sentenced on Monday to 18 months probation with 10 months underlying prison time if her probation is violated. Engelhardt also was assessed a $500 fine and associated court costs.

Norton woman sentenced for insurance fraud

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 </figure>Midnight RanchNestled just 7 miles north of Hays, The Midnight Ranch has emerged as the region's premier wedding destination, offering couples the perfect setting for a magical wedding weekend. With its elegant, climate-controlled indoor space, spacious outdoor areas, and a slew of amenities, The Midnight Ranch promises an unforgettable wedding experience.<figure>
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 </figure><h2>An All-Inclusive Dream</h2>The Midnight Ranch is more than just a venue; it's a canvas for creating your dream wedding. The main attraction is its elegant, climate-controlled indoor setting, allowing you to design your wedding exactly as you envision it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118466445.png" alt="" />
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