The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.

The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.

Age:&nbsp;45 Profession:&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Grade teacher Incumbent:&nbsp;yes

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?

&nbsp;I have children who attend Victoria Jr. and Senior High

Why are you running for school board?&nbsp;

I am running for the board because I feel it is important to be involved in all childrens’ education. I feel like I bring a different perspective to the board because I can see issues from a teacher’s point of view as well as a parent’s point of view. I feel education is so important for our children and whatever I can do to help positively impact the education in Victoria I am willing to do.

If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;

I would love to be able to offer a wider variety of opportunities to our kids. We currently have great programs for our students but we can always benefit from expansion of additional opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is your opinion of the Vcitoria USD 432&nbsp;administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?&nbsp;

If you are referencing&nbsp;Victoria USD 432&nbsp;administration, I think they have made great gains for our students. They have the students’ best interest in mind when making decisions for their education.&nbsp; They have continually thought outside of the box to improve our district.&nbsp; I look forward to working with them to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?&nbsp;

I think our school board works great together.&nbsp; Everyone wants to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp; I would anticipate the same with the upcoming board.

What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?&nbsp;

I believe as a board you put the confidence in your administration to run the schools for day-to-day operations.&nbsp; The board’s job is to help set policies and maintain the financial stability of the district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies&nbsp;and how they have been applied? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

I believe the district has good discipline policies and they should be enforced as needed.&nbsp;

What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?&nbsp;

I think the teachers need to continue to teach the state standards.&nbsp; We have adopted new curriculum to help meet those standards.&nbsp; We have also added another interventionalist and continue to increase the instruction to help students be successful every day!

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Tammy Lichter&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698265788525.jpeg" alt="Tammy Lichiter" />
 <figcaption>Tammy Lichiter</figcaption>
 </figure>Age:&nbsp;45 Profession:&nbsp;4th&nbsp;Grade teacher Incumbent:&nbsp;yesDo you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?&nbsp;I have children who attend Victoria Jr. and Senior HighWhy are you running for school board?&nbsp;I am running for the board because I feel it is important to be involved in all childrens’ education. I feel like I bring a different perspective to the board because I can see issues from a teacher’s point of view as well as a parent’s point of view. I feel education is so important for our children and whatever I can do to help positively impact the education in Victoria I am willing to do.If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;I would love to be able to offer a wider variety of opportunities to our kids. We currently have great programs for our students but we can always benefit from expansion of additional opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your opinion of the Vcitoria USD 432&nbsp;administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?&nbsp;If you are referencing&nbsp;Victoria USD 432&nbsp;administration, I think they have made great gains for our students. They have the students’ best interest in mind when making decisions for their education.&nbsp; They have continually thought outside of the box to improve our district.&nbsp; I look forward to working with them to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?&nbsp;I think our school board works great together.&nbsp; Everyone wants to continue to improve our schools.&nbsp; I would anticipate the same with the upcoming board.What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?&nbsp;I believe as a board you put the confidence in your administration to run the schools for day-to-day operations.&nbsp; The board’s job is to help set policies and maintain the financial stability of the district.&nbsp;&nbsp;What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies&nbsp;and how they have been applied? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I believe the district has good discipline policies and they should be enforced as needed.&nbsp;What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?&nbsp;I think the teachers need to continue to teach the state standards.&nbsp; We have adopted new curriculum to help meet those standards.&nbsp; We have also added another interventionalist and continue to increase the instruction to help students be successful every day!

Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lichter

RED WILLOW COUNtY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a deadly small plane crash in southwest Nebraska have released additional details.

According to the city of McCook, just before noon Monday, a single-engine Piper PA-46 piloted by Clifton Coffman, 79, Shreveport, Louisiana, crashed in the back yard of a residence in the 1400 Block of East C Street. Coffman died from his injuries.&nbsp;

The passenger identified as Henry Richter, 65, also from Shreveport remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.

The crashed occurred 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported.

&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas. The NTSB and FAA are in charge of the crash investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698756364119.png" alt="Photo courtesy KLKN TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KLKN TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RED WILLOW COUNtY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a deadly small plane crash in southwest Nebraska have released additional details.According to the city of McCook, just before noon Monday, a single-engine Piper PA-46 piloted by Clifton Coffman, 79, Shreveport, Louisiana, crashed in the back yard of a residence in the 1400 Block of East C Street. Coffman died from his injuries.&nbsp;The passenger identified as Henry Richter, 65, also from Shreveport remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.The crashed occurred 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported.&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas. The NTSB and FAA are in charge of the crash investigation.

Pilot who died in SW Nebraska plane crash identified

Kansas Justice Institute files constitutional lawsuit to protect the right to earn an honest living

Bryn Green’s dream business—providing sugaring services in her hometown of Hays—has run head-first into an irrational and arbitrary occupational licensing regime enforced by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. 

She is&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsDwSdi8FGwaWIX9gLgin23YrtxfJWERIYL9BponAwy-2FCGi1mB_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVhsHUrneULHAGqfKoVBG5txACnF2Uv7bA9s7vXI1-2Be-2Bqq1Vsjku-2FWBTN1zvVoGvySEqz4G9Rrs97S64-2FhWxdxj3M0hAzFgR1EnIo0mLO-2F9vPR-2BIlgODBGV6sWhcUCjETLXjcz3vGS35bjOQxtv53j1s-3D" target="_blank">fighting back</a>&nbsp;against the Board of Cosmetology’s unconstitutional occupational license mandates, with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>.&nbsp;

Green is a 32-year-old mom in Hays. To help support her family, wants the opportunity to offer sugaring, an ancient grooming technique that uses a mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water to safely remove unwanted hair. Sugaring would also allow her greater flexibility in raising her son. But in Kansas, it is a crime to practice unlicensed sugaring, and Green is not licensed.&nbsp;

To obtain a license, Bryn would have to complete 1,500 or 1,000 hours of instruction in an expensive cosmetology school.

It is estimated that 99 percent of the cosmetology curriculum teaches things other than sugaring.&nbsp;

After graduating from the 1,500-hour program, Bryn would have to complete two exams. But the practical skills exam is computer-based and does not cover the sugaring technique.

“People shouldn’t be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on irrelevant cosmetology school, and take irrelevant examinations, just to be able to use sugar, lemon juice, and water, to safely remove unwanted hair,”&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;litigation director Sam MacRoberts said.&nbsp;

“It shouldn’t be a crime to use sugar, lemon juice, and water to remove unwanted hair,” MacRoberts said. “There’s no good reason for the State of Kansas to force someone to attend 1,500 hours of irrelevant and expensive schooling,” MacRoberts continued.&nbsp;

“Sugaring is an entirely safe and natural process. It’s been around for centuries,” said Bryn, “it is ridiculous to me that the requirement is to spend thousands of dollars, tens of thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours to obtain a license that I am literally going to use 1 percent of.”

The Kansas Constitution protects the right to earn an honest living, free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;

“Bryn isn’t suing the government for money. She’s fighting to protect everyone’s rights under the Kansas Constitution—the right to earn an honest living,” MacRoberts said.&nbsp;

Over the decades, occupational licensing has exploded even though, as&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUe6yCLKNpLxA0Skk-2BcixzNetcuWtja3rY50TXKE5Yc2qhbc0SbSkCp4rIjLBhWDukRNoe4Iz5Ylk-2FCz7MkIVC0NAEpXZ9vA9aoYMe-2FDw5NA2n-2B5Asml8DGPQkU63fdtmSg-3D-3Dgtml_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVtNqgFsbqOqbjjwZ7hOhP7kUEMDpAi8keLvcS-2FWBya5wxDOKb5-2BRr2XbNyWLe12DUhWCQ-2BESgj1mz6Oz8takyLLWo-2BxgDudJSsmp3-2Bn9twjvcVPZ-2BU2ToAOxz1KktbiJE4KzMokwXXniboR5Ew9YkRs-3D" target="_blank">President Obama’s Administration determined</a>, “most research does not find that licensing improves quality or public health and safety.”

Represented at no charge by Kansas Justice Institute, Green is suing the Board of Cosmetology to vindicate her rights, and the rights of all Kansans, to be free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;

This case is a part of the institute's litigation efforts to make it easier for families to earn honest livings. In 2019,&nbsp;the institute successfully sued the state of Kansas over its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOa1v2buYG7xR-2B86a-2Fbmjn1rDn00tGZuloWDfDByqrCsgA-3D-3DyU1s_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVv4-2F7-2F0yiCbc3P5yv-2FobeDgYBZOiCOnPJdcaY-2By17266FAAIiXo-2BID93P3TxNuqTfcDuzXXCT8hCJ9CescaODdC4f3QvElYugNrkMzCUdeetPtD-2B9dRVa4nCpJxAjt-2BxSIV7Z9TRhMYVw7oyPPJrQ-2Bc-3D" target="_blank">raw milk advertising prohibition</a>, and in 2020, KJI sued the state over its occupational licensing requirement involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BOP6HeNo-2FlLu1uEfoBEpD4tgx9XuvQpcNUVb3cnmvLOauoHgd2KkcN2XpnTbafhvwNlbY_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVuiDwfVdVrOnrzUfiLSAVdtMM87ws-2BWO4dhuoBEcvyA62JrG3sBFLWTXDjpQyQo8JRwLkpmyhIx0FCIm-2F61N9-2FuQsZHs-2F4G4rh7NwmRy-2BxhadFZj6dE3yjfVlvNj85PwgtFi1dmMVXmKZeldkdSKStI-3D" target="_blank">eyebrow threading</a>. Just this year, the institute sued the City of Ottawa, Kan., over its home-based business prohibitions involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2B8MP26JtP6-2FPF9ZhnIskee-2B1zxaZlL-2F6QDNvPNB6TwrlgXTchLYzbuS4xOSD2f-2FVIJy4L_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVkpC9KAzppDGh2o5TQUiQrJnjWofnQIzQbmz5-2Fdc-2FLNPtJlgXLgKvxpfaVO8Z-2BbhZN2vu4zxLcNgK9lrPGfyczGtMviHa-2FPlU-2FHFbVrnnmcgjpM937dt7n3pY42f73kBCccbwokyTMCTaJLEEn0TRog-3D" target="_blank">beekeeping and gardening</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696967207582.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas Justice Institute files constitutional lawsuit to protect the right to earn an honest living</h2>Kansas Policy InstituteBryn Green’s dream business—providing sugaring services in her hometown of Hays—has run head-first into an irrational and arbitrary occupational licensing regime enforced by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. She is&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsDwSdi8FGwaWIX9gLgin23YrtxfJWERIYL9BponAwy-2FCGi1mB_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVhsHUrneULHAGqfKoVBG5txACnF2Uv7bA9s7vXI1-2Be-2Bqq1Vsjku-2FWBTN1zvVoGvySEqz4G9Rrs97S64-2FhWxdxj3M0hAzFgR1EnIo0mLO-2F9vPR-2BIlgODBGV6sWhcUCjETLXjcz3vGS35bjOQxtv53j1s-3D" target="_blank">fighting back</a>&nbsp;against the Board of Cosmetology’s unconstitutional occupational license mandates, with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>.&nbsp;Green is a 32-year-old mom in Hays. To help support her family, wants the opportunity to offer sugaring, an ancient grooming technique that uses a mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water to safely remove unwanted hair. Sugaring would also allow her greater flexibility in raising her son. But in Kansas, it is a crime to practice unlicensed sugaring, and Green is not licensed.&nbsp;To obtain a license, Bryn would have to complete 1,500 or 1,000 hours of instruction in an expensive cosmetology school.It is estimated that 99 percent of the cosmetology curriculum teaches things other than sugaring.&nbsp;After graduating from the 1,500-hour program, Bryn would have to complete two exams. But the practical skills exam is computer-based and does not cover the sugaring technique.“People shouldn’t be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on irrelevant cosmetology school, and take irrelevant examinations, just to be able to use sugar, lemon juice, and water, to safely remove unwanted hair,”&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BDI9xAfzFpXviNWNEefCzvQ-3D-3DDxxA_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVvcLKCUGUuaTce9i9INVLdXGFtp5nWxjdnLo6-2FeIqg1n7n57-2BggPJfNz6Jvz1H-2FngB-2FYNDrNTZ6SkAUxjSZpJ-2Bx7FVnI9IEJR7gVeVjECgT5m8UEgZqqGSJ5gQ0UJCognJ19bCU4av7-2FMoXClNvu-2Bcg-3D" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;litigation director Sam MacRoberts said.&nbsp;“It shouldn’t be a crime to use sugar, lemon juice, and water to remove unwanted hair,” MacRoberts said. “There’s no good reason for the State of Kansas to force someone to attend 1,500 hours of irrelevant and expensive schooling,” MacRoberts continued.&nbsp;“Sugaring is an entirely safe and natural process. It’s been around for centuries,” said Bryn, “it is ridiculous to me that the requirement is to spend thousands of dollars, tens of thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours to obtain a license that I am literally going to use 1 percent of.”The Kansas Constitution protects the right to earn an honest living, free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;“Bryn isn’t suing the government for money. She’s fighting to protect everyone’s rights under the Kansas Constitution—the right to earn an honest living,” MacRoberts said.&nbsp;Over the decades, occupational licensing has exploded even though, as&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUe6yCLKNpLxA0Skk-2BcixzNetcuWtja3rY50TXKE5Yc2qhbc0SbSkCp4rIjLBhWDukRNoe4Iz5Ylk-2FCz7MkIVC0NAEpXZ9vA9aoYMe-2FDw5NA2n-2B5Asml8DGPQkU63fdtmSg-3D-3Dgtml_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVtNqgFsbqOqbjjwZ7hOhP7kUEMDpAi8keLvcS-2FWBya5wxDOKb5-2BRr2XbNyWLe12DUhWCQ-2BESgj1mz6Oz8takyLLWo-2BxgDudJSsmp3-2Bn9twjvcVPZ-2BU2ToAOxz1KktbiJE4KzMokwXXniboR5Ew9YkRs-3D" target="_blank">President Obama’s Administration determined</a>, “most research does not find that licensing improves quality or public health and safety.”Represented at no charge by Kansas Justice Institute, Green is suing the Board of Cosmetology to vindicate her rights, and the rights of all Kansans, to be free from unreasonable government regulations.&nbsp;This case is a part of the institute's litigation efforts to make it easier for families to earn honest livings. In 2019,&nbsp;the institute successfully sued the state of Kansas over its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOa1v2buYG7xR-2B86a-2Fbmjn1rDn00tGZuloWDfDByqrCsgA-3D-3DyU1s_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVv4-2F7-2F0yiCbc3P5yv-2FobeDgYBZOiCOnPJdcaY-2By17266FAAIiXo-2BID93P3TxNuqTfcDuzXXCT8hCJ9CescaODdC4f3QvElYugNrkMzCUdeetPtD-2B9dRVa4nCpJxAjt-2BxSIV7Z9TRhMYVw7oyPPJrQ-2Bc-3D" target="_blank">raw milk advertising prohibition</a>, and in 2020, KJI sued the state over its occupational licensing requirement involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BOP6HeNo-2FlLu1uEfoBEpD4tgx9XuvQpcNUVb3cnmvLOauoHgd2KkcN2XpnTbafhvwNlbY_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVuiDwfVdVrOnrzUfiLSAVdtMM87ws-2BWO4dhuoBEcvyA62JrG3sBFLWTXDjpQyQo8JRwLkpmyhIx0FCIm-2F61N9-2FuQsZHs-2F4G4rh7NwmRy-2BxhadFZj6dE3yjfVlvNj85PwgtFi1dmMVXmKZeldkdSKStI-3D" target="_blank">eyebrow threading</a>. Just this year, the institute sued the City of Ottawa, Kan., over its home-based business prohibitions involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2B8MP26JtP6-2FPF9ZhnIskee-2B1zxaZlL-2F6QDNvPNB6TwrlgXTchLYzbuS4xOSD2f-2FVIJy4L_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3G-2FF9lO-2F5gKQzmEkJXIVUYsezzOHwLX45Z-2B2PKT0nUg9JiUOSICriX0Sz0-2BwkIrr3V-2BheO01bingsWMvmez7jNN3oZ6WKPeMo3R-2Fl6FysIk4a3d3y2LW5IjAkp4-2FrCxNVkpC9KAzppDGh2o5TQUiQrJnjWofnQIzQbmz5-2Fdc-2FLNPtJlgXLgKvxpfaVO8Z-2BbhZN2vu4zxLcNgK9lrPGfyczGtMviHa-2FPlU-2FHFbVrnnmcgjpM937dt7n3pY42f73kBCccbwokyTMCTaJLEEn0TRog-3D" target="_blank">beekeeping and gardening</a>.&nbsp;

Young mom from Hays sues Kansas Board of Cosmetology to offer sugaring

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 speaks with <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a> President Tisa Mason about their annual media tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cef4fab6-3605-4108-973d-334650ebf5fa">Read more at FHSU president Mason to make annual media tour of Kansas in November.</a>

<div><iframe title="FHSU media tour underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sitfk-14e8f1f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser speaks with <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a> President Tisa Mason about their annual media tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cef4fab6-3605-4108-973d-334650ebf5fa">Read more at FHSU president Mason to make annual media tour of Kansas in November.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU media tour underway

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will consider three items at their Thursday work session that will ultimately result in property being developed as the site of a new National Guard facility, according to information provided by the public works department.

A rezoning request from agriculture to public and institutional district and light industrial district for Werth Development Group will be presented by Jesse Rohr, director of public works.

The northern part of the two tracts, north of Interstate 70 at the northwest corner of Hall and 48th Streets, is planned to be the location of the National Guard facility.&nbsp;

Commissioners must also approve the final plat of the WDG First Addition and annex the land into the city.

City staff is recommending approval of the project, which has already been approved unanimously by the Hays Planning Commission.&nbsp;

Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11022023-1448">Nov. 2 agenda </a>items include proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code for&nbsp;self-storage, planned developments, and cul-de-sacs.&nbsp;

A resolution of support for planned moderate income housing at 10th and Walnut, site of the former railroad depot, will also be considered and commissioners will hear a review of the 2024 street maintenance program.

The agenda items will be voted on during a future city commission meeting.

Thursday's work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post Hays city commissioners will consider three items at their Thursday work session that will ultimately result in property being developed as the site of a new National Guard facility, according to information provided by the public works department.A rezoning request from agriculture to public and institutional district and light industrial district for Werth Development Group will be presented by Jesse Rohr, director of public works.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698855138662.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The northern part of the two tracts, north of Interstate 70 at the northwest corner of Hall and 48th Streets, is planned to be the location of the National Guard facility.&nbsp;Commissioners must also approve the final plat of the WDG First Addition and annex the land into the city.City staff is recommending approval of the project, which has already been approved unanimously by the Hays Planning Commission.&nbsp;Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11022023-1448">Nov. 2 agenda </a>items include proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code for&nbsp;self-storage, planned developments, and cul-de-sacs.&nbsp;A resolution of support for planned moderate income housing at 10th and Walnut, site of the former railroad depot, will also be considered and commissioners will hear a review of the 2024 street maintenance program.The agenda items will be voted on during a future city commission meeting.Thursday's work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

New National Guard facility planned for Hays north of I-70

Twenty-seven city of Hays employees were recently recognized for their years of service.

The combined total years of service was 490, said Erin Giebler, director of human resources.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>City of Hays Twenty-seven city of Hays employees were recently recognized for their years of service.The combined total years of service was 490, said Erin Giebler, director of human resources.&nbsp;<figure>
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City of Hays employees honored for combined 490 years of service  

The Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Leroux as the business support program director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center. Leroux will work directly with existing businesses and entrepreneurs on issues such as business planning, financial planning, and succession planning.

The Innovation Center is now serving as the Small Business Development Center for the 26-counties in northwest Kansas. 

Housing the KSBDC within the Innovation Center will help develop and sustain businesses in the region, thereby making the economy stronger and more resilient. This expansion was made possible through the K-State 105 Initiative and Fort Hays State University.

“It’s typical for a business owner or an entrepreneur to be very good at building the widget or building the piece that they want to take to market, but it’s uncommon for them to have all the aspects of business they need,” said Scott Sproul, Innovation Center president/CEO.

“This enhanced suite of services we are rolling out for northwest Kansas is designed to strengthen those businesses. Joe will be an important resource in this work.”

Currently living in Victoria, Leroux is retired from the Kansas Army National Guard and is a graduate of Barton County Community College, Villanova, and Golden Gate University in management and financial planning. Leroux is also an alumnus of the state chamber of commerce’s&nbsp;Leadership Kansas program.

Leroux has a background in manufacturing as both an operations manager and human resource manager at Hess Services, Inc. in Hays, and as a human resources/safety manager with Natoma Corporation in Norton. He has also worked in retail as an analyst with Payless ShoeSource, a distribution planner with Collective Brands, and an inventory planner with Alco Stores.

Community involvement is also important to Joe. He was an Ellis County commissioner, northwest district commissioner and governing board member for the Kansas Association of Counties, and state chief-elected official board member for Kansas WorkForceOne. He also served on boards and advisory boards for the Hays Chamber of Commerce, Imagine Ellis County, Grow Hays, Seward County Community College, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Barton County Community College.

The Innovation Center serves a 26-county area including Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Phillips, Smith, Rooks, Jewell, Republic, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Rooks, Osborne,&nbsp;Mitchell, Cloud, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Ellis, Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Ellsworth, and Saline counties.

For more information on the Innovation Center go to <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">www.nwkeici.org</a>. For more information on the Kansas Small Business Development Center go to <a href="https://www.kansassbdc.net/">www.kansassbdc.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698421386263.jpeg" alt="Joe Leroux" />
 <figcaption>Joe Leroux</figcaption>
 </figure>Innovation CenterThe Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Leroux as the business support program director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center. Leroux will work directly with existing businesses and entrepreneurs on issues such as business planning, financial planning, and succession planning.The Innovation Center is now serving as the Small Business Development Center for the 26-counties in northwest Kansas. Housing the KSBDC within the Innovation Center will help develop and sustain businesses in the region, thereby making the economy stronger and more resilient. This expansion was made possible through the K-State 105 Initiative and Fort Hays State University.“It’s typical for a business owner or an entrepreneur to be very good at building the widget or building the piece that they want to take to market, but it’s uncommon for them to have all the aspects of business they need,” said Scott Sproul, Innovation Center president/CEO.“This enhanced suite of services we are rolling out for northwest Kansas is designed to strengthen those businesses. Joe will be an important resource in this work.”Currently living in Victoria, Leroux is retired from the Kansas Army National Guard and is a graduate of Barton County Community College, Villanova, and Golden Gate University in management and financial planning. Leroux is also an alumnus of the state chamber of commerce’s&nbsp;Leadership Kansas program.Leroux has a background in manufacturing as both an operations manager and human resource manager at Hess Services, Inc. in Hays, and as a human resources/safety manager with Natoma Corporation in Norton. He has also worked in retail as an analyst with Payless ShoeSource, a distribution planner with Collective Brands, and an inventory planner with Alco Stores.Community involvement is also important to Joe. He was an Ellis County commissioner, northwest district commissioner and governing board member for the Kansas Association of Counties, and state chief-elected official board member for Kansas WorkForceOne. He also served on boards and advisory boards for the Hays Chamber of Commerce, Imagine Ellis County, Grow Hays, Seward County Community College, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Barton County Community College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698421619357.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Innovation Center serves a 26-county area including Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Phillips, Smith, Rooks, Jewell, Republic, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Rooks, Osborne,&nbsp;Mitchell, Cloud, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Ellis, Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Ellsworth, and Saline counties.For more information on the Innovation Center go to <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">www.nwkeici.org</a>. For more information on the Kansas Small Business Development Center go to <a href="https://www.kansassbdc.net/">www.kansassbdc.net</a>.

Leroux to head Innovation Center business services

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

As the temperatures turn colder, many activities in Hays retreat indoors during November.&nbsp;

It's also the beginning of the busy holiday season with lots of themed events.

Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a preview of what's happening in town this month.

The up-to-the-minute calendar of events is on the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673100607004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAs the temperatures turn colder, many activities in Hays retreat indoors during November.&nbsp;It's also the beginning of the busy holiday season with lots of themed events.Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a preview of what's happening in town this month.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ezZEXDvSLo"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The up-to-the-minute calendar of events is on the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698769783786.jpeg" alt="" />
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🎥 CVB: Holiday season kicks off in November in Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Officials hope a new program will reduce or even end murders related to domestic violence in Ellis County.

The last six murders in Hays were all related to domestic violence.

A partnership between domestic violence advocates, law enforcement and the court system uses a lethality survey to get help for people who are in the most in danger of a fatal domestic violence attack.

Area law enforcement authorities, including Hays Police Department officers, recently received training on using the lethality survey in the field and how to connect victims with advocates.

The tool is set to be launched as a pilot program in Hays before the end of the year.

"There are a lot of reasons why victims don't understand the danger they're in," said Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. "As human beings, we are wired to be hopeful. No one believes the person that they love is going to actually kill them."

Abusers can be very manipulative, Hecker said. They may be violent one day and loving the next.

Some of the questions on the assessment include: • Has he/she ever used a weapon against you or threatened you with a weapon? • Has he/she ever threatened to kill you or your children? • Do you think he/she might try to kill you?

A yes answer to any of the above questions results in an automatic referral to a domestic violence advocate.

The recent training for officers and advocates put special attention on questions about strangulation.

Hecker said it takes less pressure to strangle someone than to open a soda can. Often few signs of strangulation are apparent to the naked eye..

Someone who has been strangled may have unseen internal damage that could lead to complications or even death days after the initial attack. Hays Police Chief Don Schiebler said a strangulation victim should be seen by a physician.

Law enforcement is doing a better job of documenting strangulation, which&nbsp;Scheibler said is resulting in a rise in the number of reported cases.

Strangulation can also be referred to the county attorney for more serious charges up to attempted murder, Scheibler said.

Other questions on the lethality assessment include: • Does he/she have access to a gun? • Has he/she ever strangled or tried to strangle you? • Is he/she violently or constantly jealous or does he/she control most of your daily activities? • Have you ever attempted to leave him/her? Are you currently separated? • Is he/she unemployed? • Has he/she ever threatened to kill himself or herself? • Does he/she follow or spy on you or leave threatening messages after you have told him/her to stop? • Does he/she have a drug or alcohol problem? • Has the physical violence increased in severity or frequency? • Are you pregnant? If not, has he ever hit you while you were pregnant? • Has he/she ever destroyed property? • Has he/she ever abused an animal? • Has he/she ever made you have sex with him/her or perform acts on him/her when you did not want to? • Has he/she ever been arrested for domestic violence?

Answering yes to six or more of the above questions would also result in a referral to an advocate.

That means an officer would dial the phone and hand it to the victim.

Hecker addressed the issue of alcohol or drug abuse in a relationship.

"Alcohol won't make a nonviolent person violent," Hecker said. "We often hear survivors say, 'He's great ... when he's sober.'"

Hecker said the process of creating the lethality program has brought law enforcement, courts, the batterer intervention program and advocates together.&nbsp;

The results of the lethality assessment can be used in court by judges to determine if a protection from abuse order should be issued or the amount of bail. It also can be used by corrections in determining supervision and in batterer intervention programs to help the batterer recognize his/her pattern of behavior.

"All of that adds up to accountability for the perpetrator and safety for the victim," Hecker said.

Scheibler said the lethality survey can be very important from the perspective of law enforcement and the courts.

Anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of domestic violence victims recant their initial statements to police.

Hecker said there are many reasons for this, including pressure or threats from the abuser or other family, children, abuser having financial control, victims having no other housing, shame and attempts of the abuser to downplay or apologize for the violent act.

Scheibler said, "We can make better decisions to protect the victim even if the victim doesn't want to be protected."

Options is applying for a federal grant that they hope can be used to hire a new employee to head up the high-risk team that will aid victims identified by the lethality assessment. Additional help also may be available for law enforcement to implement this program.

Hecker and Scheibler both said they are optimistic about the effects the new program can have in the community.

Scheibler said he has had positive feedback from HPD officers so far.

Johnson County did not have any domestic violence murders in the five years after it deployed its lethality program.

"If you think of the impact that could have on our community," Hecker said. "The last six murders in Ellis County have been domestic violence related. If we have the same result, not only could we keep people safe, but we could eliminate murder in our community."

Options provides services in all of northwest Kansas. Hecker said if the pilot program is successful in Hays, she hopes it can be expanded to communities across the Options service area.

Scheibler said he knows from studies that when a victim calls 911, it's rarely the first time violence has occurred in the relationship. He said it's very important for domestic violence cases to be fully investigated.

"The ultimate goal of law enforcement is to help people feel safe," Scheibler said. "If we can't make you feel safe in your own home, we're never going to be successful anywhere else.&nbsp;

"We know you are more likely to be killed by someone who says I love you than you are by a stranger, so this is very important."

Scheibler wanted to remind victims that they are not alone.

"The only way for things to get better is to reach out for assistance," he said.

There are many ways victims access help from Options.

You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby.&nbsp; You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

A live chat option or a virtual video conference with an advocate is available on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.

The website has a safe escape button that will allow you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies so anyone who is on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.

Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

You can donate online to help Options&nbsp; at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">https://help4abuse.org/donate/</a>.&nbsp; Donations can also be mailed to&nbsp;2716 Plaza, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;

In light of Options' 40th anniversary this year, businesses in Hays are encouraged to donate $400 each to the organization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626112639824.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOfficials hope a new program will reduce or even end murders related to domestic violence in Ellis County.The last six murders in Hays were all related to domestic violence.A partnership between domestic violence advocates, law enforcement and the court system uses a lethality survey to get help for people who are in the most in danger of a fatal domestic violence attack.Area law enforcement authorities, including Hays Police Department officers, recently received training on using the lethality survey in the field and how to connect victims with advocates.The tool is set to be launched as a pilot program in Hays before the end of the year."There are a lot of reasons why victims don't understand the danger they're in," said Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. "As human beings, we are wired to be hopeful. No one believes the person that they love is going to actually kill them."Abusers can be very manipulative, Hecker said. They may be violent one day and loving the next.Some of the questions on the assessment include: • Has he/she ever used a weapon against you or threatened you with a weapon? • Has he/she ever threatened to kill you or your children? • Do you think he/she might try to kill you?A yes answer to any of the above questions results in an automatic referral to a domestic violence advocate.The recent training for officers and advocates put special attention on questions about strangulation.Hecker said it takes less pressure to strangle someone than to open a soda can. Often few signs of strangulation are apparent to the naked eye..Someone who has been strangled may have unseen internal damage that could lead to complications or even death days after the initial attack. Hays Police Chief Don Schiebler said a strangulation victim should be seen by a physician.Law enforcement is doing a better job of documenting strangulation, which&nbsp;Scheibler said is resulting in a rise in the number of reported cases.Strangulation can also be referred to the county attorney for more serious charges up to attempted murder, Scheibler said.Other questions on the lethality assessment include: • Does he/she have access to a gun? • Has he/she ever strangled or tried to strangle you? • Is he/she violently or constantly jealous or does he/she control most of your daily activities? • Have you ever attempted to leave him/her? Are you currently separated? • Is he/she unemployed? • Has he/she ever threatened to kill himself or herself? • Does he/she follow or spy on you or leave threatening messages after you have told him/her to stop? • Does he/she have a drug or alcohol problem? • Has the physical violence increased in severity or frequency? • Are you pregnant? If not, has he ever hit you while you were pregnant? • Has he/she ever destroyed property? • Has he/she ever abused an animal? • Has he/she ever made you have sex with him/her or perform acts on him/her when you did not want to? • Has he/she ever been arrested for domestic violence?Answering yes to six or more of the above questions would also result in a referral to an advocate.That means an officer would dial the phone and hand it to the victim.Hecker addressed the issue of alcohol or drug abuse in a relationship."Alcohol won't make a nonviolent person violent," Hecker said. "We often hear survivors say, 'He's great ... when he's sober.'"Hecker said the process of creating the lethality program has brought law enforcement, courts, the batterer intervention program and advocates together.&nbsp;The results of the lethality assessment can be used in court by judges to determine if a protection from abuse order should be issued or the amount of bail. It also can be used by corrections in determining supervision and in batterer intervention programs to help the batterer recognize his/her pattern of behavior."All of that adds up to accountability for the perpetrator and safety for the victim," Hecker said.Scheibler said the lethality survey can be very important from the perspective of law enforcement and the courts.Anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of domestic violence victims recant their initial statements to police.Hecker said there are many reasons for this, including pressure or threats from the abuser or other family, children, abuser having financial control, victims having no other housing, shame and attempts of the abuser to downplay or apologize for the violent act.Scheibler said, "We can make better decisions to protect the victim even if the victim doesn't want to be protected."Options is applying for a federal grant that they hope can be used to hire a new employee to head up the high-risk team that will aid victims identified by the lethality assessment. Additional help also may be available for law enforcement to implement this program.Hecker and Scheibler both said they are optimistic about the effects the new program can have in the community.Scheibler said he has had positive feedback from HPD officers so far.Johnson County did not have any domestic violence murders in the five years after it deployed its lethality program."If you think of the impact that could have on our community," Hecker said. "The last six murders in Ellis County have been domestic violence related. If we have the same result, not only could we keep people safe, but we could eliminate murder in our community."Options provides services in all of northwest Kansas. Hecker said if the pilot program is successful in Hays, she hopes it can be expanded to communities across the Options service area.Scheibler said he knows from studies that when a victim calls 911, it's rarely the first time violence has occurred in the relationship. He said it's very important for domestic violence cases to be fully investigated."The ultimate goal of law enforcement is to help people feel safe," Scheibler said. "If we can't make you feel safe in your own home, we're never going to be successful anywhere else.&nbsp;"We know you are more likely to be killed by someone who says I love you than you are by a stranger, so this is very important."Scheibler wanted to remind victims that they are not alone."The only way for things to get better is to reach out for assistance," he said.There are many ways victims access help from Options.You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby.&nbsp; You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.A live chat option or a virtual video conference with an advocate is available on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.The website has a safe escape button that will allow you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies so anyone who is on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."You can donate online to help Options&nbsp; at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">https://help4abuse.org/donate/</a>.&nbsp; Donations can also be mailed to&nbsp;2716 Plaza, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;In light of Options' 40th anniversary this year, businesses in Hays are encouraged to donate $400 each to the organization.

New program seeks to reduce murders in Ellis County

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Hays USD 489 school board.

Candidates on the ballot include David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.

Age: 60 Occupation: I.T. Director Incumbent: No

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays USD 489 schools?

I do not have any children or grandchildren attending the school.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3cc91591-8c80-442f-90a4-b6d0d73f9e7d">Read more biographical information here.</a>

If you had one thing you could change about the USD 489 school district, what would it be?

I believe the board needs to be more open to the public. The agenda needs to be published earlier and the people of the community need to be able to have time to discuss concerns with the board members.

Currently a person can voice their opinion for 3 minutes but has no interaction from board members.

What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?

I believe the current school board has some members who do not welcome public input and are afraid to have the necessary conversations with members of the public. I can work with anyone as long as respect is shown to everyone and all are allowed to bring topics in for discussion.

What is your opinion of the Hays USD 489 administration?

I am not familiar with the administration and have only heard comments from employees of 489 so I cannot comment at this time.

What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?

The boards role is to set policy and then make sure the policies are being followed. They are also there to provide support to faculty, staff and students, to ensure they have what is needed to provide a quality education to the students. The day to day operation is better known by the faculty and staff that work in the buildings.

What role do you think the board should have moving forward with the bond issue projects?

The board needs to ensure that the money from the bond issue is used in a correct manner. It should not be used for frivolous items that do not affect the education of the students. I have heard different versions of plans for the new building and some of it sounds like it is not necessary and has added a greater cost to the project. The building should be made more for function and safety, with some thought to appearance, not the other way around.

Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Hays USD 489 school board.Candidates on the ballot include David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Duff Watson</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698261604602.jpeg" alt="Duff Watson" />
 <figcaption>Duff Watson</figcaption>
 </figure>Age: 60 Occupation: I.T. Director Incumbent: NoDo you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays USD 489 schools?I do not have any children or grandchildren attending the school.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3cc91591-8c80-442f-90a4-b6d0d73f9e7d">Read more biographical information here.</a>If you had one thing you could change about the USD 489 school district, what would it be?I believe the board needs to be more open to the public. The agenda needs to be published earlier and the people of the community need to be able to have time to discuss concerns with the board members.Currently a person can voice their opinion for 3 minutes but has no interaction from board members.What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?I believe the current school board has some members who do not welcome public input and are afraid to have the necessary conversations with members of the public. I can work with anyone as long as respect is shown to everyone and all are allowed to bring topics in for discussion.What is your opinion of the Hays USD 489 administration?I am not familiar with the administration and have only heard comments from employees of 489 so I cannot comment at this time.What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?The boards role is to set policy and then make sure the policies are being followed. They are also there to provide support to faculty, staff and students, to ensure they have what is needed to provide a quality education to the students. The day to day operation is better known by the faculty and staff that work in the buildings.What role do you think the board should have moving forward with the bond issue projects?The board needs to ensure that the money from the bond issue is used in a correct manner. It should not be used for frivolous items that do not affect the education of the students. I have heard different versions of plans for the new building and some of it sounds like it is not necessary and has added a greater cost to the project. The building should be made more for function and safety, with some thought to appearance, not the other way around.Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?No.

Hays USD 489 BOE candidate: Duff Watson

The free Ellis County Community Thanksgiving Feast is moving back to the Armory, 200 Main St., this year after several years in other locations.

Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day. Once again, the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring the event.

Reservations are required by Monday, Nov. 6., to&nbsp;<a href="https://signup.com/go/eCjbPxP" target="_blank">https://signup.com/go/eCjbPxP</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;&nbsp;to (785) 623-2800.

Catering the event this year will be&nbsp;The Union Catering Company, owned by Phil Kuhn of Hays. Kuhn said his firm is delighted to be part of this year’s feast. "Thanksgiving is a huge holiday centered around food, family, and friends. That is really what the food industry is about. What better way to show that, than being a part of this event?"&nbsp;

The menu will consist of turkey, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a dinner roll. Cheryl Glassman, head of the ECMA organizing committee, said churches and individuals are being asked to provide desserts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Glassman said all dinners will be served at the armory with one exception: Take-out meals will go to housing units who have pre-arranged meals for their residents.

No free transportation will be provided to the event.

Glassman said the committee decided to return to a single large venue this year because “we want it to be a community-wide unifying event. Thanksgiving and the holidays in general can be a difficult time for some people, either due to financial constraints or living alone. This event is to promote togetherness and give those in need a spiritual or physical gift. It is in giving that we can truly be thankful.”

Macey Pfeifer, executive director for First Call to Help, said her organization is coordinating the efforts of volunteers who will be needed to help make the day run smoothly. Individuals may call the above number to volunteer. She said volunteers are needed the day of the event to help set up, serve, clean tables as diners leave, and clean up afterwards.

Free sacks of groceries will be available to those in attendance, said Ben Houchen, who is coordinating the efforts to collect the groceries, sort, and sack them prior to the event. There are no income requirements to receive the free groceries, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sacks will be distributed as long as supplies last.

Houchen said volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food items at Walmart and at both Dillon’s Grocery stores from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. He said people may sign up to volunteer for an hour or more at a time.

Volunteers will be sorting and sacking the groceries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd.

“We can have 10 volunteers at a time, with one-hour time slots, and people can sign up for as long as they would like,” Houchen said. &nbsp;

Those wishing to volunteer to collect, sort, and sack the groceries may text Houchen at (785) 259-2851 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:StMichaelsHaysKansas@gmail.com">StMichaelsHaysKansas@gmail.com</a>.

Those wishing to make a monetary contribution may send it to the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601. Proceeds will benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698672012463.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>ECMAThe free Ellis County Community Thanksgiving Feast is moving back to the Armory, 200 Main St., this year after several years in other locations.Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day. Once again, the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring the event.Reservations are required by Monday, Nov. 6., to&nbsp;<a href="https://signup.com/go/eCjbPxP" target="_blank">https://signup.com/go/eCjbPxP</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;&nbsp;to (785) 623-2800.Catering the event this year will be&nbsp;The Union Catering Company, owned by Phil Kuhn of Hays. Kuhn said his firm is delighted to be part of this year’s feast. "Thanksgiving is a huge holiday centered around food, family, and friends. That is really what the food industry is about. What better way to show that, than being a part of this event?"&nbsp;The menu will consist of turkey, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a dinner roll. Cheryl Glassman, head of the ECMA organizing committee, said churches and individuals are being asked to provide desserts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Glassman said all dinners will be served at the armory with one exception: Take-out meals will go to housing units who have pre-arranged meals for their residents.No free transportation will be provided to the event.Glassman said the committee decided to return to a single large venue this year because “we want it to be a community-wide unifying event. Thanksgiving and the holidays in general can be a difficult time for some people, either due to financial constraints or living alone. This event is to promote togetherness and give those in need a spiritual or physical gift. It is in giving that we can truly be thankful.”Macey Pfeifer, executive director for First Call to Help, said her organization is coordinating the efforts of volunteers who will be needed to help make the day run smoothly. Individuals may call the above number to volunteer. She said volunteers are needed the day of the event to help set up, serve, clean tables as diners leave, and clean up afterwards.Free sacks of groceries will be available to those in attendance, said Ben Houchen, who is coordinating the efforts to collect the groceries, sort, and sack them prior to the event. There are no income requirements to receive the free groceries, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sacks will be distributed as long as supplies last.Houchen said volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food items at Walmart and at both Dillon’s Grocery stores from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. He said people may sign up to volunteer for an hour or more at a time.Volunteers will be sorting and sacking the groceries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd.“We can have 10 volunteers at a time, with one-hour time slots, and people can sign up for as long as they would like,” Houchen said. &nbsp;Those wishing to volunteer to collect, sort, and sack the groceries may text Houchen at (785) 259-2851 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:StMichaelsHaysKansas@gmail.com">StMichaelsHaysKansas@gmail.com</a>.Those wishing to make a monetary contribution may send it to the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601. Proceeds will benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund. &nbsp;

Ellis County Community Thanksgiving moves back to armory; reservations due Nov. 6

Lighting for the dog park has been the No. 1 request to the City of Hays Parks Department.

Residents say if the park had lights, they could take their dogs out to the park early in the morning before going to work and later in the evening after work. There have also been reports of coyotes in the park after dark and lighting would help alleviate the problem and provide greater safety.&nbsp;

The Women Who Lead (formerly known as Wonder Women League) partnered with Midwest Energy, M&amp;D of Hays, Ralph’s Electric and City of Hays Parks Department to make it happen. Businesses, members of the community and Women Who Lead members made donations to help pay for the project.&nbsp;

The community is invited to attend the lighting ceremony and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. 

Women Who Lead will not only Light the Park but will also thank the Friends of the Dog Park for their service to the community with a check to purchase new agility equipment for the park and make a donation of dog/cat food to the Humane Society of the High Plains and the Community Assistance Center. &nbsp;

If the public would like to help in donating items to the shelters, they may drop off dog or cat food (Purina preferred) in the Red Truck at Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill from now through Tuesday. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673470786504.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLighting for the dog park has been the No. 1 request to the City of Hays Parks Department.Residents say if the park had lights, they could take their dogs out to the park early in the morning before going to work and later in the evening after work. There have also been reports of coyotes in the park after dark and lighting would help alleviate the problem and provide greater safety.&nbsp;The Women Who Lead (formerly known as Wonder Women League) partnered with Midwest Energy, M&amp;D of Hays, Ralph’s Electric and City of Hays Parks Department to make it happen. Businesses, members of the community and Women Who Lead members made donations to help pay for the project.&nbsp;The community is invited to attend the lighting ceremony and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Women Who Lead will not only Light the Park but will also thank the Friends of the Dog Park for their service to the community with a check to purchase new agility equipment for the park and make a donation of dog/cat food to the Humane Society of the High Plains and the Community Assistance Center. &nbsp;If the public would like to help in donating items to the shelters, they may drop off dog or cat food (Purina preferred) in the Red Truck at Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill from now through Tuesday. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698780483431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Women Who Lead to light up the Hays Dog Park; dog/cat food donations sought

Breit Advanced Practice Clinic is pleased to announce they will be seeing patients on the first, second and fourth Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00&nbsp;<a href="http://p.m.at/">p.m. at</a>&nbsp;the Russell Regional Hospital Specialty Clinic.

Babe Breit is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with ANCC National Board Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and specializes in advanced level foot care ranging from trimming difficult nails to more severe problems as a result of diabetes or other diseases.

Breit will come to your home or you can now see her at the Russell Regional Hospital Specialty Clinic on the first, second and fourth Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Call or text 785-656-6363 to make an appointment.

See more at&nbsp;<a href="http://breitclinic.com/">breitclinic.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687377552260.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Breit Advanced Practice Clinic is pleased to announce they will be seeing patients on the first, second and fourth Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00&nbsp;<a href="http://p.m.at/">p.m. at</a>&nbsp;the Russell Regional Hospital Specialty Clinic.Babe Breit is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with ANCC National Board Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and specializes in advanced level foot care ranging from trimming difficult nails to more severe problems as a result of diabetes or other diseases.Breit will come to your home or you can now see her at the Russell Regional Hospital Specialty Clinic on the first, second and fourth Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Call or text 785-656-6363 to make an appointment.See more at&nbsp;<a href="http://breitclinic.com/">breitclinic.com</a>.

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