By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays USD 489 school members debated nepotism for the second meeting in a row Monday night.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/caf3d4b9-e869-42ad-84f8-def54af685e2">At their meeting on April 10, two of the school board members, Allen Park and Curt Vajnar, raised objections about the district hiring Superintendent Ron Wilson's wife as a teacher.</a>

The board voted 5-2 to hire Andrea Wilson.

The school board does not interview candidates for positions other than the superintendent but has final approval over personnel transactions. These transactions are usually part of a consent agenda and their approval is considered routine.

The superintendent shall make reasonable efforts to determine whether a candidate for employment is related to a board member or an administrator of the district. If a candidate is related to a board member or administrator, the superintendent will make this fact known to the board.

In the case of the person that was hired Monday night, that person was the relative of an administrator in the district. The person would not be directly supervised by that administrator. The superintendent notified the school board of the relationship prior to the board meeting on Monday.

District policy does not specifically prohibit administrators' relatives from working in the district. It does prohibit sitting board members' relatives from being hired.

Except in an emergency, the board will not employ anyone who is the father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law of any board member.

Vajnar, who has a relative working in the district, said he has an issue with family members working underneath administrators.

Board member Allen Park also said he was unsure if the district is following the policy and asked that the board look at it further.

Board President Craig Pallister, whose wife also worked for the district when he was a principal, said he did not understand what portion of the policy the district was not following.

"Ron (Wilson) did exactly what the policy asked last month and this month," Pallister said. "He is following policy."

Board vice president Ken Brooks said, "This is the same discussion we had last month that got out of hand. You should have asked for something to be put on the agenda."

Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said there is no violation of policy.

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said if board members want to change policy that should be added as an agenda item.

The personnel transactions were approved 4-2 with Vajnar and Park voting against. Board member Lori Hertel was absent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682436349864.png" alt="School board members (from left) Craig Pallister, Curt Vajnar and Tammy Wellbrock at their meeting Monday night. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>School board members (from left) Craig Pallister, Curt Vajnar and Tammy Wellbrock at their meeting Monday night. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 school members debated nepotism for the second meeting in a row Monday night.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/caf3d4b9-e869-42ad-84f8-def54af685e2">At their meeting on April 10, two of the school board members, Allen Park and Curt Vajnar, raised objections about the district hiring Superintendent Ron Wilson's wife as a teacher.</a>The board voted 5-2 to hire Andrea Wilson.The school board does not interview candidates for positions other than the superintendent but has final approval over personnel transactions. These transactions are usually part of a consent agenda and their approval is considered routine.The district's nepotism policy reads:The superintendent shall make reasonable efforts to determine whether a candidate for employment is related to a board member or an administrator of the district. If a candidate is related to a board member or administrator, the superintendent will make this fact known to the board.In the case of the person that was hired Monday night, that person was the relative of an administrator in the district. The person would not be directly supervised by that administrator. The superintendent notified the school board of the relationship prior to the board meeting on Monday.District policy does not specifically prohibit administrators' relatives from working in the district. It does prohibit sitting board members' relatives from being hired.Except in an emergency, the board will not employ anyone who is the father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law of any board member.Vajnar, who has a relative working in the district, said he has an issue with family members working underneath administrators.Board member Allen Park also said he was unsure if the district is following the policy and asked that the board look at it further.Board President Craig Pallister, whose wife also worked for the district when he was a principal, said he did not understand what portion of the policy the district was not following."Ron (Wilson) did exactly what the policy asked last month and this month," Pallister said. "He is following policy."Board vice president Ken Brooks said, "This is the same discussion we had last month that got out of hand. You should have asked for something to be put on the agenda."Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said there is no violation of policy.Board member Tammy Wellbrock said if board members want to change policy that should be added as an agenda item.The personnel transactions were approved 4-2 with Vajnar and Park voting against. Board member Lori Hertel was absent.

Hays USD 489 BOE debates nepotism again at Monday meeting

Daniel Huantes has an unbridled enthusiasm for the small-town feel of Fort Hays State University. That enthusiasm is contagious, both inside the classroom and throughout campus. Huantes, a native of San Antonio, Texas, will graduate with dual bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics in May.

It was through his father, who works at a lab in San Antonio, that Huantes first heard of FHSU. He remembers his father frequently telling him that students from FHSU who interned at his San Antonio lab consistently outperformed interns from more prominent universities.

Huantes was just a seventh grader when Dr. Gavin Buffington, chair of FHSU’s physics department, began sending him departmental recruiting mailers.

“It was kind of a joke in my house. Oh, yeah, I’ll go to this little school in Kansas,” Huantes said. “But as I got closer to applying to colleges, it was on my list.”

“My dad’s advice was to take it seriously and look into it because of how competent the interns had been over the years. So, Fort Hays State became more of a real possibility. And once I visited, it was set.”

FHSU wasn’t the first university Huantes visited. The most significant difference he saw between FHSU and universities such as Texas A&amp;M, Georgia Tech, and the University of Washington was the distance between students and faculty. But, after he met Dr. C.D. Clark and Buffington and visited the Hays community, he was sold on FHSU.

“The physics department is so relaxed,” he said. “There is an open-door policy. There is a personal touch.”

“The more I visited, the more I thought I wanted a small-town feel. I felt much more comfortable driving around Hays than in any of the other college towns I visited. Hays just felt like somewhere I could see myself.”

Huantes found many ways to give back to the FHSU community, such as tutoring and mentoring. He has been a tutor for the past three years and is currently a mentor with the honors college.

“Mentors can support students and give them suggestions and empathy,” he said. “In tutoring, you have to convince students to disillusion themselves of the idea that asking a question is revealing that you don’t know anything.”

“That’s not how college works. Sometimes you have to pull the handbrake. Ask questions. Let the professor know that you need to back up a bit.”

He said he has benefited from the experience of his instructors, such as Clark, who also serves as Huantes’ advisor. Huantes has developed friendships and comradery with his professors that go beyond the classroom, sometimes to the soccer field and track. On a challenge, he once competed in a 200-meter race with Dr. Eric Deyo.

Deyo said his own undergraduate experience at a smaller university helped him see the benefit of interacting on a personal level with students.

“You need to put a human face on physics because it is a very intimidating subject in many ways,” Deyo said. “If you open a physics book as an undergrad, it looks like a foreign language, and it’s hard to see that you can learn it if you just keep at it.”

One of Huantes’ undergraduate services has been to help recruit KAMS students for the physics department by visiting high schools throughout the state. Through “physics road shows,” Huantes and other physics department members have attempted to demonstrate the near-magical properties of physics.

“At a certain age, children don’t exactly know what physics is,” Huantes said. “Showing them the cool things you can do with physics is a bit like a magic show, which is the point of physics. Things that might seem like magic happen in the world, and physics is behind the scenes. So we show them the trick and explain why it happens.”

It’s Huantes’ drive to be of service that helps set him apart from other students, according to Deyo.

“He has taken other students under his wing to try to help them along, Deyo said. “As good of a physics student as he is, he is really quite social and helpful to people. He’s a special student. We will miss him.”

Complex physics equations and in-depth research can be overwhelming to some students. Huantes has found a way to refresh his mind through music. A piano student since age six, Huantes has studied under Dr. Irena Ravitskaya for the past three years.&nbsp;

“I get to keep music in my life and have someone knowledgeable and skilled at pedagogy as a professor,” he said. “I’m glad I found physics. I love it. But I might study until I have a headache. Then I go practice piano, even if it’s just scales. I’m a little fresher after that and can come back with a new perspective.”

Ravitskaya said she enjoyed the curiosity about different musical styles and composers that Huantes exhibited during his years of taking lessons from her. From classical and romantic era music to modern and jazz, Huantes always enjoyed learning new techniques and musical nuances.

“It was a joy to work with him,” Ravitskaya said. “He was always interested in the expressive aspect of compositions.”

Rarely does she see a non-music major invest the hours and effort required for piano proficiency.

“It’s really amazing how much time he spent in the music building instead of doing what other young people his age do for relaxation or free time. In this respect, he is an exceptional young man.”

After graduation, Huantes plans to pursue his master’s degree at a larger institution. He has applied to several graduate programs and hopes to study solid-state physics. For Huantes, solid-state physics meets at the interface of several different kinds of physics, so pursuing that discipline will enable him to keep his interests broad.

He admitted that there have been things he has missed about his urban roots during his time at FHSU. For instance, 24-hour restaurants such as Whataburger are lacking in the Hays landscape.

“But I know that the second I leave Hays, I’ll say, ‘Why did I leave?’ In the city, there’s so much traffic, and people are less laid back, less friendly,” he said. “There are so many things I really appreciate about Hays, and I know I’m going to miss it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682364050684.jpeg" alt="Dan Huantes" />
 <figcaption>Dan Huantes</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsDaniel Huantes has an unbridled enthusiasm for the small-town feel of Fort Hays State University. That enthusiasm is contagious, both inside the classroom and throughout campus. Huantes, a native of San Antonio, Texas, will graduate with dual bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics in May.It was through his father, who works at a lab in San Antonio, that Huantes first heard of FHSU. He remembers his father frequently telling him that students from FHSU who interned at his San Antonio lab consistently outperformed interns from more prominent universities.Huantes was just a seventh grader when Dr. Gavin Buffington, chair of FHSU’s physics department, began sending him departmental recruiting mailers.“It was kind of a joke in my house. Oh, yeah, I’ll go to this little school in Kansas,” Huantes said. “But as I got closer to applying to colleges, it was on my list.”“My dad’s advice was to take it seriously and look into it because of how competent the interns had been over the years. So, Fort Hays State became more of a real possibility. And once I visited, it was set.”FHSU wasn’t the first university Huantes visited. The most significant difference he saw between FHSU and universities such as Texas A&amp;M, Georgia Tech, and the University of Washington was the distance between students and faculty. But, after he met Dr. C.D. Clark and Buffington and visited the Hays community, he was sold on FHSU.“The physics department is so relaxed,” he said. “There is an open-door policy. There is a personal touch.”“The more I visited, the more I thought I wanted a small-town feel. I felt much more comfortable driving around Hays than in any of the other college towns I visited. Hays just felt like somewhere I could see myself.”Huantes found many ways to give back to the FHSU community, such as tutoring and mentoring. He has been a tutor for the past three years and is currently a mentor with the honors college.“Mentors can support students and give them suggestions and empathy,” he said. “In tutoring, you have to convince students to disillusion themselves of the idea that asking a question is revealing that you don’t know anything.”“That’s not how college works. Sometimes you have to pull the handbrake. Ask questions. Let the professor know that you need to back up a bit.”He said he has benefited from the experience of his instructors, such as Clark, who also serves as Huantes’ advisor. Huantes has developed friendships and comradery with his professors that go beyond the classroom, sometimes to the soccer field and track. On a challenge, he once competed in a 200-meter race with Dr. Eric Deyo.Deyo said his own undergraduate experience at a smaller university helped him see the benefit of interacting on a personal level with students.“You need to put a human face on physics because it is a very intimidating subject in many ways,” Deyo said. “If you open a physics book as an undergrad, it looks like a foreign language, and it’s hard to see that you can learn it if you just keep at it.”One of Huantes’ undergraduate services has been to help recruit KAMS students for the physics department by visiting high schools throughout the state. Through “physics road shows,” Huantes and other physics department members have attempted to demonstrate the near-magical properties of physics.“At a certain age, children don’t exactly know what physics is,” Huantes said. “Showing them the cool things you can do with physics is a bit like a magic show, which is the point of physics. Things that might seem like magic happen in the world, and physics is behind the scenes. So we show them the trick and explain why it happens.”It’s Huantes’ drive to be of service that helps set him apart from other students, according to Deyo.“He has taken other students under his wing to try to help them along, Deyo said. “As good of a physics student as he is, he is really quite social and helpful to people. He’s a special student. We will miss him.”Complex physics equations and in-depth research can be overwhelming to some students. Huantes has found a way to refresh his mind through music. A piano student since age six, Huantes has studied under Dr. Irena Ravitskaya for the past three years.&nbsp;“I get to keep music in my life and have someone knowledgeable and skilled at pedagogy as a professor,” he said. “I’m glad I found physics. I love it. But I might study until I have a headache. Then I go practice piano, even if it’s just scales. I’m a little fresher after that and can come back with a new perspective.”Ravitskaya said she enjoyed the curiosity about different musical styles and composers that Huantes exhibited during his years of taking lessons from her. From classical and romantic era music to modern and jazz, Huantes always enjoyed learning new techniques and musical nuances.“It was a joy to work with him,” Ravitskaya said. “He was always interested in the expressive aspect of compositions.”Rarely does she see a non-music major invest the hours and effort required for piano proficiency.“It’s really amazing how much time he spent in the music building instead of doing what other young people his age do for relaxation or free time. In this respect, he is an exceptional young man.”After graduation, Huantes plans to pursue his master’s degree at a larger institution. He has applied to several graduate programs and hopes to study solid-state physics. For Huantes, solid-state physics meets at the interface of several different kinds of physics, so pursuing that discipline will enable him to keep his interests broad.He admitted that there have been things he has missed about his urban roots during his time at FHSU. For instance, 24-hour restaurants such as Whataburger are lacking in the Hays landscape.“But I know that the second I leave Hays, I’ll say, ‘Why did I leave?’ In the city, there’s so much traffic, and people are less laid back, less friendly,” he said. “There are so many things I really appreciate about Hays, and I know I’m going to miss it.”

'Somewhere I could see myself': May graduate reflects on time at FHSU

Kraft Pillow Service will be in town for one day only. Friday, April 28th, from 8:30am-3pm at Master Cleaners. &nbsp;

They clean all types of bed pillows, feather, foam, down, fiberfill, etc. Contents are removed from old pillow, cleaned, sanitized, deodorized and re-fluffed. &nbsp;Choice of new ticking (ticking is the new outside material).

All pillows are cleaned individually — same-day service! No appointment necessary! Stop and see their selection of new pillows too! New feather, down and hypoallergenic pillows.

For more info, call Kraft Pillow Service at 712-378-2918 or visit kraftpillowservice.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681915467526.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kraft Pillow Service will be in town for one day only. Friday, April 28th, from 8:30am-3pm at Master Cleaners. &nbsp;They clean all types of bed pillows, feather, foam, down, fiberfill, etc. Contents are removed from old pillow, cleaned, sanitized, deodorized and re-fluffed. &nbsp;Choice of new ticking (ticking is the new outside material).All pillows are cleaned individually — same-day service! No appointment necessary! Stop and see their selection of new pillows too! New feather, down and hypoallergenic pillows.For more info, call Kraft Pillow Service at 712-378-2918 or visit kraftpillowservice.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682096647547.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Life and land

<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/2023/4/1682450566150.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>

Three-day weather outlook

The Hays Police Department responded to 87 incidents from April 2 through April 8, 2023, according to the HPD Activity Log.

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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 87 incidents from April 2 through April 8, 2023, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD activity log, April 2-8

NORTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by&nbsp; Katana M.&nbsp;Schillig, 18, Almena, was westbound on U.S. 36 eight miles east of Norton.

The Jeep traveled onto the right shoulder of the road, skidded back onto the road, traveled into the north ditch and overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Schillig to the Norton County Hospital.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NORTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by&nbsp; Katana M.&nbsp;Schillig, 18, Almena, was westbound on U.S. 36 eight miles east of Norton.The Jeep traveled onto the right shoulder of the road, skidded back onto the road, traveled into the north ditch and overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Schillig to the Norton County Hospital.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas teen hospitalized after jeep overturns

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,200 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,900 over the month, while government increased by 700.

The Ellis County jobless rate fell slightly from 2.3 percent in February to 2.1 percent in March. Trego County's unemployment was the highest in western Kansas, jumping from 3.5 percent in February to 4 percent in March.

Since March 2022 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 37,100. This change is due to an increase of 33,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.

The April 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682438906291.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,200 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,900 over the month, while government increased by 700.The Ellis County jobless rate fell slightly from 2.3 percent in February to 2.1 percent in March. Trego County's unemployment was the highest in western Kansas, jumping from 3.5 percent in February to 4 percent in March.Since March 2022 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 37,100. This change is due to an increase of 33,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.The April 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 19.

Ellis Co. jobless rate falls in March, Trego at 4 percent

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly today announced awardees for the second round of the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) economic development grant program. Thirty-eight awardees will receive a share of nearly $50 million in BASE grants, which will be used to address infrastructure and economic development needs where solutions were delayed or slowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kansas Department of Commerce reviewed more than 400 applications from the first round and more than 100 new applications from the second round. In total, more than $2 billion in funding was requested for the nearly $50 million program, demonstrating both the need for this program and the many opportunities that exist throughout the state.

“To continue our record-breaking success in attracting businesses and creating jobs in Kansas, we must invest in infrastructure and economic development,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s exactly what these grants do, and I’m proud that we were able to work together, across party lines, to continue driving our state forward.”

Northwest Kansas project and organizations receiving grants include:

• Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. LLC, Hays: Gella's Diner Workforce Development Partnership - Culinary Classroom and Community Kitchen, $594,705 

• Norton County Economic Development Board: Norton County Economic Development Housing Development,&nbsp;$1,080,000

•&nbsp; City of Larned: Larned Downtown Revitalization Project, $750,000 

•&nbsp; Northwest Kansas Housing Inc.: Phillipsburg Infrastructure for Jansonious Development, $1,608,287 

•&nbsp; Scott City: Scott City Industrial Park North - Lawrence Addition, $750,000 

•&nbsp; City of Goodland: City of Goodland Industrial Park project,&nbsp; $1,356,416

• Thomas County, MFF 2.0: McCarty Dairy Expansion 2.0,&nbsp; $2,508,356

• Wallace County,&nbsp; The Motor Inn: The Motor Inn Travel Destination, $335,700 

The second round of the BASE grant program, as approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee, offers matching funds to address economic development opportunities with the goal of expanding the state’s base of businesses and residents.

“The State of Kansas is determined to strengthen as many communities as we possibly can,”&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson said.&nbsp;“These BASE grants will get more vital community projects back on track, while transforming the state’s economy.”

Funds will support infrastructure investments associated with economic development projects. In addition to funds awarded, the BASE program has generated $44 million in matching investment by public and private stakeholders for awarded projects.

“The infrastructure projects this round of funding supports will foster prosperity for future generations of Kansans,”&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “The SPARK Committee focused on projects that set the stage for strategic long-term growth through thoughtful and targeted planning.”

County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders were eligible to apply for the second round of the BASE grant. Applications not awarded from the first round were also considered in the second round. There is a minimum 25% applicant match requirement and applicants were required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Communities throughout our state will receive long-lasting benefits as a result of the BASE grant program,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Local leaders proposed specific solutions to address needs in their communities and these focused investments will continue to propel our state’s historic economic growth.”

For a full list of BASE grant recipients and more information on the program, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9iYXNlZ3JhbnQvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQyNS43NTc0MjIwMSJ9.IwWoqL2WFIWudYCceeQtKaA0RoTpPCUq2Oie6-IZu-k/s/1372079104/br/165030486664-l">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682436174789.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly today announced awardees for the second round of the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) economic development grant program. Thirty-eight awardees will receive a share of nearly $50 million in BASE grants, which will be used to address infrastructure and economic development needs where solutions were delayed or slowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The Kansas Department of Commerce reviewed more than 400 applications from the first round and more than 100 new applications from the second round. In total, more than $2 billion in funding was requested for the nearly $50 million program, demonstrating both the need for this program and the many opportunities that exist throughout the state.“To continue our record-breaking success in attracting businesses and creating jobs in Kansas, we must invest in infrastructure and economic development,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s exactly what these grants do, and I’m proud that we were able to work together, across party lines, to continue driving our state forward.”Northwest Kansas project and organizations receiving grants include:• Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. LLC, Hays: Gella's Diner Workforce Development Partnership - Culinary Classroom and Community Kitchen, $594,705 • Norton County Economic Development Board: Norton County Economic Development Housing Development,&nbsp;$1,080,000•&nbsp; City of Larned: Larned Downtown Revitalization Project, $750,000 •&nbsp; Northwest Kansas Housing Inc.: Phillipsburg Infrastructure for Jansonious Development, $1,608,287 •&nbsp; Scott City: Scott City Industrial Park North - Lawrence Addition, $750,000 •&nbsp; City of Goodland: City of Goodland Industrial Park project,&nbsp; $1,356,416• Thomas County, MFF 2.0: McCarty Dairy Expansion 2.0,&nbsp; $2,508,356• Wallace County,&nbsp; The Motor Inn: The Motor Inn Travel Destination, $335,700 The second round of the BASE grant program, as approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee, offers matching funds to address economic development opportunities with the goal of expanding the state’s base of businesses and residents.“The State of Kansas is determined to strengthen as many communities as we possibly can,”&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson said.&nbsp;“These BASE grants will get more vital community projects back on track, while transforming the state’s economy.”Funds will support infrastructure investments associated with economic development projects. In addition to funds awarded, the BASE program has generated $44 million in matching investment by public and private stakeholders for awarded projects.“The infrastructure projects this round of funding supports will foster prosperity for future generations of Kansans,”&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “The SPARK Committee focused on projects that set the stage for strategic long-term growth through thoughtful and targeted planning.”County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders were eligible to apply for the second round of the BASE grant. Applications not awarded from the first round were also considered in the second round. There is a minimum 25% applicant match requirement and applicants were required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“Communities throughout our state will receive long-lasting benefits as a result of the BASE grant program,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Local leaders proposed specific solutions to address needs in their communities and these focused investments will continue to propel our state’s historic economic growth.”For a full list of BASE grant recipients and more information on the program, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9iYXNlZ3JhbnQvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQyNS43NTc0MjIwMSJ9.IwWoqL2WFIWudYCceeQtKaA0RoTpPCUq2Oie6-IZu-k/s/1372079104/br/165030486664-l">here</a>.

NW Kansas projects among those awarded BASE grants

They clean all types of bed pillows, feather, foam, down, fiberfill, etc. Contents are removed from old pillow, cleaned, sanitized, deodorized and re-fluffed. &nbsp;Choice of new ticking (ticking is the new outside material). 

All pillows are cleaned individually — same-day service! No appointment necessary! Stop and see their selection of new pillows too! New feather, down and hypoallergenic pillows. 

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681915467526.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Kraft Pillow Service will be in town for one day only. Friday, April 28th, from 8:30am-3pm at Master Cleaners. &nbsp;They clean all types of bed pillows, feather, foam, down, fiberfill, etc. Contents are removed from old pillow, cleaned, sanitized, deodorized and re-fluffed. &nbsp;Choice of new ticking (ticking is the new outside material). All pillows are cleaned individually — same-day service! No appointment necessary! Stop and see their selection of new pillows too! New feather, down and hypoallergenic pillows. For more info, call Kraft Pillow Service at 712-378-2918 or visit kraftpillowservice.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681998394718.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

USD 489 Hays superintendent showed the school board Monday night how it intends to route traffic on the new Hays High School Middle School site.

The new campus will include about 70 acres.

"There's going to be a lot going on at that site," Ron Wilson, superintendent, said.

Parent drop off for the middle school and Hays High School student traffic will be routed off of 13th east of Anthony.

In order to reduce stacking on 13th Street, HMS parents will wind around the high school to the southwest side of the middle school to pick up and drop off students.

During non-peak hours, parents will be allowed to enter the HMS south parking lot from Golden Belt or 12th Street instead of driving around to the back of the school from 13th Street.

HMS classes will start 30 minutes earlier than HHS also in an attempt to reduce a backup of traffic in that area.

HMS traffic will exit onto 12th Street. HMS buses will pick up and drop off on the north side of the building.&nbsp;

High school student parking will be on the east side of the site next to the new football field. Students will enter from the same entrance off of 13th that the HMS parents will be using.

HHS teacher parking will be on the north side of the HHS building.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/551e0d53-4593-480a-b98d-bd2aee97d738">The city has received a KDOT grant to widen 13th Street from Anthony to Commerce.</a>

The 3,5oo-foot segment is maintained by Ellis County and is an arterial road, carrying about 3,500 vehicles per day.

The street is currently two lanes wide, asphalt, with no shoulders.

It will be improved to a three-lane asphalt street with three-foot shoulders. The city also will extend the pedestrian and multi-use path along the north side of the street.

Road construction is set to start in spring 2024.

The city received a $1.2. million Kansas Department of Transportation cost-share grant. The city's share of $750,000 is included in the capital improvement plan in the 2023 budget. Ellis County has budgeted $500,000 in participating funds.&nbsp;

No new signals will be added. However, the configuration of the signal at 13th and Canterbury will likely be changed. Turn lanes will be added, as well as protected pedestrian islands to improve safety for students who are walking to school.

The school district will be paying for these features.

"We've thought a lot about how we're going to keep our kids safe," Wilson said.

Board President Craig Pallister said the district has Wilson Elementary and Hays Middle School next to each other now. It took some time to figure out the traffic flow but it worked out.

"There was a lot of thought and a lot of studying that went into this," Wilson said. "We think we have as good of a plan as we can put together."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">Construction on the new high school is set to start this summer with anticipated completion in May 2025.</a>

A renovation of the former high school building into the new middle school will follow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682387616937.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson discusses proposed traffic improvements at the new high school and middle school site at Monday night's school board meeting. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson discusses proposed traffic improvements at the new high school and middle school site at Monday night's school board meeting. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostUSD 489 Hays superintendent showed the school board Monday night how it intends to route traffic on the new Hays High School Middle School site.The new campus will include about 70 acres."There's going to be a lot going on at that site," Ron Wilson, superintendent, said.Parent drop off for the middle school and Hays High School student traffic will be routed off of 13th east of Anthony.In order to reduce stacking on 13th Street, HMS parents will wind around the high school to the southwest side of the middle school to pick up and drop off students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682387717903.jpeg" alt="Site plan for the new high school and middle school. The new high school is purple and the middle school is pink. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Site plan for the new high school and middle school. The new high school is purple and the middle school is pink. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>Pickup will be routed the same way.During non-peak hours, parents will be allowed to enter the HMS south parking lot from Golden Belt or 12th Street instead of driving around to the back of the school from 13th Street.HMS classes will start 30 minutes earlier than HHS also in an attempt to reduce a backup of traffic in that area.HMS traffic will exit onto 12th Street. HMS buses will pick up and drop off on the north side of the building.&nbsp;High school student parking will be on the east side of the site next to the new football field. Students will enter from the same entrance off of 13th that the HMS parents will be using.HHS teacher parking will be on the north side of the HHS building.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/551e0d53-4593-480a-b98d-bd2aee97d738">The city has received a KDOT grant to widen 13th Street from Anthony to Commerce.</a>The 3,5oo-foot segment is maintained by Ellis County and is an arterial road, carrying about 3,500 vehicles per day.The street is currently two lanes wide, asphalt, with no shoulders.It will be improved to a three-lane asphalt street with three-foot shoulders. The city also will extend the pedestrian and multi-use path along the north side of the street.Road construction is set to start in spring 2024.The city received a $1.2. million Kansas Department of Transportation cost-share grant. The city's share of $750,000 is included in the capital improvement plan in the 2023 budget. Ellis County has budgeted $500,000 in participating funds.&nbsp;No new signals will be added. However, the configuration of the signal at 13th and Canterbury will likely be changed. Turn lanes will be added, as well as protected pedestrian islands to improve safety for students who are walking to school.The school district will be paying for these features."We've thought a lot about how we're going to keep our kids safe," Wilson said.Board President Craig Pallister said the district has Wilson Elementary and Hays Middle School next to each other now. It took some time to figure out the traffic flow but it worked out."There was a lot of thought and a lot of studying that went into this," Wilson said. "We think we have as good of a plan as we can put together."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">Construction on the new high school is set to start this summer with anticipated completion in May 2025.</a>A renovation of the former high school building into the new middle school will follow.

Hays USD 489 BOE looks at 13th Street traffic design 

This spring, Fort Hays State University Assistant Professor of History Dr. Amber Nickell and Professor Hollie Marquess traveled with 13 students to Warsaw, Krakow, Oswiecim, and Auschwitz to explore Jewish life in Poland before, during, and after the Holocaust.

Yom HaShoah, known in English as&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day or&nbsp;Holocaust Day, is an annual commemoration held in Israel on the 27th of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar (April 18 this year in the U.S.). The purpose is to remember the approximately six million Jews who were murdered in the&nbsp;Holocaust&nbsp;and of the&nbsp;Jewish resistance&nbsp;against the Nazis and their collaborators.&nbsp;

Nickell and the students visited the site of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Auschwitz concentration camp, and a local coffee shop located in a 100-year-old house in the nearby town of Oswiecim that was once owned by the last Jewish resident in the city. The group also visited the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, where they met with members of the local Jewish community.&nbsp;

About Dr. Amber Nickell Assistant Professor of History at Fort Hays State University, Amber Nickell is, first and foremost, a publicly engaged scholar and teacher. She is dedicated to public Holocaust education and awareness in her community. She is a podcast host for New Books Network Jewish Studies, Eastern Europe, and Ukrainian Studies and serves as an editor for H-Ukraine.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oATKTxpGLhU"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Amber Nickell and her students reflect on their experiences</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThis spring, Fort Hays State University Assistant Professor of History Dr. Amber Nickell and Professor Hollie Marquess traveled with 13 students to Warsaw, Krakow, Oswiecim, and Auschwitz to explore Jewish life in Poland before, during, and after the Holocaust.Yom HaShoah, known in English as&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day or&nbsp;Holocaust Day, is an annual commemoration held in Israel on the 27th of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar (April 18 this year in the U.S.). The purpose is to remember the approximately six million Jews who were murdered in the&nbsp;Holocaust&nbsp;and of the&nbsp;Jewish resistance&nbsp;against the Nazis and their collaborators.&nbsp;Nickell and the students visited the site of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Auschwitz concentration camp, and a local coffee shop located in a 100-year-old house in the nearby town of Oswiecim that was once owned by the last Jewish resident in the city. The group also visited the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, where they met with members of the local Jewish community.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682101626060.jpeg" alt="Nickell" />
 <figcaption>Nickell</figcaption>
 </figure>About Dr. Amber Nickell Assistant Professor of History at Fort Hays State University, Amber Nickell is, first and foremost, a publicly engaged scholar and teacher. She is dedicated to public Holocaust education and awareness in her community. She is a podcast host for New Books Network Jewish Studies, Eastern Europe, and Ukrainian Studies and serves as an editor for H-Ukraine.

FHSU students examine the legacy of the Holocaust with trip to Poland

The Hays Fire Department and Ellis County Fire Department conducted live grass fire training Saturday at O’Loughlin Elementary School, 1401 Hall. 

The controlled burn provided local firefighters with training and knowledge of how to combat grass fires, according to Shane Preston, Hays deputy fire chief. With firefighters on site, they can ensure that the burn mitigation of the grass plots will be conducted safely.

The O’Loughlin prairie plots were established in 1993 as an Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS) similar to other such sites established on school grounds across Kansas. The educational tool is used by USD 489 students, as well as for the general public. 

The mitigation burn has traditionally been held in April or May since since 1995.

 Stands of prairie grasses and wildflowers require occasional burning to remove excess litter, stimulate vigorous new growth and reduce the fire danger. Without burning litter accumulation suppresses new growth and the vegetation in the stand becomes decadent and cannot be duplicated by mowing or haying the grasses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682344698872.jpeg" alt="Safety meeting first. Photos courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Safety meeting first. Photos courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682344669269.jpeg" alt="Before burn. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Before burn. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682344595700.jpeg" alt="Annual OWLS mitigation burn at Hays O'Loughlin Elementary School. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Annual OWLS mitigation burn at Hays O'Loughlin Elementary School. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682344980830.jpeg" alt="The controlled burn provides local firefighters with training for combating grass fires. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The controlled burn provides local firefighters with training for combating grass fires. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682344558460.jpeg" alt="Stands of prairie grasses and wildflowers require occasional burning to remove excess litter, stimulate vigorous new growth and reduce the fire danger. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stands of prairie grasses and wildflowers require occasional burning to remove excess litter, stimulate vigorous new growth and reduce the fire danger. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682344683488.jpeg" alt="After burn. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>After burn. Photo courtesy Hays Fire Dept.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Fire DepartmentThe Hays Fire Department and Ellis County Fire Department conducted live grass fire training Saturday at O’Loughlin Elementary School, 1401 Hall. The controlled burn provided local firefighters with training and knowledge of how to combat grass fires, according to Shane Preston, Hays deputy fire chief. With firefighters on site, they can ensure that the burn mitigation of the grass plots will be conducted safely.The O’Loughlin prairie plots were established in 1993 as an Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS) similar to other such sites established on school grounds across Kansas. The educational tool is used by USD 489 students, as well as for the general public. The mitigation burn has traditionally been held in April or May since since 1995. Stands of prairie grasses and wildflowers require occasional burning to remove excess litter, stimulate vigorous new growth and reduce the fire danger. Without burning litter accumulation suppresses new growth and the vegetation in the stand becomes decadent and cannot be duplicated by mowing or haying the grasses.

📸 O'Loughlin prairie site of live training for Hays, Ellis Co. fire departments

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682360801972.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>

The week could bring much-needed moisture to western Kansas, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is predicting.

Beginning late Monday afternoon, there is a 60 percent chance of rain, tapering as the evening progresses. Rain is expected to return Thursday, with an 80 percent chance of rain and possible thunderstorms by Tuesday night and through the morning Wednesday.

After a mostly sunny Thursday, there is a 40 percent chance of precipitation in the early morning hours of Friday and through the day. By Friday night, skies are expected to clear, with a sunny and warmer weekend ahead, the NWS said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682366776780.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe week could bring much-needed moisture to western Kansas, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is predicting.Beginning late Monday afternoon, there is a 60 percent chance of rain, tapering as the evening progresses. Rain is expected to return Thursday, with an 80 percent chance of rain and possible thunderstorms by Tuesday night and through the morning Wednesday.After a mostly sunny Thursday, there is a 40 percent chance of precipitation in the early morning hours of Friday and through the day. By Friday night, skies are expected to clear, with a sunny and warmer weekend ahead, the NWS said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Forecast remains on track for widespread precipitation to overspread southwest KS later today through Thursday morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/TRI3XYMySS">pic.twitter.com/TRI3XYMySS</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1650502442457366532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Much-needed moisture on the way to NW Kansas

On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/first-care-expands-in-downtown-hays-supports-chamber-auction/">Post Podcast</a> <a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/" target="_blank">First Care Clinic</a> CEO Eric Flax and <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss First Care, their expansion efforts and sponsorship of the upcoming Chamber auction.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a39d594d-7c74-4d0b-ab1e-56b5b0ad5d65" target="_blank">First Care Clinic announces new chief executive officer</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bfe05465-f772-4016-bbde-e34f2754635e" target="_blank">First Care Clinic acquires Hess Clinic</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db133474-6b2a-4bb4-96aa-175a62bbb50e" target="_blank">First Care to open pharmacy, express care in downtown Hays</a>

<div><iframe title="First Care expands in downtown Hays; supports Chamber auction" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mwdwa-13ee879-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/first-care-expands-in-downtown-hays-supports-chamber-auction/">Post Podcast</a> <a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/" target="_blank">First Care Clinic</a> CEO Eric Flax and <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss First Care, their expansion efforts and sponsorship of the upcoming Chamber auction.<h2>Related stories:</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a39d594d-7c74-4d0b-ab1e-56b5b0ad5d65" target="_blank">First Care Clinic announces new chief executive officer</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bfe05465-f772-4016-bbde-e34f2754635e" target="_blank">First Care Clinic acquires Hess Clinic</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db133474-6b2a-4bb4-96aa-175a62bbb50e" target="_blank">First Care to open pharmacy, express care in downtown Hays</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: First Care expands in downtown Hays; supports Chamber auction

The Hays school board will discuss the reconfiguration of 13th Street during its meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Building.&nbsp;

The district is building a new high school next to the current high school on 13th Street. The current high school will be remodeled into a middle school as part of a bond issue.

Residents in that area have expressed concerns about the increased traffic flow with the addition of a second school at that location.

The school board also will hear a report on the&nbsp;Ameritowne project for fifth graders and an audit report from Assistant Superintendent Chris Hipp.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will discuss the reconfiguration of 13th Street during its meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Building.&nbsp;The district is building a new high school next to the current high school on 13th Street. The current high school will be remodeled into a middle school as part of a bond issue.Residents in that area have expressed concerns about the increased traffic flow with the addition of a second school at that location.The school board also will hear a report on the&nbsp;Ameritowne project for fifth graders and an audit report from Assistant Superintendent Chris Hipp.

Hays school board to discuss 13th Street work

A new Hays stylist will be specializing in braiding and care for hair of men and women of color.

LaTonya Richardson, 38, of Hays will be opening <a href="https://www.twistedbygraffetti.com/">Twisted by Graffetti</a> at 3310 Vine, Ste. 20, in late spring or early summer. The salon will be next to Qdoba.

She is a 2022 graduate of the Hays Academy of Hair Design but has been braiding for years. She started braiding her own hair when she was 20. Her brother encouraged her to attend cosmetology school.

Richardson is a Chicago native and moved to Hays from Wichita in 2020 for work. She has a 7-year-old daughter and her son, Royal, is graduating from Hays High School in a few weeks.

Her specialty is braiding, twisting and locking. However, she will have all salon services available, including, cuts, nails, waxing, lashes and color.

Richardson said stylists who can braid are lacking in this area. During her schooling, she began building a solid client list.

The salon also will carry products, which she said is another area that is lacking for men and women of color in this area. Richardson said she has had to go as far as Wichita to buy the products she needs for styling her hair.

The cost of locs and braiding varies with the desired style. Natural loc styles start at $30 and butterfly locs start at $200, according to her website.&nbsp;

Richardson offers bohemian box braids, rope twists, knotless box braids and natural hair braids. You can learn about pricing on her website. Hair and shampooing are included in the prices.

Richardson has a passion to educate women about the care and styling of their hair. She said it builds confidence.

"I think it's the lack of education that makes them not want to deal with their hair," she said.

She said she struggled with her own hair. She pulled it back and used chemical relaxers, which is very damaging.

She experimented with different products and styles, and she began to love her hair more and more.

She said more women of color would feel the same if they better understood the makeup of their hair and how they can maintain it.

"Every time someone steps in my chair, they're not only getting a hairstyle, they're getting an education as well," Richardson said.

She said she asks her clients questions to help them fit their hairstyles to their lifestyles.

"I think when your hair is made up, you do have this type of self-confidence," Richardson said. "You walk a little different. You talk a little different. Your attitude is different. I think that is one part of you being the best you can be."

She wants to build her clients up and put a smile on their faces, she said.

"I don't see this as I job because I love it," she said. "I would do this all day every day if I could."

This is Richardson's first time owning a business.

She is looking for other stylists who wish to rent stations in the salon, which can accommodate four to eight stations. She hopes to offer classes for other stylists who would like to learn how to braid.

Hours will be 10 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays.&nbsp;

You can also follow her on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

You can call her at 785-259-2716 or go to her<a href="https://www.twistedbygraffetti.com/"> website</a> to book appointments. Appointments are preferred for braiding services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682108854233.jpeg" alt="LaTonya Richardson is opening a new salon in Hays this spring. She specializes in braiding. She is wearing her hair in twists and locs so she can spend more time on her clients' hair. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>LaTonya Richardson is opening a new salon in Hays this spring. She specializes in braiding. She is wearing her hair in twists and locs so she can spend more time on her clients' hair. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new Hays stylist will be specializing in braiding and care for hair of men and women of color.LaTonya Richardson, 38, of Hays will be opening <a href="https://www.twistedbygraffetti.com/">Twisted by Graffetti</a> at 3310 Vine, Ste. 20, in late spring or early summer. The salon will be next to Qdoba.She is a 2022 graduate of the Hays Academy of Hair Design but has been braiding for years. She started braiding her own hair when she was 20. Her brother encouraged her to attend cosmetology school.Richardson is a Chicago native and moved to Hays from Wichita in 2020 for work. She has a 7-year-old daughter and her son, Royal, is graduating from Hays High School in a few weeks.Her specialty is braiding, twisting and locking. However, she will have all salon services available, including, cuts, nails, waxing, lashes and color.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682109052093.jpeg" alt="A braiding example. Photo courtesy of LaTonya Richardson" />
 <figcaption>A braiding example. Photo courtesy of LaTonya Richardson</figcaption>
 </figure>Richardson said stylists who can braid are lacking in this area. During her schooling, she began building a solid client list.The salon also will carry products, which she said is another area that is lacking for men and women of color in this area. Richardson said she has had to go as far as Wichita to buy the products she needs for styling her hair.The cost of locs and braiding varies with the desired style. Natural loc styles start at $30 and butterfly locs start at $200, according to her website.&nbsp;Richardson offers bohemian box braids, rope twists, knotless box braids and natural hair braids. You can learn about pricing on her website. Hair and shampooing are included in the prices.Richardson has a passion to educate women about the care and styling of their hair. She said it builds confidence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682109106972.jpeg" alt="A braid example provided by LaTonya Richardson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A braid example provided by LaTonya Richardson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think it's the lack of education that makes them not want to deal with their hair," she said.She said she struggled with her own hair. She pulled it back and used chemical relaxers, which is very damaging.She experimented with different products and styles, and she began to love her hair more and more.She said more women of color would feel the same if they better understood the makeup of their hair and how they can maintain it."Every time someone steps in my chair, they're not only getting a hairstyle, they're getting an education as well," Richardson said.She said she asks her clients questions to help them fit their hairstyles to their lifestyles."I think when your hair is made up, you do have this type of self-confidence," Richardson said. "You walk a little different. You talk a little different. Your attitude is different. I think that is one part of you being the best you can be."She wants to build her clients up and put a smile on their faces, she said."I don't see this as I job because I love it," she said. "I would do this all day every day if I could."This is Richardson's first time owning a business.She is looking for other stylists who wish to rent stations in the salon, which can accommodate four to eight stations. She hopes to offer classes for other stylists who would like to learn how to braid.Hours will be 10 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays.&nbsp;You can also follow her on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.You can call her at 785-259-2716 or go to her<a href="https://www.twistedbygraffetti.com/"> website</a> to book appointments. Appointments are preferred for braiding services.

New Hays stylist to specialize in braids, locs

On April 4, the ninth annual KSU Watersheds and city of Hays water poster contest winners were announced. The 2023 theme was “Use Your Water Smarts.” 

A total of 629 posters was entered pre-school through community-adult from 30 teachers and classrooms. This year's number of entries was more than double the previous high number of posters.&nbsp;

The awards celebration was held at Sternberg Museum of Natural History with students, teachers and family members present.

Hays Mayor Mason Ruder, along with fellow Hays commissioners Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs, Reese Barrick and Alaina Cunningham, congratulated each winner along with WaterSmart Wally, Hays water resources mascot, and Chetolah, Hays stormwater dog mascot. 

Holly Dickman, Hays Water Conservation Specialist, Jeff Crispin, Hays Director of Water Resources, Joe Billinger, Hays Stormwater Superintendent, and Stacie Minson, KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed Specialist, helped with the awards ceremony. 

&nbsp;“Artists really stepped up their game this year to showcase and share water messages," Minson said. "One message that really stands out in my mind is “Use Your Water Smarts … Let Your Dog Start” showing a dog licking a bowl to get it clean to conserve water.

"We really look forward to judging the entries every year and then getting to highlight the community’s water messages.” 

"It’s always amazing to see the creativity and it is great to know that the messages we are sharing while educating kids and the public are being heard," Dickman said.&nbsp; "The evidence is in the posters.”

The “Use Your Water Smarts” posters focused on water conservation or stormwater/water quality messages. Posters showed how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters shared how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and e.coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. 

Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main, during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair in July. 

To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or <a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html">www.MyKansasWatershed.com</a> (special events tab).

For questions, call Minson at 785-769-3297 or Dickman at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682091647897.jpeg" alt="Second through fifth grade winners of the 2023 water poster contest pose with Hays city commissioners. Photos courtesy city of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Second through fifth grade winners of the 2023 water poster contest pose with Hays city commissioners. Photos courtesy city of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn April 4, the ninth annual KSU Watersheds and city of Hays water poster contest winners were announced. The 2023 theme was “Use Your Water Smarts.” A total of 629 posters was entered pre-school through community-adult from 30 teachers and classrooms. This year's number of entries was more than double the previous high number of posters.&nbsp;The awards celebration was held at Sternberg Museum of Natural History with students, teachers and family members present.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682089577602.jpeg" alt="The awards ceremony was held at Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The number of entries this year was more than double the previous high number of posters. Photo courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The awards ceremony was held at Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The number of entries this year was more than double the previous high number of posters. Photo courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Mayor Mason Ruder, along with fellow Hays commissioners Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs, Reese Barrick and Alaina Cunningham, congratulated each winner along with WaterSmart Wally, Hays water resources mascot, and Chetolah, Hays stormwater dog mascot. Holly Dickman, Hays Water Conservation Specialist, Jeff Crispin, Hays Director of Water Resources, Joe Billinger, Hays Stormwater Superintendent, and Stacie Minson, KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed Specialist, helped with the awards ceremony. &nbsp;“Artists really stepped up their game this year to showcase and share water messages," Minson said. "One message that really stands out in my mind is “Use Your Water Smarts … Let Your Dog Start” showing a dog licking a bowl to get it clean to conserve water."We really look forward to judging the entries every year and then getting to highlight the community’s water messages.” "It’s always amazing to see the creativity and it is great to know that the messages we are sharing while educating kids and the public are being heard," Dickman said.&nbsp; "The evidence is in the posters.”The “Use Your Water Smarts” posters focused on water conservation or stormwater/water quality messages. Posters showed how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters shared how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and e.coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main, during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair in July. To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or <a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html">www.MyKansasWatershed.com</a> (special events tab). For questions, call Minson at 785-769-3297 or Dickman at 785-628-7350.

Hays water poster contest entries more than double from previous years

The Fort Hays State community showed up for the university’s third annual Giving Day in a powerful way. Tiger fans worldwide enthusiastically supported more than 62 causes across campus during the 24-hour fundraising campaign.

Donations rolled in throughout the day, proving the Fort Hays State community's dedication to providing students with an affordable, high-quality education. Just over 1,200 Tiger fans supported projects across campus in need of financial assistance. Many donors contributed to more than one project leading to more than $200,000 in total gifts.

Those who supported the 24-hour fundraising effort on April 18th donated to scholarships, academic colleges, athletic programs, and several student organizations, among additional campus projects and priorities.

Donors also backed the Kansas Comprehensive Grant.&nbsp;Gifts designated to this program were doubled dollar for dollar by a new grant match opportunity through the state of Kansas. Contributions supported students at Fort Hays State who are Kansas residents, enrolled full-time, and demonstrate significant financial need.

“The Tiger family continues to amaze me with their generosity and commitment to Fort Hays State every Giving Day,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation.

“For the third year in a row, we strengthened our mission and gave back to deserving students,” Williby added. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and those who encouraged friends and family to participate in Giving Day. The powerful impact of our community will be felt for years to come.”

FHSU’s Giving Day was created in 2021 to raise awareness around the university’s needs, cultivate new donors, and offer an engaging way to raise money for deserving Tigers. &nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682099391857.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU FoundationThe Fort Hays State community showed up for the university’s third annual Giving Day in a powerful way. Tiger fans worldwide enthusiastically supported more than 62 causes across campus during the 24-hour fundraising campaign.Donations rolled in throughout the day, proving the Fort Hays State community's dedication to providing students with an affordable, high-quality education. Just over 1,200 Tiger fans supported projects across campus in need of financial assistance. Many donors contributed to more than one project leading to more than $200,000 in total gifts.Those who supported the 24-hour fundraising effort on April 18th donated to scholarships, academic colleges, athletic programs, and several student organizations, among additional campus projects and priorities.Donors also backed the Kansas Comprehensive Grant.&nbsp;Gifts designated to this program were doubled dollar for dollar by a new grant match opportunity through the state of Kansas. Contributions supported students at Fort Hays State who are Kansas residents, enrolled full-time, and demonstrate significant financial need.“The Tiger family continues to amaze me with their generosity and commitment to Fort Hays State every Giving Day,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation.“For the third year in a row, we strengthened our mission and gave back to deserving students,” Williby added. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and those who encouraged friends and family to participate in Giving Day. The powerful impact of our community will be felt for years to come.”FHSU’s Giving Day was created in 2021 to raise awareness around the university’s needs, cultivate new donors, and offer an engaging way to raise money for deserving Tigers. &nbsp;Anyone who was unable to participate in this year’s Giving Day can still make an impact at Fort Hays State University by making a gift at&nbsp;<a href="http://foundation.fhsu.edu/giving-day-gift">foundation.fhsu.edu/giving-day-gift</a>. Learn more about the FHSU Foundation by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://foundation.fhsu.edu/">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, calling 785-628-5620, or emailing<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.