Janney earns two firsts, second in Journalist of the Year category

The staff of Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays collectively earned 13 awards in the 2023 Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence contest.

Cristina Janney earned first-place nods in the investigative story category for her tireless work following the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/08447b94-7c65-4720-9a1a-f2c5c71d26b5">Plainville Livestock saga</a>&nbsp;over the past several years. She also placed first in the agricultural story category for a follow-up story from the December 2021 Four County Fire about the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">financial effects of the disaster on farmers and ranchers.</a>

As a group, the Eagle Media Center placed second in the community service project category for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c910a139-5fb5-4cec-bfce-34fb086d8985">"What Were You Wearing" project</a> in conjunction with Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services.

Janney placed second in the KPA Journalist of the Year category.

James Bell placed second in the best story-picture combination category for the story <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ffa90c01-6a12-4343-b8a4-66f62cef66ce">"American Music in a Box: Royce's CBG."</a>&nbsp;Bell also placed third in the same category.

Eagle's Jordan Schaeffer earned five awards for advertising design, including third in the best overall graphic designer category. He also earned a second place in both the static and motion ad categories and third-place finishes in the motion ad and best series or campaign category. Schaeffer and marketing consultant Katie Dorzweiler collaborated on the campaign for Imagine Ellis County.

Longtime Hays Daily News and Fort Hays State University scribe Diane Gasper-O'Brien placed third in the senior story category for her Hays Post NWester,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a07ffcdd-be01-46a7-8afe-b30b47b56c6f">"A Chapel of Love."</a>'

Ron Fields, Eagle news director, was given a second-place award for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90364494-09e3-468a-8103-8425c695fa4b">best story originating from a public notice.&nbsp;</a>

Hays Post, one of a handful of digital-only KPA members, competes against the largest publications in the state of Kansas, including the Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star, the Kansas Reflector and Topeka Capital Journal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681783812573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Janney earns two firsts, second in Journalist of the Year category</h2>Hays PostThe staff of Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays collectively earned 13 awards in the 2023 Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence contest.Cristina Janney earned first-place nods in the investigative story category for her tireless work following the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/08447b94-7c65-4720-9a1a-f2c5c71d26b5">Plainville Livestock saga</a>&nbsp;over the past several years. She also placed first in the agricultural story category for a follow-up story from the December 2021 Four County Fire about the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">financial effects of the disaster on farmers and ranchers.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As a group, the Eagle Media Center placed second in the community service project category for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c910a139-5fb5-4cec-bfce-34fb086d8985">"What Were You Wearing" project</a> in conjunction with Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services.Janney placed second in the KPA Journalist of the Year category.James Bell placed second in the best story-picture combination category for the story <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ffa90c01-6a12-4343-b8a4-66f62cef66ce">"American Music in a Box: Royce's CBG."</a>&nbsp;Bell also placed third in the same category.Eagle's Jordan Schaeffer earned five awards for advertising design, including third in the best overall graphic designer category. He also earned a second place in both the static and motion ad categories and third-place finishes in the motion ad and best series or campaign category. Schaeffer and marketing consultant Katie Dorzweiler collaborated on the campaign for Imagine Ellis County.Longtime Hays Daily News and Fort Hays State University scribe Diane Gasper-O'Brien placed third in the senior story category for her Hays Post NWester,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a07ffcdd-be01-46a7-8afe-b30b47b56c6f">"A Chapel of Love."</a>'Ron Fields, Eagle news director, was given a second-place award for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90364494-09e3-468a-8103-8425c695fa4b">best story originating from a public notice.&nbsp;</a>Hays Post, one of a handful of digital-only KPA members, competes against the largest publications in the state of Kansas, including the Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star, the Kansas Reflector and Topeka Capital Journal.

Hays Post staff earns 13 honors from Kansas Press Association 🦅

<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/2023/4/1681756896002.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

I am going to take a brief break today from our 4-H project highlights to focus on a crucial part of 4-H learning – our volunteers!

April 16 -22 is National Volunteer Week and it is one of many times that it is important to recognize and thank the many people who help Extension in providing learning opportunities for 4-H youth.&nbsp;

We have eight 4-H clubs across Barton County&nbsp;and eight in Ellis County&nbsp;<a></a>and each of them have 2-3 registered volunteers who serve as club leaders. They are actively involved in shaping a young person’s experience in 4-H by teaching parliamentary procedure, demonstrating teamwork and communication, and sharing information.&nbsp;

Additionally, we have several volunteers who work with specific project areas to teach skills from the shooting sports project to foods and nutrition. Sharing their skills and expertise shows youth&nbsp;the importance of giving back to their community and how to share something they are interested in for a lifetime.

Leaders for 4-H Livestock, Junior Leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Council provide older youth with opportunities to expand their leadership and communication skills with guidance and experience.&nbsp;

Two other important groups&nbsp;of volunteers are definitely related to the county fair! Fair superintendents assist the judging process, display exhibits, answer questions, and provide a positive environment during the fair. Additionally, the Barton County Fair Association is a group of volunteers with a goal to provide a fun, family-oriented event to showcase 4-H and agriculture in our communities. They spend countless hours planning, repairing, and organizing so many details!

If you would like to know more about serving as a volunteer in any of these capacities, get in contact with me! Having a positive impact on the youth in our communities is challenging,&nbsp;enlightening, and FUN!&nbsp;

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>I am going to take a brief break today from our 4-H project highlights to focus on a crucial part of 4-H learning – our volunteers!April 16 -22 is National Volunteer Week and it is one of many times that it is important to recognize and thank the many people who help Extension in providing learning opportunities for 4-H youth.&nbsp;We have eight 4-H clubs across Barton County&nbsp;and eight in Ellis County&nbsp;<a></a>and each of them have 2-3 registered volunteers who serve as club leaders. They are actively involved in shaping a young person’s experience in 4-H by teaching parliamentary procedure, demonstrating teamwork and communication, and sharing information.&nbsp;Additionally, we have several volunteers who work with specific project areas to teach skills from the shooting sports project to foods and nutrition. Sharing their skills and expertise shows youth&nbsp;the importance of giving back to their community and how to share something they are interested in for a lifetime.Leaders for 4-H Livestock, Junior Leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Council provide older youth with opportunities to expand their leadership and communication skills with guidance and experience.&nbsp;Two other important groups&nbsp;of volunteers are definitely related to the county fair! Fair superintendents assist the judging process, display exhibits, answer questions, and provide a positive environment during the fair. Additionally, the Barton County Fair Association is a group of volunteers with a goal to provide a fun, family-oriented event to showcase 4-H and agriculture in our communities. They spend countless hours planning, repairing, and organizing so many details!If you would like to know more about serving as a volunteer in any of these capacities, get in contact with me! Having a positive impact on the youth in our communities is challenging,&nbsp;enlightening, and FUN!&nbsp;Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email&nbsp;Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

BERAN: Thankful for our 4-H volunteers

GREELEY COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 7 a.m. Monday in Greeley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Pontiac Montana driven by Mary Alice Murray, 60, Scott City, was westbound on Kansas 96 just east of Kansas 27.

The van traveled off the roadway to the right, began to rotate in a clockwise manner and the driver was ejected. The van came to rest facing northeast in the ditch.

EMS transported Murray to the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune where she was pronounced deceased. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GREELEY COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 7 a.m. Monday in Greeley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Pontiac Montana driven by Mary Alice Murray, 60, Scott City, was westbound on Kansas 96 just east of Kansas 27.The van traveled off the roadway to the right, began to rotate in a clockwise manner and the driver was ejected. The van came to rest facing northeast in the ditch.EMS transported Murray to the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune where she was pronounced deceased. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Scott City woman dead after being ejected in van crash

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of marketing and communications Mariah Legleiter and owner of Legleiter Insurance Devin Legleiter share information from the Kansas Leadership Center's ongoing Leadership Hays 2023.

<div><iframe title="Leadership Hays helps connect area business and community" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=2p2wg-13e5ae3-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of marketing and communications Mariah Legleiter and owner of Legleiter Insurance Devin Legleiter share information from the Kansas Leadership Center's ongoing Leadership Hays 2023.

🎙 Post Podcast: Leadership Hays helps connect area business and community

8th Street Liquor in Hays will hold its annual Customer Appreciation Sale this Saturday, April 22nd, from 9am -11pm.    Everything in the store will be on sale during this one day event. 

8th Street Liquor loves their customers and they're honoring you this Saturday!   8th Street Liquor, on East 8th next to the Golden Q in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592837680808.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8th Street Liquor in Hays will hold its annual Customer Appreciation Sale this Saturday, April 22nd, from 9am -11pm. Everything in the store will be on sale during this one day event. * Free Tshirts while supplies last* Dozens of giveaways* Lowest prices of the year -by far* Taking preorders now for large orders8th Street Liquor loves their customers and they're honoring you this Saturday! 8th Street Liquor, on East 8th next to the Golden Q in Hays.

MADORIN: Interests we pass to the next generation

A warm and windy start to the work week has led the National Service in Dodge City to warn of a critical fire risk across western Kansas Monday and Tuesday.

The highs will be in the mid- to upper-80s Monday and Tuesday. Winds in the Hays area will be sustained at 10 to 20 mph, gusting to 40 mph by Tuesday evening.

The mercury will begin to dip by the early morning hours Thursday, when there is a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. The high Thursday is expected to be in the mid-60s, with a high in the mid-50s by Friday.

There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation in the early morning hours Friday, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681746220601.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA warm and windy start to the work week has led the National Service in Dodge City to warn of a critical fire risk across western Kansas Monday and Tuesday.The highs will be in the mid- to upper-80s Monday and Tuesday. Winds in the Hays area will be sustained at 10 to 20 mph, gusting to 40 mph by Tuesday evening.The mercury will begin to dip by the early morning hours Thursday, when there is a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. The high Thursday is expected to be in the mid-60s, with a high in the mid-50s by Friday.There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation in the early morning hours Friday, as well.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Critical fire weather conditions will return to western Kansas for Tuesday afternoon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/jX9sZR6AQt">pic.twitter.com/jX9sZR6AQt</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1647906875453898753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm and windy start to week leads to more wildfire warnings

LANE COUNTY—In recent years, there have been numerous reports of people discovering folded one dollar bills that contain illegal and potentially dangerous drugs, according to a statement from the Lane County Sheriff.

"While using folded money or paper to transport drugs has long been a common practice, the emergence of substances like Fentanyl has made it exceptionally hazardous."

On Sunday, a citizen contacted the on-duty Deputy to report that they had found a folded one dollar bill in their yard. 

Upon unfolding it, a white substance spilled out. The bill was confiscated and field tested positive for Methamphetamine. Further field tests for Opiates and Fentanyl were negative.

The Sheriff's department reminded, "it is important to remain vigilant about potential hazards in your surroundings."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726532415.png" alt="Photo Lane County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lane County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LANE COUNTY—In recent years, there have been numerous reports of people discovering folded one dollar bills that contain illegal and potentially dangerous drugs, according to a statement from the Lane County Sheriff."While using folded money or paper to transport drugs has long been a common practice, the emergence of substances like Fentanyl has made it exceptionally hazardous."On Sunday, a citizen contacted the on-duty Deputy to report that they had found a folded one dollar bill in their yard. Upon unfolding it, a white substance spilled out. The bill was confiscated and field tested positive for Methamphetamine. Further field tests for Opiates and Fentanyl were negative.The Sheriff's department reminded, "it is important to remain vigilant about potential hazards in your surroundings."

Kansas sheriff warns: Don’t pick up folded dollar bills

By DAWNE LEIKER Special to Hays Post

ST. FRANCIS — The idea started in a coffee shop, but unlike many ideas fueled&nbsp;by caffeine&nbsp;and friendly banter, this idea began to take shape.&nbsp;In short, the idea recognized that&nbsp;the arts&nbsp;are&nbsp;integral to&nbsp;a thriving community.&nbsp;Fifteen&nbsp;years have passed&nbsp;since&nbsp;the original idea began&nbsp;percolating.&nbsp;Since&nbsp;then,&nbsp;the&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;group has launched the&nbsp;Cheyenne Center for Creativity (CC4C),&nbsp;local arts programs,&nbsp;and a historic building renovation, all with the desire&nbsp;to nourish the creative roots of the St. Francis community.

The first step took place in&nbsp;2013&nbsp;when&nbsp;CC4C opened&nbsp;an art gallery in&nbsp;the Danielson&nbsp;building, a building of historical and architectural significance&nbsp;to&nbsp;downtown St. Francis. Over the years, the Danielson&nbsp;building, an L-shaped property that wraps around&nbsp;the corner of Washington&nbsp;and Quincy&nbsp;Streets,&nbsp;has been home to implements, hardware,&nbsp;groceries, toys,&nbsp;and housewares.&nbsp;Built in 1920 and&nbsp;considered by its&nbsp;original&nbsp;owner, Deroy Danielson,&nbsp;“the finest store in western Kansas,”&nbsp;CC4C saw great potential in&nbsp;the 5,500-square-foot&nbsp;property.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;25-by-35-foot space in the L-section of the Danielson building&nbsp;was the first section of the building&nbsp;rented and&nbsp;renovated by CC4C.&nbsp;Over the years, that section of the building has been home to many creative ventures,&nbsp;including&nbsp;art displays,&nbsp;drama camps, book signings, poetry readings, and music events.

“Putting a spotlight on the arts is a worthy endeavor that uplifts the entire community,”&nbsp;said Kary Zweygardt,&nbsp;gallery director. “The arts have the power to do that.”

The gallery served as an artistic hub for the community, but Zweygardt, also president of&nbsp;Cheyenne Community&nbsp;Development Corp.,&nbsp;said that&nbsp;during strategic planning meetings for the development&nbsp;group,&nbsp;residents&nbsp;of the community consistently&nbsp;identified a need for a community center.&nbsp;As discussions developed, ideas, such as&nbsp;an expanded art gallery, a&nbsp;wedding venue, and a commercial kitchen for cooking classes,&nbsp;began to flow.&nbsp;

When the Danielson&nbsp;building was put up for sale&nbsp;years&nbsp;later, members of CC4C made the decision to purchase&nbsp;it.

“The building was considered a revenue stream that supported the gallery and our creative endeavors,” Zweygardt said. “A community center became a viable option because it addressed a community need and could provide some money coming in. We hoped to come to the point where we had budgetable income.”

One of the first purchases needed for the building was a new roof.&nbsp;CC4C saw community buy-in when&nbsp;local donors&nbsp;contributed $88,000 toward that purchase. A&nbsp;$100,000&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen grant&nbsp;to&nbsp;finalize&nbsp;the&nbsp;purchase&nbsp;of the building and property,&nbsp;which required&nbsp;$250,000 of matching funds, helped to get the project up and running. Other contributions have been received from Midwest Energy, the Department of Commerce,&nbsp;the Patterson Family Foundation,&nbsp;the Cheyenne County&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Community Foundation, and donations.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this at all without the community support,” Zweygardt said. “Because you’re just not going to sell enough art to get cash flow. That is why we look at even a trickle. It all becomes a revenue stream. And if you get enough trickles, you can eventually build a pond.”

According to Zweygardt, the&nbsp;project, which was&nbsp;given the name&nbsp;202 on Washington,&nbsp;has been segmented into three phases: an expanded art gallery to support local artists of all sorts,&nbsp;from&nbsp;visual to literary to music, a community center, which itself is divided into three parts, a courtyard, Quincy&nbsp;Room&nbsp;for smaller events,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;large event center, and a catering kitchen, which could someday serve as an incubator for local businesses.

The&nbsp;Hardt&nbsp;Gallery, an expanded art gallery,&nbsp;opened&nbsp;in&nbsp;June 2022, marking the completion of phase one of the 202 on Washington project.&nbsp;The Quincy Room event center&nbsp;was completed&nbsp;in&nbsp;March&nbsp;of 2023. Work&nbsp;continues&nbsp;in earnest on the&nbsp;larger&nbsp;event center, which&nbsp;will be adjacent to the Quincy Room with a separating wall. The wall will be moveable to increase the space that can be used for larger gatherings.&nbsp;

Natalie Knodel has served on the building team since 2016. She has a knack for design, so brainstorming&nbsp;ideas for the Danielson Building&nbsp;and seeing them come to fruition has been an ideal fit for her interests.&nbsp;

“To be able to create something worthwhile and a benefit to the community&nbsp;has been the best experience for me,”&nbsp;Knodel&nbsp;said, adding that she has been “energized” by working with CC4C on the project.&nbsp;“I’m just amazed how many people are creative in so many different ways. It has really been a catalyst to bring that out.”

CC4C President Janet Carman pointed out that each&nbsp;team member&nbsp;has a different perspective&nbsp;and&nbsp;that the blend of personalities creates a unique synergy.

“Everybody knows what their job is and what they are bringing to the table,”&nbsp;Carman said.&nbsp;“It’s just incredible. I’ve never been involved in anything like this before.”

CC4C, a “roll-up your sleeves” type of board, has found a unity of purpose as they have moved through the planning, design, and execution of their project.&nbsp;But it&nbsp;is&nbsp;local contractor Ron Wilson that&nbsp;Knodel and Carman credit for&nbsp;the&nbsp;beauty and functionality of the 202 project.&nbsp;

“He is so exceptional at what he does. Whatever you can dream up, he goes for it. He is creative but smart about how things have to be done and done properly,” Knodel said.

Combining the old with the new has been an overarching goal of the Hardt Gallery. Carman said the comments of&nbsp;gallery visitors&nbsp;have helped assure her that&nbsp;the goal&nbsp;of maintaining the integrity of the building is being met.&nbsp;

Since its opening in June, more than 600 people have toured the Hardt Gallery, some calling it an&nbsp;“oasis on the plains.”&nbsp;Zweygardt pointed out that&nbsp;many visitors have mentioned feeling&nbsp;a palpable “art vibe”&nbsp;not just in the gallery but in the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;St. Francis&nbsp;community.&nbsp;He said he has been “blown away”&nbsp;by residents&nbsp;and returning natives who have&nbsp;contributed significantly&nbsp;to creativity, not just in the gallery but&nbsp;throughout the town of 1,200&nbsp;people.

“I think it’s important to realize that&nbsp;western Kansas stretches past the border of Salina or Hays,” Zweygardt said. “There is a value and a worth that people dismiss because of the smallness of a community. They dismiss it early,&nbsp;so they never stop.&nbsp;We are giving them a reason to stop and make St. Francis a destination, not just a&nbsp;pass-through.”

“You have to have some trust. You have to risk. People will come.”

Currently, the gallery is displaying&nbsp;“Quiet Reflections:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Art of&nbsp;Kary Zweygardt”&nbsp;until the end&nbsp;of April.&nbsp;Its next display will be&nbsp;Rebel Mahieu, Colby Community College art&nbsp;director.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hardt Gallery is open Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,&nbsp;and by appointment.&nbsp;More information is available at https://202onwashington.com/

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677528504039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681486572354.jpeg" alt="Hardt Gallery at Christmas. Photo by Kary Zweygardt " />
 <figcaption>Hardt Gallery at Christmas. Photo by Kary Zweygardt </figcaption>
 </figure>By DAWNE LEIKER Special to Hays PostST. FRANCIS — The idea started in a coffee shop, but unlike many ideas fueled&nbsp;by caffeine&nbsp;and friendly banter, this idea began to take shape.&nbsp;In short, the idea recognized that&nbsp;the arts&nbsp;are&nbsp;integral to&nbsp;a thriving community.&nbsp;Fifteen&nbsp;years have passed&nbsp;since&nbsp;the original idea began&nbsp;percolating.&nbsp;Since&nbsp;then,&nbsp;the&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;group has launched the&nbsp;Cheyenne Center for Creativity (CC4C),&nbsp;local arts programs,&nbsp;and a historic building renovation, all with the desire&nbsp;to nourish the creative roots of the St. Francis community.The first step took place in&nbsp;2013&nbsp;when&nbsp;CC4C opened&nbsp;an art gallery in&nbsp;the Danielson&nbsp;building, a building of historical and architectural significance&nbsp;to&nbsp;downtown St. Francis. Over the years, the Danielson&nbsp;building, an L-shaped property that wraps around&nbsp;the corner of Washington&nbsp;and Quincy&nbsp;Streets,&nbsp;has been home to implements, hardware,&nbsp;groceries, toys,&nbsp;and housewares.&nbsp;Built in 1920 and&nbsp;considered by its&nbsp;original&nbsp;owner, Deroy Danielson,&nbsp;“the finest store in western Kansas,”&nbsp;CC4C saw great potential in&nbsp;the 5,500-square-foot&nbsp;property.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681486622955.jpeg" alt="Beth Maifeld, Natalie Knodel, and Ron Wilson discuss progress in the Quincy Room area. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Beth Maifeld, Natalie Knodel, and Ron Wilson discuss progress in the Quincy Room area. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A&nbsp;25-by-35-foot space in the L-section of the Danielson building&nbsp;was the first section of the building&nbsp;rented and&nbsp;renovated by CC4C.&nbsp;Over the years, that section of the building has been home to many creative ventures,&nbsp;including&nbsp;art displays,&nbsp;drama camps, book signings, poetry readings, and music events.“Putting a spotlight on the arts is a worthy endeavor that uplifts the entire community,”&nbsp;said Kary Zweygardt,&nbsp;gallery director. “The arts have the power to do that.”The gallery served as an artistic hub for the community, but Zweygardt, also president of&nbsp;Cheyenne Community&nbsp;Development Corp.,&nbsp;said that&nbsp;during strategic planning meetings for the development&nbsp;group,&nbsp;residents&nbsp;of the community consistently&nbsp;identified a need for a community center.&nbsp;As discussions developed, ideas, such as&nbsp;an expanded art gallery, a&nbsp;wedding venue, and a commercial kitchen for cooking classes,&nbsp;began to flow.&nbsp;When the Danielson&nbsp;building was put up for sale&nbsp;years&nbsp;later, members of CC4C made the decision to purchase&nbsp;it.“The building was considered a revenue stream that supported the gallery and our creative endeavors,” Zweygardt said. “A community center became a viable option because it addressed a community need and could provide some money coming in. We hoped to come to the point where we had budgetable income.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681486670595.jpeg" alt="Danielson building in 1922, from Cheyenne County Museum archives" />
 <figcaption>Danielson building in 1922, from Cheyenne County Museum archives</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the first purchases needed for the building was a new roof.&nbsp;CC4C saw community buy-in when&nbsp;local donors&nbsp;contributed $88,000 toward that purchase. A&nbsp;$100,000&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen grant&nbsp;to&nbsp;finalize&nbsp;the&nbsp;purchase&nbsp;of the building and property,&nbsp;which required&nbsp;$250,000 of matching funds, helped to get the project up and running. Other contributions have been received from Midwest Energy, the Department of Commerce,&nbsp;the Patterson Family Foundation,&nbsp;the Cheyenne County&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Community Foundation, and donations.“We wouldn’t be able to do this at all without the community support,” Zweygardt said. “Because you’re just not going to sell enough art to get cash flow. That is why we look at even a trickle. It all becomes a revenue stream. And if you get enough trickles, you can eventually build a pond.”According to Zweygardt, the&nbsp;project, which was&nbsp;given the name&nbsp;202 on Washington,&nbsp;has been segmented into three phases: an expanded art gallery to support local artists of all sorts,&nbsp;from&nbsp;visual to literary to music, a community center, which itself is divided into three parts, a courtyard, Quincy&nbsp;Room&nbsp;for smaller events,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;large event center, and a catering kitchen, which could someday serve as an incubator for local businesses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681486715572.jpeg" alt="Gallery Director Kary Zweygardt and artist Rodney Wood prepare for Wood's exhibit, Pathos and the Muse, October 2022. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gallery Director Kary Zweygardt and artist Rodney Wood prepare for Wood's exhibit, Pathos and the Muse, October 2022. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Hardt&nbsp;Gallery, an expanded art gallery,&nbsp;opened&nbsp;in&nbsp;June 2022, marking the completion of phase one of the 202 on Washington project.&nbsp;The Quincy Room event center&nbsp;was completed&nbsp;in&nbsp;March&nbsp;of 2023. Work&nbsp;continues&nbsp;in earnest on the&nbsp;larger&nbsp;event center, which&nbsp;will be adjacent to the Quincy Room with a separating wall. The wall will be moveable to increase the space that can be used for larger gatherings.&nbsp;Natalie Knodel has served on the building team since 2016. She has a knack for design, so brainstorming&nbsp;ideas for the Danielson Building&nbsp;and seeing them come to fruition has been an ideal fit for her interests.&nbsp;“To be able to create something worthwhile and a benefit to the community&nbsp;has been the best experience for me,”&nbsp;Knodel&nbsp;said, adding that she has been “energized” by working with CC4C on the project.&nbsp;“I’m just amazed how many people are creative in so many different ways. It has really been a catalyst to bring that out.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681486794453.jpeg" alt="Ad from the early 1920s, from Cheyenne County Museum archives" />
 <figcaption>Ad from the early 1920s, from Cheyenne County Museum archives</figcaption>
 </figure>CC4C President Janet Carman pointed out that each&nbsp;team member&nbsp;has a different perspective&nbsp;and&nbsp;that the blend of personalities creates a unique synergy.“Everybody knows what their job is and what they are bringing to the table,”&nbsp;Carman said.&nbsp;“It’s just incredible. I’ve never been involved in anything like this before.”CC4C, a “roll-up your sleeves” type of board, has found a unity of purpose as they have moved through the planning, design, and execution of their project.&nbsp;But it&nbsp;is&nbsp;local contractor Ron Wilson that&nbsp;Knodel and Carman credit for&nbsp;the&nbsp;beauty and functionality of the 202 project.&nbsp;“He is so exceptional at what he does. Whatever you can dream up, he goes for it. He is creative but smart about how things have to be done and done properly,” Knodel said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681486750863.jpeg" alt="Grand opening of Hardt Gallery, June 17, 2022. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Grand opening of Hardt Gallery, June 17, 2022. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Combining the old with the new has been an overarching goal of the Hardt Gallery. Carman said the comments of&nbsp;gallery visitors&nbsp;have helped assure her that&nbsp;the goal&nbsp;of maintaining the integrity of the building is being met.&nbsp;Since its opening in June, more than 600 people have toured the Hardt Gallery, some calling it an&nbsp;“oasis on the plains.”&nbsp;Zweygardt pointed out that&nbsp;many visitors have mentioned feeling&nbsp;a palpable “art vibe”&nbsp;not just in the gallery but in the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;St. Francis&nbsp;community.&nbsp;He said he has been “blown away”&nbsp;by residents&nbsp;and returning natives who have&nbsp;contributed significantly&nbsp;to creativity, not just in the gallery but&nbsp;throughout the town of 1,200&nbsp;people.“I think it’s important to realize that&nbsp;western Kansas stretches past the border of Salina or Hays,” Zweygardt said. “There is a value and a worth that people dismiss because of the smallness of a community. They dismiss it early,&nbsp;so they never stop.&nbsp;We are giving them a reason to stop and make St. Francis a destination, not just a&nbsp;pass-through.”“You have to have some trust. You have to risk. People will come.”Currently, the gallery is displaying&nbsp;“Quiet Reflections:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Art of&nbsp;Kary Zweygardt”&nbsp;until the end&nbsp;of April.&nbsp;Its next display will be&nbsp;Rebel Mahieu, Colby Community College art&nbsp;director.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Hardt Gallery is open Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,&nbsp;and by appointment.&nbsp;More information is available at https://202onwashington.com/

NWester: History the backdrop for ambitious project in Saint Francis

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

They may not be the most riveting conversations, but they're certainly some of the most important the Hays city commission has each year.

Commissioners unanimously voted Thursday to continue with the next rotation in five-year plans for sanitary sewer cleaning and video inspection, along with manhole rehabilitation.

The plans were created by Jeff Crispin, water resources director, to spend some maintenance money annually from the water and reclamation and reuse budget in order to avoid much more costly potential replacement costs for the sanitary sewer lines and manholes.&nbsp;

The city has 110 miles of sewer lines and 2,172 manholes.

Each year, slightly more than 22 miles of the sewer lines are inspected and cleaned for proper operation and maintenance of the collection system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Problems that can be caused by the lack of&nbsp;sewer cleaning includes sewer backups, manhole overflows, public exposure to raw&nbsp;sewage, and regulatory fines.

Crispin says the line flow may be slowed by intrusions such as private utility lines, tree roots, and deterioration.

Commissioners approved the low bid of&nbsp;$110,621&nbsp;from CC Steel, LLC, of Maple Plain, MN, with&nbsp;a budget authority not to exceed&nbsp;$140,000 in case some areas need more than just light cleaning.

The work will be done in November and December and sewer customers will be notified 24 hours in advance.&nbsp;

Mayer Specialty Services of Goddard was awarded the low bid of a budget not to exceed $125,000 for rehabilitation of 100 manholes.&nbsp;

According to Crispin, manholes need rehabilitation due to acidic environments, low pH, erosion, aging, and&nbsp;storm water infiltration.

A third agenda item regarding water use was an award of a $52,200 bid to Earles Engineering, McPherson, for engineering services to design a bigger Highway 40 sanitary sewer pump station.&nbsp;

The lift station, constructed in 1984, sits in the flood plain and will see increased flow when the new high school is built. It also serves Commerce Parkway and the new housing areas being built east of 22nd Street.

The new high school will also mean increased traffic on east 13th Street.

The city of Hays has received a cost share grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation to reconstruct 13th Street from Anthony Drive east to Commerce Parkway.

The $1.2 million dollar state grant will be applied to the cost of the project which will include widening the asphalt street and adding an 8 ft. multi-use pathway along the north side of the street.

Total project cost is estimated at $2.34 million, with the city budgeting $750,000 for it and Ellis County earmarking $500,00. The east end of the street has been annexed from the county into the city and Hays will become responsible for its maintenance once the project is done.

Final design is to be completed by the end of the year with construction anticipated by the end of 2024.

In other business, commissioners heard an update of the activities of the Ellis County Historical Society by Amanda Rupp, executive director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681694057180.png" alt="Courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThey may not be the most riveting conversations, but they're certainly some of the most important the Hays city commission has each year.Commissioners unanimously voted Thursday to continue with the next rotation in five-year plans for sanitary sewer cleaning and video inspection, along with manhole rehabilitation.The plans were created by Jeff Crispin, water resources director, to spend some maintenance money annually from the water and reclamation and reuse budget in order to avoid much more costly potential replacement costs for the sanitary sewer lines and manholes.&nbsp;The city has 110 miles of sewer lines and 2,172 manholes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618867344673.jpeg" alt="Sanitary sewer cleaning truck. Courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Sanitary sewer cleaning truck. Courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681693799108.jpeg" alt="Courtesy city of hays" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy city of hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681693674088.jpeg" alt="Courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Each year, slightly more than 22 miles of the sewer lines are inspected and cleaned for proper operation and maintenance of the collection system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Problems that can be caused by the lack of&nbsp;sewer cleaning includes sewer backups, manhole overflows, public exposure to raw&nbsp;sewage, and regulatory fines.Crispin says the line flow may be slowed by intrusions such as private utility lines, tree roots, and deterioration.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/rtq1tiyu-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sewer Cleaning Crispin" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Commissioners approved the low bid of&nbsp;$110,621&nbsp;from CC Steel, LLC, of Maple Plain, MN, with&nbsp;a budget authority not to exceed&nbsp;$140,000 in case some areas need more than just light cleaning.The work will be done in November and December and sewer customers will be notified 24 hours in advance.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681697669933.png" alt="Sixty manholes to be rehabbed in Hays during 2023. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Sixty manholes to be rehabbed in Hays during 2023. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681697804290.png" alt="Budget authority allowed for an additional 40 manholes to be rehabbed this year for a total of 100. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Budget authority allowed for an additional 40 manholes to be rehabbed this year for a total of 100. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Mayer Specialty Services of Goddard was awarded the low bid of a budget not to exceed $125,000 for rehabilitation of 100 manholes.&nbsp;According to Crispin, manholes need rehabilitation due to acidic environments, low pH, erosion, aging, and&nbsp;storm water infiltration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681698494457.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681698592458.png" alt="Highway 40 sewer lift station. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Highway 40 sewer lift station. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>A third agenda item regarding water use was an award of a $52,200 bid to Earles Engineering, McPherson, for engineering services to design a bigger Highway 40 sanitary sewer pump station.&nbsp;The lift station, constructed in 1984, sits in the flood plain and will see increased flow when the new high school is built. It also serves Commerce Parkway and the new housing areas being built east of 22nd Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681699285180.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new high school will also mean increased traffic on east 13th Street.The city of Hays has received a cost share grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation to reconstruct 13th Street from Anthony Drive east to Commerce Parkway.The $1.2 million dollar state grant will be applied to the cost of the project which will include widening the asphalt street and adding an 8 ft. multi-use pathway along the north side of the street.Total project cost is estimated at $2.34 million, with the city budgeting $750,000 for it and Ellis County earmarking $500,00. The east end of the street has been annexed from the county into the city and Hays will become responsible for its maintenance once the project is done.Final design is to be completed by the end of the year with construction anticipated by the end of 2024.In other business, commissioners heard an update of the activities of the Ellis County Historical Society by Amanda Rupp, executive director.

🎥 Sewer infrastructure maintenance dominates city commission meeting  

ELLIS&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Ellis USD 388 Board of Education on Wednesday was offered a taste
of what is to come as they discussed the impact of declining enrollment in the
district.

While enrollment in the district has been slowly declining
for years, a graduating class of 49 students — nearly double a typical class
size — two years ago has dealt a significant blow to overall student numbers.

And fewer students means less money for next year’s budget and the potential for staffing and program cuts.

To begin board discussions addressing the
issue, during the meeting, the board was presented with the question: “With budget cuts occurring, does the Vocational
Agriculture program need to stay full-time, go to a part-time or eliminate?”

“Obviously, nobody wants
to cut anything,” Superintendent Janice Wilson said. “And so, this is just a
discussion, and we're throwing ideas out on the table for what are some things
we can look at.”

Earlier in the meeting, she
shared enrollment figures from the last decade.

During the 2012-13 school
year, the district had 410 enrolled. During the 2020–21 year, enrollment was recorded
at 375. 

Next year that number has
been projected at 324.

With state funding tied
directly to enrollment in two-year increments, next year’s enrollment will create a
significant drop in aid. 

Currently, Wilson said the
base aid per pupil is set at $4,486.

To open the discussion, she
told the board that Future Farmers of America currently has 21 members and
shared an overview of the welding and agriculture courses offered in the
district.

“The numbers in the classes have been decreasing,” Wilson
said.

She said only five students were enrolled in the welding course,
10 in ag science and half of the eighth-grade class.

And next year, even fewer students are expected in those
programs.

While the Vocational Agricultural program was under the
microscope during the meeting, Wilson frequently reminded the board and the
assembled audience that came in support of the program that it is only the
first part of the conversation as the district administration and board are
forced to address declining funding that comes with lower enrollment.

“This is just to
throw ideas out there,” she said. “We need to talk about it, we need to discuss
it and figure out what is going to be the best thing for our families.

“We know that we are rural America, we know that ag is
extremely important. But when our class sizes get down to certain numbers, we
have to be concerned about some of that.”

Board member Marty Hollern asked if the students are aware lower
program involvement may lead to a program being cut.

“I don't think so I don't think they're aware of that,” said
Ellis High School Principal Donna Schmidt.

Many in the audience spoke in favor of the programs, along
with board member and Ellis High Vocational Agriculture program alum Dean
Gottschalk.

“Not every kid is able to go to college, so they go choose a
Vo-Tech school,” Gottschalk said. “I chose a Vo-Tech school because of my
instructor. And I feel I've done very well.”

“Two of my sons that went through this class. One that just
graduated last year, has already graduated from welding class school in Wichita
as a certified welder thanks to this program. I don't want to see any of this
cut out of this program, me personally, because we are ag and oil field
supported.”

He said losing the program would be “bad” for studentUSD s.

Hollern said it’s important to recruit incoming students to
the program.

Audience members spoke to the same effort, including an
emotional plea from the current Ellis High School FFA president, suggesting
there could be many more potential students in the program if an effort was made.

“I don't disagree with that at all, that I think every
program that we're looking at, with low involvement, could be said the same, unfortunately,” said board member Latisha Haag.

Some noted if the program was eliminated, the district would
lose students to neighboring Hays and WaKeeney districts. 

“You have to look at the emotional side of things, but you
also need to look at the numbers side of things,” Hollern said. “I've got text
messages, I've got emails of people saying, ‘We live close enough on the county
line that we could probably go to a different district if our children want to
pursue the Vo-Ag side of things' and stuff like that. So, there's a cost of us
not having them available.”

He suggested having a fuller picture of the impact on
enrollment if a program is cut should be a part of the discussion, and all
options should be considered.

“We can't leave any stone unturned,” Hollern said. “How can
we be creative? How can we try and save some of these programs and stuff as
well? So, if we can come up with what, potentially with that part-time, savings
would look like for us as a district, would I kind of like see what those
numbers are.”

But as other rural districts face similar decisions, Wilson
said there have been discussions of sharing staff across districts to cut costs
and save programs.

And as the board mulled cuts to the program, other low-participation
programs were noted.

“Is the declining enrollment correlation to the overall
declining enrollment, is that why there's not interest?” Haag said. “I'm
looking at one teacher who, outside of the junior high rotation, has 17
students. Is that because of declining enrollment across the high school, or are
there other reasons that are factoring into that declining enrollment in those
courses?”

While many on the board shared the desire to have a more
complete picture of the district classes, programs and student participation,
the need to include district staff and the community was noted as crucial.

“I would like to get input from the community and just have
a brainstorm session because we're going to have to be creative,” said board
member Cindy Hertel. 

Ideally, any cut that would affect a teacher should be made
prior to May 1.

“The sooner, the better, just because if we have people who
need to look for a position, this is their livelihood, and we can't wait for
too long out of respect for them,” Wilson said. “I believe that the final day
is around May 17. But I would hope that we could do that a lot sooner.”

Board member Brian Shannon suggested a committee be formed
to collect input and generate ideas for the board.

“I think we need to get more input, more involvement,” he
said.

Haag echoed the desire to move as quickly as possible and to
involve more people in the fact-finding and recommendation process. She said that
by having that involvement, staff may better understand the district’s position.

“I think that some staff feel that the board has been very
much against them this year with decisions,” she said. “And that's not the
case. We're doing our best to make decisions that are best for the students in
the district. And with the budget that we're facing. There are some tough
decisions coming, but I still want to hear some of their suggestions.

“We have got to get on the same page because we are tearing
our district apart. And we need to be a better district than that. We've got to
start having conversations, tough conversations, that result in productive
solutions, rather than talking behind everyone's back and going to the people
that you think are going to solve your problem the way you want it solved.
We've got to remedy that situation.”

“I get the impression from some staff that there is
definitely some animosity there,” said Board President Randy Honas. “I don't
really want to speculate on where that may come from or where it started from,
but that's only going to get worse when we have to make these types of
decisions.

“Everybody’s going to have to go into it with an open mind,
understanding that it's pretty factual. You are not going to get what you want or all of what you want. You might get something. You are going to have to
compromise. There's going to be some give and take.”

“They are subject to change, they can get worse, they could
get slightly better. But if they get worse, these conversations are going to be
a lot tougher, and it's not anybody's fault. … As a board, I think we need to
listen to other ideas, other possibilities, and other suggestions, knowing that
many of those are going to be great ideas but may or may not.

Haag said she hopes as more voices are added to the discussions,
generating ideas come to the forefront.

“I'm tired of the griping, I'm tired of the complaining, I
want people to come with solutions, rather than just throwing out there how unhappy
they are,” she said. “Because that's what I'm getting more of. And when I ask, ‘What's
the solution?’ I'm not getting answers to that."

“We need to make sure that our programs, our staff, our
school board, our administration, and the kids themselves have to buy into this
as well,” Hollern said. “This is your school, and let's see what we can do to
make this thing better.

“Those are tough decisions that we have to make. And that's
why they voted us to be board members. Now we have to do what our
responsibility is. Unfortunately, this is not the fun time.”

As the conversation continued, board member Stephanie Johnson
questioned the overall goal of this first of many conversations that will
happen in coming weeks and months.

“This is a sample of what’s to come,” Wilson said. “It’s not
easy.”

The Board unanimously voted to enter into the Hays West
Central Special Education Cooperative Agreement with USD 489 Hays, USD 432
Victoria, USD 395 La Crosse and USD 407 Russell. The agreement will go into
effect on July 1, 2024. 

The coop was established by Hays to make special education
services available to students in the participating districts.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6159f5db-0739-4af2-bb57-68e8cc563051">The Hays
Board of Education approved the addition of Russell to the group last year under
a three-year rollout plan.</a>

The search has begun for a new Ellis High School principal.

Current principal Donna Schmidt’s resignation was unanimously
approved by the board during the meeting. She is set to serve the remainder of
this year’s contract.

Applications are currently being accepted.

Glassman Construction was selected as the contractor for the HVAC
system replacement. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27984c56-7fed-4153-931e-320c33ca5a32">The
system upgrade was approved as part of a bond issue passed by voters last year.</a>

The board also approved the purchase of 85 new Lenovo
laptops for student use. The purchase was paid through a grant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681503652298.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Ellis USD 388 Board of Education on Wednesday was offered a taste
of what is to come as they discussed the impact of declining enrollment in the
district.While enrollment in the district has been slowly declining
for years, a graduating class of 49 students — nearly double a typical class
size — two years ago has dealt a significant blow to overall student numbers.And fewer students means less money for next year’s budget and the potential for staffing and program cuts.To begin board discussions addressing the
issue, during the meeting, the board was presented with the question: “With budget cuts occurring, does the Vocational
Agriculture program need to stay full-time, go to a part-time or eliminate?”<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y9q0b3AdtYE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Obviously, nobody wants
to cut anything,” Superintendent Janice Wilson said. “And so, this is just a
discussion, and we're throwing ideas out on the table for what are some things
we can look at.”Earlier in the meeting, she
shared enrollment figures from the last decade.During the 2012-13 school
year, the district had 410 enrolled. During the 2020–21 year, enrollment was recorded
at 375. Next year that number has
been projected at 324.With state funding tied
directly to enrollment in two-year increments, next year’s enrollment will create a
significant drop in aid. Currently, Wilson said the
base aid per pupil is set at $4,486.To open the discussion, she
told the board that Future Farmers of America currently has 21 members and
shared an overview of the welding and agriculture courses offered in the
district.“The numbers in the classes have been decreasing,” Wilson
said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681503711957.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>She said only five students were enrolled in the welding course,
10 in ag science and half of the eighth-grade class.And next year, even fewer students are expected in those
programs.While the Vocational Agricultural program was under the
microscope during the meeting, Wilson frequently reminded the board and the
assembled audience that came in support of the program that it is only the
first part of the conversation as the district administration and board are
forced to address declining funding that comes with lower enrollment.“This is just to
throw ideas out there,” she said. “We need to talk about it, we need to discuss
it and figure out what is going to be the best thing for our families.“We know that we are rural America, we know that ag is
extremely important. But when our class sizes get down to certain numbers, we
have to be concerned about some of that.”Board member Marty Hollern asked if the students are aware lower
program involvement may lead to a program being cut.“I don't think so I don't think they're aware of that,” said
Ellis High School Principal Donna Schmidt.Many in the audience spoke in favor of the programs, along
with board member and Ellis High Vocational Agriculture program alum Dean
Gottschalk.“Not every kid is able to go to college, so they go choose a
Vo-Tech school,” Gottschalk said. “I chose a Vo-Tech school because of my
instructor. And I feel I've done very well.”“Two of my sons that went through this class. One that just
graduated last year, has already graduated from welding class school in Wichita
as a certified welder thanks to this program. I don't want to see any of this
cut out of this program, me personally, because we are ag and oil field
supported.”He said losing the program would be “bad” for studentUSD s.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681503758312.jpeg" alt="USD 388 Board of Education Member Dean Gottschalk&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>USD 388 Board of Education Member Dean Gottschalk&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hollern said it’s important to recruit incoming students to
the program.Audience members spoke to the same effort, including an
emotional plea from the current Ellis High School FFA president, suggesting
there could be many more potential students in the program if an effort was made.“I don't disagree with that at all, that I think every
program that we're looking at, with low involvement, could be said the same, unfortunately,” said board member Latisha Haag.Some noted if the program was eliminated, the district would
lose students to neighboring Hays and WaKeeney districts. “You have to look at the emotional side of things, but you
also need to look at the numbers side of things,” Hollern said. “I've got text
messages, I've got emails of people saying, ‘We live close enough on the county
line that we could probably go to a different district if our children want to
pursue the Vo-Ag side of things' and stuff like that. So, there's a cost of us
not having them available.”He suggested having a fuller picture of the impact on
enrollment if a program is cut should be a part of the discussion, and all
options should be considered.“We can't leave any stone unturned,” Hollern said. “How can
we be creative? How can we try and save some of these programs and stuff as
well? So, if we can come up with what, potentially with that part-time, savings
would look like for us as a district, would I kind of like see what those
numbers are.”But as other rural districts face similar decisions, Wilson
said there have been discussions of sharing staff across districts to cut costs
and save programs.And as the board mulled cuts to the program, other low-participation
programs were noted.“Is the declining enrollment correlation to the overall
declining enrollment, is that why there's not interest?” Haag said. “I'm
looking at one teacher who, outside of the junior high rotation, has 17
students. Is that because of declining enrollment across the high school, or are
there other reasons that are factoring into that declining enrollment in those
courses?”While many on the board shared the desire to have a more
complete picture of the district classes, programs and student participation,
the need to include district staff and the community was noted as crucial.“I would like to get input from the community and just have
a brainstorm session because we're going to have to be creative,” said board
member Cindy Hertel. But time is short.Ideally, any cut that would affect a teacher should be made
prior to May 1.“The sooner, the better, just because if we have people who
need to look for a position, this is their livelihood, and we can't wait for
too long out of respect for them,” Wilson said. “I believe that the final day
is around May 17. But I would hope that we could do that a lot sooner.”Board member Brian Shannon suggested a committee be formed
to collect input and generate ideas for the board.“I think we need to get more input, more involvement,” he
said.Haag echoed the desire to move as quickly as possible and to
involve more people in the fact-finding and recommendation process. She said that
by having that involvement, staff may better understand the district’s position.“I think that some staff feel that the board has been very
much against them this year with decisions,” she said. “And that's not the
case. We're doing our best to make decisions that are best for the students in
the district. And with the budget that we're facing. There are some tough
decisions coming, but I still want to hear some of their suggestions.“We have got to get on the same page because we are tearing
our district apart. And we need to be a better district than that. We've got to
start having conversations, tough conversations, that result in productive
solutions, rather than talking behind everyone's back and going to the people
that you think are going to solve your problem the way you want it solved.
We've got to remedy that situation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681503814253.jpeg" alt="USD 388 Board of Education President Randy Honas" />
 <figcaption>USD 388 Board of Education President Randy Honas</figcaption>
 </figure>“I get the impression from some staff that there is
definitely some animosity there,” said Board President Randy Honas. “I don't
really want to speculate on where that may come from or where it started from,
but that's only going to get worse when we have to make these types of
decisions.“Everybody’s going to have to go into it with an open mind,
understanding that it's pretty factual. You are not going to get what you want or all of what you want. You might get something. You are going to have to
compromise. There's going to be some give and take.”But he said the numbers do not lie.“They are subject to change, they can get worse, they could
get slightly better. But if they get worse, these conversations are going to be
a lot tougher, and it's not anybody's fault. … As a board, I think we need to
listen to other ideas, other possibilities, and other suggestions, knowing that
many of those are going to be great ideas but may or may not.Haag said she hopes as more voices are added to the discussions,
generating ideas come to the forefront.“I'm tired of the griping, I'm tired of the complaining, I
want people to come with solutions, rather than just throwing out there how unhappy
they are,” she said. “Because that's what I'm getting more of. And when I ask, ‘What's
the solution?’ I'm not getting answers to that."“We need to make sure that our programs, our staff, our
school board, our administration, and the kids themselves have to buy into this
as well,” Hollern said. “This is your school, and let's see what we can do to
make this thing better.“Those are tough decisions that we have to make. And that's
why they voted us to be board members. Now we have to do what our
responsibility is. Unfortunately, this is not the fun time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681503977326.jpeg" alt="USD 388 Board of Education members Stephanie Johnson and Marty Hollern" />
 <figcaption>USD 388 Board of Education members Stephanie Johnson and Marty Hollern</figcaption>
 </figure>As the conversation continued, board member Stephanie Johnson
questioned the overall goal of this first of many conversations that will
happen in coming weeks and months.“This is a sample of what’s to come,” Wilson said. “It’s not
easy.”<h2>In other USD
388 board news</h2>The Board unanimously voted to enter into the Hays West
Central Special Education Cooperative Agreement with USD 489 Hays, USD 432
Victoria, USD 395 La Crosse and USD 407 Russell. The agreement will go into
effect on July 1, 2024. The coop was established by Hays to make special education
services available to students in the participating districts.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6159f5db-0739-4af2-bb57-68e8cc563051">The Hays
Board of Education approved the addition of Russell to the group last year under
a three-year rollout plan.</a>The search has begun for a new Ellis High School principal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681503869710.jpeg" alt="USD 388&nbsp; Ellis High School Principal Donna Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>USD 388&nbsp; Ellis High School Principal Donna Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>Current principal Donna Schmidt’s resignation was unanimously
approved by the board during the meeting. She is set to serve the remainder of
this year’s contract.Applications are currently being accepted.Glassman Construction was selected as the contractor for the HVAC
system replacement. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27984c56-7fed-4153-931e-320c33ca5a32">The
system upgrade was approved as part of a bond issue passed by voters last year.</a>The board also approved the purchase of 85 new Lenovo
laptops for student use. The purchase was paid through a grant.

Declining enrollment leads to difficult decisions at Ellis schools

Wally Walstrom, DO, Director of Sports Medicine at HaysMed, has been named one of the recipients of the 2023 Rising Professional Award presented by Kansas State University College of Health and Human Sciences.

The Rising Professional Award is given to honor significant contributions made by a graduate in the early stages of his or her career. Recipients have demonstrated significant professional accomplishments in the areas of design, business, human behavior, teacher education or health sciences. During their return to campus, award winners meet with current students to share their stories and provide insight into today’s professional world.

Walstrom holds two degrees from Kansas City University. He received a master’s degree in bioscience in 2008 before he received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. He went on to complete his residency at Via Christi Family Medicine in Wichita, Kansas, where he stayed to complete a sports medicine fellowship in 2016. He is certified with the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He also holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.

Walstrom also serves as the head team physician, healthcare administrator and the medical director for Fort Hays State University Athletics, roles he has held since 2016.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681405611213.jpeg" alt="Photo by David Mayes Photography" />
 <figcaption>Photo by David Mayes Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedWally Walstrom, DO, Director of Sports Medicine at HaysMed, has been named one of the recipients of the 2023 Rising Professional Award presented by Kansas State University College of Health and Human Sciences.The Rising Professional Award is given to honor significant contributions made by a graduate in the early stages of his or her career. Recipients have demonstrated significant professional accomplishments in the areas of design, business, human behavior, teacher education or health sciences. During their return to campus, award winners meet with current students to share their stories and provide insight into today’s professional world.Walstrom holds two degrees from Kansas City University. He received a master’s degree in bioscience in 2008 before he received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. He went on to complete his residency at Via Christi Family Medicine in Wichita, Kansas, where he stayed to complete a sports medicine fellowship in 2016. He is certified with the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He also holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.Walstrom also serves as the head team physician, healthcare administrator and the medical director for Fort Hays State University Athletics, roles he has held since 2016.

HaysMed physician receives K-State Rising Professional Award

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

ELLIS — Gov. Laura Kelly was at Ellis High School on Thursday to discuss the needs of rural public schools, including the need for more special education funding.

The Kansas Legislature has tied special education funding to a school voucher program that would divert money from public schools to private education.

Kansas law requires the state to pay 92 percent of what the federal government does not pay for special education.

The state is currently funding special education statewide at 72 percent of the cost beyond federal funding. This leaves local districts to pay for the shortfall from their general fund budgets.

Kyle Carlin is the director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, which covers Ellis, Hays, Victoria and La Crosse.

"The current gap is $1 million, but that is with us making some tough decisions about not spending money as much as we should," Carlin said of the local co=op's budget. ... "We could be better if we were funded better."

Carlin said it is more difficult for smaller school districts to make up these budget deficits.

Ellis is underfunded by $85,000, which would be the equivalent of a teacher and an aide, Carlin said. Ellis is facing budget cuts, which could include laying off teachers next year, because of declining enrollment.

Kelly put money in her beginning-of-the-year budget to phase in full funding for the state's portion of special education within five years.

She said the federal government also is not fully funding its portion of special education. The federal government is supposed to be funding 20 percent of special education costs and it is averaging about 12 percent, Carlin said.

John Befort, Ellis' Washington Elementary School principal, said more children, including his own son, are qualifying for special education. Those services often last through K-12 education.

Befort also expressed frustration after attending a recent legislative coffee about the lack of response on education from local legislators, none of whom joined the roundtable Thursday.

Adequate infrastructure and housing in rural communities also are needed to maintain enrollments, members of the roundtable said.

Travis Kohlrus, parent, said a housing addition was built about 20 years ago in Ellis. Initially, that resulted in increases in enrollment. The children of those families have aged out of the school system and enrollment is declining again.

Randy Honas, school board president, said the cost of infrastructure is huge for small communities.

"You don't get the tax revenue returned quickly enough for any developer or any community to expend enough money to get the infrastructure there," Honas said.

Kelly said the state is investing in moderate-income housing to provide homes for workers in new industries in Kansas.

Honas also expressed frustration that Ellis did not receive any state aid to supplement its recent bond issue. The state calculates valuations by county, so Hays' property is used to determine aid for Ellis. The Ellis school district has a much lower property valuation than Hays.

Kelly also discussed strategies to recruit and train new teachers in Kansas to meet teacher shortages. One of the programs allows paraeducators to train to be teachers while continuing to work in schools. The program does not require an unpaid practicum.&nbsp;

The state is recognizing teaching licenses from surrounding states as well as making it easier for military spouses to teach here.

State officials also are trying to devise ways to allow teachers who have reached their KPERS retirement maximum to continue to teach without hurting the stability of the retirement system.

Disclosure: Travis Kohlrus serves on the Eagle Communications board of directors. Hays Post is owned and operated by Eagle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681416849644.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, center, discusses rural school issues with local stakeholders Thursday at Ellis High School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, center, discusses rural school issues with local stakeholders Thursday at Ellis High School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostELLIS — Gov. Laura Kelly was at Ellis High School on Thursday to discuss the needs of rural public schools, including the need for more special education funding.The Kansas Legislature has tied special education funding to a school voucher program that would divert money from public schools to private education.Kansas law requires the state to pay 92 percent of what the federal government does not pay for special education.The state is currently funding special education statewide at 72 percent of the cost beyond federal funding. This leaves local districts to pay for the shortfall from their general fund budgets.Kyle Carlin is the director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, which covers Ellis, Hays, Victoria and La Crosse."The current gap is $1 million, but that is with us making some tough decisions about not spending money as much as we should," Carlin said of the local co=op's budget. ... "We could be better if we were funded better."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681417066728.jpeg" alt="Liam Crawford, Ellis High School senior, hands flowers to Gov. Laura Kelly as he greets her Thursday at EHS. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Liam Crawford, Ellis High School senior, hands flowers to Gov. Laura Kelly as he greets her Thursday at EHS. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Carlin said it is more difficult for smaller school districts to make up these budget deficits.Ellis is underfunded by $85,000, which would be the equivalent of a teacher and an aide, Carlin said. Ellis is facing budget cuts, which could include laying off teachers next year, because of declining enrollment.Kelly put money in her beginning-of-the-year budget to phase in full funding for the state's portion of special education within five years.She said the federal government also is not fully funding its portion of special education. The federal government is supposed to be funding 20 percent of special education costs and it is averaging about 12 percent, Carlin said.John Befort, Ellis' Washington Elementary School principal, said more children, including his own son, are qualifying for special education. Those services often last through K-12 education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681418022016.jpeg" alt="Janice Wilson, left, Ellis superintendent; Gov. Laura Kelly, center; and Liam Crawford, right, Ellis High School senior, tour EHS on Thursday prior to an education roundtable with Gov. Kelly. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Janice Wilson, left, Ellis superintendent; Gov. Laura Kelly, center; and Liam Crawford, right, Ellis High School senior, tour EHS on Thursday prior to an education roundtable with Gov. Kelly. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Befort also expressed frustration after attending a recent legislative coffee about the lack of response on education from local legislators, none of whom joined the roundtable Thursday.Adequate infrastructure and housing in rural communities also are needed to maintain enrollments, members of the roundtable said.Travis Kohlrus, parent, said a housing addition was built about 20 years ago in Ellis. Initially, that resulted in increases in enrollment. The children of those families have aged out of the school system and enrollment is declining again.Randy Honas, school board president, said the cost of infrastructure is huge for small communities."You don't get the tax revenue returned quickly enough for any developer or any community to expend enough money to get the infrastructure there," Honas said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681418377596.jpeg" alt="Gov. Kelly on a tour of Ellis High School with EHS senior Liam&nbsp;Crawford. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly on a tour of Ellis High School with EHS senior Liam&nbsp;Crawford. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly said the state is investing in moderate-income housing to provide homes for workers in new industries in Kansas.Honas also expressed frustration that Ellis did not receive any state aid to supplement its recent bond issue. The state calculates valuations by county, so Hays' property is used to determine aid for Ellis. The Ellis school district has a much lower property valuation than Hays.Kelly also discussed strategies to recruit and train new teachers in Kansas to meet teacher shortages. One of the programs allows paraeducators to train to be teachers while continuing to work in schools. The program does not require an unpaid practicum.&nbsp;The state is recognizing teaching licenses from surrounding states as well as making it easier for military spouses to teach here.State officials also are trying to devise ways to allow teachers who have reached their KPERS retirement maximum to continue to teach without hurting the stability of the retirement system.Disclosure: Travis Kohlrus serves on the Eagle Communications board of directors. Hays Post is owned and operated by Eagle.

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