On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.

Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ohljgf9vuk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a>

🎤 Forward Ever: NCK Tech President Eric Burks discusses FHSU, NW Tech partnership

A local business reported receiving movie prop money earlier today.

The bills are marked as movie props but look very much like real legal tender.

Using these bills for payment is illegal.

Other recent reports have been made in the area of these bills being passed for payment.&nbsp;

As you visit garage sales this weekend, the farmer's market or make other cash transactions, please check your bills.

Hays PostA local business reported receiving movie prop money earlier today.The bills are marked as movie props but look very much like real legal tender.Using these bills for payment is illegal.Other recent reports have been made in the area of these bills being passed for payment.&nbsp;As you visit garage sales this weekend, the farmer's market or make other cash transactions, please check your bills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686934315048.png" alt="The bottom $5 bill is the fake bill. It is marked to the right of Lincoln as "Movie Prop Use Only."&nbsp; It is also marked to the far left as "Copy."" />
 <figcaption>The bottom $5 bill is the fake bill. It is marked to the right of Lincoln as "Movie Prop Use Only."&nbsp; It is also marked to the far left as "Copy."</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays business reports fake money

On June 15, 2023, approximately 3:58 p.m. the Hays Fire Department responded to 2010 Vine Street, Northglen Antiques, in&nbsp;Hays for a reported building fire.

Upon arrival fire crews found smoke in the back of the building and located the fire in the furnace room.&nbsp;Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and searched for extension.

&nbsp;Crews stayed on scene to ventilate&nbsp;the smoke out of the building.

The fire was accidental and caused by electrical wiring. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind&nbsp;everyone that when using electrical extension cords to make sure they are safe to use and are not&nbsp;overloaded with electrical appliances.

The Hays Fire Department also would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure&nbsp;they are functioning correctly. 

Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the&nbsp;smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance, Ellis County&nbsp;Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Midwest Energy and Hays Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655744002177.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Fire Dept.On June 15, 2023, approximately 3:58 p.m. the Hays Fire Department responded to 2010 Vine Street, Northglen Antiques, in&nbsp;Hays for a reported building fire.Upon arrival fire crews found smoke in the back of the building and located the fire in the furnace room.&nbsp;Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and searched for extension.&nbsp;Crews stayed on scene to ventilate&nbsp;the smoke out of the building.&nbsp;No injuries were reported.The fire was accidental and caused by electrical wiring. The Hays Fire Department would like to remind&nbsp;everyone that when using electrical extension cords to make sure they are safe to use and are not&nbsp;overloaded with electrical appliances.The Hays Fire Department also would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure&nbsp;they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the&nbsp;smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.The Hays Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance, Ellis County&nbsp;Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Midwest Energy and Hays Police Department.

Hays FD: Building fire caused by faulty electrical wiring

The Hays Police Department responded to 157 incidents May 28-June 10, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 157 incidents May 28-June 10, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;<figure>
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Hays PD activity log May 28-June 10

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. 

Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDguNzc5NjkyNzEifQ.zm78G1BIZKhol0mBwh6Xh8QkZpaTLAFFINlKsncY11c/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625177329351.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDguNzc5NjkyNzEifQ.zm78G1BIZKhol0mBwh6Xh8QkZpaTLAFFINlKsncY11c/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active Advisories&nbsp;Warning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County (Added June 15)</li><li>​Pomona Lake, Osage County&nbsp;</li><li>Webster Lake (Reservoir), Rooks County&nbsp;</li><li>Wellington Lake, Sumner County</li>
 </ul>Watch<ul>
 <li>Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County</li><li>Cedar Lake, Johnson County (Added June 15)&nbsp;</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (Added June 15)&nbsp;</li><li>Lake Parsons, Neosho County (Added June 15)</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County&nbsp;</li><li>Mount Hope – Woodland Park Pond, Sedgwick County (Lowered June 15)</li>
 </ul>Lifted<ul>
 <li>Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (Lifted June 15)</li><li>Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson &amp; Geary Counties (Lifted June 15)</li>
 </ul>

KDHE: Webster Lake in Rooks County remains under algae warning

By Tony Guerrero Hays Post

The Hays Area Bicyclists are celebrating the legacy of the Ellis County region with a commute to a variety of churches.&nbsp;

The Tour Die Kapellen may include a visit to <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catherine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm">Holy Cross Church</a> in Pfeifer, and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm">St. Francis Church</a> in Munjor.

The annual event is in its fourth year and will begin at Hays Municipal Park on July 8.

The several routes to choose from include a 15-mile casual ride setting off at 9 a.m. The 30, 50, and 62-mile trails that will be escorted by the Hays Police Department start at 7:30 a.m. and the 75- to 100-mile routes depart between 6:45 to 7 a.m.

Early registration is $45 a person to participate in the bike ride and $75 a person for the bus tour that’ll depart 30 minutes after the cyclists do at the Hays Municipal Park at 8 a.m.&nbsp;

After June 23, a bike ride will cost $55 per person and the bus tour will be $85 per person as on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

The bus tour will travel the same route that cyclists take, with each church providing a musical performance and snacks.&nbsp;

Those who register will receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.

Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, will perform at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde will play at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano, and Ben Cline take center stage at St Francis Church.

The Tour Die Kapellen event <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/2023-2/#routeoptions">website</a> provides a list of safety rules and maps of their routes.

Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, urged people to not follow along in their vehicles for safety reasons but reassured participants that they will be fully supported and guided.

&nbsp;“We have over 70 volunteers that help with this ride. We have drivers that follow the bikers in case they need pick up or need assistance or are just too hot. They have a first aid kit. They have a bike pump,” Werth said.&nbsp;

Musicians will be playing at each site including the post-ride party where The Joe Dolezal Polka Band will perform.&nbsp;

Deb Hoffman from the Holy Cross Church said they’ll be receiving the majority of the profit from the event but encourages others to donate to the other churches through their websites.&nbsp;

“We’re probably one of the smaller ones, especially being a mission church it’s a lot more difficult for people who don’t have steady and weekly tithing,” Hoffman said “We have to actively seek funds, and this is one of our fundraisers.”

The after-party will be at noon. Meals and refreshments will be provided as well as adult beverages from Defiance Brewing Company once the bike ride concludes at Hays Municipal Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326279635.jpeg" alt="Tour of Chapels.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Tour of Chapels.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By Tony Guerrero Hays PostThe Hays Area Bicyclists are celebrating the legacy of the Ellis County region with a commute to a variety of churches.&nbsp;The Tour Die Kapellen may include a visit to <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catherine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm">Holy Cross Church</a> in Pfeifer, and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm">St. Francis Church</a> in Munjor.The annual event is in its fourth year and will begin at Hays Municipal Park on July 8. The several routes to choose from include a 15-mile casual ride setting off at 9 a.m. The 30, 50, and 62-mile trails that will be escorted by the Hays Police Department start at 7:30 a.m. and the 75- to 100-mile routes depart between 6:45 to 7 a.m.Early registration is $45 a person to participate in the bike ride and $75 a person for the bus tour that’ll depart 30 minutes after the cyclists do at the Hays Municipal Park at 8 a.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686853668273.jpeg" alt="Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>After June 23, a bike ride will cost $55 per person and the bus tour will be $85 per person as on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The bus tour will travel the same route that cyclists take, with each church providing a musical performance and snacks.&nbsp;Those who register will receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt. Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, will perform at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde will play at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano, and Ben Cline take center stage at St Francis Church.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686853732035.jpeg" alt="Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The Tour Die Kapellen event <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/2023-2/#routeoptions">website</a> provides a list of safety rules and maps of their routes. Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, urged people to not follow along in their vehicles for safety reasons but reassured participants that they will be fully supported and guided.&nbsp;“We have over 70 volunteers that help with this ride. We have drivers that follow the bikers in case they need pick up or need assistance or are just too hot. They have a first aid kit. They have a bike pump,” Werth said.&nbsp;Musicians will be playing at each site including the post-ride party where The Joe Dolezal Polka Band will perform.&nbsp;Deb Hoffman from the Holy Cross Church said they’ll be receiving the majority of the profit from the event but encourages others to donate to the other churches through their websites.&nbsp;“We’re probably one of the smaller ones, especially being a mission church it’s a lot more difficult for people who don’t have steady and weekly tithing,” Hoffman said “We have to actively seek funds, and this is one of our fundraisers.”The after-party will be at noon. Meals and refreshments will be provided as well as adult beverages from Defiance Brewing Company once the bike ride concludes at Hays Municipal Park.

Early registration on for Ellis County Tour of Chapels bike ride

MANHATTAN - With summer fun comes summer-related hazards for our pets, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian. "Summer is a time for all to enjoy, and by following these precautions, you and your pet will be able to enjoy it safely and to the fullest," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>. Nelson suggests pet owners begin flea, tick and heartworm preventive care now if they haven't already, before numbers start increasing. Ticks bring many tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas can cause flea bite anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, plague, tapeworms and Bartonella henslae, which is the cause of cat scratch fever in people. Mosquitoes are behind heartworm disease for both dogs and cats, which is often fatal if left untreated. Nelson recommends year-round protection against all of these parasites. There are many choices available for both dogs and cats. Many of the heartworm preventives deworm against several intestinal parasites as well, which are also more prevalent during warmer weather. "Make sure to treat all pets in the household for fleas and ticks, even if they don't go outdoors, as these pets are often a source of a persistent infestation and a reason for failure to rid them from your environment," Nelson said. "If you are not sure which product to use, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation." In addition to flea, tick and heartworm prevention, Nelson offers the following recommendations so that people and their pets can safely enjoy all the fun that summer offers. • Remember to reintroduce your dog slowly to exercise if they have been less active over the past months or they may succumb to injury, Nelson said. In addition, look for signs of heat stress, including heavy panting, weakness, thick ropey saliva, dark red gums and collapse. • Before going to a dog park, make sure dogs are current on recommended vaccinations and review dog park etiquette. Be sure to watch your dog closely when interacting with other dogs so that play does not become too rough. •&nbsp;Protect your dog's eyes from injury by not allowing them to stick out their heads when you're driving. Keep them buckled up or secure in a crate to help avoid injury if there is an accident and to keep them from getting underfoot of the driver. Avoid having them ride in the bed of a truck so they do not jump out or get ejected in the case of an accident. •&nbsp;Never leave your pet confined to the car when temperatures start to rise, as heat stroke is too often a fatal consequence. Even temperatures in the 80s can lead to fatalities. •&nbsp;Hot weather also means hot pavement. Dogs can experience severe burns to the pads of their feet when walking on hot cement or asphalt pavements. •&nbsp;Running on rocky ground or other rough surfaces, such as cement, also can be hard on tender feet that aren't used to being on these surfaces. The outer pad covering can be worn off, leading to exposure and trauma of the tender surfaces below, Nelson said. She recommends short amounts of time at first on these surfaces until the pads toughen or have your pet wear protective booties. Products can be applied to the pads to help them toughen up. •&nbsp;Pools should be properly gated to avoid accidental drownings. If dogs go boating with you, make sure they wear life jackets if they cannot swim or if you will be far from shore. Make sure your dog is vaccinated against Leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease caused by a type of bacteria often found in lakes, ponds and standing water. If you take your dog fishing with you, keep baited and unbaited hooks and lures out of reach. Dogs have been known to swallow them or get them stuck in a lip, which are both situations that often end with a trip to the veterinarian. •&nbsp;Many summer plants are toxic to your pets, including azaleas and rhododendrons. All parts of lilies, including the pollen, are toxic to cats. Keep herbicides, fertilizers and insecticides out of reach from pets and strictly follow all instructions for use. Some mulches contain parts of the cocoa bean, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested. •&nbsp;Pets also can have allergies peak during this season, which can lead to itchy skin, sneezing and watery eyes. Talk to your veterinarian about products that can help your pet combat seasonal allergies, Nelson said. •&nbsp;Grass also produces grass seeds, or awns, which often get caught up in the dog's coat, ear canals or between the toes, and can migrate a great distance in the body and cause serious infections. Be sure to check your dog's body and feet daily for these annoying, and possibly deadly, pieces of plant material. • Pets can be bitten and react to chigger bites just like humans. These pesky mites live in the grass, and their prevalence increases as temperatures and humidity levels rise. Their bites can cause inflammation and skin infections in both dogs and cats, Nelson said. •&nbsp;Make sure pets are properly identified with a tag, collar and microchip to ensure, if lost, they will be returned to you. Even if your pet is kept indoors or is not prone to wandering, proper identification is always a good idea. •&nbsp;Make sure your pet always has access to fresh water and shade this time of year. Food should be changed out at least twice daily, especially if left outside, because it will spoil more quickly and attract flies and other insects. Weak, debilitated animals should not be left outside, as wounds and soiling of the skin with urine and feces can lead to maggot infestations. Be aware that very young and old animals cannot tolerate extreme temperatures very well, so special care should be taken with them during periods of higher temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686145814869.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State NewsMANHATTAN - With summer fun comes summer-related hazards for our pets, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian. "Summer is a time for all to enjoy, and by following these precautions, you and your pet will be able to enjoy it safely and to the fullest," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>. Nelson suggests pet owners begin flea, tick and heartworm preventive care now if they haven't already, before numbers start increasing. Ticks bring many tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas can cause flea bite anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, plague, tapeworms and Bartonella henslae, which is the cause of cat scratch fever in people. Mosquitoes are behind heartworm disease for both dogs and cats, which is often fatal if left untreated. Nelson recommends year-round protection against all of these parasites. There are many choices available for both dogs and cats. Many of the heartworm preventives deworm against several intestinal parasites as well, which are also more prevalent during warmer weather. "Make sure to treat all pets in the household for fleas and ticks, even if they don't go outdoors, as these pets are often a source of a persistent infestation and a reason for failure to rid them from your environment," Nelson said. "If you are not sure which product to use, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation." In addition to flea, tick and heartworm prevention, Nelson offers the following recommendations so that people and their pets can safely enjoy all the fun that summer offers. • Remember to reintroduce your dog slowly to exercise if they have been less active over the past months or they may succumb to injury, Nelson said. In addition, look for signs of heat stress, including heavy panting, weakness, thick ropey saliva, dark red gums and collapse. • Before going to a dog park, make sure dogs are current on recommended vaccinations and review dog park etiquette. Be sure to watch your dog closely when interacting with other dogs so that play does not become too rough. •&nbsp;Protect your dog's eyes from injury by not allowing them to stick out their heads when you're driving. Keep them buckled up or secure in a crate to help avoid injury if there is an accident and to keep them from getting underfoot of the driver. Avoid having them ride in the bed of a truck so they do not jump out or get ejected in the case of an accident. •&nbsp;Never leave your pet confined to the car when temperatures start to rise, as heat stroke is too often a fatal consequence. Even temperatures in the 80s can lead to fatalities. •&nbsp;Hot weather also means hot pavement. Dogs can experience severe burns to the pads of their feet when walking on hot cement or asphalt pavements. •&nbsp;Running on rocky ground or other rough surfaces, such as cement, also can be hard on tender feet that aren't used to being on these surfaces. The outer pad covering can be worn off, leading to exposure and trauma of the tender surfaces below, Nelson said. She recommends short amounts of time at first on these surfaces until the pads toughen or have your pet wear protective booties. Products can be applied to the pads to help them toughen up. •&nbsp;Pools should be properly gated to avoid accidental drownings. If dogs go boating with you, make sure they wear life jackets if they cannot swim or if you will be far from shore. Make sure your dog is vaccinated against Leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease caused by a type of bacteria often found in lakes, ponds and standing water. If you take your dog fishing with you, keep baited and unbaited hooks and lures out of reach. Dogs have been known to swallow them or get them stuck in a lip, which are both situations that often end with a trip to the veterinarian. •&nbsp;Many summer plants are toxic to your pets, including azaleas and rhododendrons. All parts of lilies, including the pollen, are toxic to cats. Keep herbicides, fertilizers and insecticides out of reach from pets and strictly follow all instructions for use. Some mulches contain parts of the cocoa bean, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested. •&nbsp;Pets also can have allergies peak during this season, which can lead to itchy skin, sneezing and watery eyes. Talk to your veterinarian about products that can help your pet combat seasonal allergies, Nelson said. •&nbsp;Grass also produces grass seeds, or awns, which often get caught up in the dog's coat, ear canals or between the toes, and can migrate a great distance in the body and cause serious infections. Be sure to check your dog's body and feet daily for these annoying, and possibly deadly, pieces of plant material. • Pets can be bitten and react to chigger bites just like humans. These pesky mites live in the grass, and their prevalence increases as temperatures and humidity levels rise. Their bites can cause inflammation and skin infections in both dogs and cats, Nelson said. •&nbsp;Make sure pets are properly identified with a tag, collar and microchip to ensure, if lost, they will be returned to you. Even if your pet is kept indoors or is not prone to wandering, proper identification is always a good idea. •&nbsp;Make sure your pet always has access to fresh water and shade this time of year. Food should be changed out at least twice daily, especially if left outside, because it will spoil more quickly and attract flies and other insects. Weak, debilitated animals should not be left outside, as wounds and soiling of the skin with urine and feces can lead to maggot infestations. Be aware that very young and old animals cannot tolerate extreme temperatures very well, so special care should be taken with them during periods of higher temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State veterinarian offers pet health safety tips for summer

Fish Wizards hosted its fourth annual fish tour June 3 and 4 in Volland. Hosts were a group of Fort Hays State University alumni, including a current FHSU professor.

A fundraiser for the Volland Foundation and the Native Stone Scenic Byway, this event provides participants with hands-on experience with native fishes.

“A lot of folks can see the wildlife species that are out on the prairie: the birds, the animals, the buffalo, but they can’t see the fish,” Fish Wizards Founder Dr. Brian Bohnsack said. “The purpose is to get them out on the water and see what we’ve got here.”

Bohnsack was joined by three other “Fish Wizards.” Dr. Bill Stark, Joe Tomelleri and Mike Kaminski helped participants identify fish species.

During the tour, fish were caught and placed in transparent aquariums. Participants had a chance to look at the fish and have the Wizards explain the species before the fish were released back into the creek.

Bohnsack said people are often surprised by the diversity of fish present in the creek. Over twenty native fish species of fish along this particular stretch of Spring Creek were found, including the federally-endangered Topeka Shiner.

The event is timed with the fish’s spawning season so the fish are at their prettiest.

“My mom told me when she first came to Fish Wizards she thought all the Kansas fish should just be browns and greens, but they’re beautiful colors,” one of the younger participants, Kahlan, said. This year was Kahlan’s second Fish Wizards tour.

“I just like being outside in the fresh air and with all my friends,” Kahlan said. “The environment is really nice. I enjoy it a lot.”

Bohnsack emphasized that this event is family-friendly and that individuals of all ages can learn something.

“We try to tell folks there’s no silly questions, there’s no dumb questions,” Bohnsack said.

Fish Wizards will be held again next year and individuals can purchase tickets through the Volland Foundation website closer to the event date. 

For information on other events hosted by the foundation, visit: Welcome to The Volland Foundation in the Flint Hills at <a href="https://thevollandstore.com/">thevollandstore.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686322009391.jpeg" alt="A Fish Wizards Tour participant holds an aquarium with a Bluntnose Minnow from Spring Creek near Volland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A Fish Wizards Tour participant holds an aquarium with a Bluntnose Minnow from Spring Creek near Volland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFish Wizards hosted its fourth annual fish tour June 3 and 4 in Volland. Hosts were a group of Fort Hays State University alumni, including a current FHSU professor.A fundraiser for the Volland Foundation and the Native Stone Scenic Byway, this event provides participants with hands-on experience with native fishes.“A lot of folks can see the wildlife species that are out on the prairie: the birds, the animals, the buffalo, but they can’t see the fish,” Fish Wizards Founder Dr. Brian Bohnsack said. “The purpose is to get them out on the water and see what we’ve got here.”Bohnsack was joined by three other “Fish Wizards.” Dr. Bill Stark, Joe Tomelleri and Mike Kaminski helped participants identify fish species.During the tour, fish were caught and placed in transparent aquariums. Participants had a chance to look at the fish and have the Wizards explain the species before the fish were released back into the creek.Bohnsack said people are often surprised by the diversity of fish present in the creek. Over twenty native fish species of fish along this particular stretch of Spring Creek were found, including the federally-endangered Topeka Shiner.The event is timed with the fish’s spawning season so the fish are at their prettiest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686322148278.jpeg" alt=" Dr. Bill Stark, professor of biological sciences at Fort Hays State University, looks at a Slender Madtom caught by participant Kinley. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption> Dr. Bill Stark, professor of biological sciences at Fort Hays State University, looks at a Slender Madtom caught by participant Kinley. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“My mom told me when she first came to Fish Wizards she thought all the Kansas fish should just be browns and greens, but they’re beautiful colors,” one of the younger participants, Kahlan, said. This year was Kahlan’s second Fish Wizards tour.“I just like being outside in the fresh air and with all my friends,” Kahlan said. “The environment is really nice. I enjoy it a lot.”Bohnsack emphasized that this event is family-friendly and that individuals of all ages can learn something.“We try to tell folks there’s no silly questions, there’s no dumb questions,” Bohnsack said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686322333385.jpeg" alt="Dr. Stark holds a Green Sunfish caught during the Fish Wizards Tour. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Stark holds a Green Sunfish caught during the Fish Wizards Tour. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fish Wizards will be held again next year and individuals can purchase tickets through the Volland Foundation website closer to the event date. For information on other events hosted by the foundation, visit: Welcome to The Volland Foundation in the Flint Hills at <a href="https://thevollandstore.com/">thevollandstore.com</a>.

Annual Fish Wizards Tour in Volland features native fishes up close, personal

Beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Monday, the intersection of 27th and Canterbury in Hays will be closed to all traffic. 

Work will begin to construct a roundabout at the intersection which will take approximately four weeks. The work is expected to be completed and the intersection reopened the week of July 17.

Travelers should find alternate routes and avoid the intersection during this time. 

If there are any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682897537085.jpeg" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Monday, the intersection of 27th and Canterbury in Hays will be closed to all traffic. Work will begin to construct a roundabout at the intersection which will take approximately four weeks. The work is expected to be completed and the intersection reopened the week of July 17.Travelers should find alternate routes and avoid the intersection during this time. If there are any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Roundabout construction starts Monday at 27th & Canterbury in Hays

By CLINTON LAFLIN Midway Extension District Livestock Agent

RUSSELL COUNTY - The Ken and Pat Stielow family, Bar S Ranch, of rural Paradise was recently nominated as a candidate for the 2023 Master Farm Family of the Year award. They were nominated by members of the Midway District Extension Board.

The Master Farm Family award recognizes up to six farm families across Kansas each year representing excellence in the development and operation of a farm or ranch enterprise. Selection will be based on lifelong accomplishments in agriculture, alongside involvement in community and rural development.

Bar S Ranch was homesteaded near Paradise, Kansas in 1900. In 1945, Ken’s father, Frank, bought 15 purebred Angus heifers and a bull to start what became a highly reputable commercial Angus herd. The family began to register cattle in the early 1970s. The registered cow herd is currently comprised of Angus, Red Angus and Charolais cattle. This year, 2023, marked the 33rd annual sale for the operation, held at the ranch headquarters.

This annual bull and commercial female sale is held on the second Saturday in March where they sell over 100 bulls each year. The operation still includes a multidimensional farming operation and commercial cow herd.

Like many farms and ranches across Kansas, Bar S Ranch is family owned and operated. Ken and Pat work alongside their daughter Stephanie, son Chris, son-in-law David Dickerson, and three grandsons, Grady, Ethan and Jayce, in the daily operation of the ranch.

Ken and Pat are active members of the Otterbein Methodist Church in Russell. Ken is an active member of the Kansas Livestock Association, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, NCBA. He also served as chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

The Midway Extension District in Russell and Ellsworth Counties wishes the best of luck to this deserving family as they are considered for this award that will be presented in early spring 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686322886805.png" alt="The Bar S Ranch family: Seated, front row (L to R): Chris, Ken, and Patricia Stielow.&nbsp;Back row (L to R): Grady, Ethan, Jayce, Stephanie and David Dickerson" />
 <figcaption>The Bar S Ranch family: Seated, front row (L to R): Chris, Ken, and Patricia Stielow.&nbsp;Back row (L to R): Grady, Ethan, Jayce, Stephanie and David Dickerson</figcaption>
 </figure>By CLINTON LAFLIN Midway Extension District Livestock Agent RUSSELL COUNTY - The Ken and Pat Stielow family, Bar S Ranch, of rural Paradise was recently nominated as a candidate for the 2023 Master Farm Family of the Year award. They were nominated by members of the Midway District Extension Board.The Master Farm Family award recognizes up to six farm families across Kansas each year representing excellence in the development and operation of a farm or ranch enterprise. Selection will be based on lifelong accomplishments in agriculture, alongside involvement in community and rural development.Bar S Ranch was homesteaded near Paradise, Kansas in 1900. In 1945, Ken’s father, Frank, bought 15 purebred Angus heifers and a bull to start what became a highly reputable commercial Angus herd. The family began to register cattle in the early 1970s. The registered cow herd is currently comprised of Angus, Red Angus and Charolais cattle. This year, 2023, marked the 33rd annual sale for the operation, held at the ranch headquarters.This annual bull and commercial female sale is held on the second Saturday in March where they sell over 100 bulls each year. The operation still includes a multidimensional farming operation and commercial cow herd.Like many farms and ranches across Kansas, Bar S Ranch is family owned and operated. Ken and Pat work alongside their daughter Stephanie, son Chris, son-in-law David Dickerson, and three grandsons, Grady, Ethan and Jayce, in the daily operation of the ranch.Ken and Pat are active members of the Otterbein Methodist Church in Russell. Ken is an active member of the Kansas Livestock Association, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, NCBA. He also served as chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board.The Midway Extension District in Russell and Ellsworth Counties wishes the best of luck to this deserving family as they are considered for this award that will be presented in early spring 2024.

Stielow family of rural Paradise nominated for Master Farm Family of the Year

<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/2023/6/1686847716758.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

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredjumpsuitapparatus.com/" target="_blank">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus</a> lead singer Ronnie Winter speaks with The Morning Blend's Jeff Liker about their upcoming performance in Hays and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredjumpsuitapparatus.com/" target="_blank">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus</a> lead singer Ronnie Winter speaks with The Morning Blend's Jeff Liker about their upcoming performance in Hays and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to play in downtown Hays June 17" 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=nrwfn-1434a31-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to play in downtown Hays June 17

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9 p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda Accord driven by Howard J. Sanders, 85, Colby was traveling on Thomas County Road DD.

The driver attempted to cross Kansas Highway 25&nbsp; and struck a northbound 1995 Freightliner semi driven by Brian&nbsp;Laufer, 69, Atwood, on the passenger side.

EMS transported Sanders to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp;Laufer was not injured. Sanders was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9 p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda Accord driven by Howard J. Sanders, 85, Colby was traveling on Thomas County Road DD.The driver attempted to cross Kansas Highway 25&nbsp; and struck a northbound 1995 Freightliner semi driven by Brian&nbsp;Laufer, 69, Atwood, on the passenger side.EMS transported Sanders to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp;Laufer was not injured. Sanders was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after crash with a semi

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Each year the Ellis County Commission receives requests for
funding from almost two dozen agencies, and they provide about $1
million in funding.

On Tuesday the commission heard presentations from representatives
of 22 local agencies. The agencies requested $1.312 million, an
increase of $114,849 from 2023 funding. The commission asked the agencies to keep
their requests the same as the prior year.

After hearing all the presentations Commissioner Michael
Berges thanked the organizations for all the work that they do but said the
request, which equals about an 8 percent increase from 2023 may be
difficult to reach.

“I think we’re just going to have some tough decisions ahead
to see if we can meet all the requests,” Berges said. “I don’t know that we
will be able to meet all the requests that came through on the agencies. It
doesn't deplete the work that they do, but we are going to have some hard budgeting
questions to answer in the next couple of months.”

You can find a complete list of funding requests below.

The largest increased request came from the Ellis County
Historical Society. They requested an increase of $75,000 for $175,000.

Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp told the
commission that the request is equal to previous funding levels.
The highest funding support for the historical society was in 2013, according
to Rupp.

“The money from both the county and the city is to
pay utilities on the campus and to retain the small staff that we have currently,”
Rupp said. 

She highlighted their efforts to save the stone church and remodel the basement, allowing them to open the Main Street location again. She said the renovation plans for 2023 are on track. That includes the new HVAC
system.

In 2022 the historical society was able to raise almost $150,000 and another $465,000 in grants and donations so far in 2023. All of that
funding is for capital improvements, and Rupp said the majority of their
operating expenses are publicly funded.

Commissioner Neal Younger thanked Rupp for the work they have done and shared the story of trying to donate his dad’s Word War II
artifacts several years ago. The historical society would not accept them.

“When we first started this that was a trainwreck,” Younger
said. “Thank you for what you guys have done.”

Five other agency requests were larger than the funding they
received in 2023. Those included Grow Hays’ request of $180,000, $15,000 more
than it received for 2023 but the same as it requested in 2022. 

High Plains Mental Health requested an increase of $16,000
for $296,084. The Ellis Nutrition Center also increased its request by $5,000
for $25,715, and the Northwest Silver-haired Legislature’s request of $500 was added as
funding for an outside agency.

The commission did not further discuss the funding requests
at Tuesday’s meeting and will consider them at a later date.

2024 Ellis County outside agency funding requests Western Kansas Child Advocacy - $7,500 CASA of the High Plains -$4,750 DSNWK - $250,000 DSNWK - Part C Program - $120,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters - $5,000 High Plains Mental Health - $296,084 GrowHays - $180,000 Ellis County Conservation District - $72,646 Ellis County Historical Society - $175,000 Ellis Alliance Association - $1,750 Foster Grandparents - $8,552 Senior Companion - $22,050 Hays Senior Center - $37,115 NWKAAA - $30,000 Victoria Meal Site - $2,960 Ellis Nutrition Center - $25,715 Center for Life Experience&nbsp; - $5,000 Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services - $10,000 Heartland Community Foundation - $5,000 DSNWK (ACCESS Transportation) - $50,000 Northwest Silver-haired Legislature - $500 Humane Society - $2,600 TOTAL - $1,312,222

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEach year the Ellis County Commission receives requests for
funding from almost two dozen agencies, and they provide about $1
million in funding.On Tuesday the commission heard presentations from representatives
of 22 local agencies. The agencies requested $1.312 million, an
increase of $114,849 from 2023 funding. The commission asked the agencies to keep
their requests the same as the prior year.After hearing all the presentations Commissioner Michael
Berges thanked the organizations for all the work that they do but said the
request, which equals about an 8 percent increase from 2023 may be
difficult to reach.“I think we’re just going to have some tough decisions ahead
to see if we can meet all the requests,” Berges said. “I don’t know that we
will be able to meet all the requests that came through on the agencies. It
doesn't deplete the work that they do, but we are going to have some hard budgeting
questions to answer in the next couple of months.”You can find a complete list of funding requests below.The largest increased request came from the Ellis County
Historical Society. They requested an increase of $75,000 for $175,000.Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp told the
commission that the request is equal to previous funding levels.
The highest funding support for the historical society was in 2013, according
to Rupp.“The money from both the county and the city is to
pay utilities on the campus and to retain the small staff that we have currently,”
Rupp said. She highlighted their efforts to save the stone church and remodel the basement, allowing them to open the Main Street location again. She said the renovation plans for 2023 are on track. That includes the new HVAC
system.In 2022 the historical society was able to raise almost $150,000 and another $465,000 in grants and donations so far in 2023. All of that
funding is for capital improvements, and Rupp said the majority of their
operating expenses are publicly funded.Commissioner Neal Younger thanked Rupp for the work they have done and shared the story of trying to donate his dad’s Word War II
artifacts several years ago. The historical society would not accept them.“When we first started this that was a trainwreck,” Younger
said. “Thank you for what you guys have done.”Five other agency requests were larger than the funding they
received in 2023. Those included Grow Hays’ request of $180,000, $15,000 more
than it received for 2023 but the same as it requested in 2022. High Plains Mental Health requested an increase of $16,000
for $296,084. The Ellis Nutrition Center also increased its request by $5,000
for $25,715, and the Northwest Silver-haired Legislature’s request of $500 was added as
funding for an outside agency.The commission did not further discuss the funding requests
at Tuesday’s meeting and will consider them at a later date.2024 Ellis County outside agency funding requests Western Kansas Child Advocacy - $7,500 CASA of the High Plains -$4,750 DSNWK - $250,000 DSNWK - Part C Program - $120,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters - $5,000 High Plains Mental Health - $296,084 GrowHays - $180,000 Ellis County Conservation District - $72,646 Ellis County Historical Society - $175,000 Ellis Alliance Association - $1,750 Foster Grandparents - $8,552 Senior Companion - $22,050 Hays Senior Center - $37,115 NWKAAA - $30,000 Victoria Meal Site - $2,960 Ellis Nutrition Center - $25,715 Center for Life Experience&nbsp; - $5,000 Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services - $10,000 Heartland Community Foundation - $5,000 DSNWK (ACCESS Transportation) - $50,000 Northwest Silver-haired Legislature - $500 Humane Society - $2,600 TOTAL - $1,312,222

6 outside agencies ask Ellis County for more money in 2024

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An expert in the field of sex trafficking and relationship violence told a summit assembled in Hays on Monday that addressing child abuse is needed to deal with sex trafficking.

Dorthy Stucky Halley, founder of the Family Peace initiative, said most victims of sex trafficking, sex traffickers and sex buyers were abused as children.

Stucky Halley has worked in the field since 1986. She taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s victim rights coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

"It is important that we prioritize funds and really give attention to stopping child abuse," Stucky Halley said in a short interview after her lecture. "As long as child abuse is going on, these problems will continue to happen."

Seventy to 90 percent of people who are commercially sexually exploited have a history of childhood sexual abuse. This includes 90 percent of strippers as well.&nbsp;

Stucky Halley said people say that strippers choose to strip.&nbsp;

"They should be handing out thank you cards to their uncle, to their mother, to their father, to whomever sexually abused them because you wouldn't be watching them on stage had that person not sexually abused them," she said.

Stucky Halley said victims of child sexual abuse may see the sex trade as their least bad option.

Victims of the sex trade may have children to feed and a criminal history and selling themselves for sex may be the only thing they can think of that pays that kind of money given their circumstances, Stucky Halley said.

"As far as those who are already caught up in it, I think we need to have effective intervention services for those who have been victims and intervention services for those who are buyers and those who are traffickers," she said.

"Putting them in jail for a short amount of time is not going to resolve the issue," she said.&nbsp;

The number of trafficking cases per year in Options&nbsp;Domestic and Sexual Violence Services coverage area in northwest Kansas is usually less than 10 per year, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, director of client services for Options.&nbsp;

However, Options advocates are training to better recognize human trafficking, which may happen in conjunction with child abuse, adult sexual abuse or domestic violence, she said.

Complex trauma as a child, which is often called adverse childhood experiences or ACEs, is a predictor of people becoming victims of sex trafficking. Of the 10 ACEs, 44 percent of women who were sex trafficked had four to seven of these traumatic experiences in their childhoods.&nbsp;

An additional 48 percent had scores of eight or more.

If a person has an ACE score of six or more, their life expectancy is 20 years or more shorter than the general public.

"In the background of human trafficking, we have child abuse. We've got sexual abuse, and we've got domestic violence. Really most victims of human trafficking that I've worked with and talked with have at least one of those in their background,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said.

"If we are really going to get rid of human trafficking, we've got to get rid of those three," she said. "As long as we have those three going on, we're going to have victims that are vulnerable to get involved in some kind of sex trafficking."

Stucky Halley went on to break some myths about who offenders are. The same childhood traumas that were in the backgrounds of human trafficking victims were in the backgrounds of the traffickers.

Seventy-two percent of traffickers are male, and 28 percent are female. Communities often assume that all traffickers are male, but she noted that 1 in 4 are females.

Sixty-four percent of traffickers did not finish high school.

Eighty-eight percent of traffickers were physically abused in childhood, and 76 percent were sexually abused as children. Eighty-eight percent of human traffickers also experienced domestic violence in the home.&nbsp;

Eighty-four percent witnessed substance abuse in their homes as children.

"It's really easy to denounce them and call them the evil people. It's another thing to view the trafficker and realize that they were victims in another part of their lives," Stucky Halley said.

Stucky Halley also said the motivations of sex traffickers also lined up with those of domestic violence abusers. She said, in her experience,&nbsp; often sex trafficking is discovered when an intimate partner is admitted to a psychiatric facility for care.

Stucky Halley found that one-third to one-half of sex trafficking victims were trafficked by family members. One-quarter to one-third were trafficked by their husbands.

Sex buyers, or "Johns" as they are called on the street, also tend to have many of the same traumatic childhood experiences in their backgrounds, Stucky Halley said.

Sex buyers tend to be white, middle or upper class, married, and often in positions of authority or respect in their communities, she said.

Almost one in five buyers were in positions in which they worked with children, including teachers, coaches and Boy Scout leaders.

Ninety-nine percent of the sex buyers were male.

Twenty-two percent involved a position of authority, including attorneys, law enforcement, ministers and members of the military.&nbsp;

Often sadistic sex buyers or traffickers, those who wish to inflict pain on others, are the ones who will donate to women's shelters or other charities.&nbsp;

Not only do they enjoy inflicting pain on others, but they also derive pleasure in being able to fool others about their violent behavior,&nbsp;Stucky Halley said.

This can lead to victims not being believed because of the status of the offender.

Stucky Halley gave the example of a postmaster in a small community in Missouri who tortured a developmentally disabled woman to the point she had a heart attack.

"What if she had in the middle of the night gone pounding on someone's door in the community and said the postmaster and these men who are considered very reputable in the community are doing these crazy, horrible things to me,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said. "How many people would have believed her?

"How many of them would have said, 'The postmaster, you've got to be joking. I take my grandkid in when I go pick up my mail, and he's giving my grandkid a lollipop. He's a very nice, considerate man.'"

Stucky Halley said some places in the state have implemented "John schools," which are similar to batterer intervention programs for offenders who have been convicted of domestic violence.

However, she said there are only a few of these programs in the state.

Stucky Halley said Kansas and our nation need ways to hold sex buyers and sex traffickers accountable for the harm they have caused others but also give them a path to heal the trauma that led them to those offenses in the first place.

"Accountability is necessary," she said. "It's just not the solution. Those who have been violent with others need to be accountable for all the violence they've done, but the second thing they have to be accountable for is for healing from the violence that happened to them long before they could do anything about it."

She said she has talked to women who are in prison, and they tell about the circumstances that led them to transition from being a victim to a trafficker.

"So, who are you dealing with then?" Stucky Halley said. "Are you dealing with a trafficker or a victim?"

Rotary's Community Action Against Human Trafficking Project in Shawnee County is giving women who have been in jail options other than returning to their traffickers.

Many women who have been in jail have no one to turn to for clean clothes, a place to stay or food other than their traffickers. They are the only ones waiting when they get out, she said.

Participation is voluntary. The women are provided with mentors. Kits, including clean clothes and hygiene items, are provided to the women upon their release.

The women can access ongoing services after their release.

The average woman who experiences domestic violence will try to leave their abuser seven times before they finally leave permanently.

Stucky Halley said sex trafficking victims also often will go back to the streets multiple times before they make permanent life changes. She said this can be very frustrating for advocates, especially when youth are being trafficked, and the urgency to get them out of that life is so great.

"We know people do not make transformational change overnight," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686693453207.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn expert in the field of sex trafficking and relationship violence told a summit assembled in Hays on Monday that addressing child abuse is needed to deal with sex trafficking.Dorthy Stucky Halley, founder of the Family Peace initiative, said most victims of sex trafficking, sex traffickers and sex buyers were abused as children.Stucky Halley has worked in the field since 1986. She taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s victim rights coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office."It is important that we prioritize funds and really give attention to stopping child abuse," Stucky Halley said in a short interview after her lecture. "As long as child abuse is going on, these problems will continue to happen."Seventy to 90 percent of people who are commercially sexually exploited have a history of childhood sexual abuse. This includes 90 percent of strippers as well.&nbsp;Stucky Halley said people say that strippers choose to strip.&nbsp;"They should be handing out thank you cards to their uncle, to their mother, to their father, to whomever sexually abused them because you wouldn't be watching them on stage had that person not sexually abused them," she said.Stucky Halley said victims of child sexual abuse may see the sex trade as their least bad option.Victims of the sex trade may have children to feed and a criminal history and selling themselves for sex may be the only thing they can think of that pays that kind of money given their circumstances, Stucky Halley said."As far as those who are already caught up in it, I think we need to have effective intervention services for those who have been victims and intervention services for those who are buyers and those who are traffickers," she said."Putting them in jail for a short amount of time is not going to resolve the issue," she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672716428.jpeg" alt="Adverse childhood experiences or ACEs." />
 <figcaption>Adverse childhood experiences or ACEs.</figcaption>
 </figure>The number of trafficking cases per year in Options&nbsp;Domestic and Sexual Violence Services coverage area in northwest Kansas is usually less than 10 per year, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, director of client services for Options.&nbsp;However, Options advocates are training to better recognize human trafficking, which may happen in conjunction with child abuse, adult sexual abuse or domestic violence, she said.Complex trauma as a child, which is often called adverse childhood experiences or ACEs, is a predictor of people becoming victims of sex trafficking. Of the 10 ACEs, 44 percent of women who were sex trafficked had four to seven of these traumatic experiences in their childhoods.&nbsp;An additional 48 percent had scores of eight or more.If a person has an ACE score of six or more, their life expectancy is 20 years or more shorter than the general public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686674500711.jpeg" alt="Sex trafficking victims, their traffickers and sex buyers all tend to have histories of child abuse, domestic violence and/or sexual abuse in their backgrounds, according to&nbsp;Dorthy Stucky Halley." />
 <figcaption>Sex trafficking victims, their traffickers and sex buyers all tend to have histories of child abuse, domestic violence and/or sexual abuse in their backgrounds, according to&nbsp;Dorthy Stucky Halley.</figcaption>
 </figure>"In the background of human trafficking, we have child abuse. We've got sexual abuse, and we've got domestic violence. Really most victims of human trafficking that I've worked with and talked with have at least one of those in their background,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said."If we are really going to get rid of human trafficking, we've got to get rid of those three," she said. "As long as we have those three going on, we're going to have victims that are vulnerable to get involved in some kind of sex trafficking."Stucky Halley went on to break some myths about who offenders are. The same childhood traumas that were in the backgrounds of human trafficking victims were in the backgrounds of the traffickers.Seventy-two percent of traffickers are male, and 28 percent are female. Communities often assume that all traffickers are male, but she noted that 1 in 4 are females.Sixty-four percent of traffickers did not finish high school.Eighty-eight percent of traffickers were physically abused in childhood, and 76 percent were sexually abused as children. Eighty-eight percent of human traffickers also experienced domestic violence in the home.&nbsp;Eighty-four percent witnessed substance abuse in their homes as children."It's really easy to denounce them and call them the evil people. It's another thing to view the trafficker and realize that they were victims in another part of their lives," Stucky Halley said.Stucky Halley also said the motivations of sex traffickers also lined up with those of domestic violence abusers. She said, in her experience,&nbsp; often sex trafficking is discovered when an intimate partner is admitted to a psychiatric facility for care.Stucky Halley found that one-third to one-half of sex trafficking victims were trafficked by family members. One-quarter to one-third were trafficked by their husbands.Sex buyers, or "Johns" as they are called on the street, also tend to have many of the same traumatic childhood experiences in their backgrounds, Stucky Halley said.Sex buyers tend to be white, middle or upper class, married, and often in positions of authority or respect in their communities, she said.Almost one in five buyers were in positions in which they worked with children, including teachers, coaches and Boy Scout leaders.Ninety-nine percent of the sex buyers were male.Twenty-two percent involved a position of authority, including attorneys, law enforcement, ministers and members of the military.&nbsp;Often sadistic sex buyers or traffickers, those who wish to inflict pain on others, are the ones who will donate to women's shelters or other charities.&nbsp;Not only do they enjoy inflicting pain on others, but they also derive pleasure in being able to fool others about their violent behavior,&nbsp;Stucky Halley said.This can lead to victims not being believed because of the status of the offender.Stucky Halley gave the example of a postmaster in a small community in Missouri who tortured a developmentally disabled woman to the point she had a heart attack."What if she had in the middle of the night gone pounding on someone's door in the community and said the postmaster and these men who are considered very reputable in the community are doing these crazy, horrible things to me,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said. "How many people would have believed her?"How many of them would have said, 'The postmaster, you've got to be joking. I take my grandkid in when I go pick up my mail, and he's giving my grandkid a lollipop. He's a very nice, considerate man.'"Stucky Halley said some places in the state have implemented "John schools," which are similar to batterer intervention programs for offenders who have been convicted of domestic violence.However, she said there are only a few of these programs in the state.Stucky Halley said Kansas and our nation need ways to hold sex buyers and sex traffickers accountable for the harm they have caused others but also give them a path to heal the trauma that led them to those offenses in the first place."Accountability is necessary," she said. "It's just not the solution. Those who have been violent with others need to be accountable for all the violence they've done, but the second thing they have to be accountable for is for healing from the violence that happened to them long before they could do anything about it."She said she has talked to women who are in prison, and they tell about the circumstances that led them to transition from being a victim to a trafficker."So, who are you dealing with then?" Stucky Halley said. "Are you dealing with a trafficker or a victim?"Rotary's Community Action Against Human Trafficking Project in Shawnee County is giving women who have been in jail options other than returning to their traffickers.Many women who have been in jail have no one to turn to for clean clothes, a place to stay or food other than their traffickers. They are the only ones waiting when they get out, she said.Participation is voluntary. The women are provided with mentors. Kits, including clean clothes and hygiene items, are provided to the women upon their release.The women can access ongoing services after their release.The average woman who experiences domestic violence will try to leave their abuser seven times before they finally leave permanently.Stucky Halley said sex trafficking victims also often will go back to the streets multiple times before they make permanent life changes. She said this can be very frustrating for advocates, especially when youth are being trafficked, and the urgency to get them out of that life is so great."We know people do not make transformational change overnight," she said.

Expert: Child abuse common thread among sex victims, traffickers, buyers

The 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.

The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”

Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.

“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”

The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.

“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”

She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.

“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”

And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.

“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”

Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.

“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”

The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.

For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.

Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays

While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.

New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.

“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. 

Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.

“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.

Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.

“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.

And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.

Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown

In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”

“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”

“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”

“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”

For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773653192.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j9faj-14335ca-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773726157.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773785910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.<h2>Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773682744.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686776622220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773696715.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.<h2>Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals to host Pack the Pavilion June 16" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7cft4-14335ad-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a>

🎙Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680878534172.jpeg" alt="Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSchool's out and there's a lot more bicycle traffic on the streets and sidewalks of Hays.For many riders, it's been a while since they were on their bikes. They may be out of practice and their bicycles likely need a once-over to make sure they're in good condition."Make sure you have air in your tires and your brakes are working," said Sgt. David Vilaysing, Hays Police Department, who is also a bicycle officer.&nbsp;"We definitely want to keep everybody safe out there.""The most important thing is to follow the rules of the road."That means going the correct direction on a one-way street, coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and obeying other traffic rules, just as if you were driving a car.Appropriate hand and arm signals should be given when turning,&nbsp; changing lanes, or coming to a stop.&nbsp;Bicyclists should ride single file unless the path or roadway they're on is of sufficient width to ride two abreast.&nbsp;Vilaysing said most of the multi-use paths in Hays are just wide enough to ride single file.&nbsp;In Hays, it is lawful to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk."It's preferred that you ride on the city streets because of the nature of the bicycle. It's a little bit faster and readily visible. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and for people who want to use their rollerblades or skateboards instead of bicycles."In addition to wearing a safety helmet, other safety equipment for bicycle riders includes a front-mounted white light and a red reflector on the back of the bike, which are required in Hays when riding after sunset or before sunrise.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686254852725.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>There are designated bike lanes across the city."Ride single file and follow the directional arrows that are on the lanes. You can ride safely from one point to another or just get out and get some exercise." Drivers near bike lanes must respect that "riders are afforded the same rights and duties as motor vehicles are."So [drivers] have got to yield to [bicyclists] if they come up at the same time to a stop sign [at a four-way stop], the person on the right is going to have the right-of-way, whether a bicycle or motorist. ... They have to stay on the right side of the road until they move over to make a left turn. It's the same [traffic rules.]"<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/7EOyQxR6-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Bike Safety 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Vilaysing finds being a Hays bicycle officer "affords us more mobility and allows us to get out more and interact with the public." He particularly enjoys visiting with children."If we see kids out and about, we definitely stop and talk with them. That's the point of the bicycle program is to have more interaction with the public."&nbsp;&nbsp;The bicycle officers prefer riding in the warmer temperatures but can be out in all weather, Vilaysing said.&nbsp;Bicyclists must obey traffic rules just like motorists, and if they don't, they can be ticketed just like motorists."For example, if a bicyclist runs a stop sign, they can get pulled over and cited for disobeying the stop sign. If they're not using appropriate lighting equipment at night, they're going to get stopped and talked to by an officer."All those rights and privileges that are applicable to them, they can be held accountable for," Vilaysing said.

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