By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Hays music teacher will be inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame.

Gloria Blackwell has been a vocal music teacher for 48 years, 26 of those with the Hays school district.&nbsp;

Blackwell was honored at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting on Monday. The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be inducted during a ceremony on June 3 in Dodge City.

Anita Scheve, Wilson Elementary School principal, nominated Blackwell for the honor and read her nomination at the school board meeting Monday.

During her tenure, Blackwell has become a passionate advocate for arts education across the state, Scheve said.

"She tirelessly advocates for children," Scheve said. "She goes above and beyond what is expected to build excellence in her students by leading special singing groups, arranging community performances and writing grants to procure instruments so students can have other opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise.

"That experience helps our students broaden their musical knowledge and experiences and engagement."

She said Blackwell's students are well prepared to pursue music classes at the middle school and beyond.&nbsp;

"She utilizes lots of genres, lots of instruments but also incorporates a unifying theme," Scheve said. "She creatively engages and motivates students to a very high degree. ...

"She seeks out opportunities for students to make real-life connections to music. Perhaps more notable is the importance that Gloria places on relationships with each student.

"Her love of students is as palpable and her love of students helps her build strong relationships that support and strengthen the child in all aspects of life by being that person that they know believes in them."&nbsp;

Scheve said Blackwell's legacy is broad, her impact is immeasurable and her scope is irreplaceable.&nbsp;

Blackwell said she truly loves her students.&nbsp;

"I say they are all mine. It makes me sad when I think I haven't reached someone. I keep trying. I guess that is why I am still here. It's who I am, and it's what I do. I love what I do," she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1bc5d9d-d549-4416-9ddb-a2c4104193d3">Blackwell was honored as the Hays Post Teacher of the Month in March 2o21.</a>

In 1977, the first state hall of fame for teachers was established in Dodge City. Since its inception, more than 450 exemplary educators have been inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame.

Each year, nominations are accepted from each of the 12 districts in Kansas. The state selection committee meets in March to review the candidates and complete the selection process.

The inductees must meet the highest of standards, including evidence of outstanding teaching, evidence of positive interactions with the students and parents; qualities that set him/her apart from other educators; the continued pursuit of educational opportunities throughout their career; a willingness to share ideas by conducting workshops classes, etc. for parents, teachers, and involvement in community activities; educational recognition and awards; and a philosophy of education that is a positive example for others, according to the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame.

Additionally, nominees must have been a K-12 teacher for a minimum of 25 years in Kansas.

This year's other inductees include: •	Mickey Bogart, Manhattan •	Roger Diekmann, Woodbine • Demetre Evangelidis, Smith Center •	Russell "Rusty" Allan Hilst, Hutchinson •	Mark Meyer, Trunpa •	Kimberly Stoppel, Russell •	Dan Whisler, Hutchinson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681247897169.jpeg" alt="Kansas Hall of Fame teacher Gloria Blackwell, left, as Wilson Elementary School Principal Anita Scheve reads her nomination for the Hall of Fame Monday night at the Hays school board meeting. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Hall of Fame teacher Gloria Blackwell, left, as Wilson Elementary School Principal Anita Scheve reads her nomination for the Hall of Fame Monday night at the Hays school board meeting. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Hays music teacher will be inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame.Gloria Blackwell has been a vocal music teacher for 48 years, 26 of those with the Hays school district.&nbsp;Blackwell was honored at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting on Monday. The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be inducted during a ceremony on June 3 in Dodge City.Anita Scheve, Wilson Elementary School principal, nominated Blackwell for the honor and read her nomination at the school board meeting Monday.During her tenure, Blackwell has become a passionate advocate for arts education across the state, Scheve said."She tirelessly advocates for children," Scheve said. "She goes above and beyond what is expected to build excellence in her students by leading special singing groups, arranging community performances and writing grants to procure instruments so students can have other opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise."That experience helps our students broaden their musical knowledge and experiences and engagement."She said Blackwell's students are well prepared to pursue music classes at the middle school and beyond.&nbsp;"She utilizes lots of genres, lots of instruments but also incorporates a unifying theme," Scheve said. "She creatively engages and motivates students to a very high degree. ..."She seeks out opportunities for students to make real-life connections to music. Perhaps more notable is the importance that Gloria places on relationships with each student."Her love of students is as palpable and her love of students helps her build strong relationships that support and strengthen the child in all aspects of life by being that person that they know believes in them."&nbsp;Scheve said Blackwell's legacy is broad, her impact is immeasurable and her scope is irreplaceable.&nbsp;Blackwell said she truly loves her students.&nbsp;"I say they are all mine. It makes me sad when I think I haven't reached someone. I keep trying. I guess that is why I am still here. It's who I am, and it's what I do. I love what I do," she said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1bc5d9d-d549-4416-9ddb-a2c4104193d3">Blackwell was honored as the Hays Post Teacher of the Month in March 2o21.</a>In 1977, the first state hall of fame for teachers was established in Dodge City. Since its inception, more than 450 exemplary educators have been inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame.Each year, nominations are accepted from each of the 12 districts in Kansas. The state selection committee meets in March to review the candidates and complete the selection process.The inductees must meet the highest of standards, including evidence of outstanding teaching, evidence of positive interactions with the students and parents; qualities that set him/her apart from other educators; the continued pursuit of educational opportunities throughout their career; a willingness to share ideas by conducting workshops classes, etc. for parents, teachers, and involvement in community activities; educational recognition and awards; and a philosophy of education that is a positive example for others, according to the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame.Additionally, nominees must have been a K-12 teacher for a minimum of 25 years in Kansas.This year's other inductees include: •	Mickey Bogart, Manhattan •	Roger Diekmann, Woodbine • Demetre Evangelidis, Smith Center •	Russell "Rusty" Allan Hilst, Hutchinson •	Mark Meyer, Trunpa •	Kimberly Stoppel, Russell •	Dan Whisler, Hutchinson

Hays music teacher to be inducted into Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame

DENVER (AP) —&nbsp;A man accused of making a threatening phone call to the office of Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold last year has been convicted of one count of retaliation against an elected official, prosecutors said Thursday.

A jury deliberated for about three hours before finding Kirk Wertz, 52, guilty of the felony count Wednesday, the Denver District Attorney's Office said.

Wertz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-colorado-denver-21c9950a115a4dc146793f536c5cca2c">was accused of calling Griswold's office</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2022, and asking the call-taker to tell Griswold, the state's top election official, that “the angel of death is coming for her in the name of Jesus Christ,” according to a court document explaining why he was arrested.

He was taken into custody in suburban Denver after investigators tracked his cellphone moving from Goodland to the Denver area, according to the document. When a trooper called Wertz back at the number he used to call Griswold's office, he would not say whether he planned to physically hurt Griswold.

Wertz asked the trooper if he knew about the First Amendment and also said, “And I’m an Oath Taker and an Oath Keeper and I owe you no explanation.” The document did not elaborate on whether Wertz was affiliated with the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group.

The details about what he said to the call-taker and the state trooper who called him back were redacted from the document at the time of his arrest but have since been made available.

Wertz is represented by public defenders, who do not comment on cases. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday.

Last year, a Nebraska man pleaded guilty in Denver federal court to making death threats to Griswold on social media. Officials said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-colorado-denver-cf061ce08b08cff4d0ff168bd16afee2">the first such plea</a>&nbsp;obtained by a federal task force devoted to protecting elections workers across the U.S., who have been subject to increasing threats since the 2020 presidential election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681415099611.png" alt="Wertz / photo Denver District Attorney's Office" />
 <figcaption>Wertz / photo Denver District Attorney's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) —&nbsp;A man accused of making a threatening phone call to the office of Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold last year has been convicted of one count of retaliation against an elected official, prosecutors said Thursday.A jury deliberated for about three hours before finding Kirk Wertz, 52, guilty of the felony count Wednesday, the Denver District Attorney's Office said.Wertz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-colorado-denver-21c9950a115a4dc146793f536c5cca2c">was accused of calling Griswold's office</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2022, and asking the call-taker to tell Griswold, the state's top election official, that “the angel of death is coming for her in the name of Jesus Christ,” according to a court document explaining why he was arrested.He was taken into custody in suburban Denver after investigators tracked his cellphone moving from Goodland to the Denver area, according to the document. When a trooper called Wertz back at the number he used to call Griswold's office, he would not say whether he planned to physically hurt Griswold.Wertz asked the trooper if he knew about the First Amendment and also said, “And I’m an Oath Taker and an Oath Keeper and I owe you no explanation.” The document did not elaborate on whether Wertz was affiliated with the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group.The details about what he said to the call-taker and the state trooper who called him back were redacted from the document at the time of his arrest but have since been made available.Wertz is represented by public defenders, who do not comment on cases. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday.Last year, a Nebraska man pleaded guilty in Denver federal court to making death threats to Griswold on social media. Officials said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-colorado-denver-cf061ce08b08cff4d0ff168bd16afee2">the first such plea</a>&nbsp;obtained by a federal task force devoted to protecting elections workers across the U.S., who have been subject to increasing threats since the 2020 presidential election.

Man tracked to NW Kan. made threatening call to elections official

RUSSELL — At 9 p.m. Wednesday, the Russell Fire Department was dispatched to 930 N. Lincoln — the “old lumber yard” — for a report of a structure fire. Crews arriving on scene observed a large vehicle storage shed on fire on the south side of the property. Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly once access was gained. The structure sustained significant damage and most of the contents on the west side of the building are a complete loss. Two vehicles were stored on the east side of the structure, and both received minimal damage, mainly from smoke and heat. The railroad tracks that run along the south side of the property also had service suspended for an hour as crews had to use the ladder truck from across the tracks to provide water and aerial operations. This was due to the limited access that the property provided at the time of the fire.&nbsp; Crews remained on scene for two hours performing overhaul and checking for fire extension. The Russell Police Department, Russell Electric Department, Russell County 911 and Russell County EMS all assisted during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681416114432.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseRUSSELL — At 9 p.m. Wednesday, the Russell Fire Department was dispatched to 930 N. Lincoln — the “old lumber yard” — for a report of a structure fire. Crews arriving on scene observed a large vehicle storage shed on fire on the south side of the property. Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly once access was gained. The structure sustained significant damage and most of the contents on the west side of the building are a complete loss. Two vehicles were stored on the east side of the structure, and both received minimal damage, mainly from smoke and heat. The railroad tracks that run along the south side of the property also had service suspended for an hour as crews had to use the ladder truck from across the tracks to provide water and aerial operations. This was due to the limited access that the property provided at the time of the fire.&nbsp; Crews remained on scene for two hours performing overhaul and checking for fire extension. The Russell Police Department, Russell Electric Department, Russell County 911 and Russell County EMS all assisted during the incident.

Russell fire damages building at former lumber yard

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas has received several phone calls and email messages about an email that was sent out around 1:10 p.m. Thursday. This message appears to come from Sarah Wasinger and has a link to click on for shared&nbsp;Closing Documents1. The email address itself is actually&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dawn@theopenningstudio.com">dawn@theopenningstudio.com</a>, not from&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>.

Please do not click on this email or any of its attachments as it is a phishing attempt.

Keep in mind that valid emails from chamber staff members include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Chamber in Hays, KansasThe Chamber in Hays, Kansas has received several phone calls and email messages about an email that was sent out around 1:10 p.m. Thursday. This message appears to come from Sarah Wasinger and has a link to click on for shared&nbsp;Closing Documents1. The email address itself is actually&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dawn@theopenningstudio.com">dawn@theopenningstudio.com</a>, not from&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>.Please do not click on this email or any of its attachments as it is a phishing attempt.Keep in mind that valid emails from chamber staff members include:<ul>
 <li><a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a></li><li><a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a></li><li><a href="mailto:rhonda@hayschamber.com">rhonda@hayschamber.com</a></li><li><a href="mailto:crystal@hayschamber.com">crystal@hayschamber.com</a></li><li><a href="mailto:assistant@hayschamber.com">assistant@hayschamber.com</a></li>
 </ul>

Hays chamber warns of suspicious email

Devices used to steal information from pay-at-the-pump locations
have been reported in Hays in recent weeks.

“Somebody had used their card
at a local gas station,” said Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright. “Then
their card’s numbers were used elsewhere.”

Two official reports have been made to the department, stemming from a Hays location. In
one case, the information was used to complete a fraudulent purchase.

The reports indicated the information was stolen from pumps
at Casey’s Convenience Store, 1600 E. 27th, but Wright said no
evidence of the skimmer was found after the fraudulent activity was reported on April 4. 

The reporting party said the card had been used at the
location on March 31, and activity appeared on April 1.

"The
business had already been alerted by a customer of theirs that did not make a
report with us that there had been an attempt on their card after using it at
their store," Wright said. "And the business had already gone through their machines to verify
there wasn't anything in there. "

He said they did not find the skimmers at that time.

"I think that's pretty common that by the time it gets
reported, it's really easy for them to have already removed
the device and moved on," Wright said.

While there is no known ongoing threat to the public from the
compromised pumps now, he said skimmers are continuing to become more
complex, making it hard to detect by operators and customers.

“They will come, and they will put
the device inside the machine,” Wright said. “The days of having a skimmer on the
outside of the machines as camouflage to kind of look like the card slot and
reading the card as it's passing through — that's not how it's done anymore.”

He said skimmer devices commonly used now are placed inside
the machines, making them increasingly hard to detect.

“Some of them will transmit
the information,” Wright said. “So the bad guy doesn't even have to go back to
the machine to get the info, it'll Bluetooth it or transmit in ways like that.
And they can just be in the area and get the information wirelessly.”

Others will hold the
information locally until it is retrieved, but he said in either case, they are
often removed after a short time in order to be moved to another location.

“Even on the ones that are wireless and they will send the information out, the bad guy wants that
back,” Wright said. “Otherwise, they got to make another one or buy another one.”

Another factor that creates difficulty for law enforcement and operators to stop skimmer activity is the speed in which newer devices can be applied.

"It can be done shockingly fast," Wright said.&nbsp;

And even if the device is located, often it is of little use in an investigation.

"There won't be anything on the device that is likely to catch the person," Wright said. "So, it's not like there's going to be an electronic trail there or something like that, that is going to be useful to us."

Wright said the nature of the
activity leads him to believe the perpetrator is likely not an area resident, as reports
of skimmers in Hays are limited.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/920d0102-1ec0-4f64-ae56-14a38d96adf4">Related story:&nbsp;🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area</a>

As gas pump skimmers, and those that place them, adopt new methods of stealing credit card data from gas pumps, Wright said customers can keep themselves from becoming victims by following a few simple steps.

"One recommendation would be to take the extra time to go into the gas station and pay inside," he said. "Even if you're going to use your card to pay in person inside, skimmers aren't going to be inside, they're going to be in the pumps. 

Using a credit card, rather than a debit, typically carries extra protection and can stop banking information from coming into the hands of a bad actor, Wright said.

Only fueling from well-maintained facilities can also decrease risk, he said.

"There are certain machines, older machines I think, are more susceptible to tampering," Wright said.

And while newer pumps can help stop skimmer activity, security seal stickers often placed on pumps in an attempt to stop tampering can be a sign of a skimmer on any pump, new or old.

Monitoring credit card and debit card accounts can help stop fraudulent activity quicker, he said, and any sign of theft should be reported.

"People should report it to us so that we can notify the gas stations," Wright said. "There are other ways that your card numbers and whatnot can be compromised too, but this is definitely a tactic that can be successful."

By JAMES BELL Hays PostDevices used to steal information from pay-at-the-pump locations
have been reported in Hays in recent weeks.“Somebody had used their card
at a local gas station,” said Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright. “Then
their card’s numbers were used elsewhere.”Two official reports have been made to the department, stemming from a Hays location. In
one case, the information was used to complete a fraudulent purchase.The reports indicated the information was stolen from pumps
at Casey’s Convenience Store, 1600 E. 27th, but Wright said no
evidence of the skimmer was found after the fraudulent activity was reported on April 4. The reporting party said the card had been used at the
location on March 31, and activity appeared on April 1."The
business had already been alerted by a customer of theirs that did not make a
report with us that there had been an attempt on their card after using it at
their store," Wright said. "And the business had already gone through their machines to verify
there wasn't anything in there. "He said they did not find the skimmers at that time."I think that's pretty common that by the time it gets
reported, it's really easy for them to have already removed
the device and moved on," Wright said.While there is no known ongoing threat to the public from the
compromised pumps now, he said skimmers are continuing to become more
complex, making it hard to detect by operators and customers.“They will come, and they will put
the device inside the machine,” Wright said. “The days of having a skimmer on the
outside of the machines as camouflage to kind of look like the card slot and
reading the card as it's passing through — that's not how it's done anymore.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673955619636.png" alt="Gas pump skimmer /&nbsp;Photo Atwood Police" />
 <figcaption>Gas pump skimmer /&nbsp;Photo Atwood Police</figcaption>
 </figure>He said skimmer devices commonly used now are placed inside
the machines, making them increasingly hard to detect.“Some of them will transmit
the information,” Wright said. “So the bad guy doesn't even have to go back to
the machine to get the info, it'll Bluetooth it or transmit in ways like that.
And they can just be in the area and get the information wirelessly.”Others will hold the
information locally until it is retrieved, but he said in either case, they are
often removed after a short time in order to be moved to another location.“Even on the ones that are wireless and they will send the information out, the bad guy wants that
back,” Wright said. “Otherwise, they got to make another one or buy another one.”Another factor that creates difficulty for law enforcement and operators to stop skimmer activity is the speed in which newer devices can be applied."It can be done shockingly fast," Wright said.&nbsp;And even if the device is located, often it is of little use in an investigation."There won't be anything on the device that is likely to catch the person," Wright said. "So, it's not like there's going to be an electronic trail there or something like that, that is going to be useful to us."Wright said the nature of the
activity leads him to believe the perpetrator is likely not an area resident, as reports
of skimmers in Hays are limited.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/920d0102-1ec0-4f64-ae56-14a38d96adf4">Related story:&nbsp;🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area</a><div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=2kc54-13d67b6-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><h2>Gas pump 'skimmers,' Prevention is key</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675188505903.png" alt="Gas pump security sticker. File photo." />
 <figcaption>Gas pump security sticker. File photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>As gas pump skimmers, and those that place them, adopt new methods of stealing credit card data from gas pumps, Wright said customers can keep themselves from becoming victims by following a few simple steps."One recommendation would be to take the extra time to go into the gas station and pay inside," he said. "Even if you're going to use your card to pay in person inside, skimmers aren't going to be inside, they're going to be in the pumps. Using a credit card, rather than a debit, typically carries extra protection and can stop banking information from coming into the hands of a bad actor, Wright said.Only fueling from well-maintained facilities can also decrease risk, he said."There are certain machines, older machines I think, are more susceptible to tampering," Wright said.And while newer pumps can help stop skimmer activity, security seal stickers often placed on pumps in an attempt to stop tampering can be a sign of a skimmer on any pump, new or old.Monitoring credit card and debit card accounts can help stop fraudulent activity quicker, he said, and any sign of theft should be reported."People should report it to us so that we can notify the gas stations," Wright said. "There are other ways that your card numbers and whatnot can be compromised too, but this is definitely a tactic that can be successful."

Gas pump 'skimmers' reported in Hays

After a heated debate Monday night, the Hays school board voted to hire the superintendent's wife as a teacher for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Ron Wilson's wife, Andrea, has been working for the district as an at-risk classroom aide at Lincoln Elementary School.

O'Loughlin Elementary School Principal Rene Burns requested to hire her as a fourth- and fifth-grade loop teacher.&nbsp;

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

However, board member Curt Vajnar asked the personnel transactions be taken out of the consent agenda and discussed separately.

The following video begins at the point where the board begins to discuss personnel transactions.

Usually, when a specific person's employment or performance is being discussed, school boards recess into executive sessions to protect that person's privacy.

On Monday, however, Vajanr began the discussion of the personnel transactions by addressing her by name.

"In 35 years since I have been here, we have not done that," Vajnar said. "As a professional teacher, it is just going to be awkward for that administrator and staff.

"It's like the coach's kid or the teacher's kid. The superintendent supervises the administrator and the administrator is supervising the staff member. I have a hard time feeling that's a good practice, and it doesn't feel good to me."

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

No employee shall directly supervise or be responsible for any portion of the evaluation of his or her father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.

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

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

Wilson said Assistant Superintendent Shanna Dinkel will supervise Wilson's wife and her principal in an attempt to eliminate a conflict of interest.

Wilson said none of the most recent superintendents' wives lived in Hays.

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said the district is not getting the quantity or type of applications it had at one time because of a teacher shortage.

Vajnar said he did not think the district was breaking policy by hiring Andrea Wilson, but he said he thought it would be setting a bad precedent.

"I think is being questioned by the community," he said.

Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said the policy states the superintendent is required to inform the district if any candidate is a relative, which Ron Wilson did.

She also said the superintendent is not involved in specific teacher evaluations.&nbsp;

Board member Lori Hertel said she thought the board was following the policy in the hiring.

Dinkel said the hiring request had nothing to do with lack of candidates, but Andrea Wilson was chosen because she was the best person to do the job.

"That's why you hire us is to present to you the personnel transactions with the best person to fill the vacancy," she said.

Andrea Wilson has more than 25 years of experience teaching fourth and fifth-grade students, according to her husband. Since the couple moved to Hays, she has worked in the Hays district as a substitute teacher and long-term substitute teacher of a fourth-grade classroom. For the last two years, she’s worked in the district as a kindergarten classroom aide at Lincoln Elementary.&nbsp;

The board then discussed whether it was appropriate to continue the discussion in an executive session.

Lillpopp asked the hiring principal to be included in the executive session to add input. Both Rene Burns, the principal where she would work as a teacher, and Principal Kerri Lacy, her current supervisor at Lincoln, volunteered to speak on Andrea Wilson's behalf in the executive session.

Ken Brooks moved the board into executive session to further discuss the issue.

Board members Allen Park, Wellbrock and Hertel said they thought the discussion was about policy and should be discussed in public.

Board president Craig Pallister said the district has had numerous administrators who had wives who taught in the district.

"I don't know why the exception is here," he said.

Park said the difference was their supervisors were not supervised by the spouse. He gave the example of Pallister's wife who Park supervised at Washington Elementary School while Palliser was the middle school principal.

In open session, Park asked if anyone on the board had a problem with Andrea Wilson being hired as a teacher.

Pallister said, "We are not going to discuss that right now."

"You are way out of order," Pallister said to Park.

The board members with the exception of Wellbrock voted to move into the executive session for 15 minutes.

Yelling could be heard from the board room during the executive session.

The board came back into public session and with no further discussion voted 5-2 to approve the personnel transactions with Andrea Wilson's hiring. Park and Vajnar voted against the personnel transactions.

Andrea Wilson's contract will begin Aug. 14.

Hays Post offered Ron and Andrea Wilson opportunities to comment after the board meeting and they declined to comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681231204797.png" alt="Hays school board members at Monday's meeting. From left: Craig Pallister, Lori Hertel, Curt Vajnar and Tammy Wellbrock. Not pictured Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, Ken Brooks and Allen Park. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays school board members at Monday's meeting. From left: Craig Pallister, Lori Hertel, Curt Vajnar and Tammy Wellbrock. Not pictured Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, Ken Brooks and Allen Park. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter a heated debate Monday night, the Hays school board voted to hire the superintendent's wife as a teacher for the upcoming school year.Superintendent Ron Wilson's wife, Andrea, has been working for the district as an at-risk classroom aide at Lincoln Elementary School.O'Loughlin Elementary School Principal Rene Burns requested to hire her as a fourth- and fifth-grade loop teacher.&nbsp;The school board does not interview candidates for positions other than the superintendent but has final approval over personnel transactions. These transactions are usually part of a consent agenda and their approval is considered routine.However, board member Curt Vajnar asked the personnel transactions be taken out of the consent agenda and discussed separately.The following video begins at the point where the board begins to discuss personnel transactions.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QFVw7cd_NMU?start=4143" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Usually, when a specific person's employment or performance is being discussed, school boards recess into executive sessions to protect that person's privacy.On Monday, however, Vajanr began the discussion of the personnel transactions by addressing her by name."In 35 years since I have been here, we have not done that," Vajnar said. "As a professional teacher, it is just going to be awkward for that administrator and staff."It's like the coach's kid or the teacher's kid. The superintendent supervises the administrator and the administrator is supervising the staff member. I have a hard time feeling that's a good practice, and it doesn't feel good to me."The district's nepotism policy reads:The Superintendent shall make reasonable efforts to determine whether a candidate for employment is related to a board member or an administrator of the district. If a candidate is related to a board member or administrator, the Superintendent will make this fact known to the board.No employee shall directly supervise or be responsible for any portion of the evaluation of his or her father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.District policy does not specifically prohibit administrators' spouses from working in the district. It does prohibit sitting board members' relatives from being hired.Except in an emergency, the board will not employ anyone who is the father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law of any board member.Wilson said Assistant Superintendent Shanna Dinkel will supervise Wilson's wife and her principal in an attempt to eliminate a conflict of interest.Wilson said none of the most recent superintendents' wives lived in Hays.Board member Tammy Wellbrock said the district is not getting the quantity or type of applications it had at one time because of a teacher shortage.Vajnar said he did not think the district was breaking policy by hiring Andrea Wilson, but he said he thought it would be setting a bad precedent."I think is being questioned by the community," he said.Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said the policy states the superintendent is required to inform the district if any candidate is a relative, which Ron Wilson did.She also said the superintendent is not involved in specific teacher evaluations.&nbsp;Board member Lori Hertel said she thought the board was following the policy in the hiring.Dinkel said the hiring request had nothing to do with lack of candidates, but Andrea Wilson was chosen because she was the best person to do the job."That's why you hire us is to present to you the personnel transactions with the best person to fill the vacancy," she said.Andrea Wilson has more than 25 years of experience teaching fourth and fifth-grade students, according to her husband. Since the couple moved to Hays, she has worked in the Hays district as a substitute teacher and long-term substitute teacher of a fourth-grade classroom. For the last two years, she’s worked in the district as a kindergarten classroom aide at Lincoln Elementary.&nbsp;The board then discussed whether it was appropriate to continue the discussion in an executive session.Lillpopp asked the hiring principal to be included in the executive session to add input. Both Rene Burns, the principal where she would work as a teacher, and Principal Kerri Lacy, her current supervisor at Lincoln, volunteered to speak on Andrea Wilson's behalf in the executive session.Ken Brooks moved the board into executive session to further discuss the issue.Board members Allen Park, Wellbrock and Hertel said they thought the discussion was about policy and should be discussed in public.Board president Craig Pallister said the district has had numerous administrators who had wives who taught in the district."I don't know why the exception is here," he said.Park said the difference was their supervisors were not supervised by the spouse. He gave the example of Pallister's wife who Park supervised at Washington Elementary School while Palliser was the middle school principal.In open session, Park asked if anyone on the board had a problem with Andrea Wilson being hired as a teacher.Pallister said, "We are not going to discuss that right now.""You are way out of order," Pallister said to Park.The board members with the exception of Wellbrock voted to move into the executive session for 15 minutes.Yelling could be heard from the board room during the executive session.The board came back into public session and with no further discussion voted 5-2 to approve the personnel transactions with Andrea Wilson's hiring. Park and Vajnar voted against the personnel transactions.Andrea Wilson's contract will begin Aug. 14.Hays Post offered Ron and Andrea Wilson opportunities to comment after the board meeting and they declined to comment.

Hays BOE hires superintendent's wife as teacher after nepotism debate

A red flag warning remains in effect for Hays and Ellis County until 8 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

With a high temperature nearing 90 degrees and winds gusting up to 45 into the evening, the risk of wildfires is high, the NWS warned.

The NWS also warned of the threat of a <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ama/microbursts">"dry microburst,"</a> noting conditions were ideal for the rare storm. Winds of up to 60 mph could descend straight down from a cloud base, then spreads. With the potential to kick up significant dust, hazardous travel is possible should the meteorological event occur.

Friday will bring a chance of showers or thunderstorms after 1 p.m. There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation in the afternoon, increasing to 590 percent by Friday night and into Saturday morning.

North winds will begin to blow Friday night, gusting up to 40 mph. The daytime high on Saturday is only expected to be in the low- to mid-50s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681409468810.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A red flag warning remains in effect for Hays and Ellis County until 8 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.With a high temperature nearing 90 degrees and winds gusting up to 45 into the evening, the risk of wildfires is high, the NWS warned.The NWS also warned of the threat of a <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ama/microbursts">"dry microburst,"</a> noting conditions were ideal for the rare storm. Winds of up to 60 mph could descend straight down from a cloud base, then spreads. With the potential to kick up significant dust, hazardous travel is possible should the meteorological event occur.Friday will bring a chance of showers or thunderstorms after 1 p.m. There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation in the afternoon, increasing to 590 percent by Friday night and into Saturday morning.North winds will begin to blow Friday night, gusting up to 40 mph. The daytime high on Saturday is only expected to be in the low- to mid-50s.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The environment today and tonight favors a dry microburst threat. Here is a bit of information on what that exactly means for you. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wxtwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wxtwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/kM1b2NIqa2">pic.twitter.com/kM1b2NIqa2</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1646482912211259394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Red flag warnings ... and a 'dry microburst' threat?

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 Director of Early Childhood Services Donna Hudson-Hamilton shares information about ongoing district pre-school enrollment.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 preschool enrollment open now" 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=ffw5u-13e0e2e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 Director of Early Childhood Services Donna Hudson-Hamilton shares information about ongoing district pre-school enrollment.

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 preschool enrollment open now

On April 13, at approximately 8:19 a.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire located at 700 East 6th Street in Hays.

Hays Fire Department responded and found a fire had started on the outside and extended into the home. 

The fire damaged the wooden porch of the mobile home and extended underneath the floor. 

Firefighters used an attack line to extinguish the fire. All utilities had been shut off by emergency personnel. 

The damage to the home was minimal, but the occupants were unable to return to the home.

The home was occupied at the time. No injuries from the occupants or first responders were reported. 

The cause of the fire is ruled accidental and was started by an improperly discarded cigarette.

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department and Midwest Energy.

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone that during these dry times we must be extra cautious when discarding cigarettes, using outdoor fire features or any other activity that could lead to a fire. 

Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in knowing more of how to protect your home from outdoor fires.

Hays Fire DepartmentOn April 13, at approximately 8:19 a.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire located at 700 East 6th Street in Hays.Hays Fire Department responded and found a fire had started on the outside and extended into the home. The fire damaged the wooden porch of the mobile home and extended underneath the floor. Firefighters used an attack line to extinguish the fire. All utilities had been shut off by emergency personnel. The damage to the home was minimal, but the occupants were unable to return to the home.The home was occupied at the time. No injuries from the occupants or first responders were reported. The cause of the fire is ruled accidental and was started by an improperly discarded cigarette.The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department and Midwest Energy.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone that during these dry times we must be extra cautious when discarding cigarettes, using outdoor fire features or any other activity that could lead to a fire. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in knowing more of how to protect your home from outdoor fires.

Hays home damaged by fire Thursday morning

The Westside Chapter is a local nonprofit organization that was formed in 2022. Mike and Denise
Brull along with Robert and Martha Boardman had an idea years ago to create a local chapter for
promoting Breweriana.

The Westside Chapter will host its second annual Old West Breweriana Roundup on Saturday, April 15.
The buy-sell-trade show will include all types of man cave items such as beer neons, mirrors, steins,
tap knobs, trays, antique cans and much more. Vendors are coming from all over the nation to
purchase tables for the event. The show will be held at the Ellis County Fairgrounds from 9:30AM-
3:30PM. There is a $2 admission fee for adults. There will be burgers, brats, chips and drinks
available by Pfonz Smokehaus &amp; Catering. Also available for purchase will be beer, popcorn, shirts
and other miscellaneous items. If you have items you would like to sell, vendor tables are still
available.


The Westside Chapter has been hosting meet-and-greet opportunities around town this past year and
the membership has grown to over 100 members. The annual membership fee is $10. This fee also
provides four quarterly newsletters. 
More information is available by joining the Facebook group Westside Chapter of the BCCA, ABA and
NABA. Come out and support this new organization on April 15. For more
information, contact Mike Brull at (785) 656-0640 or westsidebcca@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680032057490.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Westside Chapter is a local nonprofit organization that was formed in 2022. Mike and Denise
Brull along with Robert and Martha Boardman had an idea years ago to create a local chapter for
promoting Breweriana. 
The Westside Chapter will host its second annual Old West Breweriana Roundup on Saturday, April 15.
The buy-sell-trade show will include all types of man cave items such as beer neons, mirrors, steins,
tap knobs, trays, antique cans and much more. Vendors are coming from all over the nation to
purchase tables for the event. The show will be held at the Ellis County Fairgrounds from 9:30AM-
3:30PM. There is a $2 admission fee for adults. There will be burgers, brats, chips and drinks
available by Pfonz Smokehaus &amp; Catering. Also available for purchase will be beer, popcorn, shirts
and other miscellaneous items. If you have items you would like to sell, vendor tables are still
available.
The Westside Chapter has been hosting meet-and-greet opportunities around town this past year and
the membership has grown to over 100 members. The annual membership fee is $10. This fee also
provides four quarterly newsletters. 
More information is available by joining the Facebook group Westside Chapter of the BCCA, ABA and
NABA. Come out and support this new organization on April 15. For more
information, contact Mike Brull at (785) 656-0640 or westsidebcca@gmail.com.

Old West Breweriana scheduled by The Westside Chapter

Ellis County Rural Water District 1-C&nbsp; members need to conserve water for the next 30 days as the water tower is down for maintenance of the interior.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679327216830.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEllis County Rural Water District 1-C&nbsp; members need to conserve water for the next 30 days as the water tower is down for maintenance of the interior.

Ellis Co. Rural Water District 1-C members asked to conserve water

A marriage and family therapist is opening a new practice in the Hadley Center in Hays.

Kaylan Garcia, 25, is the owner of Whole Hearts Counseling. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Fort Hays State University before attending Oklahoma State University and earning her master's degree in marriage and family therapy.

While she was attending FHSU, she worked at the High Plains Mental Health's Schwaller Center doing crisis intervention.

She worked in two group practices in Denver for about a year and a half.

"Denver was hard to feel that sense of community in such a big place," she said. "Coming back to Hays, I have friends and family who live around here.&nbsp;

"I also knew there was a need for more couples therapists here. ... It felt like a really good place to grow my practice and serve this community. It felt like a good place to come back to."

Garcia specializes in couples counseling but provides some individual therapy.

"I do a lot of work with couples who say, 'We just want to reconnect. We feel we've lost ourselves in our relationship,'" she said.

She also helps couples improve communication skills and learn conflict management.

While Garcia was attending Fort Hays State University, she was in a couple's group through a church with her husband. She said it was then she decided she wanted to specialize in couples counseling.

Garcia uses a variety of techniques with couples, including emotionally focused therapy, the developmental model and the Gottman method.

These processes help couples deepen connections, learn practical communication skills, learn to self-soothe and to not take on others' emotions.&nbsp;

She likes to give homework to help couples continue to work through issues when they are at home.

Therapy frequency depends on the couple, but Garcia recommends starting with sessions, which are 50 minutes, every other week. The duration of counseling also can vary widely but can often last from eight to 20 sessions.

Duration is very dependent on what couples what to get out of their sessions, she said.

Couples counseling is not always covered by insurance. Garcia is accepting private pay only now but is working toward accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield. She has a sliding-fee scale and said she doesn't want cost to be a barrier for couples to receive counseling.

Garcia and her husband have been married for four years. They have no children. Garcia, who has only been back in Hays for two weeks, said she is looking forward to reconnecting with the community.

Whole Hearts Counseling's office is in Suite B of the Hadley Center in Hays. This is on the center's first floor on the west side.

Her hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She said she has some flexibility in scheduling outside of those hours.

She is accepting new clients. All sessions and client information is confidential.

She offers a free 15-minute consultation that allows clients to determine if she is the right fit for their needs.

To book an appointment, you can search for Garcia by name on <a href="http://psychologytoday.com">psychologytoday.com</a>&nbsp;under its "Find a Therapist" tab. You also can book directly on her website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wholeheartsks.com/">wholeheartsks.com</a>.&nbsp;

You also can follow Garcia on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090619218562">Facebook</a>, reach her by phone at 720-515-4213 or by email at&nbsp;kaylan@wholeheartsks.com.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA marriage and family therapist is opening a new practice in the Hadley Center in Hays.Kaylan Garcia, 25, is the owner of Whole Hearts Counseling. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Fort Hays State University before attending Oklahoma State University and earning her master's degree in marriage and family therapy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680280253002.png" alt="Kaylan Garcia" />
 <figcaption>Kaylan Garcia</figcaption>
 </figure>While she was attending FHSU, she worked at the High Plains Mental Health's Schwaller Center doing crisis intervention.She worked in two group practices in Denver for about a year and a half."Denver was hard to feel that sense of community in such a big place," she said. "Coming back to Hays, I have friends and family who live around here.&nbsp;"I also knew there was a need for more couples therapists here. ... It felt like a really good place to grow my practice and serve this community. It felt like a good place to come back to."Garcia specializes in couples counseling but provides some individual therapy."I do a lot of work with couples who say, 'We just want to reconnect. We feel we've lost ourselves in our relationship,'" she said.She also helps couples improve communication skills and learn conflict management.While Garcia was attending Fort Hays State University, she was in a couple's group through a church with her husband. She said it was then she decided she wanted to specialize in couples counseling.Garcia uses a variety of techniques with couples, including emotionally focused therapy, the developmental model and the Gottman method.These processes help couples deepen connections, learn practical communication skills, learn to self-soothe and to not take on others' emotions.&nbsp;She likes to give homework to help couples continue to work through issues when they are at home.Therapy frequency depends on the couple, but Garcia recommends starting with sessions, which are 50 minutes, every other week. The duration of counseling also can vary widely but can often last from eight to 20 sessions.Duration is very dependent on what couples what to get out of their sessions, she said.Couples counseling is not always covered by insurance. Garcia is accepting private pay only now but is working toward accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield. She has a sliding-fee scale and said she doesn't want cost to be a barrier for couples to receive counseling.Garcia and her husband have been married for four years. They have no children. Garcia, who has only been back in Hays for two weeks, said she is looking forward to reconnecting with the community.Whole Hearts Counseling's office is in Suite B of the Hadley Center in Hays. This is on the center's first floor on the west side.Her hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She said she has some flexibility in scheduling outside of those hours.She is accepting new clients. All sessions and client information is confidential.She offers a free 15-minute consultation that allows clients to determine if she is the right fit for their needs.To book an appointment, you can search for Garcia by name on <a href="http://psychologytoday.com">psychologytoday.com</a>&nbsp;under its "Find a Therapist" tab. You also can book directly on her website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wholeheartsks.com/">wholeheartsks.com</a>.&nbsp;You also can follow Garcia on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090619218562">Facebook</a>, reach her by phone at 720-515-4213 or by email at&nbsp;kaylan@wholeheartsks.com.

Couples therapist opens new practice in Hays

Volunteers will be taking donations for a garage sale fundraiser for the Hays Dog Park.

No clothes or shoes. All other household items that are clean and in working condition will be accepted.

 Please drop off items from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at the north door of the North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

If you need to donate items before this time or have questions, call Laurie at 785-635-5616.

The sale will be 1 p.m. to dark on Friday, April 21 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The North Oak Leadership Team will have a bake sale and meal during the dog park sale. The meal will be Friday evening and lunch Saturday.

Proceeds from this will be going to their upcoming summer mission trip.

Also at the sale, volunteers will sell pet memorial dog bones that will hang at the dog park.&nbsp;The flyer to purchase these is on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysDogPark">Hays Dog Park Facebook page</a> or see below.&nbsp; Forms are due by April 22.

SubmittedVolunteers will be taking donations for a garage sale fundraiser for the Hays Dog Park.No clothes or shoes. All other household items that are clean and in working condition will be accepted. Please drop off items from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at the north door of the North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.If you need to donate items before this time or have questions, call Laurie at 785-635-5616.The sale will be 1 p.m. to dark on Friday, April 21 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The North Oak Leadership Team will have a bake sale and meal during the dog park sale. The meal will be Friday evening and lunch Saturday.Proceeds from this will be going to their upcoming summer mission trip.Also at the sale, volunteers will sell pet memorial dog bones that will hang at the dog park.&nbsp;The flyer to purchase these is on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysDogPark">Hays Dog Park Facebook page</a> or see below.&nbsp; Forms are due by April 22. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681242419834.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Donations requested for Hays Dog Park garage sale fundraiser

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a local live production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Reps. Clark Sanders (Dist. 69, Salina) and Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, at 7 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is hosted by Becky Kiser, news reporter for Hays Post and Eagle Radio.&nbsp;

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">To find a list of legislatures that might be on the show each week, go to our website, SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2023 season schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 2023 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-great-plains" target="_blank">ITC Great Plains</a>&nbsp;and through a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679321952538.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL —&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a local live production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Reps. Clark Sanders (Dist. 69, Salina) and Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, at 7 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is hosted by Becky Kiser, news reporter for Hays Post and Eagle Radio.&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">To find a list of legislatures that might be on the show each week, go to our website, SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2023 season schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2023 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-great-plains" target="_blank">ITC Great Plains</a>&nbsp;and through a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

NW Kansas Republican featured on Friday's 'The Kansas Legislature' 

<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/2023/4/1681325796863.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

As the weather warms up, it is the perfect time to get outside and spend some time with your children or grandchildren. Time spent outside is good not only for&nbsp;your&nbsp;children’s ability to be physically active&nbsp;it is also&nbsp;valuable for their minds, as well.&nbsp;There are many benefits when adults spend time with children, and being outside makes the time even better. &nbsp;Shared experiences strengthen the bond between parents and children and improve the children’s emotional health which in turns encourages nurturing parent behaviors. &nbsp;There is something about the change in season and the fresh air that is good for everyone’s mental and physical health. &nbsp;Besides the environment, there is typically movement involved with being outdoors that is also good for physical and mental health.&nbsp;

So many things are happening outside this time of the year. &nbsp;Trees are growing, plants are no longer dormant, there are insects everywhere and other parts of the natural environment are starting to emerge. Getting outside is a really good opportunity to spend time with your family just having a good time.&nbsp;There can be so many good lessons in getting outside to explore nature and learn about science. &nbsp;Kids are instinctively attracted to nature study.

Outside play is usually less structured which allows for children to explore things&nbsp;they&nbsp;like to do as well as be creative. &nbsp;Unplanned activity gives your children an opportunity to&nbsp;lead the play.&nbsp;They are continually being told what to do and how to do it, so going outside opens up the possibilities for them to engage in self-directed play. Let them choose what they’re going to do. That’s really empowering for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a child’s lead during play helps them respond better when&nbsp;you&nbsp;need to&nbsp;them to&nbsp;follow your directions.

Play&nbsp;is truly&nbsp;the work of early childhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;For children, they’re completely learning about their world through play. They are learning cause and effect – they are beginning to understand what happens if I do ‘this’, which&nbsp;builds their&nbsp;self-esteem.&nbsp;Children&nbsp;learn they can&nbsp;make&nbsp;things happen by exploring their world.&nbsp;It can be simple things, such as throwing rocks or drawing in the mud.&nbsp;Being outdoors is an easy way for children to learn&nbsp;they can make things happen.&nbsp;Parents can provide&nbsp;materials for play such as water, sand, chalk, outdoor paint, balls and bubbles.

Outdoor play&nbsp;provides an array of benefits for children’s development. Large motor skills are strengthened as well as coordination and balance. &nbsp;Having&nbsp;a&nbsp;regular outside time during the day teaches children about routines and can&nbsp;they&nbsp;<a></a>learn to&nbsp;anticipate the enjoyment of outside time. &nbsp;Finally, when exploring the outdoors children can have an opportunity to strengthen their social skills and make new friends. &nbsp;Being&nbsp;outside usually makes everyone feel better after the long cold winter. &nbsp;The sun and wind feel good but at the end of the day everyone is tired which leads to a good night’s rest. &nbsp;Time spent outside benefits everyone physically and mentally&nbsp;and is good stress relief!

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>As the weather warms up, it is the perfect time to get outside and spend some time with your children or grandchildren. Time spent outside is good not only for&nbsp;your&nbsp;children’s ability to be physically active&nbsp;it is also&nbsp;valuable for their minds, as well.&nbsp;There are many benefits when adults spend time with children, and being outside makes the time even better. &nbsp;Shared experiences strengthen the bond between parents and children and improve the children’s emotional health which in turns encourages nurturing parent behaviors. &nbsp;There is something about the change in season and the fresh air that is good for everyone’s mental and physical health. &nbsp;Besides the environment, there is typically movement involved with being outdoors that is also good for physical and mental health.&nbsp;So many things are happening outside this time of the year. &nbsp;Trees are growing, plants are no longer dormant, there are insects everywhere and other parts of the natural environment are starting to emerge. Getting outside is a really good opportunity to spend time with your family just having a good time.&nbsp;There can be so many good lessons in getting outside to explore nature and learn about science. &nbsp;Kids are instinctively attracted to nature study.Outside play is usually less structured which allows for children to explore things&nbsp;they&nbsp;like to do as well as be creative. &nbsp;Unplanned activity gives your children an opportunity to&nbsp;lead the play.&nbsp;They are continually being told what to do and how to do it, so going outside opens up the possibilities for them to engage in self-directed play. Let them choose what they’re going to do. That’s really empowering for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a child’s lead during play helps them respond better when&nbsp;you&nbsp;need to&nbsp;them to&nbsp;follow your directions.Play&nbsp;is truly&nbsp;the work of early childhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;For children, they’re completely learning about their world through play. They are learning cause and effect – they are beginning to understand what happens if I do ‘this’, which&nbsp;builds their&nbsp;self-esteem.&nbsp;Children&nbsp;learn they can&nbsp;make&nbsp;things happen by exploring their world.&nbsp;It can be simple things, such as throwing rocks or drawing in the mud.&nbsp;Being outdoors is an easy way for children to learn&nbsp;they can make things happen.&nbsp;Parents can provide&nbsp;materials for play such as water, sand, chalk, outdoor paint, balls and bubbles.Outdoor play&nbsp;provides an array of benefits for children’s development. Large motor skills are strengthened as well as coordination and balance. &nbsp;Having&nbsp;a&nbsp;regular outside time during the day teaches children about routines and can&nbsp;they&nbsp;<a></a>learn to&nbsp;anticipate the enjoyment of outside time. &nbsp;Finally, when exploring the outdoors children can have an opportunity to strengthen their social skills and make new friends. &nbsp;Being&nbsp;outside usually makes everyone feel better after the long cold winter. &nbsp;The sun and wind feel good but at the end of the day everyone is tired which leads to a good night’s rest. &nbsp;Time spent outside benefits everyone physically and mentally&nbsp;and is good stress relief!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

KOERNER: Get outside and play

HUGOTON - Governor Laura Kelly attended the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate upcoming improvements to the <a href="https://jag-transport.com/cimarron-valley-railroad/">Cimarron Valley Railroad</a> in southwest Kansas from Dodge City to Hugoton.

The railway was awarded nearly $15 million from both private and public sources, including the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) fund and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), to complete the Southwest Kansas Infrastructure Upgrade Project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Kelly directly advocated for the project’s grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These upgrades are not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our agriculture industry – and our economy as a whole,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“By rehabilitating over 85 miles of an essential rail line in southwest Kansas, this project will make it easier and more efficient for local businesses to transport biodiesel and other agricultural products.”&nbsp;

“The Cimarron Valley Railroad has been committed to transporting Kansas-grown goods across the country and the world in a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient way for over two decades. These funds will help us continue to do that,”&nbsp;said Nathan Champion, president of the Cimarron Valley Railroad.&nbsp;“We are thankful for the partnerships – both public and private – that have helped make these upgrades happen to ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods throughout local, national, and international markets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681379459019.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov. KellyHUGOTON - Governor Laura Kelly attended the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate upcoming improvements to the <a href="https://jag-transport.com/cimarron-valley-railroad/">Cimarron Valley Railroad</a> in southwest Kansas from Dodge City to Hugoton. The railway was awarded nearly $15 million from both private and public sources, including the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) fund and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), to complete the Southwest Kansas Infrastructure Upgrade Project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Kelly directly advocated for the project’s grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These upgrades are not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our agriculture industry – and our economy as a whole,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“By rehabilitating over 85 miles of an essential rail line in southwest Kansas, this project will make it easier and more efficient for local businesses to transport biodiesel and other agricultural products.”&nbsp;“The Cimarron Valley Railroad has been committed to transporting Kansas-grown goods across the country and the world in a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient way for over two decades. These funds will help us continue to do that,”&nbsp;said Nathan Champion, president of the Cimarron Valley Railroad.&nbsp;“We are thankful for the partnerships – both public and private – that have helped make these upgrades happen to ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods throughout local, national, and international markets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681379835897.png" alt="Cimarron Valley Railroad" />
 <figcaption>Cimarron Valley Railroad</figcaption>
 </figure>State legislators also attended the event.&nbsp;“Upgrading the Cimarron Valley Railroad is essential to keeping our communities connected and their economies thriving,”&nbsp;said Representative David Younger, Ulysses. “Investing in our rural areas will improve rail operations, our economic competitiveness, and safety in the region and statewide. This is a great day for southwest Kansas and our state as a whole.” &nbsp;The upgrades are particularly beneficial to agriculture communities. The funds will transform the railroad line into an efficient agricultural thoroughfare that will connect Kansas to more markets.&nbsp;

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