The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed all highways in its northwest district because of blizzard conditions and low visibility.

I-70 has also been closed in both directions between Salina and the Colorado border.

All non-essential travel should be delayed until conditions improve. Motorists currently on the road are advised to seek shelter until the storm moves through.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has closed all highways in its northwest district because of blizzard conditions and low visibility.I-70 has also been closed in both directions between Salina and the Colorado border.All non-essential travel should be delayed until conditions improve. Motorists currently on the road are advised to seek shelter until the storm moves through.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

All state highways closed in northwest Kansas both directions

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and&nbsp;John Scheck from the Claims Department about claims advocates and tips on filing claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740505767258.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Insurance Planning" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=6ita5-184a2ca-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and&nbsp;John Scheck from the Claims Department about claims advocates and tips on filing claims.

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning on claims advocates, filing insurance claims

27th Street in Hays from Canterbury Road to Commerce Parkway is closed as of 8:35 a.m. Wednesday according to the Ellis County Sheriff's Department. There is zero visibility and vehicles stuck on the road.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol is discouraging travel throughout northwest Kansas due to blowing snow, low visibility and stranded vehicles.

Ellis County Sheriff27th Street in Hays from Canterbury Road to Commerce Parkway is closed as of 8:35 a.m. Wednesday according to the Ellis County Sheriff's Department. There is zero visibility and vehicles stuck on the road.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol is discouraging travel throughout northwest Kansas due to blowing snow, low visibility and stranded vehicles.

27th Street closed from Canterbury to Commerce in Hays

Due to the winter weather conditions, the regular collection of Wednesday’s refuse and recycling in Hays may be delayed several hours. 

In the event that it does not get picked up on Wednesday, please leave your polycarts out and it will be collected on Thursday, March 19. 

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734690570482.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the winter weather conditions, the regular collection of Wednesday’s refuse and recycling in Hays may be delayed several hours. In the event that it does not get picked up on Wednesday, please leave your polycarts out and it will be collected on Thursday, March 19. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Blizzarad causing delay in refuse/recycling collection today in Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The new Hays High School building project is progressing with an opening set for August.&nbsp;

The high school is the most signficant of multiple projects being paid for with a $145 million bond issue.

The current Hays High School will be converted to a middle school with middle school students set to move to their new home in January 2026.

The Hays High principal and Hays USD 489 superintendent March 13 took a group of local relators and a reporter from the Hays Post through the high school construction zone.&nbsp;

"Student collaborative areas, everything is intentional for teaching and learning to blend and combine and bring in career and technical ed and make it all quite visible," Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said.

There are rooms for student collaboration throughout the building. Teachers will not be assigned a classroom, but there are teacher collaborative spaces in each of the learning pods. This gives the school more flexibility and maximizes space. Teachers can plan in the collaborative space instead of occupying a classroom.

Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson told the group the school is being branded in multiple places with the word "Hays," not only to encourgage student pride in their school but their community, which hopefully they will want to live and work in after they complete their education.

Henderson said he foresees the school opening the upstairs track for community members to walk during the day.

Henderson said many community members have expressed concerns about traffic at the new campus. The start times for the two schools will be offset by 10 minutes.

Hays High has never hosted a home football game. They will be able to do that in the new stadium. All of their games have been planned at Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field, Henderson said.

Not pictured is a culinary kitchen for students to learn food service skills, a family and consumer science classroom, and a small playground for students who are interacting with small children during child development classes.

Subjects similar to math, science, English and arts are grouped together to allow for teacher collaboration.

The Hays High students will go from classrooms of about 600 square feet to 900 square feet. The remodel at the current high school will convert three rooms into two. The current middle school has rooms of about 750 square feet. The remodeled building will have 950-square-foot rooms.

There is also a scene shop and dressing room off of the auditorium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742240790855.jpeg" alt="The west side of the athletic wing of the new Hays High School can be seen from what will be a turfed soccer field. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The west side of the athletic wing of the new Hays High School can be seen from what will be a turfed soccer field. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe new Hays High School building project is progressing with an opening set for August.&nbsp;The high school is the most signficant of multiple projects being paid for with a $145 million bond issue.The current Hays High School will be converted to a middle school with middle school students set to move to their new home in January 2026.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742245790960.jpeg" alt="A soccer field that is soon to be turfed. In the distance you can see the current Hays High and green house.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A soccer field that is soon to be turfed. In the distance you can see the current Hays High and green house.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays High principal and Hays USD 489 superintendent March 13 took a group of local relators and a reporter from the Hays Post through the high school construction zone.&nbsp;"Student collaborative areas, everything is intentional for teaching and learning to blend and combine and bring in career and technical ed and make it all quite visible," Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said.There are rooms for student collaboration throughout the building. Teachers will not be assigned a classroom, but there are teacher collaborative spaces in each of the learning pods. This gives the school more flexibility and maximizes space. Teachers can plan in the collaborative space instead of occupying a classroom.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742241363248.jpeg" alt="Construction workers are working in the area that will be a new turfed soccer field. To the right will be a walkway that will connect with what will remain of the current student parking on the west side of the current high school. The greenhouse is going to remain in its current location, but ag students will be able to access it from a short walkway from the athletic wing of the new high school.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Construction workers are working in the area that will be a new turfed soccer field. To the right will be a walkway that will connect with what will remain of the current student parking on the west side of the current high school. The greenhouse is going to remain in its current location, but ag students will be able to access it from a short walkway from the athletic wing of the new high school.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson told the group the school is being branded in multiple places with the word "Hays," not only to encourgage student pride in their school but their community, which hopefully they will want to live and work in after they complete their education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742240569352.jpeg" alt="The main gym from the upper deck. The new gym will be able to accommodate 2,077 people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The main gym from the upper deck. The new gym will be able to accommodate 2,077 people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Henderson said he foresees the school opening the upstairs track for community members to walk during the day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742246113267.jpeg" alt="The auxillary gym under construction at the new Hays High School site. It will accommodate 500 fans. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The auxillary gym under construction at the new Hays High School site. It will accommodate 500 fans. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742246549095.jpeg" alt="The second floor of the HHS weight room.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The second floor of the HHS weight room.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742246785035.jpeg" alt="A view of Hays High School's new football field as seen from the upper floor weight room. What will be the new student parking lot can be seen in the distance to the southwest of the building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of Hays High School's new football field as seen from the upper floor weight room. What will be the new student parking lot can be seen in the distance to the southwest of the building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Henderson said many community members have expressed concerns about traffic at the new campus. The start times for the two schools will be offset by 10 minutes.Hays High has never hosted a home football game. They will be able to do that in the new stadium. All of their games have been planned at Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field, Henderson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742247081307.jpeg" alt="The windows for the Hays High commons curve around the new football field. The English, language, art and performing arts wing can be seen in the distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The windows for the Hays High commons curve around the new football field. The English, language, art and performing arts wing can be seen in the distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742247326972.jpeg" alt="Looking south out of a second floor window of the weight room, you can see where the new Hays High press box will be.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Looking south out of a second floor window of the weight room, you can see where the new Hays High press box will be.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316125848.jpeg" alt="The food servery for the new High School. Students will eat lunch in the new commons. There also will be an outdoor seating area where students can eat during nice weather.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The food servery for the new High School. Students will eat lunch in the new commons. There also will be an outdoor seating area where students can eat during nice weather.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Not pictured is a culinary kitchen for students to learn food service skills, a family and consumer science classroom, and a small playground for students who are interacting with small children during child development classes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316308981.jpeg" alt="Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Doors have yet to be installed. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Doors have yet to be installed. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316354909.jpeg" alt="Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Private restrooms in the new Hays High School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Subjects similar to math, science, English and arts are grouped together to allow for teacher collaboration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316757240.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses a science lab in the new Hays High School. The student work stations will be chemical resistant and on casters and can be pushed into the wall when students are working on labs. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses a science lab in the new Hays High School. The student work stations will be chemical resistant and on casters and can be pushed into the wall when students are working on labs. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316963115.jpeg" alt="Four new tennis courts will be added at Hays High School with capital outlay funds. The existing four courts will be reconditioned. The new facilities will allow the school to host tournaments. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Four new tennis courts will be added at Hays High School with capital outlay funds. The existing four courts will be reconditioned. The new facilities will allow the school to host tournaments. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323649548.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses Hays High's new video studio with a tour group. Students will be able to produce videos for the football and basketball video boards in the studio. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson discusses Hays High's new video studio with a tour group. Students will be able to produce videos for the football and basketball video boards in the studio. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323917849.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the HHS hospitality room, which will have a wall of windows that look out over the new football stadium. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the HHS hospitality room, which will have a wall of windows that look out over the new football stadium. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324024997.jpeg" alt="A view of the Hays High commons from the second floor pedestrian bridge.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of the Hays High commons from the second floor pedestrian bridge.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324103801.jpeg" alt="The Hays High commons and pedestrian bridge looking east. The railing that will be installed the length of the bridge can be seen in the foreground.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High commons and pedestrian bridge looking east. The railing that will be installed the length of the bridge can be seen in the foreground.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324228814.jpeg" alt="The learning stairs that are in the new Hays High commons. Students can gather here to study, eat lunch or for class presentations.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The learning stairs that are in the new Hays High commons. Students can gather here to study, eat lunch or for class presentations.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742325677847.jpeg" alt="View of the new Hays High School football field from the pedestrian bridge in the commons. Turfing of the field will begin soon. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>View of the new Hays High School football field from the pedestrian bridge in the commons. Turfing of the field will begin soon. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742325940647.jpeg" alt="A view of the student entrance of the new Hays High School from the upper deck of commons pedestrian bridge. Most of the student parking will now be on this side of the school. The office can be seen on the lower floor to the left.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of the student entrance of the new Hays High School from the upper deck of commons pedestrian bridge. Most of the student parking will now be on this side of the school. The office can be seen on the lower floor to the left.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742326304404.jpeg" alt="A view of the Hays High athletic wing from the commons.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of the Hays High athletic wing from the commons.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742326421949.jpeg" alt="The Hays High band room has a door that will allow the marching band to go directly onto the football field. Private contributions also supported practice rooms and instrument storage.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High band room has a door that will allow the marching band to go directly onto the football field. Private contributions also supported practice rooms and instrument storage.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742326820230.jpeg" alt="An art room at the new Hays High School building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An art room at the new Hays High School building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays High students will go from classrooms of about 600 square feet to 900 square feet. The remodel at the current high school will convert three rooms into two. The current middle school has rooms of about 750 square feet. The remodeled building will have 950-square-foot rooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742327038325.jpeg" alt="HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the language arts rooms. The two rooms, which will be for German and Spanish, will be divided by a partion and can be opened into one room. Off of each room is a small kitchenette so the students can learn about the cuisine of other cultures.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>HHS Principal Shawn Henderson in the language arts rooms. The two rooms, which will be for German and Spanish, will be divided by a partion and can be opened into one room. Off of each room is a small kitchenette so the students can learn about the cuisine of other cultures.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742327527786.jpeg" alt="The auditorium of the high school looking into the seating area from the stage. The new facility will accommodate 800 audience members. The current high school does not have an auditorium.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The auditorium of the high school looking into the seating area from the stage. The new facility will accommodate 800 audience members. The current high school does not have an auditorium.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>There is also a scene shop and dressing room off of the auditorium.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742327652846.jpeg" alt="The new Hays High School commons looking west. The learning stairs can be seen in the background.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new Hays High School commons looking west. The learning stairs can be seen in the background.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Update on new Hays High School construction

The Hays Public Library has hired a new Children’s Coordinator, who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.

Plainville native, Jami Morain, studied at Emporia State University and Washburn University. She discovered her love of working at a library while volunteering at the Plainville Memorial Library.

About her new position, Morain said, “I wanted to work at the library because I grew up going to my local library. Those ladies are so wonderful, and I hope to make an impact on these kids, like my librarians made on me.”

Morain began working at the Hays Public Library on March 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742318721343.png" alt="Jami Morain, Children's Coordinator, Hays Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Jami Morain, Children's Coordinator, Hays Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Public LibraryThe Hays Public Library has hired a new Children’s Coordinator, who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.Plainville native, Jami Morain, studied at Emporia State University and Washburn University. She discovered her love of working at a library while volunteering at the Plainville Memorial Library.About her new position, Morain said, “I wanted to work at the library because I grew up going to my local library. Those ladies are so wonderful, and I hope to make an impact on these kids, like my librarians made on me.”Morain began working at the Hays Public Library on March 3.

Hays Public Library hires children’s coordinator

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Tuesday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Israel A.&nbsp;McClay, 32, Colorado, was southbound on U.S. 83 and Eagle Eye Road.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at a stop sign. The pickup left the roadway south of U.S. 40, began to roll on County Road 430.

EMS transported&nbsp;McClay to the&nbsp;Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Tuesday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Israel A.&nbsp;McClay, 32, Colorado, was southbound on U.S. 83 and Eagle Eye Road.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at a stop sign. The pickup left the roadway south of U.S. 40, began to roll on County Road 430.EMS transported&nbsp;McClay to the&nbsp;Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after NW Kansas rollover accident

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

A 12-member team of student delegates from Fort Hays State University journeyed to St. Louis, Mo., to compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition. The competition took place between February 19-22 and involved more than 200 college students from across the United States.

“Last year, we sent a team of five to St. Louis and won a single Honorable Mention award. This year, with 12 delegates, we won eight awards and finished number three in the award count,” said FHSU Model UN advisor and associate professor of political science, Dr. Jay Steinmetz. &nbsp;

Model UN is a competitive collegiate experience where student delegates advance UN policy in specific committees and work toward resolutions that can ultimately pass the main plenary body. The competition is a superior test of each student’s skills in public speaking, writing resolutions, following rules of order, and researching specific countries and that country’s policy stances. &nbsp;

Students work incredibly hard to prepare for intense competition days filled with negotiations, responses to crisis events, positioning their teams and individuals as principal sponsors and writers of resolutions, and building alliances.

“The competition is dynamic, fluid, intense,” Steinmetz said. “The students love it—in my experience, I have observed that students like strict professionalism and the demands and rigors of intense negotiations; all of this makes the conference more fun and impactful for them.”

This year in St. Louis, four-person teams from FHSU represented the nations of Finland, Moldova, and Ethiopia. The 2025 team included students from diverse backgrounds, majors, home countries, and policy perspectives.

“We had Biology majors, Informatics majors, Music majors, Honor’s College students, student-athletes, local students from western Kansas, and international students from Israel, Senegal, and Togo,” said Daniel Bechle, a sophomore from Aurora, Colo.

Bechle was one of four FHSU students to take home an individual award. He was selected by the other Model UN delegates to receive the Delegates Choice award. 

Other individual award winners include Luke Hampl, a junior from Andover who took home a Position Paper Award; Mayan Paz, a sophomore from Israel, who won the Most Distinguished Delegate Award; and Mickey Mason, a senior from Ulysses, who earned an Honorable Mention Delegation Award.

“I think we earned a lot of respect this year,” Bechle said. “We raised the profile of our program and made some new friends, including a delegate from Johnson County Community College, who I am trying to get to transfer to FHSU.”

Hannah Caycedo from Manhattan was a member of FHSU’s team of delegates that represented the nation of Ethiopia and a high school senior in FHSU’s Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) residential college program.

“I was nervous, especially with the part where we had to research existing UN precedents and write proposals based on those precedents,” Caycedo said. “I got more comfortable as the competition progressed and enjoyed working with the delegates representing Mozambique and South Africa on a youth disarmament initiative.”&nbsp;

Plans are underway for the FHSU team to return to competition next academic year, including a trip to Chicago for the November American Model United Nations conference. Plans are also underway to bring the Model UN experience to western Kansas. The inaugural Heartland Model UN Conference is tentatively scheduled for October of this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741345113191.jpeg" alt="Student delegates from Fort Hays State University compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition in St. Lous. Photo courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Student delegates from Fort Hays State University compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition in St. Lous. Photo courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsA 12-member team of student delegates from Fort Hays State University journeyed to St. Louis, Mo., to compete at the annual Midwest Model United Nations competition. The competition took place between February 19-22 and involved more than 200 college students from across the United States.“Last year, we sent a team of five to St. Louis and won a single Honorable Mention award. This year, with 12 delegates, we won eight awards and finished number three in the award count,” said FHSU Model UN advisor and associate professor of political science, Dr. Jay Steinmetz. &nbsp;Model UN is a competitive collegiate experience where student delegates advance UN policy in specific committees and work toward resolutions that can ultimately pass the main plenary body. The competition is a superior test of each student’s skills in public speaking, writing resolutions, following rules of order, and researching specific countries and that country’s policy stances. &nbsp;Students work incredibly hard to prepare for intense competition days filled with negotiations, responses to crisis events, positioning their teams and individuals as principal sponsors and writers of resolutions, and building alliances.“The competition is dynamic, fluid, intense,” Steinmetz said. “The students love it—in my experience, I have observed that students like strict professionalism and the demands and rigors of intense negotiations; all of this makes the conference more fun and impactful for them.”This year in St. Louis, four-person teams from FHSU represented the nations of Finland, Moldova, and Ethiopia. The 2025 team included students from diverse backgrounds, majors, home countries, and policy perspectives.“We had Biology majors, Informatics majors, Music majors, Honor’s College students, student-athletes, local students from western Kansas, and international students from Israel, Senegal, and Togo,” said Daniel Bechle, a sophomore from Aurora, Colo.Bechle was one of four FHSU students to take home an individual award. He was selected by the other Model UN delegates to receive the Delegates Choice award. Other individual award winners include Luke Hampl, a junior from Andover who took home a Position Paper Award; Mayan Paz, a sophomore from Israel, who won the Most Distinguished Delegate Award; and Mickey Mason, a senior from Ulysses, who earned an Honorable Mention Delegation Award.“I think we earned a lot of respect this year,” Bechle said. “We raised the profile of our program and made some new friends, including a delegate from Johnson County Community College, who I am trying to get to transfer to FHSU.”Hannah Caycedo from Manhattan was a member of FHSU’s team of delegates that represented the nation of Ethiopia and a high school senior in FHSU’s Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) residential college program.“I was nervous, especially with the part where we had to research existing UN precedents and write proposals based on those precedents,” Caycedo said. “I got more comfortable as the competition progressed and enjoyed working with the delegates representing Mozambique and South Africa on a youth disarmament initiative.”&nbsp;Plans are underway for the FHSU team to return to competition next academic year, including a trip to Chicago for the November American Model United Nations conference. Plans are also underway to bring the Model UN experience to western Kansas. The inaugural Heartland Model UN Conference is tentatively scheduled for October of this year.

FHSU team brings home 8 awards from Midwest Model United Nations competition

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,632 Household of one $2,215 Household of two $2,798 Household of three $3,380 Household of four $3,963 Household of five $4,546 Household of six $5,129 Household of seven $5,712 Household of eight

*Add $583 for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be grape juice, whole grain pasta macaroni, peaches, dark red kidney beans, chicken breast, pollock, chicken drums tray, v-cut green beans, spinach, and peanut butter.

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernment surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,632 Household of one $2,215 Household of two $2,798 Household of three $3,380 Household of four $3,963 Household of five $4,546 Household of six $5,129 Household of seven $5,712 Household of eight*Add $583 for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be grape juice, whole grain pasta macaroni, peaches, dark red kidney beans, chicken breast, pollock, chicken drums tray, v-cut green beans, spinach, and peanut butter.Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Food commodities to be distributed in Hays March 25

DECATUR COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Tuesday in Decatur County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Sportsman ATV driven by Brad K. Larson, 64, was eastbound in the 400 Block of L. Lane five miles south of U.S. 36.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle when his tool box dislodged and struck him. The ATV entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its right side.

EMS transported Larson to&nbsp;Decatur Health for treatment of serious injuries. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

DECATUR COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Tuesday in Decatur County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Sportsman ATV driven by Brad K. Larson, 64, was eastbound in the 400 Block of L. Lane five miles south of U.S. 36.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle when his tool box dislodged and struck him. The ATV entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its right side.EMS transported Larson to&nbsp;Decatur Health for treatment of serious injuries. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after ATV accident

<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/2025/3/1742333560571.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

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound lanes of I-70 at Oakley and westbound lanes between Salina and Hays.

The remaining I-70 closure is on the westbound lanes between Hays and Oakley due to vehicles blocking the roadway. Road conditions have improved across much of the region, and motorists may consider using alternate routes while the closure remains in effect.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound lanes of I-70 at Oakley and westbound lanes between Salina and Hays.The remaining I-70 closure is on the westbound lanes between Hays and Oakley due to vehicles blocking the roadway. Road conditions have improved across much of the region, and motorists may consider using alternate routes while the closure remains in effect.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

UPDATE: KDOT reopens additional portions of I-70 in northwest Kansas

Legislative coffee April 1 in Ellis

Hungry Heartland documents the challenges — and triumphs — of Kansans when affordable food isn't easily accessible.

By&nbsp;MARCIA LOCKE <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">K-State College of Arts and Sciences</a>

MANHATTAN — The story of food insecurity in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dightonkansas.com/">Dighton, Kansas</a>, isn't about when the town's only grocery store burned down in January 2024, but what happened next.

Neighbors immediately worked together to coordinate grocery runs to other towns, and those other grocery stores soon began offering food delivery service. A Dighton community member later opened a space on Main Street to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week.

It was an incredible story of a Kansas community's resilience in the face of potentially becoming a food desert, and one that Io Schmalzried, a recent graduate in social transformation studies and mass communications, got to tell about her hometown&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66d0e1ad5675d972ee5f4d8e/t/67c8909943bc73513f44741b/1741197475885/Hungry+Heartland+Dighton+Kansas+Photo+Essay-%28Io%29Tyler+Schmalzried+%281%29.pdf">through a photo essay</a>&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland storytelling project</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University.

The project, led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty members and students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, is asking—and showing—why healthy and affordable food is out of reach for many people in the nation’s breadbasket. The project aims to both educate about food insecurity and give students real-world experience producing impactful multimedia stories.“

The <a href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland project</a> not only tells moving stories of solutions to food access issues but also helps students learn more deeply how these issues affect their neighbors, classmates and families in every corner of Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/tom-hallaq.html">Tom Hallaq</a>, associate professor in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication</a>. “Students gain valuable, faculty-mentored experience as the stories and artwork they produce become catalysts to spark conversation and change in those communities.”

The six-year project has produced art exhibits, academic articles and a Silver Telly Award-winning documentary called, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIKtkIWpyM">The Empty Breadbasket: When the Land that Feeds the World Cannot Feed Itself</a>,” directed by Hallaq and the late Ian Punnett, professor in the Miller School. It aired on Topeka public television’s KTWU in 2022.

A more recent partnership with the social transformation studies department’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedStoriesLab">Engaged Stories Lab</a>&nbsp;has strengthened the project’s power of storytelling.

“The Hungry Heartland documentary is one of the star storytelling projects of the lab,” said Valerie Padilla Carroll, interim head of the social transformation studies department. “Through the work of engaged students and faculty, this documentary is collecting and archiving important Kansas stories of resilience and empowering Kansas community members to share their food access challenges and triumphs.”

The Hungry Heartland project&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=95400">recently received its second Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;from the university’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>. The grant encourages scholars to collaborate across different fields, showcase rural Kansas communities and bring awareness to obstacles faced by them.

Other project directors are Shreepad Joglekar, Lindy E. Bell Head of the department of art, and Han Yu, professor of English.“Projects like Hungry Heartland exemplify the College of Arts and Sciences’ mission to prepare students for responsible citizenry and career success and contribute to the betterment of society,’” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “Our students and faculty examine some of society’s most pressing challenges—like food insecurity—to make a difference for Kansans, the nation and the world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882677511.jpeg" alt="As part of the Hungry Heartland storytelling project, Julia Alley — a 2021 K-State graduate in fine arts — documented food insecurity in Cuba, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>As part of the Hungry Heartland storytelling project, Julia Alley — a 2021 K-State graduate in fine arts — documented food insecurity in Cuba, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hungry Heartland documents the challenges — and triumphs — of Kansans when affordable food isn't easily accessible.</h2>By&nbsp;MARCIA LOCKE <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">K-State College of Arts and Sciences</a>MANHATTAN — The story of food insecurity in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dightonkansas.com/">Dighton, Kansas</a>, isn't about when the town's only grocery store burned down in January 2024, but what happened next.Neighbors immediately worked together to coordinate grocery runs to other towns, and those other grocery stores soon began offering food delivery service. A Dighton community member later opened a space on Main Street to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week.It was an incredible story of a Kansas community's resilience in the face of potentially becoming a food desert, and one that Io Schmalzried, a recent graduate in social transformation studies and mass communications, got to tell about her hometown&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66d0e1ad5675d972ee5f4d8e/t/67c8909943bc73513f44741b/1741197475885/Hungry+Heartland+Dighton+Kansas+Photo+Essay-%28Io%29Tyler+Schmalzried+%281%29.pdf">through a photo essay</a>&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland storytelling project</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University.The project, led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty members and students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, is asking—and showing—why healthy and affordable food is out of reach for many people in the nation’s breadbasket. The project aims to both educate about food insecurity and give students real-world experience producing impactful multimedia stories.“The <a href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland project</a> not only tells moving stories of solutions to food access issues but also helps students learn more deeply how these issues affect their neighbors, classmates and families in every corner of Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/tom-hallaq.html">Tom Hallaq</a>, associate professor in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication</a>. “Students gain valuable, faculty-mentored experience as the stories and artwork they produce become catalysts to spark conversation and change in those communities.”<div><iframe width="876" height="493" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/okAXLm0TKyA" title="Empty Breadbasket" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The six-year project has produced art exhibits, academic articles and a Silver Telly Award-winning documentary called, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIKtkIWpyM">The Empty Breadbasket: When the Land that Feeds the World Cannot Feed Itself</a>,” directed by Hallaq and the late Ian Punnett, professor in the Miller School. It aired on Topeka public television’s KTWU in 2022.A more recent partnership with the social transformation studies department’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedStoriesLab">Engaged Stories Lab</a>&nbsp;has strengthened the project’s power of storytelling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882481542.jpeg" alt="Hungry Heartland, an interdisciplinary storytelling project at Kansas State University, documents the realities, challenges and triumphs of addressing food insecurity in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Hungry Heartland, an interdisciplinary storytelling project at Kansas State University, documents the realities, challenges and triumphs of addressing food insecurity in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Hungry Heartland documentary is one of the star storytelling projects of the lab,” said Valerie Padilla Carroll, interim head of the social transformation studies department. “Through the work of engaged students and faculty, this documentary is collecting and archiving important Kansas stories of resilience and empowering Kansas community members to share their food access challenges and triumphs.”The Hungry Heartland project&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=95400">recently received its second Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;from the university’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>. The grant encourages scholars to collaborate across different fields, showcase rural Kansas communities and bring awareness to obstacles faced by them.Other project directors are Shreepad Joglekar, Lindy E. Bell Head of the department of art, and Han Yu, professor of English.“Projects like Hungry Heartland exemplify the College of Arts and Sciences’ mission to prepare students for responsible citizenry and career success and contribute to the betterment of society,’” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “Our students and faculty examine some of society’s most pressing challenges—like food insecurity—to make a difference for Kansans, the nation and the world.”

In the face of food insecurity, this K-State project tells of Dighton's resilience

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued red flag warnings for several southwest counties today and Tuesday, including Ellis County.

The warnings are in effect from 1 to 8 p.m. today and Tuesday. By mid-afternoon today, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 35 mph are expected.

Tuesday's forecast will consist of stronger winds, sustained at 25-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be higher, reaching up to 15%.

A Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for Wednesday. High winds are expected early in the morning to affect west-central and southwest Kansas, including Ellis County.

Strong winds and heavy snow, creating blizzard conditions, will be the primary threat. According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, the greatest chance for these impacts is along and north of KS-96.

Blizzard conditions are also possible in northwest Kansas Tuesday night and Wednesday, accroding to the National Weather Service in Goodland.

Total snow accumulation of 2 inches is expected. WInds could gust to 55 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742235913344.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued red flag warnings for several southwest counties today and Tuesday, including Ellis County.The warnings are in effect from 1 to 8 p.m. today and Tuesday. By mid-afternoon today, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 35 mph are expected.Tuesday's forecast will consist of stronger winds, sustained at 25-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be higher, reaching up to 15%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742236437421.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>A Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for Wednesday. High winds are expected early in the morning to affect west-central and southwest Kansas, including Ellis County.Strong winds and heavy snow, creating blizzard conditions, will be the primary threat. According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, the greatest chance for these impacts is along and north of KS-96.Blizzard conditions are also possible in northwest Kansas Tuesday night and Wednesday, accroding to the National Weather Service in Goodland.Total snow accumulation of 2 inches is expected. WInds could gust to 55 mph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742236809176.png" alt="National Weather Service, Goodland" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County under red flag warning, winter storm watch this week

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission heard suggestions from a resident regarding road conditions in rural subdivisions during its meeting Tuesday.

The discussion focused on establishing a standardized approach to road maintenance and gathering feedback from residents in various subdivisions.

Ellis County resident Ty Wilson from Stonewood North Addition highlighted the need to address road deficiencies after consulting with various subdivisions.

"The solution is pretty simple. All you have to do is create a program or agenda," Wilson said. "That opens the doors to all kinds of funding and avenues to help get the program in place."

Wilson shared several images of subdivision roads, which he said need maintenance and improvements.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the commission is unable to allocate funds beyond the current budget year or commit future commissions to obligations.

"One thing that hinders a lot of commissions is we cannot impose something on future commissions," Leiker said.

Wilson suggested planning ahead while maintaining consistent communication during the process. The next commission meeting for further discussion is May 20.

An adjoining property owner has requested Ellis County Public Works vacate the right of way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catherine.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay led the discussion. Mackay said the street has not been built. The request comes from someone planning to build a home on it.

The commissioners said they support vacating the right of way. A resolution will be presented for approval at the April 1 commission meeting.

Ellis County Library Board appointment and update

Commissioners&nbsp;reappointed Alisha Hammerschmidt's to the Ellis County Library Board for a new term ending April 30, 2029. They also approved $10,000 for 2025 expenses.

The funding will go toward software, training, legal fees and office supplies.

The initial funding request was $15,000, but the commissioners encouraged Ellis County Library Board President Benjamin Dome, who was in attendance, to attend future board meetings to request additional funds if needed.

The Ellis County Historical Society requested a letter of support from the county for two grant applications. One grant application to T-Mobile would fund the purchase of new exhibit displays.

Commissioners approved Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder's request to purchase a Stryker PowerPro Cot and Powerload system for $54,504. The equipment will be used in a newly acquired ambulance.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2021 Caterpillar excavator for the Road and Bridge Division for $184,736. The county's current 2005 CAT excavator is limited in reaching specific project sites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission heard suggestions from a resident regarding road conditions in rural subdivisions during its meeting Tuesday.The discussion focused on establishing a standardized approach to road maintenance and gathering feedback from residents in various subdivisions.Ellis County resident Ty Wilson from Stonewood North Addition highlighted the need to address road deficiencies after consulting with various subdivisions."The solution is pretty simple. All you have to do is create a program or agenda," Wilson said. "That opens the doors to all kinds of funding and avenues to help get the program in place."Wilson shared several images of subdivision roads, which he said need maintenance and improvements.Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the commission is unable to allocate funds beyond the current budget year or commit future commissions to obligations."One thing that hinders a lot of commissions is we cannot impose something on future commissions," Leiker said.Wilson suggested planning ahead while maintaining consistent communication during the process. The next commission meeting for further discussion is May 20.<h2>St. Jacobs street right of way</h2>An adjoining property owner has requested Ellis County Public Works vacate the right of way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catherine.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay led the discussion. Mackay said the street has not been built. The request comes from someone planning to build a home on it.The commissioners said they support vacating the right of way. A resolution will be presented for approval at the April 1 commission meeting.<h2>Ellis County Library Board appointment and update</h2>Commissioners&nbsp;reappointed Alisha Hammerschmidt's to the Ellis County Library Board for a new term ending April 30, 2029. They also approved $10,000 for 2025 expenses.The funding will go toward software, training, legal fees and office supplies.The initial funding request was $15,000, but the commissioners encouraged Ellis County Library Board President Benjamin Dome, who was in attendance, to attend future board meetings to request additional funds if needed.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Historical Society requested a letter of support from the county for two grant applications. One grant application to T-Mobile would fund the purchase of new exhibit displays.Commissioners approved Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder's request to purchase a Stryker PowerPro Cot and Powerload system for $54,504. The equipment will be used in a newly acquired ambulance.Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2021 Caterpillar excavator for the Road and Bridge Division for $184,736. The county's current 2005 CAT excavator is limited in reaching specific project sites.

Ellis County Commission discusses subdivision concerns

TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.

HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.

SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.

Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062&nbsp;would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude&nbsp;to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610490291573.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062&nbsp;would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude&nbsp;to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update March 18, 2025

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA Associated Press</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A gust of wind sweeps over bare soil, kicking up enough dirt and dust to cut visibility to nearly zero, and for drivers, the dust storm seems to come out of nowhere.

Such conditions resulted in a pileup on Interstate 70 last week in western Kansas involving dozens of cars and trucks that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-wildfires-deaths-eb53f6b2463a96b18a08ca9e2db266ab">left eight people dead</a>. Blinding dust also prompted New Mexico's transportation department to close Interstate 25 from the Colorado border southwest to Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Hazy or dust-darkened skies have recalled the “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s, when millions of tons of blowing soil buried farms and coated towns across the Great Plains. Lesser storms occur every year, particularly in the western U.S., particularly when farmland hasn't been planted yet in the spring. Some scientists worry that many motorists don't take them seriously enough.

“We have a very low level of public awareness of a dust storm and what damage it can cause,” said Daniel Tong, an associate professor of atmospheric chemistry at George Mason University who is among the authors of a 2023 paper on dust storm deaths.

Dust storms have a history of causing fatalities

The High Plains Museum in Goodland displays a photo of a tractor buried in blown soil in the 1930s, a reminder of the consequences of a severe drought across the Great Plains that came after farming had destroyed native grasses.

The fatalities Friday near Goodland were the first in the area in a dust storm since 2014, said Jeremy Martin, the Weather Service meteorologist in charge there.

But they came less than a month after an 11-car pileup on I-25 left three people dead, with heavy dust cited as a factor, according&nbsp;<a href="https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/three-killed-in-11-car-pileup-west-of-lordsburg/">to Albuquerque TV's KRQE.</a>&nbsp;Similarly, a dust storm on I-55 between St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, in 2023 led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-highway-wind-dust-storm-crashes-14cf5174d293741f94a17eed9d8f4a2d">a fatal pileup</a>&nbsp;involving dozens of vehicles.

In 1991, 17 people died in an accident involving more than 100 vehicles on I-5 in California's San Joaquin Valley, blamed on blowing dust.

Tong and four co-authors concluded in their paper published in 2023 in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society that there were&nbsp;<a href="https://research.noaa.gov/how-deadly-are-dust-storms/">232 deaths</a>&nbsp;from “windblown dust events” from 2007 through 2017, far higher than the number recorded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association data.

<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01506-4">In January,</a>&nbsp;he and four colleagues concluded that the economic damaged caused by wind erosion and dust is four times higher than previously calculated and more than $154 billion a year.

A cold front carries dust through western Kansas

Martin said a cold front moved through the area of the pileup after it had been warm and dry for six hours. Winds that reached 70 miles per hour (113 kph) kicked up dust that then became trapped in the cold front.

“That's when you get that classic wall of dust," he said.

As blowing dust cut visibility on the road to almost zero, drivers slowed down, causing collisions, authorities said.

A preliminary investigation found that 71 vehicles were involved, said Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson April McCollum. Aerial photos showed at least 10 were semis.

“It was hard to even keep your eyes open outside because there was so much dust in the air,” said Jeremy Martin, the National Weather Service meteorologist in charge in Goodland. “It kind of stung to even breathe out in it.”

Similar conditions in eastern Colorado prompted the Colorado State Patrol to warn drivers: “Zero visibility due to high winds and blowing dirt.”

“You couldn’t see,” said Jerry Burkhart, the fire and emergency services chief in Lamar, Colorado. “The best thing to do is get way off the road in a parking lot or something like that.”

A lack of visibility is not the only problem

Martin said it's hard to tell how thick dust is from a distance, so motorists often don't know they won't able to see until they're in it.

Weather Service forecasters also said some of the advice for motorists in a dust storm is counter-intuitive. Michael Anand, a NWS meteorologist in Albuquerque, said motorists should pull off the road as safely as possible, turn off all lights and never use their high beams.

“You don’t want people behind you to think you’re going in the road,” Martin said. “That light from your tail light might be the only thing they can see. They’re thinking the road suddenly curves.”

High winds make cars harder to control, and a dust storm coats the road with fine particles that slow breaking, and drivers panic, Tong said.

He said dust storms are frequent and widespread enough across the U.S. that states should test prospective drivers on what to do in a dust storm on license exams.

“That could be, actually, a very easy way to educate drivers,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742057657995.png" alt="-Photos by Brian James, Goodland Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>-Photos by Brian James, Goodland Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA Associated Press</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A gust of wind sweeps over bare soil, kicking up enough dirt and dust to cut visibility to nearly zero, and for drivers, the dust storm seems to come out of nowhere.Such conditions resulted in a pileup on Interstate 70 last week in western Kansas involving dozens of cars and trucks that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-wildfires-deaths-eb53f6b2463a96b18a08ca9e2db266ab">left eight people dead</a>. Blinding dust also prompted New Mexico's transportation department to close Interstate 25 from the Colorado border southwest to Las Vegas, New Mexico.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742075593579.png" alt="-Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>-Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Hazy or dust-darkened skies have recalled the “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s, when millions of tons of blowing soil buried farms and coated towns across the Great Plains. Lesser storms occur every year, particularly in the western U.S., particularly when farmland hasn't been planted yet in the spring. Some scientists worry that many motorists don't take them seriously enough.“We have a very low level of public awareness of a dust storm and what damage it can cause,” said Daniel Tong, an associate professor of atmospheric chemistry at George Mason University who is among the authors of a 2023 paper on dust storm deaths.<h2>Dust storms have a history of causing fatalities</h2>The High Plains Museum in Goodland displays a photo of a tractor buried in blown soil in the 1930s, a reminder of the consequences of a severe drought across the Great Plains that came after farming had destroyed native grasses.The fatalities Friday near Goodland were the first in the area in a dust storm since 2014, said Jeremy Martin, the Weather Service meteorologist in charge there.But they came less than a month after an 11-car pileup on I-25 left three people dead, with heavy dust cited as a factor, according&nbsp;<a href="https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/three-killed-in-11-car-pileup-west-of-lordsburg/">to Albuquerque TV's KRQE.</a>&nbsp;Similarly, a dust storm on I-55 between St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, in 2023 led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-highway-wind-dust-storm-crashes-14cf5174d293741f94a17eed9d8f4a2d">a fatal pileup</a>&nbsp;involving dozens of vehicles.In 1991, 17 people died in an accident involving more than 100 vehicles on I-5 in California's San Joaquin Valley, blamed on blowing dust.Tong and four co-authors concluded in their paper published in 2023 in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society that there were&nbsp;<a href="https://research.noaa.gov/how-deadly-are-dust-storms/">232 deaths</a>&nbsp;from “windblown dust events” from 2007 through 2017, far higher than the number recorded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association data.<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01506-4">In January,</a>&nbsp;he and four colleagues concluded that the economic damaged caused by wind erosion and dust is four times higher than previously calculated and more than $154 billion a year.<h2>A cold front carries dust through western Kansas</h2>Martin said a cold front moved through the area of the pileup after it had been warm and dry for six hours. Winds that reached 70 miles per hour (113 kph) kicked up dust that then became trapped in the cold front.“That's when you get that classic wall of dust," he said.As blowing dust cut visibility on the road to almost zero, drivers slowed down, causing collisions, authorities said.A preliminary investigation found that 71 vehicles were involved, said Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson April McCollum. Aerial photos showed at least 10 were semis.“It was hard to even keep your eyes open outside because there was so much dust in the air,” said Jeremy Martin, the National Weather Service meteorologist in charge in Goodland. “It kind of stung to even breathe out in it.”Similar conditions in eastern Colorado prompted the Colorado State Patrol to warn drivers: “Zero visibility due to high winds and blowing dirt.”“You couldn’t see,” said Jerry Burkhart, the fire and emergency services chief in Lamar, Colorado. “The best thing to do is get way off the road in a parking lot or something like that.”<h2>A lack of visibility is not the only problem</h2>Martin said it's hard to tell how thick dust is from a distance, so motorists often don't know they won't able to see until they're in it.Weather Service forecasters also said some of the advice for motorists in a dust storm is counter-intuitive. Michael Anand, a NWS meteorologist in Albuquerque, said motorists should pull off the road as safely as possible, turn off all lights and never use their high beams.“You don’t want people behind you to think you’re going in the road,” Martin said. “That light from your tail light might be the only thing they can see. They’re thinking the road suddenly curves.”High winds make cars harder to control, and a dust storm coats the road with fine particles that slow breaking, and drivers panic, Tong said.He said dust storms are frequent and widespread enough across the U.S. that states should test prospective drivers on what to do in a dust storm on license exams.“That could be, actually, a very easy way to educate drivers,” he said.

Highway pileup in NW Kan. shows how dust storms can turn deadly

Melissa Hunsicker Walburn, the Interim Dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, was selected to lead the college as its next dean.

Hunsicker-Walburn has served as interim dean of the college on two occasions and brings more than a decade of experience as a senior higher education administrator and teacher to the position. Hunsicker-Walburn brings a diverse professional background, strategic vision, and entrepreneurial mindset to the role.&nbsp; Her experiences prior to higher education include working as litigation counsel and technical staff in highly complex and competitive industries of telecommunications and public utilities, as well as directing Kansas’ 529 college-savings plan. In addition to her work for Fort Hays State University, she currently serves as an appointed director on the board of High Plains Farm Credit.

“Melissa’s agile and authenticity-centered leadership drove the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship to continued growth in the MBA program, record student scholarship awards, and several new global academic partnership opportunities,” said FHSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs&nbsp;Jill&nbsp;Arensdorf. “She cares deeply about the faculty, staff, and students at FHSU.&nbsp; I look forward to working with Melissa to finalize the RCOBE strategic plan and vision for the future.”

Hunsicker-Walburn led the effort to secure two renewals of a National Security Administration Center for Academic Excellence accreditation for the Information Enterprise Institute at FHSU. She also envisioned and led the establishment of FHSU’s innovative Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, which today serves small and mid-sized businesses in Kansas by providing critical information security consulting services and targeted student microinternship support.

She was also instrumental in creating and expanding experiential student learning opportunities, including FHSU’s student multimedia news agency, the Tiger Media Network, and the New Media Institute, which empowers students to explore the intersection of culture, communication, and technology, study abroad, innovative business entrepreneurship-focused student competitions, and in the university’s efforts to advance workforce development and economic prosperity across the state of Kansas.

"As a first-generation college graduate, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education to open doors and change lives, said Hunsicker-Walburn. “I look forward to working with our exceptional faculty to deliver programs that equip today’s learners with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving workforce. I am honored to step into this role and remain committed to ensuring that high-quality, accessible business education is within reach for all students.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882903798.jpeg" alt="Melissa Hunsicker Walburn. Photo by Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Hunsicker Walburn. Photo by Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsMelissa Hunsicker Walburn, the Interim Dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, was selected to lead the college as its next dean.Hunsicker-Walburn has served as interim dean of the college on two occasions and brings more than a decade of experience as a senior higher education administrator and teacher to the position. Hunsicker-Walburn brings a diverse professional background, strategic vision, and entrepreneurial mindset to the role.&nbsp; Her experiences prior to higher education include working as litigation counsel and technical staff in highly complex and competitive industries of telecommunications and public utilities, as well as directing Kansas’ 529 college-savings plan. In addition to her work for Fort Hays State University, she currently serves as an appointed director on the board of High Plains Farm Credit.“Melissa’s agile and authenticity-centered leadership drove the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship to continued growth in the MBA program, record student scholarship awards, and several new global academic partnership opportunities,” said FHSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs&nbsp;Jill&nbsp;Arensdorf. “She cares deeply about the faculty, staff, and students at FHSU.&nbsp; I look forward to working with Melissa to finalize the RCOBE strategic plan and vision for the future.”Hunsicker-Walburn led the effort to secure two renewals of a National Security Administration Center for Academic Excellence accreditation for the Information Enterprise Institute at FHSU. She also envisioned and led the establishment of FHSU’s innovative Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, which today serves small and mid-sized businesses in Kansas by providing critical information security consulting services and targeted student microinternship support.She was also instrumental in creating and expanding experiential student learning opportunities, including FHSU’s student multimedia news agency, the Tiger Media Network, and the New Media Institute, which empowers students to explore the intersection of culture, communication, and technology, study abroad, innovative business entrepreneurship-focused student competitions, and in the university’s efforts to advance workforce development and economic prosperity across the state of Kansas."As a first-generation college graduate, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education to open doors and change lives, said Hunsicker-Walburn. “I look forward to working with our exceptional faculty to deliver programs that equip today’s learners with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving workforce. I am honored to step into this role and remain committed to ensuring that high-quality, accessible business education is within reach for all students.”

Hunsicker-Walburn named dean of the FHSU Robbins College of Business, Entrepreneurship

Office of Speaker Hawkins TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins established the Select Committee on Government Oversight on March 6.

This select committee will monitor and ensure the proper functioning, transparency, and accountability of government agencies, programs, and regulations. 

Using their subpoena power, committee members will investigate potential misconduct or inefficiency, holding Kansas’ government entities more accountable to the people. By conducting hearings and investigations, the committee will work to identify areas for improvement and recommend reforms in meetings that are open to public viewing—pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of the Kansas government. 

The committee will consist of 13 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and will meet on call of the chairperson or when directed by the Speaker. 

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins issued the following statement regarding the formation of the Select Committee on Government Oversight: “This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas. I look forward to seeing the increase in government accountability that the Select Committee on Government Oversight will most certainly bring.” 

Under House Rule 1103, Speaker Hawkins has appointed the following representatives to the Select Committee on Government Oversight. Chair- Representative Kristey Williams Vice Chair- Representative Bob Lewis Representative Susan Humphries Representative Troy Waymaster Representative Will Carpenter Representative Francis Awerkamp Representative Bill Sutton Representative Sean Tarwater Representative Shannon Francis Ranking Minority Member- Representative Barbara Ballard Representative Tom Sawyer Representative Dan Osman Representative Jo Ella Hoye&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Speaker Hawkins TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins established the Select Committee on Government Oversight on March 6. This select committee will monitor and ensure the proper functioning, transparency, and accountability of government agencies, programs, and regulations. Using their subpoena power, committee members will investigate potential misconduct or inefficiency, holding Kansas’ government entities more accountable to the people. By conducting hearings and investigations, the committee will work to identify areas for improvement and recommend reforms in meetings that are open to public viewing—pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of the Kansas government. The committee will consist of 13 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and will meet on call of the chairperson or when directed by the Speaker. Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins issued the following statement regarding the formation of the Select Committee on Government Oversight: “This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas. I look forward to seeing the increase in government accountability that the Select Committee on Government Oversight will most certainly bring.” Under House Rule 1103, Speaker Hawkins has appointed the following representatives to the Select Committee on Government Oversight. Chair- Representative Kristey Williams Vice Chair- Representative Bob Lewis Representative Susan Humphries Representative Troy Waymaster Representative Will Carpenter Representative Francis Awerkamp Representative Bill Sutton Representative Sean Tarwater Representative Shannon Francis Ranking Minority Member- Representative Barbara Ballard Representative Tom Sawyer Representative Dan Osman Representative Jo Ella Hoye&nbsp;

Rep. Waymaster tabbed for Select Committee on Government Oversight

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!

The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. 

During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. 

Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. 

Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! 

Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.

As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. 

Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. 

This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.

This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. 

Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.

Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.

Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project!&nbsp;These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project!&nbsp;These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

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