Thursday, Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council
members Reese Barrick and Mason Ruder had a first-hand look at the MILO
simulator being used for training for members of the Hays Police Department over
the past two weeks.

The system gives participants a more holistic
approach to training, incorporating various situations that officers may face in the line of duty in an interactive virtual environment.

“I love
this training you're doing,” Musil said. “This is almost a real-life scenario.”


“This is
about as close as we can get,” Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler told
the participants. “That's the best thing about it.”

During
the session, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood and Sgt. Phillip Gage
demonstrated training scenarios, allowing the attendees to see the system in
action.

Officers
used the system while on shift at various times throughout the two-week training window with the simulator.

“They
are able to come in, secure their tools and their live weapons and do a safety
check with the instructor,” Greenwood said. “And then we set them up with the MILO
tools, which includes handguns patrol rifle, the taser, and the OC spray and baton.”

They
then go through one of the hundreds of scenarios available.

Trainers
note positive and negative actions as the officers run through the situations
and give immediate feedback.

“We want
them to make a mistake here,” Greenwood said. “We'd rather have them screw up
in our training environment and not be stressed about ‘Oh, I got something on
my jacket because I made a mistake in a scenario.”

And immediate
playback shows detailed information about response time and firing accuracy.

“They'll
go through a scenario, and then immediately following the scenario, we'll
rewatch the scenario,” Greenwood said. 

During
the debrief, they can then offer guidance.

“We're
able to see how they reacted because – believe it or not, they'll have a
reaction – and we will say, ‘You know what, you jumped three steps to your
left, or you didn't even have a gun in your hand and you should.”

But he
also noted virtual simulations are only a part of the training program.

“This
isn't an end-all training,” Greenwood said. “They've had these for a lot of
years, but it's a complement to training. You still need to do reality-based
training.”

It can,
however, simulate quickly changing situations, which is vital to making decisions
in the field.

“As a
perfect example, we recently (responded to) a home invasion with a knife and
was stabbing people,” Schiebler said. “We went from going to calls for loud
noise disturbances and alcohol violations to now we're going into a call where
a guy is trying to kill people. And we're entering this house with one suspect,
but we also have victims and other people in the situation. And we have had to
make those kinds of decisions, and that's where that confidence comes from,
that ability to do that.”

After
Gage demonstrated two scenarios, the visitors took turns at various situations,
from school shootings to traffic stops, allowing them to experience the simulator first-hand and provide a bit of entertainment as they attempted to mount the response of a trained law enforcement officer.

While several
first attempts ended with less than favorable outcomes, on a second round,
there was marked improvement, showing the training system's value directly to the city leaders.

“We've
seen improvement throughout the process,” Scheibler said. “It was a struggle
initially, but by the end of it, we'll do what we needed to do. And again,
we're okay making mistakes (during training) and gaining some confidence.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732955475.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage demonstrates a school shooting scenario on the MILO simulator, used for training by members of the department over the last two weeks. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage demonstrates a school shooting scenario on the MILO simulator, used for training by members of the department over the last two weeks. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThursday, Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council
members Reese Barrick and Mason Ruder had a first-hand look at the MILO
simulator being used for training for members of the Hays Police Department over
the past two weeks.The system gives participants a more holistic
approach to training, incorporating various situations that officers may face in the line of duty in an interactive virtual environment.“I love
this training you're doing,” Musil said. “This is almost a real-life scenario.”
“This is
about as close as we can get,” Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler told
the participants. “That's the best thing about it.”During
the session, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood and Sgt. Phillip Gage
demonstrated training scenarios, allowing the attendees to see the system in
action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685733002941.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage (left) and Lt. Tim Greenwood discuss the MILO simulator with&nbsp; Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council members Mason Ruder and Reese Barrick. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage (left) and Lt. Tim Greenwood discuss the MILO simulator with&nbsp; Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council members Mason Ruder and Reese Barrick. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers
used the system while on shift at various times throughout the two-week training window with the simulator.“They
are able to come in, secure their tools and their live weapons and do a safety
check with the instructor,” Greenwood said. “And then we set them up with the MILO
tools, which includes handguns patrol rifle, the taser, and the OC spray and baton.”They
then go through one of the hundreds of scenarios available.Trainers
note positive and negative actions as the officers run through the situations
and give immediate feedback.“We want
them to make a mistake here,” Greenwood said. “We'd rather have them screw up
in our training environment and not be stressed about ‘Oh, I got something on
my jacket because I made a mistake in a scenario.”And immediate
playback shows detailed information about response time and firing accuracy.“They'll
go through a scenario, and then immediately following the scenario, we'll
rewatch the scenario,” Greenwood said. During
the debrief, they can then offer guidance.“We're
able to see how they reacted because – believe it or not, they'll have a
reaction – and we will say, ‘You know what, you jumped three steps to your
left, or you didn't even have a gun in your hand and you should.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732801469.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage aims at a virtual shooter during a training scenario that involved an active shooter at a city council meeting.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage aims at a virtual shooter during a training scenario that involved an active shooter at a city council meeting.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>But he
also noted virtual simulations are only a part of the training program.“This
isn't an end-all training,” Greenwood said. “They've had these for a lot of
years, but it's a complement to training. You still need to do reality-based
training.”It can,
however, simulate quickly changing situations, which is vital to making decisions
in the field.“As a
perfect example, we recently (responded to) a home invasion with a knife and
was stabbing people,” Schiebler said. “We went from going to calls for loud
noise disturbances and alcohol violations to now we're going into a call where
a guy is trying to kill people. And we're entering this house with one suspect,
but we also have victims and other people in the situation. And we have had to
make those kinds of decisions, and that's where that confidence comes from,
that ability to do that.”After
Gage demonstrated two scenarios, the visitors took turns at various situations,
from school shootings to traffic stops, allowing them to experience the simulator first-hand and provide a bit of entertainment as they attempted to mount the response of a trained law enforcement officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732838412.jpeg" alt="Mayor Shaun Musil watches playback recorded during a training scenario. During the simulation, he had been shot unexpectedly. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Shaun Musil watches playback recorded during a training scenario. During the simulation, he had been shot unexpectedly. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732912844.jpeg" alt="On his first attempt City Council member Mason Ruder shot a fellow responding officer.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>On his first attempt City Council member Mason Ruder shot a fellow responding officer.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732939925.jpeg" alt="Ruder was shot by an armed school invader shortly after shooting another officer.&nbsp; Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ruder was shot by an armed school invader shortly after shooting another officer.&nbsp; Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732879837.jpeg" alt="City Council member Reese Barrick did not respond quickly enough and was attacked during the simulation by a woman pulled over for a traffic violation.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>City Council member Reese Barrick did not respond quickly enough and was attacked during the simulation by a woman pulled over for a traffic violation.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732859855.jpeg" alt="On a second attempt, Barrick shot the suspect before she attacked.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>On a second attempt, Barrick shot the suspect before she attacked.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>While several
first attempts ended with less than favorable outcomes, on a second round,
there was marked improvement, showing the training system's value directly to the city leaders.“We've
seen improvement throughout the process,” Scheibler said. “It was a struggle
initially, but by the end of it, we'll do what we needed to do. And again,
we're okay making mistakes (during training) and gaining some confidence.”

Hays city leaders get first-hand look at police department MILO training

The Heartland Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the selection of the 2023-24 Youth Action Council members. The YAC program, designed for high school students in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, aims to foster leadership skills, encourage philanthropy, and cultivate a deeper sense of community pride among young individuals.&nbsp;

The Heartland Community Foundation firmly believes in the potential of young people to create positive change in their communities. The YAC program offers an opportunity for these aspiring leaders to develop their knowledge of grants, engage in community projects, and build essential life skills. By participating in YAC, these students become catalysts for growth and innovation in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.&nbsp;

The Heartland Community Foundation congratulates the following students:&nbsp;

ELLIS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lexi Burton, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Henry Fitzthum, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Jake Brady, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; Aiden Burton, Hays High/KAMS, junior&nbsp; Ben Dome, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Breanna Seiler, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Amelia Herrman, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Madelyn Rozean, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Addison Kohl, Ellis High, junior&nbsp; Brody Nowak, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Aurora Nowlin, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Jenna Brull, TMP-Marian, sophomore&nbsp; Payten Burd, Ellis High, sophomore&nbsp; Savannah Clingan, Hays High, sophomore&nbsp;

ROOKS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lucina Parson, Palco High, senior Raegan Shepherd, Stockton High, senior &nbsp; Kenzie Wells, Palco High, senior&nbsp; Taylor Ayers, Plainville High, junior Marlie Dobson, Plainville High, junior Aubrey Kesler, Stockton High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Ava Dix, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Bodye Stithem, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Trinity Couse, Palco High, sophomore&nbsp; Kate Hansen, Plainville High, sophomore&nbsp; Cheyenne Hoeting, Stockton, sophomore&nbsp;&nbsp;

TREGO COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Annabelle Malsam, Trego High, senior Mia Coleman, Trego High, junior &nbsp; Hunter Yingling, Trego High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Myah Mattheyer, Trego High, senior&nbsp; Adrian Wynn, Trego High, senior Kallan Rothchild, Trego High, sophomore &nbsp;

"We are incredibly proud to welcome these talented and passionate students to the Youth Action Council," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "Their dedication to community service and their enthusiasm for making a difference will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the YAC program and the betterment of our communities."&nbsp;

The Youth Action Council meetings will be held once a month during the school day, with locations rotating among the high schools in each county. The members will also have the opportunity to participate in a retreat in Hays and develop and volunteer for a service project. The Heartland Community Foundation expects these young leaders to actively engage in discussions and activities and serve as advocates for the Youth Action Council, the Heartland Community Foundation, and the youth in the community. 

Next fall, the Youth Action Council will also host a Scholarship 101 meeting in each county for high school juniors and seniors. More information will be shared about that event at a later time.&nbsp;

For more information about the Youth Action Council and the Heartland Community Foundation, please visit <a href="https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685630052149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe Heartland Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the selection of the 2023-24 Youth Action Council members. The YAC program, designed for high school students in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, aims to foster leadership skills, encourage philanthropy, and cultivate a deeper sense of community pride among young individuals.&nbsp;The Heartland Community Foundation firmly believes in the potential of young people to create positive change in their communities. The YAC program offers an opportunity for these aspiring leaders to develop their knowledge of grants, engage in community projects, and build essential life skills. By participating in YAC, these students become catalysts for growth and innovation in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.&nbsp;The Heartland Community Foundation congratulates the following students:&nbsp;ELLIS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lexi Burton, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Henry Fitzthum, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Jake Brady, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; Aiden Burton, Hays High/KAMS, junior&nbsp; Ben Dome, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Breanna Seiler, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Amelia Herrman, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Madelyn Rozean, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Addison Kohl, Ellis High, junior&nbsp; Brody Nowak, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Aurora Nowlin, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Jenna Brull, TMP-Marian, sophomore&nbsp; Payten Burd, Ellis High, sophomore&nbsp; Savannah Clingan, Hays High, sophomore&nbsp; ROOKS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lucina Parson, Palco High, senior Raegan Shepherd, Stockton High, senior &nbsp; Kenzie Wells, Palco High, senior&nbsp; Taylor Ayers, Plainville High, junior Marlie Dobson, Plainville High, junior Aubrey Kesler, Stockton High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Ava Dix, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Bodye Stithem, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Trinity Couse, Palco High, sophomore&nbsp; Kate Hansen, Plainville High, sophomore&nbsp; Cheyenne Hoeting, Stockton, sophomore&nbsp;&nbsp;TREGO COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Annabelle Malsam, Trego High, senior Mia Coleman, Trego High, junior &nbsp; Hunter Yingling, Trego High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Myah Mattheyer, Trego High, senior&nbsp; Adrian Wynn, Trego High, senior Kallan Rothchild, Trego High, sophomore &nbsp; "We are incredibly proud to welcome these talented and passionate students to the Youth Action Council," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "Their dedication to community service and their enthusiasm for making a difference will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the YAC program and the betterment of our communities."&nbsp;The Youth Action Council meetings will be held once a month during the school day, with locations rotating among the high schools in each county. The members will also have the opportunity to participate in a retreat in Hays and develop and volunteer for a service project. The Heartland Community Foundation expects these young leaders to actively engage in discussions and activities and serve as advocates for the Youth Action Council, the Heartland Community Foundation, and the youth in the community. Next fall, the Youth Action Council will also host a Scholarship 101 meeting in each county for high school juniors and seniors. More information will be shared about that event at a later time.&nbsp;For more information about the Youth Action Council and the Heartland Community Foundation, please visit <a href="https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

Youth Action Council members announced for Heartland Community Foundation

Sign up now to participate in the annual Hays Citywide Garage Sale.&nbsp; The link to fill out the registration form is:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7</a>&nbsp;. Sign up deadline is June 10.

The garage sales are scheduled for Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.&nbsp; 

There will be a spreadsheet and map &nbsp;posted on Facebook in the group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/haysgaragesales.surroundingtowns">Hays Garage Sales and Surrounding Towns</a>.&nbsp;

There will also be printed copies that can be picked up at the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685627466474.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSign up now to participate in the annual Hays Citywide Garage Sale.&nbsp; The link to fill out the registration form is:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7</a>&nbsp;. Sign up deadline is June 10.The garage sales are scheduled for Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.&nbsp; There will be a spreadsheet and map &nbsp;posted on Facebook in the group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/haysgaragesales.surroundingtowns">Hays Garage Sales and Surrounding Towns</a>.&nbsp; There will also be printed copies that can be picked up at the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sign up now to register for Hays Citywide Garage Sale June 16 & 17

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685718978028.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

By LAAH TUCKER Natoma Lions Club

NATOMA - Natoma Lions Club has awarded graduating seniors Morgan McQuade and Jerad Griffin, Natoma USD 399 High School, scholarships to further their education. 

During commencement on May 13, Lion officer Shawna Dunlap presented each student a $500 scholarship to use in their university, college, or technology school of choice.

Graduate Morgan McQuade will be attending the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with a major in veterinary technology. Graduate Jared Griffin will be attending Southeast Community College majoring in diesel-ag equipment service technology.

The Natoma Lions Club is an international organization founded in 1917 for the purpose of serving others through programs including sight, hearing, speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues and many other programs. Members are service-minded people seeking to help in their community without personal financial reward; and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685571551058.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Natoma Lions ClubNATOMA - Natoma Lions Club has awarded graduating seniors Morgan McQuade and Jerad Griffin, Natoma USD 399 High School, scholarships to further their education. During commencement on May 13, Lion officer Shawna Dunlap presented each student a $500 scholarship to use in their university, college, or technology school of choice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685571026807.jpeg" alt="Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Morgan McQuade. McQuade will attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and major in veterinary technology. Photo by&nbsp;Kurt Graffel/ USD 399" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Morgan McQuade. McQuade will attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and major in veterinary technology. Photo by&nbsp;Kurt Graffel/ USD 399</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685571217959.jpeg" alt="Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Jared Griffin. Griffin will attending Southeast Community College and major in diesel-ag equipment service technology.&nbsp; Photo by Kurt Graffel/ USD 399" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Jared Griffin. Griffin will attending Southeast Community College and major in diesel-ag equipment service technology.&nbsp; Photo by Kurt Graffel/ USD 399</figcaption>
 </figure>Graduate Morgan McQuade will be attending the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with a major in veterinary technology. Graduate Jared Griffin will be attending Southeast Community College majoring in diesel-ag equipment service technology.The Natoma Lions Club is an international organization founded in 1917 for the purpose of serving others through programs including sight, hearing, speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues and many other programs. Members are service-minded people seeking to help in their community without personal financial reward; and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

Two graduating seniors from Natoma High School awarded Lions Club scholarships

Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at the Hays Middle School Clinic Times: Middle School: 1:00-3 :00 p.m. (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 a.m. (open to anyone), 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 p.m. (open to anyone) Deadline:&nbsp;Please register by June 10th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 14th.&nbsp; See the flyer below for more information and registration information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at the Hays Middle School Clinic Times: Middle School: 1:00-3 :00 p.m. (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 a.m. (open to anyone), 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 p.m. (open to anyone) Deadline:&nbsp;Please register by June 10th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 14th.&nbsp; See the flyer below for more information and registration information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684178562466.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684178576080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684178594816.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Mexican beef genetics trade mission visits Monument operations

Few addiction treatment centers in Kansas let children come to treatment. That makes it harder for parents to get help

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/blaise-mesa">Blaise Mesa</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA—&nbsp;&nbsp;Keandra Hoskins had a thing for cannabis and MDMA, or ecstasy.

She also had a son. And some denial about her dependence on drugs, how she’d take a hit of something to deal with the stress about her grandmother catching COVID-19, the fact that she was homelessness or that child welfare officials had an open case on whether she was a fit mother.

She ultimately realized she needed to get into a serious, residential drug rehab center.

But what to do with her son while she worked through her problems? She was one of the lucky ones who found treatment that made room for the children of patients.

“It’s just helped me become better at everything,” Hoskins said, “give you the life tools that you need so you can continue living your life.”

Addiction treatment taught her how to budget and to avoid things that could trigger a relapse.

The place she went, CKF Addiction Treatment, allowed her to bring her son to live with her. If she had to pick between treatment and motherhood, well, she would have picked motherhood.

Parents across Kansas struggle to find ways to battle addiction while tending to the 24/7 job of looking after their children.

One Kansas mother, who is now in prison on drug charges, said finding child care while in treatment is one “huge obstacle that a single mother could never possibly overcome.”

Inability to pay or finding housing is also an issue, but treatment providers say they lack enough child-friendly options.

Consequently, those who can’t get child care are less likely to get help for their addictions.

“If everyone who needed care showed up for care, our system would not be able to serve the need,” said Shane Hudson, president and CEO of CKF Addiction Treatment in Salina.

And if those parents don’t tend to their drug problems, they could die from drug use, could face criminal charges or child maltreatment investigations from the foster care system.

Hudson estimates about 10 percent of people who need help seek care. He has seen parents try to go through addiction treatment while finding child care on the side. Some may be a few weeks into treatment with a few weeks left, then life gets in the way.

“We’ve had people (in treatment) say … ‘I just need to get home. There’s things going on with my kid and I need to be with them,’” he said. “Some (come back), but some don’t. And some don’t even come to treatment in the first place.”

Treatment providers say they need more child-friendly rehabilitation programs.

But to create those programs requires mental health services for children, coordinating schooling and finding community partnerships to maintain a range of other services kids might need.

Then come difficulties from running facilities that have both adults and children. That means more space, extra staffing and additional programming. Treatment facilities might not be reimbursed for housing children, even though those children are taking up resources.

“It can be complicated,” Hudson said.

Treatment providers, like CKF, offer programs that do not require overnight stays. That alleviates some child care concerns, but that could still mean five to nine hours of child care a week because children aren’t allowed at those sessions. And some parents need more intensive programming only a residential stay could offer.

Hudson said that children old enough to understand what is going on could end up in rooms listening to people recount sensitive and private moments in their lives — very adult conversations. If the child is too young to understand what is happening, then they could be a distraction.

Telehealth programs, which have expanded since the pandemic, offer one possible solution. Or scheduling appointments while the child is at school. But parents who find themselves with an evening appointment and nowhere to take their children will need to leave them at home.

“Once you bring a child into the same setting as everyone, it’s not as simple as muting your mic when your child has needs going on,” Hudson said. “(The child) could actually disrupt the group process that’s happening.”

Treatment program Mirror Inc. used to have a designated women’s program in Newton. That facility shut down partly because of staffing shortages and the cost of running it, staffers told the Kansas News Service.

Cynthia Breitenbach worked for Mirror. She is retired now but has plenty of experience with women’s programs. She started the first one in Kansas in the 1980s. She said those models of care are expensive and people sometimes shy away from the program because they don’t want to be seen as bad parents.

Using drugs could mean losing your kid to the foster care system and entering treatment means telling people you do use.

“(They think) ‘I’m a female. I’m an addict. So, therefore I am a bad mother,’ which is not the case,” Breitenbach said.

Addressing substance use for one person is complex and involves dealing with past trauma. Programs that take in kids now have another patient to deal with: the child.

Breitenbach said children need as much care as their mothers when entering treatment. That means facilities likely need to call in specialists who help kids. That could be everything from a child therapist to qualified day care workers.

Getting licensed child care at drug treatment is difficult and grants for drug treatment programs typically can’t be used for day care. Centers could try to cut costs by taking those children to a day care center in the community, but those can be hard to find.

Plus, day care is expensive. In Kansas, full-time daycare for a 4-year-old in a child care center is $800 a month. For an infant, that is $1,250 a month. And prices are headed up. For some Kansans, the cost of child care for their family is more than a mortgage payment.

Finding temporary day care can be trickier than a long-term set-up. Day care providers usually prefer taking a child who will stay longer so they don’t need to fill an open slot in a few weeks.

“We did try to access care in the community,” Breitenbach said. “Sometimes we were successful, sometimes we were not.”

Navigating grant funding is yet another barrier to operating these programs.

A $200,000 federal grant given to foster care agency KVC Kansas will help expand an existing program in the state. The previous program was also offering family-based addiction treatment, but the requirements of the grant meant only Native American families could access it. Now the program will take more people.

Without the new grant, KVC Kansas wouldn’t be able to operate the program. Even with the grant, KVC has one year to prove the program is worth funding or it could risk losing the money.

“Sustainability is always a source of anxiety when you have a grant like this and you really believe in the program,” said Megan Hosterman, director of permanency services for Johnson and Douglas Counties for KVC.

The federal money that funds women’s programs doesn’t exist for men. For a facility to create a space for single fathers would mean funding that construction with fewer grants available. That’s financially risky for businesses that might already be struggling with tight budgets.

Despite grant-fueled anxiety, Hosterman is confident she can show the success of treatment.

The money will help hire workers, pay for space and pay for child care. The program is a 14-week long course. It starts with family meals so parents and children can spend time together. Then they break off for separate child and parent therapy sessions.

Hosterman said her agency has always wanted to focus more on the prevention side of substance use treatment. More investment in these systems could prevent kids from entering foster care in the first place.

All told, parent or child substance abuse was the reason a child was put into foster care 13 percent of the time. The most common reasons for removal was physical abuse — 18 percent of the time — and lack of supervision led to 15 percent of foster cases.

Hoskins, the mother who is now in recovery, said she isn’t sure she would still have custody of her child if not for addiction treatment. She not might have her house or even be in school.

The operators of programs that include children say they serve a very specific need and can help families who have few other options. Hoskins didn’t have family in the area. And while she had friends, there wasn’t anyone she trusted enough to care for her child.

Day care could have been an option, but her child had unique medical needs and she was worried that could overwhelm day care staff or friends. That means keeping the child with her was best for the mother and her baby.

“I could see myself not going down the right path. Even with the child, I probably still would have (gone) down the wrong path,” she said. “And now, after treatment, I shocked myself. I’m a completely different person. I never thought that I would be working again. I never thought I would have my own place.”

Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.&nbsp;

<h2>Few addiction treatment centers in Kansas let children come to treatment. That makes it harder for parents to get help</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685637380562.png" alt="CKF Addiction Treatment has a designated women's program. That allows kids to join their mothers for treatment.&nbsp;Blaise Mesa/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>CKF Addiction Treatment has a designated women's program. That allows kids to join their mothers for treatment.&nbsp;Blaise Mesa/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/blaise-mesa">Blaise Mesa</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA—&nbsp;&nbsp;Keandra Hoskins had a thing for cannabis and MDMA, or ecstasy.She also had a son. And some denial about her dependence on drugs, how she’d take a hit of something to deal with the stress about her grandmother catching COVID-19, the fact that she was homelessness or that child welfare officials had an open case on whether she was a fit mother.She ultimately realized she needed to get into a serious, residential drug rehab center.But what to do with her son while she worked through her problems? She was one of the lucky ones who found treatment that made room for the children of patients.“It’s just helped me become better at everything,” Hoskins said, “give you the life tools that you need so you can continue living your life.”Addiction treatment taught her how to budget and to avoid things that could trigger a relapse.The place she went, CKF Addiction Treatment, allowed her to bring her son to live with her. If she had to pick between treatment and motherhood, well, she would have picked motherhood.Parents across Kansas struggle to find ways to battle addiction while tending to the 24/7 job of looking after their children.One Kansas mother, who is now in prison on drug charges, said finding child care while in treatment is one “huge obstacle that a single mother could never possibly overcome.”Inability to pay or finding housing is also an issue, but treatment providers say they lack enough child-friendly options.Consequently, those who can’t get child care are less likely to get help for their addictions.“If everyone who needed care showed up for care, our system would not be able to serve the need,” said Shane Hudson, president and CEO of CKF Addiction Treatment in Salina.And if those parents don’t tend to their drug problems, they could die from drug use, could face criminal charges or child maltreatment investigations from the foster care system.Hudson estimates about 10 percent of people who need help seek care. He has seen parents try to go through addiction treatment while finding child care on the side. Some may be a few weeks into treatment with a few weeks left, then life gets in the way.“We’ve had people (in treatment) say … ‘I just need to get home. There’s things going on with my kid and I need to be with them,’” he said. “Some (come back), but some don’t. And some don’t even come to treatment in the first place.”<h2>‘It can be complicated’</h2>Treatment providers say they need more child-friendly rehabilitation programs.But to create those programs requires mental health services for children, coordinating schooling and finding community partnerships to maintain a range of other services kids might need.Then come difficulties from running facilities that have both adults and children. That means more space, extra staffing and additional programming. Treatment facilities might not be reimbursed for housing children, even though those children are taking up resources.“It can be complicated,” Hudson said.Treatment providers, like CKF, offer programs that do not require overnight stays. That alleviates some child care concerns, but that could still mean five to nine hours of child care a week because children aren’t allowed at those sessions. And some parents need more intensive programming only a residential stay could offer.Hudson said that children old enough to understand what is going on could end up in rooms listening to people recount sensitive and private moments in their lives — very adult conversations. If the child is too young to understand what is happening, then they could be a distraction.Telehealth programs, which have expanded since the pandemic, offer one possible solution. Or scheduling appointments while the child is at school. But parents who find themselves with an evening appointment and nowhere to take their children will need to leave them at home.“Once you bring a child into the same setting as everyone, it’s not as simple as muting your mic when your child has needs going on,” Hudson said. “(The child) could actually disrupt the group process that’s happening.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685638011659.png" alt="Shane Hudson with CKF Addiction Treatment says about 10 percent of people who need help get it. " />
 <figcaption>Shane Hudson with CKF Addiction Treatment says about 10 percent of people who need help get it. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Finding slots</h2>Treatment program Mirror Inc. used to have a designated women’s program in Newton. That facility shut down partly because of staffing shortages and the cost of running it, staffers told the Kansas News Service.Cynthia Breitenbach worked for Mirror. She is retired now but has plenty of experience with women’s programs. She started the first one in Kansas in the 1980s. She said those models of care are expensive and people sometimes shy away from the program because they don’t want to be seen as bad parents.Using drugs could mean losing your kid to the foster care system and entering treatment means telling people you do use.“(They think) ‘I’m a female. I’m an addict. So, therefore I am a bad mother,’ which is not the case,” Breitenbach said.Addressing substance use for one person is complex and involves dealing with past trauma. Programs that take in kids now have another patient to deal with: the child.Breitenbach said children need as much care as their mothers when entering treatment. That means facilities likely need to call in specialists who help kids. That could be everything from a child therapist to qualified day care workers.Getting licensed child care at drug treatment is difficult and grants for drug treatment programs typically can’t be used for day care. Centers could try to cut costs by taking those children to a day care center in the community, but those can be hard to find.Plus, day care is expensive. In Kansas, full-time daycare for a 4-year-old in a child care center is $800 a month. For an infant, that is $1,250 a month. And prices are headed up. For some Kansans, the cost of child care for their family is more than a mortgage payment.Finding temporary day care can be trickier than a long-term set-up. Day care providers usually prefer taking a child who will stay longer so they don’t need to fill an open slot in a few weeks.“We did try to access care in the community,” Breitenbach said. “Sometimes we were successful, sometimes we were not.”<h2>Finding money</h2>Navigating grant funding is yet another barrier to operating these programs.A $200,000 federal grant given to foster care agency KVC Kansas will help expand an existing program in the state. The previous program was also offering family-based addiction treatment, but the requirements of the grant meant only Native American families could access it. Now the program will take more people.Without the new grant, KVC Kansas wouldn’t be able to operate the program. Even with the grant, KVC has one year to prove the program is worth funding or it could risk losing the money.“Sustainability is always a source of anxiety when you have a grant like this and you really believe in the program,” said Megan Hosterman, director of permanency services for Johnson and Douglas Counties for KVC.The federal money that funds women’s programs doesn’t exist for men. For a facility to create a space for single fathers would mean funding that construction with fewer grants available. That’s financially risky for businesses that might already be struggling with tight budgets.Despite grant-fueled anxiety, Hosterman is confident she can show the success of treatment.The money will help hire workers, pay for space and pay for child care. The program is a 14-week long course. It starts with family meals so parents and children can spend time together. Then they break off for separate child and parent therapy sessions.Hosterman said her agency has always wanted to focus more on the prevention side of substance use treatment. More investment in these systems could prevent kids from entering foster care in the first place.All told, parent or child substance abuse was the reason a child was put into foster care 13 percent of the time. The most common reasons for removal was physical abuse — 18 percent of the time — and lack of supervision led to 15 percent of foster cases.Hoskins, the mother who is now in recovery, said she isn’t sure she would still have custody of her child if not for addiction treatment. She not might have her house or even be in school.The operators of programs that include children say they serve a very specific need and can help families who have few other options. Hoskins didn’t have family in the area. And while she had friends, there wasn’t anyone she trusted enough to care for her child.Day care could have been an option, but her child had unique medical needs and she was worried that could overwhelm day care staff or friends. That means keeping the child with her was best for the mother and her baby.“I could see myself not going down the right path. Even with the child, I probably still would have (gone) down the wrong path,” she said. “And now, after treatment, I shocked myself. I’m a completely different person. I never thought that I would be working again. I never thought I would have my own place.”Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;ksnewsservice.org.

For Kansas parents, a lack of child care can mean a lack of addiction treatment

The secrets of the tarantula’s world are on full display now through Labor Day at the new summer exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays.

According to museum director Dr. Reese Barrick, “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” takes the visitor on a journey of scientific discovery, presenting tarantulas in a new light. Focusing on the diverse and natural beauty of these incredible animals, the exhibit provides an engaging educational experience.

“Sternberg is the champion for the under-appreciated animals such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas,” Barrick said. “We’re here to give people a safe place to view these wonders of nature.”

There are more than 900 known species of tarantulas, which live all over the globe. They can be found living anywhere from the tallest rainforest treetops to deep underground in the most arid deserts.

 “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” features a unique array of live tarantulas, which showcases their varied life habits and habitats.

Tarantulas have a reputation that precedes them - a reputation of being the biggest, the baddest, and most fearsome of all spiders. Hairy, fast, scary - sure, there’s some truth behind the rumors. But would you ever guess that these supposedly fierce giants of the spider world would much rather run and hide than stay fight?

Species on display include a Goliath Bird Eating tarantula (the largest of all tarantulas), the rare Green Bottle Blue tarantula, and the Indian Ornamental tarantula, a species troubled by loss of habitat in the wild. In all, 20 live tarantulas are on display, and each have a unique story to tell.

The exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of tarantulas and provides uniquely engaging educational experiences. Special features of the exhibit include interactive components such as “Tarantulas of the World” interactive world map; “Name That Tarantula” identification activity, “The Legend of the Tarantella” and more.

Barrick said kids will enjoy the climbable “Tarantula Burrow”, which provides more opportunity for learning through the Trip Line interactive experience. This piece also serves as a photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685569065059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History</figcaption>
 </figure>Sternberg MuseumThe secrets of the tarantula’s world are on full display now through Labor Day at the new summer exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays.According to museum director Dr. Reese Barrick, “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” takes the visitor on a journey of scientific discovery, presenting tarantulas in a new light. Focusing on the diverse and natural beauty of these incredible animals, the exhibit provides an engaging educational experience.“Sternberg is the champion for the under-appreciated animals such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas,” Barrick said. “We’re here to give people a safe place to view these wonders of nature.”There are more than 900 known species of tarantulas, which live all over the globe. They can be found living anywhere from the tallest rainforest treetops to deep underground in the most arid deserts. “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” features a unique array of live tarantulas, which showcases their varied life habits and habitats.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685569128148.jpeg" alt="Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History</figcaption>
 </figure>Tarantulas have a reputation that precedes them - a reputation of being the biggest, the baddest, and most fearsome of all spiders. Hairy, fast, scary - sure, there’s some truth behind the rumors. But would you ever guess that these supposedly fierce giants of the spider world would much rather run and hide than stay fight?Species on display include a Goliath Bird Eating tarantula (the largest of all tarantulas), the rare Green Bottle Blue tarantula, and the Indian Ornamental tarantula, a species troubled by loss of habitat in the wild. In all, 20 live tarantulas are on display, and each have a unique story to tell.The exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of tarantulas and provides uniquely engaging educational experiences. Special features of the exhibit include interactive components such as “Tarantulas of the World” interactive world map; “Name That Tarantula” identification activity, “The Legend of the Tarantella” and more.Barrick said kids will enjoy the climbable “Tarantula Burrow”, which provides more opportunity for learning through the Trip Line interactive experience. This piece also serves as a photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.

'Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close' opens at Sternberg Museum in Hays

In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly issued a near record number of vetoes (though close to half were overturned). What were her motivations in making use of her veto power so extensively?

Some of Kelly’s vetoes reflect her very practical, service-oriented vision for Kansas. More than anything else, Kelly campaigned as the anti-Brownback, as someone who would be responsible regarding state priorities, and not allow the state’s finances to be subject to such things as radical flat tax proposals or efforts to limit the revenue-raising power of cities. The bills pushing these and other changes often included provisions that Kelly wanted, but giving them up in order to stop what she considered larger harms was more important.

Kelly also wants Kansas to take a live-and-let-live attitude towards trans issues, which led her to repeatedly veto bills that targeted the access which trans Kansans had to public bathrooms, athletic competitions, and more. That vision is not shared by the Republicans majority in Topeka—and this session, after years of trying, the legislature finally managed to get its way.

Which leads to Kelly’s less visionary, more partisan uses of her veto pen. The veto power has long been used to not just shape legislation, but also send messages, to warn or punish legislators—particularly those of the chief executive’s own party—by targeting specific issues.

In this case, Kelly’s target was to use her line-item veto to eliminate $250,000 designated to help turn the Quindaro Ruins, a former stop on the Underground Railroad in Kansas City, into a historic landmark. Rep. Marvin Robinson, a Democrat, had pushed for this money, which the Republican leadership inserted into the final budget bill—but only after Robinson broke ranks and provided crucial votes to overturn Kelly’s vetoes of the legislature’s restrictive trans bills. While Kelly’s veto message claims that Robinson’s budget item hadn’t been properly vetted in committee, it’s not unreasonable to see payback here.

Some vetoes, though, are neither obviously visionary nor partisan. Kelly’s veto of a provision that would have made up for financial losses which some Kansas students suffered due to changes in the distribution of scholarship money through the state’s Comprehensive Grant is an example.

For decades, the Kansas Comprehensive Grant was distributed to Kansas’s colleges and universities, public and private, in a manner that recognized the distinct sets of students with financial need who might choose a small private (sometimes faith-based) college over a large public (and secular) university. By converting the distribution of the Grant to a rigorous per-student formula, Kansas’s independent colleges lost some of their ability to provide scholarship support to needy students, since those institutions are smaller, with a collectively smaller student body than state universities (though often with a higher percentage of qualifying-students nonetheless).

The legislature aimed to help make up for that loss with an additional $5 million of Grant money. Kelly’s reasoning for vetoing that single budget line is ambiguous. Was it rooted in a belief that Kansas shouldn’t provide full support to students who choose colleges that may have a faith-orientation? Was it a move reflecting that most (though not all) independent colleges are in rural, more Republican areas, while most (though not all) public universities are in counties that voted for Kelly? Both? Neither?

In the complicated process of striking deals and shaping legislation, the role of vetoes is one of the least predictable. This year, Kelly’s broad use of that power received both applause and condemnation, from the usual partisan sources. But maybe some of her vetoes make sense to her alone.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly issued a near record number of vetoes (though close to half were overturned). What were her motivations in making use of her veto power so extensively?Some of Kelly’s vetoes reflect her very practical, service-oriented vision for Kansas. More than anything else, Kelly campaigned as the anti-Brownback, as someone who would be responsible regarding state priorities, and not allow the state’s finances to be subject to such things as radical flat tax proposals or efforts to limit the revenue-raising power of cities. The bills pushing these and other changes often included provisions that Kelly wanted, but giving them up in order to stop what she considered larger harms was more important.Kelly also wants Kansas to take a live-and-let-live attitude towards trans issues, which led her to repeatedly veto bills that targeted the access which trans Kansans had to public bathrooms, athletic competitions, and more. That vision is not shared by the Republicans majority in Topeka—and this session, after years of trying, the legislature finally managed to get its way.Which leads to Kelly’s less visionary, more partisan uses of her veto pen. The veto power has long been used to not just shape legislation, but also send messages, to warn or punish legislators—particularly those of the chief executive’s own party—by targeting specific issues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In this case, Kelly’s target was to use her line-item veto to eliminate $250,000 designated to help turn the Quindaro Ruins, a former stop on the Underground Railroad in Kansas City, into a historic landmark. Rep. Marvin Robinson, a Democrat, had pushed for this money, which the Republican leadership inserted into the final budget bill—but only after Robinson broke ranks and provided crucial votes to overturn Kelly’s vetoes of the legislature’s restrictive trans bills. While Kelly’s veto message claims that Robinson’s budget item hadn’t been properly vetted in committee, it’s not unreasonable to see payback here.Some vetoes, though, are neither obviously visionary nor partisan. Kelly’s veto of a provision that would have made up for financial losses which some Kansas students suffered due to changes in the distribution of scholarship money through the state’s Comprehensive Grant is an example.For decades, the Kansas Comprehensive Grant was distributed to Kansas’s colleges and universities, public and private, in a manner that recognized the distinct sets of students with financial need who might choose a small private (sometimes faith-based) college over a large public (and secular) university. By converting the distribution of the Grant to a rigorous per-student formula, Kansas’s independent colleges lost some of their ability to provide scholarship support to needy students, since those institutions are smaller, with a collectively smaller student body than state universities (though often with a higher percentage of qualifying-students nonetheless).The legislature aimed to help make up for that loss with an additional $5 million of Grant money. Kelly’s reasoning for vetoing that single budget line is ambiguous. Was it rooted in a belief that Kansas shouldn’t provide full support to students who choose colleges that may have a faith-orientation? Was it a move reflecting that most (though not all) independent colleges are in rural, more Republican areas, while most (though not all) public universities are in counties that voted for Kelly? Both? Neither?In the complicated process of striking deals and shaping legislation, the role of vetoes is one of the least predictable. This year, Kelly’s broad use of that power received both applause and condemnation, from the usual partisan sources. But maybe some of her vetoes make sense to her alone.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kelly’s vetoes: visionary, vindictive or otherwise

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685718827504.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>

McPHERSON - McPherson College, a four-year private college located in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its spring 2023 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.

Students must be enrolled full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the honor roll. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HONOR Hays, KS Chase Brous, Honor Roll&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685636060459.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseMcPHERSON - McPherson College, a four-year private college located in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its spring 2023 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.Students must be enrolled full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the honor roll. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HONOR Hays, KS Chase Brous, Honor Roll&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays student named to McPherson College spring honor roll

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657833314681.jpeg" alt="Family Worship Center" />
 <figcaption>Family Worship Center</figcaption>
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Hays apartment damaged in fire Saturday

RUSSELL COUNTY —A firefighter was injured&nbsp; while on the scene of a fire in Russell.

Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street, according to a media release. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.

Russell County EMS transported Fire Chief Dylan Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital. 

EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage. The Kansas State Fire Marshall was contacted to assist in the investigation. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.

RUSSELL COUNTY —A firefighter was injured&nbsp; while on the scene of a fire in Russell.Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street, according to a media release. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.Russell County EMS transported Fire Chief Dylan Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital. EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage. The Kansas State Fire Marshall was contacted to assist in the investigation. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.

Russell Fire Chief injured in explosion while fighting fire

Fort Hays State’s College of Education presented spring 2023 faculty and staff awards at its end-of-semester luncheon on May 12.

Dr. Betsy Crawford received the award for outstanding scholarship; the award for outstanding service went to Dr. Reade Dowda; Dr. Robert Moody received the outstanding teaching award; Dr. Philip Olt was recognized with a nomination for the Edmund Shearer Award; and Mrs. Anayansi Ramirez received the Outstanding Professional Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685033301371.png" alt="Dr. Betsy Crawford, Dr. Reade Dowda, Dr. Robert Moody, Dr. Philip Olt, and Mrs. Anayansi Ramirez&nbsp; (Photo by FHSU)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Betsy Crawford, Dr. Reade Dowda, Dr. Robert Moody, Dr. Philip Olt, and Mrs. Anayansi Ramirez&nbsp; (Photo by FHSU)</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State’s College of Education presented spring 2023 faculty and staff awards at its end-of-semester luncheon on May 12.Dr. Betsy Crawford received the award for outstanding scholarship; the award for outstanding service went to Dr. Reade Dowda; Dr. Robert Moody received the outstanding teaching award; Dr. Philip Olt was recognized with a nomination for the Edmund Shearer Award; and Mrs. Anayansi Ramirez received the Outstanding Professional Award.

FHSU College of Education faculty and staff awards

KDC TOPEKA&nbsp;– Main Street America has announced that Kansas is one of 10 states selected to participate in the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Rural Main Streets Program, supported by the&nbsp;Kauffman Foundation. The program aims to spur economic development in rural Kansas not just by fostering entrepreneurship but by building out entire ecosystems.

Kansas Main Street has partnered with Main Street America (MSA) to put on a one-day statewide workshop on Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem building that will be open to any rural community to attend. The workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in Great Bend.

“The partnership between Kansas Main Street and Main Street America is strong and this program is a great example of the benefits of that connection,”&nbsp;Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said.&nbsp;“We are excited that MSA has partnered with the Kauffman Foundation to help communities better understand how to maximize entrepreneurial development and growth in rural Kansas.”

In addition, there will be an opportunity for in-community and virtual programming support for three selected communities to implement ecosystem building, along with a “train-the-trainer” process for the Kansas Main Street Program to expand the ecosystem-building approach to other Main Street programs within Kansas. Participation in the workshop is mandatory if a community wishes to receive the additional support.

“Holistic, place-based, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems offer a promising path forward for these communities as a core economic development strategy,”&nbsp;Main Street America Chief Program Officer Matt Wagner said.&nbsp;“There is a need to deliver these services to rural communities, and Main Street America is uniquely positioned to address that need in partnership with its state and regional coordinating programs.”

To register for the workshop, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV2ZW50YnJpdGUuY29tL2UvdGhlLWthbnNhcy1lcXVpdGFibGUtZW50cmVwcmVuZXVyaWFsLWVjb3N5c3RlbS13b3Jrc2hvcC10aWNrZXRzLTYyNjI0ODI5NDUwNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTAuNzY1NDM2NDEifQ.FyOz8rZLQjP670_leuX1e428CuIfSC5LELHAI3dTe0E/s/1303161001/br/185061291095-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685549846979.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>KDC TOPEKA&nbsp;– Main Street America has announced that Kansas is one of 10 states selected to participate in the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Rural Main Streets Program, supported by the&nbsp;Kauffman Foundation. The program aims to spur economic development in rural Kansas not just by fostering entrepreneurship but by building out entire ecosystems.Kansas Main Street has partnered with Main Street America (MSA) to put on a one-day statewide workshop on Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem building that will be open to any rural community to attend. The workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in Great Bend.“The partnership between Kansas Main Street and Main Street America is strong and this program is a great example of the benefits of that connection,”&nbsp;Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said.&nbsp;“We are excited that MSA has partnered with the Kauffman Foundation to help communities better understand how to maximize entrepreneurial development and growth in rural Kansas.”In addition, there will be an opportunity for in-community and virtual programming support for three selected communities to implement ecosystem building, along with a “train-the-trainer” process for the Kansas Main Street Program to expand the ecosystem-building approach to other Main Street programs within Kansas. Participation in the workshop is mandatory if a community wishes to receive the additional support.“Holistic, place-based, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems offer a promising path forward for these communities as a core economic development strategy,”&nbsp;Main Street America Chief Program Officer Matt Wagner said.&nbsp;“There is a need to deliver these services to rural communities, and Main Street America is uniquely positioned to address that need in partnership with its state and regional coordinating programs.”To register for the workshop, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV2ZW50YnJpdGUuY29tL2UvdGhlLWthbnNhcy1lcXVpdGFibGUtZW50cmVwcmVuZXVyaWFsLWVjb3N5c3RlbS13b3Jrc2hvcC10aWNrZXRzLTYyNjI0ODI5NDUwNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTAuNzY1NDM2NDEifQ.FyOz8rZLQjP670_leuX1e428CuIfSC5LELHAI3dTe0E/s/1303161001/br/185061291095-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Great Bend to host Rural Main Streets Program workshop for Kansas towns 

DODGE CITY - United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is excited to bring more family fun to Dodge City on Saturday, October 14th, with Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party. 

Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. and the show starts at 2:00 p.m. with a special photo experience right after the show. Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig are throwing a Sing-Along Party and you are invited.

 In this new show, you can join in the fun as Peppa and friends teach some of their favorite songs. Dance, clap, and sing with Peppa and her family along with Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe. Blow up those balloons and get the disco ball ready as you and your family party along with Peppa in this 60-minute interactive musical adventure! 

Children aged 2 and up are required to have a show ticket to attend. This show contains flashing lights, haze (fog) and confetti.

&nbsp;Make the most of your experience with the Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party! Photo Experience. This one-of-a-kind photo experience allows you and your family to experience a unique photo opportunity by jumping in a mud puddle alongside Peppa Pig &amp; Friends. 

Here’s how it works: Photo Experience ticket purchasers should go to the Will Call window at the Box Office on the show day to pick up their passes and after-show instructions. Each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket in order to attend. 

The Photo Experience will start shortly after the end of the show. Please make sure to bring your camera as you will want to capture every moment!&nbsp;

Tickets for Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party and the Photo Experience will are on sale now and may be&nbsp; purchased at the&nbsp;United Wireless Arena box or online through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;website (www.UnitedWirelessArena.com) or through Ticketmaster.com.

Ticket prices are $34, $39, $44, or $65 depending on locations plus&nbsp;applicable fees and taxes.

The Photo Experience is $50 and each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket to&nbsp;attend.

Doors will open one hour before showtime. Handicapped accessible&nbsp;seating needs to be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685025704765.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDODGE CITY - United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is excited to bring more family fun to Dodge City on Saturday, October 14th, with Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. and the show starts at 2:00 p.m. with a special photo experience right after the show. Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig are throwing a Sing-Along Party and you are invited. In this new show, you can join in the fun as Peppa and friends teach some of their favorite songs. Dance, clap, and sing with Peppa and her family along with Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe. Blow up those balloons and get the disco ball ready as you and your family party along with Peppa in this 60-minute interactive musical adventure! Children aged 2 and up are required to have a show ticket to attend. This show contains flashing lights, haze (fog) and confetti.&nbsp;Make the most of your experience with the Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party! Photo Experience. This one-of-a-kind photo experience allows you and your family to experience a unique photo opportunity by jumping in a mud puddle alongside Peppa Pig &amp; Friends. Here’s how it works: Photo Experience ticket purchasers should go to the Will Call window at the Box Office on the show day to pick up their passes and after-show instructions. Each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket in order to attend. The Photo Experience will start shortly after the end of the show. Please make sure to bring your camera as you will want to capture every moment!&nbsp;Tickets for Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party and the Photo Experience will are on sale now and may be&nbsp; purchased at the&nbsp;United Wireless Arena box or online through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;website (www.UnitedWirelessArena.com) or through Ticketmaster.com.Ticket prices are $34, $39, $44, or $65 depending on locations plus&nbsp;applicable fees and taxes.The Photo Experience is $50 and each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket to&nbsp;attend.Doors will open one hour before showtime. Handicapped accessible&nbsp;seating needs to be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office.&nbsp;

Tickets on sale for 'Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party!' tour in Dodge City 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension Dist. Agent

Cropping options to follow an early terminated wheat crop could be similar to those for full-season crops. At this point in the season, viable crop options are still corn, soybeans, grain sorghum and feed/hay crops.

Regardless of which crop you choose to plant, weed control will likely be needed. Despite insufficient precipitation to produce a crop, many fields will still have emerged weeds and all fields will have a weed seed bank likely to emerge and compete with the summer crop. In addition, any remaining wheat will need to be terminated. Burndown of summer annual weeds present at planting is essential for successful double-cropping. 

Glyphosate will be effective for terminating wheat, but if glyphosate-resistant kochia and/or pigweeds are present, alternative treatments such as paraquat may be required.

General agronomic considerations, herbicide carryover, and weed management are fully addressed in the full length article on our K-State Agronomy eUpdate electronic newsletter. Also you can subscribe to this weekly newsletter, it only takes a minute to subscribe and K-State Research &amp; Extension does not share your email with anyone. 

To subscribe https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/index_new_prep.php Or just type into your internet browser K-State Agronomy eUpdates.

Cover Crops - Less information is available regarding the herbicide carryover potential of wheat herbicides to cover crops. There is little or no mention of rotational restrictions for specific cover crops on the labels of most herbicides. However, this does not mean there are no restrictions. 

Generally, there will be a statement indicating “no other crops” should be planted for a specified amount of time, or that a bioassay must be conducted before planting the crop. A bioassay is a fancy word meaning you simply take about 2 to 3 inches of top soil from field(s) in question and place the soil in some type of shallow container. Then plant at least 10 or more seeds of the intended crop to be planted, water and place in sunlight and see if the seed comes up and lives.

For more detailed information about herbicides, see the “2023 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland” guide available online at https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/CHEMWEEDGUIDE.pdf or come by the Cottonwood Extension Offices in Great Bend, 3007 10th Street or Hays, 601 Main Street, for a paper copy.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension Dist. AgentCropping options to follow an early terminated wheat crop could be similar to those for full-season crops. At this point in the season, viable crop options are still corn, soybeans, grain sorghum and feed/hay crops.Regardless of which crop you choose to plant, weed control will likely be needed. Despite insufficient precipitation to produce a crop, many fields will still have emerged weeds and all fields will have a weed seed bank likely to emerge and compete with the summer crop. In addition, any remaining wheat will need to be terminated. Burndown of summer annual weeds present at planting is essential for successful double-cropping. Glyphosate will be effective for terminating wheat, but if glyphosate-resistant kochia and/or pigweeds are present, alternative treatments such as paraquat may be required.General agronomic considerations, herbicide carryover, and weed management are fully addressed in the full length article on our K-State Agronomy eUpdate electronic newsletter. Also you can subscribe to this weekly newsletter, it only takes a minute to subscribe and K-State Research &amp; Extension does not share your email with anyone. To subscribe https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/index_new_prep.php Or just type into your internet browser K-State Agronomy eUpdates.Cover Crops - Less information is available regarding the herbicide carryover potential of wheat herbicides to cover crops. There is little or no mention of rotational restrictions for specific cover crops on the labels of most herbicides. However, this does not mean there are no restrictions. Generally, there will be a statement indicating “no other crops” should be planted for a specified amount of time, or that a bioassay must be conducted before planting the crop. A bioassay is a fancy word meaning you simply take about 2 to 3 inches of top soil from field(s) in question and place the soil in some type of shallow container. Then plant at least 10 or more seeds of the intended crop to be planted, water and place in sunlight and see if the seed comes up and lives.For more detailed information about herbicides, see the “2023 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland” guide available online at https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/CHEMWEEDGUIDE.pdf or come by the Cottonwood Extension Offices in Great Bend, 3007 10th Street or Hays, 601 Main Street, for a paper copy.The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Crop options after early terminated wheat

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

Smoky Hill Education Foundation

SALINA - The 26th anniversary of the Smoky Hill Education Foundation “Scramble for Schools” golf tournament attracted more than 110 participants on May 30.

The annual fundraiser brings in thousands of dollars in support of education at more than 50 school districts in Kansas. A tradition nearly as old as Smoky Hill Education Service Center itself, the tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course has grown to be one of the largest in the area.

Hundreds of door prizes from generous area donors went to the participants, including the grand prize of a 55” Samsung flat-screen TV provided by long-time Smoky Hill ESC business partner Kansas City Audio Visual (KCAV).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599399219884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hill Education Foundation SALINA - The 26th anniversary of the Smoky Hill Education Foundation “Scramble for Schools” golf tournament attracted more than 110 participants on May 30.The annual fundraiser brings in thousands of dollars in support of education at more than 50 school districts in Kansas. A tradition nearly as old as Smoky Hill Education Service Center itself, the tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course has grown to be one of the largest in the area.Hundreds of door prizes from generous area donors went to the participants, including the grand prize of a 55” Samsung flat-screen TV provided by long-time Smoky Hill ESC business partner Kansas City Audio Visual (KCAV).Other top prizes included a golf magazine autographed by Tom Kite and Jack Nicklaus and a $100 gift certificate to School Specialty.Prizes also went to golfers for their achievements on the course, announced as follows during the luncheon that concluded the tournament:· B Flight, Third Place: Tim Stephenson, Brandon Stephenson, Tyler Stephenson, Kendal Stephenson.· B Flight, Second Place: Adam Trost, Morgan Trost, Skylar Hittle, Curtis Noon.· B Flight, First Place: Troy Marseline, Monte Doll, Bill Maddy, Lyles Lashley.· A Flight, Third Place: Shane Berggren, Dale Douglas, Jon Lightle, Aaron Gillespie from Nex-Tech Wireless.· A Flight, Second Place: Mike Lagerman, Sean Robertson, Dylan Nelson, Haliegh Burkhart.· A Flight, First Place: Steve Joonas, Cam McVean, Blaine Joonas, Zak Voelker from USD 426 Pike Valley.· Championship Flight, Third Place: Tom Vernon, Khris Thaxton, Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel from USD 428 Great Bend.· Championship Flight, Second Place: Larry Root, Stan Knipp, Dale Knipp, Mitch Knipp.· Championship Flight, First Place: Chris Drees, Wade Ditter, Parker Krob, Tanner Copeland from USD 270 Plainville on a team sponsored by STOPit Solutions another long-time SHESC business partner.Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you to all the participants, donors, volunteers, and supporters who helped this year – and every year – to make the annual fundraiser a huge success.Founded July 1, 1990, Smoky Hill Education Service Center is a cooperative consortium of more than 50 school districts across 25 counties, formed to provide cost and efficiency savings in a variety of educational services for its participating members.&nbsp;Visit www.smokyhill.org for details.

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