FHSU Homecoming and Oktoberfest 2023 is in the books.

Take a look at the parade and day two of Oktoberfest below.

FHSU Homecoming and Oktoberfest 2023 is in the books.Take a look at the parade and day two of Oktoberfest below.<figure>
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📷 FHSU Homecoming parade, Oktoberfest day 2 in photos

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Phillisene Probasco lived in a world, or rather a time, that most of us have never seen.

She walked home from school in the dirt storms of the Dirty Thirties. She saw the men in her family go off to fight in World War II. She remembers learning to drive in a '49 Ford coupe.

Phillisene&nbsp;celebrated her 105th birthday at Ascension Living Via Christi Village in Hays on Thursday, surrounded by her family.

Phillisene&nbsp;was born and raised in Stockton. 

The school sent the children home early one day because a dirt storm was coming in. Her brothers' school was closer to home, but Probasco recalls struggling to get home as the storm hit.

"I had a heck of a time getting from the west end of Stockton," she said.

She said the dirt storms were terrible. They scared her. Her grandmother put wet bath towels at the bottom of the north-facing window to keep the dust from blowing in the house.

Her parents struggled during the Depression with four children at home to feed.

Her husband, nine years her senior, and she met when her parents threw her a party for her 16th birthday.

"We kind of eyed each other up good," she said, "and ended up getting married."

 Carl courted Phillisene for four years. He was patient and waited until&nbsp;Phillisene was 20 before the two married.

The family lived on a farm west of Stockton. Probasco, the daughter of a truck driver, had lived in town as a child, but on the farm, she learned to milk cows, dress chickens and drive a tractor.

When Carl and&nbsp;Phillisene were married, Phillisene didn't know how to drive. The two loaded up in their '49 Ford coupe, and&nbsp;Phillisene drove down a dirt road to the crick and back. Carl insisted that she learn because he didn't want to drive her to church on Sunday anymore. Philisene and her daughter both chuckled as they recalled the story.

Phillisene&nbsp;attended St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, where she originally attended Mass in Latin.

Although Carl did not serve in World War II, both of her brothers, Carl's brother and one of&nbsp;Phillisene's uncles, all served in the armed forces. Fortunately, all came home alive.

Carl and&nbsp;Phillisene worked on the farm through the war, feeding themselves and others through their work.

Neither of the&nbsp;Probasco children was born in a hospital.

Her son was born at home, and her daughter, Barbara, was born at a nursery&nbsp;run by a local midwife. Barbara weighed 9 pounds. Her mother, the midwife and two local doctors attended the birth and finally were able to deliver Barbara.&nbsp;Phillisene almost bled to death.

To pass the time on the farm, the couple played cards with friends.

Carl and&nbsp;Phillisene owned a camper and loved to travel. They traveled across the country and Canada, although Phillisene said their favorite spot was Webster Lake.

"We did [have a lot of adventures]," she said. "We really enjoyed life."

When they went to Canada, they were told they couldn't cross the border because Carl had a gun in the camper. They parked the camper, stowed the gun in the camper and went into Canada with bedding that they used to sleep in the bed of the pickup.

Phillisene made scores of quilts and crocheted afghans, as well as did handy work until her eyesight deteriorated.

"Everyone in the family has a quilt and an afghan," Barbara said.

That family continues to grow.&nbsp;Phillisene has one grandson, two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

On Saturday, all of her grandchildren were in Hays to celebrate her 105th birthday.

She said she thinks the younger family members are all doing well so far, and she encourages them to be happy.

"They're stayin' out of trouble," she said.

Phillisene has been a resident at Via Christi for years now. When she was in assisted living, she walked more than 100 miles with the aid of a walker. A staff member helped her measure the distance in the halls, and&nbsp;Phillisene kept a daily log of her progress.&nbsp;

She walked until her knees gave out. Today, she has to use a wheelchair. Her eyesight has further deteriorated. However, her daughter said she still loves to talk about the comings and goings of her hometown of Stockton. She still remembers much of her life on the farm.

For years, even in nursing care, she has kept up on the commodity prices and the weather via radio. She said the weather has changed significantly since she was on the farm. She expressed the need for rain and her sadness at the recent fires that affected so many area farmers.

Although it's difficult to read because of her eyesight, she listens to audiobooks.

She said she sleeps soundly through the night. Her daughter laughed.

Phillisene said she never thought she would live to be 105 years old. Her husband, who was almost a decade older, died 20 years ago. They were married 64-1/2 years.

Phillisene said she has no idea what has helped her achieve such longevity.

"When my husband got to 94, I thought that was wonderful," she said, "and here I am clear up to 105. It's hard to believe. I feel great."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696000343512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPhillisene Probasco lived in a world, or rather a time, that most of us have never seen.She walked home from school in the dirt storms of the Dirty Thirties. She saw the men in her family go off to fight in World War II. She remembers learning to drive in a '49 Ford coupe.Phillisene&nbsp;celebrated her 105th birthday at Ascension Living Via Christi Village in Hays on Thursday, surrounded by her family.Phillisene&nbsp;was born and raised in Stockton. The school sent the children home early one day because a dirt storm was coming in. Her brothers' school was closer to home, but Probasco recalls struggling to get home as the storm hit."I had a heck of a time getting from the west end of Stockton," she said.She said the dirt storms were terrible. They scared her. Her grandmother put wet bath towels at the bottom of the north-facing window to keep the dust from blowing in the house.Her parents struggled during the Depression with four children at home to feed.Her husband, nine years her senior, and she met when her parents threw her a party for her 16th birthday."We kind of eyed each other up good," she said, "and ended up getting married." Carl courted Phillisene for four years. He was patient and waited until&nbsp;Phillisene was 20 before the two married.The family lived on a farm west of Stockton. Probasco, the daughter of a truck driver, had lived in town as a child, but on the farm, she learned to milk cows, dress chickens and drive a tractor.When Carl and&nbsp;Phillisene were married, Phillisene didn't know how to drive. The two loaded up in their '49 Ford coupe, and&nbsp;Phillisene drove down a dirt road to the crick and back. Carl insisted that she learn because he didn't want to drive her to church on Sunday anymore. Philisene and her daughter both chuckled as they recalled the story.Phillisene&nbsp;attended St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, where she originally attended Mass in Latin.Although Carl did not serve in World War II, both of her brothers, Carl's brother and one of&nbsp;Phillisene's uncles, all served in the armed forces. Fortunately, all came home alive.Carl and&nbsp;Phillisene worked on the farm through the war, feeding themselves and others through their work.Neither of the&nbsp;Probasco children was born in a hospital.Her son was born at home, and her daughter, Barbara, was born at a nursery&nbsp;run by a local midwife. Barbara weighed 9 pounds. Her mother, the midwife and two local doctors attended the birth and finally were able to deliver Barbara.&nbsp;Phillisene almost bled to death.To pass the time on the farm, the couple played cards with friends.Carl and&nbsp;Phillisene owned a camper and loved to travel. They traveled across the country and Canada, although Phillisene said their favorite spot was Webster Lake."We did [have a lot of adventures]," she said. "We really enjoyed life."When they went to Canada, they were told they couldn't cross the border because Carl had a gun in the camper. They parked the camper, stowed the gun in the camper and went into Canada with bedding that they used to sleep in the bed of the pickup.Phillisene made scores of quilts and crocheted afghans, as well as did handy work until her eyesight deteriorated."Everyone in the family has a quilt and an afghan," Barbara said.That family continues to grow.&nbsp;Phillisene has one grandson, two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.On Saturday, all of her grandchildren were in Hays to celebrate her 105th birthday.She said she thinks the younger family members are all doing well so far, and she encourages them to be happy."They're stayin' out of trouble," she said.Phillisene has been a resident at Via Christi for years now. When she was in assisted living, she walked more than 100 miles with the aid of a walker. A staff member helped her measure the distance in the halls, and&nbsp;Phillisene kept a daily log of her progress.&nbsp;She walked until her knees gave out. Today, she has to use a wheelchair. Her eyesight has further deteriorated. However, her daughter said she still loves to talk about the comings and goings of her hometown of Stockton. She still remembers much of her life on the farm.For years, even in nursing care, she has kept up on the commodity prices and the weather via radio. She said the weather has changed significantly since she was on the farm. She expressed the need for rain and her sadness at the recent fires that affected so many area farmers.Although it's difficult to read because of her eyesight, she listens to audiobooks.She said she sleeps soundly through the night. Her daughter laughed."I don't sleep that good," Barbara said.Phillisene said she never thought she would live to be 105 years old. Her husband, who was almost a decade older, died 20 years ago. They were married 64-1/2 years.Phillisene said she has no idea what has helped her achieve such longevity."When my husband got to 94, I thought that was wonderful," she said, "and here I am clear up to 105. It's hard to believe. I feel great."

A life well lived: Stockton native celebrates 105th birthday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Cyber security is a top concern for owners and employees of businesses everywhere.

The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Fort Hays State University will offer its first cybersecurity conference, "Cybersecurity 101 for Any Business" on Tuesday at the Robbins Alumni Center.

Real-life examples from the presenters will&nbsp; help business owners learn more about cybersecurity,&nbsp;said Laurie Pieper, assistant director of the small business center.

"Our goal is to help more businesses through their needs, meeting them where they're at in their journey, not only to start and grow but also to mitigate risk and be sustainable and successful so that the businesses have longevity, keeping jobs, products, and services to keep our community and our economy strong."

Cybersecurity is vital for small businesses, Pieper said, and that's where the interest of the small business development center comes in.&nbsp;

"They are at risk. We want to help them understand what the potential risks are, so they can mitigate those risks, and really protect themselves, their assets, their customers, the vendors that they work with.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We're all connected. It's important for everybody to be up to speed on this," Pieper said.

About a year ago, FHSU created the Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator. 

"It's part of what motivated us, knowing we had this great resource being launched out of Fort Hays State University," she said.

A planning committee has been working on the cybersecurity conference, which also offers distance participation in Goodland, Dodge City and Liberal for businesses and students.&nbsp;

Speakers from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Tree Top Security of Hays and Nex-Tech of Hays, FHSU, the U.S. SBA, and Hays USD 489 will provide information and opportunities to connect with resources

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad35ba4a-499f-4bba-9f58-697894f2402c">Schools are increasingly susceptible to cyber attacks</a>. It happened to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/95cf347a-1aff-43bd-876a-550dd764d499">USD 489 in February 2022</a>.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, will talk about the attack's impact and why people should care about cybersecurity.

The morning's keynote speaker is Sam Alva, cybersecurity adviser of Homeland Security. FBI personnel will speak about the cyber threat landscape in the afternoon.

The conference will kick off with a short discussion of the language of cybersecurity and how to talk to your IT person by  Jason Zeller, interim director of the FHSU Cybersecurity Institute.

How to prepare, respond, and recover from a cyber attack on your business or entity will be addressed by Michael Aumack, economic development specialist with the national SBA.

Following other presentations and a panel discussion, Dallas Haselhorst, owner of&nbsp;Tree Top Security of Hays, will specifically offer actionable steps attendees should take at their businesses.

"The purpose of this is not to be scared but to be prepared and do the things you need to do confidently so that you can protect your business," Pieper said.

"This is not training for IT specialists. It's information for typical business owners and employees," she said.

Cybersecurity is not just about firewalls and passwords. It requires a daily commitment to safeguarding your data from constantly evolving threats. To learn more about best practices, please attend cybersecurity 101 KSBDC enabling an understanding of the importance of risk mitigation and actionable steps.

“One of our goals for this conference is to help small businesses be informed and confident in taking proactive steps to protect their digital environments,” Pieper said. “We are very excited about the partners that have come together to provide training and resources to support our business communities in Western and North Central Kansas.”

Speakers from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Tree Top Security, Nex-Tech, FHSU, the U.S. SBA, and USD 489 will provide valuable information and opportunities to connect with resources.

“I’m excited about the upcoming Cybersecurity 101 For Any Business Conference in Hays this year,” said Mark Griffin, assistant vice president and chief information officer for FHSU’s technology services. “Cybersecurity has a far-reaching impact, especially on small businesses. Providing this opportunity for our local small businesses to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge is invaluable. In today’s digital landscape, a single major cybersecurity incident can be catastrophic for a small business.

“This conference has the potential to educate and significantly reduce the vulnerability of our small businesses.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694011014355.png" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostCyber security is a top concern for owners and employees of businesses everywhere.The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Fort Hays State University will offer its first cybersecurity conference, "Cybersecurity 101 for Any Business" on Tuesday at the Robbins Alumni Center.Real-life examples from the presenters will&nbsp; help business owners learn more about cybersecurity,&nbsp;said Laurie Pieper, assistant director of the small business center."Our goal is to help more businesses through their needs, meeting them where they're at in their journey, not only to start and grow but also to mitigate risk and be sustainable and successful so that the businesses have longevity, keeping jobs, products, and services to keep our community and our economy strong."Cybersecurity is vital for small businesses, Pieper said, and that's where the interest of the small business development center comes in.&nbsp;"They are at risk. We want to help them understand what the potential risks are, so they can mitigate those risks, and really protect themselves, their assets, their customers, the vendors that they work with.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're all connected. It's important for everybody to be up to speed on this," Pieper said.About a year ago, FHSU created the Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator. "It's part of what motivated us, knowing we had this great resource being launched out of Fort Hays State University," she said.A planning committee has been working on the cybersecurity conference, which also offers distance participation in Goodland, Dodge City and Liberal for businesses and students.&nbsp;Speakers from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Tree Top Security of Hays and Nex-Tech of Hays, FHSU, the U.S. SBA, and Hays USD 489 will provide information and opportunities to connect with resources<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad35ba4a-499f-4bba-9f58-697894f2402c">Schools are increasingly susceptible to cyber attacks</a>. It happened to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/95cf347a-1aff-43bd-876a-550dd764d499">USD 489 in February 2022</a>.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, will talk about the attack's impact and why people should care about cybersecurity.The morning's keynote speaker is Sam Alva, cybersecurity adviser of Homeland Security. FBI personnel will speak about the cyber threat landscape in the afternoon.The conference will kick off with a short discussion of the language of cybersecurity and how to talk to your IT person by Jason Zeller, interim director of the FHSU Cybersecurity Institute.How to prepare, respond, and recover from a cyber attack on your business or entity will be addressed by Michael Aumack, economic development specialist with the national SBA.Following other presentations and a panel discussion, Dallas Haselhorst, owner of&nbsp;Tree Top Security of Hays, will specifically offer actionable steps attendees should take at their businesses."The purpose of this is not to be scared but to be prepared and do the things you need to do confidently so that you can protect your business," Pieper said."This is not training for IT specialists. It's information for typical business owners and employees," she said.Cybersecurity is not just about firewalls and passwords. It requires a daily commitment to safeguarding your data from constantly evolving threats. To learn more about best practices, please attend cybersecurity 101 KSBDC enabling an understanding of the importance of risk mitigation and actionable steps.“One of our goals for this conference is to help small businesses be informed and confident in taking proactive steps to protect their digital environments,” Pieper said. “We are very excited about the partners that have come together to provide training and resources to support our business communities in Western and North Central Kansas.”Speakers from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Tree Top Security, Nex-Tech, FHSU, the U.S. SBA, and USD 489 will provide valuable information and opportunities to connect with resources.“I’m excited about the upcoming Cybersecurity 101 For Any Business Conference in Hays this year,” said Mark Griffin, assistant vice president and chief information officer for FHSU’s technology services. “Cybersecurity has a far-reaching impact, especially on small businesses. Providing this opportunity for our local small businesses to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge is invaluable. In today’s digital landscape, a single major cybersecurity incident can be catastrophic for a small business.“This conference has the potential to educate and significantly reduce the vulnerability of our small businesses.”

FBI, Homeland Security to talk cyber security threats, risks at FHSU conference Tuesday

THOMAS COUNTY—Three people were involved in an accident just after 4 p.m. Sunday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford F250 driven by Luis G.&nbsp;Cortes-Vicencio, 47, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was westbound on Old U.S. 24 just south of County Road Q.

The pickup swerved into the north ditch. The driver over-corrected, spun sideways into the south ditch and rolled into a field.

The driver and a passenger identified as 20-year-old Jose L. Cortes of Brewster, Kansas were not injured. A juvenile was also in the pickup; juvenile record is protected data.&nbsp; Cortes-Vicencio was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Three people were involved in an accident just after 4 p.m. Sunday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford F250 driven by Luis G.&nbsp;Cortes-Vicencio, 47, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was westbound on Old U.S. 24 just south of County Road Q.The pickup swerved into the north ditch. The driver over-corrected, spun sideways into the south ditch and rolled into a field.The driver and a passenger identified as 20-year-old Jose L. Cortes of Brewster, Kansas were not injured. A juvenile was also in the pickup; juvenile record is protected data.&nbsp; Cortes-Vicencio was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

KHP: 2 adults, juvenile involved in NW Kan. rollover crash

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Approximately 260 donor scholarships exceeding $327,000 were awarded to business and entrepreneurship students for the 2023-24 academic year at Fort Hays State University. This is an increase of nearly $10,000 over last year.

The awards ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship, held Sept. 14 in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, brought donors and students together to recognize the spirit of those who “pay it forward.”

“We celebrate our philanthropists and welcome a new generation of students whose lives will be changed and impacted by their generosity,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president. “Hopefully, those students will follow the same kindness and philanthropy as they go on to make a difference in the world.”

For Robbins ambassadors Nate Egan and Braden Schulte, the scholarships presented during the ceremony were a part of the larger impact they had discovered at Fort Hays State. Egan and Schulte are recipients of the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity available to undergraduate business students.

“There is no shortage of people willing to offer a smile, advice, or anything I need to further my education,” Schulte said. “This includes all the donors who provide so much support for me and my fellow students.”

Throughout the ceremony, donors, many of whom were FHSU graduates, expressed their enthusiasm for being able to fund scholarships for talented FHSU students. Many companies represented by the donors employ FHSU alums.&nbsp;Jamie Dreher of Brungardt, Hower, Ward, Elliott &amp; Pfeifer said 95 percent of her company’s employees are FHSU graduates.

“Nearly all of us (at Brungardt Hower) have been in your shoes and received scholarships of one type or another,” she said. “We just want to perpetuate the cycle and keep it moving.”

Seeing successful businesses and individuals invest in FHSU students was a highlight of the event for Melissa Hunsicker-Walburn, interim dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“It is an honor to be able to do this event year after year and leave here inspired,” Hunsicker-Walburn said in her concluding remarks. “Donors, you all pay it forward. We are so very grateful to be reminded of the difference you make in the lives of our students.”

Learn how to support students within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7giOwU_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbaK4uoO5oM-2FuhCmhfKuPsqG5r1Kv11Pw8VVMpbrItJx-2BwralAC8SSdqb38QPtSw2eyTu-2FjnJYZnl787b4Rb9-2B6KZZxrnAyt-2FvkOVArHZKJuM6iBM2faZlZ4TeJYPT9ygNf9h6NUkr-2B6HuqfEWAvCL4rVEjw6TvcqQyb90-2FXMmxuKtSr6v9GuqusLOiCuzx9azOUISPGpPIBvlRVljNu2lOYB4QEkcQkZYKsFy2SftYs2-2BQTPdnYal2S2dHWTZycqUQoDXnkcEaH63WA1zrOCRag-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contacting the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695756116750.jpeg" alt="Braden Schulte (L) and&nbsp;Nate Egan (R) received Robbins Ambassador Scholarships during a recent ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship with Hayden Hutchison of the FHSU Foundation. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Braden Schulte (L) and&nbsp;Nate Egan (R) received Robbins Ambassador Scholarships during a recent ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship with Hayden Hutchison of the FHSU Foundation. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsApproximately 260 donor scholarships exceeding $327,000 were awarded to business and entrepreneurship students for the 2023-24 academic year at Fort Hays State University. This is an increase of nearly $10,000 over last year.The awards ceremony for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship, held Sept. 14 in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, brought donors and students together to recognize the spirit of those who “pay it forward.”“We celebrate our philanthropists and welcome a new generation of students whose lives will be changed and impacted by their generosity,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president. “Hopefully, those students will follow the same kindness and philanthropy as they go on to make a difference in the world.”For Robbins ambassadors Nate Egan and Braden Schulte, the scholarships presented during the ceremony were a part of the larger impact they had discovered at Fort Hays State. Egan and Schulte are recipients of the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity available to undergraduate business students.“There is no shortage of people willing to offer a smile, advice, or anything I need to further my education,” Schulte said. “This includes all the donors who provide so much support for me and my fellow students.”Throughout the ceremony, donors, many of whom were FHSU graduates, expressed their enthusiasm for being able to fund scholarships for talented FHSU students. Many companies represented by the donors employ FHSU alums.&nbsp;Jamie Dreher of Brungardt, Hower, Ward, Elliott &amp; Pfeifer said 95 percent of her company’s employees are FHSU graduates.“Nearly all of us (at Brungardt Hower) have been in your shoes and received scholarships of one type or another,” she said. “We just want to perpetuate the cycle and keep it moving.”Seeing successful businesses and individuals invest in FHSU students was a highlight of the event for Melissa Hunsicker-Walburn, interim dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.“It is an honor to be able to do this event year after year and leave here inspired,” Hunsicker-Walburn said in her concluding remarks. “Donors, you all pay it forward. We are so very grateful to be reminded of the difference you make in the lives of our students.”Learn how to support students within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7giOwU_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbaK4uoO5oM-2FuhCmhfKuPsqG5r1Kv11Pw8VVMpbrItJx-2BwralAC8SSdqb38QPtSw2eyTu-2FjnJYZnl787b4Rb9-2B6KZZxrnAyt-2FvkOVArHZKJuM6iBM2faZlZ4TeJYPT9ygNf9h6NUkr-2B6HuqfEWAvCL4rVEjw6TvcqQyb90-2FXMmxuKtSr6v9GuqusLOiCuzx9azOUISPGpPIBvlRVljNu2lOYB4QEkcQkZYKsFy2SftYs2-2BQTPdnYal2S2dHWTZycqUQoDXnkcEaH63WA1zrOCRag-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contacting the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

Record-breaking scholarship amount awarded to Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship students 

ELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is Tuesday, October 3, at the home triangular against Plainville and Trego.&nbsp; Volleyball action begins at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; Senior recognition will take place prior to the last match at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the Railroader Volleyball team!&nbsp; Railer Pride!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695920892665.jpeg" alt="Emily James, daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kylee Pfeifer, daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Jadyn Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Braelyn Born, daughter of Brock and Coleen Born; and Kaydawn Haag, daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag." />
 <figcaption>Emily James, daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kylee Pfeifer, daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Jadyn Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Braelyn Born, daughter of Brock and Coleen Born; and Kaydawn Haag, daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is Tuesday, October 3, at the home triangular against Plainville and Trego.&nbsp; Volleyball action begins at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; Senior recognition will take place prior to the last match at approximately 6:30 p.m.Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the Railroader Volleyball team!&nbsp; Railer Pride!

Ellis High School Volleyball senior night is Tuesday

Every year, more than 25% of Americans age 65+ fall down. 

One fall can drastically alter quality of life and reduce independence. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors each year. The good news is that falls are not a natural part of aging and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of falling!

Look for an exercise program in your community that focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension to find a class.

You spend most of your time at home, so make sure it’s a safe space. Increase lighting, remove floor clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the flow of traffic, and install grab bars.

Consult your healthcare provider to assess your fall risk, discuss recent falls, and review medications that may affect balance and coordination.

4. Go for regular vision and hearing checkups.

The eyes and ears provide us with vital senses that affect balance, so it’s important to strive for good vision and hearing health.

Fall prevention is a group effort, and family members can help you spot fall risks, and be a team to call on for help. To check your risk of falling, visit <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup">https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup</a> to take a short quiz.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>Every year, more than 25% of Americans age 65+ fall down. One fall can drastically alter quality of life and reduce independence. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors each year. The good news is that falls are not a natural part of aging and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of falling!1. Stay active.Look for an exercise program in your community that focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension to find a class.2. Assess your home.You spend most of your time at home, so make sure it’s a safe space. Increase lighting, remove floor clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the flow of traffic, and install grab bars.3. Talk to your doctor.Consult your healthcare provider to assess your fall risk, discuss recent falls, and review medications that may affect balance and coordination.4. Go for regular vision and hearing checkups.The eyes and ears provide us with vital senses that affect balance, so it’s important to strive for good vision and hearing health.5. Find support.Fall prevention is a group effort, and family members can help you spot fall risks, and be a team to call on for help. To check your risk of falling, visit <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup">https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup</a> to take a short quiz.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

WINKEL: Fall prevention: Reduce your risk

<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/2023/9/1696015876247.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

&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses franchise systems following their Trispectives presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays gives look into franchise systems" 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/?i=pymhk-14bc620-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses franchise systems following their Trispectives presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays gives look into franchise systems

Enter to win Cash Grab

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.

The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.

The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. 

An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.

The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.

Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.

“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”

Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.

Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.

“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”

“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.

State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.

Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.

“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”

Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.

The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.

Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.

Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.

“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”

KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.

The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.

Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.

“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.

Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.

Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695387001249.png" alt="Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

Kansas Board of Regents sculpt $300 million plan for boosting state aid to public higher education

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA — Sachin Dhanda of Hays was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. 

Dhanda is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.

Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

Dhanda, graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, will use funds from the award to travel to the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as the 2024 annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America in San Antonio, Texas.

Dhanda was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2023 at Kansas State University.

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning program, which gives 200 awards annually, doubled its funding this year and saw a 50% increase in applicants. 

The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588607236536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseBATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA — Sachin Dhanda of Hays was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Dhanda is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.Dhanda, graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, will use funds from the award to travel to the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as the 2024 annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America in San Antonio, Texas.Dhanda was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2023 at Kansas State University.Established in 2007, the Love of Learning program, which gives 200 awards annually, doubled its funding this year and saw a 50% increase in applicants. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.

Hays student receives Love of Learning award from Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the rear windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.

When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.

A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. 

I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. 

I wandered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!

The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends….once I got&nbsp;a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. 

I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. 

Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back, figuring to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. 

Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to losing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the rear windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. I wandered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends….once I got&nbsp;a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back, figuring to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to losing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Firewood follies

Hays High School senior, Kyzer Fox, was named Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fox is among some 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. 

Although they will not continue in the 2024 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Kyzer Fox is the son of Trent and Mandy Fox. Kyzer has taken numerous honors and college courses throughout his high school career and has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9. 

Fox is also a 2023 Homecoming King candidate. Some of the school activities Fox has been involved in include Student Council, basketball, soccer and student leadership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695674374066.png" alt="Kyzer Fox (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kyzer Fox (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>HHSHays High School senior, Kyzer Fox, was named Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.Fox is among some 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2024 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.Kyzer Fox is the son of Trent and Mandy Fox. Kyzer has taken numerous honors and college courses throughout his high school career and has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Fox is also a 2023 Homecoming King candidate. Some of the school activities Fox has been involved in include Student Council, basketball, soccer and student leadership.

Hays High senior Kyzer Fox commended in National Merit Scholarship Program

A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She had no problem with the plantings, but the city codes are giving her fits.

There are numerous advantages to cultivating pollinator gardens instead of non-native grass and other decorative plantings. Plants like Black-Eyed Susans, Western Yarrow, Wild Bergamot (beebalm), Milkweed, and Kansas’ state flower–the sunflower– have deeper root networks, which help prevent soil erosion and reduce water runoff. They do not need to be mowed, saving energy and pollution. They are natural parts of Kansas’ ecosystem and do not spread invasively. Natives grow well without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Many grow beautiful flowers. They also adapt better to our climate, requiring less watering.

Pollinator gardens supply food to native birds and insects including hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and native bees. In recent years, the population of monarchs has declined alarmingly, which many experts attribute to agricultural pesticides and herbicides. All told, one third of our food requires pollination by insects.

Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances.

 These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. Such scourges include the Bradford Pear, the Eastern Red Cedar, the Tree of Heaven, and wintercreeper. I join legions of other homeowners spending countless weekends trying to remove these noxious pests. Farmers and ranchers do not like them, either.

As for my friend, she won her dispute with the city, but only after cutting part of her beloved pocket prairie and compiling a thick packet of information for her hearing.

She is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Metro Area Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.

This past April, a Kansas family got caught between the city of Overland Park–which discourages such plantings, Johnson County–which encourages them, and their own neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Overland Park feature neatly-manicured lawns in tidy housing subdivisions along cul-de-sac streets. Neighbors must adjust their expectations of what looks beautiful. Lawns should be property maintained, but they need not resemble golf courses.

These codes also reflect the needs of agriculture. For example, milkweed is a beneficial, beautiful, easy to grow native plant that pollinators love, but it is poisonous to cattle and horses. This is fine for farmers and ranchers, but the average suburban homeowner is not going to have cattle and horses in their yard! Some local codes still classify milkweed as a “noxious weed” even when planted in town. Fortunately, some Kansas local governments have started targeting actual noxious weeds such as Bradford Pears, which are highly invasive. Wichita is one of many communities expanding native plantings on public land including parks.

New codes will allow beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly yards while still requiring that yards and lots be properly maintained. MARC’s model legislation is just what you need to start working on this in your own community– and your yard.

Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She had no problem with the plantings, but the city codes are giving her fits.There are numerous advantages to cultivating pollinator gardens instead of non-native grass and other decorative plantings. Plants like Black-Eyed Susans, Western Yarrow, Wild Bergamot (beebalm), Milkweed, and Kansas’ state flower–the sunflower– have deeper root networks, which help prevent soil erosion and reduce water runoff. They do not need to be mowed, saving energy and pollution. They are natural parts of Kansas’ ecosystem and do not spread invasively. Natives grow well without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Many grow beautiful flowers. They also adapt better to our climate, requiring less watering.Pollinator gardens supply food to native birds and insects including hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and native bees. In recent years, the population of monarchs has declined alarmingly, which many experts attribute to agricultural pesticides and herbicides. All told, one third of our food requires pollination by insects.Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. Such scourges include the Bradford Pear, the Eastern Red Cedar, the Tree of Heaven, and wintercreeper. I join legions of other homeowners spending countless weekends trying to remove these noxious pests. Farmers and ranchers do not like them, either.As for my friend, she won her dispute with the city, but only after cutting part of her beloved pocket prairie and compiling a thick packet of information for her hearing.She is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Metro Area Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.Our sensibilities need to change, too. This past April, a Kansas family got caught between the city of Overland Park–which discourages such plantings, Johnson County–which encourages them, and their own neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Overland Park feature neatly-manicured lawns in tidy housing subdivisions along cul-de-sac streets. Neighbors must adjust their expectations of what looks beautiful. Lawns should be property maintained, but they need not resemble golf courses.These codes also reflect the needs of agriculture. For example, milkweed is a beneficial, beautiful, easy to grow native plant that pollinators love, but it is poisonous to cattle and horses. This is fine for farmers and ranchers, but the average suburban homeowner is not going to have cattle and horses in their yard! Some local codes still classify milkweed as a “noxious weed” even when planted in town. Fortunately, some Kansas local governments have started targeting actual noxious weeds such as Bradford Pears, which are highly invasive. Wichita is one of many communities expanding native plantings on public land including parks.New codes will allow beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly yards while still requiring that yards and lots be properly maintained. MARC’s model legislation is just what you need to start working on this in your own community– and your yard.Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Zoning codes should allow native plants and pollinator gardens 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696015835784.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>

Holy Family Elementary weekly update

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDtests.gov</a>.

The tests will detect the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests">currently circulating COVID-19 variants</a>&nbsp;and are intended for use through the end of 2023. The kits will include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list">instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates</a>.&nbsp;Many kits have had their expiration dates extended beyond what may be printed on the packaging.

You don’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never be asked for a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and shipping address. If you’d like an email confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service, you can submit your email address.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.&nbsp;

• Only go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">COVIDtests.gov</a>&nbsp;to order your free test kits from the federal government. When you click to order, you’ll be redirected to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fspecial.usps.com%2Ftestkits&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2022%2F01%2Fits-official-get-free-covid-test-kits-covidtestsgov" target="_blank">special.usps.com/testkits</a>. If you’re following a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.&nbsp;

• No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Don’t give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/" target="_blank">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695743544779.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCWASHINGTON, D.C. — Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDtests.gov</a>.The tests will detect the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests">currently circulating COVID-19 variants</a>&nbsp;and are intended for use through the end of 2023. The kits will include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list">instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates</a>.&nbsp;Many kits have had their expiration dates extended beyond what may be printed on the packaging.You don’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never be asked for a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and shipping address. If you’d like an email confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service, you can submit your email address.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.&nbsp;So, remember:• Only go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">COVIDtests.gov</a>&nbsp;to order your free test kits from the federal government. When you click to order, you’ll be redirected to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fspecial.usps.com%2Ftestkits&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2022%2F01%2Fits-official-get-free-covid-test-kits-covidtestsgov" target="_blank">special.usps.com/testkits</a>. If you’re following a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.&nbsp;• No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Don’t give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/" target="_blank">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

The Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program document.&nbsp;

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System.

Area counties included are Decatur, Ness, Rush, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace.&nbsp;

The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp" target="_blank">http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688046043635.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program document.&nbsp;The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System.Area counties included are Decatur, Ness, Rush, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace.&nbsp;The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp" target="_blank">http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp</a>.&nbsp;The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Oct. 4.&nbsp;To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-3254.

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