THOMAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities conducting a 6-week investigation in Thomas County have made 11 arrests, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

The investigation that concluded on June 29, included&nbsp; the execution of three search warrants. Deputies seized large quantities of meth, marijuana and pills.

The suspect face requested charges of&nbsp; possession of meth with intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school and aggravated child endangerment.

&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Colby Police Department participated with the sheriff's office in the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688854216094.png" alt="Andela Mills&nbsp;was arrested on June 9 and is being held in Thomas County on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of Controlled Substance,&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Probation Violation and Endangering a child, according to online jail records -photo Thomas Co." />
 <figcaption>Andela Mills&nbsp;was arrested on June 9 and is being held in Thomas County on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of Controlled Substance,&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Probation Violation and Endangering a child, according to online jail records -photo Thomas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities conducting a 6-week investigation in Thomas County have made 11 arrests, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.The investigation that concluded on June 29, included&nbsp; the execution of three search warrants. Deputies seized large quantities of meth, marijuana and pills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688854284910.png" alt="Kystal Lowe was arrested on June 9 and is being held in Thomas County on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute Controlled Substance, Possession of Opiates, Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Drug Felony, Endangering a Child and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, according to online jail records-photo Thomas Co." />
 <figcaption>Kystal Lowe was arrested on June 9 and is being held in Thomas County on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute Controlled Substance, Possession of Opiates, Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Drug Felony, Endangering a Child and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, according to online jail records-photo Thomas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect face requested charges of&nbsp; possession of meth with intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school and aggravated child endangerment.&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Colby Police Department participated with the sheriff's office in the investigation.

11 arrested in NW Kansas drug investigation 

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

VICTORIA—In the mid-1960 residents of Victoria, led by Leo J. and
Albina Dreiling, had a vision – a place for an aging population to stay and
stay local with the St. John’s Rest Home.

Now the <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">Victoria
Community Coalition</a> is again looking for locals to support the
redevelopment of the 40,000-square-foot facility on the heels of a pledge to match
up to $100,000 in donations from the Hays-based <a href="https://schmidtfoundation.net/">Schmidt Foundation</a>.

The coalition has big goals for the future building and land,
including senior apartments, a child care center, a<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4e8ad16c-9ee2-43ac-bfc0-857f715636e6"> satellite campus for the
Ellis County Historical Society </a>and a park.

 The latest pledge helps the
committee get one step closer to that goal.

“We need the dollars,” said Marilyn
Braun, coalition treasurer. “And we'll come up with it one
way or another.”

The recent pledge helps
secure other grant money already allocated to the project, including <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6555fe96-b357-460a-bcc3-19b959acc74e">$1.35
million in previously announced grants</a> from the <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/?playlist=7c12057&amp;video=9e6dc4e">Dane
G. Hansen Foundation</a>, totaling $500,000 and the state of Kansas, totaling
$850,000.

Those grants, along with the
recent pledge, will go to stage 1 of the project that would develop 12 apartments
for seniors and a child care center, expected to cost between $3 million and $3.5
million.

“The match has got to be
there in order to draw down that $850,000,” Braun said. “And as soon as we get
that match money, we can draw on that other money.”

The recent pledge from the
Schmidt Foundation would count toward that total but must be matched by Victoria
residents.

“This opportunity that we
have from the Schmidt Foundation and Gary Shorman, to me that was a perfect
thing,” said Brenda Dreiling, coalition vice president. “But I think people need to
realize that we have this opportunity to get this money, but that does not
get us where we totally need to be there.”

“(Shorman) is very anxious,
very supportive, but very anxious to see the Victoria community involved, which I understand," said Jeff
Pfeifer, coalition president. "Something like this should be
supported by the Victoria folks. And the money has been a little slow. So I am
so grateful for Gary to help this with this incentive because hopefully, it'll
shake some money loose.”

Dreiling said for the first phase,
$150,000 is needed from the community in order to fully capitalize on all of
the pledged funds.

“That's what our fundraising
goal is for the next few months,” Pfeifer said.

“With this grant money, what
we've applied for and we will continue to apply for… they want to see how the
Victoria community gets involved and that they want to show that it's got skin in
the game,” Dreiling said. 

While the committee looks to community
members, they are also actively pursuing other grant opportunities.

“We do have two grants out
there right now that we should know more about in August,” Braun said. “That's
the [Moderate Income Housing] grant. And then the Kansas Housing Income Tax Credits that we've
applied for. If we get those two grants, and if we can get the match money for
that $850,000, which we already have 500,000 of, we'll be good to go.”

“We've recently applied for a
$1 million grant with the state,” Pfeifer said. “And we'll know, in August,
whether we have been awarded that and if we're not, we can apply again in the
fall. And if we're not, we can apply again next year. So. we're going to keep
going.”

They hope to have answers on
the Moderate Income Housing grant in December.

“We will keep our fingers
crossed, and we keep praying that people will hear our plea and understand the
importance,” Braun said.

The recent effort to rehabilitate
the former rest home, in many ways, mirrors efforts made by Leo J. and
Albina Dreiling to originally build the complex.

“Years ago, my grandfather,
and he was a pretty prominent person in Victoria, John M. Schippers, told
me, ‘Leo J. Dreiling had the vision to be able to build a place for the people
of this community that have worked so hard and wanted to stay here in their
elderly years, to be taken care of,” Dreiling said. “I would like our community
now to see that this man had that vision. He went out and got donations and built that St. John's Rest Home.

“We need
to go out and get the community's help to support the community, just like Leo
J. Dreiling did.”

She
estimates thousands of hours have already been put in by the all-volunteer
committee to turn their goal into reality.

“Our
board is incredible,” Pfeifer said. “They're so diverse. … There's not one of
us that is duplicating each other's skills. And it's just been a pure joy and a
blessing to have this group of people.”

“We're
not in this for money. We're in this for the community,” Braun said. "Whatever
comes out of that building, as far as income or whatever, will go back into the
community.”

“There's some talk about people
thinking somebody is pocketing the money here,” Dreiling said. "They think, ‘What
happens if I give you aren't able to do it?'”

“One, that's not going to
happen. We're going to keep working. We're going to keep going until we get
this done. But second of all, even if that should happen, that money is going
to go back into Victoria. ... Every dollar that is donated to this will go to
Victoria.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4166ab8a-4a19-48cc-b7c9-2f7327e05bf8">Related Story: St. John's Place gifted to Victoria Community Coalition, 501(c) 3 granted</a>

Another
concern heard by the committee is the building, in its current state, will not
be able to be rehabilitated, but Pfeifer said structurally, the building remains
in good condition.

“Luckily,
structural engineers, two different ones, agree that the structure of the
building is sound, the foundation is
good, the flooring is good, the walls are good, and the roof trusses are good,”
he said.

“We've
had some naysayers from the very beginning about concerns [about] the building,”
Braun said. “We have had the structural engineers in there. They've said it's sound,
but it's got damage.”

“The
Department of Health and Environment has done a thorough study. ... And yes, we
have some problems. We have mold, we have asbestos, but they told us it's
nothing that can't be handled, and it's nothing that can't be taken care of.”

With the
renovation, she said everything but the wall would be replaced.

“They're
going to take down to the bare bones,” Braun said. “The wiring, the water, the
electricity, everything's coming out, and we're starting over. So there's
nothing wrong with the building, and people need to know that.”

“The
biggest problem is the roof that has been leaking, and it's been blown off from
a lot of these high winds,” Pfeifer said. “So now the interior has got rot and
mold in it.”

Replacing
the entire roof of the facility is projected to cost more than $500,000, he
said. As the three-phase project continues, sections would be replaced as
funds become available.

Part of
the agreement with the Ellis County Historical Society also outlines its role
in securing funds for the roofing in the section it would occupy.

Pfeifer
said as the project moves forward, grant money specifically for roof repair might become available.

While
the committee continues moving forward in its efforts to secure funding, members hope Victoria residents see the benefits to the community.

“I think
it could make maybe change the trajectory of Victoria,” Pfeifer said.

“We see
those apartments as not only meeting the needs of the elderly in the
community, as far as allowing them to have a place to go when they wanted out of their homes but didn't want to go to a nursing home. It’s a place that they
could go to and open up their homes for the community because we'd like to see
the community grow,” Braun said.

“Victoria
is a wonderful place to live. It's a small community. It's a very clean
community. It's a good place to raise kids. Our schools have been very good. I guess we would see younger people coming back to the community if we had
the housing.

“I
think if we can get the Ellis County Historical Society over here, that will
not only help bring people in from not just our particular areas, it would
help our church,” Dreiling said. “We've got the Cathedral here, which is a
phenomenal, historical place.”

Those
additional people in the city would bring in additional dollars to support businesses,
she said.

“We
wanted to bring people together for the growth and sustainability of the
Victoria community,” Braun said. “And we wanted to do that by looking at
strategic initiatives.

“Our
first strategic initiative was that nursing home—that and providing
affordable housing. We wanted to eventually assist in education with that
community center that's supposed to go into the center of that building, which
eventually will bring hopefully more socialization and meet other community
needs.”

Recent
surveys completed by the coalition also show how important the Victoria community is and how closely tied it is to greater Ellis County.

“I've
heard from people in Hays that if you put that day care down and set up, you'd
probably have people from Hays coming over,” Braun said.

A lack
of available day care has been an issue across the county, leaving hundreds of
parents unable to enter the workforce as the region faces low unemployment rates.

A lack
of housing has also been a major economic concern. The committee said both
would be addressed by the St. Johns Place project.

“I think
we have like four or five on the waiting list now that have said, ‘Once those
apartments are done, we would like to move in, or we would like to get our name
on the list,’” Braun said. “So, we get those apartments done, and we start
seeing some income from that, then we can start looking at other things.”

“We're
hoping we can start programs that we can help them with their grocery shopping
and go do that for them and bring them back and help deliver to those things,”
Dreiling said.

The project is not just for Victoria, it’s for all of the county, Braun said.

 “That's all a
part of Grow Hays and Imagine Ellis County. We discovered with our housing survey that we are a bedroom community to Hays, and we are a retirement community,” Braun said.

While
the St. John’s Place project has been a primary focus of the coalition, growing
Victoria and the area is the group's long-term goal.

“That
goes back to the mission of the coalition,” Pfeifer said. “We're trying to bring
people together to support and sustain and grow Victoria."

“We've
probably had six public community meetings. Out of that has come this idea
of a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/22e369c1-68a2-4e2d-88ac-0e3cc2301413">Greenway Trail</a>. We've got a guy mowing a trail, and people are using it. That's
incredible.”

“We've
also got the Dollar General coming to town. [That] has grown from these community
meetings that we had. We had a lot of times where we just asked for input, and
the need for Dollar General Store kept coming up. ... Sure enough, we got a
committee, and look what's happening. They're going to start construction here
probably sometime in July.”

“There's
been talk of some people who have said, ‘We need a swimming pool,’” Braun said.
“And we do. There are things to make this community better and to make it grow.
We need some better streets in some places. We need things to bring people
here. And that's what we're all about. 

"We're not here to take anything
away from the city council or from anybody in the community. We just want to
try and be leaders in improving the community.”

And even
if the St. John’s Place project fails to materialize at this point, Pfeifer said
any money collected would still be used to benefit the community.

“Maybe
what's important for people to hear or to know is that on the outside, small
chance that this doesn't happen, our mission at the [coalition] is still to bring
people together for the sustainability and growth of Victoria, period,” he
said. “We have five or six core areas that we hope to do, &nbsp;affordable housing, support, schools, etc. That money would go to that in a number of different ways.”

Even as
a large amount of funds remains needed, at this point, the coalition said every effort
matters.

“It's
not so much that we want the thousands of dollars, that would be great to see, but people in the community if they can just support us in any way,
small, medium, large… do what you can,” Braun said. “But help us in some way.”

“We're
going to work on that grant money,” Dreiling said. “We'll keep going and keep
fighting, but we can't without their help.”

For
those that are unable to support the effort financially, she said there are many ways to
get involved.

“Whether
it's manpower to help us out or if they can help us out financially, just talk
to any of the board members,” Dreiling said. “And we'll steer him in the right
direction.”

<a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">To learn more about the project or to support the coalition's efforts, visit victoriakscommunity.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="St. John's Place. File photo" />
 <figcaption>St. John's Place. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostVICTORIA—In the mid-1960 residents of Victoria, led by Leo J. and
Albina Dreiling, had a vision – a place for an aging population to stay and
stay local with the St. John’s Rest Home.Now the <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">Victoria
Community Coalition</a> is again looking for locals to support the
redevelopment of the 40,000-square-foot facility on the heels of a pledge to match
up to $100,000 in donations from the Hays-based <a href="https://schmidtfoundation.net/">Schmidt Foundation</a>.The coalition has big goals for the future building and land,
including senior apartments, a child care center, a<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4e8ad16c-9ee2-43ac-bfc0-857f715636e6"> satellite campus for the
Ellis County Historical Society </a>and a park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668700868777.png" alt="Victoria Community Coalition. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Community Coalition. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure> The latest pledge helps the
committee get one step closer to that goal.“We need the dollars,” said Marilyn
Braun, coalition treasurer. “And we'll come up with it one
way or another.”The recent pledge helps
secure other grant money already allocated to the project, including <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6555fe96-b357-460a-bcc3-19b959acc74e">$1.35
million in previously announced grants</a> from the <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/?playlist=7c12057&amp;video=9e6dc4e">Dane
G. Hansen Foundation</a>, totaling $500,000 and the state of Kansas, totaling
$850,000.Those grants, along with the
recent pledge, will go to stage 1 of the project that would develop 12 apartments
for seniors and a child care center, expected to cost between $3 million and $3.5
million.“The match has got to be
there in order to draw down that $850,000,” Braun said. “And as soon as we get
that match money, we can draw on that other money.”The recent pledge from the
Schmidt Foundation would count toward that total but must be matched by Victoria
residents.“This opportunity that we
have from the Schmidt Foundation and Gary Shorman, to me that was a perfect
thing,” said Brenda Dreiling, coalition vice president. “But I think people need to
realize that we have this opportunity to get this money, but that does not
get us where we totally need to be there.”“(Shorman) is very anxious,
very supportive, but very anxious to see the Victoria community involved, which I understand," said Jeff
Pfeifer, coalition president. "Something like this should be
supported by the Victoria folks. And the money has been a little slow. So I am
so grateful for Gary to help this with this incentive because hopefully, it'll
shake some money loose.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633101245839.png" alt="Gary Shorman. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Gary Shorman. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling said for the first phase,
$150,000 is needed from the community in order to fully capitalize on all of
the pledged funds.“That's what our fundraising
goal is for the next few months,” Pfeifer said.“With this grant money, what
we've applied for and we will continue to apply for… they want to see how the
Victoria community gets involved and that they want to show that it's got skin in
the game,” Dreiling said. While the committee looks to community
members, they are also actively pursuing other grant opportunities.“We do have two grants out
there right now that we should know more about in August,” Braun said. “That's
the [Moderate Income Housing] grant. And then the Kansas Housing Income Tax Credits that we've
applied for. If we get those two grants, and if we can get the match money for
that $850,000, which we already have 500,000 of, we'll be good to go.”“We've recently applied for a
$1 million grant with the state,” Pfeifer said. “And we'll know, in August,
whether we have been awarded that and if we're not, we can apply again in the
fall. And if we're not, we can apply again next year. So. we're going to keep
going.”They hope to have answers on
the Moderate Income Housing grant in December.“We will keep our fingers
crossed, and we keep praying that people will hear our plea and understand the
importance,” Braun said.The recent effort to rehabilitate
the former rest home, in many ways, mirrors efforts made by Leo J. and
Albina Dreiling to originally build the complex.“Years ago, my grandfather,
and he was a pretty prominent person in Victoria, John M. Schippers, told
me, ‘Leo J. Dreiling had the vision to be able to build a place for the people
of this community that have worked so hard and wanted to stay here in their
elderly years, to be taken care of,” Dreiling said. “I would like our community
now to see that this man had that vision. He went out and got donations and built that St. John's Rest Home.“We need
to go out and get the community's help to support the community, just like Leo
J. Dreiling did.”She
estimates thousands of hours have already been put in by the all-volunteer
committee to turn their goal into reality.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632526823044.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer, Victoria Community Coalition president, speaks with Victoria residents about the future of the St. John's Rest Home shortly after purchasing the building during a meeting organized to solicit ideas about the future of the facility. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer, Victoria Community Coalition president, speaks with Victoria residents about the future of the St. John's Rest Home shortly after purchasing the building during a meeting organized to solicit ideas about the future of the facility. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our
board is incredible,” Pfeifer said. “They're so diverse. … There's not one of
us that is duplicating each other's skills. And it's just been a pure joy and a
blessing to have this group of people.”“We're
not in this for money. We're in this for the community,” Braun said. "Whatever
comes out of that building, as far as income or whatever, will go back into the
community.”“There's some talk about people
thinking somebody is pocketing the money here,” Dreiling said. "They think, ‘What
happens if I give you aren't able to do it?'”“One, that's not going to
happen. We're going to keep working. We're going to keep going until we get
this done. But second of all, even if that should happen, that money is going
to go back into Victoria. ... Every dollar that is donated to this will go to
Victoria.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4166ab8a-4a19-48cc-b7c9-2f7327e05bf8">Related Story: St. John's Place gifted to Victoria Community Coalition, 501(c) 3 granted</a>Another
concern heard by the committee is the building, in its current state, will not
be able to be rehabilitated, but Pfeifer said structurally, the building remains
in good condition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632526800472.jpeg" alt="Interior of St. John's Place. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Interior of St. John's Place. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“Luckily,
structural engineers, two different ones, agree that the structure of the
building is sound, the foundation is
good, the flooring is good, the walls are good, and the roof trusses are good,”
he said.“We've
had some naysayers from the very beginning about concerns [about] the building,”
Braun said. “We have had the structural engineers in there. They've said it's sound,
but it's got damage.”“The
Department of Health and Environment has done a thorough study. ... And yes, we
have some problems. We have mold, we have asbestos, but they told us it's
nothing that can't be handled, and it's nothing that can't be taken care of.”With the
renovation, she said everything but the wall would be replaced.“They're
going to take down to the bare bones,” Braun said. “The wiring, the water, the
electricity, everything's coming out, and we're starting over. So there's
nothing wrong with the building, and people need to know that.”“The
biggest problem is the roof that has been leaking, and it's been blown off from
a lot of these high winds,” Pfeifer said. “So now the interior has got rot and
mold in it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632526766829.jpeg" alt="Interior of St. John's Place. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Interior of St. John's Place. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Replacing
the entire roof of the facility is projected to cost more than $500,000, he
said. As the three-phase project continues, sections would be replaced as
funds become available.Part of
the agreement with the Ellis County Historical Society also outlines its role
in securing funds for the roofing in the section it would occupy.Pfeifer
said as the project moves forward, grant money specifically for roof repair might become available.While
the committee continues moving forward in its efforts to secure funding, members hope Victoria residents see the benefits to the community.“I think
it could make maybe change the trajectory of Victoria,” Pfeifer said.“We see
those apartments as not only meeting the needs of the elderly in the
community, as far as allowing them to have a place to go when they wanted out of their homes but didn't want to go to a nursing home. It’s a place that they
could go to and open up their homes for the community because we'd like to see
the community grow,” Braun said.“Victoria
is a wonderful place to live. It's a small community. It's a very clean
community. It's a good place to raise kids. Our schools have been very good. I guess we would see younger people coming back to the community if we had
the housing.“I
think if we can get the Ellis County Historical Society over here, that will
not only help bring people in from not just our particular areas, it would
help our church,” Dreiling said. “We've got the Cathedral here, which is a
phenomenal, historical place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010759211.jpeg" alt="St. Fidelis. File photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Fidelis. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Those
additional people in the city would bring in additional dollars to support businesses,
she said.“We
wanted to bring people together for the growth and sustainability of the
Victoria community,” Braun said. “And we wanted to do that by looking at
strategic initiatives.“Our
first strategic initiative was that nursing home—that and providing
affordable housing. We wanted to eventually assist in education with that
community center that's supposed to go into the center of that building, which
eventually will bring hopefully more socialization and meet other community
needs.”Recent
surveys completed by the coalition also show how important the Victoria community is and how closely tied it is to greater Ellis County.“I've
heard from people in Hays that if you put that day care down and set up, you'd
probably have people from Hays coming over,” Braun said.A lack
of available day care has been an issue across the county, leaving hundreds of
parents unable to enter the workforce as the region faces low unemployment rates.A lack
of housing has also been a major economic concern. The committee said both
would be addressed by the St. Johns Place project.“I think
we have like four or five on the waiting list now that have said, ‘Once those
apartments are done, we would like to move in, or we would like to get our name
on the list,’” Braun said. “So, we get those apartments done, and we start
seeing some income from that, then we can start looking at other things.”“We're
hoping we can start programs that we can help them with their grocery shopping
and go do that for them and bring them back and help deliver to those things,”
Dreiling said.The project is not just for Victoria, it’s for all of the county, Braun said. “That's all a
part of Grow Hays and Imagine Ellis County. We discovered with our housing survey that we are a bedroom community to Hays, and we are a retirement community,” Braun said.While
the St. John’s Place project has been a primary focus of the coalition, growing
Victoria and the area is the group's long-term goal.“That
goes back to the mission of the coalition,” Pfeifer said. “We're trying to bring
people together to support and sustain and grow Victoria."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647372909275.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer and Sean Rodger discuss the Greenway Trail with the Victoria Cty Council. Rodger has since volunteered to maintain the trail. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer and Sean Rodger discuss the Greenway Trail with the Victoria Cty Council. Rodger has since volunteered to maintain the trail. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We've
probably had six public community meetings. Out of that has come this idea
of a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/22e369c1-68a2-4e2d-88ac-0e3cc2301413">Greenway Trail</a>. We've got a guy mowing a trail, and people are using it. That's
incredible.”“We've
also got the Dollar General coming to town. [That] has grown from these community
meetings that we had. We had a lot of times where we just asked for input, and
the need for Dollar General Store kept coming up. ... Sure enough, we got a
committee, and look what's happening. They're going to start construction here
probably sometime in July.”“There's
been talk of some people who have said, ‘We need a swimming pool,’” Braun said.
“And we do. There are things to make this community better and to make it grow.
We need some better streets in some places. We need things to bring people
here. And that's what we're all about. "We're not here to take anything
away from the city council or from anybody in the community. We just want to
try and be leaders in improving the community.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655144220604.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer addresses an assembled crowd in the Victoria VFW during an Imagine Ellis County meeting. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer addresses an assembled crowd in the Victoria VFW during an Imagine Ellis County meeting. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>And even
if the St. John’s Place project fails to materialize at this point, Pfeifer said
any money collected would still be used to benefit the community.“Maybe
what's important for people to hear or to know is that on the outside, small
chance that this doesn't happen, our mission at the [coalition] is still to bring
people together for the sustainability and growth of Victoria, period,” he
said. “We have five or six core areas that we hope to do, &nbsp;affordable housing, support, schools, etc. That money would go to that in a number of different ways.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsavetheresthome%2Fvideos%2F694314252706926%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Even as
a large amount of funds remains needed, at this point, the coalition said every effort
matters.“It's
not so much that we want the thousands of dollars, that would be great to see, but people in the community if they can just support us in any way,
small, medium, large… do what you can,” Braun said. “But help us in some way.”“We're
going to work on that grant money,” Dreiling said. “We'll keep going and keep
fighting, but we can't without their help.”For
those that are unable to support the effort financially, she said there are many ways to
get involved.“Whether
it's manpower to help us out or if they can help us out financially, just talk
to any of the board members,” Dreiling said. “And we'll steer him in the right
direction.”<a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">To learn more about the project or to support the coalition's efforts, visit victoriakscommunity.com</a>.

St. John’s Place receives $100,000 Schmidt Foundation match pledge as committee seeks local support

Community fair 8 a.m. to  3 p.m. July&nbsp;22 at Big Creek Crossing

Hosted by the Ellis County Health Department. There will be drawings for prizes, food trucks, NW KS Area Agency on Aging Options Dept. for Families and Children, Ellis County Clerk- to answer all of your voting questions, High Plains Mental Health, Ellis County Health Dept.-check your blood pressure, Hays Public Library and St. Francis Community Services Hays Senior Center Brookdale Hays.

Summer Healing Kids' Hearts 4 to 7:30 p.m. July&nbsp;22 at theHays Aquatic Park

Registration DEADLINE is JULY 14. Now accepting applications for participating children (ages 6-11) and adult volunteers.

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1558479871&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/melissa-dixon-july-hays-events" title="Melissa Dixon July Hays Events" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Melissa Dixon July Hays Events</a></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688751342721.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Community fair 8 a.m. to  3 p.m. July&nbsp;22 at Big Creek CrossingHosted by the Ellis County Health Department. There will be drawings for prizes, food trucks, NW KS Area Agency on Aging Options Dept. for Families and Children, Ellis County Clerk- to answer all of your voting questions, High Plains Mental Health, Ellis County Health Dept.-check your blood pressure, Hays Public Library and St. Francis Community Services Hays Senior Center Brookdale Hays.Summer Healing Kids' Hearts 4 to 7:30 p.m. July&nbsp;22 at theHays Aquatic ParkRegistration DEADLINE is JULY 14. Now accepting applications for participating children (ages 6-11) and adult volunteers.

Hays July community events

PHILLIPS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Journey driven by&nbsp; Kamryn A.&nbsp;Bruning, 15, Phillipsburg, was southbound on 1st Street just north of U.S. 36.

The driver noticed a pedestrian identified as David L. Rose, 72, Phillipsburg,&nbsp;walking northbound in the southbound lane of the street. 

The driver attempted an avoidance maneuver, steering to the left. The front passenger side of the SUV struck Rose and he came to rest in a driveway on the west side of the street.&nbsp; EMS&nbsp; transported Rose to the Phillips County Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Bruning was not injured an properly restrained, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Journey driven by&nbsp; Kamryn A.&nbsp;Bruning, 15, Phillipsburg, was southbound on 1st Street just north of U.S. 36.The driver noticed a pedestrian identified as David L. Rose, 72, Phillipsburg,&nbsp;walking northbound in the southbound lane of the street. The driver attempted an avoidance maneuver, steering to the left. The front passenger side of the SUV struck Rose and he came to rest in a driveway on the west side of the street.&nbsp; EMS&nbsp; transported Rose to the Phillips County Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Bruning was not injured an properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man dies after struck by SUV driven by 15-year-old

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division is
announcing that an asphalt overlay project will be taking place in the 1800 and
1900 blocks of Victoria Road between Commerce Parkway and Toulon Avenue. 

This area will be closed to through traffic beginning at
7:30a.m. on Monday, July 10th, and will remain closed until the project is
completed. The estimated completion date is Thursday, July 13th, pending
weather conditions. 

Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use
alternate routes of travel until the project is completed. 

Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works
Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-9455. 

Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

Ellis County Public WorksThe Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division is
announcing that an asphalt overlay project will be taking place in the 1800 and
1900 blocks of Victoria Road between Commerce Parkway and Toulon Avenue. This area will be closed to through traffic beginning at
7:30a.m. on Monday, July 10th, and will remain closed until the project is
completed. The estimated completion date is Thursday, July 13th, pending
weather conditions. Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use
alternate routes of travel until the project is completed. Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works
Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-9455. Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

Road construction on Victoria Road begins Monday

Replacement of more than six miles of fencing is underway at the Fort Hays State University Farm. Addressing the need for new fencing is a project FHSU is glad to be working on this summer. According to Harland Werth, manager of FHSU’s crop division, it is likely that current fencing has been in place since the 1960s or early 1970s.

The university farm began operating in 1908 and, during its early days, served as an income source to supplement the college budget, supply grain for dairy, hog, and poultry projects, and provide food for students and staff. Today, the 3,825-acre farm gives agriculture students hands-on experience in crop, beef, swine and sheep divisions as students pursue their degree programs.

J and C Fencing is undertaking the new fencing project, estimated to be completed by Aug. 15 at a cost of $112,000.

More projects are in the works for the University Farm in the future. Next year, Werth anticipates another five miles of fence will be constructed. Other improvements include the construction of new classrooms in the Reigel Beef unit, slated to begin this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688664223992.jpeg" alt="John Dreiling and Chad Jury of J and C Fencing drill post holes and set posts for new University Farm fencing. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>John Dreiling and Chad Jury of J and C Fencing drill post holes and set posts for new University Farm fencing. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsReplacement of more than six miles of fencing is underway at the Fort Hays State University Farm. Addressing the need for new fencing is a project FHSU is glad to be working on this summer. According to Harland Werth, manager of FHSU’s crop division, it is likely that current fencing has been in place since the 1960s or early 1970s.The university farm began operating in 1908 and, during its early days, served as an income source to supplement the college budget, supply grain for dairy, hog, and poultry projects, and provide food for students and staff. Today, the 3,825-acre farm gives agriculture students hands-on experience in crop, beef, swine and sheep divisions as students pursue their degree programs.J and C Fencing is undertaking the new fencing project, estimated to be completed by Aug. 15 at a cost of $112,000.More projects are in the works for the University Farm in the future. Next year, Werth anticipates another five miles of fence will be constructed. Other improvements include the construction of new classrooms in the Reigel Beef unit, slated to begin this fall.

Work commences on university farm fencing project

<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/2023/7/1688751427778.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

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a stream advisory that was issued Thursday for the Wolf Creek near Lucas and the Saline River from Lucas to Culver Kansas in Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline counties

The stream advisory was a result of an ongoing investigation by Environmental Protection Agency and KDHE to identify a potential substance.

The unknown substance has been identified as a nontoxic algae that causes brown discoloration of water. KDHE has deemed the stream safe for secondary (wading) contact and livestock use.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a stream advisory that was issued Thursday for the Wolf Creek near Lucas and the Saline River from Lucas to Culver Kansas in Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline countiesThe stream advisory was a result of an ongoing investigation by Environmental Protection Agency and KDHE to identify a potential substance.The unknown substance has been identified as a nontoxic algae that causes brown discoloration of water. KDHE has deemed the stream safe for secondary (wading) contact and livestock use.Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Stream advisory rescinded for the Wolf Creek near Lucas and Saline River

SMITH COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; Joshua A. Douglas, 31, Henderson, Kentucky, was northbound on U.S. 281 at Court Street.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and struck an eastbound 2018 GMC Sierra driven by 91-year-old Lovelle Marvin&nbsp;Kirchhoff of Smith Center, on the passenger side. The impact pushed the pickup into the northeast corner of the intersection.

EMS transported&nbsp;Kirchhoff to the Smith County Hospital. Douglas was not injured.&nbsp;Kirchhoff was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SMITH COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Smith County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; Joshua A. Douglas, 31, Henderson, Kentucky, was northbound on U.S. 281 at Court Street.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and struck an eastbound 2018 GMC Sierra driven by 91-year-old Lovelle Marvin&nbsp;Kirchhoff of Smith Center, on the passenger side. The impact pushed the pickup into the northeast corner of the intersection.EMS transported&nbsp;Kirchhoff to the Smith County Hospital. Douglas was not injured.&nbsp;Kirchhoff was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

91-year-old Kansas man hospitalized after pickup, semi crash

LANE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4a.m. Friday in Lane County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda Civic driven by Paula Anne Smallwood, 66, Greeley, Colorado, was&nbsp; eastbound on Kansas 96 one half mile west of Eagle Road.

The car struck a cow, traveled off the road to the north, rolled and came to rest north of the highway. EMS transported Smallwood to the Scott County Hospital.. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LANE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4a.m. Friday in Lane County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda Civic driven by Paula Anne Smallwood, 66, Greeley, Colorado, was&nbsp; eastbound on Kansas 96 one half mile west of Eagle Road.The car struck a cow, traveled off the road to the north, rolled and came to rest north of the highway. EMS transported Smallwood to the Scott County Hospital.. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after car strikes cow on Kansas highway

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Seth Kastle, assistant professor of Leadership Studies and Military Program Innovation director at Fort Hays State University, about his background and the ways FHSU works to connect with members of the U.S. Miltary.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qcrm085RnVc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Seth Kastle, assistant professor of Leadership Studies and Military Program Innovation director at Fort Hays State University, about his background and the ways FHSU works to connect with members of the U.S. Miltary.

Forward Ever: FHSU Military Program Innovation director Seth Kastle

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

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MDcuNzkzNTA4MjEifQ.b6p9G0VhuzLyNRi1ZnBgEH42IPKCiYykKikCbhn-ULs/s/1305913623/br/222351348559-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels:&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. &nbsp;

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels&nbsp;below&nbsp;the Watch thresholds.

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzA3Ljc5MzUwODIxIn0._7biv91l9soHpfDeuZjjilojYyDFjd41eH73NPIZwTM/s/1305913623/br/222351348559-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzA3Ljc5MzUwODIxIn0.UPMHqzAkvPN_n-7ykSBLNvpbgV2FPNoweAVbA3rfNm8/s/1305913623/br/222351348559-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685105826581.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MDcuNzkzNTA4MjEifQ.b6p9G0VhuzLyNRi1ZnBgEH42IPKCiYykKikCbhn-ULs/s/1305913623/br/222351348559-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.<h2>Active advisories&nbsp;</h2>Warning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lake Afton, Sedgwick County&nbsp;</li><li>Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County (Elevated July 7)</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County</li><li>Webster Lake (Reservoir), Rooks County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Watch<ul>
 <li>Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County</li><li>Dorner Park Lake, Sedgwick County&nbsp;</li><li>Strowbridge Reservoir (Carbondale East Lake), Osage County</li>
 </ul>The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels:&nbsp;A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock. &nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans. &nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided. &nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded. &nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae. &nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible. &nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.&nbsp;</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.&nbsp;</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.&nbsp;</li><li>Clean fish well with potable water and e</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels&nbsp;below&nbsp;the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzA3Ljc5MzUwODIxIn0._7biv91l9soHpfDeuZjjilojYyDFjd41eH73NPIZwTM/s/1305913623/br/222351348559-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzA3Ljc5MzUwODIxIn0.UPMHqzAkvPN_n-7ykSBLNvpbgV2FPNoweAVbA3rfNm8/s/1305913623/br/222351348559-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

Webster Lake remains on blue-green algae warning list

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A group of about 45 people gathered Saturday in the 300 block of Main to protest laws that went into effect July 1 affecting transgender individuals.

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act&nbsp;was designed by a Republican-majority legislature to stop transgender girls or women from participating in girls' or women's school sports. The law requires individuals be separated by biological sex. It affects student-athletes in kindergarten through college.

Senate Bill 180, which is also known as the&nbsp;Women’s Bill of Rights, seeks to force transgender individuals to use restrooms or locker rooms that match their sex as assigned on their birth certificates. It also affects the placement of transgender individuals in domestic violence shelters and correctional facilities.

Anniston Weber, a protest organizer, told the group gathered in Hays on Saturday that the legislation as was enacted on Saturday has no teeth.

Neither law has clauses that outline fines or punishments for violating the statutes.&nbsp;

The protest was one of many conducted on July 1, organized in cooperation with the Main Stream Coalition, Equality Kansas and Hays Pride.

"I think that is very important to all of the LGBTQ individuals in Hays and in the area to see that there are people who support you and love you," Weber said.

Weber read a statement from the organizers of the statewide protests.

"Every human being has the right to live their life without the fear of being attacked or discriminated against," she read. "It's not the Kansas Legislature's job to disenfranchise and discriminate against the most vulnerable Kansans.

"They should be crafting policies and laws that include and protect the people that they were elected to serve."

Forty-five percent of transgender kids have considered suicide, compared to 13 percent of non-LGBTQ kids, she said.

"People and families are leaving Kansas because they are scared for their lives," Weber read.

Weber said she was appreciative of the community support of the protest, which was peaceful.&nbsp;

"We are here, and people who love the LGBTQ community [are here]. They should feel welcome in Hays," she said. "They should feel welcome in Kansas, period.

"This demonstration is about Civil Rights and in opposition of SB180. We want to make that known to our legislators, there is a large group of people who are against SB180 and did not want to see that passed and are upset to see that go into effect."

Dr. Beth Oller, who said she treats transgender individuals in the community, said she would keep caring for transgender patients and going to the Kansas Legislature to testify in favor of transgender rights.

A transgender woman talked about her journey of transition, starting when she was 20. She said she felt obligated to pass on her experiences.

She spent two years transitioning and two months trying to get her birth certificate to match her gender.&nbsp;

"Now that SB180 has come to pass, that's all been thrown out the window, and my entire purpose in life for the last two years and the coming two years are going to be put in serious jeopardy, which makes me very sad," she said.

She said she is going to continue to draw attention to LGBTQ rights and try to help others, especially in small communities in Kansas, get the attention they need.

She said transitioning already has many safeguards in place, especially for youth under 18. There is no need to make it more difficult, she said.&nbsp;

She said transitioning has been one of the most rewarding series of events in her life.

Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, has been a proponent of the anti-transgender legislation.

"Barb Wasinger is not going to cooperate, but I'm probably going to die after Barb Wasinger," said the woman, who is in her early 20s.

The transgender woman said she wants to ensure that other members of the LGBTQ community have the opportunity to grow up and live in rural communities without fear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688673018752.jpeg" alt="Members of the LGBTQ community and allies protest on Main Street Saturday against anti-transgender laws that went into effect on Saturday in Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Members of the LGBTQ community and allies protest on Main Street Saturday against anti-transgender laws that went into effect on Saturday in Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA group of about 45 people gathered Saturday in the 300 block of Main to protest laws that went into effect July 1 affecting transgender individuals.The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act&nbsp;was designed by a Republican-majority legislature to stop transgender girls or women from participating in girls' or women's school sports. The law requires individuals be separated by biological sex. It affects student-athletes in kindergarten through college.Senate Bill 180, which is also known as the&nbsp;Women’s Bill of Rights, seeks to force transgender individuals to use restrooms or locker rooms that match their sex as assigned on their birth certificates. It also affects the placement of transgender individuals in domestic violence shelters and correctional facilities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688674252371.jpeg" alt="Speakers took turns talking about LGBTQ rights during a protest in Hays Saturday against anti-transgender legislation that went into effect Saturday in Kansas. The protest in Hays was one of multiple across the state." />
 <figcaption>Speakers took turns talking about LGBTQ rights during a protest in Hays Saturday against anti-transgender legislation that went into effect Saturday in Kansas. The protest in Hays was one of multiple across the state.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anniston Weber, a protest organizer, told the group gathered in Hays on Saturday that the legislation as was enacted on Saturday has no teeth.Neither law has clauses that outline fines or punishments for violating the statutes.&nbsp;The protest was one of many conducted on July 1, organized in cooperation with the Main Stream Coalition, Equality Kansas and Hays Pride."I think that is very important to all of the LGBTQ individuals in Hays and in the area to see that there are people who support you and love you," Weber said.Weber read a statement from the organizers of the statewide protests."Every human being has the right to live their life without the fear of being attacked or discriminated against," she read. "It's not the Kansas Legislature's job to disenfranchise and discriminate against the most vulnerable Kansans."They should be crafting policies and laws that include and protect the people that they were elected to serve."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688677247283.jpeg" alt="Protesters at a pro-LGBTQ rally in Hays on Saturday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at a pro-LGBTQ rally in Hays on Saturday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Forty-five percent of transgender kids have considered suicide, compared to 13 percent of non-LGBTQ kids, she said."People and families are leaving Kansas because they are scared for their lives," Weber read.Weber said she was appreciative of the community support of the protest, which was peaceful.&nbsp;"We are here, and people who love the LGBTQ community [are here]. They should feel welcome in Hays," she said. "They should feel welcome in Kansas, period."This demonstration is about Civil Rights and in opposition of SB180. We want to make that known to our legislators, there is a large group of people who are against SB180 and did not want to see that passed and are upset to see that go into effect."Dr. Beth Oller, who said she treats transgender individuals in the community, said she would keep caring for transgender patients and going to the Kansas Legislature to testify in favor of transgender rights.A transgender woman talked about her journey of transition, starting when she was 20. She said she felt obligated to pass on her experiences.She spent two years transitioning and two months trying to get her birth certificate to match her gender.&nbsp;"Now that SB180 has come to pass, that's all been thrown out the window, and my entire purpose in life for the last two years and the coming two years are going to be put in serious jeopardy, which makes me very sad," she said.She said she is going to continue to draw attention to LGBTQ rights and try to help others, especially in small communities in Kansas, get the attention they need.She said transitioning already has many safeguards in place, especially for youth under 18. There is no need to make it more difficult, she said.&nbsp;She said transitioning has been one of the most rewarding series of events in her life.Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, has been a proponent of the anti-transgender legislation."Barb Wasinger is not going to cooperate, but I'm probably going to die after Barb Wasinger," said the woman, who is in her early 20s.The transgender woman said she wants to ensure that other members of the LGBTQ community have the opportunity to grow up and live in rural communities without fear.

Hays Pride group protests new anti-transgender Kansas laws

There will be a four-person scramble golf tournament that will accompany the Shrine Bowl.

Registration for the event will be at 8 a.m. and the tournament will be at 9 a.m. at the Fort.&nbsp;

Registration cost is $60 for individual registration and $240 for four-person team registration.

Registration includes a cart, lunch and hole prizes.

There will be additional fundraising and games available on the tournament day.

Visit kansasshrinebowl.com and click on "Events" to get your team registered.

SubmittedThere will be a four-person scramble golf tournament that will accompany the Shrine Bowl.Registration for the event will be at 8 a.m. and the tournament will be at 9 a.m. at the Fort.&nbsp;Registration cost is $60 for individual registration and $240 for four-person team registration.Registration includes a cart, lunch and hole prizes.There will be additional fundraising and games available on the tournament day.Visit kansasshrinebowl.com and click on "Events" to get your team registered.For more information, call 913-602-8656.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Registrations being taken for Shrine Bowl golf tourney

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University

We think big. We solve problems. We seek and confront challenges and embrace strategic risks that turn great ideas into exceptional pathways.&nbsp;These are the descriptors of our core values, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I am so inspired by my colleagues who embody our innovative spirit, and I am pleased to share a couple of projects.

Degree in Three: Tourism and Hospitality Management. Stacey Smith and Karen Thal are delivering a specific plan of study that promotes a three-year degree in tourism and hospitality management. A three-year bachelor’s degree option accelerates the traditional undergraduate process. With an academically rigorous schedule, students save time and reach the workforce earlier while gaining the skills and experience needed for a successful career. Students are required to complete an industry internship as part of the program. So, not only will they be done in three years, but they will have completed industry work experience or an industry project.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. economy to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Of those, 1.9 million jobs—23.1 percent of all new jobs projected—are expected to be in leisure and hospitality. That is a significant projected increase for a sector that made up 8.9 percent of total employment in 2021. This rapid projected growth—the fastest of any industry, at an annual rate of 1.3 percent—results from the recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students may start this three-year program this fall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management</a>

Economic Justice and Advocacy Certificate:&nbsp;Teaming up to lead this innovation, Rachel Dolechek and Ziwei Qi are creating a network of individuals who can actively support and advocate for survivors of gender-based violence by equipping business professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge. One of the critical areas of focus within the certificate program is financial empowerment.&nbsp;

Participants will learn strategies to help survivors gain financial independence and stability, such as understanding the impact of violence on economic well-being, providing resources for financial assistance, promoting financial literacy, and creating trauma-informed workplaces and accommodations. By addressing the financial barriers that survivors often face, the program helps to empower survivors and develop pathways for economic self-sufficiency.

Participants can begin the certificate program in the fall of 2023. Scholarships are available.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate.&nbsp;</a>

Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC):&nbsp;Faculty from our Health and Human Performance (HHP) department, led by Emily Washburn, are creating Exercise is Medicine-On Campus, a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The vision of this program is to see all campus and community members across multiple disciplines discover, share, and adopt behaviors to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management.

Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to various chronic diseases and health complications. HHP professionals love creating relationships with people that facilitate positivity and joy around physical activity and movement.

By implementing EIM-OC at FHSU, we can focus more on physical activity to provide health benefits and disease prevention for all community members – faculty, staff, and students. This program will offer HHP undergraduate and graduate students first-hand experience facilitating EIM-OC program elements.

During this past year, the Division of student affairs launched WellTiges to encourage employee health and well-being. The program is designed to help people develop habits that turn into healthy choices. The multi-dimension plan focuses on nutritional, social, physical, occupational, financial, and mental health. The program has been very successful and will partner with EIM-OC as we expand employee well-being initiatives.

Interactive Learning Spaces:&nbsp;Imagine a virtual field trip where students can interact with the environment and each other. Nathan Riedel is working with two faculty partners, Tara Phelps-Durr, biology, and Todd Moore, geoscience, to create a digital space that allows faculty to design interactive and collaborative student learning experiences. The biology project explores mitosis (cell division), while the geoscience project focuses on the elements that create a tornado and provides ways for students to interact with and manipulate the learning content.

This project is based on our belief that the path forward for online education is bridging the gap between what’s possible online and in real life. We want students to feel immersed in their learning, not viewing it from the outside. We want them to be excited about online learning experiences.

The key to this innovation is building a scalable and sustainable infrastructure so that all our faculty can easily develop their own similar class interactive experiences.

Tiger Money Mentors:&nbsp;Christina Glenn, finance professor, is creating Tiger Money Mentors. In this peer-financial counseling program, money-savvy students are trained to provide one-on-one financial education to students who have questions about their personal finances, as well as to provide group financial education to student organizations and classes that might benefit from training on specific financial topics, such as budgeting, student loan debt, credit cards, navigating decisions related to job offers, and making a financial plan for college and beyond. This benefits not only the students seeking counseling but also the money mentors gain experience working with clients and public speaking.&nbsp;

Often young adults need to be provided with the knowledge they need to manage their finances before arriving at college, and their decisions regarding saving, spending, taking on debt, and investing will impact their future significantly.&nbsp;

Research shows that 74 percent of Americans get financial advice from TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook – much of that information is inaccurate. They must have a resource to guide them in making sound financial decisions to set them up for success during and after college.&nbsp;

Coupled with the lack of financial knowledge, financial stress is prevalent among young adults, with finances being a significant factor in the number of credit hours a student takes each semester and even in their decision to continue college. Often students feel the need to choose between school and work, which impacts their academic success.&nbsp;

Beginning in the fall 2023, Tiger Money Mentors will help students gain knowledge and skills that pertain to their unique personal finance situations and hopefully come away with a plan to reduce the financial stress and anxiety that many college students face, reduce student loan borrowing, and feel more confident about their financial future. We want students to feel empowered to take control of their financial situation and not give up on their academic goals.&nbsp;

Virtual Arctic Field Trip: Sternberg Museum Science Camps Director David Levering is working with Laura Wilson, geoscience professor, to create a virtual field trip to the Arctic. Students will explore an Arctic research station, modern Arctic geology, and climate science and travel back in time to explore the Arctic region as it looked millions of years ago. The time travel will allow a more direct presentation of how and why the climate has changed dramatically. The course will be available to students for the spring 2024 semester.

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State UniversityWe think big. We solve problems. We seek and confront challenges and embrace strategic risks that turn great ideas into exceptional pathways.&nbsp;These are the descriptors of our core values, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I am so inspired by my colleagues who embody our innovative spirit, and I am pleased to share a couple of projects.Degree in Three: Tourism and Hospitality Management. Stacey Smith and Karen Thal are delivering a specific plan of study that promotes a three-year degree in tourism and hospitality management. A three-year bachelor’s degree option accelerates the traditional undergraduate process. With an academically rigorous schedule, students save time and reach the workforce earlier while gaining the skills and experience needed for a successful career. Students are required to complete an industry internship as part of the program. So, not only will they be done in three years, but they will have completed industry work experience or an industry project.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. economy to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Of those, 1.9 million jobs—23.1 percent of all new jobs projected—are expected to be in leisure and hospitality. That is a significant projected increase for a sector that made up 8.9 percent of total employment in 2021. This rapid projected growth—the fastest of any industry, at an annual rate of 1.3 percent—results from the recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.Students may start this three-year program this fall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management</a>Economic Justice and Advocacy Certificate:&nbsp;Teaming up to lead this innovation, Rachel Dolechek and Ziwei Qi are creating a network of individuals who can actively support and advocate for survivors of gender-based violence by equipping business professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge. One of the critical areas of focus within the certificate program is financial empowerment.&nbsp;Participants will learn strategies to help survivors gain financial independence and stability, such as understanding the impact of violence on economic well-being, providing resources for financial assistance, promoting financial literacy, and creating trauma-informed workplaces and accommodations. By addressing the financial barriers that survivors often face, the program helps to empower survivors and develop pathways for economic self-sufficiency.Participants can begin the certificate program in the fall of 2023. Scholarships are available.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate.&nbsp;</a>Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC):&nbsp;Faculty from our Health and Human Performance (HHP) department, led by Emily Washburn, are creating Exercise is Medicine-On Campus, a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The vision of this program is to see all campus and community members across multiple disciplines discover, share, and adopt behaviors to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management.Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to various chronic diseases and health complications. HHP professionals love creating relationships with people that facilitate positivity and joy around physical activity and movement.By implementing EIM-OC at FHSU, we can focus more on physical activity to provide health benefits and disease prevention for all community members – faculty, staff, and students. This program will offer HHP undergraduate and graduate students first-hand experience facilitating EIM-OC program elements.During this past year, the Division of student affairs launched WellTiges to encourage employee health and well-being. The program is designed to help people develop habits that turn into healthy choices. The multi-dimension plan focuses on nutritional, social, physical, occupational, financial, and mental health. The program has been very successful and will partner with EIM-OC as we expand employee well-being initiatives.Interactive Learning Spaces:&nbsp;Imagine a virtual field trip where students can interact with the environment and each other. Nathan Riedel is working with two faculty partners, Tara Phelps-Durr, biology, and Todd Moore, geoscience, to create a digital space that allows faculty to design interactive and collaborative student learning experiences. The biology project explores mitosis (cell division), while the geoscience project focuses on the elements that create a tornado and provides ways for students to interact with and manipulate the learning content.This project is based on our belief that the path forward for online education is bridging the gap between what’s possible online and in real life. We want students to feel immersed in their learning, not viewing it from the outside. We want them to be excited about online learning experiences.The key to this innovation is building a scalable and sustainable infrastructure so that all our faculty can easily develop their own similar class interactive experiences.Tiger Money Mentors:&nbsp;Christina Glenn, finance professor, is creating Tiger Money Mentors. In this peer-financial counseling program, money-savvy students are trained to provide one-on-one financial education to students who have questions about their personal finances, as well as to provide group financial education to student organizations and classes that might benefit from training on specific financial topics, such as budgeting, student loan debt, credit cards, navigating decisions related to job offers, and making a financial plan for college and beyond. This benefits not only the students seeking counseling but also the money mentors gain experience working with clients and public speaking.&nbsp;Often young adults need to be provided with the knowledge they need to manage their finances before arriving at college, and their decisions regarding saving, spending, taking on debt, and investing will impact their future significantly.&nbsp;Research shows that 74 percent of Americans get financial advice from TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook – much of that information is inaccurate. They must have a resource to guide them in making sound financial decisions to set them up for success during and after college.&nbsp;Coupled with the lack of financial knowledge, financial stress is prevalent among young adults, with finances being a significant factor in the number of credit hours a student takes each semester and even in their decision to continue college. Often students feel the need to choose between school and work, which impacts their academic success.&nbsp;Beginning in the fall 2023, Tiger Money Mentors will help students gain knowledge and skills that pertain to their unique personal finance situations and hopefully come away with a plan to reduce the financial stress and anxiety that many college students face, reduce student loan borrowing, and feel more confident about their financial future. We want students to feel empowered to take control of their financial situation and not give up on their academic goals.&nbsp;Virtual Arctic Field Trip: Sternberg Museum Science Camps Director David Levering is working with Laura Wilson, geoscience professor, to create a virtual field trip to the Arctic. Students will explore an Arctic research station, modern Arctic geology, and climate science and travel back in time to explore the Arctic region as it looked millions of years ago. The time travel will allow a more direct presentation of how and why the climate has changed dramatically. The course will be available to students for the spring 2024 semester.

Heart of the Tiger: Sharing innovative projects

High school students from across the state of Kansas participated in the 85th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas June 4-10 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This was the 31st consecutive year the Kansas Boys State program was at K-State.

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

Among the highlights from the week, Samuel Houston, a resident of McPherson and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, was elected Kansas Boys State governor.

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