The Hays High Indians begin postseason play Wednesday night at home against the Great Bend Panthers.

The game will tipoff at 7:00 p.m. at Hays High School with our coverage set to start at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/539088">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians begin postseason play Wednesday night at home against the Great Bend Panthers.The game will tipoff at 7:00 p.m. at Hays High School with our coverage set to start at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/539088">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/539088?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Great Bend

Hays Middle School eighth-grade boys had an undefeated 15-0 WAC championship season. Coaches were Cade Scott and Kyle Hadley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677708660653.jpeg" alt="HMS boys basketball team and coaches. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HMS boys basketball team and coaches. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Middle School eighth-grade boys had an undefeated 15-0 WAC championship season. Coaches were Cade Scott and Kyle Hadley

Hays Middle School 8th-grade boys basketball go undefeated

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun discusses the sheriff's department.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares updates from the department" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ey5iu-13a536a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun discusses the sheriff's department.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares updates from the department

GREAT BEND - Barton Community College has been providing affordable and accessible higher education to Barton County for over 50 years, and thanks to a collaborative study with the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University the College has been able to further confirm the economic benefit of the college to the county.

The College’s Institutional Effectiveness Department set a goal to make the college's return on investment (ROI) for the county easy to understand and simple as one number. The results of their work show that for every $1 in taxes, Barton County residents enjoy a return of $2.05 brought into the local economy.

Based on the study, the College received $10 million in taxes from Barton County over a three-year average. In return the College spent an average of $20.6 million in Barton County, this includes purchases by the College and wages to employees. This generates a rate of return of 205 percent and a direct impact of $2.05 on Barton County’s economy.

Another common question is how much of the college is funded by county taxes, and the answer is that they account for one-third of the college’s total revenue, at about 35 percent. About 44 percent comes from student tuition and fees. Another 17 percent comes from state aid, with less than five percent coming from grants and other sources.

This study was stage one of a two-stage plan to measure and report on Barton Community College’s economic impact. Stage two will be completed later this spring with a deeper look at updated numbers. The study was conducted by Barton’s Institutional Research staff and was corroborated and certified by the Docking Institute through Fort Hays State University, which as an unbiased third party, verified that the report was acceptable and accurate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669666372020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND - Barton Community College has been providing affordable and accessible higher education to Barton County for over 50 years, and thanks to a collaborative study with the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University the College has been able to further confirm the economic benefit of the college to the county.The College’s Institutional Effectiveness Department set a goal to make the college's return on investment (ROI) for the county easy to understand and simple as one number. The results of their work show that for every $1 in taxes, Barton County residents enjoy a return of $2.05 brought into the local economy.Based on the study, the College received $10 million in taxes from Barton County over a three-year average. In return the College spent an average of $20.6 million in Barton County, this includes purchases by the College and wages to employees. This generates a rate of return of 205 percent and a direct impact of $2.05 on Barton County’s economy.Another common question is how much of the college is funded by county taxes, and the answer is that they account for one-third of the college’s total revenue, at about 35 percent. About 44 percent comes from student tuition and fees. Another 17 percent comes from state aid, with less than five percent coming from grants and other sources.This study was stage one of a two-stage plan to measure and report on Barton Community College’s economic impact. Stage two will be completed later this spring with a deeper look at updated numbers. The study was conducted by Barton’s Institutional Research staff and was corroborated and certified by the Docking Institute through Fort Hays State University, which as an unbiased third party, verified that the report was acceptable and accurate.

Docking Institute study affirms return on investment benefits of Barton Community College education

We have officially made it through turnaround. The past week was busy, but we were able to pass 69 bills, for a total of 96 bills since swearing in. As of Monday, the Senate has passed 62 bills that will head to us for consideration.

Leading into the session, I said water would be the issue of the year, and two significant pieces of legislation were passed out of the house and now on to the Senate:

HB 2279: Requiring groundwater management districts to submit annual written reports to the legislature and to provide water conservation and stabilization action plans to the chief engineer. The vote was Yea: 116 Nay: 6.

HB 2302: Modifying the distribution of moneys into the state water plan fund, creating the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund for water-related infrastructure projects and distributing a portion of the revenue from the sales and compensating use tax to the state water plan fund. The vote was :Yea: 119 Nay: 3

Chairman Jim Minnix of Scott City led the effort to find a reasonable funding source to pay for the state water plan and other programs pertaining to water and also the groundwater management districts would report to the legislature on their activities every year. Every citizen in Kansas has a stake in water conservation, quality and quantity and these pieces of legislation will be a start down a long road. This is a better way than to have drastic reductions in water use or stop all water use in certain locations. We will be watching what happens on the Senate side. As mentioned earlier, there were a total of 69 bills passed in our chamber that will now go to the Senate and their bills will come to our side.

You can read about all the bills that passed so far in the legislature online at kslegislature.org and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>.

I'm located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. 

If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;

* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677096638770.png" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>March 1, 2023Hello from Agra. We have officially made it through turnaround. The past week was busy, but we were able to pass 69 bills, for a total of 96 bills since swearing in. As of Monday, the Senate has passed 62 bills that will head to us for consideration.Leading into the session, I said water would be the issue of the year, and two significant pieces of legislation were passed out of the house and now on to the Senate:HB 2279: Requiring groundwater management districts to submit annual written reports to the legislature and to provide water conservation and stabilization action plans to the chief engineer. The vote was Yea: 116 Nay: 6.HB 2302: Modifying the distribution of moneys into the state water plan fund, creating the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund for water-related infrastructure projects and distributing a portion of the revenue from the sales and compensating use tax to the state water plan fund. The vote was :Yea: 119 Nay: 3 Chairman Jim Minnix of Scott City led the effort to find a reasonable funding source to pay for the state water plan and other programs pertaining to water and also the groundwater management districts would report to the legislature on their activities every year. Every citizen in Kansas has a stake in water conservation, quality and quantity and these pieces of legislation will be a start down a long road. This is a better way than to have drastic reductions in water use or stop all water use in certain locations. We will be watching what happens on the Senate side. As mentioned earlier, there were a total of 69 bills passed in our chamber that will now go to the Senate and their bills will come to our side.You can read about all the bills that passed so far in the legislature online at kslegislature.org and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I'm located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

RAHJES REPORT: March 1, 2023

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly  announced nine short line rail maintenance and rehabilitation projects, including in Sheridan County, are being awarded nearly $5 million as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Short Line Rail Improvement Fund (SLRIF) program. 

 “These nine rail improvement projects will strengthen Kansas’ agriculture supply chain, connecting our farmers and ranchers to regional, national, and international markets,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “My administration will continue to invest in needed and commonsense infrastructure improvements like these to maximize our state’s economic potential.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six SLRIF recipients will use the funds for major track rehabilitation and rail replacement; three projects were awarded funds for siding extensions and storage tracks. These projects support rail enhancements to expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

State funding for the nine projects will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of nearly $6.5 million.&nbsp;

The program received 19 applications requesting more than $18 million in program funds in this third and final round of funding for the program through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program. SLRIF made available $5 million each for state fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023.&nbsp;

“The Short Line Rail Improvement Fund is another opportunity for KDOT to partner with industry to help modernize and make needed improvements,”&nbsp;Calvin Reed, Acting Secretary of Transportation, said.&nbsp;“Projects awarded through this program serve both short line railroads and their customers by investing in critical infrastructure that helps drive the Kansas economy.”&nbsp;

Selected projects through the SLRIF for State Fiscal Year 2023:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677669953008.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced nine short line rail maintenance and rehabilitation projects, including in Sheridan County, are being awarded nearly $5 million as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Short Line Rail Improvement Fund (SLRIF) program. “These nine rail improvement projects will strengthen Kansas’ agriculture supply chain, connecting our farmers and ranchers to regional, national, and international markets,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “My administration will continue to invest in needed and commonsense infrastructure improvements like these to maximize our state’s economic potential.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Six SLRIF recipients will use the funds for major track rehabilitation and rail replacement; three projects were awarded funds for siding extensions and storage tracks. These projects support rail enhancements to expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;State funding for the nine projects will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of nearly $6.5 million.&nbsp;The program received 19 applications requesting more than $18 million in program funds in this third and final round of funding for the program through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program. SLRIF made available $5 million each for state fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023.&nbsp;“The Short Line Rail Improvement Fund is another opportunity for KDOT to partner with industry to help modernize and make needed improvements,”&nbsp;Calvin Reed, Acting Secretary of Transportation, said.&nbsp;“Projects awarded through this program serve both short line railroads and their customers by investing in critical infrastructure that helps drive the Kansas economy.”&nbsp;Selected projects through the SLRIF for State Fiscal Year 2023:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677669720615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Sheridan Co. among nine short line rail project KDOT awards

The Hays Fire Department will begin its annual inspection and flow testing of fire hydrants today.&nbsp;

Wednesday's work will be in the area of Vine St. to Macarthur Rd. between 13th St. and 22nd St. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. 

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. 

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615927348562.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will begin its annual inspection and flow testing of fire hydrants today.&nbsp;Wednesday's work will be in the area of Vine St. to Macarthur Rd. between 13th St. and 22nd St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

Annual fire hydrant inspections/flow testing begins today in Hays 

The Hays
Community Theatre, 121 E Eighth, is preparing for a busy spring as work
begins on two upcoming productions along with their summer musical.

This
year’s summer musical, The Addams Family, won’t be performed until July,
but this weekend, cast hopefuls will begin the audition process.

“Our
practices usually start at the beginning of June,” said board member Adam
Conkey. “So, this is a summer-intensive thing.”

Auditions
are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 4, 11 and 12.

He said practices
entail a few hours in the evenings until the performances on July 27, 28 and 29
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Art Center on the Fort Hays State University
campus, 600 Park.

“This
will involve a lot of choreography,” Conkey said. “It will involve singing and
dancing, so get your shoes on.”

He said
the cast could be may be as large as 30, but the more that want to participate
the better.

“If you
don't want to audition for a show, it helps us to have people in the background
backstage, pushing props around and figuring out how the set needs to be moved,”
Conkey said. “Those are always handy positions as well.”

While work begins for the summer
production, two spring events are planned as well, including a unique version
of Hamlet, and the second annual Drag Show.

“This is
this is this is a kind of a special Hamlet, this is emo Hamlet in early 2000's
Shakespearean tragedy,” Conkey said. “It's a take on Hamlet as a lead played by
a female. So Hamlet is Ham Let and this is, set in a period where scene and emo
music are part of the feel of it.”

Conkey
will serve as director for the performance.

“I
wanted it to be a tragedy, but one of those kind of dark comedies almost where
it's, it's funny how terrible it is, how sad it is,” he said. “So that's the
direction I'm going with it.”

The search
for performers for that production will also begin soon, Conkey said, with junior
high-age children to seniors needed.

Auditions
are set from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 5 and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 6.

“Also,
if you want to send in a video of yourself to hctks.com showing a Shakespearean
sonnet that you're reading, that'll work just as well,” Conkey said.

Rehearsals
are set to begin March 12 and run Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Performances
are set for 7 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29 of April at the Community Theatre. 

“It's
gonna be a fun take,” Conkey said.

“This is
an over-the-top experience,” Conkey said of the upcoming second annual Drag Show
set for 8 p.m. April 1. “I've never experienced an audience for anything quite
like this. ... I'm also calling for performers for this as well.”

He said last year they had over 10 performers playing multiple characters
and hopes to find even more this year.

“Lots of fun coming up here at the
community theater, so for events and anything happening, make sure to see us at<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">
hctks.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre">Facebook</a>,” Conkey said.

<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre preparing for three upcoming shows" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uk46v-13a39b0-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays
Community Theatre, 121 E Eighth, is preparing for a busy spring as work
begins on two upcoming productions along with their summer musical.This
year’s summer musical, The Addams Family, won’t be performed until July,
but this weekend, cast hopefuls will begin the audition process.“Our
practices usually start at the beginning of June,” said board member Adam
Conkey. “So, this is a summer-intensive thing.”Auditions
are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 4, 11 and 12.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677607416485.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He said practices
entail a few hours in the evenings until the performances on July 27, 28 and 29
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Art Center on the Fort Hays State University
campus, 600 Park.“This
will involve a lot of choreography,” Conkey said. “It will involve singing and
dancing, so get your shoes on.”He said
the cast could be may be as large as 30, but the more that want to participate
the better.“If you
don't want to audition for a show, it helps us to have people in the background
backstage, pushing props around and figuring out how the set needs to be moved,”
Conkey said. “Those are always handy positions as well.”While work begins for the summer
production, two spring events are planned as well, including a unique version
of Hamlet, and the second annual Drag Show.“This is
this is this is a kind of a special Hamlet, this is emo Hamlet in early 2000's
Shakespearean tragedy,” Conkey said. “It's a take on Hamlet as a lead played by
a female. So Hamlet is Ham Let and this is, set in a period where scene and emo
music are part of the feel of it.”Conkey
will serve as director for the performance.“I
wanted it to be a tragedy, but one of those kind of dark comedies almost where
it's, it's funny how terrible it is, how sad it is,” he said. “So that's the
direction I'm going with it.”The search
for performers for that production will also begin soon, Conkey said, with junior
high-age children to seniors needed.Auditions
are set from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 5 and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 6.“Also,
if you want to send in a video of yourself to hctks.com showing a Shakespearean
sonnet that you're reading, that'll work just as well,” Conkey said.Rehearsals
are set to begin March 12 and run Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.Performances
are set for 7 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29 of April at the Community Theatre. “It's
gonna be a fun take,” Conkey said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677607404086.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>But first ...</h2>“This is
an over-the-top experience,” Conkey said of the upcoming second annual Drag Show
set for 8 p.m. April 1. “I've never experienced an audience for anything quite
like this. ... I'm also calling for performers for this as well.”He said last year they had over 10 performers playing multiple characters
and hopes to find even more this year.“Lots of fun coming up here at the
community theater, so for events and anything happening, make sure to see us at<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">
hctks.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre">Facebook</a>,” Conkey said.

🎙 Hays Community Theatre preparing for three upcoming shows

The Monarch 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament is set for next
month in Hays.

The tournament for girls and boys in third through
eighth grade is set for Saturday, March 18, with the
deadline to sign up of Monday, March 13.

The games will be played at Thomas More Prep-Marian, Holy Family Elementary and
Kennedy in Hays.

The registration fee is $10 per player. Registration is available <a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/monarch-3-on-3-tournament">HERE</a>.

You can also mail a paper copy of the registration form to: TMP Girls Basketball 1701 Hall Street Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601

For more information, call Rose McFarland (785) 365-0850 or
email <a href="mailto:mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org">mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org</a>

Hays PostThe Monarch 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament is set for next
month in Hays.The tournament for girls and boys in third through
eighth grade is set for Saturday, March 18, with the
deadline to sign up of Monday, March 13.The games will be played at Thomas More Prep-Marian, Holy Family Elementary and
Kennedy in Hays.The registration fee is $10 per player. Registration is available <a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/monarch-3-on-3-tournament">HERE</a>.You can also mail a paper copy of the registration form to: TMP Girls Basketball 1701 Hall Street Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601For more information, call Rose McFarland (785) 365-0850 or
email <a href="mailto:mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org">mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org</a>

🏀 Monarch 3 on 3 tournament set for March 18

FHSU Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects

The 2023 Kansas Undergraduate Research Day features eight students from FHSU.&nbsp;Students, faculty, Kansas Board of Regents members, state lawmakers, and members of the public are invited to click <a href="https://symposium.foragerone.com/kansas-undergraduate-research-day-2023/registration">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the video presentations, comment, and post questions for the approximately 30 student presenters from across the state on March 1, 2 and 3.

“We consistently see that students who participate in undergraduate research tend to have better outcomes at our university. They are more engaged with their area of study, they develop more confidence, they build stronger professional networks, and they learn to appreciate the complexity and nuance of real-world problems,” said Dr. P. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

“Undergraduate Research Days is a chance for our students to share their research with state legislators and the public through an online forum. Visitors to the website will see first-hand how learning through research positively affects students across the state. These experiences enrich student education and better prepare them for future careers,” said Misty Koonse, Fort Hays State Universities Assistant Director of The Graduate School and Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.

“We are proud to have our students showcase the academic excellence of our undergraduate students at FHSU.”&nbsp;

Student presenters from Fort Hays State University are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677515660768.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Office of Scholarship and Sponsored ProjectsThe 2023 Kansas Undergraduate Research Day features eight students from FHSU.&nbsp;Students, faculty, Kansas Board of Regents members, state lawmakers, and members of the public are invited to click <a href="https://symposium.foragerone.com/kansas-undergraduate-research-day-2023/registration">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the video presentations, comment, and post questions for the approximately 30 student presenters from across the state on March 1, 2 and 3.“We consistently see that students who participate in undergraduate research tend to have better outcomes at our university. They are more engaged with their area of study, they develop more confidence, they build stronger professional networks, and they learn to appreciate the complexity and nuance of real-world problems,” said Dr. P. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.“Undergraduate Research Days is a chance for our students to share their research with state legislators and the public through an online forum. Visitors to the website will see first-hand how learning through research positively affects students across the state. These experiences enrich student education and better prepare them for future careers,” said Misty Koonse, Fort Hays State Universities Assistant Director of The Graduate School and Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.“We are proud to have our students showcase the academic excellence of our undergraduate students at FHSU.”&nbsp;Student presenters from Fort Hays State University are:<ul>
 <li>Hannah Gates, Senior in Chemistry, will present “Computational study of small molecules with open and closed states of human STING: Effects on protein conformations and binding free energies.” Hannah’s faculty mentor is Dr. Masakatsu Watanabe, Ph.D.</li><li>Loganne Ditter, Senior in Criminal Justice, will present “The Rape Kit Crisis in Rural Areas – A Research-to-Action Project.” Loganne’s&nbsp;faculty mentor is Dr. Ziwei Qi, Ph.D.</li><li>Mary Kate Hale, Senior in Elementary Education, and&nbsp;Brooklyn Whitcomb, Senior in Elementary Education, will present “Remote Exploration of Alpine Ecosystems in Kansas Classrooms.” Mary and Brooklyn’s faculty mentor is Dr. Matthew Clay, Ed.D.</li><li>Kale Link, Freshman in Geosciences, and&nbsp;Kaiden O’Dell, Senior in Geosciences, will present “Assessing and Improving Science Student #SciComm skills.” Kale and Kaiden’s faculty mentors are Dr. Todd Moore, Ph.D., and Dr. Laura Wilson, Ph.D.</li><li>Willow Ludwig, Senior in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and&nbsp;Lauren Stallbaumer, Junior in Communication Sciences and Disorders, will present “Attitudes toward Stuttering of University Instructors in Communication Sciences and Disorders Major and Other Majors: A Nation-wide Survey.” Willow and Lauren’s faculty mentor is Dr. Yan Ma, Ph.D.</li>
 </ul>

FHSU students to present at Kansas Undergraduate Research Days

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;has announced&nbsp;three&nbsp;appointments&nbsp;and seven reappointments&nbsp;to the following&nbsp;board and commissions:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Court of Appeals Nominating Commission&nbsp; Purpose:&nbsp;Whenever the Governor is to make an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Court of Appeals, the Commission shall nominate three qualified applicants from whom the Governor will choose one to appoint. The Commission shall make its nominations after a robust inquiry into each applicant's qualifications.&nbsp;

Kansas Volunteer Commission&nbsp; Purpose: To prepare a national service plan for the state, ensure outreach to diverse community-based agencies, and administer certain grant programs.&nbsp;

State Fair Board&nbsp; Purpose: To promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry, and culture, to create opportunities for commercial activity, and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586266027570.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;has announced&nbsp;three&nbsp;appointments&nbsp;and seven reappointments&nbsp;to the following&nbsp;board and commissions:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Court of Appeals Nominating Commission&nbsp; Purpose:&nbsp;Whenever the Governor is to make an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Court of Appeals, the Commission shall nominate three qualified applicants from whom the Governor will choose one to appoint. The Commission shall make its nominations after a robust inquiry into each applicant's qualifications.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Eunice Peters, Carbondale&nbsp;</li><li>Jonathan Eshnaur, Olathe (reappointment)&nbsp;</li><li>Monique Garcia, Wichita (reappointment)&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Kansas Volunteer Commission&nbsp; Purpose: To prepare a national service plan for the state, ensure outreach to diverse community-based agencies, and administer certain grant programs.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Melanie Haas, Overland Park&nbsp;</li><li>Ben Jones, Sterling&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>State Fair Board&nbsp; Purpose: To promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry, and culture, to create opportunities for commercial activity, and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>John Bottenberg, Topeka (reappointment)&nbsp;</li><li>Harmon Bliss, Dodge City (reappointment)&nbsp;</li><li>Nick Ketzner, Bird City (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

NW Kansas man reappointed to Kansas State Fair board

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly has announced the launch of a toolkit to help Kansas
communities create local interdisciplinary teams to prevent intimate partner violence and
support survivors. The toolkit provides communities with resources to establish teams and
identify and manage cases in which someone is at high risk of either perpetrating or being
victimized by intimate partner violence.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5bb4c0af-9dcc-42d8-87ad-f1d7ead600ce">Hays police and Options Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services are working to set up a program to implement the toolkit.</a>

Intimate partner violence is a continuing threat to the health and safety of Kansas
communities. From 2017 to 2021, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported law
enforcement agencies responded to 114,963 domestic violence incidents.


“I am proud to provide, along with many partners, such a robust set of resources for Kansas
communities to prevent domestic violence and protect survivors,” Kelly
said. “Such a complex problem demands nuanced solutions, and this toolkit gives cities and
counties the ability to tailor their responses to their communities’ needs.


With support from a federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women, this toolkit
was created by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Domestic and Sexual Violence Response,
a partnership of the Governor’s Office, the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration, the
Kansas Office of the Attorney General, the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, the
Kansas Department of Corrections, and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic
Violence.


The toolkit is available online at ICJR toolkit. The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and
Domestic Violence will provide communities support as they implement this toolkit.
The KCSDV can be reached at coalition@kcsdv.org or 785-232-9784.

“By using these tools, communities in Kansas can reduce the risk of serious and lethal violence
for victims of intimate partner violence,” said Michelle McCormick, Executive Director of
the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. “We know that
when professionals come together in a coordinated manner to identify and respond to high-
risk domestic violence situations, these actions can save lives.”


In addition to the toolkit, Kansas City, Kansas, has been chosen as a pilot community to create
the high-risk team and implement the tool to identify high-risk cases, using grant funding.

Representatives from the Kansas City Police Department and a local domestic violence
nonprofit, Friends of Yates, along with members from the criminal justice system and other
community partners, have worked with staff from the Governor’s Grants Program and
KCSDV to implement these tools and will launch their efforts soon.


“This is an excellent opportunity for the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department to partner
with the State of Kansas and our community partners to address domestic violence, especially
in regards to the role it plays in so many homicides,” Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City,
Kansas Police Department, said.


“When responding to a domestic violence call, the utilization of this high-risk assessment tool
by law enforcement will be an entry point for many victims of domestic violence to
immediately be connected to life-saving supportive services provided by Friends of
Yates,” Arica Roland, Executive Director of Friends of Yates, said. “Through this
community collaboration, we hope to assist more victims with understanding their risk
factors for potential homicide, safety concerns, safety planning, understanding their legal
rights, and identifying community resources before it’s too late.”


Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status,
may become a victim of domestic violence. Free and confidential help for victims is available 24/7 through
the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888-363-2287 or their local domestic violence advocacy program
at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5bb4c0af-9dcc-42d8-87ad-f1d7ead600ce">www.kcsdv.org/find-help</a>.

News releaseTOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly has announced the launch of a toolkit to help Kansas
communities create local interdisciplinary teams to prevent intimate partner violence and
support survivors. The toolkit provides communities with resources to establish teams and
identify and manage cases in which someone is at high risk of either perpetrating or being
victimized by intimate partner violence.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5bb4c0af-9dcc-42d8-87ad-f1d7ead600ce">Hays police and Options Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services are working to set up a program to implement the toolkit.</a>Intimate partner violence is a continuing threat to the health and safety of Kansas
communities. From 2017 to 2021, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported law
enforcement agencies responded to 114,963 domestic violence incidents.
“I am proud to provide, along with many partners, such a robust set of resources for Kansas
communities to prevent domestic violence and protect survivors,” Kelly
said. “Such a complex problem demands nuanced solutions, and this toolkit gives cities and
counties the ability to tailor their responses to their communities’ needs.
With support from a federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women, this toolkit
was created by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Domestic and Sexual Violence Response,
a partnership of the Governor’s Office, the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration, the
Kansas Office of the Attorney General, the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, the
Kansas Department of Corrections, and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic
Violence.
The toolkit is available online at ICJR toolkit. The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and
Domestic Violence will provide communities support as they implement this toolkit.
The KCSDV can be reached at coalition@kcsdv.org or 785-232-9784.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674577767246.png" alt="Michelle McCormick" />
 <figcaption>Michelle McCormick</figcaption>
 </figure>“By using these tools, communities in Kansas can reduce the risk of serious and lethal violence
for victims of intimate partner violence,” said Michelle McCormick, Executive Director of
the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. “We know that
when professionals come together in a coordinated manner to identify and respond to high-
risk domestic violence situations, these actions can save lives.”
In addition to the toolkit, Kansas City, Kansas, has been chosen as a pilot community to create
the high-risk team and implement the tool to identify high-risk cases, using grant funding.Representatives from the Kansas City Police Department and a local domestic violence
nonprofit, Friends of Yates, along with members from the criminal justice system and other
community partners, have worked with staff from the Governor’s Grants Program and
KCSDV to implement these tools and will launch their efforts soon.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department to partner
with the State of Kansas and our community partners to address domestic violence, especially
in regards to the role it plays in so many homicides,” Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City,
Kansas Police Department, said.
“When responding to a domestic violence call, the utilization of this high-risk assessment tool
by law enforcement will be an entry point for many victims of domestic violence to
immediately be connected to life-saving supportive services provided by Friends of
Yates,” Arica Roland, Executive Director of Friends of Yates, said. “Through this
community collaboration, we hope to assist more victims with understanding their risk
factors for potential homicide, safety concerns, safety planning, understanding their legal
rights, and identifying community resources before it’s too late.”
Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status,
may become a victim of domestic violence. Free and confidential help for victims is available 24/7 through
the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888-363-2287 or their local domestic violence advocacy program
at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5bb4c0af-9dcc-42d8-87ad-f1d7ead600ce">www.kcsdv.org/find-help</a>.

Kelly announces toolkit for communities to prevent domestic violence

<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/2023/2/1677604004877.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Father Gale Hammerschmidt was a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in his hometown of Hays when the Academy Award-winning movie “Field of Dreams” was released in April of 1989.

Like most folks who have seen Field of Dreams, especially sports fans, Father Gale probably well remembers the movie’s thematic phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”

That reference was to building a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, which attracted ghosts of baseball legends to emerge from the cornfield to play ball.

Now a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Salina, Father Gale helped build a Catholic church in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills.

The new, spacious St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan offers much more room for Kansas State University students to worship, making Father Gale’s reward much greater than an Academy Award.

Father Gale, the chaplain at St. Isidore’s chapel on the K-State campus, would be the first to tell you that students were flocking to St. Isidore’s long before he even became a priest.

After graduating from TMP-Marian in 1990, Father Gale attended K-State and frequented St. Isidore’s as a college student. He graduated from KSU in 1995 and taught middle school history at Manhattan Catholic Schools for 10 years before entering the seminary.&nbsp;

Not long after being ordained a priest in 2012, Father Gale founded Prayer and Action, a summer service mission trip for teenagers, who serve local communities around the Salina Diocese. Other dioceses across the state have since adopted that ministry as well.

After serving in several capacities in the diocese for five years, Father Gale was assigned to St. Isidore’s in 2017, and a building committee was formed soon thereafter.

It had been a dream for many years to expand the space or build a new church at St. Isidore’s, which has long has been a beacon to students from near and far, including several from northwest Kansas.

“I chose K-State because of St. Isidore’s,” Jamie Kuhlman from Oakley said of the Catholic campus center where she attends daily Mass and a plethora of other activities.

“Our goal is to get to heaven,” added Kuhlman, co-president of St. Isidore’s student leadership team. “St. Isidore’s has meant so much to me through my college journey. I’m excited to see more students get involved and grow in their faith.”

Following is my story of the dedication of the new St. Isidore’s chapel earlier this year, which first appeared in the February issue of The Register, the newspaper for the Salina Diocese.

• &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp;

The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan, Kansas, began ringing at straight-up noon on a Saturday in late January, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.

Students, family and friends joined clergy and alumni scurrying around, making their way to the Alumni Center at Kansas State University, awaiting their cue to march across the street for a special, long-awaited ceremony.

Excitement was in the air on the unseasonably warm afternoon as 600-some people anticipated the dedication of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.

“Oohs” and “ahs” could be heard as people got closer and closer to the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets.

The crowd gathered on the front brick patio, and Bishop Jerry Vincke smiled as he stood near the front doors.

The bishop accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began.

The dedication ceremony part of the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with Holy Water, anointing the walls and the altar with Chrism oil, placing incense on the altar and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.

During the sacred anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto the altar, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.

Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.

“(Parents) bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the Church today,” he said.

Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once paused for several seconds before continuing on.

“I was humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”

One of those “right people” was Father Gale himself.

A Kansas State alum, Father Gale knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.

Less than five years later, the dream became reality.

After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or the student center.&nbsp;

Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the chapel. Eyes are drawn to the wooden vaulted ceiling. A stunning golden mosaic in the front of the marble altar from Italy draws them closer to the front of the church.

Stained glass windows of St. Isidore (the chapel’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student centers namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the chapel. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, standing over the front doors.

“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Gale said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”

“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the Church. This church is a gift to you.”

Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend Mass at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.

The new chapel will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.

Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full to capacity 40 years ago.

Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football tram from 1980-84, spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended KSU – and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.

“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”&nbsp;

Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.

“This project tugs at my heart like nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18- to 22-year olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”

After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.

“I’d say 99 percent of the students said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Gale said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”

Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.

“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”

“I know the choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”

One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.

Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677521049675.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677520968231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677349823192.png" alt="Street lights illuminate the new St. Isidore's Catholic Church on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Photo by Carson Ackerman, a KSU student from Hays." />
 <figcaption>Street lights illuminate the new St. Isidore's Catholic Church on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Photo by Carson Ackerman, a KSU student from Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostFather Gale Hammerschmidt was a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in his hometown of Hays when the Academy Award-winning movie “Field of Dreams” was released in April of 1989.Like most folks who have seen Field of Dreams, especially sports fans, Father Gale probably well remembers the movie’s thematic phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”That reference was to building a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, which attracted ghosts of baseball legends to emerge from the cornfield to play ball.Now a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Salina, Father Gale helped build a Catholic church in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills.The new, spacious St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan offers much more room for Kansas State University students to worship, making Father Gale’s reward much greater than an Academy Award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350149148.png" alt="Father Gale was all smiles during the dedication weekend of St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Father Gale was all smiles during the dedication weekend of St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>Father Gale, the chaplain at St. Isidore’s chapel on the K-State campus, would be the first to tell you that students were flocking to St. Isidore’s long before he even became a priest.After graduating from TMP-Marian in 1990, Father Gale attended K-State and frequented St. Isidore’s as a college student. He graduated from KSU in 1995 and taught middle school history at Manhattan Catholic Schools for 10 years before entering the seminary.&nbsp;Not long after being ordained a priest in 2012, Father Gale founded Prayer and Action, a summer service mission trip for teenagers, who serve local communities around the Salina Diocese. Other dioceses across the state have since adopted that ministry as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350080193.png" alt="An inside view of the new St. Isidore's Church. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>An inside view of the new St. Isidore's Church. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>After serving in several capacities in the diocese for five years, Father Gale was assigned to St. Isidore’s in 2017, and a building committee was formed soon thereafter.It had been a dream for many years to expand the space or build a new church at St. Isidore’s, which has long has been a beacon to students from near and far, including several from northwest Kansas.“I chose K-State because of St. Isidore’s,” Jamie Kuhlman from Oakley said of the Catholic campus center where she attends daily Mass and a plethora of other activities.“Our goal is to get to heaven,” added Kuhlman, co-president of St. Isidore’s student leadership team. “St. Isidore’s has meant so much to me through my college journey. I’m excited to see more students get involved and grow in their faith.”Following is my story of the dedication of the new St. Isidore’s chapel earlier this year, which first appeared in the February issue of The Register, the newspaper for the Salina Diocese.• &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350224555.png" alt="St. Isidore's Church is a beacon on the KSU campus at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets in Manhattan. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>St. Isidore's Church is a beacon on the KSU campus at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets in Manhattan. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan, Kansas, began ringing at straight-up noon on a Saturday in late January, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.Students, family and friends joined clergy and alumni scurrying around, making their way to the Alumni Center at Kansas State University, awaiting their cue to march across the street for a special, long-awaited ceremony.Excitement was in the air on the unseasonably warm afternoon as 600-some people anticipated the dedication of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.“Oohs” and “ahs” could be heard as people got closer and closer to the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677353846753.png" alt="Avery Werth, a KSU student from Hays, visits with Bishop Gerald Vincke after the student Mass on dedication weekend for St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Avery Werth, a KSU student from Hays, visits with Bishop Gerald Vincke after the student Mass on dedication weekend for St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>The crowd gathered on the front brick patio, and Bishop Jerry Vincke smiled as he stood near the front doors.The bishop accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began.The dedication ceremony part of the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with Holy Water, anointing the walls and the altar with Chrism oil, placing incense on the altar and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.During the sacred anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto the altar, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.“(Parents) bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the Church today,” he said.Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once paused for several seconds before continuing on.“I was humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”One of those “right people” was Father Gale himself.A Kansas State alum, Father Gale knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.Less than five years later, the dream became reality.After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or the student center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350290188.png" alt="Father Gale Hammerschmidt anoints the walls of the church during the dedication Mass. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger " />
 <figcaption>Father Gale Hammerschmidt anoints the walls of the church during the dedication Mass. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger </figcaption>
 </figure>Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the chapel. Eyes are drawn to the wooden vaulted ceiling. A stunning golden mosaic in the front of the marble altar from Italy draws them closer to the front of the church.Stained glass windows of St. Isidore (the chapel’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student centers namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the chapel. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, standing over the front doors.“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Gale said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350349536.png" alt="Bishop Gerald Vincke pours holy chrism oil on the new altar during the dedication Mass of St. Isidore's. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger" />
 <figcaption>Bishop Gerald Vincke pours holy chrism oil on the new altar during the dedication Mass of St. Isidore's. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger</figcaption>
 </figure>“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the Church. This church is a gift to you.”Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend Mass at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.The new chapel will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full to capacity 40 years ago.Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football tram from 1980-84, spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended KSU – and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”&nbsp;Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.“This project tugs at my heart like nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18- to 22-year olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350400657.png" alt="St. Isidore's was packed for the first student Mass on dedication weekend. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>St. Isidore's was packed for the first student Mass on dedication weekend. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.“I’d say 99 percent of the students said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Gale said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”“I know the choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350549492.png" alt="Stained glass windows of St. Isidore and St. Robert Bellarmine are visible over the beautiful choir loft. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Stained glass windows of St. Isidore and St. Robert Bellarmine are visible over the beautiful choir loft. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677520968231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Church of Dreams — Hays native key in bringing new Catholic chapel to K-State campus

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new equine center just outside of Hays recently broke ground on an expansion that will include an equine veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center for horses.

The center also plans to start offering therapeutic riding lessons for people who have disabilities.

Triple Eight Equine Center opened about a year ago. It sits on 95 acres off Interstate 70 Toulon exit east of Hays.&nbsp;

It offers riding lessons in a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena with synthetic flooring. The synthetic flooring is supposed to be softer for the horses and easier to maintain. In addition, the facility has four 12-by-12-foot stalls available for overnight rental.

Lexie Macumber (Lesson Assistant), Lisa Kisner- (Advanced lesson instructor), Anne and Brian Lang (Owners)

Riding lessons are offered for beginners to advanced riders and ropers. Students don't have to have their own horses.&nbsp;Shelly Macumber, center manager, said she recommends children be at least 6 years old to take lessons.&nbsp;Riding lessons start at $30 an hour, which increases with skill level.

"We have a horse, Tango, that we call a famous horse," Macumber said. "He is the horse that we put all of the little kiddos on. He has a really funny personality, so he plays with them and the kids, really, really love that part of it."

The arena can be rented for horse owners who want to exercise their horses over the winter. The facility, which has two meeting rooms, is available for rent for meetings, parties and events. The meeting rooms include tables, chairs and TVs and can either hold 21 or 24 people.

The cost to rent meeting rooms is $80 for half days or $150 for full days. Overnight horse boarding costs $35 per night.

The center also has an indoor, heated horse wash.

Outdoor pens and runs are going to be added during the expansion. The overnight boarding, or horse hotel as Macumber called it, will be expanded by 24 stalls in the new facility.&nbsp;

Outdoor spaces also will be available for events such as barrel races, roping and clinics. The pasture will be available for trail riding.

Anne Lang, co-owner of the facility, has a Phoenix Western Shoppe that is temporarily located on the second floor of the center. The shop sells western wear and horse tack. 

Brian Lang of Lang Diesel, Anne's husband, is also a co-owner.&nbsp;Brian Lang said he is stepping away from day-to-day management of LDI and decided to invest in the center rather than fully retire.

A riding club, Triple Eight Saddle Club,  also is based out of the center and offers activities for both adults and children.

Macumber has a lifetime of experience with horses. She started with a pony as a child and moved up to horse showing in 4-H. She has competed in a variety of horse events including western pleasure and barrel racing. Her 17-year-old daughter is an active barrel racer.

She is almost done with certifications in Rehab Therapist and Equine Sports Massage Therapy.

She taught students in the horse program when her daughter joined 4-H.&nbsp;

"My favorite part of it is being able to teach new people to be around [horses] and the connection they get with it," she said.&nbsp;

"The kiddos are my favorite," she said. "They're a lot of fun, and they enjoy it so much. They're big animals, so starting out, it's a major confidence builder for them."

Ground has been broken on a new equine rehabilitation and conditioning center. Completion is scheduled for this spring.

The new center will have state-of-the-art equipment to assist in injury recovery, post-surgical care and accelerated conditioning for horses.

This equipment will include an Aqua Pacer +, which is a water treadmill for horses. The Aqua Pacer + also can offer spa and saltwater therapy to help wounds heal quicker. The rehabilitation center will have the only Aqua Pacer for horses in the area.

The center also will have&nbsp;horse walkers, and a horse Bemer blanket, which helps increase circulation.

Therapy will be offered with the assistance of a veterinarian, who will be on campus.&nbsp;Kris Harris of Western Prairie Equine will be the center's vet.

Macumber said the center will not only help horses properly heal, it might also prevent some horses from being put down.

Macumber is in the process of obtaining certification to offer therapeutic riding, which are riding sessions to help people who have disabilities. These riding sessions will be offered for both children and adults.

The new, smaller arena that is under construction will be used for these riding sessions. Those will be paid for by the individuals receiving services.

The sessions can assist with building cognitive, social, emotional or behavioral skills, Macumber said.

"I have always wanted to do therapeutic riding because [horses] are my stress reliever and my therapy," Macumber said. "There is a special connection with horses that is hard to describe.&nbsp;

"I hope I can bring that and share that and help people in any way."

The center will have a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting and Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. April 21. Further events will be scheduled when the rehabilitation center and vet hospital open, Macumber said.

Learn more about Triple Eight Equine by following the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/triple8equinecenter">Facebook</a>. You can book lessons or rentals by calling 785-639-5876 or emailing&nbsp;triple8equinecenter@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677186440452.jpeg" alt="Triple Eight Equine Center offers a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena for people to exercise their horses in the winter or take riding lessons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eight Equine Center offers a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena for people to exercise their horses in the winter or take riding lessons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new equine center just outside of Hays recently broke ground on an expansion that will include an equine veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center for horses.The center also plans to start offering therapeutic riding lessons for people who have disabilities.Triple Eight Equine Center opened about a year ago. It sits on 95 acres off Interstate 70 Toulon exit east of Hays.&nbsp;It offers riding lessons in a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena with synthetic flooring. The synthetic flooring is supposed to be softer for the horses and easier to maintain. In addition, the facility has four 12-by-12-foot stalls available for overnight rental.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677186908628.jpeg" alt="Back row left to right: Shelly Macumber, manager); Doug Mermis, Triple Eight Riding Club president; Jarret Riedel, roping lesson instructor; Lexie Macumber, lesson assistant; Lisa Kisner, advanced lesson instructor; Anne and Brian Lang, owners. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Back row left to right: Shelly Macumber, manager); Doug Mermis, Triple Eight Riding Club president; Jarret Riedel, roping lesson instructor; Lexie Macumber, lesson assistant; Lisa Kisner, advanced lesson instructor; Anne and Brian Lang, owners. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Lexie Macumber (Lesson Assistant), Lisa Kisner- (Advanced lesson instructor), Anne and Brian Lang (Owners)Riding lessons are offered for beginners to advanced riders and ropers. Students don't have to have their own horses.&nbsp;Shelly Macumber, center manager, said she recommends children be at least 6 years old to take lessons.&nbsp;Riding lessons start at $30 an hour, which increases with skill level."We have a horse, Tango, that we call a famous horse," Macumber said. "He is the horse that we put all of the little kiddos on. He has a really funny personality, so he plays with them and the kids, really, really love that part of it."The arena can be rented for horse owners who want to exercise their horses over the winter. The facility, which has two meeting rooms, is available for rent for meetings, parties and events. The meeting rooms include tables, chairs and TVs and can either hold 21 or 24 people.The cost to rent meeting rooms is $80 for half days or $150 for full days. Overnight horse boarding costs $35 per night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187199610.jpeg" alt="Phoenix Western Shoppe, temporarily located on the upper level of Triple Eight Equine Center, offers western clothing and horse tack. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Phoenix Western Shoppe, temporarily located on the upper level of Triple Eight Equine Center, offers western clothing and horse tack. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The center also has an indoor, heated horse wash.Outdoor pens and runs are going to be added during the expansion. The overnight boarding, or horse hotel as Macumber called it, will be expanded by 24 stalls in the new facility.&nbsp;Outdoor spaces also will be available for events such as barrel races, roping and clinics. The pasture will be available for trail riding.Anne Lang, co-owner of the facility, has a Phoenix Western Shoppe that is temporarily located on the second floor of the center. The shop sells western wear and horse tack. Brian Lang of Lang Diesel, Anne's husband, is also a co-owner.&nbsp;Brian Lang said he is stepping away from day-to-day management of LDI and decided to invest in the center rather than fully retire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187390409.png" alt="Triple Eight Equine Center has broken ground on a new Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center. It is set to open in May. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eight Equine Center has broken ground on a new Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center. It is set to open in May. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>A riding club, Triple Eight Saddle Club, also is based out of the center and offers activities for both adults and children.Macumber has a lifetime of experience with horses. She started with a pony as a child and moved up to horse showing in 4-H. She has competed in a variety of horse events including western pleasure and barrel racing. Her 17-year-old daughter is an active barrel racer.She is almost done with certifications in Rehab Therapist and Equine Sports Massage Therapy.She taught students in the horse program when her daughter joined 4-H.&nbsp;"My favorite part of it is being able to teach new people to be around [horses] and the connection they get with it," she said.&nbsp;"The kiddos are my favorite," she said. "They're a lot of fun, and they enjoy it so much. They're big animals, so starting out, it's a major confidence builder for them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187541474.jpeg" alt="Triple Eighth Equine Center has a heated horse bath. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eighth Equine Center has a heated horse bath. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Equine Rehabilitation Center</h2>Ground has been broken on a new equine rehabilitation and conditioning center. Completion is scheduled for this spring.The new center will have state-of-the-art equipment to assist in injury recovery, post-surgical care and accelerated conditioning for horses.This equipment will include an Aqua Pacer +, which is a water treadmill for horses. The Aqua Pacer + also can offer spa and saltwater therapy to help wounds heal quicker. The rehabilitation center will have the only Aqua Pacer for horses in the area.The center also will have&nbsp;horse walkers, and a horse Bemer blanket, which helps increase circulation.Therapy will be offered with the assistance of a veterinarian, who will be on campus.&nbsp;Kris Harris of Western Prairie Equine will be the center's vet.Macumber said the center will not only help horses properly heal, it might also prevent some horses from being put down.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187802192.jpeg" alt="Triple Eight Equine Center has four stalls for horse boarding and will be adding 24 more stalls in its new rehab center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eight Equine Center has four stalls for horse boarding and will be adding 24 more stalls in its new rehab center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Therapeutic Riding Center</h2>Macumber is in the process of obtaining certification to offer therapeutic riding, which are riding sessions to help people who have disabilities. These riding sessions will be offered for both children and adults.The new, smaller arena that is under construction will be used for these riding sessions. Those will be paid for by the individuals receiving services.The sessions can assist with building cognitive, social, emotional or behavioral skills, Macumber said."I have always wanted to do therapeutic riding because [horses] are my stress reliever and my therapy," Macumber said. "There is a special connection with horses that is hard to describe.&nbsp;"I hope I can bring that and share that and help people in any way."The center will have a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting and Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. April 21. Further events will be scheduled when the rehabilitation center and vet hospital open, Macumber said.Learn more about Triple Eight Equine by following the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/triple8equinecenter">Facebook</a>. You can book lessons or rentals by calling 785-639-5876 or emailing&nbsp;triple8equinecenter@gmail.com.

Triple Eight Equine in Hays expands to offer horse rehab, therapeutic riding

The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Rawlins County Buffaloes.

The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m.

Our coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/538000">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Rawlins County Buffaloes.The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m.Our coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/538000">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/538000?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

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