The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Smith Center Redmen.

The game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:00 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/537133">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 boys open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Smith Center Redmen.The game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:00 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/537133">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/537133?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Smith Center

The Heartland Community Foundation honored four organizations with Community Impact awards for outstanding service to others, commitment to individuals served, leadership within the Heartland community, and exceptional innovation during 2022; all of which contributed to a more positive impact in the area.

Organizations received a certificate and gift to treat staff or volunteers.

Victoria Community Coalition in Victoria, for their continued efforts to restore the former St. John’s Rest Home. During the past year, they completed a community housing assessment, finalized architectural plans for the building to bring moderate housing, childcare, and a community space to Victoria, secured nonprofit status and transferred ownership of the building to the organization, collaborated with the Ellis County Historical Society for a museum space, applied for multiple statewide grants, and began fundraising. They have kept momentum and enthusiasm for the project moving forward.

The Well – Center of Hope in WaKeeney, for the debut of the community coffee shop with a focus on mental health access and community connectedness.

The Well officially opened in November 2022, but the project has been years in development through the WaKeeney Church of God.

Organizers wanted a place that would provide better access to counselors and mental health services and the opportunity for dialogue. Counselors hold monthly walk-in hours at The Well for community members to stop in and visit.

USD 270, The Nest Childcare Center in Plainville. USD 270 has been a leader in the region in stepping up to actively address a community’s child care needs.

The school district recognized the gap in the availability of child care both for families in Plainville and school staff.

During 2022, they opened The Nest, two annex buildings to house daycare and preschool, serving more than two dozen children. Nest staff are employed by the school district. The school district was able to apply for and receive grant dollars from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the project.

RoCo Arts Council – Stockton murals. The development of a community arts group in Rooks County resurged in 2021, under the name RoCo Arts Council, with an eye on murals for Rooks County, starting with Stockton. 

In 2022, two of their first projects became realities. First, a Stockton postcard-style mural was commissioned and completed at a busy intersection in Stockton during fall 2022.

Second, hundreds of volunteers began the tedious process of painting barn quilt squares to represent the community’s heritage and history. The installation of those squares began in 2022 overlooking City Park, with the goal of being the largest barn quilt mural in the world. The group is working on phase two and still has more squares to paint.

The Heartland Community Foundation proudly granted funds to all four groups for their projects.

The Victoria Community Coalition received $5,000 for architectural services. $11,925 was granted to The Well for supplies and equipment. For furnishings and supplies, USD 270 received $10,041. RoCo Arts Council was granted $5,000 for supplies to create two murals.

News releaseThe Heartland Community Foundation honored four organizations with Community Impact awards for outstanding service to others, commitment to individuals served, leadership within the Heartland community, and exceptional innovation during 2022; all of which contributed to a more positive impact in the area.Organizations received a certificate and gift to treat staff or volunteers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="Former&nbsp;St. John’s Rest Home. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Former&nbsp;St. John’s Rest Home. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year’s honorees areVictoria Community Coalition in Victoria, for their continued efforts to restore the former St. John’s Rest Home. During the past year, they completed a community housing assessment, finalized architectural plans for the building to bring moderate housing, childcare, and a community space to Victoria, secured nonprofit status and transferred ownership of the building to the organization, collaborated with the Ellis County Historical Society for a museum space, applied for multiple statewide grants, and began fundraising. They have kept momentum and enthusiasm for the project moving forward.The Well – Center of Hope in WaKeeney, for the debut of the community coffee shop with a focus on mental health access and community connectedness.The Well officially opened in November 2022, but the project has been years in development through the WaKeeney Church of God.Organizers wanted a place that would provide better access to counselors and mental health services and the opportunity for dialogue. Counselors hold monthly walk-in hours at The Well for community members to stop in and visit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052083415.jpeg" alt="The Nest Childcare Center . File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Nest Childcare Center . File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 270, The Nest Childcare Center in Plainville. USD 270 has been a leader in the region in stepping up to actively address a community’s child care needs.The school district recognized the gap in the availability of child care both for families in Plainville and school staff.During 2022, they opened The Nest, two annex buildings to house daycare and preschool, serving more than two dozen children. Nest staff are employed by the school district. The school district was able to apply for and receive grant dollars from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417488511.jpeg" alt="Stockton barn quilts. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stockton barn quilts. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>RoCo Arts Council – Stockton murals. The development of a community arts group in Rooks County resurged in 2021, under the name RoCo Arts Council, with an eye on murals for Rooks County, starting with Stockton. In 2022, two of their first projects became realities. First, a Stockton postcard-style mural was commissioned and completed at a busy intersection in Stockton during fall 2022.Second, hundreds of volunteers began the tedious process of painting barn quilt squares to represent the community’s heritage and history. The installation of those squares began in 2022 overlooking City Park, with the goal of being the largest barn quilt mural in the world. The group is working on phase two and still has more squares to paint.The Heartland Community Foundation proudly granted funds to all four groups for their projects.The Victoria Community Coalition received $5,000 for architectural services. $11,925 was granted to The Well for supplies and equipment. For furnishings and supplies, USD 270 received $10,041. RoCo Arts Council was granted $5,000 for supplies to create two murals.

Four organizations receive Heartland Community Impact Awards

Warm and windy conditions are expected to continue into Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.

Sustained winds will be 16 to 21 mph Monday and Tuesday, with gusts of more than 30 mph.

After a high of more than 60 Monday, the high Tuesday is expected to again be nearly 70 degrees. Sunday's high of 72 degrees was short of the record 79 degrees recorded in 2018, the K-State Ag Research Center reported.

There is a 50 percent chance of snow Thursday, the NWS said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677526660902.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Warm and windy conditions are expected to continue into Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.Sustained winds will be 16 to 21 mph Monday and Tuesday, with gusts of more than 30 mph.After a high of more than 60 Monday, the high Tuesday is expected to again be nearly 70 degrees. Sunday's high of 72 degrees was short of the record 79 degrees recorded in 2018, the K-State Ag Research Center reported.There is a 50 percent chance of snow Thursday, the NWS said.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here are some estimated precipitation totals from last night&#39;s storms. Very streaky areas of higher precipitation occurred as the storms quickly moved across southwest Kansas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/AgGODn2Zhm">pic.twitter.com/AgGODn2Zhm</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1630224784888848393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm and windy — with a chance of snow later this week

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares updates from the Ellis County child care task force.&nbsp;

The task force's next meeting is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. child care task force continues working to alleviate provider shortage" 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=jyre9-13a1ce8-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, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares updates from the Ellis County child care task force.&nbsp;The task force's next meeting is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Task force continues working to alleviate child care shortage

The Hays Police Department responded to 77 calls from Feb. 12-18, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 77 calls from Feb. 12-18, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677516684858.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677516853966.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677516903590.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Report, Feb. 12-18, 2023

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — Great Bend Public
 Lands Director Scott Keeler said this month that
Veterans Lake is next to the lowest that he has seen it in 28 years. 
Keeler said
you would be hard pressed to find water deeper than eight feet at the 
moment. On average, the water level is currently between four and a half
 to six feet deep. On an average year, the deepest point of the lake is 
usually 11 and a half
feet. 

While the drought has taken a toll on many bodies of water, Keeler pointed out
the City of Great Bend is still having to constantly monitor Vets Lake. 
"It still has a touch of blue-green algae," said Keeler. "It's been 
concentrated and we're still within safe limits. Last month, we put new 
aerators in it. They were eight years old. The aerators help diffuse the
 water and add oxygen to ensure that the fish have plenty of oxygen." 
In the years past, city crews had to treat the lake with aluminum sulfate which
gathers the blue-green algae and phosphorus, combines them, and drops it to the
bottom so the lake can go through its regular cycle of turnover in the spring
and fall. Keeler said alum hasn’t been used for the past three years. "It's
 something we're going to have to maintain and keep testing," said 
Keeler. "As needed, we'll treat the water to keep it in control. We 
don't want to have another fish kill like we did several years back." 
The previous blue-green algae issues wiped out most of the habitat for fish.
This spring, Great Bend will add aquatic water life, or plants, to the bottom
of the lake to increase the fish habitat.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677533828296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — Great Bend Public
 Lands Director Scott Keeler said this month that
Veterans Lake is next to the lowest that he has seen it in 28 years. 
Keeler said
you would be hard pressed to find water deeper than eight feet at the 
moment. On average, the water level is currently between four and a half
 to six feet deep. On an average year, the deepest point of the lake is 
usually 11 and a half
feet. While the drought has taken a toll on many bodies of water, Keeler pointed out
the City of Great Bend is still having to constantly monitor Vets Lake. 
"It still has a touch of blue-green algae," said Keeler. "It's been 
concentrated and we're still within safe limits. Last month, we put new 
aerators in it. They were eight years old. The aerators help diffuse the
 water and add oxygen to ensure that the fish have plenty of oxygen." 
In the years past, city crews had to treat the lake with aluminum sulfate which
gathers the blue-green algae and phosphorus, combines them, and drops it to the
bottom so the lake can go through its regular cycle of turnover in the spring
and fall. Keeler said alum hasn’t been used for the past three years. "It's
 something we're going to have to maintain and keep testing," said 
Keeler. "As needed, we'll treat the water to keep it in control. We 
don't want to have another fish kill like we did several years back." 
The previous blue-green algae issues wiped out most of the habitat for fish.
This spring, Great Bend will add aquatic water life, or plants, to the bottom
of the lake to increase the fish habitat.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend lake at lowest level in more than a quarter century

To apply today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://glassmancorp.com/careers/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676916146398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To apply today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://glassmancorp.com/careers/">HERE</a>.

🎙 Hays USD 489 Super: Legislators mounting attacks on public schools

Colby High School Principal Ryan Muhlig will lead the Southern Lyon 
County USD 252 School District, the board of education announced 
Friday.&nbsp;

Muhlig will begin his position on July 1, after the retirement of Dr. Mike Argabright at the end of the 2022-23 school year.&nbsp;

According
 to the USD 252 Board of Education, Muhlig has 25 years of experience in
 education serving as a teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant 
principal and principal.&nbsp;

He's served as the Colby High School principal since 2021.&nbsp;

Muhlig
 received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State 
University in 1998. He later graduated from Baker University with his 
Master of Arts in School Leadership. In 2021, he received his District 
Leadership Licensure from Newman University.

Muhlig served in the United States Army Reserves in Emporia from 1992-2000.

"The
 importance of community involvement is not new to Mr. Muhlig," the 
board said in a statement. "Most recently, he has been involved in 
leading and working with community patrons on the Fundraising Committee 
to build an Agriculture and Technology building for Colby High School."

Muhlig
 is originally from the Council Grove area. He enjoys spending time 
outdoors and looks forward to returning to eastern Kansas where he will 
be closer to family.

“I am very excited for my move to USD 252 
Southern Lyon County,” Muhlig said. “I look forward to getting to know 
the many great families at USD 252, and being a part of the Neosho 
Rapids, Hartford and Olpe Communities.

Board president Emily 
Darbyshire, says that Ryan Muhlig emerged from a very thorough search 
process as the right candidate to lead the School District.

“The 
Board is certain in our choice of Ryan Muhlig and confident that under 
his leadership USD 252 Southern Lyon County will continue to be 
recognized as a leader in student success," she said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.emporiagazette.com/free/article_a3b4c23e-b4a3-11ed-b4cf-af00c0ab0e35.html">Courtesy Emporia Gazette. Republished with permission.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677364175389.png" alt="Ryan Muhlig" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Muhlig</figcaption>
 </figure>Colby High School Principal Ryan Muhlig will lead the Southern Lyon 
County USD 252 School District, the board of education announced 
Friday.&nbsp;Muhlig will begin his position on July 1, after the retirement of Dr. Mike Argabright at the end of the 2022-23 school year.&nbsp;According
 to the USD 252 Board of Education, Muhlig has 25 years of experience in
 education serving as a teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant 
principal and principal.&nbsp;He's served as the Colby High School principal since 2021.&nbsp;Muhlig
 received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State 
University in 1998. He later graduated from Baker University with his 
Master of Arts in School Leadership. In 2021, he received his District 
Leadership Licensure from Newman University.Muhlig served in the United States Army Reserves in Emporia from 1992-2000."The
 importance of community involvement is not new to Mr. Muhlig," the 
board said in a statement. "Most recently, he has been involved in 
leading and working with community patrons on the Fundraising Committee 
to build an Agriculture and Technology building for Colby High School."Muhlig
 is originally from the Council Grove area. He enjoys spending time 
outdoors and looks forward to returning to eastern Kansas where he will 
be closer to family.“I am very excited for my move to USD 252 
Southern Lyon County,” Muhlig said. “I look forward to getting to know 
the many great families at USD 252, and being a part of the Neosho 
Rapids, Hartford and Olpe Communities.Board president Emily 
Darbyshire, says that Ryan Muhlig emerged from a very thorough search 
process as the right candidate to lead the School District.“The 
Board is certain in our choice of Ryan Muhlig and confident that under 
his leadership USD 252 Southern Lyon County will continue to be 
recognized as a leader in student success," she said.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.emporiagazette.com/free/article_a3b4c23e-b4a3-11ed-b4cf-af00c0ab0e35.html">Courtesy Emporia Gazette. Republished with permission.</a>

Colby High principal takes reins of eastern Kansas USD

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams shares updates from the Tallgrass Housing addition, BriefSpace and more.

<div><iframe title="Tallgrass housing development pushes into next phase" 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=rjqgx-139ea36-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, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams shares updates from the Tallgrass Housing addition, BriefSpace and more.

🎙 Post Podcast: Tallgrass housing development pushes into next phase

<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/2023/2/1677268507320.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

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran last week announced that a $132,000
grant was secured for the City of Great Bend to purchase license plate
recognition technology and cameras. The federal grant will allow law
enforcement to track criminals that drive through the city.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895"> RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a> 
Moran noted the new technology is not only useful for local law enforcement,
but also helps a need to improve national security. For years, there were
concerned conversations of illegal immigrants coming into the United States and
taking Americans’ jobs. That concern has changed, according to Moran. "From
 my perspective, the greatest threat we have from what's taking place on
 our borders is fentanyl and other drugs, human trafficking and 
terrorism," said Moran. "While we want to be helpful to local law 
enforcement in protecting their citizens, in a broader national way, we 
need to make sure there is more security, more difficulty for people to 
come illegally to the United States." 
Moran felt there are a number of things that can be done to improve the country’s
security that would receive enough non-partisan support, but you have to find
the “sweet spots” that are agreeable. Moran felt strongly that improved
security along the United States and Mexico border is needed, and the border
wall at least slows down the drug trafficking. 
"There is a demand for these drugs that rests with us," said Moran. 
"There are huge sums of money. Law enforcement faces tremendous 
challenges. You can stop something now, but the amount of money that can
 be made is so large that there is great incentive to find another way 
to do it." 
Moran finished by saying the United States has a lot of work to do to try to
reduce the demand for drugs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676997684163.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was in Great Bend last week to announce a grant to purchase license plate reading technology for the Great Bend Police Department." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was in Great Bend last week to announce a grant to purchase license plate reading technology for the Great Bend Police Department.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostU.S. Senator Jerry Moran last week announced that a $132,000
grant was secured for the City of Great Bend to purchase license plate
recognition technology and cameras. The federal grant will allow law
enforcement to track criminals that drive through the city.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895"> RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a> 
Moran noted the new technology is not only useful for local law enforcement,
but also helps a need to improve national security. For years, there were
concerned conversations of illegal immigrants coming into the United States and
taking Americans’ jobs. That concern has changed, according to Moran. "From
 my perspective, the greatest threat we have from what's taking place on
 our borders is fentanyl and other drugs, human trafficking and 
terrorism," said Moran. "While we want to be helpful to local law 
enforcement in protecting their citizens, in a broader national way, we 
need to make sure there is more security, more difficulty for people to 
come illegally to the United States." 
Moran felt there are a number of things that can be done to improve the country’s
security that would receive enough non-partisan support, but you have to find
the “sweet spots” that are agreeable. Moran felt strongly that improved
security along the United States and Mexico border is needed, and the border
wall at least slows down the drug trafficking. 
"There is a demand for these drugs that rests with us," said Moran. 
"There are huge sums of money. Law enforcement faces tremendous 
challenges. You can stop something now, but the amount of money that can
 be made is so large that there is great incentive to find another way 
to do it." 
Moran finished by saying the United States has a lot of work to do to try to
reduce the demand for drugs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Moran touts security during Great Bend stop

COLBY — Colby Community College will host the annual Art on the Oasis art show on March 3, 4 and 5 in the Bedker Memorial Complex and the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The event features art by high school, amateur and professional artists from around the region.

The opening gala is on March 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Viewing continues Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

“We’ll have unique food, music, awards, and opportunities to purchase art,” said organizer Rebel Mahieu. “Besides local entries, we have pieces from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, CCC and Fort Hays State students, and works from as far as Greensburg, McCook, Nebraska, and around the area. There will also be live music by the Detherage/Engel band from Hays.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677251858604.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College will host the annual Art on the Oasis art show on March 3, 4 and 5 in the Bedker Memorial Complex and the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The event features art by high school, amateur and professional artists from around the region.The opening gala is on March 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Viewing continues Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.“We’ll have unique food, music, awards, and opportunities to purchase art,” said organizer Rebel Mahieu. “Besides local entries, we have pieces from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, CCC and Fort Hays State students, and works from as far as Greensburg, McCook, Nebraska, and around the area. There will also be live music by the Detherage/Engel band from Hays.”Admission is free.&nbsp;

Art on the Oasis returns to Colby Community College

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

MCPHERSON — Two Wheat 
Rx Schools in early March will share the latest research recommendations
 for intensive wheat management, the value of wheat as part of crop 
rotations and cover cropping as well as provide updates on wheat 
breeding pipelines. The educational events — scheduled for March 7 in 
McPherson and March 8 in Russell — are part of a partnership between the
 Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to 
disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and 
high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers.

“While we can’t 
control the weather, there are practices and tools that farmers can use 
to improve yield and quality of their wheat crop,” said Aaron Harries, 
vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “The Wheat 
Rx Schools share the latest research findings for suggested management 
practices to economically and sustainably produce wheat in Kansas.”

Both
 schools will follow similar agendas. Dr. Brett Carver, regents 
professor of wheat breeding and genetics at Oklahoma State University, 
will discuss ongoing collaborations between OSU, K-State and the Wheat 
Marketing Center to improve yield and quality of hard winter wheat in 
the Great Plains.

Next, Dr. Romulo Lollato, wheat production 
specialist with K-State Research and Extension, will summarize long-term
 studies on wheat management in Kansas and the surrounding region. He 
will also discuss differing views on the intensive management of wheat 
from productivity, economic, environmental and human perspectives.

Then,
 Luana Simão, a K-State doctoral student, will review the benefits of 
including wheat in a crop rotation, including wheat residue management 
for weed suppression and soil water conservation.

Finally, Carlos 
Bonini Pires, a K-State doctoral student, will review CASH — cover 
crops, agronomy and soil health — including what benefits summer and 
winter cover crops bring to a cropping system and how to utilize 
precision cover cropping.

At the March 7 McPherson event, E.G. 
Herl, Vice President — Grain &amp; Logistics, and Reuben McLean, Sr. 
Director of Quality &amp; Regulatory from Grain Craft will provide an 
industry perspective on wheat quality and discuss how growers can 
capture value of high-quality grain.

During the March 8 Russell 
Wheat Rx School, the industry perspective will be provided by PureField 
Ingredients, the largest domestic supplier of wheat protein in the 
United States. Attendees will hear how PureField Ingredients is 
continuing to research how to better secure wheat supplies by combining 
contracts for farmers, agreements with cooperatives and specific 
agronomic practices to hopefully produce the highest quality wheat 
possible.

“Wheat producers put considerable thought into their 
decisions throughout the growing season that impact that final harvest,”
 Harries said. “Our goal is to share the latest research, funded in part
 by farmers’ investments through their checkoff dollars, to help 
maximize profitability through management.”

Registration for 
either event is $110 for non-members of the Kansas Association of Wheat 
Growers. KAWG members receive one free Wheat Rx registration — including
 new members. Lunch and meeting materials are included with the 
registration fee.

Location details for the March 2023 Wheat Rx Schools:

March 7 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. McPherson Opera House – Grand Ballroom 216 S Main Street McPherson, KS 67460

March 8 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites 1430 South Fossil Street Russell, KS 67665

In
 addition to educational programs like the events in March, Wheat Rx 
also includes a series of Extension publications and other educational 
outreach materials designed to address key management areas of hard 
winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel 
research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat 
Commission’s two-cent wheat assessment. Find out more or register for 
the Wheat Rx events at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UHd4G_G0UydLdXTZXzET6ncLYXHg0zwuOFa9Q2z02gqiLJZbig13VLyUpNsGWqCJhfDZwLMnlnjQwDsf9PKnnC0X_rfvuzcsq8ANZ456tIKg&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.

Not a KAWG member and want to sign up for free registration? Do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UOUle6F-gHj_eUdSDvGJ9a1UnQ9E03WQVb0HWXLspncS36dLzZv1urpLmJu9KDRBpUesQHyzE4x7QBnxvm9r-oVi6_FujGEGT7IrOlHP9p6zE3LY4qArOh4=&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/join</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatMCPHERSON — Two Wheat 
Rx Schools in early March will share the latest research recommendations
 for intensive wheat management, the value of wheat as part of crop 
rotations and cover cropping as well as provide updates on wheat 
breeding pipelines. The educational events — scheduled for March 7 in 
McPherson and March 8 in Russell — are part of a partnership between the
 Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to 
disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and 
high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers.“While we can’t 
control the weather, there are practices and tools that farmers can use 
to improve yield and quality of their wheat crop,” said Aaron Harries, 
vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “The Wheat 
Rx Schools share the latest research findings for suggested management 
practices to economically and sustainably produce wheat in Kansas.”Both
 schools will follow similar agendas. Dr. Brett Carver, regents 
professor of wheat breeding and genetics at Oklahoma State University, 
will discuss ongoing collaborations between OSU, K-State and the Wheat 
Marketing Center to improve yield and quality of hard winter wheat in 
the Great Plains.Next, Dr. Romulo Lollato, wheat production 
specialist with K-State Research and Extension, will summarize long-term
 studies on wheat management in Kansas and the surrounding region. He 
will also discuss differing views on the intensive management of wheat 
from productivity, economic, environmental and human perspectives.Then,
 Luana Simão, a K-State doctoral student, will review the benefits of 
including wheat in a crop rotation, including wheat residue management 
for weed suppression and soil water conservation.Finally, Carlos 
Bonini Pires, a K-State doctoral student, will review CASH — cover 
crops, agronomy and soil health — including what benefits summer and 
winter cover crops bring to a cropping system and how to utilize 
precision cover cropping.At the March 7 McPherson event, E.G. 
Herl, Vice President — Grain &amp; Logistics, and Reuben McLean, Sr. 
Director of Quality &amp; Regulatory from Grain Craft will provide an 
industry perspective on wheat quality and discuss how growers can 
capture value of high-quality grain.During the March 8 Russell 
Wheat Rx School, the industry perspective will be provided by PureField 
Ingredients, the largest domestic supplier of wheat protein in the 
United States. Attendees will hear how PureField Ingredients is 
continuing to research how to better secure wheat supplies by combining 
contracts for farmers, agreements with cooperatives and specific 
agronomic practices to hopefully produce the highest quality wheat 
possible.“Wheat producers put considerable thought into their 
decisions throughout the growing season that impact that final harvest,”
 Harries said. “Our goal is to share the latest research, funded in part
 by farmers’ investments through their checkoff dollars, to help 
maximize profitability through management.”Registration for 
either event is $110 for non-members of the Kansas Association of Wheat 
Growers. KAWG members receive one free Wheat Rx registration — including
 new members. Lunch and meeting materials are included with the 
registration fee.Location details for the March 2023 Wheat Rx Schools:March 7 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. McPherson Opera House – Grand Ballroom 216 S Main Street McPherson, KS 67460March 8 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites 1430 South Fossil Street Russell, KS 67665In
 addition to educational programs like the events in March, Wheat Rx 
also includes a series of Extension publications and other educational 
outreach materials designed to address key management areas of hard 
winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel 
research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat 
Commission’s two-cent wheat assessment. Find out more or register for 
the Wheat Rx events at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UHd4G_G0UydLdXTZXzET6ncLYXHg0zwuOFa9Q2z02gqiLJZbig13VLyUpNsGWqCJhfDZwLMnlnjQwDsf9PKnnC0X_rfvuzcsq8ANZ456tIKg&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.Not a KAWG member and want to sign up for free registration? Do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UOUle6F-gHj_eUdSDvGJ9a1UnQ9E03WQVb0HWXLspncS36dLzZv1urpLmJu9KDRBpUesQHyzE4x7QBnxvm9r-oVi6_FujGEGT7IrOlHP9p6zE3LY4qArOh4=&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/join</a>.

March Wheat Rx Schools are in Russell, McPherson

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

There is a 60 percent chance of rain Sunday evening and into early Monday morning.

Damaging winds and hail are possible, the NWS said, noting winds could gust to nearly 50 mph. The wind is expected to cause visibility issues with blowing dust.&nbsp;

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.There is a 60 percent chance of rain Sunday evening and into early Monday morning.Damaging winds and hail are possible, the NWS said, noting winds could gust to nearly 50 mph. The wind is expected to cause visibility issues with blowing dust.&nbsp;

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Hays area

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677268467861.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>

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart speaks.&nbsp;She smiles, looks up, and begins to talk about her life experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wait – didn’t Amelia Earhart disappear in the South Pacific 80 years ago?&nbsp;

Yes, but she is alive again – at least virtually – in an incredible museum that will open in her hometown of Atchison in spring, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joe Brentano is director of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.&nbsp;Makinzie Burghart is director of development.&nbsp;Burghart grew up in Atchison as did Amelia Earhart 120 years earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earhart and her younger sister, Muriel, spent many of their early years at their grandparent’s home in Atchison.&nbsp;In 1908, she saw her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair, but it didn’t excite her at the time.&nbsp;

Years later, she and a friend were at a flying exposition when a stunt pilot dived at them.&nbsp; “I believe that little red airplane spoke to me as it swished by,” Earhart later wrote.&nbsp;

After attending another air show, she was hooked on flying.&nbsp;She would go on to become the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;

She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Atchison celebrates the Amelia Earhart history through tours of her childhood home and an annual Amelia Earhart festival.&nbsp;But in 2016, a unique opportunity arose.&nbsp;There was an opportunity to purchase a Lockheed Electra 10-E – the same model as Amelia Earhart flew on her last flight, and the only one left in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citizens of Atchison, led by Karen and the late Ladd Seaberg, formed the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation and raised the funds to purchase the plane.&nbsp;It was affectionately named Muriel in honor of Amelia’s younger sister.&nbsp;The plane was carefully transported by trailer, 1,206 miles from California to Atchison.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The next step was to create a museum to display the plane.&nbsp;That led to the design and construction of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum – in an actual hangar and terminal in a 1930s-style art deco building at the local airport. “This was a $17 million project,” Burghart said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outside the museum stands a statue of Earhart, identical to the one that Kansas placed in statuary hall in the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a hologram of Earhart.&nbsp;This electronic CGI image speaks her inspiring words from a century-plus ago, expressing the importance of transcending boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The centerpiece of the museum is Muriel, the Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;Muriel is surrounded by 14 incredible, high-tech, state-of-the-art interactive displays.&nbsp;Not only are these educational, they correlate with national and Kansas STEM curriculum content standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Exhibits include a digitized version of Earhart’s flight logbook, 3D holograms of aviation advancements through the years, and a display of other key female accomplishments.&nbsp; Guests can climb inside a full-sized replica of Muriel’s cockpit.&nbsp;At another station, guests can experience a virtual reality re-creation of Earhart’s 1932 transatlantic flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another exhibit not only describes Earhart’s other pursuits as a nurse, mechanic, and fashion designer, it allows visitors to select one of these for which the computer will create a personalized on-screen avatar of the visitor in related clothing.&nbsp;Amazing!&nbsp;&nbsp;

What actually happened to Amelia Earhart?&nbsp;Step upstairs and the museum shows a map of where she disappeared, with an exhibit of seven alternative scenarios.&nbsp;Guests can study the arguments for and against each scenario and then vote.&nbsp;(I still suspect she’s living in an apartment with Elvis…)&nbsp;&nbsp;

This remarkable museum will open in mid-April 2023 in the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people.&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart speaks – at least in virtual form at this museum.&nbsp;We commend Karen and Ladd Seaberg, Joe Brentano, Makinzie Burghart, and all those making a difference with this remarkable technology in a museum you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;

When Amelia Earhart speaks, I listen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677075122947.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Amelia Earhart speaks.&nbsp;She smiles, looks up, and begins to talk about her life experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait – didn’t Amelia Earhart disappear in the South Pacific 80 years ago?&nbsp;Yes, but she is alive again – at least virtually – in an incredible museum that will open in her hometown of Atchison in spring, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Joe Brentano is director of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.&nbsp;Makinzie Burghart is director of development.&nbsp;Burghart grew up in Atchison as did Amelia Earhart 120 years earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earhart and her younger sister, Muriel, spent many of their early years at their grandparent’s home in Atchison.&nbsp;In 1908, she saw her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair, but it didn’t excite her at the time.&nbsp;Years later, she and a friend were at a flying exposition when a stunt pilot dived at them.&nbsp; “I believe that little red airplane spoke to me as it swished by,” Earhart later wrote.&nbsp;After attending another air show, she was hooked on flying.&nbsp;She would go on to become the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Atchison celebrates the Amelia Earhart history through tours of her childhood home and an annual Amelia Earhart festival.&nbsp;But in 2016, a unique opportunity arose.&nbsp;There was an opportunity to purchase a Lockheed Electra 10-E – the same model as Amelia Earhart flew on her last flight, and the only one left in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;Citizens of Atchison, led by Karen and the late Ladd Seaberg, formed the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation and raised the funds to purchase the plane.&nbsp;It was affectionately named Muriel in honor of Amelia’s younger sister.&nbsp;The plane was carefully transported by trailer, 1,206 miles from California to Atchison.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next step was to create a museum to display the plane.&nbsp;That led to the design and construction of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum – in an actual hangar and terminal in a 1930s-style art deco building at the local airport. “This was a $17 million project,” Burghart said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside the museum stands a statue of Earhart, identical to the one that Kansas placed in statuary hall in the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a hologram of Earhart.&nbsp;This electronic CGI image speaks her inspiring words from a century-plus ago, expressing the importance of transcending boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The centerpiece of the museum is Muriel, the Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;Muriel is surrounded by 14 incredible, high-tech, state-of-the-art interactive displays.&nbsp;Not only are these educational, they correlate with national and Kansas STEM curriculum content standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits include a digitized version of Earhart’s flight logbook, 3D holograms of aviation advancements through the years, and a display of other key female accomplishments.&nbsp; Guests can climb inside a full-sized replica of Muriel’s cockpit.&nbsp;At another station, guests can experience a virtual reality re-creation of Earhart’s 1932 transatlantic flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another exhibit not only describes Earhart’s other pursuits as a nurse, mechanic, and fashion designer, it allows visitors to select one of these for which the computer will create a personalized on-screen avatar of the visitor in related clothing.&nbsp;Amazing!&nbsp;&nbsp;What actually happened to Amelia Earhart?&nbsp;Step upstairs and the museum shows a map of where she disappeared, with an exhibit of seven alternative scenarios.&nbsp;Guests can study the arguments for and against each scenario and then vote.&nbsp;(I still suspect she’s living in an apartment with Elvis…)&nbsp;&nbsp;This remarkable museum will open in mid-April 2023 in the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people.&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amelia Earhart speaks – at least in virtual form at this museum.&nbsp;We commend Karen and Ladd Seaberg, Joe Brentano, Makinzie Burghart, and all those making a difference with this remarkable technology in a museum you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;When Amelia Earhart speaks, I listen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum

NW Kan. students elected to 4-H Youth Council leadership team

For Kansans&nbsp;eager&nbsp;to see&nbsp;bright&nbsp;blooms,&nbsp;more&nbsp;sunlight,&nbsp;and green leaves,&nbsp;dull-toned&nbsp;winter&nbsp;days linger&nbsp;forever.&nbsp;Instead of&nbsp;complaining,&nbsp;invite friends to&nbsp;turn these&nbsp;last weeks before&nbsp;Spring delivers&nbsp;new growth&nbsp;into a mystery nest hunt.&nbsp;Investigators,&nbsp;slip into&nbsp;a&nbsp;Columbo jacket&nbsp;and&nbsp;wander&nbsp;the&nbsp;neighborhood.&nbsp;As Mother Nature works her magic turning&nbsp;last year’s now&nbsp;brown leaves&nbsp;into fertile&nbsp;soil, nosy&nbsp;folks&nbsp;cantake advantage of bare&nbsp;branches&nbsp;to see what creatures raised young&nbsp;in them&nbsp;last season.&nbsp;Scope&nbsp;trees and bushes&nbsp;from top to bottom&nbsp;to&nbsp;spy&nbsp;varying&nbsp;nest shapes&nbsp;and sizes,&nbsp;evidence of&nbsp;last year’s feathered and furry residents.&nbsp;

Detecting an&nbsp;oriole nest&nbsp;in western Kansas is almost a given. These&nbsp;loosely&nbsp;woven sacks&nbsp;the size of&nbsp;a&nbsp;first&nbsp;grader’s sock&nbsp;dangle&nbsp;from&nbsp;upper&nbsp;branches&nbsp;along creeks, streams, lakes, in&nbsp;yards, and parks.&nbsp;Seeing these unique nests&nbsp;triggers&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;vivid&nbsp;orange and black parents&nbsp;catching&nbsp;insects&nbsp;in flight and&nbsp;regurgitating them&nbsp;into&nbsp;noisy&nbsp;off-springs’&nbsp;wide-open&nbsp;gullets.&nbsp;Mother Nature, by design, rocks their cradle.

​Robin nests are another sure bet.&nbsp;A&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;tree or perhaps the same&nbsp;one, if large enough,&nbsp;might house&nbsp;one or two&nbsp;tattered&nbsp;cereal bowl-sized nests tucked&nbsp;between forking branches.&nbsp;Typically,&nbsp;Kansas weather&nbsp;takes its toll on these flimsy structures&nbsp;so&nbsp;every year these orange-breasted singers&nbsp;weavegrasses, leaves,&nbsp;pet fur, strings, and other fluff&nbsp;into&nbsp;new&nbsp;nurseries for&nbsp;between one and three families per summer.&nbsp;

​Mississippi kite nests aren’t quite as common, but anyone who lives near a kite&nbsp;nursery&nbsp;knows now’s the&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;search&nbsp;for last summer’s nests&nbsp;before those&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;birds return. Once trees leaf out, the best way to&nbsp;discover&nbsp;where kites raise young&nbsp;means&nbsp;surviving&nbsp;a&nbsp;frantic&nbsp;dive bombing.&nbsp;It’s much&nbsp;saferto scope out potential kite nests before&nbsp;those&nbsp;birds&nbsp;return.

Sleuths&nbsp;willing to head for the edges of town or into the countryside&nbsp;have a chance to&nbsp;spyplatforms built&nbsp;of stacked&nbsp;branches in the upper reaches of&nbsp;mature&nbsp;trees.&nbsp;Lucky&nbsp;observers&nbsp;will&nbsp;note&nbsp;the protruding&nbsp;headgear of&nbsp;a&nbsp;great horned owl&nbsp;protecting&nbsp;eggs or owlets while&nbsp;its&nbsp;mate&nbsp;flies nearby lookingfor small game&nbsp;to&nbsp;feed&nbsp;the&nbsp;hungry family.&nbsp;Once you find an owl nest, it’s&nbsp;worth revisiting&nbsp;each year to see if that raptor&nbsp;returned to raise another family.&nbsp;

​Checking trees&nbsp;is an obvious tactic, but don’t forget to&nbsp;search&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;and shrubs&nbsp;everywhere you go.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;creatures tuck tidy&nbsp;and untidy&nbsp;nurseries into&nbsp;low-lying&nbsp;thickets. When we lived in the country, brown thrashers raised&nbsp;young&nbsp;in our lilac&nbsp;and plum thickets&nbsp;every summer.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;after the babies hatch&nbsp;towatch mom and dad zip around,&nbsp;snagging&nbsp;insects to feed their young.

​Speaking of low-lying nests, scout&nbsp;for pack rat condominiums&nbsp;haphazardly constructed&nbsp;at the base of trees along waterways. &nbsp;Dormant&nbsp;plants&nbsp;make it much easier to detect these&nbsp;chaoticallyconstructed&nbsp;homesteads.

Squirrels&nbsp;add&nbsp;another&nbsp;nest&nbsp;building&nbsp;rodent&nbsp;to the search.&nbsp;Messy basketball-sized collections of leaves, grasses, and small twigs stuffed in the forks of high branches make people wonder what bird made that nest? That conglomeration likely housed a family&nbsp;of&nbsp;furry,&nbsp;scampering babies.&nbsp;

​While&nbsp;bright colors&nbsp;please&nbsp;human&nbsp;senses,&nbsp;drab, leafless, winter months&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;last season’s&nbsp;nests.&nbsp;That’s a win for&nbsp;nature&nbsp;detectives&nbsp;looking for&nbsp;a chance to enjoy outdoor adventures.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677182283857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINFor Kansans&nbsp;eager&nbsp;to see&nbsp;bright&nbsp;blooms,&nbsp;more&nbsp;sunlight,&nbsp;and green leaves,&nbsp;dull-toned&nbsp;winter&nbsp;days linger&nbsp;forever.&nbsp;Instead of&nbsp;complaining,&nbsp;invite friends to&nbsp;turn these&nbsp;last weeks before&nbsp;Spring delivers&nbsp;new growth&nbsp;into a mystery nest hunt.&nbsp;Investigators,&nbsp;slip into&nbsp;a&nbsp;Columbo jacket&nbsp;and&nbsp;wander&nbsp;the&nbsp;neighborhood.&nbsp;As Mother Nature works her magic turning&nbsp;last year’s now&nbsp;brown leaves&nbsp;into fertile&nbsp;soil, nosy&nbsp;folks&nbsp;cantake advantage of bare&nbsp;branches&nbsp;to see what creatures raised young&nbsp;in them&nbsp;last season.&nbsp;Scope&nbsp;trees and bushes&nbsp;from top to bottom&nbsp;to&nbsp;spy&nbsp;varying&nbsp;nest shapes&nbsp;and sizes,&nbsp;evidence of&nbsp;last year’s feathered and furry residents.&nbsp;Detecting an&nbsp;oriole nest&nbsp;in western Kansas is almost a given. These&nbsp;loosely&nbsp;woven sacks&nbsp;the size of&nbsp;a&nbsp;first&nbsp;grader’s sock&nbsp;dangle&nbsp;from&nbsp;upper&nbsp;branches&nbsp;along creeks, streams, lakes, in&nbsp;yards, and parks.&nbsp;Seeing these unique nests&nbsp;triggers&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;vivid&nbsp;orange and black parents&nbsp;catching&nbsp;insects&nbsp;in flight and&nbsp;regurgitating them&nbsp;into&nbsp;noisy&nbsp;off-springs’&nbsp;wide-open&nbsp;gullets.&nbsp;Mother Nature, by design, rocks their cradle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Robin nests are another sure bet.&nbsp;A&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;tree or perhaps the same&nbsp;one, if large enough,&nbsp;might house&nbsp;one or two&nbsp;tattered&nbsp;cereal bowl-sized nests tucked&nbsp;between forking branches.&nbsp;Typically,&nbsp;Kansas weather&nbsp;takes its toll on these flimsy structures&nbsp;so&nbsp;every year these orange-breasted singers&nbsp;weavegrasses, leaves,&nbsp;pet fur, strings, and other fluff&nbsp;into&nbsp;new&nbsp;nurseries for&nbsp;between one and three families per summer.&nbsp;​Mississippi kite nests aren’t quite as common, but anyone who lives near a kite&nbsp;nursery&nbsp;knows now’s the&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;search&nbsp;for last summer’s nests&nbsp;before those&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;birds return. Once trees leaf out, the best way to&nbsp;discover&nbsp;where kites raise young&nbsp;means&nbsp;surviving&nbsp;a&nbsp;frantic&nbsp;dive bombing.&nbsp;It’s much&nbsp;saferto scope out potential kite nests before&nbsp;those&nbsp;birds&nbsp;return.Sleuths&nbsp;willing to head for the edges of town or into the countryside&nbsp;have a chance to&nbsp;spyplatforms built&nbsp;of stacked&nbsp;branches in the upper reaches of&nbsp;mature&nbsp;trees.&nbsp;Lucky&nbsp;observers&nbsp;will&nbsp;note&nbsp;the protruding&nbsp;headgear of&nbsp;a&nbsp;great horned owl&nbsp;protecting&nbsp;eggs or owlets while&nbsp;its&nbsp;mate&nbsp;flies nearby lookingfor small game&nbsp;to&nbsp;feed&nbsp;the&nbsp;hungry family.&nbsp;Once you find an owl nest, it’s&nbsp;worth revisiting&nbsp;each year to see if that raptor&nbsp;returned to raise another family.&nbsp;​Checking trees&nbsp;is an obvious tactic, but don’t forget to&nbsp;search&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;and shrubs&nbsp;everywhere you go.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;creatures tuck tidy&nbsp;and untidy&nbsp;nurseries into&nbsp;low-lying&nbsp;thickets. When we lived in the country, brown thrashers raised&nbsp;young&nbsp;in our lilac&nbsp;and plum thickets&nbsp;every summer.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;after the babies hatch&nbsp;towatch mom and dad zip around,&nbsp;snagging&nbsp;insects to feed their young.​Speaking of low-lying nests, scout&nbsp;for pack rat condominiums&nbsp;haphazardly constructed&nbsp;at the base of trees along waterways. &nbsp;Dormant&nbsp;plants&nbsp;make it much easier to detect these&nbsp;chaoticallyconstructed&nbsp;homesteads.Squirrels&nbsp;add&nbsp;another&nbsp;nest&nbsp;building&nbsp;rodent&nbsp;to the search.&nbsp;Messy basketball-sized collections of leaves, grasses, and small twigs stuffed in the forks of high branches make people wonder what bird made that nest? That conglomeration likely housed a family&nbsp;of&nbsp;furry,&nbsp;scampering babies.&nbsp;​While&nbsp;bright colors&nbsp;please&nbsp;human&nbsp;senses,&nbsp;drab, leafless, winter months&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;last season’s&nbsp;nests.&nbsp;That’s a win for&nbsp;nature&nbsp;detectives&nbsp;looking for&nbsp;a chance to enjoy outdoor adventures.

MADORIN: Forget mystery dinners — try mystery nest detecting

If two bills moving through the Kansas legislature become law, together they could destabilize public schools, prove disastrous for Kansas students and reduce the state general tax fund.

As currently written, the bills would shift funding to private and home schools plus permit affluent parents to donate enough to an existing scholarship fund to write off the entire cost of private schooling.&nbsp; Yet low income parents with vouchers still could not afford the cost of many private schools.&nbsp;

What is more, there are as many as 60 Kansas counties with no private schools for students to attend.&nbsp;

The bill most publicized and hotly contested is the Kansas Sunflower Education Equity Act HB2218, also called the Education Savings Account voucher bill.&nbsp; It would provide parents the yearly per-pupil state funding amount of nearly $5,000 for their students in grades one to 12&nbsp;and preschoolers with disabilities.

HB2218 vouchers cover a range of expenditures including tuition in accredited and non-accredited private schools and micro-schools where home schoolers form groups to teach their children jointly, often in each other’s homes.

The bill allows for individual home school support and other educational services like online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Division of Budget estimates that the yearly loss of state aid to school districts would be approximately $152 million.

The state treasurer’s office (not the Kansas State Department of Education) would administer the program, but administrative cost is unknown due to lack of data for preschool and private school students.

School supporters estimate total cost at $270 million.

HB2218 requires only a mandate for full-time instruction in math, science, reading, grammar and social studies.

In an interview on the National Public Radio 1A program Feb. 13, House Education Committee Chair, Republican Kristey Williams was asked by the moderator if white supremist, racist beliefs would be allowed by HB2218.&nbsp; Williams replied such speech was “abhorrent.”&nbsp;

Noting that recently an Ohio network of micro-schools was discovered to be teaching Nazi propaganda and racism, the moderator repeated the question.&nbsp; Williams said she believes in parents and that most, if not all, parents in Kansas would choose to teach their kids in the best possible way.&nbsp; Find the entire interview at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2Fpodcasts%2F510316%2F1a&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnmfrazier%40ku.edu%7Ca545e2e5107348ddcdbd08db15b77b45%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638127650028943240%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=unWPmyjPC%2FzXdCtcbVg3ibt2ieJuJl06H1UbHjdwLGE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510316/1a</a>

Another bill that would weaken public schools is the scholarship tax credit program originally intended to provide private school tuition for students living in poverty.&nbsp; Bill HB2048 would extend funding to a much larger income group with a&nbsp; tax credit of 75 percent for corporation or individual donations.&nbsp; If passed, affluent parents could write off the entire cost of private school.&nbsp; Should this bill become law the Kansas Division of Budget expects it to reduce the state general fund around $10 million in the first year.&nbsp;

Such proposals circulating in the Legislature, leave students without standards for curriculum or protection from indoctrination.&nbsp; Besides striping funds from public school budgets, increased tax credits rob the general fund of resources for other state expenditures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I too believe in Kansas parents to make right decisions.&nbsp; I believe they’ll tell legislators to trash these bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>If two bills moving through the Kansas legislature become law, together they could destabilize public schools, prove disastrous for Kansas students and reduce the state general tax fund.As currently written, the bills would shift funding to private and home schools plus permit affluent parents to donate enough to an existing scholarship fund to write off the entire cost of private schooling.&nbsp; Yet low income parents with vouchers still could not afford the cost of many private schools.&nbsp;What is more, there are as many as 60 Kansas counties with no private schools for students to attend.&nbsp;The bill most publicized and hotly contested is the Kansas Sunflower Education Equity Act HB2218, also called the Education Savings Account voucher bill.&nbsp; It would provide parents the yearly per-pupil state funding amount of nearly $5,000 for their students in grades one to 12&nbsp;and preschoolers with disabilities.HB2218 vouchers cover a range of expenditures including tuition in accredited and non-accredited private schools and micro-schools where home schoolers form groups to teach their children jointly, often in each other’s homes.The bill allows for individual home school support and other educational services like online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Division of Budget estimates that the yearly loss of state aid to school districts would be approximately $152 million.The state treasurer’s office (not the Kansas State Department of Education) would administer the program, but administrative cost is unknown due to lack of data for preschool and private school students.School supporters estimate total cost at $270 million.HB2218 requires only a mandate for full-time instruction in math, science, reading, grammar and social studies.In an interview on the National Public Radio 1A program Feb. 13, House Education Committee Chair, Republican Kristey Williams was asked by the moderator if white supremist, racist beliefs would be allowed by HB2218.&nbsp; Williams replied such speech was “abhorrent.”&nbsp;Noting that recently an Ohio network of micro-schools was discovered to be teaching Nazi propaganda and racism, the moderator repeated the question.&nbsp; Williams said she believes in parents and that most, if not all, parents in Kansas would choose to teach their kids in the best possible way.&nbsp; Find the entire interview at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2Fpodcasts%2F510316%2F1a&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnmfrazier%40ku.edu%7Ca545e2e5107348ddcdbd08db15b77b45%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638127650028943240%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=unWPmyjPC%2FzXdCtcbVg3ibt2ieJuJl06H1UbHjdwLGE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510316/1a</a>Another bill that would weaken public schools is the scholarship tax credit program originally intended to provide private school tuition for students living in poverty.&nbsp; Bill HB2048 would extend funding to a much larger income group with a&nbsp; tax credit of 75 percent for corporation or individual donations.&nbsp; If passed, affluent parents could write off the entire cost of private school.&nbsp; Should this bill become law the Kansas Division of Budget expects it to reduce the state general fund around $10 million in the first year.&nbsp;Such proposals circulating in the Legislature, leave students without standards for curriculum or protection from indoctrination.&nbsp; Besides striping funds from public school budgets, increased tax credits rob the general fund of resources for other state expenditures.&nbsp;&nbsp;I too believe in Kansas parents to make right decisions.&nbsp; I believe they’ll tell legislators to trash these bills.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

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