By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District

With more and more people interested in growing their own vegetables it is common to find that many gardeners in cities have only a little backyard space to utilize and thus a raised bed is called for.&nbsp; Growing in raised beds gets the attention of gardeners not only for space saving reasons, there are actually many other advantages to this type of gardening.

Raised bed gardens offer several advantages over conventional gardening plots. Soil raised above ground level warms up more quickly&nbsp;in the spring, which allows for earlier planting dates. The beds are ﬁlled with&nbsp;high-quality soil mixtures which improves drainage and increases yield.&nbsp;Raised beds are smaller than traditional gardens making them&nbsp;easier to maintain&nbsp;and denser plantings help reduce weed infestations.

Getting started with raised bed gardening isn’t difficult.&nbsp; There are many styles of raised beds that can be easily created.&nbsp; Wood is most commonly used, but cinder blocks, landscape timbers, rock, bricks and many other materials can work just fine.

Treated lumber used to contain arsenic and chromium which was considered unsafe in food gardens, but now most lumber is treated with the wood preservative ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) which is generally considered safe to use for raised bed gardening.&nbsp; If you are uncertain about the safety of treated lumber, place a heavy plastic liner between the treated lumber and the soil used for growing plants to prevent direct contact of plant roots with the treated lumber.&nbsp; Another option is to use a naturally rot resistant wood such as cedar.

Raised bed don’t even have to have a frame at all.&nbsp;You can build unframed (mounded) raised beds by tilling the existing garden soil 6 to 9 inches deep. Then add 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to the raised bed row and till it into the soil. This will have the effect of raising that area above the surrounding soil. Add soil and organic matter as needed to create mounded beds that are 8 to 12 inches above the surrounding soil and 3 to 4 feet wide. Walkways between unframed raised beds should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow. Spread a layer of mulch such as bark or straw over the walkways to reduce weed growth and mud problems.

Another option that is becoming more popular are galvanized steel raised bed gardening kits.&nbsp; These are easy to put together and strong and make an excellent choice for home gardeners.&nbsp; They come in many different shapes and sizes.

Dimensions of raised beds can vary according to the site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Common dimensions include 4×4, 4×8, or 4×10 sized beds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 4-foot width or a little narrower is preferred&nbsp;because it allows for an easy reach into the bed from either side to tend the plants. This keeps soil compaction from occurring because the garden soil is not walked on.

The depth of a raised bed is important.&nbsp; Regardless of the material used to build the bed there needs to be enough soil depth to accommodate the type of plants to be grown.&nbsp; For most vegetables a soil depth of 12 inches is generally sufficient but 15 to 18 inches is even better.&nbsp; If bending or stooping is a problem for the gardener, a deeper bed can be built that allows for gardening in the standing position.

Raised beds can be made wheelchair accessible by making the walls about 2 feet tall and limiting the width of the bed to about 3 feet.

The biggest advantage of raised bed gardening is the opportunity to mix and amend your own soil. Most often a 50/50 mix of good quality topsoil and organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or composted manure creates a wonderful growing media that drains well and is easy to work in. Another popular raised bed mix includes 1/3 top soil, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 drainage increasing material such as perlite, vermiculite, bark, or coarse sand.

As with any garden site, the bed should be located in full sun for best production.&nbsp; The best location also provides wind protection. Summer winds can take their toll on vegetable crops. A tree, shrub screen or border will work if it is on the south or southwest side to protect the garden.&nbsp; If possible, raised beds should be also located where there is easy access to a water source.&nbsp; Raised beds can tend to dry out more quickly than traditional gardens and should be monitored for moisture needs regularly.&nbsp;&nbsp;A drip system is an efficient and easy way to provide irrigation to raised beds.

If you haven’t tried raised bed gardening, now is a great time to get started.&nbsp; This gardening method provides great success and is a flexible way to plant, grow, and harvest your own homegrown produce.&nbsp; Check out the Raised Bed Gardening publication below for more information.

<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf2134.pdf">Raised Bed Gardening</a> (pdf)

Another publication that gardeners may also want to refer to is the Vegetable Garden Planting Guide. This guide has all the basic information for planting garden crops in Kansas.

<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a> (pdf)

Jason Graves'&nbsp;Central Kansas Lawn &amp; Garden&nbsp;blog is republished on Salina Post with permission. For more lawn and garden information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension website</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651294589.png" alt="Photos courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictWith more and more people interested in growing their own vegetables it is common to find that many gardeners in cities have only a little backyard space to utilize and thus a raised bed is called for.&nbsp; Growing in raised beds gets the attention of gardeners not only for space saving reasons, there are actually many other advantages to this type of gardening.<h2>Advantages</h2>Raised bed gardens offer several advantages over conventional gardening plots. Soil raised above ground level warms up more quickly&nbsp;in the spring, which allows for earlier planting dates. The beds are ﬁlled with&nbsp;high-quality soil mixtures which improves drainage and increases yield.&nbsp;Raised beds are smaller than traditional gardens making them&nbsp;easier to maintain&nbsp;and denser plantings help reduce weed infestations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651418325.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Getting started</h2>Getting started with raised bed gardening isn’t difficult.&nbsp; There are many styles of raised beds that can be easily created.&nbsp; Wood is most commonly used, but cinder blocks, landscape timbers, rock, bricks and many other materials can work just fine.Treated lumber used to contain arsenic and chromium which was considered unsafe in food gardens, but now most lumber is treated with the wood preservative ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) which is generally considered safe to use for raised bed gardening.&nbsp; If you are uncertain about the safety of treated lumber, place a heavy plastic liner between the treated lumber and the soil used for growing plants to prevent direct contact of plant roots with the treated lumber.&nbsp; Another option is to use a naturally rot resistant wood such as cedar.Raised bed don’t even have to have a frame at all.&nbsp;You can build unframed (mounded) raised beds by tilling the existing garden soil 6 to 9 inches deep. Then add 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to the raised bed row and till it into the soil. This will have the effect of raising that area above the surrounding soil. Add soil and organic matter as needed to create mounded beds that are 8 to 12 inches above the surrounding soil and 3 to 4 feet wide. Walkways between unframed raised beds should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow. Spread a layer of mulch such as bark or straw over the walkways to reduce weed growth and mud problems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651547224.png" alt="This garden contains both framed (galvanized steel) and unframed raised beds. Mulch is applied between the unframed raised beds rows to make a nice walking path." />
 <figcaption>This garden contains both framed (galvanized steel) and unframed raised beds. Mulch is applied between the unframed raised beds rows to make a nice walking path.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another option that is becoming more popular are galvanized steel raised bed gardening kits.&nbsp; These are easy to put together and strong and make an excellent choice for home gardeners.&nbsp; They come in many different shapes and sizes.Dimensions of raised beds can vary according to the site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Common dimensions include 4×4, 4×8, or 4×10 sized beds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 4-foot width or a little narrower is preferred&nbsp;because it allows for an easy reach into the bed from either side to tend the plants. This keeps soil compaction from occurring because the garden soil is not walked on.The depth of a raised bed is important.&nbsp; Regardless of the material used to build the bed there needs to be enough soil depth to accommodate the type of plants to be grown.&nbsp; For most vegetables a soil depth of 12 inches is generally sufficient but 15 to 18 inches is even better.&nbsp; If bending or stooping is a problem for the gardener, a deeper bed can be built that allows for gardening in the standing position.Raised beds can be made wheelchair accessible by making the walls about 2 feet tall and limiting the width of the bed to about 3 feet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651750605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Soil Mix</h2>The biggest advantage of raised bed gardening is the opportunity to mix and amend your own soil. Most often a 50/50 mix of good quality topsoil and organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or composted manure creates a wonderful growing media that drains well and is easy to work in. Another popular raised bed mix includes 1/3 top soil, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 drainage increasing material such as perlite, vermiculite, bark, or coarse sand.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651918922.png" alt="Drip irrigation is a very efficient way to keep raised bed gardens growing to their potential." />
 <figcaption>Drip irrigation is a very efficient way to keep raised bed gardens growing to their potential.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Location</h2>As with any garden site, the bed should be located in full sun for best production.&nbsp; The best location also provides wind protection. Summer winds can take their toll on vegetable crops. A tree, shrub screen or border will work if it is on the south or southwest side to protect the garden.&nbsp; If possible, raised beds should be also located where there is easy access to a water source.&nbsp; Raised beds can tend to dry out more quickly than traditional gardens and should be monitored for moisture needs regularly.&nbsp;&nbsp;A drip system is an efficient and easy way to provide irrigation to raised beds.If you haven’t tried raised bed gardening, now is a great time to get started.&nbsp; This gardening method provides great success and is a flexible way to plant, grow, and harvest your own homegrown produce.&nbsp; Check out the Raised Bed Gardening publication below for more information.<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf2134.pdf">Raised Bed Gardening</a> (pdf)<h2>Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</h2>Another publication that gardeners may also want to refer to is the Vegetable Garden Planting Guide. This guide has all the basic information for planting garden crops in Kansas.<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a> (pdf)Jason Graves'&nbsp;Central Kansas Lawn &amp; Garden&nbsp;blog is republished on Salina Post with permission. For more lawn and garden information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension website</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: Raised bed gardening is great way to grow

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discuss the Heart of America Development Corp.

<div><iframe title="Heart of America Development Corp. continues helping Ellis Co. economic development" allowtransparency="true" height="600" 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=xnhku-13e25e3-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=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discuss the Heart of America Development Corp.

🎙 Post Podcast: Heart of America Development Corp. continues as champion of economic development

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Things
 were going well for Kanopolis Drive In owner Josh Webb. Then big winds 
moved through on Dec. 15, 2021. The storm damaged the equipment, and 
Webb wondered if the drive-in would ever be open again. After using the 
2022 season for repairs, Webb is happy to announce the big screen will 
again be lit up starting May 5.

"During the windstorm, we had our 
doubts just because the straight-line wind was coming directly out of 
the west, and our screen faces due west," he said. "When that storm came
 through, it came directly from Hays and Russell, and it hit the screen 
pretty square. We were seeing pieces of the fence flying by, and other 
parts of peoples' sheds and garages were flying by as well."

Webb 
said the facility had a good nine- or 10-year run after he purchased it. 
Upon surveying the damage after the storm, he realized a reopening was 
possible. The drive in is now digital, and the AM pole speakers have 
been fully replaced by FM sound through the radio.

"I grew up here
 in Kanopolis," Webb said. "When we bought it, it had been closed for 
about five years. I didn't want to see it deteriorate and fall down the 
rest of the way. Back then, it was 35mm. We ran on 35mm for two years, 
which was neat, then we got it converted to digital. We've seen a lot of
 people just happy you can park in your car, you can sit in your back 
chairs and look at the screen, and you're outside."

 The Kanopolis
 Drive In season begins Friday, May 5, and runs through Labor Day. The 
drive-in offers full concessions and a double feature every 
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with new movies every week or every other 
week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681492578752.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThings
 were going well for Kanopolis Drive In owner Josh Webb. Then big winds 
moved through on Dec. 15, 2021. The storm damaged the equipment, and 
Webb wondered if the drive-in would ever be open again. After using the 
2022 season for repairs, Webb is happy to announce the big screen will 
again be lit up starting May 5."During the windstorm, we had our 
doubts just because the straight-line wind was coming directly out of 
the west, and our screen faces due west," he said. "When that storm came
 through, it came directly from Hays and Russell, and it hit the screen 
pretty square. We were seeing pieces of the fence flying by, and other 
parts of peoples' sheds and garages were flying by as well."Webb 
said the facility had a good nine- or 10-year run after he purchased it. 
Upon surveying the damage after the storm, he realized a reopening was 
possible. The drive in is now digital, and the AM pole speakers have 
been fully replaced by FM sound through the radio."I grew up here
 in Kanopolis," Webb said. "When we bought it, it had been closed for 
about five years. I didn't want to see it deteriorate and fall down the 
rest of the way. Back then, it was 35mm. We ran on 35mm for two years, 
which was neat, then we got it converted to digital. We've seen a lot of
 people just happy you can park in your car, you can sit in your back 
chairs and look at the screen, and you're outside." The Kanopolis
 Drive In season begins Friday, May 5, and runs through Labor Day. The 
drive-in offers full concessions and a double feature every 
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with new movies every week or every other 
week.

Kanopolis Drive In set to reopen after 2021 wind storm repairs


Grow Hays Inc. has announced its first Pitch It event for 2023. 

The event will be a competition for prospective startups or existing business owners to present their business idea to three judges and an audience. The "pitch(s)" will consist of 5-minute oral presentation followed by 3 minutes of Q&amp;A similar to a "Shark Tank" presentation. 

Upon the conclusion of all five presentations, the judges will determine the winner who will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize. A second place prize of $500 will also be awarded The competition is open to anyone but will be limited to five participants per event. 


"We are excited to bring back these events in 2023. We had some great business ideas previously presented and look forward to hearing new ideas. Whether it is someone starting a brand new business, an existing owner looking to expand, or develop a new product, this series gives the presenter the opportunity to reach an audience they might not otherwise be able to," said Doug Williams, Executive Director of Grow Hays Inc. 
"Developing an environment that fosters entrepreneurship in Ellis County is critical to the long term financial stability of our community. These events offer an opportunity for prospective or existing entrepreneurs to present their idea to not only a group of judges but also to an audience of potential lenders, investors and mentors. People who can help the entrepreneur make their dream a reality." 


The events will be open to the public and held at BriefSpace located at 219 West 10th Street, Hays. The first event is set for Wednesday, April 26, beginning with a social gathering at 6:30pm. The presentations will being promptly at 7pm. 

Those interested in making presentations should contact Grow Hays at 785.628.3102 or emailing james@growhays.com. An application form will be sent to those interested in presenting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677792317285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News release
Grow Hays Inc. has announced its first Pitch It event for 2023. The event will be a competition for prospective startups or existing business owners to present their business idea to three judges and an audience. The "pitch(s)" will consist of 5-minute oral presentation followed by 3 minutes of Q&amp;A similar to a "Shark Tank" presentation. Upon the conclusion of all five presentations, the judges will determine the winner who will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize. A second place prize of $500 will also be awarded The competition is open to anyone but will be limited to five participants per event. 
"We are excited to bring back these events in 2023. We had some great business ideas previously presented and look forward to hearing new ideas. Whether it is someone starting a brand new business, an existing owner looking to expand, or develop a new product, this series gives the presenter the opportunity to reach an audience they might not otherwise be able to," said Doug Williams, Executive Director of Grow Hays Inc. 
"Developing an environment that fosters entrepreneurship in Ellis County is critical to the long term financial stability of our community. These events offer an opportunity for prospective or existing entrepreneurs to present their idea to not only a group of judges but also to an audience of potential lenders, investors and mentors. People who can help the entrepreneur make their dream a reality." 
The events will be open to the public and held at BriefSpace located at 219 West 10th Street, Hays. The first event is set for Wednesday, April 26, beginning with a social gathering at 6:30pm. The presentations will being promptly at 7pm. Those interested in making presentations should contact Grow Hays at 785.628.3102 or emailing james@growhays.com. An application form will be sent to those interested in presenting.&nbsp;

Grow Hays schedules first Pitch It competition of 2023

<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/2023/4/1681484196426.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

FHSU's Giving Day is scheduled for Tuesday

Kansas Wheat joins wheat producers and farm advocates from across the country in expressing our condolences to the family of Joe Kejr, who passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023.&nbsp;

“Joe was very passionate about being a wheat farmer and also an advocate and leader in wheat — and did all exceptionally well,” said Justin Knopf, immediate past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and close family friend. “His example, steady presence, leadership and friendship will be sorely missed by so many of us here in his community and across the country.”&nbsp;

Joe returned home to the family farm near Brookville, Kansas, about 40 years ago, carrying on a tradition of growing and harvesting wheat for three generations. He and his wife Geena farmed with his brother Mel, nephew Nathan and his wife Rebecca, and his son Josh. Joe and Geena raised their children in the same house that Joe grew up in, and the partnership between his family members sharing the farming lifestyle was a joy.&nbsp;

“It’s just a great experience to be able to do what you love and have your family doing it with you,” Joe told Kansas Wheat in 2017. “The times that you are able to spend together and the memories you create are things I will always cherish.”

Wheat harvest was Joe’s favorite time of year. He shared with Kansas Wheat that he loved the long hours spent with family and friends, the adrenaline of trying to beat a storm, the quiet peace and camaraderie of supper time in the field and sharing the experience of harvest with younger generations. He and his crew also loved the challenge of trying to be the last truck to go through the elevator each day. At the end of harvest, the couple had a big “last supper” at their house with everyone who came to help — one of Joe’s favorite times to share stories with family and crew.&nbsp;

Joe also shared a lifetime of lessons learned as a longtime leader in the wheat industry — both in Kansas and nationally. He was on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers board of directors from 2002-10, serving as president in 2007, and he served as the 2022 president of the National Wheat Foundation. Kejr Family Farms was also a favorite stop during wheat harvest. Joe and Geena hosted countless groups over the years, including hosting finalists for the National Festival of Breads. The couple was always willing to share stories about their land and working it together as a family.

“He loved being a wheat farmer — thoughtfully growing, observing and discussing the crop throughout each unique season,” Knopf said. “We will miss his focus and efforts on building relationships, trust and unity throughout the industry.”&nbsp;

After a lifetime well spent, Joe will be laid to rest during a graveside committal service at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, at the Brookville Cemetery, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at First Covenant Church in Salina. Read Joe’s full obituary and memorial information at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001omL6hKwdzZUG02QfGcL6D4kt_-X_lObuIRfjM_Rhtbfs95RXOQpIwrSjJd6TlLUcGehQ7ejFr5aAuCuDGasfV-kylPdufHRzkWSL-6mPaQDBPF-RnI33bCkdUeWEjK6N4_nEjRhZZIKteCFIdAABUsuT-D0LTrT_nKwW0JwF2u75LDDBv05GDg==&amp;c=b2Mbsq22xHTx1c0u79N8qkl9sP0QDobuwhoOMMlL1iedDXgjBDwHkg==&amp;ch=mo1kkvx75RQ0iIcvHEtjKS_Zw1qZa0Lmx_XyTJ-HSbbVJLg3jTsWMw==" target="_blank">https://www.salina.com/obituaries/phut0465775</a>.

Take one last trip in the combine with Joe and Geena and learn more about Kejr Family Farms through a video captured during the 2016 wheat harvest at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001omL6hKwdzZUG02QfGcL6D4kt_-X_lObuIRfjM_Rhtbfs95RXOQpIwrSjJd6TlLUcD7Ylqf5B1Pw5_6x3vy42x-56U5bHPB4PajL4Pucr4B82oXK0qJmJmMZb5dKkyilc1lrNMFdfFb0Fuaml7iXWOHH3-mqHi0VR53Jlzgri1Mf0UHbtchESzQ==&amp;c=b2Mbsq22xHTx1c0u79N8qkl9sP0QDobuwhoOMMlL1iedDXgjBDwHkg==&amp;ch=mo1kkvx75RQ0iIcvHEtjKS_Zw1qZa0Lmx_XyTJ-HSbbVJLg3jTsWMw==" target="_blank">https://eatwheat.org/stories/kejr-family-farms/</a>.

Written by Julia Debes, Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681306090801.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat joins wheat producers and farm advocates from across the country in expressing our condolences to the family of Joe Kejr, who passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023.&nbsp;“Joe was very passionate about being a wheat farmer and also an advocate and leader in wheat — and did all exceptionally well,” said Justin Knopf, immediate past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and close family friend. “His example, steady presence, leadership and friendship will be sorely missed by so many of us here in his community and across the country.”&nbsp;Joe returned home to the family farm near Brookville, Kansas, about 40 years ago, carrying on a tradition of growing and harvesting wheat for three generations. He and his wife Geena farmed with his brother Mel, nephew Nathan and his wife Rebecca, and his son Josh. Joe and Geena raised their children in the same house that Joe grew up in, and the partnership between his family members sharing the farming lifestyle was a joy.&nbsp;“It’s just a great experience to be able to do what you love and have your family doing it with you,” Joe told Kansas Wheat in 2017. “The times that you are able to spend together and the memories you create are things I will always cherish.”Wheat harvest was Joe’s favorite time of year. He shared with Kansas Wheat that he loved the long hours spent with family and friends, the adrenaline of trying to beat a storm, the quiet peace and camaraderie of supper time in the field and sharing the experience of harvest with younger generations. He and his crew also loved the challenge of trying to be the last truck to go through the elevator each day. At the end of harvest, the couple had a big “last supper” at their house with everyone who came to help — one of Joe’s favorite times to share stories with family and crew.&nbsp;Joe also shared a lifetime of lessons learned as a longtime leader in the wheat industry — both in Kansas and nationally. He was on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers board of directors from 2002-10, serving as president in 2007, and he served as the 2022 president of the National Wheat Foundation. Kejr Family Farms was also a favorite stop during wheat harvest. Joe and Geena hosted countless groups over the years, including hosting finalists for the National Festival of Breads. The couple was always willing to share stories about their land and working it together as a family.“He loved being a wheat farmer — thoughtfully growing, observing and discussing the crop throughout each unique season,” Knopf said. “We will miss his focus and efforts on building relationships, trust and unity throughout the industry.”&nbsp;After a lifetime well spent, Joe will be laid to rest during a graveside committal service at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, at the Brookville Cemetery, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at First Covenant Church in Salina. Read Joe’s full obituary and memorial information at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001omL6hKwdzZUG02QfGcL6D4kt_-X_lObuIRfjM_Rhtbfs95RXOQpIwrSjJd6TlLUcGehQ7ejFr5aAuCuDGasfV-kylPdufHRzkWSL-6mPaQDBPF-RnI33bCkdUeWEjK6N4_nEjRhZZIKteCFIdAABUsuT-D0LTrT_nKwW0JwF2u75LDDBv05GDg==&amp;c=b2Mbsq22xHTx1c0u79N8qkl9sP0QDobuwhoOMMlL1iedDXgjBDwHkg==&amp;ch=mo1kkvx75RQ0iIcvHEtjKS_Zw1qZa0Lmx_XyTJ-HSbbVJLg3jTsWMw==" target="_blank">https://www.salina.com/obituaries/phut0465775</a>.Take one last trip in the combine with Joe and Geena and learn more about Kejr Family Farms through a video captured during the 2016 wheat harvest at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001omL6hKwdzZUG02QfGcL6D4kt_-X_lObuIRfjM_Rhtbfs95RXOQpIwrSjJd6TlLUcD7Ylqf5B1Pw5_6x3vy42x-56U5bHPB4PajL4Pucr4B82oXK0qJmJmMZb5dKkyilc1lrNMFdfFb0Fuaml7iXWOHH3-mqHi0VR53Jlzgri1Mf0UHbtchESzQ==&amp;c=b2Mbsq22xHTx1c0u79N8qkl9sP0QDobuwhoOMMlL1iedDXgjBDwHkg==&amp;ch=mo1kkvx75RQ0iIcvHEtjKS_Zw1qZa0Lmx_XyTJ-HSbbVJLg3jTsWMw==" target="_blank">https://eatwheat.org/stories/kejr-family-farms/</a>.Written by Julia Debes, Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Kansas Wheat recognizes passing of Joe Kejr

On this episode of the Post Podcast Jonathan Foster discuss his music and upcoming Hays performance with The KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.

<div><iframe title="Jonathan Foster to perform in Hays April 21" allowtransparency="true" height="600" 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=ha66y-13e259d-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=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Jonathan Foster discuss his music and upcoming Hays performance with The KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.

🎙 Post Podcast: Jonathan Foster to perform in Hays April 21

RUSSELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 International semi driven by Todd E. Collins, 44, Winchester, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the 189th Street.

The semi traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a guardrail, overturned and came to rest in the south ditch.

EMS transported Collins to Russell Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 International semi driven by Todd E. Collins, 44, Winchester, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the 189th Street.The semi traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a guardrail, overturned and came to rest in the south ditch.EMS transported Collins to Russell Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after semi overturns on I-70

Fort Hays State University student and faculty members of the Delta Tau Omega Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association earned numerous honors at the annual&nbsp;American Criminal Justice Association National Conference this past March in Louisville, Ky.

FHSU DTO members competed in a series of written tests and skills-based events in categories that included physical agility, firearms, crime scene team investigation, scholarly research poster presentations, scholarly papers, and a scholarship competition.

FSHU students and faculty award winners included:

(Note: In addition to cash prizes, the papers of first-place winners in the national paper competition will be published in the next issue of the LAE National Journal.)

DTO faculty advisor Dr. Tamara Lynn was awarded the Jim Hooker Outstanding Advisor Award in recognition of outstanding service to a chapter and region of ACJA-LAE.

In addition to conference activities, club members visited the offices of Louisville Metro Youth Transitional Services and the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women. Club members also volunteered with Change Today, Change Tomorrow, a Louisville-based non-profit that serves the most marginalized communities in the city. They worked to clean up downtown areas, prepared mailers for stakeholders, organized the food pantry, and bagged items for distribution to residents in the area.

To cap off a momentous performance at the conference, FHSU DTO members also earned second-place honors in the convention lip-sync and talent competition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681136256333.png" alt="FHSU DTO members with their awards at the 2023 American Criminal Justice Association National Conference (Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>FHSU DTO members with their awards at the 2023 American Criminal Justice Association National Conference (Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University student and faculty members of the Delta Tau Omega Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association earned numerous honors at the annual&nbsp;American Criminal Justice Association National Conference this past March in Louisville, Ky.FHSU DTO members competed in a series of written tests and skills-based events in categories that included physical agility, firearms, crime scene team investigation, scholarly research poster presentations, scholarly papers, and a scholarship competition.FSHU students and faculty award winners included: <ul>
 <li>Criminal Law&nbsp;- Zoe Buffington third place upper division</li><li>Police Administration&nbsp;- Matthias Pearce third place and Karen Thew second lower division, April Wayne second upper division, and Dr. Morgan Steele third professional division</li><li>Juvenile Justice&nbsp;- Matthias Pearce first place lower division</li><li>ACJA Knowledge&nbsp;- Karen Thew second place lower division</li><li>Homeland Security&nbsp;- Dr. Morgan Steele third place professional division</li><li>Criminology&nbsp;- Matthias Pearce third place and Karen Thew second lower division, Dr. Ziwei Qi second professional division</li><li>Research Posters&nbsp;- Karen Thew second place and Storm Flores first lower division, John Clayton-Hyer third upper division, and Juan Colegio second graduate division</li><li>Scholarships&nbsp;- Karen Thew first place ($800) lower division, Zoe Buffington first ($800) upper division, Abigail Hayes third ($200), and Laurelle Augustine first ($800) graduate division</li><li>National Paper Competition&nbsp;- Karen Thew first place ($200) lower division, Zoe Buffington third ($100) upper division, Laurelle Augustine second ($150), and Abigail Hayes first ($200) graduate division</li>
 </ul>(Note: In addition to cash prizes, the papers of first-place winners in the national paper competition will be published in the next issue of the LAE National Journal.)<ul>
 <li>Crime Scene Investigation Competition&nbsp;- Laurelle Augustine, Ziwei Qi, and Morgan Steele third place professional team</li><li>Firearms individual&nbsp;- Caleb Purvis third place lower division</li><li>Firearms team&nbsp;- Storm Flores, Caleb Purvis, and Karen Thew second place lower division, John Clayton-Hyer, Abigail Hayes, and Madelyn Underwood third upper division</li><li>Physical agility&nbsp;- Dr. Ziwei Qi second place Female 36+ </li>
 </ul>DTO faculty advisor Dr. Tamara Lynn was awarded the Jim Hooker Outstanding Advisor Award in recognition of outstanding service to a chapter and region of ACJA-LAE.In addition to conference activities, club members visited the offices of Louisville Metro Youth Transitional Services and the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women. Club members also volunteered with Change Today, Change Tomorrow, a Louisville-based non-profit that serves the most marginalized communities in the city. They worked to clean up downtown areas, prepared mailers for stakeholders, organized the food pantry, and bagged items for distribution to residents in the area.To cap off a momentous performance at the conference, FHSU DTO members also earned second-place honors in the convention lip-sync and talent competition.FHSU DTO Conference attendees:<ul>
 <li>Laurelle Augustine, Hutchinson, KS</li><li>Karli Baalmann, Peck, KS</li><li>Zoe Buffington, Hays, KS</li><li>Enrique Cabrera-Rodriguez, Olathe, KS</li><li>John Clayton-Hyer, Wellington, KS</li><li>Juan Colegio, McAllen, TX</li><li>Ryan Deitering, Hays, KS</li><li>Storm Flores, Cimarron, KS</li><li>Abigail Hayes, Baldwin City, KS</li><li>Kylie Huelsmann, Oakley, KS</li><li>Dr. Tamara Lynn, Hays, KS</li><li>Matthias Pearce, Wallace, KS</li><li>Caleb Purvis, Westmoreland, KS</li><li>Dr. Ziwei Qi, Hays, KS</li><li>Dr. Morgan Steele, Hays, KS</li><li>Karen Thew, St. George, KS</li><li>Madelyn Underwood, Lawrence, KS</li><li>April Wayne, Hays, KS </li>
 </ul>

FHSU American Criminal Justice Association wins national conference awards 

Over the last month, the Kansas legislature pushed through anti-trans woman bills HB180 and HB2238. HB180 establishes a&nbsp;“women's bill of rights to provide a meaning of biological sex for purposes of statutory construction.” In other words, the committee outlines terminology to establish a definition of sex in order to address legal discrimination against those assigned female at birth. The second legislation, HB2238, operates to “create fairness in women’s sports” by excluding women assigned male at birth.&nbsp;

Both bills purport to configure parameters for protecting women’s rights. However, the design is less a protection for women, and more an attempt to deny recognition of trans women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Women assigned female at birth face particular forms of discrimination different from trans women. Similarly, black women assigned female at birth face unique forms of discrimination based on racial and gender dynamics that distinguishes their experiences from white women assigned female. Thus, women’s intersectional identities can impact the methods and forms of discrimination they face based on class, race, age, and original gender identification. However, the Kansas legislature has not embraced the complexity of women or the myriad of discriminations that impact them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, the legislature has an opportunity to pass a bill addressing domestic violence. Domestic violence homicides are a trend that continues to run high in Kansas, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. District Judge and former Republican state senator Phil Journey’s exposure to these violent cases in his court prompted him to develop legislative reform bills to curve domestic violence. These bills, however, have not flown through the legislature like HB180 and HB2238. Journey noted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/06/sedgwick-county-judge-offers-kansas-legislators-package-of-bills-to-stem-domestic-violence/">Kansas Reflector</a>&nbsp;that,&nbsp;“convincing the minimum 63 of 125 representatives, 21 of 40 senators and Gov. Laura Kelly to transform a piece of legislation into law wasn’t easy.”&nbsp;

Ironically, the current state statistics ignores how trans women also experience domestic violence. As&nbsp;<a href="https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/ncvs-trans-press-release/">UCLA School of Law</a>&nbsp;confirmed,&nbsp;“Transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender [those whose gender identity aligns to the gender assigned at birth] experience violent victimization, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault, according to a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

These contradictions about who needs protection lie at the heart of both bills. Neither legislation addresses the violence&nbsp;all&nbsp;women (Trans and assigned female at birth) face, nor provides the real protection that all women need. The result is not new laws which protect women, but legislation that denies trans identity and civil rights by posing “women’s” rights as oppositional.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indeed, this strategy of contradictory rights is a regular tool in conservative politics. The tactic has its roots in the latter 1960s when southern conservatives attempted to avoid school desegregation by claiming private Christian schools were a religious right. In its current form, these “counter rights” arguments have taken shape to turn back the clock on women’s reproductive rights, avoid teaching black history, and deny queer rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans need genuine discussions about the needs of all women, no matter their birth assignment, race, age, or class. Many individuals are suffering from abusive violence, and our elected officials have the capacity to protect all Kansan women. The first step is to drop the pretense, and support actual protections for all women.&nbsp;

Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675191230725.jpeg" alt="Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Over the last month, the Kansas legislature pushed through anti-trans woman bills HB180 and HB2238. HB180 establishes a&nbsp;“women's bill of rights to provide a meaning of biological sex for purposes of statutory construction.” In other words, the committee outlines terminology to establish a definition of sex in order to address legal discrimination against those assigned female at birth. The second legislation, HB2238, operates to “create fairness in women’s sports” by excluding women assigned male at birth.&nbsp;Both bills purport to configure parameters for protecting women’s rights. However, the design is less a protection for women, and more an attempt to deny recognition of trans women.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Women assigned female at birth face particular forms of discrimination different from trans women. Similarly, black women assigned female at birth face unique forms of discrimination based on racial and gender dynamics that distinguishes their experiences from white women assigned female. Thus, women’s intersectional identities can impact the methods and forms of discrimination they face based on class, race, age, and original gender identification. However, the Kansas legislature has not embraced the complexity of women or the myriad of discriminations that impact them.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, the legislature has an opportunity to pass a bill addressing domestic violence. Domestic violence homicides are a trend that continues to run high in Kansas, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. District Judge and former Republican state senator Phil Journey’s exposure to these violent cases in his court prompted him to develop legislative reform bills to curve domestic violence. These bills, however, have not flown through the legislature like HB180 and HB2238. Journey noted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/06/sedgwick-county-judge-offers-kansas-legislators-package-of-bills-to-stem-domestic-violence/">Kansas Reflector</a>&nbsp;that,&nbsp;“convincing the minimum 63 of 125 representatives, 21 of 40 senators and Gov. Laura Kelly to transform a piece of legislation into law wasn’t easy.”&nbsp;Ironically, the current state statistics ignores how trans women also experience domestic violence. As&nbsp;<a href="https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/ncvs-trans-press-release/">UCLA School of Law</a>&nbsp;confirmed,&nbsp;“Transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender [those whose gender identity aligns to the gender assigned at birth] experience violent victimization, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault, according to a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.”&nbsp;&nbsp;These contradictions about who needs protection lie at the heart of both bills. Neither legislation addresses the violence&nbsp;all&nbsp;women (Trans and assigned female at birth) face, nor provides the real protection that all women need. The result is not new laws which protect women, but legislation that denies trans identity and civil rights by posing “women’s” rights as oppositional.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, this strategy of contradictory rights is a regular tool in conservative politics. The tactic has its roots in the latter 1960s when southern conservatives attempted to avoid school desegregation by claiming private Christian schools were a religious right. In its current form, these “counter rights” arguments have taken shape to turn back the clock on women’s reproductive rights, avoid teaching black history, and deny queer rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansans need genuine discussions about the needs of all women, no matter their birth assignment, race, age, or class. Many individuals are suffering from abusive violence, and our elected officials have the capacity to protect all Kansan women. The first step is to drop the pretense, and support actual protections for all women.&nbsp;Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: What does it mean to protect women? 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous&nbsp;Occupation Safety Training in&nbsp;Agriculture or&nbsp;Tractor and Farm Safety Course&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;April&nbsp;22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Hill City&nbsp;High School Cafeteria, 1&nbsp;Ringneck&nbsp;Drive.&nbsp;

The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents.&nbsp; However, there are several cases where youth may be required to take the training even though they are working on the “family farm.” For instance, if the parent is a partner or member of a farm corporation or if the youth is legally employed by grandparents, the law requires youth participate in the course.&nbsp; Any employer who plans to hire youth under 16 years of age must make sure they attend this tractor and farm safety course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Certification will be presented to participants who meet all of the following. Attend the entire session, complete all assig<a></a>nments, successfully complete tractor safety exam, safely demonstrate the ability to operate a tractor and all its controls according to safe operating procedures under the supervision of a parent or employer, youth ages 14-15 years (others will receive certification at the time they turn 14).&nbsp; There is a $10 fee to attend and&nbsp;RSVP is requested&nbsp;by&nbsp;Monday, April&nbsp;17.&nbsp;Thank you to our sponsors in helping to off set the cost of this course.&nbsp;People’s State Bank&nbsp;and Thunder&nbsp;LinnerMemorial Fund!&nbsp;This program is being offered and taught by Extension Agents in theCottonwood,&nbsp;Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie and Phillips/Rooks Extension Districts. &nbsp;To register contact&nbsp;or come by&nbsp;any of the above Extension Districts by&nbsp;Monday,&nbsp;April&nbsp;17.&nbsp;Participants will also need to&nbsp;pickup&nbsp;their manual before the course.&nbsp;

Note if prior arrangements are made with Stacy Campbell at the Hays office 785-628-9430 participants from Ellis and Trego Counties are welcome to ride to Hill City with me.&nbsp;

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

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSeveral K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous&nbsp;Occupation Safety Training in&nbsp;Agriculture or&nbsp;Tractor and Farm Safety Course&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;April&nbsp;22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Hill City&nbsp;High School Cafeteria, 1&nbsp;Ringneck&nbsp;Drive.&nbsp;The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents.&nbsp; However, there are several cases where youth may be required to take the training even though they are working on the “family farm.” For instance, if the parent is a partner or member of a farm corporation or if the youth is legally employed by grandparents, the law requires youth participate in the course.&nbsp; Any employer who plans to hire youth under 16 years of age must make sure they attend this tractor and farm safety course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certification will be presented to participants who meet all of the following. Attend the entire session, complete all assig<a></a>nments, successfully complete tractor safety exam, safely demonstrate the ability to operate a tractor and all its controls according to safe operating procedures under the supervision of a parent or employer, youth ages 14-15 years (others will receive certification at the time they turn 14).&nbsp; There is a $10 fee to attend and&nbsp;RSVP is requested&nbsp;by&nbsp;Monday, April&nbsp;17.&nbsp;Thank you to our sponsors in helping to off set the cost of this course.&nbsp;People’s State Bank&nbsp;and Thunder&nbsp;LinnerMemorial Fund!&nbsp;This program is being offered and taught by Extension Agents in theCottonwood,&nbsp;Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie and Phillips/Rooks Extension Districts. &nbsp;To register contact&nbsp;or come by&nbsp;any of the above Extension Districts by&nbsp;Monday,&nbsp;April&nbsp;17.&nbsp;Participants will also need to&nbsp;pickup&nbsp;their manual before the course.&nbsp;Note if prior arrangements are made with Stacy Campbell at the Hays office 785-628-9430 participants from Ellis and Trego Counties are welcome to ride to Hill City with me.&nbsp;Stacy Campbell is a&nbsp;Crop Production&nbsp;agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton&nbsp;and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

Tractor and farm safety course is this month in Hill City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681484170062.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>

GREAT BEND — Only around 
one-third of those who served in the Vietnam War are still living today.
 That's why, about a year ago, Larry Parsons, chairperson for the Wall 
That Heals/Great Bend Leadership Committee, decided to take action. The 
Wall That Heals will be arriving in Great Bend in less than a month, and
 Parsons shared details about the event at Wednesday's Barton County 
Commission meeting.

"When I first applied to the Vietnam Veterans 
Memorial Fund, I set four goals," he said. "They were to assist the 
Vietnam veterans in their healing process, recognize the families, 
educate the public, educate our youth, and to promote Great  Bend and 
Barton County."

The Wall That Heals is a three-fourths replica of 
the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. On Sunday, May 7, the wall 
will be dismantled in Kyle, Texas, then transported 10 hours north to 
Claflin. On May 9, an escort group of 40-80 motorcyclists will escort 
the 53-foot, 70,000-pound trailer to Hoisington, then down 281 Highway 
to Great Bend.

The wall will then make a tour around Great Bend, 
going around the 281 Bypass to 10th Street. On its way to Main Street, 
Riley Elementary students will greet the wall with a decorated fence. 
Parsons said the wall has been greeted by lines a mile long and hopes to
 see a healthy throng of patriots in the Great Bend downtown area as the
 wall travels north down Main Street.

Park Elementary students will greet the wall as it passes by Dillons.
 The escort will continue north to 24th Street, then head west past 
Jefferson Elementary, where students will be waiting with flags. The 
parade will travel all the way down 24th to K-96 Highway before making a
 pair of left turns to arrive at its destination at Al Burns Field in 
Veterans Memorial Park.

The Wall That Heals will be on display 
24/7 in Great Bend from May 11-14. Given the graduations that weekend 
and Mother's Day that Sunday, Parsons said many volunteers are still 
needed for set up, to staff the exhibit, and dismantle the wall that 
Sunday at 2 p.m.

"They will send along two people with them that 
are professionals," he said. "They will take charge once they get here. 
They will do the volunteer training. They will tell us where to set it 
for sure. They will make any changes."

An opening ceremony will be
 held on the morning of Thursday, May 11. Kansas Secretary of State and 
Great Bend native Scott Schwab will deliver a short speech, and 
approximately 600 Great Bend High School social studies students will be
 present at 9 a.m. to fulfill the exhibit's educational requirements. 

Parsons
 said the Wall That Heals is the largest traveling wall in the nation, 
and the only one to also feature a mobile education center. Other 
wall-host sites have drawn as many as 17,000 visitors.

The local 
Wall That Heals stop will also honor six local Vietnam veterans who died
 in the war. Private First Class Edward Lloyd Saenz was killed in action
 on Oct. 2, 1968, at the age of 20. Parsons presented a shadowbox to the
 Saenz family during Wednesday's commission meeting. Edward's brother, 
Chris, reminded everyone the Wall That Heals needs to be staffed 24/7, 
and would make a great volunteer project for local civic groups.&nbsp;

Volunteers can sign up by&nbsp;<a href="https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/805094da8ac22a4fc1-thewall">CLICKING HERE</a>, or call the Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau at (620) 792-2750.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681495391838.jpeg" alt="Larry Parsons, chair for The Wall That Heals, presented a shadowbox to the family of Vietnam Veteran Edward Saenz during Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>Larry Parsons, chair for The Wall That Heals, presented a shadowbox to the family of Vietnam Veteran Edward Saenz during Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — Only around 
one-third of those who served in the Vietnam War are still living today.
 That's why, about a year ago, Larry Parsons, chairperson for the Wall 
That Heals/Great Bend Leadership Committee, decided to take action. The 
Wall That Heals will be arriving in Great Bend in less than a month, and
 Parsons shared details about the event at Wednesday's Barton County 
Commission meeting."When I first applied to the Vietnam Veterans 
Memorial Fund, I set four goals," he said. "They were to assist the 
Vietnam veterans in their healing process, recognize the families, 
educate the public, educate our youth, and to promote Great Bend and 
Barton County."The Wall That Heals is a three-fourths replica of 
the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. On Sunday, May 7, the wall 
will be dismantled in Kyle, Texas, then transported 10 hours north to 
Claflin. On May 9, an escort group of 40-80 motorcyclists will escort 
the 53-foot, 70,000-pound trailer to Hoisington, then down 281 Highway 
to Great Bend.The wall will then make a tour around Great Bend, 
going around the 281 Bypass to 10th Street. On its way to Main Street, 
Riley Elementary students will greet the wall with a decorated fence. 
Parsons said the wall has been greeted by lines a mile long and hopes to
 see a healthy throng of patriots in the Great Bend downtown area as the
 wall travels north down Main Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681495443087.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Park Elementary students will greet the wall as it passes by Dillons.
 The escort will continue north to 24th Street, then head west past 
Jefferson Elementary, where students will be waiting with flags. The 
parade will travel all the way down 24th to K-96 Highway before making a
 pair of left turns to arrive at its destination at Al Burns Field in 
Veterans Memorial Park.The Wall That Heals will be on display 
24/7 in Great Bend from May 11-14. Given the graduations that weekend 
and Mother's Day that Sunday, Parsons said many volunteers are still 
needed for set up, to staff the exhibit, and dismantle the wall that 
Sunday at 2 p.m."They will send along two people with them that 
are professionals," he said. "They will take charge once they get here. 
They will do the volunteer training. They will tell us where to set it 
for sure. They will make any changes."An opening ceremony will be
 held on the morning of Thursday, May 11. Kansas Secretary of State and 
Great Bend native Scott Schwab will deliver a short speech, and 
approximately 600 Great Bend High School social studies students will be
 present at 9 a.m. to fulfill the exhibit's educational requirements. Parsons
 said the Wall That Heals is the largest traveling wall in the nation, 
and the only one to also feature a mobile education center. Other 
wall-host sites have drawn as many as 17,000 visitors.The local 
Wall That Heals stop will also honor six local Vietnam veterans who died
 in the war. Private First Class Edward Lloyd Saenz was killed in action
 on Oct. 2, 1968, at the age of 20. Parsons presented a shadowbox to the
 Saenz family during Wednesday's commission meeting. Edward's brother, 
Chris, reminded everyone the Wall That Heals needs to be staffed 24/7, 
and would make a great volunteer project for local civic groups.&nbsp;

Volunteers can sign up by&nbsp;<a href="https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/805094da8ac22a4fc1-thewall">CLICKING HERE</a>, or call the Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau at (620) 792-2750.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Route outlined for Wall That Heals stop in Great Bend

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2290. This allows Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College to move forward in a process that began in early January of this year.

"A strong, well-trained workforce is vital to attracting businesses and economic development to Kansas,"&nbsp;Kelly said.&nbsp;"The partnerships this legislation builds between Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College will advance technical education and prepare students to step into successful careers."&nbsp;

The Strategic Affiliation Plan was developed as a partnership between the three institutions toaddress major demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas, with a focus on developing solutions in three key areas:

The affiliation plan will next be reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting body for all three institutions.

FHSU University CommunicationsKansas Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2290. This allows Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College to move forward in a process that began in early January of this year."A strong, well-trained workforce is vital to attracting businesses and economic development to Kansas,"&nbsp;Kelly said.&nbsp;"The partnerships this legislation builds between Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College will advance technical education and prepare students to step into successful careers."&nbsp;The Strategic Affiliation Plan was developed as a partnership between the three institutions toaddress major demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas, with a focus on developing solutions in three key areas:<ul>
 <li>Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students</li><li>Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success</li><li>Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas</li>
 </ul>The affiliation plan will next be reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting body for all three institutions.

Kelly signs off on NW Kansas college affiliation plan

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before noon Friday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Kelsey Dawn Fountain, 29, Hill City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Solomon in the right lane.

The Chevy moved to the left lane in front of a 2020 Subaru Forester driven by Bethany Nicole&nbsp;Pettit, 26, Holgate, Ohio.

The Subaru entered the median. The driver overcorrected to the right and then overcorrected to the left. The Subaru entered the median again and struck the guard rail.

A private vehicle transported a passenger in the Subaru&nbsp; Breeanne&nbsp;Barrentine, 21, Tallahassee, Florida to Abilene Memorial Hospital. Fountain, Pettit and a passenger in the Chevy were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before noon Friday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Kelsey Dawn Fountain, 29, Hill City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Solomon in the right lane.The Chevy moved to the left lane in front of a 2020 Subaru Forester driven by Bethany Nicole&nbsp;Pettit, 26, Holgate, Ohio.The Subaru entered the median. The driver overcorrected to the right and then overcorrected to the left. The Subaru entered the median again and struck the guard rail.A private vehicle transported a passenger in the Subaru&nbsp; Breeanne&nbsp;Barrentine, 21, Tallahassee, Florida to Abilene Memorial Hospital. Fountain, Pettit and a passenger in the Chevy were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized after SUV strikes guardrail on I-70

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Rep. Barbara Wasinger.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KFDiqjrkWgg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Rep. Barbara Wasinger.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Rep. Barbara Wasinger

After a warm and windy Friday with a high again above 80, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is forecasting a significant cooldown — possibly accompanied by severe thunderstorms.

In the Hays area, there is a 10 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Friday, increasing to 30 percent to 40 percent into Saturday. The high Saturday is only expected to be in the upper-40s.

The NWS warned there is an increasing chance some of those storms, mainly along and east of Highway 283, could be severe. The main threats are strong winds gusting to 75 mph and hail in excess of 2 inches.

Skies are expected to clear by Saturday evening.

Freeze watches also were issued in portions of western Kansas for early Sunday morning.

The cooldown is expected to be short-lived, with the mercury ticking back up to the 80s by early next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681488552793.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a warm and windy Friday with a high again above 80, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is forecasting a significant cooldown — possibly accompanied by severe thunderstorms.In the Hays area, there is a 10 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Friday, increasing to 30 percent to 40 percent into Saturday. The high Saturday is only expected to be in the upper-40s.The NWS warned there is an increasing chance some of those storms, mainly along and east of Highway 283, could be severe. The main threats are strong winds gusting to 75 mph and hail in excess of 2 inches.Skies are expected to clear by Saturday evening.Freeze watches also were issued in portions of western Kansas for early Sunday morning.The cooldown is expected to be short-lived, with the mercury ticking back up to the 80s by early next week.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Low temperatures Sunday morning are forecast to be in the 28 to 32 degree range across much of western Kansas. A Freeze Watch is in effect for portions of southwest Kansas where Sunday morning the 16th is closer to the climatological spring last freeze date. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Ipx5tuWpi">pic.twitter.com/1Ipx5tuWpi</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1646835237987704837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of severe storms increasing in western Kansas

At approximately 5:05 p.m. Thursday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Codell
Road and Saline River Road for a large grass fire. While responding, due to the wind speeds,
location and terrain, all Ellis County Fire Department units were dispatched to assist with the fire.
Mutual aid was requested from the Plainville Fire Department, which also helped coordinate fire
assistance from the Paradise/Waldo, Hays and Gorham fire departments. As fire crews arrived on
scene, crews were met with high winds and low visibility due to smoke and dust.

Since there was a state emergency declaration for the fire weather, help was requested from the
Kansas Forest Service and Air Tanker 95, a plane out of Hutchinson. The plane dropped several
loads of water over the north end of the fire line where a large section of trees were on fire along the
Saline River.


All the Ellis County Fire Department responded to assist to include 20 fire apparatus and 44
firefighters. The fire department was supported by the Ellis County EMS, Public Works and sheriff’s
office.

The fire was reported under control at 7:19 p.m. Thursday, however the fire was not out. Fire crews stayed on
scene until about 1:15 a.m. Friday to put out hot spots. A fire unit was left on scene overnight to monitor
the area so units could be dispatched quickly if the fire rekindled.


The fire was most likely started by an oil field power line. It is estimated the fire burned
approximately 610 acres, was 1.6 miles long, and about three-quarter of a mile wide. No structures were lost, and
there were no reported injuries.


In addition to the efforts of the firefighters, a great impact to the success of extinguishing the fire
was from the many different farmers on scene with farm implements and local business who hauled
water to the fire department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681436487282.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by James Bell / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseAt approximately 5:05 p.m. Thursday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Codell
Road and Saline River Road for a large grass fire. While responding, due to the wind speeds,
location and terrain, all Ellis County Fire Department units were dispatched to assist with the fire.
Mutual aid was requested from the Plainville Fire Department, which also helped coordinate fire
assistance from the Paradise/Waldo, Hays and Gorham fire departments. As fire crews arrived on
scene, crews were met with high winds and low visibility due to smoke and dust.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681427847479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Since there was a state emergency declaration for the fire weather, help was requested from the
Kansas Forest Service and Air Tanker 95, a plane out of Hutchinson. The plane dropped several
loads of water over the north end of the fire line where a large section of trees were on fire along the
Saline River.
All the Ellis County Fire Department responded to assist to include 20 fire apparatus and 44
firefighters. The fire department was supported by the Ellis County EMS, Public Works and sheriff’s
office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681436569013.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The fire was reported under control at 7:19 p.m. Thursday, however the fire was not out. Fire crews stayed on
scene until about 1:15 a.m. Friday to put out hot spots. A fire unit was left on scene overnight to monitor
the area so units could be dispatched quickly if the fire rekindled.
The fire was most likely started by an oil field power line. It is estimated the fire burned
approximately 610 acres, was 1.6 miles long, and about three-quarter of a mile wide. No structures were lost, and
there were no reported injuries.
In addition to the efforts of the firefighters, a great impact to the success of extinguishing the fire
was from the many different farmers on scene with farm implements and local business who hauled
water to the fire department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681436457682.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Thursday wildfire burns more than 600 acres in Ellis County

Talia Kahrs was officially introduced as the seventh head coach in Fort Hays State women’s basketball program history in a press conference on Thursday. 

Karhs served 11 years under head coach Tony Hobson before he <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3b99b288-ea47-4757-8d76-b753a0d1628e">announced his retirement</a>, after 15 years, earlier this spring.

Talia Kahrs was officially introduced as the seventh head coach in Fort Hays State women’s basketball program history in a press conference on Thursday. <div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/LkU8AttK-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kahrs Pc" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Video courtesy FHSU AthleticsKarhs served 11 years under head coach Tony Hobson before he <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3b99b288-ea47-4757-8d76-b753a0d1628e">announced his retirement</a>, after 15 years, earlier this spring.

🏀 Kahrs officially introduced as FHSU women's coach

The National Weather Service in Wichita recalls the central and 
south-central Kansas tornado outbreak of April 14, 2012. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas Facebook page</a>:

Salina PostThe National Weather Service in Wichita recalls the central and 
south-central Kansas tornado outbreak of April 14, 2012. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas Facebook page</a>:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNWSWichita%2Fposts%2Fpfbid03nsfF3D94zaBXndYHu7N1MBRheR7Fg5aVxmgfwB86R2QDtt4wTZMiJtDKReEKa1Yl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="613" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

NWS-Wichita recalls April 14, 2012, tornado outbreak

With a “chemistry of winning,” the FHSU shotgun sports team’s dedication to their sport and their fellow teammates has made for a highly successful 2022-23 season.

In March alone, the team brought home two Division 2 national championships and won the first-ever Federal Cup being the High Overall Team across all divisions at the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association (NCSSAA) &nbsp;event.

During 16 days of shooting and travel, the team competed at the NCSSAA Nationals in Las Vegas, earning five All-American shooters and four honorable mentions.

Traveling then to San Antonio for the Association of College Unions International Collegiate Championship, the team earned nine All-Americans and first place in trap, skeet, skeet doubles, and super sport. In addition, FHSU’s varsity team has been undefeated in 2023.

For team members Kyler Niblock, Hoxie sophomore, and Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb. senior, the 16-day trip from Las Vegas to San Antonio and winning Division 2 &nbsp;and the federal cup from NCSSAA were highlights for the 2022-23 season.

“We had that goal at the beginning of the year, but to be able to go out and achieve it was something special,” Dettmann said. “We pushed everybody to be there mentally and physically.”

The team’s dedication has rewarded the students both on the range and off. For Dettmann, being a member of the team has contributed to her drive, passion and dedication.

“We are always working as a team and wanting to better everybody,” she said. “It’s a family. We’re in it together. You are helping everybody, and they are helping you.”

Niblock said he agreed and added, “There is a chemistry on our team of winning. Everyone wants to put in the work and wants to win. Everyone has the same goal of winning.”

“Even if we are struggling, your teammates will be there to help you, no matter what,” Dettmann said.

Balancing academics and shooting sports is central to the responsibility taken seriously by team members. Duane Shepherd, who is an FHSU professor as well as team coach, said he has impressed upon his team members the importance of responsibility.

Shepherd started the shotgun sports team 18 years ago, writing the constitution, bylaws, and working with five young men who desired to compete collegiately. The team has grown over the years, and next fall will start with about 40 team members representing 11 states.

“These young people have completed a fabulous year in collegiate shotgun sports,” Shepherd said. “They have overcome several challenges, and it has been a privilege to be a part of their success.”

&nbsp;“For years, we were probably the best-kept secret on campus. But the team’s success is all due to the students’ dedication and discipline and reaching the level that it takes to compete. In college, they are up against the top 1 or 2 percent in the nation.”

The team competes collegiately and regionally during the fall semester and in (also in collegiate shoots in the spring) national tournaments during the spring semester. Practice and competition, though, continues through the summer as students travel to different states to compete in state championships.

“A lot of us are still practicing and staying sharp,” Niblock said. “Getting better as we participate in more competitions.”

Maintaining solid practice habits is central to the team’s success.

“That mental focus, when everyone’s on the same page, you can help everyone lock in,” Niblock said. “We saw it during both of our trap events when they shot perfect 500s. When some of the team is really clicking and really focused, it can influence the rest of us. That’s awesome to see.”

“Most of the time, if your squad is shooting well, you will shoot well,” Dettmann added. “It’s one of those things where you feed off each other, and you go with the flow. It’s really about the connection and the chemistry.”

Twenty-one students participated in national competitions this spring. Those students include:

Alex Hunter, Hickman, Neb. Barrett Swenson, Greenfield, Minn. Colby Cook, Cushing, Okla. Gus Dunbar, Milburn, Neb. Hailey Zulkoski, Ord, Neb. Hank McVeigh, Lincoln, Neb. Jade Chapman, Papillion, Neb. Jared Greenwood, Benton, Kan. Kaden Bryant, Firth, Neb. Kaden Westfall, Colorado Springs, Colo. Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb. Kyler Niblock, Hoxie, Kan. Lane Sorensen, Hampton, Neb. Lexi Wickham, Goodland, Kan. Logan Smith, Burwell, Neb. Mason Weller, Palmer, Neb. Max Werner, St. George, Kan. Nick Borchardt, Johnson Creek, Wis. Riley Ross, St. Paul, Neb. Xander Winchel, Springhill, Kan. Zach Beers, Syracuse, Neb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681332079855.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsWith a “chemistry of winning,” the FHSU shotgun sports team’s dedication to their sport and their fellow teammates has made for a highly successful 2022-23 season.In March alone, the team brought home two Division 2 national championships and won the first-ever Federal Cup being the High Overall Team across all divisions at the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association (NCSSAA) &nbsp;event.During 16 days of shooting and travel, the team competed at the NCSSAA Nationals in Las Vegas, earning five All-American shooters and four honorable mentions.Traveling then to San Antonio for the Association of College Unions International Collegiate Championship, the team earned nine All-Americans and first place in trap, skeet, skeet doubles, and super sport. In addition, FHSU’s varsity team has been undefeated in 2023.For team members Kyler Niblock, Hoxie sophomore, and Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb. senior, the 16-day trip from Las Vegas to San Antonio and winning Division 2 &nbsp;and the federal cup from NCSSAA were highlights for the 2022-23 season.“We had that goal at the beginning of the year, but to be able to go out and achieve it was something special,” Dettmann said. “We pushed everybody to be there mentally and physically.”The team’s dedication has rewarded the students both on the range and off. For Dettmann, being a member of the team has contributed to her drive, passion and dedication.“We are always working as a team and wanting to better everybody,” she said. “It’s a family. We’re in it together. You are helping everybody, and they are helping you.”Niblock said he agreed and added, “There is a chemistry on our team of winning. Everyone wants to put in the work and wants to win. Everyone has the same goal of winning.”“Even if we are struggling, your teammates will be there to help you, no matter what,” Dettmann said.Balancing academics and shooting sports is central to the responsibility taken seriously by team members. Duane Shepherd, who is an FHSU professor as well as team coach, said he has impressed upon his team members the importance of responsibility.Shepherd started the shotgun sports team 18 years ago, writing the constitution, bylaws, and working with five young men who desired to compete collegiately. The team has grown over the years, and next fall will start with about 40 team members representing 11 states.“These young people have completed a fabulous year in collegiate shotgun sports,” Shepherd said. “They have overcome several challenges, and it has been a privilege to be a part of their success.”&nbsp;“For years, we were probably the best-kept secret on campus. But the team’s success is all due to the students’ dedication and discipline and reaching the level that it takes to compete. In college, they are up against the top 1 or 2 percent in the nation.”The team competes collegiately and regionally during the fall semester and in (also in collegiate shoots in the spring) national tournaments during the spring semester. Practice and competition, though, continues through the summer as students travel to different states to compete in state championships.“A lot of us are still practicing and staying sharp,” Niblock said. “Getting better as we participate in more competitions.”Maintaining solid practice habits is central to the team’s success.“That mental focus, when everyone’s on the same page, you can help everyone lock in,” Niblock said. “We saw it during both of our trap events when they shot perfect 500s. When some of the team is really clicking and really focused, it can influence the rest of us. That’s awesome to see.”“Most of the time, if your squad is shooting well, you will shoot well,” Dettmann added. “It’s one of those things where you feed off each other, and you go with the flow. It’s really about the connection and the chemistry.”Twenty-one students participated in national competitions this spring. Those students include:Alex Hunter, Hickman, Neb. Barrett Swenson, Greenfield, Minn. Colby Cook, Cushing, Okla. Gus Dunbar, Milburn, Neb. Hailey Zulkoski, Ord, Neb. Hank McVeigh, Lincoln, Neb. Jade Chapman, Papillion, Neb. Jared Greenwood, Benton, Kan. Kaden Bryant, Firth, Neb. Kaden Westfall, Colorado Springs, Colo. Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb. Kyler Niblock, Hoxie, Kan. Lane Sorensen, Hampton, Neb. Lexi Wickham, Goodland, Kan. Logan Smith, Burwell, Neb. Mason Weller, Palmer, Neb. Max Werner, St. George, Kan. Nick Borchardt, Johnson Creek, Wis. Riley Ross, St. Paul, Neb. Xander Winchel, Springhill, Kan. Zach Beers, Syracuse, Neb.

FHSU shotgun sports team wins back-to-back national titles

In a previous column on engaged students, I introduced Grace McCord and Madison Albers, two&nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp;freshmen Student Government senators who meticulously researched, wrote a case for support, and then worked through several approval processes to gain support for moving a polling place on campus.&nbsp;Regardless of the&nbsp;pending&nbsp;campus polling place&nbsp;decision, I&nbsp;admire&nbsp;their resilience and passion to engage in civic life. I am&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;to see these two remarkable students fully embrace&nbsp;active learning&nbsp;in pursuit of this goal.&nbsp;

Grace has lived her entire&nbsp;life&nbsp;in Hays, Kansas. Her parents raised her to be very involved in our community. “I was always playing sports, going to Girl Scouts, Youth Group, 4-H meetings, and all kinds of other community events. I assumed leadership roles in many of these organizations,” Grace said.&nbsp;When&nbsp;she&nbsp;aged out of the Hays Rec sports programs,&nbsp;she&nbsp;started coaching&nbsp;youth&nbsp;softball teams&nbsp;during&nbsp;the summers.&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;also served on the&nbsp;local&nbsp;Girls Scout Advisory Council and volunteered at many church events.

Madison hails from Goodland, Kansas. “I&nbsp;loved growing up in a close-knit community with so many kind people,”&nbsp;Madison said.&nbsp;Like Grace, Madison&nbsp;spent&nbsp;much&nbsp;of her youth serving her community through Kiwanis, organizing&nbsp;senior&nbsp;citizens dinners&nbsp;at Christmas, volunteering for a multitude of service projects, and singing&nbsp;at&nbsp;community gatherings.&nbsp;

Although from different communities, both Madison and Grace share a heartfelt commitment&nbsp;to&nbsp;service. During their college search, both Madison and Grace believed FHSU was a place they could thrive,&nbsp;given the small classes, tight-knit community, and the ethic&nbsp;of&nbsp;care embraced by our faculty and staff.&nbsp;“It is easy to make friends here,” shared Grace.

What started as two independent paths, Madison and Grace would soon meet and become close friends. Both declared political science as their majors, joined the same learning community&nbsp;and&nbsp;sorority, and both were hired as student staff&nbsp;with&nbsp;the American Democracy Project.&nbsp;

The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a university-wide initiative designed to prepare the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The goal of ADP is to produce university graduates who are committed to being active citizens in their communities with civic knowledge, skills, and values. This initiative provides numerous civic and political engagement activities that challenge and encourage students to find their place and make a difference.

What a perfect way for Grace and Madison to grow their friendship, serve their community,&nbsp;and&nbsp;earn a bachelor’s degree&nbsp;–&nbsp;all while learning about who they are as individuals and servant leaders.

Through&nbsp;their&nbsp;work&nbsp;with&nbsp;the ADP,&nbsp;Grace and&nbsp;Madison have been&nbsp;focused&nbsp;on&nbsp;bringing&nbsp;a polling place to campus so students can more easily&nbsp;participate in our democracy at the&nbsp;local, state, and national&nbsp;levels.&nbsp;“We believe it is so important for FHSU students to be civically active because the more involved students are, the more say they have in the world around them,”&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;said.

Madison explained that a big part of having a civically-engaged student body is working to raise our voting rate by making&nbsp;the&nbsp;voting&nbsp;process more&nbsp;accessible and understandable to all students.&nbsp;

Where to start? They wanted to understand the current state of affairs, which led them to focus on the National Study of Learning,&nbsp;Voting and Engagement. This report examines student and institutional-level data on voting.&nbsp;

What did they learn?&nbsp;Namely that&nbsp;FHSU was falling behind the national college student voting average, and from this experience, a&nbsp;mission was born: improving&nbsp;FHSU student voting rates.

Next, they reached out&nbsp;to&nbsp;civic engagement centers&nbsp;at other universities&nbsp;for information about what they were doing to get their students to vote. They learned that all of the colleges&nbsp;that posted&nbsp;higher student voter turnouts&nbsp;had an on-campus polling location. Wichita State University, for example, had an almost 20&nbsp;percent college&nbsp;student&nbsp;voter rate&nbsp;increase&nbsp;when the on-campus polling location&nbsp;opened.

They did more research,&nbsp;listened,&nbsp;took notes,&nbsp;identified&nbsp;key&nbsp;challenges,&nbsp;and&nbsp;devised&nbsp;solutions.

The pair next addressed&nbsp;safety and parking&nbsp;issues in a conversation&nbsp;with&nbsp;FHSU University Police.&nbsp;They&nbsp;also worked with student organizations for support and wrote a resolution for SGA to pledge senators as poll workers.&nbsp;Finally, they reached out to&nbsp;other organizations&nbsp;on campus&nbsp;for help,&nbsp;including the&nbsp;Staff Senate, Faculty Senate,&nbsp;and&nbsp;building managers. The cost issue was perhaps the most formidable challenge Grace and Madison faced, but that too didn’t set them back .&nbsp;“We resolved the cost issue by proposing to move an existing polling place,” shared Madison.

Grace and Madison knew they had one key asset on their side-engaged FHSU students.&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;shared&nbsp;that&nbsp;there is so much student support on campus,&nbsp;they knew they would&nbsp;have&nbsp;more than&nbsp;enough students to work the polls. They were also convinced that they&nbsp;could even send poll workers to other polling locations around Hays.&nbsp;

Throughout this process,&nbsp;Grace and Madison&nbsp;have learned networking skills&nbsp;as well as how to gather, evaluate, and present information persuasively. They also learned&nbsp;that there are many ways to accomplish a task, but the hardest part is choosing the right path.&nbsp;The pair’s&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;takeaways&nbsp;were learning to&nbsp;prepare&nbsp;for&nbsp;possible&nbsp;failure,&nbsp;the value in&nbsp;pushing through difficulties, and&nbsp;embracing the need to&nbsp;return to the drawing board&nbsp;to&nbsp;rework&nbsp;their plans as&nbsp;necessary.&nbsp;“We used pushback to make our initiative better and better every time,”&nbsp;Madison said.

“We have had so much help along the way and couldn't have achieved nearly as much without the help&nbsp;of&nbsp;many&nbsp;people,”&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;said.&nbsp;In particular&nbsp;they said they&nbsp;are very grateful&nbsp;for the support of their political science faculty.

After FHSU, Madison plans to attend law school. She plans&nbsp;to focus&nbsp;on immigration law. She wants&nbsp;to give back and lift others up – or&nbsp;“pay it forward,” as&nbsp;the saying goes.

As for Grace,&nbsp;“FHSU has already taught me so much, especially that helping others is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to be able to continue helping&nbsp;my community during my time at FHSU, so staying involved with all the organizations that I am currently a part of is important to me, but finding new causes to dedicate my time to is important to me as well. After college, I hope to go into advocacy work and continue to help others.”&nbsp;

These&nbsp;best friends&nbsp;are&nbsp;learning and working together,&nbsp;focused on serving as a force for greater good.&nbsp;Their story&nbsp;is the essence of an&nbsp;FHSU education unfolding, our mission in action, and our hope for the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>In a previous column on engaged students, I introduced Grace McCord and Madison Albers, two&nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp;freshmen Student Government senators who meticulously researched, wrote a case for support, and then worked through several approval processes to gain support for moving a polling place on campus.&nbsp;Regardless of the&nbsp;pending&nbsp;campus polling place&nbsp;decision, I&nbsp;admire&nbsp;their resilience and passion to engage in civic life. I am&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;to see these two remarkable students fully embrace&nbsp;active learning&nbsp;in pursuit of this goal.&nbsp;Grace has lived her entire&nbsp;life&nbsp;in Hays, Kansas. Her parents raised her to be very involved in our community. “I was always playing sports, going to Girl Scouts, Youth Group, 4-H meetings, and all kinds of other community events. I assumed leadership roles in many of these organizations,” Grace said.&nbsp;When&nbsp;she&nbsp;aged out of the Hays Rec sports programs,&nbsp;she&nbsp;started coaching&nbsp;youth&nbsp;softball teams&nbsp;during&nbsp;the summers.&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;also served on the&nbsp;local&nbsp;Girls Scout Advisory Council and volunteered at many church events.Madison hails from Goodland, Kansas. “I&nbsp;loved growing up in a close-knit community with so many kind people,”&nbsp;Madison said.&nbsp;Like Grace, Madison&nbsp;spent&nbsp;much&nbsp;of her youth serving her community through Kiwanis, organizing&nbsp;senior&nbsp;citizens dinners&nbsp;at Christmas, volunteering for a multitude of service projects, and singing&nbsp;at&nbsp;community gatherings.&nbsp;Although from different communities, both Madison and Grace share a heartfelt commitment&nbsp;to&nbsp;service. During their college search, both Madison and Grace believed FHSU was a place they could thrive,&nbsp;given the small classes, tight-knit community, and the ethic&nbsp;of&nbsp;care embraced by our faculty and staff.&nbsp;“It is easy to make friends here,” shared Grace.What started as two independent paths, Madison and Grace would soon meet and become close friends. Both declared political science as their majors, joined the same learning community&nbsp;and&nbsp;sorority, and both were hired as student staff&nbsp;with&nbsp;the American Democracy Project.&nbsp;The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a university-wide initiative designed to prepare the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The goal of ADP is to produce university graduates who are committed to being active citizens in their communities with civic knowledge, skills, and values. This initiative provides numerous civic and political engagement activities that challenge and encourage students to find their place and make a difference.What a perfect way for Grace and Madison to grow their friendship, serve their community,&nbsp;and&nbsp;earn a bachelor’s degree&nbsp;–&nbsp;all while learning about who they are as individuals and servant leaders.Through&nbsp;their&nbsp;work&nbsp;with&nbsp;the ADP,&nbsp;Grace and&nbsp;Madison have been&nbsp;focused&nbsp;on&nbsp;bringing&nbsp;a polling place to campus so students can more easily&nbsp;participate in our democracy at the&nbsp;local, state, and national&nbsp;levels.&nbsp;“We believe it is so important for FHSU students to be civically active because the more involved students are, the more say they have in the world around them,”&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;said.Madison explained that a big part of having a civically-engaged student body is working to raise our voting rate by making&nbsp;the&nbsp;voting&nbsp;process more&nbsp;accessible and understandable to all students.&nbsp;Where to start? They wanted to understand the current state of affairs, which led them to focus on the National Study of Learning,&nbsp;Voting and Engagement. This report examines student and institutional-level data on voting.&nbsp;What did they learn?&nbsp;Namely that&nbsp;FHSU was falling behind the national college student voting average, and from this experience, a&nbsp;mission was born: improving&nbsp;FHSU student voting rates.Next, they reached out&nbsp;to&nbsp;civic engagement centers&nbsp;at other universities&nbsp;for information about what they were doing to get their students to vote. They learned that all of the colleges&nbsp;that posted&nbsp;higher student voter turnouts&nbsp;had an on-campus polling location. Wichita State University, for example, had an almost 20&nbsp;percent college&nbsp;student&nbsp;voter rate&nbsp;increase&nbsp;when the on-campus polling location&nbsp;opened.They did more research,&nbsp;listened,&nbsp;took notes,&nbsp;identified&nbsp;key&nbsp;challenges,&nbsp;and&nbsp;devised&nbsp;solutions.The pair next addressed&nbsp;safety and parking&nbsp;issues in a conversation&nbsp;with&nbsp;FHSU University Police.&nbsp;They&nbsp;also worked with student organizations for support and wrote a resolution for SGA to pledge senators as poll workers.&nbsp;Finally, they reached out to&nbsp;other organizations&nbsp;on campus&nbsp;for help,&nbsp;including the&nbsp;Staff Senate, Faculty Senate,&nbsp;and&nbsp;building managers. The cost issue was perhaps the most formidable challenge Grace and Madison faced, but that too didn’t set them back .&nbsp;“We resolved the cost issue by proposing to move an existing polling place,” shared Madison.Grace and Madison knew they had one key asset on their side-engaged FHSU students.&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;shared&nbsp;that&nbsp;there is so much student support on campus,&nbsp;they knew they would&nbsp;have&nbsp;more than&nbsp;enough students to work the polls. They were also convinced that they&nbsp;could even send poll workers to other polling locations around Hays.&nbsp;Throughout this process,&nbsp;Grace and Madison&nbsp;have learned networking skills&nbsp;as well as how to gather, evaluate, and present information persuasively. They also learned&nbsp;that there are many ways to accomplish a task, but the hardest part is choosing the right path.&nbsp;The pair’s&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;takeaways&nbsp;were learning to&nbsp;prepare&nbsp;for&nbsp;possible&nbsp;failure,&nbsp;the value in&nbsp;pushing through difficulties, and&nbsp;embracing the need to&nbsp;return to the drawing board&nbsp;to&nbsp;rework&nbsp;their plans as&nbsp;necessary.&nbsp;“We used pushback to make our initiative better and better every time,”&nbsp;Madison said.“We have had so much help along the way and couldn't have achieved nearly as much without the help&nbsp;of&nbsp;many&nbsp;people,”&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;said.&nbsp;In particular&nbsp;they said they&nbsp;are very grateful&nbsp;for the support of their political science faculty.After FHSU, Madison plans to attend law school. She plans&nbsp;to focus&nbsp;on immigration law. She wants&nbsp;to give back and lift others up – or&nbsp;“pay it forward,” as&nbsp;the saying goes.As for Grace,&nbsp;“FHSU has already taught me so much, especially that helping others is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to be able to continue helping&nbsp;my community during my time at FHSU, so staying involved with all the organizations that I am currently a part of is important to me, but finding new causes to dedicate my time to is important to me as well. After college, I hope to go into advocacy work and continue to help others.”&nbsp;These&nbsp;best friends&nbsp;are&nbsp;learning and working together,&nbsp;focused on serving as a force for greater good.&nbsp;Their story&nbsp;is the essence of an&nbsp;FHSU education unfolding, our mission in action, and our hope for the future.

Heart of a Tiger: Get out the Vote!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681405399523.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>

Local