THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9 p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda Accord driven by Howard J. Sanders, 85, Colby was traveling on Thomas County Road DD.

The driver attempted to cross Kansas Highway 25&nbsp; and struck a northbound 1995 Freightliner semi driven by Brian&nbsp;Laufer, 69, Atwood, on the passenger side.

EMS transported Sanders to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp;Laufer was not injured. Sanders was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9 p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda Accord driven by Howard J. Sanders, 85, Colby was traveling on Thomas County Road DD.The driver attempted to cross Kansas Highway 25&nbsp; and struck a northbound 1995 Freightliner semi driven by Brian&nbsp;Laufer, 69, Atwood, on the passenger side.EMS transported Sanders to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp;Laufer was not injured. Sanders was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after crash with a semi

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Each year the Ellis County Commission receives requests for
funding from almost two dozen agencies, and they provide about $1
million in funding.

On Tuesday the commission heard presentations from representatives
of 22 local agencies. The agencies requested $1.312 million, an
increase of $114,849 from 2023 funding. The commission asked the agencies to keep
their requests the same as the prior year.

After hearing all the presentations Commissioner Michael
Berges thanked the organizations for all the work that they do but said the
request, which equals about an 8 percent increase from 2023 may be
difficult to reach.

“I think we’re just going to have some tough decisions ahead
to see if we can meet all the requests,” Berges said. “I don’t know that we
will be able to meet all the requests that came through on the agencies. It
doesn't deplete the work that they do, but we are going to have some hard budgeting
questions to answer in the next couple of months.”

You can find a complete list of funding requests below.

The largest increased request came from the Ellis County
Historical Society. They requested an increase of $75,000 for $175,000.

Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp told the
commission that the request is equal to previous funding levels.
The highest funding support for the historical society was in 2013, according
to Rupp.

“The money from both the county and the city is to
pay utilities on the campus and to retain the small staff that we have currently,”
Rupp said. 

She highlighted their efforts to save the stone church and remodel the basement, allowing them to open the Main Street location again. She said the renovation plans for 2023 are on track. That includes the new HVAC
system.

In 2022 the historical society was able to raise almost $150,000 and another $465,000 in grants and donations so far in 2023. All of that
funding is for capital improvements, and Rupp said the majority of their
operating expenses are publicly funded.

Commissioner Neal Younger thanked Rupp for the work they have done and shared the story of trying to donate his dad’s Word War II
artifacts several years ago. The historical society would not accept them.

“When we first started this that was a trainwreck,” Younger
said. “Thank you for what you guys have done.”

Five other agency requests were larger than the funding they
received in 2023. Those included Grow Hays’ request of $180,000, $15,000 more
than it received for 2023 but the same as it requested in 2022. 

High Plains Mental Health requested an increase of $16,000
for $296,084. The Ellis Nutrition Center also increased its request by $5,000
for $25,715, and the Northwest Silver-haired Legislature’s request of $500 was added as
funding for an outside agency.

The commission did not further discuss the funding requests
at Tuesday’s meeting and will consider them at a later date.

2024 Ellis County outside agency funding requests Western Kansas Child Advocacy - $7,500 CASA of the High Plains -$4,750 DSNWK - $250,000 DSNWK - Part C Program - $120,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters - $5,000 High Plains Mental Health - $296,084 GrowHays - $180,000 Ellis County Conservation District - $72,646 Ellis County Historical Society - $175,000 Ellis Alliance Association - $1,750 Foster Grandparents - $8,552 Senior Companion - $22,050 Hays Senior Center - $37,115 NWKAAA - $30,000 Victoria Meal Site - $2,960 Ellis Nutrition Center - $25,715 Center for Life Experience&nbsp; - $5,000 Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services - $10,000 Heartland Community Foundation - $5,000 DSNWK (ACCESS Transportation) - $50,000 Northwest Silver-haired Legislature - $500 Humane Society - $2,600 TOTAL - $1,312,222

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEach year the Ellis County Commission receives requests for
funding from almost two dozen agencies, and they provide about $1
million in funding.On Tuesday the commission heard presentations from representatives
of 22 local agencies. The agencies requested $1.312 million, an
increase of $114,849 from 2023 funding. The commission asked the agencies to keep
their requests the same as the prior year.After hearing all the presentations Commissioner Michael
Berges thanked the organizations for all the work that they do but said the
request, which equals about an 8 percent increase from 2023 may be
difficult to reach.“I think we’re just going to have some tough decisions ahead
to see if we can meet all the requests,” Berges said. “I don’t know that we
will be able to meet all the requests that came through on the agencies. It
doesn't deplete the work that they do, but we are going to have some hard budgeting
questions to answer in the next couple of months.”You can find a complete list of funding requests below.The largest increased request came from the Ellis County
Historical Society. They requested an increase of $75,000 for $175,000.Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp told the
commission that the request is equal to previous funding levels.
The highest funding support for the historical society was in 2013, according
to Rupp.“The money from both the county and the city is to
pay utilities on the campus and to retain the small staff that we have currently,”
Rupp said. She highlighted their efforts to save the stone church and remodel the basement, allowing them to open the Main Street location again. She said the renovation plans for 2023 are on track. That includes the new HVAC
system.In 2022 the historical society was able to raise almost $150,000 and another $465,000 in grants and donations so far in 2023. All of that
funding is for capital improvements, and Rupp said the majority of their
operating expenses are publicly funded.Commissioner Neal Younger thanked Rupp for the work they have done and shared the story of trying to donate his dad’s Word War II
artifacts several years ago. The historical society would not accept them.“When we first started this that was a trainwreck,” Younger
said. “Thank you for what you guys have done.”Five other agency requests were larger than the funding they
received in 2023. Those included Grow Hays’ request of $180,000, $15,000 more
than it received for 2023 but the same as it requested in 2022. High Plains Mental Health requested an increase of $16,000
for $296,084. The Ellis Nutrition Center also increased its request by $5,000
for $25,715, and the Northwest Silver-haired Legislature’s request of $500 was added as
funding for an outside agency.The commission did not further discuss the funding requests
at Tuesday’s meeting and will consider them at a later date.2024 Ellis County outside agency funding requests Western Kansas Child Advocacy - $7,500 CASA of the High Plains -$4,750 DSNWK - $250,000 DSNWK - Part C Program - $120,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters - $5,000 High Plains Mental Health - $296,084 GrowHays - $180,000 Ellis County Conservation District - $72,646 Ellis County Historical Society - $175,000 Ellis Alliance Association - $1,750 Foster Grandparents - $8,552 Senior Companion - $22,050 Hays Senior Center - $37,115 NWKAAA - $30,000 Victoria Meal Site - $2,960 Ellis Nutrition Center - $25,715 Center for Life Experience&nbsp; - $5,000 Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services - $10,000 Heartland Community Foundation - $5,000 DSNWK (ACCESS Transportation) - $50,000 Northwest Silver-haired Legislature - $500 Humane Society - $2,600 TOTAL - $1,312,222

6 outside agencies ask Ellis County for more money in 2024

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An expert in the field of sex trafficking and relationship violence told a summit assembled in Hays on Monday that addressing child abuse is needed to deal with sex trafficking.

Dorthy Stucky Halley, founder of the Family Peace initiative, said most victims of sex trafficking, sex traffickers and sex buyers were abused as children.

Stucky Halley has worked in the field since 1986. She taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s victim rights coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

"It is important that we prioritize funds and really give attention to stopping child abuse," Stucky Halley said in a short interview after her lecture. "As long as child abuse is going on, these problems will continue to happen."

Seventy to 90 percent of people who are commercially sexually exploited have a history of childhood sexual abuse. This includes 90 percent of strippers as well.&nbsp;

Stucky Halley said people say that strippers choose to strip.&nbsp;

"They should be handing out thank you cards to their uncle, to their mother, to their father, to whomever sexually abused them because you wouldn't be watching them on stage had that person not sexually abused them," she said.

Stucky Halley said victims of child sexual abuse may see the sex trade as their least bad option.

Victims of the sex trade may have children to feed and a criminal history and selling themselves for sex may be the only thing they can think of that pays that kind of money given their circumstances, Stucky Halley said.

"As far as those who are already caught up in it, I think we need to have effective intervention services for those who have been victims and intervention services for those who are buyers and those who are traffickers," she said.

"Putting them in jail for a short amount of time is not going to resolve the issue," she said.&nbsp;

The number of trafficking cases per year in Options&nbsp;Domestic and Sexual Violence Services coverage area in northwest Kansas is usually less than 10 per year, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, director of client services for Options.&nbsp;

However, Options advocates are training to better recognize human trafficking, which may happen in conjunction with child abuse, adult sexual abuse or domestic violence, she said.

Complex trauma as a child, which is often called adverse childhood experiences or ACEs, is a predictor of people becoming victims of sex trafficking. Of the 10 ACEs, 44 percent of women who were sex trafficked had four to seven of these traumatic experiences in their childhoods.&nbsp;

An additional 48 percent had scores of eight or more.

If a person has an ACE score of six or more, their life expectancy is 20 years or more shorter than the general public.

"In the background of human trafficking, we have child abuse. We've got sexual abuse, and we've got domestic violence. Really most victims of human trafficking that I've worked with and talked with have at least one of those in their background,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said.

"If we are really going to get rid of human trafficking, we've got to get rid of those three," she said. "As long as we have those three going on, we're going to have victims that are vulnerable to get involved in some kind of sex trafficking."

Stucky Halley went on to break some myths about who offenders are. The same childhood traumas that were in the backgrounds of human trafficking victims were in the backgrounds of the traffickers.

Seventy-two percent of traffickers are male, and 28 percent are female. Communities often assume that all traffickers are male, but she noted that 1 in 4 are females.

Sixty-four percent of traffickers did not finish high school.

Eighty-eight percent of traffickers were physically abused in childhood, and 76 percent were sexually abused as children. Eighty-eight percent of human traffickers also experienced domestic violence in the home.&nbsp;

Eighty-four percent witnessed substance abuse in their homes as children.

"It's really easy to denounce them and call them the evil people. It's another thing to view the trafficker and realize that they were victims in another part of their lives," Stucky Halley said.

Stucky Halley also said the motivations of sex traffickers also lined up with those of domestic violence abusers. She said, in her experience,&nbsp; often sex trafficking is discovered when an intimate partner is admitted to a psychiatric facility for care.

Stucky Halley found that one-third to one-half of sex trafficking victims were trafficked by family members. One-quarter to one-third were trafficked by their husbands.

Sex buyers, or "Johns" as they are called on the street, also tend to have many of the same traumatic childhood experiences in their backgrounds, Stucky Halley said.

Sex buyers tend to be white, middle or upper class, married, and often in positions of authority or respect in their communities, she said.

Almost one in five buyers were in positions in which they worked with children, including teachers, coaches and Boy Scout leaders.

Ninety-nine percent of the sex buyers were male.

Twenty-two percent involved a position of authority, including attorneys, law enforcement, ministers and members of the military.&nbsp;

Often sadistic sex buyers or traffickers, those who wish to inflict pain on others, are the ones who will donate to women's shelters or other charities.&nbsp;

Not only do they enjoy inflicting pain on others, but they also derive pleasure in being able to fool others about their violent behavior,&nbsp;Stucky Halley said.

This can lead to victims not being believed because of the status of the offender.

Stucky Halley gave the example of a postmaster in a small community in Missouri who tortured a developmentally disabled woman to the point she had a heart attack.

"What if she had in the middle of the night gone pounding on someone's door in the community and said the postmaster and these men who are considered very reputable in the community are doing these crazy, horrible things to me,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said. "How many people would have believed her?

"How many of them would have said, 'The postmaster, you've got to be joking. I take my grandkid in when I go pick up my mail, and he's giving my grandkid a lollipop. He's a very nice, considerate man.'"

Stucky Halley said some places in the state have implemented "John schools," which are similar to batterer intervention programs for offenders who have been convicted of domestic violence.

However, she said there are only a few of these programs in the state.

Stucky Halley said Kansas and our nation need ways to hold sex buyers and sex traffickers accountable for the harm they have caused others but also give them a path to heal the trauma that led them to those offenses in the first place.

"Accountability is necessary," she said. "It's just not the solution. Those who have been violent with others need to be accountable for all the violence they've done, but the second thing they have to be accountable for is for healing from the violence that happened to them long before they could do anything about it."

She said she has talked to women who are in prison, and they tell about the circumstances that led them to transition from being a victim to a trafficker.

"So, who are you dealing with then?" Stucky Halley said. "Are you dealing with a trafficker or a victim?"

Rotary's Community Action Against Human Trafficking Project in Shawnee County is giving women who have been in jail options other than returning to their traffickers.

Many women who have been in jail have no one to turn to for clean clothes, a place to stay or food other than their traffickers. They are the only ones waiting when they get out, she said.

Participation is voluntary. The women are provided with mentors. Kits, including clean clothes and hygiene items, are provided to the women upon their release.

The women can access ongoing services after their release.

The average woman who experiences domestic violence will try to leave their abuser seven times before they finally leave permanently.

Stucky Halley said sex trafficking victims also often will go back to the streets multiple times before they make permanent life changes. She said this can be very frustrating for advocates, especially when youth are being trafficked, and the urgency to get them out of that life is so great.

"We know people do not make transformational change overnight," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686693453207.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn expert in the field of sex trafficking and relationship violence told a summit assembled in Hays on Monday that addressing child abuse is needed to deal with sex trafficking.Dorthy Stucky Halley, founder of the Family Peace initiative, said most victims of sex trafficking, sex traffickers and sex buyers were abused as children.Stucky Halley has worked in the field since 1986. She taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s victim rights coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office."It is important that we prioritize funds and really give attention to stopping child abuse," Stucky Halley said in a short interview after her lecture. "As long as child abuse is going on, these problems will continue to happen."Seventy to 90 percent of people who are commercially sexually exploited have a history of childhood sexual abuse. This includes 90 percent of strippers as well.&nbsp;Stucky Halley said people say that strippers choose to strip.&nbsp;"They should be handing out thank you cards to their uncle, to their mother, to their father, to whomever sexually abused them because you wouldn't be watching them on stage had that person not sexually abused them," she said.Stucky Halley said victims of child sexual abuse may see the sex trade as their least bad option.Victims of the sex trade may have children to feed and a criminal history and selling themselves for sex may be the only thing they can think of that pays that kind of money given their circumstances, Stucky Halley said."As far as those who are already caught up in it, I think we need to have effective intervention services for those who have been victims and intervention services for those who are buyers and those who are traffickers," she said."Putting them in jail for a short amount of time is not going to resolve the issue," she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672716428.jpeg" alt="Adverse childhood experiences or ACEs." />
 <figcaption>Adverse childhood experiences or ACEs.</figcaption>
 </figure>The number of trafficking cases per year in Options&nbsp;Domestic and Sexual Violence Services coverage area in northwest Kansas is usually less than 10 per year, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, director of client services for Options.&nbsp;However, Options advocates are training to better recognize human trafficking, which may happen in conjunction with child abuse, adult sexual abuse or domestic violence, she said.Complex trauma as a child, which is often called adverse childhood experiences or ACEs, is a predictor of people becoming victims of sex trafficking. Of the 10 ACEs, 44 percent of women who were sex trafficked had four to seven of these traumatic experiences in their childhoods.&nbsp;An additional 48 percent had scores of eight or more.If a person has an ACE score of six or more, their life expectancy is 20 years or more shorter than the general public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686674500711.jpeg" alt="Sex trafficking victims, their traffickers and sex buyers all tend to have histories of child abuse, domestic violence and/or sexual abuse in their backgrounds, according to&nbsp;Dorthy Stucky Halley." />
 <figcaption>Sex trafficking victims, their traffickers and sex buyers all tend to have histories of child abuse, domestic violence and/or sexual abuse in their backgrounds, according to&nbsp;Dorthy Stucky Halley.</figcaption>
 </figure>"In the background of human trafficking, we have child abuse. We've got sexual abuse, and we've got domestic violence. Really most victims of human trafficking that I've worked with and talked with have at least one of those in their background,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said."If we are really going to get rid of human trafficking, we've got to get rid of those three," she said. "As long as we have those three going on, we're going to have victims that are vulnerable to get involved in some kind of sex trafficking."Stucky Halley went on to break some myths about who offenders are. The same childhood traumas that were in the backgrounds of human trafficking victims were in the backgrounds of the traffickers.Seventy-two percent of traffickers are male, and 28 percent are female. Communities often assume that all traffickers are male, but she noted that 1 in 4 are females.Sixty-four percent of traffickers did not finish high school.Eighty-eight percent of traffickers were physically abused in childhood, and 76 percent were sexually abused as children. Eighty-eight percent of human traffickers also experienced domestic violence in the home.&nbsp;Eighty-four percent witnessed substance abuse in their homes as children."It's really easy to denounce them and call them the evil people. It's another thing to view the trafficker and realize that they were victims in another part of their lives," Stucky Halley said.Stucky Halley also said the motivations of sex traffickers also lined up with those of domestic violence abusers. She said, in her experience,&nbsp; often sex trafficking is discovered when an intimate partner is admitted to a psychiatric facility for care.Stucky Halley found that one-third to one-half of sex trafficking victims were trafficked by family members. One-quarter to one-third were trafficked by their husbands.Sex buyers, or "Johns" as they are called on the street, also tend to have many of the same traumatic childhood experiences in their backgrounds, Stucky Halley said.Sex buyers tend to be white, middle or upper class, married, and often in positions of authority or respect in their communities, she said.Almost one in five buyers were in positions in which they worked with children, including teachers, coaches and Boy Scout leaders.Ninety-nine percent of the sex buyers were male.Twenty-two percent involved a position of authority, including attorneys, law enforcement, ministers and members of the military.&nbsp;Often sadistic sex buyers or traffickers, those who wish to inflict pain on others, are the ones who will donate to women's shelters or other charities.&nbsp;Not only do they enjoy inflicting pain on others, but they also derive pleasure in being able to fool others about their violent behavior,&nbsp;Stucky Halley said.This can lead to victims not being believed because of the status of the offender.Stucky Halley gave the example of a postmaster in a small community in Missouri who tortured a developmentally disabled woman to the point she had a heart attack."What if she had in the middle of the night gone pounding on someone's door in the community and said the postmaster and these men who are considered very reputable in the community are doing these crazy, horrible things to me,"&nbsp;Stucky Halley said. "How many people would have believed her?"How many of them would have said, 'The postmaster, you've got to be joking. I take my grandkid in when I go pick up my mail, and he's giving my grandkid a lollipop. He's a very nice, considerate man.'"Stucky Halley said some places in the state have implemented "John schools," which are similar to batterer intervention programs for offenders who have been convicted of domestic violence.However, she said there are only a few of these programs in the state.Stucky Halley said Kansas and our nation need ways to hold sex buyers and sex traffickers accountable for the harm they have caused others but also give them a path to heal the trauma that led them to those offenses in the first place."Accountability is necessary," she said. "It's just not the solution. Those who have been violent with others need to be accountable for all the violence they've done, but the second thing they have to be accountable for is for healing from the violence that happened to them long before they could do anything about it."She said she has talked to women who are in prison, and they tell about the circumstances that led them to transition from being a victim to a trafficker."So, who are you dealing with then?" Stucky Halley said. "Are you dealing with a trafficker or a victim?"Rotary's Community Action Against Human Trafficking Project in Shawnee County is giving women who have been in jail options other than returning to their traffickers.Many women who have been in jail have no one to turn to for clean clothes, a place to stay or food other than their traffickers. They are the only ones waiting when they get out, she said.Participation is voluntary. The women are provided with mentors. Kits, including clean clothes and hygiene items, are provided to the women upon their release.The women can access ongoing services after their release.The average woman who experiences domestic violence will try to leave their abuser seven times before they finally leave permanently.Stucky Halley said sex trafficking victims also often will go back to the streets multiple times before they make permanent life changes. She said this can be very frustrating for advocates, especially when youth are being trafficked, and the urgency to get them out of that life is so great."We know people do not make transformational change overnight," she said.

Expert: Child abuse common thread among sex victims, traffickers, buyers

The 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.

The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”

Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.

“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”

The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.

“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”

She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.

“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”

And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.

“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”

Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.

“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”

The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.

For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.

Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays

While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.

New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.

“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. 

Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.

“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.

Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.

“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.

And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.

Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown

In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”

“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”

“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”

“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”

For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773653192.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=j9faj-14335ca-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773726157.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773785910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.<h2>Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773682744.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686776622220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773696715.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.<h2>Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals to host Pack the Pavilion June 16" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=7cft4-14335ad-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a>

🎙Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

School's out and there's a lot more bicycle traffic on the streets and sidewalks of Hays.

For many riders, it's been a while since they were on their bikes. They may be out of practice and their bicycles likely need a once-over to make sure they're in good condition.

"Make sure you have air in your tires and your brakes are working," said Sgt. David Vilaysing, Hays Police Department, who is also a bicycle officer.&nbsp;"We definitely want to keep everybody safe out there."

"The most important thing is to follow the rules of the road."

That means going the correct direction on a one-way street, coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and obeying other traffic rules, just as if you were driving a car.

Appropriate hand and arm signals should be given when turning,&nbsp; changing lanes, or coming to a stop.&nbsp;

Bicyclists should ride single file unless the path or roadway they're on is of sufficient width to ride two abreast.&nbsp;

Vilaysing said most of the multi-use paths in Hays are just wide enough to ride single file.&nbsp;

In Hays, it is lawful to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.

"It's preferred that you ride on the city streets because of the nature of the bicycle. It's a little bit faster and readily visible. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and for people who want to use their rollerblades or skateboards instead of bicycles."

In addition to wearing a safety helmet, other safety equipment for bicycle riders includes a front-mounted white light and a red reflector on the back of the bike, which are required in Hays when riding after sunset or before sunrise.&nbsp;

There are designated bike lanes across the city.

"Ride single file and follow the directional arrows that are on the lanes. You can ride safely from one point to another or just get out and get some exercise."

Drivers near bike lanes must respect that "riders are afforded the same rights and duties as motor vehicles are.

"So [drivers] have got to yield to [bicyclists] if they come up at the same time to a stop sign [at a four-way stop], the person on the right is going to have the right-of-way, whether a bicycle or motorist. ... They have to stay on the right side of the road until they move over to make a left turn. It's the same [traffic rules.]"

Vilaysing finds being a Hays bicycle officer "affords us more mobility and allows us to get out more and interact with the public." He particularly enjoys visiting with children.

"If we see kids out and about, we definitely stop and talk with them. That's the point of the bicycle program is to have more interaction with the public."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bicycle officers prefer riding in the warmer temperatures but can be out in all weather, Vilaysing said.&nbsp;

Bicyclists must obey traffic rules just like motorists, and if they don't, they can be ticketed just like motorists.

"For example, if a bicyclist runs a stop sign, they can get pulled over and cited for disobeying the stop sign. If they're not using appropriate lighting equipment at night, they're going to get stopped and talked to by an officer.

"All those rights and privileges that are applicable to them, they can be held accountable for," Vilaysing said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680878534172.jpeg" alt="Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSchool's out and there's a lot more bicycle traffic on the streets and sidewalks of Hays.For many riders, it's been a while since they were on their bikes. They may be out of practice and their bicycles likely need a once-over to make sure they're in good condition."Make sure you have air in your tires and your brakes are working," said Sgt. David Vilaysing, Hays Police Department, who is also a bicycle officer.&nbsp;"We definitely want to keep everybody safe out there.""The most important thing is to follow the rules of the road."That means going the correct direction on a one-way street, coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and obeying other traffic rules, just as if you were driving a car.Appropriate hand and arm signals should be given when turning,&nbsp; changing lanes, or coming to a stop.&nbsp;Bicyclists should ride single file unless the path or roadway they're on is of sufficient width to ride two abreast.&nbsp;Vilaysing said most of the multi-use paths in Hays are just wide enough to ride single file.&nbsp;In Hays, it is lawful to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk."It's preferred that you ride on the city streets because of the nature of the bicycle. It's a little bit faster and readily visible. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and for people who want to use their rollerblades or skateboards instead of bicycles."In addition to wearing a safety helmet, other safety equipment for bicycle riders includes a front-mounted white light and a red reflector on the back of the bike, which are required in Hays when riding after sunset or before sunrise.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686254852725.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>There are designated bike lanes across the city."Ride single file and follow the directional arrows that are on the lanes. You can ride safely from one point to another or just get out and get some exercise." Drivers near bike lanes must respect that "riders are afforded the same rights and duties as motor vehicles are."So [drivers] have got to yield to [bicyclists] if they come up at the same time to a stop sign [at a four-way stop], the person on the right is going to have the right-of-way, whether a bicycle or motorist. ... They have to stay on the right side of the road until they move over to make a left turn. It's the same [traffic rules.]"<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/7EOyQxR6-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Bike Safety 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Vilaysing finds being a Hays bicycle officer "affords us more mobility and allows us to get out more and interact with the public." He particularly enjoys visiting with children."If we see kids out and about, we definitely stop and talk with them. That's the point of the bicycle program is to have more interaction with the public."&nbsp;&nbsp;The bicycle officers prefer riding in the warmer temperatures but can be out in all weather, Vilaysing said.&nbsp;Bicyclists must obey traffic rules just like motorists, and if they don't, they can be ticketed just like motorists."For example, if a bicyclist runs a stop sign, they can get pulled over and cited for disobeying the stop sign. If they're not using appropriate lighting equipment at night, they're going to get stopped and talked to by an officer."All those rights and privileges that are applicable to them, they can be held accountable for," Vilaysing said.

🎥 Hays PD: Bicyclists must follow rules of road  

FHSU University Communications

GREAT BEND - On select Fridays in June, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host free nature crafts. Each session will have a different theme. No registration is required. Drop in any time from 1 to 4 p.m.

After learning the science behind the theme, participants will create a unique craft to take home. The activities are geared toward ages 5 to 13, but families of all ages are welcome to attend.

June 16 – Birds of Cheyenne Bottoms Shrinky Dink Bracelet June 23 – Tree Cookie Ornament

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNMENaCm_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BYhz0wCdJbL8Hqv-2Bvv8hwr4TKiLyq3Mco8XDuhzhpZJLrJuYYCYyPi8zYshAw8dFl7GtJCpRbvO81qBCIdv24q1XKMOrTPzd8iZsx8O1wuHQTNFoBc-2Bjm4mwxqY3HFCeOrhzebkHcjlYo2HikhMjLeRnqhFZ2D-2BteTlJUX1KIVDRqw1XC1HvS1l-2B93RTTkQi9Fa7rcPTkAcdmrzH7Ir-2BOFwNHxlwAZIs4sjJCxzJhxRIYzPQmyxqd9ii4aKECfBye" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659970803250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsGREAT BEND - On select Fridays in June, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host free nature crafts. Each session will have a different theme. No registration is required. Drop in any time from 1 to 4 p.m.After learning the science behind the theme, participants will create a unique craft to take home. The activities are geared toward ages 5 to 13, but families of all ages are welcome to attend.Programs are listed below by date:June 16 – Birds of Cheyenne Bottoms Shrinky Dink Bracelet June 23 – Tree Cookie Ornament The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNMENaCm_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BYhz0wCdJbL8Hqv-2Bvv8hwr4TKiLyq3Mco8XDuhzhpZJLrJuYYCYyPi8zYshAw8dFl7GtJCpRbvO81qBCIdv24q1XKMOrTPzd8iZsx8O1wuHQTNFoBc-2Bjm4mwxqY3HFCeOrhzebkHcjlYo2HikhMjLeRnqhFZ2D-2BteTlJUX1KIVDRqw1XC1HvS1l-2B93RTTkQi9Fa7rcPTkAcdmrzH7Ir-2BOFwNHxlwAZIs4sjJCxzJhxRIYzPQmyxqd9ii4aKECfBye" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

Free kids' crafts classes at KS Wetlands Education Center during June

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Early Childhood Transition Task Force will embark on a statewide community engagement tour June 27-30, including a stop in Hays, to discuss the challenges communities face in supporting children through their earliest years. 

The task force, created by Governor Kelly’s first executive order of her second term, is charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood care and education system and with developing a roadmap for creating a cabinet-level agency dedicated to supporting our youngest Kansans.

“If we want to give our kids the best possible future, then we must give them the strongest possible start. That’s why I started my second term by taking a step to expand access to childcare and early childhood development programs,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“Now, we want to hear from Kansans about what my administration and our partners can do to put Kansas on the path to having the most comprehensive, robust early childhood system in the country.”

The Task Force will visit nine cities across the state to discuss successes and challenges affecting the early childhood sectors in each community. 

These meetings are open to the public. Families, service and care providers, community leaders, and business representatives are encouraged to attend. 

Participants will engage in facilitated discussions designed to generate feedback on how the state is administering early childhood programs and how Kansans interact with the state’s governance system. 

Each meeting will be conducted with the assistance of The Hunt Institute, which has been providing support to the Task Force’s work.

The Hays meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wed., June 28, at the Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th.

Other meetings are scheduled in Chanute, Wichita, Garden City, Salina, Manhattan, Topeka, Overland Park, and Kansas City.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686158340312.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Early Childhood Transition Task Force will embark on a statewide community engagement tour June 27-30, including a stop in Hays, to discuss the challenges communities face in supporting children through their earliest years. The task force, created by Governor Kelly’s first executive order of her second term, is charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood care and education system and with developing a roadmap for creating a cabinet-level agency dedicated to supporting our youngest Kansans.“If we want to give our kids the best possible future, then we must give them the strongest possible start. That’s why I started my second term by taking a step to expand access to childcare and early childhood development programs,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“Now, we want to hear from Kansans about what my administration and our partners can do to put Kansas on the path to having the most comprehensive, robust early childhood system in the country.”The Task Force will visit nine cities across the state to discuss successes and challenges affecting the early childhood sectors in each community. These meetings are open to the public. Families, service and care providers, community leaders, and business representatives are encouraged to attend. Participants will engage in facilitated discussions designed to generate feedback on how the state is administering early childhood programs and how Kansans interact with the state’s governance system. Each meeting will be conducted with the assistance of The Hunt Institute, which has been providing support to the Task Force’s work.The Hays meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wed., June 28, at the Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686158403196.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Other meetings are scheduled in Chanute, Wichita, Garden City, Salina, Manhattan, Topeka, Overland Park, and Kansas City.&nbsp;

Governor's Early Childhood Transition Task Force to meet in Hays June 28

<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/2023/6/1686767305966.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

A &amp; A
Coors, Miller, Boulevard, Advantage Glass Plus, Hays Post, and Eagle Radio
are giving you a chance to become a finalist in the Keystone Light UTV Giveaway on June 21 at Fossil Station Bar &amp; Grill and Convenience in Russell.&nbsp; 

The UTV will be on display from
9 a.m. until 4 p.m.&nbsp; 

To enter, simply drop by Fossil Station Bar &amp; Grill and
Convenience Store in Russell between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and register.&nbsp; 

A finalist will be drawn from the people that register at the end of the day.&nbsp; 

That
person becomes eligible to win the Keystone Light UTV at the first home Fort
Hays football game on September 7.&nbsp; 

The final drawing to see
who will win will be at halftime.

A &amp; A
Coors, Miller, Boulevard, Advantage Glass Plus, Hays Post, and Eagle Radio
are giving you a chance to become a finalist in the Keystone Light UTV Giveaway on June 21 at Fossil Station Bar &amp; Grill and Convenience in Russell.&nbsp; The UTV will be on display from
9 a.m. until 4 p.m.&nbsp; To enter, simply drop by Fossil Station Bar &amp; Grill and
Convenience Store in Russell between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and register.&nbsp; A finalist will be drawn from the people that register at the end of the day.&nbsp; That
person becomes eligible to win the Keystone Light UTV at the first home Fort
Hays football game on September 7.&nbsp; The final drawing to see
who will win will be at halftime.

Visit Russell's Fossil Station June 21 for chance to win Keystone Light UTV

TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball
Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March&nbsp; 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the
United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.

&nbsp;The KSHSAA maintains
a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University
however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the
final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed
desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should
that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to
consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments.

&nbsp;“After conversations
with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host
a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with
Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant
Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will
do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and
fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a
lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make
a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s
tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level
experience in United Wireless Arena.”

&nbsp;The Colby Event
Center in Colby, KS was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community
College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other
events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship
held in Colby.

&nbsp;United Wireless Arena
has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State
Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball
Championships the last four years.

2024 State Basketball Locations: 6A - Wichita - Koch Arena 5A - Emporia - White Auditorium 4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center 3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena 1A DI - Colby - Colby Event Center 1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College

KSHSAATOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball
Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March&nbsp; 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the
United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.&nbsp;The KSHSAA maintains
a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University
however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the
final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed
desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should
that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to
consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments.&nbsp;“After conversations
with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host
a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with
Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant
Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will
do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and
fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a
lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make
a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s
tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level
experience in United Wireless Arena.”&nbsp;The Colby Event
Center in Colby, KS was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community
College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other
events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship
held in Colby.&nbsp;United Wireless Arena
has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State
Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball
Championships the last four years.2024 State Basketball Locations: 6A - Wichita - Koch Arena 5A - Emporia - White Auditorium 4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center 3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena 1A DI - Colby - Colby Event Center 1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College

🏀2024 State Basketball sites selected

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> vice president of membership Leigh Purdy and &nbsp;Jeremy McGuire, Group Sales Advisor for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas Association Health Plan enrollment process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber insurance enrollment process underway" 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=rngy7-143356e-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&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> vice president of membership Leigh Purdy and &nbsp;Jeremy McGuire, Group Sales Advisor for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas Association Health Plan enrollment process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber insurance enrollment process underway

Affiliation among 3 institutions increases opportunities for students, meets local workforce development needs

Governor Laura&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;today traveled to Fort Hays State University to participate in a ceremonial signing of House Bill 2290,&nbsp;which creates a strategic affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College. 

The bill enables the institutions to partner to make educational programs and student services more accessible by breaking down bureaucratic barriers to those services, and to expand opportunities around apprenticeships, internships and employment with local businesses.&nbsp;

“Connecting young people to good jobs right out of college is a critical way to keep local businesses vibrant and strong, and to keep graduates living and working in Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“This affiliation will do exactly that, helping rural Kansas meet the needs of critical industries including agriculture and technology.”&nbsp;

The strategic affiliation institutional partnership initiative was created by the three college presidents as a way to address workforce challenges in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

“Presidents&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;Schears,&nbsp;Eric&nbsp;Burks and I believe this is a powerful, unified and essential step forward in our efforts to help rural students, businesses and communities prosper in the face of daunting economic and demographic challenges,”&nbsp;said President Tisa Mason, president of FHSU.&nbsp;

<h2>Affiliation among 3 institutions increases opportunities for students, meets local workforce development needs</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686769986441.jpeg" alt="On Wednesday at Fort Hays State University, Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signs House Bill 2290, which creates a strategic affiliation between FHSU, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday at Fort Hays State University, Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signs House Bill 2290, which creates a strategic affiliation between FHSU, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorGovernor Laura&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;today traveled to Fort Hays State University to participate in a ceremonial signing of House Bill 2290,&nbsp;which creates a strategic affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College. The bill enables the institutions to partner to make educational programs and student services more accessible by breaking down bureaucratic barriers to those services, and to expand opportunities around apprenticeships, internships and employment with local businesses.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686770429902.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly with the leadership of FHSU, NCK&nbsp; Tech and&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Technical College and local legislators during a ceremonial signing of&nbsp;House Bill 2290. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly with the leadership of FHSU, NCK&nbsp; Tech and&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Technical College and local legislators during a ceremonial signing of&nbsp;House Bill 2290. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“Connecting young people to good jobs right out of college is a critical way to keep local businesses vibrant and strong, and to keep graduates living and working in Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“This affiliation will do exactly that, helping rural Kansas meet the needs of critical industries including agriculture and technology.”&nbsp;The strategic affiliation institutional partnership initiative was created by the three college presidents as a way to address workforce challenges in rural Kansas.&nbsp;“Presidents&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;Schears,&nbsp;Eric&nbsp;Burks and I believe this is a powerful, unified and essential step forward in our efforts to help rural students, businesses and communities prosper in the face of daunting economic and demographic challenges,”&nbsp;said President Tisa Mason, president of FHSU.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly signs bill creating higher education partnership in western Kansas

A joint Hays City Commission/Russell City Council meeting will be held&nbsp;at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

The meeting will be live streamed by Nex-Tech on its YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NexTechChannel">https://www.youtube.com/user/NexTechChannel</a>) and its local channel 103 for those with Nex-Tech traditional TV service.

The governing bodies will hold a discussion in regard to the R9 water transfer proceedings and the June 20 R9 public comment hearing.

For more on Hays Post about the hearing Tuesday in Hays, click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5bbd86e7-4442-4fad-844a-6d6d35b9c375">here.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysA joint Hays City Commission/Russell City Council meeting will be held&nbsp;at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.The meeting will be live streamed by Nex-Tech on its YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NexTechChannel">https://www.youtube.com/user/NexTechChannel</a>) and its local channel 103 for those with Nex-Tech traditional TV service. The governing bodies will hold a discussion in regard to the R9 water transfer proceedings and the June 20 R9 public comment hearing.For more on Hays Post about the hearing Tuesday in Hays, click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5bbd86e7-4442-4fad-844a-6d6d35b9c375">here.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays/Russell discussion of R9 public comment hearing to be livestreamed

The United Way of Ellis County still has team openings for its annual golf tournament at the Smoky Hill Country Club.&nbsp; 

Entries can be made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">online</a>.

The cost for the tournament is $500 for a team of four. Golf cart reservations are included in the cost. Lunch will be provided, as well as opportunities to play hole games and participate in raffles.

Proceeds from the tournament will support the agency's 13 partner agencies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682969853437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe United Way of Ellis County still has team openings for its annual golf tournament at the Smoky Hill Country Club.&nbsp; Entries can be made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">online</a>.The cost for the tournament is $500 for a team of four. Golf cart reservations are included in the cost. Lunch will be provided, as well as opportunities to play hole games and participate in raffles.Proceeds from the tournament will support the agency's 13 partner agencies.

Registration still open for United Way golf tourney on Friday

LOGAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have completed an investigation of what was initially believed to be a child abduction in Oakley.&nbsp; The child has been reunited with his parents.

Early Wednesday, police responded to Mittens Travel Center,&nbsp;1001 U.S. 40 in Oakley, to take a report after the clerk at the convenience store advised there was a couple in need of assistance, according to Officer Sara McDonald.

Officers contacted two individuals who only spoke Spanish. After translation it was determined that they were traveling cross country with another couple to New Mexico, when they were left at the Mitten’s Travel Center.

The couple advised that they were left behind but their 4 year old son was still in the vehicle. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686754371413.png" alt="Mittens , TA,&nbsp; 1001 U.S. 40 in Oakley -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Mittens , TA,&nbsp; 1001 U.S. 40 in Oakley -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LOGAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have completed an investigation of what was initially believed to be a child abduction in Oakley.&nbsp; The child has been reunited with his parents.Early Wednesday, police responded to Mittens Travel Center,&nbsp;1001 U.S. 40 in Oakley, to take a report after the clerk at the convenience store advised there was a couple in need of assistance, according to Officer Sara McDonald.Officers contacted two individuals who only spoke Spanish. After translation it was determined that they were traveling cross country with another couple to New Mexico, when they were left at the Mitten’s Travel Center.The couple advised that they were left behind but their 4 year old son was still in the vehicle. An initial attempt to locate was sent out statewide, however, not all of the Amber Alert criteria had been met because the couple left behind believed this incident to be a mistake and not an abduction. They did not believe their son was in danger. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and other area law enforcement were contacted to assist in looking for the vehicle.The Oakley Police Department was able to successfully ping a phone that was in the vehicle and get a location. It was then determined that the vehicle with the child inside was heading back towards Oakley from just west of the Colorado State Line. Contact was made with the couple in the vehicle and they advised they stopped at the convenience store and did not realize the other couple got out of the vehicle before they left due to all of the luggage and the fact that the second couple were sitting in the third row of seats in the vehicle. They believed that the couple was still asleep in the vehicle when they left. Once they realized the other couple was not in the vehicle, they turned around and headed back towards Oakley.The vehicle with the child returned to Oakley and all parties were escorted to the Oakley Police Department where interviews were conducted. It was determined that the whole incident was not a kidnapping but rather the couple at Mitten’s was left behind by mistake. The child was reunited with his parents, and all parties got back into the vehicle to continue on their trip to New Mexico.

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