For Thomas More Prep-Marian, the search for a new activities 
director cast a wide net. Ultimately, the person for the job was in Hays
 the whole time.

James Harris, who is a 10-year veteran teacher and coach at TMP-M, 
has accepted the position vacated by Troy Schulte. Schulte is 
returning to Archie, Mo., to become the principal at Archie High School, 
where he was a teacher, activities director and coach for 19 years.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3db8234c-4820-4f64-bd2f-c86bd7d5562d">RELATED: Schulte heads back to Missouri after 7 years at alma mater</a>

Harris is intimately familiar with the inner workings of TMP-Marian 
by virtue of his time at the school as a PE and technology teacher, 
coach of various sports such as football, basketball, and track, Student
 Council sponsor, and assistant activities supervisor. Harris was 
selected after reviewing over 30 applications from across the country 
and state.

“James knows so many of the ins and outs about all our activities,” 
said TMP-M principal Chad Meitner. “He will be a strong advocate for 
student involvement in academic, spiritual, and leadership activities as
 well as athletics.”

Harris will begin his activities director duties on July 1.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve as 
TMP-Marian‘s activities director,” Harris said. “TMP-Marian is an 
incredibly special place, and I’m excited to continue building on the 
tradition of excellence. I’m eager to utilize my passion for sports and 
activities in this position to positively impact the students and 
families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680809698554.jpeg" alt="Harris " />
 <figcaption>Harris </figcaption>
 </figure>
 TMP-Marian
 For Thomas More Prep-Marian, the search for a new activities 
director cast a wide net. Ultimately, the person for the job was in Hays
 the whole time.James Harris, who is a 10-year veteran teacher and coach at TMP-M, 
has accepted the position vacated by Troy Schulte. Schulte is 
returning to Archie, Mo., to become the principal at Archie High School, 
where he was a teacher, activities director and coach for 19 years.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3db8234c-4820-4f64-bd2f-c86bd7d5562d">RELATED: Schulte heads back to Missouri after 7 years at alma mater</a>Harris is intimately familiar with the inner workings of TMP-Marian 
by virtue of his time at the school as a PE and technology teacher, 
coach of various sports such as football, basketball, and track, Student
 Council sponsor, and assistant activities supervisor. Harris was 
selected after reviewing over 30 applications from across the country 
and state.“James knows so many of the ins and outs about all our activities,” 
said TMP-M principal Chad Meitner. “He will be a strong advocate for 
student involvement in academic, spiritual, and leadership activities as
 well as athletics.”Harris will begin his activities director duties on July 1.“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve as 
TMP-Marian‘s activities director,” Harris said. “TMP-Marian is an 
incredibly special place, and I’m excited to continue building on the 
tradition of excellence. I’m eager to utilize my passion for sports and 
activities in this position to positively impact the students and 
families.”

Harris named TMP-Marian activities director

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State Shooting Sports team members Kyler Niblock and Katie Dettmann discuss recent team activities and accomplishments as they reflect on the history and legacy of the team and it's impact on FHSU.

<div><iframe title="FHSU Shotgun Team success continues building legacy" 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=3hepb-13d8535-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 Fort Hays State Shooting Sports team members Kyler Niblock and Katie Dettmann discuss recent team activities and accomplishments as they reflect on the history and legacy of the team and it's impact on FHSU.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Shotgun Team success continues building legacy

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-04-04/with-the-ogallala-aquifer-drying-up-kansas-ponders-limits-to-irrigation">Kansas News Service</a>

WALLACE COUNTY — The Ogallala Aquifer has a visibility problem.

It’s
 easy to see when drought, farm irrigation and city taps drain the great
 reservoirs of the Southwest. Bathtub rings paint the red rock walls 
surrounding Lake Powell as it shrinks, sounding alarm bells loud and 
clear.

What about a body of water that’s locked away in a 
subterranean labyrinth of gravel and rock reaching more than 300 feet 
underground?

The Ogallala may hold as much water as Lake Huron, 
but we can’t see it. And, problematically, that means we can’t see it 
disappear.

That hasn’t stopped people like Brownie Wilson from 
trying to bring the aquifer’s decline into focus. He’s one of the Kansas
 Geological Survey crew members who fan out across western and central 
Kansas every year to check hundreds of water wells that tap into the 
Ogallala.

In Wallace County along the Colorado border, Wilson 
hikes into a crop field toting a giant spool of measuring tape like it’s
 a piece of carry-on luggage. He feeds the steel tape down a pipe where 
it snakes hundreds of feet until it strikes water.

This county has already lost more than 80% of the water in its corner
 of the aquifer — the highest percentage loss in the state. In some 
parts of Wallace County, aquifer levels fell seven feet in just the past
 year. That’s seven feet closer to running dry.

Statewide water levels fell by an average of <a href="https://news.ku.edu/2023/03/13/groundwater-levels-fall-across-western-and-south-central-kansas" target="_blank">nearly two feet</a> this year — the third-largest decline since the 1990s — as extreme drought pushed farmers to irrigate crops more than usual.

If the water keeps running out, some of the region’s farms and towns could vanish within a generation or two.

“We’ve still got time in a lot of places,” Wilson said. “In other places, that future is now.”

Many western Kansas farmers have <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-05-05/farmers-trying-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-face-tension-from-peers-but-their-profits-are-improving" target="_blank">cut back</a> on how much they irrigate their crops — voluntarily. Others have been forced to adapt as their <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-01-10/this-is-do-or-die-western-kansas-farmers-push-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-before-its-too-late" target="_blank">wells run dry</a>.
 But after decades of mostly inaction from Kansas leaders, a new push to
 support water conservation at the Statehouse signals that the state may
 finally be shifting toward a more committed, perhaps even mandatory, 
approach to saving the Ogallala.

But preserving the aquifer is a 
tricky balance in these parts. Irrigated farming pays the bills. Rural 
economies and communities depend on it.

Irrigation also 
consumes the largest share of the aquifer’s water — by far. Nearly all 
(94%) of the water used in Wallace County’s regional groundwater 
management district, GMD 1, goes to irrigate crops. Statewide, the 
amount of water pumped from underground and sprayed onto crops averages 
out to more than <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ks/nwis/water_use?format=html_table&amp;rdb_compression=file&amp;wu_area=State+Total&amp;wu_year=2015&amp;wu_category=IT&amp;wu_category_nms=Irrigation%252C%2BTotal" target="_blank">2 billion gallons per day</a>.

“When
 you're talking about groundwater declines, there’s only two ways to fix
 it,” Wilson said. “You gotta put more water in or you quit taking more 
out.”

But only a tiny fraction of this region’s meager rainfall ends up 
refilling the aquifer. In fact, the Kansas Geological Survey estimates 
that this district’s portion of the aquifer gets used up at nine times the rate that it’s replenished by precipitation.

And
 the rainfall that does trickle down to the depths can take years to do 
so because it has to work its way through hundreds of feet of rock. 
Water that’s finally dripping into the Ogallala’s depths today, for 
instance, may have fallen as a raindrop a decade ago.

On top of that, several towns near here recently wrapped up their <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-01-23/how-bad-was-the-2022-drought-for-these-seven-kansas-communities-it-was-the-driest-on-record" target="_blank">driest year</a>
 since humans started keeping records. Some areas got only eight or nine
 inches of water for the whole year. That’s akin to the rain totals 
you’d see in a desert.

But even though this extraordinarily dry 
year highlights the aquifer’s dire straits, Wilson said, people who’ve 
been paying attention to the long saga of depletion in western Kansas 
won’t be surprised.

“We designed our water policy to make this 
happen. We permitted all these wells, knowingly,” Wilson said. “That 
decision was made 40-50 years ago by people who are no longer with us or
 moved on. But now we’re dealing with those ramifications today.”

Decades
 ago, the state freely handed out water rights. That helped irrigated 
farming flourish on the semi-arid plains, but has ended up straining the
 Ogallala more than it can bear. The approach became known as the 
state’s <a href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/pic9/pic9_3.html" target="_blank">policy of planned depletion</a> — gradually emptying the aquifer to support farming.

It
 was good for business. So Kansas leaders have long been wary of 
limiting irrigation. But recent action shows small steps in a new 
direction.

The Kansas Water Authority <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-12-15/this-is-the-first-time-the-kansas-water-authority-has-voted-to-save-whats-left-of-the-ogallala" target="_blank">voted for the first time</a> last December that the state should stop draining the aquifer for agriculture. And now Kansas lawmakers have <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2279/" target="_blank">approved a bill</a> that pushes groundwater districts to reduce water use in the areas with the most severe depletion.

The bill would still keep water conservation decisions in the hands 
of local groundwater districts, which recognize how the aquifer’s depth 
and capacity — and the potential solutions to preserve it — vary widely 
from one area to another. But it would force those districts to crack 
down harder.

The districts would need to identify which parts of 
their region are in the worst shape — such as spots where the aquifer 
has fewer than 50 years of usable lifetime remaining — by 2024. Then, 
the districts would need to submit plans to the state for cutting water 
use in those areas by 2026. If they don’t do that, the state could step 
in and decide water conservation plans for them.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/hb2686/" target="_blank">Another bill</a>
 that tried to address some of these same water issues last year died 
before making it to a full vote. Advocates blamed the agriculture 
industry for hindering restrictions.

But when this new bill came up for a vote in the House, it passed overwhelmingly — 116 to 6.

It
 found wide-ranging support among groups that don’t always agree, from 
the Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Livestock Association to the Nature 
Conservancy.

So what changed? Why did this bill succeed when 
others have failed? Maybe it’s the ongoing extreme drought. Or the 
threat of even more state involvement as water becomes increasingly 
scarce in the future.

Jim Minnix — a Republican from Scott County, right in the middle of 
Ogallala country, and chair of the House water committee — summed up the
 urgent situation during one of the bill’s hearings. If Kansas wants to 
avoid the fate of states farther west, he said, something needs to 
change.

“We’re here today so that we don’t become what the 
Colorado River Valley or Central California looks like,” said Minnix, 
who is also a western Kansas farmer. “We here in Kansas have an 
opportunity to improve our own future right here. And it starts now.”

To help, the House also <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2302/" target="_blank">passed a second bill</a>
 that would include millions of dollars for a variety of water-related 
projects, such as restoring reservoirs and updating small town treatment
 plants. In the Ogallala region, the bill could fund everything from 
cost-sharing programs that help landowners install more playa lakes that
 encourage aquifer recharge to grants that help farmers buy new 
water-saving technology, including irrigation systems that customize the
 spray rate based on how much water a certain patch of soil needs.

Just
 by getting Kansas farmers to universally adopt the current water-saving
 tools available to them, Minnix estimates the state might be able to 
reduce its water use by up to 20%. That could mean the aquifer’s around 
for another 50 or 100 years, he said, depending on how soon more 
irrigators get on board.

“It’s an issue that I wish we’d started 40 years ago,” Minnix said. “We’d be in a far better situation today.”

But when farming is already a risky, expensive operation, many farmers are hesitant to try something new.

Take the super-efficient <a href="https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/subsurface-drip-irrigation-sdi-4-716/" target="_blank">underground systems</a>
 that drip water directly to the plants’ roots. Jonathan Aguilar, a 
water resources engineer with Kansas State University in Garden City, 
calls them the Cadillac of irrigation. But he estimates only around 5% 
of western Kansas farms use them.

Other tools that don’t cost much to implement, such as <a href="https://extension.umn.edu/irrigation/soil-moisture-sensors-irrigation-scheduling" target="_blank">soil moisture sensors</a>, can make an immediate impact by helping farmers know exactly how much water each piece of ground needs.

“It gives them a good, healthy sleep at the end of the day,” Aguilar said. “It’s not a guessing game anymore.”

Some farmers, Aguilar said, likely start irrigating earlier than they
 need to in the spring or keep watering longer than needed in the fall. 
For nearly half of irrigation systems, he said, conserving could start 
with just making sure they have the right amount of water pressure — 
both too much or too little pressure can hurt efficiency.

Anything we can do now to conserve water buys the state critical time to avoid hitting the aquifer’s point of no return.

“We are not yet there,” Aguilar said. “But we are headed there if we don't make any changes.”

But telling Kansas farmers how much of their water they’re allowed to use will never be easy.

Stafford
 County Republican Brett Fairchild is one of six House lawmakers who 
voted against the groundwater district legislation. People in his part 
of the state, he said, worry the bill could grease a slippery slope 
toward state-dictated irrigation restrictions that infringe on their 
water rights. One constituent he spoke with called the bill a power grab
 by the Legislature.

“People in my area are pretty skeptical of 
passing any water bills,” Fairchild said, “because they think that it 
could result in mandatory water cuts.”

And a new <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/SRL144.pdf" target="_blank">K-State survey</a>
 of more than 1,000 farmers across the Ogallala region shows a massive 
disconnect between how many of them believe depletion is a problem and 
how many believe they are personally responsible for it.

Sociologist Matt Sanderson, who worked on the survey, says that gap 
hasn’t changed much since the last survey of its kind in 1984.

“People
 talk about this as a crisis. This is not a crisis,” Sanderson said. 
“You don’t have a crisis for 40 years. You have a structural problem.”

In
 that survey nearly four decades ago, 84% of farmers polled said aquifer
 depletion was a serious or very serious problem. That’s roughly the 
same percentage of farmers who responded that they were concerned about 
depletion today.

More than 80% of farmers in the new survey agreed
 that groundwater should be conserved so that future generations can 
enjoy the same benefits of life they have had. Further, 90% responded 
that groundwater is important because it provides tap water for 
communities, and nearly 80% said because it helps the profitability of 
farming.

But more than half of farmers — 58% — said they didn’t feel 
personally responsible for depletion. That includes a majority of the 
irrigation farmers surveyed. Only 20% said they think they should 
personally reduce their water use.

But Sanderson is starting to believe that long-held perspectives about water might finally be changing. 

Between
 what he heard from farmers during the survey and what he’s seen 
happening at the Statehouse this session, he said, Kansas might have 
finally endured enough drought and enough depletion that this year could
 be the tipping point.

“The culture is shifting toward a culture of conservation now,” Sanderson said. “The real question is: Is there enough time?”

It’s vital, he said, to make sure farmers know that if they want to 
conserve water, they’re not on the margins. They’re in the majority.

Saving
 the Ogallala Aquifer, Sanderson said, will take more than shaming the 
irrigators who use it. It will require a shift in the broader systems 
that give western Kansas farmers incentives to grow thirsty crops like 
corn in this dry region to serve a nation clamoring for cheap beef and 
ethanol gasoline — the systems that have built Kansas agriculture into a
 multibillion-dollar enterprise.

“We’ve been wildly successful,” Sanderson said, “and it’s come at a very high cost at the same time.”

The current structure, he said, often keeps farmers running on an “agricultural production treadmill.”

Consumer
 demand, subsidies, crop insurance, Farm Bill policies and other systems
 push farmers to produce as much commodity grain as possible, as cheaply
 as possible. And in a region this dry, irrigation is a shortcut to 
bigger, better harvests.

“That’s what we’ve decided as a country we want,” Sanderson said. “Should we be surprised that farmers are doing it?”

Back in Wallace County, Wilson cranks his spool to reel up measuring 
tape from the depths of the Ogallala. As he walks back to his truck, he 
gets a message from a survey crew member who just checked a well in 
southwest Kansas where the aquifer level dropped 10 feet in one year.

The
 goal, he said, should be to stabilize the aquifer’s levels over the 
next 20 years and then see where things stand. But in order to make it 
there, this part of western Kansas would need to cut water use by 
one-third.

It’s a tall order. But, he said, it should be worth it 
to all Kansans to do what it takes to preserve the aquifer’s remaining 
water before it’s too late.

“Even though most of the population 
lives on the other side of the state, we are all Kansans,” Wilson said. 
“Everybody's gonna feel the pinch if it ever goes away.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

With the Ogallala Aquifer drying up, Kansas ponders limits to irrigation

“TransFortified,” an entrepreneurial business plan created by PJ Stauffer, won first place at the 2023 Faulkner Challenge for a Better Future at Fort Hays State University.

Stauffer, a senior drawing major and graduate of Beloit High School, received a $6,000 first-place cash award for his presentation. Stauffer’s business is a non-profit website with resources for transgender Americans looking for information in multiple facets, including name changes, navigating medical transition, peer support, historical and scientific accuracy, self-advocacy, and connecting to local resources.

“I don’t want others to go through the turmoil that I went through,” Stauffer, who was born female but now identifies as male, said in his presentation to the judges at Saturday’s event. “Nowadays, it is more difficult to get access to resources because the laws are changing all the time.”

Stauffer said that winning the competition was unexpected. He often struggles with discussing the status of his gender identity with others and found that the encouragement of his professors and peers played a key role in his moving forward with the project.&nbsp;

“I plan to help people who are going through the same thing as me see that it is actually worth it,” he said. “Good things happen. Keep trying. You literally never know what’s going to happen.”

The Faulkner Challenge is a business plan competition designed to develop entrepreneurial imagination and innovation in university students, regardless of major or interests. It is open to any new venture in the conceptual, seed, or startup stages and to students from any community college or university in Kansas. Teams are evaluated on their ability to clearly identify a market opportunity, value proposition, and sustainable competitive advantage.

While all entries are welcome, of special interest are proposals for innovations in or design of products, processes, systems, services, or businesses that are economically sustainable, with promise for social and or environmental benefit.&nbsp;

FHSU alum Kevin Faulkner established an endowed fund for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship business plan challenge that now bears his name. He supports the challenge in many ways, including serving as a judge for the competition.

Faulkner, who joined Saturday’s finals competition online, offered his help and guidance to all three teams competing.

“These are three outstanding ideas, and I think you presented them very well,” he said. “I hope you continue to move forward with them.”

The second-place $3,000 prize went to Salma Beauty, a sustainable makeup startup that draws inspiration from the beauty of Morocco. Team members: Fiorella Mendez, Paraguay; Diana Angarita, San Felipe, Venezuela; Bass Fall, Dakar, Senegal; and Mohamed Didi, Dakar, Senegal.

Winning the $1,000 third-place award was Innovia Construction, LLC 3D printed homes – building sustainable, high-quality homes for an affordable price. Team members: Max Weimer, McCook, Neb.; Caitlin Leiker, Hays; Tanner Miller, Spearville; and Alicia Feyerherm, Hays.

Competition for the 2023 award was “razor thin,” said Dr. Rick Edgeman, director of FHSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and organizer of the challenge.

“It was an incredibly challenging discussion and decision. Whether you walk away with 3rd, 2nd, or 1st, you are all winners. You all did amazing jobs.”

Edgeman said all the competitors have a legitimate chance to move forward with their business plans to make a significant impact on the world.

“That’s what this competition was about,” he said. “Doing things that matter. We feel that every one of your ideas is something that makes a difference.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680639572051.jpeg" alt="Top three Faulkner Challenge finalists are awarded $10,000 during the 2023 competition." />
 <figcaption>Top three Faulkner Challenge finalists are awarded $10,000 during the 2023 competition.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation“TransFortified,” an entrepreneurial business plan created by PJ Stauffer, won first place at the 2023 Faulkner Challenge for a Better Future at Fort Hays State University.Stauffer, a senior drawing major and graduate of Beloit High School, received a $6,000 first-place cash award for his presentation. Stauffer’s business is a non-profit website with resources for transgender Americans looking for information in multiple facets, including name changes, navigating medical transition, peer support, historical and scientific accuracy, self-advocacy, and connecting to local resources.“I don’t want others to go through the turmoil that I went through,” Stauffer, who was born female but now identifies as male, said in his presentation to the judges at Saturday’s event. “Nowadays, it is more difficult to get access to resources because the laws are changing all the time.”Stauffer said that winning the competition was unexpected. He often struggles with discussing the status of his gender identity with others and found that the encouragement of his professors and peers played a key role in his moving forward with the project.&nbsp;“I plan to help people who are going through the same thing as me see that it is actually worth it,” he said. “Good things happen. Keep trying. You literally never know what’s going to happen.”The Faulkner Challenge is a business plan competition designed to develop entrepreneurial imagination and innovation in university students, regardless of major or interests. It is open to any new venture in the conceptual, seed, or startup stages and to students from any community college or university in Kansas. Teams are evaluated on their ability to clearly identify a market opportunity, value proposition, and sustainable competitive advantage.While all entries are welcome, of special interest are proposals for innovations in or design of products, processes, systems, services, or businesses that are economically sustainable, with promise for social and or environmental benefit.&nbsp;FHSU alum Kevin Faulkner established an endowed fund for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship business plan challenge that now bears his name. He supports the challenge in many ways, including serving as a judge for the competition.Faulkner, who joined Saturday’s finals competition online, offered his help and guidance to all three teams competing.“These are three outstanding ideas, and I think you presented them very well,” he said. “I hope you continue to move forward with them.”The second-place $3,000 prize went to Salma Beauty, a sustainable makeup startup that draws inspiration from the beauty of Morocco. Team members: Fiorella Mendez, Paraguay; Diana Angarita, San Felipe, Venezuela; Bass Fall, Dakar, Senegal; and Mohamed Didi, Dakar, Senegal.Winning the $1,000 third-place award was Innovia Construction, LLC 3D printed homes – building sustainable, high-quality homes for an affordable price. Team members: Max Weimer, McCook, Neb.; Caitlin Leiker, Hays; Tanner Miller, Spearville; and Alicia Feyerherm, Hays.Competition for the 2023 award was “razor thin,” said Dr. Rick Edgeman, director of FHSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and organizer of the challenge.“It was an incredibly challenging discussion and decision. Whether you walk away with 3rd, 2nd, or 1st, you are all winners. You all did amazing jobs.”Edgeman said all the competitors have a legitimate chance to move forward with their business plans to make a significant impact on the world.“That’s what this competition was about,” he said. “Doing things that matter. We feel that every one of your ideas is something that makes a difference.”

Fort Hays State senior wins Faulkner Challenge

Hays High senior Wyatt Grabbe, Agriculture Ambassador for the Ellis County Farm Bureau, recently completed a food pantry project within the Ellis County community.&nbsp;

The collection of food was an&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;help&nbsp;National Agriculture Month&nbsp;in March. &nbsp;The project included a video created by the&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County&nbsp;Farm Bureau highlighting the safe and&nbsp;abundant food&nbsp;available in&nbsp;America.&nbsp;The video also brings awareness&nbsp;to&nbsp;and&nbsp;highlights food insecurity within our&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;

According to the Feeding America&nbsp;organization,&nbsp;one in 10 Americans are faced with food insecurity. Current statistics in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;indicate the food insecurity rate&nbsp;is at 9.8 percent.&nbsp;The video was released to local schools as a part of&nbsp;the "Ag&nbsp;in the Classroom” project supported by the county Farm Bureau. 

School-aged children were challenged&nbsp;to collect&nbsp;food to help battle food insecurity in the community.&nbsp;The Fort Hays State&nbsp;University&nbsp;Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Fort Hays State Rodeo Club&nbsp;participated in&nbsp;a&nbsp;food drive held the last&nbsp;Saturday in&nbsp;March at the East Dillons Store.&nbsp;

Food&nbsp;items and cash&nbsp;donations collected&nbsp;throughout the month of March were presented to&nbsp;the food pantry supporting those&nbsp;who&nbsp;are serviced&nbsp;by Developmental&nbsp;Services&nbsp;of&nbsp;Northwestern&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;Grabbe worked with the following organizations to make the project a success; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement;&nbsp;Dillons Food Market on Vine; local elementary schools; FHSU Rodeo Club; and FHSU Collegiate Farm Bureau Organization.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680622183483.jpeg" alt="Pictured: Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President &amp; CEO; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement; Wyatt Grabbe, Ellis County Farm Bureau Ambassador; Gary Harber, DSNWK; Allen Schmidt, DSNWK Planned Giving Officer; Steve Keil, DSNWK Director of Development.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pictured: Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President &amp; CEO; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement; Wyatt Grabbe, Ellis County Farm Bureau Ambassador; Gary Harber, DSNWK; Allen Schmidt, DSNWK Planned Giving Officer; Steve Keil, DSNWK Director of Development.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseHays High senior Wyatt Grabbe, Agriculture Ambassador for the Ellis County Farm Bureau, recently completed a food pantry project within the Ellis County community.&nbsp;The collection of food was an&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;help&nbsp;National Agriculture Month&nbsp;in March. &nbsp;The project included a video created by the&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County&nbsp;Farm Bureau highlighting the safe and&nbsp;abundant food&nbsp;available in&nbsp;America.&nbsp;The video also brings awareness&nbsp;to&nbsp;and&nbsp;highlights food insecurity within our&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;According to the Feeding America&nbsp;organization,&nbsp;one in 10 Americans are faced with food insecurity. Current statistics in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;indicate the food insecurity rate&nbsp;is at 9.8 percent.&nbsp;The video was released to local schools as a part of&nbsp;the "Ag&nbsp;in the Classroom” project supported by the county Farm Bureau. School-aged children were challenged&nbsp;to collect&nbsp;food to help battle food insecurity in the community.&nbsp;The Fort Hays State&nbsp;University&nbsp;Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Fort Hays State Rodeo Club&nbsp;participated in&nbsp;a&nbsp;food drive held the last&nbsp;Saturday in&nbsp;March at the East Dillons Store.&nbsp;Food&nbsp;items and cash&nbsp;donations collected&nbsp;throughout the month of March were presented to&nbsp;the food pantry supporting those&nbsp;who&nbsp;are serviced&nbsp;by Developmental&nbsp;Services&nbsp;of&nbsp;Northwestern&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;Grabbe worked with the following organizations to make the project a success; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement;&nbsp;Dillons Food Market on Vine; local elementary schools; FHSU Rodeo Club; and FHSU Collegiate Farm Bureau Organization.&nbsp;

Farm Bureau ambassadors, local groups partner for DSNWK food bank

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

A fingerprint. We leave those everywhere, on anything we touch.&nbsp;

One hundred years ago, law enforcement officers learned that fingerprints could be used as a tool in fighting crime. Where was the first case that a single, latent fingerprint was used by the FBI to convict a criminal? Would you believe in rural Kansas?&nbsp;

The Fleagle Gang was a ruthless band of bank robbers and murderers during the 1920s.&nbsp;&nbsp;They would play a major role in the use of fingerprints in law enforcement, in a groundbreaking case in western Kansas.&nbsp;

The Fleagles moved from Iowa to the Garden City area in 1886. The family had two younger sons – Ralph and Jake – who liked to gamble and drink rather than work. They moved to the west coast.&nbsp;

Jake came back to Oklahoma, committed robbery, was arrested, fingerprinted, and jailed. When he got out, he and his older brother Ralph took up a life of crime.&nbsp;

They started robbing card games and then banks. After grabbing the loot, they would return to Kansas. Historians and criminal researchers estimate that they committed 60 percent of the robberies committed in California during that time, plus many robberies in Oregon, Kansas, and Colorado.&nbsp;

In 1927, the Fleagles found and leased a ranch in a remote area near the rural community of Marienthal, population 64 people. Now, that’s rural. This became their hideout, with a large barn in which to store getaway cars and guns.&nbsp;

Ralph and Jake decided to rob the First National Bank in Lamar, Colorado. They brought in two accomplices, a bootlegger named George Abshier and 250-pound Harry “Heavy” Royston. On May 23, they loaded their guns and headed for Lamar. Having cased the joint previously, they planned to kidnap the son of the bank president and use him as a hostage to make their escape.&nbsp;

Their plans went awry. When the bank president realized it was a robbery, he grabbed a gun from his desk and shot Royston in the jaw. In the ensuing melee, both the bank president and his son were killed. The Fleagles used another hostage as a human shield, escaped with the cash, and returned to Marienthal.&nbsp;

Royston had been badly wounded so they went after a doctor in Dighton. They told the doctor that a boy had crushed his foot in an accident and the doctor was needed right away. According to one account, Jake rode back to Marienthal with the doctor and tried to roll down the car window with his hand, unknowingly leaving a print on the glass.&nbsp;

At the hideout, the doctor found the wounded outlaw Royston. There was nothing he could do for him except administer morphine, which he did. Then the Fleagles drove the doctor to a remote location near Scott City, executed him with a shot to the head, and pushed him and his car into a ravine. They killed the other hostage in the same manner and then split up to different parts of the country.&nbsp;

A large but unsuccessful manhunt ensued. When inspecting the abandoned car, a policeman found and preserved a latent fingerprint on the car window. Months later, an alert fingerprint specialist at the FBI would identify the fingerprint as belonging to Jake Fleagle.&nbsp;

Lawmen then staked out the Fleagle place and eventually caught the gang members, who confessed. Jake was shot in a separate gunfight with police while resisting arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ralph and two gang members were found guilty and executed. This is said to have been the first-ever case of the FBI using a single fingerprint as part of the evidence leading to a conviction.&nbsp;

Crime-fighting technology has improved dramatically through the years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation established a fingerprint repository in 1924. During the following years, the FBI would process and eventually automate 200 million fingerprint records.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now DNA evidence is considered more reliable than fingerprints.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We commend these hard-working FBI and western Kansas law enforcement officers for making a difference with their innovative and persistent approach to solving crimes. This case in rural Kansas changed the course of criminal investigations forever, and it all began with a fingerprint.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680203545416.png" alt="Jake Fleagle / Courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Jake Fleagle / Courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentA fingerprint. We leave those everywhere, on anything we touch.&nbsp;One hundred years ago, law enforcement officers learned that fingerprints could be used as a tool in fighting crime. Where was the first case that a single, latent fingerprint was used by the FBI to convict a criminal? Would you believe in rural Kansas?&nbsp;The Fleagle Gang was a ruthless band of bank robbers and murderers during the 1920s.&nbsp;&nbsp;They would play a major role in the use of fingerprints in law enforcement, in a groundbreaking case in western Kansas.&nbsp;The Fleagles moved from Iowa to the Garden City area in 1886. The family had two younger sons – Ralph and Jake – who liked to gamble and drink rather than work. They moved to the west coast.&nbsp;Jake came back to Oklahoma, committed robbery, was arrested, fingerprinted, and jailed. When he got out, he and his older brother Ralph took up a life of crime.&nbsp;They started robbing card games and then banks. After grabbing the loot, they would return to Kansas. Historians and criminal researchers estimate that they committed 60 percent of the robberies committed in California during that time, plus many robberies in Oregon, Kansas, and Colorado.&nbsp;In 1927, the Fleagles found and leased a ranch in a remote area near the rural community of Marienthal, population 64 people. Now, that’s rural. This became their hideout, with a large barn in which to store getaway cars and guns.&nbsp;Ralph and Jake decided to rob the First National Bank in Lamar, Colorado. They brought in two accomplices, a bootlegger named George Abshier and 250-pound Harry “Heavy” Royston. On May 23, they loaded their guns and headed for Lamar. Having cased the joint previously, they planned to kidnap the son of the bank president and use him as a hostage to make their escape.&nbsp;Their plans went awry. When the bank president realized it was a robbery, he grabbed a gun from his desk and shot Royston in the jaw. In the ensuing melee, both the bank president and his son were killed. The Fleagles used another hostage as a human shield, escaped with the cash, and returned to Marienthal.&nbsp;Royston had been badly wounded so they went after a doctor in Dighton. They told the doctor that a boy had crushed his foot in an accident and the doctor was needed right away. According to one account, Jake rode back to Marienthal with the doctor and tried to roll down the car window with his hand, unknowingly leaving a print on the glass.&nbsp;At the hideout, the doctor found the wounded outlaw Royston. There was nothing he could do for him except administer morphine, which he did. Then the Fleagles drove the doctor to a remote location near Scott City, executed him with a shot to the head, and pushed him and his car into a ravine. They killed the other hostage in the same manner and then split up to different parts of the country.&nbsp;A large but unsuccessful manhunt ensued. When inspecting the abandoned car, a policeman found and preserved a latent fingerprint on the car window. Months later, an alert fingerprint specialist at the FBI would identify the fingerprint as belonging to Jake Fleagle.&nbsp;Lawmen then staked out the Fleagle place and eventually caught the gang members, who confessed. Jake was shot in a separate gunfight with police while resisting arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ralph and two gang members were found guilty and executed. This is said to have been the first-ever case of the FBI using a single fingerprint as part of the evidence leading to a conviction.&nbsp;Crime-fighting technology has improved dramatically through the years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation established a fingerprint repository in 1924. During the following years, the FBI would process and eventually automate 200 million fingerprint records.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now DNA evidence is considered more reliable than fingerprints.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend these hard-working FBI and western Kansas law enforcement officers for making a difference with their innovative and persistent approach to solving crimes. This case in rural Kansas changed the course of criminal investigations forever, and it all began with a fingerprint.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: NW Kansas and the history of fingerprinting 

<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/2023/4/1680705151411.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

The&nbsp;good and&nbsp;bad&nbsp;processed foods are everywhere. The term “processed” applies to food that has been altered from a natural state in any way. Minimally processed foods can have a place in healthy diets. Examples include low-fat milk, precut fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and fruit, roasted nuts, and whole-grain breads. Also, milk and juice that has been fortified with vitamin D and calcium, breakfast cereals with added fiber, canned vegetables, and canned fruits packed in water or natural juice can, and should be, part of a healthy diet, especially when fresh versions are not available or affordable.

Diets that are high in ultra-processed foods have been linked with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, excess calorie intake, and weight gain. This is of great concern as nearly 60% of calories consumed in the U.S. are in the form of&nbsp;ultra-processed&nbsp;food.

Ultra-processed foods have gone through multiple processing, like heating, freezing, milling, dehydrating, and blanching. During these processes, the food’s structure is changed and often other ingredients are added. You will find ultra-processed foods in every food category and these are appealing because they are ready to eat, affordable, and tasty. Examples of ultra-processed foods include: packaged snacks, crackers, chips, cookies, pastries, candies, cakes, soda, packaged breads/rolls, sweetened cereals, boxed pasta and rice dishes, deli meats, hot dogs, sausage, instant soup mixes, and frozen ready-to-eat foods like pizza, entrees, side dishes, and desserts.

In today’s food environment, it is unrealistic to think you can avoid ultra-processed food entirely. Here are some helpful tips:&nbsp;

• Keep track of how much your diet is made up of these foods and then make a few healthier substitutions each week. •When you go to the grocery store, shop the perimeter. The center isles are likely to contain ultra-processed foods. •Prepare meals at home more often and use whole, unprocessed foods. Become an informed consumer and know what you are eating. •Read the ingredient list on food labels and look for added sugar, fat, and salt; substances that are not typically found in a kitchen like hydrogenated oils, colors, emulsifiers, thickeners; and chemical-sounding names you can’t pronounce. These are good indicators that the item is probably ultra-processed.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;good and&nbsp;bad&nbsp;processed foods are everywhere. The term “processed” applies to food that has been altered from a natural state in any way. Minimally processed foods can have a place in healthy diets. Examples include low-fat milk, precut fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and fruit, roasted nuts, and whole-grain breads. Also, milk and juice that has been fortified with vitamin D and calcium, breakfast cereals with added fiber, canned vegetables, and canned fruits packed in water or natural juice can, and should be, part of a healthy diet, especially when fresh versions are not available or affordable.Diets that are high in ultra-processed foods have been linked with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, excess calorie intake, and weight gain. This is of great concern as nearly 60% of calories consumed in the U.S. are in the form of&nbsp;ultra-processed&nbsp;food.Ultra-processed foods have gone through multiple processing, like heating, freezing, milling, dehydrating, and blanching. During these processes, the food’s structure is changed and often other ingredients are added. You will find ultra-processed foods in every food category and these are appealing because they are ready to eat, affordable, and tasty. Examples of ultra-processed foods include: packaged snacks, crackers, chips, cookies, pastries, candies, cakes, soda, packaged breads/rolls, sweetened cereals, boxed pasta and rice dishes, deli meats, hot dogs, sausage, instant soup mixes, and frozen ready-to-eat foods like pizza, entrees, side dishes, and desserts.In today’s food environment, it is unrealistic to think you can avoid ultra-processed food entirely. Here are some helpful tips:&nbsp;• Keep track of how much your diet is made up of these foods and then make a few healthier substitutions each week. •When you go to the grocery store, shop the perimeter. The center isles are likely to contain ultra-processed foods. •Prepare meals at home more often and use whole, unprocessed foods. Become an informed consumer and know what you are eating. •Read the ingredient list on food labels and look for added sugar, fat, and salt; substances that are not typically found in a kitchen like hydrogenated oils, colors, emulsifiers, thickeners; and chemical-sounding names you can’t pronounce. These are good indicators that the item is probably ultra-processed.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

KOERNER: The good and the bad of processed foods

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Representative Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, issued the following statement:

“As a former athlete who competed before the days&nbsp;that<a></a>&nbsp;Title IX&nbsp;became law,&nbsp;I know firsthand how important the advances made in the last 50 years are for women’s sports and the&nbsp;significance of protecting them.&nbsp;I’m proud&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;today in support of women’s athletics and carry the motion to override Gov. Kelly’s veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in honor&nbsp;all of&nbsp;our daughters and granddaughters who deserve every right afforded to their male counterparts.”

News releaseTOPEKA —&nbsp;Representative Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, issued the following statement:“As a former athlete who competed before the days&nbsp;that<a></a>&nbsp;Title IX&nbsp;became law,&nbsp;I know firsthand how important the advances made in the last 50 years are for women’s sports and the&nbsp;significance of protecting them.&nbsp;I’m proud&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;today in support of women’s athletics and carry the motion to override Gov. Kelly’s veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in honor&nbsp;all of&nbsp;our daughters and granddaughters who deserve every right afforded to their male counterparts.”

Wasinger issues statement on decision to override veto

SHERIDAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged cattle theft in northwest Kansas.

The Sheridan County Sheriff's Department is asking for the publics assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas. 

The cattle are described as black, mixture of fall steers and heifers. 

Possible reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of a person or persons involved in this theft or missing cattle case.

In December of 2022, law enforcement investigated a similar cattle theft in Baca County, Colorado, 231 miles southwest of Hoxie, according to the Baca County sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654867219299.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHERIDAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged cattle theft in northwest Kansas.The Sheridan County Sheriff's Department is asking for the publics assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas. The cattle are described as black, mixture of fall steers and heifers. Possible reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of a person or persons involved in this theft or missing cattle case.In December of 2022, law enforcement investigated a similar cattle theft in Baca County, Colorado, 231 miles southwest of Hoxie, according to the Baca County sheriff's office.

Sheriff: 80 head of cattle missing in northwest Kansas

Overall winner of the Full Bracket: Mike Cunningham

16 Team Bracket winner: Chris Rorabaugh

4 Team Bracket winner: Bob Mickelson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678716528670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Overall winner of the Full Bracket: Mike Cunningham<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680716200065.jpeg" alt="Mike&nbsp;Cunningham" />
 <figcaption>Mike&nbsp;Cunningham</figcaption>
 </figure>16 Team Bracket winner: Chris Rorabaugh<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680716224246.jpeg" alt="Chris Rorabaugh" />
 <figcaption>Chris Rorabaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>4 Team Bracket winner: Bob Mickelson<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680716252885.jpeg" alt="Bob Mickelson" />
 <figcaption>Bob Mickelson</figcaption>
 </figure>

And the winners of NCK Tech March Mania Bracket Challenge are ...

April is sexual violence awareness
month and as reports of domestic and sexual violence continue to rise, Options Domestic
and Sexual Violence Services Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said awareness
is an important part of prevention.

And so, through the month, the organization will
host events to help bring awareness to the community, including an ongoing
exhibit this week in the Fort Hays State University’s Taylor Gallery, located within
the Center for Applied Technology.

The What Were You Wearing exhibit
is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.

“Jana’s
Campaign is partnering with us to bring this exhibit back again, this is the
exhibit that the Wonder Women have been a longtime sponsor for, What Were You
Wearing, is really intended to bring awareness to the myth that somehow
what someone was wearing contributed to their sexual assault,” Hecker said. “And
I think that is the worst kind of victim blaming that we can do to someone who
has been raped. The idea, the suggestion is that if somehow that victim had
simply chosen a different outfit to wear that day, they would not have been
raped.”

She said
while that idea remains common, it is wrong.

“We know
that's absolutely not true,” Hecker said. “And you will see from the outfits how untrue that myth is. And yet it continues to be very pervasive in our
conversations with people when they talk about their sexual assault.”

And another
event on the FHSU campus planned for Wednesday will expand on victim blaming and
how someone can help.

“We are
going to be joining the Center For Empowering Victims of Gender Based Violence,
who are hosting an expo in the Black and Gold Room at Fort Hays State
University from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” Hecker said. “They will be spending a lot of
time taking an in-depth look at victim blaming, and how a person could become
an advocate and advocate for their friend or a loved one who may be
experiencing that type of victim blaming.”

While the topic of domestic and sexual violence can be
difficult, events such as the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, set from 4 p.m. to
6 p.m. April 12 on the FHSU quad, can help open dialogue through fun activities.

"We've all heard the saying
you can't understand someone else's experience until you've walked a mile in
their shoes,” Hecker said. “A lot of those sororities and fraternities, in particular, are going to be putting on high heels and walking a mile in high heels in
solidarity with victims, but also to open up an opportunity to talk about and
listen to the experiences of others so that we know how we can support people
in our community and how to bring more prevention to the community as well.”

But she said, “It’s pretty funny watching, watching some
pretty tall dudes try and walk in some very skinny high heels.”

Another Walk a Mile in Her
Shoes event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 in the Union of the Colby
Community College.

Rounding out events on the FHSU campus on April 14, Options will partner with Us 4 U to display
their Red Flag Garden. 

“It's really to showcase some
of the red flags, behaviors that exist in relationships that can signal the
potential for future violence or future abuse,” Hecker said. “So each red flag
that is planted and there will be a sea of red flags, each one will be planted
with a different type of abusive behavior. That could be a red flag or a
warning sign for abusive relationships.”

Knowing those warning signs, she said, can be important as
violence often escalates with time.

“Abuse
doesn't get better, abuse gets worse,” Hecker said. “And so really looking at
those red signs, those red flags can help us, and sometimes that helps people
that were close to that might see that relationship in a different way, and can
open up an avenue of safe conversation.”

Outside
of the FHSU campus-based events, another What Were You Wearing event is scheduled
at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13.

And at Big
Creek Crossing, the installation will be displayed April 17 to 21.

“This one
will be a little bit different,” Hecker said. “It's going to be open all during
the hours that the mall is open, so from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the north end of
the hallway, but we will not have staff at this event the whole time like we do
at Fort Hays.”

While a
staff member will not be available, she said the stores surrounding the display
have contact information for advocates.

Capping
off the month, Hecker said a years-long project will be launched at the Spring
Art Walk on April 29.

Broken
Brides will be available to view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Insurance – Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main

“That is
a symbolic bridal shower you never want to have to throw for anyone,” Hecker
said. “They are products that we imagine that a victim might need in order to
survive a relationship where domestic violence is happening. And symbolic items
that are everyday items that are used sometimes to weaponize violence against victims.”

The
Wonder Women League will sponsor the event.

“It is
provocative, it is thought-provoking, it's in your face,” Hecker said. “And it
is very real. All of the stories are the real-life stories and experiences that
victims have shared with us. So you'll see things in the display like 'jealous
rage bandages' 'don't talk back arm slings' and things like that.”

<a href="https://help4abuse.org/april-events-2023/">For a full calendar of events,
visit the options website, help4abuse.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680630807799.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostApril is sexual violence awareness
month and as reports of domestic and sexual violence continue to rise, Options Domestic
and Sexual Violence Services Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said awareness
is an important part of prevention.And so, through the month, the organization will
host events to help bring awareness to the community, including an ongoing
exhibit this week in the Fort Hays State University’s Taylor Gallery, located within
the Center for Applied Technology.The What Were You Wearing exhibit
is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.“Jana’s
Campaign is partnering with us to bring this exhibit back again, this is the
exhibit that the Wonder Women have been a longtime sponsor for, What Were You
Wearing, is really intended to bring awareness to the myth that somehow
what someone was wearing contributed to their sexual assault,” Hecker said. “And
I think that is the worst kind of victim blaming that we can do to someone who
has been raped. The idea, the suggestion is that if somehow that victim had
simply chosen a different outfit to wear that day, they would not have been
raped.”She said
while that idea remains common, it is wrong.“We know
that's absolutely not true,” Hecker said. “And you will see from the outfits how untrue that myth is. And yet it continues to be very pervasive in our
conversations with people when they talk about their sexual assault.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680631209663.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And another
event on the FHSU campus planned for Wednesday will expand on victim blaming and
how someone can help.“We are
going to be joining the Center For Empowering Victims of Gender Based Violence,
who are hosting an expo in the Black and Gold Room at Fort Hays State
University from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” Hecker said. “They will be spending a lot of
time taking an in-depth look at victim blaming, and how a person could become
an advocate and advocate for their friend or a loved one who may be
experiencing that type of victim blaming.”While the topic of domestic and sexual violence can be
difficult, events such as the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, set from 4 p.m. to
6 p.m. April 12 on the FHSU quad, can help open dialogue through fun activities."We've all heard the saying
you can't understand someone else's experience until you've walked a mile in
their shoes,” Hecker said. “A lot of those sororities and fraternities, in particular, are going to be putting on high heels and walking a mile in high heels in
solidarity with victims, but also to open up an opportunity to talk about and
listen to the experiences of others so that we know how we can support people
in our community and how to bring more prevention to the community as well.”But she said, “It’s pretty funny watching, watching some
pretty tall dudes try and walk in some very skinny high heels.”Another Walk a Mile in Her
Shoes event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 in the Union of the Colby
Community College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680631085525.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Rounding out events on the FHSU campus on April 14, Options will partner with Us 4 U to display
their Red Flag Garden. “It's really to showcase some
of the red flags, behaviors that exist in relationships that can signal the
potential for future violence or future abuse,” Hecker said. “So each red flag
that is planted and there will be a sea of red flags, each one will be planted
with a different type of abusive behavior. That could be a red flag or a
warning sign for abusive relationships.”Knowing those warning signs, she said, can be important as
violence often escalates with time.“Abuse
doesn't get better, abuse gets worse,” Hecker said. “And so really looking at
those red signs, those red flags can help us, and sometimes that helps people
that were close to that might see that relationship in a different way, and can
open up an avenue of safe conversation.”Outside
of the FHSU campus-based events, another What Were You Wearing event is scheduled
at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13.And at Big
Creek Crossing, the installation will be displayed April 17 to 21.“This one
will be a little bit different,” Hecker said. “It's going to be open all during
the hours that the mall is open, so from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the north end of
the hallway, but we will not have staff at this event the whole time like we do
at Fort Hays.”While a
staff member will not be available, she said the stores surrounding the display
have contact information for advocates.Capping
off the month, Hecker said a years-long project will be launched at the Spring
Art Walk on April 29.Broken
Brides will be available to view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Insurance – Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main“That is
a symbolic bridal shower you never want to have to throw for anyone,” Hecker
said. “They are products that we imagine that a victim might need in order to
survive a relationship where domestic violence is happening. And symbolic items
that are everyday items that are used sometimes to weaponize violence against victims.”The
Wonder Women League will sponsor the event.“It is
provocative, it is thought-provoking, it's in your face,” Hecker said. “And it
is very real. All of the stories are the real-life stories and experiences that
victims have shared with us. So you'll see things in the display like 'jealous
rage bandages' 'don't talk back arm slings' and things like that.”<a href="https://help4abuse.org/april-events-2023/">For a full calendar of events,
visit the options website, help4abuse.org.</a>

Options host events to share sexual, domestic violence prevention message 

FHSU Foundation After years of planning and construction, Fort Hays State University will unveil its innovative student-created charging station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in front of the Center for Applied Technology on the FHSU campus.&nbsp;

The public is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting and hear from FHSU President Tisa Mason, applied technology professor Eric Deneault, FHSU alumni and undergraduate student researchers. Additionally, Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics will make a surprise announcement.

For those unable to join in person, the Chamber in Hays will live-stream the event on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber">Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680634164700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation After years of planning and construction, Fort Hays State University will unveil its innovative student-created charging station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in front of the Center for Applied Technology on the FHSU campus.&nbsp;The public is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting and hear from FHSU President Tisa Mason, applied technology professor Eric Deneault, FHSU alumni and undergraduate student researchers. Additionally, Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics will make a surprise announcement.For those unable to join in person, the Chamber in Hays will live-stream the event on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber">Facebook page</a>.

FHSU Center for Applied Technology ribbon-cutting is Thursday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 25 and 31.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Graham County was one of four counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,471 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714363772.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 25 and 31.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Graham County was one of four counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,471 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714457793.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Only 4 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

I have spent the last three weekends holding Town Hall meetings in the 40th Senate District. 

When I spoke about the property tax rebate for seniors over 65 and disabled veterans many of the people were not aware of the property tax rebate program.

 I mentioned at the meetings that I would republish the information regarding the new tax law. During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is the first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). 

Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023, and can be found at: <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf</a>.

Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to Kansas Department of Revenue for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. In 2023 we will continue to look for solutions for the reduction in property taxes for all Kansas tax payers.

We passed the Senate’s version of the budget:

The budget vote is the first step in a multi-stop train that is the annual budget process. The committee delayed action on several items to be reviewed at conference and some at omnibus. The legislature has the power of the purse and it’s important we do not just simply act as a rubber stamp. At this stage in the process, nothing is off the table. The final budget will include appropriated monies for the final tax plans that are adopted as well as any new expenditures that may be passed. One item of note that the committee delayed for review at omnibus, is an additional pay increase for state employees on top of the 5% that was passed last year. 

There is significant support for this item to ensure we’re taking care of our state employees, particularly with persistent inflation and costs of living, so it remains a viable point of discussion. An amendment was added by Senator Tyson that made a modest cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million. Senator Blasi also added an amendment that transferred $1.8 million from idle funds (meaning they are currently unused) in the Department of Corrections to help bring the pay for Targeted Case Managers for those with Intellectual Development Disabilities to $75/hour. Senator Blasi indicated that Kansas has been losing targeted case managers which is causing tremendous anxiety for families who need IDD care.

Some of the bills of interest for the 40th Senate District this week are:

HB2335 would authorize the Rail Service Improvement Fund to be used for qualified track maintenance and would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Rail Service Improvement Fund from $5.0 million to $10.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2023. Continuing law authorizes use of these funds for financing, acquisition, or rehabilitation of railroad and rolling stock.

HB2290 would authorize the affiliation of Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College with Fort Hays State University (FHSU).

Senate Sub.for HB2302 would establish funding for the State Water Plan and water infrastructure projects, create the Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund, authorize the Kansas Water Office to provide grants and adopt rules and regulations to establish criteria for grants, update reporting requirements for the Kansas Water Authority, and make technical amendments.

HB2279 would add sections to the Kansas Groundwater Management District Act to require groundwater districts to submit annual reports to the Legislature and conservation and stabilization action plans to the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture. The bill will be part of and supplemental to the Kansas Groundwater Management Act of the Kansas Statues Annotated.

This week is conference committee week where bills from the House and Senate that have differences will be negotiated and agreed to by conference committee participants from the House and Senate. After an agreement is met each chamber will need to receive a majority approval to the changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675701343257.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>April 5, 2023I have spent the last three weekends holding Town Hall meetings in the 40th Senate District. When I spoke about the property tax rebate for seniors over 65 and disabled veterans many of the people were not aware of the property tax rebate program. I mentioned at the meetings that I would republish the information regarding the new tax law. During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is the first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023, and can be found at: <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf</a>. Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to Kansas Department of Revenue for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. In 2023 we will continue to look for solutions for the reduction in property taxes for all Kansas tax payers.We passed the Senate’s version of the budget:The budget vote is the first step in a multi-stop train that is the annual budget process. The committee delayed action on several items to be reviewed at conference and some at omnibus. The legislature has the power of the purse and it’s important we do not just simply act as a rubber stamp. At this stage in the process, nothing is off the table. The final budget will include appropriated monies for the final tax plans that are adopted as well as any new expenditures that may be passed. One item of note that the committee delayed for review at omnibus, is an additional pay increase for state employees on top of the 5% that was passed last year. There is significant support for this item to ensure we’re taking care of our state employees, particularly with persistent inflation and costs of living, so it remains a viable point of discussion. An amendment was added by Senator Tyson that made a modest cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million. Senator Blasi also added an amendment that transferred $1.8 million from idle funds (meaning they are currently unused) in the Department of Corrections to help bring the pay for Targeted Case Managers for those with Intellectual Development Disabilities to $75/hour. Senator Blasi indicated that Kansas has been losing targeted case managers which is causing tremendous anxiety for families who need IDD care.Some of the bills of interest for the 40th Senate District this week are:HB2335 would authorize the Rail Service Improvement Fund to be used for qualified track maintenance and would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Rail Service Improvement Fund from $5.0 million to $10.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2023. Continuing law authorizes use of these funds for financing, acquisition, or rehabilitation of railroad and rolling stock.HB2290 would authorize the affiliation of Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College with Fort Hays State University (FHSU).Senate Sub.for HB2302 would establish funding for the State Water Plan and water infrastructure projects, create the Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund, authorize the Kansas Water Office to provide grants and adopt rules and regulations to establish criteria for grants, update reporting requirements for the Kansas Water Authority, and make technical amendments.HB2279 would add sections to the Kansas Groundwater Management District Act to require groundwater districts to submit annual reports to the Legislature and conservation and stabilization action plans to the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture. The bill will be part of and supplemental to the Kansas Groundwater Management Act of the Kansas Statues Annotated.This week is conference committee week where bills from the House and Senate that have differences will be negotiated and agreed to by conference committee participants from the House and Senate. After an agreement is met each chamber will need to receive a majority approval to the changes.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

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