February&nbsp;arrives,&nbsp;bringing with it&nbsp;Valentines, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and tax prep time. Some&nbsp;recollect&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;also&nbsp;down-to-the-wire&nbsp;time for&nbsp;junior&nbsp;classes&nbsp;and prom sponsors. Yes,&nbsp;for&nbsp;that memory-making night&nbsp;to occur&nbsp;as&nbsp;scheduled, it’s time to spend money juniors&nbsp;raised their&nbsp;previous&nbsp;two-and-a-half years&nbsp;of high school while mining the depths of teenage energy&nbsp;and teaching life lessons.

​Anyone&nbsp;who&nbsp;attended&nbsp;western Kansas&nbsp;schools&nbsp;will&nbsp;read&nbsp;this&nbsp;and&nbsp;take a nostalgic&nbsp;journey.Remember&nbsp;hours&nbsp;spent&nbsp;scouring&nbsp;thick&nbsp;catalogues to&nbsp;pick&nbsp;themes&nbsp;and decor, selecting&nbsp;a logo&nbsp;unique to&nbsp;the&nbsp;class,&nbsp;ordering logo-embossed glasses and napkins,&nbsp;and considering&nbsp;menus.&nbsp;Proms require&nbsp;time,&nbsp;analysis,&nbsp;effort,&nbsp;budgeting,&nbsp;mediation, and&nbsp;strong&nbsp;interpersonal skills.&nbsp;A highlight of&nbsp;11th&nbsp;grade&nbsp;is this effort&nbsp;toward a common goal.

​While&nbsp;prom night lasts approximately six hours,&nbsp;excluding&nbsp;after-prom activities,&nbsp;hosting a successful event&nbsp;requires&nbsp;juniors, parents,&nbsp;administrators,&nbsp;janitors, cooks,&nbsp;and sponsors&nbsp;to commit 1000s of hours&nbsp;beginning with fund-raising throughout freshman and sophomore years.In small&nbsp;schools,&nbsp;already-busy&nbsp;kids&nbsp;sign up for everything;&nbsp;otherwise,&nbsp;prom&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;happen.&nbsp;

​During planning 101,&nbsp;the class&nbsp;selects&nbsp;a&nbsp;theme. Simple, right? Keep in mind males and females&nbsp;do&nbsp;not&nbsp;think alike.&nbsp;To complicate matters,&nbsp;some&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;like fancy&nbsp;and others&nbsp;plain.&nbsp;Toss&nbsp;in&nbsp;video game and movie&nbsp;special effect concepts kids&nbsp;admire, and throw in veteran sponsors who know how long it&nbsp;actually&nbsp;takes to decorate and tear down decorations. It&nbsp;triggers&nbsp;new appreciation for&nbsp;crepe paper streamer and balloon décor&nbsp;days. Granted it takes a while to cut and hang enough crepe to form a big top over the dining and dancing area, but. . ..

​After picking a theme,&nbsp;planners&nbsp;review their&nbsp;budget&nbsp;again. Sponsors&nbsp;assisted by sophomore leaders&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;a&nbsp;DJ&nbsp;the year before, a known expense,&nbsp;to guarantee&nbsp;this year’s music.&nbsp;While one group selects&nbsp;styles and logos for&nbsp;glassware and napkins, another&nbsp;consults the head cook&nbsp;for&nbsp;menu options.&nbsp;Others&nbsp;pour through catalogues,&nbsp;choosing decoration&nbsp;choices&nbsp;to share with classmates.&nbsp;Budget&nbsp;drives all decision-making. The class can only spend what it earned.

Organizing&nbsp;a function of this size&nbsp;challenges everyone involved. Factor in interpersonal issues&nbsp;and&nbsp;stress&nbsp;multiplies when juniors gather&nbsp;to&nbsp;vote.&nbsp;Everyone values&nbsp;individualism until&nbsp;a class&nbsp;must&nbsp;decide&nbsp;NOW.&nbsp;Good mediators or&nbsp;uneven enrollment&nbsp;numbers&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent ties&nbsp;make&nbsp;for faster&nbsp;decisions.

​By February’s end,&nbsp;juniors&nbsp;have ordered supplies,&nbsp;established&nbsp;menus, and set up&nbsp;before and&nbsp;after&nbsp;school and weekend&nbsp;decorating&nbsp;schedules around academics, music, athletics,&nbsp;plays, forensics, jobs,&nbsp;friends,&nbsp;and family. Oh, and guys order tuxes while gals search for perfect prom dresses.&nbsp;Far-sighted&nbsp;juniors&nbsp;make&nbsp;corsage and boutonniere, hair, tanning, and nail appointments as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

​One night in late April or early May,&nbsp;this&nbsp;well-dressed&nbsp;group of teens who graduate in another year hosts an event that&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;a life-long&nbsp;memory for them, families and friends,&nbsp;and the seniors they honor. Their efforts taught them&nbsp;to&nbsp;budget,&nbsp;plan,&nbsp;organize,&nbsp;work&nbsp;hard,&nbsp;deal with adversity, and collaborate with others.&nbsp;Best school lesson ever.

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

​By KAREN MADORINFebruary&nbsp;arrives,&nbsp;bringing with it&nbsp;Valentines, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and tax prep time. Some&nbsp;recollect&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;also&nbsp;down-to-the-wire&nbsp;time for&nbsp;junior&nbsp;classes&nbsp;and prom sponsors. Yes,&nbsp;for&nbsp;that memory-making night&nbsp;to occur&nbsp;as&nbsp;scheduled, it’s time to spend money juniors&nbsp;raised their&nbsp;previous&nbsp;two-and-a-half years&nbsp;of high school while mining the depths of teenage energy&nbsp;and teaching life lessons.​Anyone&nbsp;who&nbsp;attended&nbsp;western Kansas&nbsp;schools&nbsp;will&nbsp;read&nbsp;this&nbsp;and&nbsp;take a nostalgic&nbsp;journey.Remember&nbsp;hours&nbsp;spent&nbsp;scouring&nbsp;thick&nbsp;catalogues to&nbsp;pick&nbsp;themes&nbsp;and decor, selecting&nbsp;a logo&nbsp;unique to&nbsp;the&nbsp;class,&nbsp;ordering logo-embossed glasses and napkins,&nbsp;and considering&nbsp;menus.&nbsp;Proms require&nbsp;time,&nbsp;analysis,&nbsp;effort,&nbsp;budgeting,&nbsp;mediation, and&nbsp;strong&nbsp;interpersonal skills.&nbsp;A highlight of&nbsp;11th&nbsp;grade&nbsp;is this effort&nbsp;toward a common goal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​While&nbsp;prom night lasts approximately six hours,&nbsp;excluding&nbsp;after-prom activities,&nbsp;hosting a successful event&nbsp;requires&nbsp;juniors, parents,&nbsp;administrators,&nbsp;janitors, cooks,&nbsp;and sponsors&nbsp;to commit 1000s of hours&nbsp;beginning with fund-raising throughout freshman and sophomore years.In small&nbsp;schools,&nbsp;already-busy&nbsp;kids&nbsp;sign up for everything;&nbsp;otherwise,&nbsp;prom&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;happen.&nbsp;​During planning 101,&nbsp;the class&nbsp;selects&nbsp;a&nbsp;theme. Simple, right? Keep in mind males and females&nbsp;do&nbsp;not&nbsp;think alike.&nbsp;To complicate matters,&nbsp;some&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;like fancy&nbsp;and others&nbsp;plain.&nbsp;Toss&nbsp;in&nbsp;video game and movie&nbsp;special effect concepts kids&nbsp;admire, and throw in veteran sponsors who know how long it&nbsp;actually&nbsp;takes to decorate and tear down decorations. It&nbsp;triggers&nbsp;new appreciation for&nbsp;crepe paper streamer and balloon décor&nbsp;days. Granted it takes a while to cut and hang enough crepe to form a big top over the dining and dancing area, but. . ..​After picking a theme,&nbsp;planners&nbsp;review their&nbsp;budget&nbsp;again. Sponsors&nbsp;assisted by sophomore leaders&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;a&nbsp;DJ&nbsp;the year before, a known expense,&nbsp;to guarantee&nbsp;this year’s music.&nbsp;While one group selects&nbsp;styles and logos for&nbsp;glassware and napkins, another&nbsp;consults the head cook&nbsp;for&nbsp;menu options.&nbsp;Others&nbsp;pour through catalogues,&nbsp;choosing decoration&nbsp;choices&nbsp;to share with classmates.&nbsp;Budget&nbsp;drives all decision-making. The class can only spend what it earned.Organizing&nbsp;a function of this size&nbsp;challenges everyone involved. Factor in interpersonal issues&nbsp;and&nbsp;stress&nbsp;multiplies when juniors gather&nbsp;to&nbsp;vote.&nbsp;Everyone values&nbsp;individualism until&nbsp;a class&nbsp;must&nbsp;decide&nbsp;NOW.&nbsp;Good mediators or&nbsp;uneven enrollment&nbsp;numbers&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent ties&nbsp;make&nbsp;for faster&nbsp;decisions.​By February’s end,&nbsp;juniors&nbsp;have ordered supplies,&nbsp;established&nbsp;menus, and set up&nbsp;before and&nbsp;after&nbsp;school and weekend&nbsp;decorating&nbsp;schedules around academics, music, athletics,&nbsp;plays, forensics, jobs,&nbsp;friends,&nbsp;and family. Oh, and guys order tuxes while gals search for perfect prom dresses.&nbsp;Far-sighted&nbsp;juniors&nbsp;make&nbsp;corsage and boutonniere, hair, tanning, and nail appointments as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;​One night in late April or early May,&nbsp;this&nbsp;well-dressed&nbsp;group of teens who graduate in another year hosts an event that&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;a life-long&nbsp;memory for them, families and friends,&nbsp;and the seniors they honor. Their efforts taught them&nbsp;to&nbsp;budget,&nbsp;plan,&nbsp;organize,&nbsp;work&nbsp;hard,&nbsp;deal with adversity, and collaborate with others.&nbsp;Best school lesson ever.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Prom — behind the scenes

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676049927888.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 Eagle Media Center business office, 2300 Hall, will be closed Monday.

The business office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Eagle Media Center business office, 2300 Hall, will be closed Monday.The business office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Eagle Media Center business office closed Monday

Man hospitalized after semi strikes vehicle on I-70

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Jeff Ridgeway discusses the We Tip program.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2918d977-0c75-4956-91b2-b81c64cc3e02">Read more about the We Tip program at hayspost.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Police Department implements We Tip program" 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=ysr3w-13891cd-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 Hays Police Department Lt. Jeff Ridgeway discusses the We Tip program. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2918d977-0c75-4956-91b2-b81c64cc3e02">Read more about the We Tip program at hayspost.com.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Police Department implements We Tip program

Gov.
 Laura Kelly mentioned Kansas’ water crisis in her 2023 State of the State Address, but so far she has proposed few specific policies to alleviate the problem.&nbsp; Will this be the year that Kansas policymakers step up?

Some
 90 years ago, the state endured the catastrophic Dust Bowl from 1931 to 1939.&nbsp; This tragedy was not caused by drought alone.&nbsp; The Dust Bowl was aided and abetted by the removal of natural grasslands for farmland.&nbsp; Tilling the soil made it vulnerable to drought
 and wind, and much of the topsoil blew away.&nbsp; Agricultural policies during the New Deal era aimed to prevent a second disaster.&nbsp; They included planting trees as windbreaks, offering incentives for low- and no-till farming, paying farmers to leave land fallow
 on a rotating basis, and the creation of soil and water conservation districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today,
 we face a similar crisis with the High Plains Aquifer.&nbsp; Discovered in the late 1800s, the Aquifer is the reason why much of today’s agriculture in Western Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma is possible.&nbsp; Large-scale reliance on the Aquifer followed, with center-pivot
 irrigation becoming popular by the late Twentieth Century.&nbsp; Once known as the “Great American Desert,” suddenly this land could support non-drought resistant crops including soybeans and corn, in addition to winter wheat, which was already being grown there.
 In those earlier days, there were minimal limitations on how much water could be pumped and the level fell accordingly. &nbsp; Rainfall amounts vary greatly from year to year, and water levels vary in different places, but on balance, the water levels in the Aquifer
 have been falling for some time.&nbsp; Agriculture accounts for 94% of groundwater use in Kansas, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

Thirty-seven
 years ago, author Marc Reisner’s 1986 book "Cadillac Desert"&nbsp; concluded that the Aquifer would one day reach a level where no more water could be pumped, effectively shutting down most agriculture in and around Western Kansas.&nbsp; Reisner also chronicled various proposals, some of which were downright bizarre, such as making
 entire rivers flow in the opposite direction.&nbsp; Wisely, policymakers rejected such foolishness. Not so wisely, they chose instead to implement only limited solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today,
 climate change complicates the problem further.&nbsp; Droughts have become more common, and average temperatures around here have risen by 1.5 degrees.&nbsp; Hotter temperatures mean more evaporation.&nbsp; Rainfall patterns throughout the year are changing, necessitating
 more adaptations.

Unfortunately,
 our farmers still face strong incentives to pump as much water as possible.&nbsp; Water rights have been set for well users for some time, but regulation and compliance are complicated.&nbsp; Droplines reduce lost water from center-pivot systems, but they are not enough
 without additional changes such as increased crop rotation.&nbsp; The United States continues to overproduce corn, a water-intensive, heat-sensitive crop that is not the best fit for Western Kansas’ climate, though newer farm legislation has begun to move away
 from that.&nbsp; Other waterways are threatened, too.

Without strong, bipartisan leadership, this issue could be yet another one sucked into our country’s wider
 culture wars, sowing distrust and making it harder to reach agreements between farmers and other conservation advocates.&nbsp; That would be a shame.&nbsp; Kansas farmers proudly help feed the world.&nbsp; The decisions we make today will decide if they can do so in the
 future.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov.
 Laura Kelly mentioned Kansas’ water crisis in her 2023 State of the State Address, but so far she has proposed few specific policies to alleviate the problem.&nbsp; Will this be the year that Kansas policymakers step up?Some
 90 years ago, the state endured the catastrophic Dust Bowl from 1931 to 1939.&nbsp; This tragedy was not caused by drought alone.&nbsp; The Dust Bowl was aided and abetted by the removal of natural grasslands for farmland.&nbsp; Tilling the soil made it vulnerable to drought
 and wind, and much of the topsoil blew away.&nbsp; Agricultural policies during the New Deal era aimed to prevent a second disaster.&nbsp; They included planting trees as windbreaks, offering incentives for low- and no-till farming, paying farmers to leave land fallow
 on a rotating basis, and the creation of soil and water conservation districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today,
 we face a similar crisis with the High Plains Aquifer.&nbsp; Discovered in the late 1800s, the Aquifer is the reason why much of today’s agriculture in Western Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma is possible.&nbsp; Large-scale reliance on the Aquifer followed, with center-pivot
 irrigation becoming popular by the late Twentieth Century.&nbsp; Once known as the “Great American Desert,” suddenly this land could support non-drought resistant crops including soybeans and corn, in addition to winter wheat, which was already being grown there.
 In those earlier days, there were minimal limitations on how much water could be pumped and the level fell accordingly. &nbsp; Rainfall amounts vary greatly from year to year, and water levels vary in different places, but on balance, the water levels in the Aquifer
 have been falling for some time.&nbsp; Agriculture accounts for 94% of groundwater use in Kansas, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.Thirty-seven
 years ago, author Marc Reisner’s 1986 book "Cadillac Desert"&nbsp; concluded that the Aquifer would one day reach a level where no more water could be pumped, effectively shutting down most agriculture in and around Western Kansas.&nbsp; Reisner also chronicled various proposals, some of which were downright bizarre, such as making
 entire rivers flow in the opposite direction.&nbsp; Wisely, policymakers rejected such foolishness. Not so wisely, they chose instead to implement only limited solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today,
 climate change complicates the problem further.&nbsp; Droughts have become more common, and average temperatures around here have risen by 1.5 degrees.&nbsp; Hotter temperatures mean more evaporation.&nbsp; Rainfall patterns throughout the year are changing, necessitating
 more adaptations.Unfortunately,
 our farmers still face strong incentives to pump as much water as possible.&nbsp; Water rights have been set for well users for some time, but regulation and compliance are complicated.&nbsp; Droplines reduce lost water from center-pivot systems, but they are not enough
 without additional changes such as increased crop rotation.&nbsp; The United States continues to overproduce corn, a water-intensive, heat-sensitive crop that is not the best fit for Western Kansas’ climate, though newer farm legislation has begun to move away
 from that.&nbsp; Other waterways are threatened, too.Without strong, bipartisan leadership, this issue could be yet another one sucked into our country’s wider
 culture wars, sowing distrust and making it harder to reach agreements between farmers and other conservation advocates.&nbsp; That would be a shame.&nbsp; Kansas farmers proudly help feed the world.&nbsp; The decisions we make today will decide if they can do so in the
 future.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Not a drop to drink

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — The drought 
continues to hamper business as usual in and around Cheyenne Bottoms. A 
recent count around the Bottoms turned up just 61 documented species in 
the area, compared to 75-85 in a typical year. As it turns out, that 
could be a good thing. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis 
Wolf said the lack of birds this year could be preventing mass outbreaks
 of avian influenza.

"Those huge concentrations like that, as with
 any of those viral-type things, that's how it gets spread," he said. 
"When we're, on a typical year, holding 200-300,000 geese at Cheyenne 
Bottoms, that's a lot of birds in a small area and you can have those 
outbreaks."

In April 2022, the Smithsonian reported at least 36 
bald eagles in 14 states had died of the H5N1 strain of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Two of those eagles were found in 
Kansas. Wolf said the bird most affected around Kansas has been the snow
 goose which, in turn, can lead to the infection of other birds. 

"They
 love to eat snow geese, especially dead and sick ones," he said. "When 
you have a snow goose that's died of avian influenza, there's a good 
chance it can get passed on to those bigger predators."

Colorado 
is enduring its worst-ever avian flu outbreak with more than 6.4 million
 poultry deaths. Nationwide, the illness has killed more than 57 million
 animals. Since March 2022, there have been 12 known cases of HPAI in 11
 Kansas counties, all east of Barton County.

Experts say the 
current strain, unlike the episode in 2014-15, is being spread by wild 
birds that often show no symptoms despite being infected. HPAI poses 
little threat to humans but can kill 90 to 100 percent of infected 
chickens within 48 hours. A lack of immune response to the new virus is 
likely to blame. Egg prices, meanwhile, are on the way back down after 
more than doubling from $1.79 to $4.25 per dozen, according to the U.S. 
Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675881815391.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — The drought 
continues to hamper business as usual in and around Cheyenne Bottoms. A 
recent count around the Bottoms turned up just 61 documented species in 
the area, compared to 75-85 in a typical year. As it turns out, that 
could be a good thing. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis 
Wolf said the lack of birds this year could be preventing mass outbreaks
 of avian influenza."Those huge concentrations like that, as with
 any of those viral-type things, that's how it gets spread," he said. 
"When we're, on a typical year, holding 200-300,000 geese at Cheyenne 
Bottoms, that's a lot of birds in a small area and you can have those 
outbreaks."In April 2022, the Smithsonian reported at least 36 
bald eagles in 14 states had died of the H5N1 strain of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Two of those eagles were found in 
Kansas. Wolf said the bird most affected around Kansas has been the snow
 goose which, in turn, can lead to the infection of other birds. "They
 love to eat snow geese, especially dead and sick ones," he said. "When 
you have a snow goose that's died of avian influenza, there's a good 
chance it can get passed on to those bigger predators."Colorado 
is enduring its worst-ever avian flu outbreak with more than 6.4 million
 poultry deaths. Nationwide, the illness has killed more than 57 million
 animals. Since March 2022, there have been 12 known cases of HPAI in 11
 Kansas counties, all east of Barton County.Experts say the 
current strain, unlike the episode in 2014-15, is being spread by wild 
birds that often show no symptoms despite being infected. HPAI poses 
little threat to humans but can kill 90 to 100 percent of infected 
chickens within 48 hours. A lack of immune response to the new virus is 
likely to blame. Egg prices, meanwhile, are on the way back down after 
more than doubling from $1.79 to $4.25 per dozen, according to the U.S. 
Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp;

Cheyenne Bottoms, western Kansas largely escaping avian flu threat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676049876838.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>

The Hays High Indians play host to the Liberal Redskins Friday night in a Western Athletic Conference matchup.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Hays High School.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480666">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians play host to the Liberal Redskins Friday night in a Western Athletic Conference matchup.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Hays High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480666">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480666?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Liberal

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take to the road once again Friday for a key&nbsp;Mid-Continent League matchup with Phillipsburg.

The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/525371">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take to the road once again Friday for a key&nbsp;Mid-Continent League matchup with Phillipsburg.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/525371">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/525371?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Phillipsburg

Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of Pre-Law/Legal Studies at Fort Hays State University Wendy&nbsp;Rohleder-Sook was named&nbsp;a&nbsp;member of the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee.&nbsp;The committee was created by Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla&nbsp;Luckert&nbsp;on Dec. 1 to address&nbsp;the&nbsp;issue of lack&nbsp;of attorney representation in rural counties in Kansas.&nbsp;Today, there are counties in Kansas — Wichita and Hodgeman — that have zero attorneys and others that only have one.&nbsp;With her&nbsp;knowledge&nbsp;and experience, Rohleder-Sook will engage&nbsp;with the 35 members of the committee to collaborate on&nbsp;possible&nbsp;solutions&nbsp;to this issue.&nbsp;

“It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to brainstorm and develop possible solutions with an amazing group around the state in the legal profession and other areas,”&nbsp;Rohleder&nbsp;said. “Everyone should have access to legal representation&nbsp;and&nbsp;the opportunity to&nbsp;develop a face-to-face relationship with&nbsp;an&nbsp;attorney.”

The committee members consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds: branches of state government, the legal and business communities, law schools and special interest organizations. Upon the&nbsp;conclusion of the 18-month period, the committee will submit initial recommendations to the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;with efforts to increase legal representation in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676062057695.jpeg" alt="Rohleder-Sook" />
 <figcaption>Rohleder-Sook</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Political ScienceAssistant Professor of Political Science and Director of Pre-Law/Legal Studies at Fort Hays State University Wendy&nbsp;Rohleder-Sook was named&nbsp;a&nbsp;member of the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee.&nbsp;The committee was created by Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla&nbsp;Luckert&nbsp;on Dec. 1 to address&nbsp;the&nbsp;issue of lack&nbsp;of attorney representation in rural counties in Kansas.&nbsp;Today, there are counties in Kansas — Wichita and Hodgeman — that have zero attorneys and others that only have one.&nbsp;With her&nbsp;knowledge&nbsp;and experience, Rohleder-Sook will engage&nbsp;with the 35 members of the committee to collaborate on&nbsp;possible&nbsp;solutions&nbsp;to this issue.&nbsp;“It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to brainstorm and develop possible solutions with an amazing group around the state in the legal profession and other areas,”&nbsp;Rohleder&nbsp;said. “Everyone should have access to legal representation&nbsp;and&nbsp;the opportunity to&nbsp;develop a face-to-face relationship with&nbsp;an&nbsp;attorney.”The committee members consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds: branches of state government, the legal and business communities, law schools and special interest organizations. Upon the&nbsp;conclusion of the 18-month period, the committee will submit initial recommendations to the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;with efforts to increase legal representation in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Rohleder-Sook named to Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee

LENORA — Nex-Tech has announced the next phase of fiber expansion will be to Salina area households. This fiber expansion provides Internet accessibility of speeds up to 1 gigabyte, allowing ample bandwidth for running multiple wireless devices (including streaming video) or supporting a work-from-home lifestyle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Increased Internet speeds provide many benefits to residences and businesses. It allows the transfer of very large files over the Internet, like medical images or multimedia programming. A fiber infrastructure also levels the playing field for small, rural communities to compete with larger, urban areas for business growth, expansion, and economic development.&nbsp;

Starting in March, Nex-Tech will begin the buildout process to several residential neighborhoods in the east and south areas of Salina. The general area includes most areas east of the Smokey Hill River, and parts south of Magnolia, Belmont to Schilling, and southeast of Cloud and Ohio. For detailed areas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://go.nex-tech.com/e3t/Ctc/ZO+113/c2T0b04/VWcJx28tgXWGW7Jt0N31FwP0GVVm64t4WTGj7N3X6VH93q3npV1-WJV7CgJkcW3fJ1Fz93fmcSW3QCkg88x9QJRN8wfjfj7MGPYW4p9YYp8nr5mdW32LbrG2tVTpMW1Y4_Hb4DLNXJW5NY-2P1h_9NlW5RtFCr4NCX7DW3J0FbJ31WhnJW5tFJwK63TyNjW32rtYn31py1bW1ddxZm29klSqW6ydCHQ1P111ZW8tvhj14kLf60W78p8Yl5nSzTbW9d__hX7jPy5SN2jTW0k2F1-xW8Xyqj15kgSFbN7CkTMwT8-v-N9drS8zbkxxTW1Lg_LR6HZwdSN88dk-mR_q1N3nsv1" target="_blank">www.nex-tech.com/salina</a>. This area of fiber expansion is estimated to be complete by the end of 2023.&nbsp;

In addition, Nex-Tech was recently awarded a grant from the Kansas Capital Project Funds Broadband Infrastructure Program to bring fiber to a residential neighborhood north of Salina and an area along Interstate 70 to the north and south in the Hedville area. This area of the fiber expansion will start in 2024.&nbsp;

“Nex-Tech expansion plans are driven in large part by our commitment to making connectivity an integral part of rural America,” says Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement. “That said, it is an expensive proposition, so when we build, it is with an eye to the future. We know that a 10 Mbps connection is no longer enough for the average household and demand will continue to increase as technology advances.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on Nex-Tech’s fiber expansion in Salina, visit www.nex-tech.com/salina or stop by its store during the Cocoa Crawl on Feb. 17. Nex-Tech’s local store is located at 104 N. Santa Fe, Ste. B, and will be open 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday starting on Feb. 20. Nex-Tech has 15 local employees, so when customers have a question, or need assistance, local assistance will be available.&nbsp;

Nex-Tech has been offering services in Salina since 2005, with a store location since that time. In addition to providing phone, internet and business technology services, the internet expansion will allow Nex-Tech to deliver TV Now service as well, providing a new option for TV service to Salina residents. Nex-Tech currently offers fiber service in nearly 60 communities throughout Kansas and was the first company in the nation to bring fiber to the home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664811194934.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLENORA — Nex-Tech has announced the next phase of fiber expansion will be to Salina area households. This fiber expansion provides Internet accessibility of speeds up to 1 gigabyte, allowing ample bandwidth for running multiple wireless devices (including streaming video) or supporting a work-from-home lifestyle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Increased Internet speeds provide many benefits to residences and businesses. It allows the transfer of very large files over the Internet, like medical images or multimedia programming. A fiber infrastructure also levels the playing field for small, rural communities to compete with larger, urban areas for business growth, expansion, and economic development.&nbsp;Starting in March, Nex-Tech will begin the buildout process to several residential neighborhoods in the east and south areas of Salina. The general area includes most areas east of the Smokey Hill River, and parts south of Magnolia, Belmont to Schilling, and southeast of Cloud and Ohio. For detailed areas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://go.nex-tech.com/e3t/Ctc/ZO+113/c2T0b04/VWcJx28tgXWGW7Jt0N31FwP0GVVm64t4WTGj7N3X6VH93q3npV1-WJV7CgJkcW3fJ1Fz93fmcSW3QCkg88x9QJRN8wfjfj7MGPYW4p9YYp8nr5mdW32LbrG2tVTpMW1Y4_Hb4DLNXJW5NY-2P1h_9NlW5RtFCr4NCX7DW3J0FbJ31WhnJW5tFJwK63TyNjW32rtYn31py1bW1ddxZm29klSqW6ydCHQ1P111ZW8tvhj14kLf60W78p8Yl5nSzTbW9d__hX7jPy5SN2jTW0k2F1-xW8Xyqj15kgSFbN7CkTMwT8-v-N9drS8zbkxxTW1Lg_LR6HZwdSN88dk-mR_q1N3nsv1" target="_blank">www.nex-tech.com/salina</a>. This area of fiber expansion is estimated to be complete by the end of 2023.&nbsp;In addition, Nex-Tech was recently awarded a grant from the Kansas Capital Project Funds Broadband Infrastructure Program to bring fiber to a residential neighborhood north of Salina and an area along Interstate 70 to the north and south in the Hedville area. This area of the fiber expansion will start in 2024.&nbsp;“Nex-Tech expansion plans are driven in large part by our commitment to making connectivity an integral part of rural America,” says Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement. “That said, it is an expensive proposition, so when we build, it is with an eye to the future. We know that a 10 Mbps connection is no longer enough for the average household and demand will continue to increase as technology advances.”&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on Nex-Tech’s fiber expansion in Salina, visit www.nex-tech.com/salina or stop by its store during the Cocoa Crawl on Feb. 17. Nex-Tech’s local store is located at 104 N. Santa Fe, Ste. B, and will be open 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday starting on Feb. 20. Nex-Tech has 15 local employees, so when customers have a question, or need assistance, local assistance will be available.&nbsp;Nex-Tech has been offering services in Salina since 2005, with a store location since that time. In addition to providing phone, internet and business technology services, the internet expansion will allow Nex-Tech to deliver TV Now service as well, providing a new option for TV service to Salina residents. Nex-Tech currently offers fiber service in nearly 60 communities throughout Kansas and was the first company in the nation to bring fiber to the home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nex-Tech expanding fiber into Salina market

PAWNEE COUNTY—Officials in Pawnee County were notified Thursday that John Freeman Colt was sentenced in the Federal District Court of Utah to a 21-month term with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, according to a statement from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

In June of 2021, Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment program on the campus of Larned State Hospital. Following a nationwide manhunt, he was arrested in Wayne County, Utah on Sept. 27, 2021. 

On Aug. 11, 2022, Colt entered a Guilty plea to a single count of Failing to Register under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

He is currently charged under Kansas Law with Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony. Additionally, he is still subject to his civil commitment to the Kansas Sexual Predator Treatment Program. Once he completes his sentence on the federal conviction, arrangements will be made for Colt’s extradition back to Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632850718422.png" alt="Colt after his arrest in Wayne County Utah" />
 <figcaption>Colt after his arrest in Wayne County Utah</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—Officials in Pawnee County were notified Thursday that John Freeman Colt was sentenced in the Federal District Court of Utah to a 21-month term with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, according to a statement from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="-Colt during his escape from the Larned State Hospital-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Colt during his escape from the Larned State Hospital-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>In June of 2021, Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment program on the campus of Larned State Hospital. Following a nationwide manhunt, he was arrested in Wayne County, Utah on Sept. 27, 2021. On Aug. 11, 2022, Colt entered a Guilty plea to a single count of Failing to Register under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.He is currently charged under Kansas Law with Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony. Additionally, he is still subject to his civil commitment to the Kansas Sexual Predator Treatment Program. Once he completes his sentence on the federal conviction, arrangements will be made for Colt’s extradition back to Kansas.

Escapee from Larned State Hospital sentenced on federal charges

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The last six homicides in Hays were linked to domestic violence.

The Hays Police Department and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services are teaming up to try to help victims of domestic violence get help before it's too late.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e66ef007-3931-4e77-9629-32a708953ee5">RELATED STORY: Man arrested after alleged domestic violence killing in Hays</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31909cf2-4721-42e3-ab7e-5e2de4392888">RELATED STORY: Hays man faces possible murder charges after wife dies</a>

"Domestic violence continues to be one of the biggest challenges we face," Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said. "The mission of the Hays Police Department is to make people feel safe, and if you don't feel safe in your own home, we can't make you feel safe anywhere else."

Hays had 1oo domestic violence arrests last year.

Lethality programs have been used with much success in other states and other cities in Kansas.

Scheibler said Olathe instituted a program and went from five homicides in a year related to domestic violence to none within five years.

When law enforcement officers respond to a domestic violence report, they ask the victim a list of preset questions to help determine if that person may be in danger of future serious injury or death at the hand of the perpetrator, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.

A state advisory board on domestic violence is suggesting local agencies use the APRAIS model that was developed in Arizona, which includes 18 questions.

Some of the topics include: Have you been a victim of strangulation? Has the violence been escalating? Was physical violence used against you during pregnancy? Were you forced to have sex? Do you believe your partner is capable of killing you?

The responding officer shares the results with the victim and then dials the phone number to connect the victim with a domestic violence advocate. That advocate can discuss safety plans with the victim and other services Options provides.

Victims are not required to accept services.

By the time a domestic violence case has been reported to law enforcement, Scheibler said, violence has occurred in that relationship an average of six times before. Wichita has been using a lethality program and found 92 percent of the victims had never been connected to victims' services before, Sheibler said.

Hecker said, "Just the act of completing a lethality assessment with them increased safety overall for everyone because they were able to connect them with more resources."&nbsp;

Many victims don't know what resources are there. Additionally, the action of an officer dialing and handing a phone to a victim in that moment of crisis helps victims overcome the fear of reaching out, Hecker said.

Hecker and Scheibler said victims often don't realize how much danger they and their children are in.

"Perpetrators are very skilled at minimizing their own behavior and they groom their victims to minimize that behavior as well," Hecker said.

A lethality survey can't predict a homicide, Hecker said, but it can highlight the risk factors.

The victim's answers to the lethality questions can be used in bail hearings or to determine protection from abuse orders. It can't be used at trial or sentencing.

Scheibler said he hopes the surveys will lead to less protection from abuse orders being dropped by the victims.

The infrastructure for the program is already in place, Scheibler said. Officers are already responding to domestic violence calls, and the advocates are already on call 24/7 to answer calls for assistance.

Scheibler said he hopes to have the program in place in Hays fairly soon.

Hecker said the program will bring together advocacy services, law enforcement and the judicial system.&nbsp;

"It is really about building community safety for the victim," Hecker said, "so that people aren't falling through the cracks. We are no longer siloing services. Those services are working together. We are weaving together a tapestry of services that will really support victims all the way through the process."

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, you can reach an advocate through Options through its&nbsp;text, chat or phone hotlines. Text the word "Hope" to 847411.

The 24-hour phone helpline is 1-800-794-4624. The chat and other information can be accessed on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.&nbsp;All of the helplines and chats are manned 24/7, 365 days a year. All services are free and confidential.

The agency also has a mobile unit that travels throughout its 18-county catchment area in northwest Kansas. Contact Options through one of the means above to learn more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675721493801.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe last six homicides in Hays were linked to domestic violence.The Hays Police Department and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services are teaming up to try to help victims of domestic violence get help before it's too late.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e66ef007-3931-4e77-9629-32a708953ee5">RELATED STORY: Man arrested after alleged domestic violence killing in Hays</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31909cf2-4721-42e3-ab7e-5e2de4392888">RELATED STORY: Hays man faces possible murder charges after wife dies</a>"Domestic violence continues to be one of the biggest challenges we face," Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said. "The mission of the Hays Police Department is to make people feel safe, and if you don't feel safe in your own home, we can't make you feel safe anywhere else."Hays had 1oo domestic violence arrests last year.Lethality programs have been used with much success in other states and other cities in Kansas.Scheibler said Olathe instituted a program and went from five homicides in a year related to domestic violence to none within five years.When law enforcement officers respond to a domestic violence report, they ask the victim a list of preset questions to help determine if that person may be in danger of future serious injury or death at the hand of the perpetrator, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.A state advisory board on domestic violence is suggesting local agencies use the APRAIS model that was developed in Arizona, which includes 18 questions.Some of the topics include: Have you been a victim of strangulation? Has the violence been escalating? Was physical violence used against you during pregnancy? Were you forced to have sex? Do you believe your partner is capable of killing you?The responding officer shares the results with the victim and then dials the phone number to connect the victim with a domestic violence advocate. That advocate can discuss safety plans with the victim and other services Options provides.Victims are not required to accept services.By the time a domestic violence case has been reported to law enforcement, Scheibler said, violence has occurred in that relationship an average of six times before. Wichita has been using a lethality program and found 92 percent of the victims had never been connected to victims' services before, Sheibler said.Hecker said, "Just the act of completing a lethality assessment with them increased safety overall for everyone because they were able to connect them with more resources."&nbsp;Many victims don't know what resources are there. Additionally, the action of an officer dialing and handing a phone to a victim in that moment of crisis helps victims overcome the fear of reaching out, Hecker said.Hecker and Scheibler said victims often don't realize how much danger they and their children are in."Perpetrators are very skilled at minimizing their own behavior and they groom their victims to minimize that behavior as well," Hecker said.A lethality survey can't predict a homicide, Hecker said, but it can highlight the risk factors.The victim's answers to the lethality questions can be used in bail hearings or to determine protection from abuse orders. It can't be used at trial or sentencing.Scheibler said he hopes the surveys will lead to less protection from abuse orders being dropped by the victims.The infrastructure for the program is already in place, Scheibler said. Officers are already responding to domestic violence calls, and the advocates are already on call 24/7 to answer calls for assistance.Scheibler said he hopes to have the program in place in Hays fairly soon.Hecker said the program will bring together advocacy services, law enforcement and the judicial system.&nbsp;"It is really about building community safety for the victim," Hecker said, "so that people aren't falling through the cracks. We are no longer siloing services. Those services are working together. We are weaving together a tapestry of services that will really support victims all the way through the process."If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, you can reach an advocate through Options through its&nbsp;text, chat or phone hotlines. Text the word "Hope" to 847411.The 24-hour phone helpline is 1-800-794-4624. The chat and other information can be accessed on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.&nbsp;All of the helplines and chats are manned 24/7, 365 days a year. All services are free and confidential.The agency also has a mobile unit that travels throughout its 18-county catchment area in northwest Kansas. Contact Options through one of the means above to learn more.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

Lethality survey seeks to reduce domestic violence deaths in Hays

TOPEKA — The Ellis&nbsp;County Farm Bureau&nbsp;Association&nbsp;was represented this week in&nbsp;Topeka by several&nbsp;members at&nbsp;the Kansas Farm Bureau&nbsp;Day at the Statehouse annual event. &nbsp;

Those who participated&nbsp;were among the over 200 Farm Bureau members from across the state&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;attending the two-day event. &nbsp;The program included workshops, leadership activities and&nbsp;formal&nbsp;address from Gov.&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly.&nbsp;

On the&nbsp;afternoon of the second day, Ellis County Farm Bureau Association members&nbsp;spent&nbsp;time&nbsp;visiting with legislative leaders and touring the Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675958046533.jpeg" alt="Pictured: Laura Haffner, State Women’s Leadership Chairwomen- KFB &amp; Ellis County Board Member; Gracie Jo Stanton, Ellis County Member; Representative Barbara Wasinger; Andy Stanton, Ellis County Member; Eric Dexter, Board Member; Stephanie Eckroat, County Service Coordinator." />
 <figcaption>Pictured: Laura Haffner, State Women’s Leadership Chairwomen- KFB &amp; Ellis County Board Member; Gracie Jo Stanton, Ellis County Member; Representative Barbara Wasinger; Andy Stanton, Ellis County Member; Eric Dexter, Board Member; Stephanie Eckroat, County Service Coordinator.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Ellis&nbsp;County Farm Bureau&nbsp;Association&nbsp;was represented this week in&nbsp;Topeka by several&nbsp;members at&nbsp;the Kansas Farm Bureau&nbsp;Day at the Statehouse annual event. &nbsp;Those who participated&nbsp;were among the over 200 Farm Bureau members from across the state&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;attending the two-day event. &nbsp;The program included workshops, leadership activities and&nbsp;formal&nbsp;address from Gov.&nbsp;Laura&nbsp;Kelly.&nbsp;On the&nbsp;afternoon of the second day, Ellis County Farm Bureau Association members&nbsp;spent&nbsp;time&nbsp;visiting with legislative leaders and touring the Capitol.— Submitted

Ellis County Farm Bureau Association members travel to Topeka

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas man with four convictions for driving under the influence has been sentenced to prison for a fatal crash.

This week, the Thomas County District Court sentenced 37-year-old Alan Dible to 13-years and 5 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections for one count of Involuntary Manslaughter While Driving Under the Influence and 12 months in the custody of the Thomas County Sheriff for one count of Driving Under the Influence 4th conviction, according to a statement from the Thomas County Attorney.

The case stems from a fatal accident that occurred on April 9, 2022, in Thomas County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1984 GMC Jimmy driven by&nbsp; Dibble backed out of a shop on private property at&nbsp; 1710 S Country Club Drive.

The driver accelerated excessively and began traveling westbound for approximately 132 feet before overturning. One occupant was partially ejected out of the rear window.

EMS transported Dalton M. Ellis, 25, Colby, to Citizen's Medical Center. <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/dalton-ellis/4907629/obit.php?&amp;printable=true">He died at a </a>Colorado hospital three days later, according to his&nbsp;obituary.&nbsp;&nbsp;The occupants of the vehicle were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676027667700.png" alt="Dible-photo Thomas Co." />
 <figcaption>Dible-photo Thomas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas man with four convictions for driving under the influence has been sentenced to prison for a fatal crash.This week, the Thomas County District Court sentenced 37-year-old Alan Dible to 13-years and 5 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections for one count of Involuntary Manslaughter While Driving Under the Influence and 12 months in the custody of the Thomas County Sheriff for one count of Driving Under the Influence 4th conviction, according to a statement from the Thomas County Attorney.The case stems from a fatal accident that occurred on April 9, 2022, in Thomas County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1984 GMC Jimmy driven by&nbsp; Dibble backed out of a shop on private property at&nbsp; 1710 S Country Club Drive.The driver accelerated excessively and began traveling westbound for approximately 132 feet before overturning. One occupant was partially ejected out of the rear window.EMS transported Dalton M. Ellis, 25, Colby, to Citizen's Medical Center. <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/dalton-ellis/4907629/obit.php?&amp;printable=true">He died at a </a>Colorado hospital three days later, according to his&nbsp;obituary.&nbsp;&nbsp;The occupants of the vehicle were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man with 4 DUI convictions sentenced for fatal crash

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 256 students to the President’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Claflin 
Matthew Donecker&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Hannah Redetzke&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Callie Zink&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Grainfield 
Dustin Henry&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend 
Jaime Arellanes&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Adriana Arras Rodriguez&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Dakota Aumiller&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Jordan Avila&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Bradley Beck&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Caden Bieker&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Sienna Cauley&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Jenna Dean&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Ashton Ensley&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Brody Feist&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Melyne Fletchall&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Hailey Hicks&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Bryce Hopkins&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Madison Huslig&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Beau Mettlen&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Austin Miller&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Antony Reyes Pilo&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Ashton Smith&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Kayci Stevenson&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Brandon Taylor&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Madalyn Toll&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Einar Vargas&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Brady Wharton&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Isabelle Willms&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Keeley Wolf&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hays 
Emily Christensen&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Tasiah Nunnery&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kensington 
Brennan Kirchhoff&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Osborne 
Charlie Seifert&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Phillipsburg 
Jacie Roth&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell 
Stephan Baldwin&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Russell Jesse Schreiner&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scott City 
Ella Rumford&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Misti Wick&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton CCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 256 students to the President’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Area students included on the list were:Albert 
Thomas Bahr&nbsp;Claflin 
Matthew Donecker&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Hannah Redetzke&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Callie Zink&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Ellis 
Lakyn FischerGrainfield 
Dustin Henry&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Great Bend 
Jaime Arellanes&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Adriana Arras Rodriguez&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Dakota Aumiller&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Jordan Avila&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Bradley Beck&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Caden Bieker&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Sienna Cauley&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Jenna Dean&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Ashton Ensley&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Brody Feist&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Melyne Fletchall&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Hailey Hicks&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Bryce Hopkins&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Madison Huslig&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Beau Mettlen&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Austin Miller&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Antony Reyes Pilo&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Ashton Smith&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Kayci Stevenson&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Brandon Taylor&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Madalyn Toll&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Einar Vargas&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Brady Wharton&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Isabelle Willms&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Keeley Wolf&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Hays 
Emily Christensen&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Tasiah Nunnery&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Kensington 
Brennan Kirchhoff&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Osborne 
Charlie Seifert&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Otis 
Chloe SchenkPhillipsburg 
Jacie Roth&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Russell 
Stephan Baldwin&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Russell Jesse Schreiner&nbsp;&nbsp;Scott City 
Ella Rumford&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Misti Wick&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;WaKeeney 
Lili Shubert&nbsp;

NW Kansas students earn spot on Barton President's List

LOGAN — The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company will present “The Three Little Kittens” at the Logan School Auditorium on Thursday, March 9, at 9:30 a.m., and “Yankee Doodle” at 1:30 p.m.

The three little kittens have lost their mittens--but they're not just going to sit around and cry about it! These are definitely not your ordinary house cats. Help the kittens find their mittens and save them from their hideous fate — a time out! The kittens all learn many valuable lessons but the most important is to always tell the truth. The Three Little Kittens is a musical comedy adaptation by Kevin M. Reese based on the popular children’s story.

Yankee Doodle is a musical comedy with a broad sweep of big and little deeds accomplished by men and women whose lives have impacted the United States. Yankee Doodle is a rousing salute to the “movers and shakers” which includes famous as well as forgotten figures and events. This patriotic extravaganza glorifying American achievement is told through a sequence of dramatic vignettes from Paul Revere to Charles Lindbergh, from the creation of the ice cream cone to the beginning of mass-produced Valentines, from the inventions of Thomas A. Edison to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Yankee Doodle is a modern classic that will inspire, inform, and entertain young audiences.

The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company performs from September through February in Kansas and Nebraska. The Company is professional in every facet, complete with storybook sets, costumes and props appropriate for each production.

The performances of “The Three Little Kittens” and “Yankee Doodle” in Logan is sponsored by the Hansen Museum and made possible by the Dane G. Hansen Memorial Foundation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675816436428.jpeg" alt="Wichita Children's Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Children's Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675816474495.jpeg" alt="Wichita Children's Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Children's Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLOGAN — The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company will present “The Three Little Kittens” at the Logan School Auditorium on Thursday, March 9, at 9:30 a.m., and “Yankee Doodle” at 1:30 p.m.The three little kittens have lost their mittens--but they're not just going to sit around and cry about it! These are definitely not your ordinary house cats. Help the kittens find their mittens and save them from their hideous fate — a time out! The kittens all learn many valuable lessons but the most important is to always tell the truth. The Three Little Kittens is a musical comedy adaptation by Kevin M. Reese based on the popular children’s story.Yankee Doodle is a musical comedy with a broad sweep of big and little deeds accomplished by men and women whose lives have impacted the United States. Yankee Doodle is a rousing salute to the “movers and shakers” which includes famous as well as forgotten figures and events. This patriotic extravaganza glorifying American achievement is told through a sequence of dramatic vignettes from Paul Revere to Charles Lindbergh, from the creation of the ice cream cone to the beginning of mass-produced Valentines, from the inventions of Thomas A. Edison to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Yankee Doodle is a modern classic that will inspire, inform, and entertain young audiences.The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company performs from September through February in Kansas and Nebraska. The Company is professional in every facet, complete with storybook sets, costumes and props appropriate for each production.The performances of “The Three Little Kittens” and “Yankee Doodle” in Logan is sponsored by the Hansen Museum and made possible by the Dane G. Hansen Memorial Foundation.

Logan school to host Wichita Children's Theatre performances

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675974959191.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>

Rain doesn’t fall often in Sherman County, Kansas, so farmers like David Leonard have learned how to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that does come and supplementing what Mother Nature doesn’t provide through irrigation. That combination of practice and luck is Leonard’s not-so-secret to winning the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest with an entry of nearly 120 bushels per acre.

Leonard’s operation near Goodland is a diversified operation with a mix of dryland and irrigated acres in addition to a small cow-calf operation. Encouraged by his PlainsGold seed rep, he entered the yield contest for the first time in 2022. His entry came from a field planted to certified seed wheat that followed pinto beans, which provided some moisture profile.&nbsp;

“Our soil will hold about 1.8 inches of moisture per foot,” Leonard said. “So, if we have six feet of subsoil, we have some gas in the tank. We had some of that last year, but we don’t have that this year.”&nbsp;

From planting until harvest, the field only received 6.2 inches of moisture, so Leonard pumped another 10 inches of water to help the wheat crop along. He also furtigated nitrogen through the pivot to further boost yields. The widespread drought conditions last growing season meant it was too dry for even the weeds to grow, so he did not apply any fungicide.&nbsp;

“We didn’t use any fungicide because there was no green bridge to get stripe rust up here from Texas,” Leonard said. “When you’re that dry, you don’t have those issues.”&nbsp;

Closer to harvest, he applied a growth regulator. But, two days later the weather turned very hot, negating the application’s effect.&nbsp;

“It got really hot, so the growth regulator probably wouldn’t have been necessary because the wheat progressed really fast,” Leonard said. “Normally when you get these kinds of yields, the wheat is pretty tall and trying to lean over pretty hard.”&nbsp;

In the end, the plot of Langin yielded 119.57 bushels per acre. Leonard said he might have been even higher, but one of the few rain showers that the crop did receive came during harvest, which lowered test weights slightly.&nbsp;

But the result was an award-winning entry in the National Wheat Yield Contest, and, even more importantly, he sold the whole field for certified seed, so last year’s wheat harvest was a success.&nbsp;

What will this year’s National Wheat Yield Contest bring? That’s largely up to Mother Nature but follow Kansas Wheat to learn more about how Leonard and other Kansas winners selected varieties and took advantage of limited rains to maximize yields.&nbsp;

Producers can also check out Wheat Rx, a partnership between Kansas Wheat and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers. Wheat Rx is a series of Extension publications and other educational outreach designed to address key management areas of hard winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat check-off.

Check out the latest recommendations at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010IigZ7XBhP_dAsF4-tcYVrrerAGEoRLdp56-gApyAT4oQcfN7z1M2OKPcF_ksyjaQHn5nOrjRvEnN1A-mM1WjIzr3-4LPlyec8hU0QvPBEFYWO_AiphfCa_QupRFQyMd-MNAwVw911UNS_pR6DvceGvRMs1lelv97-DO-aPqBt0=&amp;c=YX82VPywldKL5w0gTpKA_zwdxP2jZ1zoq-GR0o2_-zHV419Z7oF2GQ==&amp;ch=-_J3Pw-f2sYPkeleIuUoxdj8qmnIaD_IBt3rDUizT3nIRHz9rUScag==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.&nbsp;

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662500196293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rain doesn’t fall often in Sherman County, Kansas, so farmers like David Leonard have learned how to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that does come and supplementing what Mother Nature doesn’t provide through irrigation. That combination of practice and luck is Leonard’s not-so-secret to winning the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest with an entry of nearly 120 bushels per acre.Leonard’s operation near Goodland is a diversified operation with a mix of dryland and irrigated acres in addition to a small cow-calf operation. Encouraged by his PlainsGold seed rep, he entered the yield contest for the first time in 2022. His entry came from a field planted to certified seed wheat that followed pinto beans, which provided some moisture profile.&nbsp;“Our soil will hold about 1.8 inches of moisture per foot,” Leonard said. “So, if we have six feet of subsoil, we have some gas in the tank. We had some of that last year, but we don’t have that this year.”&nbsp;From planting until harvest, the field only received 6.2 inches of moisture, so Leonard pumped another 10 inches of water to help the wheat crop along. He also furtigated nitrogen through the pivot to further boost yields. The widespread drought conditions last growing season meant it was too dry for even the weeds to grow, so he did not apply any fungicide.&nbsp;“We didn’t use any fungicide because there was no green bridge to get stripe rust up here from Texas,” Leonard said. “When you’re that dry, you don’t have those issues.”&nbsp;Closer to harvest, he applied a growth regulator. But, two days later the weather turned very hot, negating the application’s effect.&nbsp;“It got really hot, so the growth regulator probably wouldn’t have been necessary because the wheat progressed really fast,” Leonard said. “Normally when you get these kinds of yields, the wheat is pretty tall and trying to lean over pretty hard.”&nbsp;In the end, the plot of Langin yielded 119.57 bushels per acre. Leonard said he might have been even higher, but one of the few rain showers that the crop did receive came during harvest, which lowered test weights slightly.&nbsp;But the result was an award-winning entry in the National Wheat Yield Contest, and, even more importantly, he sold the whole field for certified seed, so last year’s wheat harvest was a success.&nbsp;What will this year’s National Wheat Yield Contest bring? That’s largely up to Mother Nature but follow Kansas Wheat to learn more about how Leonard and other Kansas winners selected varieties and took advantage of limited rains to maximize yields.&nbsp;Producers can also check out Wheat Rx, a partnership between Kansas Wheat and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers. Wheat Rx is a series of Extension publications and other educational outreach designed to address key management areas of hard winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat check-off.Check out the latest recommendations at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010IigZ7XBhP_dAsF4-tcYVrrerAGEoRLdp56-gApyAT4oQcfN7z1M2OKPcF_ksyjaQHn5nOrjRvEnN1A-mM1WjIzr3-4LPlyec8hU0QvPBEFYWO_AiphfCa_QupRFQyMd-MNAwVw911UNS_pR6DvceGvRMs1lelv97-DO-aPqBt0=&amp;c=YX82VPywldKL5w0gTpKA_zwdxP2jZ1zoq-GR0o2_-zHV419Z7oF2GQ==&amp;ch=-_J3Pw-f2sYPkeleIuUoxdj8qmnIaD_IBt3rDUizT3nIRHz9rUScag==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.&nbsp;Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop:  David Leonard wins 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest

Rape reports doubled in 2021 to a 10-year high in Ellis County.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler attributed the increase to an increase in women's willingness to report rape.

“Our rape numbers were up in 2021," Scheibler said, "I don’t think that is because more sexual assaults are happening but more people are willing to report those.

“More people are willing to say 'I’m uncomfortable with what happened last night' and make that report."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd19dca0-288f-48f2-886e-efb0b88f2c82">First in a series</a>

However, advocates say many barriers to reporting sex crimes still exist and rapes largely remain unreported.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network estimates for every 1,000 rapes, 384&nbsp;are reported to the police, 57 result in an arrest, 11 are referred for prosecution, seven result in a felony conviction, and six result in incarceration. The network correlated data from multiple sources to compile this data on a national basis.

Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, said both societal views on sex crimes and their victims as well as issues within the justice system are barriers to reporting.

“At each point when trust is broken," Hecker said, "that erodes a victim's ability to [help themselves]. They desire help, but they don’t take that step. They give up. They feel hopeless.”

Scheibler and Hecker both said they believed the RAINN statics are likely reflected in Ellis County.

Data on rape reports and arrests are collected by the Kansas Bureau of investigation and can be searched by county.

In 2021, Ellis County had a 22 percent arrest rate. That's lower than the national average, which is about 30 percent.

Scheibler said the police department, whose jurisdiction the majority of the rape cases in Ellis County fall, can't count people who don't come forward. However, Options service numbers are telling.

Options provided 350 sexual assault services in Ellis County in 2020, the most recent date for which complete information is available.

Options tracks the number of services provided, but not individuals. Options estimates each sexual violence survivor will access about 10 services, which would mean about 35 survivors in Ellis County worked with Options in 2020. That compares to nine reports and three arrests in the same year.

Hecker noted a number of counties in northwest Kansas have individuals who are receiving sexual violence recovery services, but the counties are getting no reports and have reported no arrests.

In 2020, Sheridan County reported no incidents and no arrests, but Options provided 51 services in the county.&nbsp;

In the same year, Sherman County had no reported incidents and no arrests, but Options provided 82 services.

Options provided 121 services to individuals in Thomas County. Law enforcement recorded two reports and no arrests.

Hecker said sex crime survivors have many reasons they don't report the crimes against them. However, a lack of accountability for perpetrators and the complexity of the judicial system are factors, she said.

She said they ask themselves if reporting is worth the trauma of carrying the case through the judicial system.

“ 'I’m going to put my family through all of this, and I don’t know if anything is going to come of it. Do I even have it in me? This horrible thing already happened. Do I want to set myself up for another disappointment?' ” Hecker said of victims' questions to themselves.

Hecker said another significant barrier to reporting is shame.

“The perpetrators are very, very good at making the victim feel like this is their fault, particularly in alcohol and drug-facilitated sexual assaults,” Hecker said.

“When people feel shame, they stop acting in their own self-defense."

Joyce Grover,&nbsp;executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, said greater societal forces discourage women from reporting.

“I think what deters is the broader, what we call ‘rape culture.’ The question a victim might first get is ‘What were you doing there?’ or ‘Why were you wearing that?’ " she said.

“That kind of stuff immediately sets the tone of victim blaming. That is still very prevalent,” she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c910a139-5fb5-4cec-bfce-34fb086d8985">Options developed an art exhibit in an attempt to break the myth that what a victim was wearing contributed to her attack. Survivors from across northwest Kansas provided descriptions of what they were wearing when they were sexually assaulted, and volunteers gathered donated clothing to recreate the outfits.</a>

The #Metoo movement brought forth a flood of women who said they had been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed — but never said anything because they didn’t want to be blamed, Grover said.

“I think we see the tip of the iceberg on sexual assault and sexual crimes,” she said.

Scheibler said his officers are being trained in a trauma-informed approach to deal with sex crime victims and he hoped that will make reporting easier for victims.

“I am hard-pressed to think of a personal [event] that causes more trauma,” Scheibler said. "A lot of times that is a very traumatic event and to share that with someone is very difficult."

Eighty percent of sex crimes are perpetrated by individuals the victims know, which can make reporting all that more difficult, Scheibler said.

"They are acquaintances. They are someone they know. It is a person who lives in the same dorm or goes to the same school or they work at their place of employment," Scheibler said.

Scheibler said the system is being improved.

Early in his career, sexual assault victims had to tell the story of their assaults over and over, first to the initial officer, then to a detective, and then to a nurse. Now officials try to limit that to one telling.

Officers receive some training at the academy on dealing with sex crime victims, but stressing compassion and empathy, Scheibler said, is part of a culture of an organization.

Many victims delay reporting sexual crimes, and Scheibler said those delays can mean physical evidence can be lost. However, he said any sexual crime that is reported will be investigated. He encouraged victims to report.

“I think sometimes it’s easier for people to say I’ll keep this inside of me and not make the report and deal with that trauma that way instead," Scheibler said. ...

“It takes a lot of courage to go down there and report that these things have happened,” he said.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRape reports doubled in 2021 to a 10-year high in Ellis County.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler attributed the increase to an increase in women's willingness to report rape.“Our rape numbers were up in 2021," Scheibler said, "I don’t think that is because more sexual assaults are happening but more people are willing to report those.“More people are willing to say 'I’m uncomfortable with what happened last night' and make that report."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd19dca0-288f-48f2-886e-efb0b88f2c82">First in a series</a><div><iframe title="Reported incidents of rape in Ellis County" aria-label="Grouped Column Chart" id="datawrapper-chart-TFGyB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TFGyB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="421" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data["datawrapper-height"]){var t=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var a in e.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<t.length;r++){if(t[r].contentWindow===e.source)t[r].style.height=e.data["datawrapper-height"][a]+"px"}}}))}();</script></div>However, advocates say many barriers to reporting sex crimes still exist and rapes largely remain unreported.The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network estimates for every 1,000 rapes, 384&nbsp;are reported to the police, 57 result in an arrest, 11 are referred for prosecution, seven result in a felony conviction, and six result in incarceration. The network correlated data from multiple sources to compile this data on a national basis.Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, said both societal views on sex crimes and their victims as well as issues within the justice system are barriers to reporting.“At each point when trust is broken," Hecker said, "that erodes a victim's ability to [help themselves]. They desire help, but they don’t take that step. They give up. They feel hopeless.”Scheibler and Hecker both said they believed the RAINN statics are likely reflected in Ellis County.Data on rape reports and arrests are collected by the Kansas Bureau of investigation and can be searched by county.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674254963823.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Ellis County had a 22 percent arrest rate. That's lower than the national average, which is about 30 percent.Scheibler said the police department, whose jurisdiction the majority of the rape cases in Ellis County fall, can't count people who don't come forward. However, Options service numbers are telling.Options provided 350 sexual assault services in Ellis County in 2020, the most recent date for which complete information is available.Options tracks the number of services provided, but not individuals. Options estimates each sexual violence survivor will access about 10 services, which would mean about 35 survivors in Ellis County worked with Options in 2020. That compares to nine reports and three arrests in the same year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674255214144.png" alt="Nationally, about 30 percent of rape cases are cleared by law enforcement. This means the cases have resulted in arrest, charges or cleared by other exceptional means, such as the suspect's death." />
 <figcaption>Nationally, about 30 percent of rape cases are cleared by law enforcement. This means the cases have resulted in arrest, charges or cleared by other exceptional means, such as the suspect's death.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hecker noted a number of counties in northwest Kansas have individuals who are receiving sexual violence recovery services, but the counties are getting no reports and have reported no arrests.In 2020, Sheridan County reported no incidents and no arrests, but Options provided 51 services in the county.&nbsp;In the same year, Sherman County had no reported incidents and no arrests, but Options provided 82 services.Options provided 121 services to individuals in Thomas County. Law enforcement recorded two reports and no arrests.Hecker said sex crime survivors have many reasons they don't report the crimes against them. However, a lack of accountability for perpetrators and the complexity of the judicial system are factors, she said.She said they ask themselves if reporting is worth the trauma of carrying the case through the judicial system.“ 'I’m going to put my family through all of this, and I don’t know if anything is going to come of it. Do I even have it in me? This horrible thing already happened. Do I want to set myself up for another disappointment?' ” Hecker said of victims' questions to themselves.<h2>Shame, blame and the rape culture</h2>Hecker said another significant barrier to reporting is shame.“The perpetrators are very, very good at making the victim feel like this is their fault, particularly in alcohol and drug-facilitated sexual assaults,” Hecker said.“When people feel shame, they stop acting in their own self-defense."Joyce Grover,&nbsp;executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, said greater societal forces discourage women from reporting.“I think what deters is the broader, what we call ‘rape culture.’ The question a victim might first get is ‘What were you doing there?’ or ‘Why were you wearing that?’ " she said.“That kind of stuff immediately sets the tone of victim blaming. That is still very prevalent,” she said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c910a139-5fb5-4cec-bfce-34fb086d8985">Options developed an art exhibit in an attempt to break the myth that what a victim was wearing contributed to her attack. Survivors from across northwest Kansas provided descriptions of what they were wearing when they were sexually assaulted, and volunteers gathered donated clothing to recreate the outfits.</a>The #Metoo movement brought forth a flood of women who said they had been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed — but never said anything because they didn’t want to be blamed, Grover said.“I think we see the tip of the iceberg on sexual assault and sexual crimes,” she said.Scheibler said his officers are being trained in a trauma-informed approach to deal with sex crime victims and he hoped that will make reporting easier for victims.“I am hard-pressed to think of a personal [event] that causes more trauma,” Scheibler said. "A lot of times that is a very traumatic event and to share that with someone is very difficult."Eighty percent of sex crimes are perpetrated by individuals the victims know, which can make reporting all that more difficult, Scheibler said."They are acquaintances. They are someone they know. It is a person who lives in the same dorm or goes to the same school or they work at their place of employment," Scheibler said.Scheibler said the system is being improved.Early in his career, sexual assault victims had to tell the story of their assaults over and over, first to the initial officer, then to a detective, and then to a nurse. Now officials try to limit that to one telling.Officers receive some training at the academy on dealing with sex crime victims, but stressing compassion and empathy, Scheibler said, is part of a culture of an organization.Many victims delay reporting sexual crimes, and Scheibler said those delays can mean physical evidence can be lost. However, he said any sexual crime that is reported will be investigated. He encouraged victims to report.“I think sometimes it’s easier for people to say I’ll keep this inside of me and not make the report and deal with that trauma that way instead," Scheibler said. ...“It takes a lot of courage to go down there and report that these things have happened,” he said.If you or someone you know has been a victim of sex crime, you can reach an advocate through Options through its&nbsp;text, chat or phone hotlines. Text the word "Hope" to 847411.The 24-hour phone helpline is 800-794-4624. The chat and other information can be accessed on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>&nbsp;All of the helplines and chats are manned 24/7, 365 days a year. All services are free and confidential.The agency also has a mobile unit that travels throughout its 18-county catchment area in northwest Kansas. Contact Options through one of the means above to learn more.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Local