GREAT BEND — The Barton Community College Foundation presents scholarships each year from funds received through its fundraising events, endowments and annual scholarship gifts. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Foundation has selected the following students (listed by hometown) for scholarship offers:

Burdett 
Elizabeth Rasmussen, Golda Underhill Bailey Memorial Scholarship

Claflin 
Matthew Donecker, Schmidt Foundation Scholarship 
Brooke Farmer, Monica Bell Reser Memorial Scholarship 
Callie Zink, Loren and Maxine Pease Scholarship

Hays 
Adisyn Jacobs, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Tasiah Nunnery, Verna S. Davis Memorial Scholarship

Hill City 
Drake Stephen, Isbell Wesley Endowment Fund

La Crosse 
Ashton Waggoner, Schmidt Foundation Scholarship

Larned 
Katherine Alnor, Rosalie Jean Pennington Memorial Scholarship 
Tina Dimarzo, George Tregellas Chairman's Scholarship 
Matthew Figger, Mamie Robl Memorial Scholarship 
Jessica Grosfield, Roger and Mary Lou Murphy Endowment 
Samantha Haney, Nancy Bartley Scholarship 
Jessica Linarez, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Jared McFadden, Les and Carol Hopkins Scholarship 
Tyson Nicholson, Lee Turner Endowment 
Jessica Runnels, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Taryn Sieg, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship

Osborne 
Charlie Seifert, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust Financial Management Scholarship

Otis 
Chloe Schenk, BEST Scholarship (Barton Enhancement &amp; Scholarship Team)

Phillipsburg 
Jacie Roth, G.E. and Lois Alban Academic Scholarship

Russell 
Rylee Miller, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Emicka Shoemaker, Barton County Medical Society Scholarship

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675079053655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community CollegeGREAT BEND — The Barton Community College Foundation presents scholarships each year from funds received through its fundraising events, endowments and annual scholarship gifts. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Foundation has selected the following students (listed by hometown) for scholarship offers:Burdett 
Elizabeth Rasmussen, Golda Underhill Bailey Memorial ScholarshipClaflin 
Matthew Donecker, Schmidt Foundation Scholarship 
Brooke Farmer, Monica Bell Reser Memorial Scholarship 
Callie Zink, Loren and Maxine Pease ScholarshipHays 
Adisyn Jacobs, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Tasiah Nunnery, Verna S. Davis Memorial ScholarshipHill City 
Drake Stephen, Isbell Wesley Endowment FundLa Crosse 
Ashton Waggoner, Schmidt Foundation ScholarshipLarned 
Katherine Alnor, Rosalie Jean Pennington Memorial Scholarship 
Tina Dimarzo, George Tregellas Chairman's Scholarship 
Matthew Figger, Mamie Robl Memorial Scholarship 
Jessica Grosfield, Roger and Mary Lou Murphy Endowment 
Samantha Haney, Nancy Bartley Scholarship 
Jessica Linarez, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Jared McFadden, Les and Carol Hopkins Scholarship 
Tyson Nicholson, Lee Turner Endowment 
Jessica Runnels, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical Scholarship 
Taryn Sieg, C &amp; R Schauf Foundation Medical ScholarshipOsborne 
Charlie Seifert, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust Financial Management ScholarshipOtis 
Chloe Schenk, BEST Scholarship (Barton Enhancement &amp; Scholarship Team)Phillipsburg 
Jacie Roth, G.E. and Lois Alban Academic ScholarshipRussell 
Rylee Miller, The Vink Family Honorarium 
Emicka Shoemaker, Barton County Medical Society Scholarship

NW Kan. students awarded scholarships at Barton CC

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://amberwaveusa.com/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information or to apply.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674148030475.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://amberwaveusa.com/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information or to apply.

Three-day weather outlook

Wednesday was National Signing Day as Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown&nbsp;and the Tiger football coaching staff announce signings for the 2023 season. The next Tiger Football recruiting class will be sending in their National Letters of Intent throughout the day.

The Tigers announced the signing of 52 players, 39 are high school seniors who join 14 transfers who are already enrolled and currently taking classes and a part of the team.

Breakdown by state: Kansas-21, Florida-12, Texas-7, California-4, Arizona-2, Arkansas-3, California-1, Colorado-1, Oklahoma-1, Utah-1

Breakdown by position: Quarterback-3, Running Back-5, Wide Receiver-9, Tight End-4, Offensive Linemen-8, Defensive Linemen-7, Linebacker-6, Defensive Back-9, Kicker-2

Updated at 6:30 p.m. on 2/1/2023 Nijel Akpom, 6-4, 360, OL, Irving, Texas / MacArthur HS MacArthur HS: Named school's Lineman of the Year twice. Landen Allen, 6-0, 200, LB, Salina, Kan. / Southeast of Saline HS Southeast of Saline HS: KFCA 2A All-State selection in 2022...All-state selection by Wichita Eagle on defense and Sports in Kansas on offense in 2022...All-league selection on defense in 2021 and 2022 and on offense in 2022...Two-time all-state and all-league selection in baseball. Keamonie Archie, 6-3, 180, DB, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Lawson Bailey, 6-0, 190, RB, Scott City, Kan. / Scott Community HS Scott Community HS: All-state honorable mention selection on offense...All-league first team on offense and second team on defense...All-state and all-league selection in baseball...All-league selection in basketball. Tayshaun Balmir, 5-9, 195, RB, Dade City, Fla. / Pasco HS Pasco HS: All-conference first team selection…Conference Offensive Player of the Year…Broke his school's single-season rushing yards record…Had over 1,900 yards with 23 touchdowns. Donovan Beckom, 5-11, 180, DB, Los Angeles, Calif. / Cathedral HS Cathedral HS: All-league first team selection...Named team's MVP on defense...Had seven interceptions. Neville Brown, 6-4, 310, OL, Orlando, Fla. / Evans HS Evans HS: All-Metro Third Team selection...Named to academic honor roll. Avery Coleman, 6-5, 255, OL, Tyler, Texas / Tyler HS Tyler HS: All-district first team selection. Keyshawn Dooley, 5-9, 165, WR, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Vista Ridge HS Vista Ridge HS: All-state second team selection...Had 130 receptions for over 2,000 yards with 25 touchdowns during his prep career...Two-time all-conference selection, including first-team honors as a senior...State qualifier in track and field. Kameron Graham, 6-4, 225, DE, Orlando, Fla. / Boone HS Boone HS: All-conference first team selection during junior and senior years...Recorded 62 tackles, eight sacks, and 22 tackles for loss. Kyreese Groen, 6-1, 160, WR, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Amel Hadzisabic, 5-11, 175, K, Amarillo, Texas / Randall HS Randall HS: First-team all-district kicker…Ranked among the Top 30 kickers nationally by a kicker rating service…Made 90 percent of his field goal attempts…Team defensive MVP in soccer…Second-team all-district defender in soccer. Kade Harris, 5-11, 180, S, Hays, Kan. / TMP-Marian HS TMP-Marian HS: Four-time All-MCL League selection, including four times on defensive, four times as a return specialist, and three times on offense…Sports in Kansas 2A Defensive Player of the Year finalist in both 2020 and 2022 and Offensive Player of the Year finalist in 2021…All-state selection by the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal…Owns career rushing record and scoring record at TMP-Marian…All-state selection in basketball. Mason Hernandez, 5-10, 180, RB, Goodland, Kan. / Goodland HS Goodland HS: All-state honorable mention selection...All-league selection at running back. Chance Kerr, 6-0, 205, LB, Dodge City, Kan. / Dodge City HS Dodge City HS: All-conference selection as both a linebacker and running back...Served as team captain...Received KSHSAA Citizenship Award. Kaden Lonard, 6-5, 300, OL, Lawrence, Kan. / Free State HS Free State HS: Two-time all-state and two-time all-league selection. Elijah Lynn, 6-6, 240, DT, Phoenix, Ariz. / Moon Valley HS Moon Valley HS: All-region first team selection...Named Lineman of the Year...Sectional champion in wrestling and twice earned Most Outstanding Wrestler honors at tournaments. Braxton McDaniel, 6-4, 310, OL, Silver Lake, Kan. / Silver Lake HS Silver Lake HS: All-county and all-league selection as an offensive lineman...All-league academic selection all four years. Mason McGavran, 6-0, 215, QB/ATH, Olathe, Kan. / Olathe West HS Olathe West HS: All-Sunflower League selection at quarterback...Helped Olathe West to a regional championship in 2022...All-state first team selection in Kansas Class 6A...Sports in Kansas Player of the Year finalist...Threw for over 5,900 yards in his prep career with 72 touchdowns...As a senior threw for over 1,400 yards and rushed for over 1,300 yards. Kreighton Modrow, 5-10, 170, WR, Salina, Kan. / Salina South HS Salina South HS: All-league selection...Served as team captain. Jacob Orozco, 6-3, 215, LB, Los Angeles, Calif. / Salesian HS Taderian Partee, 6-4, 240, DT, Blytheville, Ark. / Gosnell HS TreVian Pierce, 6-0, 155, DB, Parsons, Kan. / Parsons HS Parsons HS: Two-year starter at cornerback...Named team's Most Improved Defensive Player in 2021...Helped lead Parsons to a playoff win in 2021. Jaheim Reed, 6-4, 300, OL, Orlando, Fla. / Olympia HS Olympia HS: Selected to play in the Orlando Cure Classic all-star game...Served as a team captain. Jamai Rutherford, 6-3, 180, WR, Tampa, Fla. / Tampa Catholic HS Tampa Catholic HS: All-district selection...Recorded 22 catches for 380 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. Bryce Salmans, 6-1, 225, DE, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Hays HS: Two-time all-state selection...Three-time all-league selection...2022 WAC Defensive Player of the Year...Selected to compete in the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl...State qualifier in track and field for both throwing and running events. Guyteau Salvador, 6-4, 220, DE, Miami, Fla. / Dr. Krop HS Dr. Krop HS: All-Dade County Second Team selection...Selected to Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game...Recorded 15.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and 70 solo tackles. Omar Shah, 5-10, 220, LB, Salt Lake City, Utah / East HS Jakobe Smith, 6-0, 180, DB, Marion, Ark. / Marion HS Marion HS: All-conference selection...Earned the Marion Patriot Award...Recorded over 50 tackles and had four interceptions. Wyatt Spexarth, 6-3, 175, QB, Andale, Kan. / Andale HS Andale HS: All-state honorable mention in Kansas Class 3A...Never lost a game in high school with 51 straight wins...Helped Andale to four Class 3A state titles from 2019 to 2022...All-league selection...All-state and all-league selection in basketball and all-league selection in baseball. Gavin Stanford, 6-2, 180, S, Sarasota, Fla. / Booker HS Booker HS: Recorded five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, along with 13 pass breakups and 35 tackles. Reid Tedford, 6-7, 225, QB, Crawford, Texas / Midway HS Midway HS: As a senior, recorded 1,995 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns...Served as team captain. Lamaj Travis, 6-0, 195, RB, Fresno, Calif. / Clovis East HS Clovis East HS:&nbsp;Rushed for 1,081 yards as a senior with 16 touchdowns. Jackson Turnbull, 6-5, 230, DE, Pittsburg, Kan. / Pittsburg HS Pittsburg HS: All-state honorable mention selection in Kansas Class 5A as a junior and senior...Helped team to a regional championship as a senior...Two-time all-state selection in baseball...All-state honorable mention selection in basketball. Carter Waldo, 6-0, 200, LB, Marion, Ark. / Marion HS Marion HS: All-state selection as a senior...Served as team captain...Recorded 54 tackles during senior year...Member of track and field team that holds the school record in the 4x200 meters. Keron Watson, 6-4, 220, TE, Tucson, Ariz. / Cienega HS Cienega HS: Had 555 receiving yards with eight touchdowns...Recorded 48 tackles on defense. Caleb Wiese, 6-3, 200, DB, Garden City, Kan. / Garden City HS Garden City HS: Five-time all-conference selection between football, basketball, and baseball...All-state selection...Recorded over 200 tackles in his prep career with six interceptions. Joshua Willhite, 6-1, 215, TE, Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS Broken Arrow HS: Recorded 40 receptions throughout his prep career with six touchdowns. Marquis Williams, 6-1, 160, WR, Wichita, Kan. / Sunrise Christian Academy Sunrise Christian Academy: Two-time all-state selection both on offense and defense. Transfers Carson Arndt, 6-0, 170, K, Wichita, Kan. / Butler (Kan.) CC Blake Batarse, 6-0, 185, WR, Simi Valley, Calif. / Moorpark College Arundel Briggs, 6-2, 310, OL, Waxahachie, Texas / Prairie View A&amp;M Manuel Chavez, 6-1, 230, LB, Leoti, Kan. / Garden City (Kan.) CC Sean Delaughter, 5-9, 160, WR, Miami, Fla. / Upper Iowa University Travis Dixon, 5-10, 220, RB, Hollywood, Fla. / Garden City (Kan.) CC Seth Falley, 6-4, 295, OL, Haysville, Kan. / Middle Tennessee State Sloan Hayden, 6-4, 240, TE, Ulysses, Kan. / Hutchinson (Kan.) CC Jayden Horace, 6-1, 170, WR, Tampa, Fla. / Allen University Donnell Johnson III, 6-2, 310, DL, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Florida International University John Thomas Jones, 6-3, 240, TE, Devers, Texas / Butler (Kan.) CC Solomon MacFoy, 5-11, 175, DB, Tyler, Texas / Midwestern State University Hosia Stokes, 5-9, 175, WR, Adelanto, Calif. / Victor Valley College Benyon Williams, 5-9, 175, DB, Tampa, Fla. / North Carolina Wesleyan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675264722575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWednesday was National Signing Day as Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown&nbsp;and the Tiger football coaching staff announce signings for the 2023 season. The next Tiger Football recruiting class will be sending in their National Letters of Intent throughout the day.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1437678454&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-signing-day-press-conference" title="Chris Brown Signing Day Press Conference" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Signing Day Press Conference</a></div></div>The Tigers announced the signing of 52 players, 39 are high school seniors who join 14 transfers who are already enrolled and currently taking classes and a part of the team.Breakdown by state: Kansas-21, Florida-12, Texas-7, California-4, Arizona-2, Arkansas-3, California-1, Colorado-1, Oklahoma-1, Utah-1Breakdown by position: Quarterback-3, Running Back-5, Wide Receiver-9, Tight End-4, Offensive Linemen-8, Defensive Linemen-7, Linebacker-6, Defensive Back-9, Kicker-2Updated at 6:30 p.m. on 2/1/2023 Nijel Akpom, 6-4, 360, OL, Irving, Texas / MacArthur HS MacArthur HS: Named school's Lineman of the Year twice. Landen Allen, 6-0, 200, LB, Salina, Kan. / Southeast of Saline HS Southeast of Saline HS: KFCA 2A All-State selection in 2022...All-state selection by Wichita Eagle on defense and Sports in Kansas on offense in 2022...All-league selection on defense in 2021 and 2022 and on offense in 2022...Two-time all-state and all-league selection in baseball. Keamonie Archie, 6-3, 180, DB, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Lawson Bailey, 6-0, 190, RB, Scott City, Kan. / Scott Community HS Scott Community HS: All-state honorable mention selection on offense...All-league first team on offense and second team on defense...All-state and all-league selection in baseball...All-league selection in basketball. Tayshaun Balmir, 5-9, 195, RB, Dade City, Fla. / Pasco HS Pasco HS: All-conference first team selection…Conference Offensive Player of the Year…Broke his school's single-season rushing yards record…Had over 1,900 yards with 23 touchdowns. Donovan Beckom, 5-11, 180, DB, Los Angeles, Calif. / Cathedral HS Cathedral HS: All-league first team selection...Named team's MVP on defense...Had seven interceptions. Neville Brown, 6-4, 310, OL, Orlando, Fla. / Evans HS Evans HS: All-Metro Third Team selection...Named to academic honor roll. Avery Coleman, 6-5, 255, OL, Tyler, Texas / Tyler HS Tyler HS: All-district first team selection. Keyshawn Dooley, 5-9, 165, WR, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Vista Ridge HS Vista Ridge HS: All-state second team selection...Had 130 receptions for over 2,000 yards with 25 touchdowns during his prep career...Two-time all-conference selection, including first-team honors as a senior...State qualifier in track and field. Kameron Graham, 6-4, 225, DE, Orlando, Fla. / Boone HS Boone HS: All-conference first team selection during junior and senior years...Recorded 62 tackles, eight sacks, and 22 tackles for loss. Kyreese Groen, 6-1, 160, WR, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Amel Hadzisabic, 5-11, 175, K, Amarillo, Texas / Randall HS Randall HS: First-team all-district kicker…Ranked among the Top 30 kickers nationally by a kicker rating service…Made 90 percent of his field goal attempts…Team defensive MVP in soccer…Second-team all-district defender in soccer. Kade Harris, 5-11, 180, S, Hays, Kan. / TMP-Marian HS TMP-Marian HS: Four-time All-MCL League selection, including four times on defensive, four times as a return specialist, and three times on offense…Sports in Kansas 2A Defensive Player of the Year finalist in both 2020 and 2022 and Offensive Player of the Year finalist in 2021…All-state selection by the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal…Owns career rushing record and scoring record at TMP-Marian…All-state selection in basketball. Mason Hernandez, 5-10, 180, RB, Goodland, Kan. / Goodland HS Goodland HS: All-state honorable mention selection...All-league selection at running back. Chance Kerr, 6-0, 205, LB, Dodge City, Kan. / Dodge City HS Dodge City HS: All-conference selection as both a linebacker and running back...Served as team captain...Received KSHSAA Citizenship Award. Kaden Lonard, 6-5, 300, OL, Lawrence, Kan. / Free State HS Free State HS: Two-time all-state and two-time all-league selection. Elijah Lynn, 6-6, 240, DT, Phoenix, Ariz. / Moon Valley HS Moon Valley HS: All-region first team selection...Named Lineman of the Year...Sectional champion in wrestling and twice earned Most Outstanding Wrestler honors at tournaments. Braxton McDaniel, 6-4, 310, OL, Silver Lake, Kan. / Silver Lake HS Silver Lake HS: All-county and all-league selection as an offensive lineman...All-league academic selection all four years. Mason McGavran, 6-0, 215, QB/ATH, Olathe, Kan. / Olathe West HS Olathe West HS: All-Sunflower League selection at quarterback...Helped Olathe West to a regional championship in 2022...All-state first team selection in Kansas Class 6A...Sports in Kansas Player of the Year finalist...Threw for over 5,900 yards in his prep career with 72 touchdowns...As a senior threw for over 1,400 yards and rushed for over 1,300 yards. Kreighton Modrow, 5-10, 170, WR, Salina, Kan. / Salina South HS Salina South HS: All-league selection...Served as team captain. Jacob Orozco, 6-3, 215, LB, Los Angeles, Calif. / Salesian HS Taderian Partee, 6-4, 240, DT, Blytheville, Ark. / Gosnell HS TreVian Pierce, 6-0, 155, DB, Parsons, Kan. / Parsons HS Parsons HS: Two-year starter at cornerback...Named team's Most Improved Defensive Player in 2021...Helped lead Parsons to a playoff win in 2021. Jaheim Reed, 6-4, 300, OL, Orlando, Fla. / Olympia HS Olympia HS: Selected to play in the Orlando Cure Classic all-star game...Served as a team captain. Jamai Rutherford, 6-3, 180, WR, Tampa, Fla. / Tampa Catholic HS Tampa Catholic HS: All-district selection...Recorded 22 catches for 380 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. Bryce Salmans, 6-1, 225, DE, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Hays HS: Two-time all-state selection...Three-time all-league selection...2022 WAC Defensive Player of the Year...Selected to compete in the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl...State qualifier in track and field for both throwing and running events. Guyteau Salvador, 6-4, 220, DE, Miami, Fla. / Dr. Krop HS Dr. Krop HS: All-Dade County Second Team selection...Selected to Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game...Recorded 15.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and 70 solo tackles. Omar Shah, 5-10, 220, LB, Salt Lake City, Utah / East HS Jakobe Smith, 6-0, 180, DB, Marion, Ark. / Marion HS Marion HS: All-conference selection...Earned the Marion Patriot Award...Recorded over 50 tackles and had four interceptions. Wyatt Spexarth, 6-3, 175, QB, Andale, Kan. / Andale HS Andale HS: All-state honorable mention in Kansas Class 3A...Never lost a game in high school with 51 straight wins...Helped Andale to four Class 3A state titles from 2019 to 2022...All-league selection...All-state and all-league selection in basketball and all-league selection in baseball. Gavin Stanford, 6-2, 180, S, Sarasota, Fla. / Booker HS Booker HS: Recorded five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, along with 13 pass breakups and 35 tackles. Reid Tedford, 6-7, 225, QB, Crawford, Texas / Midway HS Midway HS: As a senior, recorded 1,995 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns...Served as team captain. Lamaj Travis, 6-0, 195, RB, Fresno, Calif. / Clovis East HS Clovis East HS:&nbsp;Rushed for 1,081 yards as a senior with 16 touchdowns. Jackson Turnbull, 6-5, 230, DE, Pittsburg, Kan. / Pittsburg HS Pittsburg HS: All-state honorable mention selection in Kansas Class 5A as a junior and senior...Helped team to a regional championship as a senior...Two-time all-state selection in baseball...All-state honorable mention selection in basketball. Carter Waldo, 6-0, 200, LB, Marion, Ark. / Marion HS Marion HS: All-state selection as a senior...Served as team captain...Recorded 54 tackles during senior year...Member of track and field team that holds the school record in the 4x200 meters. Keron Watson, 6-4, 220, TE, Tucson, Ariz. / Cienega HS Cienega HS: Had 555 receiving yards with eight touchdowns...Recorded 48 tackles on defense. Caleb Wiese, 6-3, 200, DB, Garden City, Kan. / Garden City HS Garden City HS: Five-time all-conference selection between football, basketball, and baseball...All-state selection...Recorded over 200 tackles in his prep career with six interceptions. Joshua Willhite, 6-1, 215, TE, Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS Broken Arrow HS: Recorded 40 receptions throughout his prep career with six touchdowns. Marquis Williams, 6-1, 160, WR, Wichita, Kan. / Sunrise Christian Academy Sunrise Christian Academy: Two-time all-state selection both on offense and defense. Transfers Carson Arndt, 6-0, 170, K, Wichita, Kan. / Butler (Kan.) CC Blake Batarse, 6-0, 185, WR, Simi Valley, Calif. / Moorpark College Arundel Briggs, 6-2, 310, OL, Waxahachie, Texas / Prairie View A&amp;M Manuel Chavez, 6-1, 230, LB, Leoti, Kan. / Garden City (Kan.) CC Sean Delaughter, 5-9, 160, WR, Miami, Fla. / Upper Iowa University Travis Dixon, 5-10, 220, RB, Hollywood, Fla. / Garden City (Kan.) CC Seth Falley, 6-4, 295, OL, Haysville, Kan. / Middle Tennessee State Sloan Hayden, 6-4, 240, TE, Ulysses, Kan. / Hutchinson (Kan.) CC Jayden Horace, 6-1, 170, WR, Tampa, Fla. / Allen University Donnell Johnson III, 6-2, 310, DL, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Florida International University John Thomas Jones, 6-3, 240, TE, Devers, Texas / Butler (Kan.) CC Solomon MacFoy, 5-11, 175, DB, Tyler, Texas / Midwestern State University Hosia Stokes, 5-9, 175, WR, Adelanto, Calif. / Victor Valley College Benyon Williams, 5-9, 175, DB, Tampa, Fla. / North Carolina Wesleyan

🏈 FHSU signs 53 on National Signing Day

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 11 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 21 and 27.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County fell to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported. Trego, Gove, Thomas and Rawlins county were listed in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<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 8,367 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675286240043.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 11 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 21 and 27.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County fell to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported. Trego, Gove, Thomas and Rawlins county were listed in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;<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 8,367 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675286299411.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 11 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County sheriff, Scott Braun discusses cold weather safety tips.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff shares cold weather safety information" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=icypi-137ca0c-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County sheriff, Scott Braun discusses cold weather safety tips.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff shares cold weather safety information

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A Ransom man faces charges in connection with an alleged
sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 that occurred more than seven
years ago.

Robert Wayne Evel, 53, has been charged with aggravated criminal
sodomy with a child under the age of 14 years old, attempted rape of a child
under the age of 14 years old and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under
the age of 14 years old. The incident allegedly occurred between June 1,
2015, and Aug. 31, 2015.

According to court documents, the victim was 10 years old at
the time.

Evel was officially charged this month in Ellis County
District Court and pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

A jury trial has been scheduled for May 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694529800148.png" alt="Evel-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Evel-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA Ransom man faces charges in connection with an alleged
sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 that occurred more than seven
years ago.Robert Wayne Evel, 53, has been charged with aggravated criminal
sodomy with a child under the age of 14 years old, attempted rape of a child
under the age of 14 years old and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under
the age of 14 years old. The incident allegedly occurred between June 1,
2015, and Aug. 31, 2015.According to court documents, the victim was 10 years old at
the time.Evel was officially charged this month in Ellis County
District Court and pleaded not guilty to all three charges.A jury trial has been scheduled for May 1.

Ransom man charged with sexual assault of child

On Tuesday, The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, held its annual chamber awards banquet at the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Eight awards were given to businesses, organizations and individuals who provided significant contributions to Ellis County.&nbsp;

The sellout crowd of 402 guests enjoyed the evening’s entertainment, which included pro tips from fellow members, a recap of everything the business community accomplished in&nbsp;2022 and&nbsp;honoring the award winners. &nbsp;A special thank you to Mike Morley of Midwest Energy for serving as the ceremony’s emcee.

The following award winners were announced:

• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award Kelly Lewis, Assistant Vice President and New Accounts Representative at Bank of Hays

• eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award Kyle Carlin, Director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative at USD 489

• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the YearAward Carol Harfmann, Owner and Certified Public Accountant at Harfmann Accounting

• Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award Wes Rathbun, Owner of 8th Street Liquor, Golden Q, and The Fort Tavern &amp; Patio Bar

• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award Sarah Meitner, Executive Director at Heartland Community Foundation

• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award Nex-Tech Wireless

• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award Simpson Farm Enterprises

• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award Marion Dreher, Kiwanis Club of Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675263998676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseOn Tuesday, The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, held its annual chamber awards banquet at the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Eight awards were given to businesses, organizations and individuals who provided significant contributions to Ellis County.&nbsp;The sellout crowd of 402 guests enjoyed the evening’s entertainment, which included pro tips from fellow members, a recap of everything the business community accomplished in&nbsp;2022 and&nbsp;honoring the award winners. &nbsp;A special thank you to Mike Morley of Midwest Energy for serving as the ceremony’s emcee.The following award winners were announced:• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award Kelly Lewis, Assistant Vice President and New Accounts Representative at Bank of Hays• eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award Kyle Carlin, Director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative at USD 489• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the YearAward Carol Harfmann, Owner and Certified Public Accountant at Harfmann Accounting• Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award Wes Rathbun, Owner of 8th Street Liquor, Golden Q, and The Fort Tavern &amp; Patio Bar• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award Sarah Meitner, Executive Director at Heartland Community Foundation• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award Nex-Tech Wireless• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award Simpson Farm Enterprises• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award Marion Dreher, Kiwanis Club of Hays

2023 Hays Chamber award winners announced at banquet

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Just 262 miles
 to go, you can hold it. So says one of the many signs promoting the 
up-and-coming super chain of Buc-ee's convenience stores popular in the 
southern United States. But not if Russell Economic Development and CVB 
and Russell Development Inc. can do anything about it. Eco Devo Director
 Mike Parsons said there is a push to bring the chain to the I-70 
corridor in Kansas.

"Late last year, they actually had a CBS Sunday Morning segment that highlighted Buc-ee's," he said. "They announced they're looking to expand and maybe move further north."

The
 chain is well-established throughout Texas, and has since expanded with
 single stops in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee, two in Georgia
 and Florida, and three in Alabama. The Richmond, Ky., location opened 
in April 2022, and features 120 gas pumps on the 53,000 square-foot 
property. The store in New Braunfels, Texas is a world-record 66,335 
square-feet.

Inside a Buc-ee's can be even more surreal with 
wall-to-wall patrons searching for basic travel goods, all varieties of 
hot and bagged snacks, Buc-ee Beaver memorabilia, or the bathrooms known
 for their privacy and cleanliness. Buc-ee's also boasts an average 
starting wage around $14 an hour.

"The best way it's been 
described to me that kind of hits home with everybody is it's like the 
Cabellas of convenience stores," Parsons said.

Parsons said there 
have been some concerns about a chain of Buc-ee's size moving to the 
region, but noted the chain does not allow semi-trucks. Another 24/7 gas
 station on the I-70 Russell exit will soon be expanding as a truck 
stop.

"We figure we this is the best of both worlds," he said. 
"We've got the truck stop and the family stop. Right now the big goal is
 to keep Russell, Kansas, or Russell County fresh in their mind when 
they start looking this way."

No formal plans with Buc-ee's are in
 the works. Right now, the groups are trying to show there is an 
interest in the chain locally. They are asking the public to submit a 
form to Buc-ee's, expressing something as simple as, "We want a Buc-ee's
 in Russell, Kansas." Buc-ee's will reply with a confirmation email that
 requires clicking on a link in the email. Then send an email to 
rcecodevo@gmail.com letting them know of the submission. <a href="https://www.krsl.com/sites/default/files/2023-01/Buc-ees%20Recruitment%20Flyer.pdf">CLICK HERE</a> for the recruitment flyer and instructions.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675260825745.jpeg" alt="The Richmond, Ky., Buc-ee's location, the only one in that state, features 120 gas pumps." />
 <figcaption>The Richmond, Ky., Buc-ee's location, the only one in that state, features 120 gas pumps.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostJust 262 miles
 to go, you can hold it. So says one of the many signs promoting the 
up-and-coming super chain of Buc-ee's convenience stores popular in the 
southern United States. But not if Russell Economic Development and CVB 
and Russell Development Inc. can do anything about it. Eco Devo Director
 Mike Parsons said there is a push to bring the chain to the I-70 
corridor in Kansas."Late last year, they actually had a CBS Sunday Morning segment that highlighted Buc-ee's," he said. "They announced they're looking to expand and maybe move further north."The
 chain is well-established throughout Texas, and has since expanded with
 single stops in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee, two in Georgia
 and Florida, and three in Alabama. The Richmond, Ky., location opened 
in April 2022, and features 120 gas pumps on the 53,000 square-foot 
property. The store in New Braunfels, Texas is a world-record 66,335 
square-feet.Inside a Buc-ee's can be even more surreal with 
wall-to-wall patrons searching for basic travel goods, all varieties of 
hot and bagged snacks, Buc-ee Beaver memorabilia, or the bathrooms known
 for their privacy and cleanliness. Buc-ee's also boasts an average 
starting wage around $14 an hour."The best way it's been 
described to me that kind of hits home with everybody is it's like the 
Cabellas of convenience stores," Parsons said.Parsons said there 
have been some concerns about a chain of Buc-ee's size moving to the 
region, but noted the chain does not allow semi-trucks. Another 24/7 gas
 station on the I-70 Russell exit will soon be expanding as a truck 
stop."We figure we this is the best of both worlds," he said. 
"We've got the truck stop and the family stop. Right now the big goal is
 to keep Russell, Kansas, or Russell County fresh in their mind when 
they start looking this way."No formal plans with Buc-ee's are in
 the works. Right now, the groups are trying to show there is an 
interest in the chain locally. They are asking the public to submit a 
form to Buc-ee's, expressing something as simple as, "We want a Buc-ee's
 in Russell, Kansas." Buc-ee's will reply with a confirmation email that
 requires clicking on a link in the email. Then send an email to 
rcecodevo@gmail.com letting them know of the submission. <a href="https://www.krsl.com/sites/default/files/2023-01/Buc-ees%20Recruitment%20Flyer.pdf">CLICK HERE</a> for the recruitment flyer and instructions.&nbsp;

Russell groups trying to land new Buc-ee's convenience store

Get more than double the local impact with a charitable
gift this month.

The annual Heartland Community Foundation match month has
returned this February.

As the group continues to build its coffers, the annual
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation allows it to positively impact
community groups and projects throughout the year.

During the month, the Hansen Foundation has challenged
the Heartland Foundation to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties it serves – Ellis, Trego and Rooks.

“So, in 28 days, we have to raise that,” said Heartland
Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.&nbsp;

While
the annual match month has been an opportunity to generate more funds for
Heartland, the Hansen Foundation has upped the ante this year.

“In
the past, they've doubled the match, so they've done $1 for $1,” Meitner said.
“This year, they're doing $2 for every dollar.”

If
each of the three Heartland counties raises the $50,000 challenge amount, she
said Hansen would match that with $300,000.

“That
money goes into our legacy funds,” Meitner said. “Each county has one, the
Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Trego County Legacy
Fund, and those are our primary granting funds.”

Those
funds are unrestricted, meaning donations from those accounts can go to any
cause.

“Schools,
churches, any nonprofit, service providers, cities, municipalities, you name
it,” Meitner said. “We want to grow that fund because the more we grow
it, the more we can grant. So yeah, this is amazing to get that extra
incentive to really spur giving.”

And
while giving money to deserving groups is a hallmark of the organization,
Meitner said as the fund grows, the ability to give in the future also
increases.

“It's an endowed fund,” she said. “That means that we don't
actually grant out the principle of the fund — we're letting that grow. We grant
out the investment income.”

And
while the foundation doesn't always grant the total amount available every year, she said
it must give at least 5 percent under federal guidelines.

“I
get about 120 applications a year,” Meitner said. “We can't grant to all of
those. There's just simply not enough money. We haven't gotten there yet. We're
trying. We're growing it.”

Last
year’s grants totaled over $422,000, she said, for both organizations and projects.

“I think
the schools were actually our largest granting recipient, and it was at about
$112,000," Meitner said. "After that, it was service providers, health care and service
providers. And then roughly $78,000 went toward public safety and disaster
relief.”

Another
$36,000 was distributed to arts, and culture projects and $32,000 went to parks.

“Your
donation to the Heartland Community Foundation can really touch so many lives
because of the wide breadth of impact,” Meitner said. “It goes toward fire
safety. It can go toward law enforcement. It can go toward children and arts
and culture, parks — a little bit of everything.”

And
over the lifetime of the Heartland Foundation, she said around $3.2 million had
been distributed.

“Certainly, the ripple effect of that has been tremendous,”
Meitner said.

And
while the foundation continues to grow, she said the organization can also help
connect potential donors with opportunities to give.

“In
the future, I hope that we'll be able to have even more to grant out, but when
people are looking for a way to make an impact come to me, I can help point you
in the right direction,” Meitner said. “We can match you up with whatever it is
that fires you up.”

This
year, she said they have also added a bonus incentive to give.

“If
you donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, you will be entered to win $500 in
chamber bucks that we will draw on the morning of the 16th,” Meitner said. “And
if you donate over $500, you'll be entered twice.”

The
drawings will be offered in each of the foundation’s three counties.

“If
you want to gift all three counties, you could be entered three times,” Meitner
said. “We'll draw that and just try to spread the word and remind people that
it's match month and see how much we can raise.”

But
even without the incentive, she said the region is home to those that desire to
give.

“I believe that we're really fortunate in this region to
have very generous people. And so, our nonprofits in town are really able to
make the most of the money that they have to make the biggest impact and do
good work. They're the boots on the ground."

"But
that generosity, I also believe, it's not finite. I say the pie just gets
larger because people dig a little bit deeper. And especially when there's an
incentive, like a match incentive, but also just when there's a really good story
to tell, and somebody who truly needs it, our region, our communities, they
turn out, and they want to help.”

Donations
can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, by phone at (785) 621-4090 or in person at their
office in the Chestnut Building at 1200 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647093312739.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGet more than double the local impact with a charitable
gift this month.The annual Heartland Community Foundation match month has
returned this February.As the group continues to build its coffers, the annual
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation allows it to positively impact
community groups and projects throughout the year.During the month, the Hansen Foundation has challenged
the Heartland Foundation to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties it serves – Ellis, Trego and Rooks.“So, in 28 days, we have to raise that,” said Heartland
Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.&nbsp;While
the annual match month has been an opportunity to generate more funds for
Heartland, the Hansen Foundation has upped the ante this year.<div><iframe title="Match month gives gifts to area foundation more impact" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=r3d45-137b1ac-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“In
the past, they've doubled the match, so they've done $1 for $1,” Meitner said.
“This year, they're doing $2 for every dollar.”If
each of the three Heartland counties raises the $50,000 challenge amount, she
said Hansen would match that with $300,000.“That
money goes into our legacy funds,” Meitner said. “Each county has one, the
Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Trego County Legacy
Fund, and those are our primary granting funds.”Those
funds are unrestricted, meaning donations from those accounts can go to any
cause.“Schools,
churches, any nonprofit, service providers, cities, municipalities, you name
it,” Meitner said. “We want to grow that fund because the more we grow
it, the more we can grant. So yeah, this is amazing to get that extra
incentive to really spur giving.”And
while giving money to deserving groups is a hallmark of the organization,
Meitner said as the fund grows, the ability to give in the future also
increases.“It's an endowed fund,” she said. “That means that we don't
actually grant out the principle of the fund — we're letting that grow. We grant
out the investment income.”And
while the foundation doesn't always grant the total amount available every year, she said
it must give at least 5 percent under federal guidelines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648234209135.jpeg" alt="Sarah Meitner (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Meitner (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Not enough money ...</h2>“I
get about 120 applications a year,” Meitner said. “We can't grant to all of
those. There's just simply not enough money. We haven't gotten there yet. We're
trying. We're growing it.”Last
year’s grants totaled over $422,000, she said, for both organizations and projects.“I think
the schools were actually our largest granting recipient, and it was at about
$112,000," Meitner said. "After that, it was service providers, health care and service
providers. And then roughly $78,000 went toward public safety and disaster
relief.”Another
$36,000 was distributed to arts, and culture projects and $32,000 went to parks.“Your
donation to the Heartland Community Foundation can really touch so many lives
because of the wide breadth of impact,” Meitner said. “It goes toward fire
safety. It can go toward law enforcement. It can go toward children and arts
and culture, parks — a little bit of everything.”And
over the lifetime of the Heartland Foundation, she said around $3.2 million had
been distributed.“Certainly, the ripple effect of that has been tremendous,”
Meitner said.And
while the foundation continues to grow, she said the organization can also help
connect potential donors with opportunities to give.“In
the future, I hope that we'll be able to have even more to grant out, but when
people are looking for a way to make an impact come to me, I can help point you
in the right direction,” Meitner said. “We can match you up with whatever it is
that fires you up.”This
year, she said they have also added a bonus incentive to give.“If
you donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, you will be entered to win $500 in
chamber bucks that we will draw on the morning of the 16th,” Meitner said. “And
if you donate over $500, you'll be entered twice.”The
drawings will be offered in each of the foundation’s three counties.“If
you want to gift all three counties, you could be entered three times,” Meitner
said. “We'll draw that and just try to spread the word and remind people that
it's match month and see how much we can raise.”But
even without the incentive, she said the region is home to those that desire to
give.“I believe that we're really fortunate in this region to
have very generous people. And so, our nonprofits in town are really able to
make the most of the money that they have to make the biggest impact and do
good work. They're the boots on the ground.""But
that generosity, I also believe, it's not finite. I say the pie just gets
larger because people dig a little bit deeper. And especially when there's an
incentive, like a match incentive, but also just when there's a really good story
to tell, and somebody who truly needs it, our region, our communities, they
turn out, and they want to help.”Donations
can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, by phone at (785) 621-4090 or in person at their
office in the Chestnut Building at 1200 Main.

🎙Gifts to Heartland Foundation to be matched during February

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

When visitors to Hays stay overnight in motels, they often have questions about what there is to do in town, where to eat, and where to fuel up their vehicles.

Front desk employees at the local lodgings have the answers, thanks to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Melissa Dixon, executive director, and CVB staff spent time in early January training front desk staff at the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn to familiarize them about the amenities in Hays

"She's very good at that, assisting with training hotel staff in how to understand the needs of the visitors, how to direct them to the right places and sort of showcase our community," said City Manager Toby Dougherty in a KAYS Radio interview with Hays Post.

"Hopefully, it keeps them coming back and keeps them happy while they're here. It's good for us and it's good for the hotels if they get repeat clients."

During last week's city commission work session, Dixon shared highlights of CVB activities in 2022, the department's 40th anniversary.&nbsp;

Last year, CVB distributed 75,000 visitors guides and provided 6,906 welcome packets for event attendees in Hays.

The estimated economic impact of overnight guests in Hays during 2002 was $43.1 million, according to Dixon.&nbsp;

Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser presented other projects during the most recent progress report for city departments.&nbsp;

Sunrise Rotary Club donated $6,900 to the city for improvements to the&nbsp; Ekey Park ballfield, 19th and Holmes.&nbsp;

The project is underway by the parks department and will include a new backstop, bases, bench, and red infield dirt salvaged from the artificial turf project at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;

And the city bison herd in Frontier Park now have their own shade shelter.

It was constructed in the south-central portion of the pasture by parks department employees and is expected to provide improved viewing conditions for visitors.

Workers used salvaged telephone poles, steel siding, and roofing materials were used in the structure.

Click the video below for the full progress report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675123000234.jpeg" alt="Employees of the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn recently underwent customer service training with the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Employees of the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn recently underwent customer service training with the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWhen visitors to Hays stay overnight in motels, they often have questions about what there is to do in town, where to eat, and where to fuel up their vehicles.Front desk employees at the local lodgings have the answers, thanks to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.Melissa Dixon, executive director, and CVB staff spent time in early January training front desk staff at the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn to familiarize them about the amenities in Hays"She's very good at that, assisting with training hotel staff in how to understand the needs of the visitors, how to direct them to the right places and sort of showcase our community," said City Manager Toby Dougherty in a KAYS Radio interview with Hays Post."Hopefully, it keeps them coming back and keeps them happy while they're here. It's good for us and it's good for the hotels if they get repeat clients."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675122738756.jpeg" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>During last week's city commission work session, Dixon shared highlights of CVB activities in 2022, the department's 40th anniversary.&nbsp;Last year, CVB distributed 75,000 visitors guides and provided 6,906 welcome packets for event attendees in Hays.The estimated economic impact of overnight guests in Hays during 2002 was $43.1 million, according to Dixon.&nbsp;Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser presented other projects during the most recent progress report for city departments.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675120607308.jpeg" alt="Improvements to the Ekey Park ballfield are underway thanks to a donation from Sunrise Rotary Club. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Improvements to the Ekey Park ballfield are underway thanks to a donation from Sunrise Rotary Club. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Sunrise Rotary Club donated $6,900 to the city for improvements to the&nbsp; Ekey Park ballfield, 19th and Holmes.&nbsp;The project is underway by the parks department and will include a new backstop, bases, bench, and red infield dirt salvaged from the artificial turf project at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675119607162.jpeg" alt="Shade shelter for the bison in Frontier Park under construction by parks department employees. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Shade shelter for the bison in Frontier Park under construction by parks department employees. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675120063622.jpeg" alt="Salvaged materials were used to construct the buffalo shade shelter. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Salvaged materials were used to construct the buffalo shade shelter. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>And the city bison herd in Frontier Park now have their own shade shelter.It was constructed in the south-central portion of the pasture by parks department employees and is expected to provide improved viewing conditions for visitors.Workers used salvaged telephone poles, steel siding, and roofing materials were used in the structure.Click the video below for the full progress report.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/auCeYfDu-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Progress Report December" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>(Video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)

🎥 Hays CVB training for hotel employees helps boost economic impact

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie&nbsp;County farmer and rancher This past weekend was my favorite Kansas Farm Bureau event, the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Conference. I am going to let you in on a secret, I am over 35. I know you are all shocked, and I am a bit surprised they still let me through the doors. I guess they either take pity on me or they let me in because I am on the state board of directors. Either way I am always happy to sneak in and get my batteries recharged. I think I have figured out the fountain of youth, and it is to spend time around this outstanding group of young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and students. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, even for an old guy several years past the YF&amp;R expiration date. The conference itself is outstanding. The keynote speakers and information shared is some of the best and most timely for those of us in agriculture. Then there are the breakout sessions and workshops, again some of the leading experts in their fields and cutting edge information. Include that with contests showcasing our industry’s best and brightest along with social events and you have a great weekend. The best part is it is planned, coordinated and put on by the Young Farmer and Rancher committee, the best and brightest members 35 and younger in Kansas Farm Bureau. Does it sound like I am bragging? I hope so because I am. We hear all the time about the aging agriculture industry and often pundits wonder where we are headed. Will our producers age out? Will we be able to feed a growing, hungry population? Spend a weekend at the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference and you know we will be in good hands. Spending time with this group will renew your faith in the future. I love listening to the conversations and hearing the new ideas and enthusiasm. This conference was crucial for Jennifer and I as we started our journey in agriculture. So many times you feel alone and it seems like no one understands what you are going through. Then you come to your first YF&amp;R Conference and find out there are many others going through the same trials and tribulations. The networking in the hallways and the friendships you make over the weekend are truly the most valuable part of the conference. We still have friendships that were forged during this conference. That is why each year I look forward to this weekend. I must admit I am being a little selfish because I know I get more out of it than I give to the participants I meet. This old guy is transformed back into a time when anything was possible and my career was ahead of me. I wish I could bottle the excitement and energy up for all of you, it is something we all need these days. I can’t do that, but I can go forth knowing agriculture is in good hands.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie&nbsp;County farmer and rancher This past weekend was my favorite Kansas Farm Bureau event, the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Conference. I am going to let you in on a secret, I am over 35. I know you are all shocked, and I am a bit surprised they still let me through the doors. I guess they either take pity on me or they let me in because I am on the state board of directors. Either way I am always happy to sneak in and get my batteries recharged. I think I have figured out the fountain of youth, and it is to spend time around this outstanding group of young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and students. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, even for an old guy several years past the YF&amp;R expiration date. The conference itself is outstanding. The keynote speakers and information shared is some of the best and most timely for those of us in agriculture. Then there are the breakout sessions and workshops, again some of the leading experts in their fields and cutting edge information. Include that with contests showcasing our industry’s best and brightest along with social events and you have a great weekend. The best part is it is planned, coordinated and put on by the Young Farmer and Rancher committee, the best and brightest members 35 and younger in Kansas Farm Bureau. Does it sound like I am bragging? I hope so because I am. We hear all the time about the aging agriculture industry and often pundits wonder where we are headed. Will our producers age out? Will we be able to feed a growing, hungry population? Spend a weekend at the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference and you know we will be in good hands. Spending time with this group will renew your faith in the future. I love listening to the conversations and hearing the new ideas and enthusiasm. This conference was crucial for Jennifer and I as we started our journey in agriculture. So many times you feel alone and it seems like no one understands what you are going through. Then you come to your first YF&amp;R Conference and find out there are many others going through the same trials and tribulations. The networking in the hallways and the friendships you make over the weekend are truly the most valuable part of the conference. We still have friendships that were forged during this conference. That is why each year I look forward to this weekend. I must admit I am being a little selfish because I know I get more out of it than I give to the participants I meet. This old guy is transformed back into a time when anything was possible and my career was ahead of me. I wish I could bottle the excitement and energy up for all of you, it is something we all need these days. I can’t do that, but I can go forth knowing agriculture is in good hands."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Faith in the future of agriculture

It's a month of music, basketball and wrestling, legislative updates, and of course, love.

Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director,&nbsp; has highlights of some of the local activities and events during February.

For an updated list of community events, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=16796&amp;month=1&amp;year=2023&amp;day=31&amp;calType=0">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673100607004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's a month of music, basketball and wrestling, legislative updates, and of course, love.Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director,&nbsp; has highlights of some of the local activities and events during February.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/QGLeNW2G-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cvb Feb 23" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675202407143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an updated list of community events, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=16796&amp;month=1&amp;year=2023&amp;day=31&amp;calType=0">www.visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: Community events in Hays during February

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675184301772.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>

I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels, also known as limb chickens or tree bacon in our neck of the woods. They taunt our two little pups from the top of my back fence or from the roof of our neighbor’s garage and work them into an absolute frenzy. They hang upside-down from their heels on the side of the tree, just out of reach and chatter away as if to say “Come and get me you yappy little mongrels!” 

Squirrels are not to be trifled with and can give a nasty bite, but just once I wish my dumb mutts would learn to work together and snag one. Like maybe one pup could prance around the tree with a big grin on its face, clutching an acorn in its teeth, luring the little bird-feeder-vandal near the ground, while the other pup sneaks up from the other side, pounces on its back and cleans it off the side of tree. But it would be just my luck&nbsp;that&nbsp;instead of crumpling to the ground with the pooch on its back, it would head for the top of the tree with the pooch on its back. At that point I don’t know which would be worse, the hapless hound hangin’ on to end up somewhere in the treetops, or fallin’ off somewhere over the middle of the yard.

Pesky as they are, I know of no other wild critter in the US more pampered than the squirrel. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around inside those glass jar feeders.&nbsp;We even found plans and built a “maize” feeder, where the squirrel must enter through one of two holes in the side, than navigate around partitions inside to reach ears of corn.&nbsp;People&nbsp;buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn.&nbsp;My son’s father-in-law has his trained to take peanuts from his hand, and the little buggers even tap on his front door when they want a snack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A couple years back a squirrel with only half a tail became a regular at our feeder; we named it “Ole’ Stumpy.” We thought at first that Stumpy was a male, but there&nbsp;were&nbsp;no bulging body parts on Stumpy’s underside,&nbsp;so we deemed her a girl. We can only guess at how Stumpy lost the end of her tail, but I did a little research on Ole’ Stumpy’s tail dilemma on a website named “The Squirrel Board” (I can’t make this stuff up!) It seems Stumpy&nbsp;was&nbsp;not alone and squirrel tails are made so they will “deglove” or snap off if a predator has hold of it. The jury seemed to still be out as to whether it would ever grow back and Stumpy would be whole again. The squirrel lovers on that site were&nbsp;way&nbsp;out of my league. One guy said “If you’re feeding peanuts to your squirrels make sure they are roasted…I feed mine chopped almonds because they are healthier than peanuts.” (Really; sounds like his squirrels eat better than I do.) He went on to say “Thanksgiving week we fed them almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts for a variety.” I have to admit that would make for some tasty squirrel if you roasted em’ while they were still full of nuts.&nbsp;

Now&nbsp;even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the globe. Their theme is “Squirrel – it’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in dishes like squirrel pizza and squirrel flavored ice cream. And are you aware there is actually an organization&nbsp;called “Squirrels Unlimited?” (SQU for short) Its mission statement reads: “SQU is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind’s greatest gifts.”&nbsp;

There is also a market for squirrel tails. Fishing lure manufacturer Mepps in Wisconsin actually pays for squirrel tails because they seem to work better as skirts on their fishing lures than any other product they have tried. Depending on the species of tails you send, they pay&nbsp;from 12 cents apiece for tails that are only partially useable to 25 cents apiece for&nbsp;tails that are fully useable.&nbsp;On their website they caution “Mepps is only interested in “recycling” tails from squirrels harvested for the table. We do not advocate taking squirrels strictly for their&nbsp;tails.” Mepps&nbsp;says that when they receive the tails, members of their experienced team will grade the tails as premium, average or unusable.&nbsp;

We never knew what became of Ole’ Stumpy, she just sort-of disappeared.&nbsp;Perhaps, because of her deformity,&nbsp;she was run-off by more dominant members of our squirrel community. Perhaps her&nbsp;snapper-off tail caused her such shame that she ended it all by throwing herself in front of a school bus. Or perhaps she simply died of old age and crossed the rainbow bridge with dignity. Every time I sit in a deer stand or turkey blind and hear a squirrel chattering and barking at me, I have to wonder if its Ole’ Stumpy reincarnated just to give me a few more minutes of entertainment…&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels, also known as limb chickens or tree bacon in our neck of the woods. They taunt our two little pups from the top of my back fence or from the roof of our neighbor’s garage and work them into an absolute frenzy. They hang upside-down from their heels on the side of the tree, just out of reach and chatter away as if to say “Come and get me you yappy little mongrels!” Squirrels are not to be trifled with and can give a nasty bite, but just once I wish my dumb mutts would learn to work together and snag one. Like maybe one pup could prance around the tree with a big grin on its face, clutching an acorn in its teeth, luring the little bird-feeder-vandal near the ground, while the other pup sneaks up from the other side, pounces on its back and cleans it off the side of tree. But it would be just my luck&nbsp;that&nbsp;instead of crumpling to the ground with the pooch on its back, it would head for the top of the tree with the pooch on its back. At that point I don’t know which would be worse, the hapless hound hangin’ on to end up somewhere in the treetops, or fallin’ off somewhere over the middle of the yard.Pesky as they are, I know of no other wild critter in the US more pampered than the squirrel. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around inside those glass jar feeders.&nbsp;We even found plans and built a “maize” feeder, where the squirrel must enter through one of two holes in the side, than navigate around partitions inside to reach ears of corn.&nbsp;People&nbsp;buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn.&nbsp;My son’s father-in-law has his trained to take peanuts from his hand, and the little buggers even tap on his front door when they want a snack.&nbsp;&nbsp;A couple years back a squirrel with only half a tail became a regular at our feeder; we named it “Ole’ Stumpy.” We thought at first that Stumpy was a male, but there&nbsp;were&nbsp;no bulging body parts on Stumpy’s underside,&nbsp;so we deemed her a girl. We can only guess at how Stumpy lost the end of her tail, but I did a little research on Ole’ Stumpy’s tail dilemma on a website named “The Squirrel Board” (I can’t make this stuff up!) It seems Stumpy&nbsp;was&nbsp;not alone and squirrel tails are made so they will “deglove” or snap off if a predator has hold of it. The jury seemed to still be out as to whether it would ever grow back and Stumpy would be whole again. The squirrel lovers on that site were&nbsp;way&nbsp;out of my league. One guy said “If you’re feeding peanuts to your squirrels make sure they are roasted…I feed mine chopped almonds because they are healthier than peanuts.” (Really; sounds like his squirrels eat better than I do.) He went on to say “Thanksgiving week we fed them almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts for a variety.” I have to admit that would make for some tasty squirrel if you roasted em’ while they were still full of nuts.&nbsp;Now&nbsp;even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the globe. Their theme is “Squirrel – it’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in dishes like squirrel pizza and squirrel flavored ice cream. And are you aware there is actually an organization&nbsp;called “Squirrels Unlimited?” (SQU for short) Its mission statement reads: “SQU is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind’s greatest gifts.”&nbsp;There is also a market for squirrel tails. Fishing lure manufacturer Mepps in Wisconsin actually pays for squirrel tails because they seem to work better as skirts on their fishing lures than any other product they have tried. Depending on the species of tails you send, they pay&nbsp;from 12 cents apiece for tails that are only partially useable to 25 cents apiece for&nbsp;tails that are fully useable.&nbsp;On their website they caution “Mepps is only interested in “recycling” tails from squirrels harvested for the table. We do not advocate taking squirrels strictly for their&nbsp;tails.” Mepps&nbsp;says that when they receive the tails, members of their experienced team will grade the tails as premium, average or unusable.&nbsp;We never knew what became of Ole’ Stumpy, she just sort-of disappeared.&nbsp;Perhaps, because of her deformity,&nbsp;she was run-off by more dominant members of our squirrel community. Perhaps her&nbsp;snapper-off tail caused her such shame that she ended it all by throwing herself in front of a school bus. Or perhaps she simply died of old age and crossed the rainbow bridge with dignity. Every time I sit in a deer stand or turkey blind and hear a squirrel chattering and barking at me, I have to wonder if its Ole’ Stumpy reincarnated just to give me a few more minutes of entertainment…&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Ole’ Stumpy

A few years&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. It was along a&nbsp;rutted dirt road&nbsp;somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the&nbsp;end of the line where&nbsp;an old bridge spanned the stream&nbsp;as it&nbsp;meandered through a&nbsp;sand hill&nbsp;pasture thick with cedars.&nbsp;Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near&nbsp;the stream, and from the&nbsp;truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been&nbsp;severely gnawed by beavers. 

The owner had told me of&nbsp;fresh beaver chewings along this&nbsp;creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount&nbsp;I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. In a sharp bend ahead of me a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in&nbsp;a&nbsp;deep pool in&nbsp;the creek below.&nbsp;I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud&nbsp;beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges&nbsp;of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby.&nbsp;

The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so&nbsp;I&nbsp;went a ways in both directions from the den,&nbsp;set four&nbsp;traps and&nbsp;headed home with visions of 4 beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…&nbsp;or were&nbsp;they?&nbsp;Four days later, I&nbsp;had&nbsp;only1 large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. That year,&nbsp;I learned&nbsp;a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had&nbsp;long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species;&nbsp;the amount of sign left by our&nbsp;four-legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.

Some weeks&nbsp;after&nbsp;that, following a&nbsp;good tracking snow, I headed for the woods&nbsp;to see what the fresh snow could show me. My first stop was a&nbsp;30-acre&nbsp;soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally&nbsp;thousands of deer tracks criss-crossing that field! It looked like an elementary school&nbsp;playground after recess.&nbsp;Now I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find&nbsp;literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge?&nbsp;I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed &amp; toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.&nbsp;

For starters,&nbsp;we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have 4 legs, and 4 feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. Secondly,&nbsp;animal’s&nbsp;lives revolve around survival, and a&nbsp;major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps&nbsp;are&nbsp;taken each night in pursuit of that, two-&nbsp;legged birds&nbsp;included.&nbsp;All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place&nbsp;very long. Multiply&nbsp;their&nbsp;movements by&nbsp;eight&nbsp;hours&nbsp;or more&nbsp;and that’s a lot of tracks!&nbsp;If we were to freshly paint the floors and isles of our workplaces then observe the number of shoe&nbsp;prints there at the end of an&nbsp;eight-hour&nbsp;shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of&nbsp;us would make.&nbsp;Or if we could somehow count the number of&nbsp;human&nbsp;footprints&nbsp;in just one isle at the grocery store in one&nbsp;days’ time&nbsp;as&nbsp;shoppers wondered the store,&nbsp;it would be astounding, but would not be a true&nbsp;estimation&nbsp;of the number of shoppers.

As a&nbsp;side&nbsp;note, I was recently asked&nbsp;how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow,&nbsp;while any cat track will be rounder&nbsp;(look at the paw of a house or barn cat)&nbsp;and will show NO claw marks as&nbsp;all cats have&nbsp;retractable&nbsp;claws, and walk with them retracted.

In the end, this all amounts to&nbsp;a few animals&nbsp;leaving a multitude of life-signs of various kinds. When scouting there is no better find&nbsp;than tracks and other signs left by our&nbsp;four- legged quarry. And while it is true that the more tracks and other signs&nbsp;you see, the more animals&nbsp;there are using&nbsp;that&nbsp;particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating&nbsp;wildlife numbers.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to be on the conservative side, count the&nbsp;number of wildlife&nbsp;tracks and divide by four! Continue to Explore Kansas outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>A few years&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. It was along a&nbsp;rutted dirt road&nbsp;somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the&nbsp;end of the line where&nbsp;an old bridge spanned the stream&nbsp;as it&nbsp;meandered through a&nbsp;sand hill&nbsp;pasture thick with cedars.&nbsp;Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near&nbsp;the stream, and from the&nbsp;truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been&nbsp;severely gnawed by beavers. The owner had told me of&nbsp;fresh beaver chewings along this&nbsp;creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount&nbsp;I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. In a sharp bend ahead of me a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in&nbsp;a&nbsp;deep pool in&nbsp;the creek below.&nbsp;I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud&nbsp;beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges&nbsp;of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby.&nbsp;The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so&nbsp;I&nbsp;went a ways in both directions from the den,&nbsp;set four&nbsp;traps and&nbsp;headed home with visions of 4 beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…&nbsp;or were&nbsp;they?&nbsp;Four days later, I&nbsp;had&nbsp;only1 large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. That year,&nbsp;I learned&nbsp;a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had&nbsp;long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species;&nbsp;the amount of sign left by our&nbsp;four-legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.Some weeks&nbsp;after&nbsp;that, following a&nbsp;good tracking snow, I headed for the woods&nbsp;to see what the fresh snow could show me. My first stop was a&nbsp;30-acre&nbsp;soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally&nbsp;thousands of deer tracks criss-crossing that field! It looked like an elementary school&nbsp;playground after recess.&nbsp;Now I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find&nbsp;literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge?&nbsp;I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed &amp; toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.&nbsp;For starters,&nbsp;we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have 4 legs, and 4 feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. Secondly,&nbsp;animal’s&nbsp;lives revolve around survival, and a&nbsp;major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps&nbsp;are&nbsp;taken each night in pursuit of that, two-&nbsp;legged birds&nbsp;included.&nbsp;All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place&nbsp;very long. Multiply&nbsp;their&nbsp;movements by&nbsp;eight&nbsp;hours&nbsp;or more&nbsp;and that’s a lot of tracks!&nbsp;If we were to freshly paint the floors and isles of our workplaces then observe the number of shoe&nbsp;prints there at the end of an&nbsp;eight-hour&nbsp;shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of&nbsp;us would make.&nbsp;Or if we could somehow count the number of&nbsp;human&nbsp;footprints&nbsp;in just one isle at the grocery store in one&nbsp;days’ time&nbsp;as&nbsp;shoppers wondered the store,&nbsp;it would be astounding, but would not be a true&nbsp;estimation&nbsp;of the number of shoppers.As a&nbsp;side&nbsp;note, I was recently asked&nbsp;how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow,&nbsp;while any cat track will be rounder&nbsp;(look at the paw of a house or barn cat)&nbsp;and will show NO claw marks as&nbsp;all cats have&nbsp;retractable&nbsp;claws, and walk with them retracted.In the end, this all amounts to&nbsp;a few animals&nbsp;leaving a multitude of life-signs of various kinds. When scouting there is no better find&nbsp;than tracks and other signs left by our&nbsp;four- legged quarry. And while it is true that the more tracks and other signs&nbsp;you see, the more animals&nbsp;there are using&nbsp;that&nbsp;particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating&nbsp;wildlife numbers.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to be on the conservative side, count the&nbsp;number of wildlife&nbsp;tracks and divide by four! Continue to Explore Kansas outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Count the tracks and divide by four

The TMP-Marian Monarchs play host to the Trego Golden Eagles in a Mid-Continent League matchup Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

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/516917">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 play host to the Trego Golden Eagles in a Mid-Continent League matchup Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.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/516917">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/516917?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Trego

The Hays High Indians step out of conference play for a trip to Scott City Tuesday nigh for a matchup with the Beavers.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Scott City.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480655">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 step out of conference play for a trip to Scott City Tuesday nigh for a matchup with the Beavers.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Scott City.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480655">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/480655?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High at Scott City

On Monday, an arrest was made in connection to a search warrant executed on July 16, 2022, in the 800 block of Third Avenue West in Glade.

During the execution of the search warrant, items were located that indicated they may be components of a methamphetamine lab.  Kansas Bureau of Investigation Clandestine Laboratory Response Team responded and collected the items of concern.  Those items were transported to the KBI for analysis which revealed they were, as suspected, meth lab components.

On Monday, deputies served an arrest warrant on Jimmie C. Lamb, 40, Glade, and took him into custody without incident.

Lambwas arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of precursors, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lamb being lodged in the Phillips County jail with a $250,000 bond.  All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675194629717.png" alt="Lamb / Phillips County photo" />
 <figcaption>Lamb / Phillips County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Phillips County Sheriff's OfficeOn Monday, an arrest was made in connection to a search warrant executed on July 16, 2022, in the 800 block of Third Avenue West in Glade.During the execution of the search warrant, items were located that indicated they may be components of a methamphetamine lab. Kansas Bureau of Investigation Clandestine Laboratory Response Team responded and collected the items of concern. Those items were transported to the KBI for analysis which revealed they were, as suspected, meth lab components.On Monday, deputies served an arrest warrant on Jimmie C. Lamb, 40, Glade, and took him into custody without incident.Lambwas arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of precursors, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lamb being lodged in the Phillips County jail with a $250,000 bond. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fplsoks%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0EvUzcJwJnu2Tg3MYtcfxX8yiqZH8KnYJzvsD3CDiuxzvkj3P4cJ4REu3hFnQuH6ql&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="294" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Phillips Co. man arrested on suspicion of multiple drug offenses

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High FFA Alumni organizers discuss their upcoming fundraiser set for Feb. 4.

<div><iframe title="Hays High FFA Alumni fundraiser nearly here" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=9qqkw-137ad6c-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High FFA Alumni organizers discuss their upcoming fundraiser set for Feb. 4.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High FFA Alumni Fundraiser nearly here

After a bitterly cold start to the work week, the National Weather Service is calling for temperatures to quickly rise through the remainder of the week.

A high in the mid-30 to low-40s is predicted Wednesday and Thursday, followed by highs at 50 or higher through the weekend.

Skies will remain clear and sunny, and the NWS is forecasting no precipitation in the long-term forecast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675180357887.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a bitterly cold start to the work week, the National Weather Service is calling for temperatures to quickly rise through the remainder of the week.A high in the mid-30 to low-40s is predicted Wednesday and Thursday, followed by highs at 50 or higher through the weekend.Skies will remain clear and sunny, and the NWS is forecasting no precipitation in the long-term forecast.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dry weather can be expected for the next week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSWX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSWX</a> <a href="https://t.co/ui1prGZnVe">pic.twitter.com/ui1prGZnVe</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1620261654872330240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Temps will rise, but northwest Kansas will stay dry

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hay Post

Three Fort Hays State University master's in graphic design students have come together for an MFA exhibit that is on display now through Friday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art.

All three have very different styles, but they have come together in an exhibit called "Synthesia."

Two of the students included work from community service projects in their exhibits.

Thomas Giebler of Andover cooperated with FHSU Professor Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

The book features a cloud named Ace that has many different emotions. The book depicts situations the children may experience, such as going through security. It also has a page where the children can draw pictures of the people they are visiting and write lists of things they want to do with their loved ones during the visits.

The coloring book is supposed to go to print this spring.

Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold for $30 and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Lee still has some copies of the prints available if anyone would like to purchase one to benefit the cause.

Lee's exhibit is titled "Mycelium," which is named after a type of fungi that breaks down dead material in nature.

Lee said her designs are heavily inspired by nature and the theme of her exhibit is turning negatives into positives.

She said she has used her time in graduate school to expand into the fine art realm. As an undergraduate student, she focused on pen and ink drawings.

She also has developed an interest in tattoos. For her thesis exhibit, she developed a series of tattoo images on paper for clients. She talked to the potential clients about what they did not like about themselves and how they wished they could change.

She then merged two animals — one depicting the negative aspect of the person with how they hoped to be.

Lee's tattoo image is a flying elephant. Lee was obese when she was younger, weighing about 350 pounds. Gastric sleeve surgery within the last few years has helped her achieve a healthier weight.

Schoolchildren often called her an elephant when she was a child.

"[The elephant] has butterfly wings, because I just wanted to be lighter," she said. "I didn't want to be pretty. I just wanted to be lighter."

She explained another drawing in the tattoo series.

She created an image of a bowerbird with a koala head for a client.&nbsp;

"When I asked that person what he feels self-conscious about, he said he felt like he had to be a perfectionist all the time and he has to be perfect all of the time to be loved," she said.&nbsp;

Bowerbirds create elaborate nests to attract mates, while koalas are perceived as being more laid back.

"It's my way of saying I know you're self-conscious about this part of you, but you can be loved. It's OK. You deserve to be loved.

"Everyone has something they hate about themselves, sadly," she said.

Giebler's full MFA exhibit is called "In A Small Sea." Toward the end of his undergraduate degree, he discovered animation and undertook several projects that required him to create whimsical characters.

He created the characters for a video game called Treeson. Visitors to the exhibit can watch a demo of the game.&nbsp;

An evil entity has taken over the magical tree world and placed all the trees in pots. A vegetable hybrid, Onyun, seeks to defeat the evil force but must use enemies like fire and termites to its advantage.

Giebler's portion of the exhibit has a couple of interactive elements. You can scan QR codes and see videos of other characters he's created, including entering the dream world of a child that has just slipped into a candy-induced slumber.

Caitlyn Frazer's master's thesis show is titled "Fraze." It's a play on her last name and the concept that many parts can come together to make a conceptual unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675100197689.jpeg" alt="FHSU graduate student&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover partnered with art Professor&nbsp;Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>FHSU graduate student&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover partnered with art Professor&nbsp;Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hay PostThree Fort Hays State University master's in graphic design students have come together for an MFA exhibit that is on display now through Friday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art.All three have very different styles, but they have come together in an exhibit called "Synthesia."Two of the students included work from community service projects in their exhibits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101803575.jpeg" alt="(Left to right) FHSU graphic design graduate students&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover,&nbsp;Caitlyn Frazer of Garden City and&nbsp;Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, pose for a picture during the opening reception for their master thesis exhibits.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>(Left to right) FHSU graphic design graduate students&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover,&nbsp;Caitlyn Frazer of Garden City and&nbsp;Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, pose for a picture during the opening reception for their master thesis exhibits.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas Giebler of Andover cooperated with FHSU Professor Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility.The book features a cloud named Ace that has many different emotions. The book depicts situations the children may experience, such as going through security. It also has a page where the children can draw pictures of the people they are visiting and write lists of things they want to do with their loved ones during the visits.The coloring book is supposed to go to print this spring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675100848083.jpeg" alt="Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold for $30 and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Lee still has some copies of the prints available if anyone would like to purchase one to benefit the cause.Lee's exhibit is titled "Mycelium," which is named after a type of fungi that breaks down dead material in nature.Lee said her designs are heavily inspired by nature and the theme of her exhibit is turning negatives into positives.She said she has used her time in graduate school to expand into the fine art realm. As an undergraduate student, she focused on pen and ink drawings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101040564.jpeg" alt="Minjoo Lee created this tattoo design as part of her graduate studies at FHSU.&nbsp; Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Minjoo Lee created this tattoo design as part of her graduate studies at FHSU.&nbsp; Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She also has developed an interest in tattoos. For her thesis exhibit, she developed a series of tattoo images on paper for clients. She talked to the potential clients about what they did not like about themselves and how they wished they could change.She then merged two animals — one depicting the negative aspect of the person with how they hoped to be.Lee's tattoo image is a flying elephant. Lee was obese when she was younger, weighing about 350 pounds. Gastric sleeve surgery within the last few years has helped her achieve a healthier weight.Schoolchildren often called her an elephant when she was a child."[The elephant] has butterfly wings, because I just wanted to be lighter," she said. "I didn't want to be pretty. I just wanted to be lighter."She explained another drawing in the tattoo series.She created an image of a bowerbird with a koala head for a client.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101168830.jpeg" alt="Lee created this tattoo design that combines a bowerbird and a koala for a client who said he struggled with perfectionism. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lee created this tattoo design that combines a bowerbird and a koala for a client who said he struggled with perfectionism. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"When I asked that person what he feels self-conscious about, he said he felt like he had to be a perfectionist all the time and he has to be perfect all of the time to be loved," she said.&nbsp;Bowerbirds create elaborate nests to attract mates, while koalas are perceived as being more laid back."It's my way of saying I know you're self-conscious about this part of you, but you can be loved. It's OK. You deserve to be loved."Everyone has something they hate about themselves, sadly," she said.Giebler's full MFA exhibit is called "In A Small Sea." Toward the end of his undergraduate degree, he discovered animation and undertook several projects that required him to create whimsical characters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101383011.jpeg" alt="A character art graduate student Thomas Giebler created for his master's exhibit. Visitors can scan the QR codes to see an animation including the character. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A character art graduate student Thomas Giebler created for his master's exhibit. Visitors can scan the QR codes to see an animation including the character. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>He created the characters for a video game called Treeson. Visitors to the exhibit can watch a demo of the game.&nbsp;An evil entity has taken over the magical tree world and placed all the trees in pots. A vegetable hybrid, Onyun, seeks to defeat the evil force but must use enemies like fire and termites to its advantage.Giebler's portion of the exhibit has a couple of interactive elements. You can scan QR codes and see videos of other characters he's created, including entering the dream world of a child that has just slipped into a candy-induced slumber.Caitlyn Frazer's master's thesis show is titled "Fraze." It's a play on her last name and the concept that many parts can come together to make a conceptual unit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101616592.jpeg" alt="Caitlyn Frazer created this candy packaging based on her grandmother's childhood dream of having a pet alligator named Eddie. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Caitlyn Frazer created this candy packaging based on her grandmother's childhood dream of having a pet alligator named Eddie. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Frazer of Garden City said she draws from many mediums for her work, including sculpture and photography."I'm molding myself in the shape of whatever kind of artist I need to be," she said.Frazer's thesis was inspired by her grandmother, Fran Lucas, and her childhood dream of owning a candy store. All the product branding for the store is inspired by her family.It turned into this funky general store that sells candy, liquor and spirits aimed at helping adults feel like kids again, she said.Giebler and Frazer graduated in December. This show completes their degrees. Giebler said he wants to teach graphic design and animation. Frazer said she will likely apply to work for an ad agency.Lee will graduate in May. She is undecided about her plans after graduation. She is considering entering the industry, teaching or tattooing.

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