SCOTT COUNTY— For several months, law enforcement authorities in Scott City have been&nbsp;assisting the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation on an investigation in Oklahoma. They have a suspect in custody.

On March 16, police assisted Special Agents from the  Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation executing an arrest warrant. Officers too 22-year-old Kevin Adalberto Rodriguez-Ruiz, 22, of Scott City into custody at the Law Enforcement Center on an Oklahoma arrest warrant for alleged Rape and three counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child under the age of 16.

Rodriguez-Ruiz remains in the custody of the Scott County Jail awaiting extradition to Oklahoma. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679324669781.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Scott County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Scott County</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY— For several months, law enforcement authorities in Scott City have been&nbsp;assisting the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation on an investigation in Oklahoma. They have a suspect in custody.On March 16, police assisted Special Agents from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation executing an arrest warrant. Officers too 22-year-old Kevin Adalberto Rodriguez-Ruiz, 22, of Scott City into custody at the Law Enforcement Center on an Oklahoma arrest warrant for alleged Rape and three counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child under the age of 16.Rodriguez-Ruiz remains in the custody of the Scott County Jail awaiting extradition to Oklahoma.

Kansas man jailed for alleged sex crimes in Oklahoma

On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary students discuss the upcoming Stations of the Cross.

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Stations of the Cross at Holy Family Elementary in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vnji3-13c027e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary students discuss the upcoming Stations of the Cross.

🎙 Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Stations of the Cross at Holy Family Elementary in Hays

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for high temperatures to range from the upper-50s to low-70s throughout a windy work week.

A strong south wind will blow throughout the week, sustained at 15 to 20 mph and gusting up to 30 mph. Increased fire risk and blowing dust is expected.

Thursday brings the first chance of moisture to northwest Kansas. There is a 20 percent to 40 percent chance of rain starting Thursday night and through Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679338903080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for high temperatures to range from the upper-50s to low-70s throughout a windy work week.A strong south wind will blow throughout the week, sustained at 15 to 20 mph and gusting up to 30 mph. Increased fire risk and blowing dust is expected.Thursday brings the first chance of moisture to northwest Kansas. There is a 20 percent to 40 percent chance of rain starting Thursday night and through Sunday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph are looking more and more likely across portions of southwest Kansas Wednesday afternoon. Near critical or critical fire weather conditions will be possible along with areas of blowing dust. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/0WuDNX2hsY">pic.twitter.com/0WuDNX2hsY</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1637848635403816961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm, windy week — with a chance of rain on the horizon

The Hays Arts Council will present live musical theater for young audiences with the Wichita Children’s Theatre production “The Three Little Kittens” on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). 

The interactive 45-minute production will be followed by a “meet &amp; greet” with the cast in the lobby. Through the support of project partners, admission
 is free. 

HACThe Hays Arts Council will present live musical theater for young audiences with the Wichita Children’s Theatre production “The Three Little Kittens” on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). The interactive 45-minute production will be followed by a “meet &amp; greet” with the cast in the lobby. Through the support of project partners, admission
 is free.

Free production of 'The Three Little Kittens' set for Friday in Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Fort Hays State University graduate is expanding his detailing business to include the sales of affordable vehicles.

Hector&nbsp;Vazquez, 25, of Hays bought Elite Detailing in 2019. In February he obtained his vehicle sales license.

The detailing shop, as well as the vehicle lot, is at the former Fort Hays Auto Sales at 609 E. Eighth in Hays.

Vazquez said he plans on specializing in used vehicles ranging in price from $5,000 to $20,000. This could include cars, trucks, minivans and small SUVs.

"There's so much competition in this town," he said. "I want to keep it affordable. Hopefully, I can keep growing and add some more higher-end vehicles."

Financing will be available through the car lot.

Vazquez grew up in Hays and has a degree in marketing from FHSU. He bought the detailing business soon after graduation from college.

Car sales is always been something Vazques said he loved to do.

Vazquez is bilingual and welcomes Spanish-speaking customers.

"Customer service is my thing," he said. "I love dealing with people."

During the pandemic, used-vehicle prices skyrocketed. However, Vazques said those prices have since stabilized.

Elite will not be offering mechanics services at this time. Vazquez said he uses other shops in town for mechanic work.

He hopes to eventually be a dealer for Husky floor liners, as well as a line of trailers, which aren't currently offered in Hays.

Elite will continue to offer detailing services for both interiors and exteriors. This includes paint correction, fixing scratches, and seat, carpet and headliner shampooing, as well as other services.

Elite also offers detailing for RVs, boats and motorcycles.

A complete list of detailing services as well as pricing and online booking is available on the business' website, <a href="https://elitedetailinghays.com/">https://elitedetailinghays.com/</a>. The website also will calculate the estimated time to complete the services.

You also can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EliteDetailingHays">Elite Detailing &amp; Sales on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

Elite shares an office with Hertz. Look for the red, white and blue flags to identify the Elite vehicles that are for sale.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Additional weekend sales appointments can be made by calling&nbsp; 785-639-5050.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679089336606.jpeg" alt="Hector Vazquez, owner of Elite Detailing, has recently added vehicle sales to his business in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hector Vazquez, owner of Elite Detailing, has recently added vehicle sales to his business in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Fort Hays State University graduate is expanding his detailing business to include the sales of affordable vehicles.Hector&nbsp;Vazquez, 25, of Hays bought Elite Detailing in 2019. In February he obtained his vehicle sales license.The detailing shop, as well as the vehicle lot, is at the former Fort Hays Auto Sales at 609 E. Eighth in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679089300484.jpeg" alt="Elite Detailing and Sales is in the former Fort Hays Auto Sales location,&nbsp;609 E. Eighth in Hays.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Elite Detailing and Sales is in the former Fort Hays Auto Sales location,&nbsp;609 E. Eighth in Hays.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Vazquez said he plans on specializing in used vehicles ranging in price from $5,000 to $20,000. This could include cars, trucks, minivans and small SUVs."There's so much competition in this town," he said. "I want to keep it affordable. Hopefully, I can keep growing and add some more higher-end vehicles."Financing will be available through the car lot.Vazquez grew up in Hays and has a degree in marketing from FHSU. He bought the detailing business soon after graduation from college.Car sales is always been something Vazques said he loved to do.Vazquez is bilingual and welcomes Spanish-speaking customers."Customer service is my thing," he said. "I love dealing with people."During the pandemic, used-vehicle prices skyrocketed. However, Vazques said those prices have since stabilized.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679089421112.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Elite will not be offering mechanics services at this time. Vazquez said he uses other shops in town for mechanic work.He hopes to eventually be a dealer for Husky floor liners, as well as a line of trailers, which aren't currently offered in Hays.Elite will continue to offer detailing services for both interiors and exteriors. This includes paint correction, fixing scratches, and seat, carpet and headliner shampooing, as well as other services.Elite also offers detailing for RVs, boats and motorcycles.A complete list of detailing services as well as pricing and online booking is available on the business' website, <a href="https://elitedetailinghays.com/">https://elitedetailinghays.com/</a>. The website also will calculate the estimated time to complete the services.You also can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EliteDetailingHays">Elite Detailing &amp; Sales on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;Elite shares an office with Hertz. Look for the red, white and blue flags to identify the Elite vehicles that are for sale.Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Additional weekend sales appointments can be made by calling&nbsp; 785-639-5050.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679089347983.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Elite Detailing in Hays has added vehicle sales

TOPEKA - There will town hall meeting coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the 110th state district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. 

* Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m., 305 E. Main (Frontier State), Hill City *&nbsp;Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building), Norton * Phillips County, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center), Phillipsburg * Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center), Palco * Ellis County, 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., 9007 Washington St. (Ellis Public Library), Ellis

Rep. Ken Rahjes, 110th Dist., R-Agra, will be joined by Sen. Rick Billinger, 40th Dist., R-Goodland, and Sen. Elaine Bowers, 36th Dist., R-Concordia, will also join us in Rooks and Phillips Counties. Rep. Barb Wasinger, 111th Dist., Hays, will join us in Ellis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604603917739.png" alt="Kansas statehouse&nbsp; (Photo by&nbsp; Stephen Koranda/Kansas News Service)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas statehouse&nbsp; (Photo by&nbsp; Stephen Koranda/Kansas News Service)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. Ken RahjesTOPEKA - There will town hall meeting coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the 110th state district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: * Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m., 305 E. Main (Frontier State), Hill City *&nbsp;Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building), Norton * Phillips County, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center), Phillipsburg * Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center), Palco * Ellis County, 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., 9007 Washington St. (Ellis Public Library), EllisRep. Ken Rahjes, 110th Dist., R-Agra, will be joined by Sen. Rick Billinger, 40th Dist., R-Goodland, and Sen. Elaine Bowers, 36th Dist., R-Concordia, will also join us in Rooks and Phillips Counties. Rep. Barb Wasinger, 111th Dist., Hays, will join us in Ellis.

Local legislators to host town hall meetings March 25

Rahjes Report March 20, 2023

A quick reminder, there will town hall meetings coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. @ 305 E Main (Frontier State) Hill City; Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building) Norton;&nbsp;Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco; and Ellis County, 3:00- 3:45 p.m. 9007 Washington St. (Ellis Public Library) Ellis.

I will be joined by State Senator Rick Billinger and State Senator Elaine Bowers will join in Rooks and Phillips Counties. State Representative Barb Wasinger is scheduled to join us in Ellis.

Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature: 

Budget – After hearing all the budget sub-committee report, the house this week will create the budget bill then once a budget is passed, it will go to a conference with the Senate. In a few weeks the Omnibus budget will be put together, that will include possible additions if it will keep the state with a balanced budget, if not they will not be included. Bottomline our budget will be balanced, eliminate waste, work on paying down debt, and save for a rainy day.

No Patient Left Alone - This past week, the Senate held a hearing on the No Patient Left Alone Act. The House passed HB 2264 earlier in the session, providing for patients to receive in-person visitors so they will not have to pass away separated from their loved ones. It is important that we enact this bill to prevent what we saw during COVID from happening again. It should not be within our power to keep someone in their final moments secluded from family.

Incentivizing Investment in Energy - On a nearly unanimous vote, the Kansas House passed a bill (HB 2225) limiting the costs that certain electric public utilities can recover on transmission related expenditures. This allows Kansas energy providers to keep our energy reliability high and provide immediate savings to ratepayers. This bill also requires rate increases to be put before the Kansas Corporation Commission to ensure that any increases will be regionally competitive. Strong energy infrastructure increases reliability and efficiency for our residents and businesses. This will keep Kansas in line with surrounding areas while maintaining the dependability of services that customers have come to expect from our utility companies.

Providing Job Training to Unemployed Kansans - House Republicans are hard at work in committee to develop a plan to help those in need. We committed to provide opportunities to able-bodied Kansans down on their luck to gain skills and employment, which is exactly what HB 2140 does. This bill expands a currently existing program requiring unemployed Kansans without dependents to complete work training to continue to be eligible for assistance. These programs provide useful information to allow people to find more opportunities and widen their horizons.

Legislative Pay Increase - You may have seen this week that the House passed a bipartisan effort to examine salaries for legislators. No, we did not vote to give ourselves a pay raise. What this bill does is create an independent commission to examine our pay and determine where it should be. There are no changes to pay that are made by this bill, and any future recommendations can be turned down.

There are some practical reasons for examining this issue. Under current salaries, it is difficult for many Kansans to feel like they can serve in public office. There are many talented Kansans out there who cannot serve due to the lack of compensation. Possibly raising the salaries can be a way to expand the opportunity of service to others who currently cannot afford to. Should this plan be adopted, an independent group will recommend a new compensation package to be voted on. If the legislature accepts their recommendation, salary increases will not become active until after the next election.

Governor Kelly Vetoes Fairness in Women’s Sports – The governor vetoed HB 2238, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. Kansas should be a place where young women and girls can compete on a level playing field without fear of having opportunities stripped from them because other competitors had an unfair advantage. House Republicans support the young women and girls of Kansas and will fight to override her veto.

You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;

* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678110420754.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Rahjes Report March 20, 2023Hello from Topeka. Welcome Spring! A quick reminder, there will town hall meetings coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. @ 305 E Main (Frontier State) Hill City; Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building) Norton;&nbsp;Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco; and Ellis County, 3:00- 3:45 p.m. 9007 Washington St. (Ellis Public Library) Ellis. I will be joined by State Senator Rick Billinger and State Senator Elaine Bowers will join in Rooks and Phillips Counties. State Representative Barb Wasinger is scheduled to join us in Ellis.Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature: Budget – After hearing all the budget sub-committee report, the house this week will create the budget bill then once a budget is passed, it will go to a conference with the Senate. In a few weeks the Omnibus budget will be put together, that will include possible additions if it will keep the state with a balanced budget, if not they will not be included. Bottomline our budget will be balanced, eliminate waste, work on paying down debt, and save for a rainy day.No Patient Left Alone - This past week, the Senate held a hearing on the No Patient Left Alone Act. The House passed HB 2264 earlier in the session, providing for patients to receive in-person visitors so they will not have to pass away separated from their loved ones. It is important that we enact this bill to prevent what we saw during COVID from happening again. It should not be within our power to keep someone in their final moments secluded from family.Incentivizing Investment in Energy - On a nearly unanimous vote, the Kansas House passed a bill (HB 2225) limiting the costs that certain electric public utilities can recover on transmission related expenditures. This allows Kansas energy providers to keep our energy reliability high and provide immediate savings to ratepayers. This bill also requires rate increases to be put before the Kansas Corporation Commission to ensure that any increases will be regionally competitive. Strong energy infrastructure increases reliability and efficiency for our residents and businesses. This will keep Kansas in line with surrounding areas while maintaining the dependability of services that customers have come to expect from our utility companies.Providing Job Training to Unemployed Kansans - House Republicans are hard at work in committee to develop a plan to help those in need. We committed to provide opportunities to able-bodied Kansans down on their luck to gain skills and employment, which is exactly what HB 2140 does. This bill expands a currently existing program requiring unemployed Kansans without dependents to complete work training to continue to be eligible for assistance. These programs provide useful information to allow people to find more opportunities and widen their horizons.Legislative Pay Increase - You may have seen this week that the House passed a bipartisan effort to examine salaries for legislators. No, we did not vote to give ourselves a pay raise. What this bill does is create an independent commission to examine our pay and determine where it should be. There are no changes to pay that are made by this bill, and any future recommendations can be turned down.There are some practical reasons for examining this issue. Under current salaries, it is difficult for many Kansans to feel like they can serve in public office. There are many talented Kansans out there who cannot serve due to the lack of compensation. Possibly raising the salaries can be a way to expand the opportunity of service to others who currently cannot afford to. Should this plan be adopted, an independent group will recommend a new compensation package to be voted on. If the legislature accepts their recommendation, salary increases will not become active until after the next election.Governor Kelly Vetoes Fairness in Women’s Sports – The governor vetoed HB 2238, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. Kansas should be a place where young women and girls can compete on a level playing field without fear of having opportunities stripped from them because other competitors had an unfair advantage. House Republicans support the young women and girls of Kansas and will fight to override her veto.You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

RAHJES REPORT: March 20, 2023

Linda Mills has had a lifelong mission of helping people, whether that was being a mentor to college students or Girl Scouts or leading efforts to help those facing hunger or homeless in Ellis County.

Mills will retire at the end of March as the executive director of First Call for Help.

First Call for Help addresses many community needs, including helping Ellis County residents with rental and utility assistance. It operates the Backpack for Kids program, which supplies backpacks and school supplies to families in need. The center also has a diaper pantry, operates Meals on Wheels and a small food pantry.

Before Mills worked as the director of First Call for Help, she worked for AmeriCorps at Fort Hays State University. She also worked as the director of the Sunflower Girl Scout Council.

When the Sunflower Girl Scout Council merged into the Girl Scouts of the Kansas Heartland, Mills' job required more travel.&nbsp;

She decided she wanted to remain in a service-oriented position, but she wanted to stay closer to her home in Hays.

"It was a good mission," she said of First Call for Help. "It helped people in ways that I had not experienced before."

She said she immediately started to learn about the needs in the community.&nbsp;

"I was getting to know what services were available in the county and what wasn't available and what was lacking and dove into that," she said. "I learned a lot and grew a lot personally through what I was learning."

She didn't know all of First Call for Help's services or what other services in the community existed.

"You don't know what you don't know sometimes," she said.

She said she learned people who grew up in a cycle of poverty think differently than those who were raised in the middle class.

A family from Nebraska ended up at the Hays Police Station because they ran out of gas and had no money. The family, which included four children ages 10 years to 3 months, were on their way to a funeral for a family member in Texas.

Mills said she didn't understand why a family would leave home, knowing they didn't have enough money or gas to get to their destination.

"It was not something that I understood, but as time went on I learned that people have different circumstances. They grew up differently than I did or a lot of us did. Whatever situation they're in is the situation that they're in. We don't place blame. We try not to judge."

"My family was certainly not wealthy," she said. "My dad was in the military. [I thought about] how blessed we were to have what we did have and parents who instilled that in us. Not everyone has those same opportunities."

During Mills' tenure, First Call for Help has reached several milestones.

The board began seriously discussing how to address homelessness in Hays. You might not see people in Hays sleeping on the streets, but people in Hays are still dealing with homelessness, Mills said.

First Call's board decided it was going to move its office out of the Hadley Center and buy its own building on 13th Street with an eye on adding a transitional housing program.

The organization launched a $250,000 capital campaign in 2019 to remodel a portion of its new building into a four-units for a transitional housing program.

Initially, some community members didn't have a lot of buy-in for a shelter in Hays, Mills said. During her tenure, she worked to increase&nbsp;First Call for Help's visibility and financial support.

"For me, it's not all about money, but it's all about the mission," she said. "You've got to get your mission out there in the community in order to get the support for it. ...

"When we were able to get that final dollar of our capital campaign and continue to move ahead with our housing and then getting that housing open, [that was a milestone,]" she said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f4275259-f0d0-4be5-a159-5b7f0dd64e43">The First Step Housing program started accepting participants in August 2021. It has since graduated eight people who have been able to find stable housing.</a>

Mills said community members have helped First Call for Help meet its mission in small way and large.

She recalled an older woman entering the office when the agency was still in the Hadley Center. The woman said First Call for Help assisted her 15 years ago when she was struggling.

"She said, 'Things in my life have turned around, and I'm in a good place now. I want to try to give back,'" Mills said.

She handed Mills a donation for the agency.

"The check she gave us wasn't huge, but it was just the fact that she took the time to come in and do that. ...

"People are very grateful for the help that we can give them," Mills said. "That is always a good feeling to know that you have been able to help somebody."

Laura Shoaff, First Call for Help project coordinator and office assistant, worked with Mills at both First Call and the Girl Scouts.

"Sometimes people come into your life for various reasons," Shoaff said.&nbsp; "Our paths have crossed in many different avenues throughout our lives so far. Neighbors in our early years, friends, HRC kids’ soccer, co-workers, and for a short time walking partners. ...

"Not only have I enjoyed working for Linda through these past nine years, but I also appreciate our friendship. I wish her a wonderful retirement full of glamping in her van, painting and cheering on the Chiefs!"

Laura Allen, First Call for Help client services specialist, said Mills is a joy to work with.

"As one of the most non-judgmental people I have ever known, she treats not only employees but clients with respect and kindness," Allen said. "Directors don’t always like to 'work in the trenches' so to speak, but Linda was never scared to jump in and help wherever she was needed in the community.

"Her desire to help our most vulnerable populations was, and I am sure, will remain, genuine. She will be missed, but the work she did at FCFH will always be remembered."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/73aa9899-0142-48a6-ba40-e3be129e0911">In January 2022, Mills was honored with the&nbsp;eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award from the Hays Chamber.&nbsp;</a>

"It's been a good experience here," Mills said of First Call for Help. "I've learned, I've grown. The things we as a team, both this organization and the community have done are for the betterment of the community. I'm proud of that."

Mills, 66, hasn't ruled out working again or volunteering for a non-profit agency. However, now she's planning on some much-deserved me time.

She said she plans to take a year off from any job or service work. She wants to travel and spend more time with family, who are scattered across the country.

There will be a come-and-go reception for Mills from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on March 29 at the Chestnut Street Building, 1200 Main, Hays.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostLinda Mills has had a lifelong mission of helping people, whether that was being a mentor to college students or Girl Scouts or leading efforts to help those facing hunger or homeless in Ellis County.Mills will retire at the end of March as the executive director of First Call for Help.First Call for Help addresses many community needs, including helping Ellis County residents with rental and utility assistance. It operates the Backpack for Kids program, which supplies backpacks and school supplies to families in need. The center also has a diaper pantry, operates Meals on Wheels and a small food pantry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678998584188.jpeg" alt="Linda Mills, executive director of First Call for Help, is retiring at the end of March. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Linda Mills, executive director of First Call for Help, is retiring at the end of March. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Before Mills worked as the director of First Call for Help, she worked for AmeriCorps at Fort Hays State University. She also worked as the director of the Sunflower Girl Scout Council.When the Sunflower Girl Scout Council merged into the Girl Scouts of the Kansas Heartland, Mills' job required more travel.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678998077793.jpeg" alt="Volunteers hand out backpacks during First Call for Help's Backpacks for Kids program. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers hand out backpacks during First Call for Help's Backpacks for Kids program. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She decided she wanted to remain in a service-oriented position, but she wanted to stay closer to her home in Hays."It was a good mission," she said of First Call for Help. "It helped people in ways that I had not experienced before."She said she immediately started to learn about the needs in the community.&nbsp;"I was getting to know what services were available in the county and what wasn't available and what was lacking and dove into that," she said. "I learned a lot and grew a lot personally through what I was learning."She didn't know all of First Call for Help's services or what other services in the community existed."You don't know what you don't know sometimes," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678998377136.jpeg" alt="Linda Mills, left, and ECTV reporter Becky Kiser. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Linda Mills, left, and ECTV reporter Becky Kiser. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She said she learned people who grew up in a cycle of poverty think differently than those who were raised in the middle class.A family from Nebraska ended up at the Hays Police Station because they ran out of gas and had no money. The family, which included four children ages 10 years to 3 months, were on their way to a funeral for a family member in Texas.Mills said she didn't understand why a family would leave home, knowing they didn't have enough money or gas to get to their destination."It was not something that I understood, but as time went on I learned that people have different circumstances. They grew up differently than I did or a lot of us did. Whatever situation they're in is the situation that they're in. We don't place blame. We try not to judge.""My family was certainly not wealthy," she said. "My dad was in the military. [I thought about] how blessed we were to have what we did have and parents who instilled that in us. Not everyone has those same opportunities."During Mills' tenure, First Call for Help has reached several milestones.The board began seriously discussing how to address homelessness in Hays. You might not see people in Hays sleeping on the streets, but people in Hays are still dealing with homelessness, Mills said.First Call's board decided it was going to move its office out of the Hadley Center and buy its own building on 13th Street with an eye on adding a transitional housing program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678997625835.jpeg" alt="Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, celebrating First Call reaching the fundraising goal for the First Step Housing project. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, celebrating First Call reaching the fundraising goal for the First Step Housing project. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The organization launched a $250,000 capital campaign in 2019 to remodel a portion of its new building into a four-units for a transitional housing program.Initially, some community members didn't have a lot of buy-in for a shelter in Hays, Mills said. During her tenure, she worked to increase&nbsp;First Call for Help's visibility and financial support."For me, it's not all about money, but it's all about the mission," she said. "You've got to get your mission out there in the community in order to get the support for it. ..."When we were able to get that final dollar of our capital campaign and continue to move ahead with our housing and then getting that housing open, [that was a milestone,]" she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f4275259-f0d0-4be5-a159-5b7f0dd64e43">The First Step Housing program started accepting participants in August 2021. It has since graduated eight people who have been able to find stable housing.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629915774769.jpeg" alt="Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, cuts the ribbon for he First Step Housing project in August 2021. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, cuts the ribbon for he First Step Housing project in August 2021. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Mills said community members have helped First Call for Help meet its mission in small way and large.She recalled an older woman entering the office when the agency was still in the Hadley Center. The woman said First Call for Help assisted her 15 years ago when she was struggling."She said, 'Things in my life have turned around, and I'm in a good place now. I want to try to give back,'" Mills said.She handed Mills a donation for the agency."The check she gave us wasn't huge, but it was just the fact that she took the time to come in and do that. ..."People are very grateful for the help that we can give them," Mills said. "That is always a good feeling to know that you have been able to help somebody."Laura Shoaff, First Call for Help project coordinator and office assistant, worked with Mills at both First Call and the Girl Scouts."Sometimes people come into your life for various reasons," Shoaff said.&nbsp; "Our paths have crossed in many different avenues throughout our lives so far. Neighbors in our early years, friends, HRC kids’ soccer, co-workers, and for a short time walking partners. ..."Not only have I enjoyed working for Linda through these past nine years, but I also appreciate our friendship. I wish her a wonderful retirement full of glamping in her van, painting and cheering on the Chiefs!"Laura Allen, First Call for Help client services specialist, said Mills is a joy to work with."As one of the most non-judgmental people I have ever known, she treats not only employees but clients with respect and kindness," Allen said. "Directors don’t always like to 'work in the trenches' so to speak, but Linda was never scared to jump in and help wherever she was needed in the community."Her desire to help our most vulnerable populations was, and I am sure, will remain, genuine. She will be missed, but the work she did at FCFH will always be remembered."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/73aa9899-0142-48a6-ba40-e3be129e0911">In January 2022, Mills was honored with the&nbsp;eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award from the Hays Chamber.&nbsp;</a> "It's been a good experience here," Mills said of First Call for Help. "I've learned, I've grown. The things we as a team, both this organization and the community have done are for the betterment of the community. I'm proud of that."Mills, 66, hasn't ruled out working again or volunteering for a non-profit agency. However, now she's planning on some much-deserved me time.She said she plans to take a year off from any job or service work. She wants to travel and spend more time with family, who are scattered across the country.There will be a come-and-go reception for Mills from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on March 29 at the Chestnut Street Building, 1200 Main, Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679079317865.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Champion for homeless, First Call for Help director to retire

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — At the start 
of each spring, more than half a million sandhill cranes converge on the
 Platte River in Nebraska. They have to make a pitstop somewhere. For 
the first time in many years, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason 
Wagner said thousands of cranes have stopped near the Bottoms.

"There
 were several days last week where I have never seen so many cranes," he
 said. "It's been a long, long time since I've seen that kind of 
concentration of cranes in and around the Bottoms area. They were 
staying just to the south of the bottoms, and some of them were staying 
on us."

The Nebraska stop, typically around the third week of 
March, is just another fuel stop for the birds as they travel north from
 Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico to central and northern Canada for 
breeding season. In Kansas, Wagner said cranes are more commonly found 
at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge than the Bottoms, though they have 
been spotted east of Hoisington this year. After Kansas, the birds will 
spend around 29 days in Nebraska. 

"Cranes are the bird if you're a
 Nebraskan," Wagner said. "They stage along the Platte River and get in 
these huge concentrations of numbers. I can kind of see why Nebraskans 
really like those cranes."

Wagner said, even with drought 
conditions, birds are unlikely to forget about the Bottoms. Dry 
conditions may last a few years, but the birds have been traveling 
through the area for thousands of years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679079193563.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — At the start 
of each spring, more than half a million sandhill cranes converge on the
 Platte River in Nebraska. They have to make a pitstop somewhere. For 
the first time in many years, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason 
Wagner said thousands of cranes have stopped near the Bottoms."There
 were several days last week where I have never seen so many cranes," he
 said. "It's been a long, long time since I've seen that kind of 
concentration of cranes in and around the Bottoms area. They were 
staying just to the south of the bottoms, and some of them were staying 
on us."The Nebraska stop, typically around the third week of 
March, is just another fuel stop for the birds as they travel north from
 Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico to central and northern Canada for 
breeding season. In Kansas, Wagner said cranes are more commonly found 
at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge than the Bottoms, though they have 
been spotted east of Hoisington this year. After Kansas, the birds will 
spend around 29 days in Nebraska. "Cranes are the bird if you're a
 Nebraskan," Wagner said. "They stage along the Platte River and get in 
these huge concentrations of numbers. I can kind of see why Nebraskans 
really like those cranes."Wagner said, even with drought 
conditions, birds are unlikely to forget about the Bottoms. Dry 
conditions may last a few years, but the birds have been traveling 
through the area for thousands of years.

Sandhill cranes have not forgotten about Cheyenne Bottoms

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reinforces the need for Kansans enrolled in the Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) program to keep their contact information updated and to be on the lookout for important information from KanCare in the mail. Eligibility reviews have paused since March 2020 and are resuming in April due to changes in federal law.

“We are working diligently to provide information to everyone impacted by the ending of the special federal pandemic rules that temporarily paused the re-enrollment process. Our intent at KDHE is to minimize any surprises about coverage and eligibility,”&nbsp;said Janet Stanek,&nbsp;Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

KDHE has increased communication with enrollees, health care providers, and other stakeholder groups in regular contact with the KanCare enrollee community to share this information. In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbmNhcmUua3MuZ292Lz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.8EFXD4TKNThY0efW6gxE7_NAxP9cvIriqAGhMxjJqug/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">KanCare</a>&nbsp;has updated its website to make it easier for people enrolled in Medicaid to update their contact information and complete the verification process.

KDHE recommends the following for individuals or families that are KanCare members:

KDHE will continue to provide information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbmNhcmUua3MuZ292P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-6zarGfcyO8JhNOP3PLyBIOX9gZoUaVzNIJEF457_qY/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">KanCare homepage</a>. You can complete your renewal online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Nzc3Aua2Vlcy5rcy5nb3YvYXBzcHNzcC9zc3AucG9ydGFsP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.IaMGFQnhN0DTo6hGV1El8oPrsBNwurE-mwlvtOVPqms/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal</a>&nbsp;after you have created an account in the portal and linked your medical case.

When it is time for you to complete your renewal, log into your account. The option to complete a KanCare review will appear under “Access my KanCare.”

KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reinforces the need for Kansans enrolled in the Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) program to keep their contact information updated and to be on the lookout for important information from KanCare in the mail. Eligibility reviews have paused since March 2020 and are resuming in April due to changes in federal law.“We are working diligently to provide information to everyone impacted by the ending of the special federal pandemic rules that temporarily paused the re-enrollment process. Our intent at KDHE is to minimize any surprises about coverage and eligibility,”&nbsp;said Janet Stanek,&nbsp;Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.KDHE has increased communication with enrollees, health care providers, and other stakeholder groups in regular contact with the KanCare enrollee community to share this information. In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbmNhcmUua3MuZ292Lz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.8EFXD4TKNThY0efW6gxE7_NAxP9cvIriqAGhMxjJqug/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">KanCare</a>&nbsp;has updated its website to make it easier for people enrolled in Medicaid to update their contact information and complete the verification process.KDHE recommends the following for individuals or families that are KanCare members:<ul>
 <li>On the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbmNhcmUua3MuZ292P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.kp5LXF6wrg9XD424G1ogLlpjL_JVe7pTwMslKxtIj3k/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">KanCare website</a>, click the red chat bubble in the lower right of your screen or call 1-800-792-4884 and give the KanCare Clearinghouse your most current address, phone number, or any other contact information that has recently changed.</li><li>KanCare will let you know when to renew your Kansas Medicaid eligibility. Be on the lookout for your notice in the mail and respond immediately to requests for information.</li><li>If you receive a notice in the mail, return the completed renewal form by mail to the address shown on the form.</li>
 </ul>KDHE will continue to provide information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbmNhcmUua3MuZ292P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-6zarGfcyO8JhNOP3PLyBIOX9gZoUaVzNIJEF457_qY/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">KanCare homepage</a>. You can complete your renewal online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTMuNzMyMzg1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Nzc3Aua2Vlcy5rcy5nb3YvYXBzcHNzcC9zc3AucG9ydGFsP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.IaMGFQnhN0DTo6hGV1El8oPrsBNwurE-mwlvtOVPqms/s/1305913623/br/156044201046-l" target="_blank">Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal</a>&nbsp;after you have created an account in the portal and linked your medical case.When it is time for you to complete your renewal, log into your account. The option to complete a KanCare review will appear under “Access my KanCare.”

Steps KanCare members can take to reduce risk of losing health coverage

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679086992712.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about their soon-to-be-released annual report.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f9tsw-13bd083-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about their soon-to-be-released annual report.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022

This year marked the ninth-straight year students from three Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association member universities joined forces to bring exciting live MIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament action from the historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City to the world.&nbsp;

This year’s broadcast and in-game media responsibilities had Pittsburg State University and Fort Hays State University students producing the live video stream of each game and University of Central Missouri students running the two large video scoreboards in the facility.&nbsp;

Preparation for this year’s tournament broadcast began back in December and culminated in a series of long days and late nights leading up to the tournament.&nbsp;

Tuesday night and Wednesday morning before the tournament, students from the three schools met for the first time. Everyone had to quickly adapt to working with people from different backgrounds, with different skill sets and approaches to digital media production, and who were complete strangers just days before.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Recognizing that live event production is an art and different directors want different shots, graphics, replays, etc., and the production team will have to adapt on the fly,” said Dr. Troy Comeau of PSU, whose multimedia journalism students comprised the contingent from his university.&nbsp;

Another challenge the students faced was a grueling daily production schedule over the five days of tournament play.

“These are long days, and they are typically there from 10 am - 11 pm each day. You never hear them complain; most have smiles on their faces. And their broadcast and videoboard production gets smoother each game. It really is like watching a championship team come together,” said Marshall Fey, the MIAA’s Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs.&nbsp;

Faculty members from each of the three universities are on-hand to support the students throughout the project, but it is an entirely student-led effort.&nbsp;

“If something breaks or a student needs help, one of us will jump in. But otherwise, once things got going, we let the students do their work,” said Russell Heitmann, the news and sports director for FHSU’s student media group, the Tiger Media Network. “I think this speaks to the talent of the crew that all three schools bring to the project.”

The majority of the experience Darin Plummer’s students from UCM accumulated prior to coming to Kansas City was in the area of live game broadcasts. During this tournament, most of their work was dedicated to managing the large video scoreboards in the facility from a production truck outside the auditorium.

Video scoreboard production is very different from game broadcasting. Plummer’s students needed to quickly adapt to working in a remote location with many different camera angles and embracing the role of shooting behind-the-scenes action, including coach, player, and fan reactions, and keeping fans in the auditorium engaged during breaks in the action.

“It’s just awesome to see students get so involved,” said Plummer. “I think this speaks volumes about their commitment to the field of broadcasting.”&nbsp;

FHSU, PSU, and UCM students shared on-air play-by-play duties during the tournament's first three days. On Thursday, nearing the completion of his tournament broadcast duties for the week, FHSU play-by-play commentator Cayden Sanders approached Marshall Fey to thank him for the opportunity.&nbsp;

Fey shocked Sanders by asking if he was interested in calling the women’s semifinal and championship final games on Saturday and Sunday. Fey also informed Sanders that he would be working with analyst Jill Dorsey Hall, an experienced ESPN volleyball and basketball analyst. This was truly an honor for Sanders, and he immediately accepted the offer. An hour before game time, Sanders met Dorsey Hall for the first time.&nbsp;

“I told her I had only been calling games for around six months and that I would probably be nervous,” said Sanders. The pro quickly and selflessly took Sanders under her wing and taught him how to communicate non-verbally with hand gestures so that their transitions would be smooth. She also used time during breaks to offer suggestions to improve the viewer experience.&nbsp;

For the students and their faculty mentors, the long and challenging championship week came to a close late on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

“All of our students benefitted from this experience. They were forced to work in an environment, and with people, they weren’t familiar with in a workday that is longer and more intense than anything they face back home,” said Heitmann.&nbsp;

Fey believes the student media experience mirrors what the MIAA works to provide for the schools they serve.&nbsp;

“For the students, I think this is an opportunity to showcase what they’ve been doing on their campuses all year. Just like our student-athletes who practice and play in regular season games, our students are living this production. Giving them an opportunity to shine on a championship stage is a great mirror for what we challenge our student-athletes to do when it comes to postseason play,” said Fey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678742194453.jpeg" alt="2023 MIAA basketball tournament commentators Jill Dorsey Hall and Cayden Sanders." />
 <figcaption>2023 MIAA basketball tournament commentators Jill Dorsey Hall and Cayden Sanders.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThis year marked the ninth-straight year students from three Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association member universities joined forces to bring exciting live MIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament action from the historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City to the world.&nbsp;This year’s broadcast and in-game media responsibilities had Pittsburg State University and Fort Hays State University students producing the live video stream of each game and University of Central Missouri students running the two large video scoreboards in the facility.&nbsp;Preparation for this year’s tournament broadcast began back in December and culminated in a series of long days and late nights leading up to the tournament.&nbsp;Tuesday night and Wednesday morning before the tournament, students from the three schools met for the first time. Everyone had to quickly adapt to working with people from different backgrounds, with different skill sets and approaches to digital media production, and who were complete strangers just days before.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Recognizing that live event production is an art and different directors want different shots, graphics, replays, etc., and the production team will have to adapt on the fly,” said Dr. Troy Comeau of PSU, whose multimedia journalism students comprised the contingent from his university.&nbsp;Another challenge the students faced was a grueling daily production schedule over the five days of tournament play.“These are long days, and they are typically there from 10 am - 11 pm each day. You never hear them complain; most have smiles on their faces. And their broadcast and videoboard production gets smoother each game. It really is like watching a championship team come together,” said Marshall Fey, the MIAA’s Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs.&nbsp;Faculty members from each of the three universities are on-hand to support the students throughout the project, but it is an entirely student-led effort.&nbsp;“If something breaks or a student needs help, one of us will jump in. But otherwise, once things got going, we let the students do their work,” said Russell Heitmann, the news and sports director for FHSU’s student media group, the Tiger Media Network. “I think this speaks to the talent of the crew that all three schools bring to the project.”The majority of the experience Darin Plummer’s students from UCM accumulated prior to coming to Kansas City was in the area of live game broadcasts. During this tournament, most of their work was dedicated to managing the large video scoreboards in the facility from a production truck outside the auditorium.Video scoreboard production is very different from game broadcasting. Plummer’s students needed to quickly adapt to working in a remote location with many different camera angles and embracing the role of shooting behind-the-scenes action, including coach, player, and fan reactions, and keeping fans in the auditorium engaged during breaks in the action.“It’s just awesome to see students get so involved,” said Plummer. “I think this speaks volumes about their commitment to the field of broadcasting.”&nbsp;FHSU, PSU, and UCM students shared on-air play-by-play duties during the tournament's first three days. On Thursday, nearing the completion of his tournament broadcast duties for the week, FHSU play-by-play commentator Cayden Sanders approached Marshall Fey to thank him for the opportunity.&nbsp;Fey shocked Sanders by asking if he was interested in calling the women’s semifinal and championship final games on Saturday and Sunday. Fey also informed Sanders that he would be working with analyst Jill Dorsey Hall, an experienced ESPN volleyball and basketball analyst. This was truly an honor for Sanders, and he immediately accepted the offer. An hour before game time, Sanders met Dorsey Hall for the first time.&nbsp;“I told her I had only been calling games for around six months and that I would probably be nervous,” said Sanders. The pro quickly and selflessly took Sanders under her wing and taught him how to communicate non-verbally with hand gestures so that their transitions would be smooth. She also used time during breaks to offer suggestions to improve the viewer experience.&nbsp;For the students and their faculty mentors, the long and challenging championship week came to a close late on Sunday evening.&nbsp;“All of our students benefitted from this experience. They were forced to work in an environment, and with people, they weren’t familiar with in a workday that is longer and more intense than anything they face back home,” said Heitmann.&nbsp;Fey believes the student media experience mirrors what the MIAA works to provide for the schools they serve.&nbsp;“For the students, I think this is an opportunity to showcase what they’ve been doing on their campuses all year. Just like our student-athletes who practice and play in regular season games, our students are living this production. Giving them an opportunity to shine on a championship stage is a great mirror for what we challenge our student-athletes to do when it comes to postseason play,” said Fey.

Students from three universities deliver MIAA tournament media  

The celebration of Pi Day this week marks the occasion for political scientists to re-tell the famous “Indiana Pi Bill” story–and to warn Kansas legislators about the dangers of overreach and micromanagement.

March 14 (3.14) marks the celebration of Pi Day. &nbsp;Mathematicians, teachers, students, and others celebrate one of the best-known findings in mathematics. &nbsp;They bake pies--round, of course--create artwork incorporating circles, write “<a href="https://www.instructables.com/Piku-a-New-Genre-of-Poetry-for-Pi-Day/">pi-kus</a>” (haikus with 3, 1, and 4 syllables, respectively), and offer brief history lessons about geometry’s best-known value. &nbsp;One such story is that of the Indiana Pi Bill. &nbsp; Like most legends, this one is often told inaccurately.&nbsp;

​The Indiana Pi Bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2018/02/05/indianas-state-legislature-once-tried-to-legislate-the-value-of-pi/?sh=3e1ff359260a">originated in 1897</a>. &nbsp;Notwithstanding this hilarious “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0muhngkYeCs">Institute for Pi Research</a>” parody video made by Emporia State University professors in the 1980s, the bill did not actually purport to set pi equal to 3, nor did it have anything to do with Biblical literalism. &nbsp;It was not intended to make it easier for students to do their homework. &nbsp;In fact, the true story is even more interesting.

A renegade mathematician named Edward J. Goodwin claimed to have his own, unique proof showing that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter was 3.2, not 22/7 as had been understood since ancient times. &nbsp;Goodwin failed to convince other mathematicians, so instead he sought to impose the new value by legislative&nbsp;fiat. &nbsp;The bill passed the Indiana House but when it reached the Senate, a mathematician named Clarence Abiathar Waldo was on hand to lobby for more science funding. &nbsp;Waldo set to work educating senators about the impossibility of legislating a mathematical value. &nbsp;The bill died, but a legend was born.

Unfortunately, the Kansas Legislature has not heeded the warning. &nbsp;Bills are moving this year that would legislate things best left to others. &nbsp;For example, legislation is moving quickly to ban the participation of transgender girls on girls’ sports teams. &nbsp;Never mind that the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) already has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/transgenderpolicyrecommendations.pdf">strict regulations</a>&nbsp;on transgender girls who wish to do this. &nbsp;Legislators still think they know better.

Another example concerns attempts to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. &nbsp;A budget proviso inserted by Rep. Steve Howe would ban diversity training for social service professions unless it is done to comply with federal or state law. &nbsp;However, many licensing boards require such training above and beyond federal and state requirements, and most state legislators lack the knowledge needed to properly evaluate what training is appropriate. &nbsp;The proviso could put Kansas care providers at odds with their licensure requirements, which in turn could create legal challenges and lead to insurance claims being denied. &nbsp;It could also compromise the quality of care.

Even though topics such as transgender athletes and professional licensure requirements are not as cut and dried as the value of pi, they still require oversight by those who know what they are doing. &nbsp;From the budget, to crime, to teacher shortages and a water crisis, the state legislature has plenty to do already without such meddling. &nbsp;Kansans deserve better. &nbsp;Unlike pi, state legislators do not have to be irrational.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>The celebration of Pi Day this week marks the occasion for political scientists to re-tell the famous “Indiana Pi Bill” story–and to warn Kansas legislators about the dangers of overreach and micromanagement.March 14 (3.14) marks the celebration of Pi Day. &nbsp;Mathematicians, teachers, students, and others celebrate one of the best-known findings in mathematics. &nbsp;They bake pies--round, of course--create artwork incorporating circles, write “<a href="https://www.instructables.com/Piku-a-New-Genre-of-Poetry-for-Pi-Day/">pi-kus</a>” (haikus with 3, 1, and 4 syllables, respectively), and offer brief history lessons about geometry’s best-known value. &nbsp;One such story is that of the Indiana Pi Bill. &nbsp; Like most legends, this one is often told inaccurately.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​The Indiana Pi Bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2018/02/05/indianas-state-legislature-once-tried-to-legislate-the-value-of-pi/?sh=3e1ff359260a">originated in 1897</a>. &nbsp;Notwithstanding this hilarious “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0muhngkYeCs">Institute for Pi Research</a>” parody video made by Emporia State University professors in the 1980s, the bill did not actually purport to set pi equal to 3, nor did it have anything to do with Biblical literalism. &nbsp;It was not intended to make it easier for students to do their homework. &nbsp;In fact, the true story is even more interesting.A renegade mathematician named Edward J. Goodwin claimed to have his own, unique proof showing that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter was 3.2, not 22/7 as had been understood since ancient times. &nbsp;Goodwin failed to convince other mathematicians, so instead he sought to impose the new value by legislative&nbsp;fiat. &nbsp;The bill passed the Indiana House but when it reached the Senate, a mathematician named Clarence Abiathar Waldo was on hand to lobby for more science funding. &nbsp;Waldo set to work educating senators about the impossibility of legislating a mathematical value. &nbsp;The bill died, but a legend was born.Unfortunately, the Kansas Legislature has not heeded the warning. &nbsp;Bills are moving this year that would legislate things best left to others. &nbsp;For example, legislation is moving quickly to ban the participation of transgender girls on girls’ sports teams. &nbsp;Never mind that the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) already has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/transgenderpolicyrecommendations.pdf">strict regulations</a>&nbsp;on transgender girls who wish to do this. &nbsp;Legislators still think they know better.Another example concerns attempts to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. &nbsp;A budget proviso inserted by Rep. Steve Howe would ban diversity training for social service professions unless it is done to comply with federal or state law. &nbsp;However, many licensing boards require such training above and beyond federal and state requirements, and most state legislators lack the knowledge needed to properly evaluate what training is appropriate. &nbsp;The proviso could put Kansas care providers at odds with their licensure requirements, which in turn could create legal challenges and lead to insurance claims being denied. &nbsp;It could also compromise the quality of care.Even though topics such as transgender athletes and professional licensure requirements are not as cut and dried as the value of pi, they still require oversight by those who know what they are doing. &nbsp;From the budget, to crime, to teacher shortages and a water crisis, the state legislature has plenty to do already without such meddling. &nbsp;Kansans deserve better. &nbsp;Unlike pi, state legislators do not have to be irrational.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The true story of the Indiana Pi bill — and a warning

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

K-383 work to resume in Phillips County

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 International semi driven by&nbsp; Thomas Craig Marcy, 62, Greenwood, Arkansas, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the U.S. 24 exit in the driving lane.

The semi struck a pedestrian identified as Elifonso&nbsp;Vargas, 48, Joshua, Texas,&nbsp; who just finished putting gas in his pickup.

EMS transported Vargas to the hospital in Goodland for treatment of a minor injury. Marcy was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 International semi driven by&nbsp; Thomas Craig Marcy, 62, Greenwood, Arkansas, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the U.S. 24 exit in the driving lane.The semi struck a pedestrian identified as Elifonso&nbsp;Vargas, 48, Joshua, Texas,&nbsp; who just finished putting gas in his pickup.EMS transported Vargas to the hospital in Goodland for treatment of a minor injury. Marcy was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Semi strikes man who was putting gas in his pickup on I-70

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder discusses upcoming programming at the Hays Arts Center.

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for children’s programing at Hays Arts Council" 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=wvdys-13bd074-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 Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder discusses upcoming programming at the Hays Arts Center.

🎙 Post Podcast: Preparations underway for children's programing at Hays Arts Council

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County emergency manager Lyle Pantle discusses a recent tornado strike drill in Hays.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Tornado strike drill in Hays gives agencies chance to practice disaster scenario" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=69w9j-13bd062-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County emergency manager Lyle Pantle discusses a recent tornado strike drill in Hays.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Tornado strike drill in Hays gives agencies chance to practice disaster scenario

The annual Special Olympics Basketball and Cheer Tournament kicked off in Hays on Friday morning, bringing hundreds of participants and their families and friends to Hays.

Cheerleading and individual basketball contests began the day after the official opening ceremonies in Gross Memorial Coliseum on the Fort Hays State University campus, leading to tournament play there and at the Hays Recreation Center.

As the tournament is set to wrap up with more events Saturday morning, take a look at some of Friday's activities below.

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 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe annual Special Olympics Basketball and Cheer Tournament kicked off in Hays on Friday morning, bringing hundreds of participants and their families and friends to Hays.Cheerleading and individual basketball contests began the day after the official opening ceremonies in Gross Memorial Coliseum on the Fort Hays State University campus, leading to tournament play there and at the Hays Recreation Center.As the tournament is set to wrap up with more events Saturday morning, take a look at some of Friday's activities below.<figure>
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📸 Day one of Special Olympics Kansas Basketball and Cheer Tournament in the books; continues Saturday

I think my favorite two words are “engaged students.”&nbsp;One of the highlights for me this year was the enthusiasm of our students when they&nbsp;returned to campus this past fall.&nbsp;Enthused and engaged students are the lifeblood of a college campus.&nbsp;I have loved watching&nbsp;as&nbsp;our freshmen&nbsp;Student Government Association&nbsp;senators, Grace McCord&nbsp;and Madison Albers,&nbsp;meticulously researched, wrote&nbsp;a case for support, and then worked&nbsp;through several approval processes&nbsp;to gain support for moving a polling place on campus.&nbsp;

Recently, I was delighted to learn that 80&nbsp;percent&nbsp;(29 out of 36) of our residential life community assistants (CAs) applied to return to serve on the 2023-2024 staff. That is a remarkable return rate.&nbsp;Forty-five&nbsp;additional students applied for those coveted leadership roles. Our 2023-24 resident hall contracts are up – a lot. I have to believe there is a direct correlation between the experience our staff is creating and the surge of interest in the position&nbsp;as well as living on campus.&nbsp;

Community Assistants play a key role on the&nbsp;residential&nbsp;life&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;team.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are responsible for a floor or wing of students in the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;halls,&nbsp;tasked with&nbsp;developing a positive and inclusive community within their hall, event planning, administrative activities at the front desk, serving as a campus resource and reference, participating in on-campus activities, serving as first responders to crisis and emergency situations, ensuring safety and security of the residents, and assisting residents as they find their place at FHSU.

According to residence life director&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;Schnack,&nbsp;the CAs are the&nbsp;“face”&nbsp;of the resident life staff.&nbsp;He attributes the high interest in the position to an ethic of care – a key characteristic of the environment we seek to develop&nbsp;daily&nbsp;throughout our university.

While the CAs focus on residents,&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;and the professional residence life staff intentionally&nbsp;support and care&nbsp;for our&nbsp;CAs.&nbsp;“We are&nbsp;here&nbsp;to listen to our CAs and to help them grow into the profession they want to obtain when they graduate,”&nbsp;R.J. said.

Saige&nbsp;Heizer&nbsp;agrees.&nbsp;She reapplied because she&nbsp;likes the culture&nbsp;she found in Residential&nbsp;Life. “My supervisors have always been very helpful and welcoming,&nbsp;and I really love the camaraderie of the CA staff.”

The CA&nbsp;role&nbsp;exemplifies&nbsp;how we drive our mission to create engaged citizen leaders. Students often reflect on&nbsp;the critical skills&nbsp;they learn through these positions. For example,&nbsp;Saige&nbsp;shared&nbsp;that&nbsp;serving as a CA has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to take ownership of&nbsp;her&nbsp;mistakes and shortcomings while working to improve&nbsp;in&nbsp;those areas. Additionally, it has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to address awkward situations without letting&nbsp;them&nbsp;become personal.

The CAs are, by design,&nbsp;involved in other aspects of campus life.&nbsp;Tearney McGivney, a sophomore from Abilene,&nbsp;is a&nbsp;member of the Tiger Media Network,&nbsp;where&nbsp;she&nbsp;filmsgames and takes&nbsp;photos at events. In&nbsp;her&nbsp;free time,&nbsp;she&nbsp;enjoys&nbsp;being&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;friends or volunteering&nbsp;around the community.&nbsp;“I love painting and crafting and making new things,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;Tearney is definitely modeling the way of an engaged citizen, finding joy in being a part of many communities and making a difference in the lives of others. In fact,&nbsp;she&nbsp;shared,&nbsp;“I would say my greatest accomplishment as a CA is building a community and friendships among my residents.”

Tearney also easily identifies critical skills developed on the job that will facilitate post-college success.

“I have learned many life lessons,&nbsp;including&nbsp;time management, how to say no when I cannot commit to an event/activity,&nbsp;and&nbsp;how to handle stressful situations,” she said.&nbsp;“I have also learned how to&nbsp;go out of my comfort zone and talk to people I do not know. My biggest fear about college was not being able to make friends because I was scared to talk to people I did not know. Serving as a CA has helped me overcome that fear. Now I go up to people who might be struggling&nbsp;as&nbsp;I did and start a conversation with them.”

Our programming is extensive. As&nbsp;Javyn&nbsp;Contreras, a CA,&nbsp;and member of our high-performing cross country and track team,&nbsp;shares,&nbsp;“when I became a CA,&nbsp;I did not realize how many opportunities there are for students to get involved. As a&nbsp;“regular student”&nbsp;I heard about a few events here and there. I recommend students get involved as much as possible because there are &nbsp;events/clubs for anyone here at FHSU.”

Programming for the CAs can be instructional, such as making stress balls before finals, to healing and somewhat&nbsp;light-hearted,&nbsp;such as attending a fish funeral. “As odd as this sounds,&nbsp;our fish funeral&nbsp;was a memorable moment with my residents that I will cherish,” shared CA Lauren Huynh.

I find our students to be so interesting. Lauren,&nbsp;for example,&nbsp;a graphic design majorfrom Wichita, started working as a freelance photographer&nbsp;six years ago. She loves to skateboard, rock climb, and cheer for FHSU. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lauren worked with Netflix to film a documentary about her life&nbsp;– incredible!

I also love when students articulate the experience we work so intentionally to create:“FHSU was the best choice for me,” Tearney said.&nbsp;“The small class sizes&nbsp;allow forpersonal connections with my professors.&nbsp;I am getting a great education.”

“I am not just a number at FHSU.&nbsp;My professors care about me as a person and work with me if I have any questions.&nbsp;I&nbsp;love my college experience and am so glad I chose FHSU.”

These&nbsp;stories of student engagement, leadership lessons, and our mission in action&nbsp;fuel my energy throughout the year.&nbsp;This is why I am so&nbsp;lucky&nbsp;to serve as president of FHSU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I think my favorite two words are “engaged students.”&nbsp;One of the highlights for me this year was the enthusiasm of our students when they&nbsp;returned to campus this past fall.&nbsp;Enthused and engaged students are the lifeblood of a college campus.&nbsp;I have loved watching&nbsp;as&nbsp;our freshmen&nbsp;Student Government Association&nbsp;senators, Grace McCord&nbsp;and Madison Albers,&nbsp;meticulously researched, wrote&nbsp;a case for support, and then worked&nbsp;through several approval processes&nbsp;to gain support for moving a polling place on campus.&nbsp;Recently, I was delighted to learn that 80&nbsp;percent&nbsp;(29 out of 36) of our residential life community assistants (CAs) applied to return to serve on the 2023-2024 staff. That is a remarkable return rate.&nbsp;Forty-five&nbsp;additional students applied for those coveted leadership roles. Our 2023-24 resident hall contracts are up – a lot. I have to believe there is a direct correlation between the experience our staff is creating and the surge of interest in the position&nbsp;as well as living on campus.&nbsp;Community Assistants play a key role on the&nbsp;residential&nbsp;life&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;team.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are responsible for a floor or wing of students in the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;halls,&nbsp;tasked with&nbsp;developing a positive and inclusive community within their hall, event planning, administrative activities at the front desk, serving as a campus resource and reference, participating in on-campus activities, serving as first responders to crisis and emergency situations, ensuring safety and security of the residents, and assisting residents as they find their place at FHSU.According to residence life director&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;Schnack,&nbsp;the CAs are the&nbsp;“face”&nbsp;of the resident life staff.&nbsp;He attributes the high interest in the position to an ethic of care – a key characteristic of the environment we seek to develop&nbsp;daily&nbsp;throughout our university.While the CAs focus on residents,&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;and the professional residence life staff intentionally&nbsp;support and care&nbsp;for our&nbsp;CAs.&nbsp;“We are&nbsp;here&nbsp;to listen to our CAs and to help them grow into the profession they want to obtain when they graduate,”&nbsp;R.J. said.Saige&nbsp;Heizer&nbsp;agrees.&nbsp;She reapplied because she&nbsp;likes the culture&nbsp;she found in Residential&nbsp;Life. “My supervisors have always been very helpful and welcoming,&nbsp;and I really love the camaraderie of the CA staff.”The CA&nbsp;role&nbsp;exemplifies&nbsp;how we drive our mission to create engaged citizen leaders. Students often reflect on&nbsp;the critical skills&nbsp;they learn through these positions. For example,&nbsp;Saige&nbsp;shared&nbsp;that&nbsp;serving as a CA has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to take ownership of&nbsp;her&nbsp;mistakes and shortcomings while working to improve&nbsp;in&nbsp;those areas. Additionally, it has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to address awkward situations without letting&nbsp;them&nbsp;become personal.The CAs are, by design,&nbsp;involved in other aspects of campus life.&nbsp;Tearney McGivney, a sophomore from Abilene,&nbsp;is a&nbsp;member of the Tiger Media Network,&nbsp;where&nbsp;she&nbsp;filmsgames and takes&nbsp;photos at events. In&nbsp;her&nbsp;free time,&nbsp;she&nbsp;enjoys&nbsp;being&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;friends or volunteering&nbsp;around the community.&nbsp;“I love painting and crafting and making new things,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;Tearney is definitely modeling the way of an engaged citizen, finding joy in being a part of many communities and making a difference in the lives of others. In fact,&nbsp;she&nbsp;shared,&nbsp;“I would say my greatest accomplishment as a CA is building a community and friendships among my residents.”Tearney also easily identifies critical skills developed on the job that will facilitate post-college success.“I have learned many life lessons,&nbsp;including&nbsp;time management, how to say no when I cannot commit to an event/activity,&nbsp;and&nbsp;how to handle stressful situations,” she said.&nbsp;“I have also learned how to&nbsp;go out of my comfort zone and talk to people I do not know. My biggest fear about college was not being able to make friends because I was scared to talk to people I did not know. Serving as a CA has helped me overcome that fear. Now I go up to people who might be struggling&nbsp;as&nbsp;I did and start a conversation with them.”Our programming is extensive. As&nbsp;Javyn&nbsp;Contreras, a CA,&nbsp;and member of our high-performing cross country and track team,&nbsp;shares,&nbsp;“when I became a CA,&nbsp;I did not realize how many opportunities there are for students to get involved. As a&nbsp;“regular student”&nbsp;I heard about a few events here and there. I recommend students get involved as much as possible because there are &nbsp;events/clubs for anyone here at FHSU.”Programming for the CAs can be instructional, such as making stress balls before finals, to healing and somewhat&nbsp;light-hearted,&nbsp;such as attending a fish funeral. “As odd as this sounds,&nbsp;our fish funeral&nbsp;was a memorable moment with my residents that I will cherish,” shared CA Lauren Huynh.I find our students to be so interesting. Lauren,&nbsp;for example,&nbsp;a graphic design majorfrom Wichita, started working as a freelance photographer&nbsp;six years ago. She loves to skateboard, rock climb, and cheer for FHSU. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lauren worked with Netflix to film a documentary about her life&nbsp;– incredible!I also love when students articulate the experience we work so intentionally to create:“FHSU was the best choice for me,” Tearney said.&nbsp;“The small class sizes&nbsp;allow forpersonal connections with my professors.&nbsp;I am getting a great education.”“I am not just a number at FHSU.&nbsp;My professors care about me as a person and work with me if I have any questions.&nbsp;I&nbsp;love my college experience and am so glad I chose FHSU.”These&nbsp;stories of student engagement, leadership lessons, and our mission in action&nbsp;fuel my energy throughout the year.&nbsp;This is why I am so&nbsp;lucky&nbsp;to serve as president of FHSU.