Annual event aims to reduce wildfire risk in the state&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/">Kansas Forest Service</a>&nbsp;officials have announced that an annual project that aids in training new wildland firefighters and helps reduce the risk of wildland fires&nbsp;will be held April 3 to 7 in Scott City.&nbsp;

The Hazard Fuels Mitigation project will take place at the Scott Wildlife Area and Historic Lake Scott State Park. The exercise is held in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,</a>and Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;

“This annual project is a great opportunity for the Kansas Forest Service and our partner agencies to work together to improve wildfire response and incident management skills, while at the same time doing work that will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires around Scott Lake​,” said Eric Ward, assistant fire manager with the Kansas Forest Service, and incident commander for this year’s project.&nbsp;

Officials said the project includes conducting prescribed burns; reducing undesirable vegetation; removing deceased trees from wooded areas; and establishing fire breaks in hazardous areas. Hutchinson Community College students in the fire science program will gain experience working alongside mentors in the wildland fire community.&nbsp;

Scott Wildlife Area will be closed during the project, for the safety of mitigation personnel and local hunters. For more information on the closure,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">visit the website for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks</a>.&nbsp;

Continuous updates throughout the mitigation project will be posted on the Kansas Forest Service Twitter Page, @KSforestservice, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Questions, comments or concerns should be directed to Kansas Forest Service public information officer Shawna Hartman,<a href="mailto:shartman@ksu.edu">shartman@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679415881415.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Annual event aims to reduce wildfire risk in the state&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/">Kansas Forest Service</a>&nbsp;officials have announced that an annual project that aids in training new wildland firefighters and helps reduce the risk of wildland fires&nbsp;will be held April 3 to 7 in Scott City.&nbsp;The Hazard Fuels Mitigation project will take place at the Scott Wildlife Area and Historic Lake Scott State Park. The exercise is held in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,</a>and Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;“This annual project is a great opportunity for the Kansas Forest Service and our partner agencies to work together to improve wildfire response and incident management skills, while at the same time doing work that will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires around Scott Lake​,” said Eric Ward, assistant fire manager with the Kansas Forest Service, and incident commander for this year’s project.&nbsp;Officials said the project includes conducting prescribed burns; reducing undesirable vegetation; removing deceased trees from wooded areas; and establishing fire breaks in hazardous areas. Hutchinson Community College students in the fire science program will gain experience working alongside mentors in the wildland fire community.&nbsp;Scott Wildlife Area will be closed during the project, for the safety of mitigation personnel and local hunters. For more information on the closure,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">visit the website for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks</a>.&nbsp;Continuous updates throughout the mitigation project will be posted on the Kansas Forest Service Twitter Page, @KSforestservice, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Questions, comments or concerns should be directed to Kansas Forest Service public information officer Shawna Hartman,<a href="mailto:shartman@ksu.edu">shartman@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Forest Service to lead fire mitigation project in western Kansas

​While&nbsp;Ellis and area communities experienced&nbsp;swift&nbsp;changes&nbsp;during previous years, 1885 and 86 offered&nbsp;some&nbsp;stability for&nbsp;this and other&nbsp;developing prairie communities.&nbsp;Take a moment to&nbsp;examine what changed and&nbsp;what remained the same in the Ellis education system&nbsp;during that time.

​1885 faculty numbers held steady at four with Professor Halleck, Mrs. Deutsch, Miss Dennis, and Miss Meade&nbsp;staffing the new building. Student enrollment remained steady&nbsp;with&nbsp;approximately 200 students filling the classroom&nbsp;seats&nbsp;in the new stone building on the south hill.&nbsp;

​While curriculum and practice proceeded as it had in past years, someone added fund raising to the&nbsp;school activities. Apparently,&nbsp;the mill levy&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;budget&nbsp;enough&nbsp;cash&nbsp;for&nbsp;desired equipment so teachers and students&nbsp;sponsored&nbsp;money-making events.

One of&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;mentioned&nbsp;involved&nbsp;a community sociable&nbsp;that&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;student recitations.&nbsp;Imagine residents putting on their best duds to attend&nbsp;and encourage their children.&nbsp;Funds earned&nbsp;at this program&nbsp;purchased books or apparatus for the school, according to the Ellis Headlight.

​Apparently,&nbsp;that first&nbsp;successful&nbsp;fundraiser spurred students and teachers to hold a second that&nbsp;same&nbsp;year&nbsp;to fund&nbsp;an organ for the school. They planned&nbsp;a school&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;followed by&nbsp;supper for a crowd of 500.&nbsp;Each attendee paid&nbsp;admission of 35 cents (EWH 12-15-1885).&nbsp;Reading between the lines, it appears community members had&nbsp;enough&nbsp;liquid cash&nbsp;they could&nbsp;support these events.

​In 1886, the Headlight notes a Friday in-service. Students enjoyed a day out of school while teachers traveled to Hays to attend a&nbsp;day&nbsp;long&nbsp;county teacher association meeting. Topics included&nbsp;How to Teach English;&nbsp;Make the Children Talk;&nbsp;The Sciences—How Much, How Little; Need of Visible Illustration and the Proper Use of Apparatus;&nbsp;The Relation between Speling [sic], Reading, Writing, and Definition; What Are the Corect [sic] Habits of Study and How Can We Aid Pupils in Forming Them; and&nbsp;Adoption of a County Course of Study. There was no reference to how teachers traveled to and from this meeting.&nbsp;

​In addition to professional development during the school year, teachers also attended the county normal school held each summer in Hays. They&nbsp;studied&nbsp;such&nbsp;subjects as music, philosophy, geography, arithmetic, didactics (art or science of teaching), calisthenics, physiology, constitution, penmanship, history, orthography, grammar, and reading. All Ellis teachers attended the 1886 normal school (EWH 8-6-86).

​A year later in fall of 1887, Mr. Holcomb&nbsp;assumed&nbsp;principal&nbsp;duties, and the district hired&nbsp;another teacher. The school board directed the finishing of one room in the basement for an additional classroom. They&nbsp;also ordered additional desks and chairs out of Chicago (EWH 12-13-87). The growing enrollment reflected the expanding community.&nbsp;

The community&nbsp;must have puffed their chests with pride looking at&nbsp;its stone school house filled with new desks, books, equipment and apparatus, and a brand-new organ. The October 4 Headlight shares that Ellis hosted that year’s county teacher association organization meeting. The school board offered public thanks to Ellis citizens for their “hearty contribution” to the successful gathering.&nbsp;

​Modern readers&nbsp;can only&nbsp;envision&nbsp;that period’s&nbsp;growing business district and neighborhoods that drew more students to the Ellis school.&nbsp;Obviously,&nbsp;this&nbsp;thriving&nbsp;railroad town and&nbsp;its&nbsp;community members wanted&nbsp;the best education&nbsp;they could offer&nbsp;their offspring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495427473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN​While&nbsp;Ellis and area communities experienced&nbsp;swift&nbsp;changes&nbsp;during previous years, 1885 and 86 offered&nbsp;some&nbsp;stability for&nbsp;this and other&nbsp;developing prairie communities.&nbsp;Take a moment to&nbsp;examine what changed and&nbsp;what remained the same in the Ellis education system&nbsp;during that time.​1885 faculty numbers held steady at four with Professor Halleck, Mrs. Deutsch, Miss Dennis, and Miss Meade&nbsp;staffing the new building. Student enrollment remained steady&nbsp;with&nbsp;approximately 200 students filling the classroom&nbsp;seats&nbsp;in the new stone building on the south hill.&nbsp;​While curriculum and practice proceeded as it had in past years, someone added fund raising to the&nbsp;school activities. Apparently,&nbsp;the mill levy&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;budget&nbsp;enough&nbsp;cash&nbsp;for&nbsp;desired equipment so teachers and students&nbsp;sponsored&nbsp;money-making events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>One of&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;mentioned&nbsp;involved&nbsp;a community sociable&nbsp;that&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;student recitations.&nbsp;Imagine residents putting on their best duds to attend&nbsp;and encourage their children.&nbsp;Funds earned&nbsp;at this program&nbsp;purchased books or apparatus for the school, according to the Ellis Headlight.​Apparently,&nbsp;that first&nbsp;successful&nbsp;fundraiser spurred students and teachers to hold a second that&nbsp;same&nbsp;year&nbsp;to fund&nbsp;an organ for the school. They planned&nbsp;a school&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;followed by&nbsp;supper for a crowd of 500.&nbsp;Each attendee paid&nbsp;admission of 35 cents (EWH 12-15-1885).&nbsp;Reading between the lines, it appears community members had&nbsp;enough&nbsp;liquid cash&nbsp;they could&nbsp;support these events.​In 1886, the Headlight notes a Friday in-service. Students enjoyed a day out of school while teachers traveled to Hays to attend a&nbsp;day&nbsp;long&nbsp;county teacher association meeting. Topics included&nbsp;How to Teach English;&nbsp;Make the Children Talk;&nbsp;The Sciences—How Much, How Little; Need of Visible Illustration and the Proper Use of Apparatus;&nbsp;The Relation between Speling [sic], Reading, Writing, and Definition; What Are the Corect [sic] Habits of Study and How Can We Aid Pupils in Forming Them; and&nbsp;Adoption of a County Course of Study. There was no reference to how teachers traveled to and from this meeting.&nbsp;​In addition to professional development during the school year, teachers also attended the county normal school held each summer in Hays. They&nbsp;studied&nbsp;such&nbsp;subjects as music, philosophy, geography, arithmetic, didactics (art or science of teaching), calisthenics, physiology, constitution, penmanship, history, orthography, grammar, and reading. All Ellis teachers attended the 1886 normal school (EWH 8-6-86).​A year later in fall of 1887, Mr. Holcomb&nbsp;assumed&nbsp;principal&nbsp;duties, and the district hired&nbsp;another teacher. The school board directed the finishing of one room in the basement for an additional classroom. They&nbsp;also ordered additional desks and chairs out of Chicago (EWH 12-13-87). The growing enrollment reflected the expanding community.&nbsp;The community&nbsp;must have puffed their chests with pride looking at&nbsp;its stone school house filled with new desks, books, equipment and apparatus, and a brand-new organ. The October 4 Headlight shares that Ellis hosted that year’s county teacher association organization meeting. The school board offered public thanks to Ellis citizens for their “hearty contribution” to the successful gathering.&nbsp;​Modern readers&nbsp;can only&nbsp;envision&nbsp;that period’s&nbsp;growing business district and neighborhoods that drew more students to the Ellis school.&nbsp;Obviously,&nbsp;this&nbsp;thriving&nbsp;railroad town and&nbsp;its&nbsp;community members wanted&nbsp;the best education&nbsp;they could offer&nbsp;their offspring.

MADORIN: Ellis schools — Fundraising, professional development

<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/2023/3/1679695425080.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

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas researchers have completed a two-year study of broadband access in Kansas. Their newly published report,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/34031">“Broadband in Kansas: The Challenges of Digital Access and Affordability,”</a>&nbsp;documents extensive challenges within the current broadband landscape in the state and recommends a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges.

The research showed low levels of satisfaction across Kansas with current internet access and cost. The research team identified areas throughout the state where the only available internet is poor or there is no available internet connection. In addition, people living in areas with inadequate or inconsistent internet service often pay high financial and time costs for this service.

These gaps in broadband coverage limit the economic growth of the state, and they reflect a failure of the existing market to provide an essential service, according to the researchers.

Further, many Kansans live in regions with only a single service provider. This lack of competition is associated with higher prices, lower speeds and lower satisfaction, according to the report.

The KU-led research team also described a divide in the digital literacy skills and tech support of Kansans based on field observations of people who use publicly available computers and internet at libraries. As society becomes more reliant on web-based information, forms and resources, it is increasingly critical that people have ways to access and utilize those resources. In addition to computer and internet access in public spaces, researchers noted the importance of support for digital literacy in these spaces.

In light of the market failure to provide high-quality broadband access across Kansas and to ensure people have the skills and resources they need in an increasingly digital world, the research team strongly recommended a comprehensive strategy for the state.

“The goal of our report was to understand where there were shortcomings in service in order to guide future investments in broadband. Our speed tests and survey have provided some useful information to the Office of Broadband Development as it uses federal resources to address state broadband needs,” said Donna Ginther, principal investigator of the study, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics, and director of KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research.

Study participants compared broadband access in Kansas to the electrification of the state, which required significant investments from the federal government. “Flipping the switch” on electricity led to drastic improvements in quality of life and economic growth. Study participants repeatedly told the team that affordable, high-speed internet access across Kansas would lead to similar improvements in quality of life and economic opportunity.

The state of Kansas recently established an Office of Broadband Development. That office — if funded adequately — could become a clearinghouse for information about broadband needs, funding that can help meet these needs and initiatives to foster partnerships and improve connectivity and technology skills, according to the researchers. The office also could lead the development and implementation of a strategy to improve access across Kansas and identify ways to ameliorate digital divides.

“In addition to challenges, we also found pockets of opportunity for Kansas to be particularly innovative in providing more universal access and digital equity across the state,” said co-investigator Germaine Halegoua, John D. Evans Development Professor &amp; Associate Professor of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan. “Right now, there are several different private and public entities working on providing internet access in unserved and underserved areas, receiving state and federal funds, collecting data on Kansas broadband, and that have ideas and resources to share – but they don’t always know about each other or work together. A well-supported broadband office to continually collect, coordinate, curate and foster these efforts is a valuable foundation.”

The study included a speed test, surveys, interviews, focus groups and field observations. The team collected data from Kansas residents, including people from urban, rural and urban-adjacent communities, with a range of income, technology skills and internet needs. The research team also worked with internet service providers in Kansas, state and local government representatives, and industry organizations invested in seeing significant improvements in the Kansas broadband infrastructure.

The research team includes Ginther, Halegoua, Xan Wedel, Thomas Becker and Genna Hurd of the Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research as well as Walter Goettlich of the KU Department of Sociology. The study was funded by a University Center CARES Act grant from the Economic Development Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679602612080.jpeg" alt="Much of northwestern Kansas has only one internet service provider.&nbsp;Broadband Internet Access in Kansas, 2020, Number of Internet Service Providers. Source: Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, the University of Kansas, data from the Federal Communications Commission." />
 <figcaption>Much of northwestern Kansas has only one internet service provider.&nbsp;Broadband Internet Access in Kansas, 2020, Number of Internet Service Providers. Source: Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, the University of Kansas, data from the Federal Communications Commission.</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — University of Kansas researchers have completed a two-year study of broadband access in Kansas. Their newly published report,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/34031">“Broadband in Kansas: The Challenges of Digital Access and Affordability,”</a>&nbsp;documents extensive challenges within the current broadband landscape in the state and recommends a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges.The research showed low levels of satisfaction across Kansas with current internet access and cost. The research team identified areas throughout the state where the only available internet is poor or there is no available internet connection. In addition, people living in areas with inadequate or inconsistent internet service often pay high financial and time costs for this service.These gaps in broadband coverage limit the economic growth of the state, and they reflect a failure of the existing market to provide an essential service, according to the researchers.Further, many Kansans live in regions with only a single service provider. This lack of competition is associated with higher prices, lower speeds and lower satisfaction, according to the report.The KU-led research team also described a divide in the digital literacy skills and tech support of Kansans based on field observations of people who use publicly available computers and internet at libraries. As society becomes more reliant on web-based information, forms and resources, it is increasingly critical that people have ways to access and utilize those resources. In addition to computer and internet access in public spaces, researchers noted the importance of support for digital literacy in these spaces.In light of the market failure to provide high-quality broadband access across Kansas and to ensure people have the skills and resources they need in an increasingly digital world, the research team strongly recommended a comprehensive strategy for the state.“The goal of our report was to understand where there were shortcomings in service in order to guide future investments in broadband. Our speed tests and survey have provided some useful information to the Office of Broadband Development as it uses federal resources to address state broadband needs,” said Donna Ginther, principal investigator of the study, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics, and director of KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research.Study participants compared broadband access in Kansas to the electrification of the state, which required significant investments from the federal government. “Flipping the switch” on electricity led to drastic improvements in quality of life and economic growth. Study participants repeatedly told the team that affordable, high-speed internet access across Kansas would lead to similar improvements in quality of life and economic opportunity.The state of Kansas recently established an Office of Broadband Development. That office — if funded adequately — could become a clearinghouse for information about broadband needs, funding that can help meet these needs and initiatives to foster partnerships and improve connectivity and technology skills, according to the researchers. The office also could lead the development and implementation of a strategy to improve access across Kansas and identify ways to ameliorate digital divides.“In addition to challenges, we also found pockets of opportunity for Kansas to be particularly innovative in providing more universal access and digital equity across the state,” said co-investigator Germaine Halegoua, John D. Evans Development Professor &amp; Associate Professor of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan. “Right now, there are several different private and public entities working on providing internet access in unserved and underserved areas, receiving state and federal funds, collecting data on Kansas broadband, and that have ideas and resources to share – but they don’t always know about each other or work together. A well-supported broadband office to continually collect, coordinate, curate and foster these efforts is a valuable foundation.”The study included a speed test, surveys, interviews, focus groups and field observations. The team collected data from Kansas residents, including people from urban, rural and urban-adjacent communities, with a range of income, technology skills and internet needs. The research team also worked with internet service providers in Kansas, state and local government representatives, and industry organizations invested in seeing significant improvements in the Kansas broadband infrastructure.The research team includes Ginther, Halegoua, Xan Wedel, Thomas Becker and Genna Hurd of the Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research as well as Walter Goettlich of the KU Department of Sociology. The study was funded by a University Center CARES Act grant from the Economic Development Administration.

KU: Many NW Kansans live in areas of single broadband provider

BARTON COUNTY — Authorities investigating the home explosion in Great Bend have confirmed the identity of the man who died as&nbsp;48-year-old Ryan Neil Kleweno, according to Police Lt. Heather Smith. "He lived in the home."

The explosion at the home in the 700 block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. Wednesday&nbsp;was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.

Kleweno was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later to the burn unit in a Wichita hospital where he died.

 Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.

Testing showed that the gas line from the main to the structure was intact and was not leaking, according to Smith.

 There was significant damage to neighboring structures and vehicles. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679599027514.png" alt="The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Photo courtesy Great Bend Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Photo courtesy Great Bend Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Authorities investigating the home explosion in Great Bend have confirmed the identity of the man who died as&nbsp;48-year-old Ryan Neil Kleweno, according to Police Lt. Heather Smith. "He lived in the home."The explosion at the home in the 700 block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. Wednesday&nbsp;was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.Kleweno was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later to the burn unit in a Wichita hospital where he died. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.Testing showed that the gas line from the main to the structure was intact and was not leaking, according to Smith. There was significant damage to neighboring structures and vehicles. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.&nbsp;

Police confirm ID of man who died in Great Bend home explosion

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/doPcPDLJu2o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎤 Forward Ever: Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information 
Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and 
the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press Release/LR Feb2023 SA Rate Chart File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a> of 2.9% in February. This is unchanged from 2.9% in January and an increase from 2.4% in February 2022.

The jobless rate rose slightly in Ellis County from 2.2 percent in January to 2.2 percent in February. A handful of northwest Kansas counties — Trego, Rooks, Cheyenne, Lane, Wallace and Barton — had unemployment rates at 3 percent or higher.

Click <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kdol/viz/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRatesbyCounty/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRates">HERE</a> for the interactive map and more data.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm 
payroll employment decreased by 1,500 from January. Total nonfarm 
includes private sector and government employers. <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press Release/LR Feb2023 SA PrivateEmpl Chart File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a> increased by 1,400 over the month, while government decreased by 2,900.

Since February 2022&nbsp;Kansas' <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press Release/LR Feb2023 Seasonally Adj PR Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>
 have increased by 41,300. This change is due to an increase of 38,000 
private sector jobs and an increase of 3,300 government jobs.

The March 2023 Labor Report will be released April 21.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679672444887.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostPreliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information 
Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and 
the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press Release/LR Feb2023 SA Rate Chart File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a> of 2.9% in February. This is unchanged from 2.9% in January and an increase from 2.4% in February 2022.The jobless rate rose slightly in Ellis County from 2.2 percent in January to 2.2 percent in February. A handful of northwest Kansas counties — Trego, Rooks, Cheyenne, Lane, Wallace and Barton — had unemployment rates at 3 percent or higher.Click <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kdol/viz/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRatesbyCounty/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRates">HERE</a> for the interactive map and more data.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm 
payroll employment decreased by 1,500 from January. Total nonfarm 
includes private sector and government employers. <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press Release/LR Feb2023 SA PrivateEmpl Chart File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a> increased by 1,400 over the month, while government decreased by 2,900.Since February 2022&nbsp;Kansas' <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press Release/LR Feb2023 Seasonally Adj PR Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>
 have increased by 41,300. This change is due to an increase of 38,000 
private sector jobs and an increase of 3,300 government jobs.The March 2023 Labor Report will be released April 21.

February jobless rate ticks up across northwest Kansas

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

RUSSELL — An 11-year-old from Russell is making some tasty treats with the hopes of helping some furry friends.

Kyleigh Funk, a fifth-grader, is a partner in Funky Sweet Treats. Her mom makes specialty cakes and cookies.

Kyleigh makes dog and cat treats. Fifty percent of Kyleigh's proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. She made her first donation of 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys plus treats to the society over the weekend.

Kyleigh has two dogs and two cats; three of them were rescues from the humane society. Maddie is a lab and boxer mix. Chief is a mutt, and she has two cats Mater and Tater. Kyleigh said she wanted to help other animals.  

She said her dogs really like both the dog and cat treats. The cats haven't been so wild about the cat treats.&nbsp;

Apple chicken or peanut butter dog treats are $7 a dozen. Tuna cat treats are $5 per bag.

The other 50 percent of Kyleigh's proceeds she plans to use on summer activities. She plays softball and football.

Kyleigh began baking with her mom when she was little. She poured the dry ingredients in a mixing a bowl that was bigger than she was and got to stir. She said she's always loved to bake and hopes to be a baker when she grows up.

"It's just kind of calming and fun to do," she said of baking.&nbsp;

Kyleigh cooks in her home kitchen with her mom with organic ingredients.

The treats come from simple recipes Kyleigh said her mom helped her find. They include whole wheat flour, eggs, baby food, and peanut butter or tuna.&nbsp;

You can contact Kyleigh's mother, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/842357592471015/user/506546113/">Jennifer Funk, on Facebook</a> to order cat or dog treats. You also can buy treats in-person at Korner K9 Canine Grooming, 1036 N. Fossil, Russell, or at the Russell Farmer's Market this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679344551021.jpeg" alt="Kyleigh Funk, 11, Russell, is selling homemade cat and dog treats. Fifty percent of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kyleigh Funk, 11, Russell, is selling homemade cat and dog treats. Fifty percent of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRUSSELL — An 11-year-old from Russell is making some tasty treats with the hopes of helping some furry friends.Kyleigh Funk, a fifth-grader, is a partner in Funky Sweet Treats. Her mom makes specialty cakes and cookies.<div><iframe title="11-year-old from Russell helping humane society by baking cat, dog treats" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=2tm3y-13c4de7-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=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Kyleigh makes dog and cat treats. Fifty percent of Kyleigh's proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. She made her first donation of 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys plus treats to the society over the weekend.Kyleigh has two dogs and two cats; three of them were rescues from the humane society. Maddie is a lab and boxer mix. Chief is a mutt, and she has two cats Mater and Tater. Kyleigh said she wanted to help other animals. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679344622709.jpeg" alt="Kyleigh Funk baking cat and dog treats in her home kitchen. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Kyleigh Funk baking cat and dog treats in her home kitchen. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>She said her dogs really like both the dog and cat treats. The cats haven't been so wild about the cat treats.&nbsp;Apple chicken or peanut butter dog treats are $7 a dozen. Tuna cat treats are $5 per bag.The other 50 percent of Kyleigh's proceeds she plans to use on summer activities. She plays softball and football.Kyleigh began baking with her mom when she was little. She poured the dry ingredients in a mixing a bowl that was bigger than she was and got to stir. She said she's always loved to bake and hopes to be a baker when she grows up.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679345159375.jpeg" alt="Kyleigh Funk with the 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys she recently donated to the Human Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Kyleigh Funk with the 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys she recently donated to the Human Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's just kind of calming and fun to do," she said of baking.&nbsp;Kyleigh cooks in her home kitchen with her mom with organic ingredients.The treats come from simple recipes Kyleigh said her mom helped her find. They include whole wheat flour, eggs, baby food, and peanut butter or tuna.&nbsp;You can contact Kyleigh's mother, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/842357592471015/user/506546113/">Jennifer Funk, on Facebook</a> to order cat or dog treats. You also can buy treats in-person at Korner K9 Canine Grooming, 1036 N. Fossil, Russell, or at the Russell Farmer's Market this summer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679344678822.jpeg" alt="Kyleigh Funk hugging one of her dogs. Kyleigh's family has two dogs and two cats. Three of their animals were adopted from the Humane Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Kyleigh Funk hugging one of her dogs. Kyleigh's family has two dogs and two cats. Three of their animals were adopted from the Humane Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 11-year-old from Russell helping Humane Society by baking cat, dog treats

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Construction on a new Ellis County Public Works facility
took another step forward Tuesday when the Ellis County Commission approved a
contract for architectural design services.

Last June, the commission approved the purchase of 75 acres
of land north of Hays to serve as the future home of the Public Works
Department.

On Tuesday, the commission approved a contract with GLMV
Architecture of Wichita for $256,921 to design the layout of the approximately 27,000-square-foot building and yard area. The cost of the design engineering services
is based on a percentage of the total estimated cost of the project.

According to County Administrator Darin Myers, staff chose GLMV
Architecture from eight proposals, using a quality based selection process. He said the decision to recommend GLMV was based not only on the fact that
their proposal was the least expensive but also on quality of word done on similar
projects.

“One similar facility, in Kechi, they did a public works
facility down there and they’ve done multiple KDOT projects throughout the state
that are very similar to our project,” Myers said. “So we know they have the experience.”

And because they also came in with the lowest price, Myers
said, “You know that you are getting quality work for the lowest price.”

In December, as part of phase one of the project, representatives
from GLMV met with members of the public works staff along with Myers and
Public Works Director Brendan Mackay.

They presented the commission with conceptual drawings in February.

Myers said they expect to send the final project out for bid
on June 1t. The commission could consider the bids in July with the construction
taking a 12 to 18 months and move in date estimated in the later part of 2024.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostConstruction on a new Ellis County Public Works facility
took another step forward Tuesday when the Ellis County Commission approved a
contract for architectural design services.Last June, the commission approved the purchase of 75 acres
of land north of Hays to serve as the future home of the Public Works
Department.On Tuesday, the commission approved a contract with GLMV
Architecture of Wichita for $256,921 to design the layout of the approximately 27,000-square-foot building and yard area. The cost of the design engineering services
is based on a percentage of the total estimated cost of the project.According to County Administrator Darin Myers, staff chose GLMV
Architecture from eight proposals, using a quality based selection process. He said the decision to recommend GLMV was based not only on the fact that
their proposal was the least expensive but also on quality of word done on similar
projects.“One similar facility, in Kechi, they did a public works
facility down there and they’ve done multiple KDOT projects throughout the state
that are very similar to our project,” Myers said. “So we know they have the experience.”And because they also came in with the lowest price, Myers
said, “You know that you are getting quality work for the lowest price.”In December, as part of phase one of the project, representatives
from GLMV met with members of the public works staff along with Myers and
Public Works Director Brendan Mackay.They presented the commission with conceptual drawings in February.Myers said they expect to send the final project out for bid
on June 1t. The commission could consider the bids in July with the construction
taking a 12 to 18 months and move in date estimated in the later part of 2024.

Ellis Co. Commission approves architect for Public Works site

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Friday in the area of Hall St. to Oak St. between 7th St. and 17th St. also Vine St. to Canterbury Dr. between 22nd St. and 33rd St. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.

 Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. 

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679668105447.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>HFDThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Friday in the area of Hall St. to Oak St. between 7th St. and 17th St. also Vine St. to Canterbury Dr. between 22nd St. and 33rd St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.&nbsp;

Hydrant testing by fire department continues today in Hays 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city of Hays is readying its part in the upcoming traffic flow changes for the new high school to be built directly east of the current facility on east 13th Street.

The existing high school will be remodeled as the new Hays Middle School, resulting in more traffic on 13th Street between Canterbury Road and Commerce Parkway.&nbsp;

During last week's work session, city commissioners heard about a proposed design contract for street widening along with annexation and rezoning requests for the property at 2500 E. 13th.

The reconstruction and widening of 13th Street will be east of Anthony Drive to Commerce Parkway. This segment is currently maintained by Ellis County and is a two-lane arterial road, carrying about 3,500 vehicles per day, according to John Braun, Hays project manager.

"The project intent is to widen that narrow two-lane road out to a three-lane road and add some shoulders to the edges," Braun explained to the city commission.

Although concrete is now being used to build most city streets, Braun said the existing asphalt road is in good shape and will remain asphalt.&nbsp;

"We won't be tearing it up for reconstruction. ... That's how we can do this as a $2.5 million project instead of a $4 million project."

Staff solicited a single $120,000 proposal for design services from MKEC Engineering. The Overland Park group is already working with Hays USD 489 on the school improvements in the bond issue passed by voters last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Total estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million. 

The city received a Kansas Department of Transportation cost share grant to cover $1.2 million of the cost. One million dollars for the city share is included in the capital improvement plan in the 2023 budget. Ellis County has budgeted $750,000 of participating funds.&nbsp;

An 8-foot wide multi-use path along the north side of the street, which will connect with the existing east multi-use path, will be constructed as part of the project.&nbsp;

Curtis Deines, planning and development superintendent, presented the property annexation request for the new high school and a rezoning request from agricultural to public institutional district.&nbsp;

In other business, proposed bid awards for a new airport snow removal equipment building and construction engineering were presented by Hays Regional Airport Director Jamie Salter.&nbsp;

Only one bid was received for the building, coming from RDH Electric &amp; Construction, Hays, for $3.2 million and below the engineer's estimate. In answer to commission concerns about a single bid, Salter said the FAA has already vetted it.

The city’s airport engineering consultant, Burns and McDonnell, presented a $385,000 fee for required construction oversight and project documentation.&nbsp;

Both the construction bid and fee are eligible for a 90/10 cost split between the FAA and the city.

Commissioners also heard a proposed bid award of $321,000 from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, for 8,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe lining.

Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp told commissioners&nbsp;water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street improvements have been made in the King’s Gate 2nd Addition Improvement District previously created.

A public hearing will be held March 23 about the 22 homeowners' assessments which Rupp said will be $21,363 per lot.

All items will be voted on at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162023-1399">Thursday's city commission meeting</a>.&nbsp;

Commissioners Shaun Musil and Alaina Cunningham were absent from the work session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679346493881.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe city of Hays is readying its part in the upcoming traffic flow changes for the new high school to be built directly east of the current facility on east 13th Street.The existing high school will be remodeled as the new Hays Middle School, resulting in more traffic on 13th Street between Canterbury Road and Commerce Parkway.&nbsp;During last week's work session, city commissioners heard about a proposed design contract for street widening along with annexation and rezoning requests for the property at 2500 E. 13th.The reconstruction and widening of 13th Street will be east of Anthony Drive to Commerce Parkway. This segment is currently maintained by Ellis County and is a two-lane arterial road, carrying about 3,500 vehicles per day, according to John Braun, Hays project manager.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/uUAjytrW-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="E 13th Widening" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"The project intent is to widen that narrow two-lane road out to a three-lane road and add some shoulders to the edges," Braun explained to the city commission.Although concrete is now being used to build most city streets, Braun said the existing asphalt road is in good shape and will remain asphalt.&nbsp;"We won't be tearing it up for reconstruction. ... That's how we can do this as a $2.5 million project instead of a $4 million project."Staff solicited a single $120,000 proposal for design services from MKEC Engineering. The Overland Park group is already working with Hays USD 489 on the school improvements in the bond issue passed by voters last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Total estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million. The city received a Kansas Department of Transportation cost share grant to cover $1.2 million of the cost. One million dollars for the city share is included in the capital improvement plan in the 2023 budget. Ellis County has budgeted $750,000 of participating funds.&nbsp;An 8-foot wide multi-use path along the north side of the street, which will connect with the existing east multi-use path, will be constructed as part of the project.&nbsp;Curtis Deines, planning and development superintendent, presented the property annexation request for the new high school and a rezoning request from agricultural to public institutional district.&nbsp;In other business, proposed bid awards for a new airport snow removal equipment building and construction engineering were presented by Hays Regional Airport Director Jamie Salter.&nbsp;Only one bid was received for the building, coming from RDH Electric &amp; Construction, Hays, for $3.2 million and below the engineer's estimate. In answer to commission concerns about a single bid, Salter said the FAA has already vetted it.The city’s airport engineering consultant, Burns and McDonnell, presented a $385,000 fee for required construction oversight and project documentation.&nbsp;Both the construction bid and fee are eligible for a 90/10 cost split between the FAA and the city.Commissioners also heard a proposed bid award of $321,000 from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, for 8,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe lining.Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp told commissioners&nbsp;water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street improvements have been made in the King’s Gate 2nd Addition Improvement District previously created.A public hearing will be held March 23 about the 22 homeowners' assessments which Rupp said will be $21,363 per lot.All items will be voted on at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162023-1399">Thursday's city commission meeting</a>.&nbsp;Commissioners Shaun Musil and Alaina Cunningham were absent from the work session.

🎥 City preps for widening 13th at future high school, middle school

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — College is all
 about building connections. That's paying off for Barton Community 
College Head Dance Coach Sabrina Boyd. Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader 
Ashton Thomas was a Classy Cat dancer alongside Boyd at Kansas State 
University. Thomas will be hosting the 2023 Spring Clinic at BCC on 
April 22 for high school and college-aged dancers who want to know what 
it's like to prepare for game day.

"Pretty much how the day will 
go is she's going to do some warm-ups with them, go across the floor, 
then she'll be teaching a sideline, as well as a 45-second routine," 
Boyd said.

Cost for the clinic is $10 at the door, though 
pre-registration is required. Attendees need to arrive at BCC's Kirkman 
Building between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. that Saturday morning. The clinic 
will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a snack provided. Attendees are 
asked to bring their own water bottles. 

The clinic is open for all high school and college-aged dancers. Attire is anything comfortable. <a href="https://form.jotform.com/230678040653051?fbclid=IwAR0CyH81lrIVIJKrHF4SVl9OAzL71-pCZVL6ZXHLIz2Le6W819Q-sKXyL7g">CLICK HERE</a> to pre-register for the clinic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679079602381.jpeg" alt="Ashton Thomas&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ashton Thomas&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — College is all
 about building connections. That's paying off for Barton Community 
College Head Dance Coach Sabrina Boyd. Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader 
Ashton Thomas was a Classy Cat dancer alongside Boyd at Kansas State 
University. Thomas will be hosting the 2023 Spring Clinic at BCC on 
April 22 for high school and college-aged dancers who want to know what 
it's like to prepare for game day."Pretty much how the day will 
go is she's going to do some warm-ups with them, go across the floor, 
then she'll be teaching a sideline, as well as a 45-second routine," 
Boyd said.Cost for the clinic is $10 at the door, though 
pre-registration is required. Attendees need to arrive at BCC's Kirkman 
Building between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. that Saturday morning. The clinic 
will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a snack provided. Attendees are 
asked to bring their own water bottles. The clinic is open for all high school and college-aged dancers. Attire is anything comfortable. <a href="https://form.jotform.com/230678040653051?fbclid=IwAR0CyH81lrIVIJKrHF4SVl9OAzL71-pCZVL6ZXHLIz2Le6W819Q-sKXyL7g">CLICK HERE</a> to pre-register for the clinic.

Chiefs cheerleader hosting dance clinic at Barton CC

Kacy Claassen said she came to the First Step Housing program with a few bags after hastily fleeing from an abusive relationship.

Claassen, 25, said she had no place to live, no car, no job and no money. She was completely starting from scratch.

She has since graduated from the program. She has a job she likes, her own apartment and was able to purchase a used car.

Claassen is one of eight women who have graduated from the First Step Housing program since it opened as a part of First Call for Help in August 2021.

"I did find a place," she said. "I've been pretty much able to get back on my feet since leaving here. ... It was a new experience, but I never had any doubts on my safety here at all."

First Step is a transitional housing program for residents of Ellis County under the umbrella of First Call for Help. It accepts women or families. No single men are allowed. Participants must be clean and sober and pass a drug and alcohol test.

Laura Allen, client services specialist, said the drug and alcohol test has been a barrier for some applicants. However, she said the program will allow applicants to work toward sobriety and then retest.

She said one applicant was struggling to pass the drug test. She finally was able to pass and was admitted to the program and has gone on to take college classes.

The average stay in the housing program is six months. However, some participants have been able to move to stable housing more quickly. Classen needed eight months to find an apartment in her budget range.

Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, said the staff first does an assessment with the client to determine what they have struggled with and what have been their barriers to maintaining housing. The program allows a couple of days for the clients to settle in, and then goal-setting begins in earnest.

"Everyone is different," Mills said. "Their needs are a little bit different, so their individual goal-setting is different."

Allen said sometimes bad choices bring clients to the program and sometimes it is just unfortunate circumstances.&nbsp;

"When you're living paycheck to paycheck, if you don't have something to fall back on, you get behind in your rent and then you get evicted," she said.

One woman lost her mobile home in a wind storm. She had a job, but needed time to save for her security deposits, Allen said.

"Depending on their situation, they may have gotten to a point where it is very difficult for them to make up time," Mills said. "If you're a little bit behind, you can usually find a way to stay where you're at.&nbsp;

"But if you've had any legal problems. If you have had child care problems or job problems and you're behind on everything, sometimes you're just in that deep hole and you can't dig yourself out on your own."

Allen said once you get into that cycle it's easy to give up and fall into the mindset its just going to be this way forever.

Often clients need encouragement to get out of that hopeless mindset. One woman was so overwhelmed she thought she could only handle part-time work. First Step worked with her on her job goals and now she's working full time and progressing more quickly toward her savings goals.

The No. 1 priority for participants is to find a job. Allen helps women learn to read a lease, access job resources and make a budget.

Some participants have applied for tenant-based rental assistance. However, Allen said Harvest America in Hays' list for that assistance is very long. Some women also have filed applications for low-income housing.

Claassen said the program directed her to other resources in the community that she hadn't thought of using.

She urged future participants to work the program.

"Do the work," she said. "Put in the applications. Save the money. Do the classes if you need classes. Do what you can to better your life. It will change your experience."

First Step does not charge participants rent or utilities. This allows them to pay off bills and save for rent and utility deposits.

They are expected to take care of their other personal expenses. However, the women can access the First Call for Help food pantry as well as its hygiene supplies once a month.

Furniture, sheets, pots and pans are provided in the four living units in the First Step Housing wing of First Call for Help. The living space can accommodate two people per room or more if it is a mother with small children.

"It was definitely a humbling experience," Claassen said. "I don't normally take things for granted that I have. I'm not a very materialistic person. I do look back now and I was very materialistic at one point in time. And then I lost pretty much everything. Now that I have started over, it's the best thing that I could have ever done."

Claassen said she now frequents the Arc Thrift Store and Goodwill and learned that there was some pretty cool stuff.

"Yeah, name-brand stuff for a $1 or half price," she said and giggled. "That is the greatest thing."

The community at large has also been a great help, donating furniture for her new home.

"It's just so nice to see a community that is willing to help somebody even if they don't know their situation," Claassen said. "This a good place for women, not just women of domestic violence, but any woman who is needing to start over."

Claassen is truly on her own now. All her finances are now in her own name. She said she is moving forward.

"I don't regret marrying my husband," she said. "I do wish I would have seen signs sooner before I married. But every piece of life is a learning experience, I've found.&nbsp; I have no hard feelings toward him at all. What he does with his life is his life. What he did to me was his choice. I can just hope and pray he will see what he did and fix it before it's too late."

Claassen lost full custody of her 2-year-old daughter temporarily because of her situation, she said. Settling in her apartment is a big part of making her family whole again.

Allen and Mills both said they the program as a success a year and a half after opening.

"They have their ups, and they have their downs, but we are thrilled when they move on to where they want to go," Allen said of the clients.

The program has been steadily occupied but not at max capacity. As of last week, the program had space available.

Allen wanted women to know they don't have to be on the street or in a crisis to ask for help. If they are staying with a friend or staying in car or know they are going to be evicted, reach out, she said.

You can call <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> at&nbsp;785-623-2800 or go to its office at&nbsp;607 E. 13th St. in Hays to find more information about being a participant in the First Step Housing project.

You also can follow First Call for Help on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firstcallelliscounty">Facebook</a>.

Local residents can aid the program by donating food to its food bank. The program maintains a small supply of dish and laundry soap, dish towels and kitchenware that clients will need to start in their new homes. Storage space for these items is limited.

The clients also often need furniture for their new homes, but First Call for Help does not have a place to store these items on an ongoing basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679325319535.jpeg" alt="The kitchen of the First Step Housing Project. The transitional housing program has four units with each unit able to house at least two people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The kitchen of the First Step Housing Project. The transitional housing program has four units with each unit able to house at least two people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKacy Claassen said she came to the First Step Housing program with a few bags after hastily fleeing from an abusive relationship.Claassen, 25, said she had no place to live, no car, no job and no money. She was completely starting from scratch.She has since graduated from the program. She has a job she likes, her own apartment and was able to purchase a used car.Claassen is one of eight women who have graduated from the First Step Housing program since it opened as a part of First Call for Help in August 2021."I did find a place," she said. "I've been pretty much able to get back on my feet since leaving here. ... It was a new experience, but I never had any doubts on my safety here at all."First Step is a transitional housing program for residents of Ellis County under the umbrella of First Call for Help. It accepts women or families. No single men are allowed. Participants must be clean and sober and pass a drug and alcohol test.Laura Allen, client services specialist, said the drug and alcohol test has been a barrier for some applicants. However, she said the program will allow applicants to work toward sobriety and then retest.She said one applicant was struggling to pass the drug test. She finally was able to pass and was admitted to the program and has gone on to take college classes.The average stay in the housing program is six months. However, some participants have been able to move to stable housing more quickly. Classen needed eight months to find an apartment in her budget range.Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, said the staff first does an assessment with the client to determine what they have struggled with and what have been their barriers to maintaining housing. The program allows a couple of days for the clients to settle in, and then goal-setting begins in earnest."Everyone is different," Mills said. "Their needs are a little bit different, so their individual goal-setting is different."Allen said sometimes bad choices bring clients to the program and sometimes it is just unfortunate circumstances.&nbsp;"When you're living paycheck to paycheck, if you don't have something to fall back on, you get behind in your rent and then you get evicted," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679325495447.jpeg" alt="Participants in the First Step Housing project are encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible, including providing their own food, cooking, working and saving for deposits for a new home. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Participants in the First Step Housing project are encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible, including providing their own food, cooking, working and saving for deposits for a new home. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>One woman lost her mobile home in a wind storm. She had a job, but needed time to save for her security deposits, Allen said."Depending on their situation, they may have gotten to a point where it is very difficult for them to make up time," Mills said. "If you're a little bit behind, you can usually find a way to stay where you're at.&nbsp;"But if you've had any legal problems. If you have had child care problems or job problems and you're behind on everything, sometimes you're just in that deep hole and you can't dig yourself out on your own."Allen said once you get into that cycle it's easy to give up and fall into the mindset its just going to be this way forever.Often clients need encouragement to get out of that hopeless mindset. One woman was so overwhelmed she thought she could only handle part-time work. First Step worked with her on her job goals and now she's working full time and progressing more quickly toward her savings goals.The No. 1 priority for participants is to find a job. Allen helps women learn to read a lease, access job resources and make a budget.Some participants have applied for tenant-based rental assistance. However, Allen said Harvest America in Hays' list for that assistance is very long. Some women also have filed applications for low-income housing.Claassen said the program directed her to other resources in the community that she hadn't thought of using.She urged future participants to work the program."Do the work," she said. "Put in the applications. Save the money. Do the classes if you need classes. Do what you can to better your life. It will change your experience."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679325660531.jpeg" alt="First Step Housing has graduated eight women from the program in about a year and a half. The program currently has vacancies. You can contact First Call for Help to learn more about applying for the program. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>First Step Housing has graduated eight women from the program in about a year and a half. The program currently has vacancies. You can contact First Call for Help to learn more about applying for the program. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>First Step does not charge participants rent or utilities. This allows them to pay off bills and save for rent and utility deposits.They are expected to take care of their other personal expenses. However, the women can access the First Call for Help food pantry as well as its hygiene supplies once a month.Furniture, sheets, pots and pans are provided in the four living units in the First Step Housing wing of First Call for Help. The living space can accommodate two people per room or more if it is a mother with small children."It was definitely a humbling experience," Claassen said. "I don't normally take things for granted that I have. I'm not a very materialistic person. I do look back now and I was very materialistic at one point in time. And then I lost pretty much everything. Now that I have started over, it's the best thing that I could have ever done."Claassen said she now frequents the Arc Thrift Store and Goodwill and learned that there was some pretty cool stuff."Yeah, name-brand stuff for a $1 or half price," she said and giggled. "That is the greatest thing."The community at large has also been a great help, donating furniture for her new home."It's just so nice to see a community that is willing to help somebody even if they don't know their situation," Claassen said. "This a good place for women, not just women of domestic violence, but any woman who is needing to start over."Claassen is truly on her own now. All her finances are now in her own name. She said she is moving forward."I don't regret marrying my husband," she said. "I do wish I would have seen signs sooner before I married. But every piece of life is a learning experience, I've found.&nbsp; I have no hard feelings toward him at all. What he does with his life is his life. What he did to me was his choice. I can just hope and pray he will see what he did and fix it before it's too late."Claassen lost full custody of her 2-year-old daughter temporarily because of her situation, she said. Settling in her apartment is a big part of making her family whole again.Allen and Mills both said they the program as a success a year and a half after opening."They have their ups, and they have their downs, but we are thrilled when they move on to where they want to go," Allen said of the clients.The program has been steadily occupied but not at max capacity. As of last week, the program had space available.Allen wanted women to know they don't have to be on the street or in a crisis to ask for help. If they are staying with a friend or staying in car or know they are going to be evicted, reach out, she said.You can call <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> at&nbsp;785-623-2800 or go to its office at&nbsp;607 E. 13th St. in Hays to find more information about being a participant in the First Step Housing project.You also can follow First Call for Help on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firstcallelliscounty">Facebook</a>.Local residents can aid the program by donating food to its food bank. The program maintains a small supply of dish and laundry soap, dish towels and kitchenware that clients will need to start in their new homes. Storage space for these items is limited.The clients also often need furniture for their new homes, but First Call for Help does not have a place to store these items on an ongoing basis.

First Step Housing helps women start over

This week the Kansas House of Representatives debated twelve bills on the House Floor.

Here are the details for some of the bills we debated:

On Tuesday, we started with House Concurrent Resolution 5008, which would apply to the Congress of the United States to call for a Convention of States. This convention would call for the limited purpose of amending the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.

House Bill 2313 creates the born-alive infants protection act, which provides legal protections for infants who are born alive regardless of the intent of delivery.

Wednesday, we debated Senate Bill 133, which makes appropriations for K-12 education for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The State General Fund cost of Senate Bill 133 is around $6 billion.

House Bill 2436 enacts the Kansas Public Investments and Contracts Protection Act concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This would prohibit the state of Kansas and political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria.

Senate Bill 208, relates to the Governmental Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate and enforce the Campaign Finance Act.

Thursday, we began with Senate Bill 15&nbsp;which removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.

Senate Bill 18 adds certain legal entities to the definition of “person,” thereby making such entities subject to penalties for violations of insurance law.

Senate Bill 28 discontinues payments to certain group-funded insurance pools and refunds existing balances.

Kansas Disaster Response and Recovery Bill

Tuesday of this week, I introduced House Bill 2468, which stipulates the response procedures for the state of Kansas regarding a severe weather event. During the Legislative break, I served on the Wildfire Task Force where we attempted to address how the state of Kansas could have responded better after the wildfire events of December 15, 2021. At that time, the state of Kansas did not have a formal response procedure and it was obviously evident. The state’s response was, in my opinion, slow, which was compounded with misinformation.

House Bill 2468, formalizes the process before, during, and after a severe weather event, like the Four-County Fire that occurred in the 109th Kansas House District. The bill also creates a Disaster Contingency Fund to assist with relief, especially smaller communities that may not qualify for Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) aid.

This week, the House Appropriations Committee completed our work on the Kansas State budget and also passed two other bills out of committee.

Tuesday, March 21, we started working on the Kanas House State Budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Many changes that were made in committee to the budget that the Governor sent to the Legislature at the start of session.

The committee removed or reduced numerous spending increases in the Governor’s submission. As an example, the Governor proposed $220 million for the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, in fiscal year 2024, in order to draw down federal dollars.&nbsp;

The committee changed the provisions by allotting only $50 million for four years. There were also many items that we needed to address regarding Federal dollars received by state agencies and departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to analyze if those programs would continue to be funded since the federal aid has stopped. We plan to debate the budget bill next week.

Thursday, we worked two bills derived from the interim committee that I chaired for State Employee Compensation and Benefits. House Bill 2418 abolishes certain boards and commissions that have not met for some length of time from the statute book. House Bill 2449 equalizes the compensation for board members that serve on boards and commissions to one flat amount, as opposed to varying amounts as is now.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:

* Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith Counties

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>March 24, 2023This week the Kansas House of Representatives debated twelve bills on the House Floor.Here are the details for some of the bills we debated:On Tuesday, we started with House Concurrent Resolution 5008, which would apply to the Congress of the United States to call for a Convention of States. This convention would call for the limited purpose of amending the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.House Bill 2313 creates the born-alive infants protection act, which provides legal protections for infants who are born alive regardless of the intent of delivery.Wednesday, we debated Senate Bill 133, which makes appropriations for K-12 education for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The State General Fund cost of Senate Bill 133 is around $6 billion.House Bill 2436 enacts the Kansas Public Investments and Contracts Protection Act concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This would prohibit the state of Kansas and political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria.Senate Bill 208, relates to the Governmental Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate and enforce the Campaign Finance Act.Thursday, we began with Senate Bill 15&nbsp;which removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.Senate Bill 18 adds certain legal entities to the definition of “person,” thereby making such entities subject to penalties for violations of insurance law.Senate Bill 28 discontinues payments to certain group-funded insurance pools and refunds existing balances.I voted “Yes” for all of the bills.Kansas Disaster Response and Recovery BillTuesday of this week, I introduced House Bill 2468, which stipulates the response procedures for the state of Kansas regarding a severe weather event. During the Legislative break, I served on the Wildfire Task Force where we attempted to address how the state of Kansas could have responded better after the wildfire events of December 15, 2021. At that time, the state of Kansas did not have a formal response procedure and it was obviously evident. The state’s response was, in my opinion, slow, which was compounded with misinformation.House Bill 2468, formalizes the process before, during, and after a severe weather event, like the Four-County Fire that occurred in the 109th Kansas House District. The bill also creates a Disaster Contingency Fund to assist with relief, especially smaller communities that may not qualify for Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) aid.House Appropriations CommitteeThis week, the House Appropriations Committee completed our work on the Kansas State budget and also passed two other bills out of committee.Tuesday, March 21, we started working on the Kanas House State Budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Many changes that were made in committee to the budget that the Governor sent to the Legislature at the start of session.The committee removed or reduced numerous spending increases in the Governor’s submission. As an example, the Governor proposed $220 million for the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, in fiscal year 2024, in order to draw down federal dollars.&nbsp;The committee changed the provisions by allotting only $50 million for four years. There were also many items that we needed to address regarding Federal dollars received by state agencies and departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to analyze if those programs would continue to be funded since the federal aid has stopped. We plan to debate the budget bill next week.Thursday, we worked two bills derived from the interim committee that I chaired for State Employee Compensation and Benefits. House Bill 2418 abolishes certain boards and commissions that have not met for some length of time from the statute book. House Bill 2449 equalizes the compensation for board members that serve on boards and commissions to one flat amount, as opposed to varying amounts as is now.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith Counties

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 24, 2023

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679593322548.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>

Eating healthy can be a challenge with busy lifestyles, but small changes can benefit your overall health. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee encourages daily physical activity and replacing some foods with more nutritious options.&nbsp;

“The concept of nutrition includes choosing healthful foods, then after consumption, the body breaks the foods down into the nutrients that provide fuel for our bodies. So, for example, a fresh orange would be more nutritious than a can of orange soda,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blakeslee suggests keeping fruits and vegetables easily accessible, selecting whole grain products, drinking water or unsweetened beverages and replacing salt with spices and herbs.&nbsp;

Improving health at home, school or work can look like setting reminders to get up and move every hour, if possible, or using the stairs at work to add more movement, Blakeslee said.&nbsp;

“Every little bit counts. Try a new fruit or vegetable each week as a family,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;

Blakeslee offers tips to improve nutritional decisions at home such as:&nbsp;

•Plan meals and snacks.•Make a grocery list to match that plan and stick with the list.•Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.•If fresh produce is not available, canned, frozen or dried can be a great choice.•Avoid meal plans that specify restricting certain foods or food groups.•Learn to cook at home and make it a family activity. When kids actively help prepare meals, they are more likely to eat what they make.&nbsp;

“Remember that food and eating nutritious food should be a happy occasion to create memories and traditions,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eating healthy can be a challenge with busy lifestyles, but small changes can benefit your overall health. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee encourages daily physical activity and replacing some foods with more nutritious options.&nbsp;“The concept of nutrition includes choosing healthful foods, then after consumption, the body breaks the foods down into the nutrients that provide fuel for our bodies. So, for example, a fresh orange would be more nutritious than a can of orange soda,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blakeslee suggests keeping fruits and vegetables easily accessible, selecting whole grain products, drinking water or unsweetened beverages and replacing salt with spices and herbs.&nbsp;Improving health at home, school or work can look like setting reminders to get up and move every hour, if possible, or using the stairs at work to add more movement, Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“Every little bit counts. Try a new fruit or vegetable each week as a family,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;Blakeslee offers tips to improve nutritional decisions at home such as:&nbsp;•Plan meals and snacks.•Make a grocery list to match that plan and stick with the list.•Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.•If fresh produce is not available, canned, frozen or dried can be a great choice.•Avoid meal plans that specify restricting certain foods or food groups.•Learn to cook at home and make it a family activity. When kids actively help prepare meals, they are more likely to eat what they make.&nbsp;“Remember that food and eating nutritious food should be a happy occasion to create memories and traditions,” Blakeslee said.&nbsp;Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>