On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsualumni.com/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Alumni Association</a> alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro, discusses summer activities at the Alumni Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="FHSU Alumni Association works to connect alumni through summer" 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=bfrt4-142d90d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsualumni.com/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Alumni Association</a> alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro, discusses summer activities at the Alumni Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Association works to connect alumni through summer

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

Launched at the beginning of 2023, 7eight5.com looks to put
a spotlight on local musicians, bands and performances.

Co-founded by Harrison Brent and Chelsea Kaundart, the website
features written news, photos, and podcasts in an effort to provide an
immersive dive into the local music scene.

“<a>The goal
of 7eight5.com is to be able to highlight, not just the music events in the in
the area, but to highlight, local bands, area bands, and also larger bands that
are coming through.”</a>

Giving a voice to the local music community, he
said, helps the bands get the exposure the bigger names acts receive as they
perform in the area.

“I would love to get those people that go to
those shows then come to the local shows, come to the smaller shows, especially
like the ones with the Rose Garden or Bad Times, the Sip and Spin, the Brass
Rail or whenever they have it,” Brent said. “See what you might like. You never
know who the next artist is that's going to get big.”

And while the website began focusing on Hays,
it has quickly expanded to cover a larger geographic area.

“In the last couple of months, we've really
kind of expanded into Dodge City, Wichita, Lawrence in Kansas City,” Brent
said.

“Wherever there's music, we'd like to be there.”

Those efforts are thanks to contributions from
people in those cities.

“I think that's really helping to expand not
just the smaller shows, but also like bigger shows as well,” Brent said. “And
we've also got some added some writers that are specifically writing content.”

Along with written content, the site also
recently added The Connoisseur Provocateur Podcast, in addition to their own Lot 25 Podcast.

As the website has developed, Brent also said
they had completed a transition to an online magazine format but continue to
offer an ongoing calendar of music events.

“They're not all there, unfortunately, right
now,” Brent said. “That's something that's going to take some time and some
buffing out to do. But we'll get there, and hopefully, the audiences that enjoy
music will be able to come to 7eight5 for any local music content to be
informed and to see what's going on.”

Moving forward, he hopes to bring on more collaborators in an effort to expand their coverage.

“We're not going to be able to cover everything,”
Brent said. “When we started the original concept, the original idea was to be
kind of a collective for anybody that has some interest in music, be it journalism,
podcast or photography, to be able to submit stuff and get it published with a
focus on the local community and local music scene.”

Already the website has been creating
a buzz across the industry that has driven others to reach out to contribute.

“Which is really cool because I feel a lot
better about people that want to actually help and be a part of it, as opposed
to me coming to them and saying, ‘Oh, hey, can you help with this?’” Brent
said.

While everyone currently contributes without pay,
he hopes one day, the website will generate revenue and give the group the
ability to offer compensation for their offerings.

“The current goal is just build up and build up a community of people who want to give back to this music to the community and to
the music scene,” Brent said.

And so far, he said
feedback from the efforts has been encouraging.

“Everybody that has been (on the website) has
been very positive and excited for what we have to offer,” Brent said.

For those interested in contributing to the website, email&nbsp;the7eight5@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686339474453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostLaunched at the beginning of 2023, 7eight5.com looks to put
a spotlight on local musicians, bands and performances.Co-founded by Harrison Brent and Chelsea Kaundart, the website
features written news, photos, and podcasts in an effort to provide an
immersive dive into the local music scene.“<a>The goal
of 7eight5.com is to be able to highlight, not just the music events in the in
the area, but to highlight, local bands, area bands, and also larger bands that
are coming through.”</a>Giving a voice to the local music community, he
said, helps the bands get the exposure the bigger names acts receive as they
perform in the area.<div><iframe title="7eight5.com amplifies local music scene with a focus on Kansas artists" 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=q9ujw-142d970-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“I would love to get those people that go to
those shows then come to the local shows, come to the smaller shows, especially
like the ones with the Rose Garden or Bad Times, the Sip and Spin, the Brass
Rail or whenever they have it,” Brent said. “See what you might like. You never
know who the next artist is that's going to get big.”And while the website began focusing on Hays,
it has quickly expanded to cover a larger geographic area.“In the last couple of months, we've really
kind of expanded into Dodge City, Wichita, Lawrence in Kansas City,” Brent
said.“Wherever there's music, we'd like to be there.”Those efforts are thanks to contributions from
people in those cities.“I think that's really helping to expand not
just the smaller shows, but also like bigger shows as well,” Brent said. “And
we've also got some added some writers that are specifically writing content.”Along with written content, the site also
recently added The Connoisseur Provocateur Podcast, in addition to their own Lot 25 Podcast.As the website has developed, Brent also said
they had completed a transition to an online magazine format but continue to
offer an ongoing calendar of music events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686346721965.jpeg" alt="Harrison Brent (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Harrison Brent (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>“They're not all there, unfortunately, right
now,” Brent said. “That's something that's going to take some time and some
buffing out to do. But we'll get there, and hopefully, the audiences that enjoy
music will be able to come to 7eight5 for any local music content to be
informed and to see what's going on.”Moving forward, he hopes to bring on more collaborators in an effort to expand their coverage.“We're not going to be able to cover everything,”
Brent said. “When we started the original concept, the original idea was to be
kind of a collective for anybody that has some interest in music, be it journalism,
podcast or photography, to be able to submit stuff and get it published with a
focus on the local community and local music scene.”Already the website has been creating
a buzz across the industry that has driven others to reach out to contribute.“Which is really cool because I feel a lot
better about people that want to actually help and be a part of it, as opposed
to me coming to them and saying, ‘Oh, hey, can you help with this?’” Brent
said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686346777500.jpeg" alt="Chelsea Kaundart&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Chelsea Kaundart&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>While everyone currently contributes without pay,
he hopes one day, the website will generate revenue and give the group the
ability to offer compensation for their offerings.“The current goal is just build up and build up a community of people who want to give back to this music to the community and to
the music scene,” Brent said.And so far, he said
feedback from the efforts has been encouraging.“Everybody that has been (on the website) has
been very positive and excited for what we have to offer,” Brent said.For those interested in contributing to the website, email&nbsp;the7eight5@gmail.com.Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

🎙 7eight5.com amplifies local music scene with a focus on Kansas artists

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $500 grant award from the Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities. 

The grant will go to support DSNWK's Consumer Medical Fund. This Fund assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid, items such as eye glasses and other vision needs. 

DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

DSNWK is a 501c3 non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18 northwest Kansas counties since 1967.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261714960.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $500 grant award from the Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities. The grant will go to support DSNWK's Consumer Medical Fund. This Fund assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid, items such as eye glasses and other vision needs. DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.DSNWK is a 501c3 non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18 northwest Kansas counties since 1967.

DSNWK receives Hays Lions Club grant for consumers' vision needs

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program (Project ACT), allowing all Kansas households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 15, 2023. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last.

All Kansas households can order free COVID-19 tests through&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFjY2Vzc2NvdmlkdGVzdHMub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.9FdGqqB4MN9LbDEeCD3Bz_YLoS-UDXG-OXUDJqfzjvM/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">AccessCovidTests.org</a>. Each household can place an order for 5 at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house. Kansans who need more support to order tests may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).

KDHE has already distributed 308,615 tests to Kansas families through Project ACT.

"The ending of the public health emergency is expected to change access to free testing, but our partnership with Project ACT helps us continue to ease access for households with limited access to health care,” said&nbsp;Joan Duve, M.D., state health officer. "Testing continues to help Kansans know whether to stay home or to seek treatment."

Individuals should check their test’s expiration date before using it. If the date has passed, the test may still be appropriate to use; check for an FDA extension at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZkYS5nb3YvbWVkaWNhbC1kZXZpY2VzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWNvdmlkLTE5LWFuZC1tZWRpY2FsLWRldmljZXMvaG9tZS1vdGMtY292aWQtMTktZGlhZ25vc3RpYy10ZXN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.EiKdghlu11Ya6OZWct2M9wkjHsFaozYf7xq0k3ZmPSk/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests</a>.

The Project ACT program is made possible through a partnership between KDHE and The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661305026321.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHE TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program (Project ACT), allowing all Kansas households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 15, 2023. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last.All Kansas households can order free COVID-19 tests through&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFjY2Vzc2NvdmlkdGVzdHMub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.9FdGqqB4MN9LbDEeCD3Bz_YLoS-UDXG-OXUDJqfzjvM/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">AccessCovidTests.org</a>. Each household can place an order for 5 at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house. Kansans who need more support to order tests may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).KDHE has already distributed 308,615 tests to Kansas families through Project ACT."The ending of the public health emergency is expected to change access to free testing, but our partnership with Project ACT helps us continue to ease access for households with limited access to health care,” said&nbsp;Joan Duve, M.D., state health officer. "Testing continues to help Kansans know whether to stay home or to seek treatment."Individuals should check their test’s expiration date before using it. If the date has passed, the test may still be appropriate to use; check for an FDA extension at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZkYS5nb3YvbWVkaWNhbC1kZXZpY2VzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWNvdmlkLTE5LWFuZC1tZWRpY2FsLWRldmljZXMvaG9tZS1vdGMtY292aWQtMTktZGlhZ25vc3RpYy10ZXN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.EiKdghlu11Ya6OZWct2M9wkjHsFaozYf7xq0k3ZmPSk/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests</a>.The Project ACT program is made possible through a partnership between KDHE and The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital.

Free COVID-19 tests still available for Kansans through June 15

MANHATTAN - The Ritual Team of the Hays&nbsp;High School Future Farmers of America chapter earned first place in the FFA Ritual Demonstration Leadership Development Event at the 95th Kansas FFA Convention, May 31-June 2, 2023, on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. The team was recognized on stage during session one of convention and presented with a plaque, then presented the opening ceremony during session two of convention.

The Novice Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event is designed to introduce ninth grade FFA members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build their communication skills. 

The Ritual team from the Moundridge FFA chapter placed second in the Ritual Demonstration LDE, while Neodesha FFA placed third, and Royal Valley FFA placed fourth. 

The Hays FFA Ritual Team will represent Kansas at the 2023 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Ritual demonstration award is sponsored by the Kansas FFA Foundation. 

The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of more than 12,635 agricultural education students who are members in 227 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the national FFA organization, a national youth organization of 850,823 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture, with 8,995 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685628690226.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas FFAMANHATTAN - The Ritual Team of the Hays&nbsp;High School Future Farmers of America chapter earned first place in the FFA Ritual Demonstration Leadership Development Event at the 95th Kansas FFA Convention, May 31-June 2, 2023, on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. The team was recognized on stage during session one of convention and presented with a plaque, then presented the opening ceremony during session two of convention.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685651431727.png" alt="Hays High School FFA members:&nbsp;Reporter Jalynn Weilert,&nbsp;&nbsp;Sentinel Marisa Wasinger,&nbsp;President Karli Neher,&nbsp;Vice President Amelia Jaeger,&nbsp;Treasurer Mika Zimmerman,&nbsp;Secretary Jaiden Pfannenstiel" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School FFA members:&nbsp;Reporter Jalynn Weilert,&nbsp;&nbsp;Sentinel Marisa Wasinger,&nbsp;President Karli Neher,&nbsp;Vice President Amelia Jaeger,&nbsp;Treasurer Mika Zimmerman,&nbsp;Secretary Jaiden Pfannenstiel</figcaption>
 </figure>The Novice Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event is designed to introduce ninth grade FFA members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build their communication skills. The Ritual team from the Moundridge FFA chapter placed second in the Ritual Demonstration LDE, while Neodesha FFA placed third, and Royal Valley FFA placed fourth. The Hays FFA Ritual Team will represent Kansas at the 2023 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Ritual demonstration award is sponsored by the Kansas FFA Foundation. The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of more than 12,635 agricultural education students who are members in 227 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the national FFA organization, a national youth organization of 850,823 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture, with 8,995 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.&nbsp;

Hays High FFA team wins state Ritual Demonstration event, qualifying for nationals

<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/2023/6/1686346221797.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

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Jacob&nbsp;Edmondson, 18, Colby, was westbound at 1672 S Range Avenue.

The driver failed to yield to a stop sign at Williams Avenue. The Chevy crossed the intersection into southbound traffic and collided with a 2014 Toyota Camry driven by Soccorro&nbsp;Bosquez Terrazas, 50,&nbsp;Chihuahua, Mexico.

EMS transported Terrazas to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp;Edmondson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Jacob&nbsp;Edmondson, 18, Colby, was westbound at 1672 S Range Avenue.The driver failed to yield to a stop sign at Williams Avenue. The Chevy crossed the intersection into southbound traffic and collided with a 2014 Toyota Camry driven by Soccorro&nbsp;Bosquez Terrazas, 50,&nbsp;Chihuahua, Mexico.EMS transported Terrazas to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp;Edmondson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after Kan. teen driver missed stop sign

THOMAS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Daniel&nbsp; Kerksiek, 35, Colby, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of County Road 20.

The driver lost control of the van. It slid through the median sideways into the westbound lanes. A westbound 2020 Honda Ridgeline driven by&nbsp; Wayne Coleman, 78, Jefferson City, Missouri, struck the Dodge on the passenger side.

EMS transported&nbsp; Kerksiek, Coleman and a passenger in the Honda Mary Carolyn Coleman, 80, Jefferson City to Citizen's Medical Center. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Daniel&nbsp; Kerksiek, 35, Colby, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of County Road 20.The driver lost control of the van. It slid through the median sideways into the westbound lanes. A westbound 2020 Honda Ridgeline driven by&nbsp; Wayne Coleman, 78, Jefferson City, Missouri, struck the Dodge on the passenger side.EMS transported&nbsp; Kerksiek, Coleman and a passenger in the Honda Mary Carolyn Coleman, 80, Jefferson City to Citizen's Medical Center. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized after 2-vehicle I-70 crash

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686251239605.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>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kayla Cullens and Roberta Myers to discuss the situation at Wilson schools&nbsp; USD 112 and the upcoming vote to disorganize the district.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OW7zkj0BEM" 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 Kayla Cullens and Roberta Myers to discuss the situation at Wilson schools&nbsp; USD 112 and the upcoming vote to disorganize the district.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686337406551.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Forward Ever: USD 112 disorganization vote part 1

On June 8 at approximately 6:35 p.m. Hays Fire Department responded to a report of a possible fire with smoke in a building located at 2918 Vine Street, AMC Theaters. A HVAC roof top unit had a mechanical issue with the blower motor and caused one of the theaters to start filling up with smoke. 

Staff evacuated the building and activated the fire alarm system. Hays Fire Department arrived and confirmed there was no fire, and the HVAC unit was isolated. A fire investigation confirmed the HVAC unit was the cause of the smoke. No injuries were reported. 

On June 9 at approximately 12:48 a.m. Hays Fire Department responded to an active fire alarm at FHSU Gross Memorial Coliseum located at 1435 Highway 183 Alt. Once Hays Fire Department arrived on scene smoke was found in the coliseum and water coming from a room. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire. Crews found an active fire in a custodial room and quickly extinguished the fire. The heat from the fire activated one fire sprinkler head which kept the fire from spreading. Crews stayed on scene for several hours clearing the smoke. A fire investigation was conducted and found that a lithium-ion battery that was connected to a battery-operated appliance started the fire. No injuries were reported.

The cause of both incidents is ruled accidental. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department, and FHSU Campus Police Department for their assistance.

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program. 

Hays Fire Department&nbsp;On June 8 at approximately 6:35 p.m. Hays Fire Department responded to a report of a possible fire with smoke in a building located at 2918 Vine Street, AMC Theaters. A HVAC roof top unit had a mechanical issue with the blower motor and caused one of the theaters to start filling up with smoke. Staff evacuated the building and activated the fire alarm system. Hays Fire Department arrived and confirmed there was no fire, and the HVAC unit was isolated. A fire investigation confirmed the HVAC unit was the cause of the smoke. No injuries were reported. On June 9 at approximately 12:48 a.m. Hays Fire Department responded to an active fire alarm at FHSU Gross Memorial Coliseum located at 1435 Highway 183 Alt. Once Hays Fire Department arrived on scene smoke was found in the coliseum and water coming from a room. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire. Crews found an active fire in a custodial room and quickly extinguished the fire. The heat from the fire activated one fire sprinkler head which kept the fire from spreading. Crews stayed on scene for several hours clearing the smoke. A fire investigation was conducted and found that a lithium-ion battery that was connected to a battery-operated appliance started the fire. No injuries were reported.The cause of both incidents is ruled accidental. The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department, and FHSU Campus Police Department for their assistance.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program.

Hays Fire Department reports structure fire at Gross Memorial Coliseum, incident at AMC theater

By TISA MASON FHSU President

Much of what we do at Fort Hays State University can be summed up as the three C's: connections, meaningful conversations, and compassion. That's what I see when I look at our dedicated team of professional advisors who help our students along their journey every day.

Although advisors are very engaged with curriculum and scheduling discussions, advising involves much more than registration. It is the personal connections that advisors build every day that genuinely impact student experiences.

Nikki Brown, assistant director of Academic Advising and Career Exploration and advisor of exploratory students, views advising as a long-term investment in student success.

"Relationship building is critical. It is the relationship that brings the student back to the advisor when they need assistance. This connection can make the difference in a student's ability to persist through challenges and find personalized strategies to help them reach graduation," Nikki said.

It's easy to see that Nikki is passionate about her role as an integral part of the FHSU experience. Her office is an inviting space decorated with photos of family, friends, and inspirational art. Her voice is filled with emotion when speaking of her advisees. She enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with her advisees as they discover and clarify their educational and personal goals.

"Until a student sits in front of you, you don't know what's going to happen," Nikki said. "What you wanted to discuss might not matter. Instead, you listen as the student works their plan out in front of your eyes."

"Professional advisors have the opportunity to support their students by listening to them and helping them create plans and options to achieve their goals. Ultimately, advising is teaching, and that is the work that professional advisors do."

"Advising is teaching" is central to how Nikki and other FHSU professional advisors view their role in students' lives.

"Advising is about everything students don't learn in the classroom," Nikki said. "It is learning how to be an effective and efficient adult. How to manage time, gather information, make educated decisions, and, most importantly, be accountable for their success. Helping students learn how to make meaning in their college experience is important."

The move to college-based professional advisors to serve undergraduate students began in 2021. Currently, FHSU employs 23 undergraduate advisors and four graduate advisors. Each student has an assigned professional advisor, and we have started assigning faculty mentors.

"This built-in support system for students is a huge value and shows that student success is at the heart of decisions made at FHSU," Nikki said.

Career exploration is another aspect of advising that can ensure students prepare for a career field that suits them. Nikki pointed out that students often arrive at a career choice with misconceptions about its requirements. Advisors can help students identify information gaps and find resources to lessen major changes. In addition, advisors encourage students to engage with faculty members to build relationships that may result in new opportunities to enrich their educational experience.

"Academic advisors help students figure out how to make meaning of their experiences, challenge their decision-making and use university resources to help them be successful," Nikki said. "We don't put it together for them, but we help guide the process and make the referrals for them to make the connections."

As far as compassion, you can see that in abundance when it comes to FHSU's professional advisors.

"Compassion is something you will consistently find across the board with all our advisors," Nikki said. "They all have that drive to want to see their students do well. They want to support their advisees however they can to help them get across the finish line."

"Students want to know somebody cares. Advisors can often be the person who shows you're not just a number. They can help students feel like Fort Hays is truly invested in them and supporting them to do big things."

<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>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentMuch of what we do at Fort Hays State University can be summed up as the three C's: connections, meaningful conversations, and compassion. That's what I see when I look at our dedicated team of professional advisors who help our students along their journey every day.Although advisors are very engaged with curriculum and scheduling discussions, advising involves much more than registration. It is the personal connections that advisors build every day that genuinely impact student experiences.Nikki Brown, assistant director of Academic Advising and Career Exploration and advisor of exploratory students, views advising as a long-term investment in student success."Relationship building is critical. It is the relationship that brings the student back to the advisor when they need assistance. This connection can make the difference in a student's ability to persist through challenges and find personalized strategies to help them reach graduation," Nikki said.It's easy to see that Nikki is passionate about her role as an integral part of the FHSU experience. Her office is an inviting space decorated with photos of family, friends, and inspirational art. Her voice is filled with emotion when speaking of her advisees. She enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with her advisees as they discover and clarify their educational and personal goals."Until a student sits in front of you, you don't know what's going to happen," Nikki said. "What you wanted to discuss might not matter. Instead, you listen as the student works their plan out in front of your eyes.""Professional advisors have the opportunity to support their students by listening to them and helping them create plans and options to achieve their goals. Ultimately, advising is teaching, and that is the work that professional advisors do.""Advising is teaching" is central to how Nikki and other FHSU professional advisors view their role in students' lives."Advising is about everything students don't learn in the classroom," Nikki said. "It is learning how to be an effective and efficient adult. How to manage time, gather information, make educated decisions, and, most importantly, be accountable for their success. Helping students learn how to make meaning in their college experience is important."The move to college-based professional advisors to serve undergraduate students began in 2021. Currently, FHSU employs 23 undergraduate advisors and four graduate advisors. Each student has an assigned professional advisor, and we have started assigning faculty mentors."This built-in support system for students is a huge value and shows that student success is at the heart of decisions made at FHSU," Nikki said.Career exploration is another aspect of advising that can ensure students prepare for a career field that suits them. Nikki pointed out that students often arrive at a career choice with misconceptions about its requirements. Advisors can help students identify information gaps and find resources to lessen major changes. In addition, advisors encourage students to engage with faculty members to build relationships that may result in new opportunities to enrich their educational experience."Academic advisors help students figure out how to make meaning of their experiences, challenge their decision-making and use university resources to help them be successful," Nikki said. "We don't put it together for them, but we help guide the process and make the referrals for them to make the connections."As far as compassion, you can see that in abundance when it comes to FHSU's professional advisors."Compassion is something you will consistently find across the board with all our advisors," Nikki said. "They all have that drive to want to see their students do well. They want to support their advisees however they can to help them get across the finish line.""Students want to know somebody cares. Advisors can often be the person who shows you're not just a number. They can help students feel like Fort Hays is truly invested in them and supporting them to do big things."

Heart of a Tiger: The three C’s

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After more than a year with no bus service in Ellis County, <a href="https://www.greyhound.com/">Greyhound bus service</a> has resumed with a stop at the A&amp;W in Ellis.

Local officials said the stop is an important link in the public transportation system for the area.

Laura Allen,&nbsp;client services specialist at First Call for Help, said bringing back bus service to Ellis County will help transient individuals and low-income travelers.

Hays does not have an emergency homeless shelter. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6d30938-96b9-4e1c-97b6-f5fbe142e580">About a year ago, First Call for Help opened its transitional housing program.</a> However, not everyone qualifies for placement in that program. Applicants have to have ties to Ellis County.&nbsp;

Large families can't be easily accommodated, and the program's insurance will not allow it to accept single men.

At one point, First Call for Help provided hotel vouchers to people experiencing housing emergencies. However, none of the local hotels will accept those vouchers anymore.

The nearest emergency homeless shelters are in Salina or Denver. First Call for Help had been providing bus passes for individuals in need of emergency shelter until bus service ended in Hays.

Now that service is operating in Ellis, Allen said First Call for Help intends to start offering those vouchers again to people who need to reach emergency shelters in other communities.&nbsp;

However, she said individuals in Hays will still need to find transportation to Ellis.

Allen said First Call for Help's new director Macey Pfeifer is working with local officials to determine solutions to get people from Hays to Ellis to access the bus service.

Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager, said although Hays could not find a partner for the bus service, Greyhound continues to be an important part of the local transportation network.

Outside of flying, there aren't many transportation options for people who don't have reliable vehicles, and flying can be cost-prohibitive for some residents, he said.

Ellis Mayor David McDaniel said the bus service would bring revenue into the city as bus passengers buy food or other items in the community.

He said he saw the service as a positive addition to Ellis.

The bus service resumed a week ago. Travelers can travel east toward Kansas City or west toward Denver. S<a href="https://www.greyhound.com/">ee the Greyhound website for more information on rates and destinations.</a>

SJ Singh, owner of the A&amp;W and Ellis Days Inn, said tickets are being sold at the hotel, with the bus stopping at the A&amp;W.

Singh's company already had an agreement with Greyhound to have a stop at one of its properties in Abilene, so the addition of the Ellis stop was not difficult.

A media representative from Greyhound sent a statement on the company re-entering Ellis County.

"Greyhound is proud to be back in Ellis to facilitate connections between the city and our network in Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and more," the representative said via email. "We also recently combined our booking platform with <a href="https://www.flixbus.com/">FlixBus</a>, so riders can now book trips for the entire FlixBus and Greyhound network on both brands’ websites to nearly 2,300 destinations throughout North America.

"A&amp;W is one of many local businesses and bus partners we utilize to operate from convenient curbsides throughout the United States, which helps to reduce travel times and facilitate easy connections between cities and towns that may not have dedicated intermodal centers for bus and train travel," Greyhound said.

Without the Ellis stop, the next stop from Abilene was in Goodland, Singh said.&nbsp;

"We had a lot of stranded customers over here," he said. "We had to take them to Goodland to get a bus. We helped a lot of people whose cars broke down or something else."

He said he anticipated the addition of the stop would benefit Hays residents as well.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686165311837.png" alt="A Greyhound bus stop was recently added at the A&amp;W in Ellis. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A Greyhound bus stop was recently added at the A&amp;W in Ellis. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter more than a year with no bus service in Ellis County, <a href="https://www.greyhound.com/">Greyhound bus service</a> has resumed with a stop at the A&amp;W in Ellis.Local officials said the stop is an important link in the public transportation system for the area.Laura Allen,&nbsp;client services specialist at First Call for Help, said bringing back bus service to Ellis County will help transient individuals and low-income travelers.Hays does not have an emergency homeless shelter. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6d30938-96b9-4e1c-97b6-f5fbe142e580">About a year ago, First Call for Help opened its transitional housing program.</a> However, not everyone qualifies for placement in that program. Applicants have to have ties to Ellis County.&nbsp;Large families can't be easily accommodated, and the program's insurance will not allow it to accept single men.At one point, First Call for Help provided hotel vouchers to people experiencing housing emergencies. However, none of the local hotels will accept those vouchers anymore.The nearest emergency homeless shelters are in Salina or Denver. First Call for Help had been providing bus passes for individuals in need of emergency shelter until bus service ended in Hays.Now that service is operating in Ellis, Allen said First Call for Help intends to start offering those vouchers again to people who need to reach emergency shelters in other communities.&nbsp;However, she said individuals in Hays will still need to find transportation to Ellis.Allen said First Call for Help's new director Macey Pfeifer is working with local officials to determine solutions to get people from Hays to Ellis to access the bus service.Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager, said although Hays could not find a partner for the bus service, Greyhound continues to be an important part of the local transportation network.Outside of flying, there aren't many transportation options for people who don't have reliable vehicles, and flying can be cost-prohibitive for some residents, he said.Ellis Mayor David McDaniel said the bus service would bring revenue into the city as bus passengers buy food or other items in the community.He said he saw the service as a positive addition to Ellis.The bus service resumed a week ago. Travelers can travel east toward Kansas City or west toward Denver. S<a href="https://www.greyhound.com/">ee the Greyhound website for more information on rates and destinations.</a>SJ Singh, owner of the A&amp;W and Ellis Days Inn, said tickets are being sold at the hotel, with the bus stopping at the A&amp;W.Singh's company already had an agreement with Greyhound to have a stop at one of its properties in Abilene, so the addition of the Ellis stop was not difficult.A media representative from Greyhound sent a statement on the company re-entering Ellis County."Greyhound is proud to be back in Ellis to facilitate connections between the city and our network in Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and more," the representative said via email. "We also recently combined our booking platform with <a href="https://www.flixbus.com/">FlixBus</a>, so riders can now book trips for the entire FlixBus and Greyhound network on both brands’ websites to nearly 2,300 destinations throughout North America."A&amp;W is one of many local businesses and bus partners we utilize to operate from convenient curbsides throughout the United States, which helps to reduce travel times and facilitate easy connections between cities and towns that may not have dedicated intermodal centers for bus and train travel," Greyhound said.Without the Ellis stop, the next stop from Abilene was in Goodland, Singh said.&nbsp;"We had a lot of stranded customers over here," he said. "We had to take them to Goodland to get a bus. We helped a lot of people whose cars broke down or something else."He said he anticipated the addition of the stop would benefit Hays residents as well.&nbsp;

Greyhound bus service returns to county at A&W in Ellis

By TONY GUERRERO and JAMES BELL Hays Post

Despite recent rains in Ellis County, the county and large areas of the state remain in exceptional drought.

Hays is expected to receive 3.46 inches of rain by the end of June, according to the K-State Agriculture Research Center, but has received .43 inches so far this month.

The city is supposed to have a cumulative participation average of 11.27 inches by the end of June. However, Hays has only received 6.64 inches since Jan. 1

Local communities are already facing tough decisions in the wake of the ongoing drought.

At the intersection of water conservation and economic impacts, the city of Ellis has faced concerns over water use during the ongoing drought at the Ellis Golf Club, 1301 Spruce.&nbsp;

At the city council meeting on May 15, city council members heard from Police Chief Avery Smith about a series of water violations at the club. After giving a courtesy warning they were using water in violation of city and Kansas Department of Health and Environment ordinances, they were noted to continue using water during restricted times.&nbsp;

“We need to address it, especially if we’re going to be as far behind as we are in moisture,” Smith said.&nbsp;

It was also noted sprinkler systems were running while rain was recently falling on the course.&nbsp;

City Attorney Olavee Raub said warnings are not to be given and the person responsible could immediately face criminal charges. Smith said ongoing violations could even result in a sentence that includes serving time in jail.&nbsp;

As the course generally uses effluent, rather than treated water from the city, the city is bound to KDHE regulations.&nbsp;

Smith suggested updating city ordinances.&nbsp;

“As far as the violation of the KDHE permit, we may be put in a position where if they are not going to comply with the provisions, we have no other recourse than to terminate their usage of effluent water,” Raub. “Otherwise, we are in violation of the KDHE permit, which falls back on us.”&nbsp;

After the club was made aware of the council’s observations, representatives spoke at the next city council meeting on June 5 as the council considered options that would allow water use to keep the course’s greens alive through the summer.&nbsp;

“In the drought times, the heat on the green, the grass is so small it will kill it,” said Rick Gaschler, member of the Ellis Golf Club board.&nbsp;

Raub told the council as the greens are a necessary part of the business, an exception could be carved out for the club.&nbsp;

The council will consider an updated ordinance at its next meeting on June 19.&nbsp;

Jeff Crispin, Hays director of water resources, explains the impact of the drought on Hays and what the following months will look like.

“From a drought perspective it put us into D4 exceptional drought and with any drought, that causes us to watch our water situation a lot closer,” Crispin said. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e2fcc739-0eba-4196-84c8-8e33b56b1443">Water restrictions began on June 1, which restricts the public from using water outdoors between noon and 7 p.m.&nbsp;</a>

Despite the rain received in the last week, Crispin said it’ll take a lot more rainfall before Ellis County can move out of the exceptional drought but assured residents the county won’t see any more restrictions this summer.&nbsp;

“I think we’ll continue with our normal water restriction time period that we do every year. I don’t see us adding a different or separate water restriction,” Crispin said.&nbsp;

Crispin pointed out the availability of <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/566/WaterSmart-Landscaping">WaterSmart.hays.com</a>, which offers a rebate program to help lower water consumption as well as a variety of water sensors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686234171526.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor as released June 8, 2023. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor as released June 8, 2023. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO and JAMES BELL Hays PostDespite recent rains in Ellis County, the county and large areas of the state remain in exceptional drought.Hays is expected to receive 3.46 inches of rain by the end of June, according to the K-State Agriculture Research Center, but has received .43 inches so far this month.The city is supposed to have a cumulative participation average of 11.27 inches by the end of June. However, Hays has only received 6.64 inches since Jan. 1Local communities are already facing tough decisions in the wake of the ongoing drought.At the intersection of water conservation and economic impacts, the city of Ellis has faced concerns over water use during the ongoing drought at the Ellis Golf Club, 1301 Spruce.&nbsp;At the city council meeting on May 15, city council members heard from Police Chief Avery Smith about a series of water violations at the club. After giving a courtesy warning they were using water in violation of city and Kansas Department of Health and Environment ordinances, they were noted to continue using water during restricted times.&nbsp;“We need to address it, especially if we’re going to be as far behind as we are in moisture,” Smith said.&nbsp;It was also noted sprinkler systems were running while rain was recently falling on the course.&nbsp;City Attorney Olavee Raub said warnings are not to be given and the person responsible could immediately face criminal charges. Smith said ongoing violations could even result in a sentence that includes serving time in jail.&nbsp;As the course generally uses effluent, rather than treated water from the city, the city is bound to KDHE regulations.&nbsp;Smith suggested updating city ordinances.&nbsp;“As far as the violation of the KDHE permit, we may be put in a position where if they are not going to comply with the provisions, we have no other recourse than to terminate their usage of effluent water,” Raub. “Otherwise, we are in violation of the KDHE permit, which falls back on us.”&nbsp;After the club was made aware of the council’s observations, representatives spoke at the next city council meeting on June 5 as the council considered options that would allow water use to keep the course’s greens alive through the summer.&nbsp;“In the drought times, the heat on the green, the grass is so small it will kill it,” said Rick Gaschler, member of the Ellis Golf Club board.&nbsp;Raub told the council as the greens are a necessary part of the business, an exception could be carved out for the club.&nbsp;The council will consider an updated ordinance at its next meeting on June 19.&nbsp;Jeff Crispin, Hays director of water resources, explains the impact of the drought on Hays and what the following months will look like.“From a drought perspective it put us into D4 exceptional drought and with any drought, that causes us to watch our water situation a lot closer,” Crispin said. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e2fcc739-0eba-4196-84c8-8e33b56b1443">Water restrictions began on June 1, which restricts the public from using water outdoors between noon and 7 p.m.&nbsp;</a>Despite the rain received in the last week, Crispin said it’ll take a lot more rainfall before Ellis County can move out of the exceptional drought but assured residents the county won’t see any more restrictions this summer.&nbsp;“I think we’ll continue with our normal water restriction time period that we do every year. I don’t see us adding a different or separate water restriction,” Crispin said.&nbsp;Crispin pointed out the availability of <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/566/WaterSmart-Landscaping">WaterSmart.hays.com</a>, which offers a rebate program to help lower water consumption as well as a variety of water sensors.

Exceptional drought leads to problems with Ellis Golf Club

As two students of Fort Hays State University, last summer we were alarmed to realize that while other universities in Kansas had a polling place on campus for students to easily access, ours did not. And the impact on our voting rates was evident.

It was August of 2022, and we had recently started our work as the Student Co-Coordinators of the American Democracy Project. The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce college and university graduates who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences they need to be informed, engaged members of their communities; we help our students gain these skills by promoting civil discourse, education, and engagement at the local, state, and national levels of government.

The lack of a polling location had a clear impact on students’ voting rates at FHSU. A 2020 report from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement produced by the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University showed that the national voting rate for students across all registered institutions was 66 percent. Fort Hays State University students failed to meet the national average, voting at a significantly lower rate of 62.4 percent.

When compared to other universities in Kansas, this number shows a level of low engagement on our campus that is even more troubling. Kansas State University Students vote at 67.3 percent, Wichita State University Students vote at 68.1 percent, students at Emporia vote at 70.5 percent, and the University of Kansas students vote at 71 percent. FHSU is the only Kansas Board of Regents school enrolled in the national study that does not meet the national average.

It was clear to us that a polling place on campus would make voting more accessible for students and provide us with an opportunity to improve our engagement. In the 2020 election cycle, Wichita State University had an almost 20-point increase when their on-campus polling location opened.

We saw an incredible opportunity for improvement with a clear solution. So we researched, wrote a case for support, and then worked through several approval processes at the university level to gain support for moving a polling place onto the FHSU campus. After talking with individuals who had made similar efforts before us, we came up with a plan that addressed all of the issues that had previously prevented having a polling place on campus, such as cost, safety, parking, and not having enough poll workers.

Our plan alleviated the cost issue by asking that a current polling location be moved to campus, rather than creating an entirely new polling location. Most FHSU students reside in a ward and precinct that has underperformed compared to the other wards and precincts in Hays—thus moving the polling location to a more accessible place was a simple and obvious solution to meeting the needs of registered voters in the area. Our campus is a public space, and easily accessible to both students and other residents to cast their vote.

Bringing community members onto campus did at first raise some potential security questions, but after speaking with the University Police Department, we discovered that UPD had no novel concerns for safety or for parking—and even generously offered to run traffic on election days for us.

Finally, as our proposal to move an existing location to a more accessible place would not require additional poll workers, that previously existing obstacle was addressed. Additionally, moving the location onto campus had the additional benefit of enhancing our efforts to offer students opportunities to engage in democracy. We were excited to be able to provide students with the opportunity to work at the polling station. There is so much student support on campus that we could even send student poll workers to locations in addition to FHSU around Hays.

After making sure our plan addressed all past concerns and was the best option to pursue, we began gathering support from groups on campus: the Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, Office of the President, Student Government Association, the Campus Community Collaborative, the University Police Department, multiple building managers, and other individuals and organizations.

We approached Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling with the proposal, and she seemed receptive and even went out to our proposed location, the Memorial Union, which she stated was not feasible as the location of the actual room for the poll was quite a distance for voters to access. We recommended a second location, Gross Memorial Coliseum, and she acknowledged it would have been better. Ms. Dreiling visited the Coliseum and found the space would be available for all regularly scheduled elections, but difficult to secure for special elections. In response to this concern, we proposed another part of the building, Cunningham Hall, which would be available for all elections, no matter how short the notice. However, before Ms. Dreiling returned to tour this location, she had already selected a new site for a polling station that was even further from our campus than the original location. This new location condenses two previous voting districts into one and moves the polling station further from voters on campus.

While we were disappointed with this outcome, we believe there is still an opportunity for all of us voters to continue our work to make voting more accessible on our campus at FHSU, and we call on Ms. Dreiling to consider this an ongoing and collaborative project to meet the needs of our community. One other consideration: although no site will be perfect on- or off-campus, we had hoped that the county would add to our students' learning experiences by becoming a partner in this opportunity for civic engagement between town and gown.

And if you support our proposal, we hope you’ll contact Ms. Dreiling. After all, democracy depends on each of us to keep it healthy, and it’s our responsibility as citizens and as elected officials to ensure that people’s voices are effectively represented in our elections—and that comes down to how well we can actually get to our poll. We believe that this partnership between the county and the University learning community can provide immediate electoral benefits, but equally important, sets an example for promoting citizenship for students and county residents alike.

Grace McCord and Madison Albers are students at Fort Hays State University and student co-coordinators of the American Democracy Project.

As two students of Fort Hays State University, last summer we were alarmed to realize that while other universities in Kansas had a polling place on campus for students to easily access, ours did not. And the impact on our voting rates was evident.It was August of 2022, and we had recently started our work as the Student Co-Coordinators of the American Democracy Project. The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce college and university graduates who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences they need to be informed, engaged members of their communities; we help our students gain these skills by promoting civil discourse, education, and engagement at the local, state, and national levels of government.The lack of a polling location had a clear impact on students’ voting rates at FHSU. A 2020 report from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement produced by the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University showed that the national voting rate for students across all registered institutions was 66 percent. Fort Hays State University students failed to meet the national average, voting at a significantly lower rate of 62.4 percent.When compared to other universities in Kansas, this number shows a level of low engagement on our campus that is even more troubling. Kansas State University Students vote at 67.3 percent, Wichita State University Students vote at 68.1 percent, students at Emporia vote at 70.5 percent, and the University of Kansas students vote at 71 percent. FHSU is the only Kansas Board of Regents school enrolled in the national study that does not meet the national average.It was clear to us that a polling place on campus would make voting more accessible for students and provide us with an opportunity to improve our engagement. In the 2020 election cycle, Wichita State University had an almost 20-point increase when their on-campus polling location opened.We saw an incredible opportunity for improvement with a clear solution. So we researched, wrote a case for support, and then worked through several approval processes at the university level to gain support for moving a polling place onto the FHSU campus. After talking with individuals who had made similar efforts before us, we came up with a plan that addressed all of the issues that had previously prevented having a polling place on campus, such as cost, safety, parking, and not having enough poll workers.Our plan alleviated the cost issue by asking that a current polling location be moved to campus, rather than creating an entirely new polling location. Most FHSU students reside in a ward and precinct that has underperformed compared to the other wards and precincts in Hays—thus moving the polling location to a more accessible place was a simple and obvious solution to meeting the needs of registered voters in the area. Our campus is a public space, and easily accessible to both students and other residents to cast their vote.Bringing community members onto campus did at first raise some potential security questions, but after speaking with the University Police Department, we discovered that UPD had no novel concerns for safety or for parking—and even generously offered to run traffic on election days for us.Finally, as our proposal to move an existing location to a more accessible place would not require additional poll workers, that previously existing obstacle was addressed. Additionally, moving the location onto campus had the additional benefit of enhancing our efforts to offer students opportunities to engage in democracy. We were excited to be able to provide students with the opportunity to work at the polling station. There is so much student support on campus that we could even send student poll workers to locations in addition to FHSU around Hays.After making sure our plan addressed all past concerns and was the best option to pursue, we began gathering support from groups on campus: the Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, Office of the President, Student Government Association, the Campus Community Collaborative, the University Police Department, multiple building managers, and other individuals and organizations.We approached Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling with the proposal, and she seemed receptive and even went out to our proposed location, the Memorial Union, which she stated was not feasible as the location of the actual room for the poll was quite a distance for voters to access. We recommended a second location, Gross Memorial Coliseum, and she acknowledged it would have been better. Ms. Dreiling visited the Coliseum and found the space would be available for all regularly scheduled elections, but difficult to secure for special elections. In response to this concern, we proposed another part of the building, Cunningham Hall, which would be available for all elections, no matter how short the notice. However, before Ms. Dreiling returned to tour this location, she had already selected a new site for a polling station that was even further from our campus than the original location. This new location condenses two previous voting districts into one and moves the polling station further from voters on campus.While we were disappointed with this outcome, we believe there is still an opportunity for all of us voters to continue our work to make voting more accessible on our campus at FHSU, and we call on Ms. Dreiling to consider this an ongoing and collaborative project to meet the needs of our community. One other consideration: although no site will be perfect on- or off-campus, we had hoped that the county would add to our students' learning experiences by becoming a partner in this opportunity for civic engagement between town and gown.And if you support our proposal, we hope you’ll contact Ms. Dreiling. After all, democracy depends on each of us to keep it healthy, and it’s our responsibility as citizens and as elected officials to ensure that people’s voices are effectively represented in our elections—and that comes down to how well we can actually get to our poll. We believe that this partnership between the county and the University learning community can provide immediate electoral benefits, but equally important, sets an example for promoting citizenship for students and county residents alike.Grace McCord and Madison Albers are students at Fort Hays State University and student co-coordinators of the American Democracy Project.

Letter to the Editor: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site

The Hays Larks are inviting everyone to the 14th annual Military Appreciation Night in conjunction with their game against the Denver Cougars on Saturday, June 10 at Larks Park at 7 p.m. 

 All active, reserve, and retired military personnel are specially invited to attend and will be honored on the field during pregame ceremonies. Military personnel will also be recognized after the 6th inning prior to the singing of “God Bless America."

Military personnel in attendance should check in at the east side of the grandstand by 6:45 p.m. Saturday evening.

Fans are encouraged to be in the park by 6:50 pm to show their appreciation and support for all military personnel during pregame ceremonies. 

Those ceremonies will feature recognition of all military personnel in attendance, a Color Guard, and the National Anthem sung live by Uncalled-4. 

Those in attendance will also enjoy patriotic music and a red, white, and blue-decorated park throughout the evening. 

 Flags lining the park will be provided courtesy of American Legion Riders Post #173 of Hays.

Free admission to the game will be provided courtesy of the Hays VFW Post 9076, VFW Auxiliary, and Kiwanis Club of Hays.

See you at Larks Park on June 10!  Come join the team for fantastic baseball, pay tribute to veteran, reserve, and active military personnel and enjoy an evening of inexpensive fun! 

 For more information, please contact Frank Leo, Hays Larks Manager at 785-628-6703.  

SubmittedThe Hays Larks are inviting everyone to the 14th annual Military Appreciation Night in conjunction with their game against the Denver Cougars on Saturday, June 10 at Larks Park at 7 p.m. All active, reserve, and retired military personnel are specially invited to attend and will be honored on the field during pregame ceremonies. Military personnel will also be recognized after the 6th inning prior to the singing of “God Bless America."Military personnel in attendance should check in at the east side of the grandstand by 6:45 p.m. Saturday evening.Fans are encouraged to be in the park by 6:50 pm to show their appreciation and support for all military personnel during pregame ceremonies. Those ceremonies will feature recognition of all military personnel in attendance, a Color Guard, and the National Anthem sung live by Uncalled-4. Those in attendance will also enjoy patriotic music and a red, white, and blue-decorated park throughout the evening. Flags lining the park will be provided courtesy of American Legion Riders Post #173 of Hays.Free admission to the game will be provided courtesy of the Hays VFW Post 9076, VFW Auxiliary, and Kiwanis Club of Hays.See you at Larks Park on June 10! Come join the team for fantastic baseball, pay tribute to veteran, reserve, and active military personnel and enjoy an evening of inexpensive fun! For more information, please contact Frank Leo, Hays Larks Manager at 785-628-6703.

Hays Larks' Military Appreciation Night set for June 10

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. 

Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDguNzc5NjkyNzEifQ.zm78G1BIZKhol0mBwh6Xh8QkZpaTLAFFINlKsncY11c/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA4Ljc3OTY5MjcxIn0.g08skfs0deKM29r14jF8Luwrzk8u5dJY0M6jL2b-PJc/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA4Ljc3OTY5MjcxIn0.MYzOq2qJxo2imdrL_cgmVuPoiIz4V5l-CnK8vmsNtsc/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685105826581.jpeg" alt="Algae photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Algae photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDguNzc5NjkyNzEifQ.zm78G1BIZKhol0mBwh6Xh8QkZpaTLAFFINlKsncY11c/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active Advisories&nbsp;Warning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (Added June 8)</li><li>Pomona Lake, Osage County (Added June 8)</li><li>Webster Lake, Rooks County (Added June 8)</li><li>Wellington Lake, Sumner County (Added June 8)</li><li>Mount Hope – Woodland Park Pond, Sedgwick County (Added June 8)</li>
 </ul>Watch<ul>
 <li>Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County (Added June 8)</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (Added June 8)</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County (Lowered June 8)</li><li>Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson &amp; Geary Counties (Added June 8)</li>
 </ul>For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA4Ljc3OTY5MjcxIn0.g08skfs0deKM29r14jF8Luwrzk8u5dJY0M6jL2b-PJc/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA4Ljc3OTY5MjcxIn0.MYzOq2qJxo2imdrL_cgmVuPoiIz4V5l-CnK8vmsNtsc/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Webster Lake in Rooks County under a public health algae warning 

Principal Rachel Wentling has announced she will be leaving Holy Family Elementary and Hays Catholic Schools for a position at Fort Hays State&nbsp;University.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I resign as the principal of Holy Family Elementary,&nbsp;effective July 31, 2023. After much contemplation and prayer, I have decided to take the&nbsp;next step in my professional journey&nbsp;and pursue the opportunity as the director of field experience at Fort Hays State&nbsp;University,” Wentling said.

Serving in the Hays Catholic Schools for 23 years, Wentling began as a biology teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian in&nbsp;August 2000 and assumed the role of assistant principal in 2007. In July 2012 Wentling took the role of principal of Holy&nbsp;Family Elementary and will conclude in July 2023.

“I tend to accomplish whatever I set my mind to," she said.

After&nbsp;graduating from TMP-Marian in 1995 I knew that I wanted to return as a biology teacher. When I completed my Master’s&nbsp;of Education in Building Leadership, Holy Family Elementary was the only school I wanted to serve as principal. It has&nbsp;always been my long-term goal to return to a teacher education program in higher education to work with pre-service&nbsp;teachers after a variety of educational experiences,” Wentling said.

Wentling continued, “My time as the Holy Family principal has challenged me to grow both professionally and personally.&nbsp;I am so incredibly grateful for the extraordinary faculty and staff members I have worked with the last 11 years, my peers&nbsp;and colleagues of the Hays Catholic schools, as well as the families and students I have served. The hardest thing about&nbsp;this change is saying goodbye to the people.”

The Superintendent of the Salina Diocese Catholic Schools Geoff Andrews is working with Fr. Nick Parker, pastor of&nbsp;Immaculate Heart of Mary and the administration of HFE to fill the role of principal as soon as possible. 

“Rachel’s&nbsp;leadership will be greatly missed in our Hays Catholic Schools. Not only have I enjoyed working with Rachel, but I have also&nbsp;enjoyed the relationship we have developed as colleagues. She is going to excel in her new position with Fort Hays State&nbsp;University,” Andrews said.

Fr. Nick Parker also shared, “Rachel has made a significant difference, not only in the academic excellence of Holy&nbsp;Family Elementary but in the complete spiritual and human formation of our school community. We are grateful for her&nbsp;time here and wish her the best as she moves forward. She will definitely be missed.”

In her time with Hays Catholic Schools, Wentling has worked with Holy Family staff to update and map all curricular&nbsp;areas, expand early childhood to include 3-year-old and all-day preschool options, create energy efficiencies and indoor&nbsp;climate control with building upgrades, update crisis planning and improve life safety, implemented Virtue Based Restorative Discipline: a Catholic approach to bullying, expand and develop an administrative team to better serve the&nbsp;needs of students, and prioritize the growth of technology in all educational areas.

Wentling also oversaw two cycles of&nbsp;accreditation, participated in two strategic plans for&nbsp;the Hays Catholic schools, and lead in-person instruction during the&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic.

Holy Family ElementaryPrincipal Rachel Wentling has announced she will be leaving Holy Family Elementary and Hays Catholic Schools for a position at Fort Hays State&nbsp;University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686163829931.png" alt="Rachel&nbsp; Wentling" />
 <figcaption>Rachel&nbsp; Wentling</figcaption>
 </figure>“It is with a very heavy heart that I resign as the principal of Holy Family Elementary,&nbsp;effective July 31, 2023. After much contemplation and prayer, I have decided to take the&nbsp;next step in my professional journey&nbsp;and pursue the opportunity as the director of field experience at Fort Hays State&nbsp;University,” Wentling said.Serving in the Hays Catholic Schools for 23 years, Wentling began as a biology teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian in&nbsp;August 2000 and assumed the role of assistant principal in 2007. In July 2012 Wentling took the role of principal of Holy&nbsp;Family Elementary and will conclude in July 2023.“I tend to accomplish whatever I set my mind to," she said.After&nbsp;graduating from TMP-Marian in 1995 I knew that I wanted to return as a biology teacher. When I completed my Master’s&nbsp;of Education in Building Leadership, Holy Family Elementary was the only school I wanted to serve as principal. It has&nbsp;always been my long-term goal to return to a teacher education program in higher education to work with pre-service&nbsp;teachers after a variety of educational experiences,” Wentling said.Wentling continued, “My time as the Holy Family principal has challenged me to grow both professionally and personally.&nbsp;I am so incredibly grateful for the extraordinary faculty and staff members I have worked with the last 11 years, my peers&nbsp;and colleagues of the Hays Catholic schools, as well as the families and students I have served. The hardest thing about&nbsp;this change is saying goodbye to the people.”The Superintendent of the Salina Diocese Catholic Schools Geoff Andrews is working with Fr. Nick Parker, pastor of&nbsp;Immaculate Heart of Mary and the administration of HFE to fill the role of principal as soon as possible. “Rachel’s&nbsp;leadership will be greatly missed in our Hays Catholic Schools. Not only have I enjoyed working with Rachel, but I have also&nbsp;enjoyed the relationship we have developed as colleagues. She is going to excel in her new position with Fort Hays State&nbsp;University,” Andrews said.Fr. Nick Parker also shared, “Rachel has made a significant difference, not only in the academic excellence of Holy&nbsp;Family Elementary but in the complete spiritual and human formation of our school community. We are grateful for her&nbsp;time here and wish her the best as she moves forward. She will definitely be missed.”In her time with Hays Catholic Schools, Wentling has worked with Holy Family staff to update and map all curricular&nbsp;areas, expand early childhood to include 3-year-old and all-day preschool options, create energy efficiencies and indoor&nbsp;climate control with building upgrades, update crisis planning and improve life safety, implemented Virtue Based Restorative Discipline: a Catholic approach to bullying, expand and develop an administrative team to better serve the&nbsp;needs of students, and prioritize the growth of technology in all educational areas.Wentling also oversaw two cycles of&nbsp;accreditation, participated in two strategic plans for&nbsp;the Hays Catholic schools, and lead in-person instruction during the&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic.

Holy Family Elementary Principal Rachel Wentling resigns

A joint investigation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Atwood Police Department, and the Rawlins County Sheriff's Office have completed the investigation of the fire that occurred on Monday at the Rawlins County/Atwood Jr and Sr High School.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire has been determined to be incendiary, or Arson.

Last night, two juveniles were taken into custody for this incident. 

Charges relating to this incident will be referred to the County Attorney.

Any further information will be released by the Rawlins County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686147790407.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Bernadette Luedke" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Bernadette Luedke</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the State Fire MarshallA joint investigation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Atwood Police Department, and the Rawlins County Sheriff's Office have completed the investigation of the fire that occurred on Monday at the Rawlins County/Atwood Jr and Sr High School.&nbsp;The cause of the fire has been determined to be incendiary, or Arson.Last night, two juveniles were taken into custody for this incident. Charges relating to this incident will be referred to the County Attorney.Any further information will be released by the Rawlins County Attorney’s Office.