MANHATTAN – Area FFA members were among the 32 Kansas students awarded $1,000 Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough Scholarships during the fifth session of the 95th Kansas FFA Convention, May 31–June 2, 2023, on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. 

The Built Ford Tough FFA Scholarship Program recognizes FFA members’ talents and accomplishments while encouraging their future academic achievements. 

This year’s recipients are from: Abilene: Jensen Woodworth; Anderson County: Mallory Wheat; Buhler: Morgan Carson, Taryn Horningl; Burlington: Halle Finnerty; Canton-Galva: Brecken Pearson, Sage Toews; Central Heights: Kaden Krone; Chapman: Brayden Lexow; Cheney: Camryn DeVore; Cherryvale: Kaylee Groff; Cheylin: Rubie Yost; Clay Center: Olivia Presley; Coffeyville: Anna Powers, Morgan Way, Colby: Jayla Rush; Dodge City: Breckkyn Konecny; Ell-Saline: Meryn Came, Lani Richards; Emporia: Journey Walburn; Garden City: Baylee Hutchinson; Girard: Ainsley Viets; Goodland: Chisum Goodwin; Haven: Luke Hartung; Hays: Jalynn Weilert; Hillsboro: Alana Suderman; Hoxie: Drew Bretz; Inman: Kylie Flaming; Jayhawk-Linn: Brynn Collier; Junction City: Mikayla Dibben; Kingman: Shylla Mark; Labette County: Lakin Giager; Louisburg: Brayton Brueggen; Maize: Isabel Newberry-Rivera; Manhattan: Nissa Olsen; Marais des Cygnes Valley: Kyla Vogeler; Nemaha Central: Ella Sudbeck; North Lyon County: Kolden Ryberg; Pike Valley: Kiersten Morgan; Prairie View: Emma Chambers, Jade Chambers; Republic County: Emily Hansen; Ella Pachta; Riley County: Jacob Wendland; Riverton: Tony Hodge; Royal Valley: Cheyenne Hittle; Sabetha: Kate Beyer; Southeast of Saline: Luke Gebhardt, Taylie Hammel; Spring Hill: Peyton Sherron; St. Francis: Rian Zimbal; Wellington: Baylee Newberry&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685628690226.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas FFAMANHATTAN – Area FFA members were among the 32 Kansas students awarded $1,000 Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough Scholarships during the fifth session of the 95th Kansas FFA Convention, May 31–June 2, 2023, on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. The Built Ford Tough FFA Scholarship Program recognizes FFA members’ talents and accomplishments while encouraging their future academic achievements. This year’s recipients are from: Abilene: Jensen Woodworth; Anderson County: Mallory Wheat; Buhler: Morgan Carson, Taryn Horningl; Burlington: Halle Finnerty; Canton-Galva: Brecken Pearson, Sage Toews; Central Heights: Kaden Krone; Chapman: Brayden Lexow; Cheney: Camryn DeVore; Cherryvale: Kaylee Groff; Cheylin: Rubie Yost; Clay Center: Olivia Presley; Coffeyville: Anna Powers, Morgan Way, Colby: Jayla Rush; Dodge City: Breckkyn Konecny; Ell-Saline: Meryn Came, Lani Richards; Emporia: Journey Walburn; Garden City: Baylee Hutchinson; Girard: Ainsley Viets; Goodland: Chisum Goodwin; Haven: Luke Hartung; Hays: Jalynn Weilert; Hillsboro: Alana Suderman; Hoxie: Drew Bretz; Inman: Kylie Flaming; Jayhawk-Linn: Brynn Collier; Junction City: Mikayla Dibben; Kingman: Shylla Mark; Labette County: Lakin Giager; Louisburg: Brayton Brueggen; Maize: Isabel Newberry-Rivera; Manhattan: Nissa Olsen; Marais des Cygnes Valley: Kyla Vogeler; Nemaha Central: Ella Sudbeck; North Lyon County: Kolden Ryberg; Pike Valley: Kiersten Morgan; Prairie View: Emma Chambers, Jade Chambers; Republic County: Emily Hansen; Ella Pachta; Riley County: Jacob Wendland; Riverton: Tony Hodge; Royal Valley: Cheyenne Hittle; Sabetha: Kate Beyer; Southeast of Saline: Luke Gebhardt, Taylie Hammel; Spring Hill: Peyton Sherron; St. Francis: Rian Zimbal; Wellington: Baylee Newberry&nbsp;

Scholarships awarded to area FFA members attending state convention in Manhattan

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Portis public water supply system in Osborne County. The advisory was issued due to low pressure in the distribution system.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the city of Portis indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

If consumers have questions, contact the water system at 758-346-4020, or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzQ2OC9Db25zdW1lci1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi1SZWdhcmRpbmctYS1EaXNydXB0P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDcuNzc5MDE1NzEifQ.SBcmPtpG2MduqSPtKmX731fMN2JH7-UeMBCmUpjJR8c/s/1305913623/br/204429650795-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.

KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Portis public water supply system in Osborne County. The advisory was issued due to low pressure in the distribution system.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from the city of Portis indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;If consumers have questions, contact the water system at 758-346-4020, or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzQ2OC9Db25zdW1lci1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi1SZWdhcmRpbmctYS1EaXNydXB0P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDcuNzc5MDE1NzEifQ.SBcmPtpG2MduqSPtKmX731fMN2JH7-UeMBCmUpjJR8c/s/1305913623/br/204429650795-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.Photo provided by Pixabay.

Boil water advisory rescinded for city of Portis in Osborne County

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland has announced the recipients of the spring 2023 Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. A total of 17 projects from across the state, including Grow Hays, are receiving nearly $918,000 in matching grant funds.

The Patterson Family Foundation and Department of Commerce paired up to provide grant funding to assist rural communities in revitalizing underutilized and dilapidated downtown buildings and turn them into economic drivers in the community. A total of 30 applications were received during the spring HEAL grant round.&nbsp;

“Downtowns throughout rural Kansas act as the front doors to their communities,” Toland said.&nbsp;“Through our valued relationship with the Patterson Family Foundation, we are helping to make these districts more economically viable and productive.”

HEAL projects will fund a variety of economic drivers. A sampling of this round’s projects include: a restaurant, a brewery, a façade improvement for an existing health and wellness business, a coffee shop and bakery, upper story short-term rentals and apartments, a childcare center and a group childcare facility, a boutique hotel and lounge, a sewing shop, a market, and a community event center.

“Through multiple rounds of the HEAL program, it has been rewarding to see how different rural communities work collaboratively to display their own unique sense of place and pride,”&nbsp;Patterson Family Foundation President Lindsey Patterson Smith said. “We have enjoyed working with the Department of Commerce and its partners on a program that is creating meaningful opportunities through revitalization. It will be exciting to see these projects get implemented.”

The spring 2023 HEAL grant awardees include:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.5TWXrJO3b3qLJa9ieHzydq1eJNWfc7-AJ-GW80r08s8/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l" target="_blank">Area Development Magazine’s</a>&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.K9Y9Tb0NsjacA1MsAu_7H-njrBFCuqNGN6ODZXi3nmY/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l" target="_blank">Gold Shovel award</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dNNQWTpQT0szY4qD2n2LvtDSg1A0HrY6qDhbvmHjyjk/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l" target="_blank">Site Selection Magazine</a>.

The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.z-uXetyWakJ1tFdkfAWd7OqU7vEylZG45oVVRlW7BN8/s/1303161001/br/204249418801-l" target="_blank">https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577789937052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland has announced the recipients of the spring 2023 Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. A total of 17 projects from across the state, including Grow Hays, are receiving nearly $918,000 in matching grant funds.The Patterson Family Foundation and Department of Commerce paired up to provide grant funding to assist rural communities in revitalizing underutilized and dilapidated downtown buildings and turn them into economic drivers in the community. A total of 30 applications were received during the spring HEAL grant round.&nbsp;“Downtowns throughout rural Kansas act as the front doors to their communities,” Toland said.&nbsp;“Through our valued relationship with the Patterson Family Foundation, we are helping to make these districts more economically viable and productive.”HEAL projects will fund a variety of economic drivers. A sampling of this round’s projects include: a restaurant, a brewery, a façade improvement for an existing health and wellness business, a coffee shop and bakery, upper story short-term rentals and apartments, a childcare center and a group childcare facility, a boutique hotel and lounge, a sewing shop, a market, and a community event center.“Through multiple rounds of the HEAL program, it has been rewarding to see how different rural communities work collaboratively to display their own unique sense of place and pride,”&nbsp;Patterson Family Foundation President Lindsey Patterson Smith said. “We have enjoyed working with the Department of Commerce and its partners on a program that is creating meaningful opportunities through revitalization. It will be exciting to see these projects get implemented.”The spring 2023 HEAL grant awardees include:<ul>
 <li>Belleville Chamber/Main Street, Republic County - $75,000</li><li>City of Halstead, Harvey County - $64,300</li><li>City of Hillsboro, Marion County - $74,999</li><li>City of Osawatomie, Miami County - $75,000</li><li>City of Spearville, Ford County - $70,000</li><li>City of Sterling, Rice County - $75,000</li><li>City of Wathena, Doniphan County - $54,520</li><li>Edwards County Economic Development (Kinsley), Edwards County - $45,599</li><li>Edwards County Economic Development (Lewis), Edwards County - $33,008</li><li>Grow Hays, Inc., Ellis County - $75,000</li><li>Grow Clay County (GCC), Clay County - $25,000</li><li>Logan County Community Foundation, Logan County - $25,000</li><li>Miltonvale Economic Revitalization Improvement Team (MERIT), Inc., Cloud County - $9,600</li><li>Ness County Chamber of Commerce, Ness County - $48,250</li><li>Point Forward, Inc., Crawford County - $75,000</li><li>Rush County Economic Development, Rush County - $17,462</li><li>South Central KS Economic Development District, Reno County - $75,000</li>
 </ul>About the Kansas Department of Commerce:As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.5TWXrJO3b3qLJa9ieHzydq1eJNWfc7-AJ-GW80r08s8/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l" target="_blank">Area Development Magazine’s</a>&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.K9Y9Tb0NsjacA1MsAu_7H-njrBFCuqNGN6ODZXi3nmY/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l" target="_blank">Gold Shovel award</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dNNQWTpQT0szY4qD2n2LvtDSg1A0HrY6qDhbvmHjyjk/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l" target="_blank">Site Selection Magazine</a>.About the Patterson Family Foundation:The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.z-uXetyWakJ1tFdkfAWd7OqU7vEylZG45oVVRlW7BN8/s/1303161001/br/204249418801-l" target="_blank">https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/</a>

Ellis, other northwest Kan. counties receive Historic Economic Asset Lifeline grants 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission voted Tuesday to allow the
discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of the county next
month.

The commission voted 2-0 to relax a 2018 ban on the sale and
use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioner Neal Younger
was absent from the meeting.

The county’s move only affects the unincorporated areas of the
county. Each community within Ellis County has its own fireworks restrictions.

Under the resolution approved by the commission Tuesday, the
discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county will be allowed
from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2-4.

County Commissioner Michael Berges said, before the vote, he did have concerns about a change in the weather and said if the
conditions dry out, the commission still has two more meetings in June to reconsider
lifting the ban.

&nbsp;However, County Administrator and Fire Chief Darin Myers said organizations
are preparing for the holiday and a change in the county’s restrictions could
have an impact on those organizations.

Myers added even if the county restricts fireworks, the cities can
still allow them.

“It just makes the enforcement piece of it harder,” Myers said.
“Because who is shooting where and for a sheriff's deputy be at the right place at
the right time to see where it was discharged from makes it a little more
difficult.”

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said he was in favor of allowing
fireworks.

“It comes down to some self-responsibility, and people need
to understand that they're responsible for their actions,” Leiker said. “There are laws around it (and) there are all sorts of different stipulations if they don't
cause a problem or damage somebody else's property.”

Myers said there were 11 fireworks-related incidents
in 2022, 11 more than in the previous five years.

Myers said most of those incidents were on the nights the
cities hosted their fireworks displays. none of the incidents were major. There were no injuries reported.

In other business, the commission continued discussions on
the 2024 budget. They will hear from all outside agencies that receive funding from the county next week.

The commission also received an update from High Plains Mental
Health, the city of Hays on the R9 Ranch Water project, and the health department
on COVID-19 and approved a resolution to remove a set of stairs in the county administration building.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission voted Tuesday to allow the
discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of the county next
month.The commission voted 2-0 to relax a 2018 ban on the sale and
use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioner Neal Younger
was absent from the meeting.The county’s move only affects the unincorporated areas of the
county. Each community within Ellis County has its own fireworks restrictions.Under the resolution approved by the commission Tuesday, the
discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county will be allowed
from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2-4.County Commissioner Michael Berges said, before the vote, he did have concerns about a change in the weather and said if the
conditions dry out, the commission still has two more meetings in June to reconsider
lifting the ban.&nbsp;However, County Administrator and Fire Chief Darin Myers said organizations
are preparing for the holiday and a change in the county’s restrictions could
have an impact on those organizations.Myers added even if the county restricts fireworks, the cities can
still allow them.“It just makes the enforcement piece of it harder,” Myers said.
“Because who is shooting where and for a sheriff's deputy be at the right place at
the right time to see where it was discharged from makes it a little more
difficult.”Commissioner Nathan Leiker said he was in favor of allowing
fireworks.“It comes down to some self-responsibility, and people need
to understand that they're responsible for their actions,” Leiker said. “There are laws around it (and) there are all sorts of different stipulations if they don't
cause a problem or damage somebody else's property.”Myers said there were 11 fireworks-related incidents
in 2022, 11 more than in the previous five years.Myers said most of those incidents were on the nights the
cities hosted their fireworks displays. none of the incidents were major. There were no injuries reported.In other business, the commission continued discussions on
the 2024 budget. They will hear from all outside agencies that receive funding from the county next week.The commission also received an update from High Plains Mental
Health, the city of Hays on the R9 Ranch Water project, and the health department
on COVID-19 and approved a resolution to remove a set of stairs in the county administration building.

Ellis County Commission gives fireworks go ahead

During the Click It or Ticket Campaign, the Hays Police Department conducted overtime saturation patrols to aggressively enforce Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws. 

During the campaign, officers wrote 47 safety belt citations, one speeding citation and seven other citations and arrests, including two drug arrests. Fifty vehicle stops were made during the campaign.

We are here to enforce Kansas Traffic Laws and ultimately, to decrease unsafe driving behavior. 

If you were stopped, we hope you learned from the experience. 

If so, we have made the roads a little safer for you and those you share the road with. 

We will continue to do that because, while the 2023 Click It or Ticket campaign may be over, traffic enforcement never is.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686086826440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentDuring the Click It or Ticket Campaign, the Hays Police Department conducted overtime saturation patrols to aggressively enforce Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws. During the campaign, officers wrote 47 safety belt citations, one speeding citation and seven other citations and arrests, including two drug arrests. Fifty vehicle stops were made during the campaign.We are here to enforce Kansas Traffic Laws and ultimately, to decrease unsafe driving behavior. If you were stopped, we hope you learned from the experience. If so, we have made the roads a little safer for you and those you share the road with. We will continue to do that because, while the 2023 Click It or Ticket campaign may be over, traffic enforcement never is.<div>Several curb and gutter repairs were performed last month and workers also improved the drainage of Chetolah Creek at 22nd and General Custer in time for the spring rains.

As part of a partnership agreement with NCK Tech in Hays, students installed lighting in the north Frontier Park shelter house. 

Work continues on the Vineyard Park pond enlargement project east of Home Depot.</div>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Seat belt saturation patrol in Hays results in 47 citations; two drug arrests

Once again, Big Creek Crossing will host a carnival in Hays,
bringing rides, food and games to the shopping center.

Moore’s Greater Shows is set to run from Thursday through Sunday in the
center’s parking lot on those evenings and will include similar amusements to
previous years’ events, said Big Creek Crossing Marketing Director Branson Hoffman.

While
the exact times and prices will be set upon the carnival’s arrival, and will be dependent on set-up time
and weather, he said they would post updates on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigCreekCrossing">facebook page.</a>

In
previous years, Hoffman said the times were 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday.&nbsp;

Armbands will again be available each night. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff53f4a1-c018-4ba0-93ca-a2ae6d89da78">With the
loss of the Wild West Festival carnival this summer</a>, Hoffman said the
center is happy to bring one to the community.

“I would
just say it's a needed attraction,” he said. “I think this is something that
they were recently finding out. … This is the only carnival that's going to be
in Ellis County, to our knowledge. So we're excited to have something for
family fun for pretty much all ages.”

“Bring
your kids, have them ride the kiddie rides, bring your teenagers, have them
ride the older rides if you don't want to do that at all, partake in the food. … So
it’s something to get out of the house, something to have fun with and have a
good time. That’s really what it boils down to.”

As the only summer carnival in
Hays, Hoffman said it is a unique attraction.

This year he expects similar attractions
to previous years.

“They
usually have four to six kind of teenager rides, the big rides,” Hoffman said. “They'll
have four to seven of the kiddie rides. And then in the past, they've had, you
know, plenty of food trucks with pretty much anything from your turkey legs to
your funnel cakes and all that good stuff. So we're anticipating pretty much
the same layout.”

He said
they also anticipate the Ferris wheel will return and the carnival will be in a
similar location to previous years.

“It
should be pretty much the same,” Hoffman said. “We're expecting them to be on
the south part of the Vine Street parking lot.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623189245408.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostOnce again, Big Creek Crossing will host a carnival in Hays,
bringing rides, food and games to the shopping center.Moore’s Greater Shows is set to run from Thursday through Sunday in the
center’s parking lot on those evenings and will include similar amusements to
previous years’ events, said Big Creek Crossing Marketing Director Branson Hoffman.While
the exact times and prices will be set upon the carnival’s arrival, and will be dependent on set-up time
and weather, he said they would post updates on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigCreekCrossing">facebook page.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686072556395.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In
previous years, Hoffman said the times were 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday.&nbsp;Armbands will again be available each night. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff53f4a1-c018-4ba0-93ca-a2ae6d89da78">With the
loss of the Wild West Festival carnival this summer</a>, Hoffman said the
center is happy to bring one to the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686072566006.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“I would
just say it's a needed attraction,” he said. “I think this is something that
they were recently finding out. … This is the only carnival that's going to be
in Ellis County, to our knowledge. So we're excited to have something for
family fun for pretty much all ages.”“Bring
your kids, have them ride the kiddie rides, bring your teenagers, have them
ride the older rides if you don't want to do that at all, partake in the food. … So
it’s something to get out of the house, something to have fun with and have a
good time. That’s really what it boils down to.”As the only summer carnival in
Hays, Hoffman said it is a unique attraction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686072576430.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year he expects similar attractions
to previous years.“They
usually have four to six kind of teenager rides, the big rides,” Hoffman said. “They'll
have four to seven of the kiddie rides. And then in the past, they've had, you
know, plenty of food trucks with pretty much anything from your turkey legs to
your funnel cakes and all that good stuff. So we're anticipating pretty much
the same layout.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686072589336.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>He said
they also anticipate the Ferris wheel will return and the carnival will be in a
similar location to previous years.“It
should be pretty much the same,” Hoffman said. “We're expecting them to be on
the south part of the Vine Street parking lot.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686072545461.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Big Creek Crossing brings only carnival for year to Hays Thursday

Thomas More Prep-Marian is pleased to announce it has filled all
faculty openings for the 2023-24 school year. Seven new teachers are excited to
join the Monarch family and work with the students.

Sr. Mary Agnes (Wasinger) and Sr. Mary Monica (Augustine)
will join the faculty along with two additional sisters teaching at Holy Family
Elementary. They are part of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of
Wichita, based in Colwich. They will open a convent in Hays at 500 E. 18th
Street. Sr. Mary Agnes will teach freshman and junior religion, while Sr. Mary
Monica will teach sixth and eighth-grade religion.

Sr. Mary Agnes grew up in Wichita, but some of her family
heritage hails from the Hays area. She initially joined the IHMs just three
months after high school graduation in 2000; however, Sister recognized she was not ready to continue discernment and went to school at Benedictine
College in Atchison. She re-entered the community in 2003 and professed
final vows in 2008.

“I have been holding all of you [in Ellis County] in prayer
since I heard I was coming to TMP-Marian,” Sr. Mary Agnes said. “I have been
excitedly looking forward to getting to meet all of the faculty, students, and
families that make TMP-Marian a community of faith and excellence.”

Sister Mary Agnes has been a teacher for 15 years, teaching
at four different Catholic high schools in the Wichita Diocese - Bishop
Carroll, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Trinity Catholic and St. Mary’s Colgan. She enjoys
travel and has visited nine European countries and Canada.

Sr. Mary Monica grew up in Colby. She joined the IHMs in
2013 as a postulant and professed final vows in 2018.

Prior to joining the IHMs, Sister was studying for a career
in school psychology at Fort Hays State University. As a teacher, Sister has
taught at Bishop Carroll and Kapaun Mt. Carmel.

She loves teaching the Prayer and Liturgy class the most
because she gets to form the students in spiritual life. According to Sister,
the chapel is her second classroom. She marvels at the students’ growth when at
the beginning of the year 10 minutes is too long to sit still, but by the end,
students desire chapel time and can sit in silent prayer for long periods of
time.

Sister reads, manages the IHMs website, does photography,
graphic design and organizes events. She sponsors a high school girls' organization called the Handmaids of Mary, which is a community of young women
who are concerned about personal sanctity and committed to supporting each
other in the spiritual life through healthy friendships.

“I have a great love for my home diocese, and it has been
one of my greatest desires to have IHMs teach in the Salina Diocese,” Sr. Mary
Monica said. “Ten years ago, I gave one of my Fiats to Our Lord by leaving my
family and entering the IHM community. Now, He is sending me back to the plains
of Western Kansas to sow the seed and reap the harvest. God is so good!” 

The Sisters’ main parish will be Immaculate Heart of Mary
Church where their convent is located. However, they look forward to meeting
and ministering to all the people of Ellis County. More about the Sisters’
journey to Hays and their community can be found <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rbV-a-mlWmJjmIfW1QYU0HgiWxvXnfcq/view">here</a>. If you would like to
support the Sisters’ ministry here in Ellis County, please keep them in your
prayers. Other ways to support the Sisters <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/give-online">can be found here</a>.

Grant Stephenson was hired in January but actually began
duties on May 30 when he kicked off TMP-M’s summer weights and conditioning. Stephenson will teach weights/PE, sixth-grade religion and junior religion.
In addition to summer weights and conditioning, he is head coach of the Monarch
football team.

Stephenson graduated from Pittsburg State University in
2007 with a bachelor's degree in PE with an emphasis on coaching. He has since earned two master's degrees, one in sports administration in 2010 and the other in education administration in 2012.

Most recently he taught and coached at Plainville High
School. Stephenson lives in Hays with his wife and four children. He and
his family are parishioners at St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Hays.

Emalee Taylor lives in Hays with her husband, Andrew, and two
daughters, Brielle and Eden. She attended FHSU and earned a
degree in biology secondary education. For the past four years, Emalee has been
teaching seventh and eighth-grade science at Hays Middle School. She will teach those
same subjects and grade levels at TMP-Marian.

“I am excited to be making the transition to TMP-M JH this
upcoming school year and be joining the Monarch family,” Taylor said.
“Ever since I was young, I have had a love for science, and as an educator, I get
the chance every day to share that love with the students that come through my
classroom.”

Taylor enjoys middle school-aged kids. According to
her, they are a lot of fun to work with.

“I hope my students see how much I care about them just as
much as what I am teaching them,” Taylor said. “My faith is very important to
me, and I am thrilled that I will be able to integrate both my love of science
and the Catholic faith within my job.”

Taylor and her family are parishioners at St. Nicholas
of Myra Church in Hays.

Holly ‘07 (Dreiling) Lang is returning to her alma mater
after working most recently at Washington Grade School in Ellis as the fifth-grade homeroom and fourth-through-sixth-grade reading teacher. She will teach 6th-grade
English language arts and social studies.

After graduating from FHSU in 2011, Lang began teaching at Northwood Elementary School in Piedmont, Okla. After
a two-year stint at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa and one year at
Natoma Elementary School, she took the position at Washington Grade School
where she has been teaching for seven years.

Lang will complete her master’s degree in library media specialist this summer. She lives in Hays with her husband, Colton, and two
children, Mia and Rhett. They are parishioners at St. Nicholas of Myra.

Deb Reed is joining the Monarch family via her role as a
special education teacher in the West Central Kansas Special Education
Cooperative. She will teach students in TMP-Marian Junior High.

Reed just completed her 26th year of teaching – one year
in Quinter and the past 25 with USD 489. While with USD 489, she taught five
years at Hays High, two years at Westside (grades nine-12 resource), five years at
O’Loughlin (K-five resource), two years at Kennedy Middle School, and 10 years at
Hays Middle School.

Most recently, she co-taught with general education teachers
in both seventh and eighth-grade math, increasing inclusion for students of all
abilities. Reed will co-teach some classes at TMP-Marian as well.

Reed loves watching NASCAR with her family, reading and baking. She lives in WaKeeney with her husband, Marcus. They have two grown
children, Jake and Jaden.

Katy ‘18 Walters is also returning to her alma mater as a
teacher and activity sponsor. She will teach courses and sponsor activities
that she took herself as a high school student.

“I am looking forward to the following school year
especially since I am an alumna,” Walters said. “My plans are to try a few new
things with both the junior high and high school choir students, including
several pieces involving various cultures and languages. It is my hope that all
students in my classroom will have ample growth in vocal technique and
musicianship.”

Walters will teach junior high and high school choir, as well as sponsor
the competitive high school choir, known as Pop Singers, and direct the musical
scores for the fall musical. She graduated in May from FHSU with a music performance degree.

Under Walters’s leadership, TMP-M Pop Singers will be
exploring new genres and styles to bring to the stage in the upcoming spring
show.

“...[A]s a student at TMP-M, I created many fond memories
during my time in both Pop Singers and the fall musical. It is my ambition to
create the same atmosphere and camaraderie that formed such great memories,”
Walters said.

She is a parishioner at St. Joseph Church and lives in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087948487.png" alt="New TMP teachers" />
 <figcaption>New TMP teachers</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-MarianThomas More Prep-Marian is pleased to announce it has filled all
faculty openings for the 2023-24 school year. Seven new teachers are excited to
join the Monarch family and work with the students.Sr. Mary Agnes (Wasinger) and Sr. Mary Monica (Augustine)
will join the faculty along with two additional sisters teaching at Holy Family
Elementary. They are part of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of
Wichita, based in Colwich. They will open a convent in Hays at 500 E. 18th
Street. Sr. Mary Agnes will teach freshman and junior religion, while Sr. Mary
Monica will teach sixth and eighth-grade religion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087514342.png" alt="Sr. Mary Agnes" />
 <figcaption>Sr. Mary Agnes</figcaption>
 </figure>Sr. Mary Agnes grew up in Wichita, but some of her family
heritage hails from the Hays area. She initially joined the IHMs just three
months after high school graduation in 2000; however, Sister recognized she was not ready to continue discernment and went to school at Benedictine
College in Atchison. She re-entered the community in 2003 and professed
final vows in 2008.“I have been holding all of you [in Ellis County] in prayer
since I heard I was coming to TMP-Marian,” Sr. Mary Agnes said. “I have been
excitedly looking forward to getting to meet all of the faculty, students, and
families that make TMP-Marian a community of faith and excellence.”Sister Mary Agnes has been a teacher for 15 years, teaching
at four different Catholic high schools in the Wichita Diocese - Bishop
Carroll, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Trinity Catholic and St. Mary’s Colgan. She enjoys
travel and has visited nine European countries and Canada.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087605610.png" alt="Sr. Mary Monica" />
 <figcaption>Sr. Mary Monica</figcaption>
 </figure>Sr. Mary Monica grew up in Colby. She joined the IHMs in
2013 as a postulant and professed final vows in 2018.Prior to joining the IHMs, Sister was studying for a career
in school psychology at Fort Hays State University. As a teacher, Sister has
taught at Bishop Carroll and Kapaun Mt. Carmel.She loves teaching the Prayer and Liturgy class the most
because she gets to form the students in spiritual life. According to Sister,
the chapel is her second classroom. She marvels at the students’ growth when at
the beginning of the year 10 minutes is too long to sit still, but by the end,
students desire chapel time and can sit in silent prayer for long periods of
time.Sister reads, manages the IHMs website, does photography,
graphic design and organizes events. She sponsors a high school girls' organization called the Handmaids of Mary, which is a community of young women
who are concerned about personal sanctity and committed to supporting each
other in the spiritual life through healthy friendships.“I have a great love for my home diocese, and it has been
one of my greatest desires to have IHMs teach in the Salina Diocese,” Sr. Mary
Monica said. “Ten years ago, I gave one of my Fiats to Our Lord by leaving my
family and entering the IHM community. Now, He is sending me back to the plains
of Western Kansas to sow the seed and reap the harvest. God is so good!” The Sisters’ main parish will be Immaculate Heart of Mary
Church where their convent is located. However, they look forward to meeting
and ministering to all the people of Ellis County. More about the Sisters’
journey to Hays and their community can be found <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rbV-a-mlWmJjmIfW1QYU0HgiWxvXnfcq/view">here</a>. If you would like to
support the Sisters’ ministry here in Ellis County, please keep them in your
prayers. Other ways to support the Sisters <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/give-online">can be found here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087677432.png" alt="Grant Stephenson" />
 <figcaption>Grant Stephenson</figcaption>
 </figure>Grant Stephenson was hired in January but actually began
duties on May 30 when he kicked off TMP-M’s summer weights and conditioning. Stephenson will teach weights/PE, sixth-grade religion and junior religion.
In addition to summer weights and conditioning, he is head coach of the Monarch
football team.Stephenson graduated from Pittsburg State University in
2007 with a bachelor's degree in PE with an emphasis on coaching. He has since earned two master's degrees, one in sports administration in 2010 and the other in education administration in 2012.Most recently he taught and coached at Plainville High
School. Stephenson lives in Hays with his wife and four children. He and
his family are parishioners at St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087719314.jpeg" alt="Emalee Taylor" />
 <figcaption>Emalee Taylor</figcaption>
 </figure>Emalee Taylor lives in Hays with her husband, Andrew, and two
daughters, Brielle and Eden. She attended FHSU and earned a
degree in biology secondary education. For the past four years, Emalee has been
teaching seventh and eighth-grade science at Hays Middle School. She will teach those
same subjects and grade levels at TMP-Marian.“I am excited to be making the transition to TMP-M JH this
upcoming school year and be joining the Monarch family,” Taylor said.
“Ever since I was young, I have had a love for science, and as an educator, I get
the chance every day to share that love with the students that come through my
classroom.”Taylor enjoys middle school-aged kids. According to
her, they are a lot of fun to work with.“I hope my students see how much I care about them just as
much as what I am teaching them,” Taylor said. “My faith is very important to
me, and I am thrilled that I will be able to integrate both my love of science
and the Catholic faith within my job.”Taylor and her family are parishioners at St. Nicholas
of Myra Church in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087752374.jpeg" alt="Holly Lang" />
 <figcaption>Holly Lang</figcaption>
 </figure>Holly ‘07 (Dreiling) Lang is returning to her alma mater
after working most recently at Washington Grade School in Ellis as the fifth-grade homeroom and fourth-through-sixth-grade reading teacher. She will teach 6th-grade
English language arts and social studies.After graduating from FHSU in 2011, Lang began teaching at Northwood Elementary School in Piedmont, Okla. After
a two-year stint at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa and one year at
Natoma Elementary School, she took the position at Washington Grade School
where she has been teaching for seven years.Lang will complete her master’s degree in library media specialist this summer. She lives in Hays with her husband, Colton, and two
children, Mia and Rhett. They are parishioners at St. Nicholas of Myra.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087792979.jpeg" alt="Deb Reed" />
 <figcaption>Deb Reed</figcaption>
 </figure>Deb Reed is joining the Monarch family via her role as a
special education teacher in the West Central Kansas Special Education
Cooperative. She will teach students in TMP-Marian Junior High.Reed just completed her 26th year of teaching – one year
in Quinter and the past 25 with USD 489. While with USD 489, she taught five
years at Hays High, two years at Westside (grades nine-12 resource), five years at
O’Loughlin (K-five resource), two years at Kennedy Middle School, and 10 years at
Hays Middle School.Most recently, she co-taught with general education teachers
in both seventh and eighth-grade math, increasing inclusion for students of all
abilities. Reed will co-teach some classes at TMP-Marian as well.Reed loves watching NASCAR with her family, reading and baking. She lives in WaKeeney with her husband, Marcus. They have two grown
children, Jake and Jaden.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686087828324.jpeg" alt="Katy Walters" />
 <figcaption>Katy Walters</figcaption>
 </figure>Katy ‘18 Walters is also returning to her alma mater as a
teacher and activity sponsor. She will teach courses and sponsor activities
that she took herself as a high school student.“I am looking forward to the following school year
especially since I am an alumna,” Walters said. “My plans are to try a few new
things with both the junior high and high school choir students, including
several pieces involving various cultures and languages. It is my hope that all
students in my classroom will have ample growth in vocal technique and
musicianship.”Walters will teach junior high and high school choir, as well as sponsor
the competitive high school choir, known as Pop Singers, and direct the musical
scores for the fall musical. She graduated in May from FHSU with a music performance degree.Under Walters’s leadership, TMP-M Pop Singers will be
exploring new genres and styles to bring to the stage in the upcoming spring
show.“...[A]s a student at TMP-M, I created many fond memories
during my time in both Pop Singers and the fall musical. It is my ambition to
create the same atmosphere and camaraderie that formed such great memories,”
Walters said.She is a parishioner at St. Joseph Church and lives in Hays.

TMP-Marian welcomes new teachers for 2023-24

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,”&nbsp; Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting local community efforts to enhance their sense of place and quality of life.”&nbsp;

Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. 

Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Rural Murals already completed have added a unique attraction that communities are proud to display,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As tourism in Kansas is on the rise, particularly in rural areas where visitors increasingly go to get off the beaten path, these new murals will encourage people to experience more great locations across the state.”&nbsp;

The organizations that are being awarded for FY 2024 include:&nbsp;

“The innovation and creativity that these communities demonstrated in their applications was phenomenal,”&nbsp;said Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon.&nbsp;“We can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize these communities and increase tourism and community engagement.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685727245681.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,”&nbsp; Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting local community efforts to enhance their sense of place and quality of life.”&nbsp;Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Rural Murals already completed have added a unique attraction that communities are proud to display,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As tourism in Kansas is on the rise, particularly in rural areas where visitors increasingly go to get off the beaten path, these new murals will encourage people to experience more great locations across the state.”&nbsp;The organizations that are being awarded for FY 2024 include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The Arts Center, Inc.; Anthony and Attica; $7,500&nbsp;</li><li>City of Cedar Vale; $1,500&nbsp;</li><li>City of Cheney; $3,603&nbsp;</li><li>Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation; $5,250&nbsp;</li><li>Northwest Kansas Technical College; Goodland; $4,250&nbsp;</li><li>5.4.7 Arts Center; Greensburg; $7,368&nbsp;</li><li>Graham County; Hill City; $7,500&nbsp;</li><li>Wichita County Economic Development, Inc.; Leoti; $4,500&nbsp;</li><li>Vesper Community Club, Inc.; Vesper Township; $7,500&nbsp;</li><li>City of Lyons; $7,500&nbsp;</li><li>The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation; Blue Rapids Community Action Team Fund, Blue Rapids; $2,350&nbsp;</li><li>City of Smith Center; $7,500&nbsp;</li><li>City of Uniontown; $2,250&nbsp;</li><li>Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Winfield; $7,500&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“The innovation and creativity that these communities demonstrated in their applications was phenomenal,”&nbsp;said Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon.&nbsp;“We can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize these communities and increase tourism and community engagement.”&nbsp;

Regional areas get grants for state Rural Mural and Public Art program

LANE COUNTY —On Tuesday, Kansas Game Warden Angie Reisch asked the Lane County Sheriff's office for help with a Great Horned Owl chick, according to a social media report.

The owl had decided to leave the tree a little early, and was at risk of being injured by dogs or vehicles.

The rehab facility advised her to try to put the owl back in the tree by the nest.  Because of the height,  Kansas Municipal Energy Agency was called. Steven Porter put on the animal gloves and secured the Apex Predator (cute baby wrapped in it's blanket). 

He maneuvered the bucket hight up into the nesting tree and gently placed the Owl chick as close to the nest as possible. The Lane County Sheriff's office thanked KMEA, and Steven Porter for their assistance with this Owl family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686088721783.png" alt="Photo Lane Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lane Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LANE COUNTY —On Tuesday, Kansas Game Warden Angie Reisch asked the Lane County Sheriff's office for help with a Great Horned Owl chick, according to a social media report.The owl had decided to leave the tree a little early, and was at risk of being injured by dogs or vehicles.The rehab facility advised her to try to put the owl back in the tree by the nest. Because of the height, Kansas Municipal Energy Agency was called. Steven Porter put on the animal gloves and secured the Apex Predator (cute baby wrapped in it's blanket). He maneuvered the bucket hight up into the nesting tree and gently placed the Owl chick as close to the nest as possible. The Lane County Sheriff's office thanked KMEA, and Steven Porter for their assistance with this Owl family.

Kansas game warden, sheriff rescue Great Horned Owl chick

Rystal Waldman has successfully completed the rigorous requirements to become dually certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in both Adult/Adolescent and Pediatric/Adolescent care. This significant achievement showcases Waldman's commitment to the highest standards of forensic nursing and her dedication to providing exceptional care to patients affected by abuse, assault, neglect, and trafficking.

The International Association of Forensic Nurses, in collaboration with the Commission for Forensic Nursing Certification, awards the prestigious SANE-A and SANE-P certifications to recognize forensic nursing professionals who demonstrate expertise in caring for sexual assault survivors. By earning both certifications, Waldman has demonstrated her comprehensive knowledge and skill set in delivering trauma-informed care to individuals of all ages.

As part of the esteemed Forensic Nursing Program at HaysMed, Waldman will contribute to the delivery of exceptional services to patients affected by various forms of violence. The program takes a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that survivors receive compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment. Waldman will join the ranks of Jessica Albers and Trisha Haskell, who have also attained the dual SANE-A and SANE-P certifications at HaysMed.

The achievements of these dedicated professionals have elevated the standard of forensic nursing care within the state of Kansas. Currently, there are 34 nurses certified as SANE-A and 23 nurses certified as SANE-P in Kansas.

For those interested in joining the Forensic Nursing Program, please contact Cammie Townley at cammie.townley@haysmed.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685626469208.jpeg" alt="Rystal Waldman, BSN, RN" />
 <figcaption>Rystal Waldman, BSN, RN</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedRystal Waldman has successfully completed the rigorous requirements to become dually certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in both Adult/Adolescent and Pediatric/Adolescent care. This significant achievement showcases Waldman's commitment to the highest standards of forensic nursing and her dedication to providing exceptional care to patients affected by abuse, assault, neglect, and trafficking.The International Association of Forensic Nurses, in collaboration with the Commission for Forensic Nursing Certification, awards the prestigious SANE-A and SANE-P certifications to recognize forensic nursing professionals who demonstrate expertise in caring for sexual assault survivors. By earning both certifications, Waldman has demonstrated her comprehensive knowledge and skill set in delivering trauma-informed care to individuals of all ages.As part of the esteemed Forensic Nursing Program at HaysMed, Waldman will contribute to the delivery of exceptional services to patients affected by various forms of violence. The program takes a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that survivors receive compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment. Waldman will join the ranks of Jessica Albers and Trisha Haskell, who have also attained the dual SANE-A and SANE-P certifications at HaysMed.The achievements of these dedicated professionals have elevated the standard of forensic nursing care within the state of Kansas. Currently, there are 34 nurses certified as SANE-A and 23 nurses certified as SANE-P in Kansas.For those interested in joining the Forensic Nursing Program, please contact Cammie Townley at cammie.townley@haysmed.com.

Waldman certified as newest HaysMed sexual assault nurse examiner

<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/2023/6/1686061118567.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

🎥 Green and Growing: Taking Care of Pet Waste

PLATTE COUNTY—The&nbsp;Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges on Saturday against 50-year-old Phillip J. Frazier in the death of 32-year-old Cody J. Steffen, formerly of Hays, in Northmoor, Missouri, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

On Friday Platte County deputies along with officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in a strip mall in the 2400 Block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri, nine miles north of Kansas City.

The shooting allegedly occurred after Frazier's vehicle struck Steffen's vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing Steffen ask Frazier for his insurance information.

Witnesses also reported seeing Frazier pull a handgun from the small of his back and point it at the victim. The gun allegedly still had a holster on it. Frazier allegedly removed the holster from the gun and shot Steffen from only a few inches away.

A Riverside Police officer took Frazier into custody shortly after the shooting.

Prosecutor Eric Zahnd said, “This is the kind of tragedy that is occurring far too frequently these days. Someone is dead from gunfire after a minor fender bender. Fortunately, thanks to an excellent joint investigation by the Northmoor and Riverside police departments and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, this defendant was quickly apprehended and charged.”

Frazier has been charged with 2nd-degree murder and armed criminal action and is being held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.&nbsp;

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Platte County.

Just after 3 p.m. Friday, the Platte County Sheriff's Office and the Northmoor Police Department responded to a shooting outside a store at a strip mall in the 2400 Block of Vivion Road, according to a media release.

A 32-year-old man from Kansas City, Missouri, was found deceased at the scene. Investigators spoke with a 50-year-old man who is a possible suspect.

Authorities did not release the victim's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686083200790.png" alt="Phillip J. Frazier is being held without bond in Platte County." />
 <figcaption>Phillip J. Frazier is being held without bond in Platte County.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY—The&nbsp;Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges on Saturday against 50-year-old Phillip J. Frazier in the death of 32-year-old Cody J. Steffen, formerly of Hays, in Northmoor, Missouri, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.On Friday Platte County deputies along with officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in a strip mall in the 2400 Block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri, nine miles north of Kansas City.The shooting allegedly occurred after Frazier's vehicle struck Steffen's vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing Steffen ask Frazier for his insurance information.Witnesses also reported seeing Frazier pull a handgun from the small of his back and point it at the victim. The gun allegedly still had a holster on it. Frazier allegedly removed the holster from the gun and shot Steffen from only a few inches away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686083258838.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation. Photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation. Photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>A Riverside Police officer took Frazier into custody shortly after the shooting.Prosecutor Eric Zahnd said, “This is the kind of tragedy that is occurring far too frequently these days. Someone is dead from gunfire after a minor fender bender. Fortunately, thanks to an excellent joint investigation by the Northmoor and Riverside police departments and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, this defendant was quickly apprehended and charged.”Frazier has been charged with 2nd-degree murder and armed criminal action and is being held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.&nbsp;--------PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Platte County.Just after 3 p.m. Friday, the Platte County Sheriff's Office and the Northmoor Police Department responded to a shooting outside a store at a strip mall in the 2400 Block of Vivion Road, according to a media release.A 32-year-old man from Kansas City, Missouri, was found deceased at the scene. Investigators spoke with a 50-year-old man who is a possible suspect.Authorities did not release the victim's name or additional details.

Man charged in KC fender bender shooting that killed former Hays resident

RUSSELL COUNTY —City of Russell Fire  Chief Dylan Riedel is on his way home from the burn unit, according to a statement Tuesday afternoon from the city of Russell.

Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.

Russell County EMS transported Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital and EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. 

The city encouraged the public to come to the Russell Sale Barn, 720, South Fossil Street, to&nbsp;welcome Dylan home.  Bring your flags, horns, or signs to support Dylan’s recovery.&nbsp;

"Please remember that Dylan won't be able to have many visitors for some time.  The risk of infection is high, and we don't want any setbacks in his recovery."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686080861829.png" alt="Dylan Riedel -photo courtesy city of Russell" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Riedel -photo courtesy city of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY —City of Russell Fire Chief Dylan Riedel is on his way home from the burn unit, according to a statement Tuesday afternoon from the city of Russell.Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.Russell County EMS transported Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital and EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. The city encouraged the public to come to the Russell Sale Barn, 720, South Fossil Street, to&nbsp;welcome Dylan home. Bring your flags, horns, or signs to support Dylan’s recovery.&nbsp;"Please remember that Dylan won't be able to have many visitors for some time. The risk of infection is high, and we don't want any setbacks in his recovery."

Russell fire chief injured in explosion is on his way home

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The weather is warmer as the summer season nears, allowing more outdoor work and projects by Hays city crews. 

Several curb and gutter repairs were performed last month and workers also improved the drainage of Chetolah Creek at 22nd and General Custer in time for the spring rains.

As part of a partnership agreement with NCK Tech in Hays, students installed lighting in the north Frontier Park shelter house.&nbsp;

Work continues on the Vineyard Park pond enlargement project east of Home Depot.

Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, has more highlights from the May progress report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686070538768.png" alt="Work is underway to enlarge the Vineyard Park pond,&nbsp;1650 E. 41st in Hays. Photo courtesy of city of Hays." />
 <figcaption>Work is underway to enlarge the Vineyard Park pond,&nbsp;1650 E. 41st in Hays. Photo courtesy of city of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe weather is warmer as the summer season nears, allowing more outdoor work and projects by Hays city crews. Several curb and gutter repairs were performed last month and workers also improved the drainage of Chetolah Creek at 22nd and General Custer in time for the spring rains.As part of a partnership agreement with NCK Tech in Hays, students installed lighting in the north Frontier Park shelter house.&nbsp;Work continues on the Vineyard Park pond enlargement project east of Home Depot.Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, has more highlights from the May progress report.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/03JZRBtt-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Progress Report May " style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

🎥 City of Hays: May progress report includes enlarging Vineyard Park pond

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The 2023 Leadership Hays class is partnering with Camber Children's Mental Health Center in Hays for a recreational item donation drive.

The Camber facility includes acute and residential pediatric mental health beds. Camber was formerly known as KVC, which was&nbsp;at the Hadley Center.

Camber gives preference to youth from western Kansas. It can accommodate 14 youths in its acute unit and 18 in its residential unit.

The Leadership Hays group each year picks a community project that benefits youth.

Camber, which is in a new facility, is in need of craft supplies and games. The drive will begin Sunday and run through June 24.

Supplies should be for children ages 7 to 17

• Paper, no spiral notebooks • Craft projects with no string, wire or metal. No pipe cleaners • Games • Card games • Lawn games

"If you have a board game that has been sitting in your closet for four years, [donate it]. I have several of those that will be donated," said Laura Allen, Leadership Hays class member from First Call for Help.

The items will be sorted before they go to Camber to make sure all of the items are appropriate for the youth in that setting.

Sarah Berens of Camber said the need for these items is twofold.

"The one aspect is that a lot of these items can be used in therapeutic treatment," she said, "Whether that's group therapy or individual family, one can use a lot of those expressive therapy techniques to help them process their trauma.

"The other one is while they are there, we want to provide them ways to be just a kid as well. If you were doing treatment 24/7, that would be very difficult emotionally to process. You have to have some times where you have some relief from that and some normal activities."

Drop-off locations will include: • Hays Chamber, 2700 Vine • Forsyth Library on the Fort Hays State University campus • Bank of Hays, 1000 W. 27th • First Kansas Bank, 1200 E. 27th • Nex-Tech on 13th Street

The Leadership Hays class was given some seed money from Hays Chamber, which will be used to purchase an outdoor inflatable screen and a karaoke machine.

Camber also can accept monetary donations. If you wish to make a monetary donation, you can do so through Camber's website. Select the Hays location. If you choose "Other" under "Designation" on the donation page, you can specify this project.

You can also drop off a check at the Hays Chamber office with the tag Camber or Leadership Hays.

Monetary donations will also go toward Camber building an outdoor shelter at its new location and for playground equipment. The equipment has to meet the needs of youth with mental health needs.

"The Chamber Leadership program, I feel, has been very eye-opening. I came in not knowing what it was, and it has brought this group of people together," said Janice Jacobs, Leadership Hays class member from Vyve. "We went to a leadership conference in Wichita and learned a lot about developing our skills as leaders in our community.

"I feel we had different ideas and suggestions, and you work through as a group and a team&nbsp; ... It's just been fun."

JAG-K, which is a program at Hays High School that builds support around at-risk students, will be continuing the program after this year.

JAG-K already regularly participates in service projects, including blood drives and a hygiene-item drive for the HHS pantry last year.

"The toy drive seemed like a good thing we could perpetuate from year to year," Bryan Zollinger, JAG-K instructor, said.

Zollinger said the high school students benefit from hands-on learning.&nbsp;

"There's a lot of people if you involve them in the actual doing of the project rather than receiving the information, they pick up on that stuff," he said. "They learn some transferrable skills they can take into the workplace, post-graduation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685993136227.jpeg" alt="A Camber Children's Mental Health Center therapy room. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A Camber Children's Mental Health Center therapy room. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe 2023 Leadership Hays class is partnering with Camber Children's Mental Health Center in Hays for a recreational item donation drive.The Camber facility includes acute and residential pediatric mental health beds. Camber was formerly known as KVC, which was&nbsp;at the Hadley Center.Camber gives preference to youth from western Kansas. It can accommodate 14 youths in its acute unit and 18 in its residential unit.The Leadership Hays group each year picks a community project that benefits youth.Camber, which is in a new facility, is in need of craft supplies and games. The drive will begin Sunday and run through June 24.Supplies should be for children ages 7 to 17Items can be new or gently used.<h2>Items needed</h2>• Paper, no spiral notebooks • Craft projects with no string, wire or metal. No pipe cleaners • Games • Card games • Lawn games"If you have a board game that has been sitting in your closet for four years, [donate it]. I have several of those that will be donated," said Laura Allen, Leadership Hays class member from First Call for Help.The items will be sorted before they go to Camber to make sure all of the items are appropriate for the youth in that setting.Sarah Berens of Camber said the need for these items is twofold."The one aspect is that a lot of these items can be used in therapeutic treatment," she said, "Whether that's group therapy or individual family, one can use a lot of those expressive therapy techniques to help them process their trauma."The other one is while they are there, we want to provide them ways to be just a kid as well. If you were doing treatment 24/7, that would be very difficult emotionally to process. You have to have some times where you have some relief from that and some normal activities."Drop-off locations will include: • Hays Chamber, 2700 Vine • Forsyth Library on the Fort Hays State University campus • Bank of Hays, 1000 W. 27th • First Kansas Bank, 1200 E. 27th • Nex-Tech on 13th StreetThe Leadership Hays class was given some seed money from Hays Chamber, which will be used to purchase an outdoor inflatable screen and a karaoke machine.Camber also can accept monetary donations. If you wish to make a monetary donation, you can do so through Camber's website. Select the Hays location. If you choose "Other" under "Designation" on the donation page, you can specify this project.You can also drop off a check at the Hays Chamber office with the tag Camber or Leadership Hays.Monetary donations will also go toward Camber building an outdoor shelter at its new location and for playground equipment. The equipment has to meet the needs of youth with mental health needs."The Chamber Leadership program, I feel, has been very eye-opening. I came in not knowing what it was, and it has brought this group of people together," said Janice Jacobs, Leadership Hays class member from Vyve. "We went to a leadership conference in Wichita and learned a lot about developing our skills as leaders in our community."I feel we had different ideas and suggestions, and you work through as a group and a team&nbsp; ... It's just been fun."JAG-K, which is a program at Hays High School that builds support around at-risk students, will be continuing the program after this year.JAG-K already regularly participates in service projects, including blood drives and a hygiene-item drive for the HHS pantry last year."The toy drive seemed like a good thing we could perpetuate from year to year," Bryan Zollinger, JAG-K instructor, said.Zollinger said the high school students benefit from hands-on learning.&nbsp;"There's a lot of people if you involve them in the actual doing of the project rather than receiving the information, they pick up on that stuff," he said. "They learn some transferrable skills they can take into the workplace, post-graduation."

Leadership Hays sets craft, recreational supplies drive for Camber

Submitted Tony Ballard/Gift of Chess

Editor's note: Tony Ballard is an inmate at Wichita Work Release and the founder of the Gift of Chess program in the Kansas correctional system. <a href="http://:https://hayspost.com/posts/7cd92ed8-6c9a-4dd4-a19f-9d6eb4e49bef\">Read more about Ballard and this program&nbsp;in this related Hays Post story.</a>

Going to Larned Correctional Facility was a great experience for me and for those at the facility. We had the opportunity to bring a gifted Grandmaster chess player, Timur Gareyev, an Uzbeki-American chess grandmaster. He was born in Tashkent to Tatar parents. Gareyev was a part of the University of Texas at Brownsville's chess team from August 2005 to August 2006 and from August 2009 to December 2011 where he helped the university obtain its first national championship. He holds the Guinness world record of playing 48 games blindfolded, winning 80 percent of those games. With 35 wins, seven draws and six losses. All of his opponents were of decent strength (ranging up to 2200).

We at The Gift of Chess were happy to share this phenomenal person/talent with these men over Memorial Day weekend. We wanted them to know that you may be gone from family and friends but not forgotten, that they may be out of sight locked away in prison but never out of mind.

The event was a huge success as he played the first simul at the south unit with nearly 16 players. The men enjoyed the time and were encouraged by Grandmaster Timur to continue playing. Even taking time to inspire and uplift the men with personal encouragement on improving their chess game. The south unit had four winners with the first place going to Phillip Caldwell.

Grandmaster Timur said this guy had a “real good hold on the game.” Many of the men had met at one time or another during my incarceration. They were very pleasant and respectful. We were even happier to have the previous candidate for the House of Representatives, Marck Cobb, who also led the Anatoly Karpov School of Chess for several years.

The buzz surrounding the event was super electric! Grandmaster Timur put on a show at the south unit and the central unit with a few games of blindfolded chess. It was so amazing that the guards afterward wanted to get pictures and autographs from him. The men at the facility were blown away, as I was, with the talent of Timur with him being able to play games blindfolded. At one point he even told a guy, “Hey, you can’t go there. You’ll be in check!” Everyone burst out laughing!

The first-place winner at the central unit was Earl Harris, a spirited chess player! I knew this guy from doing time over 20 years in KDOC. He was happy to see me. All of the guys were super happy to congratulate me for putting this event together for them and for coming back into the prison to spread The Gift of Chess.

Many of these men knew my past. Especially Earl Harris who once was my “Road Dog." He confided in me that he has spent nearly 30 years in prison. And that he could have been home already if not for the horrible choices he made during his time incarcerated. He was charged with more criminal cases for trafficking drugs on different occasions to support his drug addiction.

He said chess helped him to start making better choices. Being a great chess player and making dumb decisions was idiotic. He knew that he could think, and so he does a lot of his thinking and makes choices in life now as if he was playing a game of chess. He also said he is sober and has not been on drugs for over 2 years now!

“Dreamer," who is also known as Vince Vigil, spoke about how he has removed himself from gang life. And that he has now become the younger gang members' mentor. He instructs them how to think, play chess and make moves in life that speak to their character. He said he tells these “youngsters” if you have no character, you have nothing. Every choice has a consequence. I am proud of Dreamer who once had strong influence and affiliations with a Latino gang.

I was super impressed by how kind and cordial Timur was! He and I played all 36 men in the simul together. He allowed me to play half of the men and the other half he played. He quickly beat the first half of the men and while I had been fortunate to win several games, Timur came alongside me and cleaned the rest of them up in astonishing fashion before the time ran out on us to pack up and leave. The coolest experience!

I was lucky enough to have Timur give me some advice and teaching with the Slav defense. One of Black's safest and strongest defenses against the Queen's Gambit. The way we both clicked and really enjoyed one another’s company was awesome! I am happy to announce that The Gift of Chess and Timur look to do more events nationwide as we hope to expand into other prisons nationally.

Before we closed with the awarding of the certificates with Timur, I spoke to these men and let them know how proud I was of them for being great hosts, including Shane and Mrs. Hopkins, activity directors at Larned Correctional Facility.

I let them know how powerful chess is for rehabilitation and change. That we are promoting the idea of using your thinking skills to get out of tough situations and to find opportunities to grow through being thoughtful and creative, two skills that chess provides.

Speaking to these men nearly had me in tears because of all the love they gave me for changing my life and then coming back to give back. I let them know that we at The Gift of Chess have a death grip on this mission to get chess programming in prisons nationwide. Starting here in KDOC first, I let them know that once I get on, I promise to come back and put everybody on as well!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685645655627.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted Tony Ballard/Gift of ChessEditor's note: Tony Ballard is an inmate at Wichita Work Release and the founder of the Gift of Chess program in the Kansas correctional system. <a href="http://:https://hayspost.com/posts/7cd92ed8-6c9a-4dd4-a19f-9d6eb4e49bef\">Read more about Ballard and this program&nbsp;in this related Hays Post story.</a>Going to Larned Correctional Facility was a great experience for me and for those at the facility. We had the opportunity to bring a gifted Grandmaster chess player, Timur Gareyev, an Uzbeki-American chess grandmaster. He was born in Tashkent to Tatar parents. Gareyev was a part of the University of Texas at Brownsville's chess team from August 2005 to August 2006 and from August 2009 to December 2011 where he helped the university obtain its first national championship. He holds the Guinness world record of playing 48 games blindfolded, winning 80 percent of those games. With 35 wins, seven draws and six losses. All of his opponents were of decent strength (ranging up to 2200).We at The Gift of Chess were happy to share this phenomenal person/talent with these men over Memorial Day weekend. We wanted them to know that you may be gone from family and friends but not forgotten, that they may be out of sight locked away in prison but never out of mind.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685651799370.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The event was a huge success as he played the first simul at the south unit with nearly 16 players. The men enjoyed the time and were encouraged by Grandmaster Timur to continue playing. Even taking time to inspire and uplift the men with personal encouragement on improving their chess game. The south unit had four winners with the first place going to Phillip Caldwell.Grandmaster Timur said this guy had a “real good hold on the game.” Many of the men had met at one time or another during my incarceration. They were very pleasant and respectful. We were even happier to have the previous candidate for the House of Representatives, Marck Cobb, who also led the Anatoly Karpov School of Chess for several years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685651856907.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The buzz surrounding the event was super electric! Grandmaster Timur put on a show at the south unit and the central unit with a few games of blindfolded chess. It was so amazing that the guards afterward wanted to get pictures and autographs from him. The men at the facility were blown away, as I was, with the talent of Timur with him being able to play games blindfolded. At one point he even told a guy, “Hey, you can’t go there. You’ll be in check!” Everyone burst out laughing!The first-place winner at the central unit was Earl Harris, a spirited chess player! I knew this guy from doing time over 20 years in KDOC. He was happy to see me. All of the guys were super happy to congratulate me for putting this event together for them and for coming back into the prison to spread The Gift of Chess.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685651901371.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Many of these men knew my past. Especially Earl Harris who once was my “Road Dog." He confided in me that he has spent nearly 30 years in prison. And that he could have been home already if not for the horrible choices he made during his time incarcerated. He was charged with more criminal cases for trafficking drugs on different occasions to support his drug addiction.He said chess helped him to start making better choices. Being a great chess player and making dumb decisions was idiotic. He knew that he could think, and so he does a lot of his thinking and makes choices in life now as if he was playing a game of chess. He also said he is sober and has not been on drugs for over 2 years now!“Dreamer," who is also known as Vince Vigil, spoke about how he has removed himself from gang life. And that he has now become the younger gang members' mentor. He instructs them how to think, play chess and make moves in life that speak to their character. He said he tells these “youngsters” if you have no character, you have nothing. Every choice has a consequence. I am proud of Dreamer who once had strong influence and affiliations with a Latino gang.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685651958272.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>I was super impressed by how kind and cordial Timur was! He and I played all 36 men in the simul together. He allowed me to play half of the men and the other half he played. He quickly beat the first half of the men and while I had been fortunate to win several games, Timur came alongside me and cleaned the rest of them up in astonishing fashion before the time ran out on us to pack up and leave. The coolest experience!I was lucky enough to have Timur give me some advice and teaching with the Slav defense. One of Black's safest and strongest defenses against the Queen's Gambit. The way we both clicked and really enjoyed one another’s company was awesome! I am happy to announce that The Gift of Chess and Timur look to do more events nationwide as we hope to expand into other prisons nationally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685652008559.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Before we closed with the awarding of the certificates with Timur, I spoke to these men and let them know how proud I was of them for being great hosts, including Shane and Mrs. Hopkins, activity directors at Larned Correctional Facility.I let them know how powerful chess is for rehabilitation and change. That we are promoting the idea of using your thinking skills to get out of tough situations and to find opportunities to grow through being thoughtful and creative, two skills that chess provides.Speaking to these men nearly had me in tears because of all the love they gave me for changing my life and then coming back to give back. I let them know that we at The Gift of Chess have a death grip on this mission to get chess programming in prisons nationwide. Starting here in KDOC first, I let them know that once I get on, I promise to come back and put everybody on as well!

Gift of Chess brings grandmaster to Larned Correctional Facility

The Hays, McCracken, and surrounding communities are celebrating the 50th&nbsp;anniversary  (1973) of the filming of “Paper Moon” this year.

The movie, based on the book&nbsp;Addie Pray,&nbsp;takes place during the Great Depression when a con man finds an unlikely partner in a young girl who may or may not be his daughter. The film stars real life father-daughter duo Ryan O’Neal and Tatum O’Neal, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the youngest to ever win in this category.

If you mention “Paper Moon” in the area, you are likely to hear stories and personal connections to the film. Area residents such as the Budke family were extras in the film, and land and equipment owned by locals were prominently featured in the film to provide an authentic Kansas backdrop to the script.

Many of the scenes were filmed in Hays, McCracken, Gorham, Dorrance, Wilson, La Crosse, and Liebenthal. The premiere was held in Hays where much of the cast and crew stayed during filming.

For more about two Hays brothers who played extras in the movie and its recent 50th anniversary celebration in Wilson, click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bee6b6-2d7a-42ac-b543-dad1b4c610e3">here</a>.

Free screenings of the film will be hosted at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center inside Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus on June 17 at 7 p.m. and on June 18 for a matinee at 2pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685739861742.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays CVBThe Hays, McCracken, and surrounding communities are celebrating the 50th&nbsp;anniversary (1973) of the filming of “Paper Moon” this year.The movie, based on the book&nbsp;Addie Pray,&nbsp;takes place during the Great Depression when a con man finds an unlikely partner in a young girl who may or may not be his daughter. The film stars real life father-daughter duo Ryan O’Neal and Tatum O’Neal, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the youngest to ever win in this category.If you mention “Paper Moon” in the area, you are likely to hear stories and personal connections to the film. Area residents such as the Budke family were extras in the film, and land and equipment owned by locals were prominently featured in the film to provide an authentic Kansas backdrop to the script.Many of the scenes were filmed in Hays, McCracken, Gorham, Dorrance, Wilson, La Crosse, and Liebenthal. The premiere was held in Hays where much of the cast and crew stayed during filming.For more about two Hays brothers who played extras in the movie and its recent 50th anniversary celebration in Wilson, click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bee6b6-2d7a-42ac-b543-dad1b4c610e3">here</a>.Free screenings of the film will be hosted at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center inside Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus on June 17 at 7 p.m. and on June 18 for a matinee at 2pm.The Hays Arts Council has a collection of artifacts including newspaper clippings, ticket stubs, stories of those involved with the film, and much more. These items will be on display at the Hays Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main Street as part of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk on June 16 starting at 6:30 p.m.“Paper Moon left an indelible mark on the community. It was a time when things like that just didn’t happen in a community like Hays, Kansas” said Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council. “It gave people a sense of pride, value, and community connection. It put us on the map!”&nbsp;&nbsp;Meder remembers when the follow-up television series was filmed, she was in a high school drama class and took a field trip to Gorham and Wilson to watch some of the integral scenes being filmed.“Our neighbors and teachers were extras. The actors became part of the community for a short while. It was a unifying experience,” Meder continued.Two special exhibits during the weekend will take you back to that time and reinvigorate a sense of community pride.The McCracken Historical Society was recently featured in KANSAS! Magazine for their collection of memorabilia related to production and the actors. McCracken preserves items such as the telephone booth that was featured in a hotel scene, the original license plate from the Model A Roadster, scrapbooks, and other items of interest. Newly added is a replica of the moon backdrop featured in the film where people can take a photo.&nbsp;&nbsp;Movie memorabilia will be on display at the McCracken Historical Society on June 16 and 17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A BBQ luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. and a musical performance by The Little Big Band starting at 1 p.m. will be held at the McCracken Community Building on June 17 to celebrate the anniversary.“Our team is excited to share our collection and a map that features the film sites in our area,” said Susan Keith, with the McCracken Historical Society. “We hope you’ll join us for the celebration and visit the locations that are special to our community.”To commemorate the occasion, Defiance Brewing Company, Hays, will launch a special beer for the 50th&nbsp;celebration weekend. A light, citrusy and tropical New England style Indian Pale Ale (IPA) called&nbsp;Trixie Delight,&nbsp;named after one of the film’s main characters,&nbsp;will be available to sample at the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk and will be available for purchase at Defiance Downtown at 111 W. 7th&nbsp;St. and at Defiance Tap Room at 2050 Old Highway 40.For more information on the Hays CVB or community events, go to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/">VisitHays.com </a>or call 785-628-8202.

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