The Ellis County Commission will consider allowing the
discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county at the commission's
first meeting of June.

According to County Administrator and Fire Chief Darin Myers, there were 11 fireworks-related issues in 2022. That was 11 more than the previous five
years combined.

The commission will consider the resolution to allow
fireworks from July 2-4 from 10 a.m. through 11 p.m. If approved, the times
would be the same as the city of Hays.

In other business, the commission will review the first draft
of the 2024 budget and hear updates on the R9 Ranch project, the health
department and a High Plains Mental Health annual report.

Tuesday’s meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. at the Administrative Center at 718 Main St. in Hays.

Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider allowing the
discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county at the commission's
first meeting of June.According to County Administrator and Fire Chief Darin Myers, there were 11 fireworks-related issues in 2022. That was 11 more than the previous five
years combined.The commission will consider the resolution to allow
fireworks from July 2-4 from 10 a.m. through 11 p.m. If approved, the times
would be the same as the city of Hays.In other business, the commission will review the first draft
of the 2024 budget and hear updates on the R9 Ranch project, the health
department and a High Plains Mental Health annual report.Tuesday’s meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. at the Administrative Center at 718 Main St. in Hays.

Ellis Co. commission set to consider fireworks ordinance

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses The Grove, a housing project in Hays designed for senior living.

<div><iframe title="The Grove to provide ’right-sized’ homes for seniors in Hays" 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=435bc-14276c9-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://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses The Grove, a housing project in Hays designed for senior living.

🎙 Post Podcast: The Grove to provide 'right-sized' homes for seniors in Hays

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The clouds looked promising for some weekend rains in Hays.

Ultimately, the only measurable amount fell Friday - 0.33 inches - according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

So far this year, Hays has received 6.64 inches of moisture. The 154-year cumulative average by the end of June is 11.27 inches.&nbsp;

All of Ellis County is in D4 exceptional drought - the driest conditions - according to the Kansas drought map released June 1 by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685973919461.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe clouds looked promising for some weekend rains in Hays.Ultimately, the only measurable amount fell Friday - 0.33 inches - according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.So far this year, Hays has received 6.64 inches of moisture. The 154-year cumulative average by the end of June is 11.27 inches.&nbsp;All of Ellis County is in D4 exceptional drought - the driest conditions - according to the Kansas drought map released June 1 by the U.S. Drought Monitor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685974306806.png" alt="All of Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from upper left corner) is in D-4 Exceptional Drought. U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>All of Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from upper left corner) is in D-4 Exceptional Drought. U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>

Another third of an inch of rain falls in Hays; Ellis County in exceptional drought 

RUSSELL COUNTY —The condition of Russell Fire Chief Dylan Riedel, injured while fighting a fire on Friday, has been upgraded to good, according to 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, according to a media release. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.

Russell County EMS transported Fire Chief Dylan Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital.

EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage. The Kansas State Fire Marshall was contacted to assist in the investigation. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685970348451.png" alt="Riedel photo courtesy city of Russell" />
 <figcaption>Riedel photo courtesy city of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY —The condition of Russell Fire Chief Dylan Riedel, injured while fighting a fire on Friday, has been upgraded to good, according to 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, according to a media release. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.Russell County EMS transported Fire Chief Dylan Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital.EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage. The Kansas State Fire Marshall was contacted to assist in the investigation. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.

Russell fire chief injured in explosion upgraded to good condition

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

First Call for Help has a new director, a Hays native who hopes to give back to her community.

Macey Pfeifer, 27, took over as the director of First Call for Help in May, replacing long-time director Linda Mills, who recently retired.

Pfeifer is a Fort Hays State University graduate in organizational leadership. She worked for Styles Dance Centre for about 10 years, most recently as assistant director.

While at Styles, she worked with children ages 2 to 16.

There she helped organize a dance partnership with DSNWK that culminated in a combined performance that included both Styles and disabled dancers.

"Throughout high school and when I was working at Styles, I was involved in a lot of community events, and I just felt like it was super rewarding and it felt good to help other people," Pfeifer said.

During that time, she volunteered for Jana's Campaign, Relay for Life, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, Meals on Wheels and First Call for Help's Amazing Race.

The Amazing Race was put on hold during the pandemic, but Pfeifer said she would like to bring back the annual fundraiser.&nbsp;

She also will be looking for new grant opportunities to support First Call for Help.

First Call for Help has been providing services for people in need of housing and basic needs for 30 years.&nbsp;

The agency's main missions include First Step Housing, a transitional housing program for women and families; rent and utility assistance; transient assistance; Diaper Stash; Backpack for Kids; and Meals on Wheels.

<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">You can find out more on how to access these programs on the First Call for Help's website, call 785-623-2800 or visit the First Call office at&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays.</a>

First Call also offers a food/hygiene pantry. The small pantry is available to needy residents between disruptions of the other community food pantries.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/firstcallelliscounty">Also, watch the First Call Facebook page.</a> The agency sometimes receives surplus food from area businesses, especially in the summer, that requires no proof of income.&nbsp;

First Call is having a food drive starting Monday and running through June 16 to restock its food pantry. Pfeifer said the shelves are bare.

Boxes will be located at area businesses. The business that is able to collect the most food will receive a trophy.

Any non-perishable food items will be accepted. However, the following items are in most demand:

Food donations needed • Canned or packaged meat • Spaghetti-Os or Chef Boyardee • Canned vegetables • Dry milk • Pasta or pasta sauce • Mac and cheese • Canned soup • Granola or fruit breakfast bars • Crackers, Saltines or rounds • Ramen • Breakfast cereal • Applesauce or pudding snack packs

The First Step Housing program is accepting applications. Women or families who are experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness or are in threat of eviction can apply for the program.

Pfeifer said it is best to call about the program.

Applications are being taken now for Backpacks for Kids, which distributes school supplies to needy families in the late summer. <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/backpacks">Find the application form here.</a>&nbsp;Applications are due July 24.

First Call for Help also is accepting school supply donations for this program.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFirst Call for Help has a new director, a Hays native who hopes to give back to her community.Macey Pfeifer, 27, took over as the director of First Call for Help in May, replacing long-time director Linda Mills, who recently retired.Pfeifer is a Fort Hays State University graduate in organizational leadership. She worked for Styles Dance Centre for about 10 years, most recently as assistant director.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685634801399.jpeg" alt="Macey Pfeifer" />
 <figcaption>Macey Pfeifer</figcaption>
 </figure>While at Styles, she worked with children ages 2 to 16.There she helped organize a dance partnership with DSNWK that culminated in a combined performance that included both Styles and disabled dancers."Throughout high school and when I was working at Styles, I was involved in a lot of community events, and I just felt like it was super rewarding and it felt good to help other people," Pfeifer said.During that time, she volunteered for Jana's Campaign, Relay for Life, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, Meals on Wheels and First Call for Help's Amazing Race.The Amazing Race was put on hold during the pandemic, but Pfeifer said she would like to bring back the annual fundraiser.&nbsp;She also will be looking for new grant opportunities to support First Call for Help.First Call for Help has been providing services for people in need of housing and basic needs for 30 years.&nbsp;The agency's main missions include First Step Housing, a transitional housing program for women and families; rent and utility assistance; transient assistance; Diaper Stash; Backpack for Kids; and Meals on Wheels.<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">You can find out more on how to access these programs on the First Call for Help's website, call 785-623-2800 or visit the First Call office at&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays.</a>First Call also offers a food/hygiene pantry. The small pantry is available to needy residents between disruptions of the other community food pantries.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/firstcallelliscounty">Also, watch the First Call Facebook page.</a> The agency sometimes receives surplus food from area businesses, especially in the summer, that requires no proof of income.&nbsp;First Call is having a food drive starting Monday and running through June 16 to restock its food pantry. Pfeifer said the shelves are bare.Boxes will be located at area businesses. The business that is able to collect the most food will receive a trophy.Any non-perishable food items will be accepted. However, the following items are in most demand:Food donations needed • Canned or packaged meat • Spaghetti-Os or Chef Boyardee • Canned vegetables • Dry milk • Pasta or pasta sauce • Mac and cheese • Canned soup • Granola or fruit breakfast bars • Crackers, Saltines or rounds • Ramen • Breakfast cereal • Applesauce or pudding snack packsThe First Step Housing program is accepting applications. Women or families who are experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness or are in threat of eviction can apply for the program.Pfeifer said it is best to call about the program.Applications are being taken now for Backpacks for Kids, which distributes school supplies to needy families in the late summer. <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/backpacks">Find the application form here.</a>&nbsp;Applications are due July 24.First Call for Help also is accepting school supply donations for this program.

First Call for Help hires Hays native as new director

Construction of the new high school in Hays on East 13th Street, just east of the current facility which will be remodeled into the middle school, will also involve traffic improvements on the site and the public roadways leading to the schools.

Hays USD 489 and the city of Hays&nbsp;are working together on plans for 13th St. and the increase in traffic that will occur.&nbsp;

Jesse Rohr, city public works director, showed maps at Thursday's city commission work session of the proposed changes. They include two right-turn lanes off 13th St. onto the school campus,  lane configuration changes at 13th and Canterbury,&nbsp;signal light detection upgrades, and crosswalk refuge islands.

The city's focus is on the public roadways, and "our team has been involved every step of the way," Rohr told commissioners.&nbsp;

The improvement plans are based on current and future traffic&nbsp;counts, turning movements, and best engineering practices to ensure minimal traffic&nbsp;issues, especially during peak times of traffic.

Proposed on-site improvements include a long, one-way drive for traffic entering onto the campus,&nbsp;which when coupled with staggered start and stop times for the two schools, will help&nbsp;reduce traffic congestion and stacking of vehicles on the public streets.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/551e0d53-4593-480a-b98d-bd2aee97d738">The city has received a KDOT grant to widen 13th Street from Anthony to Commerce, the far east end of the anticipated traffic flow increase.</a>

Construction along 13th St. will occur during the 2024 construction season in conjunction with the 13th St. road-widening project from Anthony Dr. to Commerce.&nbsp;

The new high&nbsp;school opening is planned for August 2025.&nbsp;The existing high school&nbsp;will then be converted to the middle school.

Commissioners also heard from Eric Flax, chief executive officer of First Care Clinic, 105 E. 13th.

Flax is requesting two dedicated, limited-time parking places in front of the clinic's new pharmacy which is nearing completion. The entrance is on Main Street, just north of the 13th Street intersection.&nbsp;

In 2003, the commission approved a similar request from the Hadley Center which has a select number of "Visitors Only-60 minutes" angle parking spaces on 7th Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Commissioners talked at length about the project expressing concern about the perception of a lack of adequate parking in downtown Hays and the need for time enforcement by the police department.

The pharmacy is part of an expansion project by the clinic which is seeing more patients and expects to hire more staff, according to Flax.

"We have quite a volume of people in and out of our clinic and we're trying to fill a need for our patients," Flax said.

The clinic owns two parking lots to the west and north of its facility.&nbsp;

The commission asked city attorney Don Hoffman to draft a basic enforcement ordinance for the two spots which would allow 15-minute parking for pharmacy patients during business hours.

The request will be discussed further at a future work session.

A ten-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting for discussion of real property acquisition. It included Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director. A similar 20-minute special session was held at the May 22 city commission meeting.

Commissioner Alaina Cunningham was absent.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685930588509.jpeg" alt="Dedicated right turn lanes will be added to two legs of&nbsp; 13th and Canterbury intersection in Hays to accommodate increased school traffic. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Dedicated right turn lanes will be added to two legs of&nbsp; 13th and Canterbury intersection in Hays to accommodate increased school traffic. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostConstruction of the new high school in Hays on East 13th Street, just east of the current facility which will be remodeled into the middle school, will also involve traffic improvements on the site and the public roadways leading to the schools.Hays USD 489 and the city of Hays&nbsp;are working together on plans for 13th St. and the increase in traffic that will occur.&nbsp;Jesse Rohr, city public works director, showed maps at Thursday's city commission work session of the proposed changes. They include two right-turn lanes off 13th St. onto the school campus, lane configuration changes at 13th and Canterbury,&nbsp;signal light detection upgrades, and crosswalk refuge islands.The city's focus is on the public roadways, and "our team has been involved every step of the way," Rohr told commissioners.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685925571315.png" alt="Upgrades planned for 13th and Canterbury and the entrance/exit of the new school complex in east Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Upgrades planned for 13th and Canterbury and the entrance/exit of the new school complex in east Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685925818013.png" alt="Campus map of&nbsp; the new Hays High School and Middle School complex. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Campus map of&nbsp; the new Hays High School and Middle School complex. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure><div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/fnkFsaNe-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="School Complex Ingress" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The improvement plans are based on current and future traffic&nbsp;counts, turning movements, and best engineering practices to ensure minimal traffic&nbsp;issues, especially during peak times of traffic.Proposed on-site improvements include a long, one-way drive for traffic entering onto the campus,&nbsp;which when coupled with staggered start and stop times for the two schools, will help&nbsp;reduce traffic congestion and stacking of vehicles on the public streets.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/551e0d53-4593-480a-b98d-bd2aee97d738">The city has received a KDOT grant to widen 13th Street from Anthony to Commerce, the far east end of the anticipated traffic flow increase.</a>Construction along 13th St. will occur during the 2024 construction season in conjunction with the 13th St. road-widening project from Anthony Dr. to Commerce.&nbsp;The new high&nbsp;school opening is planned for August 2025.&nbsp;The existing high school&nbsp;will then be converted to the middle school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685929633289.png" alt="First Care Clinic is asking for two dedicated parking stalls in front of its soon to be completed pharmacy on Main Street. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>First Care Clinic is asking for two dedicated parking stalls in front of its soon to be completed pharmacy on Main Street. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also heard from Eric Flax, chief executive officer of First Care Clinic, 105 E. 13th.Flax is requesting two dedicated, limited-time parking places in front of the clinic's new pharmacy which is nearing completion. The entrance is on Main Street, just north of the 13th Street intersection.&nbsp;In 2003, the commission approved a similar request from the Hadley Center which has a select number of "Visitors Only-60 minutes" angle parking spaces on 7th Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;Commissioners talked at length about the project expressing concern about the perception of a lack of adequate parking in downtown Hays and the need for time enforcement by the police department.The pharmacy is part of an expansion project by the clinic which is seeing more patients and expects to hire more staff, according to Flax."We have quite a volume of people in and out of our clinic and we're trying to fill a need for our patients," Flax said.The clinic owns two parking lots to the west and north of its facility.&nbsp;The commission asked city attorney Don Hoffman to draft a basic enforcement ordinance for the two spots which would allow 15-minute parking for pharmacy patients during business hours.The request will be discussed further at a future work session.A ten-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting for discussion of real property acquisition. It included Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director. A similar 20-minute special session was held at the May 22 city commission meeting.Commissioner Alaina Cunningham was absent.&nbsp;

City commission hears new 13th & Canterbury traffic flow plan, request for downtown Hays dedicated parking

Thursday, Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council
members Reese Barrick and Mason Ruder had a first-hand look at the MILO
simulator being used for training for members of the Hays Police Department over
the past two weeks.

The system gives participants a more holistic
approach to training, incorporating various situations that officers may face in the line of duty in an interactive virtual environment.

“I love
this training you're doing,” Musil said. “This is almost a real-life scenario.”


“This is
about as close as we can get,” Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler told
the participants. “That's the best thing about it.”

During
the session, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood and Sgt. Phillip Gage
demonstrated training scenarios, allowing the attendees to see the system in
action.

Officers
used the system while on shift at various times throughout the two-week training window with the simulator.

“They
are able to come in, secure their tools and their live weapons and do a safety
check with the instructor,” Greenwood said. “And then we set them up with the MILO
tools, which includes handguns patrol rifle, the taser, and the OC spray and baton.”

They
then go through one of the hundreds of scenarios available.

Trainers
note positive and negative actions as the officers run through the situations
and give immediate feedback.

“We want
them to make a mistake here,” Greenwood said. “We'd rather have them screw up
in our training environment and not be stressed about ‘Oh, I got something on
my jacket because I made a mistake in a scenario.”

And immediate
playback shows detailed information about response time and firing accuracy.

“They'll
go through a scenario, and then immediately following the scenario, we'll
rewatch the scenario,” Greenwood said. 

During
the debrief, they can then offer guidance.

“We're
able to see how they reacted because – believe it or not, they'll have a
reaction – and we will say, ‘You know what, you jumped three steps to your
left, or you didn't even have a gun in your hand and you should.”

But he
also noted virtual simulations are only a part of the training program.

“This
isn't an end-all training,” Greenwood said. “They've had these for a lot of
years, but it's a complement to training. You still need to do reality-based
training.”

It can,
however, simulate quickly changing situations, which is vital to making decisions
in the field.

“As a
perfect example, we recently (responded to) a home invasion with a knife and
was stabbing people,” Schiebler said. “We went from going to calls for loud
noise disturbances and alcohol violations to now we're going into a call where
a guy is trying to kill people. And we're entering this house with one suspect,
but we also have victims and other people in the situation. And we have had to
make those kinds of decisions, and that's where that confidence comes from,
that ability to do that.”

After
Gage demonstrated two scenarios, the visitors took turns at various situations,
from school shootings to traffic stops, allowing them to experience the simulator first-hand and provide a bit of entertainment as they attempted to mount the response of a trained law enforcement officer.

While several
first attempts ended with less than favorable outcomes, on a second round,
there was marked improvement, showing the training system's value directly to the city leaders.

“We've
seen improvement throughout the process,” Scheibler said. “It was a struggle
initially, but by the end of it, we'll do what we needed to do. And again,
we're okay making mistakes (during training) and gaining some confidence.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732955475.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage demonstrates a school shooting scenario on the MILO simulator, used for training by members of the department over the last two weeks. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage demonstrates a school shooting scenario on the MILO simulator, used for training by members of the department over the last two weeks. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThursday, Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council
members Reese Barrick and Mason Ruder had a first-hand look at the MILO
simulator being used for training for members of the Hays Police Department over
the past two weeks.The system gives participants a more holistic
approach to training, incorporating various situations that officers may face in the line of duty in an interactive virtual environment.“I love
this training you're doing,” Musil said. “This is almost a real-life scenario.”
“This is
about as close as we can get,” Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler told
the participants. “That's the best thing about it.”During
the session, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood and Sgt. Phillip Gage
demonstrated training scenarios, allowing the attendees to see the system in
action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685733002941.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage (left) and Lt. Tim Greenwood discuss the MILO simulator with&nbsp; Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council members Mason Ruder and Reese Barrick. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage (left) and Lt. Tim Greenwood discuss the MILO simulator with&nbsp; Hays Mayor Shaun Musil and City Council members Mason Ruder and Reese Barrick. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers
used the system while on shift at various times throughout the two-week training window with the simulator.“They
are able to come in, secure their tools and their live weapons and do a safety
check with the instructor,” Greenwood said. “And then we set them up with the MILO
tools, which includes handguns patrol rifle, the taser, and the OC spray and baton.”They
then go through one of the hundreds of scenarios available.Trainers
note positive and negative actions as the officers run through the situations
and give immediate feedback.“We want
them to make a mistake here,” Greenwood said. “We'd rather have them screw up
in our training environment and not be stressed about ‘Oh, I got something on
my jacket because I made a mistake in a scenario.”And immediate
playback shows detailed information about response time and firing accuracy.“They'll
go through a scenario, and then immediately following the scenario, we'll
rewatch the scenario,” Greenwood said. During
the debrief, they can then offer guidance.“We're
able to see how they reacted because – believe it or not, they'll have a
reaction – and we will say, ‘You know what, you jumped three steps to your
left, or you didn't even have a gun in your hand and you should.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732801469.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage aims at a virtual shooter during a training scenario that involved an active shooter at a city council meeting.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Sgt. Phillip Gage aims at a virtual shooter during a training scenario that involved an active shooter at a city council meeting.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>But he
also noted virtual simulations are only a part of the training program.“This
isn't an end-all training,” Greenwood said. “They've had these for a lot of
years, but it's a complement to training. You still need to do reality-based
training.”It can,
however, simulate quickly changing situations, which is vital to making decisions
in the field.“As a
perfect example, we recently (responded to) a home invasion with a knife and
was stabbing people,” Schiebler said. “We went from going to calls for loud
noise disturbances and alcohol violations to now we're going into a call where
a guy is trying to kill people. And we're entering this house with one suspect,
but we also have victims and other people in the situation. And we have had to
make those kinds of decisions, and that's where that confidence comes from,
that ability to do that.”After
Gage demonstrated two scenarios, the visitors took turns at various situations,
from school shootings to traffic stops, allowing them to experience the simulator first-hand and provide a bit of entertainment as they attempted to mount the response of a trained law enforcement officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732838412.jpeg" alt="Mayor Shaun Musil watches playback recorded during a training scenario. During the simulation, he had been shot unexpectedly. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Shaun Musil watches playback recorded during a training scenario. During the simulation, he had been shot unexpectedly. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732912844.jpeg" alt="On his first attempt City Council member Mason Ruder shot a fellow responding officer.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>On his first attempt City Council member Mason Ruder shot a fellow responding officer.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732939925.jpeg" alt="Ruder was shot by an armed school invader shortly after shooting another officer.&nbsp; Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ruder was shot by an armed school invader shortly after shooting another officer.&nbsp; Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732879837.jpeg" alt="City Council member Reese Barrick did not respond quickly enough and was attacked during the simulation by a woman pulled over for a traffic violation.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>City Council member Reese Barrick did not respond quickly enough and was attacked during the simulation by a woman pulled over for a traffic violation.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732859855.jpeg" alt="On a second attempt, Barrick shot the suspect before she attacked.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>On a second attempt, Barrick shot the suspect before she attacked.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>While several
first attempts ended with less than favorable outcomes, on a second round,
there was marked improvement, showing the training system's value directly to the city leaders.“We've
seen improvement throughout the process,” Scheibler said. “It was a struggle
initially, but by the end of it, we'll do what we needed to do. And again,
we're okay making mistakes (during training) and gaining some confidence.”

Hays city leaders get first-hand look at police department MILO training

HaysMed is excited to announce the introduction of the state-of-the-art MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion biopsy to its comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic services at the Hays hospital. This cutting-edge procedure offers enhanced accuracy in detecting prostate cancer, benefiting patients by providing more precise and targeted diagnosis.

MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy combines highly detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images with an ultrasound. An MRI uses magnets to collect detailed pictures of the prostate without radiation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to take pictures of the prostate.&nbsp; The previously captured MRI images are superimposed onto the ultrasound image in real-time. This fusion technology helps the urologist precisely guide the biopsy needle to the suspicious area.

With a prostate MRI fused ultrasound biopsy, doctors can tell the difference between aggressive prostate cancers and slow-growing ones.&nbsp; It can find aggressive tumors as the test enhances a doctor’s ability to spot prostate tumors that need treatment.&nbsp; With this targeted biopsy method, you can avoid treatment for slow-growing prostate tumors or repeat prostate biopsies thus eliminating the need for unnecessary procedures.

The MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion biopsy is recommended for men who have previously undergone a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or have had abnormal results from a digital examination. It is especially beneficial for patients with elevated PSA levels or suspicious findings on a prior prostate biopsy. By combining the power of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, this innovative technique allows for more accurate targeting of suspicious areas within the prostate gland.

“This groundbreaking diagnostic tool ensures a more accurate diagnosis by precisely targeting suspicious areas within the prostate,” said Lisa Dinkel, director of imaging.&nbsp; “By incorporating the power of MRI and ultrasound, HaysMed is committed to providing the highest standard of care to our patients.”

If you have questions about the MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion biopsy or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our urology department at 785-628-6014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680533895711.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed is excited to announce the introduction of the state-of-the-art MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion biopsy to its comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic services at the Hays hospital. This cutting-edge procedure offers enhanced accuracy in detecting prostate cancer, benefiting patients by providing more precise and targeted diagnosis.MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy combines highly detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images with an ultrasound. An MRI uses magnets to collect detailed pictures of the prostate without radiation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to take pictures of the prostate.&nbsp; The previously captured MRI images are superimposed onto the ultrasound image in real-time. This fusion technology helps the urologist precisely guide the biopsy needle to the suspicious area.With a prostate MRI fused ultrasound biopsy, doctors can tell the difference between aggressive prostate cancers and slow-growing ones.&nbsp; It can find aggressive tumors as the test enhances a doctor’s ability to spot prostate tumors that need treatment.&nbsp; With this targeted biopsy method, you can avoid treatment for slow-growing prostate tumors or repeat prostate biopsies thus eliminating the need for unnecessary procedures.The MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion biopsy is recommended for men who have previously undergone a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or have had abnormal results from a digital examination. It is especially beneficial for patients with elevated PSA levels or suspicious findings on a prior prostate biopsy. By combining the power of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, this innovative technique allows for more accurate targeting of suspicious areas within the prostate gland.“This groundbreaking diagnostic tool ensures a more accurate diagnosis by precisely targeting suspicious areas within the prostate,” said Lisa Dinkel, director of imaging.&nbsp; “By incorporating the power of MRI and ultrasound, HaysMed is committed to providing the highest standard of care to our patients.”If you have questions about the MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion biopsy or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our urology department at 785-628-6014.

New prostate cancer detection MRI ultrasound biopsy available at HaysMed

The Heartland Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the selection of the 2023-24 Youth Action Council members. The YAC program, designed for high school students in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, aims to foster leadership skills, encourage philanthropy, and cultivate a deeper sense of community pride among young individuals.&nbsp;

The Heartland Community Foundation firmly believes in the potential of young people to create positive change in their communities. The YAC program offers an opportunity for these aspiring leaders to develop their knowledge of grants, engage in community projects, and build essential life skills. By participating in YAC, these students become catalysts for growth and innovation in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.&nbsp;

The Heartland Community Foundation congratulates the following students:&nbsp;

ELLIS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lexi Burton, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Henry Fitzthum, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Jake Brady, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; Aiden Burton, Hays High/KAMS, junior&nbsp; Ben Dome, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Breanna Seiler, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Amelia Herrman, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Madelyn Rozean, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Addison Kohl, Ellis High, junior&nbsp; Brody Nowak, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Aurora Nowlin, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Jenna Brull, TMP-Marian, sophomore&nbsp; Payten Burd, Ellis High, sophomore&nbsp; Savannah Clingan, Hays High, sophomore&nbsp;

ROOKS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lucina Parson, Palco High, senior Raegan Shepherd, Stockton High, senior &nbsp; Kenzie Wells, Palco High, senior&nbsp; Taylor Ayers, Plainville High, junior Marlie Dobson, Plainville High, junior Aubrey Kesler, Stockton High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Ava Dix, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Bodye Stithem, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Trinity Couse, Palco High, sophomore&nbsp; Kate Hansen, Plainville High, sophomore&nbsp; Cheyenne Hoeting, Stockton, sophomore&nbsp;&nbsp;

TREGO COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Annabelle Malsam, Trego High, senior Mia Coleman, Trego High, junior &nbsp; Hunter Yingling, Trego High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Myah Mattheyer, Trego High, senior&nbsp; Adrian Wynn, Trego High, senior Kallan Rothchild, Trego High, sophomore &nbsp;

"We are incredibly proud to welcome these talented and passionate students to the Youth Action Council," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "Their dedication to community service and their enthusiasm for making a difference will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the YAC program and the betterment of our communities."&nbsp;

The Youth Action Council meetings will be held once a month during the school day, with locations rotating among the high schools in each county. The members will also have the opportunity to participate in a retreat in Hays and develop and volunteer for a service project. The Heartland Community Foundation expects these young leaders to actively engage in discussions and activities and serve as advocates for the Youth Action Council, the Heartland Community Foundation, and the youth in the community. 

Next fall, the Youth Action Council will also host a Scholarship 101 meeting in each county for high school juniors and seniors. More information will be shared about that event at a later time.&nbsp;

For more information about the Youth Action Council and the Heartland Community Foundation, please visit <a href="https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685630052149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe Heartland Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the selection of the 2023-24 Youth Action Council members. The YAC program, designed for high school students in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, aims to foster leadership skills, encourage philanthropy, and cultivate a deeper sense of community pride among young individuals.&nbsp;The Heartland Community Foundation firmly believes in the potential of young people to create positive change in their communities. The YAC program offers an opportunity for these aspiring leaders to develop their knowledge of grants, engage in community projects, and build essential life skills. By participating in YAC, these students become catalysts for growth and innovation in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.&nbsp;The Heartland Community Foundation congratulates the following students:&nbsp;ELLIS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lexi Burton, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Henry Fitzthum, Hays High, senior&nbsp; Jake Brady, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; Aiden Burton, Hays High/KAMS, junior&nbsp; Ben Dome, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Breanna Seiler, TMP-Marian, junior&nbsp; NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Amelia Herrman, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Madelyn Rozean, TMP-Marian, senior&nbsp; Addison Kohl, Ellis High, junior&nbsp; Brody Nowak, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Aurora Nowlin, Victoria High, junior&nbsp; Jenna Brull, TMP-Marian, sophomore&nbsp; Payten Burd, Ellis High, sophomore&nbsp; Savannah Clingan, Hays High, sophomore&nbsp; ROOKS COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Lucina Parson, Palco High, senior Raegan Shepherd, Stockton High, senior &nbsp; Kenzie Wells, Palco High, senior&nbsp; Taylor Ayers, Plainville High, junior Marlie Dobson, Plainville High, junior Aubrey Kesler, Stockton High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Ava Dix, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Bodye Stithem, Stockton High, junior&nbsp; Trinity Couse, Palco High, sophomore&nbsp; Kate Hansen, Plainville High, sophomore&nbsp; Cheyenne Hoeting, Stockton, sophomore&nbsp;&nbsp;TREGO COUNTY RETURNING MEMBERS:&nbsp; Annabelle Malsam, Trego High, senior Mia Coleman, Trego High, junior &nbsp; Hunter Yingling, Trego High, junior NEW MEMBERS:&nbsp; Myah Mattheyer, Trego High, senior&nbsp; Adrian Wynn, Trego High, senior Kallan Rothchild, Trego High, sophomore &nbsp; "We are incredibly proud to welcome these talented and passionate students to the Youth Action Council," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "Their dedication to community service and their enthusiasm for making a difference will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the YAC program and the betterment of our communities."&nbsp;The Youth Action Council meetings will be held once a month during the school day, with locations rotating among the high schools in each county. The members will also have the opportunity to participate in a retreat in Hays and develop and volunteer for a service project. The Heartland Community Foundation expects these young leaders to actively engage in discussions and activities and serve as advocates for the Youth Action Council, the Heartland Community Foundation, and the youth in the community. Next fall, the Youth Action Council will also host a Scholarship 101 meeting in each county for high school juniors and seniors. More information will be shared about that event at a later time.&nbsp;For more information about the Youth Action Council and the Heartland Community Foundation, please visit <a href="https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

Youth Action Council members announced for Heartland Community Foundation

Sign up now to participate in the annual Hays Citywide Garage Sale.&nbsp; The link to fill out the registration form is:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7</a>&nbsp;. Sign up deadline is June 10.

The garage sales are scheduled for Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.&nbsp; 

There will be a spreadsheet and map &nbsp;posted on Facebook in the group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/haysgaragesales.surroundingtowns">Hays Garage Sales and Surrounding Towns</a>.&nbsp;

There will also be printed copies that can be picked up at the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685627466474.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSign up now to participate in the annual Hays Citywide Garage Sale.&nbsp; The link to fill out the registration form is:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/EAo9LCqJpZCu63by7</a>&nbsp;. Sign up deadline is June 10.The garage sales are scheduled for Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.&nbsp; There will be a spreadsheet and map &nbsp;posted on Facebook in the group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/haysgaragesales.surroundingtowns">Hays Garage Sales and Surrounding Towns</a>.&nbsp; There will also be printed copies that can be picked up at the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sign up now to register for Hays Citywide Garage Sale June 16 & 17

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685718978028.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

By LAAH TUCKER Natoma Lions Club

NATOMA - Natoma Lions Club has awarded graduating seniors Morgan McQuade and Jerad Griffin, Natoma USD 399 High School, scholarships to further their education. 

During commencement on May 13, Lion officer Shawna Dunlap presented each student a $500 scholarship to use in their university, college, or technology school of choice.

Graduate Morgan McQuade will be attending the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with a major in veterinary technology. Graduate Jared Griffin will be attending Southeast Community College majoring in diesel-ag equipment service technology.

The Natoma Lions Club is an international organization founded in 1917 for the purpose of serving others through programs including sight, hearing, speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues and many other programs. Members are service-minded people seeking to help in their community without personal financial reward; and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685571551058.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Natoma Lions ClubNATOMA - Natoma Lions Club has awarded graduating seniors Morgan McQuade and Jerad Griffin, Natoma USD 399 High School, scholarships to further their education. During commencement on May 13, Lion officer Shawna Dunlap presented each student a $500 scholarship to use in their university, college, or technology school of choice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685571026807.jpeg" alt="Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Morgan McQuade. McQuade will attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and major in veterinary technology. Photo by&nbsp;Kurt Graffel/ USD 399" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Morgan McQuade. McQuade will attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and major in veterinary technology. Photo by&nbsp;Kurt Graffel/ USD 399</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685571217959.jpeg" alt="Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Jared Griffin. Griffin will attending Southeast Community College and major in diesel-ag equipment service technology.&nbsp; Photo by Kurt Graffel/ USD 399" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Lions Club member Shawna Dunlap makes a scholarship presentation to USD 399 graduate Jared Griffin. Griffin will attending Southeast Community College and major in diesel-ag equipment service technology.&nbsp; Photo by Kurt Graffel/ USD 399</figcaption>
 </figure>Graduate Morgan McQuade will be attending the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with a major in veterinary technology. Graduate Jared Griffin will be attending Southeast Community College majoring in diesel-ag equipment service technology.The Natoma Lions Club is an international organization founded in 1917 for the purpose of serving others through programs including sight, hearing, speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues and many other programs. Members are service-minded people seeking to help in their community without personal financial reward; and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

Two graduating seniors from Natoma High School awarded Lions Club scholarships

Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at the Hays Middle School Clinic Times: Middle School: 1:00-3 :00 p.m. (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 a.m. (open to anyone), 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 p.m. (open to anyone) Deadline:&nbsp;Please register by June 10th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 14th.&nbsp; See the flyer below for more information and registration information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at the Hays Middle School Clinic Times: Middle School: 1:00-3 :00 p.m. (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 a.m. (open to anyone), 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 p.m. (open to anyone) Deadline:&nbsp;Please register by June 10th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 14th.&nbsp; See the flyer below for more information and registration information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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Mexican beef genetics trade mission visits Monument operations

Few addiction treatment centers in Kansas let children come to treatment. That makes it harder for parents to get help

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/blaise-mesa">Blaise Mesa</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA—&nbsp;&nbsp;Keandra Hoskins had a thing for cannabis and MDMA, or ecstasy.

She also had a son. And some denial about her dependence on drugs, how she’d take a hit of something to deal with the stress about her grandmother catching COVID-19, the fact that she was homelessness or that child welfare officials had an open case on whether she was a fit mother.

She ultimately realized she needed to get into a serious, residential drug rehab center.

But what to do with her son while she worked through her problems? She was one of the lucky ones who found treatment that made room for the children of patients.

“It’s just helped me become better at everything,” Hoskins said, “give you the life tools that you need so you can continue living your life.”

Addiction treatment taught her how to budget and to avoid things that could trigger a relapse.

The place she went, CKF Addiction Treatment, allowed her to bring her son to live with her. If she had to pick between treatment and motherhood, well, she would have picked motherhood.

Parents across Kansas struggle to find ways to battle addiction while tending to the 24/7 job of looking after their children.

One Kansas mother, who is now in prison on drug charges, said finding child care while in treatment is one “huge obstacle that a single mother could never possibly overcome.”

Inability to pay or finding housing is also an issue, but treatment providers say they lack enough child-friendly options.

Consequently, those who can’t get child care are less likely to get help for their addictions.

“If everyone who needed care showed up for care, our system would not be able to serve the need,” said Shane Hudson, president and CEO of CKF Addiction Treatment in Salina.

And if those parents don’t tend to their drug problems, they could die from drug use, could face criminal charges or child maltreatment investigations from the foster care system.

Hudson estimates about 10 percent of people who need help seek care. He has seen parents try to go through addiction treatment while finding child care on the side. Some may be a few weeks into treatment with a few weeks left, then life gets in the way.

“We’ve had people (in treatment) say … ‘I just need to get home. There’s things going on with my kid and I need to be with them,’” he said. “Some (come back), but some don’t. And some don’t even come to treatment in the first place.”

Treatment providers say they need more child-friendly rehabilitation programs.

But to create those programs requires mental health services for children, coordinating schooling and finding community partnerships to maintain a range of other services kids might need.

Then come difficulties from running facilities that have both adults and children. That means more space, extra staffing and additional programming. Treatment facilities might not be reimbursed for housing children, even though those children are taking up resources.

“It can be complicated,” Hudson said.

Treatment providers, like CKF, offer programs that do not require overnight stays. That alleviates some child care concerns, but that could still mean five to nine hours of child care a week because children aren’t allowed at those sessions. And some parents need more intensive programming only a residential stay could offer.

Hudson said that children old enough to understand what is going on could end up in rooms listening to people recount sensitive and private moments in their lives — very adult conversations. If the child is too young to understand what is happening, then they could be a distraction.

Telehealth programs, which have expanded since the pandemic, offer one possible solution. Or scheduling appointments while the child is at school. But parents who find themselves with an evening appointment and nowhere to take their children will need to leave them at home.

“Once you bring a child into the same setting as everyone, it’s not as simple as muting your mic when your child has needs going on,” Hudson said. “(The child) could actually disrupt the group process that’s happening.”

Treatment program Mirror Inc. used to have a designated women’s program in Newton. That facility shut down partly because of staffing shortages and the cost of running it, staffers told the Kansas News Service.

Cynthia Breitenbach worked for Mirror. She is retired now but has plenty of experience with women’s programs. She started the first one in Kansas in the 1980s. She said those models of care are expensive and people sometimes shy away from the program because they don’t want to be seen as bad parents.

Using drugs could mean losing your kid to the foster care system and entering treatment means telling people you do use.

“(They think) ‘I’m a female. I’m an addict. So, therefore I am a bad mother,’ which is not the case,” Breitenbach said.

Addressing substance use for one person is complex and involves dealing with past trauma. Programs that take in kids now have another patient to deal with: the child.

Breitenbach said children need as much care as their mothers when entering treatment. That means facilities likely need to call in specialists who help kids. That could be everything from a child therapist to qualified day care workers.

Getting licensed child care at drug treatment is difficult and grants for drug treatment programs typically can’t be used for day care. Centers could try to cut costs by taking those children to a day care center in the community, but those can be hard to find.

Plus, day care is expensive. In Kansas, full-time daycare for a 4-year-old in a child care center is $800 a month. For an infant, that is $1,250 a month. And prices are headed up. For some Kansans, the cost of child care for their family is more than a mortgage payment.

Finding temporary day care can be trickier than a long-term set-up. Day care providers usually prefer taking a child who will stay longer so they don’t need to fill an open slot in a few weeks.

“We did try to access care in the community,” Breitenbach said. “Sometimes we were successful, sometimes we were not.”

Navigating grant funding is yet another barrier to operating these programs.

A $200,000 federal grant given to foster care agency KVC Kansas will help expand an existing program in the state. The previous program was also offering family-based addiction treatment, but the requirements of the grant meant only Native American families could access it. Now the program will take more people.

Without the new grant, KVC Kansas wouldn’t be able to operate the program. Even with the grant, KVC has one year to prove the program is worth funding or it could risk losing the money.

“Sustainability is always a source of anxiety when you have a grant like this and you really believe in the program,” said Megan Hosterman, director of permanency services for Johnson and Douglas Counties for KVC.

The federal money that funds women’s programs doesn’t exist for men. For a facility to create a space for single fathers would mean funding that construction with fewer grants available. That’s financially risky for businesses that might already be struggling with tight budgets.

Despite grant-fueled anxiety, Hosterman is confident she can show the success of treatment.

The money will help hire workers, pay for space and pay for child care. The program is a 14-week long course. It starts with family meals so parents and children can spend time together. Then they break off for separate child and parent therapy sessions.

Hosterman said her agency has always wanted to focus more on the prevention side of substance use treatment. More investment in these systems could prevent kids from entering foster care in the first place.

All told, parent or child substance abuse was the reason a child was put into foster care 13 percent of the time. The most common reasons for removal was physical abuse — 18 percent of the time — and lack of supervision led to 15 percent of foster cases.

Hoskins, the mother who is now in recovery, said she isn’t sure she would still have custody of her child if not for addiction treatment. She not might have her house or even be in school.

The operators of programs that include children say they serve a very specific need and can help families who have few other options. Hoskins didn’t have family in the area. And while she had friends, there wasn’t anyone she trusted enough to care for her child.

Day care could have been an option, but her child had unique medical needs and she was worried that could overwhelm day care staff or friends. That means keeping the child with her was best for the mother and her baby.

“I could see myself not going down the right path. Even with the child, I probably still would have (gone) down the wrong path,” she said. “And now, after treatment, I shocked myself. I’m a completely different person. I never thought that I would be working again. I never thought I would have my own place.”

Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.&nbsp;

<h2>Few addiction treatment centers in Kansas let children come to treatment. That makes it harder for parents to get help</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685637380562.png" alt="CKF Addiction Treatment has a designated women's program. That allows kids to join their mothers for treatment.&nbsp;Blaise Mesa/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>CKF Addiction Treatment has a designated women's program. That allows kids to join their mothers for treatment.&nbsp;Blaise Mesa/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/blaise-mesa">Blaise Mesa</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA—&nbsp;&nbsp;Keandra Hoskins had a thing for cannabis and MDMA, or ecstasy.She also had a son. And some denial about her dependence on drugs, how she’d take a hit of something to deal with the stress about her grandmother catching COVID-19, the fact that she was homelessness or that child welfare officials had an open case on whether she was a fit mother.She ultimately realized she needed to get into a serious, residential drug rehab center.But what to do with her son while she worked through her problems? She was one of the lucky ones who found treatment that made room for the children of patients.“It’s just helped me become better at everything,” Hoskins said, “give you the life tools that you need so you can continue living your life.”Addiction treatment taught her how to budget and to avoid things that could trigger a relapse.The place she went, CKF Addiction Treatment, allowed her to bring her son to live with her. If she had to pick between treatment and motherhood, well, she would have picked motherhood.Parents across Kansas struggle to find ways to battle addiction while tending to the 24/7 job of looking after their children.One Kansas mother, who is now in prison on drug charges, said finding child care while in treatment is one “huge obstacle that a single mother could never possibly overcome.”Inability to pay or finding housing is also an issue, but treatment providers say they lack enough child-friendly options.Consequently, those who can’t get child care are less likely to get help for their addictions.“If everyone who needed care showed up for care, our system would not be able to serve the need,” said Shane Hudson, president and CEO of CKF Addiction Treatment in Salina.And if those parents don’t tend to their drug problems, they could die from drug use, could face criminal charges or child maltreatment investigations from the foster care system.Hudson estimates about 10 percent of people who need help seek care. He has seen parents try to go through addiction treatment while finding child care on the side. Some may be a few weeks into treatment with a few weeks left, then life gets in the way.“We’ve had people (in treatment) say … ‘I just need to get home. There’s things going on with my kid and I need to be with them,’” he said. “Some (come back), but some don’t. And some don’t even come to treatment in the first place.”<h2>‘It can be complicated’</h2>Treatment providers say they need more child-friendly rehabilitation programs.But to create those programs requires mental health services for children, coordinating schooling and finding community partnerships to maintain a range of other services kids might need.Then come difficulties from running facilities that have both adults and children. That means more space, extra staffing and additional programming. Treatment facilities might not be reimbursed for housing children, even though those children are taking up resources.“It can be complicated,” Hudson said.Treatment providers, like CKF, offer programs that do not require overnight stays. That alleviates some child care concerns, but that could still mean five to nine hours of child care a week because children aren’t allowed at those sessions. And some parents need more intensive programming only a residential stay could offer.Hudson said that children old enough to understand what is going on could end up in rooms listening to people recount sensitive and private moments in their lives — very adult conversations. If the child is too young to understand what is happening, then they could be a distraction.Telehealth programs, which have expanded since the pandemic, offer one possible solution. Or scheduling appointments while the child is at school. But parents who find themselves with an evening appointment and nowhere to take their children will need to leave them at home.“Once you bring a child into the same setting as everyone, it’s not as simple as muting your mic when your child has needs going on,” Hudson said. “(The child) could actually disrupt the group process that’s happening.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685638011659.png" alt="Shane Hudson with CKF Addiction Treatment says about 10 percent of people who need help get it. " />
 <figcaption>Shane Hudson with CKF Addiction Treatment says about 10 percent of people who need help get it. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Finding slots</h2>Treatment program Mirror Inc. used to have a designated women’s program in Newton. That facility shut down partly because of staffing shortages and the cost of running it, staffers told the Kansas News Service.Cynthia Breitenbach worked for Mirror. She is retired now but has plenty of experience with women’s programs. She started the first one in Kansas in the 1980s. She said those models of care are expensive and people sometimes shy away from the program because they don’t want to be seen as bad parents.Using drugs could mean losing your kid to the foster care system and entering treatment means telling people you do use.“(They think) ‘I’m a female. I’m an addict. So, therefore I am a bad mother,’ which is not the case,” Breitenbach said.Addressing substance use for one person is complex and involves dealing with past trauma. Programs that take in kids now have another patient to deal with: the child.Breitenbach said children need as much care as their mothers when entering treatment. That means facilities likely need to call in specialists who help kids. That could be everything from a child therapist to qualified day care workers.Getting licensed child care at drug treatment is difficult and grants for drug treatment programs typically can’t be used for day care. Centers could try to cut costs by taking those children to a day care center in the community, but those can be hard to find.Plus, day care is expensive. In Kansas, full-time daycare for a 4-year-old in a child care center is $800 a month. For an infant, that is $1,250 a month. And prices are headed up. For some Kansans, the cost of child care for their family is more than a mortgage payment.Finding temporary day care can be trickier than a long-term set-up. Day care providers usually prefer taking a child who will stay longer so they don’t need to fill an open slot in a few weeks.“We did try to access care in the community,” Breitenbach said. “Sometimes we were successful, sometimes we were not.”<h2>Finding money</h2>Navigating grant funding is yet another barrier to operating these programs.A $200,000 federal grant given to foster care agency KVC Kansas will help expand an existing program in the state. The previous program was also offering family-based addiction treatment, but the requirements of the grant meant only Native American families could access it. Now the program will take more people.Without the new grant, KVC Kansas wouldn’t be able to operate the program. Even with the grant, KVC has one year to prove the program is worth funding or it could risk losing the money.“Sustainability is always a source of anxiety when you have a grant like this and you really believe in the program,” said Megan Hosterman, director of permanency services for Johnson and Douglas Counties for KVC.The federal money that funds women’s programs doesn’t exist for men. For a facility to create a space for single fathers would mean funding that construction with fewer grants available. That’s financially risky for businesses that might already be struggling with tight budgets.Despite grant-fueled anxiety, Hosterman is confident she can show the success of treatment.The money will help hire workers, pay for space and pay for child care. The program is a 14-week long course. It starts with family meals so parents and children can spend time together. Then they break off for separate child and parent therapy sessions.Hosterman said her agency has always wanted to focus more on the prevention side of substance use treatment. More investment in these systems could prevent kids from entering foster care in the first place.All told, parent or child substance abuse was the reason a child was put into foster care 13 percent of the time. The most common reasons for removal was physical abuse — 18 percent of the time — and lack of supervision led to 15 percent of foster cases.Hoskins, the mother who is now in recovery, said she isn’t sure she would still have custody of her child if not for addiction treatment. She not might have her house or even be in school.The operators of programs that include children say they serve a very specific need and can help families who have few other options. Hoskins didn’t have family in the area. And while she had friends, there wasn’t anyone she trusted enough to care for her child.Day care could have been an option, but her child had unique medical needs and she was worried that could overwhelm day care staff or friends. That means keeping the child with her was best for the mother and her baby.“I could see myself not going down the right path. Even with the child, I probably still would have (gone) down the wrong path,” she said. “And now, after treatment, I shocked myself. I’m a completely different person. I never thought that I would be working again. I never thought I would have my own place.”Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;ksnewsservice.org.

For Kansas parents, a lack of child care can mean a lack of addiction treatment

The secrets of the tarantula’s world are on full display now through Labor Day at the new summer exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays.

According to museum director Dr. Reese Barrick, “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” takes the visitor on a journey of scientific discovery, presenting tarantulas in a new light. Focusing on the diverse and natural beauty of these incredible animals, the exhibit provides an engaging educational experience.

“Sternberg is the champion for the under-appreciated animals such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas,” Barrick said. “We’re here to give people a safe place to view these wonders of nature.”

There are more than 900 known species of tarantulas, which live all over the globe. They can be found living anywhere from the tallest rainforest treetops to deep underground in the most arid deserts.

 “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” features a unique array of live tarantulas, which showcases their varied life habits and habitats.

Tarantulas have a reputation that precedes them - a reputation of being the biggest, the baddest, and most fearsome of all spiders. Hairy, fast, scary - sure, there’s some truth behind the rumors. But would you ever guess that these supposedly fierce giants of the spider world would much rather run and hide than stay fight?

Species on display include a Goliath Bird Eating tarantula (the largest of all tarantulas), the rare Green Bottle Blue tarantula, and the Indian Ornamental tarantula, a species troubled by loss of habitat in the wild. In all, 20 live tarantulas are on display, and each have a unique story to tell.

The exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of tarantulas and provides uniquely engaging educational experiences. Special features of the exhibit include interactive components such as “Tarantulas of the World” interactive world map; “Name That Tarantula” identification activity, “The Legend of the Tarantella” and more.

Barrick said kids will enjoy the climbable “Tarantula Burrow”, which provides more opportunity for learning through the Trip Line interactive experience. This piece also serves as a photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685569065059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History</figcaption>
 </figure>Sternberg MuseumThe secrets of the tarantula’s world are on full display now through Labor Day at the new summer exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays.According to museum director Dr. Reese Barrick, “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” takes the visitor on a journey of scientific discovery, presenting tarantulas in a new light. Focusing on the diverse and natural beauty of these incredible animals, the exhibit provides an engaging educational experience.“Sternberg is the champion for the under-appreciated animals such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas,” Barrick said. “We’re here to give people a safe place to view these wonders of nature.”There are more than 900 known species of tarantulas, which live all over the globe. They can be found living anywhere from the tallest rainforest treetops to deep underground in the most arid deserts. “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” features a unique array of live tarantulas, which showcases their varied life habits and habitats.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685569128148.jpeg" alt="Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History</figcaption>
 </figure>Tarantulas have a reputation that precedes them - a reputation of being the biggest, the baddest, and most fearsome of all spiders. Hairy, fast, scary - sure, there’s some truth behind the rumors. But would you ever guess that these supposedly fierce giants of the spider world would much rather run and hide than stay fight?Species on display include a Goliath Bird Eating tarantula (the largest of all tarantulas), the rare Green Bottle Blue tarantula, and the Indian Ornamental tarantula, a species troubled by loss of habitat in the wild. In all, 20 live tarantulas are on display, and each have a unique story to tell.The exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of tarantulas and provides uniquely engaging educational experiences. Special features of the exhibit include interactive components such as “Tarantulas of the World” interactive world map; “Name That Tarantula” identification activity, “The Legend of the Tarantella” and more.Barrick said kids will enjoy the climbable “Tarantula Burrow”, which provides more opportunity for learning through the Trip Line interactive experience. This piece also serves as a photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.

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