Grisell Memorial Hospital is now taking applications for RN, LPN and CNA. RNs will need to have ACLS, PALS and TNCC. Classes will be paid if not already certified.

We have day and night shifts available not only on the Acute Care side, but also ISB. We have night shift and weekend differential.

• BCBS Health and Dental<br>• Vision<br>• Pension<br>• Life<br>• And many more.

Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="https://grisellmemorialhospital.org/">grisellmemorialhospital.org</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:btillitson@grisell.org">btillitson@grisell.org</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674059180668.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Grisell Memorial Hospital is now taking applications for RN, LPN and CNA. RNs will need to have ACLS, PALS and TNCC. Classes will be paid if not already certified.</p><p>We have day and night shifts available not only on the Acute Care side, but also ISB. We have night shift and weekend differential.</p><p>We offer wonderful benefits including:</p><p>• BCBS Health and Dental<br>• Vision<br>• Pension<br>• Life<br>• And many more.</p><p>Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="https://grisellmemorialhospital.org/">grisellmemorialhospital.org</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:btillitson@grisell.org">btillitson@grisell.org</a>.</p>

First Science Café of 2023 set for Jan. 30

<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/2023/1/1674240997261.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a></p>

Three-day weather outlook

<b>By BECKY KISER</b><br><i>Hays Post</i>

The snow in Hays fell straight down starting Friday night and much of Saturday.&nbsp;

The final total, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, 7 inches of snow yielding 1.13 inches of precipitation.&nbsp;

The storm pushes the amount of moisture measured in January past the 154-average of 0.45 inches by the end of the month.&nbsp;

Hays has received 9 inches total snowfall so far this season.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674405831262.jpeg" alt="Hays measured a total 7 inches of snow Friday night into Saturday evening. Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Hays measured a total 7 inches of snow Friday night into Saturday evening. Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By BECKY KISER</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The snow in Hays fell straight down starting Friday night and much of Saturday.&nbsp;</p><p>The final total, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, 7 inches of snow yielding 1.13 inches of precipitation.&nbsp;</p><p>The storm pushes the amount of moisture measured in January past the 154-average of 0.45 inches by the end of the month.&nbsp;</p><p>Hays has received 9 inches total snowfall so far this season.</p>

7" of snow in Hays yields 1.13" of much-needed moisture

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly invites jobseekers to participate in the first Virtual Job Fair of 2023, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS. This virtual fair will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, and&nbsp;will highlight employment opportunities within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. There are close to 900 job openings in state government across Kansas.&nbsp;

“Filling our state agencies with talented and skilled employees is increasingly important,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We need to ensure our state agencies have the necessary workforce to advance the programs and services we offer to Kansans.”&nbsp;

Registration is required in order to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. 

The Virtual Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview that day.&nbsp;

“Our agencies are primed and ready to hire top talent to fill open jobs across the state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and&nbsp;Secretary of&nbsp;Commerce David Toland&nbsp;said. “Commerce alone has 30 job opportunities available and we are seeking motivated individuals ready to join our winning team.” 

KANSASWORKS links businesses, jobseekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs. Workforce development teams are dedicated to providing assistance with the job search process, creating effective resumes, job training, job placement and more.&nbsp;These centers are ready and available to assist&nbsp;anyone looking for employment&nbsp;with the necessary tools to finding&nbsp;good paying occupations.&nbsp;

Candidates&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate&nbsp;via&nbsp;any digital device.&nbsp;Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjAuNzAxNjkzNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FwcC5wcmVtaWVydmlydHVhbC5jb20vZXZlbnRzL2QwMzJhYTA5LTNiYjctNGRiOS04YTJjLTQwOGQ2ZTg4YWJhOC9zdGF0ZS1vZi1rYW5zYXMtYWdlbmNpZXMtZ292ZXJubWVudC1qb2JzLXZpcnR1YWwtam9iLWZhaXItamFudWFyeS0yNSwtMjAyMyJ9.xciOjsTos76xkYoA7_iRhvEnrEA884Q8jQjC8ABAVRg/s/1303161001/br/153174715324-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to register for the&nbsp;January 25&nbsp;Virtual Job Fair.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668466219278.jpeg" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Office of Governor</i></p><p>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly invites jobseekers to participate in the first Virtual Job Fair of 2023, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS. This virtual fair will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, and&nbsp;will highlight employment opportunities within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. There are close to 900 job openings in state government across Kansas.&nbsp;</p><p>“Filling our state agencies with talented and skilled employees is increasingly important,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We need to ensure our state agencies have the necessary workforce to advance the programs and services we offer to Kansans.”&nbsp;</p><p>Registration is required in order to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. </p><p>The Virtual Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview that day.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our agencies are primed and ready to hire top talent to fill open jobs across the state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and&nbsp;Secretary of&nbsp;Commerce David Toland&nbsp;said. “Commerce alone has 30 job opportunities available and we are seeking motivated individuals ready to join our winning team.” </p><p>KANSASWORKS links businesses, jobseekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs. Workforce development teams are dedicated to providing assistance with the job search process, creating effective resumes, job training, job placement and more.&nbsp;These centers are ready and available to assist&nbsp;anyone looking for employment&nbsp;with the necessary tools to finding&nbsp;good paying occupations.&nbsp;</p><p>Candidates&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate&nbsp;via&nbsp;any digital device.&nbsp;Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.&nbsp;</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjAuNzAxNjkzNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FwcC5wcmVtaWVydmlydHVhbC5jb20vZXZlbnRzL2QwMzJhYTA5LTNiYjctNGRiOS04YTJjLTQwOGQ2ZTg4YWJhOC9zdGF0ZS1vZi1rYW5zYXMtYWdlbmNpZXMtZ292ZXJubWVudC1qb2JzLXZpcnR1YWwtam9iLWZhaXItamFudWFyeS0yNSwtMjAyMyJ9.xciOjsTos76xkYoA7_iRhvEnrEA884Q8jQjC8ABAVRg/s/1303161001/br/153174715324-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to register for the&nbsp;January 25&nbsp;Virtual Job Fair.&nbsp;</p>

Virtual job fair for state openings takes place Wednesday

TREGO COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by Eric Gregory Grove, 36, Valley Spring, Arkansas, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 283.

The driver lost control due to snow-packed and icy road conditions and struck a guardrail.

EMS transported Grove and a passenger Floy Lynelle&nbsp;Cabrera, 52, Valley Spring, Arkansas, to the Trego County Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<p>TREGO COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Trego County.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by Eric Gregory Grove, 36, Valley Spring, Arkansas, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 283.</p><p>The driver lost control due to snow-packed and icy road conditions and struck a guardrail.</p><p>EMS transported Grove and a passenger Floy Lynelle&nbsp;Cabrera, 52, Valley Spring, Arkansas, to the Trego County Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.</p>

2 hospitalized after crash on snow-packed I-70

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s appointment of Judge Rachel L. Pickering of Topeka&nbsp;to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals&nbsp;was recently unanimously confirmed by the Kansas Senate.&nbsp;The confirmation makes Judge Pickering the first Hispanic Kansan to sit on the Kansas Court of Appeals.&nbsp;

“I am pleased the Kansas Senate confirmed Judge Pickering,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Rachel is a committed public servant as an attorney and judge. Her experience in nearly every area of criminal litigation will provide her with great insight as she serves the Kansas Court of Appeals.”&nbsp;

Prior to being confirmed, Judge Pickering served as District Judge in the Third Judicial District in Shawnee County. She has experience as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor. She has also served as Appellate Defender, Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and Assistant Solicitor General.&nbsp;

Pickering is active in the legal community locally and nationally. She is currently the District 10 Representative for the National Association of Women Judges and is involved with the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. She previously served as President of the Women’s Attorney’s Association of Topeka and recently completed a term as President of the Hon. Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pickering has been an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law since 2018 and has coached the law school’s moot court teams. She has also taught various courses in continuing legal education to attorneys and judges about topics including appellate practice and criminal law.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pickering graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2003, earning a certificate in e-commerce and intellectual property, and spent her third year of law school as a visiting student at the University of Kansas School of Law. She earned her B.A. in History from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1994.&nbsp;

Also confirmed by the Kansas Senate were:&nbsp;

The following reappointments were also confirmed:&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660683305182.png" alt="Diana Mendoza" />
                        <figcaption>Diana Mendoza</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Office of Governor</i></p><p>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s appointment of Judge Rachel L. Pickering of Topeka&nbsp;to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals&nbsp;was recently unanimously confirmed by the Kansas Senate.&nbsp;The confirmation makes Judge Pickering the first Hispanic Kansan to sit on the Kansas Court of Appeals.&nbsp;</p><p>“I am pleased the Kansas Senate confirmed Judge Pickering,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Rachel is a committed public servant as an attorney and judge. Her experience in nearly every area of criminal litigation will provide her with great insight as she serves the Kansas Court of Appeals.”&nbsp;</p><p>Prior to being confirmed, Judge Pickering served as District Judge in the Third Judicial District in Shawnee County. She has experience as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor. She has also served as Appellate Defender, Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and Assistant Solicitor General.&nbsp;</p><p>Pickering is active in the legal community locally and nationally. She is currently the District 10 Representative for the National Association of Women Judges and is involved with the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. She previously served as President of the Women’s Attorney’s Association of Topeka and recently completed a term as President of the Hon. Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Pickering has been an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law since 2018 and has coached the law school’s moot court teams. She has also taught various courses in continuing legal education to attorneys and judges about topics including appellate practice and criminal law.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Pickering graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2003, earning a certificate in e-commerce and intellectual property, and spent her third year of law school as a visiting student at the University of Kansas School of Law. She earned her B.A. in History from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1994.&nbsp;</p><p>Also confirmed by the Kansas Senate were:&nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>Ray Walling, State Librarian&nbsp;</li><li>Blake Benson, Pittsburg, Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;</li><li>John B. Dicus, Topeka, Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;</li><li><b>Diana Mendoza, Dodge City public school district, Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;</b></li><li>Anne St. Peter, KU Hospital Authority Board of Directors&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul><p>The following reappointments were also confirmed:&nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>Erica Andrade, State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Michael Birzer, State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services&nbsp;</li><li>Patricia Hudgins, State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services&nbsp;</li><li>Pete Brungardt, State Lottery Commission&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Talal Khan, KU Hospital Authority Board of Directors&nbsp;</li><li>Rick Wiley, Public Employee Relations Board&nbsp;</li><li>Steve Bowser, Pooled Money Investment Board&nbsp;</li><li>Harold Schorn, Kansas Human Rights Commission</li>
                    </ul>

W. Kansas woman confirmed to Kansas Board of Regents

As I sit here this morning&nbsp;in the warm comfort of my living room&nbsp;watching the snow flakes&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;I’m reminded&nbsp;just&nbsp;how&nbsp;magnificent our Creator is. First the flakes were huge like&nbsp;doily’s&nbsp;and filled the sky. Next thing I knew, they were tiny,&nbsp;scarcely&nbsp;qualifying as snow flakes and&nbsp;barely coming down. Back and forth that cycle went for the rest of the morning.

Show&nbsp;me one person who doesn’t have some&nbsp;sort of love-hate relationship with snow.&nbsp;It

seems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon the

day.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;hard to explain how something that makes the landscape&nbsp;suddenly&nbsp;seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and&nbsp;ruin your day. I was reminded today&nbsp;how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway.&nbsp;I’m kind of a purist in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away himself!&nbsp;Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man&nbsp;and commuter,&nbsp;snow is&nbsp;often&nbsp;an&nbsp;unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole&nbsp;new world of&nbsp;opportunities.&nbsp;

For the&nbsp;outdoors&nbsp;photographer&nbsp;or painter there is no other canvas that compares to&nbsp;an outdoor scene&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;snowfall.&nbsp;Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomesmajestic,&nbsp;the drab becomes&nbsp;dynamic and the everyday becomes&nbsp;extraordinary. Outdoor spots&nbsp;we pass&nbsp;daily with no recognition suddenly become&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;from a calendar.&nbsp;Likethe lava lamps of days gone by,&nbsp;the look of the landscape&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;changes from hour to hour with the wind.&nbsp;

Obviously,&nbsp;skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall,hills&nbsp;too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow.&nbsp;And let’s not forget the farmers. As a rule of thumb, ten inches of snow equal one inch of rain,&nbsp;and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so&nbsp;even though we will not be getting&nbsp;any amount near ten inches, every little bit of moisture is welcome, given the dry state of our land.

Hunters and trappers can benefit&nbsp;greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to&nbsp;spot in our&nbsp;often-dry&nbsp;Kansas soil,&nbsp;so&nbsp;trying to learn&nbsp;their&nbsp;movement patterns&nbsp;can rely&nbsp;on being&nbsp;fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?”&nbsp;That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.

After a significant&nbsp;snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested&nbsp;her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered&nbsp;back and forth across the field&nbsp;and between several freshly made brush piles.&nbsp;I tracked a coyote for several&nbsp;hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on&nbsp;a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks showed me&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;trails it had traveled&nbsp;along the steep banks&nbsp;and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing&nbsp;my eyes, I could&nbsp;almost see&nbsp;these animals as they&nbsp;left the footprints that held&nbsp;my attention.

So, the next time it snows, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely&nbsp;influence your relationship with the “white stuff”&nbsp;as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

<i>Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
                        <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>As I sit here this morning&nbsp;in the warm comfort of my living room&nbsp;watching the snow flakes&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;I’m reminded&nbsp;just&nbsp;how&nbsp;magnificent our Creator is. First the flakes were huge like&nbsp;doily’s&nbsp;and filled the sky. Next thing I knew, they were tiny,&nbsp;scarcely&nbsp;qualifying as snow flakes and&nbsp;barely coming down. Back and forth that cycle went for the rest of the morning.</p><p>Show&nbsp;me one person who doesn’t have some&nbsp;sort of love-hate relationship with snow.&nbsp;It</p><p>seems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon the</p><p>day.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;hard to explain how something that makes the landscape&nbsp;suddenly&nbsp;seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and&nbsp;ruin your day. I was reminded today&nbsp;how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway.&nbsp;I’m kind of a purist in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away himself!&nbsp;Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man&nbsp;and commuter,&nbsp;snow is&nbsp;often&nbsp;an&nbsp;unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole&nbsp;new world of&nbsp;opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p>For the&nbsp;outdoors&nbsp;photographer&nbsp;or painter there is no other canvas that compares to&nbsp;an outdoor scene&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;snowfall.&nbsp;Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomesmajestic,&nbsp;the drab becomes&nbsp;dynamic and the everyday becomes&nbsp;extraordinary. Outdoor spots&nbsp;we pass&nbsp;daily with no recognition suddenly become&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;from a calendar.&nbsp;Likethe lava lamps of days gone by,&nbsp;the look of the landscape&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;changes from hour to hour with the wind.&nbsp;</p><p>Obviously,&nbsp;skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall,hills&nbsp;too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow.&nbsp;And let’s not forget the farmers. As a rule of thumb, ten inches of snow equal one inch of rain,&nbsp;and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so&nbsp;even though we will not be getting&nbsp;any amount near ten inches, every little bit of moisture is welcome, given the dry state of our land.</p><p>Hunters and trappers can benefit&nbsp;greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to&nbsp;spot in our&nbsp;often-dry&nbsp;Kansas soil,&nbsp;so&nbsp;trying to learn&nbsp;their&nbsp;movement patterns&nbsp;can rely&nbsp;on being&nbsp;fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?”&nbsp;That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.</p><p>After a significant&nbsp;snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested&nbsp;her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered&nbsp;back and forth across the field&nbsp;and between several freshly made brush piles.&nbsp;I tracked a coyote for several&nbsp;hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on&nbsp;a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks showed me&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;trails it had traveled&nbsp;along the steep banks&nbsp;and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing&nbsp;my eyes, I could&nbsp;almost see&nbsp;these animals as they&nbsp;left the footprints that held&nbsp;my attention.</p><p>So, the next time it snows, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely&nbsp;influence your relationship with the “white stuff”&nbsp;as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.</p><p><i>Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.</i></p>

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Snow — love it or hate it

A new state program could bring in $2.4 million for Fort
Hays State University students.

The Kansas Comprehensive Grant has been a long-term, needs-based
financial gift to FHSU students. But a recently announced match could allow the
program to benefit an even greater number of students.

The grant is a state-funded award given to students through
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process and awarded based on a
number of criteria but given to those most in need of a helping hand to achieve
the goal of a Bachelor's Degree.

“This program has been introduced recently to our alumni
community through different mailing pieces,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU alumni engagement
strategist. “People might have seen it hit their mailboxes, and it was
mentioned in the latest edition of the Roar magazine.”

“The Kansas Comprehensive Grant is a program that's been
around since I started in financial aid in 2010,” said Chantelle Arnold, director
of financial assistance. “It was funded by the Legislature, and recently, they
have added to the program with this new match component.

“It is a dollar-for-dollar match and could potentially give
us $5 million to award to students.”

According to the FHSU website, to be eligible for the grant,
students must be a full-time Kansas degree-seeking undergraduate resident who
demonstrates a certain need based on the Expected Family Contribution from
FAFSA. 

“The way that the legislature set this up is great because
now we have a little skin in the game,” said Dennis King, FHSU associate vice president of student affairs. “When
you think about it, whenever you can double your money by making a donation and
help students, it’s a wonderful thing.”

He said the support from alumni has an impact on current students
that extends to the entire university and the community.

“That obviously impacts enrollment, that enrollment impacts
the quality of education in a classroom and the community itself,” King said. “It
helps graduation rates. It helps people find jobs and network afterward. So,
this is a win-win from beginning to end.”

The program, he said, also helps support FHSU’s overall strategy
of increasing enrollment as a way to keep tuition lower than other regional institutions,
including offering in-state tuition rates to students in states across the Midwest.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/475b65bd-792a-4358-90c6-5ddca6325034">“We just
did a big initiative last year to reach out to the surrounding 13 states as
well,” King said. “And so, this is great timing as far as just a complement to
that program.”</a>

To get the full benefit of the match program, the university
needs to raise the full amount possible in donations.

“That's the challenge for all
of us out there, as far as stepping up to make sure that we can match that,”
King said.

“If we
can raise $2.4 million, we can get $2.4 million, and we get $5 million to give
back to students, which is a huge chunk,” Arnold said. “It's also going to our
most needy students, so they should be also getting some federal funds.

“It
would be our hope that we could spread these funds around to get to the most
amount of students and hopefully get at least their tuition paid and possibly
part of their housing paid so that they can come and not have such a burden to
get to Fort Hays and finish their education.”

And unlike
many financial assistance programs, this grant is available to more than just incoming
first-year students.

“Unfortunately,
a lot of our continuing students don't have a lot of opportunities for grants,”
Arnold said. “And so this is a grant that you can get as a junior or a senior
if you share the need, and you get your paperwork done, and we have the funding
available, then you stand a really good chance of being awarded this grant.”

<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/">To donate to
the match programs, visit foundation.fhsu.edu/donate and designate the gift to
the “Kansas Comprehensive Grant Match Fund.”</a> 

A check can also be mailed to the foundation at P.O. Box
1060, Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601517004349.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>A new state program could bring in $2.4 million for Fort
Hays State University students.</p><p>The Kansas Comprehensive Grant has been a long-term, needs-based
financial gift to FHSU students. But a recently announced match could allow the
program to benefit an even greater number of students.</p><p>The grant is a state-funded award given to students through
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process and awarded based on a
number of criteria but given to those most in need of a helping hand to achieve
the goal of a Bachelor's Degree.</p><p>“This program has been introduced recently to our alumni
community through different mailing pieces,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU alumni engagement
strategist. “People might have seen it hit their mailboxes, and it was
mentioned in the latest edition of the Roar magazine.”</p><div><iframe title="Kan. grant match helps FHSU students in need" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qmmpe-136b64c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“The Kansas Comprehensive Grant is a program that's been
around since I started in financial aid in 2010,” said Chantelle Arnold, director
of financial assistance. “It was funded by the Legislature, and recently, they
have added to the program with this new match component.</p><p>“It is a dollar-for-dollar match and could potentially give
us $5 million to award to students.”</p><p>According to the FHSU website, to be eligible for the grant,
students must be a full-time Kansas degree-seeking undergraduate resident who
demonstrates a certain need based on the Expected Family Contribution from
FAFSA. </p><p>“The way that the legislature set this up is great because
now we have a little skin in the game,” said Dennis King, FHSU associate vice president of student affairs. “When
you think about it, whenever you can double your money by making a donation and
help students, it’s a wonderful thing.”</p><p>He said the support from alumni has an impact on current students
that extends to the entire university and the community.</p><p>“That obviously impacts enrollment, that enrollment impacts
the quality of education in a classroom and the community itself,” King said. “It
helps graduation rates. It helps people find jobs and network afterward. So,
this is a win-win from beginning to end.”</p><p>The program, he said, also helps support FHSU’s overall strategy
of increasing enrollment as a way to keep tuition lower than other regional institutions,
including offering in-state tuition rates to students in states across the Midwest.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/475b65bd-792a-4358-90c6-5ddca6325034">“We just
did a big initiative last year to reach out to the surrounding 13 states as
well,” King said. “And so, this is great timing as far as just a complement to
that program.”</a></p><p>To get the full benefit of the match program, the university
needs to raise the full amount possible in donations.</p><p>“That's the challenge for all
of us out there, as far as stepping up to make sure that we can match that,”
King said.</p><p>“If we
can raise $2.4 million, we can get $2.4 million, and we get $5 million to give
back to students, which is a huge chunk,” Arnold said. “It's also going to our
most needy students, so they should be also getting some federal funds.</p><p>“It
would be our hope that we could spread these funds around to get to the most
amount of students and hopefully get at least their tuition paid and possibly
part of their housing paid so that they can come and not have such a burden to
get to Fort Hays and finish their education.”</p><p>And unlike
many financial assistance programs, this grant is available to more than just incoming
first-year students.</p><p>“Unfortunately,
a lot of our continuing students don't have a lot of opportunities for grants,”
Arnold said. “And so this is a grant that you can get as a junior or a senior
if you share the need, and you get your paperwork done, and we have the funding
available, then you stand a really good chance of being awarded this grant.”</p><p><a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/">To donate to
the match programs, visit foundation.fhsu.edu/donate and designate the gift to
the “Kansas Comprehensive Grant Match Fund.”</a> </p><p>A check can also be mailed to the foundation at P.O. Box
1060, Hays, KS 67601.</p>

🎙 Kansas grant match helps Fort Hays State students in need

COLBY, Kan. — After serving a year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota in 2022, Colby Community College alumna Adrianne Schaunaman returned to Kansas this month to begin her new post as coach of the equestrian team.

She replaced Shanda Mattix, who coached since 2007. Mattix will co-coach during the spring semester and continue teaching a full load as director of the equine program.

Schaunaman attended CCC from 2017 to 2020 and earned degrees in equine science, horse production and management, and art. The Aberdeen, S.D., native was a member of the equestrian team for three years, two seasons on the rodeo team, and a year on the livestock judging squad.&nbsp;During those years, she was also a student worker in the horse unit at the college farm.

After her time at CCC, she attended the University of Minnesota-Crookston, graduating in 2021 with a degree in equine science and equine business management. At UMC, she was active with the equestrian team, showing on the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and NCAA teams.

As Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Schaunaman was an ambassador of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and professional rodeo in South Dakota. Her preparation for Miss Rodeo America included riding different horses in competitions across the country in a similar format used by the IHSA.

Before her term as Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Schaunaman was a colt trainer for Janssen Performance Horses, a cutting horse operation in Rush City, Minn. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at Northern Plains Animal Health in Aberdeen, S.D.

"I am excited to share my passion, knowledge, and diverse experience with a great group of riders," Schaunaman said.

Though she is a coach, she has not given up riding.

"I am excited to get back in the show pen myself. I ride reining horses, soon reined cow horses, and run barrels. I love western fashion and being involved in rodeo production."

With Schaunaman's background, her orientation as a new employee is progressing faster than most.

"It's been a seamless transition as she has a strong history with the equestrian team," said Mattix. "She has a lot of unique experience to bring back to CCC. I'm thankful she made the move to return to Colby and am excited for what's to come!"

Mattix serves as the agriculture division chair that oversees the team, among others. The hiring of Schaunaman marks the final piece of a transition to separate coaching from faculty positions.

"With full-time coaches in place for the equestrian, livestock judging, and rodeo teams, there's an opportunity to grow in the competition arena, strengthen their position of academic success, and recruit more students to CCC," Mattix said. "It's an exciting time for the agriculture division as we expand in a lot of ways to better serve our students."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674252137677.jpeg" alt="Schaunaman" />
                        <figcaption>Schaunaman</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>CCC</i></p><p>COLBY, Kan. — After serving a year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota in 2022, Colby Community College alumna Adrianne Schaunaman returned to Kansas this month to begin her new post as coach of the equestrian team.</p><p>She replaced Shanda Mattix, who coached since 2007. Mattix will co-coach during the spring semester and continue teaching a full load as director of the equine program.</p><p>Schaunaman attended CCC from 2017 to 2020 and earned degrees in equine science, horse production and management, and art. The Aberdeen, S.D., native was a member of the equestrian team for three years, two seasons on the rodeo team, and a year on the livestock judging squad.&nbsp;During those years, she was also a student worker in the horse unit at the college farm.</p><p>After her time at CCC, she attended the University of Minnesota-Crookston, graduating in 2021 with a degree in equine science and equine business management. At UMC, she was active with the equestrian team, showing on the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and NCAA teams.</p><p>As Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Schaunaman was an ambassador of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and professional rodeo in South Dakota. Her preparation for Miss Rodeo America included riding different horses in competitions across the country in a similar format used by the IHSA.</p><p>Before her term as Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Schaunaman was a colt trainer for Janssen Performance Horses, a cutting horse operation in Rush City, Minn. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at Northern Plains Animal Health in Aberdeen, S.D.</p><p>"I am excited to share my passion, knowledge, and diverse experience with a great group of riders," Schaunaman said.</p><p>Though she is a coach, she has not given up riding.</p><p>"I am excited to get back in the show pen myself. I ride reining horses, soon reined cow horses, and run barrels. I love western fashion and being involved in rodeo production."</p><p>With Schaunaman's background, her orientation as a new employee is progressing faster than most.</p><p>"It's been a seamless transition as she has a strong history with the equestrian team," said Mattix. "She has a lot of unique experience to bring back to CCC. I'm thankful she made the move to return to Colby and am excited for what's to come!"</p><p>Mattix serves as the agriculture division chair that oversees the team, among others. The hiring of Schaunaman marks the final piece of a transition to separate coaching from faculty positions.</p><p>"With full-time coaches in place for the equestrian, livestock judging, and rodeo teams, there's an opportunity to grow in the competition arena, strengthen their position of academic success, and recruit more students to CCC," Mattix said. "It's an exciting time for the agriculture division as we expand in a lot of ways to better serve our students."</p>

Former Rodeo Miss South Dakota takes reins of CCC equestrian team

Consistent with conservative wishes when it comes to K-12 education, the 2023 “A Better Way” legislative agenda Kansas Republicans released a few days ago leans toward support for school choice Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).

Any significant upside here is that the legislative process provides plenty of time for the public to voice their own goals for public school improvement.&nbsp;

ESA legislation likely to be introduced in 2023 would allow parents to draw down individual per student state funding to use at a private school or for other educational expenses such as tutoring, transportation or extra-curricular services.&nbsp;

Can providing Kansas taxpayer dollars to parents to spend on their child’s learning be the magic bullet for education or do ESAs drain the Kansas school system of needed resources and nullify the intent of state and federal law?

Kansas already offers a wide array of school choice options for parents—traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies and homeschooling.&nbsp;

Open enrollment, which will go into effect in the 2024-25 school year,&nbsp;will permit any Kansas student to transfer schools based on the receiving school’s capacity.

An ESA is not a 529 education savings account plan, in Kansas called Learning Quest, where parents/anyone can invest their own dollars toward a child’s education.&nbsp; Funds accrued in a 529&nbsp;account can be withdrawn tax-free if used to pay for college or other qualified education expenses including private schools.

The proposed ESA program is similar to voucher programs which originally allowed states to convert the amount of tax dollars going to support a child in public school to vouchers handed directly to parents for use at approved private schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The first voucher programs emerged in Southern states, during the 1950s shortly after American schools were desegregated. These vouchers were found unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court in part because of selective-admission private school policies. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A resurgence in conservatism and voucher popularity began around 2000 and 15 states now have some form of revised voucher plans often called ESAs. These states’ laws are not uniform. Some limit recipients to high need students.&nbsp; Others allow funds for select learning services beyond private school tuition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent successful lawsuits&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tennessee, South Carolina and&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;blocked the diversion of millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to private school vouchers.

The Education Law Center Public Funds Public Schools tracks challenges to ESAs and found a recently filed New Hampshirelawsuit revealed Amazon as the largest ESA beneficiary in 2021, receiving 18% of funds released to parents.

ESA supporters point to West Virginia, Florida and Arizona as examples where ESAs contribute to student success, but verification is difficult to determine because it is often based on short-term, non-scientific data collection.

There is an enormous difference between parents’ right to choose education for their own children and parents having power to decide where distribution of taxpayer dollars will go.

In Kansas, ESAs may be less about the opportunity for school choice than about shifting taxpayer education dollars to corporate entities and selective-admission private schools.

There are other, better ways to fix problem schools.&nbsp;

Whether it’s rural, suburban or city schools, anytime taxpayer money goes out-the-door to private enterprise, schools lose resources and the American ideal of free public education for all is diminished. &nbsp;

<i>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
                        <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Consistent with conservative wishes when it comes to K-12 education, the 2023 “A Better Way” legislative agenda Kansas Republicans released a few days ago leans toward support for school choice Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).</p><p>Any significant upside here is that the legislative process provides plenty of time for the public to voice their own goals for public school improvement.&nbsp;</p><p>ESA legislation likely to be introduced in 2023 would allow parents to draw down individual per student state funding to use at a private school or for other educational expenses such as tutoring, transportation or extra-curricular services.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Can providing Kansas taxpayer dollars to parents to spend on their child’s learning be the magic bullet for education or do ESAs drain the Kansas school system of needed resources and nullify the intent of state and federal law?</p><p>Kansas already offers a wide array of school choice options for parents—traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies and homeschooling.&nbsp;</p><p>Open enrollment, which will go into effect in the 2024-25 school year,&nbsp;will permit any Kansas student to transfer schools based on the receiving school’s capacity.</p><p>An ESA is not a 529 education savings account plan, in Kansas called Learning Quest, where parents/anyone can invest their own dollars toward a child’s education.&nbsp; Funds accrued in a 529&nbsp;account can be withdrawn tax-free if used to pay for college or other qualified education expenses including private schools.</p><p>The proposed ESA program is similar to voucher programs which originally allowed states to convert the amount of tax dollars going to support a child in public school to vouchers handed directly to parents for use at approved private schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The first voucher programs emerged in Southern states, during the 1950s shortly after American schools were desegregated. These vouchers were found unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court in part because of selective-admission private school policies. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A resurgence in conservatism and voucher popularity began around 2000 and 15 states now have some form of revised voucher plans often called ESAs. These states’ laws are not uniform. Some limit recipients to high need students.&nbsp; Others allow funds for select learning services beyond private school tuition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Recent successful lawsuits&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tennessee, South Carolina and&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;blocked the diversion of millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to private school vouchers.</p><p>The Education Law Center Public Funds Public Schools tracks challenges to ESAs and found a recently filed New Hampshirelawsuit revealed Amazon as the largest ESA beneficiary in 2021, receiving 18% of funds released to parents.</p><p>ESA supporters point to West Virginia, Florida and Arizona as examples where ESAs contribute to student success, but verification is difficult to determine because it is often based on short-term, non-scientific data collection.</p><p>There is an enormous difference between parents’ right to choose education for their own children and parents having power to decide where distribution of taxpayer dollars will go.</p><p>In Kansas, ESAs may be less about the opportunity for school choice than about shifting taxpayer education dollars to corporate entities and selective-admission private schools.</p><p>There are other, better ways to fix problem schools.&nbsp;</p><p>Whether it’s rural, suburban or city schools, anytime taxpayer money goes out-the-door to private enterprise, schools lose resources and the American ideal of free public education for all is diminished. &nbsp;</p><p><i>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</i></p>

INSIGHT KANSAS: Can Education Savings Accounts be a better way?

​While some&nbsp;folks negatively refer to Kansas as&nbsp;Flyover Country, I&nbsp;consider&nbsp;the term&nbsp;as one of our state’s best descriptors. 

Because of our location and the presence of&nbsp;features such as Cheyenne Bottoms&nbsp;and Quivira Marsh,&nbsp;the migratory bird&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Flyway&nbsp;crosses&nbsp;right&nbsp;overKansas.&nbsp;

Due to&nbsp;this, we&nbsp;see and hear&nbsp;massive migrations each spring and fall that few experience. As a bonus, geese and ducks that nest in Canada&nbsp;fly&nbsp;this far south in the winter&nbsp;before&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;on our lakes&nbsp;and reservoirs to feed and fuel the rest of their&nbsp;journey. Making it a double bonus, bald eagles that also&nbsp;reproduce&nbsp;in the North Country, follow those&nbsp;honking, quacking&nbsp;flocks&nbsp;to&nbsp;hunt&nbsp;weaker,&nbsp;slower&nbsp;members.&nbsp;Growing&nbsp;populations&nbsp;made&nbsp;this a banner year for&nbsp;fans of our national bird.

Kansas Birding&nbsp;on Facebook&nbsp;shared&nbsp;recently completed Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)&nbsp;that&nbsp;documented at least 100 eagles at Kirwin Reservoir. Nearby Webster Lake CBC reported at least 125 bald eagles&nbsp;following&nbsp;Canada goose, snow goose, and duck flocks this winter. If you want to nature watch, it’s worth a&nbsp;drive&nbsp;to view&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;geese on the water as well as&nbsp;the&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;circling&nbsp;and landing in&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;farm fields.&nbsp;Park safely, crank up the heat,&nbsp;roll&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;window,&nbsp;and&nbsp;listen to&nbsp;them&nbsp;gabble and honk.&nbsp;

​Once&nbsp;you get&nbsp;close enough to the lake to watch massive rafts of water fowl,&nbsp;grab binoculars, spotting scopes, or telescopic lenses to look for accompanying bald eagles. In the past, seeing&nbsp;more than&nbsp;a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;thrilled&nbsp;a birder’s heart, but this year,&nbsp;lucky viewers&nbsp;might see&nbsp;a&nbsp;score&nbsp;or two&nbsp;sitting on ice,&nbsp;picking at&nbsp;remnants of goose&nbsp;or&nbsp;duck&nbsp;or fish, preening to keep feathers in prime condition, or resting between feasts.&nbsp;

​On a recent trip to Webster, we first spied several bald eagles perched high in trees lining the north shore camping and boating areas. With&nbsp;distinctive&nbsp;heads and hooked beaks&nbsp;turned to&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on thousands of waterfowl on the lake, they&nbsp;searched&nbsp;for&nbsp;those&nbsp;weak&nbsp;birds&nbsp;that&nbsp;provide a quick protein boost.&nbsp;

​We&nbsp;then&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;high vantage point that&nbsp;gave&nbsp;an open view of&nbsp;much of&nbsp;the ice-covered&nbsp;water. Once I zoomed in with my telescopic lens&nbsp;to&nbsp;scan&nbsp;the area, I’d see anywhere from 5 to 10 eagles situated not far from each&nbsp;group&nbsp;of hundreds if not thousands of&nbsp;waterfowl.&nbsp;

​Later, we&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;the campground/cove areas,&nbsp;pulling&nbsp;into one&nbsp;where we promptly spotted&nbsp;more&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;watching from&nbsp;trees near water.&nbsp;We found a parking&nbsp;spot&nbsp;that offered a&nbsp;distant&nbsp;view of&nbsp;a&nbsp;semi-protected cove&nbsp;and&nbsp;counted&nbsp;39&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;in&nbsp;that spot.&nbsp;Once again,&nbsp;they pecked at&nbsp;scraps, preened,&nbsp;and&nbsp;snoozed&nbsp;while&nbsp;a couple of&nbsp;lazy ones&nbsp;sneaked close enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise a fuss over&nbsp;a fellow&nbsp;eagle’s food cache.

​While eagles&nbsp;have&nbsp;historically followed&nbsp;migrating waterfowl&nbsp;across Kansas&nbsp;during fall and winter, this year’s bird count&nbsp;suggests&nbsp;that conservation efforts have boosted their recovery. It also makes&nbsp;Flyover Country&nbsp;sound&nbsp;so much&nbsp;more intriguing than the original&nbsp;disparaging remark&nbsp;intended.

<i>Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674228972077.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By KAREN MADORIN</b></p><p>​While some&nbsp;folks negatively refer to Kansas as&nbsp;Flyover Country, I&nbsp;consider&nbsp;the term&nbsp;as one of our state’s best descriptors. </p><p>Because of our location and the presence of&nbsp;features such as Cheyenne Bottoms&nbsp;and Quivira Marsh,&nbsp;the migratory bird&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Flyway&nbsp;crosses&nbsp;right&nbsp;overKansas.&nbsp;</p><p>Due to&nbsp;this, we&nbsp;see and hear&nbsp;massive migrations each spring and fall that few experience. As a bonus, geese and ducks that nest in Canada&nbsp;fly&nbsp;this far south in the winter&nbsp;before&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;on our lakes&nbsp;and reservoirs to feed and fuel the rest of their&nbsp;journey. Making it a double bonus, bald eagles that also&nbsp;reproduce&nbsp;in the North Country, follow those&nbsp;honking, quacking&nbsp;flocks&nbsp;to&nbsp;hunt&nbsp;weaker,&nbsp;slower&nbsp;members.&nbsp;Growing&nbsp;populations&nbsp;made&nbsp;this a banner year for&nbsp;fans of our national bird.</p><div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/PmXnldNV-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Eagle Flyover Country" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Kansas Birding&nbsp;on Facebook&nbsp;shared&nbsp;recently completed Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)&nbsp;that&nbsp;documented at least 100 eagles at Kirwin Reservoir. Nearby Webster Lake CBC reported at least 125 bald eagles&nbsp;following&nbsp;Canada goose, snow goose, and duck flocks this winter. If you want to nature watch, it’s worth a&nbsp;drive&nbsp;to view&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;geese on the water as well as&nbsp;the&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;circling&nbsp;and landing in&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;farm fields.&nbsp;Park safely, crank up the heat,&nbsp;roll&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;window,&nbsp;and&nbsp;listen to&nbsp;them&nbsp;gabble and honk.&nbsp;</p><p>​Once&nbsp;you get&nbsp;close enough to the lake to watch massive rafts of water fowl,&nbsp;grab binoculars, spotting scopes, or telescopic lenses to look for accompanying bald eagles. In the past, seeing&nbsp;more than&nbsp;a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;thrilled&nbsp;a birder’s heart, but this year,&nbsp;lucky viewers&nbsp;might see&nbsp;a&nbsp;score&nbsp;or two&nbsp;sitting on ice,&nbsp;picking at&nbsp;remnants of goose&nbsp;or&nbsp;duck&nbsp;or fish, preening to keep feathers in prime condition, or resting between feasts.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
                        <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>​On a recent trip to Webster, we first spied several bald eagles perched high in trees lining the north shore camping and boating areas. With&nbsp;distinctive&nbsp;heads and hooked beaks&nbsp;turned to&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on thousands of waterfowl on the lake, they&nbsp;searched&nbsp;for&nbsp;those&nbsp;weak&nbsp;birds&nbsp;that&nbsp;provide a quick protein boost.&nbsp;</p><p>​We&nbsp;then&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;high vantage point that&nbsp;gave&nbsp;an open view of&nbsp;much of&nbsp;the ice-covered&nbsp;water. Once I zoomed in with my telescopic lens&nbsp;to&nbsp;scan&nbsp;the area, I’d see anywhere from 5 to 10 eagles situated not far from each&nbsp;group&nbsp;of hundreds if not thousands of&nbsp;waterfowl.&nbsp;</p><p>​Later, we&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;the campground/cove areas,&nbsp;pulling&nbsp;into one&nbsp;where we promptly spotted&nbsp;more&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;watching from&nbsp;trees near water.&nbsp;We found a parking&nbsp;spot&nbsp;that offered a&nbsp;distant&nbsp;view of&nbsp;a&nbsp;semi-protected cove&nbsp;and&nbsp;counted&nbsp;39&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;in&nbsp;that spot.&nbsp;Once again,&nbsp;they pecked at&nbsp;scraps, preened,&nbsp;and&nbsp;snoozed&nbsp;while&nbsp;a couple of&nbsp;lazy ones&nbsp;sneaked close enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise a fuss over&nbsp;a fellow&nbsp;eagle’s food cache.</p><p>​While eagles&nbsp;have&nbsp;historically followed&nbsp;migrating waterfowl&nbsp;across Kansas&nbsp;during fall and winter, this year’s bird count&nbsp;suggests&nbsp;that conservation efforts have boosted their recovery. It also makes&nbsp;Flyover Country&nbsp;sound&nbsp;so much&nbsp;more intriguing than the original&nbsp;disparaging remark&nbsp;intended.</p><p><i>Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.</i></p>

MADORIN: Bald eagles in Flyover Country

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674240858918.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a></p>

I-70 is open in both directions to the Colorado border

Harley Zimmerman won the 132-pound weight class,
Dalton Meyers second at 157 and Elijah McCullough finished third at 113 to help
the Hays High wrestling team to a fourth place finish at the Bob Kuhn Prairie
Classic Saturday at Hays High School. 

Manhattan won the team title with 202.5 points. Junction City
finished second at 181.5. Great Bend finished third with 176.5 then the Indians
fourth with 109 points.

Zimmerman (25-1), who is ranked first at 132 in the Kansas Wrestling
Coaches Association, went 4-0 in the tournament. After winning his first two matches
with falls, Zimmerman defeated Jaxsen Salinas 6-2 in the semifinals then took
out Hoisington’s Josiah Ball 6-2 in the finals.

Meyers (22-9), who’s ranked fifth at 157, went 4-1 in the
tournament. He won his first match by fall then defeated Hoisington’s Teron Kraft
6-4 in the second round. Meyers defeated Isaac Sinks of Manhattan 5-2 in the semifinals
before losing a 5-0 decision to Goodland’s Kyan Ensign in the finals. 

McCullough (25-5), who is ranked sixth at 113, received a
bye in the first round. He defeated Jhadyn Turner 7-2 in the second round
before losing by fall to Salina Central’s Jase Adam in the semifinals.
McCullough bounced back with a 10-1 major decision over Pratt’s Riffey Maddox
then a 2-1 victory over Trego’s Ashton Wynn on the back side of the bracket.

Mason Younger of Ellis finished second at 126. Teammate Jarrett
Mader placed third at 144. 

<p><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Harley Zimmerman won the 132-pound weight class,
Dalton Meyers second at 157 and Elijah McCullough finished third at 113 to help
the Hays High wrestling team to a fourth place finish at the Bob Kuhn Prairie
Classic Saturday at Hays High School. </p><p>Manhattan won the team title with 202.5 points. Junction City
finished second at 181.5. Great Bend finished third with 176.5 then the Indians
fourth with 109 points.</p><p>Zimmerman (25-1), who is ranked first at 132 in the Kansas Wrestling
Coaches Association, went 4-0 in the tournament. After winning his first two matches
with falls, Zimmerman defeated Jaxsen Salinas 6-2 in the semifinals then took
out Hoisington’s Josiah Ball 6-2 in the finals.</p><p>Meyers (22-9), who’s ranked fifth at 157, went 4-1 in the
tournament. He won his first match by fall then defeated Hoisington’s Teron Kraft
6-4 in the second round. Meyers defeated Isaac Sinks of Manhattan 5-2 in the semifinals
before losing a 5-0 decision to Goodland’s Kyan Ensign in the finals. </p><p>McCullough (25-5), who is ranked sixth at 113, received a
bye in the first round. He defeated Jhadyn Turner 7-2 in the second round
before losing by fall to Salina Central’s Jase Adam in the semifinals.
McCullough bounced back with a 10-1 major decision over Pratt’s Riffey Maddox
then a 2-1 victory over Trego’s Ashton Wynn on the back side of the bracket.</p><p>Mason Younger of Ellis finished second at 126. Teammate Jarrett
Mader placed third at 144. </p><h2>106</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Caeleb Hutchinson (Manhattan) 29-3, Fr. over Triston Tomlinson (Great Bend) 21-5, Fr. (Fall 1:42)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Terence Wallace (Haysville Campus) 14-9, So. over Isaiah Peachey (Hugoton) 17-7, Fr. (Fall 4:28)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Grady Lind (Hays ) 20-5, Fr. over Tate Blackwill (Trego Community ) 22-10, So. (Dec 11-8)</li>
                    </ul><h2>113</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Ezekiel Witt (Junction City) 27-1, Jr. over Jase Adam (Salina Central) 23-7, So. (TF-1.5 2:47 (15-0))</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Elijah McCullough (Hays ) 25-5, Jr. over Ashton Wynn (Trego Community ) 24-8, Fr. (Dec 2-1)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Cameron Coonrod (Manhattan) 22-16, Fr. over Maddox Riffey (Pratt) 12-15, Jr. (Fall 2:13)</li>
                    </ul><h2>120</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Carter Krier (Oakley) 6-0, So. over Kaden Sisson (Phillipsburg) 16-1, So. (Fall 2:37)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Sammy Hershberger (Buhler) 20-3, Fr. over Dalton Devin (Manhattan) 16-6, So. (Dec 8-4)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Isaac Phimvongsa (Salina Central) 11-5, Sr. over Roman Romero (Ulysses) 16-9, So. (Fall 0:58)</li>
                    </ul><h2>126</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Logan Lagerman (Manhattan) 25-4, So. over Mason Younger (Ellis) 25-1, Jr. (SV-1 7-5)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Eastin Redetzke (Hoisington) 7-3, Sr. over Tripp Duvall (Holly) 20-4, So. (For.)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Kaiden Hoffman (Great Bend) 20-10, Jr. over Cyrus Vajnar (Hays ) 16-7, Sr. (Fall 4:07)</li>
                    </ul><h2>132</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Harley Zimmerman (Hays ) 21-1, Jr. over Josiah Ball (Hoisington) 15-3, Jr. (Dec 6-2)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Jameal Agnew (Manhattan) 27-9, Jr. over Jaxsen Salinas (Ulysses) 21-8, Fr. (MD 9-1)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Octavio Gonzalez (Goodland) 23-5, Sr. over Abram Owings (Salina Central) 25-10, Fr. (Dec 5-3)</li>
                    </ul><h2>138</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Patrick Foxworth (Junction City) 27-2, Sr. over Braysen Salinas (Ulysses) 21-6, Jr. (Fall 2:58)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Skyler McMullen (Great Bend) 21-6, Sr. over Cruz Hershberger (Buhler) 19-8, So. (Fall 3:41)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Charlie Slothower (Salina Central) 18-13, Jr. over Holden Lind (Hays ) 17-13, Fr. (Dec 4-3)</li>
                    </ul><h2>144</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Jace Schartz (Great Bend) 25-3, So. over Kayden Blake (Junction City) 28-4, Sr. (Dec 7-6)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Jarret Mader (Ellis) 21-4, Sr. over Dawson Hogan (Salina Central) 25-10, Sr. (UTB 4-3)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Braedyn Blasi (Goddard-Eisenhower) 16-8, Jr. over Jaxon Roeder (Buhler) 14-11, Sr. (Fall 2:20)</li>
                    </ul><h2>150</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Taye Wilson (Pratt) 16-2, So. over Cooper Liles (Great Bend) 24-3, Jr. (Dec 5-4)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Deryk Yott (Hoisington) 26-8, Sr. over Tommy York (Goddard-Eisenhower) 13-5, Jr. (Fall 4:00)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Carsen Meitl (Phillipsburg) 19-8, Jr. over Aaron Samson (Trego Community ) 17-14, Fr. (Dec 8-4)</li>
                    </ul><h2>157</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Kyan Ensign (Goodland) 24-5, Sr. over Dalton Meyers (Hays ) 18-6, So. (Dec 5-0)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Adam Mendoza (Hugoton) 24-3, Sr. over Isaac Sinks (Manhattan) 20-14, Jr. (Fall 0:49)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Wyatt Lovell (Pratt) 17-11, So. over Collin McQueen (Junction City) 19-14, Sr. (MD 13-4)</li>
                    </ul><h2>165</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Cooper McCloy (Buhler) 21-2, Jr. over Griffin Bohanan (Junction City) 29-2, Jr. (SV-1 4-2)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Teagen Pfeifer (Russell) 24-6, So. over Raul Perez (Pratt) 13-11, So. (Dec 4-0)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Kayden Hudson (Phillipsburg) 22-10, So. over Elias Anguiano (Ulysses) 15-13, Sr. (Dec 3-2)</li>
                    </ul><h2>175</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Adrian Turner (Kapaun) 22-2, Sr. over Matthew Johnson (Great Bend) 21-6, Jr. (Dec 1-0)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Landon Dobson (Manhattan) 16-10, So. over Logan Nabus (Junction City) 28-5, Sr. (MD 12-4)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Kaleb Jaquez (Ulysses) 19-12, Sr. over Brayden Strobel (Russell) 12-6, Sr. (Fall 4:33)</li>
                    </ul><h2>190</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Nathan Fury (Kapaun) 26-2, Sr. over Maverick Spresser (Goodland) 19-5, Sr. (Fall 2:46)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Luke Fischer (Larned) 20-3, Jr. over Trenton Kern (Great Bend) 19-10, Fr. (MD 8-0)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Justin Degollado (Ulysses) 13-4, Sr. over Cooper Bogenhagen (Junction City) 18-7, Jr. (M. For.)</li>
                    </ul><h2>215</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Omari Elias (Kapaun) 24-5, Jr. over Keyven Schroeder (Great Bend) 22-6, Jr. (Fall 2:46)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Jaxon Vikander (Manhattan) 23-7, Sr. over Carter Atteberry (Larned) 19-6, Sr. (Fall 2:38)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Brannon Rageth (Salina Central) 15-12, Jr. over Ivan Jirak (Oakley) 16-11, Jr. (Fall 2:01)</li>
                    </ul><h2>285</h2><h2>1st Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Clayton Frehn (Manhattan) 20-6, Jr. over Cole Gilliland (Hoisington) 19-2, Sr. (Fall 3:53)</li>
                    </ul><h2>3rd Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Nathan Agudzi-Addo (Junction City) 22-11, Sr. over Drake Van Scoyoc (Pratt) 20-7, Sr. (For.)</li>
                    </ul><h2>5th Place Match</h2><ul>
                        <li>Carlos Aguilar (Salina Central) 6-10, Jr. over Will Nichols (Hays ) 8-11, Sr. (Dec 3-1)</li>
                    </ul>

🤼  Zimmerman wins 132 title, HHS fourth at Bob Kuhn Prairie Classic

City of 
Hays Public Works crews will be removing snow from the downtown area 
from Oak to Fort streets and Seventh to 13th streets, Main Street from Sixth to 16th streets, and West Ninth and 10th
 streets in the 100 and 200 blocks Saturday starting at approximately 10 p.m. 

City crews request that cars be 
removed from these areas to allow the crews the ability to completely 
plow the street and the on-street parking areas.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>City of 
Hays Public Works crews will be removing snow from the downtown area 
from Oak to Fort streets and Seventh to 13th streets, Main Street from Sixth to 16th streets, and West Ninth and 10th
 streets in the 100 and 200 blocks Saturday starting at approximately 10 p.m. </p><p>City crews request that cars be 
removed from these areas to allow the crews the ability to completely 
plow the street and the on-street parking areas.</p><p>For more information, call 785-628-7350.</p>

Move your cars: Time for Hays crews to start pushing snow

Streaming Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Executive Realty

<p>Streaming Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Executive Realty</p><p>Game time scheduled for 2:30</p><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/509141?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH: Hays High girls v. Beloit 

<p>Streaming Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Executive Realty</p><p>Game time scheduled for 2:30</p><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/509142?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH: Hays High boys v. Colby 

With 2 inches of snow on the ground in Hays at 8 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is now calling for up to 9 nine inches of accumulation through Saturday.

The snowfall is expected to taper beginning at 7 p.m., the NWS said.

Sunday is expected to be clear, but cold, with a high of 28 degrees. The overnight low Sunday will drop to the single digits.

A chance for more snowfall returns Monday and Tuesday, with a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of additional accumulation.

<i>Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674325070975.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>With 2 inches of snow on the ground in Hays at 8 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is now calling for up to 9 nine inches of accumulation through Saturday.</p><p>The snowfall is expected to taper beginning at 7 p.m., the NWS said.</p><p>Sunday is expected to be clear, but cold, with a high of 28 degrees. The overnight low Sunday will drop to the single digits.</p><p>A chance for more snowfall returns Monday and Tuesday, with a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of additional accumulation.</p><p><i>Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.</i></p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snowfall amounts as of 8AM this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/D0yctVCSn4">pic.twitter.com/D0yctVCSn4</a></p>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1616813791894994945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Winter storm bringing more snowfall than predicted to Hays area

<b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i>

ELLIS —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prairiebreezelodge.com/">Prairie Breeze Lodge</a> of rural Ellis is expanding its offerings under new ownership.

The lodge, which is south of Old Highway 40 on 160th, has been a destination for hunters since it opened in 2021.

Charlie Carter and his family from South Dakota recently bought the lodge and have made it available for rental on <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/3034288?noDates=true&amp;unitId=3606332">Vrbo</a>.

The 5,000-square-foot lodge has eight bedrooms with accommodations for up to 34 people. Six of the bedrooms have one or two beds. Those rooms share a communal locker room.

The suites have spacious en suite bathrooms with additional bunk beds for families.

Jenette Lewis, manager, said the lodge is heavily booked during the hunting season from September through January. Hunters come from as far away as the east and west coasts with many groups returning year after year.

"I know a lot of people who come out here to hunt and stay with us, they become extended family," said Lewis, who lives on the property.

Some families bring their children and have started marking their growth on a wall of the lodge. Others have joined in with signatures and dates.

Some hunters are already booking for next season. If you are interested in booking for hunting season, you will have to call Lewis directly at 785-491-1292. Those dates are blocked on the Vrbo site.

The lodge has an area where hunters can sight their guns or bows and a locker room off the back door where they can get out of their hunting gear.

Lewis said pets are not allowed in the lodge; however, a project is planned for a new building on the property that would include a dog kennel as well as an area where hunters could clean their animals.

Hunting packages come with a grab-and-go breakfast, sandwich lunch and a full hot meal for dinner.

The lodge does not provide land on which to hunt but regularly works with local outfitter Dan Cross. Hunters can work with other outfitters or hunt on public land.

The lodge has a full kitchen, bar, living room with TV and patio with outdoor seating. It offers Dish and free wifi.&nbsp;Laundry facilities also are available.

Although deer and upland birds have been the primary quarry for most visitors to the lodge, Lewis said she hopes to attract turkey hunters this spring.

Opening the lodge to bookings on Vrbo will allow people to book the lodge for other events. The lodge is booking for $709 per night for the whole building on Vrbo. Those rates may be adjusted in the off-season, Lewis said.

"I think a lot of it will be people who are from the area originally and are trying to gather in a central location," she said.

Lewis said the space would be ideal for a family reunion. She also has booked a wedding ceremony for this spring.

The lodge is on a slight hill, and visitors can look out onto the Kansas prairie for miles in all directions.

"We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets out here, because it is so wide open," she said.

Vrbo customers are not provided with food but have access to the kitchen if they want to make their own meals. Alcohol is allowed at the lodge but must be provided by the guest.

You also can reach Prarie Breeze by email at prairiebreezelodge@gmail.com or follow the lodge on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078818923376">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674145823065.jpeg" alt="Prairie Breeze Lodge, between Ellis and Hays off of Old Highway 40, offers accommodations for up to 34 people. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Prairie Breeze Lodge, between Ellis and Hays off of Old Highway 40, offers accommodations for up to 34 people. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>ELLIS —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prairiebreezelodge.com/">Prairie Breeze Lodge</a> of rural Ellis is expanding its offerings under new ownership.</p><p>The lodge, which is south of Old Highway 40 on 160th, has been a destination for hunters since it opened in 2021.</p><p>Charlie Carter and his family from South Dakota recently bought the lodge and have made it available for rental on <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/3034288?noDates=true&amp;unitId=3606332">Vrbo</a>.</p><p>The 5,000-square-foot lodge has eight bedrooms with accommodations for up to 34 people. Six of the bedrooms have one or two beds. Those rooms share a communal locker room.</p><p>The suites have spacious en suite bathrooms with additional bunk beds for families.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674146043543.jpeg" alt="One of Prairie Breeze Lodge's two suites. Each suite has an attached bathroom. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>One of Prairie Breeze Lodge's two suites. Each suite has an attached bathroom. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Jenette Lewis, manager, said the lodge is heavily booked during the hunting season from September through January. Hunters come from as far away as the east and west coasts with many groups returning year after year.</p><p>"I know a lot of people who come out here to hunt and stay with us, they become extended family," said Lewis, who lives on the property.</p><p>Some families bring their children and have started marking their growth on a wall of the lodge. Others have joined in with signatures and dates.</p><p>Some hunters are already booking for next season. If you are interested in booking for hunting season, you will have to call Lewis directly at 785-491-1292. Those dates are blocked on the Vrbo site.</p><p>The lodge has an area where hunters can sight their guns or bows and a locker room off the back door where they can get out of their hunting gear.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674147578836.jpeg" alt="Prairie Breeze Lodge has a spacious dining and seating area, which includes a bar. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Prairie Breeze Lodge has a spacious dining and seating area, which includes a bar. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Lewis said pets are not allowed in the lodge; however, a project is planned for a new building on the property that would include a dog kennel as well as an area where hunters could clean their animals.</p><p>Hunting packages come with a grab-and-go breakfast, sandwich lunch and a full hot meal for dinner.</p><p>The lodge does not provide land on which to hunt but regularly works with local outfitter Dan Cross. Hunters can work with other outfitters or hunt on public land.</p><p>The lodge has a full kitchen, bar, living room with TV and patio with outdoor seating. It offers Dish and free wifi.&nbsp;Laundry facilities also are available.</p><p>Although deer and upland birds have been the primary quarry for most visitors to the lodge, Lewis said she hopes to attract turkey hunters this spring.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674148481302.jpeg" alt="Prairie Breeze Lodge has a full kitchen. Hunting packages come with prepared meals. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Prairie Breeze Lodge has a full kitchen. Hunting packages come with prepared meals. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Opening the lodge to bookings on Vrbo will allow people to book the lodge for other events. The lodge is booking for $709 per night for the whole building on Vrbo. Those rates may be adjusted in the off-season, Lewis said.</p><p>"I think a lot of it will be people who are from the area originally and are trying to gather in a central location," she said.</p><p>Lewis said the space would be ideal for a family reunion. She also has booked a wedding ceremony for this spring.</p><p>The lodge is on a slight hill, and visitors can look out onto the Kansas prairie for miles in all directions.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674148536335.jpeg" alt="Prairie Breeze Lodge, in rural Ellis County, has a covered deck with views of the surrounding Kansas prairie. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Prairie Breeze Lodge, in rural Ellis County, has a covered deck with views of the surrounding Kansas prairie. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets out here, because it is so wide open," she said.</p><p>Vrbo customers are not provided with food but have access to the kitchen if they want to make their own meals. Alcohol is allowed at the lodge but must be provided by the guest.</p><p>You also can reach Prarie Breeze by email at prairiebreezelodge@gmail.com or follow the lodge on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078818923376">Facebook</a>.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

NWester: Not just for hunters, Prairie Breeze Lodge expands off-season stays

Celebration Community Church has announced it they will serve as a host of <a href="https://www.nighttoshinehays.org/">Night to Shine 2023</a>, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, celebrating people with special needs will be held&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, Feb. 10.&nbsp;

"Celebration&nbsp;is excited to be a part of this worldwide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with&nbsp;disabilities&nbsp;and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved," the church said in a news release.

Every&nbsp;guest of Night to Shine enters this complimentary&nbsp;event on&nbsp;a&nbsp;red carpet&nbsp;complete with&nbsp;a&nbsp;warm welcome from a&nbsp;friendly&nbsp;crowd&nbsp;and&nbsp;paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including&nbsp;hair and makeup stations,&nbsp;limousine rides,&nbsp;corsages and boutonnieres,&nbsp;a catered&nbsp;dinner, karaoke, prom favors&nbsp;and&nbsp;,&nbsp;a dance floor … all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned&nbsp;king or queen of the prom.

“I’m so excited Night to Shine 2023 will be back in-person! All around the world, individuals with special needs&nbsp;are going to be celebrated like they should be. We’ve been able to adapt over the last couple years but we can’t wait to&nbsp;be&nbsp;back together in person&nbsp;to&nbsp;cheer for every guest as they walk the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, crown them as a king or queen of the prom and most importantly, tell every single one of them that their life has purpose and they are loved by us and the God of this universe,” said&nbsp;Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Night to Shine launched in 2015 with&nbsp;44 host churches and 15,000 volunteers&nbsp;honoring&nbsp;more than 7,000&nbsp;kings and&nbsp;queens&nbsp;of the prom.&nbsp;In February 2020,&nbsp;721&nbsp;host churches and&nbsp;215,000&nbsp;volunteers came together to celebrate&nbsp;110,000&nbsp;honored guests with special needs.&nbsp;Over the&nbsp;past&nbsp;two years,&nbsp;Night to Shine innovated and endured&nbsp;through the pandemic&nbsp;with the&nbsp;first-ever virtual Night to Shine,&nbsp;celebrating thousands of honored guests&nbsp;through&nbsp;unique adaptations including a complete virtual video experience and&nbsp;socially distanced&nbsp;Shine Thru drive-through events.

Locally, this will be the sixth year of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Night&nbsp;To&nbsp;Shine event in Hays.&nbsp;Over the years, over 600 kings and queens have been crowned and over 12,000 volunteers have taken part. This year’s event is shaping up to be the largest in guest attendance; however, volunteer numbers are&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;low. Organizers are in need of&nbsp;an additional 300 volunteers from Hays and the surrounding communities to set up for this to be a successful event.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674240052715.jpeg" alt="Night to Shine had to be a drive-through event for the last several years due to the pandemic, but it is back in its traditional dance format for 2023. File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Night to Shine had to be a drive-through event for the last several years due to the pandemic, but it is back in its traditional dance format for 2023. File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>News release</i></p><p>Celebration Community Church has announced it they will serve as a host of <a href="https://www.nighttoshinehays.org/">Night to Shine 2023</a>, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, celebrating people with special needs will be held&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, Feb. 10.&nbsp;</p><p>"Celebration&nbsp;is excited to be a part of this worldwide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with&nbsp;disabilities&nbsp;and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved," the church said in a news release.</p><p>Every&nbsp;guest of Night to Shine enters this complimentary&nbsp;event on&nbsp;a&nbsp;red carpet&nbsp;complete with&nbsp;a&nbsp;warm welcome from a&nbsp;friendly&nbsp;crowd&nbsp;and&nbsp;paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including&nbsp;hair and makeup stations,&nbsp;limousine rides,&nbsp;corsages and boutonnieres,&nbsp;a catered&nbsp;dinner, karaoke, prom favors&nbsp;and&nbsp;,&nbsp;a dance floor … all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned&nbsp;king or queen of the prom.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674240158129.jpeg" alt="Volunteers cheer on Night to Shine participants in 2022. File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Volunteers cheer on Night to Shine participants in 2022. File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“I’m so excited Night to Shine 2023 will be back in-person! All around the world, individuals with special needs&nbsp;are going to be celebrated like they should be. We’ve been able to adapt over the last couple years but we can’t wait to&nbsp;be&nbsp;back together in person&nbsp;to&nbsp;cheer for every guest as they walk the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, crown them as a king or queen of the prom and most importantly, tell every single one of them that their life has purpose and they are loved by us and the God of this universe,” said&nbsp;Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.</p><p>Night to Shine launched in 2015 with&nbsp;44 host churches and 15,000 volunteers&nbsp;honoring&nbsp;more than 7,000&nbsp;kings and&nbsp;queens&nbsp;of the prom.&nbsp;In February 2020,&nbsp;721&nbsp;host churches and&nbsp;215,000&nbsp;volunteers came together to celebrate&nbsp;110,000&nbsp;honored guests with special needs.&nbsp;Over the&nbsp;past&nbsp;two years,&nbsp;Night to Shine innovated and endured&nbsp;through the pandemic&nbsp;with the&nbsp;first-ever virtual Night to Shine,&nbsp;celebrating thousands of honored guests&nbsp;through&nbsp;unique adaptations including a complete virtual video experience and&nbsp;socially distanced&nbsp;Shine Thru drive-through events.</p><p>Locally, this will be the sixth year of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Night&nbsp;To&nbsp;Shine event in Hays.&nbsp;Over the years, over 600 kings and queens have been crowned and over 12,000 volunteers have taken part. This year’s event is shaping up to be the largest in guest attendance; however, volunteer numbers are&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;low. Organizers are in need of&nbsp;an additional 300 volunteers from Hays and the surrounding communities to set up for this to be a successful event.</p><p>For additional information or&nbsp;to sign up to volunteer for&nbsp;the Night to Shine, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nighttoshinehays.org/">nighttoshinehays.org</a>.</p>