The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened westbound I-70 from Hays to the Colorado state line. Both directions of the interstate are now open to traffic.

Winter driving conditions may still be present in some areas, and KDOT crews continue to work to remove snow and ice from the roadways. Drivers are reminded to buckle up, slow down and use caution around snowplows and emergency vehicles.&nbsp;

For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened westbound I-70 from Hays to the Colorado state line. Both directions of the interstate are now open to traffic.Winter driving conditions may still be present in some areas, and KDOT crews continue to work to remove snow and ice from the roadways. Drivers are reminded to buckle up, slow down and use caution around snowplows and emergency vehicles.&nbsp;For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Interstate 70 reopened from Hays to Colorado

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cb714fb2-8cbe-4799-99d2-61588f42570f">UPDATE 8:40 a.m. Thursday: Interstate has been reopened</a>

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed westbound I-70 at Hays because of winter weather conditions and vehicle crashes in Colorado.

Motorists are reminded to expect an extended closure and postpone westbound travel. Additional closures may be necessary as accommodations and truck parking fill up.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cb714fb2-8cbe-4799-99d2-61588f42570f">UPDATE 8:40 a.m. Thursday: Interstate has been reopened</a>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has closed westbound I-70 at Hays because of winter weather conditions and vehicle crashes in Colorado.Motorists are reminded to expect an extended closure and postpone westbound travel. Additional closures may be necessary as accommodations and truck parking fill up.For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

UPDATE: Interstate 70 closure extends to Hays

THOMAS COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 GMC Sierra driven by Yosvany Jorge&nbsp;Reguera Rodriguez, 40,&nbsp; Hialeah, Florida, was westbound in the right lane on Interstate 70 two miles west of U.S. 83.

A semi passed the pickup. The pickup lost traction, left the roadway to the right and rolled onto its top.

EMS transported a passenger Rafael&nbsp;Gonzalez, 43, Houston, Texas, to the Logan County Hospital.&nbsp;Reguera Rodriguez and a second passenger were not injured. The passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674079483738.png" alt="I-70 in Thomas County Wednesday afternoon -image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>I-70 in Thomas County Wednesday afternoon -image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 GMC Sierra driven by Yosvany Jorge&nbsp;Reguera Rodriguez, 40,&nbsp; Hialeah, Florida, was westbound in the right lane on Interstate 70 two miles west of U.S. 83.A semi passed the pickup. The pickup lost traction, left the roadway to the right and rolled onto its top.EMS transported a passenger Rafael&nbsp;Gonzalez, 43, Houston, Texas, to the Logan County Hospital.&nbsp;Reguera Rodriguez and a second passenger were not injured. The passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized after pickup overturns on I-70 in NW Kansas

The 2022 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year is staying right here in Hays.

Senior Bryce Salmans announced Wednesday via social media he has committed to Fort Hays State University. In his first season at the position, the defensive standout led the WAC in sacks and tackles for loss last season, while also pulling double-duty at tight end.

“A lot of people simply ran away from his side of the field,” head coach Tony Crough told Hays Post after last season. “I think we found out when we moved him defensive end that he became one of the better ones in the state. He’s really athletic. He’s just one of those kids with some rare skills (he was a member of the track team’s 4×100-meter relay unit).”

Salmans, listed at 6-1, 225 pounds, had 57 tackles in 2022, 27 of those solo.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Committed 🐯 <a href="https://t.co/XJRO9lVvP5">pic.twitter.com/XJRO9lVvP5</a>&mdash; Bryce Salmans (@BryceSalmans) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceSalmans/status/1615730255645261824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>Hays PostThe 2022 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year is staying right here in Hays.Senior Bryce Salmans announced Wednesday via social media he has committed to Fort Hays State University. In his first season at the position, the defensive standout led the WAC in sacks and tackles for loss last season, while also pulling double-duty at tight end.“A lot of people simply ran away from his side of the field,” head coach Tony Crough told Hays Post after last season. “I think we found out when we moved him defensive end that he became one of the better ones in the state. He’s really athletic. He’s just one of those kids with some rare skills (he was a member of the track team’s 4×100-meter relay unit).”Salmans, listed at 6-1, 225 pounds, had 57 tackles in 2022, 27 of those solo.

Hays High defensive standout commits to Fort Hays State

Wednesday's winter storm stayed far north and west of the Hays area, bringing some moisture — but not much.

According to initial reports from CoCoRaHS, rainfall reports ranged from about a tenth to a quarter of an inch in Ellis County. The official rainfall report from the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays will be available Thursday.

There is a 60 percent chance of more snow before midnight Wednesday before skies clear Thursday and Friday. Friday night, however, brings a chance for more snowfall, with the National Weather Service in Dodge City reporting a 40 percent chance of snow Friday night and into Saturday.

High temperatures for the remainder of the week will be in the upper-30s to low-40s, with overnight lows in the upper-teens to low-20s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674067373930.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday's winter storm stayed far north and west of the Hays area, bringing some moisture — but not much.According to initial reports from CoCoRaHS, rainfall reports ranged from about a tenth to a quarter of an inch in Ellis County. The official rainfall report from the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays will be available Thursday.There is a 60 percent chance of more snow before midnight Wednesday before skies clear Thursday and Friday. Friday night, however, brings a chance for more snowfall, with the National Weather Service in Dodge City reporting a 40 percent chance of snow Friday night and into Saturday.High temperatures for the remainder of the week will be in the upper-30s to low-40s, with overnight lows in the upper-teens to low-20s.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The next winter storm is expected to impact our weather Saturday. Computer model tracks with this storm are much further south, which would support widespread accumulating snow Saturday. Stay tuned for updates. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/6kS4LCqP5i">pic.twitter.com/6kS4LCqP5i</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1615620718800293889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Friday brings another chance for snowfall, moisture in Hays area

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It's one of the few times the city of Hays has received at least two bids on each of its projects in the annual street maintenance program.

Public Works Director Jesse Rohr is "very pleased" with the bids from 10 contractors for the six project areas in 2023.

City commissioners unanimously approved the recommended low bids during their meeting last week. The total is $1,415,968 which will be funded from the special highway budget.

A seventh project, reconstruction of the Aubel-Bickle Park parking lot, will also be done this year. The cost is $79,795 from the special parks fund.

The selection of work is decided by several factors, Rohr explained to the commission.

"Each year, [public works] staff evaluates the condition of city streets and we develop a maintenance program brought forward to the city commission for your consideration.

"We utilize different tools, such as traffic counts, pavement condition assessments, past maintenance treatments, public input, and our available budget," Rohr said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The primary major rehab project for 2023 is reconstruction of Fort Street from 27th to 29th. Two additional projects are MacArthur from 20th to 22nd and General Hays from Cody to Downing.

Starting about 15 years ago, the city commission decided to dedicate about $1 million a year to street maintenance. Prior to that, less than $200,000 would be spent annually for street improvements, according to Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager.&nbsp;

"That's our job," Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said Friday in an interview on KAYS Radio. "Infrastructure and safety. That's what we're all about.

"You drive in Hays and you just expect the streets to be this way. You get in another community and you wonder, what are they doing with their tax dollars? We have really good streets."

The money Hays uses for street maintenance comes from several sources including gasoline taxes collected and distributed by the state, an allotment from the Kansas Department of Transportation, and cash transferred in from the city general fund.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673372384021.jpeg" alt="Street maintenance projects to be done in Hays during 2023 for a total cost of $1.4 million. (City of Hays document)" />
 <figcaption>Street maintenance projects to be done in Hays during 2023 for a total cost of $1.4 million. (City of Hays document)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's one of the few times the city of Hays has received at least two bids on each of its projects in the annual street maintenance program.Public Works Director Jesse Rohr is "very pleased" with the bids from 10 contractors for the six project areas in 2023.City commissioners unanimously approved the recommended low bids during their meeting last week. The total is $1,415,968 which will be funded from the special highway budget.A seventh project, reconstruction of the Aubel-Bickle Park parking lot, will also be done this year. The cost is $79,795 from the special parks fund.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673893203207.jpeg" alt="Total cost of&nbsp; the this year's street maintenance projects in Hays is $1.4 million to be funded out of the Special Highway budget.&nbsp; Another $79,000 for the Aubel-Bickle Park parking lot will come from the Special Parks fund. (City of Hays document)" />
 <figcaption>Total cost of&nbsp; the this year's street maintenance projects in Hays is $1.4 million to be funded out of the Special Highway budget.&nbsp; Another $79,000 for the Aubel-Bickle Park parking lot will come from the Special Parks fund. (City of Hays document)</figcaption>
 </figure>The selection of work is decided by several factors, Rohr explained to the commission."Each year, [public works] staff evaluates the condition of city streets and we develop a maintenance program brought forward to the city commission for your consideration."We utilize different tools, such as traffic counts, pavement condition assessments, past maintenance treatments, public input, and our available budget," Rohr said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The primary major rehab project for 2023 is reconstruction of Fort Street from 27th to 29th. Two additional projects are MacArthur from 20th to 22nd and General Hays from Cody to Downing.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/EXIWFLhm-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Rohr 23 Street Maintenance" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Starting about 15 years ago, the city commission decided to dedicate about $1 million a year to street maintenance. Prior to that, less than $200,000 would be spent annually for street improvements, according to Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager.&nbsp;"That's our job," Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said Friday in an interview on KAYS Radio. "Infrastructure and safety. That's what we're all about."You drive in Hays and you just expect the streets to be this way. You get in another community and you wonder, what are they doing with their tax dollars? We have really good streets."The money Hays uses for street maintenance comes from several sources including gasoline taxes collected and distributed by the state, an allotment from the Kansas Department of Transportation, and cash transferred in from the city general fund.&nbsp;

🎥 Hays approves $1.4M for 2023 street maintenance program 

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/18/son-sister-of-slain-hays-resident-urge-kansas-house-members-to-amend-estate-law/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Jeremiah Schumacher says
 his father’s abuse of his mother was a staple of the couple’s 40-year 
marriage and only came to a stop when she died at Hays Medical Center 
after sustaining traumatic head injuries.

Karen Schumacher, 60, had obtained from a judge a protection from 
abuse order but her sister Susan Rohr said it was “worthless” in curbing
 violent tendencies of Jay Schumacher, who is awaiting trial on charges 
of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and mistreatment of a 
dependent adult. His actions allegedly led to his wife’s death.

“My dad was never a good man,” Jeremiah Schumacher said. “He was 
extremely violent, extremely controlling and very good at hiding what he
 did.”

Jeremiah Schumacher told members of the Kansas House on Tuesday there
 was no doubt in his mind that his father was responsible for his 
mother’s death. He asserted “it was pretty cut and dried, in my 
opinion,” and was clear to others with knowledge of the March 2022 
events leading to her passing.

A judge ordered the couple’s assets divided and a freeze was placed 
on the half that would constitute Karen Schumacher’s estate, but it 
remains possible the accused could end up with that half of property as 
well. His father has continued to spend assets of the estate while 
behind bars of the Ellis County Jail.

“It just doesn’t make any sense. I can’t wrap my head around it,” 
Jeremiah Schumacher told the House Judiciary Committee. “He’s arrested 
for the murder of his spouse. What gives him the right to everything 
free and clear?”

In Kansas, the state’s so-called “slayer” law required a person to be
 convicted of killing an individual or procuring the murder of someone 
before property could be permanently withheld.

He spoke in support of House Bill 2027 introduced by Rep. Barbara 
Wasinger, R-Hays, and Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. In the interests
 of justice, he said, the state ought to amend statute to prevent 
distribution of a decedent’s assets to a person arrested for or charged 
with felonious killing of the decedent until criminal proceedings were 
completed. Property would be released if charges against the individual 
were dropped or the defendant was acquitted. The current setup leaves a 
gap between the alleged crime and a conviction.

“Even though she was abused for 40 years,” said Rohr, the dead 
mother’s sister. “Terribly abused — verbally, mentally, emotionally — 
and medical neglect … she had a smile on her face.”

She told the House committee a medical examination prior to the death
 revealed her sister had 10 permanent areas of brain damage “equivalent 
to boxers.” She attributed it to consequences of domestic violence.

The bipartisan bill also would specify the district court could 
prohibit the sale, distribution, spending or use of an asset or interest
 by a person who has been arrested for or charged with the felonious 
killing.

James Houston Bale, of the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense 
Services, said he understood motivation for amending the slayer rule in 
the probate code to allow a court to halt a probate proceeding where an 
heir had been accused of the felonious killing of the decedent. The rule
 serves an important purpose in deterring careless or intentional acts 
leading to the death of a person by which the killer may profit, he 
said.

However, he said the legislative committee of the Board of Indigents’
 Defense Services was concerned about language in the House bill.

“Clarity is important when drafting any statute, but especially 
statutes that interact with criminal proceedings,” Bale said. “Clear 
statutory language insulates the work of the Legislature from future 
questioning by the appellate courts. And for most people in such a 
situation, facing charges before a Kansas court will be one of the most 
serious circumstances they will ever face in their lives. In such a 
critical situation, people value clarity and certainty as to what will 
happen if they choose a course of action, like entering into a plea 
agreement.”

He said the bill was unclear regarding what happened in terms of plea
 agreements because imprecise text could discourage settlement of cases 
because results of such a deal before trial were unclear.

The proposed legislation also could create situations where a person 
who otherwise would have the resources to hire private counsel to 
contest a criminal allegation would need a court-appointed, state-funded
 attorney, Bale said. It was possible someone accused of the death of a 
family member couldn’t rely on an asset they would be set to inherit 
from that estate to fund their defense against the charge, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674060323459.png" alt="Jeremiah Schumacher, son of a Hays woman allegedly murdered by her spouse in 2022, urged Kansas House members to pass a bill preventing the accused of inheriting estate assets of the deceased. Current law forbids a convicted killer of benefitting financially from the estate, but not someone merely charged or arrested for a homicide. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Jeremiah Schumacher, son of a Hays woman allegedly murdered by her spouse in 2022, urged Kansas House members to pass a bill preventing the accused of inheriting estate assets of the deceased. Current law forbids a convicted killer of benefitting financially from the estate, but not someone merely charged or arrested for a homicide. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/18/son-sister-of-slain-hays-resident-urge-kansas-house-members-to-amend-estate-law/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Jeremiah Schumacher says
 his father’s abuse of his mother was a staple of the couple’s 40-year 
marriage and only came to a stop when she died at Hays Medical Center 
after sustaining traumatic head injuries.Karen Schumacher, 60, had obtained from a judge a protection from 
abuse order but her sister Susan Rohr said it was “worthless” in curbing
 violent tendencies of Jay Schumacher, who is awaiting trial on charges 
of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and mistreatment of a 
dependent adult. His actions allegedly led to his wife’s death.“My dad was never a good man,” Jeremiah Schumacher said. “He was 
extremely violent, extremely controlling and very good at hiding what he
 did.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674060465360.jpeg" alt="Jay Schumacher / Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>Jay Schumacher / Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeremiah Schumacher told members of the Kansas House on Tuesday there
 was no doubt in his mind that his father was responsible for his 
mother’s death. He asserted “it was pretty cut and dried, in my 
opinion,” and was clear to others with knowledge of the March 2022 
events leading to her passing.A judge ordered the couple’s assets divided and a freeze was placed 
on the half that would constitute Karen Schumacher’s estate, but it 
remains possible the accused could end up with that half of property as 
well. His father has continued to spend assets of the estate while 
behind bars of the Ellis County Jail.“It just doesn’t make any sense. I can’t wrap my head around it,” 
Jeremiah Schumacher told the House Judiciary Committee. “He’s arrested 
for the murder of his spouse. What gives him the right to everything 
free and clear?”In Kansas, the state’s so-called “slayer” law required a person to be
 convicted of killing an individual or procuring the murder of someone 
before property could be permanently withheld.He spoke in support of House Bill 2027 introduced by Rep. Barbara 
Wasinger, R-Hays, and Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. In the interests
 of justice, he said, the state ought to amend statute to prevent 
distribution of a decedent’s assets to a person arrested for or charged 
with felonious killing of the decedent until criminal proceedings were 
completed. Property would be released if charges against the individual 
were dropped or the defendant was acquitted. The current setup leaves a 
gap between the alleged crime and a conviction.“Even though she was abused for 40 years,” said Rohr, the dead 
mother’s sister. “Terribly abused — verbally, mentally, emotionally — 
and medical neglect … she had a smile on her face.”She told the House committee a medical examination prior to the death
 revealed her sister had 10 permanent areas of brain damage “equivalent 
to boxers.” She attributed it to consequences of domestic violence.The bipartisan bill also would specify the district court could 
prohibit the sale, distribution, spending or use of an asset or interest
 by a person who has been arrested for or charged with the felonious 
killing.James Houston Bale, of the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense 
Services, said he understood motivation for amending the slayer rule in 
the probate code to allow a court to halt a probate proceeding where an 
heir had been accused of the felonious killing of the decedent. The rule
 serves an important purpose in deterring careless or intentional acts 
leading to the death of a person by which the killer may profit, he 
said.However, he said the legislative committee of the Board of Indigents’
 Defense Services was concerned about language in the House bill.“Clarity is important when drafting any statute, but especially 
statutes that interact with criminal proceedings,” Bale said. “Clear 
statutory language insulates the work of the Legislature from future 
questioning by the appellate courts. And for most people in such a 
situation, facing charges before a Kansas court will be one of the most 
serious circumstances they will ever face in their lives. In such a 
critical situation, people value clarity and certainty as to what will 
happen if they choose a course of action, like entering into a plea 
agreement.”He said the bill was unclear regarding what happened in terms of plea
 agreements because imprecise text could discourage settlement of cases 
because results of such a deal before trial were unclear.The proposed legislation also could create situations where a person 
who otherwise would have the resources to hire private counsel to 
contest a criminal allegation would need a court-appointed, state-funded
 attorney, Bale said. It was possible someone accused of the death of a 
family member couldn’t rely on an asset they would be set to inherit 
from that estate to fund their defense against the charge, he said.

Son, sister of slain Hays resident urge Kansas House to amend estate law

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 7 and 13.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported, and no northwest counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,339 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674064720614.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 7 and 13.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported, and no northwest counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,339 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674064827203.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 13 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/17/kansas-legislators-renew-efforts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Saving the Ogallala Aquifer could mean economic trade-offs in the short-term, the chairman of the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/26/water-debate-will-return-to-kansas-legislature-amid-staggering-drought/">Kansas House Water Committee</a> said Tuesday.

But the state can make progress and still maintain the farming economy of western Kansas, said <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_minnix_jim_1/">Rep. Jim Minnix</a>, R-Scott City.&nbsp;

“If I were a banker … looking at the 
value of agriculture in western Kansas, it makes all kinds of sense to 
me to try to preserve the aquifer to maintain the economy up there for 
as many years as possible,” Minnix said.

Minnix, a farmer and livestock producer, is the newly minted chairman of the House Water Committee, which, last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">fell short of passing a sweeping bill overhauling the way Kansas regulates water</a>.

This session, about one-third of the 
committee members are new. And with just more than a month until a major
 legislative deadline, the committee doesn’t have any bills to debate 
yet. Members are still taking in the vast information about the decline 
of the Ogallala Aquifer, sedimentation crisis at the state’s reservoirs,
 and poor water quality in some areas of the state.

When it comes to water issues in 
Kansas, the decades-long decline of the aquifer means legislators have 
to think about long-term solutions, Minnix said.

“This is not just what we can do in 
the next three, four weeks, although that’s kind of my charge on this 
committee, Minnix said. It’s about how to make Kansas “better off here 
in the next 5, 10, 20, 30 years.”

Minnix said he’s not working on any 
legislation of his own but will likely sign onto bills other legislators
 are working on. He expects a dedicated funding source, such as a sales 
tax, to be one option.

For now, he said, the committee will have to hurry to get new members up to speed.

Members of the House Water Committee 
on Tuesday heard from Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, 
who highlighted some of the severe water issues facing Kansas.

The Ogallala Aquifer, the massive 
underground reservoir that has provided water to western Kansas for 
nearly 100 years, is drying up. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/HPA_Atlas/index.html">Some areas of western Kansas have just 10 or 20 years</a> of water left if nothing changes.

But “we can do things differently,” Owen said.

One of the state’s largest reservoirs
 is half-full of sediment, spurring a pilot project to try to stir up 
mud and silt and send it downriver.

The loss of storage space in the 
reservoir is “alarming,” Owen said, as the water system provides 
drinking water to much of northeastern Kansas. And the storage space is 
important to provide extra water in years of drought —&nbsp;or storage space 
during floods.

In the coming months, as committee 
members search for legislative solutions to Kansas’ water crisis, the 
state’s auditors are expected to release a report on how well local 
groundwater managers have conserved water in western Kansas.

And following a December vote, the Kansas Water Authority <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/15/its-time-to-deal-with-this-kansas-water-authority-wants-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/#:~:text=Agriculture-,'It's%20time%20to%20deal%20with%20this'%3A%20Kansas%20Water%20Authority,wants%20to%20save%20Ogallala%20Aquifer">recommends state lawmakers scrap Kansas’ defacto policy of draining the aquifer</a>.
 The advisory board also recommended setting up a process to establish 
goals and policies to “halt the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer while 
promoting flexible and innovative management within a timeframe that 
achieves agricultural productivity, thriving economies and vibrant 
communities — now and for future generations of Kansans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673980777719.png" alt="A center-pivot irrigation system sits idle near Colby in December. Lawmakers are looking for ways to conserve groundwater in parched western Kansas. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A center-pivot irrigation system sits idle near Colby in December. Lawmakers are looking for ways to conserve groundwater in parched western Kansas. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/17/kansas-legislators-renew-efforts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Saving the Ogallala Aquifer could mean economic trade-offs in the short-term, the chairman of the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/26/water-debate-will-return-to-kansas-legislature-amid-staggering-drought/">Kansas House Water Committee</a> said Tuesday.But the state can make progress and still maintain the farming economy of western Kansas, said <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_minnix_jim_1/">Rep. Jim Minnix</a>, R-Scott City.&nbsp;“If I were a banker … looking at the 
value of agriculture in western Kansas, it makes all kinds of sense to 
me to try to preserve the aquifer to maintain the economy up there for 
as many years as possible,” Minnix said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673980876806.jpeg" alt="Minnix / Kansas Legislature" />
 <figcaption>Minnix / Kansas Legislature</figcaption>
 </figure>Minnix, a farmer and livestock producer, is the newly minted chairman of the House Water Committee, which, last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">fell short of passing a sweeping bill overhauling the way Kansas regulates water</a>.This session, about one-third of the 
committee members are new. And with just more than a month until a major
 legislative deadline, the committee doesn’t have any bills to debate 
yet. Members are still taking in the vast information about the decline 
of the Ogallala Aquifer, sedimentation crisis at the state’s reservoirs,
 and poor water quality in some areas of the state.When it comes to water issues in 
Kansas, the decades-long decline of the aquifer means legislators have 
to think about long-term solutions, Minnix said.“This is not just what we can do in 
the next three, four weeks, although that’s kind of my charge on this 
committee, Minnix said. It’s about how to make Kansas “better off here 
in the next 5, 10, 20, 30 years.”Minnix said he’s not working on any 
legislation of his own but will likely sign onto bills other legislators
 are working on. He expects a dedicated funding source, such as a sales 
tax, to be one option.For now, he said, the committee will have to hurry to get new members up to speed.Members of the House Water Committee 
on Tuesday heard from Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, 
who highlighted some of the severe water issues facing Kansas.The Ogallala Aquifer, the massive 
underground reservoir that has provided water to western Kansas for 
nearly 100 years, is drying up. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/HPA_Atlas/index.html">Some areas of western Kansas have just 10 or 20 years</a> of water left if nothing changes.But “we can do things differently,” Owen said.One of the state’s largest reservoirs
 is half-full of sediment, spurring a pilot project to try to stir up 
mud and silt and send it downriver.The loss of storage space in the 
reservoir is “alarming,” Owen said, as the water system provides 
drinking water to much of northeastern Kansas. And the storage space is 
important to provide extra water in years of drought —&nbsp;or storage space 
during floods.In the coming months, as committee 
members search for legislative solutions to Kansas’ water crisis, the 
state’s auditors are expected to release a report on how well local 
groundwater managers have conserved water in western Kansas.And following a December vote, the Kansas Water Authority <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/15/its-time-to-deal-with-this-kansas-water-authority-wants-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/#:~:text=Agriculture-,'It's%20time%20to%20deal%20with%20this'%3A%20Kansas%20Water%20Authority,wants%20to%20save%20Ogallala%20Aquifer">recommends state lawmakers scrap Kansas’ defacto policy of draining the aquifer</a>.
 The advisory board also recommended setting up a process to establish 
goals and policies to “halt the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer while 
promoting flexible and innovative management within a timeframe that 
achieves agricultural productivity, thriving economies and vibrant 
communities — now and for future generations of Kansans.”

Kansas legislators renew efforts to save Ogallala Aquifer

Ellis County parents looking for early childhood care will have
another option next year with the recent announcement of the expansion of Holy
Family Elementary’s early childhood program.

The result is what they have named Precious Creations and
reflects months of work by school staff and an effort to help alleviate the
ongoing childcare crisis in the area.

“We have had a task force working since August on a project
to expand our early childcare program,” said Holy Family Elementary Principal
Rachel Wentling. 

Thanks to those efforts, she said they would offer all-day
preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds next year. 

“We are now expanding from the four-day 4-year-old option
that's only half days to five days of preschool with both a half day and a full
day option,” Wentling said. “And we're adding a 3-year-old preschool that
will offer a half-day and full-day option.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">The announcement
comes as various efforts in Ellis County are underway to alleviate the ongoing need
for additional childcare in the area.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca0e062b-da51-4f8e-8fff-5f357095ac7d">RELATED
STORY: HaysMed announces construction of on-site child care facility</a>

“We know that there's been a crisis in our community for
childcare, we know that need exists out there,” Wentling said. “So, we're
really happy and excited to be a part of a solution for some of our families.
And maybe, for some of our families that have had a hard time finding
childcare, they might come to Holy Family. We might get new families, but then
that will open up other spots available in our community.

“Enrollment of the 4-year-old preschool is capped at 44
students, 22 in the morning program and 22 in the afternoon program,” according
to the program announcement. 

Twelve spots will be available in the 3-year-old full-day
program, with 18 full-day positions available.

After the morning curricular instruction, the 3- and
4-year-old program will offer combined&nbsp;
lunch, rest time, and structured and free play activities.

While the new program will help alleviate the ongoing need,
she said, like many other area institutions, they are limited by space, but the
expanded program will add full-time spots at a price comparable to other area
daycare centers.

“I wish we could do more, but our facilities just don't have
enough space and personnel,” Wentling said. “So, we're going to do what we can.”

The free space available for Precious Creations was created as
the Hays Catholic schools transition sixth grade from Holy Family to Thomas
More Prep-Marian.

“That opened up two classrooms,” Wentling said. “Space is
always an issue for Holy Family. So we're going to take one of those classrooms
and dedicate it to an additional preschool and all-day extended care option.”

She said some work would need completed to get the room
ready for its new mission, but it will be minor.

“We are really in pretty good shape,” Wentling said. “That
was what made this decision really easy. Our classrooms that are on the bottom
floor for our youngest students are all up to code with the fire code and
safety needs.

“There's a couple things that we'll need to do, but nothing
major.”

She said new staff would also need to be hired along with
the facility expansion.

“That is something that's very exciting,” Wentling said. “And
we'll be adding, as well, a teacher's aide. … It's all dependent on our
enrollment, but at this time, if we are full, we're looking at both of those
being full-time options.”

She said while the development has only been known internally
for a short time, there has been substantial interest in the program.

“We're very excited to now get this out publicly and see if
there are people out there who have not been previously affiliated with Holy
Family that maybe this is something they want to consider,” Wentling said.

While the school is affiliated with the Catholic Church,
affiliation with the church is not a requirement for enrollment.

“We are open to people of all faith backgrounds,” Wentling
said. “You don't have to be Catholic to come to Holy Family. … If you are not
registered with one of the parishes, that's not a problem at all. We offer
tuition, and we do have the opportunity for people to apply for tuition
assistance.

“We have a program that you fill out your information, and
then it will process all of it and let us know kind of where that tuition
number should land. We also have very generous donors that offer fee assistance
for people who would like to go to our schools but maybe financially, it could
be a bit of a burden.”

She said the goal is never to let finances stand in the
way of attending the school, whenever possible.

And those affiliated with the church will have the opportunity
to attend as a part of their stewardship.

Precious creations enrollment is open now, and an open house
is planned for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the school to share more details.

“This is not just for preschool, this is for all grade
levels,” Wentling said. “If you haven't been previously affiliated with Holy
Family, and you just want to come and see what we're all about, please come to
that open house.

“It's no commitment. It's very low key, you'll get about a 20- to 30-minute
presentation from me. ... I call it kind of like a 10,000-foot
view of Holy Family — just explaining a few things.”

She said the event would also allow the parents of potential
students to see the school and have their questions answered.

“And most importantly, we're going to have our excellent
Holy Family chocolate chip cookies available for those who come,” Wentling
said. “So bring in your grade school-aged children to come and see our school,
and we would love to talk to you if Holy Family is something they're interested
in.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673974868108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostEllis County parents looking for early childhood care will have
another option next year with the recent announcement of the expansion of Holy
Family Elementary’s early childhood program.The result is what they have named Precious Creations and
reflects months of work by school staff and an effort to help alleviate the
ongoing childcare crisis in the area.“We have had a task force working since August on a project
to expand our early childcare program,” said Holy Family Elementary Principal
Rachel Wentling. <div><iframe title="Hays’ Holy Family Elementary expands early childhood program" 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=du5mh-1366945-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>Thanks to those efforts, she said they would offer all-day
preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds next year. “We are now expanding from the four-day 4-year-old option
that's only half days to five days of preschool with both a half day and a full
day option,” Wentling said. “And we're adding a 3-year-old preschool that
will offer a half-day and full-day option.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">The announcement
comes as various efforts in Ellis County are underway to alleviate the ongoing need
for additional childcare in the area.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca0e062b-da51-4f8e-8fff-5f357095ac7d">RELATED
STORY: HaysMed announces construction of on-site child care facility</a>“We know that there's been a crisis in our community for
childcare, we know that need exists out there,” Wentling said. “So, we're
really happy and excited to be a part of a solution for some of our families.
And maybe, for some of our families that have had a hard time finding
childcare, they might come to Holy Family. We might get new families, but then
that will open up other spots available in our community.“Enrollment of the 4-year-old preschool is capped at 44
students, 22 in the morning program and 22 in the afternoon program,” according
to the program announcement. Twelve spots will be available in the 3-year-old full-day
program, with 18 full-day positions available.After the morning curricular instruction, the 3- and
4-year-old program will offer combined&nbsp;
lunch, rest time, and structured and free play activities.While the new program will help alleviate the ongoing need,
she said, like many other area institutions, they are limited by space, but the
expanded program will add full-time spots at a price comparable to other area
daycare centers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673975060253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I wish we could do more, but our facilities just don't have
enough space and personnel,” Wentling said. “So, we're going to do what we can.”The free space available for Precious Creations was created as
the Hays Catholic schools transition sixth grade from Holy Family to Thomas
More Prep-Marian.“That opened up two classrooms,” Wentling said. “Space is
always an issue for Holy Family. So we're going to take one of those classrooms
and dedicate it to an additional preschool and all-day extended care option.”She said some work would need completed to get the room
ready for its new mission, but it will be minor.“We are really in pretty good shape,” Wentling said. “That
was what made this decision really easy. Our classrooms that are on the bottom
floor for our youngest students are all up to code with the fire code and
safety needs.“There's a couple things that we'll need to do, but nothing
major.”She said new staff would also need to be hired along with
the facility expansion.“That is something that's very exciting,” Wentling said. “And
we'll be adding, as well, a teacher's aide. … It's all dependent on our
enrollment, but at this time, if we are full, we're looking at both of those
being full-time options.”She said while the development has only been known internally
for a short time, there has been substantial interest in the program.“We're very excited to now get this out publicly and see if
there are people out there who have not been previously affiliated with Holy
Family that maybe this is something they want to consider,” Wentling said.While the school is affiliated with the Catholic Church,
affiliation with the church is not a requirement for enrollment.“We are open to people of all faith backgrounds,” Wentling
said. “You don't have to be Catholic to come to Holy Family. … If you are not
registered with one of the parishes, that's not a problem at all. We offer
tuition, and we do have the opportunity for people to apply for tuition
assistance.“We have a program that you fill out your information, and
then it will process all of it and let us know kind of where that tuition
number should land. We also have very generous donors that offer fee assistance
for people who would like to go to our schools but maybe financially, it could
be a bit of a burden.”She said the goal is never to let finances stand in the
way of attending the school, whenever possible.And those affiliated with the church will have the opportunity
to attend as a part of their stewardship.Precious creations enrollment is open now, and an open house
is planned for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the school to share more details.“This is not just for preschool, this is for all grade
levels,” Wentling said. “If you haven't been previously affiliated with Holy
Family, and you just want to come and see what we're all about, please come to
that open house.“It's no commitment. It's very low key, you'll get about a 20- to 30-minute
presentation from me. ... I call it kind of like a 10,000-foot
view of Holy Family — just explaining a few things.”She said the event would also allow the parents of potential
students to see the school and have their questions answered.“And most importantly, we're going to have our excellent
Holy Family chocolate chip cookies available for those who come,” Wentling
said. “So bring in your grade school-aged children to come and see our school,
and we would love to talk to you if Holy Family is something they're interested
in.”

🎙 Hays' Holy Family Elementary expands early childhood program

Join The Friends of Historic Fort Hays in welcoming Dr. Steven Boylan to Fort&nbsp;Hays as part of their 2023 annual meeting. 

Dr. Boylan will be presenting the very&nbsp;interesting and informative program titled, “Military and the Media Then and&nbsp;Now.” He currently serves as a professor of the practice and the director of&nbsp;graduate military programs for the University of Kansas School of Business in Leavenworth, Kansas. Teaching at the graduate level, he has developed and&nbsp;teaches a total of five graduate courses.

Dr. Boylan retired from the United States Army in November 2010 as a colonel&nbsp;with almost 27 years of service in both public affairs and Army aviation.

During the Surge 2007-08, he was responsible for the public affairs mission in Iraq under Commanding General David Petraeus.

He has worn many&nbsp;hats (helmets) in his career, and as Master Army Aviator, he qualified in both&nbsp;Huey and Apache helicopters.

His knowledge of the subject matter and his personal experience make for a&nbsp;compelling program. 

As Deb Goodrich, former media liaison at Fort Leavenworth recently commented, “If you think his resume is impressive, you ought to see him&nbsp;in action.”

We look forward to seeing you at Historic Fort Hays, on January 29th at 2:00 p.m., to hear Dr. Boylan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting and program will be Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at the fort visitors center, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alternate.

The annual meeting to follow the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673544544835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseJoin The Friends of Historic Fort Hays in welcoming Dr. Steven Boylan to Fort&nbsp;Hays as part of their 2023 annual meeting. Dr. Boylan will be presenting the very&nbsp;interesting and informative program titled, “Military and the Media Then and&nbsp;Now.” He currently serves as a professor of the practice and the director of&nbsp;graduate military programs for the University of Kansas School of Business in Leavenworth, Kansas. Teaching at the graduate level, he has developed and&nbsp;teaches a total of five graduate courses. Dr. Boylan retired from the United States Army in November 2010 as a colonel&nbsp;with almost 27 years of service in both public affairs and Army aviation. During the Surge 2007-08, he was responsible for the public affairs mission in Iraq under Commanding General David Petraeus. He has worn many&nbsp;hats (helmets) in his career, and as Master Army Aviator, he qualified in both&nbsp;Huey and Apache helicopters. His knowledge of the subject matter and his personal experience make for a&nbsp;compelling program. As Deb Goodrich, former media liaison at Fort Leavenworth recently commented, “If you think his resume is impressive, you ought to see him&nbsp;in action.” We look forward to seeing you at Historic Fort Hays, on January 29th at 2:00 p.m., to hear Dr. Boylan.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting and program will be Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at the fort visitors center, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alternate. The annual meeting to follow the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Military and the media' at Friends of Historic Fort Hays presentation

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Thirty-two Kansas educators are being recognized for their outstanding teaching skills through the 2023 Kansas Horizon Award program.

The 2023 Kansas Horizon Award recipients were recently announced by the Kansas State Department of Education.

The educators will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network State Education Conference on Feb. 17 in Topeka.

The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible for the award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

The program is a regional competition with four regions corresponding to the state’s U.S. congressional districts. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each region.

Recipients of the 2023 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.

“We are fortunate to have such outstanding teachers in our state’s classrooms,” Watson said. “I want to commend all 32 Horizon Award recipients. Because of them, we move closer to our vision of leading the world in the success of each student.”

The 2023 Kansas Horizon Award recipients, along with their regions, are listed below:

2023 KANSAS HORIZON AWARD RECIPIENTS

As recipients of the Kansas Horizon Award, these educators are invited to join KEEN, a network of educators from around the state who have been formally recognized for exemplary performance. Members of KEEN have an opportunity to network with other outstanding educators and participate in several professional development programs throughout the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

KSDETOPEKA —&nbsp;Thirty-two Kansas educators are being recognized for their outstanding teaching skills through the 2023 Kansas Horizon Award program.The 2023 Kansas Horizon Award recipients were recently announced by the Kansas State Department of Education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673982204902.jpeg" alt="Volk teaches music at Russell USD 407." />
 <figcaption>Volk teaches music at Russell USD 407.</figcaption>
 </figure>The educators will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network State Education Conference on Feb. 17 in Topeka.The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible for the award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.The program is a regional competition with four regions corresponding to the state’s U.S. congressional districts. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each region.Recipients of the 2023 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.“We are fortunate to have such outstanding teachers in our state’s classrooms,” Watson said. “I want to commend all 32 Horizon Award recipients. Because of them, we move closer to our vision of leading the world in the success of each student.”The 2023 Kansas Horizon Award recipients, along with their regions, are listed below:2023 KANSAS HORIZON AWARD RECIPIENTSRegion 1<ul>
 <li>Kaisha Batman, Dodge City High School, Dodge City Unified School District 443.</li><li>Monica Blanco, Dodge City Middle School, Dodge City USD 443.</li><li>Derek Davidson, Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383.</li><li>Anne Kenworthy, Rock Creek Middle School, Rock Creek USD 323.</li><li>Sally Lopez, Oliver Brown Elementary School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383.</li><li>Ashley Sides, Prairie Hills Middle School, Buhler USD 313.</li><li>Andrew Thiesen, Garden City High School, Garden City USD 457.</li><li>Kinsey Volk, Bickerdyke Elementary School, Russell USD 407.</li>
 </ul>Region 2<ul>
 <li><a>Julia Ferguson, Quail Run Elementary School, Lawrence USD 497.</a></li><li><a>Heidi Jo Hayen, Berryton Elementary School, Shawnee Heights USD 450</a>.</li><li><a>Madeline Lane, Lansing High School, Lansing USD 469</a>.</li><li><a>Emma Lehmann, Neodesha High School, Neodesha USD 461</a>.</li><li><a>Hannah Lucas, Humboldt Elementary School, Humboldt USD 258</a>.</li><li><a>Megan Maness, French Middle School, Topeka USD 501.</a></li><li><a>DeLaney Russell, Dr. Jerry Hamm Early Learning Center, Coffeyville USD 445.</a></li><li><a>William Wehrs, Seaman High School, Seaman USD 345</a>.</li>
 </ul>Region 3<ul>
 <li><a>Cooper Allison, Woodland Spring Middle School, Spring Hill USD 230</a>.</li><li><a>Jordyn Burke, Corinth Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512</a>.</li><li><a>Jordan Dillon, Blue Valley High School, Blue Valley USD 229</a>.</li><li><a>Lisa Frakes, Turner High School, Turner USD 202</a>.</li><li><a>Alexandra Furminger, Oak Grove Elementary School, Turner USD 202</a>.</li><li><a>Jennifer Miller, Nike Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231</a>.</li><li><a>Stephanie Ruley, Gardner Edgerton High School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231.</a></li><li><a>Sydney Sieben, Riverview Elementary School, De Soto USD 232</a>.</li>
 </ul>Region 4<ul>
 <li><a>Sue Ake, Gordon Parks Academy, Wichita USD 259</a>.</li><li><a>Kassady Griffin, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265</a>.</li><li><a>Cody Kirkendoll, Campus High School, Haysville USD 261</a>.</li><li><a>Rochell Knight, Derby Middle School, Derby USD 260</a>.</li><li><a>Carla McConnell, Sunset Elementary School, Newton USD 373</a>.</li><li><a>Aaron Miller, Valley Center Middle School, Valley Center USD 262</a>.</li><li><a>Jamie Rhue, El Paso Elementary School, Derby USD 260</a>.</li><li><a>Erin Walter, Norwich Elementary School, Kingman-Norwich USD 331</a>.</li>
 </ul>As recipients of the Kansas Horizon Award, these educators are invited to join KEEN, a network of educators from around the state who have been formally recognized for exemplary performance. Members of KEEN have an opportunity to network with other outstanding educators and participate in several professional development programs throughout the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell teacher among 2023 Kansas Horizon Award recipients

The Hays Police Department responded to 70 calls from Jan. 8-14, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 70 calls from Jan. 8-14, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674051901617.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674051962052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674052158764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, Jan. 8-14

Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau Kansas Farm Bureau had a good 2022 as evidenced by the Pinnacle and New Horizon awards it received at the American Farm Bureau’s 104th convention recently. The Pinnacle award is the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can earn for program and membership achievement. KFB received the New Horizon award, which highlights innovative new programs, for the Casten Fellows Program, developed to honor the life of staffer Jill Casten-Downing through leadership development and international travel. The honors are well deserved, and it’s nice to take a few minutes to appreciate the amount of work required to go from the initial idea to implementation and execution. The destination is important, but so is the journey. There’s no shortage of challenges today in agriculture, as evidenced by just some of the ongoing work from last year, like KFB’s End Hunger campaign to ensure all our state’s residents have access to the food they need. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, individuals and businesses contributed more than $50,000 toward the campaign. That money will go to innovative programs run by county Farm Bureaus to address the needs they’ve identified locally. By no way is this problem solved, but progress is being made. Next year’s goal is to raise $75,000. Another ongoing project includes KFB’s purchase of Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) which allows our farm and ranch members to reach consumers in a new way. SKF founder Rick McNary is also helping communities develop local food systems to capture the full economic value from farm gates to dinner plates. Announced late last year, the Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program will really get rolling in 2023 as the state’s first ever initiative to match agriculturists and rural business owners with a structured plan to train and retain employees. It’s not a silver bullet for the lack of help available in rural areas, but it’s the beginning of addressing a skills gap to meet our current and future workforce needs. As always, KFB will continue to ensure the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard in Topeka with a special focus on three topics: water, taxes and broadband. KFB will continue to support the basic tenets of Kansas water law, which have provided our members the ability to plan, invest and defend their private property rights for decades. KFB policy also supports the development of a Kansas Water Plan, either through the state general fund or dedicated statewide revenue sources. Any redesign of tax structures comes with the potential to shift taxes from one source to another with significant consequences. KFB will continue to steadfastly advocate for the constitutionally required use-value system that accurately and appropriately values agricultural lands and provides stable tax revenues to local units of government. Agricultural operations are businesses, and they should receive fair and equal tax treatment as it pertains to sales tax exemptions. Access to a vibrant, high-speed broadband network is essential to the future of both rural and urban Kansas. Statewide broadband deployment will provide new opportunities for the delivery of healthcare, education, entertainment, business development and enhance the capabilities of precision agriculture. Efforts by the state to facilitate telecommunications connectivity throughout Kansas should consider the technology-dependent nature of the agriculture industry, and its significant impact on the Kansas economy. For those paying attention, this isn’t a new list, and there’s a good chance it will be similar in 2024. There will be advancements on some fronts and setbacks on others. The key is stick to your priorities and have the patience to withstand the mundane and incremental nature of progress.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau Kansas Farm Bureau had a good 2022 as evidenced by the Pinnacle and New Horizon awards it received at the American Farm Bureau’s 104th convention recently. The Pinnacle award is the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can earn for program and membership achievement. KFB received the New Horizon award, which highlights innovative new programs, for the Casten Fellows Program, developed to honor the life of staffer Jill Casten-Downing through leadership development and international travel. The honors are well deserved, and it’s nice to take a few minutes to appreciate the amount of work required to go from the initial idea to implementation and execution. The destination is important, but so is the journey. There’s no shortage of challenges today in agriculture, as evidenced by just some of the ongoing work from last year, like KFB’s End Hunger campaign to ensure all our state’s residents have access to the food they need. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, individuals and businesses contributed more than $50,000 toward the campaign. That money will go to innovative programs run by county Farm Bureaus to address the needs they’ve identified locally. By no way is this problem solved, but progress is being made. Next year’s goal is to raise $75,000. Another ongoing project includes KFB’s purchase of Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) which allows our farm and ranch members to reach consumers in a new way. SKF founder Rick McNary is also helping communities develop local food systems to capture the full economic value from farm gates to dinner plates. Announced late last year, the Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program will really get rolling in 2023 as the state’s first ever initiative to match agriculturists and rural business owners with a structured plan to train and retain employees. It’s not a silver bullet for the lack of help available in rural areas, but it’s the beginning of addressing a skills gap to meet our current and future workforce needs. As always, KFB will continue to ensure the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard in Topeka with a special focus on three topics: water, taxes and broadband. KFB will continue to support the basic tenets of Kansas water law, which have provided our members the ability to plan, invest and defend their private property rights for decades. KFB policy also supports the development of a Kansas Water Plan, either through the state general fund or dedicated statewide revenue sources. Any redesign of tax structures comes with the potential to shift taxes from one source to another with significant consequences. KFB will continue to steadfastly advocate for the constitutionally required use-value system that accurately and appropriately values agricultural lands and provides stable tax revenues to local units of government. Agricultural operations are businesses, and they should receive fair and equal tax treatment as it pertains to sales tax exemptions. Access to a vibrant, high-speed broadband network is essential to the future of both rural and urban Kansas. Statewide broadband deployment will provide new opportunities for the delivery of healthcare, education, entertainment, business development and enhance the capabilities of precision agriculture. Efforts by the state to facilitate telecommunications connectivity throughout Kansas should consider the technology-dependent nature of the agriculture industry, and its significant impact on the Kansas economy. For those paying attention, this isn’t a new list, and there’s a good chance it will be similar in 2024. There will be advancements on some fronts and setbacks on others. The key is stick to your priorities and have the patience to withstand the mundane and incremental nature of progress."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: 2023 priorities for agriculture

<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/2023/1/1673973763162.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

One of the many fond memories I have growing up as an Ohio farm kid was of something called John Deere Days. Back in my generation, local farm equipment dealerships were small and as numerous as ice cream flavors. John Deere Days was an annual winter event, about this time each year, where all John Deere dealerships in Ohio (and maybe nationwide) circulated a film (now do you realize how long ago that was) that depicted unusual and often unheard-of farming operations around the country and around the world. These were interspersed with clips that high-lighted all the new John Deere farm machinery for the year, like combines with cabs and massive twelve-foot headers…YIKES! Of course, the evening began with ham sandwiches and potato chips before the film.&nbsp;

The odd and extraordinary farming operations included stork farming in Europe (without storks, where would babies come from), mouse farming in Minnesota (yes, there are people who actually raise mice on purpose), worm farming in Canada, and my all-time favorite, alligator farming in Florida. The farmer harvested eggs from nesting alligators, hatched them in an incubator then moved the growing reptiles into concrete pens. Eventually they were harvested for their meat and hide a few years later; akin to how ranchers in the Midwest run cow-calf operations, only with beasts that could take-off your hand or foot, leaving it impossible for you to ever get back on a horse. The interesting part was how the farmer interacted with his “breeding herd.”

So, picture this; the segment began with the farmer bouncing along in an old 1950 something pickup and ended up parked on the bank overlooking a big swamp/pond. He got out and climbed into the bed of the pickup (amazingly he still had all four limbs) and began rattling around metal containers. By now we were all wondering what in tarnation he was doing, when out-of-nowhere the swamp water began boiling with six- and eight-foot-long alligators as they crawled out of the water and swarmed around the truck like a bunch of herd cows. He tossed them fish like a rancher tossing range cubes of hay slices to a bunch of heifers, then they each filled their mouth and slipped back into the water. He climbed back into the cab and drove off.

Here are the problems my twisted and pessimistic mind sees with this. Harvesting alligator eggs means “robbing” gator nests, plain and simple, and knowing my luck, I’d find the one momma alligator that was a “prepper” and living unseen underground with her eggs; you see the problem there? I’d dig into the nest and become lunch.

Next problem would involve the feeding process. As my luck goes, my “herd” would have that one momma that could eat fish faster than I could chuck them at her and she’d never have to get back into the pond, leaving me stuck in the back of the pickup. By then the others would be coming back for seconds and I’d be out of fish. Remember these were pre-cell phone days, so my only hope would be that my family actually missed me when I didn’t show up for dinner (which would be debatable) and they’d eventually find me curled up on the roof of the pickup, ghost-white and hypothermic.

Anyway, I guess that farmer had all those issues figured out, as do the alligator ranchers of today. But call me old fashioned, it’s just that I’d rather raise something that I could reach through the fence and scratch now and then without fear of having my arm removed in return…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the many fond memories I have growing up as an Ohio farm kid was of something called John Deere Days. Back in my generation, local farm equipment dealerships were small and as numerous as ice cream flavors. John Deere Days was an annual winter event, about this time each year, where all John Deere dealerships in Ohio (and maybe nationwide) circulated a film (now do you realize how long ago that was) that depicted unusual and often unheard-of farming operations around the country and around the world. These were interspersed with clips that high-lighted all the new John Deere farm machinery for the year, like combines with cabs and massive twelve-foot headers…YIKES! Of course, the evening began with ham sandwiches and potato chips before the film.&nbsp;The odd and extraordinary farming operations included stork farming in Europe (without storks, where would babies come from), mouse farming in Minnesota (yes, there are people who actually raise mice on purpose), worm farming in Canada, and my all-time favorite, alligator farming in Florida. The farmer harvested eggs from nesting alligators, hatched them in an incubator then moved the growing reptiles into concrete pens. Eventually they were harvested for their meat and hide a few years later; akin to how ranchers in the Midwest run cow-calf operations, only with beasts that could take-off your hand or foot, leaving it impossible for you to ever get back on a horse. The interesting part was how the farmer interacted with his “breeding herd.”So, picture this; the segment began with the farmer bouncing along in an old 1950 something pickup and ended up parked on the bank overlooking a big swamp/pond. He got out and climbed into the bed of the pickup (amazingly he still had all four limbs) and began rattling around metal containers. By now we were all wondering what in tarnation he was doing, when out-of-nowhere the swamp water began boiling with six- and eight-foot-long alligators as they crawled out of the water and swarmed around the truck like a bunch of herd cows. He tossed them fish like a rancher tossing range cubes of hay slices to a bunch of heifers, then they each filled their mouth and slipped back into the water. He climbed back into the cab and drove off.Here are the problems my twisted and pessimistic mind sees with this. Harvesting alligator eggs means “robbing” gator nests, plain and simple, and knowing my luck, I’d find the one momma alligator that was a “prepper” and living unseen underground with her eggs; you see the problem there? I’d dig into the nest and become lunch.Next problem would involve the feeding process. As my luck goes, my “herd” would have that one momma that could eat fish faster than I could chuck them at her and she’d never have to get back into the pond, leaving me stuck in the back of the pickup. By then the others would be coming back for seconds and I’d be out of fish. Remember these were pre-cell phone days, so my only hope would be that my family actually missed me when I didn’t show up for dinner (which would be debatable) and they’d eventually find me curled up on the roof of the pickup, ghost-white and hypothermic.Anyway, I guess that farmer had all those issues figured out, as do the alligator ranchers of today. But call me old fashioned, it’s just that I’d rather raise something that I could reach through the fence and scratch now and then without fear of having my arm removed in return…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Farming, Everglades style

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is serving on the House Agriculture Committee again. That's important because this is a Farm Bill year.

"Our current Farm Bill, these are five-year bills, expires Sept. 30 of this year," Mann said. "Getting that right for agriculture and for rural Kansas will be incredibly important. We'll put a lot of effort and focus there. We have been and we'll continue to do that until we get that done."

The new Republican Agriculture Committee chair is&nbsp;Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson from Pennsylvania. Thompson visited Kansas last year.

"We toured a farm, feedyard and ethanol plant and had some other meetings around the district," Mann said. "I enjoyed introducing him to our ag producers. I'm excited for the Ag committee under his leadership."

Mann is hoping to get a legislative hearing in the Farm Bill process brought to Kansas.

"I'm optimistic that we'll be able to have a field hearing in our state," Mann said. "That's not a promise, but that's something I'm working towards. We are not going to like the Farm Bill we get if we don't have ag producers input and stakeholder input in it. It's incredibly important to me and we've been meeting with people and listening to folks."

Mann is back out on his Big First town hall meeting tour this week.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is serving on the House Agriculture Committee again. That's important because this is a Farm Bill year."Our current Farm Bill, these are five-year bills, expires Sept. 30 of this year," Mann said. "Getting that right for agriculture and for rural Kansas will be incredibly important. We'll put a lot of effort and focus there. We have been and we'll continue to do that until we get that done."The new Republican Agriculture Committee chair is&nbsp;Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson from Pennsylvania. Thompson visited Kansas last year."We toured a farm, feedyard and ethanol plant and had some other meetings around the district," Mann said. "I enjoyed introducing him to our ag producers. I'm excited for the Ag committee under his leadership."Mann is hoping to get a legislative hearing in the Farm Bill process brought to Kansas."I'm optimistic that we'll be able to have a field hearing in our state," Mann said. "That's not a promise, but that's something I'm working towards. We are not going to like the Farm Bill we get if we don't have ag producers input and stakeholder input in it. It's incredibly important to me and we've been meeting with people and listening to folks."Mann is back out on his Big First town hall meeting tour this week.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mann is back on Ag committee

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for the Hays area from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday.

Rain or snow is expected to arrive after midnight Tuesday, changing to all snow by 3 a.m. as overnight temperatures drop.

While significant snowfall is expected in extreme northwest Kansas and southern Nebraska, the NWS is calling for less than an inch of total moisture to arrive in the Ellis County area.

St. Francis is expected to receive 5 to 9 inches of snow, and 2 to 5 inches is predicted in Colby. The NWS in Goodland warned that even a slight deviation of the storm track could dramatically change snowfall totals across the region.

With the possibility of freezing rain, the NWS is warning of slippery road conditions for the Wednesday commute and through the day.

There are slight chances of snowfall in the Hays area Friday night and Sunday night, as well, the NWS predicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673964956925.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for the Hays area from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday.Rain or snow is expected to arrive after midnight Tuesday, changing to all snow by 3 a.m. as overnight temperatures drop.While significant snowfall is expected in extreme northwest Kansas and southern Nebraska, the NWS is calling for less than an inch of total moisture to arrive in the Ellis County area.St. Francis is expected to receive 5 to 9 inches of snow, and 2 to 5 inches is predicted in Colby. The NWS in Goodland warned that even a slight deviation of the storm track could dramatically change snowfall totals across the region.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673965496172.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the possibility of freezing rain, the NWS is warning of slippery road conditions for the Wednesday commute and through the day.There are slight chances of snowfall in the Hays area Friday night and Sunday night, as well, the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Significant snow accumulation is anticipated across portions of northeast CO, southwest NE, and far northwest KS late this evening through the day on Wednesday. Dangerous travel conditions are expected.. especially along/north of the Interstate 70 corridor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/7y2sdz1ExW">pic.twitter.com/7y2sdz1ExW</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1615321917074079744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are expecting light snow Wednesday, but accumulations will be light, and favoring the northern counties. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/p6mNK0iC6d">pic.twitter.com/p6mNK0iC6d</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1615265273933889538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Latest on winter storm's track through the Great Plains

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

An afternoon of fancy and fun is planned soon at the Hays Public Library.

From 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, the Hays Public Library Foundation
will host a traditional afternoon tea in the Schmidt Gallery of the library at 1205
Main.

“We're
going to have an afternoon of different kinds of teas and some fantastic treats,”
said Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny. “We'll have
some bread from Cathy's Breads. We're going to have some cookies and just
different kinds of yummy things that go with the different kinds of teas.”

For
those unfamiliar with the etiquette of a proper afternoon tea party, she said in
line with the library’s mission, the event will be a learning experience and
all are welcome.

“One of
our foundation board members is really into these, and she goes to them all the
time,” Kolacny said. “She's the lead on this and knows what she's talking about
when you're talking about an afternoon tea party.”

She said
attendees would be taken through the different types of teas and things that
you can do with the teas.

“It's
just going to be a fun, fun way to experience something a little bit different
for this area,” Kolacny said.

While
formal dress is not required, Kolacny said it is encouraged.

“Some
ladies will wear dresses, they might wear big hats, pearls and gloves, things
like that,” she said. “The men will dress up a little bit nicer than they might
otherwise.”

The
event, while geared toward a more adult crowd, could also be a fun experience for
an older child, she said.

And while
the experience will be an enjoyable experience, it will also serve as a
fundraiser for the foundation.

“The Hays
Public Library Foundation is basically the fundraising arm of the library,”
Kolacny said. “And so when donations come in, then it goes through the
foundation.”

Along
with events like the Afternoon Tea Party, she said there are various ways to support
the organization throughout the year.

“You can
… write a check to the foundation, or you can bequeath something when you're
looking at your financial planning for the future, you can include the public
library in that, and that goes through the foundation,” Kolacny said. “We also
have an account with the Heartland Community Foundation, so you can make
donations in that way.”

Those foundation
funds go to support the library in various ways.

“They
kind of fund the needs that aren't already budgeted,” Kolacny said. “The
library, of course, has its budget, and we have our plans of what we're going to
do, but other things come up, and we need funding for them.”

She
noted a few recent examples that the foundation helped fund include the Bookmobile
and the large remodel of the facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672346419711.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAn afternoon of fancy and fun is planned soon at the Hays Public Library.From 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, the Hays Public Library Foundation
will host a traditional afternoon tea in the Schmidt Gallery of the library at 1205
Main.“We're
going to have an afternoon of different kinds of teas and some fantastic treats,”
said Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny. “We'll have
some bread from Cathy's Breads. We're going to have some cookies and just
different kinds of yummy things that go with the different kinds of teas.”<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library Foundation plans Afternoon Tea Party fundraiser" 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=pacsh-1365035-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>For
those unfamiliar with the etiquette of a proper afternoon tea party, she said in
line with the library’s mission, the event will be a learning experience and
all are welcome.“One of
our foundation board members is really into these, and she goes to them all the
time,” Kolacny said. “She's the lead on this and knows what she's talking about
when you're talking about an afternoon tea party.”She said
attendees would be taken through the different types of teas and things that
you can do with the teas.“It's
just going to be a fun, fun way to experience something a little bit different
for this area,” Kolacny said.While
formal dress is not required, Kolacny said it is encouraged.“Some
ladies will wear dresses, they might wear big hats, pearls and gloves, things
like that,” she said. “The men will dress up a little bit nicer than they might
otherwise.”The
event, while geared toward a more adult crowd, could also be a fun experience for
an older child, she said.And while
the experience will be an enjoyable experience, it will also serve as a
fundraiser for the foundation.“The Hays
Public Library Foundation is basically the fundraising arm of the library,”
Kolacny said. “And so when donations come in, then it goes through the
foundation.”Along
with events like the Afternoon Tea Party, she said there are various ways to support
the organization throughout the year.“You can
… write a check to the foundation, or you can bequeath something when you're
looking at your financial planning for the future, you can include the public
library in that, and that goes through the foundation,” Kolacny said. “We also
have an account with the Heartland Community Foundation, so you can make
donations in that way.”Those foundation
funds go to support the library in various ways.“They
kind of fund the needs that aren't already budgeted,” Kolacny said. “The
library, of course, has its budget, and we have our plans of what we're going to
do, but other things come up, and we need funding for them.”She
noted a few recent examples that the foundation helped fund include the Bookmobile
and the large remodel of the facility.“All of
the donations do support the library in some fashion,” Kolacny said.Those
services and upgrades, in turn, allow the library to serve as more than just a repository
for books but also a gathering place for the community.“With
all the digital resources, we still have a significant collection of physical
books, and people want those,” Kolacny said. “But we also have all of the
programs, and they're for all ages. We've got stuff for the littlest kids, the
teenagers, we try to keep them active, especially after school we have some programs
for them. And then, of course, adults, we have lots of programs for adults too. So, it's more of a community center. It's a meeting place, it's a
place to gain some knowledge, to socialize and to just enjoy yourself.”Tickets cost $35 and can be
purchased at the event or online at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/shop/afternoon-tea-party/">hayslibrary.org/event/.</a>

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