By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

That was the title of a business book that was especially popular a few years ago, as a parable of how to deal with change. Today we’ll learn about a remarkable change that is coming to southwest Kansas, and it is literally about cheese. A new state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing plant is being constructed in Dodge City.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joann Knight is executive director of the&nbsp;Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation with headquarters in Dodge City. She’s a native of the region and a graduate of Dodge City Community College and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.&nbsp;

“Back in 1992, we started talking about recruiting dairies from California where they were being crowded out by population expansion,” Knight said.&nbsp;

Recruiting dairies became a successful strategy for the western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance in following decades. As milk production grew in western Kansas, leaders wanted to add value and create more jobs.&nbsp;

In 2021, Hilmar Cheese Company of Hilmar, Calif. announced that the company would build a state-of-the-art milk processing facility in Dodge City.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re excited,” Knight said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This will be a $630 million project and create 260 jobs. The average salary is projected to be $63,000.”&nbsp;

The plant will operate 365 days a year and have the capacity to handle 260 tanker trucks of milk per day, the equivalent of the production of 110,000 cows. “They’ll be bringing in milk from across the region,” Knight said.&nbsp;

Hilmar Cheese Company was founded in 1984 by 12 dairy farm families in central California. In 2007, the company opened a production facility in Dalhart, Texas. The company is now one of the world’s largest producers of high quality, American-style cheese and whey products.&nbsp;

“Hilmar is an incredibly environmentally sensitive company,” Knight said. One of the factors that attracted Hilmar to Dodge City is the city’s innovative wastewater treatment system, which has won numerous awards.&nbsp;

“Milk is mostly water,” Knight said. “Once the cheese solids and whey are removed, that water will be recycled and reused. It can be re-irrigated and used in the biogas production system. They’ll actually be injecting water back into the aquifer.”&nbsp;

David Ahlem is president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company. “Dodge City gives us many opportunities, including a local and skilled labor force, a supportive and expanding agricultural region, and an excellent transportation network that allows us to easily reach our expanding markets,” he said at the time of the announcement in 2021.&nbsp;

The company specializes in the production of cheddar and American-style cheeses used by private label and national brand companies worldwide. It currently produces such cheeses as cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, colby, colby jack and mozzarella.&nbsp;

Whey is processed into whey protein products that are used as ingredients in many foods including nutritional beverages and bars; and lactose, which is marketed internationally as an ingredient in confections and infant formula. Hilmar exports products to 50 countries.&nbsp;

Increased demand for milk will benefit area dairies such as High Plains Ponderosa Dairy near the rural southwest Kansas community of Plains, population 1,037 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“Dairy production is so advanced these days,” Knight said. “They’re using robotic milkers and computer operators. They monitor 600 data points on each cow and can test the milk on the spot with their state of the art system.”&nbsp;

“The economic impact will be compounded substantially by the additional dairies, transportation and services that will be required. This could double the dairy industry in southwest Kansas.”&nbsp;

For more information about the company, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hilmarcheese.com/">www.hilmarcheese.com</a>. For more information about business opportunities in the region, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dodgedev.org/">www.dodgedev.org</a>.&nbsp;

“Who Moved My Cheese?”&nbsp;&nbsp;A few years ago, that was a popular business book about change, and now we are excited to see this change in the southwest region of the state.&nbsp;

We commend Joann Knight and the people of Hilmar Dairy for making a difference with this investment in value-added agriculture processing.&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m glad to see that the production of this cheese has moved to rural Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668003356032.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Who Moved My Cheese?”&nbsp;That was the title of a business book that was especially popular a few years ago, as a parable of how to deal with change. Today we’ll learn about a remarkable change that is coming to southwest Kansas, and it is literally about cheese. A new state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing plant is being constructed in Dodge City.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Joann Knight is executive director of the&nbsp;Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation with headquarters in Dodge City. She’s a native of the region and a graduate of Dodge City Community College and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.&nbsp;“Back in 1992, we started talking about recruiting dairies from California where they were being crowded out by population expansion,” Knight said.&nbsp;Recruiting dairies became a successful strategy for the western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance in following decades. As milk production grew in western Kansas, leaders wanted to add value and create more jobs.&nbsp;In 2021, Hilmar Cheese Company of Hilmar, Calif. announced that the company would build a state-of-the-art milk processing facility in Dodge City.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re excited,” Knight said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This will be a $630 million project and create 260 jobs. The average salary is projected to be $63,000.”&nbsp;The plant will operate 365 days a year and have the capacity to handle 260 tanker trucks of milk per day, the equivalent of the production of 110,000 cows. “They’ll be bringing in milk from across the region,” Knight said.&nbsp;Hilmar Cheese Company was founded in 1984 by 12 dairy farm families in central California. In 2007, the company opened a production facility in Dalhart, Texas. The company is now one of the world’s largest producers of high quality, American-style cheese and whey products.&nbsp;“Hilmar is an incredibly environmentally sensitive company,” Knight said. One of the factors that attracted Hilmar to Dodge City is the city’s innovative wastewater treatment system, which has won numerous awards.&nbsp;“Milk is mostly water,” Knight said. “Once the cheese solids and whey are removed, that water will be recycled and reused. It can be re-irrigated and used in the biogas production system. They’ll actually be injecting water back into the aquifer.”&nbsp;David Ahlem is president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company. “Dodge City gives us many opportunities, including a local and skilled labor force, a supportive and expanding agricultural region, and an excellent transportation network that allows us to easily reach our expanding markets,” he said at the time of the announcement in 2021.&nbsp;The company specializes in the production of cheddar and American-style cheeses used by private label and national brand companies worldwide. It currently produces such cheeses as cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, colby, colby jack and mozzarella.&nbsp;Whey is processed into whey protein products that are used as ingredients in many foods including nutritional beverages and bars; and lactose, which is marketed internationally as an ingredient in confections and infant formula. Hilmar exports products to 50 countries.&nbsp;Increased demand for milk will benefit area dairies such as High Plains Ponderosa Dairy near the rural southwest Kansas community of Plains, population 1,037 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“Dairy production is so advanced these days,” Knight said. “They’re using robotic milkers and computer operators. They monitor 600 data points on each cow and can test the milk on the spot with their state of the art system.”&nbsp;“The economic impact will be compounded substantially by the additional dairies, transportation and services that will be required. This could double the dairy industry in southwest Kansas.”&nbsp;For more information about the company, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hilmarcheese.com/">www.hilmarcheese.com</a>. For more information about business opportunities in the region, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dodgedev.org/">www.dodgedev.org</a>.&nbsp;“Who Moved My Cheese?”&nbsp;&nbsp;A few years ago, that was a popular business book about change, and now we are excited to see this change in the southwest region of the state.&nbsp;We commend Joann Knight and the people of Hilmar Dairy for making a difference with this investment in value-added agriculture processing.&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m glad to see that the production of this cheese has moved to rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Joann Knight, Hilmar Cheese 

Kansas District 110 Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, will host a day of discussion on the future of agriculture in western Kansas. The forum will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, in the Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

The day’s program will center on important issues and the perspectives of eight guest speakers representing several agriculture industry sectors. Scheduled forum speakers include:

FHSU University CommunicationsKansas District 110 Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, will host a day of discussion on the future of agriculture in western Kansas. The forum will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, in the Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;The day’s program will center on important issues and the perspectives of eight guest speakers representing several agriculture industry sectors. Scheduled forum speakers include:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668020445376.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Rahjes, Fort Hays State to host agriculture forum

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High set a school record for wins following a 49-12 over Salina Central in the 5A Quarterfinals at Lewis Field Stadium on Friday night.

Salina Central pinned Hays against the end zone after the Mustangs 10th punt of the season. The Indians first drive covered the 99-plus yards in 14 plays and was capped by a Bryce Salmans four yard run with :03 left before halftime. The extra point by Teegan Turnbull set a school record for extra points made in a season at 40 and a 7-0 lead for Hays.

Evan Lind forced a fumble and Wyatt Waddell recovered it on the next Mustang series giving Hays the ball at the Central 34 yard line. Malik Bah scored from less than a yard out and a 14-0 advantage.

Central drove into Hays territory but lost the ball on downs after an Evan Lind fourth down sack. Hays though couldn't take advantage after a holding penalty called back a touchdown run by Kyreese Groen and left the game 14-0 at halftime.

Hays created separation in the third quarter by outscoring Central 28-6. The Indians scored on their first two drives, both Groen rushes. The first score from 56 yards away made the score 21-0 and the second from 11 yards for a 28-0 advantage.

Central scored the first touchdown on a 4th and 10 pass with 5:26 left in the 3rd quarter but missed the extra point at 28-6.&nbsp;

Hays answered back on a five yard drive capped by a Bah 7 yard run. Evan Lind closed out the third quarter with a pick six for a 42-6 lead with :01 left in the frame.

Central scored on a 53 yard run in the fourth and Hays finished the scoring on a 2 yard Groen run for the final of 49-12.

Hays improves to 10-1 behind 433 yards of rushing offense. The ten wins is a school record. Bah had 222 yards on 22 carries while Groen totaled 138 yards on 17 rushes. The Indians finished with 463 yards. 

Salina Central lost starting running back Kenyon McMillan early in the game and finished with 262 yards total, 121 on the ground and 141 through the air. The Mustangs finish at 8-3.

Hays will face Maize in the semi-finals next Friday in Maize. The Eagles beat Hutchinson 21-14. Maize is undefeated at 11-0 and is the #1 seed in 5A West.&nbsp;

The 12th game of Hays' season next week will set a school record and will be the teams third ever appearance in the semi-finals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668225910596.jpeg" alt="Hays Football " />
 <figcaption>Hays Football </figcaption>
 </figure>By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High set a school record for wins following a 49-12 over Salina Central in the 5A Quarterfinals at Lewis Field Stadium on Friday night. Salina Central pinned Hays against the end zone after the Mustangs 10th punt of the season. The Indians first drive covered the 99-plus yards in 14 plays and was capped by a Bryce Salmans four yard run with :03 left before halftime. The extra point by Teegan Turnbull set a school record for extra points made in a season at 40 and a 7-0 lead for Hays.Evan Lind forced a fumble and Wyatt Waddell recovered it on the next Mustang series giving Hays the ball at the Central 34 yard line. Malik Bah scored from less than a yard out and a 14-0 advantage.Central drove into Hays territory but lost the ball on downs after an Evan Lind fourth down sack. Hays though couldn't take advantage after a holding penalty called back a touchdown run by Kyreese Groen and left the game 14-0 at halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1381365859&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-11-22-hhs-fb-v-salina-central-hilights" title="11 - 11 - 22 HHS FB V. Salina Central Hilights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">11 - 11 - 22 HHS FB V. Salina Central Hilights</a></div></div>Hays created separation in the third quarter by outscoring Central 28-6. The Indians scored on their first two drives, both Groen rushes. The first score from 56 yards away made the score 21-0 and the second from 11 yards for a 28-0 advantage.Central scored the first touchdown on a 4th and 10 pass with 5:26 left in the 3rd quarter but missed the extra point at 28-6.&nbsp;Hays answered back on a five yard drive capped by a Bah 7 yard run. Evan Lind closed out the third quarter with a pick six for a 42-6 lead with :01 left in the frame.Central scored on a 53 yard run in the fourth and Hays finished the scoring on a 2 yard Groen run for the final of 49-12.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1381365871&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-11-22-hhs-coach-interview" title="11 - 11 - 22 HHS Coach Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">11 - 11 - 22 HHS Coach Interview</a></div></div>Hays improves to 10-1 behind 433 yards of rushing offense. The ten wins is a school record. Bah had 222 yards on 22 carries while Groen totaled 138 yards on 17 rushes. The Indians finished with 463 yards. Salina Central lost starting running back Kenyon McMillan early in the game and finished with 262 yards total, 121 on the ground and 141 through the air. The Mustangs finish at 8-3.Hays will face Maize in the semi-finals next Friday in Maize. The Eagles beat Hutchinson 21-14. Maize is undefeated at 11-0 and is the #1 seed in 5A West.&nbsp;The 12th game of Hays' season next week will set a school record and will be the teams third ever appearance in the semi-finals.

🏈 Hays makes history with win over Central

In late November of 1996, we moved to a rural property on a limestone hilltop west of Ellis. By the time we got into the house,&nbsp;leaves&nbsp;swirled about the yard,&nbsp;hinting at greenery&nbsp;we could&nbsp;expect&nbsp;to see once&nbsp;spring&nbsp;arrived. 

A&nbsp;deep&nbsp;draw filled with standing and fallen trees as well as lots of bushes&nbsp;ran into Big Creek west of the house.&nbsp;I impatiently&nbsp;awaited&nbsp;warm weather and longer days&nbsp;to see what grew in that wildlife-rich habitat. I&nbsp;loved&nbsp;discovering&nbsp;not only ash, hackberry, cottonwood, and cedar trees, but also chokecherry bushes and wild grape vines&nbsp;filled that&nbsp;drainage. &nbsp;Over time,&nbsp;thick&nbsp;vines&nbsp;had&nbsp;climbed&nbsp;so high into the trees that birds&nbsp;had&nbsp;far greater odds of&nbsp;harvesting&nbsp;grapes&nbsp;than we&nbsp;did.&nbsp;Though our soil&nbsp;appeared&nbsp;rocky and barren, in reality,&nbsp;it suited wild grapes perfectly.&nbsp;It made me wonder how a vineyard would do in this region.

​Apparently, others shared&nbsp;my question. A decade later,&nbsp;a&nbsp;Wakeeney/Voda&nbsp;farm family with&nbsp;necessary skills and resources&nbsp;saw&nbsp;potential&nbsp;in raising&nbsp;grapes. They&nbsp;planted scores of vines, and birthed&nbsp;Shiloh Vineyard. &nbsp;Their dream has grown&nbsp;enough&nbsp;so they&nbsp;not only produce regional wines but they also host weddings,&nbsp;business,&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and friend gatherings, and 70th&nbsp;birthday parties. Yep, a friend invited me to her milestone birthday&nbsp;held last week at Shiloh Vineyard. Who knew&nbsp;adding a year&nbsp;could be so much fun.

​Attending&nbsp;that celebration&nbsp;offered&nbsp;15 of us the chance to see how&nbsp;Kirk and Treva Johnston have worked&nbsp;hard&nbsp;to turn their family farm into a&nbsp;successful winery and event destination. Guests&nbsp;can&nbsp;enjoy the western Kansas prairie while learning more about the vineyard and wines. I’d&nbsp;guess&nbsp;listening to a meadowlark serenade or&nbsp;watching a&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;sunset while sipping&nbsp;local wine&nbsp;creates&nbsp;favorite memories. &nbsp;The Johnstons&nbsp;offer a tour of their operation that includes a peek at huge casks where wine&nbsp;chemistry&nbsp;takes place&nbsp;as well&nbsp;showing off&nbsp;their&nbsp;rustic dining&nbsp;venue&nbsp;where&nbsp;guests can celebrate weddings, anniversaries, work, graduations, or just because. The tasting room and outdoor gathering area&nbsp;sit&nbsp;north of the barn.&nbsp;

​My friend chose to celebrate her 7 decades&nbsp;in the tasting room. It’s cozy enough to encourage visiting&nbsp;across the room between&nbsp;samples&nbsp;of&nbsp;wines&nbsp;and nibbles of crackers and cheese.&nbsp;During my decades,&nbsp;I’ve watched a movie or two where&nbsp;knowledgeable&nbsp;folk&nbsp;sniff and swirl glasses of wine, but&nbsp;I never understood that&nbsp;smelling&nbsp;the bouquet business&nbsp;or the differences&nbsp;between dry, semi-sweet, sweet, whites, reds, and dessert wines. Kirk and Treva&nbsp;offer down to earth&nbsp;guidelines&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;guests who know nothing&nbsp;make sense of wine tasting.&nbsp;Many party&nbsp;guests&nbsp;knew more than I, but all of us learned something. My favorite lesson involved discovering a coffee flavored dessert wine that&nbsp;made my taste buds tap dance.&nbsp;I would never guess&nbsp;you&nbsp;could ferment coffee and grapes to&nbsp;create&nbsp;after-dinner magic.&nbsp;

​I counted&nbsp;it&nbsp;a blessing&nbsp;to help a dear friend celebrate a milestone birthday,&nbsp;but&nbsp;doing&nbsp;that while enjoying&nbsp;an afternoon on&nbsp;the prairie&nbsp;paired&nbsp;with&nbsp;an&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to learn something new about our state’s agriculture&nbsp;made the day extra special.&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;grapes and&nbsp;wine may end up as famous as its&nbsp;wheat.

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

​By KAREN MADORINIn late November of 1996, we moved to a rural property on a limestone hilltop west of Ellis. By the time we got into the house,&nbsp;leaves&nbsp;swirled about the yard,&nbsp;hinting at greenery&nbsp;we could&nbsp;expect&nbsp;to see once&nbsp;spring&nbsp;arrived. A&nbsp;deep&nbsp;draw filled with standing and fallen trees as well as lots of bushes&nbsp;ran into Big Creek west of the house.&nbsp;I impatiently&nbsp;awaited&nbsp;warm weather and longer days&nbsp;to see what grew in that wildlife-rich habitat. I&nbsp;loved&nbsp;discovering&nbsp;not only ash, hackberry, cottonwood, and cedar trees, but also chokecherry bushes and wild grape vines&nbsp;filled that&nbsp;drainage. &nbsp;Over time,&nbsp;thick&nbsp;vines&nbsp;had&nbsp;climbed&nbsp;so high into the trees that birds&nbsp;had&nbsp;far greater odds of&nbsp;harvesting&nbsp;grapes&nbsp;than we&nbsp;did.&nbsp;Though our soil&nbsp;appeared&nbsp;rocky and barren, in reality,&nbsp;it suited wild grapes perfectly.&nbsp;It made me wonder how a vineyard would do in this region.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Apparently, others shared&nbsp;my question. A decade later,&nbsp;a&nbsp;Wakeeney/Voda&nbsp;farm family with&nbsp;necessary skills and resources&nbsp;saw&nbsp;potential&nbsp;in raising&nbsp;grapes. They&nbsp;planted scores of vines, and birthed&nbsp;Shiloh Vineyard. &nbsp;Their dream has grown&nbsp;enough&nbsp;so they&nbsp;not only produce regional wines but they also host weddings,&nbsp;business,&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and friend gatherings, and 70th&nbsp;birthday parties. Yep, a friend invited me to her milestone birthday&nbsp;held last week at Shiloh Vineyard. Who knew&nbsp;adding a year&nbsp;could be so much fun.​Attending&nbsp;that celebration&nbsp;offered&nbsp;15 of us the chance to see how&nbsp;Kirk and Treva Johnston have worked&nbsp;hard&nbsp;to turn their family farm into a&nbsp;successful winery and event destination. Guests&nbsp;can&nbsp;enjoy the western Kansas prairie while learning more about the vineyard and wines. I’d&nbsp;guess&nbsp;listening to a meadowlark serenade or&nbsp;watching a&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;sunset while sipping&nbsp;local wine&nbsp;creates&nbsp;favorite memories. &nbsp;The Johnstons&nbsp;offer a tour of their operation that includes a peek at huge casks where wine&nbsp;chemistry&nbsp;takes place&nbsp;as well&nbsp;showing off&nbsp;their&nbsp;rustic dining&nbsp;venue&nbsp;where&nbsp;guests can celebrate weddings, anniversaries, work, graduations, or just because. The tasting room and outdoor gathering area&nbsp;sit&nbsp;north of the barn.&nbsp;​My friend chose to celebrate her 7 decades&nbsp;in the tasting room. It’s cozy enough to encourage visiting&nbsp;across the room between&nbsp;samples&nbsp;of&nbsp;wines&nbsp;and nibbles of crackers and cheese.&nbsp;During my decades,&nbsp;I’ve watched a movie or two where&nbsp;knowledgeable&nbsp;folk&nbsp;sniff and swirl glasses of wine, but&nbsp;I never understood that&nbsp;smelling&nbsp;the bouquet business&nbsp;or the differences&nbsp;between dry, semi-sweet, sweet, whites, reds, and dessert wines. Kirk and Treva&nbsp;offer down to earth&nbsp;guidelines&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;guests who know nothing&nbsp;make sense of wine tasting.&nbsp;Many party&nbsp;guests&nbsp;knew more than I, but all of us learned something. My favorite lesson involved discovering a coffee flavored dessert wine that&nbsp;made my taste buds tap dance.&nbsp;I would never guess&nbsp;you&nbsp;could ferment coffee and grapes to&nbsp;create&nbsp;after-dinner magic.&nbsp;​I counted&nbsp;it&nbsp;a blessing&nbsp;to help a dear friend celebrate a milestone birthday,&nbsp;but&nbsp;doing&nbsp;that while enjoying&nbsp;an afternoon on&nbsp;the prairie&nbsp;paired&nbsp;with&nbsp;an&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to learn something new about our state’s agriculture&nbsp;made the day extra special.&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;grapes and&nbsp;wine may end up as famous as its&nbsp;wheat.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Seeing western Kansas possibility

Fort Hays State University’s Science Café for this month is set for Monday.

This month’s presentation, entitled&nbsp;“Lactate Level to Evaluate Fitness in Race Horses,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Clyde Cranwell, Agricultural Department and University Farm Superintendent, will discuss the use of post-exercise blood lactate to predict racing fitness and distance in thoroughbred horses.

Science Café is&nbsp;sponsored by Science and Mathematics Education Institute. Presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJN6YW3ahiFh3u1xso6sQsiDE6GJ06bOQIjYgX8RETmmTm-f__r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BUOFQ4S-2BOpaVbNon58DXMLvqjW62AFmUsmRC-2BgWmPgBbKaDtEKzdeDt8EEAOhPlHfG3kA1xWJ5k864OH7xdKZ5FzUNrAnHvO86ALl8MayC7ZkEPf8pFMqfS7WcOeXF1XWxkWssOiFJv3-2B-2FUuOVqwHsr3yrdUIlFl40ze1gwu5kysDSZQDclo6L7s-2FyhhlgEnirnZ2QOLBbDw0-2Bnn78fLayITWp0DKPjEG5WoWkoKhAwINp9Bnp6yizbLRgC9eXI-2Bg">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DBIAi_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BUOFQ4S-2BOpaVbNon58DXMLvqjW62AFmUsmRC-2BgWmPgBbKaDtEKzdeDt8EEAOhPlHfG3kA1xWJ5k864OH7xdKZ5CjCp-2BqK1Tn03dHij8qBSOUFspvVSk8WsMd-2BhtR4J1Z-2F-2B7S0Wwr-2BiylJ8HV226MJoNRoEjWhlffS7FD9B5Ww5ePXuG5kmqINdYclHiaDA-2BdixE5Os2eAF5mA29Dw9Ri8wLwFY1WL-2BD2lrAMDQbZbWIu5-2BLW0BBfkhzZcOfLJ4yN4">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668090155761.jpeg" alt="Cranwell " />
 <figcaption>Cranwell </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Science Café for this month is set for Monday.This month’s presentation, entitled&nbsp;“Lactate Level to Evaluate Fitness in Race Horses,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.Dr. Clyde Cranwell, Agricultural Department and University Farm Superintendent, will discuss the use of post-exercise blood lactate to predict racing fitness and distance in thoroughbred horses.Science Café is&nbsp;sponsored by Science and Mathematics Education Institute. Presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJIbWkKLWq-2BAH9EOMnpKiWtF21cgruX7hnOpjSWWak0MVSgif_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BUOFQ4S-2BOpaVbNon58DXMLvqjW62AFmUsmRC-2BgWmPgBbKaDtEKzdeDt8EEAOhPlHfG3kA1xWJ5k864OH7xdKZ5GpZCBx66pG-2FMRPnQqtj8soD8dbzBbIWAQb7Q-2BZiF3Ll3-2BjCHdQd9pWudETiVsMgEDkmAN343Du0JSmPNmdKLZ-2BajXJy8Airvu5wgKdyVhoUcTs0mhjRID0IELyNz5BugdNEEGPOlZ25Bj4z-2BcBrxyNty7rh7EHQ-2F2D1f6rdJ6Q5">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJN6YW3ahiFh3u1xso6sQsiDE6GJ06bOQIjYgX8RETmmTm-f__r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BUOFQ4S-2BOpaVbNon58DXMLvqjW62AFmUsmRC-2BgWmPgBbKaDtEKzdeDt8EEAOhPlHfG3kA1xWJ5k864OH7xdKZ5FzUNrAnHvO86ALl8MayC7ZkEPf8pFMqfS7WcOeXF1XWxkWssOiFJv3-2B-2FUuOVqwHsr3yrdUIlFl40ze1gwu5kysDSZQDclo6L7s-2FyhhlgEnirnZ2QOLBbDw0-2Bnn78fLayITWp0DKPjEG5WoWkoKhAwINp9Bnp6yizbLRgC9eXI-2Bg">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DBIAi_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BUOFQ4S-2BOpaVbNon58DXMLvqjW62AFmUsmRC-2BgWmPgBbKaDtEKzdeDt8EEAOhPlHfG3kA1xWJ5k864OH7xdKZ5CjCp-2BqK1Tn03dHij8qBSOUFspvVSk8WsMd-2BhtR4J1Z-2F-2B7S0Wwr-2BiylJ8HV226MJoNRoEjWhlffS7FD9B5Ww5ePXuG5kmqINdYclHiaDA-2BdixE5Os2eAF5mA29Dw9Ri8wLwFY1WL-2BD2lrAMDQbZbWIu5-2BLW0BBfkhzZcOfLJ4yN4">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Thoroughbred racehorses topic of next Science Cafe

<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/2022/11/1668202194708.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

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay respect to all who have served our country.&nbsp;

Eagle Radio, Hays Post and these sponsors have created a place where our community can honor those who have served and are still serving.&nbsp;Submit a photo of your military loved one above.

Thank you to these sponsors: VFW Post 9076, Insurance Planning and Financial Services, Bank of Hays, McDonalds Hays, WaKeeney and Russell, Roto Rooter, Shubert Heating and Air, RDH Electric, DW Home Improvement, Linenberger Plumbing, Steel Fabrications, Antique Mall of Hays, Kansasland Tire of Hays, Budke Home Improvement, Cathodic Systems Company, Smoky Hill Ag, Premier Business Management, Munsch Real Estate &amp; Auction, Darin Reed Knights of Columbus Insurance Agent, Wolf Furniture Galleries, A&amp;A Coors,Miller, Boulevard Distributors and Charles at Vonderacek Seeds in Timken.&nbsp;

<div> <script src="https://embed-944352.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="1277e90c-9353-4f51-965f-7ab49cfdf79c" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Veterans Day is a time for us to pay respect to all who have served our country.&nbsp;Eagle Radio, Hays Post and these sponsors have created a place where our community can honor those who have served and are still serving.&nbsp;Submit a photo of your military loved one above.Thank you to these sponsors: VFW Post 9076, Insurance Planning and Financial Services, Bank of Hays, McDonalds Hays, WaKeeney and Russell, Roto Rooter, Shubert Heating and Air, RDH Electric, DW Home Improvement, Linenberger Plumbing, Steel Fabrications, Antique Mall of Hays, Kansasland Tire of Hays, Budke Home Improvement, Cathodic Systems Company, Smoky Hill Ag, Premier Business Management, Munsch Real Estate &amp; Auction, Darin Reed Knights of Columbus Insurance Agent, Wolf Furniture Galleries, A&amp;A Coors,Miller, Boulevard Distributors and Charles at Vonderacek Seeds in Timken.&nbsp;

📷 HONOR OUR VETERANS: 2022 Veterans photo gallery

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Thomas County

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Explorer driven by&nbsp; Soledad&nbsp;Bermudez-Sanchez, 19, Bird City, was traveling on Kansas 25 just south of Thomas County Road BB.

The SUV traveled off the right roadway edge. The driver corrected back onto the roadway, over-corrected back off the road, struck a concrete culvert and rolled in the east ditch one time.

EMS transported&nbsp;Bermudez-Sanchez to the hospital in Colby. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Thomas CountyThe Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Explorer driven by&nbsp; Soledad&nbsp;Bermudez-Sanchez, 19, Bird City, was traveling on Kansas 25 just south of Thomas County Road BB.The SUV traveled off the right roadway edge. The driver corrected back onto the roadway, over-corrected back off the road, struck a concrete culvert and rolled in the east ditch one time.EMS transported&nbsp;Bermudez-Sanchez to the hospital in Colby. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas teen hospitalized after SUV rolls

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

The annual Festival of the Trees fundraiser silent auction is underway
at the Arc Thrift Shop in downtown Hays, showcasing incredible creativity that
results in Christmas decorations featuring an array of bold colors and dramatic
themes.

Funds from the event will go toward the ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest Drive,
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7fc4457d-51ad-46fc-8e33-98d7ecd0f3f9">where
construction began on an amphitheater in September</a>.&nbsp;The park already
features a playground with accessible playground equipment and a splash pad.

While the fundraiser is decidedly a Christmas affair, the sale marks
the culmination of a year’s work.

“I
start in January, when donations are coming in, and I plow through all the
Christmas stuff, and I just set stuff aside,” said Kathy McAdoo, Arc of Central Plains executive director. “And then
from all that stuff that gets set aside, this gets created.” 

She said
unusual things come in, but that only makes for more unique decorations.

“The
more unusual, the better,” McAdoo said. “It's different every year because the
donations are different every year. But the cool thing is this to look at what
you can do with things you buy in a thrift store.”

After
setting items aside in June, work began handcrafting various Christmas
adornments from those donations made to the Arc Thrift Shop, 600 Main.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/064162df-c34f-4803-8f92-dc21f82eb50b">Those
creations that will soon help fund the park and brighten homes during the
holidays for years to come are the work of two dedicated volunteers, Donna McKenzie and Joan Heier, McAdoo said.</a>

“If it
weren't for them, this wouldn't happen,” she said. “Not at all.”

The pair’s creativity was on full display this
year, with decorations and trees made from items sometimes never thought of as Christmas
decorations.

Examples include a Christmas wreath made from a
horse collar and a neon Elvis sign that stands in as a tree topper.

But creating one-of-a-kind
Christmas decorations out of them is a valuable way to help the community and
more than a bit of fun, Heier said.

“When I
first started doing it, it was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, you can come and create
something from something that someone else has given away, And it will benefit
the IDD community as well.’ OK!” she said. “And through that process, I have
made wonderful friends. It just makes me feel good to see that something is
being used and reused and redone, and it's not being thrown away and going for
a wonderful cause.”

McKenzie said just recently she
saw a heartwarming reminder of why the months of work are so valuable in a post
on the ARC Park Facebook page that showed an area resident enjoying the accessible
playground.

“His smile
is just huge, and his mom says, 'We come here because this is the only park he
can be a kid at,' ” she said. “And so that's my purpose in being here.”

Exploring
fun ideas to create the decorations makes it even better, McKenzie said. 

Among her creations this year are felt mice — cleverly placed around one tree, visible
to only the most attentive passerby — and bees made out of old beads. 

“I like
to find things and turn them into entirely different things,” McKenzie said.

Among
her favorite decorations this year is a Nutcracker ballet-themed tree featuring the felt mice and ballet fixtures.

“And
then I have the Buddy the Elf tree, which I have a lot of the phrases from
Buddy the Elf the movie with Will Ferrell,” McKenzie said.

One of Heier’s favorites is a tree featuring a tabletop-sized
nativity.

“That
was the inspiration for the tree,” McAdoo said. “That is where that came from,
we built a tree around that nativity. And that happens frequently, one little
thing becomes the inspiration for a whole tree. Like the Elvis light.”

Another item of note during this
year’s auction features trains from volunteer Cal Mahin.

“He
donated all of these Hallmark Christmas ornaments,” Heier said. “And when they came in, it was like, ‘I really
want to do something with that tree.’&nbsp;

“And
we're calling it Cal’s Train Tree,” she said.

While many of the trees and decorations are
made of repurposed items, some of the auction items are vintage Christmas
decorations or fashionable modern pieces that had been donated.

“We get
things like Waterford ornaments and other things that are out in the hallway
that, you know, we don't have to do anything with,” McAdoo said. “But they're
unique enough that we include them in the auction because they're unique. And
they're a little more high-end.”

She said
the best way to experience the amount of detail and creativity put into
this year’s silent auction is to visit the Arc Thrift Shop, open from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

“It's
important to go online and see them,” McKenzie said. “But coming in person, you
get to see the trees up close and personal and really look at them and kind of
go, ‘Oh, look what they did with this and turned it into that.’ ”

To view items online and bid, visit
<a href="https://www.haysarcpark.org/">haysarcpark.org.</a>

McAdoo
encourages everyone to “bid high and bid often.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110213933.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostThe annual Festival of the Trees fundraiser silent auction is underway
at the Arc Thrift Shop in downtown Hays, showcasing incredible creativity that
results in Christmas decorations featuring an array of bold colors and dramatic
themes.Funds from the event will go toward the ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest Drive,
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7fc4457d-51ad-46fc-8e33-98d7ecd0f3f9">where
construction began on an amphitheater in September</a>.&nbsp;The park already
features a playground with accessible playground equipment and a splash pad.While the fundraiser is decidedly a Christmas affair, the sale marks
the culmination of a year’s work.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668109981793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I
start in January, when donations are coming in, and I plow through all the
Christmas stuff, and I just set stuff aside,” said Kathy McAdoo, Arc of Central Plains executive director. “And then
from all that stuff that gets set aside, this gets created.” She said
unusual things come in, but that only makes for more unique decorations.“The
more unusual, the better,” McAdoo said. “It's different every year because the
donations are different every year. But the cool thing is this to look at what
you can do with things you buy in a thrift store.”After
setting items aside in June, work began handcrafting various Christmas
adornments from those donations made to the Arc Thrift Shop, 600 Main.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/064162df-c34f-4803-8f92-dc21f82eb50b">Those
creations that will soon help fund the park and brighten homes during the
holidays for years to come are the work of two dedicated volunteers, Donna McKenzie and Joan Heier, McAdoo said.</a> “If it
weren't for them, this wouldn't happen,” she said. “Not at all.”The pair’s creativity was on full display this
year, with decorations and trees made from items sometimes never thought of as Christmas
decorations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110230038.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Examples include a Christmas wreath made from a
horse collar and a neon Elvis sign that stands in as a tree topper.But creating one-of-a-kind
Christmas decorations out of them is a valuable way to help the community and
more than a bit of fun, Heier said.“When I
first started doing it, it was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, you can come and create
something from something that someone else has given away, And it will benefit
the IDD community as well.’ OK!” she said. “And through that process, I have
made wonderful friends. It just makes me feel good to see that something is
being used and reused and redone, and it's not being thrown away and going for
a wonderful cause.”McKenzie said just recently she
saw a heartwarming reminder of why the months of work are so valuable in a post
on the ARC Park Facebook page that showed an area resident enjoying the accessible
playground.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHAYSARCPARK%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0jZCKN7kHfzfYY3tSFzrA84kZLDzKkPRjdB1smXih8DZ8bqj3h7hP3q5ZqjNrnqYbl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="748" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“His smile
is just huge, and his mom says, 'We come here because this is the only park he
can be a kid at,' ” she said. “And so that's my purpose in being here.”Exploring
fun ideas to create the decorations makes it even better, McKenzie said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110287805.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Among her creations this year are felt mice — cleverly placed around one tree, visible
to only the most attentive passerby — and bees made out of old beads. “I like
to find things and turn them into entirely different things,” McKenzie said.Among
her favorite decorations this year is a Nutcracker ballet-themed tree featuring the felt mice and ballet fixtures.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668109939989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“And
then I have the Buddy the Elf tree, which I have a lot of the phrases from
Buddy the Elf the movie with Will Ferrell,” McKenzie said.One of Heier’s favorites is a tree featuring a tabletop-sized
nativity.“That
was the inspiration for the tree,” McAdoo said. “That is where that came from,
we built a tree around that nativity. And that happens frequently, one little
thing becomes the inspiration for a whole tree. Like the Elvis light.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668109994716.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Another item of note during this
year’s auction features trains from volunteer Cal Mahin.“He
donated all of these Hallmark Christmas ornaments,” Heier said. “And when they came in, it was like, ‘I really
want to do something with that tree.’&nbsp;“And
we're calling it Cal’s Train Tree,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110006728.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While many of the trees and decorations are
made of repurposed items, some of the auction items are vintage Christmas
decorations or fashionable modern pieces that had been donated.“We get
things like Waterford ornaments and other things that are out in the hallway
that, you know, we don't have to do anything with,” McAdoo said. “But they're
unique enough that we include them in the auction because they're unique. And
they're a little more high-end.”She said
the best way to experience the amount of detail and creativity put into
this year’s silent auction is to visit the Arc Thrift Shop, open from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110019110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“It's
important to go online and see them,” McKenzie said. “But coming in person, you
get to see the trees up close and personal and really look at them and kind of
go, ‘Oh, look what they did with this and turned it into that.’ ”To view items online and bid, visit
<a href="https://www.haysarcpark.org/">haysarcpark.org.</a>McAdoo
encourages everyone to “bid high and bid often.”The auction closes at 5
p.m. Nov. 15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110192297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668110272893.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Creativity on display during Festival of the Trees ARC Park fundraiser

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays High School will present "Seussical the Musical" at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the 12th Street Auditorium, 323 w. 12th. Tickets are $10. 

Tickets can be purchased online <a href="http://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668114539433.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays High School will present "Seussical the Musical" at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the 12th Street Auditorium, 323 w. 12th. Tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased online <a href="http://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">HERE</a>.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668115827066.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668115874557.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668115935761.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668115991945.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668116026553.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668116068288.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays High presents 'Seussical the Musical'

HOXIE —&nbsp;Hoxie native and NASA astronaut Col. Tyler N. “Nick” Hague will speak at 9 a.m. Friday at Hoxie High School to Hoxie and Golden Plains students.

There will also be a Hometown Hero public presentation at 5 p.m. Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9e38c1f4-c018-47a8-86f9-9d9e06a3a235">RELATED: NASA's Hague to visit hometown of Hoxie for presentations</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595005445504.jpeg" alt="Hague" />
 <figcaption>Hague</figcaption>
 </figure>HOXIE —&nbsp;Hoxie native and NASA astronaut Col. Tyler N. “Nick” Hague will speak at 9 a.m. Friday at Hoxie High School to Hoxie and Golden Plains students.Check out the stream below:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Soq-njU0MUw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There will also be a Hometown Hero public presentation at 5 p.m. Friday.Check out the stream below:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m5FAWRMnkSM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9e38c1f4-c018-47a8-86f9-9d9e06a3a235">RELATED: NASA's Hague to visit hometown of Hoxie for presentations</a>

🎥 NW Kansas astronaut speaks from hometown of Hoxie

The highs Friday are expected to be about 20 degrees below average, the National Weather Service in Dodge City predicted. The overnight low is expected to dip into the low- to mid-teens.&nbsp;

The cold snap is expected to last at least into Tuesday, with highs ranging from the upper-30s to low-50s and nighttime lows well below freezing.

There is a 30 percent chance of rain or snow beginning Monday morning, the NWS said. Otherwise, skies are expected to remain clear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668178203159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The highs Friday are expected to be about 20 degrees below average, the National Weather Service in Dodge City predicted. The overnight low is expected to dip into the low- to mid-teens.&nbsp;The cold snap is expected to last at least into Tuesday, with highs ranging from the upper-30s to low-50s and nighttime lows well below freezing.There is a 30 percent chance of rain or snow beginning Monday morning, the NWS said. Otherwise, skies are expected to remain clear.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Highs on Friday will be about 20 degrees below normal for this time of year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wxtwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wxtwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/M2QfS6cZor">pic.twitter.com/M2QfS6cZor</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1590801439026139136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Cold spell expected to last well into next week for NW Kansas

TOPEKA (AP) —The Kansas State Board of Education on Thursday recommended that the state's public school districts eliminate Native American mascots and branding to reduce their harmful impacts on students.

The board approved a motion making a “strong recommendation” that Kansas public K-12 nontribal schools retire Native American-themed mascots and branding as soon as possible but within the next three to five years at the latest.

Supporters stressed the board's action was only a recommendation and the final decision on mascots was left to local school boards, adding the decision would not impact districts' accreditation. They said the vote fits with the board's policies on discouraging bullying and encouraging equity, inclusion and justice for all students.

The intent of the motion, supporters said, was to prompt discussions about the racist aspects of the mascots and their negative impact on Native American students.

Board member Melanie Haas said the motion lays the groundwork for those conversations.

“There are districts that aren’t having these conversations, or that are having a hard time with those discussions," Haas said. "So when we take a leadership role at the state level and say this is something you should look at, I think that’s really important messaging that some of those districts need.”

Michelle Dombrosky, the only board member to oppose the motion, said it wasn't a state board issue. She suggested supporters should work to build relationships with local boards and school patrons to promote education about the mascots and branding, which could take several years.

The vote came after a report from an advisory group that included representatives from the four federally recognized tribes in Kansas — the Kickapoo, Sac &amp; Fox, Iowa and Prairie Band Potawatomi.

The report said more than 10,000 American Indian/Alaska Native students attend public schools in Kansas. Studies have shown the racist connotations of Native American mascots harm the students' self esteem and limit how they see their futures, according to the report.

"These practices teach narrow-minded stereotypes that represent American Indians as exotic, warlike people who are stuck-in-the-past, making it difficult for people to understand how American Indians exist in contemporary ways,” the report said.

An exact number of Kansas schools that have Native American mascots was not provided. The Indian Leader, a newspaper at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, reported in 2020 that about 33 Kansas schools had mascots, such as Indians, Chieftans and Braves.

That number has declined as some districts, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c9132f9360a0b2a27474ecc1bf9fbfac">Atchison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-7f7b5551a97c69594f96a67f23cd5d4d">Shawnee Mission</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/3cab1dc7ae7d37f0bb50cd1b05840b0b">Wichita</a>&nbsp;have dropped American Indian mascots in recent years.

That advisory group's report also recommended that state and local districts' education policies be reviewed to determine how using American Indian-themed mascots and branding conflicts with student learning and well-being, including in schools that don't have such mascots.

The group also suggested a support network be created to help schools transition away from mascots and explore funding opportunities to help pay the cost of adopting new mascots and branding.

Alex Red Corn, an assistant professor of educational leadership at Kansas State University who was a member of the advisory board, acknowledged that efforts by other entities, such as the NCAA, to pass similar recommendations have met with mixed results.

But he said such motions can start discussions that are productive over time.

“This is the start of the dialogue where people start to actually learn about these things,” Red Corn said. "Once people start learning and peeling back the labels, that's when the actual change starts to occur.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618698354961.png" alt="&nbsp;In April 2021, the Atchison School board voted to ditch the “Redmen” and “Braves” mascots. Photo courtesy Atchison High School" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;In April 2021, the Atchison School board voted to ditch the “Redmen” and “Braves” mascots. Photo courtesy Atchison High School</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —The Kansas State Board of Education on Thursday recommended that the state's public school districts eliminate Native American mascots and branding to reduce their harmful impacts on students.The board approved a motion making a “strong recommendation” that Kansas public K-12 nontribal schools retire Native American-themed mascots and branding as soon as possible but within the next three to five years at the latest.Supporters stressed the board's action was only a recommendation and the final decision on mascots was left to local school boards, adding the decision would not impact districts' accreditation. They said the vote fits with the board's policies on discouraging bullying and encouraging equity, inclusion and justice for all students.The intent of the motion, supporters said, was to prompt discussions about the racist aspects of the mascots and their negative impact on Native American students.Board member Melanie Haas said the motion lays the groundwork for those conversations.“There are districts that aren’t having these conversations, or that are having a hard time with those discussions," Haas said. "So when we take a leadership role at the state level and say this is something you should look at, I think that’s really important messaging that some of those districts need.”Michelle Dombrosky, the only board member to oppose the motion, said it wasn't a state board issue. She suggested supporters should work to build relationships with local boards and school patrons to promote education about the mascots and branding, which could take several years.The vote came after a report from an advisory group that included representatives from the four federally recognized tribes in Kansas — the Kickapoo, Sac &amp; Fox, Iowa and Prairie Band Potawatomi.The report said more than 10,000 American Indian/Alaska Native students attend public schools in Kansas. Studies have shown the racist connotations of Native American mascots harm the students' self esteem and limit how they see their futures, according to the report."These practices teach narrow-minded stereotypes that represent American Indians as exotic, warlike people who are stuck-in-the-past, making it difficult for people to understand how American Indians exist in contemporary ways,” the report said.An exact number of Kansas schools that have Native American mascots was not provided. The Indian Leader, a newspaper at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, reported in 2020 that about 33 Kansas schools had mascots, such as Indians, Chieftans and Braves.That number has declined as some districts, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c9132f9360a0b2a27474ecc1bf9fbfac">Atchison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-7f7b5551a97c69594f96a67f23cd5d4d">Shawnee Mission</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/3cab1dc7ae7d37f0bb50cd1b05840b0b">Wichita</a>&nbsp;have dropped American Indian mascots in recent years.That advisory group's report also recommended that state and local districts' education policies be reviewed to determine how using American Indian-themed mascots and branding conflicts with student learning and well-being, including in schools that don't have such mascots.The group also suggested a support network be created to help schools transition away from mascots and explore funding opportunities to help pay the cost of adopting new mascots and branding.Alex Red Corn, an assistant professor of educational leadership at Kansas State University who was a member of the advisory board, acknowledged that efforts by other entities, such as the NCAA, to pass similar recommendations have met with mixed results.But he said such motions can start discussions that are productive over time.“This is the start of the dialogue where people start to actually learn about these things,” Red Corn said. "Once people start learning and peeling back the labels, that's when the actual change starts to occur.”

Kansas board recommends ending Native American mascots

Carter&nbsp;Fellers of WaKeeney is one of three northwest Kansas winners in the 2022 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the Kansas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety organizations.

Fellers received first place in the 8- to 10-year-old age group for the northwest region.&nbsp;He was awarded a bicycle from the Kansas Turnpike Authority and helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas.

The poster contest aims to encourage youth to think about traffic safety and present their ideas through their artwork. A total of 497 Kansas kids ages 5 to 13 participated this year.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce all traffic fatalities. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay">KDOT’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668094515548.jpeg" alt="Carter Fellers and Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman with Fellers’s new bicycle and winning artwork." />
 <figcaption>Carter Fellers and Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman with Fellers’s new bicycle and winning artwork.</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTCarter&nbsp;Fellers of WaKeeney is one of three northwest Kansas winners in the 2022 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the Kansas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety organizations.Fellers received first place in the 8- to 10-year-old age group for the northwest region.&nbsp;He was awarded a bicycle from the Kansas Turnpike Authority and helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas.The poster contest aims to encourage youth to think about traffic safety and present their ideas through their artwork. A total of 497 Kansas kids ages 5 to 13 participated this year.Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce all traffic fatalities. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay">KDOT’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day website</a>.

WaKeeney youngster wins KDOT poster contest, new bike

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668108550598.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>

AARP Kansas strongly opposes a proposal by Midwest Energy to add a new demand charge to residential customer bills. The company, a customer-owned electric and natural gas cooperative that serves 93,000 customers in 40 counties in central and western Kansas, is considering a three-part rate structure&nbsp;featuring a customer charge, energy charge and a demand charge, beginning Jan. 1, 2023.&nbsp;AARP urges the Midwest Energy Board to soundly reject the proposal at its meeting on November 17, 2022.

Demand rates would add a monthly charge for the customer’s highest peak demand use. Midwest Energy would base the charge in the summer on peak demand time from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the maximum monthly kilowatt peak used in a 15-minute interval in all other months.

“Such a charge is confusing and hard for customers to respond to,” said AARP Kansas State Director Glenda DuBoise. “Customers would not know when they incurred such a charge absent using the utility’s Customer Connect portal to track down the information. Such a difficult new charge to anticipate and track down should not be added to the bill.

“Even though the overall change may be revenue neutral, customers who do not pay attention to their energy use could face dramatically higher energy bills,” said DuBoise. “Such surprise charges are unfair to customers, do little to change energy consumption and are unreasonable in these inflationary times.”

AARP Kansas is urging Midwest Energy to withdraw the proposal and stick with volumetric rates, including a monthly customer charge. A voluntary time of use rate may be another option.&nbsp;

“In this time of rising energy costs, now is not the time to impose a confusing and unnecessary residential rate design change,” said DuBoise. “If one must be implemented, AARP suggests that Midwest Energy make it a rate option or pilot tested.”

Submitted by AARP KansasAARP Kansas strongly opposes a proposal by Midwest Energy to add a new demand charge to residential customer bills. The company, a customer-owned electric and natural gas cooperative that serves 93,000 customers in 40 counties in central and western Kansas, is considering a three-part rate structure&nbsp;featuring a customer charge, energy charge and a demand charge, beginning Jan. 1, 2023.&nbsp;AARP urges the Midwest Energy Board to soundly reject the proposal at its meeting on November 17, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Demand rates would add a monthly charge for the customer’s highest peak demand use. Midwest Energy would base the charge in the summer on peak demand time from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the maximum monthly kilowatt peak used in a 15-minute interval in all other months.“Such a charge is confusing and hard for customers to respond to,” said AARP Kansas State Director Glenda DuBoise. “Customers would not know when they incurred such a charge absent using the utility’s Customer Connect portal to track down the information. Such a difficult new charge to anticipate and track down should not be added to the bill.“Even though the overall change may be revenue neutral, customers who do not pay attention to their energy use could face dramatically higher energy bills,” said DuBoise. “Such surprise charges are unfair to customers, do little to change energy consumption and are unreasonable in these inflationary times.”AARP Kansas is urging Midwest Energy to withdraw the proposal and stick with volumetric rates, including a monthly customer charge. A voluntary time of use rate may be another option.&nbsp;“In this time of rising energy costs, now is not the time to impose a confusing and unnecessary residential rate design change,” said DuBoise. “If one must be implemented, AARP suggests that Midwest Energy make it a rate option or pilot tested.”

LETTER: AARP asks Midwest Energy board to reject rate proposal

More than 20 KS schools have American Indian-themed mascots

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/10/kansas-board-of-education-recommends-removal-of-offensive-american-indian-mascots/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — The Kansas Board of Education recommended the removal of American 
Indian-themed mascots and branding from Kansas school districts, saying 
American Indian students deserve to feel comfortable in schools across 
the state.

The mascot debate has been ongoing, with the Advisory
 Council for Indigenous Education recommending in October that the BOE 
and the Kansas Board of Regents make a priority of persuading local 
school officials to abandon culturally offensive branding. The council 
said this transition should be completed in three to five years.&nbsp;

Across the state, potentially offensive mascots include the Braves, Red Raiders, Warriors, Thunderbirds, Indians and Redskins. Hays High School uses the Indian as its mascot.

The Board of Education doesn’t have 
the authority to make local schools change their mascots, so it is 
unclear how much effect the recommendation will have. Members say the 
recommendation is more about starting important conversations than 
forcing change.&nbsp;

The BOE accepted the council’s 
recommendation Thursday, with seven members voting in favor of the 
recommendation. Members Jean Clifford and Ben Jones abstained from the 
vote, while conservative Michelle Dombrosky was the only dissenting 
vote.

Dombrosky said she believed the board
 didn’t have the authority to make the decision, and that local school 
districts should make the choice.&nbsp;

“They have pride, they have 
traditions, they’re not going to understand,” Dombrosky said. “It’s 
going to take awhile for education, curriculum that you’re working on. 
You’re building that. Since it’s a strong recommendation on that part, 
I’m not sure why we’re taking a vote at the state board. Because 10 
people are deciding for the rest of those communities.”

Other board members pushed back 
against Dombrosky, saying it was important to take a stand. Member Ann 
Mah said with more than 90% of American Indian students attending public
 schools, the impact of offensive mascots was significant.&nbsp;

“These 10 people are not deciding 
anything for anyone,” Mah said. “All we’re doing is asking these schools
 that have these mascots and branding to start a conversation about is 
this mascot, is this branding, tied to real learning? Or is it an empty 
moniker that makes fun of other sovereign nations? So we’re just asking 
them to start the conversation.”&nbsp;

Board member Deena Horst represents 
District 6, which covers school districts in Douglas, Chase, Jefferson 
and Shawnee counties, among others. Horst mentioned that all of the 
state’s reservations are contained in her district. She said her 
decision was not influenced by that, but by her memories as a student at
 Clearwater High School, where the mascot is the Indians.&nbsp;

Horst referenced the tomahawk chop, a move in which sports fans pretend to be waving a tomahawk.&nbsp;

“If I was a member of a tribe, and I 
was in a competitive environment, I would take that as making fun of me.
 And bullying is another component. It’s a way to show that you can 
overtake someone else and that makes the person who actually is a Native
 American — if it makes them feel less of a person, it’s wrong,” Horst 
said.&nbsp;

Some Kansas school districts have 
already decided to ditch offensive imagery. Atchison dropped the labels 
Redmen and Braves, and Wichita North High School voted to remove its 
Redskins mascot name in 2021. Other districts are resisting change, such
 as Manhattan High School, which retains its mascot, the Indians.&nbsp;

More than 20 Kansas schools still 
have American Indian themed mascots, and many tribes have expressed 
opposition to these mascots.

The council said mascots like the Redmen and Braves damages indigenous perception and encourage “narrow-minded
 stereotypes that represent American Indians as exotic, warlike people 
who are stuck in the past,” in the original memorandum.&nbsp;

The mascot vote was one of the first 
actions taken by the board after the November election. Five new board 
members have been elected and will take their seats in 2023. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668117885418.png" alt="Kansas Board of Education members debate recommending the removal of offensive Kansas mascots. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Education members debate recommending the removal of offensive Kansas mascots. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 20 KS schools have American Indian-themed mascots</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/10/kansas-board-of-education-recommends-removal-of-offensive-american-indian-mascots/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — The Kansas Board of Education recommended the removal of American 
Indian-themed mascots and branding from Kansas school districts, saying 
American Indian students deserve to feel comfortable in schools across 
the state.The mascot debate has been ongoing, with the Advisory
 Council for Indigenous Education recommending in October that the BOE 
and the Kansas Board of Regents make a priority of persuading local 
school officials to abandon culturally offensive branding. The council 
said this transition should be completed in three to five years.&nbsp;Across the state, potentially offensive mascots include the Braves, Red Raiders, Warriors, Thunderbirds, Indians and Redskins. Hays High School uses the Indian as its mascot.The Board of Education doesn’t have 
the authority to make local schools change their mascots, so it is 
unclear how much effect the recommendation will have. Members say the 
recommendation is more about starting important conversations than 
forcing change.&nbsp;The BOE accepted the council’s 
recommendation Thursday, with seven members voting in favor of the 
recommendation. Members Jean Clifford and Ben Jones abstained from the 
vote, while conservative Michelle Dombrosky was the only dissenting 
vote.Dombrosky said she believed the board
 didn’t have the authority to make the decision, and that local school 
districts should make the choice.&nbsp;“They have pride, they have 
traditions, they’re not going to understand,” Dombrosky said. “It’s 
going to take awhile for education, curriculum that you’re working on. 
You’re building that. Since it’s a strong recommendation on that part, 
I’m not sure why we’re taking a vote at the state board. Because 10 
people are deciding for the rest of those communities.”Other board members pushed back 
against Dombrosky, saying it was important to take a stand. Member Ann 
Mah said with more than 90% of American Indian students attending public
 schools, the impact of offensive mascots was significant.&nbsp;“These 10 people are not deciding 
anything for anyone,” Mah said. “All we’re doing is asking these schools
 that have these mascots and branding to start a conversation about is 
this mascot, is this branding, tied to real learning? Or is it an empty 
moniker that makes fun of other sovereign nations? So we’re just asking 
them to start the conversation.”&nbsp;Board member Deena Horst represents 
District 6, which covers school districts in Douglas, Chase, Jefferson 
and Shawnee counties, among others. Horst mentioned that all of the 
state’s reservations are contained in her district. She said her 
decision was not influenced by that, but by her memories as a student at
 Clearwater High School, where the mascot is the Indians.&nbsp;Horst referenced the tomahawk chop, a move in which sports fans pretend to be waving a tomahawk.&nbsp;“If I was a member of a tribe, and I 
was in a competitive environment, I would take that as making fun of me.
 And bullying is another component. It’s a way to show that you can 
overtake someone else and that makes the person who actually is a Native
 American — if it makes them feel less of a person, it’s wrong,” Horst 
said.&nbsp;Some Kansas school districts have 
already decided to ditch offensive imagery. Atchison dropped the labels 
Redmen and Braves, and Wichita North High School voted to remove its 
Redskins mascot name in 2021. Other districts are resisting change, such
 as Manhattan High School, which retains its mascot, the Indians.&nbsp;More than 20 Kansas schools still 
have American Indian themed mascots, and many tribes have expressed 
opposition to these mascots.The council said mascots like the Redmen and Braves damages indigenous perception and encourage “narrow-minded
 stereotypes that represent American Indians as exotic, warlike people 
who are stuck in the past,” in the original memorandum.&nbsp;The mascot vote was one of the first 
actions taken by the board after the November election. Five new board 
members have been elected and will take their seats in 2023.

Kan. education board recommends removal of American Indian mascots

Each November, Americans pay tribute to veterans across the country who have served honorably for the freedom and safety of our citizens. To further efforts to help veterans, Fort Hays State University has joined the Heart of America Patriot Foundation to raise awareness and funding for the dependents of fully disabled or deceased veterans.&nbsp;

The Heart of America Patriot Foundation has an incredible mission – to educate its veterans’ legacies by providing scholarships to spouses and/or dependents of deceased or 100 percent disabled veterans. The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35, provides support for educational goals, for dependents of veterans with service-related injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gifts to Fort Hays State University will be matched dollar for dollar by the Heart of America Patriot Foundation for this effort. Because of this generous match, FHSU hopes to raise as much funding as possible to support the families of our veterans.

You can help by making a gift this Veterans Day – November 11. Give online by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ifedthetiger.com/">www.ifedthetiger.com</a>&nbsp;or mail your donation to FHSU Foundation, PO Box 1060, Hays, KS 67601. Make your check to FHSU Foundation with “Heart of America Patriot Foundation” written in the memo line. Celebrate Veterans Day by having your gift to FHSU doubled while honoring those who have served.&nbsp;

For more information about the Heart of America Patriot Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEmtN-2BrSLLcqOUeW3-2FNVAmk-3D0oZB_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem-2BPpJP13cz-2BCxa6UI4yo6KjyrEUVSwPCvKjWVt73kt7j0BMasruDQWtZ9dH1gJ0OKq9GoT06piV08MKvat0e8DFurtWn8wCk9HnQEUxXFUkZsWLkASsn-2Bb6bNdiJ3uED0uDkeM6DiJfcois6yLs26VVLTs3X3kIR9p-2BtLEVYi8MAXWaOErSMMjPrl7TlRIaRKH9OTMGLxtyaMq-2FlZRETGUXiXskSFCm2oN-2BgJe6JSR2ev-2BzbQZGT-2FN8JpgUWBHZHzsS82SAK6q4orPFJyAcjnmQ-3D-3D">https://hoapf.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Schuyler Coates with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5692 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:smcoates@fhsu.edu">smcoates@fhsu.edu</a>. To read more about Fort Hays State University and its military-connected student services, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPtDGaZaVhJZDXXtRsqLAivxVywljb39CI1AAieM80VbXiQt_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem-2BPpJP13cz-2BCxa6UI4yo6KjyrEUVSwPCvKjWVt73kt7j0BMasruDQWtZ9dH1gJ0OKq9GoT06piV08MKvat0e8DG8K5UaS-2B1G8OnALnNQwZxjQYYPV-2FISKuzMkZrs3-2BfkrpUcJn1Zm-2ByF6H0Ynw7qmR820p9lrU-2BxpZ091Oq87BmK1FJNR6TDmtWsDcMo6JLD2xfMv5lwGEVJOQc2137HBXFXy4a1JRtJoBtIyERIqXbrkKG1VGGJI7DTgqnYqBNTgJuOJSSwQSxwXILGgi71Pjg-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/military</a>.

FHSU Foundation&nbsp;Each November, Americans pay tribute to veterans across the country who have served honorably for the freedom and safety of our citizens. To further efforts to help veterans, Fort Hays State University has joined the Heart of America Patriot Foundation to raise awareness and funding for the dependents of fully disabled or deceased veterans.&nbsp;The Heart of America Patriot Foundation has an incredible mission – to educate its veterans’ legacies by providing scholarships to spouses and/or dependents of deceased or 100 percent disabled veterans. The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35, provides support for educational goals, for dependents of veterans with service-related injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gifts to Fort Hays State University will be matched dollar for dollar by the Heart of America Patriot Foundation for this effort. Because of this generous match, FHSU hopes to raise as much funding as possible to support the families of our veterans.You can help by making a gift this Veterans Day – November 11. Give online by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ifedthetiger.com/">www.ifedthetiger.com</a>&nbsp;or mail your donation to FHSU Foundation, PO Box 1060, Hays, KS 67601. Make your check to FHSU Foundation with “Heart of America Patriot Foundation” written in the memo line. Celebrate Veterans Day by having your gift to FHSU doubled while honoring those who have served.&nbsp;For more information about the Heart of America Patriot Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEmtN-2BrSLLcqOUeW3-2FNVAmk-3D0oZB_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem-2BPpJP13cz-2BCxa6UI4yo6KjyrEUVSwPCvKjWVt73kt7j0BMasruDQWtZ9dH1gJ0OKq9GoT06piV08MKvat0e8DFurtWn8wCk9HnQEUxXFUkZsWLkASsn-2Bb6bNdiJ3uED0uDkeM6DiJfcois6yLs26VVLTs3X3kIR9p-2BtLEVYi8MAXWaOErSMMjPrl7TlRIaRKH9OTMGLxtyaMq-2FlZRETGUXiXskSFCm2oN-2BgJe6JSR2ev-2BzbQZGT-2FN8JpgUWBHZHzsS82SAK6q4orPFJyAcjnmQ-3D-3D">https://hoapf.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Schuyler Coates with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5692 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:smcoates@fhsu.edu">smcoates@fhsu.edu</a>. To read more about Fort Hays State University and its military-connected student services, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPtDGaZaVhJZDXXtRsqLAivxVywljb39CI1AAieM80VbXiQt_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem-2BPpJP13cz-2BCxa6UI4yo6KjyrEUVSwPCvKjWVt73kt7j0BMasruDQWtZ9dH1gJ0OKq9GoT06piV08MKvat0e8DG8K5UaS-2B1G8OnALnNQwZxjQYYPV-2FISKuzMkZrs3-2BfkrpUcJn1Zm-2ByF6H0Ynw7qmR820p9lrU-2BxpZ091Oq87BmK1FJNR6TDmtWsDcMo6JLD2xfMv5lwGEVJOQc2137HBXFXy4a1JRtJoBtIyERIqXbrkKG1VGGJI7DTgqnYqBNTgJuOJSSwQSxwXILGgi71Pjg-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/military</a>.

FHSU honors veterans through gift match fundraising effort

City of Hays offices will be closed on Friday, November 11th in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Friday, November 11th in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday.

Hays city offices closed Friday in observance of Veteran's Day

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) has selected Traci Brimhall as the 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall, a professor and Director of Creative Writing at Kansas State University, will become the state’s eighth Poet Laureate when her four-year term begins on January 1.&nbsp;

“Supporting and celebrating poetry is essential to preserving our state’s rich history for future generations,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m glad Traci will be our next Kansas Poet Laureate. Her passion and introspection make her the perfect advocate for poetry and the arts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate of Kansas is an honorary position of the KCAIC that promotes the arts, especially the reading and writing of poetry, for all Kansans. The program was established in 2004.&nbsp;

As the new Poet Laureate of Kansas, Brimhall will conduct public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations that serve communities across the state. Her plans for the laureateship will focus on connecting with Kansans through the shared experience of language, Kansas’ agricultural roots, and food.&nbsp;

“I am delighted to serve Kansas as the next Poet Laureate,”&nbsp;Professor Brimhall said. “I love connecting with others and building community, and I can’t wait for the next few years of celebrating creativity in the Sunflower State.”&nbsp;

“The arts not only mold the quality of life in Kansas communities but color the palette of both local and state economies,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Traci Brimhall’s exceptional talent and her willingness to share it with the people of Kansas is a wonderful gift.”&nbsp;

Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections, most recently&nbsp;Come the Slumberless to the Land of Nod&nbsp;(Copper Canyon Press). Her poems have appeared in publications including&nbsp;The New Yorker, Poetry, Orion,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Best American Poetry.&nbsp;She received the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship in Poetry, among numerous other awards.&nbsp;

“The KCAIC is excited by Traci's passion for poetry as a way to strengthen Kansans’&nbsp;connections with each other,”&nbsp;said KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van&nbsp;Steenhuyse.&nbsp;“Through celebrating the diversity and bounty of our beautiful state, she will promote poetry as a vehicle for nourishment and engagement.”&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout the state, present at public events, participate in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition for high school students, and assist Department of Commerce staff with strengthening and expanding the literary arts ecosystem in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate programming is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMTAuNjY0ODE2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbS9rY2FpYy9wb2V0LWxhdXJlYXRlLyJ9.SXqaBD8FNXP0icAxQuBEsHHSHzU-SBQiF0MxYve62mw/s/1303161001/br/147927130344-l" target="_blank">Poet Laureate page</a>&nbsp;on the Department of Commerce website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668100739590.jpeg" alt="Traci Brimhall" />
 <figcaption>Traci Brimhall</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) has selected Traci Brimhall as the 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall, a professor and Director of Creative Writing at Kansas State University, will become the state’s eighth Poet Laureate when her four-year term begins on January 1.&nbsp;“Supporting and celebrating poetry is essential to preserving our state’s rich history for future generations,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m glad Traci will be our next Kansas Poet Laureate. Her passion and introspection make her the perfect advocate for poetry and the arts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Poet Laureate of Kansas is an honorary position of the KCAIC that promotes the arts, especially the reading and writing of poetry, for all Kansans. The program was established in 2004.&nbsp;As the new Poet Laureate of Kansas, Brimhall will conduct public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations that serve communities across the state. Her plans for the laureateship will focus on connecting with Kansans through the shared experience of language, Kansas’ agricultural roots, and food.&nbsp;“I am delighted to serve Kansas as the next Poet Laureate,”&nbsp;Professor Brimhall said. “I love connecting with others and building community, and I can’t wait for the next few years of celebrating creativity in the Sunflower State.”&nbsp;“The arts not only mold the quality of life in Kansas communities but color the palette of both local and state economies,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Traci Brimhall’s exceptional talent and her willingness to share it with the people of Kansas is a wonderful gift.”&nbsp;Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections, most recently&nbsp;Come the Slumberless to the Land of Nod&nbsp;(Copper Canyon Press). Her poems have appeared in publications including&nbsp;The New Yorker, Poetry, Orion,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Best American Poetry.&nbsp;She received the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship in Poetry, among numerous other awards.&nbsp;“The KCAIC is excited by Traci's passion for poetry as a way to strengthen Kansans’&nbsp;connections with each other,”&nbsp;said KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van&nbsp;Steenhuyse.&nbsp;“Through celebrating the diversity and bounty of our beautiful state, she will promote poetry as a vehicle for nourishment and engagement.”&nbsp;The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout the state, present at public events, participate in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition for high school students, and assist Department of Commerce staff with strengthening and expanding the literary arts ecosystem in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Poet Laureate programming is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMTAuNjY0ODE2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbS9rY2FpYy9wb2V0LWxhdXJlYXRlLyJ9.SXqaBD8FNXP0icAxQuBEsHHSHzU-SBQiF0MxYve62mw/s/1303161001/br/147927130344-l" target="_blank">Poet Laureate page</a>&nbsp;on the Department of Commerce website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brimhall named new Kansas Poet Laureate

A strong cold front will surge through western and central Kansas Thursday morning, bringing a dramatic cooldown to the area.

After a high temperature of 73 degrees Wednesday, the National Weather Service is calling for a high of just 54 on Thursday, dropping to an overnight low of 19.

The high on Friday is not expected to reach 40, with the overnight low again in the teens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668092527571.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A strong cold front will surge through western and central Kansas Thursday morning, bringing a dramatic cooldown to the area.After a high temperature of 73 degrees Wednesday, the National Weather Service is calling for a high of just 54 on Thursday, dropping to an overnight low of 19.The high on Friday is not expected to reach 40, with the overnight low again in the teens.The is a slight chance of rain or snow late Sunday night and continuing into Monday morning, the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cold wind chills are expected Friday and Saturday morning with values in the single digits to teens. Bundle up! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wxtwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wxtwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/6x3gpLudL8">pic.twitter.com/6x3gpLudL8</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1590519328658444288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

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