By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

In this case, I’m not referring to the temperature. HOTT is an acronym for Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow, an organization that is working to promote higher education opportunities for Hispanic students in the Emporia area.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes of Emporia are active in&nbsp;Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow. Rebeca is of Spanish and Mexican descent and grew up in Atlanta.&nbsp;

“Moving from&nbsp;a large metropolitan city in the east to the great plains of the Midwest was a culture shock,” she said. “I have now been in Emporia for four years. This wonderful community has welcomed me with open arms.”&nbsp;

She is now&nbsp;membership director at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Saenz-Reyes is a self-described “border baby,” born in El Paso. Her mother is an American citizen and her father is Mexican. Patricia went to school in Juarez, Mexico until the 9th grade when she transferred to El Paso to continue her education.&nbsp;

Her career took her to west Texas where she was an insurance executive before coming to Emporia. Now she is the migrant community resource coordinator and student and family resource specialist with the Emporia school district.&nbsp;

“HOTT started in 1999 with just six members,” Saenz-Reyes said. “People saw there was a need for more support for Hispanic students to continue into higher education.”&nbsp;

Emporia, at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 335, has long been a major location for significant employers. “Actually, it goes back to the 1930s when the Santa Fe railroad was needing workers,” Saenz-Reyes said. The 1960s saw large beef packing operations and other manufacturers come to Emporia. Job opportunities attracted a diverse workforce.&nbsp;

According to data from the Emporia school district, in 1992 Hispanics made up 11.3% of the student population. By 2022, that number was 47.5%.&nbsp;

HOTT members sought to enhance scholarship opportunities for Hispanic youth. They developed two big festivals to raise funds for scholarships. One is Cinco de Mayo in the spring, and the other is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both events involve lots of food and fun. “All of the proceeds from our fried taco sales go to the scholarships,” Herrera said. “It’s super nice to see our community embracing our culture.”&nbsp;

Cinco de Mayo is, of course, held on the fifth of May. It commemorates Mexican history and culture.&nbsp;

Day of the Dead occurs in late October, but is not a Halloween event. “It is more of a spiritual day to celebrate those who have passed,” Saenz-Reyes said. “We bring out shrines, light candles, and prepare favorite foods of our departed loved ones.”&nbsp;

In Emporia, Day of the Dead is a day-long festival, featuring Latino artists, games, prizes and a downtown parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who emcees the parade? Rebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes. As many as 3,000 people attend this event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Not only are these events unifying for Emporia, they also bring together diverse groups within the Hispanic community itself. “People may assume that all Hispanics are from Mexico, but we have people here from Central and South America, Cuba and Puerto Rico,” Saenz-Reyes said. “There are also international students at Emporia State (University).”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Together, these events have raised $100,000 for scholarships. What’s more, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College will match them. That’s remarkable in a rural community like Emporia, population 24,139 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

One of the scholarship recipients was Omar Herrera, who used his scholarship to help earn a masters degree in architecture at K-State. Omar is now Rebeca’s husband. He serves as&nbsp;the facility planner project manager with university facilities at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

“I love the diversity of Latinos in Emporia and how much this small rural town has to offer,” Rebeca Herrera said.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hottfiesta.com/">www.hottfiesta.com</a>.&nbsp;

Emporia is HOTT – not the temperature, but the organization known as Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow. We saluteRebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes for making a difference with their cross-cultural communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think this is HOTT stuff.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667394386523.png" alt="Rebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes" />
 <figcaption>Rebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Emporia is HOTT.&nbsp;In this case, I’m not referring to the temperature. HOTT is an acronym for Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow, an organization that is working to promote higher education opportunities for Hispanic students in the Emporia area.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes of Emporia are active in&nbsp;Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow. Rebeca is of Spanish and Mexican descent and grew up in Atlanta.&nbsp;“Moving from&nbsp;a large metropolitan city in the east to the great plains of the Midwest was a culture shock,” she said. “I have now been in Emporia for four years. This wonderful community has welcomed me with open arms.”&nbsp;She is now&nbsp;membership director at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;Saenz-Reyes is a self-described “border baby,” born in El Paso. Her mother is an American citizen and her father is Mexican. Patricia went to school in Juarez, Mexico until the 9th grade when she transferred to El Paso to continue her education.&nbsp;Her career took her to west Texas where she was an insurance executive before coming to Emporia. Now she is the migrant community resource coordinator and student and family resource specialist with the Emporia school district.&nbsp;“HOTT started in 1999 with just six members,” Saenz-Reyes said. “People saw there was a need for more support for Hispanic students to continue into higher education.”&nbsp;Emporia, at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 335, has long been a major location for significant employers. “Actually, it goes back to the 1930s when the Santa Fe railroad was needing workers,” Saenz-Reyes said. The 1960s saw large beef packing operations and other manufacturers come to Emporia. Job opportunities attracted a diverse workforce.&nbsp;According to data from the Emporia school district, in 1992 Hispanics made up 11.3% of the student population. By 2022, that number was 47.5%.&nbsp;HOTT members sought to enhance scholarship opportunities for Hispanic youth. They developed two big festivals to raise funds for scholarships. One is Cinco de Mayo in the spring, and the other is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both events involve lots of food and fun. “All of the proceeds from our fried taco sales go to the scholarships,” Herrera said. “It’s super nice to see our community embracing our culture.”&nbsp;Cinco de Mayo is, of course, held on the fifth of May. It commemorates Mexican history and culture.&nbsp;Day of the Dead occurs in late October, but is not a Halloween event. “It is more of a spiritual day to celebrate those who have passed,” Saenz-Reyes said. “We bring out shrines, light candles, and prepare favorite foods of our departed loved ones.”&nbsp;In Emporia, Day of the Dead is a day-long festival, featuring Latino artists, games, prizes and a downtown parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who emcees the parade? Rebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes. As many as 3,000 people attend this event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only are these events unifying for Emporia, they also bring together diverse groups within the Hispanic community itself. “People may assume that all Hispanics are from Mexico, but we have people here from Central and South America, Cuba and Puerto Rico,” Saenz-Reyes said. “There are also international students at Emporia State (University).”&nbsp;&nbsp;Together, these events have raised $100,000 for scholarships. What’s more, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College will match them. That’s remarkable in a rural community like Emporia, population 24,139 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;One of the scholarship recipients was Omar Herrera, who used his scholarship to help earn a masters degree in architecture at K-State. Omar is now Rebeca’s husband. He serves as&nbsp;the facility planner project manager with university facilities at Emporia State University.&nbsp;“I love the diversity of Latinos in Emporia and how much this small rural town has to offer,” Rebeca Herrera said.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hottfiesta.com/">www.hottfiesta.com</a>.&nbsp;Emporia is HOTT – not the temperature, but the organization known as Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow. We saluteRebeca Herrera and Patricia Saenz-Reyes for making a difference with their cross-cultural communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think this is HOTT stuff.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Herrera, Seanz-Reyes – Emporia HOTT 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Behind the badge of one of Hays' finest is a champion skeet shooter and a woman who dreams of someday being an Olympian.

Erin Escritt, 25, moved to Hays to join the police department in May 2021.

Originally from Minnesota, Escritt has been shooting since she was 12 and shooting skeet since she was 17.

Escritt first came to skeet shooting through 4-H. She shot trap on her high school team. During her senior year, Minnesota introduced skeet competitions.

She was a member of the shooting team for Concordia University in Seward, Neb. She shot all four years as an undergrad and was a graduate assistant coach while she completed her master's degree. Shooting sports did not become a varsity sport at Concordia until her senior year.

She continued with her competitive shooting after graduation, including competing internationally in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

During her latest competition Oct. 3 to 6 at the World Skeet Championships in San Antonio, she shot 149 of 150 targets, tying for second place. She placed third after she lost a shoot-off.

In her class, she placed fourth in .410 and placed fourth in the HOA, which is a combination of the four events based on gun gauges — 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410. She shot 438 out of 450 targets.

Skeet was a competition that originated from hunting birds. The early competitions actually used live quail, Escritt said. Live fowl have been replaced with clay targets. 

In U.S. competitions, shooters have their guns premounted at their shoulders when the clay target is released.

However, Escritt dreams of eventually qualifying for the Olympics. In international competitions, shooters start with their guns at their belly button and mount them to their shoulders after the target is released. 

The clay targets are fired at a faster velocity — about 10 to 20 mph faster than a standard target. 

In order to qualify for the Olympic team, you have to earn points by shooting at both the national and international levels. 

"I think it would be tight to do 2024," she said of qualifying for the Olympics. "I don't have enough points to do it. 2028 is where I am hoping. ... I think that is a route I can manageably do."

Ammunition and travel are both expensive. Most of the competitors at the international level are sponsored and are basically competing as professionals. 

The local sportsmen's club doesn't offer the setup Escritt needs to practice for international competitions, so she and her husband, who is a trap shooter, drive to Grand Island, Neb., to practice.

At her height, Escritt was shooting three or four times and week, but based on finances and her work schedule she's down to once or twice a week. She usually shoots four or five boxes of shells at a time (100 to 125 shots). A box of shells costs about $10.

Escritt came to be a transplant to Hays through her husband.

Her husband, Cody, was on the Fort Hays State University shooting team and now is a volunteer coach for the team. The couple decided to settle in Hays after they both graduated from college.

Erin's father is in law enforcement. She studied biology, chemistry and forensic science in college. Her master's degree is in business administration. However, she decided she would much rather work with people than in a lab.

She applied and received a job with the Hays Police Department.

"I've always wanted to be a police officer," she said. "My dad is currently still a police officer in Minnesota. I fell in love with it."

She said being an officer has been one of the best jobs she has ever had. She said she enjoys the connections she makes in the community.

"I get to deal with everyone. Sadly enough I get to deal with them on their worst days," Escritt said, "but I can still bring joy to some people and talk to them like human beings and have a connection with them.

"Everything is different. I have never gone into the same situation in the exact same way. Everyone always reacts differently and has different conservations. I love it."

However, it's not an easy profession, she said.

"You go on the worst days of people's lives, and you get to see that stress in people. You try to make the best of the situation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667595106400.jpeg" alt="Erin Escritt, 25, of Hays competes nationally and internationally as a skeet shooter. She has worked for the Hays Police Department since May 2021. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Erin Escritt, 25, of Hays competes nationally and internationally as a skeet shooter. She has worked for the Hays Police Department since May 2021. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBehind the badge of one of Hays' finest is a champion skeet shooter and a woman who dreams of someday being an Olympian. Erin Escritt, 25, moved to Hays to join the police department in May 2021. Originally from Minnesota, Escritt has been shooting since she was 12 and shooting skeet since she was 17. Escritt first came to skeet shooting through 4-H. She shot trap on her high school team. During her senior year, Minnesota introduced skeet competitions. She was a member of the shooting team for Concordia University in Seward, Neb. She shot all four years as an undergrad and was a graduate assistant coach while she completed her master's degree. Shooting sports did not become a varsity sport at Concordia until her senior year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667595194679.jpeg" alt="Erin Escritt of Hays, right, placed third at the World Skeet Championships in October in San Antonio. She shot 149 of 150 clays. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Erin Escritt of Hays, right, placed third at the World Skeet Championships in October in San Antonio. She shot 149 of 150 clays. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>She continued with her competitive shooting after graduation, including competing internationally in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During her latest competition Oct. 3 to 6 at the World Skeet Championships in San Antonio, she shot 149 of 150 targets, tying for second place. She placed third after she lost a shoot-off.In her class, she placed fourth in .410 and placed fourth in the HOA, which is a combination of the four events based on gun gauges — 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410. She shot 438 out of 450 targets.Skeet was a competition that originated from hunting birds. The early competitions actually used live quail, Escritt said. Live fowl have been replaced with clay targets. In U.S. competitions, shooters have their guns premounted at their shoulders when the clay target is released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667595236136.jpeg" alt="Escritt still shoots once or twice a week, practicing for competitions. She said her employer, the Hays Police Department, has supported her pursuit of the sport. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Escritt still shoots once or twice a week, practicing for competitions. She said her employer, the Hays Police Department, has supported her pursuit of the sport. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>However, Escritt dreams of eventually qualifying for the Olympics. In international competitions, shooters start with their guns at their belly button and mount them to their shoulders after the target is released. The clay targets are fired at a faster velocity — about 10 to 20 mph faster than a standard target. In order to qualify for the Olympic team, you have to earn points by shooting at both the national and international levels. "I think it would be tight to do 2024," she said of qualifying for the Olympics. "I don't have enough points to do it. 2028 is where I am hoping. ... I think that is a route I can manageably do." Ammunition and travel are both expensive. Most of the competitors at the international level are sponsored and are basically competing as professionals. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667595281741.jpeg" alt="Escritt dreams of making the Olympic shooting team by the 2028 games, which will be in Los Angeles. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Escritt dreams of making the Olympic shooting team by the 2028 games, which will be in Los Angeles. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The local sportsmen's club doesn't offer the setup Escritt needs to practice for international competitions, so she and her husband, who is a trap shooter, drive to Grand Island, Neb., to practice. At her height, Escritt was shooting three or four times and week, but based on finances and her work schedule she's down to once or twice a week. She usually shoots four or five boxes of shells at a time (100 to 125 shots). A box of shells costs about $10.Escritt came to be a transplant to Hays through her husband. Her husband, Cody, was on the Fort Hays State University shooting team and now is a volunteer coach for the team. The couple decided to settle in Hays after they both graduated from college.Erin's father is in law enforcement. She studied biology, chemistry and forensic science in college. Her master's degree is in business administration. However, she decided she would much rather work with people than in a lab.She applied and received a job with the Hays Police Department. "I've always wanted to be a police officer," she said. "My dad is currently still a police officer in Minnesota. I fell in love with it."She said being an officer has been one of the best jobs she has ever had. She said she enjoys the connections she makes in the community."I get to deal with everyone. Sadly enough I get to deal with them on their worst days," Escritt said, "but I can still bring joy to some people and talk to them like human beings and have a connection with them."Everything is different. I have never gone into the same situation in the exact same way. Everyone always reacts differently and has different conservations. I love it."However, it's not an easy profession, she said. "You go on the worst days of people's lives, and you get to see that stress in people. You try to make the best of the situation."

Hays police officer, champion skeet shooter dreams of Olympics

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly announced $15.7 million will be awarded to seven service providers that will bring high-speed broadband service to underserved, economically distressed, and low-population areas of the state. This is the first of three rounds of awards from the Kansas Capital Project Funds Broadband Grant Program. This phase of funding will connect more than 1,900 homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other public institutions to fast, reliable internet in the next 24 months.

This funding aims to solve the “last mile” of broadband needed in critical areas. The targeted counties have as few as five locations per square mile, which until now has prevented companies from investing the resources to deliver a quality broadband option. The CPF Grant Program provides the funding needed to implement high-speed broadband in these areas of the state.

Lenora-based Nex-Tech will receive just less than $550,000 to connect 64 customers in Thomas County.

“By connecting nearly 2,000 more Kansas homes, businesses, and schools to high-speed internet, we’re continuing to deliver on our goal of giving every Kansan a connection to the world,” Kelly said. “We’ve made substantial progress throughout my administration, and this funding knocks down another barrier to ensuring communities across the entire state have broadband access.”

The new grant program results from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s approval of Kansas’ Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund broadband infrastructure plan. The federal CPF program is a $10 billion initiative available to states, territories, and tribal governments under the American Rescue Plan Act to fund capital projects. 

Kansas was one of the first eight states in the country approved for funding under this program and was allocated $83.5 million. The CPF program opportunity resulted in 141 applications from providers requesting $693 million in funding support to build out broadband infrastructure across Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The service providers selected to deliver these last-mile connections will provide partial matching dollars, bringing the total project amount for the first round to $19,700,991. All 141 applications remain eligible for the next two rounds of funding.

“We are at 55,000 new households and businesses connected already in the Kelly Administration, and we will not stop until every Kansas resident has the connectivity needed to compete in the digital economy,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.

“This is just the beginning of the work we’ll complete through the Capital Projects Fund,”&nbsp;said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “Providers across the state have stepped up to partner with our office and the communities they serve to meet the needs of residents and businesses.”

The first round of grant recipients include:

News releaseTOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly announced $15.7 million will be awarded to seven service providers that will bring high-speed broadband service to underserved, economically distressed, and low-population areas of the state. This is the first of three rounds of awards from the Kansas Capital Project Funds Broadband Grant Program. This phase of funding will connect more than 1,900 homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other public institutions to fast, reliable internet in the next 24 months.This funding aims to solve the “last mile” of broadband needed in critical areas. The targeted counties have as few as five locations per square mile, which until now has prevented companies from investing the resources to deliver a quality broadband option. The CPF Grant Program provides the funding needed to implement high-speed broadband in these areas of the state.Lenora-based Nex-Tech will receive just less than $550,000 to connect 64 customers in Thomas County.“By connecting nearly 2,000 more Kansas homes, businesses, and schools to high-speed internet, we’re continuing to deliver on our goal of giving every Kansan a connection to the world,” Kelly said. “We’ve made substantial progress throughout my administration, and this funding knocks down another barrier to ensuring communities across the entire state have broadband access.”The new grant program results from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s approval of Kansas’ Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund broadband infrastructure plan. The federal CPF program is a $10 billion initiative available to states, territories, and tribal governments under the American Rescue Plan Act to fund capital projects. Kansas was one of the first eight states in the country approved for funding under this program and was allocated $83.5 million. The CPF program opportunity resulted in 141 applications from providers requesting $693 million in funding support to build out broadband infrastructure across Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The service providers selected to deliver these last-mile connections will provide partial matching dollars, bringing the total project amount for the first round to $19,700,991. All 141 applications remain eligible for the next two rounds of funding.“We are at 55,000 new households and businesses connected already in the Kelly Administration, and we will not stop until every Kansas resident has the connectivity needed to compete in the digital economy,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.“This is just the beginning of the work we’ll complete through the Capital Projects Fund,”&nbsp;said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “Providers across the state have stepped up to partner with our office and the communities they serve to meet the needs of residents and businesses.”The first round of grant recipients include:<ul>
 <li>Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative&nbsp;(Anderson and Allen counties) – $4,584,590 to connect 385 premises</li><li>Giant Communications&nbsp;(Jackson County) – $895,295 to connect 163 premises</li><li>MT Networks LLC&nbsp;(Coffey County) – $2,581,932 to connect 326 premises</li><li>Nex-Tech&nbsp;(Thomas County) – $541,320 to connect 64 premises</li><li>Pioneer Communications&nbsp;(Hamilton County) – $202,484 to connect 54 premises</li><li>S&amp;A Telephone&nbsp;(Lyon County) – $3,746,870 to connect 421 premises</li><li>Totah Communications&nbsp;(Montgomery and Chautauqua counties) – $3,244,793 to connect 500 premises</li>
 </ul>

Nex-Tech awarded funds to connect rural Thomas Co. customers

Donations collected locally provide books to children in the greater community

In an effort to help deliver the gift of reading to less fortunate children in the United States, The UPS Store, 4320 Vine, supports the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of The UPS Store Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The UPS Store network of more than 5,000 centers has contributed more than $12 million and distributed almost 49 million books to economically disadvantaged children across the nation.

The UPS Store locations collect donations year-round to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to support local children and literacy programs.

Every dollar helps put a book in the hands of a child in need, and thanks to the generosity of the Hays community, The UPS Store in Hays will be delivering more than $1,000 worth of books to local children at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hays Public Library.

“The community’s participation in the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is a key component to the success of this program,” said The UPS Store retail owner Bryan Vaughn. “This initiative provides us the unique opportunity to work with a nationally-recognized organization while making an impact in our local community, which is only possible because of thoughtful contributions from the people in this city.”

According to Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, children who grow up in homes where books are plentiful go further in school than those who don’t.

On average, children in economically depressed communities have 0-2 age-appropriate books in their homes, and half of them start first grade up to two years behind their peers.

The vast majority of children who start behind, stay behind, leading to an increase in our nation’s dropouts rate among low-income and minority students.

Children from traditionally low-education families can do as well as children from high-education families if they have access to books at home. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues to not only deliver the gift of reading, but also the promise of a bright future.

For additional information, visit <a href="http://theupsstore.com/literacy">theupsstore.com/literacy</a> or call 785-301-2921.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide donations and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

Now in its 75 year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.toysfortots.org">www.toysfortots.org</a>.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

<h2>Donations collected locally provide books to children in the greater community</h2>Submitted In an effort to help deliver the gift of reading to less fortunate children in the United States, The UPS Store, 4320 Vine, supports the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.This year marks the 14th anniversary of The UPS Store Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The UPS Store network of more than 5,000 centers has contributed more than $12 million and distributed almost 49 million books to economically disadvantaged children across the nation.The UPS Store locations collect donations year-round to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to support local children and literacy programs.Every dollar helps put a book in the hands of a child in need, and thanks to the generosity of the Hays community, The UPS Store in Hays will be delivering more than $1,000 worth of books to local children at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hays Public Library.“The community’s participation in the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is a key component to the success of this program,” said The UPS Store retail owner Bryan Vaughn. “This initiative provides us the unique opportunity to work with a nationally-recognized organization while making an impact in our local community, which is only possible because of thoughtful contributions from the people in this city.”According to Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, children who grow up in homes where books are plentiful go further in school than those who don’t.On average, children in economically depressed communities have 0-2 age-appropriate books in their homes, and half of them start first grade up to two years behind their peers.The vast majority of children who start behind, stay behind, leading to an increase in our nation’s dropouts rate among low-income and minority students.Children from traditionally low-education families can do as well as children from high-education families if they have access to books at home. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues to not only deliver the gift of reading, but also the promise of a bright future.For additional information, visit <a href="http://theupsstore.com/literacy">theupsstore.com/literacy</a> or call 785-301-2921.<h2>About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation</h2>The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide donations and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.Now in its 75 year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.toysfortots.org">www.toysfortots.org</a>.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

The UPS Store, Marine Toys for Tots encourage childhood literacy

Fort Hays State University’s Admissions Office and the Department of Teacher Education recently hosted the fourth annual Future Educators Day. This event brings together area high school students interested in the teaching profession and the best teachers in Kansas. It aims to inspire the next generation of teachers through personal interactions, discussions, and examples of dynamic teaching. &nbsp;

This year’s event brought a record-breaking 108 students, numerous teachers, and other guests from 25 area high schools to the FHSU campus. These potential future educators, high school juniors and seniors, had the opportunity to observe and interact with the Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) &nbsp;team, learn about teacher preparation at FHSU, meet with department representatives and explore their programs, as well as participate in scholarship drawings.

Dr. Chris Jochum, chair of FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, was excited to host so many area students in person this year.&nbsp;

“It is great to have so many students from such a variety of schools visit this year,” Jochum said. “Events like this - along with the wonderful turnout - show that we not only have students in Kansas who want to go into the teaching profession but that they are being encouraged to do so by their own teachers.”&nbsp;

Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the College of Education at FHSU, began the day by welcoming everyone. Adams recounted some of his own adventures since becoming an educator.

“One of the greatest things we get out of being a teacher is the opportunity to grow,” Adams said as he recounted several instances of teachers and the way they touch so many lives.

The 2023 Kansas Teacher-of-the-Year, Brian Skinner, provided the keynote address, followed by an interactive presentation from the Kansas Teacher-of-the-Year (KTOY) team centered around the theme, “Education is… what we make it.”&nbsp;

Other activities at the event included opportunities for visitors to interact with current education majors. This question-and-answer session allowed potential future educators a real behind-the-scenes look at the education program at FHSU. Additionally, students were able to learn about FHSU programs, majors, and other campus opportunities.

The final activity of the day included a drawing for scholarships. The FHSU School of Education awarded five $250 and three $500 scholarships to area students.&nbsp;

$250 - Hailey Vallevoy, Salina South High School

$250 - Skyler Rodriguez, Hays High School

$250 - Abigail Schwartz, Scott City High School

$500 - Allie Blurton, Attica High School&nbsp;

$500 - Alexa Ryersee, La Crosse High School

$500 - Rebekah Schroeder, TMP (Hays)&nbsp;

The FHSU Admissions Office also provided three $1,000 awards.

$1000 - Lizeth Coronado, Salina South High School

$1000 - Jensyn Smith, Scott City High School

“This event is a tribute to the heart and soul of our mission at FHSU.” FHSU Director of Admissions Jon Armstrong said. “Providing opportunities for leaders of tomorrow.”

“I love the collaboration from our FHSU personnel all the way through the districts in KS and at the State level,” Armstrong noted.&nbsp;“There is a reason we are a leader in providing educators to our Region.&nbsp;It’s because of our dedication, hard work, and taking the time to provide opportunities for students in our area.&nbsp;It’s always a joy to meet, greet and show these students what Tiger Nation is all about.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667228283854.jpeg" alt="Kansas Teacher of the Year Brian Skinner speaking to full house of future educators." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Teacher of the Year Brian Skinner speaking to full house of future educators.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Admissions Office and the Department of Teacher Education recently hosted the fourth annual Future Educators Day. This event brings together area high school students interested in the teaching profession and the best teachers in Kansas. It aims to inspire the next generation of teachers through personal interactions, discussions, and examples of dynamic teaching. &nbsp;This year’s event brought a record-breaking 108 students, numerous teachers, and other guests from 25 area high schools to the FHSU campus. These potential future educators, high school juniors and seniors, had the opportunity to observe and interact with the Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) &nbsp;team, learn about teacher preparation at FHSU, meet with department representatives and explore their programs, as well as participate in scholarship drawings.Dr. Chris Jochum, chair of FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, was excited to host so many area students in person this year.&nbsp;“It is great to have so many students from such a variety of schools visit this year,” Jochum said. “Events like this - along with the wonderful turnout - show that we not only have students in Kansas who want to go into the teaching profession but that they are being encouraged to do so by their own teachers.”&nbsp;Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the College of Education at FHSU, began the day by welcoming everyone. Adams recounted some of his own adventures since becoming an educator.“One of the greatest things we get out of being a teacher is the opportunity to grow,” Adams said as he recounted several instances of teachers and the way they touch so many lives.The 2023 Kansas Teacher-of-the-Year, Brian Skinner, provided the keynote address, followed by an interactive presentation from the Kansas Teacher-of-the-Year (KTOY) team centered around the theme, “Education is… what we make it.”&nbsp;Other activities at the event included opportunities for visitors to interact with current education majors. This question-and-answer session allowed potential future educators a real behind-the-scenes look at the education program at FHSU. Additionally, students were able to learn about FHSU programs, majors, and other campus opportunities.The final activity of the day included a drawing for scholarships. The FHSU School of Education awarded five $250 and three $500 scholarships to area students.&nbsp;$250 - Hailey Vallevoy, Salina South High School$250 - Skyler Rodriguez, Hays High School$250 - Kaden McBride, Hays High School$250 - Abigail Schwartz, Scott City High School$250 - Sophia Allen, TMP (Hays)$500 - Allie Blurton, Attica High School&nbsp;$500 - Alexa Ryersee, La Crosse High School$500 - Rebekah Schroeder, TMP (Hays)&nbsp;The FHSU Admissions Office also provided three $1,000 awards.$1000 - Lizeth Coronado, Salina South High School$1000 - Jensyn Smith, Scott City High School“This event is a tribute to the heart and soul of our mission at FHSU.” FHSU Director of Admissions Jon Armstrong said. “Providing opportunities for leaders of tomorrow.”“I love the collaboration from our FHSU personnel all the way through the districts in KS and at the State level,” Armstrong noted.&nbsp;“There is a reason we are a leader in providing educators to our Region.&nbsp;It’s because of our dedication, hard work, and taking the time to provide opportunities for students in our area.&nbsp;It’s always a joy to meet, greet and show these students what Tiger Nation is all about.”

FHSU hosts fourth annual Future Educators Day

<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/2022/11/1667584560654.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By LAAH TUCKER Lions Club

Natoma Lions Club continues to join the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest for youth.

The art contest for students, ages 11, 12, and 13, encourage their creativity in expressing a "vision for peace" through yearly themes.

The 2022 theme, "Lead with Compassion," gave Natoma USD 399 students inspiration for their art.

Each year their teachers and Lion members encourage the fifth- and sixth-grade students to participate in the artistic competition.

The Natoma club judged posters on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme in October.

Winning posters advance through several judging levels: local, district, multiple districts and international.

Millions of children from almost 100 countries have participated in the contest for more than 25 years.

The Natoma Lions Club continues to provide great opportunities for youth through the Peace Poster contest; high school Kansas Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy and Kansas Boys State, graduating senior scholarships to college of choice; Diabetes Awareness; eyeglasses for elementary and secondary students.

For information on the Lions Club in Natoma, contact Terry Tucker, president, at 785-885-8075. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667337973647.jpeg" alt="The International Lions Club Peace Poster Contest provided Natoma USD 399 students inspiration to create their vision of the Lions International theme, "Compassion." Natoma Lion members joined in the judging with winners to be announced in a school assembly: (L-R) Lion member Beverly Hachmeister, Corrinne Masters, David Kertz, Terry Tucker and Margorie Kertz. Photo by Laah Tucker" />
 <figcaption>The International Lions Club Peace Poster Contest provided Natoma USD 399 students inspiration to create their vision of the Lions International theme, "Compassion." Natoma Lion members joined in the judging with winners to be announced in a school assembly: (L-R) Lion member Beverly Hachmeister, Corrinne Masters, David Kertz, Terry Tucker and Margorie Kertz. Photo by Laah Tucker</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Lions Club Natoma Lions Club continues to join the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest for youth.The art contest for students, ages 11, 12, and 13, encourage their creativity in expressing a "vision for peace" through yearly themes.The 2022 theme, "Lead with Compassion," gave Natoma USD 399 students inspiration for their art.Each year their teachers and Lion members encourage the fifth- and sixth-grade students to participate in the artistic competition.The Natoma club judged posters on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme in October.Winning posters advance through several judging levels: local, district, multiple districts and international.Millions of children from almost 100 countries have participated in the contest for more than 25 years.The Natoma Lions Club continues to provide great opportunities for youth through the Peace Poster contest; high school Kansas Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy and Kansas Boys State, graduating senior scholarships to college of choice; Diabetes Awareness; eyeglasses for elementary and secondary students.For information on the Lions Club in Natoma, contact Terry Tucker, president, at 785-885-8075.

Natoma Lions Club sponsors Peace Poster Contest

Hays held Valley Center to under 100 yards of total offense on a cold night at Lewis Field Stadium on the way to a 28-6 win Friday night. The Hays defense forced a punt on the first series of the game, the offense scored five plays later on a Kyreese Groen for a 6-0 lead. The extra point turned into a two-point attempt on a botched snap-hold. It is the eighth consecutive game that the Indians scored on their opening possession.

The score remained the same until Hays executed their first passing play, on the first play of the second quarter when Groen hit Keamonie Archie for a 43 yard strike. The Teegan Turnbull extra point was good for a 13-0 lead.&nbsp;

Valley Center took advantage of great field position at the Hays 33 yard line to score their first touchdown. Running back Dai'Mont Mucker took direct snaps four consecutive plays and scored from nine yards out for a 13-7 game.

The teams traded fumbles on their next possessions. Hays lost the fumble at the Hornet four yard line. Deondre Broom recovered a fumble at the Valley Center 35. Hays looked poised to score before halftime with second and goal from just inside the one yard line but lost yards on the next two plays and had a fourth down pass deflected.

Bryce Salmans scored twice in third quarter as he got the reps at running back for Malik Bah who was injured the week before. Salmans scored from 59 yards and 5 yards, both on 3rd down. Hays converted for two points after the first touchdown and Turnbull booted the extra point through on the second score for a 28-6 lead. That extra point tied Kyler Leiker and Jack Fields at a school record of 39 extra points made in a single season.

There would be no scoring for the remainder of the game and the result, Hays tying the school record for wins in a single season.

Hays held Valley Center to 81 total yards. Hays gathered 346 yards, 275 on the ground. Groen ran for 160 and Salmans had 118.

Hays is 9-1 on the season, they host Salina Central next Friday. The Mustangs ended Great Bend's seven game losing streak 40-35. Elsewhere in 5A West Maize beat Kapaun 43-14 and Hutchinson topped Bishop Carroll 14-7.&nbsp;

Valley Center's season ends at 7-3, a season after going 2-7.

Hays held Valley Center to under 100 yards of total offense on a cold night at Lewis Field Stadium on the way to a 28-6 win Friday night. The Hays defense forced a punt on the first series of the game, the offense scored five plays later on a Kyreese Groen for a 6-0 lead. The extra point turned into a two-point attempt on a botched snap-hold. It is the eighth consecutive game that the Indians scored on their opening possession.The score remained the same until Hays executed their first passing play, on the first play of the second quarter when Groen hit Keamonie Archie for a 43 yard strike. The Teegan Turnbull extra point was good for a 13-0 lead.&nbsp;Valley Center took advantage of great field position at the Hays 33 yard line to score their first touchdown. Running back Dai'Mont Mucker took direct snaps four consecutive plays and scored from nine yards out for a 13-7 game.The teams traded fumbles on their next possessions. Hays lost the fumble at the Hornet four yard line. Deondre Broom recovered a fumble at the Valley Center 35. Hays looked poised to score before halftime with second and goal from just inside the one yard line but lost yards on the next two plays and had a fourth down pass deflected.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1376794039&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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-814667509/11-04-22-hhs-fb-vs-valley-center-highlights" title="11 - 04 - 22 HHS FB Vs Valley Center Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">11 - 04 - 22 HHS FB Vs Valley Center Highlights</a></div></div>Bryce Salmans scored twice in third quarter as he got the reps at running back for Malik Bah who was injured the week before. Salmans scored from 59 yards and 5 yards, both on 3rd down. Hays converted for two points after the first touchdown and Turnbull booted the extra point through on the second score for a 28-6 lead. That extra point tied Kyler Leiker and Jack Fields at a school record of 39 extra points made in a single season.There would be no scoring for the remainder of the game and the result, Hays tying the school record for wins in a single season.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1376794015&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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-814667509/11-04-22-coach-crough-interview" title="11 - 04 - 22 Coach Crough Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">11 - 04 - 22 Coach Crough Interview</a></div></div>Hays held Valley Center to 81 total yards. Hays gathered 346 yards, 275 on the ground. Groen ran for 160 and Salmans had 118.Hays is 9-1 on the season, they host Salina Central next Friday. The Mustangs ended Great Bend's seven game losing streak 40-35. Elsewhere in 5A West Maize beat Kapaun 43-14 and Hutchinson topped Bishop Carroll 14-7.&nbsp;Valley Center's season ends at 7-3, a season after going 2-7.

Hays defense dominates in playoff win over Valley Center

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The two high schools are separated by less than 30 miles,
but when Russell High School travels to Hoisington Friday, it will be the first
meeting between the schools in the football playoffs. 
 
The two communities will converge at Elton Brown Field Friday for the second
round of the Class 2A playoffs. 
 
“It’s crazy that we don’t play Hoisington much, and we're less than 30 miles
apart,” said Russell football coach Christien Ozores. “It’s going to be
exciting. I had family that went to Hoisington eight or nine years ago, so I
understand it’s a big football town and they’re prideful in that. It’s going to
be a big challenge and I’m excited for it.” 
 
The Broncos and the Cardinals have only played each other twice on the gridiron
in the regular season over the last 18 years, both ending in Hoisington wins in
2013 and 2012. 
 
Zach Baird, now in his ninth year as Hoisington head coach, was an
assistant the last time the Cardinals played Russell. 
 
“We’re not in the same league, but you try to follow the area schools and see
how they’re doing,” said Baird. “What an amazing year Russell is having. On
film, you can tell they have great community support. What an opportunity for
us to play at home and see a team of their caliber.” 
 
Russell has a record of 6-3, and has locked in a winning season for the first
time since 2003. The Broncos recorded their first playoff win since 1979 when
the defeated Cimarron in the opening round 58-7. The 58 points is the most
Russell has scored since 2009. 
 
Ozores is in his first year as head coach after spending the previous two years
as an assistant at Russell. 
 
“The Russell job was attractive because of the challenge,” said Ozores. “I
definitely did my homework and saw how unsuccessful we were. I wanted to be
part of the change and knew that it was going to be a big challenge. I knew
there was talent here, good kids and a good community.” 
 
The 7-2 Hoisington Cardinals, two years removed from a state championship game
appearance, have appeared in the second round of the playoffs nine straight
years and will be playing their 26th home playoff game in school
history. 
 
“We’ve been fortunate with some good football teams so we’ve been able to play
in some big games,” said Baird. “To see a bunch of 16, 17 and 18-year-olds that
have worked hard for it, get that opportunity on a big stage…it’s special.” 
 
After a pair of 1-8 seasons, Russell ended a 4-5 season a year ago with a
first-round playoff loss. This season, a group of 11 seniors has guided the
Broncos in the school’s 6th playoff appearance ever. 
 
“It’s about being consistent,” said Ozores. “I think our biggest issue was a
lack of consistency in coaches and athletes. The kids have been working hard
and we’ve been able to get guys to play that haven’t played football in a
while.” 
 
With Hoisington and Russell 25 to 30 minutes apart, residents travel back and
forth for jobs and other events. The teams and the fan base for each school will
meet under the lights in Hoisington Friday. 
 
“I always tell our guys, it’s not the best time of their lives because they’re
going to move on to bigger and better things, but it’s a special time,” said Baird.
“It’s a time they won’t get back. I just want them to soak it in. Enjoy the
locker room time, practices and Friday nights. It’ll be a fun one on Friday.” 
 
Kickoff between Hoisington and Russell is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Elton Brown
Field. You can follow the action by listening on 100.7 FM or online at
<a href="https://khokfm.com/">greatbendpost.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630079888020.jpeg" alt="Russell High School travels to Hoisington Friday, Nov. 4, for a second-round playoff football game." />
 <figcaption>Russell High School travels to Hoisington Friday, Nov. 4, for a second-round playoff football game.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe two high schools are separated by less than 30 miles,
but when Russell High School travels to Hoisington Friday, it will be the first
meeting between the schools in the football playoffs. 
 
The two communities will converge at Elton Brown Field Friday for the second
round of the Class 2A playoffs. 
 
“It’s crazy that we don’t play Hoisington much, and we're less than 30 miles
apart,” said Russell football coach Christien Ozores. “It’s going to be
exciting. I had family that went to Hoisington eight or nine years ago, so I
understand it’s a big football town and they’re prideful in that. It’s going to
be a big challenge and I’m excited for it.” 
 
The Broncos and the Cardinals have only played each other twice on the gridiron
in the regular season over the last 18 years, both ending in Hoisington wins in
2013 and 2012. 
 
Zach Baird, now in his ninth year as Hoisington head coach, was an
assistant the last time the Cardinals played Russell. 
 
“We’re not in the same league, but you try to follow the area schools and see
how they’re doing,” said Baird. “What an amazing year Russell is having. On
film, you can tell they have great community support. What an opportunity for
us to play at home and see a team of their caliber.” 
 
Russell has a record of 6-3, and has locked in a winning season for the first
time since 2003. The Broncos recorded their first playoff win since 1979 when
the defeated Cimarron in the opening round 58-7. The 58 points is the most
Russell has scored since 2009. 
 
Ozores is in his first year as head coach after spending the previous two years
as an assistant at Russell. 
 
“The Russell job was attractive because of the challenge,” said Ozores. “I
definitely did my homework and saw how unsuccessful we were. I wanted to be
part of the change and knew that it was going to be a big challenge. I knew
there was talent here, good kids and a good community.” 
 
The 7-2 Hoisington Cardinals, two years removed from a state championship game
appearance, have appeared in the second round of the playoffs nine straight
years and will be playing their 26th home playoff game in school
history. 
 
“We’ve been fortunate with some good football teams so we’ve been able to play
in some big games,” said Baird. “To see a bunch of 16, 17 and 18-year-olds that
have worked hard for it, get that opportunity on a big stage…it’s special.” 
 
After a pair of 1-8 seasons, Russell ended a 4-5 season a year ago with a
first-round playoff loss. This season, a group of 11 seniors has guided the
Broncos in the school’s 6th playoff appearance ever. 
 
“It’s about being consistent,” said Ozores. “I think our biggest issue was a
lack of consistency in coaches and athletes. The kids have been working hard
and we’ve been able to get guys to play that haven’t played football in a
while.” 
 
With Hoisington and Russell 25 to 30 minutes apart, residents travel back and
forth for jobs and other events. The teams and the fan base for each school will
meet under the lights in Hoisington Friday. 
 
“I always tell our guys, it’s not the best time of their lives because they’re
going to move on to bigger and better things, but it’s a special time,” said Baird.
“It’s a time they won’t get back. I just want them to soak it in. Enjoy the
locker room time, practices and Friday nights. It’ll be a fun one on Friday.” 
 
Kickoff between Hoisington and Russell is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Elton Brown
Field. You can follow the action by listening on 100.7 FM or online at
<a href="https://khokfm.com/">greatbendpost.com</a>.

The 281 gridiron clash brings Russell & Hoisington communities together

JUNCTION CITY — Geary Community Hospital Trustees have selected Bill Overbey to serve
 as the new interim chief executive officer of Geary Community Hospital.

Overbey, a Topeka resident, previously served as the CEO with Kansas Rehabilitation 
Hospital of Topeka until he retired in March. Prior to that, he served as the chief 
financial officer for Hays Medical Center for more than 13 years. Overbey 
began his health care career as the CFO at Geary Community Hospital from 
1991 to 2001.

Overbey will serve in his new interim capacity to 
help Geary Community Hospital through the transition to Stormont Vail 
Health Jan. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667585018424.jpeg" alt="Bill Overbey" />
 <figcaption>Bill Overbey</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>JUNCTION CITY — Geary Community Hospital Trustees have selected Bill Overbey to serve
 as the new interim chief executive officer of Geary Community Hospital.Overbey, a Topeka resident, previously served as the CEO with Kansas Rehabilitation 
Hospital of Topeka until he retired in March. Prior to that, he served as the chief 
financial officer for Hays Medical Center for more than 13 years. Overbey 
began his health care career as the CFO at Geary Community Hospital from 
1991 to 2001.Overbey will serve in his new interim capacity to 
help Geary Community Hospital through the transition to Stormont Vail 
Health Jan. 1.

Former HaysMed CFO named interim CEO of Geary Co. hospital

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083094952300">Rooks County Arts Council</a> has mounted 135 barn quilts on the wall of the Stockton city utility building.

The first phase of the project, which measures 54 by 10 feet, is the culmination of 1,500 hours of volunteer work since the beginning of June.

Jayne Prockish, owner of Sunflower Shed art studio, has helped coordinate the program with the help of the council.

This is one of the first arts council projects since the council re-formed in 2020. The first phase of the blocks went up on the Stockton city utility building last week. 

The barn quilts can be seen coming into Stockton from the west on U.S. Highway 24.

The barn quilts, which are 2-foot square, are all sponsored. Some were sponsored by local businesses and some were created in memory of family members. Fans of KU and K-State each sponsored multiple blocks honoring those schools. A third multi-block section is set for phase two that will honor Fort Hays State University.

The project also received grants from the Heartland Community Foundation and the Stockton Community Fund.

Sponsors could paint their own blocks or request community volunteers to do it for them.

All of the blocks have been sponsored and painted by people from Stockton or who have connections to Stockton.

Prockish said the project has been a way to bring the community together. The city has allowed the council to use its building for five, three-day painting sessions. 

"We did it as a community project to bring people together for a common cause. It is to bring some art to community, and it's also to pull us together and give us a little bit of a history wall," she said.

Stockton is celebrating 150 years since its founding. Other blocks note important businesses and dates, including blocks that honor a past police chief and optometrist.

Each of the blocks has its own story, Prockish said. The council committee working on the wall hopes to create a webpage on the city's website that will tell the story of each block. A sign will be erected at the site that will help people link to that page.

"It's only been a week and it's been amazing. People have been popping in, 'Do you have room for mine?' " Prockish said of the barn quilt blocks.

The wall has space for 135 or more blocks. The second phase of the project will start in January.

If you want more information on the Stockton barn quilt project, you can follow the project on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083094952300">Facebook</a>.

The arts council would also like to sponsor barn quilt walls in other communities in Rooks County, but the council is looking for people to spearhead the projects in those towns.

Prockish said she hopes the barn quilts will make Rooks County a destination for those travelers who want to get off the beaten path.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e338090c-30ab-4595-b58f-ea12bfdc547c">The arts council also sponsored a new mural on the corner of U.S. Highway 24 and U.S. 183. That mural is nearing completion.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417293146.jpeg" alt="One hundred thirty-five 2-foot square barn quilts grace the side of the city utility shed in Stockton. The second phase of the project, which will extend the rest of the length of this building, has room for at least 135 more. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>One hundred thirty-five 2-foot square barn quilts grace the side of the city utility shed in Stockton. The second phase of the project, which will extend the rest of the length of this building, has room for at least 135 more. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083094952300">Rooks County Arts Council</a> has mounted 135 barn quilts on the wall of the Stockton city utility building.The first phase of the project, which measures 54 by 10 feet, is the culmination of 1,500 hours of volunteer work since the beginning of June. Jayne Prockish, owner of Sunflower Shed art studio, has helped coordinate the program with the help of the council.This is one of the first arts council projects since the council re-formed in 2020. The first phase of the blocks went up on the Stockton city utility building last week. The barn quilts can be seen coming into Stockton from the west on U.S. Highway 24.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417488511.jpeg" alt="Volunteers install barn quilts on the side of the Stockton city utility shed last week. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Volunteers install barn quilts on the side of the Stockton city utility shed last week. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The barn quilts, which are 2-foot square, are all sponsored. Some were sponsored by local businesses and some were created in memory of family members. Fans of KU and K-State each sponsored multiple blocks honoring those schools. A third multi-block section is set for phase two that will honor Fort Hays State University.The project also received grants from the Heartland Community Foundation and the Stockton Community Fund.Sponsors could paint their own blocks or request community volunteers to do it for them.All of the blocks have been sponsored and painted by people from Stockton or who have connections to Stockton. Prockish said the project has been a way to bring the community together. The city has allowed the council to use its building for five, three-day painting sessions. "We did it as a community project to bring people together for a common cause. It is to bring some art to community, and it's also to pull us together and give us a little bit of a history wall," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417601114.jpeg" alt="Many of the barn quilts were sponsored by businesses or organizations. The lower block honors the former Stockton Police Chief. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Many of the barn quilts were sponsored by businesses or organizations. The lower block honors the former Stockton Police Chief. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Stockton is celebrating 150 years since its founding. Other blocks note important businesses and dates, including blocks that honor a past police chief and optometrist.Each of the blocks has its own story, Prockish said. The council committee working on the wall hopes to create a webpage on the city's website that will tell the story of each block. A sign will be erected at the site that will help people link to that page."It's only been a week and it's been amazing. People have been popping in, 'Do you have room for mine?' " Prockish said of the barn quilt blocks. The wall has space for 135 or more blocks. The second phase of the project will start in January.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417969679.jpeg" alt="The quilt block on the right was created in honor of a local woman's dog. The project is accepting sponsorships for the second phase of the barn quilt project. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post. " />
 <figcaption>The quilt block on the right was created in honor of a local woman's dog. The project is accepting sponsorships for the second phase of the barn quilt project. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post. </figcaption>
 </figure>If you want more information on the Stockton barn quilt project, you can follow the project on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083094952300">Facebook</a>. The arts council would also like to sponsor barn quilt walls in other communities in Rooks County, but the council is looking for people to spearhead the projects in those towns.Prockish said she hopes the barn quilts will make Rooks County a destination for those travelers who want to get off the beaten path. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e338090c-30ab-4595-b58f-ea12bfdc547c">The arts council also sponsored a new mural on the corner of U.S. Highway 24 and U.S. 183. That mural is nearing completion.</a>

Stockton completes first phase of barn quilt project

A new mural in the style of an old-fashioned postcard is nearing completion on the corner of U.S. 183 and U.S. 24 in Stockton.

Artist Matt Miller of Hays has been hired by the Rooks County Arts Council to paint the mural.

It is one of the first projects completed by the newly re-formed arts council. The $16,000 cost of the project was funded through private donations and grants.

The mural reads "Greetings from Stockton." Each letter in the word Stockton depicts a landmark or other aspect of the community. 

The "S" depicts the road signs for U.S. 183 and U.S. 24. The "T" contains tiger stripes for the Stockton High School mascot. The first "O" contains an image of an oil pumping unit.

The "C" contains an image of the Rooks County Fair grandstands. The grandstands were a WPA project that was built in the 1930s, Miller said.

The "K" depicts a man fishing in honor of Webster Lake and other nearby wildlife areas. The second "T" contains an image of the Stockton water tower. The second "O" depicts the Rooks County Courthouse, and the "N" contains an image of the historic Nova Theatre and bowling pins for the local bowling alley.

The background of the mural is an image of a field of milo being harvested. Pheasants are seen being flushed from the milo field, and deer are standing on the bluff beyond.

On the top of the bluff are the silhouettes of cavalrymen that were placed on the bluff as you enter Stockton from the south. Those silhouettes were installed years ago by the former Stockton arts council.

Miller has been painting for about eight weeks. He has stayed in Stockton in a tiny house that he moved to the local park.

He designed the mural in a software program, using photographs he took of the landmarks for reference.

Nancy Becker, Rooks County Arts Council member, said local volunteers gave input on the design during a Zoom call.

"There are so many like that," Becker said of the mural design, "but we wanted one that would tell the story of our town and our community.

"We hope it's the first of more murals in town. This one really hit the mark in terms of what we wanted to start out with."

One of the challenges of the project was getting the outline of the image on the wall, which is 42 by 17 feet, Miller said.

Miller projected the image on the wall and traced the outlines night after night with his projector mounted on top of his car.

Miller has done two murals in Hays — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6bb3bfe4-ed00-43eb-87ed-eee70888ac9a">buffalo dancers at the State Glass Co., 421 Main</a>, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f3f18a37-8dd4-4b1c-a934-490422d12346">a dragon mural on the side of the Sake2Me building, 803 Fort.</a>

Miller said he has an interest in murals from a couple of other communities. He said he also looks forward to returning to his plein air painting and studio work.

"I just like being outside," Miller said. "That's the main thing."

Miller said he has had a good response to the mural. On Monday, a couple from Pennsylvania was driving through town and stopped to talk to Miller about the mural.

Becker said some community members have been driving by every day to watch the mural's progress. Some had contests going to see what image would be in the next letter of the mural.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/35723584-3350-4e12-8d7e-37632506c31a">The arts council also sponsored a barn quilt wall on the city utility building on the west side of town. The first phase of that project was finished last week.</a>

"We've had a lot of excitement with both of these projects finishing at the same time," Becker said. "It's been pretty fun hearing from people on both of these big projects that are happening. It stimulated a lot of excitement and curiosity."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667490827992.jpeg" alt="A new mural in Stockton, which was sponsored by the Rooks County Arts Council, is in the style of an old-fashioned postcard. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A new mural in Stockton, which was sponsored by the Rooks County Arts Council, is in the style of an old-fashioned postcard. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new mural in the style of an old-fashioned postcard is nearing completion on the corner of U.S. 183 and U.S. 24 in Stockton.Artist Matt Miller of Hays has been hired by the Rooks County Arts Council to paint the mural.It is one of the first projects completed by the newly re-formed arts council. The $16,000 cost of the project was funded through private donations and grants.The mural reads "Greetings from Stockton." Each letter in the word Stockton depicts a landmark or other aspect of the community. The "S" depicts the road signs for U.S. 183 and U.S. 24. The "T" contains tiger stripes for the Stockton High School mascot. The first "O" contains an image of an oil pumping unit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667490920110.jpeg" alt="Hays artist Matt Miller has spent eight weeks painting the 42-by-17-foot mural in downtown Stockton. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hays artist Matt Miller has spent eight weeks painting the 42-by-17-foot mural in downtown Stockton. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The "C" contains an image of the Rooks County Fair grandstands. The grandstands were a WPA project that was built in the 1930s, Miller said. The "K" depicts a man fishing in honor of Webster Lake and other nearby wildlife areas. The second "T" contains an image of the Stockton water tower. The second "O" depicts the Rooks County Courthouse, and the "N" contains an image of the historic Nova Theatre and bowling pins for the local bowling alley.The background of the mural is an image of a field of milo being harvested. Pheasants are seen being flushed from the milo field, and deer are standing on the bluff beyond.On the top of the bluff are the silhouettes of cavalrymen that were placed on the bluff as you enter Stockton from the south. Those silhouettes were installed years ago by the former Stockton arts council.Miller has been painting for about eight weeks. He has stayed in Stockton in a tiny house that he moved to the local park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667490962657.jpeg" alt="The new Stockton mural is on the southeast side of the corner of U.S. Highway 183 and U.S. 24 in Stockton. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The new Stockton mural is on the southeast side of the corner of U.S. Highway 183 and U.S. 24 in Stockton. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>He designed the mural in a software program, using photographs he took of the landmarks for reference.Nancy Becker, Rooks County Arts Council member, said local volunteers gave input on the design during a Zoom call."There are so many like that," Becker said of the mural design, "but we wanted one that would tell the story of our town and our community. "We hope it's the first of more murals in town. This one really hit the mark in terms of what we wanted to start out with." One of the challenges of the project was getting the outline of the image on the wall, which is 42 by 17 feet, Miller said. Miller projected the image on the wall and traced the outlines night after night with his projector mounted on top of his car.Miller has done two murals in Hays — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6bb3bfe4-ed00-43eb-87ed-eee70888ac9a">buffalo dancers at the State Glass Co., 421 Main</a>, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f3f18a37-8dd4-4b1c-a934-490422d12346">a dragon mural on the side of the Sake2Me building, 803 Fort.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667500923411.jpeg" alt="Hays artist Matt Miller paints a fisherman in the "K" of the new Stockton mural. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hays artist Matt Miller paints a fisherman in the "K" of the new Stockton mural. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Miller said he has an interest in murals from a couple of other communities. He said he also looks forward to returning to his plein air painting and studio work. "I just like being outside," Miller said. "That's the main thing." Miller said he has had a good response to the mural. On Monday, a couple from Pennsylvania was driving through town and stopped to talk to Miller about the mural.Becker said some community members have been driving by every day to watch the mural's progress. Some had contests going to see what image would be in the next letter of the mural.&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/35723584-3350-4e12-8d7e-37632506c31a">The arts council also sponsored a barn quilt wall on the city utility building on the west side of town. The first phase of that project was finished last week.</a>"We've had a lot of excitement with both of these projects finishing at the same time," Becker said. "It's been pretty fun hearing from people on both of these big projects that are happening. It stimulated a lot of excitement and curiosity."

Revived arts council in Rooks County sponsors Stockton mural

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Russell Development is a group of business individuals that have been working for some time to transform the former Holland Hotel into loft-style apartments. Tuesday the group got some big help as Governor Laura Kelly announced the city of Russell would be receiving $1 million to increase affordable and moderate-income housing. 

The funds will be allocated from a house bill Kelly signed in May, and Russell Mayor Jim Cross said Rep. Troy Waymaster was of big assistance on the project. Cross said the city hopes to turn the hotel into as many as 11 apartments.

"The initial project started out thinking maybe seven (apartments)," he said. "After further study of the building, and having an engineer look at it, the expectations got a little higher."

The apartments will likely be studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. There will be many costs associated with the transformation inside and outside of the 112-year-old building. 

"To get everything up to code, I'm sure it's going to take every bit of that $1 million grant we received," Cross said.

The next step is getting bids for the project. Cross said locking down numbers sooner rather than later could be cost-beneficial, and getting contractors inside the building will help determine the new layout.

"You know the price of materials is not going to go down," he said. "As soon as you can get things procured and get some of those things in to try to keep the costs down, we're going to do that.

"It could be that we end up with less studio, more bedroom-type apartments, or the other way around, depending on what is there and what we can get bids taken for."

The former hotel sat vacant for two decades. Apartments are expected to range from 700 to 1,100 square feet and rent for $575 to $725 a month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667498315486.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostRussell Development is a group of business individuals that have been working for some time to transform the former Holland Hotel into loft-style apartments. Tuesday the group got some big help as Governor Laura Kelly announced the city of Russell would be receiving $1 million to increase affordable and moderate-income housing. The funds will be allocated from a house bill Kelly signed in May, and Russell Mayor Jim Cross said Rep. Troy Waymaster was of big assistance on the project. Cross said the city hopes to turn the hotel into as many as 11 apartments."The initial project started out thinking maybe seven (apartments)," he said. "After further study of the building, and having an engineer look at it, the expectations got a little higher."The apartments will likely be studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. There will be many costs associated with the transformation inside and outside of the 112-year-old building. "To get everything up to code, I'm sure it's going to take every bit of that $1 million grant we received," Cross said.The next step is getting bids for the project. Cross said locking down numbers sooner rather than later could be cost-beneficial, and getting contractors inside the building will help determine the new layout."You know the price of materials is not going to go down," he said. "As soon as you can get things procured and get some of those things in to try to keep the costs down, we're going to do that."It could be that we end up with less studio, more bedroom-type apartments, or the other way around, depending on what is there and what we can get bids taken for."The former hotel sat vacant for two decades. Apartments are expected to range from 700 to 1,100 square feet and rent for $575 to $725 a month.

Russell ready to use 'every bit' of $1M grant on apartments

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays is moving into the high holiday season, packed with lots of fun events and activities for everyone.

Janet Kuhn, convention sales manager of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlights some of the November happenings.

For an up-to-the-minute list of activities, check the Hays CVB calendar at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643752861736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays is moving into the high holiday season, packed with lots of fun events and activities for everyone.Janet Kuhn, convention sales manager of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlights some of the November happenings.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/iFHLMupK-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cvb Nov" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667578184093.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-the-minute list of activities, check the Hays CVB calendar at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

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