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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680557556496.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

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recognizes Fred the Preparedness Dog’s retirement and honors him with the title of emeritus effective June 30.

In 2013, “Fred, a German shepherd, had just joined our family. It all started when he jumped into the bathtub,” said Michael McNulty, emergency management director and handler. “My wife eagerly captured all his adorable dog moments with her camera. So, when Fred hopped into the tub to shelter during a weather warning, she quickly snapped a photo and sent it to me. I posted Fred’s photo on social media at work and added a caption: ‘Fred knows where to go in case of severe weather. You should too.’”

Fred became the first dog to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on preparedness in the country. During his decade of state service, Fred participated in close to 300 events, traveling more than 47 thousand miles and having tens of thousands of interactions with children and families.

“Fred has been an asset to public health across Kansas, going above and beyond to spread the word about the importance of being prepared for all types of emergencies,”&nbsp;said KDHE Secretary&nbsp;Janet Stanek.&nbsp;“Fred has also lended comfort and support to the team at KDHE with regular visits to our offices.”

Fred’s actions also garnered national attention for many of his activities. He presented at three national conferences, was featured in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Jsb2dzLmNkYy5nb3YvcHVibGljaGVhbHRobWF0dGVycy8yMDE2LzA5L2ZyZWQtdGhlLXByZXBhcmVkbmVzcy1kb2cvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.9zCDPmQDjr_JScVq71nAjFfURrhJgJkEjabswroxoNc/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">CDC</a>&nbsp;and Federal Emergency Management Agency publications and was later named the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Professional Pet of the Year.

At the age of 11, Fred is excited to enjoy his golden years with his best friend, Michael, and the rest of his family. Although he will not be taking event requests, Fred will still enjoy the occasional community event, and his paws will continue to be active on social media. Follow Fred on his social media&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vRnJlZFRoZVByZXBhcmVkbmVzc0RvZ0tkaGU_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.LJozd4xbv-fYz4alAREUMTdqa087jniPyi347osmKE4/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL2ZyZWRwcmVwZG9nP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.uKIfRxB11DBeCRFVzpIP6BqsTrbumvuqr1MQo_gD40g/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL2ZyZWR0aGVwcmVwYXJlZG5lc3Nkb2cvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.y85AXfMYlv-u-xqJCsfimhAOjS7FbKbrJAsbDxLs0EM/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">Instagram</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680617600468.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;Today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recognizes Fred the Preparedness Dog’s retirement and honors him with the title of emeritus effective June 30.In 2013, “Fred, a German shepherd, had just joined our family. It all started when he jumped into the bathtub,” said Michael McNulty, emergency management director and handler. “My wife eagerly captured all his adorable dog moments with her camera. So, when Fred hopped into the tub to shelter during a weather warning, she quickly snapped a photo and sent it to me. I posted Fred’s photo on social media at work and added a caption: ‘Fred knows where to go in case of severe weather. You should too.’”Fred became the first dog to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on preparedness in the country. During his decade of state service, Fred participated in close to 300 events, traveling more than 47 thousand miles and having tens of thousands of interactions with children and families.“Fred has been an asset to public health across Kansas, going above and beyond to spread the word about the importance of being prepared for all types of emergencies,”&nbsp;said KDHE Secretary&nbsp;Janet Stanek.&nbsp;“Fred has also lended comfort and support to the team at KDHE with regular visits to our offices.”Fred’s actions also garnered national attention for many of his activities. He presented at three national conferences, was featured in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Jsb2dzLmNkYy5nb3YvcHVibGljaGVhbHRobWF0dGVycy8yMDE2LzA5L2ZyZWQtdGhlLXByZXBhcmVkbmVzcy1kb2cvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.9zCDPmQDjr_JScVq71nAjFfURrhJgJkEjabswroxoNc/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">CDC</a>&nbsp;and Federal Emergency Management Agency publications and was later named the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Professional Pet of the Year.At the age of 11, Fred is excited to enjoy his golden years with his best friend, Michael, and the rest of his family. Although he will not be taking event requests, Fred will still enjoy the occasional community event, and his paws will continue to be active on social media. Follow Fred on his social media&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vRnJlZFRoZVByZXBhcmVkbmVzc0RvZ0tkaGU_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.LJozd4xbv-fYz4alAREUMTdqa087jniPyi347osmKE4/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL2ZyZWRwcmVwZG9nP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.uKIfRxB11DBeCRFVzpIP6BqsTrbumvuqr1MQo_gD40g/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ1NzY2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL2ZyZWR0aGVwcmVwYXJlZG5lc3Nkb2cvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.y85AXfMYlv-u-xqJCsfimhAOjS7FbKbrJAsbDxLs0EM/s/1305913623/br/157364323297-l">Instagram</a>.

Fred the Preparedness Dog retires after 10 years of services

A red flag warning remains in effect in&nbsp; the Hays area — and much of the state — until 11 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City warned.&nbsp;

With an expected high in the mid-to upper-70s and humidity below 10 percent, conditions are ideal for wildfires that could rapidly spread as the wind picks up through the day. Blowing dust could also reduce visibility, the NWS said.

Tuesday afternoon, the wind is expected to be sustained at 25 to 32 mph, gusting near 50 mph.

The mercury is expected to take a 50-degree nosedive to an overnight low in the mid-20s. The high on a breezy Wednesday is only expected to reach 50 degrees before beginning to tick up into the 60s heading into the weekend.

By Saturday and Sunday, high temperatures nearing 80 are possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680626611384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A red flag warning remains in effect in&nbsp; the Hays area — and much of the state — until 11 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City warned.&nbsp;With an expected high in the mid-to upper-70s and humidity below 10 percent, conditions are ideal for wildfires that could rapidly spread as the wind picks up through the day. Blowing dust could also reduce visibility, the NWS said.Tuesday afternoon, the wind is expected to be sustained at 25 to 32 mph, gusting near 50 mph.The mercury is expected to take a 50-degree nosedive to an overnight low in the mid-20s. The high on a breezy Wednesday is only expected to reach 50 degrees before beginning to tick up into the 60s heading into the weekend.By Saturday and Sunday, high temperatures nearing 80 are possible.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Very strong winds, extremely critical fire weather, and blowing dust will impact southwest KS today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/GzbzEd7GuX">pic.twitter.com/GzbzEd7GuX</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1643262195386695684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Red flag warning, wildfire risk through Tuesday in NW Kansas

If you have been following me for the last few weeks, I have been highlighting some of the forty 4-H projects that are available in Kansas!&nbsp;This week’s project highlights Horticulture, Fiber Arts, and Geology which are all good reasons to get outside and explore!

The Horticulture project seems like it would be just be about gardening but the curriculum starts with when, where, and what to plant and continues through selling produce, studying pollination, and food industry careers. Along the way, youth learn about cool versus warm season vegetables, plant parts, and garden tools. Youth also explore seed varieties and preventative pest control. More and more families are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables and Horticulture is a great project for families to work together!

I love to see the continued activity in our Fiber Arts projects. These include knitting, crochet, quilting, macramé, cross-stitch and other needle work, rug-making, and spinning and weaving. During a day camp last summer at Dilly &amp; Doc, youth used a stick from the yard to make the&nbsp;start of a macramé plant hanger which combined Fiber Arts and Horticulture! Learning about different fibers can provide opportunities to explore how a variety of yarns are made and dyed. More advanced 4-H members may purchase wool and dye it themselves before turning&nbsp;it&nbsp;<a></a>into an item as part of this project.&nbsp;

For youth who love to explore outdoors and always have a pocket full of treasures, the Geology project may be a great fit for them! 4-H Youth learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. This begins in the local area and expands across Kansas and other regions as the project develops. In addition to collecting a variety of specimens, youth practice record-keeping as they log the location and type of each sample found. They also learn about geological formations as well as types and impacts of erosion. A state 4-H geology trip is scheduled each year in a different part of Kansas providing hands-on learning!

If you are interested in learning more about&nbsp;these or other&nbsp;4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section!&nbsp;All projects include communications skills, record keeping,&nbsp;career connections,&nbsp;and opportunities for leadership and community service!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>If you have been following me for the last few weeks, I have been highlighting some of the forty 4-H projects that are available in Kansas!&nbsp;This week’s project highlights Horticulture, Fiber Arts, and Geology which are all good reasons to get outside and explore!The Horticulture project seems like it would be just be about gardening but the curriculum starts with when, where, and what to plant and continues through selling produce, studying pollination, and food industry careers. Along the way, youth learn about cool versus warm season vegetables, plant parts, and garden tools. Youth also explore seed varieties and preventative pest control. More and more families are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables and Horticulture is a great project for families to work together!I love to see the continued activity in our Fiber Arts projects. These include knitting, crochet, quilting, macramé, cross-stitch and other needle work, rug-making, and spinning and weaving. During a day camp last summer at Dilly &amp; Doc, youth used a stick from the yard to make the&nbsp;start of a macramé plant hanger which combined Fiber Arts and Horticulture! Learning about different fibers can provide opportunities to explore how a variety of yarns are made and dyed. More advanced 4-H members may purchase wool and dye it themselves before turning&nbsp;it&nbsp;<a></a>into an item as part of this project.&nbsp;For youth who love to explore outdoors and always have a pocket full of treasures, the Geology project may be a great fit for them! 4-H Youth learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. This begins in the local area and expands across Kansas and other regions as the project develops. In addition to collecting a variety of specimens, youth practice record-keeping as they log the location and type of each sample found. They also learn about geological formations as well as types and impacts of erosion. A state 4-H geology trip is scheduled each year in a different part of Kansas providing hands-on learning!If you are interested in learning more about&nbsp;these or other&nbsp;4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section!&nbsp;All projects include communications skills, record keeping,&nbsp;career connections,&nbsp;and opportunities for leadership and community service!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

BERAN: Horticulture, fiber arts, geology 4-H project insights

Strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will drastically increase the risk of wildfires across western Kansas on Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City warned.

A strong southwest wind will begin to pick up Monday evening. By Tuesday, winds will be sustained at 27 to 37 mph, gusting up to 50 mph. Blowing dust could reduce visibility.

A fire weather watch is in place into Tuesday evening, and a burn ban is in effect in Ellis County.

The mercury will jump to 74 degrees on Tuesday before a cooldown overnight. The high Wednesday is only expected to be 50 degrees.

The only chance of precipitation in the long-range forecast is a 20 percent chance of rain Saturday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680535755793.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will drastically increase the risk of wildfires across western Kansas on Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City warned.A strong southwest wind will begin to pick up Monday evening. By Tuesday, winds will be sustained at 27 to 37 mph, gusting up to 50 mph. Blowing dust could reduce visibility.A fire weather watch is in place into Tuesday evening, and a burn ban is in effect in Ellis County.The mercury will jump to 74 degrees on Tuesday before a cooldown overnight. The high Wednesday is only expected to be 50 degrees.The only chance of precipitation in the long-range forecast is a 20 percent chance of rain Saturday evening.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Widespread Critical Fire Risk Possible across southwest and central Kansas on Tuesday. Gusty southwest winds of 30 to 45 mph combined with humidity values below 15 percent will result in widespread critical fire weather conditions Tuesday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mt69Z6tyc8">pic.twitter.com/Mt69Z6tyc8</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1642686433797496832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm, windy, dry: Fire weather watch in effect across western Kansas

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Dane Straight chuckles when he talks about who is more excited about his new coaching position — him or his 10-year-old son, Levi.

Straight has been named the head men’s soccer coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg, where he played on the inaugural Swede team more than 30 years ago. And he “guarantees that Levi will be hanging out with me at the field.”

“It’s a dream come true, and it’s been surreal so far,” said Straight, a Hays native and a 1992 graduate of Hays High School. “Bethany was such a special place for me as a student. I am thrilled to be taking over a program that I helped build.”

Staying in Kansas to attend college wasn’t at the top of Straight’s list as a high school senior.

After all, Hays didn’t even have a high school program yet. Neither did Bethany.

That all changed when Straight took a trip to Boulder, Colo., and toured the University of Colorado, an NCAA Division I school. He said it just didn’t feel right for him.

Then he visited the beautiful campus in Little Sweden USA, just a few miles off Interstate135 about 20 miles south of Salina.

An honor student, Straight was chosen to receive the prestigious academic Founder’s Scholarship, given to only a handful of Bethany students each year. He also was offered a track scholarship. He was set up financially for a quality college education.&nbsp;

“And,” Straight says time and time again, “it just felt like home. From the first time I walked on campus, it just felt right.”

The draw to Bethany just kept getting better and better.

During one of his campus visits before his freshman year, he learned the Swedes were starting a men’s soccer program. Soccer was one of his favorite sports growing up, but he hadn’t been able to play competitively since eighth grade.

So off to Lindsborg he went. The rest, as they say, is history.

Straight went on to become the first player in school history to play soccer four years for Bethany.

He fell in love with the college and the city of Lindsborg and often wondered what it would be like to raise a family there someday.

Straight helped as a volunteer coach for the Swedes after using up his playing eligibility and working on a second major.

That’s when he realized that coaching was something he really wanted to pursue as a career.&nbsp;

Straight got plenty of experience in coaching before returning to Bethany to work in the admissions office three years ago as the college’s international student recruiting liaison.&nbsp;

He enjoyed coaching stints at McPherson College and Cloud County Community College in Concordia and helped start the men’s and women’s programs at Cowley College in Arkansas City.

Now, he is realizing the dream of raising a family in Lindsborg, saying that it’s a good fit for him, his wife Alycia and their two children.

Lindsborg is known for its practicing arts, where the Straights’ 12-year-old daughter, Claire, is active in music, art and theater.

Now, Dad gets to share his passion for soccer with Levi, who plans to be on the sidelines as often as possible – when he isn’t competing for his own youth team.

Straight would like to return the Bethany program to the glory days of his college career when the Swedes finished first or second in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference his first three years.

However, he stressed that teaching, coaching and mentoring young adults isn’t all about winning games.

“I’ve given them fair warning that I know how to coach one way - that’s the entire person,” he said. “I believe that coaching is three-dimensional: body, mind and soul, and that’s the way I’ll be coaching.”

Practicing his faith at the private Christian college is a way of life for Straight, a foundation that was strengthened during his college days.

“I was able to build lifelong friendships at Bethany, and it was a wonderful experience,” he said. “I want these players to come and love Bethany the way that I did – the way that I do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677528504039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364096893.jpeg" alt="Dane Straight is the new head men’s soccer coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg. Photo by Danna Teeter Oglesby Lawson." />
 <figcaption>Dane Straight is the new head men’s soccer coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg. Photo by Danna Teeter Oglesby Lawson.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostDane Straight chuckles when he talks about who is more excited about his new coaching position — him or his 10-year-old son, Levi.Straight has been named the head men’s soccer coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg, where he played on the inaugural Swede team more than 30 years ago. And he “guarantees that Levi will be hanging out with me at the field.”“It’s a dream come true, and it’s been surreal so far,” said Straight, a Hays native and a 1992 graduate of Hays High School. “Bethany was such a special place for me as a student. I am thrilled to be taking over a program that I helped build.”Staying in Kansas to attend college wasn’t at the top of Straight’s list as a high school senior.Neither was playing college soccer.After all, Hays didn’t even have a high school program yet. Neither did Bethany.That all changed when Straight took a trip to Boulder, Colo., and toured the University of Colorado, an NCAA Division I school. He said it just didn’t feel right for him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364190598.jpeg" alt="Dane Straight and his son, Levi, enjoy professional soccer as well. Here, they catch a photo with Major League Soccer midfielder Sebastian Lletget of the FC Dallas club at the 2021 Gold Cup in Kansas City. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dane Straight and his son, Levi, enjoy professional soccer as well. Here, they catch a photo with Major League Soccer midfielder Sebastian Lletget of the FC Dallas club at the 2021 Gold Cup in Kansas City. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Then he visited the beautiful campus in Little Sweden USA, just a few miles off Interstate135 about 20 miles south of Salina.An honor student, Straight was chosen to receive the prestigious academic Founder’s Scholarship, given to only a handful of Bethany students each year. He also was offered a track scholarship. He was set up financially for a quality college education.&nbsp;“And,” Straight says time and time again, “it just felt like home. From the first time I walked on campus, it just felt right.”The draw to Bethany just kept getting better and better.During one of his campus visits before his freshman year, he learned the Swedes were starting a men’s soccer program. Soccer was one of his favorite sports growing up, but he hadn’t been able to play competitively since eighth grade.So off to Lindsborg he went. The rest, as they say, is history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364214996.jpeg" alt="This will become a common sight for the Bethany College this fall – Coach Dane Straight praying with with his players. Photo by Danna Teeter Oglesby Lawson." />
 <figcaption>This will become a common sight for the Bethany College this fall – Coach Dane Straight praying with with his players. Photo by Danna Teeter Oglesby Lawson.</figcaption>
 </figure>Straight went on to become the first player in school history to play soccer four years for Bethany.He fell in love with the college and the city of Lindsborg and often wondered what it would be like to raise a family there someday.Straight helped as a volunteer coach for the Swedes after using up his playing eligibility and working on a second major.That’s when he realized that coaching was something he really wanted to pursue as a career.&nbsp;Straight got plenty of experience in coaching before returning to Bethany to work in the admissions office three years ago as the college’s international student recruiting liaison.&nbsp;He enjoyed coaching stints at McPherson College and Cloud County Community College in Concordia and helped start the men’s and women’s programs at Cowley College in Arkansas City.Now, he is realizing the dream of raising a family in Lindsborg, saying that it’s a good fit for him, his wife Alycia and their two children.Lindsborg is known for its practicing arts, where the Straights’ 12-year-old daughter, Claire, is active in music, art and theater.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364282092.jpeg" alt="Dane Straight, wife Aycia and children Claire and Levi have found the “perfect fit” for a home in Lindsborg. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dane Straight, wife Aycia and children Claire and Levi have found the “perfect fit” for a home in Lindsborg. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Now, Dad gets to share his passion for soccer with Levi, who plans to be on the sidelines as often as possible – when he isn’t competing for his own youth team.Straight would like to return the Bethany program to the glory days of his college career when the Swedes finished first or second in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference his first three years.However, he stressed that teaching, coaching and mentoring young adults isn’t all about winning games.“I’ve given them fair warning that I know how to coach one way - that’s the entire person,” he said. “I believe that coaching is three-dimensional: body, mind and soul, and that’s the way I’ll be coaching.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364334039.jpeg" alt="Dane Straight helped start the women’s and men's soccer program at Cowley College in Arkansas City. Photo by Danna Teeter Oglesby Lawson." />
 <figcaption>Dane Straight helped start the women’s and men's soccer program at Cowley College in Arkansas City. Photo by Danna Teeter Oglesby Lawson.</figcaption>
 </figure>Practicing his faith at the private Christian college is a way of life for Straight, a foundation that was strengthened during his college days.“I was able to build lifelong friendships at Bethany, and it was a wonderful experience,” he said. “I want these players to come and love Bethany the way that I did – the way that I do.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364359257.jpeg" alt="Dane Straight during his playing days at Bethany College. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dane Straight during his playing days at Bethany College. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677528504039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: CIRCLE OF LIFE — Hays native named soccer coach at Bethany College

Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers announced a temporary burn
ban Monday.

The burn ban goes is due to the increased temperatures,
lower levels of humidity and the lack of measurable moisture.

The ban, in all unincorporated areas of Ellis County, goes
into effect immediately.

Hays PostEllis County Fire Chief Darin Myers announced a temporary burn
ban Monday.The burn ban goes is due to the increased temperatures,
lower levels of humidity and the lack of measurable moisture.The ban, in all unincorporated areas of Ellis County, goes
into effect immediately.

Ellis County issues burn ban

Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million

By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.

The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;

The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;

“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.

Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.

“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.

A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.

Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.

“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.

He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.

As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.

He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;

Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”

Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.

Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.

Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;

Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.

Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”

She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;

“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.

Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.

The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.

Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”

“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554659570.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million</h2>By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554762652.jpeg" alt="Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554815794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”Hence, the Dumbbell name.Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554852926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554880289.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554917938.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>

‘Dumbbell’ in Nebraska Sandhills gains spotlight with sheer size, storied past

MANHATTAN —Four Kansas Farm Credit Associations and CoBank recently combined to give $1 million to support the Kansas State University College of Agriculture's innovation centers for grain, food, animal and agronomy research. This investment will fund new facilities,&nbsp;renovations of current buildings&nbsp;and&nbsp;improvements in the technology and equipment necessary for interdisciplinary,&nbsp;<a>cutting-edge</a>&nbsp;research, all of which will&nbsp;continue to enhance the college's exceptional student experience.&nbsp; "An investment in Kansas State University's innovation centers is an investment in the future of U.S. agriculture,"said Bob Campbell, senior vice president of Frontier Farm Credit, speaking on behalf of Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and CoBank.&nbsp;"The university is focused on solving some of today's biggest challenges in agriculture. The projects funded through our donation will enhance the university's leadership in global food systems and bio-security innovations and directly benefit producers and agri-businesses. We are proud to partner with Kansas State University in a shared mission of supporting agriculture and rural communities for today and tomorrow." Contributors to this investment are Farm Credit of Western Kansas,&nbsp;Colby; High Plains Farm Credit,&nbsp;Larned; Frontier Farm Credit,&nbsp;Manhattan;&nbsp;and&nbsp;CoBank&nbsp;and American AgCredit,&nbsp;both in&nbsp;Wichita. This investment supports the university's interdisciplinary research initiative, which brings together the brightest minds from across the K-State campus to collaborate and work with agricultural leaders from the state and region. "Our vision for our new infrastructure project is to create state-of-the-art space to bring many of our departments together for interdisciplinary research,"&nbsp;said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;"The opportunities and challenges we face in agriculture are complex in nature and increasing in number globally. We need to bring the best minds to the table with different skills and knowledge to collaborate, integrate and develop innovative solutions that prepare the next-generation workforce to keep agriculture moving forward."

K-State News MANHATTAN —Four Kansas Farm Credit Associations and CoBank recently combined to give $1 million to support the Kansas State University College of Agriculture's innovation centers for grain, food, animal and agronomy research. This investment will fund new facilities,&nbsp;renovations of current buildings&nbsp;and&nbsp;improvements in the technology and equipment necessary for interdisciplinary,&nbsp;<a>cutting-edge</a>&nbsp;research, all of which will&nbsp;continue to enhance the college's exceptional student experience.&nbsp; "An investment in Kansas State University's innovation centers is an investment in the future of U.S. agriculture,"said Bob Campbell, senior vice president of Frontier Farm Credit, speaking on behalf of Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and CoBank.&nbsp;"The university is focused on solving some of today's biggest challenges in agriculture. The projects funded through our donation will enhance the university's leadership in global food systems and bio-security innovations and directly benefit producers and agri-businesses. We are proud to partner with Kansas State University in a shared mission of supporting agriculture and rural communities for today and tomorrow." Contributors to this investment are Farm Credit of Western Kansas,&nbsp;Colby; High Plains Farm Credit,&nbsp;Larned; Frontier Farm Credit,&nbsp;Manhattan;&nbsp;and&nbsp;CoBank&nbsp;and American AgCredit,&nbsp;both in&nbsp;Wichita. This investment supports the university's interdisciplinary research initiative, which brings together the brightest minds from across the K-State campus to collaborate and work with agricultural leaders from the state and region. "Our vision for our new infrastructure project is to create state-of-the-art space to bring many of our departments together for interdisciplinary research,"&nbsp;said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;"The opportunities and challenges we face in agriculture are complex in nature and increasing in number globally. We need to bring the best minds to the table with different skills and knowledge to collaborate, integrate and develop innovative solutions that prepare the next-generation workforce to keep agriculture moving forward."

Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and CoBank invest $1 million in K-State College of Agriculture’s innovation centers

Several Fort Hays State University organizations are collaborating to present the second annual Love &amp; Healthy Relationship Expo from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 5 in the Werth Black and Gold Room. Hosted by the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence (Criminal Justice Program), FHSU Student Engagement, FHSU Compliance Office, FHSU Health and Wellness Center, FHSU Art for Social Change, FHSU Police Department, FHSU Student Government, and FHSU Department of Social Work, community partners including Jana’s Campaign and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, the expo is hoped to raise awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Expo aims to provide vital information and essential training for students and the community interested in learning about 1) relationship health, 2) resources available to the students and community, and 3) critical issues in healthy relationships.&nbsp;

“Attending the Love &amp; Healthy Relationship Expo during April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to engage in campus activities, familiarize yourself with university resources, and facilitate a healthy and empowering relationship with others,” said Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice. “Attending the Expo is also a powerful act of solidarity with survivors everywhere.”&nbsp;

Students can browse the fair and receive various information from each organization. Each training session is intended to be less than 15 minutes to allow students to visit all the organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680101388244.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsSeveral Fort Hays State University organizations are collaborating to present the second annual Love &amp; Healthy Relationship Expo from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 5 in the Werth Black and Gold Room. Hosted by the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence (Criminal Justice Program), FHSU Student Engagement, FHSU Compliance Office, FHSU Health and Wellness Center, FHSU Art for Social Change, FHSU Police Department, FHSU Student Government, and FHSU Department of Social Work, community partners including Jana’s Campaign and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, the expo is hoped to raise awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.The Expo aims to provide vital information and essential training for students and the community interested in learning about 1) relationship health, 2) resources available to the students and community, and 3) critical issues in healthy relationships.&nbsp;“Attending the Love &amp; Healthy Relationship Expo during April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to engage in campus activities, familiarize yourself with university resources, and facilitate a healthy and empowering relationship with others,” said Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice. “Attending the Expo is also a powerful act of solidarity with survivors everywhere.”&nbsp;Students can browse the fair and receive various information from each organization. Each training session is intended to be less than 15 minutes to allow students to visit all the organizations.Other expo topics include:<ol>
 <li>Advocacy &amp; Awareness Training Healthy Relationship Inventory</li><li>Bystander Intervention &amp; Reporting</li><li>How to Foster Healthy Relationships</li><li>How to Identify Community Resources</li><li>How to report sexual assault cases to the police</li><li>Providing services and support for LGBTQIA2S+ communities</li><li>Victim Blaming &amp; Why It is Wrong</li>
 </ol>

Love & Healthy Relationship Expo aims to present vital information

Roxie Yonkey, a best-selling author, will discuss her newest book, "Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," at&nbsp;two Hays venues: the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, from 3-5 p.m. Friday, April 14, and at The Paisley Pear, 1100 Main, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April&nbsp;15.&nbsp;<a></a>

Purchase a copy in advance at&nbsp;RoxieontheRoad.com/Shop.

The song “Home on the Range” is 150 years old this year, so the presentation begins&nbsp;with the story of Kansas’ official state song followed&nbsp;with&nbsp;some stories about Hays and Ellis County: Elizabeth Polly, the Blue Light Lady&nbsp;occasionally seen around&nbsp;historic Fort Hays, the Battle of the Saline River, the Buffalo Soldiers first casualty;&nbsp;and the Kansas Merci Boxcar&nbsp;museum within the Hays Veterans Memorial Park.

How well do you know Kansas? Two rounds of&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;trivia will show what you know. The winner will receive a pack of naturally filtered&nbsp;Longford&nbsp;Water.

The book tour is also a research opportunity for Yonkey’s upcoming books, "Historic Kansas Roadsides" and "Amazing Kansas." The author is also preparing another book featuring famous&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;women. During the presentation, patrons may advise her who she should include.

"Secret Kansas" is Yonkey’s third published book. She wrote the&nbsp;best-seller "100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die" and the Kansas section of the "Midwest Road Trip Adventures" book. Yonkey and the other road trip book authors are writing "Midwest State Park Adventures" for a summer release date. She has written about Kansas for over 30 years and amassed numerous awards.

She has set additional book events throughout the state. Find them at&nbsp;RoxieontheRoad.com/Schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680280312569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseRoxie Yonkey, a best-selling author, will discuss her newest book, "Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," at&nbsp;two Hays venues: the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, from 3-5 p.m. Friday, April 14, and at The Paisley Pear, 1100 Main, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April&nbsp;15.&nbsp;<a></a>Purchase a copy in advance at&nbsp;RoxieontheRoad.com/Shop.The song “Home on the Range” is 150 years old this year, so the presentation begins&nbsp;with the story of Kansas’ official state song followed&nbsp;with&nbsp;some stories about Hays and Ellis County: Elizabeth Polly, the Blue Light Lady&nbsp;occasionally seen around&nbsp;historic Fort Hays, the Battle of the Saline River, the Buffalo Soldiers first casualty;&nbsp;and the Kansas Merci Boxcar&nbsp;museum within the Hays Veterans Memorial Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638311552048.jpeg" alt="Roxie Yonkey" />
 <figcaption>Roxie Yonkey</figcaption>
 </figure>How well do you know Kansas? Two rounds of&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;trivia will show what you know. The winner will receive a pack of naturally filtered&nbsp;Longford&nbsp;Water.The book tour is also a research opportunity for Yonkey’s upcoming books, "Historic Kansas Roadsides" and "Amazing Kansas." The author is also preparing another book featuring famous&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;women. During the presentation, patrons may advise her who she should include."Secret Kansas" is Yonkey’s third published book. She wrote the&nbsp;best-seller "100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die" and the Kansas section of the "Midwest Road Trip Adventures" book. Yonkey and the other road trip book authors are writing "Midwest State Park Adventures" for a summer release date. She has written about Kansas for over 30 years and amassed numerous awards.She has set additional book events throughout the state. Find them at&nbsp;RoxieontheRoad.com/Schedule.

Best-selling author to speak in Hays in mid-April

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. has promoted&nbsp;Darren Metcalf to manager of facilities and fleet.

Metcalf will be responsible for managing the function of building, grounds, and facilities maintenance for Sunflower’s nine administrative offices and multiple leased offices. He will also&nbsp;oversee Sunflower’s fleet management program,&nbsp;including acquisition, retirements, maintenance and tracking programs, and fleet repair and replacement.&nbsp;In addition, he will institute and enhance Sunflower’s Department of Transportation inspection programs to ensure compliance with DOT regulations and documentation requirements.

Metcalf will serve as the liaison between the facilities and fleet departments to other functional groups throughout Sunflower and collaborate with department managers to understand and meet their needs.

With Sunflower since 2018, he served as facilities supervisor and was instrumental in leading and executing significant remodels of Sunflower’s Great Bend office and service center locations, both of which were large and complex capital projects. Other notable efforts he directed include several capital facility improvement projects, development of streamlined facilities maintenance programs, and implementation of a facilities request and work order management system.

Metcalf has a diverse and extensive background with knowledge, skills, and experience in residential and commercial design and construction, project management, residential and commercial building repair, plumbing, HVAC, electrical installation and repair, automotive and diesel repair. Prior to joining Sunflower, he owned and operated a construction and remodeling business for more than 25 years. He also held roles in pastoral ministry in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Liberal.

A native of Colorado Springs, he resides in Garden City with his wife, Joanne, who is also employed at Sunflower. They have two sons: Tyler, and his wife, Kendall; and&nbsp;Austin, and his wife, Shaylene; and are active&nbsp;members of Cornerstone Church in Garden City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680280552458.jpeg" alt="Darren Metcalf" />
 <figcaption>Darren Metcalf</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseSunflower Electric Power Corp. has promoted&nbsp;Darren Metcalf to manager of facilities and fleet.Metcalf will be responsible for managing the function of building, grounds, and facilities maintenance for Sunflower’s nine administrative offices and multiple leased offices. He will also&nbsp;oversee Sunflower’s fleet management program,&nbsp;including acquisition, retirements, maintenance and tracking programs, and fleet repair and replacement.&nbsp;In addition, he will institute and enhance Sunflower’s Department of Transportation inspection programs to ensure compliance with DOT regulations and documentation requirements.Metcalf will serve as the liaison between the facilities and fleet departments to other functional groups throughout Sunflower and collaborate with department managers to understand and meet their needs.With Sunflower since 2018, he served as facilities supervisor and was instrumental in leading and executing significant remodels of Sunflower’s Great Bend office and service center locations, both of which were large and complex capital projects. Other notable efforts he directed include several capital facility improvement projects, development of streamlined facilities maintenance programs, and implementation of a facilities request and work order management system.Metcalf has a diverse and extensive background with knowledge, skills, and experience in residential and commercial design and construction, project management, residential and commercial building repair, plumbing, HVAC, electrical installation and repair, automotive and diesel repair. Prior to joining Sunflower, he owned and operated a construction and remodeling business for more than 25 years. He also held roles in pastoral ministry in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Liberal.A native of Colorado Springs, he resides in Garden City with his wife, Joanne, who is also employed at Sunflower. They have two sons: Tyler, and his wife, Kendall; and&nbsp;Austin, and his wife, Shaylene; and are active&nbsp;members of Cornerstone Church in Garden City.

Sunflower Electric names Metcalf facilities, fleet manager

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680291683353.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>

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reported Cristina Janney gets updates from United Way of Ellis County executive director Erica Berges.

<div><iframe title="Updates from the United Way of Ellis County" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v8nc6-13d0a47-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reported Cristina Janney gets updates from United Way of Ellis County executive director Erica Berges.

🎙 Post Podcast: Updates from the United Way of Ellis County

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4a.m. Sunday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Peterbilt semi driven by Lindle K. Harold, 69, Colby, was southbound on U.S. 283 just south of N Road.

The semi struck two cows, slid off the roadway, struck a telephone pole and overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Harold to the the Trego County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4a.m. Sunday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Peterbilt semi driven by Lindle K. Harold, 69, Colby, was southbound on U.S. 283 just south of N Road.The semi struck two cows, slid off the roadway, struck a telephone pole and overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Harold to the the Trego County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man injured after semi strikes 2 cows, telephone pole

​Nothing like visiting an old cemetery to connect past&nbsp;with&nbsp;present.&nbsp;On a&nbsp;windy,&nbsp;cold March 19, 2023, sunlight highlighted&nbsp;sere&nbsp;prairie grasses&nbsp;that&nbsp;blanketed&nbsp;Fort Wallace’s&nbsp;hallowed ground&nbsp;as&nbsp;three&nbsp;western&nbsp;history&nbsp;buffs&nbsp;wandered between gravestones.&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;wind&nbsp;sharpened freezing temps to&nbsp;remind them&nbsp;that&nbsp;life&nbsp;there&nbsp;is harsh&nbsp;as it certainly was for those posted at the edge of the world from 1865 to 1882.

​Following the Civil War, Manifest Destiny and the Homestead Act lured&nbsp;the&nbsp;curious and bold&nbsp;to go&nbsp;West. Sioux, Cheyenne, and other native people resented&nbsp;this&nbsp;encroachment on prime hunting grounds.&nbsp;Ingredients for cultural collision burbled and stewed—finally boiling&nbsp;over&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;1860s-70s.&nbsp;

​Former Civil War General, William Tecumseh Sherman, later commander of the Military Division of Missouri authorized&nbsp;construction&nbsp;of&nbsp;garrisoned&nbsp;forts&nbsp;to protect those traveling the&nbsp;Smoky Hill Trail. Fort Wallace&nbsp;(1865 -1882)&nbsp;was the western-most outpost.&nbsp;During&nbsp;these conflicts,&nbsp;many&nbsp;soldiers, scouts, and others died.&nbsp;Survivors&nbsp;laid their remains&nbsp;to rest in the post cemetery.

​Following&nbsp;the fort’s&nbsp;decommissioning,&nbsp;authorities ordered&nbsp;military burials removed to Fort Leavenworth in 1886.&nbsp;To preserve history, site caretakers&nbsp;designed and posted&nbsp;markers&nbsp;to&nbsp;document names, ages, nationalities, and causes of death of soldiers and their loved ones who died while posted at&nbsp;Ft. Wallace.&nbsp;As a result, their stories live on.

Interrupting the horizontal plane, a&nbsp;tall&nbsp;cenotaph&nbsp;carved&nbsp;from&nbsp;native limestone, now under a protective covering,&nbsp;records&nbsp;names of 7th&nbsp;cavalrymen&nbsp;who died&nbsp;in&nbsp;battle.&nbsp;To the north lie&nbsp;weathered planks&nbsp;detailing&nbsp;names, ages, and origins&nbsp;of&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;and scouts&nbsp;from other regiments who died during&nbsp;similar&nbsp;conflicts&nbsp;or for other reasons.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;were immigrants, mostly from Ireland.&nbsp;While&nbsp;some&nbsp;passed away&nbsp;fighting,&nbsp;most buried during the 17 years the fort existed&nbsp;died&nbsp;of diseases,&nbsp;including pneumonia, cholera,&nbsp;diphtheria, and intermittent fever. Accidents, drownings, and&nbsp;quarrels filled&nbsp;additional&nbsp;graves.

​While&nbsp;wandering&nbsp;the lane between&nbsp;memorials, I tugged on a scarf and gloves to protect&nbsp;chilled&nbsp;ears and fingers.&nbsp;We&nbsp;didn’t know the temp with windchill, but&nbsp;the cold&nbsp;reminded us&nbsp;that life here&nbsp;is&nbsp;extreme. It&nbsp;made it hard&nbsp;to&nbsp;imagine&nbsp;how three&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;drowned.&nbsp;

Gazing at the Smoky Hill today, it&nbsp;appears a&nbsp;person could walk across.&nbsp;However, research&nbsp;indicates&nbsp;the military dammed it to create a pond south of the fort.&nbsp;Stifling&nbsp;August temperatures&nbsp;might account for a non-swimmer’s unintended demise&nbsp;as&nbsp;he&nbsp;tried to cool&nbsp;down. Perhaps someone crossed&nbsp;itafter&nbsp;a&nbsp;rare&nbsp;torrential rain&nbsp;and found&nbsp;himself&nbsp;swallowed&nbsp;by rising&nbsp;water.

Accidents involving trains and woodcutting ended several lives.&nbsp;Woodcutting risks&nbsp;explain themselves, but train accidents make a person wonder. An engine&nbsp;ran over at least one individual. How’d that happen?&nbsp;Did someone start the train&nbsp;rolling&nbsp;before the guy&nbsp;finished repairing&nbsp;track or&nbsp;did&nbsp;hedrunkenly&nbsp;wander steel rails&nbsp;and fail to&nbsp;pay attention?

Shivering&nbsp;inside my wool jacket, I&nbsp;considered&nbsp;wives&nbsp;who joined husbands at this distant post and buried tiny children&nbsp;here.&nbsp;Disease most commonly took young&nbsp;lives.&nbsp;Over time, this&nbsp;once-military cemetery morphed into a community burial&nbsp;ground.&nbsp;Those killed&nbsp;during&nbsp;the Cheyenne raid on the German family were re-interred here.&nbsp;Merchant Peter&nbsp;Robidoux and his family share a memorial at the&nbsp;cemetery’s&nbsp;north end. Local families continue to&nbsp;lay&nbsp;loved ones to rest here.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;stone garden&nbsp;offers&nbsp;history that touches&nbsp;every sense. If you come on an icy&nbsp;morn, you’ll&nbsp;crunch ice and&nbsp;shiver like&nbsp;earlier occupants&nbsp;did. If you show up on&nbsp;a&nbsp;sizzling August afternoon, you’ll understand why some non-swimming, young&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;immigrant laid his uniform on the banks of the Smoky Hill and waded in for his last dip.&nbsp;As you gaze across endless horizon, you&nbsp;grasp&nbsp;why&nbsp;people fought for this landscape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680204300025.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN​Nothing like visiting an old cemetery to connect past&nbsp;with&nbsp;present.&nbsp;On a&nbsp;windy,&nbsp;cold March 19, 2023, sunlight highlighted&nbsp;sere&nbsp;prairie grasses&nbsp;that&nbsp;blanketed&nbsp;Fort Wallace’s&nbsp;hallowed ground&nbsp;as&nbsp;three&nbsp;western&nbsp;history&nbsp;buffs&nbsp;wandered between gravestones.&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;wind&nbsp;sharpened freezing temps to&nbsp;remind them&nbsp;that&nbsp;life&nbsp;there&nbsp;is harsh&nbsp;as it certainly was for those posted at the edge of the world from 1865 to 1882.​Following the Civil War, Manifest Destiny and the Homestead Act lured&nbsp;the&nbsp;curious and bold&nbsp;to go&nbsp;West. Sioux, Cheyenne, and other native people resented&nbsp;this&nbsp;encroachment on prime hunting grounds.&nbsp;Ingredients for cultural collision burbled and stewed—finally boiling&nbsp;over&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;1860s-70s.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Former Civil War General, William Tecumseh Sherman, later commander of the Military Division of Missouri authorized&nbsp;construction&nbsp;of&nbsp;garrisoned&nbsp;forts&nbsp;to protect those traveling the&nbsp;Smoky Hill Trail. Fort Wallace&nbsp;(1865 -1882)&nbsp;was the western-most outpost.&nbsp;During&nbsp;these conflicts,&nbsp;many&nbsp;soldiers, scouts, and others died.&nbsp;Survivors&nbsp;laid their remains&nbsp;to rest in the post cemetery.​Following&nbsp;the fort’s&nbsp;decommissioning,&nbsp;authorities ordered&nbsp;military burials removed to Fort Leavenworth in 1886.&nbsp;To preserve history, site caretakers&nbsp;designed and posted&nbsp;markers&nbsp;to&nbsp;document names, ages, nationalities, and causes of death of soldiers and their loved ones who died while posted at&nbsp;Ft. Wallace.&nbsp;As a result, their stories live on.Interrupting the horizontal plane, a&nbsp;tall&nbsp;cenotaph&nbsp;carved&nbsp;from&nbsp;native limestone, now under a protective covering,&nbsp;records&nbsp;names of 7th&nbsp;cavalrymen&nbsp;who died&nbsp;in&nbsp;battle.&nbsp;To the north lie&nbsp;weathered planks&nbsp;detailing&nbsp;names, ages, and origins&nbsp;of&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;and scouts&nbsp;from other regiments who died during&nbsp;similar&nbsp;conflicts&nbsp;or for other reasons.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;were immigrants, mostly from Ireland.&nbsp;While&nbsp;some&nbsp;passed away&nbsp;fighting,&nbsp;most buried during the 17 years the fort existed&nbsp;died&nbsp;of diseases,&nbsp;including pneumonia, cholera,&nbsp;diphtheria, and intermittent fever. Accidents, drownings, and&nbsp;quarrels filled&nbsp;additional&nbsp;graves.​While&nbsp;wandering&nbsp;the lane between&nbsp;memorials, I tugged on a scarf and gloves to protect&nbsp;chilled&nbsp;ears and fingers.&nbsp;We&nbsp;didn’t know the temp with windchill, but&nbsp;the cold&nbsp;reminded us&nbsp;that life here&nbsp;is&nbsp;extreme. It&nbsp;made it hard&nbsp;to&nbsp;imagine&nbsp;how three&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;drowned.&nbsp;Gazing at the Smoky Hill today, it&nbsp;appears a&nbsp;person could walk across.&nbsp;However, research&nbsp;indicates&nbsp;the military dammed it to create a pond south of the fort.&nbsp;Stifling&nbsp;August temperatures&nbsp;might account for a non-swimmer’s unintended demise&nbsp;as&nbsp;he&nbsp;tried to cool&nbsp;down. Perhaps someone crossed&nbsp;itafter&nbsp;a&nbsp;rare&nbsp;torrential rain&nbsp;and found&nbsp;himself&nbsp;swallowed&nbsp;by rising&nbsp;water.Accidents involving trains and woodcutting ended several lives.&nbsp;Woodcutting risks&nbsp;explain themselves, but train accidents make a person wonder. An engine&nbsp;ran over at least one individual. How’d that happen?&nbsp;Did someone start the train&nbsp;rolling&nbsp;before the guy&nbsp;finished repairing&nbsp;track or&nbsp;did&nbsp;hedrunkenly&nbsp;wander steel rails&nbsp;and fail to&nbsp;pay attention?Shivering&nbsp;inside my wool jacket, I&nbsp;considered&nbsp;wives&nbsp;who joined husbands at this distant post and buried tiny children&nbsp;here.&nbsp;Disease most commonly took young&nbsp;lives.&nbsp;Over time, this&nbsp;once-military cemetery morphed into a community burial&nbsp;ground.&nbsp;Those killed&nbsp;during&nbsp;the Cheyenne raid on the German family were re-interred here.&nbsp;Merchant Peter&nbsp;Robidoux and his family share a memorial at the&nbsp;cemetery’s&nbsp;north end. Local families continue to&nbsp;lay&nbsp;loved ones to rest here.&nbsp;This&nbsp;stone garden&nbsp;offers&nbsp;history that touches&nbsp;every sense. If you come on an icy&nbsp;morn, you’ll&nbsp;crunch ice and&nbsp;shiver like&nbsp;earlier occupants&nbsp;did. If you show up on&nbsp;a&nbsp;sizzling August afternoon, you’ll understand why some non-swimming, young&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;immigrant laid his uniform on the banks of the Smoky Hill and waded in for his last dip.&nbsp;As you gaze across endless horizon, you&nbsp;grasp&nbsp;why&nbsp;people fought for this landscape.

MADORIN: Learning history in a cemetery

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on major Grow Hays projects.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays shares housing, microfactory project updates" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8b6mx-13d0a10-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on major Grow Hays projects.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays shares housing, microfactory project updates

If passed into law, can Education Saving Accounts and tax credit vouchers withstand a constitutional challenge?&nbsp;&nbsp; That’s a question rolling around the state house.&nbsp;

The concern, at this point, is speculation since these two school choice bills have yet to go to Governor Kelly for her signature or veto.

The ESA bill currently creates&nbsp;a fund for families to use taxpayer dollars for private and homeschooling expenses. In its first year, the program would be available to public school students testing at the lowest grade level or receiving free or reduced-price lunch.&nbsp; Eventually families of four making $180,000 per year or more would be eligible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tax credit bill enlarges the current tax credit scholarship fund.&nbsp; Fully implemented, it would give about $5,000 per qualifying student per year to attend any accredited or unaccredited private school or use for other educational expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donors to the scholarship fund could apply for a 70 percent tax credit.&nbsp; Currently the fund is limited to low income, low performing students but the 2023 bill would expand incrementally to include almost all student applicants regardless of parent’s income, including students who always have attended a private school or been homeschooled.&nbsp;

Currently 11 states allow various types of ESAs, and 20 states allow tax credit scholarships.&nbsp;

Do ESAs that directly fund private schools with public tax dollars and scholarships that indirectly reduce education funds through tax credits violate the Kansas Constitution?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tax Credit scholarships may more easily withstand legal challenges because they are funded by donations.&nbsp; The loss to the state comes from fewer tax dollars collected due to the refundable tax credits.&nbsp; ESAs are directly funded from tax dollars budgeted for education.&nbsp; Both bills siphon public funds from public schools.

Here are reasons for concern: &nbsp;First, the Kansas Constitution creates a single system of common schools.<a></a>

Article 6: (1) “The legislature shall provide for a state board of education which shall have general supervision of public schools, educational institutions and all the educational interests of the state.”

The proposed bills create two separate systems—one governed by the state board of education and a new system governed by the Kansas treasurer to administer the scholarships and ESAs.&nbsp;

Second, Article 6:&nbsp; 2&nbsp;(a) states, “The state board of education shall perform such other duties as may be provided by law.”

Currently there are no laws that direct the state board of education to oversee schools other than public schools.&nbsp; Moreover, proponents of the bills advocate a main value is that funds would go to schools governed by the state treasurer not the state board of education.

Third, the Kansas constitution is clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Article 6: 6 (c) “No religious sect or sects shall control any part of the public educational funds.”

Recently the U. S. Supreme Court ruled&nbsp;in &nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/carson-v-makin/" target="_blank">Carson v. Makin</a>&nbsp; to require states to fund private religious schools if the states fund any other private schools.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his majority opinion that the ruling does not require states to fund private schools—but once they do,&nbsp;religious schools can’t be excluded.&nbsp;

In January an Ohio lawsuit challenging the state’s voucher program moved forward to Franklin County Court.&nbsp; More than 100 school districts signed onto the lawsuit advocating a&nbsp;"secure"&nbsp;and single "system of common schools.”&nbsp;

Who among us would want another long, costly constitutional confrontation over Kansas schools?&nbsp; &nbsp;Nevertheless, this battle may be ongoing well into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>If passed into law, can Education Saving Accounts and tax credit vouchers withstand a constitutional challenge?&nbsp;&nbsp; That’s a question rolling around the state house.&nbsp;The concern, at this point, is speculation since these two school choice bills have yet to go to Governor Kelly for her signature or veto.The ESA bill currently creates&nbsp;a fund for families to use taxpayer dollars for private and homeschooling expenses. In its first year, the program would be available to public school students testing at the lowest grade level or receiving free or reduced-price lunch.&nbsp; Eventually families of four making $180,000 per year or more would be eligible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The tax credit bill enlarges the current tax credit scholarship fund.&nbsp; Fully implemented, it would give about $5,000 per qualifying student per year to attend any accredited or unaccredited private school or use for other educational expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Donors to the scholarship fund could apply for a 70 percent tax credit.&nbsp; Currently the fund is limited to low income, low performing students but the 2023 bill would expand incrementally to include almost all student applicants regardless of parent’s income, including students who always have attended a private school or been homeschooled.&nbsp;Currently 11 states allow various types of ESAs, and 20 states allow tax credit scholarships.&nbsp;Do ESAs that directly fund private schools with public tax dollars and scholarships that indirectly reduce education funds through tax credits violate the Kansas Constitution?&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Credit scholarships may more easily withstand legal challenges because they are funded by donations.&nbsp; The loss to the state comes from fewer tax dollars collected due to the refundable tax credits.&nbsp; ESAs are directly funded from tax dollars budgeted for education.&nbsp; Both bills siphon public funds from public schools.Here are reasons for concern: &nbsp;First, the Kansas Constitution creates a single system of common schools.<a></a>Article 6: (1) “The legislature shall provide for a state board of education which shall have general supervision of public schools, educational institutions and all the educational interests of the state.”The proposed bills create two separate systems—one governed by the state board of education and a new system governed by the Kansas treasurer to administer the scholarships and ESAs.&nbsp;Second, Article 6:&nbsp; 2&nbsp;(a) states, “The state board of education shall perform such other duties as may be provided by law.”Currently there are no laws that direct the state board of education to oversee schools other than public schools.&nbsp; Moreover, proponents of the bills advocate a main value is that funds would go to schools governed by the state treasurer not the state board of education.Third, the Kansas constitution is clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Article 6: 6 (c) “No religious sect or sects shall control any part of the public educational funds.”Recently the U. S. Supreme Court ruled&nbsp;in &nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/carson-v-makin/" target="_blank">Carson v. Makin</a>&nbsp; to require states to fund private religious schools if the states fund any other private schools.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his majority opinion that the ruling does not require states to fund private schools—but once they do,&nbsp;religious schools can’t be excluded.&nbsp;In January an Ohio lawsuit challenging the state’s voucher program moved forward to Franklin County Court.&nbsp; More than 100 school districts signed onto the lawsuit advocating a&nbsp;"secure"&nbsp;and single "system of common schools.”&nbsp;Who among us would want another long, costly constitutional confrontation over Kansas schools?&nbsp; &nbsp;Nevertheless, this battle may be ongoing well into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Is another constitutional school lawsuit in the offing?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680291648035.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>

The other day,&nbsp;we&nbsp;passed a golf course, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;was amazed at the number of golfers&nbsp;already out chasing&nbsp;that little white ball around on what amounts to be nothing more than a huge lawn. It’s always puzzled me how that game can be considered a good workout when the most exorcize most golfers get is dragging their overweight carcasses in and out of the golf cart. Anyway, it all reminded me of my first and only brush with the game of golf.&nbsp;

Awhile back, in&nbsp;a valiant attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;add a little culture to my otherwise mundane&nbsp;and culture-less&nbsp;existence, and to&nbsp;further stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone, (also known as&nbsp;free tickets) I attended&nbsp;a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;major&nbsp;Golf Tournament&nbsp;at Prairie Dunes Country Club just outside of Hutchinson.&nbsp;Now understand, I&nbsp;don’t know a fairway from a flambé, or a bogey from a booger. To me, a driver is the person at the wheel of a&nbsp;vehicle, and&nbsp;putter is something we men do in lieu of something constructive. Yet&nbsp;there&nbsp;I was, reduced to&nbsp;being part of&nbsp;a gaggle of onlookers sittin’ in the hot sun&nbsp;called “the&nbsp;gallery.”&nbsp;Even though I tried my best to fit in,&nbsp;I’m pretty sure I looked at that&nbsp;entire experience slightly different than most other people there. Allow me&nbsp;to explain.&nbsp;

Every golf course is littered with various sized&nbsp;pits of sand known as sand traps. When I looked at the sand traps all around us,&nbsp;all I could think&nbsp;was what swell little ponds they could be. Large mouth bass and those big hybrid bluegills would love nice sandy bottom pools like those.&nbsp;Wild turkeys take regular dust baths to help keep bugs out of their feathers, and in doing so they carve out bowl shaped spots in the dirt called&nbsp;“wallows.” I’ll bet those nice sandy “traps”&nbsp;could&nbsp;draw every turkey for miles around; sort of like a communal bath.&nbsp;I’d also bet every female turtle in the county comes there to lay her eggs in that nice deep sand. Wouldn’t it be a hoot to&nbsp;watch&nbsp;a golfer swingin’ away at turtle eggs thinkin’ they were his golf ball!

Much&nbsp;of the hilly terrain between holes was thick with sand hill plum bushes. I imagine the&nbsp;refined&nbsp;eye of any golf connoisseur saw&nbsp;this as garnish; part of the&nbsp;overall presentation. I saw it&nbsp;as a never-ending supply of plum jelly. And just think how many gallons of plums those guys could put in all the pockets in those golf bags they cart around.&nbsp;And what about sand hill plum wine? You talk about an additional revenue stream!&nbsp;Lots of those guys are drinking anyway, so why not open a small&nbsp;micro brewery there in the pro shop and they could be drinking home grown plum wine brewed&nbsp;right there at the golf course.

The miles of neatly groomed footpaths amidst the roughs looked to me like great&nbsp;spots for coyote traps.&nbsp;I know from talking with golf course employees that coyotes love to roam golf courses no matter where the course is. Heck,&nbsp;I’ll bet most courses would even loan me one of their neat little golf carts to&nbsp;buzz around and check traps, just to keep the occasional coyote from scaring the&nbsp;dickens out of patrons. The&nbsp;trees bordering the course screamed deer hunting to me, and I had a few good tree-stand locations picked out&nbsp;before we’d left. And I hadn’t even thought about&nbsp;the turkey hunting yet!&nbsp;​

Anyway, as out-of-place as I felt, I began&nbsp;to see that this game called golf has a lot of similarities to deer and turkey hunting. For example, we’d been advised to find choice seats and wait for the players to come to us.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;there we&nbsp;sat awaiting&nbsp;our “quarry,”&nbsp;on hunter green&nbsp;colored bleachers at&nbsp;the 17th&nbsp;hole, a spot where we could see action all around us.&nbsp;Not much&nbsp;different I’d say than puttin’up&nbsp;our camouflage hunting blind near a “hot” deer trail or a known turkey roost and marking time in anticipation of a good shot. Speaking of shots, when&nbsp;one of us makes a nice shot and harvests&nbsp;a deer or turkey for the freezer, there are high-fives and handshakes all around. Those&nbsp;guys too! When one of them made&nbsp;an exceptional “shot” he’d dance a jig, shake everyone’s hand and even tip&nbsp;his&nbsp;hat to the crowd. They even had&nbsp;guys who raised&nbsp;their hands to keep everyone quiet while they shoot. (Now there’s something my&nbsp;wife and I would both benefit from&nbsp;when we hunt together!) I must say&nbsp;though&nbsp;that their marksmanship left a lot to be desired. Those guys all shot 64 or 65 times each day, and I didn’t see one of them carrying any dead critters&nbsp;to show for it!&nbsp;

Yes, my&nbsp;playing golf at Prairie Dunes&nbsp;(now there’s a mental picture) would probably be worthy of a movie. We could call it something like “the Clampetts Join the Country Club.”&nbsp;I’d have to have a special custom-made golf bag&nbsp;with an extra pouch on each side; one to hold a deer rifle with a scope, and the other to hold a shotgun. I’m pretty sure I could get a fishing rod&nbsp;and traps&nbsp;in there somewhere amongst the clubs. I seriously doubt they would allow me into the clubhouse or proshop though dressed in full camo and smellin’ like coyote bait or deer pee.&nbsp;Although, now that I think about it, after playing 18 holes, some of the guys comin’ off the course might not smell much better.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>The other day,&nbsp;we&nbsp;passed a golf course, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;was amazed at the number of golfers&nbsp;already out chasing&nbsp;that little white ball around on what amounts to be nothing more than a huge lawn. It’s always puzzled me how that game can be considered a good workout when the most exorcize most golfers get is dragging their overweight carcasses in and out of the golf cart. Anyway, it all reminded me of my first and only brush with the game of golf.&nbsp;Awhile back, in&nbsp;a valiant attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;add a little culture to my otherwise mundane&nbsp;and culture-less&nbsp;existence, and to&nbsp;further stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone, (also known as&nbsp;free tickets) I attended&nbsp;a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;major&nbsp;Golf Tournament&nbsp;at Prairie Dunes Country Club just outside of Hutchinson.&nbsp;Now understand, I&nbsp;don’t know a fairway from a flambé, or a bogey from a booger. To me, a driver is the person at the wheel of a&nbsp;vehicle, and&nbsp;putter is something we men do in lieu of something constructive. Yet&nbsp;there&nbsp;I was, reduced to&nbsp;being part of&nbsp;a gaggle of onlookers sittin’ in the hot sun&nbsp;called “the&nbsp;gallery.”&nbsp;Even though I tried my best to fit in,&nbsp;I’m pretty sure I looked at that&nbsp;entire experience slightly different than most other people there. Allow me&nbsp;to explain.&nbsp;Every golf course is littered with various sized&nbsp;pits of sand known as sand traps. When I looked at the sand traps all around us,&nbsp;all I could think&nbsp;was what swell little ponds they could be. Large mouth bass and those big hybrid bluegills would love nice sandy bottom pools like those.&nbsp;Wild turkeys take regular dust baths to help keep bugs out of their feathers, and in doing so they carve out bowl shaped spots in the dirt called&nbsp;“wallows.” I’ll bet those nice sandy “traps”&nbsp;could&nbsp;draw every turkey for miles around; sort of like a communal bath.&nbsp;I’d also bet every female turtle in the county comes there to lay her eggs in that nice deep sand. Wouldn’t it be a hoot to&nbsp;watch&nbsp;a golfer swingin’ away at turtle eggs thinkin’ they were his golf ball!Much&nbsp;of the hilly terrain between holes was thick with sand hill plum bushes. I imagine the&nbsp;refined&nbsp;eye of any golf connoisseur saw&nbsp;this as garnish; part of the&nbsp;overall presentation. I saw it&nbsp;as a never-ending supply of plum jelly. And just think how many gallons of plums those guys could put in all the pockets in those golf bags they cart around.&nbsp;And what about sand hill plum wine? You talk about an additional revenue stream!&nbsp;Lots of those guys are drinking anyway, so why not open a small&nbsp;micro brewery there in the pro shop and they could be drinking home grown plum wine brewed&nbsp;right there at the golf course.The miles of neatly groomed footpaths amidst the roughs looked to me like great&nbsp;spots for coyote traps.&nbsp;I know from talking with golf course employees that coyotes love to roam golf courses no matter where the course is. Heck,&nbsp;I’ll bet most courses would even loan me one of their neat little golf carts to&nbsp;buzz around and check traps, just to keep the occasional coyote from scaring the&nbsp;dickens out of patrons. The&nbsp;trees bordering the course screamed deer hunting to me, and I had a few good tree-stand locations picked out&nbsp;before we’d left. And I hadn’t even thought about&nbsp;the turkey hunting yet!&nbsp;​Anyway, as out-of-place as I felt, I began&nbsp;to see that this game called golf has a lot of similarities to deer and turkey hunting. For example, we’d been advised to find choice seats and wait for the players to come to us.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;there we&nbsp;sat awaiting&nbsp;our “quarry,”&nbsp;on hunter green&nbsp;colored bleachers at&nbsp;the 17th&nbsp;hole, a spot where we could see action all around us.&nbsp;Not much&nbsp;different I’d say than puttin’up&nbsp;our camouflage hunting blind near a “hot” deer trail or a known turkey roost and marking time in anticipation of a good shot. Speaking of shots, when&nbsp;one of us makes a nice shot and harvests&nbsp;a deer or turkey for the freezer, there are high-fives and handshakes all around. Those&nbsp;guys too! When one of them made&nbsp;an exceptional “shot” he’d dance a jig, shake everyone’s hand and even tip&nbsp;his&nbsp;hat to the crowd. They even had&nbsp;guys who raised&nbsp;their hands to keep everyone quiet while they shoot. (Now there’s something my&nbsp;wife and I would both benefit from&nbsp;when we hunt together!) I must say&nbsp;though&nbsp;that their marksmanship left a lot to be desired. Those guys all shot 64 or 65 times each day, and I didn’t see one of them carrying any dead critters&nbsp;to show for it!&nbsp;Yes, my&nbsp;playing golf at Prairie Dunes&nbsp;(now there’s a mental picture) would probably be worthy of a movie. We could call it something like “the Clampetts Join the Country Club.”&nbsp;I’d have to have a special custom-made golf bag&nbsp;with an extra pouch on each side; one to hold a deer rifle with a scope, and the other to hold a shotgun. I’m pretty sure I could get a fishing rod&nbsp;and traps&nbsp;in there somewhere amongst the clubs. I seriously doubt they would allow me into the clubhouse or proshop though dressed in full camo and smellin’ like coyote bait or deer pee.&nbsp;Although, now that I think about it, after playing 18 holes, some of the guys comin’ off the course might not smell much better.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be&nbsp;contacted&nbsp;by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Golf through the eyes of a hunter

🎙 Post Podcast: In the home stretch of the year USD 489 begins prep for 2023-2024

Enter to win Cash Grab

Editor's Note: Cole Reif spent nine years broadcasting Hoisington football games with Dr. Blake Herres. Some opinions are added to the story.

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

There are many hard-working, generous individuals throughout our
community. These men and women donate their time, give financially and try to
make the area around them better. With all those outstanding citizens in mind,
there are very few that better embodied the definition of a community servant
and supporter more than Dr. Blake Herres. 
“He tried to always make some kid shine, whether they came off the bench or if
they were a starter,” said Gene Manweiler, long-time friend of Herres. “He
would always try to say something good about what he or she brought to the
game. He was always good about uplifting kids on the radio.” 
A life-long Hoisington resident, Herres began broadcasting Hoisington High
School football and basketball games on the radio in 2001. For more than 20
years, he was the welcoming, familiar voice on the airwaves Friday nights.
Herres passed away March 23 at the age of 70 from esophageal cancer, but he left an impact on several
lives and a community that will last many more lifetimes. 
“There were a lot of things that stood out about Blake,” said Joel Mason,
Hoisington High School principal. “Number one was his genuine passion and
concern for the town of Hoisington. Any time he talked, you always got that
impression of that genuine interest for our community, our school and our kids.”

Rooted in the northern Barton County town, Herres graduated from Hoisington
High School in 1970. Receiving education from Kansas State University and the
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry, he married Julie
Stone in 1975. They moved to Hoisington in 1979 as Blake started his dental
practice. 
“He was down to business inside the office,” said Janet Jonas, who worked with Herres
for nearly 30 years at his dental office. “He treated patients like they were
his best friends. He was very honest with them and conservative. He gave them
options. Every day we tackled every job we had.” 
That sense of support to the community went beyond serving on the USD 431 Board
of Education for 12 years. Herres spent many years as a volunteer coach, making
sure he gave his daughters the best chance to succeed in athletics. 
“We really didn’t start interacting with each other until our daughters began
playing sports together in middle school,” said Manweiler. “Blake and I got together
and decided we’d start coaching the girls in basketball their 7th
grade summer. We did a lot of road trips. After the girls graduated, Blake and I
continued our road trips together because we enjoyed it so much.”

That community support was felt largely as Herres operated his dental practice
in Hoisington for more than 40 years until retiring in 2022. 
“In a town our size, we have relatively few businesses compared to a bigger
community,” said Mason. “Those businesses are hit up by anybody and everybody.
He was definitely asked to be a big booster for many of our activities here at
the school district.” 
Friday nights during the fall, you would see Herres walk into the high school
football stadium, make his way up to the press box, pull out his binoculars and
get settled in for another evening of Cardinal football. Blake was on the 100.7
FM broadcast for more than 230 football games, and hundreds more with the
Hoisington basketball programs. 
“When I see him interacting with kids, of all ages, at sporting events, those
kids treated Blake with more respect than they did with most adults,” said
Manweiler. “Those kids respected his opinion. When he would give them advice,
it was almost an honor to get advice from Blake Herres. That was so cool, and I
saw that all my life.”

Listen below to audio clips over the years from Herres on the radio.

Herres would frequent as many Cardinal sporting events as possible from middle
school to high school softball, volleyball, baseball or football. 
“He always had a positive spin, even when things weren’t going well,” said
Mason. “It was always refreshing seeing him at all of the events.” 
“He cared about his patients a lot,” said Jonas. “He was a great dentist and a
great man. I appreciate everything he did for me.” 
After each broadcast, Blake would lean in with a smirk and give me (Cole Reif) a firm
handshake. I would tell him "nice job, you sounded good." He would
respond with “I’m just riding your coattails.” As a mere broadcaster, I rarely
disagree with a doctor, but Blake was wrong. Myself, and the community that knew Blake, were riding his coattails…and it was a hell of a ride.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680207239494.jpeg" alt="Dr. Blake Herres spent more than 20 years broadcasting Hoisington High School games on the radio." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Blake Herres spent more than 20 years broadcasting Hoisington High School games on the radio.</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's Note: Cole Reif spent nine years broadcasting Hoisington football games with Dr. Blake Herres. Some opinions are added to the story.By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThere are many hard-working, generous individuals throughout our
community. These men and women donate their time, give financially and try to
make the area around them better. With all those outstanding citizens in mind,
there are very few that better embodied the definition of a community servant
and supporter more than Dr. Blake Herres. 
“He tried to always make some kid shine, whether they came off the bench or if
they were a starter,” said Gene Manweiler, long-time friend of Herres. “He
would always try to say something good about what he or she brought to the
game. He was always good about uplifting kids on the radio.” 
A life-long Hoisington resident, Herres began broadcasting Hoisington High
School football and basketball games on the radio in 2001. For more than 20
years, he was the welcoming, familiar voice on the airwaves Friday nights.
Herres passed away March 23 at the age of 70 from esophageal cancer, but he left an impact on several
lives and a community that will last many more lifetimes. 
“There were a lot of things that stood out about Blake,” said Joel Mason,
Hoisington High School principal. “Number one was his genuine passion and
concern for the town of Hoisington. Any time he talked, you always got that
impression of that genuine interest for our community, our school and our kids.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680207389903.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rooted in the northern Barton County town, Herres graduated from Hoisington
High School in 1970. Receiving education from Kansas State University and the
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry, he married Julie
Stone in 1975. They moved to Hoisington in 1979 as Blake started his dental
practice. 
“He was down to business inside the office,” said Janet Jonas, who worked with Herres
for nearly 30 years at his dental office. “He treated patients like they were
his best friends. He was very honest with them and conservative. He gave them
options. Every day we tackled every job we had.” 
That sense of support to the community went beyond serving on the USD 431 Board
of Education for 12 years. Herres spent many years as a volunteer coach, making
sure he gave his daughters the best chance to succeed in athletics. 
“We really didn’t start interacting with each other until our daughters began
playing sports together in middle school,” said Manweiler. “Blake and I got together
and decided we’d start coaching the girls in basketball their 7th
grade summer. We did a lot of road trips. After the girls graduated, Blake and I
continued our road trips together because we enjoyed it so much.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680207455068.jpeg" alt="photo: Dr. Dan Witt" />
 <figcaption>photo: Dr. Dan Witt</figcaption>
 </figure>That community support was felt largely as Herres operated his dental practice
in Hoisington for more than 40 years until retiring in 2022. 
“In a town our size, we have relatively few businesses compared to a bigger
community,” said Mason. “Those businesses are hit up by anybody and everybody.
He was definitely asked to be a big booster for many of our activities here at
the school district.” 
Friday nights during the fall, you would see Herres walk into the high school
football stadium, make his way up to the press box, pull out his binoculars and
get settled in for another evening of Cardinal football. Blake was on the 100.7
FM broadcast for more than 230 football games, and hundreds more with the
Hoisington basketball programs. 
“When I see him interacting with kids, of all ages, at sporting events, those
kids treated Blake with more respect than they did with most adults,” said
Manweiler. “Those kids respected his opinion. When he would give them advice,
it was almost an honor to get advice from Blake Herres. That was so cool, and I
saw that all my life.”Listen below to audio clips over the years from Herres on the radio.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/rkgqRL4j-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Audio from Dr. Blake Herres over the years" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Herres would frequent as many Cardinal sporting events as possible from middle
school to high school softball, volleyball, baseball or football. 
“He always had a positive spin, even when things weren’t going well,” said
Mason. “It was always refreshing seeing him at all of the events.” 
“He cared about his patients a lot,” said Jonas. “He was a great dentist and a
great man. I appreciate everything he did for me.” 
After each broadcast, Blake would lean in with a smirk and give me (Cole Reif) a firm
handshake. I would tell him "nice job, you sounded good." He would
respond with “I’m just riding your coattails.” As a mere broadcaster, I rarely
disagree with a doctor, but Blake was wrong. Myself, and the community that knew Blake, were riding his coattails…and it was a hell of a ride.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Community is everything: The supportive ‘voice’ of Hoisington

The Wonder Women League of Ellis County has awarded three $1,000 scholarships to two Hays High School and one Ellis High School student for the 2023-24 school year. Ellis County female students who were planning to attend Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech or Hays Academy of Hair Design full-time in 2023-24 could apply for the scholarships.

This year’s winners are Halle Lohmeyer, senior at Hays High School; Haley Cranwell, senior at Ellis High School; and Kaley Rajewski, senior at Hays High School.

During high school, Lohmeyer sought to inspire younger girls on her school’s wrestling team. She will be following in her mother’s footsteps and studying elementary education at Fort Hays State University. She said in her essay she hopes to inspire young people to be great. Lohmeyer has served on the HHS student council, is a National Honor Society member and volunteered for Jana’s Campaign among other service and school activities.

Cranwell is studying automotive technology while also finishing her senior year at Ellis High School. Upon graduation from EHS, she will have one year completed in the automotive program at NCK Tech. Upon completion of that program, she hopes to study economics and environmental science at Fort Hays State University. Cranwell said she hopes to use her knowledge to make vehicles more environmentally friendly.

Rajewski plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall and major in psychology. She hopes to eventually earn her Ph.D. in psychology. Rajewski has been involved in a variety of activities during high school, some of which include competitive dance, Hays Community Theatre, debate, forensics, student council and National Honor Society.

News releaseThe Wonder Women League of Ellis County has awarded three $1,000 scholarships to two Hays High School and one Ellis High School student for the 2023-24 school year. Ellis County female students who were planning to attend Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech or Hays Academy of Hair Design full-time in 2023-24 could apply for the scholarships.This year’s winners are Halle Lohmeyer, senior at Hays High School; Haley Cranwell, senior at Ellis High School; and Kaley Rajewski, senior at Hays High School.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680270934456.jpeg" alt="Halle Lohmeyer" />
 <figcaption>Halle Lohmeyer</figcaption>
 </figure>During high school, Lohmeyer sought to inspire younger girls on her school’s wrestling team. She will be following in her mother’s footsteps and studying elementary education at Fort Hays State University. She said in her essay she hopes to inspire young people to be great. Lohmeyer has served on the HHS student council, is a National Honor Society member and volunteered for Jana’s Campaign among other service and school activities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680270968555.jpeg" alt="Haley Cranwell" />
 <figcaption>Haley Cranwell</figcaption>
 </figure>Cranwell is studying automotive technology while also finishing her senior year at Ellis High School. Upon graduation from EHS, she will have one year completed in the automotive program at NCK Tech. Upon completion of that program, she hopes to study economics and environmental science at Fort Hays State University. Cranwell said she hopes to use her knowledge to make vehicles more environmentally friendly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680271004704.jpeg" alt="Kaley Rajewski" />
 <figcaption>Kaley Rajewski</figcaption>
 </figure>Rajewski plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall and major in psychology. She hopes to eventually earn her Ph.D. in psychology. Rajewski has been involved in a variety of activities during high school, some of which include competitive dance, Hays Community Theatre, debate, forensics, student council and National Honor Society.The Wonder Women League is a group of women in Ellis County under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County. Its mission is to inspire and empower women to affect change in their community.The Wonder Women League scholarship is one of several ongoing signature programs. Others include Matthew’s Gift and Project Suitcase. For more information or to donate to the Wonder Women League, you can visit <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league</a>.