By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school district is seeing increases in student success after graduation, the school board heard in a report Tuesday night.

Students graduating from high school had 69.5 percent post-secondary effective rate as of 2022. That looks at students in 2022 who graduated in spring 2020. HHS had a 91.1 percent graduation rate in 2020.

The data is based on the district's graduation rate and the number of students who have earned post-secondary degrees or certificates or are in school pursuing degrees two years after graduation.

It does not include students who enter the military or go directly into the workforce Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she thought it was important to note HHS 2020 graduates are still performing well despite facing challenges during the pandemic.

Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said the measure is used by the state for district accreditation. The success rate measure was developed because 70 percent of future jobs in Kansas will need some type of certification or degree, she said.

The district has seen its effective rate steadily increase since 2016 and is only slightly below the 70 percent state goal.

The state estimated the district would only have a 50 to 53 percent effective rate based on the makeup of the student body.

Involving students in career exploration and academic pathways while in high school helps prepare students for post-secondary success, Dinkel said.

Ninety-seven students are involved in career exploration this year up 60 from last fall, Superintendent Ron Wilson said. 

"That is one of our goals is to get kids out and have some experience in work they may be considering," Wilson said.

One hundred-twenty members of the graduating class of 2022 took classes in at least one career pathway. Almost 400 underclassmen are involved in pathways.

Seventy students are in the new intro to health sciences class, which is part of a new pathway at the high school.

The district also has more than 250 students taking courses for concurrent college credit, as well as 46 students taking college classes online during the high school day.

The district will be working with Fort Hays State University to offer intro to military and intro to military health courses in the spring.

"Really career tech ed encompasses all," Dinkel said. "Pathway to become an educator. A pathway to become anything in the medical field. It's about pathways and kids exploring options and really getting them on a pathway that is something of their choosing and that sets them up for post-secondary [education] no matter what it is."

The district continues to help students with social and emotional health, another criterion measured by the state in accreditation.

The district will be distributing surveys in about a week for students in grades three through 12 on their social, emotional and academic well-being. Those surveys will be used to identify students who may need additional help in those areas.

Parents have the ability to see the surveys in advance and opt their children out if they desire.

The district also approved • Repairs to the boiler tube at Rockwell at a cost of $26,900 • Upgrades to the Hays Middle School cooling system at a cost of $42,669 • Policy revisions recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards • Classified staff handbook changes

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663116453758.png" alt="Hays USD 489 post-secondary success rates. Image courtesy of USD 489 " />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 post-secondary success rates. Image courtesy of USD 489 </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school district is seeing increases in student success after graduation, the school board heard in a report Tuesday night. Students graduating from high school had 69.5 percent post-secondary effective rate as of 2022. That looks at students in 2022 who graduated in spring 2020. HHS had a 91.1 percent graduation rate in 2020.The data is based on the district's graduation rate and the number of students who have earned post-secondary degrees or certificates or are in school pursuing degrees two years after graduation. It does not include students who enter the military or go directly into the workforce Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she thought it was important to note HHS 2020 graduates are still performing well despite facing challenges during the pandemic. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said the measure is used by the state for district accreditation. The success rate measure was developed because 70 percent of future jobs in Kansas will need some type of certification or degree, she said. The district has seen its effective rate steadily increase since 2016 and is only slightly below the 70 percent state goal.The state estimated the district would only have a 50 to 53 percent effective rate based on the makeup of the student body. Involving students in career exploration and academic pathways while in high school helps prepare students for post-secondary success, Dinkel said.Ninety-seven students are involved in career exploration this year up 60 from last fall, Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "That is one of our goals is to get kids out and have some experience in work they may be considering," Wilson said. One hundred-twenty members of the graduating class of 2022 took classes in at least one career pathway. Almost 400 underclassmen are involved in pathways.Seventy students are in the new intro to health sciences class, which is part of a new pathway at the high school.The district also has more than 250 students taking courses for concurrent college credit, as well as 46 students taking college classes online during the high school day.The district will be working with Fort Hays State University to offer intro to military and intro to military health courses in the spring."Really career tech ed encompasses all," Dinkel said. "Pathway to become an educator. A pathway to become anything in the medical field. It's about pathways and kids exploring options and really getting them on a pathway that is something of their choosing and that sets them up for post-secondary [education] no matter what it is." The district continues to help students with social and emotional health, another criterion measured by the state in accreditation.The district will be distributing surveys in about a week for students in grades three through 12 on their social, emotional and academic well-being. Those surveys will be used to identify students who may need additional help in those areas.Parents have the ability to see the surveys in advance and opt their children out if they desire.The district also approved • Repairs to the boiler tube at Rockwell at a cost of $26,900 • Upgrades to the Hays Middle School cooling system at a cost of $42,669 • Policy revisions recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards • Classified staff handbook changes

Hays High graduates see increasing success in post-secondary education

HOXIE — A&nbsp;training&nbsp;workshop for information on Kansas Open Meeting Act and Kansas Open Record Act will be from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22,&nbsp;at the Bowen Scout House, 1117 Sheridan Ave., Hoxie.&nbsp;Cost for the "brown bag" event&nbsp;is $25, so&nbsp;be sure to bring your own lunch. Tea, water and snacks will be available during the event.&nbsp;This workshop is sponsored by&nbsp;The Sheridan Sentinel and&nbsp;Kansas Coalition for Open Government.

The speaker will be Max Kautsch, Kansas Press Association attorney. He will&nbsp;teach about KOMA/KORA and answer any questions attendees may have.

KOMA&nbsp;applies to state and local public agencies (those related to the government). It does not apply to private entities. The KOMA also applies to any subordinate group formed by such public agencies (e.g.&nbsp;committees, sub-committees,&nbsp;etc.). This means that KOMA applies to state boards, commissions, committees, city councils, county boards of commissioners, township boards, rural water district boards, public library boards, etc. and most groups formed by such entities&nbsp;in order to&nbsp;assist them with public business. The KOMA&nbsp;does not apply&nbsp;to private persons or meetings of private groups such as homeowner’s associations, church groups, private clubs, private businesses, political party caucuses, etc.&nbsp;(Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/koma-faq">https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/koma-faq</a>)

KORA&nbsp;applies only to public records, which are records made, maintained, created or possessed by a public agency (i.e., a branch of the state or local government).&nbsp;Deadline to register is&nbsp;Monday, Sept. 19.&nbsp;(Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/kora-faq">https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/kora-faq</a>)&nbsp;

The&nbsp;sign-up&nbsp;link for the KOMA/KORA Workshop is:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3TdJsV5">https://bit.ly/3TdJsV5</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;contact&nbsp;The Sheridan Sentinel&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:editor@sheridansentinel.com">editor@sheridansentinel.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-675-3321.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663086493444.jpeg" alt="Kautsch" />
 <figcaption>Kautsch</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseHOXIE — A&nbsp;training&nbsp;workshop for information on Kansas Open Meeting Act and Kansas Open Record Act will be from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22,&nbsp;at the Bowen Scout House, 1117 Sheridan Ave., Hoxie.&nbsp;Cost for the "brown bag" event&nbsp;is $25, so&nbsp;be sure to bring your own lunch. Tea, water and snacks will be available during the event.&nbsp;This workshop is sponsored by&nbsp;The Sheridan Sentinel and&nbsp;Kansas Coalition for Open Government.The speaker will be Max Kautsch, Kansas Press Association attorney. He will&nbsp;teach about KOMA/KORA and answer any questions attendees may have.KOMA&nbsp;applies to state and local public agencies (those related to the government). It does not apply to private entities. The KOMA also applies to any subordinate group formed by such public agencies (e.g.&nbsp;committees, sub-committees,&nbsp;etc.). This means that KOMA applies to state boards, commissions, committees, city councils, county boards of commissioners, township boards, rural water district boards, public library boards, etc. and most groups formed by such entities&nbsp;in order to&nbsp;assist them with public business. The KOMA&nbsp;does not apply&nbsp;to private persons or meetings of private groups such as homeowner’s associations, church groups, private clubs, private businesses, political party caucuses, etc.&nbsp;(Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/koma-faq">https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/koma-faq</a>)KORA&nbsp;applies only to public records, which are records made, maintained, created or possessed by a public agency (i.e., a branch of the state or local government).&nbsp;Deadline to register is&nbsp;Monday, Sept. 19.&nbsp;(Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/kora-faq">https://ag.ks.gov/open-government/kora-faq</a>)&nbsp;Schedule:10am-12pm - KOMA training12-12:30pm - Lunch break12:30-2:30pm - KORA trainingThe&nbsp;sign-up&nbsp;link for the KOMA/KORA Workshop is:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3TdJsV5">https://bit.ly/3TdJsV5</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;contact&nbsp;The Sheridan Sentinel&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:editor@sheridansentinel.com">editor@sheridansentinel.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-675-3321.

Kan. open meetings/records training session scheduled in Hoxie

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department conducted 40 traffic
stops and arrested four people during the annual You Drink. You Drive. You
Lose. campaign.

The campaign, which is supported by a federal grant from the
Kansas Department of Transportation, began Aug. 20 and ran through Labor Day,
Sept. 7.

According to a press release from the Ellis County Sheriff’s
office, officers conducted saturation patrols to enforce Kansas impaired driving
laws during the campaign.

During the campaign, officers made one impaired driving
arrest, two other citations and three arrests.

"If you were stopped, you hopefully
learned from your experience," said Sheriff Scott Braun. "You can count on this department to vigorously enforce impaired driving
and other traffic laws, not just during this enforcement campaign but all
through the year. We enforce traffic laws because those laws help everyone that
we share the road with."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, 28 people are killed in the US every day in crashes that
involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

Hays PostThe Ellis County Sheriff’s Department conducted 40 traffic
stops and arrested four people during the annual You Drink. You Drive. You
Lose. campaign.The campaign, which is supported by a federal grant from the
Kansas Department of Transportation, began Aug. 20 and ran through Labor Day,
Sept. 7.According to a press release from the Ellis County Sheriff’s
office, officers conducted saturation patrols to enforce Kansas impaired driving
laws during the campaign.During the campaign, officers made one impaired driving
arrest, two other citations and three arrests."If you were stopped, you hopefully
learned from your experience," said Sheriff Scott Braun. "You can count on this department to vigorously enforce impaired driving
and other traffic laws, not just during this enforcement campaign but all
through the year. We enforce traffic laws because those laws help everyone that
we share the road with."According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, 28 people are killed in the US every day in crashes that
involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

Ellis Co. Sheriff's deputies stop 40 during annual campaign

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher Last spring my father-in-law purchased a handful of ewes to graze a pasture near his house. The pasture had not been grazed in a few years, and he liked the idea of having some animals on his farm after getting out of the cattle business about six years ago. He decided to purchase the ewes and make it a project with the grandkids.&nbsp; After the trailer of sheep arrived, each grandchild was allowed to pick out two ewes to claim as their own. Even before the sheep arrived, the kids helped their grandpa build the fencing and prepared the area for the animals. Since their arrival, the kids have attempted to help tame these ewes that were born and spent the early part of their lives in the Flint Hills. The grandkids have helped feed and vaccinate the ewes. Some days I’ve found one of the kids sitting on the fence talking to the ewes as they anxiously eat their grain before returning to the pasture. At the end of March, the kids watched as we turned out a ram with the flock. Soon blue chalk markings began appearing on the ewes.&nbsp; Fast forward to September where we are now on alert for lambs to begin arriving any day now. While the kids are simply excited to have some little lambs running around, my father-in-law is more focused on maintaining the health of the soon-to-arrive lambs and their mothers. I’m most concerned about how many lambs we could possibly bottle feed at once and being prepared with the supplies needed to ensure we can successfully feed multiple babies. It reminds me a lot of when I was pregnant with my two children and the different areas of concern people within my family focused on.&nbsp; While I know my concern is one that can easily be addressed with a quick trip to town, I still want to be ready for the scenario in which we have bottle babies. A handful of years ago my son was given a newborn calf whose mother had unexpectedly died on the coldest day of the year. My husband brought the tiny heifer home just a few hours after being born, and we quickly made adjustments to housing and bottle feeding the calf. In that scenario we weren’t even expecting a calf, but we were able to pivot quickly and begin caring for it.&nbsp; That calf is now Sunflower the cow, and she, too, is due to have her calf any day now. Although she is an experienced mama cow, my son and I are still on alert as we await her newest arrival. The anticipation of baby animals on the farm this fall is exciting, and to have my two children observe life through their animals is something I am so thankful to expose them to. As we patiently await and prepare for these new little additions on the farm, we have begun to embrace and understand the importance of the task of keeping watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher Last spring my father-in-law purchased a handful of ewes to graze a pasture near his house. The pasture had not been grazed in a few years, and he liked the idea of having some animals on his farm after getting out of the cattle business about six years ago. He decided to purchase the ewes and make it a project with the grandkids.&nbsp; After the trailer of sheep arrived, each grandchild was allowed to pick out two ewes to claim as their own. Even before the sheep arrived, the kids helped their grandpa build the fencing and prepared the area for the animals. Since their arrival, the kids have attempted to help tame these ewes that were born and spent the early part of their lives in the Flint Hills. The grandkids have helped feed and vaccinate the ewes. Some days I’ve found one of the kids sitting on the fence talking to the ewes as they anxiously eat their grain before returning to the pasture. At the end of March, the kids watched as we turned out a ram with the flock. Soon blue chalk markings began appearing on the ewes.&nbsp; Fast forward to September where we are now on alert for lambs to begin arriving any day now. While the kids are simply excited to have some little lambs running around, my father-in-law is more focused on maintaining the health of the soon-to-arrive lambs and their mothers. I’m most concerned about how many lambs we could possibly bottle feed at once and being prepared with the supplies needed to ensure we can successfully feed multiple babies. It reminds me a lot of when I was pregnant with my two children and the different areas of concern people within my family focused on.&nbsp; While I know my concern is one that can easily be addressed with a quick trip to town, I still want to be ready for the scenario in which we have bottle babies. A handful of years ago my son was given a newborn calf whose mother had unexpectedly died on the coldest day of the year. My husband brought the tiny heifer home just a few hours after being born, and we quickly made adjustments to housing and bottle feeding the calf. In that scenario we weren’t even expecting a calf, but we were able to pivot quickly and begin caring for it.&nbsp; That calf is now Sunflower the cow, and she, too, is due to have her calf any day now. Although she is an experienced mama cow, my son and I are still on alert as we await her newest arrival. The anticipation of baby animals on the farm this fall is exciting, and to have my two children observe life through their animals is something I am so thankful to expose them to. As we patiently await and prepare for these new little additions on the farm, we have begun to embrace and understand the importance of the task of keeping watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Keeping watch

For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663088265382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

Three-day weather outlook

The economy of western Kansas almost entirely relies on water being pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer to grow the grain and forage crops for ethanol plants and livestock operations in the region. Without this water source these industries will not stay in the area, and when they go other support industries will also leave resulting in a major decline of the region’s economy and population.

Since the beginning of irrigation development, decades ago, the natural recharge of the aquifer has not, by any stretch of the imagination, kept up with the amount of water being pumped out and the aquifer continues to be depleted. If this trend continues, it just a matter of time before many wells will not pump enough water for irrigation to be feasible.

Like many other industries, irrigation technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in just a few short years. Tools like soil moisture probes and plant sensors are being used to schedule proper and efficient irrigation applications. Subsurface drip and mobile drip systems significantly reduce evaporation rates and the amount of irrigation water needed to grow the crop. But one of the issues we continue to struggle with is that many of our fields are just not in condition to infiltrate water. Decades of intensive tillage have destroyed the pore spaces the soil needs to take in water.

Many of the pore spaces are formed when the soil has stable soil aggregates. Aggregates are individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay that are bound together by root exudates and organic glues. Microbes that live in the soil, like bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, produce the organic glues. These microbes flourish in healthy soils where fields are in a no-till system. Other pore spaces are created by earthworms and other macrofauna like centipedes, slugs, and snails. Every time we disturb the soil, we basically destroy the habitat of these soil microbes. Tillage also physically destroys the soil aggregates by breaking them down into individual soil particles.

Maintaining a living root in the soil, as much as possible throughout the year, is also essential in maintaining the needed pore spaces in the soil. Living roots produce root exudates that help bind soil particles together into larger soil aggregates. Living plants provide a carbon source, which is food for the soil microbes, through the photosynthesis process. Decaying roots provide direct channels for water to infiltrate into the soil. Growing cover crops, between cash crops, is one way of maintaining a living root in the soil.

By incorporating some of these simple soil health practices, along with the other irrigation technologies, can reduce the amount of irrigation water needed to grow crops. This will help ensure that water will be available for all water users in the region for generations to come.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is the soil health specialist for the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, Jetmore.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker is the soil health specialist for the&nbsp; USDA National Resources Conservation Service, Jetmore.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker is the soil health specialist for the&nbsp; USDA National Resources Conservation Service, Jetmore.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The economy of western Kansas almost entirely relies on water being pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer to grow the grain and forage crops for ethanol plants and livestock operations in the region. Without this water source these industries will not stay in the area, and when they go other support industries will also leave resulting in a major decline of the region’s economy and population.Since the beginning of irrigation development, decades ago, the natural recharge of the aquifer has not, by any stretch of the imagination, kept up with the amount of water being pumped out and the aquifer continues to be depleted. If this trend continues, it just a matter of time before many wells will not pump enough water for irrigation to be feasible.Like many other industries, irrigation technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in just a few short years. Tools like soil moisture probes and plant sensors are being used to schedule proper and efficient irrigation applications. Subsurface drip and mobile drip systems significantly reduce evaporation rates and the amount of irrigation water needed to grow the crop. But one of the issues we continue to struggle with is that many of our fields are just not in condition to infiltrate water. Decades of intensive tillage have destroyed the pore spaces the soil needs to take in water.Many of the pore spaces are formed when the soil has stable soil aggregates. Aggregates are individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay that are bound together by root exudates and organic glues. Microbes that live in the soil, like bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, produce the organic glues. These microbes flourish in healthy soils where fields are in a no-till system. Other pore spaces are created by earthworms and other macrofauna like centipedes, slugs, and snails. Every time we disturb the soil, we basically destroy the habitat of these soil microbes. Tillage also physically destroys the soil aggregates by breaking them down into individual soil particles.Maintaining a living root in the soil, as much as possible throughout the year, is also essential in maintaining the needed pore spaces in the soil. Living roots produce root exudates that help bind soil particles together into larger soil aggregates. Living plants provide a carbon source, which is food for the soil microbes, through the photosynthesis process. Decaying roots provide direct channels for water to infiltrate into the soil. Growing cover crops, between cash crops, is one way of maintaining a living root in the soil.By incorporating some of these simple soil health practices, along with the other irrigation technologies, can reduce the amount of irrigation water needed to grow crops. This will help ensure that water will be available for all water users in the region for generations to come.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is the soil health specialist for the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, Jetmore.&nbsp;

YOUNKER: Water worries in western Kansas

At about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, a Plainville woman's vehicle left Hall Street just north of Interstate 70 and her vehicle rolled.

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said the woman was taken to HaysMed, but he said he did not think her injuries were life-threatening.

The woman's name and age were not immediately released.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident. There were no passengers in the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663108982954.jpeg" alt="A Plainville woman was injured in an accident just north of Interstate 70 off of Hall Street Tuesday afternoon when her vehicle left the roadway and the vehicle rolled. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A Plainville woman was injured in an accident just north of Interstate 70 off of Hall Street Tuesday afternoon when her vehicle left the roadway and the vehicle rolled. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAt about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, a Plainville woman's vehicle left Hall Street just north of Interstate 70 and her vehicle rolled.Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said the woman was taken to HaysMed, but he said he did not think her injuries were life-threatening.The woman's name and age were not immediately released.No other vehicles were involved in the accident. There were no passengers in the vehicle.

Plainville woman injured in rollover accident north of I-70 in Hays

School year programming is underway at the Hays Public Library as they continue to develop their technological resources. Communications Coordinator, Callie Kolacny stops by to share the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

School year programming is underway at the Hays Public Library as they continue to develop their technological resources. Communications Coordinator, Callie Kolacny stops by to share the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.<div><iframe title="School year programing underway at the Hays Public Library" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kejts-12c217a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: School year programing underway at the Hays Public Library

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

The Humane Society of the High Plains is trying to revive a program that allows local residents to take a dog for a day.

The program, dubbed Doggy Day Out, aims to reduce kennel stress among the animals, promote socialization with humans and increase the visibility of the dogs in the community, said Jessica Frieb, Humane Society assistant manager.

"They go out. They socialize with people. That brings awareness that this dog's available. They have little backpacks that say 'I'm adoptable,' " Frieb said.

The program was started in 2020, but was hampered by the pandemic. The number of volunteers working with the Humane Society in general has decreased significantly since the onset of the pandemic, Frieb said.

The Humane society is hosting a training from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the shelter, 2050 E. U.S. Highway 40, for volunteers who are interested in being a part of the program.

Doggy Day Out days will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 

The shelter can provide everything that the dog will need during the day out, including a leash, harness, water, snacks, and a crate or seat belt adapter. There is no charge to participants.

"Usually we try to send our more kennel-stressed animals out, because it can make a big difference if they can just make it out for a car ride for an hour or go for a walk in the park or go to Starbucks for a pup cup," Frieb said. "It really helps their stress levels and makes them more comfortable when they are here."

Volunteers are responsible for keeping the dog under control and on a leash. The Humane Society urges volunteers to leave their pets at home during outings and keep shelter dogs away from other dogs in the community.

"It's fun for them to take [the dogs] out, but it's more than just having a good time for the dog," Frieb said. "We really strive for the most comfortable environment we can have for the dog for the circumstances they are in.

"This is really going to help our stressed dogs decompress. The more time they have to decompress, the more adoptable they are."

Frieb said she wants the dogs to know they can still be dogs.

"You can still go for walks," she said. "You can still go for rides. You're not going to be in a kennel all of the time. It'll change.

"It helps the animal's mental health, and it makes a very big difference for the dogs that are kennel stressed."

If you are interested in participating in the Doggy Day Out program, email Frieb at <a href="mailto:hshp_hays@hotmail.com">hshp_hays@hotmail.com</a> for more information and to register for the upcoming volunteer training.

You can also find a donation wish list for the Humane Society on the <a href="https://hshponline.org/">Humane Society's website</a>. Click the "Ways to Contribute" button on the homepage.

The items the shelter goes through the fastest are bleach, cat litter and food. Although it's fall, the shelter is still receiving many kittens.

You can also see photos of adoptable pets and details on adopting on the <a href="https://hshponline.org/">website</a>. The shelter also updates pets up for adoption daily on <a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">Petfinder</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663009786939.jpeg" alt="Bruno, an adult, mixed Boston terrier/labrador retriever, is available for adoption at the Humane Society of the High Plains. Doggy Day Out seeks to help dogs like Bruno with kennel stress. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Bruno, an adult, mixed Boston terrier/labrador retriever, is available for adoption at the Humane Society of the High Plains. Doggy Day Out seeks to help dogs like Bruno with kennel stress. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Humane Society of the High Plains is trying to revive a program that allows local residents to take a dog for a day.The program, dubbed Doggy Day Out, aims to reduce kennel stress among the animals, promote socialization with humans and increase the visibility of the dogs in the community, said Jessica Frieb, Humane Society assistant manager."They go out. They socialize with people. That brings awareness that this dog's available. They have little backpacks that say 'I'm adoptable,' " Frieb said. The program was started in 2020, but was hampered by the pandemic. The number of volunteers working with the Humane Society in general has decreased significantly since the onset of the pandemic, Frieb said.The Humane society is hosting a training from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the shelter, 2050 E. U.S. Highway 40, for volunteers who are interested in being a part of the program.Doggy Day Out days will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663010160204.jpeg" alt="Doggy Day Out allows volunteers to take adoptable pets like Bruno, pictured here with a shelter worker, into the community for a couple of hours for walks or car rides. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Doggy Day Out allows volunteers to take adoptable pets like Bruno, pictured here with a shelter worker, into the community for a couple of hours for walks or car rides. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The shelter can provide everything that the dog will need during the day out, including a leash, harness, water, snacks, and a crate or seat belt adapter. There is no charge to participants."Usually we try to send our more kennel-stressed animals out, because it can make a big difference if they can just make it out for a car ride for an hour or go for a walk in the park or go to Starbucks for a pup cup," Frieb said. "It really helps their stress levels and makes them more comfortable when they are here."Volunteers are responsible for keeping the dog under control and on a leash. The Humane Society urges volunteers to leave their pets at home during outings and keep shelter dogs away from other dogs in the community."It's fun for them to take [the dogs] out, but it's more than just having a good time for the dog," Frieb said. "We really strive for the most comfortable environment we can have for the dog for the circumstances they are in."This is really going to help our stressed dogs decompress. The more time they have to decompress, the more adoptable they are."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663010447523.jpeg" alt="What dog wouldn't want his belly rubbed? Bruno is one of the adoptable dogs volunteers can take for a morning or afternoon outing as part of the Doggy Day Out program. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>What dog wouldn't want his belly rubbed? Bruno is one of the adoptable dogs volunteers can take for a morning or afternoon outing as part of the Doggy Day Out program. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Frieb said she wants the dogs to know they can still be dogs."You can still go for walks," she said. "You can still go for rides. You're not going to be in a kennel all of the time. It'll change."It helps the animal's mental health, and it makes a very big difference for the dogs that are kennel stressed."If you are interested in participating in the Doggy Day Out program, email Frieb at <a href="mailto:hshp_hays@hotmail.com">hshp_hays@hotmail.com</a> for more information and to register for the upcoming volunteer training. You can also find a donation wish list for the Humane Society on the <a href="https://hshponline.org/">Humane Society's website</a>. Click the "Ways to Contribute" button on the homepage. The items the shelter goes through the fastest are bleach, cat litter and food. Although it's fall, the shelter is still receiving many kittens. You can also see photos of adoptable pets and details on adopting on the <a href="https://hshponline.org/">website</a>. The shelter also updates pets up for adoption daily on <a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">Petfinder</a>.

Humane Society's Doggy Day Out to help relieve kennel stress

Thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the Department of Allied Health at Fort Hays State University has recently acquired cutting-edge technology that will better prepare students for their chosen professions. FHSU dedicated an additional $75,000 in support of this project and its implementation.

At Fort Hays State University, providing students with emerging technology and training is central to its mission of fostering innovation. The new technology impacts multiple areas of medical imaging and includes a full body, radiologic imaging mannequin, and a wireless digital plate for the radiographic equipment. In addition, they have attained MRI and CT training and simulation software and multiple sonographic tissue-mimicking phantoms for simulation. Working with phantoms provides real-life, hands-on learning and allows students to hone their skills before working with live patients.

Allied Health’s oldest radiographic unit in the department was upgraded to include newer digital capabilities. The new simulation training software enables students to practice Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) skills within the classroom. In addition to helping students perfect their skills, this simulation software allows online students participating in the department’s MRI certificate program to imagine they’re in a clinical setting anywhere in the world. &nbsp;

Before, the department had only one radiographic mannequin to practice imaging technology which began deteriorating due to wear and tear. In addition to its age, the old mannequin was limited in its ability to move into certain positions. The new mannequin, which will arrive later this year, will be fully articulated allowing students to move its limbs, head, and body like a real patient.

Students interested in working with sonography or ultrasound can now practice on the new tissue-mimicking phantoms, which include a full abdominal model, models for different stages of pregnancy, and for breast imaging. These phantoms replicate real tissue and allow students to practice a variety of scenarios frequently encountered in the field. For students interested in obstetric imaging, the phantoms mimic real pregnancies.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, students were unable to practice without obstetrical guest patients, a critical tool to execute their training. By purchasing new technology, students no longer need to rely solely on guest patients to implement their skills. The expansion of training tools also allows more students in lab courses to practice at a time than ever before.

Brenda Hoopingarner, associate professor and chair of the allied health department, says the new equipment will allow Fort Hays State University students to gain more real-life experience on campus, making the transition to the clinical setting easier.

“With students having limited time working in a clinical facility, these tissue-mimicking phantoms and radiographic mannequin allow students to increase their efficiency and speed in learning here on campus,” Hoopingarner says.

Hoopingarner emphasized that the new technology, in addition to the talented faculty and staff, offers students a “second to none” opportunity at FHSU.

“We want our grads to come in and have the resources crucial to succeeding in their degree program. Our training and equipment will make them the most successful so that when they enter the field upon graduation, they’re able to step in and function as a graduate would,” she says.

The Department of Allied Health at FHSU offers several highly competitive on-campus and online programs that train students for careers in medical diagnostic imaging. The technology purchased with this funding will prepare highly qualified and credentialed medical imaging professionals who are dedicated to the region of northwest Kansas.

Visit <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/alliedhealth/">fhsu.edu/alliedhealth</a> to learn about the Department of Allied Health at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662482333225.jpeg" alt="FHSU Allied Health (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Allied Health (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationThanks to a $100,000 grant awarded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the Department of Allied Health at Fort Hays State University has recently acquired cutting-edge technology that will better prepare students for their chosen professions. FHSU dedicated an additional $75,000 in support of this project and its implementation.At Fort Hays State University, providing students with emerging technology and training is central to its mission of fostering innovation. The new technology impacts multiple areas of medical imaging and includes a full body, radiologic imaging mannequin, and a wireless digital plate for the radiographic equipment. In addition, they have attained MRI and CT training and simulation software and multiple sonographic tissue-mimicking phantoms for simulation. Working with phantoms provides real-life, hands-on learning and allows students to hone their skills before working with live patients.Allied Health’s oldest radiographic unit in the department was upgraded to include newer digital capabilities. The new simulation training software enables students to practice Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) skills within the classroom. In addition to helping students perfect their skills, this simulation software allows online students participating in the department’s MRI certificate program to imagine they’re in a clinical setting anywhere in the world. &nbsp;Before, the department had only one radiographic mannequin to practice imaging technology which began deteriorating due to wear and tear. In addition to its age, the old mannequin was limited in its ability to move into certain positions. The new mannequin, which will arrive later this year, will be fully articulated allowing students to move its limbs, head, and body like a real patient.Students interested in working with sonography or ultrasound can now practice on the new tissue-mimicking phantoms, which include a full abdominal model, models for different stages of pregnancy, and for breast imaging. These phantoms replicate real tissue and allow students to practice a variety of scenarios frequently encountered in the field. For students interested in obstetric imaging, the phantoms mimic real pregnancies.When the COVID-19 pandemic began, students were unable to practice without obstetrical guest patients, a critical tool to execute their training. By purchasing new technology, students no longer need to rely solely on guest patients to implement their skills. The expansion of training tools also allows more students in lab courses to practice at a time than ever before.Brenda Hoopingarner, associate professor and chair of the allied health department, says the new equipment will allow Fort Hays State University students to gain more real-life experience on campus, making the transition to the clinical setting easier.“With students having limited time working in a clinical facility, these tissue-mimicking phantoms and radiographic mannequin allow students to increase their efficiency and speed in learning here on campus,” Hoopingarner says.Hoopingarner emphasized that the new technology, in addition to the talented faculty and staff, offers students a “second to none” opportunity at FHSU.“We want our grads to come in and have the resources crucial to succeeding in their degree program. Our training and equipment will make them the most successful so that when they enter the field upon graduation, they’re able to step in and function as a graduate would,” she says.The Department of Allied Health at FHSU offers several highly competitive on-campus and online programs that train students for careers in medical diagnostic imaging. The technology purchased with this funding will prepare highly qualified and credentialed medical imaging professionals who are dedicated to the region of northwest Kansas.Visit <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/alliedhealth/">fhsu.edu/alliedhealth</a> to learn about the Department of Allied Health at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hansen grant brings cutting-edge tech to FHSU allied health

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — Grain bins. As you look at them and think of their purpose, you don’t
always associate a danger with the large containers. Accidents and emergencies
happen with grain bins more frequently than you think. 

That’s a big reason why
staff from the Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training were in Great
Bend last Friday to show local firefighters the proper steps in rescuing anyone
that gets trapped in a grain bin. 
Shane Campbell, with OSU Fire Service Training in Stillwater, Oklahoma,
mentioned a lot agricultural families will send their children inside the grain
bins to clean off the top. "The best thing we can teach them is 
to not go in the grain bin unless you absolutely have to," said 
Campbell. "If you do, make sure you don't do it by yourself and have the
 proper gear and equipment to do it."

The local Farm Bureau sponsored the training at Great Bend Fire Department
Station #2 this past weekend. 

Fire Chief Luke McCormick was among several
firefighters that went into the grain bin modular, filled with pellets representing
grain, and practiced the steps of safely removing a victim. "That
 grain is very heavy," said McCormick. "As a person gets buried, even 
down to your knees or waist, the average person is not going to be able 
to get themselves out of that situation. The deeper they go and more 
they fight, the more the grain is going to get them entrapped. That 
makes it harder to breathe and harder to get out." 
Both Campbell and McCormick encouraged anyone going into a grain bin to make
use of a harness system. If the grain does collapse beneath your feet, the
harness will keep you suspended above the grain until help arrives.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hear the full interviews with McCormick and Campbell below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663101005694.jpeg" alt="Members of the Great Bend Fire Department and other area fire departments participated in grain bin safety training Friday." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Great Bend Fire Department and other area fire departments participated in grain bin safety training Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — Grain bins. As you look at them and think of their purpose, you don’t
always associate a danger with the large containers. Accidents and emergencies
happen with grain bins more frequently than you think. That’s a big reason why
staff from the Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training were in Great
Bend last Friday to show local firefighters the proper steps in rescuing anyone
that gets trapped in a grain bin. 
Shane Campbell, with OSU Fire Service Training in Stillwater, Oklahoma,
mentioned a lot agricultural families will send their children inside the grain
bins to clean off the top. "The best thing we can teach them is 
to not go in the grain bin unless you absolutely have to," said 
Campbell. "If you do, make sure you don't do it by yourself and have the
 proper gear and equipment to do it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663101061033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The local Farm Bureau sponsored the training at Great Bend Fire Department
Station #2 this past weekend. Fire Chief Luke McCormick was among several
firefighters that went into the grain bin modular, filled with pellets representing
grain, and practiced the steps of safely removing a victim. "That
 grain is very heavy," said McCormick. "As a person gets buried, even 
down to your knees or waist, the average person is not going to be able 
to get themselves out of that situation. The deeper they go and more 
they fight, the more the grain is going to get them entrapped. That 
makes it harder to breathe and harder to get out." 
Both Campbell and McCormick encouraged anyone going into a grain bin to make
use of a harness system. If the grain does collapse beneath your feet, the
harness will keep you suspended above the grain until help arrives.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Hear the full interviews with McCormick and Campbell below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3wxvh1vm/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

🎧Great Bend Fire Dept. learns the dangers of grain bin accidents

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently congratulated communities and businesses that will benefit from the deployment of the Great Plains Rural Freight Technology Corridor project on a key freight transport route in western Kansas.

The $14.6 million project will install 100 miles of fiber-optic cable and advanced technologies on a 100-mile stretch of U.S. 83 from southern Finney County to northern Thomas County. The resulting communication system will deliver real-time traffic, weather, and other operational information to commercial trucking to optimize freight routing.

“My administration is expanding innovative technology across rural areas of our state to improve safety, shore up our supply chain, and drive down the costs of transporting goods,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I commend the public and private collaboration responsible for securing the funding for a project that will improve delivery of agriculture products and other freight along an essential Kansas corridor.”

The Rural Freight Technology Corridor was heralded by Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam during a visit to the McCarty Family Farms flagship operation on U.S. 83 near Rexford in Thomas County. McCarty Farms’ letter of support helped the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) win a $6.7 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration, one of only 10 projects selected nationwide.

KDOT is providing $7.9 million in matching funds.

“To deliver for Kansas, transportation and ag need to be good partners,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“This project is one of several collaborations with Department of Ag, coming from last year’s HomeField Advantage conference where we focused on the intersection of ag, transportation and technology to make the Kansas economy work better today and into the future. This is a great project that improves freight flow, safety and could get broadband to rural areas more cost effectively.”

U.S. 83 is a major freight route, particularly for agriculture products, with about 5,000 commercial trucks using the route daily.

Secretary Lorenz said an important component of the project is providing opportunities to allow internet service providers in the area to install their cable now or in the future to save costs.

“Getting broadband to rural areas more cost effectively by leveraging the state’s right of way is smart,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“This will expand access to broadband and open more opportunities for Kansans to utilize technology in their homes and businesses.”

Secretary Beam emphasized that investing in rural Kansas benefits the agriculture industry.

“Enhanced connectivity in our highly productive but remote areas of the state is a continued challenge voiced by agriculture leaders in multiple sectors of our ag economy,”&nbsp;Secretary Beam said.&nbsp;“This cutting-edge service will make a significant impact to this important corridor in Kansas.”

Project technology includes sensors and cameras to provide real-time information to drivers such as weather conditions and traffic crashes. Truckers will access the information via hands-free devices. The information will also be available on KDOT’s KanDrive site for anyone to view and for trucking dispatch centers to relay conditions to drivers. The system will upgrade communication with emergency responders.

Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently congratulated communities and businesses that will benefit from the deployment of the Great Plains Rural Freight Technology Corridor project on a key freight transport route in western Kansas.The $14.6 million project will install 100 miles of fiber-optic cable and advanced technologies on a 100-mile stretch of U.S. 83 from southern Finney County to northern Thomas County. The resulting communication system will deliver real-time traffic, weather, and other operational information to commercial trucking to optimize freight routing.“My administration is expanding innovative technology across rural areas of our state to improve safety, shore up our supply chain, and drive down the costs of transporting goods,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I commend the public and private collaboration responsible for securing the funding for a project that will improve delivery of agriculture products and other freight along an essential Kansas corridor.”The Rural Freight Technology Corridor was heralded by Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam during a visit to the McCarty Family Farms flagship operation on U.S. 83 near Rexford in Thomas County. McCarty Farms’ letter of support helped the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) win a $6.7 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration, one of only 10 projects selected nationwide.KDOT is providing $7.9 million in matching funds.“To deliver for Kansas, transportation and ag need to be good partners,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“This project is one of several collaborations with Department of Ag, coming from last year’s HomeField Advantage conference where we focused on the intersection of ag, transportation and technology to make the Kansas economy work better today and into the future. This is a great project that improves freight flow, safety and could get broadband to rural areas more cost effectively.”U.S. 83 is a major freight route, particularly for agriculture products, with about 5,000 commercial trucks using the route daily.Secretary Lorenz said an important component of the project is providing opportunities to allow internet service providers in the area to install their cable now or in the future to save costs.“Getting broadband to rural areas more cost effectively by leveraging the state’s right of way is smart,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“This will expand access to broadband and open more opportunities for Kansans to utilize technology in their homes and businesses.”Secretary Beam emphasized that investing in rural Kansas benefits the agriculture industry.“Enhanced connectivity in our highly productive but remote areas of the state is a continued challenge voiced by agriculture leaders in multiple sectors of our ag economy,”&nbsp;Secretary Beam said.&nbsp;“This cutting-edge service will make a significant impact to this important corridor in Kansas.”Project technology includes sensors and cameras to provide real-time information to drivers such as weather conditions and traffic crashes. Truckers will access the information via hands-free devices. The information will also be available on KDOT’s KanDrive site for anyone to view and for trucking dispatch centers to relay conditions to drivers. The system will upgrade communication with emergency responders.

Kelly touts rural freight technology project in western Kansas

The Hays Police Department responded to 100 calls from Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 100 calls from Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663005462580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663005512482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663005568440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663005627699.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log Aug. 21-27

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662737157898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

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

“Kon'nichiwa.” That is hello in Japanese. Today, a shipment from the United States is arriving in Japan. It’s some samples of specialty, high quality pork produced by a family halfway around the globe in rural Kansas.

Kaden and Emily Roush are the owners of R Family Farms and a local grocery store in Lebanon, Kan. Kaden grew up in Lebanon on a crop and livestock farm. Five generations of his family have been involved in agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hog production was a major part of the Roush family operation until the hog market crash of the 1990s. As described by the family’s website: “However, out of the ashes sprang an opportunity for an energetic little boy, a few sows, and a 4-H project.”&nbsp;

Young Kaden Roush was that little boy.&nbsp;

Roush enrolled in the swine project in 4-H, raised pigs and showed them successfully at the county fair. Soon he was selling extra pigs to fellow 4-H members.&nbsp;

In the process, Roush developed a knack for livestock evaluation. He would develop and use those skills on the livestock judging teams at Allen Community College in Iola and then Kansas State University. The national judging team tours gave Roush the opportunity to observe diversity in agriculture and potential opportunities for marketing pork.&nbsp;

Roush soon met Emily. She was raised on a three-generation wheat, corn and soybean farm near the rural community of Iola, population 5,396 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Emily was active in FFA. After studying at Allen Community College, she finished her degree in agronomy at K-State and married Kaden. He earned a degree in agribusiness with a major in animal science.&nbsp;

Together, Kaden and Emily’s families embody more than two centuries of history of caring for the land and animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kaden and Emily thought about the opportunities for niche marketing of pork and decided to move back to his home area to launch a specialty hog enterprise. They named it R Family Farms. The Roush website states about Emily: “Although pigs were not her first love (or second, for that matter), she quickly grew to love them and joyfully welcomed them as a part of her future.”&nbsp;

The Roush’s vision was to educate consumers about where their food comes from while providing a world-class culinary experience. To do so, they chose to raise the Berkshire breed of hogs.&nbsp;

In 2015, R Family Farms broke ground on a new hog facility. The first Berkshire pigs arrived in January 2016. Today, R Family Farms is home to 75 sows that farrow all year long. The resulting litters are raised to market weight.&nbsp;About half of the meat is sold by private label and half to vendors in Missouri. In 2019, they shipped samples to Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kaden works as a loan officer at a local bank and Emily serves as Lebanon city clerk.&nbsp;

The family needed a specific outlet for their specialty Berkshire pork. They were supplying pork to a national chain of organic whole food stores when the chain cancelled their contract. It appeared to be a disaster.&nbsp;

Then they were contacted by Paradise Locker Meats in Paradise, Mo. That company was selling Berkshire pork to high-end restaurants and suddenly found that their source could not supply it.&nbsp;

“It was divine intervention,” Emily said. “We lost our contract and he’d lost his supplier.&nbsp;&nbsp;He needed the number of hogs that we had.”&nbsp;

The Roush’s farm supplied the pork and Paradise Locker Meats filled the order. The two businesses have worked together ever since.&nbsp;

Today, R Family Farms is using old-style outdoor production practices combined with modern day technology to bring superior quality pork to market.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rfamilyfarmsks.com/">www.rfamilyfarmsks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s time to leave Japan, which was the recipient of these Berkshire pork samples produced halfway around the world in Kansas. We salute Kaden and Emily Roush of R Family Farms for making a difference with innovative marketing of their products.&nbsp;

It’s time to say goodbye – or as they say in Japan, “Sayonara.”&nbsp;

And there’s more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that the Roush family owns a grocery store?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662555942364.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-09-07 at 8.05.22 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2022-09-07 at 8.05.22 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Kon'nichiwa.” That is hello in Japanese. Today, a shipment from the United States is arriving in Japan. It’s some samples of specialty, high quality pork produced by a family halfway around the globe in rural Kansas.Kaden and Emily Roush are the owners of R Family Farms and a local grocery store in Lebanon, Kan. Kaden grew up in Lebanon on a crop and livestock farm. Five generations of his family have been involved in agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hog production was a major part of the Roush family operation until the hog market crash of the 1990s. As described by the family’s website: “However, out of the ashes sprang an opportunity for an energetic little boy, a few sows, and a 4-H project.”&nbsp;Young Kaden Roush was that little boy.&nbsp;Roush enrolled in the swine project in 4-H, raised pigs and showed them successfully at the county fair. Soon he was selling extra pigs to fellow 4-H members.&nbsp;In the process, Roush developed a knack for livestock evaluation. He would develop and use those skills on the livestock judging teams at Allen Community College in Iola and then Kansas State University. The national judging team tours gave Roush the opportunity to observe diversity in agriculture and potential opportunities for marketing pork.&nbsp;Roush soon met Emily. She was raised on a three-generation wheat, corn and soybean farm near the rural community of Iola, population 5,396 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Emily was active in FFA. After studying at Allen Community College, she finished her degree in agronomy at K-State and married Kaden. He earned a degree in agribusiness with a major in animal science.&nbsp;Together, Kaden and Emily’s families embody more than two centuries of history of caring for the land and animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaden and Emily thought about the opportunities for niche marketing of pork and decided to move back to his home area to launch a specialty hog enterprise. They named it R Family Farms. The Roush website states about Emily: “Although pigs were not her first love (or second, for that matter), she quickly grew to love them and joyfully welcomed them as a part of her future.”&nbsp;The Roush’s vision was to educate consumers about where their food comes from while providing a world-class culinary experience. To do so, they chose to raise the Berkshire breed of hogs.&nbsp;In 2015, R Family Farms broke ground on a new hog facility. The first Berkshire pigs arrived in January 2016. Today, R Family Farms is home to 75 sows that farrow all year long. The resulting litters are raised to market weight.&nbsp;About half of the meat is sold by private label and half to vendors in Missouri. In 2019, they shipped samples to Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kaden works as a loan officer at a local bank and Emily serves as Lebanon city clerk.&nbsp;The family needed a specific outlet for their specialty Berkshire pork. They were supplying pork to a national chain of organic whole food stores when the chain cancelled their contract. It appeared to be a disaster.&nbsp;Then they were contacted by Paradise Locker Meats in Paradise, Mo. That company was selling Berkshire pork to high-end restaurants and suddenly found that their source could not supply it.&nbsp;“It was divine intervention,” Emily said. “We lost our contract and he’d lost his supplier.&nbsp;&nbsp;He needed the number of hogs that we had.”&nbsp;The Roush’s farm supplied the pork and Paradise Locker Meats filled the order. The two businesses have worked together ever since.&nbsp;Today, R Family Farms is using old-style outdoor production practices combined with modern day technology to bring superior quality pork to market.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rfamilyfarmsks.com/">www.rfamilyfarmsks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s time to leave Japan, which was the recipient of these Berkshire pork samples produced halfway around the world in Kansas. We salute Kaden and Emily Roush of R Family Farms for making a difference with innovative marketing of their products.&nbsp;It’s time to say goodbye – or as they say in Japan, “Sayonara.”&nbsp;And there’s more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that the Roush family owns a grocery store?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kaden and Emily Roush, R Family Farms 

Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School has announced the following 2022 Homecoming Court.

The 2022 Homecoming Court, pictured from left to right, are:

Landon&nbsp;Rozean&nbsp;and Julianna&nbsp;Baalmann&nbsp;–&nbsp;Landon is the son of Travis &amp; Jill (Class of 1996) (Werth)&nbsp;Rozean, and Julianna is the daughter of Justin and Michele&nbsp;Baalmann.

Kade Harris and Sophia Allen–&nbsp;Kade is the son of Jay and Kris Harris, and Sophia is the daughter of Matt (Class of 2001) &amp;&nbsp;Lindsy&nbsp;(Class of 2003) (Steinert) Allen.

Jensen&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;&amp; Janessa Pfeifer –&nbsp;Jensen is the son of Jeff (Class of 1994) &amp; Julie (Class of 1996) (Moeder)&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;and Janessa is the daughter of Jay &amp; the late Bobbie Pfeifer.

Michael Hale &amp; Jenna&nbsp;Schlyer&nbsp;–&nbsp;Michael is the son of Steven &amp; the late Amy Hale, and Jenna is the daughter of Mike &amp; Michelle (Class of 1997) (Hertel)&nbsp;Schlyer.

Garrett&nbsp;Feauto&nbsp;&amp; Arin&nbsp;Schibi&nbsp;–&nbsp;Garrett is the son of Bryan (Class of 1990) &amp; Amy&nbsp;Feauto, and Arin is the daughter of Eric (Class of 1992) &amp; Kelly (Class of 1992) (Feauto)&nbsp;Schibi.

The 2022 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Friday,&nbsp;Sept. 23, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Scott City Beavers at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663013286945.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School has announced the following 2022 Homecoming Court.The 2022 Homecoming Court, pictured from left to right, are:Landon&nbsp;Rozean&nbsp;and Julianna&nbsp;Baalmann&nbsp;–&nbsp;Landon is the son of Travis &amp; Jill (Class of 1996) (Werth)&nbsp;Rozean, and Julianna is the daughter of Justin and Michele&nbsp;Baalmann.Kade Harris and Sophia Allen–&nbsp;Kade is the son of Jay and Kris Harris, and Sophia is the daughter of Matt (Class of 2001) &amp;&nbsp;Lindsy&nbsp;(Class of 2003) (Steinert) Allen.Jensen&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;&amp; Janessa Pfeifer –&nbsp;Jensen is the son of Jeff (Class of 1994) &amp; Julie (Class of 1996) (Moeder)&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;and Janessa is the daughter of Jay &amp; the late Bobbie Pfeifer.Michael Hale &amp; Jenna&nbsp;Schlyer&nbsp;–&nbsp;Michael is the son of Steven &amp; the late Amy Hale, and Jenna is the daughter of Mike &amp; Michelle (Class of 1997) (Hertel)&nbsp;Schlyer.Garrett&nbsp;Feauto&nbsp;&amp; Arin&nbsp;Schibi&nbsp;–&nbsp;Garrett is the son of Bryan (Class of 1990) &amp; Amy&nbsp;Feauto, and Arin is the daughter of Eric (Class of 1992) &amp; Kelly (Class of 1992) (Feauto)&nbsp;Schibi.The 2022 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Friday,&nbsp;Sept. 23, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Scott City Beavers at 7 p.m.

Thomas More Prep-Marian announces 2022 Homecoming Court

Back and in full force after two years of pandemic limitations, the annual Rockalooa Music Festival will return to Hays at noon Sept. 24 at Municipal Park in Hays.

This
year marks the eighth year of the event and the third time as a full outdoor
festival.

The free music festival will feature ten live bands throughout the day along
with a variety of family-friendly activities, food trucks and a beer garden,
according to organizer Matt Isley.

“We're
going to have art booths, commercial vendors, and art vendors are going to have
some live art, some live muralist, as well as a community art board,” Isley
said. “Last year in 2021, we had a community art board where people could go up
and paint on it or draw on it or whatever. And it was a big hit.”

The
board has been on display at the Downtown visitors center since and will return
to the festival to be reimagined for 2022.

This
year’s lineup includes bands from Hays and the across the Midwest and various
musical styles, including, The Fey, Vehicles, Starslinger, Stone the Thrones,
Tree Kitty, Miles on End, Flyover, 80 Proof Alice and Mid-Engine.

“Each
band will have 30 minutes,” Isley said. “The couple of co-headliners there at
the end will have 45 minutes, something like that. So, the sets are pretty
palatable.”

This
year will mark the second for Lincoln, Neb.-based The Fey

“They
played last year, but this year, they're headlining,” Isley said. “We had a lot
of really good comments about them, and people liked them a lot.”

Wichita-based
Vehicles is also a returning band and is currently promoting a recent album
release.

Stone
the Thrones previously played a fundraiser show for the main event last year.

“We
get to put them on the main stage this year,” Isley said. “And we're excited to
have them for that. They're kind of a heavier rock group, but there's some
fusion in there.”

Starslinger,
he said, is an active local alternative rock band.

Flyover
is a newer Hays band and also played in the fundraiser show.

“They
impressed me, and I'm excited for them to get on the Rockalooa stage this
year,” Isley said.

Hays-based
Tree Kitty and Miles on End have been a staple of Rockalooa events and will
again perform.

Also
from Hays, 80 Proof Alice, a husband and wife bluegrass duo and organizers of
the Lovegrass Music festival, will perform.

“And
then finally, Mid-Engine is a relatively new band here in Hays,” Isley said.
“They played our fundraiser show also this past spring, and so we're gonna have
them on the lineup as well.”

The
10th band is to be determined after a last-minute cancelation with a scheduled
group.

“We're
trying to pick up another cool act for that slot,” Isley said. “We have a few
leads out, and we hope to be printing the finalized poster any day now.”

Isley
said he and the bands are excited to see the festival back at full force after
the pandemic canceled the 2020 event and forced a smaller event last year.

"Back
in 2019, we had lots of art vendors, and we had some live art and all that,” he
said. “And, of course, the pandemic happened. As we came out of that, we
haven't really done a big vendor booth area. Since then, and hopefully this
year, there's plenty of stuff for people to look at and see and purchase and
check out.”

“That's
kind of the point is one,” he continued. “It kind of uplifted some of the local
artists to a place to show their stuff, but it also gives our attendees
something to do between sets and during sets. And while they're listening to
the music, they can check out some cool visual art as well.”

The
event is made possible and free for the public thanks to the sponsors, but even
with the event approaching, he said there is still time to get involved.

“We
can definitely still get some sponsors on a number of promotional items, so we
can help each other out,” Isley said. “But we have a whole bunch of sponsors
this year. We have a handful of new ones that we are newly partnering with this
year. So, we're really excited that we're growing in that way. It really helps
put on the event and puts us a little more at ease.”

He
said volunteers to work the event in various capacities are also welcome, along
with additional food vendors that would like to set up during the festival.

<a href="https://rockhays.com/getinvolved">Anyone interested in signing up can
visit the Get Involved page of the Rockalooa.com website.</a>

“There's
also a big button for it on the homepage, get involved,” Isley said. “There,
you can sign up to be an artist or a commercial vendor in our vendor row. You
can sign up to be a volunteer, which we always need lots of help to get it
going to make it all happen.”

Merchandise
is also available on the website, he said, including tee-shirts that help
support the event through the non-profit Midway Music Corp.

“We
sell shirts every year that feature the poster design,” Isley said. “This year,
the motif, the theme, is Blue Light Lady. And so that same poster design is
going to be on the T-shirts.”

For
more information about Rockalooa 2022, visit the website, rockhays.com<a href="http://facebook.com/ROCKALOOA" target="_blank">, facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/rockalooa" target="_blank">instagram</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Rockalooa" target="_blank">twitter.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572532952.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostBack and in full force after two years of pandemic limitations, the annual Rockalooa Music Festival will return to Hays at noon Sept. 24 at Municipal Park in Hays.This
year marks the eighth year of the event and the third time as a full outdoor
festival.The free music festival will feature ten live bands throughout the day along
with a variety of family-friendly activities, food trucks and a beer garden,
according to organizer Matt Isley.“We're
going to have art booths, commercial vendors, and art vendors are going to have
some live art, some live muralist, as well as a community art board,” Isley
said. “Last year in 2021, we had a community art board where people could go up
and paint on it or draw on it or whatever. And it was a big hit.”The
board has been on display at the Downtown visitors center since and will return
to the festival to be reimagined for 2022.This
year’s lineup includes bands from Hays and the across the Midwest and various
musical styles, including, The Fey, Vehicles, Starslinger, Stone the Thrones,
Tree Kitty, Miles on End, Flyover, 80 Proof Alice and Mid-Engine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572591249.jpeg" alt="Matt Isley performing in the band Dangerously Biased at Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Matt Isley performing in the band Dangerously Biased at Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>“Each
band will have 30 minutes,” Isley said. “The couple of co-headliners there at
the end will have 45 minutes, something like that. So, the sets are pretty
palatable.”This
year will mark the second for Lincoln, Neb.-based The Fey“They
played last year, but this year, they're headlining,” Isley said. “We had a lot
of really good comments about them, and people liked them a lot.”Wichita-based
Vehicles is also a returning band and is currently promoting a recent album
release.Stone
the Thrones previously played a fundraiser show for the main event last year.“We
get to put them on the main stage this year,” Isley said. “And we're excited to
have them for that. They're kind of a heavier rock group, but there's some
fusion in there.”Starslinger,
he said, is an active local alternative rock band.Flyover
is a newer Hays band and also played in the fundraiser show.“They
impressed me, and I'm excited for them to get on the Rockalooa stage this
year,” Isley said.Hays-based
Tree Kitty and Miles on End have been a staple of Rockalooa events and will
again perform.Also
from Hays, 80 Proof Alice, a husband and wife bluegrass duo and organizers of
the Lovegrass Music festival, will perform.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572812460.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>“And
then finally, Mid-Engine is a relatively new band here in Hays,” Isley said.
“They played our fundraiser show also this past spring, and so we're gonna have
them on the lineup as well.”The
10th band is to be determined after a last-minute cancelation with a scheduled
group.“We're
trying to pick up another cool act for that slot,” Isley said. “We have a few
leads out, and we hope to be printing the finalized poster any day now.”Isley
said he and the bands are excited to see the festival back at full force after
the pandemic canceled the 2020 event and forced a smaller event last year."Back
in 2019, we had lots of art vendors, and we had some live art and all that,” he
said. “And, of course, the pandemic happened. As we came out of that, we
haven't really done a big vendor booth area. Since then, and hopefully this
year, there's plenty of stuff for people to look at and see and purchase and
check out.”“That's
kind of the point is one,” he continued. “It kind of uplifted some of the local
artists to a place to show their stuff, but it also gives our attendees
something to do between sets and during sets. And while they're listening to
the music, they can check out some cool visual art as well.”The
event is made possible and free for the public thanks to the sponsors, but even
with the event approaching, he said there is still time to get involved.“We
can definitely still get some sponsors on a number of promotional items, so we
can help each other out,” Isley said. “But we have a whole bunch of sponsors
this year. We have a handful of new ones that we are newly partnering with this
year. So, we're really excited that we're growing in that way. It really helps
put on the event and puts us a little more at ease.”He
said volunteers to work the event in various capacities are also welcome, along
with additional food vendors that would like to set up during the festival.<a href="https://rockhays.com/getinvolved">Anyone interested in signing up can
visit the Get Involved page of the Rockalooa.com website.</a>“There's
also a big button for it on the homepage, get involved,” Isley said. “There,
you can sign up to be an artist or a commercial vendor in our vendor row. You
can sign up to be a volunteer, which we always need lots of help to get it
going to make it all happen.”Merchandise
is also available on the website, he said, including tee-shirts that help
support the event through the non-profit Midway Music Corp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572909115.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2022" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>“We
sell shirts every year that feature the poster design,” Isley said. “This year,
the motif, the theme, is Blue Light Lady. And so that same poster design is
going to be on the T-shirts.”For
more information about Rockalooa 2022, visit the website, rockhays.com<a href="http://facebook.com/ROCKALOOA" target="_blank">, facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/rockalooa" target="_blank">instagram</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Rockalooa" target="_blank">twitter.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572509351.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>

Rockalooa returns to Hays this month

A second small earthquake was detected in northwest Kansas on Monday morning.

At 8:09 a.m. Monday, the Kansas Geological Survey recorded a 2.2-magnitude quake in Osborne County, just east of the Rooks County line. At 9:27 a.m., a 2.1-magnitude quake was detected in Ellis County, just south of the Rooks County line.

There have been 17 measurable earthquakes in northwest Kansas since the beginning of August, according to KGS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662996393356.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A second small earthquake was detected in northwest Kansas on Monday morning.At 8:09 a.m. Monday, the Kansas Geological Survey recorded a 2.2-magnitude quake in Osborne County, just east of the Rooks County line. At 9:27 a.m., a 2.1-magnitude quake was detected in Ellis County, just south of the Rooks County line.There have been 17 measurable earthquakes in northwest Kansas since the beginning of August, according to KGS.

Second small quake detected Monday in Ellis County

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Rosemary Hillman is a good sport while talking about the intricacies of living a long life.

“At my age, who can remember anything for very long?” she asked with a laugh recently.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824783907.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman's family gathered for her 95th birthday in August, celebrating at the church where many family memories were made over several decades. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman's family gathered for her 95th birthday in August, celebrating at the church where many family memories were made over several decades. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostRosemary Hillman is a good sport while talking about the intricacies of living a long life.“At my age, who can remember anything for very long?” she asked with a laugh recently.But it’s a sure bet that the Hays woman will remember her latest family celebration for a long time.In August, Rosemary (Rose to most who know her) celebrated her 95th birthday with all her immediate family present – in the church in which she has enough special memories to fill a pew or two.More than 30 Hillman family members gathered on Aug. 6 - two days after Rose's birthday — at the Chapel of Doves. The quaint little church sits on the property of the Rock Haven Spa &amp; Salon near the small Ellis County community of Schoenchen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824821958.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman's great-grandchildren donned fireman hats for a photo opp with her birthday cake that featured 95 lit candles. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman's great-grandchildren donned fireman hats for a photo opp with her birthday cake that featured 95 lit candles. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s the same building where Rose attended as a youngster in rural Graham County, then named Mount Pleasant Church. It was where she married Bob Hillman in 1947 on his 20th birthday. And it was where she and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. They were married for 57 years before Bob died in 2004.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662833567532.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman ducks as guests throw rice on her and her husband, Bob, as they leave the Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County on their wedding day in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman ducks as guests throw rice on her and her husband, Bob, as they leave the Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County on their wedding day in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>The church has been moved several times, from its original 1909 construction site to another Graham County spot in 1924, then to the Frontier City area in northwest Hays in 1990, and finally to its current location in 2019.But Rose will tell you the church – and all it stands for – is the same special place it has always been for her and her family.“I was practically born there, definitely grew up there,” said Rose, the youngest of five children born to Ray and Lois Noah. “We made a lot of memories in that church.”She talked of days gone by, when she was a youngster and attended church at Mount Pleasant. She explained how her father would travel to church early on Sunday mornings to light the stove and have it ready for the congregation when it appeared for services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662833586224.jpeg" alt="Rose and Bob Hillman, who were married at Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose and Bob Hillman, who were married at Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>Rose admits her 90th birthday bash back in 2017 was one for the ages, too.But she has been looking forward to this get-together for more than six months after her daughter, Sherry Crow from Hays, suggested having the party In the Chapel of Doves – so named because of 140 ceramic doves that adorn the walls of the church.Sherry said she decided not to have a surprise party because she wanted her mother to enjoy the preparation leading up to the big event.“I knew she would have so much fun looking forward to this,” Sherry said. “When we first thought of all this, we were thinking that would be a great place to have Mom’s 100th birthday. Then we decided, ‘Why wait?’ ”“I told everyone this is something far better to come together for than a funeral,” Rose quipped.Family came from near and far, including New Orleans and Oregon, to help Rose celebrate. Both her sons, Larry from Norton and Jarry from Enid., Okla., were there with their spouses, joining youngest sibling Sherry and her husband on their mother’s special occasion. All of Rose’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren also were able to attend.Four family members – two grandchildren and two spouses of her grandchildren – are licensed ministers.They each gave a sermon centering on the characteristics of Rose that remind them of Jesus – 1) generosity and hospitality; 2) sacrifice; 3) joy and sense of humor; and 4) children love.Rose, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family as well, reciting one of her favorite verses from the Bible (Romans 10:9).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824807514.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family at her birthday party. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family at her birthday party. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>“If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” she told her attentive audience.In looking back, Rose said she is grateful for many things: her family, good health and a friendship she formed with Dereama Allenbaugh in a small-group session at Celebration Community Church in Hays.Allenbaugh is the owner of Rock Haven Spa and the one who decided to move the building to her property to restore and preserve the church.“We thought this would be the perfect place to have small weddings and other special occasions,” Allenbaugh said of the church, which holds about 60 people. “We wanted to move it here and use it for what it was meant to be used for – making memories.”Memories like those for Rose Hillman, who is still having a hard time today explaining what this particular birthday party meant to her.“It was special … special … special,” she said, admitting that she is looking forward to more special birthdays. “I’m working on 96 now.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824840116.jpeg" alt="The church where Rose Hillman attended many a service over the years in Graham County now sits in a serene setting in rural Ellis County near Schoenchen. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>The church where Rose Hillman attended many a service over the years in Graham County now sits in a serene setting in rural Ellis County near Schoenchen. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Local