By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Traffic will greatly increase on East 13th Street when the new Hays High School is built just east of the current building and the existing facility is reconstructed as Hays Middle School.

City commissioners unanimously approved three agenda items during their meeting last week to improve that traffic flow.

The Hays USD 489 property where the new high school will be built, 2500 East 13th, was annexed into the city and rezoned from agriculture district to public institutional district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A $120,000 design contract with MKEC Engineering of Overland Park - which is already working with the school district on the high school project - was approved for reconstructing and widening 13th Street between Anthony Drive and Commerce Parkway. The 3,5oo ft. segment is currently maintained by Ellis County and is an arterial road, carrying about 3,500 vehicles per day.

The street will be widened to 36 ft. when completed, according to Jesse Rohr, public works director.

"The street itself is currently two lanes wide, asphalt, with no shoulders," Rohr said.&nbsp;

"When we're done we intend on having a three-lane asphalt street there with three-foot shoulders. We will also extend the pedestrian and multi-use path along the north side of the street. It will extend the full length of the project and be eight-foot wide going out to Commerce Parkway."

Rohr expects design to begin this spring with bid letting by the end of the year. Construction would start in the spring of 2024 and be completed by the end of next year.&nbsp;

Although concrete is now being used to build most city streets, Rohr said the existing asphalt road is in good shape and so it will remain asphalt.&nbsp;

Total estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million.

The city received a Kansas Department of Transportation cost share grant to cover $1.2 million of the cost. The city's share of $750,000 is included in the capital improvement plan in the 2023 budget. Ellis County has budgeted $500,000 in participating funds.&nbsp;

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs commended the financial partnership between the city and county for the reconstruction project.&nbsp;

"It's going to be very necessary with the new school and the middle school moving out there," Jacobs said. "I just appreciate the commitment from the county."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Not only for the school district, it's time [to widen the street] for the city, for the county, for all the people living out there, and new housing," Commissioner Shaun Musil added.

Once completed, the city will take ownership of the road section and be responsible for its maintenance.&nbsp;

Ron Wilson, USD 489 Superintendent, was in the audience and told commissioners the district improvements financed by the new bond issue are "on pace."

In other business, commissioners approved a $3.2 million bid from RDH Electric &amp; Construction, Hays, for construction of a new building at the south end of the hanger area to house the airport's snow removal equipment. The current building was constructed in 1996 when Hays Regional Airport had just two pieces of snow removal equipment.&nbsp; There are now seven pieces in the fleet. The bid was below the engineer's estimate.

The building project and the associated construction engineering contract with Burns &amp; McDonnell for $385,000 are both eligible for a 90/10 match with the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;

Total project cost is $3.95 million dollars with the city's share being $456,000.&nbsp;

Once the FAA grants are awarded, construction could begin as early as this summer.

In other business, commissioners approved the low bid of $321,000 from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, for lining 10,000 linear feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer line.&nbsp; Cleaning and inspection of sewer lines has been performed by contractors annually since 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A public hearing, which brought no comments, was held for special assessments of  water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street improvements in the King's Gate 2nd Addition Improvement District.&nbsp;

The 22 homeowners' assessments will be $21,363 per lot.

At the start of the meeting, one agenda item, a nuisance abatement for 1700 Marshall Road, was removed by Mayor Mason Ruder with no comment.

Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679346493881.png" alt="13th Street between Anthony Drive and Canterbury Road will be widened to three lanes to accommodate increased traffic for the new Hays High School and Hays Middle School. (City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>13th Street between Anthony Drive and Canterbury Road will be widened to three lanes to accommodate increased traffic for the new Hays High School and Hays Middle School. (City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostTraffic will greatly increase on East 13th Street when the new Hays High School is built just east of the current building and the existing facility is reconstructed as Hays Middle School.City commissioners unanimously approved three agenda items during their meeting last week to improve that traffic flow.The Hays USD 489 property where the new high school will be built, 2500 East 13th, was annexed into the city and rezoned from agriculture district to public institutional district.&nbsp;&nbsp;A $120,000 design contract with MKEC Engineering of Overland Park - which is already working with the school district on the high school project - was approved for reconstructing and widening 13th Street between Anthony Drive and Commerce Parkway. The 3,5oo ft. segment is currently maintained by Ellis County and is an arterial road, carrying about 3,500 vehicles per day.The street will be widened to 36 ft. when completed, according to Jesse Rohr, public works director."The street itself is currently two lanes wide, asphalt, with no shoulders," Rohr said.&nbsp;"When we're done we intend on having a three-lane asphalt street there with three-foot shoulders. We will also extend the pedestrian and multi-use path along the north side of the street. It will extend the full length of the project and be eight-foot wide going out to Commerce Parkway."<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/jPLTyIE8-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="13th Street Widen Rohr" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Rohr expects design to begin this spring with bid letting by the end of the year. Construction would start in the spring of 2024 and be completed by the end of next year.&nbsp;Although concrete is now being used to build most city streets, Rohr said the existing asphalt road is in good shape and so it will remain asphalt.&nbsp;Total estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million.The city received a Kansas Department of Transportation cost share grant to cover $1.2 million of the cost. The city's share of $750,000 is included in the capital improvement plan in the 2023 budget. Ellis County has budgeted $500,000 in participating funds.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679881822699.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioner Sandy Jacobs commended the financial partnership between the city and county for the reconstruction project.&nbsp;"It's going to be very necessary with the new school and the middle school moving out there," Jacobs said. "I just appreciate the commitment from the county."&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not only for the school district, it's time [to widen the street] for the city, for the county, for all the people living out there, and new housing," Commissioner Shaun Musil added.Once completed, the city will take ownership of the road section and be responsible for its maintenance.&nbsp;Ron Wilson, USD 489 Superintendent, was in the audience and told commissioners the district improvements financed by the new bond issue are "on pace."In other business, commissioners approved a $3.2 million bid from RDH Electric &amp; Construction, Hays, for construction of a new building at the south end of the hanger area to house the airport's snow removal equipment. The current building was constructed in 1996 when Hays Regional Airport had just two pieces of snow removal equipment.&nbsp; There are now seven pieces in the fleet. The bid was below the engineer's estimate.The building project and the associated construction engineering contract with Burns &amp; McDonnell for $385,000 are both eligible for a 90/10 match with the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;Total project cost is $3.95 million dollars with the city's share being $456,000.&nbsp;Once the FAA grants are awarded, construction could begin as early as this summer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679881626945.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>In other business, commissioners approved the low bid of $321,000 from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, for lining 10,000 linear feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer line.&nbsp; Cleaning and inspection of sewer lines has been performed by contractors annually since 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;A public hearing, which brought no comments, was held for special assessments of water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street improvements in the King's Gate 2nd Addition Improvement District.&nbsp;The 22 homeowners' assessments will be $21,363 per lot.At the start of the meeting, one agenda item, a nuisance abatement for 1700 Marshall Road, was removed by Mayor Mason Ruder with no comment.Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.

🎥 Anticipating increased school traffic, East 13th Street to be widened in Hays

Fort Hays State University women's basketball will have a new, but very 
familiar face as its leader going into the 2023-24 season. On Monday, head coach <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>
 announced his retirement after putting together a phenomenal career 
record of 745-227 in 31 seasons as a collegiate head coach, including a 
332-121 mark over 15 years that made him the winningest coach in Fort 
Hays State program history. The university and Director of Athletics 
Curtis Hammeke looked no further than the individual who has been 
instrumental in helping Hobson build the program into one of the 
strongest in NCAA Division II the last 11 years. Assistant coach <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/talia-kahrs/1137">Talia Kahrs</a> will elevate into the role of head coach. 
A press conference to officially introduce Kahrs as the next 
head coach will be held on Thursday, April 13, at the FHSU Memorial Union
 Lobby at 5 p.m. On Saturday, April 15, the university will be holding a
 celebration of <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>'s
 coaching career at the Robbins Center at 11 a.m. The delay for these 
in-person celebrations is to allow for family members to be in 
attendance. 
Hobson has elevated the FHSU women's basketball program to heights it 
never saw at the NCAA Division II level prior to his arrival, serving as
 head coach from 2008 to 2023. The program has won 20 or more games in 
12-straight seasons going back to the 2011-12 campaign, which is the 
longest-running streak in NCAA Division II. He guided the Tigers to 30 
or more wins three times and the Tigers were the No. 1 seed in the 
Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament four times under Hobson's 
leadership, making the regional final three times (2015, 2019, 2022) and
 the regional semifinals twice. FHSU was an NCAA Tournament qualifier 
seven of the last nine years after qualifying for the NCAA national 
tournament just once before Hobson became head coach. 
The Tigers enjoyed six MIAA Championships under Hobson's guidance, which
 included four regular season titles (2015, 2019, 2021, 2022) and two 
tournament titles (2019, 2022). He was the MIAA Women's Basketball Coach
 of the Year four times (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021). Hobson was also the 
WBCA Regional Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2019 and was named the 
Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Four-Year College Coach of the 
Year in 2019 and 2022. 
"Tony has done an outstanding job with our women's basketball program 
over the past 15 years," said Hammeke. "Our program has become 
consistently competitive at the conference, regional, and national 
levels during his tenure." 
Hobson started his career as head coach at Cloud County (Kan.) Community
 College in 1983-84, where he coached for six years. Eventually, he 
became head coach at Barton County (Kan.) Community College for three 
years from 1997 to 2000. Hobson notched 202 wins as a head coach in nine
 years as a junior college head coach. He then moved on to Hastings 
College (Neb.), where he put together a national powerhouse program at 
the NAIA level for seven years from 2001 to 2008. Hastings won three 
NAIA national titles (2002, 2003, 2006) under Hobson's guidance and won 
211 games, reaching the 30-win plateau in five of his seven seasons. 
Hobson then came to FHSU, where he enjoyed his longest tenure as a head 
coach and tacked on 332 wins to his career total of 745. 
"Everybody in their career knows this time will come, and hopefully you 
get to go out on your own terms like I get to," said Hobson. "It's good 
timing for me to retire. I always hoped I'd be able to leave a really 
good team and have somebody take over for me that I'm confident in and 
will take really good care of that group that I'm leaving. Both of those
 things have happened. We've been able to sustain success for a long 
period of time and hopefully the way we are transitioning into this next
 phase of the program will give us the best chance of keeping that 
going. This is a great group of players we have right now and I think 
it's going to be about as seamless of a transition as possible." 
Helping Hobson push FHSU to new heights in the NCAA Division II realm since the 2012-13 season has been FHSU graduate <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/talia-kahrs/1137">Talia Kahrs</a>
 (formerly Miller), who played for Hobson at FHSU from 2008-11. She then
 served as a student assistant coach in 2011-12 and elevated to 
assistant coach in 2012-13, highly instrumental in the success of the 
team and several great players that have been a part of the program the 
last 12 years. She has been here as both a player and coach during 
Hobson's entire 15-year tenure at FHSU. 
"I really believe in Talia," said Hobson. "She is a really intelligent, 
hard-working person and one of the more unselfish individuals I've ever 
been around. I know she has the players' respect and I think that is of 
utmost importance. She has turned into a really good recruiter, and to 
recruit kids you have to be genuine and she is that. You can't try to be
 something you're not because kids are smart, they figure that out. As 
far as X's and O's go, she's on top of it. The hard part of coaching is 
getting individuals here that fit into what you want to do, on and off 
the court. Talia has been one of the main reasons why we have been able 
to sustain what we have going here at FHSU because we have stability as a
 coaching staff. She has had plenty of interest from the outside the 
last few years and she has been very patient on doing her job at a very 
high level, waiting for her opportunity. As much of I think of her as a 
coach, I think even more highly of her as a person. I think she will do 
an excellent job." 
The Tigers have garnered 42 All-MIAA selections while Kahrs has been on 
the sideline with Hobson since 2011 to go with the six conference 
championships and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. They have also 
coached three All-America players in that span, including Kate Lehman, 
Tatyana Legette, and <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaden-hobbs/6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>. Lehman and Legette also garnered MIAA Player of the Year honors in their time as Tigers. 
"I'm just really thankful for this opportunity and to have spent as much
 time as I have with Tony. To learn under him with as successful as he 
has been over the years," said Kahrs. "I'm thankful for the way he 
allowed me to do more in my role as assistant over the years to get me 
to this point where I feel confident that I'm prepared to be head coach.
 I'm very excited and willing to take the opportunity to lead this group
 of women, a team that we've worked really hard to put together." 
"Talia possesses all the traits we want to see in a coach to lead our 
program forward," said Hammeke. "She is passionate, knowledgeable, 
enthusiastic, and has a strong work ethic. These characteristics coupled
 with her personality, love for the game, and care for our 
student-athletes, makes her well suited to take over where Tony left 
off." 
Kahrs will be the seventh head coach of women's basketball at Fort Hays State since 1969.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679968005868.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State University women's basketball will have a new, but very 
familiar face as its leader going into the 2023-24 season. On Monday, head coach <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>
 announced his retirement after putting together a phenomenal career 
record of 745-227 in 31 seasons as a collegiate head coach, including a 
332-121 mark over 15 years that made him the winningest coach in Fort 
Hays State program history. The university and Director of Athletics 
Curtis Hammeke looked no further than the individual who has been 
instrumental in helping Hobson build the program into one of the 
strongest in NCAA Division II the last 11 years. Assistant coach <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/talia-kahrs/1137">Talia Kahrs</a> will elevate into the role of head coach. 
A press conference to officially introduce Kahrs as the next 
head coach will be held on Thursday, April 13, at the FHSU Memorial Union
 Lobby at 5 p.m. On Saturday, April 15, the university will be holding a
 celebration of <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>'s
 coaching career at the Robbins Center at 11 a.m. The delay for these 
in-person celebrations is to allow for family members to be in 
attendance. 
Hobson has elevated the FHSU women's basketball program to heights it 
never saw at the NCAA Division II level prior to his arrival, serving as
 head coach from 2008 to 2023. The program has won 20 or more games in 
12-straight seasons going back to the 2011-12 campaign, which is the 
longest-running streak in NCAA Division II. He guided the Tigers to 30 
or more wins three times and the Tigers were the No. 1 seed in the 
Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament four times under Hobson's 
leadership, making the regional final three times (2015, 2019, 2022) and
 the regional semifinals twice. FHSU was an NCAA Tournament qualifier 
seven of the last nine years after qualifying for the NCAA national 
tournament just once before Hobson became head coach. 
The Tigers enjoyed six MIAA Championships under Hobson's guidance, which
 included four regular season titles (2015, 2019, 2021, 2022) and two 
tournament titles (2019, 2022). He was the MIAA Women's Basketball Coach
 of the Year four times (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021). Hobson was also the 
WBCA Regional Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2019 and was named the 
Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Four-Year College Coach of the 
Year in 2019 and 2022. 
"Tony has done an outstanding job with our women's basketball program 
over the past 15 years," said Hammeke. "Our program has become 
consistently competitive at the conference, regional, and national 
levels during his tenure." 
Hobson started his career as head coach at Cloud County (Kan.) Community
 College in 1983-84, where he coached for six years. Eventually, he 
became head coach at Barton County (Kan.) Community College for three 
years from 1997 to 2000. Hobson notched 202 wins as a head coach in nine
 years as a junior college head coach. He then moved on to Hastings 
College (Neb.), where he put together a national powerhouse program at 
the NAIA level for seven years from 2001 to 2008. Hastings won three 
NAIA national titles (2002, 2003, 2006) under Hobson's guidance and won 
211 games, reaching the 30-win plateau in five of his seven seasons. 
Hobson then came to FHSU, where he enjoyed his longest tenure as a head 
coach and tacked on 332 wins to his career total of 745. 
"Everybody in their career knows this time will come, and hopefully you 
get to go out on your own terms like I get to," said Hobson. "It's good 
timing for me to retire. I always hoped I'd be able to leave a really 
good team and have somebody take over for me that I'm confident in and 
will take really good care of that group that I'm leaving. Both of those
 things have happened. We've been able to sustain success for a long 
period of time and hopefully the way we are transitioning into this next
 phase of the program will give us the best chance of keeping that 
going. This is a great group of players we have right now and I think 
it's going to be about as seamless of a transition as possible." 
Helping Hobson push FHSU to new heights in the NCAA Division II realm since the 2012-13 season has been FHSU graduate <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/talia-kahrs/1137">Talia Kahrs</a>
 (formerly Miller), who played for Hobson at FHSU from 2008-11. She then
 served as a student assistant coach in 2011-12 and elevated to 
assistant coach in 2012-13, highly instrumental in the success of the 
team and several great players that have been a part of the program the 
last 12 years. She has been here as both a player and coach during 
Hobson's entire 15-year tenure at FHSU. 
"I really believe in Talia," said Hobson. "She is a really intelligent, 
hard-working person and one of the more unselfish individuals I've ever 
been around. I know she has the players' respect and I think that is of 
utmost importance. She has turned into a really good recruiter, and to 
recruit kids you have to be genuine and she is that. You can't try to be
 something you're not because kids are smart, they figure that out. As 
far as X's and O's go, she's on top of it. The hard part of coaching is 
getting individuals here that fit into what you want to do, on and off 
the court. Talia has been one of the main reasons why we have been able 
to sustain what we have going here at FHSU because we have stability as a
 coaching staff. She has had plenty of interest from the outside the 
last few years and she has been very patient on doing her job at a very 
high level, waiting for her opportunity. As much of I think of her as a 
coach, I think even more highly of her as a person. I think she will do 
an excellent job." 
The Tigers have garnered 42 All-MIAA selections while Kahrs has been on 
the sideline with Hobson since 2011 to go with the six conference 
championships and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. They have also 
coached three All-America players in that span, including Kate Lehman, 
Tatyana Legette, and <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaden-hobbs/6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>. Lehman and Legette also garnered MIAA Player of the Year honors in their time as Tigers. 
"I'm just really thankful for this opportunity and to have spent as much
 time as I have with Tony. To learn under him with as successful as he 
has been over the years," said Kahrs. "I'm thankful for the way he 
allowed me to do more in my role as assistant over the years to get me 
to this point where I feel confident that I'm prepared to be head coach.
 I'm very excited and willing to take the opportunity to lead this group
 of women, a team that we've worked really hard to put together." 
"Talia possesses all the traits we want to see in a coach to lead our 
program forward," said Hammeke. "She is passionate, knowledgeable, 
enthusiastic, and has a strong work ethic. These characteristics coupled
 with her personality, love for the game, and care for our 
student-athletes, makes her well suited to take over where Tony left 
off." 
Kahrs will be the seventh head coach of women's basketball at Fort Hays State since 1969.

🏀 Hobson to retire; Kahrs new head coach of FHSU women’s basketball

March 27, 2023 Hello from Topeka.

A big thank you to all who came to the town halls we had throughout the district; great attendance and lots of issues were discussed. Glad to have State Senators Billinger and Bowers&nbsp;and State Representative Barb Wasinger at some of the stops. 

We are in the final two weeks before First&nbsp;Adjournment of the session. There are many things that we will vote on and some that did not make the&nbsp;cut, so they may be attempted next year.

Here are a few of the things that happened:

Comprehensive Tax Package - The House Tax Committee has spent months putting together a taxation&nbsp;package. Kansans in every corner of the state made their voices heard, and we listened. This taxation&nbsp;package is responsible, sustainable, and will not raise taxes on ANY Kansans.

Income Tax - This plan brings about a single-rate income tax of 5.25%. Establish a single-rate tax assists&nbsp;in keeping things simple as our state grows and adjustments are made, while making Kansas competitive&nbsp;with our neighbors. The Republican income tax plan focuses most relief on low-income Kansans, raising&nbsp;the starting point before taxes kick in by more than $4,000 for individuals and $7,300 for married filers.

The standard deduction for individuals is brought to $4,000, a number that will increase with inflation to&nbsp;provide flexibility in economic turmoil. This package accelerates reductions to taxes paid by businesses&nbsp;as they stay in Kansas. This helps us retain mature and loyal businesses who want to stay in Kansas. 

The&nbsp;Social Security Income Tax cliff has been great concern to many of our state’s retirees. This package&nbsp;eliminates that cliff and smooths out the tax rate when earning over $100,000 in Social Security income.&nbsp;This relief is much-needed for Kansas retirees. 

Property Taxes - The residential property tax deduction is increased from $40,000 to $65,000, placing&nbsp;about $60 million in tax relief directly to homeowners.

Sales Tax - This bill brings the elimination of sales tax on groceries to July 1st of this year, saving the&nbsp;average family hundreds of dollars that they would have previously had to wait much longer to see. The&nbsp;Senate has their own version of tax relief so we are a few steps away before something is finalized.&nbsp;

Education Budget - House Republicans have fully and constitutionally funded K-12 education again this year to the tune of $6.4 billion, $4.2 billion of which comes from state general funds. We fully support&nbsp;our K-12 schools and educators and are committed to providing them with the resources they need to&nbsp;be successful. SB 113 also allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools or home school programs to&nbsp;compete in KSHSAA activities. This increases competition and expands the opportunity to join peers in&nbsp;athletics and other activities to more students across Kansas. Additionally, parents will now be able to&nbsp;access a portal on district websites so they can view curricula for the year, increasing transparency and&nbsp;providing a resource to parents who want to reinforce schoolwork at home. SB 113 does not include&nbsp;special education funding.

Much like tax bills, education is not finished yet; there will still be&nbsp;negotiations with the Senate and we will have to see if the Governor vetoes these measures if they are&nbsp;agreed to by the legislative branch. 

ESG -&nbsp;The weaponization of ESG policies that we have seen seeks to eliminate the free market by neglecting&nbsp;fiduciary duty to investors. With HB 2436, House Republicans are taking care of the issue now, returning&nbsp;our investments to a free-market strategy that does not play games with the money we are responsible&nbsp;for. This bill has been carefully crafted over the course of many months to minimize any unintended&nbsp;consequences. The goal is simple: ensure that fiduciary responsibility takes precedence over ideological&nbsp;credit scores when making investments with state dollars.

Here’s what we have accomplished with HB&nbsp;2436: Proxy Voting:&nbsp;Now, we will use proxy voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria, making&nbsp;sure that state-controlled money will not be used by investment firms to push their agenda upon&nbsp;companies.

Investments: There’s roughly $30 billion managed by our pension and pooled money&nbsp;boards. HB 2436 will make sure that money is not invested based on political ESG criteria, but with the&nbsp;goal of the greatest returns for Kansans.

Contracts: ESG will no longer be permitted as criteria for&nbsp;selection when the state is determining contracts. This affects all contracts, not just those with financial&nbsp;institutions.

Teacher Interstate Mobility Compact -&nbsp;Teacher shortages are impacting districts across Kansas and&nbsp;House Republicans are determined to tackle the issue from multiple angles. One solution we are&nbsp;discussing is SB 66, which creates a compact that assists in the mobility of teachers across member&nbsp;states. By streamlining licensure reciprocity, we can welcome new teachers from other states that we&nbsp;know are strong, well-qualified candidates to educate Kansas kids.

You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is:&nbsp;ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;

* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678110420754.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>March 27, 2023 Hello from Topeka. A big thank you to all who came to the town halls we had throughout the district; great attendance and lots of issues were discussed. Glad to have State Senators Billinger and Bowers&nbsp;and State Representative Barb Wasinger at some of the stops. We are in the final two weeks before First&nbsp;Adjournment of the session. There are many things that we will vote on and some that did not make the&nbsp;cut, so they may be attempted next year.Here are a few of the things that happened: Comprehensive Tax Package - The House Tax Committee has spent months putting together a taxation&nbsp;package. Kansans in every corner of the state made their voices heard, and we listened. This taxation&nbsp;package is responsible, sustainable, and will not raise taxes on ANY Kansans.&nbsp;Here are some highlights:&nbsp;Income Tax - This plan brings about a single-rate income tax of 5.25%. Establish a single-rate tax assists&nbsp;in keeping things simple as our state grows and adjustments are made, while making Kansas competitive&nbsp;with our neighbors. The Republican income tax plan focuses most relief on low-income Kansans, raising&nbsp;the starting point before taxes kick in by more than $4,000 for individuals and $7,300 for married filers. The standard deduction for individuals is brought to $4,000, a number that will increase with inflation to&nbsp;provide flexibility in economic turmoil. This package accelerates reductions to taxes paid by businesses&nbsp;as they stay in Kansas. This helps us retain mature and loyal businesses who want to stay in Kansas. The&nbsp;Social Security Income Tax cliff has been great concern to many of our state’s retirees. This package&nbsp;eliminates that cliff and smooths out the tax rate when earning over $100,000 in Social Security income.&nbsp;This relief is much-needed for Kansas retirees. Property Taxes - The residential property tax deduction is increased from $40,000 to $65,000, placing&nbsp;about $60 million in tax relief directly to homeowners.Sales Tax - This bill brings the elimination of sales tax on groceries to July 1st of this year, saving the&nbsp;average family hundreds of dollars that they would have previously had to wait much longer to see. The&nbsp;Senate has their own version of tax relief so we are a few steps away before something is finalized.&nbsp;Other issues:&nbsp;Education Budget - House Republicans have fully and constitutionally funded K-12 education again this year to the tune of $6.4 billion, $4.2 billion of which comes from state general funds. We fully support&nbsp;our K-12 schools and educators and are committed to providing them with the resources they need to&nbsp;be successful. SB 113 also allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools or home school programs to&nbsp;compete in KSHSAA activities. This increases competition and expands the opportunity to join peers in&nbsp;athletics and other activities to more students across Kansas. Additionally, parents will now be able to&nbsp;access a portal on district websites so they can view curricula for the year, increasing transparency and&nbsp;providing a resource to parents who want to reinforce schoolwork at home. SB 113 does not include&nbsp;special education funding. Much like tax bills, education is not finished yet; there will still be&nbsp;negotiations with the Senate and we will have to see if the Governor vetoes these measures if they are&nbsp;agreed to by the legislative branch. ESG -&nbsp;The weaponization of ESG policies that we have seen seeks to eliminate the free market by neglecting&nbsp;fiduciary duty to investors. With HB 2436, House Republicans are taking care of the issue now, returning&nbsp;our investments to a free-market strategy that does not play games with the money we are responsible&nbsp;for. This bill has been carefully crafted over the course of many months to minimize any unintended&nbsp;consequences. The goal is simple: ensure that fiduciary responsibility takes precedence over ideological&nbsp;credit scores when making investments with state dollars.Here’s what we have accomplished with HB&nbsp;2436: Proxy Voting:&nbsp;Now, we will use proxy voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria, making&nbsp;sure that state-controlled money will not be used by investment firms to push their agenda upon&nbsp;companies. Investments: There’s roughly $30 billion managed by our pension and pooled money&nbsp;boards. HB 2436 will make sure that money is not invested based on political ESG criteria, but with the&nbsp;goal of the greatest returns for Kansans.Contracts: ESG will no longer be permitted as criteria for&nbsp;selection when the state is determining contracts. This affects all contracts, not just those with financial&nbsp;institutions.Teacher Interstate Mobility Compact -&nbsp;Teacher shortages are impacting districts across Kansas and&nbsp;House Republicans are determined to tackle the issue from multiple angles. One solution we are&nbsp;discussing is SB 66, which creates a compact that assists in the mobility of teachers across member&nbsp;states. By streamlining licensure reciprocity, we can welcome new teachers from other states that we&nbsp;know are strong, well-qualified candidates to educate Kansas kids.You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is:&nbsp;ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland&nbsp;

RAHJES REPORT: March 27, 2023

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Monday in the area of Hall St. to Oak St. between 7th St. and 17th St. also Vine St. to Canterbury Dr. between 22nd St. and 33rd St. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588196742299.jpeg" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays FDThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Monday in the area of Hall St. to Oak St. between 7th St. and 17th St. also Vine St. to Canterbury Dr. between 22nd St. and 33rd St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.&nbsp;

Fire hydrant flushing, inspections continue this week by Hays Fire Dept. 

Defiance Brewing Company will collaborate with a series of Sunflower State breweries for Kansas Craft Beer Week. The collaborative brews will be with local brewery Lb. Brewing Company&nbsp;and Lawrence natives Fields &amp; Ivy. The two local breweries will host two separate tapping events held at Gella’s Diner&nbsp;on April 17 and at Defiance’s taphouse, 2050 old Hwy 40,&nbsp;location on April 20. Craft beer aficionados, novices and&nbsp;the public&nbsp;are welcome to attend.&nbsp;

The first of the three new collaborative brews will be a Tropical IPA. The second brew will be available at both Defiance locations. This brew will be a Honey Blonde Ale that uses ingredients from another local business, Jensen Honey. Lastly, the collaboration between Fields and Ivy and Defiance will be a Czech Dark Lager.&nbsp;

Brews will be exclusive to their respective taphouse locations other than the collaboration with Fields &amp; Ivy. The Czech dark lager will be available at Fields &amp; Ivy’s location in Lawrence, as well as liquor stores across the state. Each of the three brews are limited in supplies with Defiance brewing six barrels,&nbsp;Lb.brewing 10, and Fields &amp; Ivy brewing a total of 20 barrels.&nbsp;

Defiance Brewing Company will also be offering a craft beer pub crawl on April 21 and 22. Information regarding the pub crawl will be posted on Defiance Brewing Company’s Facebook page.&nbsp;

News releaseDefiance Brewing Company will collaborate with a series of Sunflower State breweries for Kansas Craft Beer Week. The collaborative brews will be with local brewery Lb. Brewing Company&nbsp;and Lawrence natives Fields &amp; Ivy. The two local breweries will host two separate tapping events held at Gella’s Diner&nbsp;on April 17 and at Defiance’s taphouse, 2050 old Hwy 40,&nbsp;location on April 20. Craft beer aficionados, novices and&nbsp;the public&nbsp;are welcome to attend.&nbsp;The first of the three new collaborative brews will be a Tropical IPA. The second brew will be available at both Defiance locations. This brew will be a Honey Blonde Ale that uses ingredients from another local business, Jensen Honey. Lastly, the collaboration between Fields and Ivy and Defiance will be a Czech Dark Lager.&nbsp;Brews will be exclusive to their respective taphouse locations other than the collaboration with Fields &amp; Ivy. The Czech dark lager will be available at Fields &amp; Ivy’s location in Lawrence, as well as liquor stores across the state. Each of the three brews are limited in supplies with Defiance brewing six barrels,&nbsp;Lb.brewing 10, and Fields &amp; Ivy brewing a total of 20 barrels.&nbsp;Defiance Brewing Company will also be offering a craft beer pub crawl on April 21 and 22. Information regarding the pub crawl will be posted on Defiance Brewing Company’s Facebook page.&nbsp;

Kansas breweries join forces to celebrate Craft Brew Week 2023

NATOMA — The Osborne County Community Foundation has awarded a grant to the Natoma Community Center to replace the back doors on the building. 

 The Community Center, converted from the Welling Theater by citizens of Natoma, serves as a gathering place for many events in Natoma and the surrounding areas such as blood drives, birthday parties, wedding and graduation receptions, and more. 

Due to the terrible <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3e1b3b1c-d9bf-45b9-b8a3-9a126510b232">flooding in Natoma</a> in May 2021, many parts of the building were damaged and in need of repair.

 In the last year OCCF has helped NCC with grants for replacing carpeting and chair racks as well as remodeling the bathrooms after walls had to be replaced.  However, work still remains to be done, and the back doors are bent and warped from water damage.  For safety and security in the building, the doors will be replaced with new, steel ones that open easily yet maintain security. 

 Carmen George, treasurer for NCC, said "the mission of the Natoma Community Center is to provide a safe and clean space for residents," and OCCF is committed to helping them fulfill this mission. 

 Donations from the generous donors of Osborne County make grants like this possible. 

For information on becoming a donor or to learn more about the Osborne County Community Foundation, email OCCF board members at OsborneCCF@gmail.com or visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Osborneccf.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3lNviuozupYc7QIaNdz3h_auGWeAQL0cXkxJNqyIt5us-Sa0KkJABsVvU&amp;h=AT3TZ67YgKqB5zfyS2DiUHSQJoUEnJhsfBvTgaL8dhAY2auM_pVWxZGuCeGbfl9f_p0QcJidEXQJ6g3-0kKhrWNavrR6Ao7-yBq_nurOGyGgnT2zsih-QFfAZAbG-W2rrPxM&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1jVxvbEbzxlk_irIPBAndr41hexOOxbmt0Qvf1mdX3FQ6UB6gj3-1609roi7uDYDqmxbuFE4oJHiWienw3uHcF59PovsNqkkvT6EaKHsxnZ6Ro7hmh6Y8yeQWs7bGaV7QOAnRtDprAOzWaNZ16CLCyKOhluYNyO9SbYu6O1uXM0QOvwxouBjNjUQgF3pm6amm9f057YHjdIW0y-xGBOmxmL_MqvS7mgIsQ4w" target="_blank">www.Osborneccf.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679404612717.png" alt="Photo by Osborne County Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Osborne County Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>NCCFNATOMA — The Osborne County Community Foundation has awarded a grant to the Natoma Community Center to replace the back doors on the building. The Community Center, converted from the Welling Theater by citizens of Natoma, serves as a gathering place for many events in Natoma and the surrounding areas such as blood drives, birthday parties, wedding and graduation receptions, and more. Due to the terrible <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3e1b3b1c-d9bf-45b9-b8a3-9a126510b232">flooding in Natoma</a> in May 2021, many parts of the building were damaged and in need of repair. In the last year OCCF has helped NCC with grants for replacing carpeting and chair racks as well as remodeling the bathrooms after walls had to be replaced. However, work still remains to be done, and the back doors are bent and warped from water damage. For safety and security in the building, the doors will be replaced with new, steel ones that open easily yet maintain security. Carmen George, treasurer for NCC, said "the mission of the Natoma Community Center is to provide a safe and clean space for residents," and OCCF is committed to helping them fulfill this mission. Donations from the generous donors of Osborne County make grants like this possible. For information on becoming a donor or to learn more about the Osborne County Community Foundation, email OCCF board members at OsborneCCF@gmail.com or visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Osborneccf.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3lNviuozupYc7QIaNdz3h_auGWeAQL0cXkxJNqyIt5us-Sa0KkJABsVvU&amp;h=AT3TZ67YgKqB5zfyS2DiUHSQJoUEnJhsfBvTgaL8dhAY2auM_pVWxZGuCeGbfl9f_p0QcJidEXQJ6g3-0kKhrWNavrR6Ao7-yBq_nurOGyGgnT2zsih-QFfAZAbG-W2rrPxM&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1jVxvbEbzxlk_irIPBAndr41hexOOxbmt0Qvf1mdX3FQ6UB6gj3-1609roi7uDYDqmxbuFE4oJHiWienw3uHcF59PovsNqkkvT6EaKHsxnZ6Ro7hmh6Y8yeQWs7bGaV7QOAnRtDprAOzWaNZ16CLCyKOhluYNyO9SbYu6O1uXM0QOvwxouBjNjUQgF3pm6amm9f057YHjdIW0y-xGBOmxmL_MqvS7mgIsQ4w" target="_blank">www.Osborneccf.org.</a>

Natoma Community Center receives grant for '21 flood recovery

COLBY — Awards were handed out for the 2023 Art on the Oasis show in March at Colby Community College. Organizers extended appreciation to the donors and communities involved with another successful event.&nbsp;

The judge was&nbsp;Kris Kuksi from Lawrence, formerly of Hays.&nbsp;High schools at the show included Colby, Wheatland-Grinnell, and Wauneta-Palisade (Neb.).&nbsp;Toby Flores of Hays received Best of Show.

The top three artists, listed in each division with their current town or school, were presented with cash prizes.

Opaque Painting 1. Skyla Hegwood, McCook, Neb. 2. Tony Spivey, Goodland 3. Janelle N Johnson, Trenton, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mixed Medium&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Brian Hutchinson, Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Sally Brandon, Phillipsburg&nbsp; &nbsp; 3. Teresa Honeycutt, McCook, Neb.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2D&nbsp; &nbsp; 1. Skyla Hegwood, McCook, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Julie Peterson Shea, Phillipsburg 3. Molly Kay Lamb, Russell Springs

Sculpture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Dan Schluckebeir, Palisade, Neb. &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Rebel Mahieu, Colby &nbsp; 3. Ashley Smith, Smith Center&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watercolor 1. Gulnura Taylor, Greensburg&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Photography &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1. Doyle Saddler, Colby &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Alan Haug, McCook, Neb. 3. Teresa Honeycutt, McCook, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Best of Show&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tobias Flores, Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Opaque Painting&nbsp; 1. Theresa Reeves, Oberlin&nbsp; 2. Cassandra Rhymer, Colby&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Kent Lockhart, Norton&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mixed Medium&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Alvin Schultz, Garden City&nbsp; 2. Suzanne Schielke, Colby&nbsp; 3. Sophia Alfayo, Palisade, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

2D&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Alvin Schultz, Garden City &nbsp; 2. Ann Dixson, Greensburg &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3. Zack Beltz, Colby &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sculpture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Carla Albers Johnson, Oakley &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Laila Aufdenfarten, Palisade, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; 3. Cassie Sells, Hays &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Photography&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. David L Wilson, McCook, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Wilson&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Cliff Johnson, Trenton, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watercolor 1. Don Schroeder, Lewis 2. Kim Benson, Colby 3.&nbsp; Schroeder

Painting&nbsp; 1. Dylan Hawks, Norton&nbsp; 2. Ashton Wheeler, Wauneta-Palisade (Neb.) 3. Hawks, Norton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mixed Media&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. Treyton Barnett, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Rob Manning, Norton 3. Kierra Tallent, Norton&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2D&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Jayden Bradley, Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Mareesa Hempler, Norton&nbsp; 3. Dylan Hawks, Norton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sculpture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Abigail Cheney, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;Patrick Johnson, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp; 3. Sophia Alfago, Wauneta-Palisade &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Photography&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Rob Manning, Norton&nbsp; 2. Ashton Wheeler, Wauneta-Palisade&nbsp; 3. Manning, Norton &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679063739060.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Awards were handed out for the 2023 Art on the Oasis show in March at Colby Community College. Organizers extended appreciation to the donors and communities involved with another successful event.&nbsp;The judge was&nbsp;Kris Kuksi from Lawrence, formerly of Hays.&nbsp;High schools at the show included Colby, Wheatland-Grinnell, and Wauneta-Palisade (Neb.).&nbsp;Toby Flores of Hays received Best of Show. The top three artists, listed in each division with their current town or school, were presented with cash prizes.<h2>PROFESSIONAL</h2>Opaque Painting 1. Skyla Hegwood, McCook, Neb. 2. Tony Spivey, Goodland 3. Janelle N Johnson, Trenton, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mixed Medium&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Brian Hutchinson, Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Sally Brandon, Phillipsburg&nbsp; &nbsp; 3. Teresa Honeycutt, McCook, Neb.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2D&nbsp; &nbsp; 1. Skyla Hegwood, McCook, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Julie Peterson Shea, Phillipsburg 3. Molly Kay Lamb, Russell Springs Sculpture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Dan Schluckebeir, Palisade, Neb. &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Rebel Mahieu, Colby &nbsp; 3. Ashley Smith, Smith Center&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Watercolor 1. Gulnura Taylor, Greensburg&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Photography &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1. Doyle Saddler, Colby &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Alan Haug, McCook, Neb. 3. Teresa Honeycutt, McCook, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Best of Show&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tobias Flores, Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AMATUER Opaque Painting&nbsp; 1. Theresa Reeves, Oberlin&nbsp; 2. Cassandra Rhymer, Colby&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Kent Lockhart, Norton&nbsp; &nbsp; Mixed Medium&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Alvin Schultz, Garden City&nbsp; 2. Suzanne Schielke, Colby&nbsp; 3. Sophia Alfayo, Palisade, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;2D&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Alvin Schultz, Garden City &nbsp; 2. Ann Dixson, Greensburg &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3. Zack Beltz, Colby &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Sculpture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Carla Albers Johnson, Oakley &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Laila Aufdenfarten, Palisade, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; 3. Cassie Sells, Hays &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Photography&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. David L Wilson, McCook, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Wilson&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Cliff Johnson, Trenton, Neb.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watercolor 1. Don Schroeder, Lewis 2. Kim Benson, Colby 3.&nbsp; Schroeder <h2>HIGH SCHOOL</h2>Painting&nbsp; 1. Dylan Hawks, Norton&nbsp; 2. Ashton Wheeler, Wauneta-Palisade (Neb.) 3. Hawks, Norton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mixed Media&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Treyton Barnett, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Rob Manning, Norton 3. Kierra Tallent, Norton&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2D&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Jayden Bradley, Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Mareesa Hempler, Norton&nbsp; 3. Dylan Hawks, Norton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sculpture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Abigail Cheney, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;Patrick Johnson, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp; 3. Sophia Alfago, Wauneta-Palisade &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Photography&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. Rob Manning, Norton&nbsp; 2. Ashton Wheeler, Wauneta-Palisade&nbsp; 3. Manning, Norton &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays resident awarded Best of Show in Art on the Oasis; other NW Kansas winners

<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/2023/3/1679695768191.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

Grow Hays, the nonprofit economic development organization serving Ellis County, will soon release its annual report highlighting economic factors in the county. Among insights generated by the report, it highlights a significant increase
in sales tax, valuations and transient guest tax collections.

According to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, the report shows sales tax for the city of Hays was
up by approximately 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, indicating people are buying more goods and services, and merchants are selling more
products, resulting in a positive economic impact.

The valuations for residential properties were reported up by
12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and the total valuation for the county
increased by 13 percent. Additionally, oil valuations showed a significant increase of
1 percent year over year due to the higher per-barrel price in January 2022, he said.

But Williams pointed out
that a large increase in oil valuation does not necessarily equate to a significant increase in total valuations as oil reflects less than 10 percent of the overall
valuation in the county, which was approximately $458 million.

While the increase in valuations may result in a potential
increase in property taxes, Williams noted that an increase in valuation does
not necessarily equate to a tax hike. He added that a lot of
factors are involved in the calculation of property tax, and it is a
complicated formula.

The transient guest tax collections took a significant jump
as well, increasing by almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. The increase
in the transient guest tax collections indicates that hotels in Hays are doing
well and more people are using them.

Williams also said that the pull factor for Hays
increased from 1.72 to 1.74, which means that more people are coming into the
community from outside and spending money in Hays.

"These 13,000 cars a day that are going by (on Interstate 70)? We want as many of those to stop as we can and spend money here," he said.

Overall, Williams said the annual report showed positive growth in various
sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment in Hays, while other western Kansas economic hubs like Garden City
and Dodge City are experiencing a slight decline.

The region's growth is important to Ellis County's
economy as it affects sales tax revenues, transient guests, tax revenues, and
the overall economy. Williams noted that Hays currently has the second- or third-highest pull factor in the state.

Williams acknowledged that the reason for the growth in Hays
and the decline in Garden City and Dodge City is difficult to pinpoint but
said that having more retail choices and recruiting more retailers will help
maintain the city's high pull factor. The organization is also exploring ways
to get people to stop off the interstate highway, including the implementation
of a Star Bond.

On the housing front, Williams noted that the overall sales
volume of the Hays MLS was down 3.3 percent last year due to a previously overheated
market in 2020 and 2021. However, the MLS average sales price increased by 4 percent,
while the county valuation of residential property increased by about 12 percent.

And while county appraisers often receive criticism, Williams said valuations are determined by a computer algorithm and that evidence-based
appeals are a fair process.

Ellis County saw a slight increase in
housing inventory and days on the market from the previous year with 48
active listings reported at year-end, compared to 40 in 2021. The increase in inventory, however,
did not fully address the supply issues faced by the community. Williams noted
that there is still a shortage of housing, particularly in the $175,000 to $275,000 price
range.

The increase in interest rates also impacted the market,
leading to a slowdown in sales. 

Williams said that it would take time to
resolve the issue, as it requires the development of land, lots and
multifamily units. In addition, challenges related to supply chain and labor
shortages have made the situation even more difficult.

"We still have supply issues," he said. "We don't have enough housing. In our community, we're working diligently to try and fix some of that. But we can use some more, and we're going to continue to try and fix it."

Williams expressed the need for continued diligent planning and
investment in the community to address the housing shortage. 

"I think the next five years in Ellis County are going to be fantastic," Williams said. "If you look at all the large projects are going on and all the things that we've got happening, they're going to be great. But we need to step up to the plate and do some things to do to meet the housing needs and to meet some other needs, the infrastructure needs in not only Hays but in Ellis and Victoria and those places, and use the tools that are available to try and ensure that we take advantage of this."

<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">The report is set to release soon and will be available on the Grow Hays website.</a>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022" 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=f9tsw-13bd083-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>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGrow Hays, the nonprofit economic development organization serving Ellis County, will soon release its annual report highlighting economic factors in the county. Among insights generated by the report, it highlights a significant increase
in sales tax, valuations and transient guest tax collections.According to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, the report shows sales tax for the city of Hays was
up by approximately 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, indicating people are buying more goods and services, and merchants are selling more
products, resulting in a positive economic impact.The valuations for residential properties were reported up by
12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and the total valuation for the county
increased by 13 percent. Additionally, oil valuations showed a significant increase of
1 percent year over year due to the higher per-barrel price in January 2022, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But Williams pointed out
that a large increase in oil valuation does not necessarily equate to a significant increase in total valuations as oil reflects less than 10 percent of the overall
valuation in the county, which was approximately $458 million.While the increase in valuations may result in a potential
increase in property taxes, Williams noted that an increase in valuation does
not necessarily equate to a tax hike. He added that a lot of
factors are involved in the calculation of property tax, and it is a
complicated formula.The transient guest tax collections took a significant jump
as well, increasing by almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. The increase
in the transient guest tax collections indicates that hotels in Hays are doing
well and more people are using them.Williams also said that the pull factor for Hays
increased from 1.72 to 1.74, which means that more people are coming into the
community from outside and spending money in Hays."These 13,000 cars a day that are going by (on Interstate 70)? We want as many of those to stop as we can and spend money here," he said.Overall, Williams said the annual report showed positive growth in various
sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment in Hays, while other western Kansas economic hubs like Garden City
and Dodge City are experiencing a slight decline.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279693304.jpeg" alt="Doug Williams (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Doug Williams (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The region's growth is important to Ellis County's
economy as it affects sales tax revenues, transient guests, tax revenues, and
the overall economy. Williams noted that Hays currently has the second- or third-highest pull factor in the state.Williams acknowledged that the reason for the growth in Hays
and the decline in Garden City and Dodge City is difficult to pinpoint but
said that having more retail choices and recruiting more retailers will help
maintain the city's high pull factor. The organization is also exploring ways
to get people to stop off the interstate highway, including the implementation
of a Star Bond.On the housing front, Williams noted that the overall sales
volume of the Hays MLS was down 3.3 percent last year due to a previously overheated
market in 2020 and 2021. However, the MLS average sales price increased by 4 percent,
while the county valuation of residential property increased by about 12 percent.And while county appraisers often receive criticism, Williams said valuations are determined by a computer algorithm and that evidence-based
appeals are a fair process.Ellis County saw a slight increase in
housing inventory and days on the market from the previous year with 48
active listings reported at year-end, compared to 40 in 2021. The increase in inventory, however,
did not fully address the supply issues faced by the community. Williams noted
that there is still a shortage of housing, particularly in the $175,000 to $275,000 price
range.The increase in interest rates also impacted the market,
leading to a slowdown in sales. Williams said that it would take time to
resolve the issue, as it requires the development of land, lots and
multifamily units. In addition, challenges related to supply chain and labor
shortages have made the situation even more difficult."We still have supply issues," he said. "We don't have enough housing. In our community, we're working diligently to try and fix some of that. But we can use some more, and we're going to continue to try and fix it."Williams expressed the need for continued diligent planning and
investment in the community to address the housing shortage. "I think the next five years in Ellis County are going to be fantastic," Williams said. "If you look at all the large projects are going on and all the things that we've got happening, they're going to be great. But we need to step up to the plate and do some things to do to meet the housing needs and to meet some other needs, the infrastructure needs in not only Hays but in Ellis and Victoria and those places, and use the tools that are available to try and ensure that we take advantage of this."<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">The report is set to release soon and will be available on the Grow Hays website.</a>

🎙 Grow Hays annual report highlights positive economic momentum

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced that it has reached their $5 million goal in its inaugural capital campaign. The goal was reached thanks to a gift from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;

Gary Shorman, Trustee of the Schmidt Foundation, presented a check to President and CEO Jerry Michaud, which officially marked the successful completion of the DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together campaign.

“We are forever grateful to all of the supporters of our capital campaign who believe in our mission and&nbsp;who have shown&nbsp;it by their financial support," Michaud said. "Our special thanks is extended to the Schmidt Foundation for helping us reach the finish line. &nbsp;It is&nbsp;through all of this&nbsp;support and generosity that has allowed us to achieve our goal."

The money raised through the campaign&nbsp;was strategically targeted to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by improving the group homes and developmental centers where they live, learn and cultivate skills with purpose. 

In addition, DSNWK improved energy efficiency, strengthened security and safety through needed upgrades, and&nbsp;enhanced the effectiveness of service settings by completing much-needed facility repairs, renovations, technology upgrades and accessibility improvements.

"DSNWK would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Stronger Forever Together Capital Campaign,"&nbsp;Michaud said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced that it has reached their $5 million goal in its inaugural capital campaign. The goal was reached thanks to a gift from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;Gary Shorman, Trustee of the Schmidt Foundation, presented a check to President and CEO Jerry Michaud, which officially marked the successful completion of the DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together campaign.“We are forever grateful to all of the supporters of our capital campaign who believe in our mission and&nbsp;who have shown&nbsp;it by their financial support," Michaud said. "Our special thanks is extended to the Schmidt Foundation for helping us reach the finish line. &nbsp;It is&nbsp;through all of this&nbsp;support and generosity that has allowed us to achieve our goal."The money raised through the campaign&nbsp;was strategically targeted to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by improving the group homes and developmental centers where they live, learn and cultivate skills with purpose. In addition, DSNWK improved energy efficiency, strengthened security and safety through needed upgrades, and&nbsp;enhanced the effectiveness of service settings by completing much-needed facility repairs, renovations, technology upgrades and accessibility improvements."DSNWK would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Stronger Forever Together Capital Campaign,"&nbsp;Michaud said.

Schmidt Foundation gift propels DSNWK to fundraising goal

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board will consider adopting an agreement to bring the Russell school district into the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative in 2024.

Hays USD 489 and the other school districts in the co-op — Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse —&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6159f5db-0739-4af2-bb57-68e8cc563051">have already voted to approve a plan that has&nbsp;</a>been phasing Russell into the new co-op.

The new co-op agreement will be effective July 1, 2024.

Once Russell is fully admitted to the co-op, it will begin paying a portion of the co-op's operating expenses.

The Hays board also&nbsp;will  discuss purchasing new playground equipment for Wilson Elementary School with donation assistance from the Wilson Elementary Home and School Group and installing new turf at the Early Childhood Complex at a cost of $36,000.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will consider adopting an agreement to bring the Russell school district into the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative in 2024.Hays USD 489 and the other school districts in the co-op — Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse —&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6159f5db-0739-4af2-bb57-68e8cc563051">have already voted to approve a plan that has&nbsp;</a>been phasing Russell into the new co-op.The new co-op agreement will be effective July 1, 2024.Once Russell is fully admitted to the co-op, it will begin paying a portion of the co-op's operating expenses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679687049741.jpeg" alt="A piece of playground equipment the Hays school board is considering for Wilson Elementary School. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A piece of playground equipment the Hays school board is considering for Wilson Elementary School. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays board also&nbsp;will discuss purchasing new playground equipment for Wilson Elementary School with donation assistance from the Wilson Elementary Home and School Group and installing new turf at the Early Childhood Complex at a cost of $36,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679687120441.png" alt="The area at the Early Childhood Complex that is set to be turfed. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>The area at the Early Childhood Complex that is set to be turfed. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays school board to vote on Russell special ed agreement

Kansas is officially a Home Rule state. It has been since 1961, when an amendment to the Kansas state constitution officially declared that Kansas cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs…except when” such actions are “limited or prohibited” by an act of the state legislature. That’s an important acknowledgement of local democracy—or at least potentially so.

In my observation over the years, though, our elected representatives in Topeka tend to pay far more attention to the “except when” clause, thus leading the principle of Home Rule to be observed more often in the breach than in fact.

That’s not unusual, unfortunately. If you research which states allow Home Rule, as opposed to those which adopt “Dillon’s Rule”—a 19th-century judicial ruling which stipulated that the residents of cities have no inherent democratic right to rule themselves, and possess the power of local government only so far as states grant it to them—you’ll find that most of those states significantly limit the authority of their cities.&nbsp;

In Kansas, the language of our Home Rule amendment presents a fairly easy limitation for the state legislature to make use of: simply impose some kind of broad, state-wide prohibition, even if the issue is an entirely local one, and suddenly cities may be forbidden from governing themselves in that area whatsoever. A bill being debated in Topeka is just another example of this practice.

The bill, House Resolution 2447, aims to take away from all Kansas cities the ability to ban or restrict within their borders the sale of any product that is otherwise legal elsewhere in the state. Pushed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, its ostensible purpose is to prevent “disuniform business conditions across the state,” which is another way of saying that the people who live in some cities might be persuaded to regulate businesses in response to local problems in a way different from how other cities might. In reality, it’s not difficult to see this bill as reflecting an ideological disposition against giving power to those local residents—specifically, those in urban areas--who might prioritize certain social concerns over the interests of business owners.

The specific provenance of the bill is a pet store in Wichita, which sells dogs from breeders in a manner than many concerned about the size of the city’s population of abandoned and unhealthy pets wish to prevent. (Wichita’s citizen-run Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended action, but Wichita’s city council has as yet taken none, meaning this bill exists in response to a complete hypothetical.) In reality, a bill this broad could potentially prevent any Kansas city from imposing almost any regulation upon businesses within their borders. It also presents a sneaky return to the attempt to stop environmentally concerned Kansans who are pushing their cities to consider limitations on plastic bag use in grocery stores, an invasive bill which the Kansas Senate wisely killed last month.

In the face of criticism, promoters of HR 2447 have added qualifications, guaranteeing that the bill wouldn’t prevent Kansas cities from using their zoning power to regulate liquor stores, strip clubs, and the like. But in my view, that’s just putting Home Rule lipstick on a statist pig. John Doll, a state senator from Garden City, when voting down the aforementioned ban on local plastic bag bans, correctly expressed frustration at the legislature’s frequent “lack of respect” for “the ability of county and city governments” to determine what is best “for their particular communities.” Let’s hope a majority of Kansas legislators agree with Doll, and vote down this overreaching bill as well.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas is officially a Home Rule state. It has been since 1961, when an amendment to the Kansas state constitution officially declared that Kansas cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs…except when” such actions are “limited or prohibited” by an act of the state legislature. That’s an important acknowledgement of local democracy—or at least potentially so.In my observation over the years, though, our elected representatives in Topeka tend to pay far more attention to the “except when” clause, thus leading the principle of Home Rule to be observed more often in the breach than in fact.That’s not unusual, unfortunately. If you research which states allow Home Rule, as opposed to those which adopt “Dillon’s Rule”—a 19th-century judicial ruling which stipulated that the residents of cities have no inherent democratic right to rule themselves, and possess the power of local government only so far as states grant it to them—you’ll find that most of those states significantly limit the authority of their cities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, the language of our Home Rule amendment presents a fairly easy limitation for the state legislature to make use of: simply impose some kind of broad, state-wide prohibition, even if the issue is an entirely local one, and suddenly cities may be forbidden from governing themselves in that area whatsoever. A bill being debated in Topeka is just another example of this practice.The bill, House Resolution 2447, aims to take away from all Kansas cities the ability to ban or restrict within their borders the sale of any product that is otherwise legal elsewhere in the state. Pushed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, its ostensible purpose is to prevent “disuniform business conditions across the state,” which is another way of saying that the people who live in some cities might be persuaded to regulate businesses in response to local problems in a way different from how other cities might. In reality, it’s not difficult to see this bill as reflecting an ideological disposition against giving power to those local residents—specifically, those in urban areas--who might prioritize certain social concerns over the interests of business owners.The specific provenance of the bill is a pet store in Wichita, which sells dogs from breeders in a manner than many concerned about the size of the city’s population of abandoned and unhealthy pets wish to prevent. (Wichita’s citizen-run Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended action, but Wichita’s city council has as yet taken none, meaning this bill exists in response to a complete hypothetical.) In reality, a bill this broad could potentially prevent any Kansas city from imposing almost any regulation upon businesses within their borders. It also presents a sneaky return to the attempt to stop environmentally concerned Kansans who are pushing their cities to consider limitations on plastic bag use in grocery stores, an invasive bill which the Kansas Senate wisely killed last month.In the face of criticism, promoters of HR 2447 have added qualifications, guaranteeing that the bill wouldn’t prevent Kansas cities from using their zoning power to regulate liquor stores, strip clubs, and the like. But in my view, that’s just putting Home Rule lipstick on a statist pig. John Doll, a state senator from Garden City, when voting down the aforementioned ban on local plastic bag bans, correctly expressed frustration at the legislature’s frequent “lack of respect” for “the ability of county and city governments” to determine what is best “for their particular communities.” Let’s hope a majority of Kansas legislators agree with Doll, and vote down this overreaching bill as well.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Home rule once again on the voting block

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679695965852.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>

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

The three Rs. When I was a kid, that referred to Readin,’ `Ritin,’ and `Rithmetic.&nbsp;

Today we’ll learn about a different set of Rs that are being applied to the world of horses: Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Re-home. Those are the goals of a remarkable enterprise that is helping to save and benefit horses in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Karen Everhart is executive director of the non-profit organization Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue &amp; Retirement, which she co-founded with her husband Dave. Karen and Dave are from the Wichita area originally. Everhart said she was the proverbial “horse-crazy girl” who spent summers with horses on her family’s farm in southeast Kansas.&nbsp;

She met and married Dave who spent 38 years in military service. Everhart became a medical administrator but never forgot her love of horses.&nbsp;

In 1981, she purchased the first horse of her own: A golden Palomino mare named Rainbow. Over time, she added to her horse herd. In 2005, she retired from her health administrator position and purchased a ranch in Chautauqua County.&nbsp;

“People would contact me about some horse that was abandoned or in a kill pen and say, `Could you help this horse?’ ” Everhart said. Within four months, her horse herd doubled from 10 to 20. It was clear there was a need.&nbsp;

In September 2005, Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue &amp; Retirement was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. It can now receive tax-deductible donations. The organization is named Rainbow Meadows in honor of Everhart’s first beloved horse.&nbsp;

“Since that time, we’ve worked harder than we ever did in our professional lives,” Everhart said with a smile.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We appreciate our wonderful, caring volunteers.”&nbsp;

The goal is to rescue horses, mules and donkeys that are at risk. These equine are rehabilitated and, where appropriate, adopted out to caring homes.&nbsp;

There are two types of intake to the program. One is horses from horse-owners who find themselves unable to care for their equines due to circumstances such as illness, changed family situations, or otherwise.&nbsp;

“We can be a first responder for the horses,” Everhart said. The second type of intake, much less common, is receiving horses through a sheriff or police department when the horses are legally seized due to abuse or neglect of the animals.&nbsp;

The Everhart’s daughter earned her master’s degree at K-State, met her future husband, and eventually settled in the Manhattan area. When grandchildren were born, Karen and Dave wanted to be closer to them.&nbsp;

“I told the Board of Directors that we wanted to move closer to Manhattan so maybe it was time to close Rainbow Meadows,” Everhart said. “The Board said, `You’re welcome to relocate, but we want this to continue.’”&nbsp;

After a long search for property, Karen found and bought the place where Rainbow Meadows is today. “God opened the door to this place,” Everhart said. It is located along Highway 77, eight miles south of Junction City and north of the rural community of Woodbine, population 157 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“This is a mission, this is a ministry,” Everhart said. “These (abused) horses don’t deserve the kind of treatment they’ve received.”.&nbsp;

Since its founding, Rainbow Meadows has assisted in rescuing hundreds of horses. In addition to having horses that are adopted, Rainbow Meadows offers a horse retirement program where owners can provide monthly support for their horses to come to Rainbow Meadows and live out their days in safety and comfort.&nbsp;

In support of this work, a fundraising gala is held each year. In 2023, the gala will be held at Rock Springs Ranch on the evening of April 1. For more information about the gala and Rainbow Meadows, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com/">www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com</a>.&nbsp;

The three Rs. In this case, the three Rs refer to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Re-home, which are the goals of Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue &amp; Retirement.&nbsp;

We commend Karen and Dave Everhart and all those involved with this remarkable organization that is making a difference in the lives of horses and horse owners.&nbsp;

They are doing Rescue Really Right.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679497103660.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentThe three Rs. When I was a kid, that referred to Readin,’ `Ritin,’ and `Rithmetic.&nbsp;Today we’ll learn about a different set of Rs that are being applied to the world of horses: Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Re-home. Those are the goals of a remarkable enterprise that is helping to save and benefit horses in rural Kansas.&nbsp;Karen Everhart is executive director of the non-profit organization Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue &amp; Retirement, which she co-founded with her husband Dave. Karen and Dave are from the Wichita area originally. Everhart said she was the proverbial “horse-crazy girl” who spent summers with horses on her family’s farm in southeast Kansas.&nbsp;She met and married Dave who spent 38 years in military service. Everhart became a medical administrator but never forgot her love of horses.&nbsp;In 1981, she purchased the first horse of her own: A golden Palomino mare named Rainbow. Over time, she added to her horse herd. In 2005, she retired from her health administrator position and purchased a ranch in Chautauqua County.&nbsp;“People would contact me about some horse that was abandoned or in a kill pen and say, `Could you help this horse?’ ” Everhart said. Within four months, her horse herd doubled from 10 to 20. It was clear there was a need.&nbsp;In September 2005, Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue &amp; Retirement was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. It can now receive tax-deductible donations. The organization is named Rainbow Meadows in honor of Everhart’s first beloved horse.&nbsp;“Since that time, we’ve worked harder than we ever did in our professional lives,” Everhart said with a smile.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We appreciate our wonderful, caring volunteers.”&nbsp;The goal is to rescue horses, mules and donkeys that are at risk. These equine are rehabilitated and, where appropriate, adopted out to caring homes.&nbsp;There are two types of intake to the program. One is horses from horse-owners who find themselves unable to care for their equines due to circumstances such as illness, changed family situations, or otherwise.&nbsp;“We can be a first responder for the horses,” Everhart said. The second type of intake, much less common, is receiving horses through a sheriff or police department when the horses are legally seized due to abuse or neglect of the animals.&nbsp;The Everhart’s daughter earned her master’s degree at K-State, met her future husband, and eventually settled in the Manhattan area. When grandchildren were born, Karen and Dave wanted to be closer to them.&nbsp;“I told the Board of Directors that we wanted to move closer to Manhattan so maybe it was time to close Rainbow Meadows,” Everhart said. “The Board said, `You’re welcome to relocate, but we want this to continue.’”&nbsp;After a long search for property, Karen found and bought the place where Rainbow Meadows is today. “God opened the door to this place,” Everhart said. It is located along Highway 77, eight miles south of Junction City and north of the rural community of Woodbine, population 157 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“This is a mission, this is a ministry,” Everhart said. “These (abused) horses don’t deserve the kind of treatment they’ve received.”.&nbsp;Since its founding, Rainbow Meadows has assisted in rescuing hundreds of horses. In addition to having horses that are adopted, Rainbow Meadows offers a horse retirement program where owners can provide monthly support for their horses to come to Rainbow Meadows and live out their days in safety and comfort.&nbsp;In support of this work, a fundraising gala is held each year. In 2023, the gala will be held at Rock Springs Ranch on the evening of April 1. For more information about the gala and Rainbow Meadows, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com/">www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com</a>.&nbsp;The three Rs. In this case, the three Rs refer to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Re-home, which are the goals of Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue &amp; Retirement.&nbsp;We commend Karen and Dave Everhart and all those involved with this remarkable organization that is making a difference in the lives of horses and horse owners.&nbsp;They are doing Rescue Really Right.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Karen Everhart, Rainbow Meadows 

🎙 Tractor farm safety courses offered by K-State Extension

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1482 graduates during its spring commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13.

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies Friday and two ceremonies Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies Saturday afternoon.

The ceremonies will begin Friday for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at 8:30 a.m. Central time, followed by the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at 11 a.m. Central time.

Saturday’s ceremonies will begin for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at 8:30 a.m., followed by the College of Education at 11 a.m.

Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.

All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network YouTube channel and the TMN Facebook page. Individuals are not required to sign up for a Facebook account to view the ceremonies.

Recordings of the virtual ceremonies will be archived on the FHSU YouTube channel, with the link provided on the commencement website on the “Programs and Videos” tab.

Doors to GMC and the adjoining Cunningham Hall will open at 7:45 a.m. daily. Graduates will check in at Gate 2 or Gate 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter the door labeled guest door entrance (located at both gates).

Students are asked to wear their regalia to GMC. Graduates may arrange to pick up their regalia before May 11 at Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;Regalia will also be available before Friday and Saturday’s ceremonies at the Robbins Center (directly north of the GMC parking lot) from 7 to 11 a.m.

Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of GMC. Guests will be seated on the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for persons with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs is available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and northeast corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.

An ASL interpreter will be shown on screen, visible from any seating area.

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 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1482 graduates during its spring commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13.Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies Friday and two ceremonies Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies Saturday afternoon.The ceremonies will begin Friday for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at 8:30 a.m. Central time, followed by the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at 11 a.m. Central time.Saturday’s ceremonies will begin for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at 8:30 a.m., followed by the College of Education at 11 a.m.Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network YouTube channel and the TMN Facebook page. Individuals are not required to sign up for a Facebook account to view the ceremonies.Recordings of the virtual ceremonies will be archived on the FHSU YouTube channel, with the link provided on the commencement website on the “Programs and Videos” tab.Doors to GMC and the adjoining Cunningham Hall will open at 7:45 a.m. daily. Graduates will check in at Gate 2 or Gate 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter the door labeled guest door entrance (located at both gates).Students are asked to wear their regalia to GMC. Graduates may arrange to pick up their regalia before May 11 at Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;Regalia will also be available before Friday and Saturday’s ceremonies at the Robbins Center (directly north of the GMC parking lot) from 7 to 11 a.m.Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of GMC. Guests will be seated on the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for persons with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs is available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and northeast corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.An ASL interpreter will be shown on screen, visible from any seating area.Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between each commencement ceremony. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.Here are a few suggestions from the University Police to help ease the congestion:<ul>
 <li>Guests arriving for the second ceremony are encouraged to arrive no earlier than 9:45 a.m. Arriving too early will result in guests being forced to park farther away or face departing traffic from the first ceremony. Delaying arrival will also allow time for departing guests from the first ceremony to clear the area in preparation for the second ceremony.</li><li>Graduates driving themselves are encouraged to arrive early and park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to GMC. This will better ensure they avoid traffic congestion, get a parking spot, and arrive on time for their ceremony. Shuttles will be available both days before and after both ceremonies, with the drop-off station at Gate 3.</li><li>Faculty and staff attending are also encouraged to park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to the ceremonies.</li><li>All guests are encouraged to carpool when possible. Fewer cars will ease traffic congestion.</li><li>VIP parking is available on the west side of GMC, with handicapped parking on the east side.</li>
 </ul>Graduates, families, and friends are encouraged to sign and write a message on the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtL7F3Y6gAACH2hXHFu5O9j7YiSGdvjlLeJLHBPo0d9485VDTJ1k4Tc261IGTJ1ZoEXPVuKvbirQvT9JQxWswAeU-3DBVUW_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B7xbmBPyltGJS6qIOfNBcuHQoVJpaAWWCEaPxQGk-2FgyiFJChCcLAfbKyVecNh7wAe2c4fy2iNmOHK3Q-2FrMZVlzAjNB-2FJ-2BU1ogyjmpGLo3WGBnBl1-2BEkc4dHtnNvnItzyBh0f56mGsJiM7K-2FSFkiFR-2BkViYOo706f4MbBZE7p5ZzoGfIKsVuNZW9S8Kxtd-2FzcyCXD1kQDZWYVPYIkKWhbiCMOfPPiAnSHVOiQeMu-2BGjTprVSc3Lay9f4z8tjoa-2Bfzl">Kudoboard</a>.&nbsp;Share photos and messages on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook using the hashtag #tigergrad.The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GlxQUYoxm12qH5cYe27yK4-2FR4FRwlLrVqkzazlTfvVj6rPP8fsCprttOADntaoYeAc-3DbOeM_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B7xbmBPyltGJS6qIOfNBcuHQoVJpaAWWCEaPxQGk-2FgyiFJChCcLAfbKyVecNh7wAe2c4fy2iNmOHK3Q-2FrMZVlzHIYixnSU3YXPOqIcI2B9RojyBBF-2F2sxa291p2o7mn0S0etr61wpiOEjNveTFrLsk-2F3YJ106Wv-2Fw-2BjTayRDNtz1bQMPuQDx-2FPX0VsdiwrcZgFjQOegq1GRfC35gPAZjdMIHYYhN4BWkeRmM4DFOu53ClrN6joVjopAiwyH7U14-2Fl">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw&nbsp;</a>and the Tiger Media Network Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYQbc2Q2FMQAfD3-2FBJaUcoC9ucjlIT-2Bw-2BiXJx9NsTIlVDA-3D-3DEKTC_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B7xbmBPyltGJS6qIOfNBcuHQoVJpaAWWCEaPxQGk-2FgyiFJChCcLAfbKyVecNh7wAe2c4fy2iNmOHK3Q-2FrMZVlzGMq9GtYQGTgnbHaa7FSFqqQd1LYdgyuTYMwA7qq9Dxk5nNvv-2B1Egc04BVf564Jungl6K7MY3xsm2CufchFDIRWEAG3By0r50QtvKfziJRndeGgHqYQ-2BTLcsFBwIxv7Pu0qEJYvM1u0e6lVK-2B418o2XWRvUnVm1c4F1GHRDZ3Hg1">https://www.facebook.com/tigermedianet/.</a>The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKwGCSEfb6-2Fx37KuxE5mpJcnq3UXO20ENBhx-2B1UVzGlSaKJc_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B7xbmBPyltGJS6qIOfNBcuHQoVJpaAWWCEaPxQGk-2FgyiFJChCcLAfbKyVecNh7wAe2c4fy2iNmOHK3Q-2FrMZVlzHVF8Qul7l3PND4UzwPI1sYeOU84LLmX3qmVM4EfqVk9JI1yARy9oWoOzX2sJXxYynSTlLd-2BpUHXahKNLmNUC4XvJyiPJVnRi7CJYqUPrtBSLPbsAF0JM-2BUJTJWDjgAnMdWO-2F-2FhMtM3q7uC4Yt-2F6ZGW7wGd89ezSWpWCr9R4kFaM">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.

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