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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669927421389.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

NWS: Wind, fire warnings issued in NW Kan. for Friday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Effective today, Dec. 1, all Hays City Commission
meetings and work sessions will begin at 4 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs recently suggested the earlier start time, which she
says will more easily allow city staff and others to attend the meetings during
typical work day hours.

"The reasons include better employee/work life balance, which is really important to me," she said.

"Most of our meetings are done within 90 minutes. ... If we have this meeting at 4 o'clock in the afternoon instead of 6:30, we wouldn't be keeping any staff — those who sit here or come before the commission — past what is the normal business day," Jacobs said.&nbsp;

City employees are paid overtime when they attend a meeting
outside of their normal working hours. 

Other than first responders, most employees of the city work 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays.

Jacobs predicts staff will more regularly attend commission meetings other than when they are required to be there for an agenda item.

"Just to come and be part of it and hear [us] directly," she said.&nbsp;

She also noted it would be more convenient for other people attending commission meetings or work sessions representing a business during normal business hours.&nbsp;

The commission will continue to meet the
first four Thursdays of each month.

Commissioner Shaun Musil and Vice-Mayor Michael Berges voted
against the meeting time change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669901383724.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 to change the start time of meetings and work sessions. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 to change the start time of meetings and work sessions. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostEffective today, Dec. 1, all Hays City Commission
meetings and work sessions will begin at 4 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;Commissioner Sandy Jacobs recently suggested the earlier start time, which she
says will more easily allow city staff and others to attend the meetings during
typical work day hours."The reasons include better employee/work life balance, which is really important to me," she said.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/XG5210si-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sandy 4 Pm" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"Most of our meetings are done within 90 minutes. ... If we have this meeting at 4 o'clock in the afternoon instead of 6:30, we wouldn't be keeping any staff — those who sit here or come before the commission — past what is the normal business day," Jacobs said.&nbsp;City employees are paid overtime when they attend a meeting
outside of their normal working hours. Other than first responders, most employees of the city work 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays.Jacobs predicts staff will more regularly attend commission meetings other than when they are required to be there for an agenda item."Just to come and be part of it and hear [us] directly," she said.&nbsp;She also noted it would be more convenient for other people attending commission meetings or work sessions representing a business during normal business hours.&nbsp;The commission will continue to meet the
first four Thursdays of each month.Commissioner Shaun Musil and Vice-Mayor Michael Berges voted
against the meeting time change.

🎥 Hays changes commission meeting start times

ELLIS — The annual Ellis Polar Express will roll back into this weekend.

The three-day event begins at 6 p.m. Friday with the running of the holiday miniature
train until 9 p.m. around the Ellis Railroad Museum miniature train tracks, 911
Washington.

“This is
a lighted Christmas train ride," said Dena Patee, Ellis Polar Express committee member. “We put up Christmas lights all around the little miniature train tracks
and different lighted displays. And then we just send people out in the dark
and cold. And it's magical.”

“It's
also a way for the community to kick off the holiday season,” said Dan
Pyle, Ellis Polar Express Committee president and Ellis Recreation director.

Saturday’s activities include train rides, live music by an Ellis community
band and cookies with Santa at the Ellis Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m.

 On
Sunday, the train will run again from 6 to 8 p.m., but activities begin at 5:30
p.m. with the Ellis Recreation Free Candy Cane Hunt.

A $5 freewill donation is suggested for entry, with proceeds going to future
community events.

This year will mark the first time
the event can take full advantage of the recently revamped park and miniature train
depot.

“Just
getting to use all of our spaces again, it's really, really nice,” Patee said. “Having
Santa back in his own little workshop, that makes it nice because the kids get
their time with Santa, and the parents get that chance to get their pictures.”

In 2019 and 2020, the event was
drive-through only, due to the COVID pandemic. Last year, the depot was not yet available
for use. 

“This is
our first year that we're going to be able to go back, line up through the depot,
load the train correctly, and be back to normal,” said&nbsp;Cheryl Kinderknecht, Polar Express committee
member. &nbsp;

Along with using the park for the first time in years, new displays have
also been added to the route.

“We’ve got at least six new displays for 2022,” Pyle said. “My crew and I
have been checking bulbs, cords and displays for about a month, and we think
we are ready to go.”

In previous years, the Ellis Polar Express has had over 800 riders in one
night. This year, the Ellis Polar Express plans a total of 2,000 riders for the
three nights. 

While
all three days are expected to bring hundreds of people downtown, Pyle said
Saturday would likely be the busiest night, as Santa plans to visit with children in the library’s Community
Room.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event, and in that
time has evolved and grown over the years. 

“The Polar
Express movie was really big at the time. And it's like, why can't we do a for Polar
Express thing,” Kinderknecht said. "And then it just kind of has grown from there because we went from live vignettes
to more of the blowups to the actual live displays. So, it’s definitely grown
since its very meager beginnings.”

The event has grown thanks
to community involvement, Patee said.

“We do get
quite a bit of support through grants and other donations,” she said. “Without
that kind of funding, we would not be able to do this. And we greatly
appreciate everybody's assistance this year.”

“Those
donors really do help us get those new displays,” Pyle said.

And Patee
said they appreciate the many volunteers that help run the event.

“That is
the one fun little piece that no one really understands about how this works,
is how many people are working behind the scenes that you don't see,” Patee
said. “The people that are watching the crossings, for the patrons to walk in
front of the train, making sure that the people that are taking money, and
making sure people get on the train and off the train and around the family,
and the characters, and people making sure that the displays are still lit, and
something hasn't gone drastically wrong. … There's a ton of things to do, so
anybody that wants to volunteer, we can put them to work.”

Correction: The story was updated to reflect the Candy Cane Hunt's timing on Sunday, not Saturday. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669836892112.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — The annual Ellis Polar Express will roll back into this weekend.The three-day event begins at 6 p.m. Friday with the running of the holiday miniature
train until 9 p.m. around the Ellis Railroad Museum miniature train tracks, 911
Washington.“This is
a lighted Christmas train ride," said Dena Patee, Ellis Polar Express committee member. “We put up Christmas lights all around the little miniature train tracks
and different lighted displays. And then we just send people out in the dark
and cold. And it's magical.”“It's
also a way for the community to kick off the holiday season,” said Dan
Pyle, Ellis Polar Express Committee president and Ellis Recreation director.Saturday’s activities include train rides, live music by an Ellis community
band and cookies with Santa at the Ellis Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. On
Sunday, the train will run again from 6 to 8 p.m., but activities begin at 5:30
p.m. with the Ellis Recreation Free Candy Cane Hunt.A $5 freewill donation is suggested for entry, with proceeds going to future
community events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669836876412.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year will mark the first time
the event can take full advantage of the recently revamped park and miniature train
depot.“Just
getting to use all of our spaces again, it's really, really nice,” Patee said. “Having
Santa back in his own little workshop, that makes it nice because the kids get
their time with Santa, and the parents get that chance to get their pictures.”In 2019 and 2020, the event was
drive-through only, due to the COVID pandemic. Last year, the depot was not yet available
for use. “This is
our first year that we're going to be able to go back, line up through the depot,
load the train correctly, and be back to normal,” said&nbsp;Cheryl Kinderknecht, Polar Express committee
member. &nbsp;Along with using the park for the first time in years, new displays have
also been added to the route.“We’ve got at least six new displays for 2022,” Pyle said. “My crew and I
have been checking bulbs, cords and displays for about a month, and we think
we are ready to go.”In previous years, the Ellis Polar Express has had over 800 riders in one
night. This year, the Ellis Polar Express plans a total of 2,000 riders for the
three nights. While
all three days are expected to bring hundreds of people downtown, Pyle said
Saturday would likely be the busiest night, as Santa plans to visit with children in the library’s Community
Room.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669836863106.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event, and in that
time has evolved and grown over the years. “The Polar
Express movie was really big at the time. And it's like, why can't we do a for Polar
Express thing,” Kinderknecht said. "And then it just kind of has grown from there because we went from live vignettes
to more of the blowups to the actual live displays. So, it’s definitely grown
since its very meager beginnings.”The event has grown thanks
to community involvement, Patee said.“We do get
quite a bit of support through grants and other donations,” she said. “Without
that kind of funding, we would not be able to do this. And we greatly
appreciate everybody's assistance this year.”“Those
donors really do help us get those new displays,” Pyle said.And Patee
said they appreciate the many volunteers that help run the event.“That is
the one fun little piece that no one really understands about how this works,
is how many people are working behind the scenes that you don't see,” Patee
said. “The people that are watching the crossings, for the patrons to walk in
front of the train, making sure that the people that are taking money, and
making sure people get on the train and off the train and around the family,
and the characters, and people making sure that the displays are still lit, and
something hasn't gone drastically wrong. … There's a ton of things to do, so
anybody that wants to volunteer, we can put them to work.”Correction: The story was updated to reflect the Candy Cane Hunt's timing on Sunday, not Saturday. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

🎄 Ellis Polar Express returns this weekend 

Faith and family have always provided a solid foundation for Mason Ruder while growing up in Hays.

That foundation got even stronger earlier this month when his alma mater greeted him back with open arms.

Ruder, a 2010 graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, has been named the new director of institutional advancement for Hays Catholic Schools.

Ruder will take over that position on Dec. 12, but he already feels quite at home with Hays Catholic Schools, which is comprised of Holy Family Elementary School and Thomas More Prep-Marian, where he was heavily involved in activities during his high school years.

“I am really excited about getting on board. This is a way of being able to actively help my community, my school, my family,” said Ruder, a member of the Hays City Commission who is serving as the city’s mayor.

Chad Meitner, principal at TMP-Marian, is impressed with Ruder’s leadership roles in the community. Ruder also has experience as a manager at local restaurants and as environmental services director for Ellis County.

"As an alumnus, a key figure in the Hays community and a man of faith, I am beyond excited to work with Mason Ruder," Meitner said. "His leadership style is a great fit for the Advancement Office and will definitely help progress the mission of Hays Catholic Schools."

Submitted by TMP-M Faith and family have always provided a solid foundation for Mason Ruder while growing up in Hays.That foundation got even stronger earlier this month when his alma mater greeted him back with open arms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669839190384.png" alt="Mason Ruder " />
 <figcaption>Mason Ruder </figcaption>
 </figure>Ruder, a 2010 graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, has been named the new director of institutional advancement for Hays Catholic Schools.Ruder will take over that position on Dec. 12, but he already feels quite at home with Hays Catholic Schools, which is comprised of Holy Family Elementary School and Thomas More Prep-Marian, where he was heavily involved in activities during his high school years.“I am really excited about getting on board. This is a way of being able to actively help my community, my school, my family,” said Ruder, a member of the Hays City Commission who is serving as the city’s mayor.Chad Meitner, principal at TMP-Marian, is impressed with Ruder’s leadership roles in the community. Ruder also has experience as a manager at local restaurants and as environmental services director for Ellis County."As an alumnus, a key figure in the Hays community and a man of faith, I am beyond excited to work with Mason Ruder," Meitner said. "His leadership style is a great fit for the Advancement Office and will definitely help progress the mission of Hays Catholic Schools."

TMP-M alum named Hays Catholic Schools advancement director

Forty-four FHSU students representing 10 countries and multiple degree programs competed in the first sustainability-themed entrepreneurial competition. The EPI²C Challenge was formerly known as Kansas Startup Weekend, a competition held annually at FHSU since 2011.

“Sustainability is very important to these students,” said Henry Schwaller, instructor in the department of management. “It’s their future.”

He said students find greater relevancy in experiential learning and that the value of hands-on learning cannot be underestimated. Schwaller also pointed out that a spirit of cooperation is one of the strengths of FHSU. The smaller size of the university allows people from different departments to work together to innovate and create new synergies.

Historically, the challenge has been held in November because global entrepreneurship week is that same month. In addition, International Student Week activities were set for the same week as the challenge. Many of the EPI²C competitors were international students.&nbsp;

“They all learn so much about other cultures, other perspectives. When you have teams that are so diverse, the ideas are much better,” Schwaller said.

For Brittni Day, whose team’s project Innovia Construction, 3D printed affordable housing, won first place and a $5,000 award, collaboration was critical to the project’s success. The team members included Day,&nbsp;Alicia Feyerherm,&nbsp;Caitlin Leiker,&nbsp;Allison Mattke,&nbsp;Tanner Miller, and&nbsp;Max Weimer.

“I came to realize that there is a big difference between trying to expand on our own ideas in a vacuum, and expanding on ideas that have been compounded, layer by layer, from the minds of multiple people,” Day, an online student, said. “Throughout the course of the weekend, I found that I’m much more likely to take calculated risks when I have the support of a team, which ultimately leads to greater innovation.

Nuria Garcia, whose team’s project UPpreciate, upcycled student residence hall room furnishings, won second place and a $2,500 award, said the EPI²C challenge was an “intense” weekend.

“One of the most important things I learned was about timing and communication since we had to do everything quicker than usual with colleagues we had never worked with before,” she said. “Communication on a team has to be fluent to know what everyone is doing at any time and taking all the opinions into consideration.”

Other members of UPpreciate included:&nbsp;Luciana Mendoza,&nbsp;Lincoln Myers, and&nbsp;Chelsie Rose.

Some of the projects shown at the competition are slated for real-world implementation.

The UPpreciate business plan sells its products to students through an Instagram account. According to Garcia, launching the plan this way allows the team to test the market to see how to move the business further.&nbsp;

Innovia Construction, which uses sustainable elements in the design of its homes, such as solar panels, LED light fixtures, and triple-pane windows, hopes to meet with Grow Hays in the future to discuss the implementation of its plan as a business in Hays.&nbsp;

“Our team is passionate about enhancing the growth of our community, and we firmly believe that our ideas have the potential to solve the greatest problems contributing to the housing crisis that has been plaguing Hays for years,” Day said.

Placing third in the competition was Relle,&nbsp;sustainable clothing.&nbsp;The group was comprised of Diana Angarita,&nbsp;Irina Alfonso,&nbsp;Mohamed Didi,&nbsp;Fiorella Mendez, and&nbsp;Safie Senghor.&nbsp;

The idea of sustainable clothing focused on producing clothes with environmentally friendly materials for multi-wear.&nbsp;

“The prototype for our project was ideal because not only is it made from a sustainable source, but it also helps reduce fashion waste since you would be able to wear the item in up to five different ways,” Angarita said. “We worked extremely hard all weekend to bring to life this brand-new idea that our teammate, Fiorella, had just suggested at the beginning of the weekend. It was an amazing experience, and I would love to do it again.”

The Founder's Prize went to&nbsp;Foenix Jewelry,&nbsp;jewelry crafted from recycled metals.&nbsp;Group members included Maria Diaz,&nbsp;Shelbie Ford,&nbsp;Jacob George,&nbsp;Brandon Hipp,&nbsp;Austin Kastler, and&nbsp;Samuel Princ.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669756924323.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsForty-four FHSU students representing 10 countries and multiple degree programs competed in the first sustainability-themed entrepreneurial competition. The EPI²C Challenge was formerly known as Kansas Startup Weekend, a competition held annually at FHSU since 2011.“Sustainability is very important to these students,” said Henry Schwaller, instructor in the department of management. “It’s their future.”He said students find greater relevancy in experiential learning and that the value of hands-on learning cannot be underestimated. Schwaller also pointed out that a spirit of cooperation is one of the strengths of FHSU. The smaller size of the university allows people from different departments to work together to innovate and create new synergies.Historically, the challenge has been held in November because global entrepreneurship week is that same month. In addition, International Student Week activities were set for the same week as the challenge. Many of the EPI²C competitors were international students.&nbsp;“They all learn so much about other cultures, other perspectives. When you have teams that are so diverse, the ideas are much better,” Schwaller said.For Brittni Day, whose team’s project Innovia Construction, 3D printed affordable housing, won first place and a $5,000 award, collaboration was critical to the project’s success. The team members included Day,&nbsp;Alicia Feyerherm,&nbsp;Caitlin Leiker,&nbsp;Allison Mattke,&nbsp;Tanner Miller, and&nbsp;Max Weimer.“I came to realize that there is a big difference between trying to expand on our own ideas in a vacuum, and expanding on ideas that have been compounded, layer by layer, from the minds of multiple people,” Day, an online student, said. “Throughout the course of the weekend, I found that I’m much more likely to take calculated risks when I have the support of a team, which ultimately leads to greater innovation.Nuria Garcia, whose team’s project UPpreciate, upcycled student residence hall room furnishings, won second place and a $2,500 award, said the EPI²C challenge was an “intense” weekend.“One of the most important things I learned was about timing and communication since we had to do everything quicker than usual with colleagues we had never worked with before,” she said. “Communication on a team has to be fluent to know what everyone is doing at any time and taking all the opinions into consideration.”Other members of UPpreciate included:&nbsp;Luciana Mendoza,&nbsp;Lincoln Myers, and&nbsp;Chelsie Rose.Some of the projects shown at the competition are slated for real-world implementation.The UPpreciate business plan sells its products to students through an Instagram account. According to Garcia, launching the plan this way allows the team to test the market to see how to move the business further.&nbsp;Innovia Construction, which uses sustainable elements in the design of its homes, such as solar panels, LED light fixtures, and triple-pane windows, hopes to meet with Grow Hays in the future to discuss the implementation of its plan as a business in Hays.&nbsp;“Our team is passionate about enhancing the growth of our community, and we firmly believe that our ideas have the potential to solve the greatest problems contributing to the housing crisis that has been plaguing Hays for years,” Day said.Placing third in the competition was Relle,&nbsp;sustainable clothing.&nbsp;The group was comprised of Diana Angarita,&nbsp;Irina Alfonso,&nbsp;Mohamed Didi,&nbsp;Fiorella Mendez, and&nbsp;Safie Senghor.&nbsp;The idea of sustainable clothing focused on producing clothes with environmentally friendly materials for multi-wear.&nbsp;“The prototype for our project was ideal because not only is it made from a sustainable source, but it also helps reduce fashion waste since you would be able to wear the item in up to five different ways,” Angarita said. “We worked extremely hard all weekend to bring to life this brand-new idea that our teammate, Fiorella, had just suggested at the beginning of the weekend. It was an amazing experience, and I would love to do it again.”The Founder's Prize went to&nbsp;Foenix Jewelry,&nbsp;jewelry crafted from recycled metals.&nbsp;Group members included Maria Diaz,&nbsp;Shelbie Ford,&nbsp;Jacob George,&nbsp;Brandon Hipp,&nbsp;Austin Kastler, and&nbsp;Samuel Princ.

Sustainability the focus of FHSU entrepreneurial competition

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

The pilot has come in for a landing. In this case, the pilot is the famous aviator Amelia Earhart (or her replica in the form of a bronze statue), and her landing place isn’t an airport — it’s the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was recently honored by the State of Kansas by having her statue placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Statuary Hall is that area of the capitol that displays statues depicting people representing all 50 states. Each state is authorized to send two statues to this collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas recently replaced one of its statues with one of Amelia Earhart, who captured the world’s attention as a pioneer in aviation.&nbsp;

With support from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, her statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Collection in July, 2022.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison on July 24, 1897. She must have been quite the adventurous child.&nbsp;&nbsp;One time she and friends built a homemade roller coaster by greasing boards with lard and suspending them from the top of a toolshed. Amelia made the trial run on this roller coaster in a wooden crate and crashed part way down.&nbsp;

She came up with a torn dress and split lip but a big smile, proclaiming, "Oh! It's just like flying!"&nbsp;

During World War I, she worked as a nurse’s aid at a military hospital and heard the military pilots talk about their flights. Amelia’s interest grew when she attended an airshow in Canada.&nbsp;

In 1921, Amelia Earhart took her first flying lessons. Six months later, she bought her first plane.&nbsp;

Amelia went on to make history: She was the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;

Through her husband, a publisher, she published several books and articles. She designed fashion clothing and had her own luggage line. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;

So what is Statuary Hall and how did Amelia Earhart come to land there? Statuary Hall goes back to the 1860s when a south wing was added to the U.S. Capitol building. The House of Representatives moved into its new chamber where it still meets today.&nbsp;

The House was debating what should be done with the former chamber that it had vacated. A suggestion came from Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont. (This was the same congressman who authored the Morrill Act that authorized land grants for public higher education and under which Kansas State University became the nation’s first operational land grant university.)&nbsp;

Morrill suggested that the former House chamber become a place to display statues from each state. His suggestion was adopted. Every state was allowed to have two statues.&nbsp;

One might ask, who were the two statues from Kansas? Would you guess, George Glick and John J. Ingalls? When I led capitol tours years ago, our visitors would ask,&nbsp;&nbsp;“Who are those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;Never heard of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

I learned that George Glick was a one-term governor of Kansas and John J. Ingalls was a long-time Senator during the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2003, Kansas became the first state to change its two representative statues. The Kansas Legislature voted to replace Glick and Ingalls with statues depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart, provided the statues were funded with private money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ike was placed there in 2003 and Amelia followed in 2022.&nbsp;

The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation paid for the statue of Amelia. The foundation is also working toward opening an aviation museum in her honor. That would be a wonderful addition to the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation</a>.&nbsp;

This pilot has come in for a landing – that is, landing a spot in the Statuary Hall collection in Washington DC.&nbsp;

We commend the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation for making a difference by honoring her legacy. I hope Amelia’s ideals keep flying high.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669815891320.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;The pilot has come in for a landing. In this case, the pilot is the famous aviator Amelia Earhart (or her replica in the form of a bronze statue), and her landing place isn’t an airport — it’s the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was recently honored by the State of Kansas by having her statue placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statuary Hall is that area of the capitol that displays statues depicting people representing all 50 states. Each state is authorized to send two statues to this collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas recently replaced one of its statues with one of Amelia Earhart, who captured the world’s attention as a pioneer in aviation.&nbsp;With support from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, her statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Collection in July, 2022.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison on July 24, 1897. She must have been quite the adventurous child.&nbsp;&nbsp;One time she and friends built a homemade roller coaster by greasing boards with lard and suspending them from the top of a toolshed. Amelia made the trial run on this roller coaster in a wooden crate and crashed part way down.&nbsp;She came up with a torn dress and split lip but a big smile, proclaiming, "Oh! It's just like flying!"&nbsp;During World War I, she worked as a nurse’s aid at a military hospital and heard the military pilots talk about their flights. Amelia’s interest grew when she attended an airshow in Canada.&nbsp;In 1921, Amelia Earhart took her first flying lessons. Six months later, she bought her first plane.&nbsp;Amelia went on to make history: She was the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;Through her husband, a publisher, she published several books and articles. She designed fashion clothing and had her own luggage line. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;So what is Statuary Hall and how did Amelia Earhart come to land there? Statuary Hall goes back to the 1860s when a south wing was added to the U.S. Capitol building. The House of Representatives moved into its new chamber where it still meets today.&nbsp;The House was debating what should be done with the former chamber that it had vacated. A suggestion came from Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont. (This was the same congressman who authored the Morrill Act that authorized land grants for public higher education and under which Kansas State University became the nation’s first operational land grant university.)&nbsp;Morrill suggested that the former House chamber become a place to display statues from each state. His suggestion was adopted. Every state was allowed to have two statues.&nbsp;One might ask, who were the two statues from Kansas? Would you guess, George Glick and John J. Ingalls? When I led capitol tours years ago, our visitors would ask,&nbsp;&nbsp;“Who are those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;Never heard of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I learned that George Glick was a one-term governor of Kansas and John J. Ingalls was a long-time Senator during the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2003, Kansas became the first state to change its two representative statues. The Kansas Legislature voted to replace Glick and Ingalls with statues depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart, provided the statues were funded with private money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ike was placed there in 2003 and Amelia followed in 2022.&nbsp;The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation paid for the statue of Amelia. The foundation is also working toward opening an aviation museum in her honor. That would be a wonderful addition to the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation</a>.&nbsp;This pilot has come in for a landing – that is, landing a spot in the Statuary Hall collection in Washington DC.&nbsp;We commend the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation for making a difference by honoring her legacy. I hope Amelia’s ideals keep flying high.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Amelia Earhart 

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

The Hays Police Department responded to 65 calls from Nov. 20 through Nov. 26, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 65 calls from Nov. 20 through Nov. 26, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD Activity Report, Nov. 20-26

Fort Hays State University celebrated the holiday season Tuesday with the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Cooler temperatures and a blustery wind, didn't hamper festivities though as revelers of all ages enjoyed cookies and cocoa as they visited with Santa and enjoyed the holiday-themed events.

Take a look at some of the activities below:

<figure>
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 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFort Hays State University celebrated the holiday season Tuesday with the annual tree lighting ceremony.Cooler temperatures and a blustery wind, didn't hamper festivities though as revelers of all ages enjoyed cookies and cocoa as they visited with Santa and enjoyed the holiday-themed events.Take a look at some of the activities below:<figure>
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📷 FHSU celebrates Christmas season with tree lighting and more

After a chilly Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for the mercury to jump in the coming days.&nbsp;

The high Thursday is expected to be in the upper-50s, rising all the way to the mid-70s by Friday.

Windy conditions, dry vegetation and low humidity will heighten the risk of fires, the NWS warned. South-southeast winds will begin to pick up Wednesday night — sustained at 20 mph through Friday. Friday could see gusts near 40 mph.&nbsp;

Temperatures will become more seasonal starting Saturday, with highs ranging from the low-40s to mid-50s into next week. Overnight lows will continue to be below the freezing point.

No precipitation is in the forecast. Tuesday's snow was measured as just a trace amount of moisture by the K-State Ag Research Center. The overnight low of 8 degrees was just 6 degrees above the record set in 1919 and 1952.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669818776253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a chilly Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for the mercury to jump in the coming days.&nbsp;The high Thursday is expected to be in the upper-50s, rising all the way to the mid-70s by Friday.Windy conditions, dry vegetation and low humidity will heighten the risk of fires, the NWS warned. South-southeast winds will begin to pick up Wednesday night — sustained at 20 mph through Friday. Friday could see gusts near 40 mph.&nbsp;Temperatures will become more seasonal starting Saturday, with highs ranging from the low-40s to mid-50s into next week. Overnight lows will continue to be below the freezing point.No precipitation is in the forecast. Tuesday's snow was measured as just a trace amount of moisture by the K-State Ag Research Center. The overnight low of 8 degrees was just 6 degrees above the record set in 1919 and 1952.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Friday will be the warmest day of the forecast, with afternoon running some 25-30 degrees above early December normals. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/vL4gs80iPs">pic.twitter.com/vL4gs80iPs</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1597693337607106560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm, windy Friday will increase fire risk in NW Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 19 to 25.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County returned to the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several other northwest Kansas counties were in the substantial- or high-incidence category.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,151 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669831722211.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 19 to 25.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County returned to the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several other northwest Kansas counties were in the substantial- or high-incidence category.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,151 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669831784894.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
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KDHE: 30 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

Kathy Reed, PharmD at HaysMed, recently earned her board certification as an oncology pharmacist, BCOP, from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, the premier post-license certification organization serving the pharmacy profession.&nbsp; She is one of only 44 pharmacists in Kansas who have this certification.&nbsp;

BPS board-certified oncology pharmacists have the advanced knowledge and expertise to deal with an increasing number and complexity of drug therapies for treating and preventing cancer and managing cancer-related and drug-related adverse events or clinical situations not encountered in other disease states. BCOP can optimize outcomes for patients with malignant diseases by:

• Recommending, designing, implementing, monitoring and modifying pharmacotherapeutic plans. • Reducing medication errors. • Recognizing and responding to adverse physical and emotional issues that may arise during treatment and when providing education and counseling.

Reed joins Shawn Giess, PharmD, also a BCOP,&nbsp; providing care for patients in the Dreiling-Schmidt Cancer Institute.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669751152769.jpeg" alt="Reed" />
 <figcaption>Reed</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedKathy Reed, PharmD at HaysMed, recently earned her board certification as an oncology pharmacist, BCOP, from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, the premier post-license certification organization serving the pharmacy profession.&nbsp; She is one of only 44 pharmacists in Kansas who have this certification.&nbsp;BPS board-certified oncology pharmacists have the advanced knowledge and expertise to deal with an increasing number and complexity of drug therapies for treating and preventing cancer and managing cancer-related and drug-related adverse events or clinical situations not encountered in other disease states. BCOP can optimize outcomes for patients with malignant diseases by:• Recommending, designing, implementing, monitoring and modifying pharmacotherapeutic plans. • Reducing medication errors. • Recognizing and responding to adverse physical and emotional issues that may arise during treatment and when providing education and counseling.Reed joins Shawn Giess, PharmD, also a BCOP,&nbsp; providing care for patients in the Dreiling-Schmidt Cancer Institute.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HaysMed pharmacist board-certified as oncology pharmacist

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

The Kansas Forest Service Conservation Tree and Shrub&nbsp;spring distribution ordering process will start December 1, 2022 and goes through May 1, 2023.&nbsp;Order early to get the items you want! Spring order shipments begin in mid-March (weather permitting) and end May 1.&nbsp;

The spring distribution offers both bare root and container-grown seedlings for&nbsp;sale, as well as other items for use in conservation planting.&nbsp;

“Large conservation plantings can become very costly when several hundreds or thousands of plants are needed to meet the conservation goals of the landowner,” said Aaron Yoder, conservation trees specialist.

The&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service offers low-cost tree and shrub seedlings for conservation plantings. These plants are 1 to 2&nbsp;years old and vary from 8 to 36 inches tall, depending on&nbsp;species.Seedlings are sold in units of 25. Bundles and&nbsp;other items must be ordered in whole units. Orders for&nbsp;partial or mixed units will not be accepted. These seedlings&nbsp;are intended for conservation use only and may not be used&nbsp;for landscape plantings or resold as live plants.

Conservation plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations, or educational and riparian (streambank) plantings.&nbsp;Species grown in the program are selected for characteristics that make them ideal candidates for conservation plantings.&nbsp;

What is the difference between container-grown vs.&nbsp;bare-root&nbsp;s<a></a>eedlings&nbsp;- container-grown seedlings are grown in individual 2-inch&nbsp;by 7-inch containers filled with a greenhouse potting mix.&nbsp;Container-grown seedlings have an intact root system and&nbsp;come in the original container. The advantages of container-grown seedlings compared with bare-root seedlings are: • Improved survival and first-year rate of growth under most conditions. • Extended spring planting season. • Greater flexibility in scheduling tree planting around soil conditions, weather conditions, and work schedule. • Easier to plant properly. Bare-root seedlings are grown 1 to 2 years in a field nursery, then lifted and shipped without soil on the roots.

A full list of available products can be found in there Seedling Selection Guide. There is even assistance finding the right tree for your purpose and property with the “Selecting Trees and&nbsp;Shrubs&nbsp;for Conservation Plantings”. All of this along with ordering on-line can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasforests.org/">www.kansasforests.org</a>&nbsp;also&nbsp;orders&nbsp;are accepted&nbsp;over the phone by calling the Kansas Forest Service at 1-888-740-8733.&nbsp;

But don’t delay order early so you can get the items you want.&nbsp;

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Kansas Forest Service Conservation Tree and Shrub&nbsp;spring distribution ordering process will start December 1, 2022 and goes through May 1, 2023.&nbsp;Order early to get the items you want! Spring order shipments begin in mid-March (weather permitting) and end May 1.&nbsp;The spring distribution offers both bare root and container-grown seedlings for&nbsp;sale, as well as other items for use in conservation planting.&nbsp;“Large conservation plantings can become very costly when several hundreds or thousands of plants are needed to meet the conservation goals of the landowner,” said Aaron Yoder, conservation trees specialist.The&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service offers low-cost tree and shrub seedlings for conservation plantings. These plants are 1 to 2&nbsp;years old and vary from 8 to 36 inches tall, depending on&nbsp;species.Seedlings are sold in units of 25. Bundles and&nbsp;other items must be ordered in whole units. Orders for&nbsp;partial or mixed units will not be accepted. These seedlings&nbsp;are intended for conservation use only and may not be used&nbsp;for landscape plantings or resold as live plants.Conservation plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations, or educational and riparian (streambank) plantings.&nbsp;Species grown in the program are selected for characteristics that make them ideal candidates for conservation plantings.&nbsp;What is the difference between container-grown vs.&nbsp;bare-root&nbsp;s<a></a>eedlings&nbsp;- container-grown seedlings are grown in individual 2-inch&nbsp;by 7-inch containers filled with a greenhouse potting mix.&nbsp;Container-grown seedlings have an intact root system and&nbsp;come in the original container. The advantages of container-grown seedlings compared with bare-root seedlings are: • Improved survival and first-year rate of growth under most conditions. • Extended spring planting season. • Greater flexibility in scheduling tree planting around soil conditions, weather conditions, and work schedule. • Easier to plant properly. Bare-root seedlings are grown 1 to 2 years in a field nursery, then lifted and shipped without soil on the roots.A full list of available products can be found in there Seedling Selection Guide. There is even assistance finding the right tree for your purpose and property with the “Selecting Trees and&nbsp;Shrubs&nbsp;for Conservation Plantings”. All of this along with ordering on-line can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasforests.org/">www.kansasforests.org</a>&nbsp;also&nbsp;orders&nbsp;are accepted&nbsp;over the phone by calling the Kansas Forest Service at 1-888-740-8733.&nbsp;But don’t delay order early so you can get the items you want.&nbsp;Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Conservation tree planting program – orders start Dec. 1 

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher The annual meeting of Kansas Farm Bureau is in Manhattan is coming the first weekend of December. I truly look forward to this meeting every year, and this one is no different. However, this year’s meeting will be a bit bittersweet as KFB’s President Rich Felts will ride off into the sunset and retirement. Our members will have the tough job of electing his replacement. President Felts has guided Kansas Farm Bureau for the past eight years with steady hand, a calm demeanor and an artful grace that has led to our organization reaching new heights. I have had the honor and privilege to a front-row seat at the board table. I consider Rich a friend and, more importantly, a mentor. I have watched as he has provided leadership and guidance on issues and made decisions that will affect our organization, our state and all of agriculture for years to come. I believe President Felts has left Kansas Farm Bureau in the best position we have ever been in and laid a foundation to ensure success in the future. Personally, I have been able to seek Rich’s wisdom and opinion on many things, and he has always been gracious and thoughtful. I have always taken heed of his advice, and I hope I can offer others the same leadership and experience. I am not sure I have ever been around someone as caring, dedicated, gracious or as empathetic as President Felts. He is truly the living example of servant leadership; I wish there were more leaders like him. You will never find anyone who cares more for Kansas Farm Bureau or agriculture. I wish everyone could know the hours and miles Rich has put into representing Kansas Farm Bureau. He has been the face of the organization; one we were proud to have representing farmers and ranchers. I doubt there is anyone who came in contact with Rich who was not better because of it. While I understand his decision to step down and spend more time with his wife, Shirley, and the rest of their family, I hope Rich knows how much all of us will miss him both as the head of Kansas Farm Bureau and as a person. I also know he will still be around and always just a phone call away, which is reassuring. I will also miss Shirley equally as much. If a greeting from Shirley can’t brighten your day, you are in bad shape. Her joy and happiness are always contagious. President Felts will leave a tremendous legacy in the organization and in its future. Generations will be able to make better decisions and advocate for our way of life because of his leadership and for that we will be forever grateful. I know this is not goodbye and we will still see each other, but not nearly enough. I also know that Rich will probably not be comfortable with all of this attention, and that is part of what makes him a truly amazing individual. Rich and Shirley, I hope you enjoy your well-deserved rest but please also know how much we all appreciate your dedication and sacrifice in the name of Kansas Farm Bureau and agriculture in general. We are all better for knowing you.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher The annual meeting of Kansas Farm Bureau is in Manhattan is coming the first weekend of December. I truly look forward to this meeting every year, and this one is no different. However, this year’s meeting will be a bit bittersweet as KFB’s President Rich Felts will ride off into the sunset and retirement. Our members will have the tough job of electing his replacement. President Felts has guided Kansas Farm Bureau for the past eight years with steady hand, a calm demeanor and an artful grace that has led to our organization reaching new heights. I have had the honor and privilege to a front-row seat at the board table. I consider Rich a friend and, more importantly, a mentor. I have watched as he has provided leadership and guidance on issues and made decisions that will affect our organization, our state and all of agriculture for years to come. I believe President Felts has left Kansas Farm Bureau in the best position we have ever been in and laid a foundation to ensure success in the future. Personally, I have been able to seek Rich’s wisdom and opinion on many things, and he has always been gracious and thoughtful. I have always taken heed of his advice, and I hope I can offer others the same leadership and experience. I am not sure I have ever been around someone as caring, dedicated, gracious or as empathetic as President Felts. He is truly the living example of servant leadership; I wish there were more leaders like him. You will never find anyone who cares more for Kansas Farm Bureau or agriculture. I wish everyone could know the hours and miles Rich has put into representing Kansas Farm Bureau. He has been the face of the organization; one we were proud to have representing farmers and ranchers. I doubt there is anyone who came in contact with Rich who was not better because of it. While I understand his decision to step down and spend more time with his wife, Shirley, and the rest of their family, I hope Rich knows how much all of us will miss him both as the head of Kansas Farm Bureau and as a person. I also know he will still be around and always just a phone call away, which is reassuring. I will also miss Shirley equally as much. If a greeting from Shirley can’t brighten your day, you are in bad shape. Her joy and happiness are always contagious. President Felts will leave a tremendous legacy in the organization and in its future. Generations will be able to make better decisions and advocate for our way of life because of his leadership and for that we will be forever grateful. I know this is not goodbye and we will still see each other, but not nearly enough. I also know that Rich will probably not be comfortable with all of this attention, and that is part of what makes him a truly amazing individual. Rich and Shirley, I hope you enjoy your well-deserved rest but please also know how much we all appreciate your dedication and sacrifice in the name of Kansas Farm Bureau and agriculture in general. We are all better for knowing you."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: A 'Rich' legacy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669746173311.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>

Ellis teen uninjured in morning rollover on Highway 40

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University dean of the College of Education Paul Adams shares information about FHSU Christmas festivities.

<div><iframe title="FHSU Christmas traditions return for 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=ymjy8-1327d28-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University dean of the College of Education Paul Adams shares information about FHSU Christmas festivities.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Christmas traditions return for 2022

At about 2:30 p.m. Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress approximately 3 miles east of Great Bend on East Barton County Road. 

Deputies were advised the property owner was holding a suspect at gunpoint. 

Upon arrival, deputies took the suspect into custody at an unoccupied farmstead. The suspect had been removing items from the house and outbuildings. 

Arrested at the scene was Harry Casper, 64, of Dundee. Casper was transported to the Barton County jail without incident where he was booked on suspicion of burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669751882112.jpeg" alt="Casper" />
 <figcaption>Casper</figcaption>
 </figure>At about 2:30 p.m. Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress approximately 3 miles east of Great Bend on East Barton County Road. Deputies were advised the property owner was holding a suspect at gunpoint. Upon arrival, deputies took the suspect into custody at an unoccupied farmstead. The suspect had been removing items from the house and outbuildings. Arrested at the scene was Harry Casper, 64, of Dundee. Casper was transported to the Barton County jail without incident where he was booked on suspicion of burglary.

Property owner holds burglar at gunpoint east of Great Bend

The Hays USD school board reviewed newly approved high school graduation requirements at its meeting Monday.

The Kansas Board of Education approved the changes earlier this month. They will affect students who are in the seventh grade when they enter high school.

The recommendations don't affect the number of credits required for graduation but the classification of the classes that count toward graduation.

The state is still going to require 21 credits of graduation. Hays USD 489 requires 25 credits for graduation, except for Hays Virutal School students whose classes have already graduated. Those students can graduate with 21 credits.

"At this point, we are not adopting any of this," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We thought we would share what is being looked at. We will have some internal discussions of what that might look like going forward."

Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, gave a report on the changes.

Included in the changes would be a requirement for a semester of speech, debate, forensics, journalism or public speaking.

A unit of Science Technology Engineering and Math would be added to 
the three units of science and math that are already required.

Instead
 of one year of physical education, students would take a semester of 
PE, a semester of health and a semester of financial literacy. This 
would leave 4.5 units for electives.

"It doesn't mean standards are changing," Dinkel said. "They are changing the focus and reclassifying them."

The Kansas Board of Education also approved a recommendation from
 the Kansas Board of Regents for all students to complete federal 
student financial aid applications before graduation. Any student, 
family or school could opt out of this requirement.

The Hays school board also approved the purchase of an electric sign for the Early Childhood 
Complex. The low bid is $34,245 from Complete Signs of Dothan, Ala. The sign will be paid for with grant funds.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD school board reviewed newly approved high school graduation requirements at its meeting Monday.The Kansas Board of Education approved the changes earlier this month. They will affect students who are in the seventh grade when they enter high school.The recommendations don't affect the number of credits required for graduation but the classification of the classes that count toward graduation. The state is still going to require 21 credits of graduation. Hays USD 489 requires 25 credits for graduation, except for Hays Virutal School students whose classes have already graduated. Those students can graduate with 21 credits. "At this point, we are not adopting any of this," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We thought we would share what is being looked at. We will have some internal discussions of what that might look like going forward."Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, gave a report on the changes.Included in the changes would be a requirement for a semester of speech, debate, forensics, journalism or public speaking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669663278352.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A unit of Science Technology Engineering and Math would be added to 
the three units of science and math that are already required.Instead
 of one year of physical education, students would take a semester of 
PE, a semester of health and a semester of financial literacy. This 
would leave 4.5 units for electives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669663629498.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"It doesn't mean standards are changing," Dinkel said. "They are changing the focus and reclassifying them." The Kansas Board of Education also approved a recommendation from
 the Kansas Board of Regents for all students to complete federal 
student financial aid applications before graduation. Any student, 
family or school could opt out of this requirement.The Hays school board also approved the purchase of an electric sign for the Early Childhood 
Complex. The low bid is $34,245 from Complete Signs of Dothan, Ala. The sign will be paid for with grant funds. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Hays BOE hears new graduation recommendations for class of 2028

Jackson Piper, Overland Park junior, was sworn-in to the Kansas Army National Guard in November. As the first student to be part of the FHSU Officer Candidate School program, he will start basic combat training immediately followed by advanced individual training in January. Piper will begin phase one of the Officer Candidate School program in the summer of 2024.

Basic combat training and advanced individual training will be in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; phase one of OCS, in Salina. Phase two will be on campus at FHSU through the FHSU OCS program and then he will conclude OCS phase three in Washington.&nbsp;

Piper comes from a long line of military family members, from his great-grandfathers to his grandfather and his uncle. His interest in the military began when he was very young.

“I liked to watch war movies and documentaries on major figures and events within the military,” Piper said. “I also took inspiration from the prior service within my family and loved hearing the stories that would be passed down from my grandparents.”

He entered FHSU with the intention of attaining his undergraduate degree and then joining the military. When Piper discovered the officer candidate school program at FHSU, he opted to enroll in a few of the classes.&nbsp;

“I found that I really liked what I was learning,” Piper said. “So, after asking questions and doing research on the opportunities that OCS brings, I decided to fully commit.”

He has declared the military science leadership minor and has been completing courses in military science for the past two years. According to 1LT Hannah Byun, FHSU military science instructor, Piper has shown “great potential and will make a great officer.”

He will commission as an officer in the Kansas Army National Guard in August of 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669657893360.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsJackson Piper, Overland Park junior, was sworn-in to the Kansas Army National Guard in November. As the first student to be part of the FHSU Officer Candidate School program, he will start basic combat training immediately followed by advanced individual training in January. Piper will begin phase one of the Officer Candidate School program in the summer of 2024.Basic combat training and advanced individual training will be in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; phase one of OCS, in Salina. Phase two will be on campus at FHSU through the FHSU OCS program and then he will conclude OCS phase three in Washington.&nbsp;Piper comes from a long line of military family members, from his great-grandfathers to his grandfather and his uncle. His interest in the military began when he was very young.“I liked to watch war movies and documentaries on major figures and events within the military,” Piper said. “I also took inspiration from the prior service within my family and loved hearing the stories that would be passed down from my grandparents.”He entered FHSU with the intention of attaining his undergraduate degree and then joining the military. When Piper discovered the officer candidate school program at FHSU, he opted to enroll in a few of the classes.&nbsp;“I found that I really liked what I was learning,” Piper said. “So, after asking questions and doing research on the opportunities that OCS brings, I decided to fully commit.”He has declared the military science leadership minor and has been completing courses in military science for the past two years. According to 1LT Hannah Byun, FHSU military science instructor, Piper has shown “great potential and will make a great officer.”He will commission as an officer in the Kansas Army National Guard in August of 2025.

First student commits to FHSU Officer Candidate School Program

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is 
coming to Great Bend, KS on May 11th-May 14th, 2023 at Veterans Memorial
 Park&nbsp;and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;honors
 the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed 
forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and 
women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

“We are excited to be able to host&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;in Great Bend, said Larry Parson, Chairperson&nbsp;

for&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;/ Great Bend Leadership Committee.&nbsp; "We 
have an opportunity to honor our Vietnam Veterans and our Hometown 
Heroes and the families to those listed on the Wall who have sacrificed 
so much for us.&nbsp;In addition, our students and citizens will get a rare 
opportunity to not only witness the Wall, but learn the history of the 
Vietnam War and the impact of the Vietnam Era from the educational 
mobile unit.&nbsp; We welcome&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;to Great Bend."

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;mobile
 exhibit to Great Bend to allow local veterans and their family members a
 chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of 
VVMF. “Hosting&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;provides an opportunity to 
honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam 
War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on 
America.”

The Wall That Heals&nbsp;is transported from community to community
 in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits 
built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center 
telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in 
American history.

The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet
 in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will 
experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a 
key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do 
name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.

The
 mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of 
“Hometown Heroes” - service members whose names are on The Wall that 
list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo 
displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s&nbsp;In Memory&nbsp;program
 which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died; 
video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; 
educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at 
The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the&nbsp;In Memory&nbsp;plaque; a map of 
Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits 
tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the 
conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a 
historical and cultural context.

The 2023 national&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;tour is generously 
sponsored by USAA. Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers 
Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit 
is able to travel across the country. Local sponsors are&nbsp;the Dorothy Morrison Foundation and the Great Bend Foundation.

Since
 its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 700 
U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces
 of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005.&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982.&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;is
 the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C.
 and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two 
VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and 
students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More 
information can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thewallthatheals.org/" target="_blank">www.thewallthatheals.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652510925.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is 
coming to Great Bend, KS on May 11th-May 14th, 2023 at Veterans Memorial
 Park&nbsp;and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;honors
 the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed 
forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and 
women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.“We are excited to be able to host&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;in Great Bend, said Larry Parson, Chairperson&nbsp;

for&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;/ Great Bend Leadership Committee.&nbsp; "We 
have an opportunity to honor our Vietnam Veterans and our Hometown 
Heroes and the families to those listed on the Wall who have sacrificed 
so much for us.&nbsp;In addition, our students and citizens will get a rare 
opportunity to not only witness the Wall, but learn the history of the 
Vietnam War and the impact of the Vietnam Era from the educational 
mobile unit.&nbsp; We welcome&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;to Great Bend."“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;mobile
 exhibit to Great Bend to allow local veterans and their family members a
 chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of 
VVMF. “Hosting&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;provides an opportunity to 
honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam 
War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on 
America.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652395389.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wall That Heals&nbsp;is transported from community to community
 in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits 
built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center 
telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in 
American history.The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet
 in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will 
experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a 
key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do 
name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.The
 mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of 
“Hometown Heroes” - service members whose names are on The Wall that 
list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo 
displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s&nbsp;In Memory&nbsp;program
 which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died; 
video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; 
educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at 
The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the&nbsp;In Memory&nbsp;plaque; a map of 
Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits 
tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the 
conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a 
historical and cultural context.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652424134.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2023 national&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;tour is generously 
sponsored by USAA. Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers 
Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit 
is able to travel across the country. Local sponsors are&nbsp;the Dorothy Morrison Foundation and the Great Bend Foundation.Since
 its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 700 
U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces
 of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005.&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982.&nbsp;The Wall That Heals&nbsp;is
 the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C.
 and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two 
VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and 
students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More 
information can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thewallthatheals.org/" target="_blank">www.thewallthatheals.org</a>.About VVMF The
 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization 
that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. 
in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our 
nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor
 and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all 
generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through 
programs, ceremonies and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, 
visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652438861.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>