Windy and dry conditions will continue through Thursday — fueling the possibility of wildfires across western Kansas.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City said the strongest winds will be Wednesday night through Thursday as a cold front roars into the area — bringing gusts up to 60 mph. A hard, killing freeze with a low of 25 is expected Thursday night.

The high Tuesday is expected to be in the mid-60s, with a high in the mid-70s predicted Wednesday. By Friday, the mercury is only expected to top the low-40s.

According to Monday's forecast, there is no chance of precipitation in the Hays area through at least Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667853631596.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Windy and dry conditions will continue through Thursday — fueling the possibility of wildfires across western Kansas.The National Weather Service in Dodge City said the strongest winds will be Wednesday night through Thursday as a cold front roars into the area — bringing gusts up to 60 mph. A hard, killing freeze with a low of 25 is expected Thursday night.The high Tuesday is expected to be in the mid-60s, with a high in the mid-70s predicted Wednesday. By Friday, the mercury is only expected to top the low-40s.According to Monday's forecast, there is no chance of precipitation in the Hays area through at least Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wednesday will be the warmest day this week, with afternoon temperatures well above normal, well into the 70s. South winds will gust to near 50 mph in the afternoon. A strong storm system will bring even stronger winds Thursday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/59EAvzZUvO">pic.twitter.com/59EAvzZUvO</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1589508851337830400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm, windy, dry: NWS warns of wildfire risk across western Kansas

Hays VFW to commemorate Veterans Day Friday

The Kansas Judicial Branch and Ellis County District Court have announced that Kansas Legal Services will be providing legal aid to Kansans through the Ellis County District Court Self Help Center.&nbsp;KLS will provide advice and may give limited assistance with reviewing and drafting court documents related to non-criminal matters. &nbsp;Attorneys may also assist with expungements.

Kansas Legal Services will have an attorney stationed at the Ellis County Courthouse on the 2nd&nbsp;and 4th Wednesday of each month to assist with non-criminal matters. &nbsp;Anyone seeking legal assistance on a limited basis is encouraged to&nbsp;submit an application&nbsp;for services. &nbsp;Applications will be screened for conflicts and eligibility.&nbsp;Forms can be found on the 23rd Judicial District website (<a href="http://www.23rdjudicial.org/">www.23rdjudicial.org</a>) &nbsp;or in the Ellis County District Court office. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Self-Help Center is available outside of legal aid days. &nbsp;Residents are encouraged to use the Self-Help Center for forms, education, and other resources for accessing the justice system. &nbsp;The Center is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News releaseThe Kansas Judicial Branch and Ellis County District Court have announced that Kansas Legal Services will be providing legal aid to Kansans through the Ellis County District Court Self Help Center.&nbsp;KLS will provide advice and may give limited assistance with reviewing and drafting court documents related to non-criminal matters. &nbsp;Attorneys may also assist with expungements.Kansas Legal Services will have an attorney stationed at the Ellis County Courthouse on the 2nd&nbsp;and 4th Wednesday of each month to assist with non-criminal matters. &nbsp;Anyone seeking legal assistance on a limited basis is encouraged to&nbsp;submit an application&nbsp;for services. &nbsp;Applications will be screened for conflicts and eligibility.&nbsp;Forms can be found on the 23rd Judicial District website (<a href="http://www.23rdjudicial.org/">www.23rdjudicial.org</a>) &nbsp;or in the Ellis County District Court office. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Self-Help Center is available outside of legal aid days. &nbsp;Residents are encouraged to use the Self-Help Center for forms, education, and other resources for accessing the justice system. &nbsp;The Center is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667587729419.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Free legal aid will be available in Ellis County

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $11,800. The four-person scramble tournament was held Sept. 30 at the Ellis Golf Club. 

Proceeds are being used for kitchen renovation at one of DSNWK’s group homes in Hays. 

"DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success," the organization said in a news release.

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/">www.dsnwk.org</a> or <a href="https://dsnwk.giftlegacy.com/">dsnwk.giftlegacy.com</a> to learn more about services and ways to support DSNWK’s work with individuals with developmental disabilities throughout northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667573787194.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $11,800. The four-person scramble tournament was held Sept. 30 at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used for kitchen renovation at one of DSNWK’s group homes in Hays. "DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success," the organization said in a news release.DSNWK is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/">www.dsnwk.org</a> or <a href="https://dsnwk.giftlegacy.com/">dsnwk.giftlegacy.com</a> to learn more about services and ways to support DSNWK’s work with individuals with developmental disabilities throughout northwest Kansas.

Golf tourney proceeds benefit DSNWK home in Hays

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/">Great Bend Post</a>

Six years removed from graduating from Larned High School, Landon Erway
is emerging as a leader in the community that he always knew he wanted to come
home to. 
Erway was named the Emerging Leader of the Year at the Larned Area Chamber of
Commerce’s banquet last month. 
“All the candidates for the award were told to stand up at the ceremony,” said
Erway. “I looked around and it was a pretty impressive group of people
standing. I was honored to receive the award.” 
After graduating from LHS in 2016, Erway went to Fort Hays State University and
played baseball for the Tigers. Erway graduated from Fort Hays in three years
and timed things out to take over his grandfather’s State Farm Agency in Larned
as an insurance agent. 
“My grandpa retired from State Farm, and I ended up getting selected at the age
of 22 to run the local agency,” said Erway. “They took a chance on me, being
that young, but since then we’ve been growing with three awesome team members.”

Erway said it was always in his heart to come back to Larned, but he didn’t
know the move would come so quickly. 
“It was always my intention to come back,” said Erway. “I love this town. I
have a heart for the town. My wife was able to find a teaching job and here we
are.” 
Erway now sits on the Larned Chamber &amp; Economic Development board and is making a push to
revitalize downtown. 
“I started the Downtown Larned Podcast,” said Erway. “I’ve been interviewing
business owners and community members in hopes to lighting a match under us and
see some good change.” 
Erway added his future plans focus on growing State Farm and helping more
people. 
“I just want to make Larned a better place to live for more people,” added
Erway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667828798196.jpeg" alt="Landon Erway was named the "Emerging Leader of the Year" by the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>Landon Erway was named the "Emerging Leader of the Year" by the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/">Great Bend Post</a>Six years removed from graduating from Larned High School, Landon Erway
is emerging as a leader in the community that he always knew he wanted to come
home to. 
Erway was named the Emerging Leader of the Year at the Larned Area Chamber of
Commerce’s banquet last month. 
“All the candidates for the award were told to stand up at the ceremony,” said
Erway. “I looked around and it was a pretty impressive group of people
standing. I was honored to receive the award.” 
After graduating from LHS in 2016, Erway went to Fort Hays State University and
played baseball for the Tigers. Erway graduated from Fort Hays in three years
and timed things out to take over his grandfather’s State Farm Agency in Larned
as an insurance agent. 
“My grandpa retired from State Farm, and I ended up getting selected at the age
of 22 to run the local agency,” said Erway. “They took a chance on me, being
that young, but since then we’ve been growing with three awesome team members.”Erway said it was always in his heart to come back to Larned, but he didn’t
know the move would come so quickly. 
“It was always my intention to come back,” said Erway. “I love this town. I
have a heart for the town. My wife was able to find a teaching job and here we
are.” 
Erway now sits on the Larned Chamber &amp; Economic Development board and is making a push to
revitalize downtown. 
“I started the Downtown Larned Podcast,” said Erway. “I’ve been interviewing
business owners and community members in hopes to lighting a match under us and
see some good change.” 
Erway added his future plans focus on growing State Farm and helping more
people. 
“I just want to make Larned a better place to live for more people,” added
Erway.

FHSU grad is Larned chamber's 'emerging leader of the year' 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays drivers might think they've been winding their way through the south Vine Street construction for a really long time. 

The work has been going on longer than expected. 

Reconstruction of Vine Street between 13th Street and south to the city limits — the Old Highway 40 bypass intersection — was supposed to be completed the last week of October.&nbsp;

Work on the Kansas Department of Transportation project is behind schedule, confirmed John Braun, project manager for the city of Hays.

"The contractor is currently in what they call 'liquidated damages' — sort of like a penalty phase," Braun said Tuesday. "So each day, they are being charged a penalty until they get the project complete."

The construction schedule now projects a completion date of mid-December.

Lack of available workers, a nationwide problem, is attributed to the delay.&nbsp;

"It's manpower shortages, their inability to hire labor," Braun explained.&nbsp;

Access to all businesses has remained open, but sometimes with restrictions as temporary entrances are constructed.

The project contractor is Smoky Hill Construction of Salina, the same contractor that completed the north Vine Street roundabout project, work that took two years to complete.&nbsp;

The south Vine project includes replacement of the concrete pavement, select areas of curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, new pedestrian crossings at Eighth Street, storm sewer inlet tops, and pavement markings.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5438fd88-c2ce-4d44-8688-4587563236b4">$3.9 million project got underway May 9</a>.&nbsp;

In 2019, the city was awarded a $1 million grant from the KDOT City Connecting Link Improvement Program to help fund the cost. Hays will pay the remaining $2.9 million using cash from the city's capital reserve fund.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667592344390.jpeg" alt="The south Vine Street reconstruction project, which was scheduled to be completed by the end of October, is now expected to be finished by mid-December. It has been slowed by a shortage of workers. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>The south Vine Street reconstruction project, which was scheduled to be completed by the end of October, is now expected to be finished by mid-December. It has been slowed by a shortage of workers. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays drivers might think they've been winding their way through the south Vine Street construction for a really long time. The work has been going on longer than expected. Reconstruction of Vine Street between 13th Street and south to the city limits — the Old Highway 40 bypass intersection — was supposed to be completed the last week of October.&nbsp;Work on the Kansas Department of Transportation project is behind schedule, confirmed John Braun, project manager for the city of Hays.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/ngCBfKcl-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="South Vine Street Delays" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"The contractor is currently in what they call 'liquidated damages' — sort of like a penalty phase," Braun said Tuesday. "So each day, they are being charged a penalty until they get the project complete."The construction schedule now projects a completion date of mid-December.Lack of available workers, a nationwide problem, is attributed to the delay.&nbsp;"It's manpower shortages, their inability to hire labor," Braun explained.&nbsp;Access to all businesses has remained open, but sometimes with restrictions as temporary entrances are constructed.The project contractor is Smoky Hill Construction of Salina, the same contractor that completed the north Vine Street roundabout project, work that took two years to complete.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651682939363.jpeg" alt="(City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>(City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>The south Vine project includes replacement of the concrete pavement, select areas of curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, new pedestrian crossings at Eighth Street, storm sewer inlet tops, and pavement markings.The&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5438fd88-c2ce-4d44-8688-4587563236b4">$3.9 million project got underway May 9</a>.&nbsp;In 2019, the city was awarded a $1 million grant from the KDOT City Connecting Link Improvement Program to help fund the cost. Hays will pay the remaining $2.9 million using cash from the city's capital reserve fund.&nbsp;

🎥 Worker shortage forces south Vine contractor into 'penalty phase' 

<div> <script src="https://embed-945574.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="a190f89b-16be-4d5c-9847-498ec5fe99cb" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

🏈 WINNERS EVERY WEEK! CERVs Football Matchup

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667584646510.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

With cooler temperatures here to stay, no doubt you will be&nbsp;switching on&nbsp;your furnace. Now is a good time to provide a reminder about the dangers of Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is of greatest concern because it can be fatal. Hundreds of people are killed each year in the United States by CO in their homes.

Carbon monoxide can build up in an enclosed space. The gas is odorless and colorless, so you may not sense what is making you sick. CO reduces the ability of hemoglobin in the blood to carry oxygen. Health effects or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to other illnesses, such as flu and allergies.&nbsp;The Symptoms of exposure to low doses of CO include nausea, dizziness, weakness, and muscle aches. Higher doses of CO can cause impaired judgement, paralysis, coma and death.

So how does a buildup of carbon monoxide typically occur? There are several ways, so keep reading for the answer.

•Flues or chimneys from combustion equipment become blocked (such as by a bird’s nest) disconnected, rusted or broken.Thuspollutants from combustion equipment, high in CO, cannot be exhausted to the outside. •A fuel burning appliance, such as a furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, allowing combustion gases into the living spaces instead of being exhausted up a chimney or flue. •Unvented fuel-burning (such as kerosene or gas) heaters are operated in the home without adequate ventilation. •Charcoal cookers, grills, or hibachis are operated in the home. •Gas ovens improperly used for space heating.

Last year the carbon monoxide detector we had plugged in in our basement family room made quite a screeching noise. Detectors do have a life span so make sure yours is operating properly. Once we replaced it with a new detector everything returned to normal. Remember though, that installing a CO detector does not replace regular maintenance, inspection and safe operation of combustion equipment.&nbsp;

Here’s hoping you stay safe and stay warm this winter!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>With cooler temperatures here to stay, no doubt you will be&nbsp;switching on&nbsp;your furnace. Now is a good time to provide a reminder about the dangers of Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is of greatest concern because it can be fatal. Hundreds of people are killed each year in the United States by CO in their homes.Carbon monoxide can build up in an enclosed space. The gas is odorless and colorless, so you may not sense what is making you sick. CO reduces the ability of hemoglobin in the blood to carry oxygen. Health effects or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to other illnesses, such as flu and allergies.&nbsp;The Symptoms of exposure to low doses of CO include nausea, dizziness, weakness, and muscle aches. Higher doses of CO can cause impaired judgement, paralysis, coma and death.So how does a buildup of carbon monoxide typically occur? There are several ways, so keep reading for the answer.•Flues or chimneys from combustion equipment become blocked (such as by a bird’s nest) disconnected, rusted or broken.Thuspollutants from combustion equipment, high in CO, cannot be exhausted to the outside. •A fuel burning appliance, such as a furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, allowing combustion gases into the living spaces instead of being exhausted up a chimney or flue. •Unvented fuel-burning (such as kerosene or gas) heaters are operated in the home without adequate ventilation. •Charcoal cookers, grills, or hibachis are operated in the home. •Gas ovens improperly used for space heating.Last year the carbon monoxide detector we had plugged in in our basement family room made quite a screeching noise. Detectors do have a life span so make sure yours is operating properly. Once we replaced it with a new detector everything returned to normal. Remember though, that installing a CO detector does not replace regular maintenance, inspection and safe operation of combustion equipment.&nbsp;Here’s hoping you stay safe and stay warm this winter!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Indoor air quality reminders

FORD COUNTY —A Great Bend man was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Caravan driven by John Wayne King, 60, Great Bend, was westbound on U.S. 50 just west of 132 Road.

The van traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Katorrii Lecharles Tucker, 30, Monroeville, Alabama, head-on.

EMS transported King and&nbsp; Tucker to the hospital in Dodge City. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

FORD COUNTY —A Great Bend man was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Caravan driven by John Wayne King, 60, Great Bend, was westbound on U.S. 50 just west of 132 Road.The van traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Katorrii Lecharles Tucker, 30, Monroeville, Alabama, head-on.EMS transported King and&nbsp; Tucker to the hospital in Dodge City. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Great Bend man hospitalized after head-on crash

Megan Shepard, Fort Hays State University senior, will be awarded a certificate and scholarship for her research-based poster in November. Shepard’s poster, titled “Formal and Informal Social Support Matter: Addressing the Needs of Rural Survivors of IPV" (Intimate Partner Violence), was announced as the award recipient of the Division of Women &amp; Crime Undergraduate Student Paper and Poster Competition in October.&nbsp;

The award and scholarship will be presented to Shepard during the American Society of Criminology annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 18.&nbsp;

Shepard is a sociology major and an undergraduate student researcher at the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence. She is currently working with Dr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice, to create another poster that will focus on the incarceration of women who have experienced gender-based violence.&nbsp;

Originally from Kinsley, Shepard has long been passionate about issues surrounding incarceration and gender-based violence. She has worked for the Kansas Department of Corrections and Larned Correctional Facility, where she served as the prison rape elimination act coordinator.

“I have had friends and former co-workers who have died from gender-based violence,” Shepard said. “Coming from a rural area, I’ve seen these issues up close, and I know the resources aren’t there.”

“People need help. It’s not an individual problem. It’s a community problem.”

During her time at FHSU, Shepard has dived deeply into research, writing a book chapter with Qi and creating research posters. She will graduate in May 2023 and plans to continue her work with women who are incarcerated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667416987097.jpeg" alt="Shepard" />
 <figcaption>Shepard</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsMegan Shepard, Fort Hays State University senior, will be awarded a certificate and scholarship for her research-based poster in November. Shepard’s poster, titled “Formal and Informal Social Support Matter: Addressing the Needs of Rural Survivors of IPV" (Intimate Partner Violence), was announced as the award recipient of the Division of Women &amp; Crime Undergraduate Student Paper and Poster Competition in October.&nbsp;The award and scholarship will be presented to Shepard during the American Society of Criminology annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 18.&nbsp;Shepard is a sociology major and an undergraduate student researcher at the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence. She is currently working with Dr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice, to create another poster that will focus on the incarceration of women who have experienced gender-based violence.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417139917.jpeg" alt="Dr. Ziwei Qi" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Ziwei Qi</figcaption>
 </figure>Originally from Kinsley, Shepard has long been passionate about issues surrounding incarceration and gender-based violence. She has worked for the Kansas Department of Corrections and Larned Correctional Facility, where she served as the prison rape elimination act coordinator.“I have had friends and former co-workers who have died from gender-based violence,” Shepard said. “Coming from a rural area, I’ve seen these issues up close, and I know the resources aren’t there.”“People need help. It’s not an individual problem. It’s a community problem.”During her time at FHSU, Shepard has dived deeply into research, writing a book chapter with Qi and creating research posters. She will graduate in May 2023 and plans to continue her work with women who are incarcerated.

FHSU senior earns honors, scholarship in criminology poster contest

At a recent conference at Wichita State University, four political observers were asked to make their predictions for next week’s elections. All four said they believed Sharice Davids would win re-election in the Third Congressional District; three out of the four said they believed Governor Laura Kelly would be re-elected; and two out of the four said they believed Chris Mann would defeat Kris Kobach and be elected Kansas’s attorney general. But further down the ballot? The agreement was near unanimous: November 8 will likely be a terrible night for the Democrats.

“Near unanimous,” of course, means at least one voice of dissent. The dissenter was me.

Am I confident in my belief that Kansas, come November 8, may provide national Democrats with some tiny, consoling glimmers of blue during a rough night? Not remotely. So why bother saying so, when the usual political science variables—a midterm election during the first term of an unpopular President at a time of high inflation—point toward a Democratic bloodbath?

In speaking out on behalf of such an unlikely result, the lessons of two elections are on my mind.

First, the August vote on the “Value Them Both” amendment. The size of that abortion-rights victory has been much commented on—but more relevant is also how much of a surprise it was.

There was no precedent anywhere for that election: a straight-up, yes-or-no vote regarding the right to abortion. Thus, no one really had any data to work with. There was some public opinion polling—much of which was unreliable—and some reasonable guesses were made on the basis of demographics and party affiliation. But no serious observer guessed that the amendment would lose by nearly 20 points.

Second, the 2016 election of Donald Trump, which similarly took a huge number of people by surprise. But in that case, the surprise wasn’t because of a lack of data, but because so many people (myself included) didn’t take seriously the information—the unpopularity of Hillary Clinton, the shifts in white voting patterns in upper Midwestern states, etc.—which pointed to the real chance that Trump could win. It seemed such a bizarre possibility that we discounted it.

So we come to the Kansas 2022 elections, where we’re not in the same situation as before the August amendment vote. In fact, thanks to that vote and other in-depth surveys, we know a fair amount, particularly about high levels of voter engagement among Democratic-leaning groups. We also know that Kelly’s approval numbers are pretty good, and that abortion, along with Medicaid expansion and medical marijuana legalization, are motivating many voters.

Enough voters to overcome the huge, historical advantages Republicans enjoy in Kansas? Or all the other already-mentioned disadvantages weighing down Democrats this year? Probably not.

But in this election, even in the wake the Republican redistricting of state and congressional legislative districts, I don’t want to discount the data we do have, however limited it may be. So I am willing to say that there really is a chance that not only will we see some top of the ballot Democrats winning in Kansas, but also enough Democrats holding on to or flipping state houses races—perhaps in Manhattan, Shawnee, Emporia, Hays, Hutchinson, or Wichita—that the Republican super-majority could be lost, bizarre as that may sound.

Again, I’m not remotely confident about any of this. But after 2016 and 2022, I’m not so confident as to discount the possibility of the truly unlikely happening either.

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>At a recent conference at Wichita State University, four political observers were asked to make their predictions for next week’s elections. All four said they believed Sharice Davids would win re-election in the Third Congressional District; three out of the four said they believed Governor Laura Kelly would be re-elected; and two out of the four said they believed Chris Mann would defeat Kris Kobach and be elected Kansas’s attorney general. But further down the ballot? The agreement was near unanimous: November 8 will likely be a terrible night for the Democrats.“Near unanimous,” of course, means at least one voice of dissent. The dissenter was me.Am I confident in my belief that Kansas, come November 8, may provide national Democrats with some tiny, consoling glimmers of blue during a rough night? Not remotely. So why bother saying so, when the usual political science variables—a midterm election during the first term of an unpopular President at a time of high inflation—point toward a Democratic bloodbath?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In speaking out on behalf of such an unlikely result, the lessons of two elections are on my mind.First, the August vote on the “Value Them Both” amendment. The size of that abortion-rights victory has been much commented on—but more relevant is also how much of a surprise it was.There was no precedent anywhere for that election: a straight-up, yes-or-no vote regarding the right to abortion. Thus, no one really had any data to work with. There was some public opinion polling—much of which was unreliable—and some reasonable guesses were made on the basis of demographics and party affiliation. But no serious observer guessed that the amendment would lose by nearly 20 points.Second, the 2016 election of Donald Trump, which similarly took a huge number of people by surprise. But in that case, the surprise wasn’t because of a lack of data, but because so many people (myself included) didn’t take seriously the information—the unpopularity of Hillary Clinton, the shifts in white voting patterns in upper Midwestern states, etc.—which pointed to the real chance that Trump could win. It seemed such a bizarre possibility that we discounted it.So we come to the Kansas 2022 elections, where we’re not in the same situation as before the August amendment vote. In fact, thanks to that vote and other in-depth surveys, we know a fair amount, particularly about high levels of voter engagement among Democratic-leaning groups. We also know that Kelly’s approval numbers are pretty good, and that abortion, along with Medicaid expansion and medical marijuana legalization, are motivating many voters.Enough voters to overcome the huge, historical advantages Republicans enjoy in Kansas? Or all the other already-mentioned disadvantages weighing down Democrats this year? Probably not.But in this election, even in the wake the Republican redistricting of state and congressional legislative districts, I don’t want to discount the data we do have, however limited it may be. So I am willing to say that there really is a chance that not only will we see some top of the ballot Democrats winning in Kansas, but also enough Democrats holding on to or flipping state houses races—perhaps in Manhattan, Shawnee, Emporia, Hays, Hutchinson, or Wichita—that the Republican super-majority could be lost, bizarre as that may sound.Again, I’m not remotely confident about any of this. But after 2016 and 2022, I’m not so confident as to discount the possibility of the truly unlikely happening either.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Learning to be ready for the unlikely

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees or certificates for career training during the summer semester of 2022.

Claflin 
Wyatt Letourneau, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Andrew Maier, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend 
Bryce Boltman, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Sydney Mason, A.A.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Genesis Rose, A.S.&nbsp;

Hill City 
Raygan Garrison, Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Larned 
Autumn Harman, A.A.&nbsp;

Leoti 
Carlos Orozco, A.G.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Morland 
Leah Lindenman, Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Timken 
Sean Kelly, A.A.S. &amp; Emergency Management Certificate

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613590329847.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees or certificates for career training during the summer semester of 2022.Area students include:&nbsp;Claflin 
Wyatt Letourneau, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Andrew Maier, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;Great Bend 
Bryce Boltman, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Sydney Mason, A.A.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Genesis Rose, A.S.&nbsp;Hill City 
Raygan Garrison, Pharmacy Technician CertificateLarned 
Autumn Harman, A.A.&nbsp;Leoti 
Carlos Orozco, A.G.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;Morland 
Leah Lindenman, Pharmacy Technician CertificateTimken 
Sean Kelly, A.A.S. &amp; Emergency Management Certificate

Barton CC announces 2022 summer graduates

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667584591136.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&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hays police officer, champion skeet shooter dreams of Olympics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first round of grant recipients include:

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

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

Donations collected locally provide books to children in the greater community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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

The UPS Store, Marine Toys for Tots encourage childhood literacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$250 - Hailey Vallevoy, Salina South High School

$250 - Skyler Rodriguez, Hays High School

$250 - Abigail Schwartz, Scott City High School

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

$500 - Alexa Ryersee, La Crosse High School

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

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

$1000 - Lizeth Coronado, Salina South High School

$1000 - Jensyn Smith, Scott City High School

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

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

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

FHSU hosts fourth annual Future Educators Day

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

By LAAH TUCKER Lions Club

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

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

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

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

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