THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in&nbsp; Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F750 driven by Earl Hamp, 34, Conyers, Georgia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of U.S. 24 Junction.

The truck left the roadway to the left, struck a guardrail and overturned. EMS transported Hamp and a passenger Twalanea&nbsp;Hamp, 37, Conyers, Georgia, to the hospital in Colby. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in&nbsp; Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F750 driven by Earl Hamp, 34, Conyers, Georgia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of U.S. 24 Junction.The truck left the roadway to the left, struck a guardrail and overturned. EMS transported Hamp and a passenger Twalanea&nbsp;Hamp, 37, Conyers, Georgia, to the hospital in Colby. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after truck strikes I-70 guardrail, overturns

Hi! My name is Monique Koerner. &nbsp;I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District. I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!

Hays&nbsp;is my hometown, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Most&nbsp;recently, I&nbsp;graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master's in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration. Before being hired as an Extension agent,&nbsp;I worked for Early Childhood Connections. I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.&nbsp;

My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs — a long-haired Chihuahua named Bella,&nbsp;and a yellow lab named&nbsp;Phiobe — round out the family.

Advocating&nbsp;for and supporting&nbsp;families who breastfeed&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a passion of mine. &nbsp;I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International&nbsp;Board Certified&nbsp;Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. &nbsp;

I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State. I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug. 4,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept. 22,&nbsp;at Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;5-7pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a></a>started&nbsp;planning the annual Family Dinner&nbsp;Night&nbsp;make and take pizza event the last Monday&nbsp;in&nbsp;September. Please come out and say “hi”! I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.

If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St. I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Hi! My name is Monique Koerner. &nbsp;I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District. I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!Hays&nbsp;is my hometown, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Most&nbsp;recently, I&nbsp;graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master's in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration. Before being hired as an Extension agent,&nbsp;I worked for Early Childhood Connections. I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.&nbsp;My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs — a long-haired Chihuahua named Bella,&nbsp;and a yellow lab named&nbsp;Phiobe — round out the family.Advocating&nbsp;for and supporting&nbsp;families who breastfeed&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a passion of mine. &nbsp;I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International&nbsp;Board Certified&nbsp;Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. &nbsp;I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State. I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug. 4,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept. 22,&nbsp;at Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;5-7pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a></a>started&nbsp;planning the annual Family Dinner&nbsp;Night&nbsp;make and take pizza event the last Monday&nbsp;in&nbsp;September. Please come out and say “hi”! I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St. I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>.

Extension welcomes new family, community wellness agent

COLBY — The Colby Community College volleyball team was recognized for their academic efforts by earning the United States Marine Corps and American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The honor highlights collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.&nbsp;

The Trojans, who posted a 16-14 record and advanced to the Region VI semifinals, finished the academic year with a 3.79 GPA. It marks the ninth time in 13 years one of Coach Carey Jones's teams earned the Team Academic Award. In addition, the squad was one of seven two-year schools nationally to make the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, a distinction reserved for the top 20 percent of team GPAs in NJCAA Division I.

"&nbsp;I couldn't be more proud of Coach Jones and the whole volleyball team," said CCC Athletic Director Mike Saddler. "They narrowly missed being the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year, but adding another academic award is a great honor. Her teams have been great on the floor, but what they have been able to do in the classroom year-in and year-out is amazing."

Additional information on the award is available on the AVCA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avca.org/awards/team-academic/2022-usmc-avca-team-academic-release.html">website</a>.

The 2022 Trojans are arriving in early August to prepare for their Aug. 19-20 tournament games in Beatrice, Neb. The first home contest is Aug. 24 in a Jayhawk Conference battle with Seward County Community College.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — The Colby Community College volleyball team was recognized for their academic efforts by earning the United States Marine Corps and American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The honor highlights collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.&nbsp;The Trojans, who posted a 16-14 record and advanced to the Region VI semifinals, finished the academic year with a 3.79 GPA. It marks the ninth time in 13 years one of Coach Carey Jones's teams earned the Team Academic Award. In addition, the squad was one of seven two-year schools nationally to make the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, a distinction reserved for the top 20 percent of team GPAs in NJCAA Division I."&nbsp;I couldn't be more proud of Coach Jones and the whole volleyball team," said CCC Athletic Director Mike Saddler. "They narrowly missed being the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year, but adding another academic award is a great honor. Her teams have been great on the floor, but what they have been able to do in the classroom year-in and year-out is amazing."Additional information on the award is available on the AVCA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avca.org/awards/team-academic/2022-usmc-avca-team-academic-release.html">website</a>.The 2022 Trojans are arriving in early August to prepare for their Aug. 19-20 tournament games in Beatrice, Neb. The first home contest is Aug. 24 in a Jayhawk Conference battle with Seward County Community College.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colby CC volleyball among academic elite

<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/2022/7/1659129837009.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

August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.

Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.

Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;

It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;

Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.

Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;

Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

KRUG: Are you a lifelong learner?

Click <a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a> to learn more or apply.

Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner? 

The Salina Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking an on-air news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to — their community and audience.

This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the Salina coverage area for our three radio stations and SalinaPost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the on-air news director will work closely with the digital news director, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers and the video team.  

Responsibilities: •&nbsp; &nbsp; Ensure reliable coverage of Salina-area local news, sports and community events •&nbsp; &nbsp; Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers •&nbsp; &nbsp; Broadcast news coverage •&nbsp; &nbsp; Publish text, visual and audio content to SalinaPost.com •&nbsp; &nbsp; Help maintain a growing social media presence

Experience: •&nbsp; &nbsp; News writing and on-air experience preferred. Photography and video skills a plus •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of radio production preferred •&nbsp; &nbsp; Excellent communication skills

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Other Information: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a> to learn more or apply.Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner? The Salina Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking an on-air news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to — their community and audience.This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the Salina coverage area for our three radio stations and SalinaPost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the on-air news director will work closely with the digital news director, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers and the video team. Responsibilities: •&nbsp; &nbsp; Ensure reliable coverage of Salina-area local news, sports and community events •&nbsp; &nbsp; Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers •&nbsp; &nbsp; Broadcast news coverage •&nbsp; &nbsp; Publish text, visual and audio content to SalinaPost.com •&nbsp; &nbsp; Help maintain a growing social media presence Experience: •&nbsp; &nbsp; News writing and on-air experience preferred. Photography and video skills a plus •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of radio production preferred •&nbsp; &nbsp; Excellent communication skillsCompensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.Other Information: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.

Eagle Radio / Salina Post seeks on-air news director

RUSSELL – This week, the Duke Johnson Municipal Pool announced the pool would close earlier than expected for the year, drawing criticism from area residents.

On Thursday, City Manager&nbsp;Jon Quinday addressed those concerns in a Facebook post to the City of Russell page.&nbsp;

I understand that the decision to close the Duke Johnson Municipal Swimming Pool on August 7, 2022, has created quite a stir with quite a few questions and some misinformation that I'd like to clarify. 

 Before I do, I want to thank folks on social media who posted positive comments about the lifeguards. 

 The lifeguards are certified and provide an invaluable service to the pool patrons. 

 They are not daycare providers and do not deserve public criticism on a social media platform without the opportunity to respond. 

 These are young men and women whose primary responsibility is the safety of all patrons at the pool. 

 They make mistakes, and we receive calls when they do, which we address. 

This year the pool opened on May 28th with a tentative closing date of August 14th. 

 The pool will close on August 7th because of staffing issues. 

 We won't have enough lifeguards to stay open longer. 

 The American Red Cross standard is one certified lifeguard per 25 people. 

 The City requires a minimum of seven certified lifeguards for the entire pool to be open. 

 The seven-person requirement is to provide one certified lifeguard at each station and one in the office. 

 We prefer to have nine certified lifeguards on duty, so they can take a 30-minute break after completing the rotation. 

 Two weeks ago, I directed the pool managers to move to a modified heat schedule so the guards could take a 15-minute break every 60 minutes. 

 I based this decision on high heat indexes and the lifeguards' safety.  There was a comment that the pool used to be open until Labor Day. 

 The pool has been closed in August for the past decade. 

 Last year the pool closed on August 9th; in 2020, it closed on August 11th, and in 2019 it closed on August 9th. 

 The August closing coincides with the beginning of school in Russell and when college-aged lifeguards start moving into the dorms and preparing for the fall semester.

  The number of days the pool closed this year was another hot topic. 

 Please let me add some context to that discussion. 

 The pool opened on May 28th and will close on August 7th, 72 operating days.  As of today (July 28th), the pool has closed nine times for the following reasons:

In summary: that is four closures for low attendance, two for weather, two for mechanical issues, and one for scheduled maintenance. 

 Three of the nine days were full-day closures. 

 The low attendance policy is six or fewer patrons. 

1. The temperature must be 67 degrees Fahrenheit at 12:30 pm to open.

2. The pool remains open for rain-only events unless attendance drops to six or below. 

3. The lifeguards clear the pool for lightning, as determined by the lightning prediction system installed at Memorial Park.  Once the system gives the all-clear signal, patrons can return to the pool.  The pool is closed if the storm is long-lasting or attendance drops to six or below.

 One concern about the pool closings is that the person bought a season pass. 

 Let's put some numbers to that concern. 

 A single-season pass is $50.00.  Assuming the pool stays open all 72 days, the cost of attending is $0.69 per day. 

 Since the pool (as of today) has closed early or opened late six times and fully closed three times, that cost per day increased to $0.79. 

 That may rise as it rained all morning and still looks pretty overcast today. 

 Weather and other unforeseen events are reasons placed on the pool pass application as to why the pool may close. 

 Whether a person wishes to purchase a season pass to save money or pay the daily $2.00 entry fee is an economic decision that is out of my control. 

 It's similar to the decision I faced as a young kid.

  Do I pay for a season ski pass for a lift ticket each time I go skiing? 

 Some days the snow is not good, so I stay home. 

 Some days the mountain is closed due to weather. 

 I digress, back to the concerns raised on social media. 

 The installation of the two new slides and other water features at the pool was a decision to replace old worn-out equipment.

 The manufacturer's safety recommendations do not allow persons under forty-eight inches to ride the slide, no more than one person at a time, and no one at the slide's base to "catch" those coming down the slide. 

 We would be remiss to ignore the safety recommendation of the manufacturer – especially when young children are involved. 

 Contrary to some suggestions, the lifeguards are not at the base of the slides to "catch" people. 

 The lifeguards are present to prevent and respond to water emergencies.

Lifeguards are not allowed to have cell phones while at their duty station. 

 Phones are left in the office where lifeguards can access and use their phones during breaks. 

 Is the office an ideal area for the lifeguards to take a break? 

 Is it difficult to tell who in the office is on break and who is not?

 We can and will work on a better break area where the lifeguards can cool off and unwind for their short breaks. 

 Finally, I want to close with two items: About our lifeguards and how to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

First, as I said previously, our lifeguards provide an invaluable service monitoring patron activity to prevent and respond to water emergencies. 

 Yes, they will blow the whistle if you run around the pool, and no one wants you to slip and hurt yourself. 

 Our lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross. 

 Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and pass a pre-course swimming skills test before taking the lifeguarding courses. 

 The skills test is a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke, a 2-minute tread using legs only, and the ability to retrieve a 10- pound dive weight from 7 feet deep, surface, and swim twenty yards with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds.

Once the lifeguard passes the pre-course swimming skills test, they begin the lifeguard training course. 

You can find more information about the lifeguard training process at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2Ftake-a-class%2Flifeguarding%2Flifeguard-training%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1itPcd6YhQVFSLvQDYu7LQkc5lgvrN40M1Oz_mTqp3QU8H-YDiwng_Bfs&amp;h=AT3axwXtVxzIC8iaxj8iGFoZbA-bBLTKyWIhKKXfAcXfN8bSFXnonxxMJ3Xnj5--jfhd8N_-IZA9zno3LeY8JIwDKblQIFyWLZYaDc3PKYSbUrtdoVZyBEPbBfFgVTP_&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT0JzsWFqn3lZttU1FpwQ1vVjUFuMyOEbVQeArqDDTNRk9b3OdZf5kOQXf3scjHa0YiRiOoL-BR4W_y6p21xjIZskVQTkTalEl8fTeEKmvYEKcBTcQ9wEUP7B4g76jy1KpuzI2GoLpmSSuKgZLJBnHJQZJ8ttxleY6QtRzKvbpakxBHQI1vL8BydPShVVEZC4Ufqj7CBur2h1cw9GkexXJ_A_-60DF0TAyP2J8Y" target="_blank">https://www.redcross.org/.../lifeguarding/lifeguard-training</a>.

<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2Ftake-a-class%2Flifeguarding%2Flifeguard-training%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1itPcd6YhQVFSLvQDYu7LQkc5lgvrN40M1Oz_mTqp3QU8H-YDiwng_Bfs&amp;h=AT3axwXtVxzIC8iaxj8iGFoZbA-bBLTKyWIhKKXfAcXfN8bSFXnonxxMJ3Xnj5--jfhd8N_-IZA9zno3LeY8JIwDKblQIFyWLZYaDc3PKYSbUrtdoVZyBEPbBfFgVTP_&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT0JzsWFqn3lZttU1FpwQ1vVjUFuMyOEbVQeArqDDTNRk9b3OdZf5kOQXf3scjHa0YiRiOoL-BR4W_y6p21xjIZskVQTkTalEl8fTeEKmvYEKcBTcQ9wEUP7B4g76jy1KpuzI2GoLpmSSuKgZLJBnHJQZJ8ttxleY6QtRzKvbpakxBHQI1vL8BydPShVVEZC4Ufqj7CBur2h1cw9GkexXJ_A_-60DF0TAyP2J8Y" target="_blank"></a>These young men and women spend hours in the hot sun monitoring their assigned pool area to prevent and respond to water emergencies.

 This is a huge responsibility for anyone, regardless of age. 

 We are fortunate to have young men and women willing to train, become certified, and take on the job, and I am proud of the work they do each day. 

 Do we have a lifeguard make a mistake occasionally? 

 We address performance issues or policy violations with each employee. 

Please call me if you have an issue with the pool or any city operation. 

 We don't know what we don't know, and I don't have or monitor social media. 

 If I'm unavailable, someone will take your call and route it to the appropriate person. 

 This is preferable to denigrating the lifeguards or any other city employee on social media. 

 I've said it before and will continue to boast about the community and the City's operation. 

 As a community, we have a great group of men and women who work daily to provide the services our community expects. 

If you have an issue with the City, please call, and someone will route you to the appropriate person. 

 If you post your issue on social media, we may see it, and we may not. 

 Thanks again to those who pointed out the good work our employees, including lifeguards, do daily. 

 That lets them know they are making a difference in the community. 

 I also thank those who took the time to call when they have an issue or concern; knowing our shortcomings allows us to improve. 

 Please remember that these people being rundown on social media are part of our community, and they are our neighbors, someone's daughter, son, mom, dad, husband, or wife. 

 My name is Jon Quinday, I've been fortunate to be the City Manager for ten years, and I assume full responsibility for any imperfection we have as an organization. 

 You can reach me at 785.483.6311.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RUSSELL – This week, the Duke Johnson Municipal Pool announced the pool would close earlier than expected for the year, drawing criticism from area residents.On Thursday, City Manager&nbsp;Jon Quinday addressed those concerns in a Facebook post to the City of Russell page.&nbsp;The full statement can be seen below.I understand that the decision to close the Duke Johnson Municipal Swimming Pool on August 7, 2022, has created quite a stir with quite a few questions and some misinformation that I'd like to clarify. Before I do, I want to thank folks on social media who posted positive comments about the lifeguards. The lifeguards are certified and provide an invaluable service to the pool patrons. They are not daycare providers and do not deserve public criticism on a social media platform without the opportunity to respond. Are our lifeguards perfect? No. They are not robots. These are young men and women whose primary responsibility is the safety of all patrons at the pool. They make mistakes, and we receive calls when they do, which we address. More on that later.This year the pool opened on May 28th with a tentative closing date of August 14th. The pool will close on August 7th because of staffing issues. We won't have enough lifeguards to stay open longer. The American Red Cross standard is one certified lifeguard per 25 people. The City requires a minimum of seven certified lifeguards for the entire pool to be open. The seven-person requirement is to provide one certified lifeguard at each station and one in the office. We prefer to have nine certified lifeguards on duty, so they can take a 30-minute break after completing the rotation. Two weeks ago, I directed the pool managers to move to a modified heat schedule so the guards could take a 15-minute break every 60 minutes. I based this decision on high heat indexes and the lifeguards' safety. There was a comment that the pool used to be open until Labor Day. The pool has been closed in August for the past decade. Last year the pool closed on August 9th; in 2020, it closed on August 11th, and in 2019 it closed on August 9th. The August closing coincides with the beginning of school in Russell and when college-aged lifeguards start moving into the dorms and preparing for the fall semester. The number of days the pool closed this year was another hot topic. Please let me add some context to that discussion. The pool opened on May 28th and will close on August 7th, 72 operating days. As of today (July 28th), the pool has closed nine times for the following reasons:<ol>
 <li>7/26 Closed at 5 pm due to low attendance&nbsp;</li><li>7/25 Closed at 4 pm due to low attendance&nbsp;</li><li>7/23 Closed for the day due to mechanical issue – Chlorinator issue, low chlorine(Was able to open for a pool party at 7:00, chlorine level improved)</li><li>7/17 Delayed Opening due to mechanical issue – Chlorinator issue, low chlorine</li><li>6/27 Closed for the day for scheduled maintenance – water sunscreen application which is performed at least once during the pool season</li><li>6/26 Closed at 2 pm due to low attendance&nbsp;</li><li>6/22 Closed at 2:48 pm due to weather conditions</li><li>6/9 Closed at 4:23 pm due to low attendance</li><li>6/1 Closed for the day due to low temperatures</li>
 </ol>In summary: that is four closures for low attendance, two for weather, two for mechanical issues, and one for scheduled maintenance. Three of the nine days were full-day closures. The low attendance policy is six or fewer patrons. The weather policy is:1. The temperature must be 67 degrees Fahrenheit at 12:30 pm to open.2. The pool remains open for rain-only events unless attendance drops to six or below. 3. The lifeguards clear the pool for lightning, as determined by the lightning prediction system installed at Memorial Park. Once the system gives the all-clear signal, patrons can return to the pool. The pool is closed if the storm is long-lasting or attendance drops to six or below. One concern about the pool closings is that the person bought a season pass. Let's put some numbers to that concern. A single-season pass is $50.00. Assuming the pool stays open all 72 days, the cost of attending is $0.69 per day. Since the pool (as of today) has closed early or opened late six times and fully closed three times, that cost per day increased to $0.79. That may rise as it rained all morning and still looks pretty overcast today. Weather and other unforeseen events are reasons placed on the pool pass application as to why the pool may close. Whether a person wishes to purchase a season pass to save money or pay the daily $2.00 entry fee is an economic decision that is out of my control. It's similar to the decision I faced as a young kid. Do I pay for a season ski pass for a lift ticket each time I go skiing? Some days the snow is not good, so I stay home. Some days the mountain is closed due to weather. I digress, back to the concerns raised on social media. The installation of the two new slides and other water features at the pool was a decision to replace old worn-out equipment. The manufacturer's safety recommendations do not allow persons under forty-eight inches to ride the slide, no more than one person at a time, and no one at the slide's base to "catch" those coming down the slide. We would be remiss to ignore the safety recommendation of the manufacturer – especially when young children are involved. Contrary to some suggestions, the lifeguards are not at the base of the slides to "catch" people. The lifeguards are present to prevent and respond to water emergencies.Lifeguards are not allowed to have cell phones while at their duty station. Phones are left in the office where lifeguards can access and use their phones during breaks. Is the office an ideal area for the lifeguards to take a break? No., but it gets them out of the sun. Is it difficult to tell who in the office is on break and who is not? Yes. It's a small area. We can and will work on a better break area where the lifeguards can cool off and unwind for their short breaks. Finally, I want to close with two items: About our lifeguards and how to contact me if you have questions or concerns.First, as I said previously, our lifeguards provide an invaluable service monitoring patron activity to prevent and respond to water emergencies. Yes, they will blow the whistle if you run around the pool, and no one wants you to slip and hurt yourself. Our lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and pass a pre-course swimming skills test before taking the lifeguarding courses. The skills test is a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke, a 2-minute tread using legs only, and the ability to retrieve a 10- pound dive weight from 7 feet deep, surface, and swim twenty yards with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds.Once the lifeguard passes the pre-course swimming skills test, they begin the lifeguard training course. You can find more information about the lifeguard training process at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2Ftake-a-class%2Flifeguarding%2Flifeguard-training%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1itPcd6YhQVFSLvQDYu7LQkc5lgvrN40M1Oz_mTqp3QU8H-YDiwng_Bfs&amp;h=AT3axwXtVxzIC8iaxj8iGFoZbA-bBLTKyWIhKKXfAcXfN8bSFXnonxxMJ3Xnj5--jfhd8N_-IZA9zno3LeY8JIwDKblQIFyWLZYaDc3PKYSbUrtdoVZyBEPbBfFgVTP_&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT0JzsWFqn3lZttU1FpwQ1vVjUFuMyOEbVQeArqDDTNRk9b3OdZf5kOQXf3scjHa0YiRiOoL-BR4W_y6p21xjIZskVQTkTalEl8fTeEKmvYEKcBTcQ9wEUP7B4g76jy1KpuzI2GoLpmSSuKgZLJBnHJQZJ8ttxleY6QtRzKvbpakxBHQI1vL8BydPShVVEZC4Ufqj7CBur2h1cw9GkexXJ_A_-60DF0TAyP2J8Y" target="_blank">https://www.redcross.org/.../lifeguarding/lifeguard-training</a>.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2Ftake-a-class%2Flifeguarding%2Flifeguard-training%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1itPcd6YhQVFSLvQDYu7LQkc5lgvrN40M1Oz_mTqp3QU8H-YDiwng_Bfs&amp;h=AT3axwXtVxzIC8iaxj8iGFoZbA-bBLTKyWIhKKXfAcXfN8bSFXnonxxMJ3Xnj5--jfhd8N_-IZA9zno3LeY8JIwDKblQIFyWLZYaDc3PKYSbUrtdoVZyBEPbBfFgVTP_&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT0JzsWFqn3lZttU1FpwQ1vVjUFuMyOEbVQeArqDDTNRk9b3OdZf5kOQXf3scjHa0YiRiOoL-BR4W_y6p21xjIZskVQTkTalEl8fTeEKmvYEKcBTcQ9wEUP7B4g76jy1KpuzI2GoLpmSSuKgZLJBnHJQZJ8ttxleY6QtRzKvbpakxBHQI1vL8BydPShVVEZC4Ufqj7CBur2h1cw9GkexXJ_A_-60DF0TAyP2J8Y" target="_blank"></a>These young men and women spend hours in the hot sun monitoring their assigned pool area to prevent and respond to water emergencies. This is a huge responsibility for anyone, regardless of age. We are fortunate to have young men and women willing to train, become certified, and take on the job, and I am proud of the work they do each day. Do we have a lifeguard make a mistake occasionally? Yes, they are human. We address performance issues or policy violations with each employee. That brings me to the second part.Please call me if you have an issue with the pool or any city operation. We don't know what we don't know, and I don't have or monitor social media. You can call me at 785.483.6311. If I'm unavailable, someone will take your call and route it to the appropriate person. This is preferable to denigrating the lifeguards or any other city employee on social media. I've said it before and will continue to boast about the community and the City's operation. As a community, we have a great group of men and women who work daily to provide the services our community expects. Do we make mistakes? Yes. Can we improve in certain areas? Yes. Are we working each day to improve? Yes.If you have an issue with the City, please call, and someone will route you to the appropriate person. If you post your issue on social media, we may see it, and we may not. Thanks again to those who pointed out the good work our employees, including lifeguards, do daily. That lets them know they are making a difference in the community. I also thank those who took the time to call when they have an issue or concern; knowing our shortcomings allows us to improve. Please remember that these people being rundown on social media are part of our community, and they are our neighbors, someone's daughter, son, mom, dad, husband, or wife. My name is Jon Quinday, I've been fortunate to be the City Manager for ten years, and I assume full responsibility for any imperfection we have as an organization. You can reach me at 785.483.6311.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell city pool ends season early; city manager explains

Due to decreasing water levels at Cedar Bluff State Park, the Cove 1 Boat Ramp, located west of the Northside Fish Cleaning Station is now CLOSED to all large watercraft. 

 Large watercraft are encouraged to use the Overland Boat Ramp until conditions improve. 

 The Cove 1 Boat Ramp can still be used for small watercraft, such as kayaks and paddle boards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581027808001.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPDue to decreasing water levels at Cedar Bluff State Park, the Cove 1 Boat Ramp, located west of the Northside Fish Cleaning Station is now CLOSED to all large watercraft. Large watercraft are encouraged to use the Overland Boat Ramp until conditions improve. The Cove 1 Boat Ramp can still be used for small watercraft, such as kayaks and paddle boards.

Cedar Bluff closes boat ramp to large watercraft due to low water levels

The&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 981 calls from July 3 to July 23, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 981 calls from July 3 to July 23, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD Activity Log July 7-23     

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker" 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=i4uwx-12748d5-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 Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker

Due to damp and cloudy weather, the seal coat planned for today in Hays&nbsp; &nbsp;has been postponed until next week. See above map for schedule. Be sure to get refuse and recycling out by 7:00 am. It will be picked up before street sealing starts. The City apologizes for any inconvenience. Call the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350 with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659107452408.png" alt="(City&nbsp; of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>(City&nbsp; of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to damp and cloudy weather, the seal coat planned for today in Hays&nbsp; &nbsp;has been postponed until next week. See above map for schedule. Be sure to get refuse and recycling out by 7:00 am. It will be picked up before street sealing starts. The City apologizes for any inconvenience. Call the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350 with questions.

Damp weather again delays street seal coating in Hays

Planning for a large-scale emergency can be a daunting task.

And while things can go wrong in any disaster, when it comes
to a city-wide catastrophe having unprepared agencies can quickly make a bad
situation worse.

In an effort to ensure area agencies are prepared for such an emergency, in March, Hays will host a full-scale exercise simulating a
direct tornado strike to the city.

“We don't like to think about those things happening,” said
Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle, “but we need to be prepared.”

“In coordination with the statewide tornado drill, we're going
to simulate a tornado strike in Hays,” he said.

The event will include key players tasked with assisting
area residents in an emergency affecting the entire city.

“There's going to be emergency management, St. Francis Ministries,
Midwest Energy, a lot of civic organizations, police, fire, EMS, the typical
people, the hospital and water resources,” Pantle said. “We'll all be involved
in this.”

The training allows those organizations to determine if
their policies and procedures meet their capabilities, he said.

“It will be an opportunity for them to say whether or not
they can do what they say they can do,” Pantle said. “And if they can't, they
can revise their plans or change their capability scope and make it so they can
do what they say they need to do.”

Sequencing the response correctly is also a significant part
of the training.

“The part that we're going to try and avoid is the, ‘Well,
what do we do now?' ” Pantle said. “We want to know, OK, this has happened.
Here's our next step. Here's what we need to be looking at in three hours.
Here's where we need to be at in six hours. Here's where we need to be at in
three days, three weeks — because it's going to be a long process.”

Along with departments and organizations testing their
abilities and limits, the event helps the separate groups learn to work
together, allowing for a better response if an emergency occurs.

“This is very important because, on a day-to-day basis, you
don't really converse or work alongside these organizations,” Pantle said. “It's
really only in the times of disaster that we see each other. And that makes it
ever so more important that we understand each other's capabilities when it
comes to disasters.”

Should that city-wide emergency occur, he said that training
exercises like this one helps keep responders from being caught off-guard. But
organizing a city-wide exercise takes a significant among of prep and planning.

“We try and invite as many people to the table that we think
are going to be what we'll call a player or not,” Pantle said. “And we will
have meetings with them.”

Meetings for the March training have already begun, he said.

“We're having a meeting every other month until the day of
the exercise, and then we'll have one more after, to do a formal after-action
review,” Pantle said. “We try and get as many of them there as possible.
They're obviously going to have a point person within each department who's
kind of our go-to for communication, but then within each department, they're
going to have their own people that do the portions that they need to take care
of.” 

In those meetings, table-top exercises help hone agency
responses simulated during the full-scale event.

Those meetings, Pantle said, help tune with outside agency
policies and procedures with the exercise.

“This is a 12-month planning process, if not longer
sometimes,” he said.

During that planning, the locations and scope of the
exercise will also be determined.

He said the department would release details as the event
approaches to prepare area residents that the training may impact.

“We don't want to catch anybody off guard,” Pantle said. “We
want everybody to know when it's taking place so they can plan their day
accordingly. … There will be some roads shut down. And there will be things that
people don't normally see going on. And we don't want to frighten anybody. It's
just an exercise. It’s just planning. So be looking for that information
printed out in the future.”

While he works to keep impacts on the public at a minimum,
the event he said is a vital part of emergency planning.

“It's going to give our community an opportunity to plan for
something that we hope never happens,” Pantle said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564409680244.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostPlanning for a large-scale emergency can be a daunting task.And while things can go wrong in any disaster, when it comes
to a city-wide catastrophe having unprepared agencies can quickly make a bad
situation worse.In an effort to ensure area agencies are prepared for such an emergency, in March, Hays will host a full-scale exercise simulating a
direct tornado strike to the city.“We don't like to think about those things happening,” said
Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle, “but we need to be prepared.”<div><iframe title="Hays to host full-scale tornado strike exercise" 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=drnit-1284924-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>“In coordination with the statewide tornado drill, we're going
to simulate a tornado strike in Hays,” he said.The event will include key players tasked with assisting
area residents in an emergency affecting the entire city.“There's going to be emergency management, St. Francis Ministries,
Midwest Energy, a lot of civic organizations, police, fire, EMS, the typical
people, the hospital and water resources,” Pantle said. “We'll all be involved
in this.”The training allows those organizations to determine if
their policies and procedures meet their capabilities, he said.“It will be an opportunity for them to say whether or not
they can do what they say they can do,” Pantle said. “And if they can't, they
can revise their plans or change their capability scope and make it so they can
do what they say they need to do.”Sequencing the response correctly is also a significant part
of the training.“The part that we're going to try and avoid is the, ‘Well,
what do we do now?' ” Pantle said. “We want to know, OK, this has happened.
Here's our next step. Here's what we need to be looking at in three hours.
Here's where we need to be at in six hours. Here's where we need to be at in
three days, three weeks — because it's going to be a long process.”Along with departments and organizations testing their
abilities and limits, the event helps the separate groups learn to work
together, allowing for a better response if an emergency occurs.“This is very important because, on a day-to-day basis, you
don't really converse or work alongside these organizations,” Pantle said. “It's
really only in the times of disaster that we see each other. And that makes it
ever so more important that we understand each other's capabilities when it
comes to disasters.”Should that city-wide emergency occur, he said that training
exercises like this one helps keep responders from being caught off-guard. But
organizing a city-wide exercise takes a significant among of prep and planning.“We try and invite as many people to the table that we think
are going to be what we'll call a player or not,” Pantle said. “And we will
have meetings with them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658950540623.jpeg" alt="Pantle" />
 <figcaption>Pantle</figcaption>
 </figure>Meetings for the March training have already begun, he said.“We're having a meeting every other month until the day of
the exercise, and then we'll have one more after, to do a formal after-action
review,” Pantle said. “We try and get as many of them there as possible.
They're obviously going to have a point person within each department who's
kind of our go-to for communication, but then within each department, they're
going to have their own people that do the portions that they need to take care
of.” In those meetings, table-top exercises help hone agency
responses simulated during the full-scale event.Those meetings, Pantle said, help tune with outside agency
policies and procedures with the exercise.“This is a 12-month planning process, if not longer
sometimes,” he said.During that planning, the locations and scope of the
exercise will also be determined.He said the department would release details as the event
approaches to prepare area residents that the training may impact.“We don't want to catch anybody off guard,” Pantle said. “We
want everybody to know when it's taking place so they can plan their day
accordingly. … There will be some roads shut down. And there will be things that
people don't normally see going on. And we don't want to frighten anybody. It's
just an exercise. It’s just planning. So be looking for that information
printed out in the future.”While he works to keep impacts on the public at a minimum,
the event he said is a vital part of emergency planning.“It's going to give our community an opportunity to plan for
something that we hope never happens,” Pantle said.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

🎙 Hays to host full-scale tornado strike exercise

Darian Schlegel of Hays decided when she was in high school that she wanted to be a psychologist and work with grief support groups.

That dream became a reality recently when Schlegel was named the new executive director of the Center for Life Experience, which provides grief support for individuals in Ellis County.

Schlegel follows <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0951cb0d-1453-4ec5-8bf4-ce9556e4fac6">Ann Leiker, who retired from the position in May</a>, after serving the organization for 22 years.

Schlegel, who grew up in Ness City, lost her mother when she was 15. Another close family member died a few months later. Schlegel credits her aunt for getting her involved in a grief counseling group for children and adolescents.

That’s when Schlegel made the decision she wanted to be a psychologist herself. She pursued that dream by getting a BS in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 2020. She completed her MS in clinical psychology from FHSU this past May.

While in college, Schlegel interned with Western Kansas Therapy Associates in Hays. She also completed an internship at the Kelly Center at FHSU, which provides counseling services for students. In addition, she served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Psychology Department.

When asked if it was a bit daunting following Leiker, the person who had guided CFLE since its inception, Schlegel said, “It’s more exciting than anything. Ann knows her stuff. It’s really been cool watching her.”

Schlegel has been training with Leiker since July 12. She will assume full-time duties on Aug. 8. She said she and Leiker have been working together on administrative matters so far. Schlegel will begin working with the center’s three grief support groups on Monday, Aug. 1.

She said her short-term goals are getting adjusted to the job demands and getting acquainted with CFLE board members, staff, and support group members.

Her long-term goals include “reaching a more diverse population—people who have never heard of us and what we do.” She also hopes to provide services to people in more rural areas in the state.

One way she hopes to do this is by “using social media a lot more to reach more young people.”

During her time at FHSU she said, “We saw a lot of young adults who were still processing their grief after the loss of a loved one a year, even five years later.

“We saw a lot of students struggling to make connections, especially their first year in college.” It is that younger population she is hoping to reach.

“CFLE is so important to me,” she added, “because it is important to normalize talking about grief. It’s important for people to express their emotions, even if they can’t exactly name what they are feeling.”

CFLE has three grief support groups. Their meeting times for August follow. All meetings will take place at the center, 103C E. 27th&nbsp;St.:

Healing After Loss, a group for those who have lost an adult loved one, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and dinner meeting at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16;

Healing After Loss of Suicide, a group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, dinner meetings at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17;

Healing Hearts, a group for adults who have lost a child close to them, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.

More information about the center is available by calling (785) 259-6859.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659027910346.jpeg" alt="Darian Schlegel is the new director of&nbsp; Center for Life Experience in Hays and will assume her duties Aug. 8. Schlegel is an FHSU graduate and Ness City native. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Darian Schlegel is the new director of&nbsp; Center for Life Experience in Hays and will assume her duties Aug. 8. Schlegel is an FHSU graduate and Ness City native. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseDarian Schlegel of Hays decided when she was in high school that she wanted to be a psychologist and work with grief support groups.That dream became a reality recently when Schlegel was named the new executive director of the Center for Life Experience, which provides grief support for individuals in Ellis County.Schlegel follows <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0951cb0d-1453-4ec5-8bf4-ce9556e4fac6">Ann Leiker, who retired from the position in May</a>, after serving the organization for 22 years.Schlegel, who grew up in Ness City, lost her mother when she was 15. Another close family member died a few months later. Schlegel credits her aunt for getting her involved in a grief counseling group for children and adolescents.That’s when Schlegel made the decision she wanted to be a psychologist herself. She pursued that dream by getting a BS in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 2020. She completed her MS in clinical psychology from FHSU this past May.While in college, Schlegel interned with Western Kansas Therapy Associates in Hays. She also completed an internship at the Kelly Center at FHSU, which provides counseling services for students. In addition, she served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Psychology Department.When asked if it was a bit daunting following Leiker, the person who had guided CFLE since its inception, Schlegel said, “It’s more exciting than anything. Ann knows her stuff. It’s really been cool watching her.”Schlegel has been training with Leiker since July 12. She will assume full-time duties on Aug. 8. She said she and Leiker have been working together on administrative matters so far. Schlegel will begin working with the center’s three grief support groups on Monday, Aug. 1.She said her short-term goals are getting adjusted to the job demands and getting acquainted with CFLE board members, staff, and support group members.Her long-term goals include “reaching a more diverse population—people who have never heard of us and what we do.” She also hopes to provide services to people in more rural areas in the state.One way she hopes to do this is by “using social media a lot more to reach more young people.”During her time at FHSU she said, “We saw a lot of young adults who were still processing their grief after the loss of a loved one a year, even five years later.“We saw a lot of students struggling to make connections, especially their first year in college.” It is that younger population she is hoping to reach.“CFLE is so important to me,” she added, “because it is important to normalize talking about grief. It’s important for people to express their emotions, even if they can’t exactly name what they are feeling.”CFLE has three grief support groups. Their meeting times for August follow. All meetings will take place at the center, 103C E. 27th&nbsp;St.:Healing After Loss, a group for those who have lost an adult loved one, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and dinner meeting at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16; Healing After Loss of Suicide, a group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, dinner meetings at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17;Healing Hearts, a group for adults who have lost a child close to them, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.More information about the center is available by calling (785) 259-6859.

Center for Life Experience in Hays names new executive director

	The Hays Striders track team have finished their final practices in preparation to send a contingent of qualifiers to the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Coming off stellar performances at the Regional Qualification meet in Joplin, the Striders are overcoming not only sweltering Kansas heat but also a change in practice venue to be ready for Nationals.

	The change in venue is due to both Hays Middle School and Hays High School tracks undergoing a resurface, seal, and striping this summer.

“We have had to move our practices out to the Fort Hays track and we are very grateful for the support and consideration that Coach Jason McCullough and the Tiger athletic department has given us by allowing us to practice on their track,” Head Coach Dave Haberman said. 

The heat has also changed daily practice times from 6 to 7 p.m. 

“Traditionally, we do change our practice time from 6 to 7 every summer as temperatures rise above 100 degrees and although they need to train in the heat, we are very conscious of heat-related injuries for our kids,” Haberman said.&nbsp;

	Coming out of the National Qualifier in Joplin last month, 16 Striders qualified to make the cross country trip to North Carolina A&amp;T for the Junior Olympics. The team had six Gold medal finishes and those athletes will be presented with the coveted Striders “Regional Champion” shirts. Aliviah Ball, 14, took first place in the high jump and tied the meet record; Riley Leiker, 7, won the 400 meter dash and broke the meet record; Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, won the 200 meter hurdles; Audrina Ortiz, 14, won the 200 meter hurdles, and Emery Zimmerman, 10, won both the 800 and 1500 meter runs.&nbsp;

	“We are proud of all our Strider athletes,” Haberman said, “they are some of the hardest working kids we’ve ever had.” When asked what their favorite workout is, several athletes commented “the Madness Run.”&nbsp;

	“The Madness Run is a special workout I devised to work two events at once – the 400 and 800,” Haberman added. “It’s hands down the best workout we use for those events, and it shows with their performances. New kids, high school and college athletes, and most parents are shocked as to how hard it is, but our returning athletes know the run makes them super competitive. Many events at Joplin had up to 60 athletes competing for those top 6 spots, and our athlete’s finishes, jumps and throws are a testament as to how hard they practice.”

	The Top 6 in individual events and top 4 in the Multi-Events qualified for the Junior Olympics out of Joplin. 

Complete Regional results for the Girls are:&nbsp;

Riley Leiker: 8 Under, 400-1st 1:15.86; 200-9th 35.12; Long Jump-12th 8’6”

Danica Vap: 11, Shot Put-2nd 27’7”; Turbo Javelin-5th, 53’8.75”

Sydney Lewallen: 12, 800-5th, 2:41.50; 400-8th, 1:09.96; Long Jump-7th, 13’7”

Makayla Lewallen: 13, Pentathlon-2nd 2194 points; 1500-5th 5:26.18; 100 hurdles-5th 18.17; 200 hurdles-8th 34.06; 800-14th 2:54.50

Lyndi Zimmerman: 13, 200 hurdles-1st 31.69; Pentathlon-4th 1804 points; 200-16th 28.75; 400-17th 1:10.87; 1500-12th 6:04.12

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659026438474.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Submitted	The Hays Striders track team have finished their final practices in preparation to send a contingent of qualifiers to the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Coming off stellar performances at the Regional Qualification meet in Joplin, the Striders are overcoming not only sweltering Kansas heat but also a change in practice venue to be ready for Nationals.	The change in venue is due to both Hays Middle School and Hays High School tracks undergoing a resurface, seal, and striping this summer.“We have had to move our practices out to the Fort Hays track and we are very grateful for the support and consideration that Coach Jason McCullough and the Tiger athletic department has given us by allowing us to practice on their track,” Head Coach Dave Haberman said. The heat has also changed daily practice times from 6 to 7 p.m. “Traditionally, we do change our practice time from 6 to 7 every summer as temperatures rise above 100 degrees and although they need to train in the heat, we are very conscious of heat-related injuries for our kids,” Haberman said.&nbsp;	Coming out of the National Qualifier in Joplin last month, 16 Striders qualified to make the cross country trip to North Carolina A&amp;T for the Junior Olympics. The team had six Gold medal finishes and those athletes will be presented with the coveted Striders “Regional Champion” shirts. Aliviah Ball, 14, took first place in the high jump and tied the meet record; Riley Leiker, 7, won the 400 meter dash and broke the meet record; Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, won the 200 meter hurdles; Audrina Ortiz, 14, won the 200 meter hurdles, and Emery Zimmerman, 10, won both the 800 and 1500 meter runs.&nbsp;	“We are proud of all our Strider athletes,” Haberman said, “they are some of the hardest working kids we’ve ever had.” When asked what their favorite workout is, several athletes commented “the Madness Run.”&nbsp;	“The Madness Run is a special workout I devised to work two events at once – the 400 and 800,” Haberman added. “It’s hands down the best workout we use for those events, and it shows with their performances. New kids, high school and college athletes, and most parents are shocked as to how hard it is, but our returning athletes know the run makes them super competitive. Many events at Joplin had up to 60 athletes competing for those top 6 spots, and our athlete’s finishes, jumps and throws are a testament as to how hard they practice.”	The Top 6 in individual events and top 4 in the Multi-Events qualified for the Junior Olympics out of Joplin. Complete Regional results for the Girls are:&nbsp;Riley Leiker: 8 Under, 400-1st 1:15.86; 200-9th 35.12; Long Jump-12th 8’6”Danica Vap: 11, Shot Put-2nd 27’7”; Turbo Javelin-5th, 53’8.75”Sydney Lewallen: 12, 800-5th, 2:41.50; 400-8th, 1:09.96; Long Jump-7th, 13’7”Makayla Lewallen: 13, Pentathlon-2nd 2194 points; 1500-5th 5:26.18; 100 hurdles-5th 18.17; 200 hurdles-8th 34.06; 800-14th 2:54.50Lyndi Zimmerman: 13, 200 hurdles-1st 31.69; Pentathlon-4th 1804 points; 200-16th 28.75; 400-17th 1:10.87; 1500-12th 6:04.12Aliviah Ball: 14, High Jump-1st 5’4”; 100-23rd 13.85;&nbsp; 200-28th 28.91; 400-22nd 1:07.96Kaliyah Bannister: 14, Long Jump-20th 13’7”; High Jump-9th 4’4”	Audrina Ortiz: 14, 100 hurdles-2nd 17.16; 200 hurdles-1st 30.81Ka’Mara Harvey: 15-16, 100-46 14.63; 200-45th 31.19; 100 hurdles-16th 18.57Kaelyn Means: 17-18, Shot Put-4th 32’5”; Discus-3rd 114’9”Complete Regional results for the Boys are:Finley Zimmerman: 8 Under, 400-43rd 1:42.46; 800-14th 3:30.42; 1500-9th 7:19.51Tayte Lewallen: 10, Triathlon-4th 462 points; 800-3rd 2:45.46; 1500-3rd 5:35.98; Long Jump-11th 10’6”Emery Zimmerman: Triathlon-5th 447 points; 400-11th 1:11.39; 800-1st 2:40.72; 1500-1st 5:27.65Jacob Leiker: 11, Shot Put-2nd 30’7”; 400-13th 1:09.54; 800-7th 2:41.28Kobe Schmidt: 11, 400-5th 1:05.95; 200-11th 29.78; 100-15th 14.76Bladyn Werth: 12, 1500-14th 5:51.24; 3000-8th 13:24.85Austin Bland: 13, Javelin-2nd 99’2”; 400-11th 1:00.30; 1500-8th 5:20.75Logan Leiker: 13, 3000-2nd 11:33.49; 1500-3rd 5:05.85; 800-10th 2:32.99Caleb Englert: 14, Shot Put-3rd 37’10”; Discus-8th 111’7.50”Brayden Staley-Herman: 14, Long Jump-15th 12’2”Oscar Busch: 15-16, Long Jump-20th 17’1”; 100-42nd 13.19Grayson Walburn: 17-18, Discus-3rd&nbsp; 152’3”; Shot Put-6th 42’11”

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