By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran last week announced that a $132,000
grant was secured for the City of Great Bend to purchase license plate
recognition technology and cameras. The federal grant will allow law
enforcement to track criminals that drive through the city.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895"> RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a> 
Moran noted the new technology is not only useful for local law enforcement,
but also helps a need to improve national security. For years, there were
concerned conversations of illegal immigrants coming into the United States and
taking Americans’ jobs. That concern has changed, according to Moran. "From
 my perspective, the greatest threat we have from what's taking place on
 our borders is fentanyl and other drugs, human trafficking and 
terrorism," said Moran. "While we want to be helpful to local law 
enforcement in protecting their citizens, in a broader national way, we 
need to make sure there is more security, more difficulty for people to 
come illegally to the United States." 
Moran felt there are a number of things that can be done to improve the country’s
security that would receive enough non-partisan support, but you have to find
the “sweet spots” that are agreeable. Moran felt strongly that improved
security along the United States and Mexico border is needed, and the border
wall at least slows down the drug trafficking. 
"There is a demand for these drugs that rests with us," said Moran. 
"There are huge sums of money. Law enforcement faces tremendous 
challenges. You can stop something now, but the amount of money that can
 be made is so large that there is great incentive to find another way 
to do it." 
Moran finished by saying the United States has a lot of work to do to try to
reduce the demand for drugs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676997684163.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was in Great Bend last week to announce a grant to purchase license plate reading technology for the Great Bend Police Department." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was in Great Bend last week to announce a grant to purchase license plate reading technology for the Great Bend Police Department.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostU.S. Senator Jerry Moran last week announced that a $132,000
grant was secured for the City of Great Bend to purchase license plate
recognition technology and cameras. The federal grant will allow law
enforcement to track criminals that drive through the city.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895"> RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a> 
Moran noted the new technology is not only useful for local law enforcement,
but also helps a need to improve national security. For years, there were
concerned conversations of illegal immigrants coming into the United States and
taking Americans’ jobs. That concern has changed, according to Moran. "From
 my perspective, the greatest threat we have from what's taking place on
 our borders is fentanyl and other drugs, human trafficking and 
terrorism," said Moran. "While we want to be helpful to local law 
enforcement in protecting their citizens, in a broader national way, we 
need to make sure there is more security, more difficulty for people to 
come illegally to the United States." 
Moran felt there are a number of things that can be done to improve the country’s
security that would receive enough non-partisan support, but you have to find
the “sweet spots” that are agreeable. Moran felt strongly that improved
security along the United States and Mexico border is needed, and the border
wall at least slows down the drug trafficking. 
"There is a demand for these drugs that rests with us," said Moran. 
"There are huge sums of money. Law enforcement faces tremendous 
challenges. You can stop something now, but the amount of money that can
 be made is so large that there is great incentive to find another way 
to do it." 
Moran finished by saying the United States has a lot of work to do to try to
reduce the demand for drugs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Moran touts security during Great Bend stop

COLBY — Colby Community College will host the annual Art on the Oasis art show on March 3, 4 and 5 in the Bedker Memorial Complex and the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The event features art by high school, amateur and professional artists from around the region.

The opening gala is on March 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Viewing continues Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

“We’ll have unique food, music, awards, and opportunities to purchase art,” said organizer Rebel Mahieu. “Besides local entries, we have pieces from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, CCC and Fort Hays State students, and works from as far as Greensburg, McCook, Nebraska, and around the area. There will also be live music by the Detherage/Engel band from Hays.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677251858604.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College will host the annual Art on the Oasis art show on March 3, 4 and 5 in the Bedker Memorial Complex and the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The event features art by high school, amateur and professional artists from around the region.The opening gala is on March 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Viewing continues Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.“We’ll have unique food, music, awards, and opportunities to purchase art,” said organizer Rebel Mahieu. “Besides local entries, we have pieces from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, CCC and Fort Hays State students, and works from as far as Greensburg, McCook, Nebraska, and around the area. There will also be live music by the Detherage/Engel band from Hays.”Admission is free.&nbsp;

Art on the Oasis returns to Colby Community College

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

MCPHERSON — Two Wheat 
Rx Schools in early March will share the latest research recommendations
 for intensive wheat management, the value of wheat as part of crop 
rotations and cover cropping as well as provide updates on wheat 
breeding pipelines. The educational events — scheduled for March 7 in 
McPherson and March 8 in Russell — are part of a partnership between the
 Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to 
disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and 
high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers.

“While we can’t 
control the weather, there are practices and tools that farmers can use 
to improve yield and quality of their wheat crop,” said Aaron Harries, 
vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “The Wheat 
Rx Schools share the latest research findings for suggested management 
practices to economically and sustainably produce wheat in Kansas.”

Both
 schools will follow similar agendas. Dr. Brett Carver, regents 
professor of wheat breeding and genetics at Oklahoma State University, 
will discuss ongoing collaborations between OSU, K-State and the Wheat 
Marketing Center to improve yield and quality of hard winter wheat in 
the Great Plains.

Next, Dr. Romulo Lollato, wheat production 
specialist with K-State Research and Extension, will summarize long-term
 studies on wheat management in Kansas and the surrounding region. He 
will also discuss differing views on the intensive management of wheat 
from productivity, economic, environmental and human perspectives.

Then,
 Luana Simão, a K-State doctoral student, will review the benefits of 
including wheat in a crop rotation, including wheat residue management 
for weed suppression and soil water conservation.

Finally, Carlos 
Bonini Pires, a K-State doctoral student, will review CASH — cover 
crops, agronomy and soil health — including what benefits summer and 
winter cover crops bring to a cropping system and how to utilize 
precision cover cropping.

At the March 7 McPherson event, E.G. 
Herl, Vice President — Grain &amp; Logistics, and Reuben McLean, Sr. 
Director of Quality &amp; Regulatory from Grain Craft will provide an 
industry perspective on wheat quality and discuss how growers can 
capture value of high-quality grain.

During the March 8 Russell 
Wheat Rx School, the industry perspective will be provided by PureField 
Ingredients, the largest domestic supplier of wheat protein in the 
United States. Attendees will hear how PureField Ingredients is 
continuing to research how to better secure wheat supplies by combining 
contracts for farmers, agreements with cooperatives and specific 
agronomic practices to hopefully produce the highest quality wheat 
possible.

“Wheat producers put considerable thought into their 
decisions throughout the growing season that impact that final harvest,”
 Harries said. “Our goal is to share the latest research, funded in part
 by farmers’ investments through their checkoff dollars, to help 
maximize profitability through management.”

Registration for 
either event is $110 for non-members of the Kansas Association of Wheat 
Growers. KAWG members receive one free Wheat Rx registration — including
 new members. Lunch and meeting materials are included with the 
registration fee.

Location details for the March 2023 Wheat Rx Schools:

March 7 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. McPherson Opera House – Grand Ballroom 216 S Main Street McPherson, KS 67460

March 8 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites 1430 South Fossil Street Russell, KS 67665

In
 addition to educational programs like the events in March, Wheat Rx 
also includes a series of Extension publications and other educational 
outreach materials designed to address key management areas of hard 
winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel 
research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat 
Commission’s two-cent wheat assessment. Find out more or register for 
the Wheat Rx events at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UHd4G_G0UydLdXTZXzET6ncLYXHg0zwuOFa9Q2z02gqiLJZbig13VLyUpNsGWqCJhfDZwLMnlnjQwDsf9PKnnC0X_rfvuzcsq8ANZ456tIKg&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.

Not a KAWG member and want to sign up for free registration? Do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UOUle6F-gHj_eUdSDvGJ9a1UnQ9E03WQVb0HWXLspncS36dLzZv1urpLmJu9KDRBpUesQHyzE4x7QBnxvm9r-oVi6_FujGEGT7IrOlHP9p6zE3LY4qArOh4=&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/join</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatMCPHERSON — Two Wheat 
Rx Schools in early March will share the latest research recommendations
 for intensive wheat management, the value of wheat as part of crop 
rotations and cover cropping as well as provide updates on wheat 
breeding pipelines. The educational events — scheduled for March 7 in 
McPherson and March 8 in Russell — are part of a partnership between the
 Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to 
disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and 
high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers.“While we can’t 
control the weather, there are practices and tools that farmers can use 
to improve yield and quality of their wheat crop,” said Aaron Harries, 
vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “The Wheat 
Rx Schools share the latest research findings for suggested management 
practices to economically and sustainably produce wheat in Kansas.”Both
 schools will follow similar agendas. Dr. Brett Carver, regents 
professor of wheat breeding and genetics at Oklahoma State University, 
will discuss ongoing collaborations between OSU, K-State and the Wheat 
Marketing Center to improve yield and quality of hard winter wheat in 
the Great Plains.Next, Dr. Romulo Lollato, wheat production 
specialist with K-State Research and Extension, will summarize long-term
 studies on wheat management in Kansas and the surrounding region. He 
will also discuss differing views on the intensive management of wheat 
from productivity, economic, environmental and human perspectives.Then,
 Luana Simão, a K-State doctoral student, will review the benefits of 
including wheat in a crop rotation, including wheat residue management 
for weed suppression and soil water conservation.Finally, Carlos 
Bonini Pires, a K-State doctoral student, will review CASH — cover 
crops, agronomy and soil health — including what benefits summer and 
winter cover crops bring to a cropping system and how to utilize 
precision cover cropping.At the March 7 McPherson event, E.G. 
Herl, Vice President — Grain &amp; Logistics, and Reuben McLean, Sr. 
Director of Quality &amp; Regulatory from Grain Craft will provide an 
industry perspective on wheat quality and discuss how growers can 
capture value of high-quality grain.During the March 8 Russell 
Wheat Rx School, the industry perspective will be provided by PureField 
Ingredients, the largest domestic supplier of wheat protein in the 
United States. Attendees will hear how PureField Ingredients is 
continuing to research how to better secure wheat supplies by combining 
contracts for farmers, agreements with cooperatives and specific 
agronomic practices to hopefully produce the highest quality wheat 
possible.“Wheat producers put considerable thought into their 
decisions throughout the growing season that impact that final harvest,”
 Harries said. “Our goal is to share the latest research, funded in part
 by farmers’ investments through their checkoff dollars, to help 
maximize profitability through management.”Registration for 
either event is $110 for non-members of the Kansas Association of Wheat 
Growers. KAWG members receive one free Wheat Rx registration — including
 new members. Lunch and meeting materials are included with the 
registration fee.Location details for the March 2023 Wheat Rx Schools:March 7 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. McPherson Opera House – Grand Ballroom 216 S Main Street McPherson, KS 67460March 8 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites 1430 South Fossil Street Russell, KS 67665In
 addition to educational programs like the events in March, Wheat Rx 
also includes a series of Extension publications and other educational 
outreach materials designed to address key management areas of hard 
winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel 
research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat 
Commission’s two-cent wheat assessment. Find out more or register for 
the Wheat Rx events at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UHd4G_G0UydLdXTZXzET6ncLYXHg0zwuOFa9Q2z02gqiLJZbig13VLyUpNsGWqCJhfDZwLMnlnjQwDsf9PKnnC0X_rfvuzcsq8ANZ456tIKg&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.Not a KAWG member and want to sign up for free registration? Do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xCLaxLlE1yQ6yHVvo2SLwlnMD5xO4inHs9lsvwghGlhesomRTBX5UOUle6F-gHj_eUdSDvGJ9a1UnQ9E03WQVb0HWXLspncS36dLzZv1urpLmJu9KDRBpUesQHyzE4x7QBnxvm9r-oVi6_FujGEGT7IrOlHP9p6zE3LY4qArOh4=&amp;c=xeIGZGaQSAZZBCuJh2xEs69UGl6XW0bHsD75sis4cWrCrmd2V0WwJw==&amp;ch=SPtotKJHIUjwdcvfXx4vpqwIAQ0o1D0J2PtP2TfJsUDOL9xc2K6yRQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/join</a>.

March Wheat Rx Schools are in Russell, McPherson

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

There is a 60 percent chance of rain Sunday evening and into early Monday morning.

Damaging winds and hail are possible, the NWS said, noting winds could gust to nearly 50 mph. The wind is expected to cause visibility issues with blowing dust.&nbsp;

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.There is a 60 percent chance of rain Sunday evening and into early Monday morning.Damaging winds and hail are possible, the NWS said, noting winds could gust to nearly 50 mph. The wind is expected to cause visibility issues with blowing dust.&nbsp;

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Hays area

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677268467861.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

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

Amelia Earhart speaks.&nbsp;She smiles, looks up, and begins to talk about her life experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wait – didn’t Amelia Earhart disappear in the South Pacific 80 years ago?&nbsp;

Yes, but she is alive again – at least virtually – in an incredible museum that will open in her hometown of Atchison in spring, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joe Brentano is director of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.&nbsp;Makinzie Burghart is director of development.&nbsp;Burghart grew up in Atchison as did Amelia Earhart 120 years earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earhart and her younger sister, Muriel, spent many of their early years at their grandparent’s home in Atchison.&nbsp;In 1908, she saw her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair, but it didn’t excite her at the time.&nbsp;

Years later, she and a friend were at a flying exposition when a stunt pilot dived at them.&nbsp; “I believe that little red airplane spoke to me as it swished by,” Earhart later wrote.&nbsp;

After attending another air show, she was hooked on flying.&nbsp;She would go on to become the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;

She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Atchison celebrates the Amelia Earhart history through tours of her childhood home and an annual Amelia Earhart festival.&nbsp;But in 2016, a unique opportunity arose.&nbsp;There was an opportunity to purchase a Lockheed Electra 10-E – the same model as Amelia Earhart flew on her last flight, and the only one left in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citizens of Atchison, led by Karen and the late Ladd Seaberg, formed the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation and raised the funds to purchase the plane.&nbsp;It was affectionately named Muriel in honor of Amelia’s younger sister.&nbsp;The plane was carefully transported by trailer, 1,206 miles from California to Atchison.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The next step was to create a museum to display the plane.&nbsp;That led to the design and construction of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum – in an actual hangar and terminal in a 1930s-style art deco building at the local airport. “This was a $17 million project,” Burghart said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outside the museum stands a statue of Earhart, identical to the one that Kansas placed in statuary hall in the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a hologram of Earhart.&nbsp;This electronic CGI image speaks her inspiring words from a century-plus ago, expressing the importance of transcending boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The centerpiece of the museum is Muriel, the Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;Muriel is surrounded by 14 incredible, high-tech, state-of-the-art interactive displays.&nbsp;Not only are these educational, they correlate with national and Kansas STEM curriculum content standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Exhibits include a digitized version of Earhart’s flight logbook, 3D holograms of aviation advancements through the years, and a display of other key female accomplishments.&nbsp; Guests can climb inside a full-sized replica of Muriel’s cockpit.&nbsp;At another station, guests can experience a virtual reality re-creation of Earhart’s 1932 transatlantic flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another exhibit not only describes Earhart’s other pursuits as a nurse, mechanic, and fashion designer, it allows visitors to select one of these for which the computer will create a personalized on-screen avatar of the visitor in related clothing.&nbsp;Amazing!&nbsp;&nbsp;

What actually happened to Amelia Earhart?&nbsp;Step upstairs and the museum shows a map of where she disappeared, with an exhibit of seven alternative scenarios.&nbsp;Guests can study the arguments for and against each scenario and then vote.&nbsp;(I still suspect she’s living in an apartment with Elvis…)&nbsp;&nbsp;

This remarkable museum will open in mid-April 2023 in the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people.&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

Amelia Earhart speaks – at least in virtual form at this museum.&nbsp;We commend Karen and Ladd Seaberg, Joe Brentano, Makinzie Burghart, and all those making a difference with this remarkable technology in a museum you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;

When Amelia Earhart speaks, I listen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677075122947.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Amelia Earhart speaks.&nbsp;She smiles, looks up, and begins to talk about her life experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait – didn’t Amelia Earhart disappear in the South Pacific 80 years ago?&nbsp;Yes, but she is alive again – at least virtually – in an incredible museum that will open in her hometown of Atchison in spring, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Joe Brentano is director of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.&nbsp;Makinzie Burghart is director of development.&nbsp;Burghart grew up in Atchison as did Amelia Earhart 120 years earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earhart and her younger sister, Muriel, spent many of their early years at their grandparent’s home in Atchison.&nbsp;In 1908, she saw her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair, but it didn’t excite her at the time.&nbsp;Years later, she and a friend were at a flying exposition when a stunt pilot dived at them.&nbsp; “I believe that little red airplane spoke to me as it swished by,” Earhart later wrote.&nbsp;After attending another air show, she was hooked on flying.&nbsp;She would go on to become the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Atchison celebrates the Amelia Earhart history through tours of her childhood home and an annual Amelia Earhart festival.&nbsp;But in 2016, a unique opportunity arose.&nbsp;There was an opportunity to purchase a Lockheed Electra 10-E – the same model as Amelia Earhart flew on her last flight, and the only one left in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;Citizens of Atchison, led by Karen and the late Ladd Seaberg, formed the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation and raised the funds to purchase the plane.&nbsp;It was affectionately named Muriel in honor of Amelia’s younger sister.&nbsp;The plane was carefully transported by trailer, 1,206 miles from California to Atchison.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next step was to create a museum to display the plane.&nbsp;That led to the design and construction of the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum – in an actual hangar and terminal in a 1930s-style art deco building at the local airport. “This was a $17 million project,” Burghart said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside the museum stands a statue of Earhart, identical to the one that Kansas placed in statuary hall in the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a hologram of Earhart.&nbsp;This electronic CGI image speaks her inspiring words from a century-plus ago, expressing the importance of transcending boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The centerpiece of the museum is Muriel, the Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;Muriel is surrounded by 14 incredible, high-tech, state-of-the-art interactive displays.&nbsp;Not only are these educational, they correlate with national and Kansas STEM curriculum content standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits include a digitized version of Earhart’s flight logbook, 3D holograms of aviation advancements through the years, and a display of other key female accomplishments.&nbsp; Guests can climb inside a full-sized replica of Muriel’s cockpit.&nbsp;At another station, guests can experience a virtual reality re-creation of Earhart’s 1932 transatlantic flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another exhibit not only describes Earhart’s other pursuits as a nurse, mechanic, and fashion designer, it allows visitors to select one of these for which the computer will create a personalized on-screen avatar of the visitor in related clothing.&nbsp;Amazing!&nbsp;&nbsp;What actually happened to Amelia Earhart?&nbsp;Step upstairs and the museum shows a map of where she disappeared, with an exhibit of seven alternative scenarios.&nbsp;Guests can study the arguments for and against each scenario and then vote.&nbsp;(I still suspect she’s living in an apartment with Elvis…)&nbsp;&nbsp;This remarkable museum will open in mid-April 2023 in the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people.&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amelia Earhart speaks – at least in virtual form at this museum.&nbsp;We commend Karen and Ladd Seaberg, Joe Brentano, Makinzie Burghart, and all those making a difference with this remarkable technology in a museum you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;When Amelia Earhart speaks, I listen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum

NW Kan. students elected to 4-H Youth Council leadership team

If two bills moving through the Kansas legislature become law, together they could destabilize public schools, prove disastrous for Kansas students and reduce the state general tax fund.

As currently written, the bills would shift funding to private and home schools plus permit affluent parents to donate enough to an existing scholarship fund to write off the entire cost of private schooling.&nbsp; Yet low income parents with vouchers still could not afford the cost of many private schools.&nbsp;

What is more, there are as many as 60 Kansas counties with no private schools for students to attend.&nbsp;

The bill most publicized and hotly contested is the Kansas Sunflower Education Equity Act HB2218, also called the Education Savings Account voucher bill.&nbsp; It would provide parents the yearly per-pupil state funding amount of nearly $5,000 for their students in grades one to 12&nbsp;and preschoolers with disabilities.

HB2218 vouchers cover a range of expenditures including tuition in accredited and non-accredited private schools and micro-schools where home schoolers form groups to teach their children jointly, often in each other’s homes.

The bill allows for individual home school support and other educational services like online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Division of Budget estimates that the yearly loss of state aid to school districts would be approximately $152 million.

The state treasurer’s office (not the Kansas State Department of Education) would administer the program, but administrative cost is unknown due to lack of data for preschool and private school students.

School supporters estimate total cost at $270 million.

HB2218 requires only a mandate for full-time instruction in math, science, reading, grammar and social studies.

In an interview on the National Public Radio 1A program Feb. 13, House Education Committee Chair, Republican Kristey Williams was asked by the moderator if white supremist, racist beliefs would be allowed by HB2218.&nbsp; Williams replied such speech was “abhorrent.”&nbsp;

Noting that recently an Ohio network of micro-schools was discovered to be teaching Nazi propaganda and racism, the moderator repeated the question.&nbsp; Williams said she believes in parents and that most, if not all, parents in Kansas would choose to teach their kids in the best possible way.&nbsp; Find the entire interview at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2Fpodcasts%2F510316%2F1a&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnmfrazier%40ku.edu%7Ca545e2e5107348ddcdbd08db15b77b45%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638127650028943240%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=unWPmyjPC%2FzXdCtcbVg3ibt2ieJuJl06H1UbHjdwLGE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510316/1a</a>

Another bill that would weaken public schools is the scholarship tax credit program originally intended to provide private school tuition for students living in poverty.&nbsp; Bill HB2048 would extend funding to a much larger income group with a&nbsp; tax credit of 75 percent for corporation or individual donations.&nbsp; If passed, affluent parents could write off the entire cost of private school.&nbsp; Should this bill become law the Kansas Division of Budget expects it to reduce the state general fund around $10 million in the first year.&nbsp;

Such proposals circulating in the Legislature, leave students without standards for curriculum or protection from indoctrination.&nbsp; Besides striping funds from public school budgets, increased tax credits rob the general fund of resources for other state expenditures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I too believe in Kansas parents to make right decisions.&nbsp; I believe they’ll tell legislators to trash these bills.

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>If two bills moving through the Kansas legislature become law, together they could destabilize public schools, prove disastrous for Kansas students and reduce the state general tax fund.As currently written, the bills would shift funding to private and home schools plus permit affluent parents to donate enough to an existing scholarship fund to write off the entire cost of private schooling.&nbsp; Yet low income parents with vouchers still could not afford the cost of many private schools.&nbsp;What is more, there are as many as 60 Kansas counties with no private schools for students to attend.&nbsp;The bill most publicized and hotly contested is the Kansas Sunflower Education Equity Act HB2218, also called the Education Savings Account voucher bill.&nbsp; It would provide parents the yearly per-pupil state funding amount of nearly $5,000 for their students in grades one to 12&nbsp;and preschoolers with disabilities.HB2218 vouchers cover a range of expenditures including tuition in accredited and non-accredited private schools and micro-schools where home schoolers form groups to teach their children jointly, often in each other’s homes.The bill allows for individual home school support and other educational services like online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Division of Budget estimates that the yearly loss of state aid to school districts would be approximately $152 million.The state treasurer’s office (not the Kansas State Department of Education) would administer the program, but administrative cost is unknown due to lack of data for preschool and private school students.School supporters estimate total cost at $270 million.HB2218 requires only a mandate for full-time instruction in math, science, reading, grammar and social studies.In an interview on the National Public Radio 1A program Feb. 13, House Education Committee Chair, Republican Kristey Williams was asked by the moderator if white supremist, racist beliefs would be allowed by HB2218.&nbsp; Williams replied such speech was “abhorrent.”&nbsp;Noting that recently an Ohio network of micro-schools was discovered to be teaching Nazi propaganda and racism, the moderator repeated the question.&nbsp; Williams said she believes in parents and that most, if not all, parents in Kansas would choose to teach their kids in the best possible way.&nbsp; Find the entire interview at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2Fpodcasts%2F510316%2F1a&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cnmfrazier%40ku.edu%7Ca545e2e5107348ddcdbd08db15b77b45%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638127650028943240%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=unWPmyjPC%2FzXdCtcbVg3ibt2ieJuJl06H1UbHjdwLGE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510316/1a</a>Another bill that would weaken public schools is the scholarship tax credit program originally intended to provide private school tuition for students living in poverty.&nbsp; Bill HB2048 would extend funding to a much larger income group with a&nbsp; tax credit of 75 percent for corporation or individual donations.&nbsp; If passed, affluent parents could write off the entire cost of private school.&nbsp; Should this bill become law the Kansas Division of Budget expects it to reduce the state general fund around $10 million in the first year.&nbsp;Such proposals circulating in the Legislature, leave students without standards for curriculum or protection from indoctrination.&nbsp; Besides striping funds from public school budgets, increased tax credits rob the general fund of resources for other state expenditures.&nbsp;&nbsp;I too believe in Kansas parents to make right decisions.&nbsp; I believe they’ll tell legislators to trash these bills.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Two bills that could undermine schools

For Kansans&nbsp;eager&nbsp;to see&nbsp;bright&nbsp;blooms,&nbsp;more&nbsp;sunlight,&nbsp;and green leaves,&nbsp;dull-toned&nbsp;winter&nbsp;days linger&nbsp;forever.&nbsp;Instead of&nbsp;complaining,&nbsp;invite friends to&nbsp;turn these&nbsp;last weeks before&nbsp;Spring delivers&nbsp;new growth&nbsp;into a mystery nest hunt.&nbsp;Investigators,&nbsp;slip into&nbsp;a&nbsp;Columbo jacket&nbsp;and&nbsp;wander&nbsp;the&nbsp;neighborhood.&nbsp;As Mother Nature works her magic turning&nbsp;last year’s now&nbsp;brown leaves&nbsp;into fertile&nbsp;soil, nosy&nbsp;folks&nbsp;cantake advantage of bare&nbsp;branches&nbsp;to see what creatures raised young&nbsp;in them&nbsp;last season.&nbsp;Scope&nbsp;trees and bushes&nbsp;from top to bottom&nbsp;to&nbsp;spy&nbsp;varying&nbsp;nest shapes&nbsp;and sizes,&nbsp;evidence of&nbsp;last year’s feathered and furry residents.&nbsp;

Detecting an&nbsp;oriole nest&nbsp;in western Kansas is almost a given. These&nbsp;loosely&nbsp;woven sacks&nbsp;the size of&nbsp;a&nbsp;first&nbsp;grader’s sock&nbsp;dangle&nbsp;from&nbsp;upper&nbsp;branches&nbsp;along creeks, streams, lakes, in&nbsp;yards, and parks.&nbsp;Seeing these unique nests&nbsp;triggers&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;vivid&nbsp;orange and black parents&nbsp;catching&nbsp;insects&nbsp;in flight and&nbsp;regurgitating them&nbsp;into&nbsp;noisy&nbsp;off-springs’&nbsp;wide-open&nbsp;gullets.&nbsp;Mother Nature, by design, rocks their cradle.

​Robin nests are another sure bet.&nbsp;A&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;tree or perhaps the same&nbsp;one, if large enough,&nbsp;might house&nbsp;one or two&nbsp;tattered&nbsp;cereal bowl-sized nests tucked&nbsp;between forking branches.&nbsp;Typically,&nbsp;Kansas weather&nbsp;takes its toll on these flimsy structures&nbsp;so&nbsp;every year these orange-breasted singers&nbsp;weavegrasses, leaves,&nbsp;pet fur, strings, and other fluff&nbsp;into&nbsp;new&nbsp;nurseries for&nbsp;between one and three families per summer.&nbsp;

​Mississippi kite nests aren’t quite as common, but anyone who lives near a kite&nbsp;nursery&nbsp;knows now’s the&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;search&nbsp;for last summer’s nests&nbsp;before those&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;birds return. Once trees leaf out, the best way to&nbsp;discover&nbsp;where kites raise young&nbsp;means&nbsp;surviving&nbsp;a&nbsp;frantic&nbsp;dive bombing.&nbsp;It’s much&nbsp;saferto scope out potential kite nests before&nbsp;those&nbsp;birds&nbsp;return.

Sleuths&nbsp;willing to head for the edges of town or into the countryside&nbsp;have a chance to&nbsp;spyplatforms built&nbsp;of stacked&nbsp;branches in the upper reaches of&nbsp;mature&nbsp;trees.&nbsp;Lucky&nbsp;observers&nbsp;will&nbsp;note&nbsp;the protruding&nbsp;headgear of&nbsp;a&nbsp;great horned owl&nbsp;protecting&nbsp;eggs or owlets while&nbsp;its&nbsp;mate&nbsp;flies nearby lookingfor small game&nbsp;to&nbsp;feed&nbsp;the&nbsp;hungry family.&nbsp;Once you find an owl nest, it’s&nbsp;worth revisiting&nbsp;each year to see if that raptor&nbsp;returned to raise another family.&nbsp;

​Checking trees&nbsp;is an obvious tactic, but don’t forget to&nbsp;search&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;and shrubs&nbsp;everywhere you go.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;creatures tuck tidy&nbsp;and untidy&nbsp;nurseries into&nbsp;low-lying&nbsp;thickets. When we lived in the country, brown thrashers raised&nbsp;young&nbsp;in our lilac&nbsp;and plum thickets&nbsp;every summer.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;after the babies hatch&nbsp;towatch mom and dad zip around,&nbsp;snagging&nbsp;insects to feed their young.

​Speaking of low-lying nests, scout&nbsp;for pack rat condominiums&nbsp;haphazardly constructed&nbsp;at the base of trees along waterways. &nbsp;Dormant&nbsp;plants&nbsp;make it much easier to detect these&nbsp;chaoticallyconstructed&nbsp;homesteads.

Squirrels&nbsp;add&nbsp;another&nbsp;nest&nbsp;building&nbsp;rodent&nbsp;to the search.&nbsp;Messy basketball-sized collections of leaves, grasses, and small twigs stuffed in the forks of high branches make people wonder what bird made that nest? That conglomeration likely housed a family&nbsp;of&nbsp;furry,&nbsp;scampering babies.&nbsp;

​While&nbsp;bright colors&nbsp;please&nbsp;human&nbsp;senses,&nbsp;drab, leafless, winter months&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;last season’s&nbsp;nests.&nbsp;That’s a win for&nbsp;nature&nbsp;detectives&nbsp;looking for&nbsp;a chance to enjoy outdoor adventures.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677182283857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINFor Kansans&nbsp;eager&nbsp;to see&nbsp;bright&nbsp;blooms,&nbsp;more&nbsp;sunlight,&nbsp;and green leaves,&nbsp;dull-toned&nbsp;winter&nbsp;days linger&nbsp;forever.&nbsp;Instead of&nbsp;complaining,&nbsp;invite friends to&nbsp;turn these&nbsp;last weeks before&nbsp;Spring delivers&nbsp;new growth&nbsp;into a mystery nest hunt.&nbsp;Investigators,&nbsp;slip into&nbsp;a&nbsp;Columbo jacket&nbsp;and&nbsp;wander&nbsp;the&nbsp;neighborhood.&nbsp;As Mother Nature works her magic turning&nbsp;last year’s now&nbsp;brown leaves&nbsp;into fertile&nbsp;soil, nosy&nbsp;folks&nbsp;cantake advantage of bare&nbsp;branches&nbsp;to see what creatures raised young&nbsp;in them&nbsp;last season.&nbsp;Scope&nbsp;trees and bushes&nbsp;from top to bottom&nbsp;to&nbsp;spy&nbsp;varying&nbsp;nest shapes&nbsp;and sizes,&nbsp;evidence of&nbsp;last year’s feathered and furry residents.&nbsp;Detecting an&nbsp;oriole nest&nbsp;in western Kansas is almost a given. These&nbsp;loosely&nbsp;woven sacks&nbsp;the size of&nbsp;a&nbsp;first&nbsp;grader’s sock&nbsp;dangle&nbsp;from&nbsp;upper&nbsp;branches&nbsp;along creeks, streams, lakes, in&nbsp;yards, and parks.&nbsp;Seeing these unique nests&nbsp;triggers&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;vivid&nbsp;orange and black parents&nbsp;catching&nbsp;insects&nbsp;in flight and&nbsp;regurgitating them&nbsp;into&nbsp;noisy&nbsp;off-springs’&nbsp;wide-open&nbsp;gullets.&nbsp;Mother Nature, by design, rocks their cradle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Robin nests are another sure bet.&nbsp;A&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;tree or perhaps the same&nbsp;one, if large enough,&nbsp;might house&nbsp;one or two&nbsp;tattered&nbsp;cereal bowl-sized nests tucked&nbsp;between forking branches.&nbsp;Typically,&nbsp;Kansas weather&nbsp;takes its toll on these flimsy structures&nbsp;so&nbsp;every year these orange-breasted singers&nbsp;weavegrasses, leaves,&nbsp;pet fur, strings, and other fluff&nbsp;into&nbsp;new&nbsp;nurseries for&nbsp;between one and three families per summer.&nbsp;​Mississippi kite nests aren’t quite as common, but anyone who lives near a kite&nbsp;nursery&nbsp;knows now’s the&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;search&nbsp;for last summer’s nests&nbsp;before those&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;birds return. Once trees leaf out, the best way to&nbsp;discover&nbsp;where kites raise young&nbsp;means&nbsp;surviving&nbsp;a&nbsp;frantic&nbsp;dive bombing.&nbsp;It’s much&nbsp;saferto scope out potential kite nests before&nbsp;those&nbsp;birds&nbsp;return.Sleuths&nbsp;willing to head for the edges of town or into the countryside&nbsp;have a chance to&nbsp;spyplatforms built&nbsp;of stacked&nbsp;branches in the upper reaches of&nbsp;mature&nbsp;trees.&nbsp;Lucky&nbsp;observers&nbsp;will&nbsp;note&nbsp;the protruding&nbsp;headgear of&nbsp;a&nbsp;great horned owl&nbsp;protecting&nbsp;eggs or owlets while&nbsp;its&nbsp;mate&nbsp;flies nearby lookingfor small game&nbsp;to&nbsp;feed&nbsp;the&nbsp;hungry family.&nbsp;Once you find an owl nest, it’s&nbsp;worth revisiting&nbsp;each year to see if that raptor&nbsp;returned to raise another family.&nbsp;​Checking trees&nbsp;is an obvious tactic, but don’t forget to&nbsp;search&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;and shrubs&nbsp;everywhere you go.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;creatures tuck tidy&nbsp;and untidy&nbsp;nurseries into&nbsp;low-lying&nbsp;thickets. When we lived in the country, brown thrashers raised&nbsp;young&nbsp;in our lilac&nbsp;and plum thickets&nbsp;every summer.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;after the babies hatch&nbsp;towatch mom and dad zip around,&nbsp;snagging&nbsp;insects to feed their young.​Speaking of low-lying nests, scout&nbsp;for pack rat condominiums&nbsp;haphazardly constructed&nbsp;at the base of trees along waterways. &nbsp;Dormant&nbsp;plants&nbsp;make it much easier to detect these&nbsp;chaoticallyconstructed&nbsp;homesteads.Squirrels&nbsp;add&nbsp;another&nbsp;nest&nbsp;building&nbsp;rodent&nbsp;to the search.&nbsp;Messy basketball-sized collections of leaves, grasses, and small twigs stuffed in the forks of high branches make people wonder what bird made that nest? That conglomeration likely housed a family&nbsp;of&nbsp;furry,&nbsp;scampering babies.&nbsp;​While&nbsp;bright colors&nbsp;please&nbsp;human&nbsp;senses,&nbsp;drab, leafless, winter months&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;last season’s&nbsp;nests.&nbsp;That’s a win for&nbsp;nature&nbsp;detectives&nbsp;looking for&nbsp;a chance to enjoy outdoor adventures.

MADORIN: Forget mystery dinners — try mystery nest detecting

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677268434479.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>

DECATUR COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal northwest Kansas crash that occurred just after 3a.m. February 18, released the identity of the victim as 26-year-old&nbsp; <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Katlyn-Marie-Klima?obId=27316083#/celebrationWall">Katlyn Klima of Oberlin.</a>

On Friday, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp;Klima was southbound on Kansas 383 seven miles northeast of the Kansas 123 junction at Dresden.

The road curves to the left and the vehicle traveled off the road to the right. The driver overcorrected and caused the vehicle to slide sideways into the east ditch. 

The vehicle spun 180 degrees in the ditch, rolled one time and came to rest on its wheels facing north. The driver was ejected when the vehicle rolled.

Klima was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Katlyn-Marie-Klima?obId=27316083#/celebrationWall">Paul's Funeral Home.&nbsp;</a> She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DECATUR COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal northwest Kansas crash that occurred just after 3a.m. February 18, released the identity of the victim as 26-year-old&nbsp; <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Katlyn-Marie-Klima?obId=27316083#/celebrationWall">Katlyn Klima of Oberlin.</a>On Friday, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp;Klima was southbound on Kansas 383 seven miles northeast of the Kansas 123 junction at Dresden.The road curves to the left and the vehicle traveled off the road to the right. The driver overcorrected and caused the vehicle to slide sideways into the east ditch. The vehicle spun 180 degrees in the ditch, rolled one time and came to rest on its wheels facing north. The driver was ejected when the vehicle rolled.Klima was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Katlyn-Marie-Klima?obId=27316083#/celebrationWall">Paul's Funeral Home.&nbsp;</a> She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

KHP releases identity of woman who died in NW Kansas crash

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Camber Children's Mental Health Hays executive director Sarah Berens.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-EDJebsfoSA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Camber Children's Mental Health Hays executive director Sarah Berens.

🎤 Forward Ever: Camber Hays executive director Sarah Berens

The bitterly cold north wind will turn to warming south winds beginning Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.

On Saturday, the high temperature will be in the low-50s, jumping all the way to the low-70s by Sunday.

Sunday also bring an increasing chance of rain or thunderstorms. Winds will pick up Sunday afternoon, gusting to 36 mph. There is a 40 percent chance of precipitation in the afternoon, increasing to 60 percent in the evening.&nbsp;

Skies will be clear to start the work week, and highs will remain in the upper-50s to low-60s through Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252715987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The bitterly cold north wind will turn to warming south winds beginning Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.On Saturday, the high temperature will be in the low-50s, jumping all the way to the low-70s by Sunday.Sunday also bring an increasing chance of rain or thunderstorms. Winds will pick up Sunday afternoon, gusting to 36 mph. There is a 40 percent chance of precipitation in the afternoon, increasing to 60 percent in the evening.&nbsp;Skies will be clear to start the work week, and highs will remain in the upper-50s to low-60s through Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A warming trend is expected over the next few days, as well as a chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms on Sunday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/qMIbvvj4eh">pic.twitter.com/qMIbvvj4eh</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1629018348506980352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Increasing chance of rain over warm NW Kan. weekend

RUSSELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Russell County.

Just after 7 a.m. Thursday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and investigators executed search warrants at two properties in Russell, Kansas, and on a vehicle that KHP stopped along I-70, around 3 miles east of Dorrance, according to a media release from the KBI.

The vehicle was occupied by Richard Kerns, 63, of Russell, and Beverly Driscoll, 65, of Russell.

During the searches, law enforcement located over 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 15 firearms.

Kerns and Driscoll were arrested on requested charges that include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with the intent to distribute on or within 1,000 feet of a school, and several weapons violations. They were booked into the Russell County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252690910.png" alt="Driscoll-photo Russell County" />
 <figcaption>Driscoll-photo Russell County</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Russell County.Just after 7 a.m. Thursday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and investigators executed search warrants at two properties in Russell, Kansas, and on a vehicle that KHP stopped along I-70, around 3 miles east of Dorrance, according to a media release from the KBI.The vehicle was occupied by Richard Kerns, 63, of Russell, and Beverly Driscoll, 65, of Russell.During the searches, law enforcement located over 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 15 firearms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252661427.png" alt="Kerns-photo Russell County" />
 <figcaption>Kerns-photo Russell County</figcaption>
 </figure>Kerns and Driscoll were arrested on requested charges that include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with the intent to distribute on or within 1,000 feet of a school, and several weapons violations. They were booked into the Russell County Jail.

KBI finds meth, 15 firearms after Russell Co. investigation 

Hays USD 489 will once again begin shepherding new students and parents into the district during the annual Kindergarten Roundup, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays High School, Gym B.

The event gives is an opportunity for district administrators to share with parents the information needed to enroll children in the district, Wilson Elementary principal Anita Schieve said.

"First, we want to give you information about every school and just about kindergarten in general," she said. "We also want to talk to you about what the requirements are for a student to get enrolled in kindergarten, like what appointments you need to have scheduled and what forms you'll need to fill out."

Those forms include pre-enrollment information and school choice for the student.

"We also have some tours scheduled at every individual elementary, so that if you don't know which school yet, and you haven't been in any of the schools, you can come and visit us see the school," Schieve said.

The tours are scheduled during different parts of the day, and often offer an opportunity to meet building staff as well.

"Those online forms need to be completed before or by March 10," Scheive said.

Parents will be notified of their child's placement in early April.

Schieve said the district tries to accommodate every placement request, and it's rare that the child would be placed in their second-choice school.

Decisions on placement consider various factors, including an already existing connection to a particular school and available space.

For children to enter the district, they must be 5 years old by Aug. 31 and while the district does not screen students for required skills, to help prepare students to enter the district, Schieve said the development of social skills is important.

"We talk
a lot about helping teach kids some of those soft skills," she said. "Play games with them
so that they can feel they can practice taking turns handling frustration, and losing. It's important to learn how to lose and how to compromise."

To build those skills, Schieve said parents should set up playdates
with other children their age so they can learn how to compromise, help them
name feelings and show empathy. 

"Talk them through that," she said. "How could we help make this better, help them learn how to apologize, help
them recognize that sometimes things happen that we can't control.

"Just handling some of those social situations are huge for managing and
navigating kindergarten."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677097470001.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays USD 489 Kindergarten Roundup set for Feb. 27" 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=wgc8j-139beae-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostHays USD 489 will once again begin shepherding new students and parents into the district during the annual Kindergarten Roundup, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays High School, Gym B.The event gives is an opportunity for district administrators to share with parents the information needed to enroll children in the district, Wilson Elementary principal Anita Schieve said."First, we want to give you information about every school and just about kindergarten in general," she said. "We also want to talk to you about what the requirements are for a student to get enrolled in kindergarten, like what appointments you need to have scheduled and what forms you'll need to fill out."Those forms include pre-enrollment information and school choice for the student."We also have some tours scheduled at every individual elementary, so that if you don't know which school yet, and you haven't been in any of the schools, you can come and visit us see the school," Schieve said.The tours are scheduled during different parts of the day, and often offer an opportunity to meet building staff as well."Those online forms need to be completed before or by March 10," Scheive said.Parents will be notified of their child's placement in early April.Schieve said the district tries to accommodate every placement request, and it's rare that the child would be placed in their second-choice school.Decisions on placement consider various factors, including an already existing connection to a particular school and available space.For children to enter the district, they must be 5 years old by Aug. 31 and while the district does not screen students for required skills, to help prepare students to enter the district, Schieve said the development of social skills is important."We talk
a lot about helping teach kids some of those soft skills," she said. "Play games with them
so that they can feel they can practice taking turns handling frustration, and losing. It's important to learn how to lose and how to compromise."To build those skills, Schieve said parents should set up playdates
with other children their age so they can learn how to compromise, help them
name feelings and show empathy. "Talk them through that," she said. "How could we help make this better, help them learn how to apologize, help
them recognize that sometimes things happen that we can't control."Just handling some of those social situations are huge for managing and
navigating kindergarten."

🎙 Hays USD 489 Kindergarten Roundup set for next week

Representing 174 years of classroom experience, seven members of the class of 2023 Kansas Master Teachers were announced this week by Emporia State University.

Among the honorees is Jerry Braun, gifted education teacher at Hays Middle School and High School.

• Kristen Anderson, USD 345 Seaman • Kirstin Bangerter, USD 443 Dodge City • Jerald Braun, USD 489 Hays • Matt Christensen, USD 229 Blue Valley • Martha MacKay,&nbsp; USD 253 Emporia • Maggie Wolken,&nbsp; USD 413 Chanute • Melissa Hall, USD 475 Geary County

Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each Master Teacher will be presented with a check for $1,000.

The recipients were selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Parent Teacher Organization, Kansas National Education Association, United School Administrators, ESU’s Kappa Delta Pi student organization and representatives of the 2020 and 2022 Kansas Master Teacher classes.

The 2023 Master Teachers will be honored on Master Teacher Day on April 5 at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

ESU established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. Information on the 70 years of educators named Kansas Master Teachers is available at www.emporia.edu/masterteacher.

Representing 174 years of classroom experience, seven members of the class of 2023 Kansas Master Teachers were announced this week by Emporia State University.Among the honorees is Jerry Braun, gifted education teacher at Hays Middle School and High School.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677178466274.png" alt="Braun" />
 <figcaption>Braun</figcaption>
 </figure>Other winners were:• Kristen Anderson, USD 345 Seaman • Kirstin Bangerter, USD 443 Dodge City • Jerald Braun, USD 489 Hays • Matt Christensen, USD 229 Blue Valley • Martha MacKay,&nbsp; USD 253 Emporia • Maggie Wolken,&nbsp; USD 413 Chanute • Melissa Hall, USD 475 Geary County Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each Master Teacher will be presented with a check for $1,000.The recipients were selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Parent Teacher Organization, Kansas National Education Association, United School Administrators, ESU’s Kappa Delta Pi student organization and representatives of the 2020 and 2022 Kansas Master Teacher classes.The 2023 Master Teachers will be honored on Master Teacher Day on April 5 at Emporia State University.&nbsp;ESU established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. Information on the 70 years of educators named Kansas Master Teachers is available at www.emporia.edu/masterteacher.

Master Teacher honors for Hays gifted education educator

Lang Diesel Inc, the only AGCO dealership to serve the entire state of Kansas and a growing regional Kubota dealer in Iowa and Nebraska, has recognized their top-performing employees for 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At LDI Unite, the annual Sales and Aftersales meeting held in Hays, LDI Vice President and COO Brent Lang recognized top performers for their dedication and service to LDI customers and partners. The week also included in-person training for all the sales team and management teams on upcoming product innovations, organizational policies and processes, and conversations with manufacturing partners about the future of agriculture in Kansas and globally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dan Byers, LDI Store and Technology Manager, received the prestigious Gerald Funk Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Gerald Funk Award, “Commitment Beyond Measurement,” was created in 2022 to recognize an employee’s dedication to providing LDI customers with a phenomenal experience and service. Gerald Funk, a 14-year member of the LDI sales team, was recognized with the inaugural award for his devotion to customer service, collaboration and positive support of his teammates, and eagerness to continuously learn and improve his knowledge of AGCO equipment and precision agriculture technology. Gerald started his career with AGCO equipment in 1975.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“LDI values integrity, excellence, financial strength and teamwork,” said LDI COO Brent Lang. “Dan has embodied these values and “commitment beyond measurement” in his actions this year and over his many years of dedicated service to our growers, customers, and the LDI team.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dan Byers started with LDI in 2010, working with precision agriculture technology, and was named division manager for the precision ag team in 2011. He was promoted to LDI-Topeka location manager in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’ve made a lot of good relationships, not just business relationships but friendships with customers over the years at LDI,” said Byers. “I enjoy helping people be more profitable, which, in turn, helps us be more profitable and grow. Our customers and friends need help at crucial times, like harvest, planting, and sometimes volatile markets. We come into play when they need the most help to be profitable for the year. And we are their trusted advisor because they can count on us to help them battle through those tough times.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Parts division awards were presented to the top performing LDI location parts managers. LDI parts division awards were presented to:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dale Spetman, Counci Bluffs, Iowa&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chuy Garcia, Garden City (received two awards)&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caleb Larson, Smith Center&nbsp;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chuy Garcia, Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Service division awards were presented to the top performing LDI location service managers. LDI Service division awards were presented to:&nbsp;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caleb Larson, Smith Center (received two awards)&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Josh Newsome, Garden City (received two awards)&nbsp;

The Dual Award for the Highest Absorption Rate at any LDI location was presented to LDI-Smith Center, including Store Manager Dallas Lehmann and Parts and Service Manager Caleb Larson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sales awards were presented to the top-performing LDI salespeople, Derrek Branham, Garden City; Derek Hearld, Hays; Dallas Lehmann, Smith Center; Chris Hiller, Council Bluffs, IA; Bart Dimitt, Colby; and Tracy Weeter, Colby. Justin Christie, Topeka, was named Rookie of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677172577576.jpeg" alt=" Dan Byers, LDI-Topeka store and technology manager and recipient of the Gerald Funk Award, and Rookie of the Year, Justin Christie, LDI-Topeka agricultural equipment salesperson. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption> Dan Byers, LDI-Topeka store and technology manager and recipient of the Gerald Funk Award, and Rookie of the Year, Justin Christie, LDI-Topeka agricultural equipment salesperson. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLang Diesel Inc, the only AGCO dealership to serve the entire state of Kansas and a growing regional Kubota dealer in Iowa and Nebraska, has recognized their top-performing employees for 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;At LDI Unite, the annual Sales and Aftersales meeting held in Hays, LDI Vice President and COO Brent Lang recognized top performers for their dedication and service to LDI customers and partners. The week also included in-person training for all the sales team and management teams on upcoming product innovations, organizational policies and processes, and conversations with manufacturing partners about the future of agriculture in Kansas and globally.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Byers, LDI Store and Technology Manager, received the prestigious Gerald Funk Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Gerald Funk Award, “Commitment Beyond Measurement,” was created in 2022 to recognize an employee’s dedication to providing LDI customers with a phenomenal experience and service. Gerald Funk, a 14-year member of the LDI sales team, was recognized with the inaugural award for his devotion to customer service, collaboration and positive support of his teammates, and eagerness to continuously learn and improve his knowledge of AGCO equipment and precision agriculture technology. Gerald started his career with AGCO equipment in 1975.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“LDI values integrity, excellence, financial strength and teamwork,” said LDI COO Brent Lang. “Dan has embodied these values and “commitment beyond measurement” in his actions this year and over his many years of dedicated service to our growers, customers, and the LDI team.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Byers started with LDI in 2010, working with precision agriculture technology, and was named division manager for the precision ag team in 2011. He was promoted to LDI-Topeka location manager in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’ve made a lot of good relationships, not just business relationships but friendships with customers over the years at LDI,” said Byers. “I enjoy helping people be more profitable, which, in turn, helps us be more profitable and grow. Our customers and friends need help at crucial times, like harvest, planting, and sometimes volatile markets. We come into play when they need the most help to be profitable for the year. And we are their trusted advisor because they can count on us to help them battle through those tough times.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Parts Awards&nbsp;Parts division awards were presented to the top performing LDI location parts managers. LDI parts division awards were presented to:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dale Spetman, Counci Bluffs, Iowa&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chuy Garcia, Garden City (received two awards)&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caleb Larson, Smith Center&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chuy Garcia, Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Service Awards&nbsp;Service division awards were presented to the top performing LDI location service managers. LDI Service division awards were presented to:&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caleb Larson, Smith Center (received two awards)&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Josh Newsome, Garden City (received two awards)&nbsp;The Dual Award for the Highest Absorption Rate at any LDI location was presented to LDI-Smith Center, including Store Manager Dallas Lehmann and Parts and Service Manager Caleb Larson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sales awards&nbsp;Sales awards were presented to the top-performing LDI salespeople, Derrek Branham, Garden City; Derek Hearld, Hays; Dallas Lehmann, Smith Center; Chris Hiller, Council Bluffs, IA; Bart Dimitt, Colby; and Tracy Weeter, Colby. Justin Christie, Topeka, was named Rookie of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NW Kan. employees among top honorees at LDI Unite Meeting

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp;Research shows more and more families find PBS KIDS programs anytime, anywhere in digital spaces – watching on smart devices and the internet, as well as traditional television.&nbsp; The PBS KIDS 24/7 multicast channel, also distributed as a streaming service, is where many kids in the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area are turning to catch Smoky Hills PBS’s children’s programs.

PBS KIDS programs prepare kids for school and lead them to a bright future, but as more Kansans watch on their own schedule, Smoky Hills PBS is changing its daytime schedule.

Beginning Feb. 27, Smoky Hills PBS’s daytime PBS KIDS programming block will run from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then pick up again from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the weekdays. 

There will be a block of time from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for general audience programming.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS will start running the Downton Abbey series at 12 p.m., during this general audience block, and then switch over to how-to programs including cooking, travel, and lifestyle programming coming in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our aim is to meet our audience where they are,” said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Right now, we find that this move will benefit both our youngest viewers and also our adult viewers, bringing them programming in the afternoons that they too can enjoy.”

Viewers can tune into our 24/7 PBS KIDS channel over the air, or download the PBS KIDS App to watch kids shows at any time, free of charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579894481233.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL —&nbsp;Research shows more and more families find PBS KIDS programs anytime, anywhere in digital spaces – watching on smart devices and the internet, as well as traditional television.&nbsp; The PBS KIDS 24/7 multicast channel, also distributed as a streaming service, is where many kids in the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area are turning to catch Smoky Hills PBS’s children’s programs.PBS KIDS programs prepare kids for school and lead them to a bright future, but as more Kansans watch on their own schedule, Smoky Hills PBS is changing its daytime schedule.Beginning Feb. 27, Smoky Hills PBS’s daytime PBS KIDS programming block will run from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then pick up again from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the weekdays. There will be a block of time from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for general audience programming.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS will start running the Downton Abbey series at 12 p.m., during this general audience block, and then switch over to how-to programs including cooking, travel, and lifestyle programming coming in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our aim is to meet our audience where they are,” said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Right now, we find that this move will benefit both our youngest viewers and also our adult viewers, bringing them programming in the afternoons that they too can enjoy.”Viewers can tune into our 24/7 PBS KIDS channel over the air, or download the PBS KIDS App to watch kids shows at any time, free of charge.

Smoky Hills PBS revamps afternoons to attract adults

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677095250413.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

To apply today, click <a href="https://glassmancorp.com/careers/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636334828.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To apply today, click <a href="https://glassmancorp.com/careers/">HERE</a>.

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