Get more than double the local impact with a charitable
gift this month.

The annual Heartland Community Foundation match month has
returned this February.

As the group continues to build its coffers, the annual
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation allows it to positively impact
community groups and projects throughout the year.

During the month, the Hansen Foundation has challenged
the Heartland Foundation to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties it serves – Ellis, Trego and Rooks.

“So, in 28 days, we have to raise that,” said Heartland
Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.&nbsp;

While
the annual match month has been an opportunity to generate more funds for
Heartland, the Hansen Foundation has upped the ante this year.

“In
the past, they've doubled the match, so they've done $1 for $1,” Meitner said.
“This year, they're doing $2 for every dollar.”

If
each of the three Heartland counties raises the $50,000 challenge amount, she
said Hansen would match that with $300,000.

“That
money goes into our legacy funds,” Meitner said. “Each county has one, the
Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Trego County Legacy
Fund, and those are our primary granting funds.”

Those
funds are unrestricted, meaning donations from those accounts can go to any
cause.

“Schools,
churches, any nonprofit, service providers, cities, municipalities, you name
it,” Meitner said. “We want to grow that fund because the more we grow
it, the more we can grant. So yeah, this is amazing to get that extra
incentive to really spur giving.”

And
while giving money to deserving groups is a hallmark of the organization,
Meitner said as the fund grows, the ability to give in the future also
increases.

“It's an endowed fund,” she said. “That means that we don't
actually grant out the principle of the fund — we're letting that grow. We grant
out the investment income.”

And
while the foundation doesn't always grant the total amount available every year, she said
it must give at least 5 percent under federal guidelines.

“I
get about 120 applications a year,” Meitner said. “We can't grant to all of
those. There's just simply not enough money. We haven't gotten there yet. We're
trying. We're growing it.”

Last
year’s grants totaled over $422,000, she said, for both organizations and projects.

“I think
the schools were actually our largest granting recipient, and it was at about
$112,000," Meitner said. "After that, it was service providers, health care and service
providers. And then roughly $78,000 went toward public safety and disaster
relief.”

Another
$36,000 was distributed to arts, and culture projects and $32,000 went to parks.

“Your
donation to the Heartland Community Foundation can really touch so many lives
because of the wide breadth of impact,” Meitner said. “It goes toward fire
safety. It can go toward law enforcement. It can go toward children and arts
and culture, parks — a little bit of everything.”

And
over the lifetime of the Heartland Foundation, she said around $3.2 million had
been distributed.

“Certainly, the ripple effect of that has been tremendous,”
Meitner said.

And
while the foundation continues to grow, she said the organization can also help
connect potential donors with opportunities to give.

“In
the future, I hope that we'll be able to have even more to grant out, but when
people are looking for a way to make an impact come to me, I can help point you
in the right direction,” Meitner said. “We can match you up with whatever it is
that fires you up.”

This
year, she said they have also added a bonus incentive to give.

“If
you donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, you will be entered to win $500 in
chamber bucks that we will draw on the morning of the 16th,” Meitner said. “And
if you donate over $500, you'll be entered twice.”

The
drawings will be offered in each of the foundation’s three counties.

“If
you want to gift all three counties, you could be entered three times,” Meitner
said. “We'll draw that and just try to spread the word and remind people that
it's match month and see how much we can raise.”

But
even without the incentive, she said the region is home to those that desire to
give.

“I believe that we're really fortunate in this region to
have very generous people. And so, our nonprofits in town are really able to
make the most of the money that they have to make the biggest impact and do
good work. They're the boots on the ground."

"But
that generosity, I also believe, it's not finite. I say the pie just gets
larger because people dig a little bit deeper. And especially when there's an
incentive, like a match incentive, but also just when there's a really good story
to tell, and somebody who truly needs it, our region, our communities, they
turn out, and they want to help.”

Donations
can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, by phone at (785) 621-4090 or in person at their
office in the Chestnut Building at 1200 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647093312739.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGet more than double the local impact with a charitable
gift this month.The annual Heartland Community Foundation match month has
returned this February.As the group continues to build its coffers, the annual
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation allows it to positively impact
community groups and projects throughout the year.During the month, the Hansen Foundation has challenged
the Heartland Foundation to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties it serves – Ellis, Trego and Rooks.“So, in 28 days, we have to raise that,” said Heartland
Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.&nbsp;While
the annual match month has been an opportunity to generate more funds for
Heartland, the Hansen Foundation has upped the ante this year.<div><iframe title="Match month gives gifts to area foundation more impact" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=r3d45-137b1ac-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“In
the past, they've doubled the match, so they've done $1 for $1,” Meitner said.
“This year, they're doing $2 for every dollar.”If
each of the three Heartland counties raises the $50,000 challenge amount, she
said Hansen would match that with $300,000.“That
money goes into our legacy funds,” Meitner said. “Each county has one, the
Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Trego County Legacy
Fund, and those are our primary granting funds.”Those
funds are unrestricted, meaning donations from those accounts can go to any
cause.“Schools,
churches, any nonprofit, service providers, cities, municipalities, you name
it,” Meitner said. “We want to grow that fund because the more we grow
it, the more we can grant. So yeah, this is amazing to get that extra
incentive to really spur giving.”And
while giving money to deserving groups is a hallmark of the organization,
Meitner said as the fund grows, the ability to give in the future also
increases.“It's an endowed fund,” she said. “That means that we don't
actually grant out the principle of the fund — we're letting that grow. We grant
out the investment income.”And
while the foundation doesn't always grant the total amount available every year, she said
it must give at least 5 percent under federal guidelines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648234209135.jpeg" alt="Sarah Meitner (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Meitner (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Not enough money ...</h2>“I
get about 120 applications a year,” Meitner said. “We can't grant to all of
those. There's just simply not enough money. We haven't gotten there yet. We're
trying. We're growing it.”Last
year’s grants totaled over $422,000, she said, for both organizations and projects.“I think
the schools were actually our largest granting recipient, and it was at about
$112,000," Meitner said. "After that, it was service providers, health care and service
providers. And then roughly $78,000 went toward public safety and disaster
relief.”Another
$36,000 was distributed to arts, and culture projects and $32,000 went to parks.“Your
donation to the Heartland Community Foundation can really touch so many lives
because of the wide breadth of impact,” Meitner said. “It goes toward fire
safety. It can go toward law enforcement. It can go toward children and arts
and culture, parks — a little bit of everything.”And
over the lifetime of the Heartland Foundation, she said around $3.2 million had
been distributed.“Certainly, the ripple effect of that has been tremendous,”
Meitner said.And
while the foundation continues to grow, she said the organization can also help
connect potential donors with opportunities to give.“In
the future, I hope that we'll be able to have even more to grant out, but when
people are looking for a way to make an impact come to me, I can help point you
in the right direction,” Meitner said. “We can match you up with whatever it is
that fires you up.”This
year, she said they have also added a bonus incentive to give.“If
you donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, you will be entered to win $500 in
chamber bucks that we will draw on the morning of the 16th,” Meitner said. “And
if you donate over $500, you'll be entered twice.”The
drawings will be offered in each of the foundation’s three counties.“If
you want to gift all three counties, you could be entered three times,” Meitner
said. “We'll draw that and just try to spread the word and remind people that
it's match month and see how much we can raise.”But
even without the incentive, she said the region is home to those that desire to
give.“I believe that we're really fortunate in this region to
have very generous people. And so, our nonprofits in town are really able to
make the most of the money that they have to make the biggest impact and do
good work. They're the boots on the ground.""But
that generosity, I also believe, it's not finite. I say the pie just gets
larger because people dig a little bit deeper. And especially when there's an
incentive, like a match incentive, but also just when there's a really good story
to tell, and somebody who truly needs it, our region, our communities, they
turn out, and they want to help.”Donations
can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, by phone at (785) 621-4090 or in person at their
office in the Chestnut Building at 1200 Main.

🎙Gifts to Heartland Foundation to be matched during February

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

When visitors to Hays stay overnight in motels, they often have questions about what there is to do in town, where to eat, and where to fuel up their vehicles.

Front desk employees at the local lodgings have the answers, thanks to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Melissa Dixon, executive director, and CVB staff spent time in early January training front desk staff at the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn to familiarize them about the amenities in Hays

"She's very good at that, assisting with training hotel staff in how to understand the needs of the visitors, how to direct them to the right places and sort of showcase our community," said City Manager Toby Dougherty in a KAYS Radio interview with Hays Post.

"Hopefully, it keeps them coming back and keeps them happy while they're here. It's good for us and it's good for the hotels if they get repeat clients."

During last week's city commission work session, Dixon shared highlights of CVB activities in 2022, the department's 40th anniversary.&nbsp;

Last year, CVB distributed 75,000 visitors guides and provided 6,906 welcome packets for event attendees in Hays.

The estimated economic impact of overnight guests in Hays during 2002 was $43.1 million, according to Dixon.&nbsp;

Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser presented other projects during the most recent progress report for city departments.&nbsp;

Sunrise Rotary Club donated $6,900 to the city for improvements to the&nbsp; Ekey Park ballfield, 19th and Holmes.&nbsp;

The project is underway by the parks department and will include a new backstop, bases, bench, and red infield dirt salvaged from the artificial turf project at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;

And the city bison herd in Frontier Park now have their own shade shelter.

It was constructed in the south-central portion of the pasture by parks department employees and is expected to provide improved viewing conditions for visitors.

Workers used salvaged telephone poles, steel siding, and roofing materials were used in the structure.

Click the video below for the full progress report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675123000234.jpeg" alt="Employees of the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn recently underwent customer service training with the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Employees of the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn recently underwent customer service training with the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWhen visitors to Hays stay overnight in motels, they often have questions about what there is to do in town, where to eat, and where to fuel up their vehicles.Front desk employees at the local lodgings have the answers, thanks to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.Melissa Dixon, executive director, and CVB staff spent time in early January training front desk staff at the AVID Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn to familiarize them about the amenities in Hays"She's very good at that, assisting with training hotel staff in how to understand the needs of the visitors, how to direct them to the right places and sort of showcase our community," said City Manager Toby Dougherty in a KAYS Radio interview with Hays Post."Hopefully, it keeps them coming back and keeps them happy while they're here. It's good for us and it's good for the hotels if they get repeat clients."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675122738756.jpeg" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>During last week's city commission work session, Dixon shared highlights of CVB activities in 2022, the department's 40th anniversary.&nbsp;Last year, CVB distributed 75,000 visitors guides and provided 6,906 welcome packets for event attendees in Hays.The estimated economic impact of overnight guests in Hays during 2002 was $43.1 million, according to Dixon.&nbsp;Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser presented other projects during the most recent progress report for city departments.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675120607308.jpeg" alt="Improvements to the Ekey Park ballfield are underway thanks to a donation from Sunrise Rotary Club. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Improvements to the Ekey Park ballfield are underway thanks to a donation from Sunrise Rotary Club. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Sunrise Rotary Club donated $6,900 to the city for improvements to the&nbsp; Ekey Park ballfield, 19th and Holmes.&nbsp;The project is underway by the parks department and will include a new backstop, bases, bench, and red infield dirt salvaged from the artificial turf project at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675119607162.jpeg" alt="Shade shelter for the bison in Frontier Park under construction by parks department employees. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Shade shelter for the bison in Frontier Park under construction by parks department employees. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675120063622.jpeg" alt="Salvaged materials were used to construct the buffalo shade shelter. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Salvaged materials were used to construct the buffalo shade shelter. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>And the city bison herd in Frontier Park now have their own shade shelter.It was constructed in the south-central portion of the pasture by parks department employees and is expected to provide improved viewing conditions for visitors.Workers used salvaged telephone poles, steel siding, and roofing materials were used in the structure.Click the video below for the full progress report.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/auCeYfDu-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Progress Report December" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>(Video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)

🎥 Hays CVB training for hotel employees helps boost economic impact

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie&nbsp;County farmer and rancher This past weekend was my favorite Kansas Farm Bureau event, the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Conference. I am going to let you in on a secret, I am over 35. I know you are all shocked, and I am a bit surprised they still let me through the doors. I guess they either take pity on me or they let me in because I am on the state board of directors. Either way I am always happy to sneak in and get my batteries recharged. I think I have figured out the fountain of youth, and it is to spend time around this outstanding group of young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and students. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, even for an old guy several years past the YF&amp;R expiration date. The conference itself is outstanding. The keynote speakers and information shared is some of the best and most timely for those of us in agriculture. Then there are the breakout sessions and workshops, again some of the leading experts in their fields and cutting edge information. Include that with contests showcasing our industry’s best and brightest along with social events and you have a great weekend. The best part is it is planned, coordinated and put on by the Young Farmer and Rancher committee, the best and brightest members 35 and younger in Kansas Farm Bureau. Does it sound like I am bragging? I hope so because I am. We hear all the time about the aging agriculture industry and often pundits wonder where we are headed. Will our producers age out? Will we be able to feed a growing, hungry population? Spend a weekend at the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference and you know we will be in good hands. Spending time with this group will renew your faith in the future. I love listening to the conversations and hearing the new ideas and enthusiasm. This conference was crucial for Jennifer and I as we started our journey in agriculture. So many times you feel alone and it seems like no one understands what you are going through. Then you come to your first YF&amp;R Conference and find out there are many others going through the same trials and tribulations. The networking in the hallways and the friendships you make over the weekend are truly the most valuable part of the conference. We still have friendships that were forged during this conference. That is why each year I look forward to this weekend. I must admit I am being a little selfish because I know I get more out of it than I give to the participants I meet. This old guy is transformed back into a time when anything was possible and my career was ahead of me. I wish I could bottle the excitement and energy up for all of you, it is something we all need these days. I can’t do that, but I can go forth knowing agriculture is in good hands.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie&nbsp;County farmer and rancher This past weekend was my favorite Kansas Farm Bureau event, the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Conference. I am going to let you in on a secret, I am over 35. I know you are all shocked, and I am a bit surprised they still let me through the doors. I guess they either take pity on me or they let me in because I am on the state board of directors. Either way I am always happy to sneak in and get my batteries recharged. I think I have figured out the fountain of youth, and it is to spend time around this outstanding group of young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and students. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, even for an old guy several years past the YF&amp;R expiration date. The conference itself is outstanding. The keynote speakers and information shared is some of the best and most timely for those of us in agriculture. Then there are the breakout sessions and workshops, again some of the leading experts in their fields and cutting edge information. Include that with contests showcasing our industry’s best and brightest along with social events and you have a great weekend. The best part is it is planned, coordinated and put on by the Young Farmer and Rancher committee, the best and brightest members 35 and younger in Kansas Farm Bureau. Does it sound like I am bragging? I hope so because I am. We hear all the time about the aging agriculture industry and often pundits wonder where we are headed. Will our producers age out? Will we be able to feed a growing, hungry population? Spend a weekend at the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference and you know we will be in good hands. Spending time with this group will renew your faith in the future. I love listening to the conversations and hearing the new ideas and enthusiasm. This conference was crucial for Jennifer and I as we started our journey in agriculture. So many times you feel alone and it seems like no one understands what you are going through. Then you come to your first YF&amp;R Conference and find out there are many others going through the same trials and tribulations. The networking in the hallways and the friendships you make over the weekend are truly the most valuable part of the conference. We still have friendships that were forged during this conference. That is why each year I look forward to this weekend. I must admit I am being a little selfish because I know I get more out of it than I give to the participants I meet. This old guy is transformed back into a time when anything was possible and my career was ahead of me. I wish I could bottle the excitement and energy up for all of you, it is something we all need these days. I can’t do that, but I can go forth knowing agriculture is in good hands."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Faith in the future of agriculture

It's a month of music, basketball and wrestling, legislative updates, and of course, love.

Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director,&nbsp; has highlights of some of the local activities and events during February.

For an updated list of community events, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=16796&amp;month=1&amp;year=2023&amp;day=31&amp;calType=0">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673100607004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's a month of music, basketball and wrestling, legislative updates, and of course, love.Melissa Dixon, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director,&nbsp; has highlights of some of the local activities and events during February.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/QGLeNW2G-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cvb Feb 23" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675202407143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an updated list of community events, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=16796&amp;month=1&amp;year=2023&amp;day=31&amp;calType=0">www.visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: Community events in Hays during February

<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/2023/1/1675184301772.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

I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels, also known as limb chickens or tree bacon in our neck of the woods. They taunt our two little pups from the top of my back fence or from the roof of our neighbor’s garage and work them into an absolute frenzy. They hang upside-down from their heels on the side of the tree, just out of reach and chatter away as if to say “Come and get me you yappy little mongrels!” 

Squirrels are not to be trifled with and can give a nasty bite, but just once I wish my dumb mutts would learn to work together and snag one. Like maybe one pup could prance around the tree with a big grin on its face, clutching an acorn in its teeth, luring the little bird-feeder-vandal near the ground, while the other pup sneaks up from the other side, pounces on its back and cleans it off the side of tree. But it would be just my luck&nbsp;that&nbsp;instead of crumpling to the ground with the pooch on its back, it would head for the top of the tree with the pooch on its back. At that point I don’t know which would be worse, the hapless hound hangin’ on to end up somewhere in the treetops, or fallin’ off somewhere over the middle of the yard.

Pesky as they are, I know of no other wild critter in the US more pampered than the squirrel. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around inside those glass jar feeders.&nbsp;We even found plans and built a “maize” feeder, where the squirrel must enter through one of two holes in the side, than navigate around partitions inside to reach ears of corn.&nbsp;People&nbsp;buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn.&nbsp;My son’s father-in-law has his trained to take peanuts from his hand, and the little buggers even tap on his front door when they want a snack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A couple years back a squirrel with only half a tail became a regular at our feeder; we named it “Ole’ Stumpy.” We thought at first that Stumpy was a male, but there&nbsp;were&nbsp;no bulging body parts on Stumpy’s underside,&nbsp;so we deemed her a girl. We can only guess at how Stumpy lost the end of her tail, but I did a little research on Ole’ Stumpy’s tail dilemma on a website named “The Squirrel Board” (I can’t make this stuff up!) It seems Stumpy&nbsp;was&nbsp;not alone and squirrel tails are made so they will “deglove” or snap off if a predator has hold of it. The jury seemed to still be out as to whether it would ever grow back and Stumpy would be whole again. The squirrel lovers on that site were&nbsp;way&nbsp;out of my league. One guy said “If you’re feeding peanuts to your squirrels make sure they are roasted…I feed mine chopped almonds because they are healthier than peanuts.” (Really; sounds like his squirrels eat better than I do.) He went on to say “Thanksgiving week we fed them almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts for a variety.” I have to admit that would make for some tasty squirrel if you roasted em’ while they were still full of nuts.&nbsp;

Now&nbsp;even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the globe. Their theme is “Squirrel – it’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in dishes like squirrel pizza and squirrel flavored ice cream. And are you aware there is actually an organization&nbsp;called “Squirrels Unlimited?” (SQU for short) Its mission statement reads: “SQU is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind’s greatest gifts.”&nbsp;

There is also a market for squirrel tails. Fishing lure manufacturer Mepps in Wisconsin actually pays for squirrel tails because they seem to work better as skirts on their fishing lures than any other product they have tried. Depending on the species of tails you send, they pay&nbsp;from 12 cents apiece for tails that are only partially useable to 25 cents apiece for&nbsp;tails that are fully useable.&nbsp;On their website they caution “Mepps is only interested in “recycling” tails from squirrels harvested for the table. We do not advocate taking squirrels strictly for their&nbsp;tails.” Mepps&nbsp;says that when they receive the tails, members of their experienced team will grade the tails as premium, average or unusable.&nbsp;

We never knew what became of Ole’ Stumpy, she just sort-of disappeared.&nbsp;Perhaps, because of her deformity,&nbsp;she was run-off by more dominant members of our squirrel community. Perhaps her&nbsp;snapper-off tail caused her such shame that she ended it all by throwing herself in front of a school bus. Or perhaps she simply died of old age and crossed the rainbow bridge with dignity. Every time I sit in a deer stand or turkey blind and hear a squirrel chattering and barking at me, I have to wonder if its Ole’ Stumpy reincarnated just to give me a few more minutes of entertainment…&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels, also known as limb chickens or tree bacon in our neck of the woods. They taunt our two little pups from the top of my back fence or from the roof of our neighbor’s garage and work them into an absolute frenzy. They hang upside-down from their heels on the side of the tree, just out of reach and chatter away as if to say “Come and get me you yappy little mongrels!” Squirrels are not to be trifled with and can give a nasty bite, but just once I wish my dumb mutts would learn to work together and snag one. Like maybe one pup could prance around the tree with a big grin on its face, clutching an acorn in its teeth, luring the little bird-feeder-vandal near the ground, while the other pup sneaks up from the other side, pounces on its back and cleans it off the side of tree. But it would be just my luck&nbsp;that&nbsp;instead of crumpling to the ground with the pooch on its back, it would head for the top of the tree with the pooch on its back. At that point I don’t know which would be worse, the hapless hound hangin’ on to end up somewhere in the treetops, or fallin’ off somewhere over the middle of the yard.Pesky as they are, I know of no other wild critter in the US more pampered than the squirrel. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around inside those glass jar feeders.&nbsp;We even found plans and built a “maize” feeder, where the squirrel must enter through one of two holes in the side, than navigate around partitions inside to reach ears of corn.&nbsp;People&nbsp;buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn.&nbsp;My son’s father-in-law has his trained to take peanuts from his hand, and the little buggers even tap on his front door when they want a snack.&nbsp;&nbsp;A couple years back a squirrel with only half a tail became a regular at our feeder; we named it “Ole’ Stumpy.” We thought at first that Stumpy was a male, but there&nbsp;were&nbsp;no bulging body parts on Stumpy’s underside,&nbsp;so we deemed her a girl. We can only guess at how Stumpy lost the end of her tail, but I did a little research on Ole’ Stumpy’s tail dilemma on a website named “The Squirrel Board” (I can’t make this stuff up!) It seems Stumpy&nbsp;was&nbsp;not alone and squirrel tails are made so they will “deglove” or snap off if a predator has hold of it. The jury seemed to still be out as to whether it would ever grow back and Stumpy would be whole again. The squirrel lovers on that site were&nbsp;way&nbsp;out of my league. One guy said “If you’re feeding peanuts to your squirrels make sure they are roasted…I feed mine chopped almonds because they are healthier than peanuts.” (Really; sounds like his squirrels eat better than I do.) He went on to say “Thanksgiving week we fed them almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts for a variety.” I have to admit that would make for some tasty squirrel if you roasted em’ while they were still full of nuts.&nbsp;Now&nbsp;even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the globe. Their theme is “Squirrel – it’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in dishes like squirrel pizza and squirrel flavored ice cream. And are you aware there is actually an organization&nbsp;called “Squirrels Unlimited?” (SQU for short) Its mission statement reads: “SQU is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind’s greatest gifts.”&nbsp;There is also a market for squirrel tails. Fishing lure manufacturer Mepps in Wisconsin actually pays for squirrel tails because they seem to work better as skirts on their fishing lures than any other product they have tried. Depending on the species of tails you send, they pay&nbsp;from 12 cents apiece for tails that are only partially useable to 25 cents apiece for&nbsp;tails that are fully useable.&nbsp;On their website they caution “Mepps is only interested in “recycling” tails from squirrels harvested for the table. We do not advocate taking squirrels strictly for their&nbsp;tails.” Mepps&nbsp;says that when they receive the tails, members of their experienced team will grade the tails as premium, average or unusable.&nbsp;We never knew what became of Ole’ Stumpy, she just sort-of disappeared.&nbsp;Perhaps, because of her deformity,&nbsp;she was run-off by more dominant members of our squirrel community. Perhaps her&nbsp;snapper-off tail caused her such shame that she ended it all by throwing herself in front of a school bus. Or perhaps she simply died of old age and crossed the rainbow bridge with dignity. Every time I sit in a deer stand or turkey blind and hear a squirrel chattering and barking at me, I have to wonder if its Ole’ Stumpy reincarnated just to give me a few more minutes of entertainment…&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Ole’ Stumpy

A few years&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. It was along a&nbsp;rutted dirt road&nbsp;somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the&nbsp;end of the line where&nbsp;an old bridge spanned the stream&nbsp;as it&nbsp;meandered through a&nbsp;sand hill&nbsp;pasture thick with cedars.&nbsp;Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near&nbsp;the stream, and from the&nbsp;truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been&nbsp;severely gnawed by beavers. 

The owner had told me of&nbsp;fresh beaver chewings along this&nbsp;creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount&nbsp;I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. In a sharp bend ahead of me a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in&nbsp;a&nbsp;deep pool in&nbsp;the creek below.&nbsp;I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud&nbsp;beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges&nbsp;of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby.&nbsp;

The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so&nbsp;I&nbsp;went a ways in both directions from the den,&nbsp;set four&nbsp;traps and&nbsp;headed home with visions of 4 beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…&nbsp;or were&nbsp;they?&nbsp;Four days later, I&nbsp;had&nbsp;only1 large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. That year,&nbsp;I learned&nbsp;a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had&nbsp;long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species;&nbsp;the amount of sign left by our&nbsp;four-legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.

Some weeks&nbsp;after&nbsp;that, following a&nbsp;good tracking snow, I headed for the woods&nbsp;to see what the fresh snow could show me. My first stop was a&nbsp;30-acre&nbsp;soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally&nbsp;thousands of deer tracks criss-crossing that field! It looked like an elementary school&nbsp;playground after recess.&nbsp;Now I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find&nbsp;literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge?&nbsp;I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed &amp; toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.&nbsp;

For starters,&nbsp;we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have 4 legs, and 4 feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. Secondly,&nbsp;animal’s&nbsp;lives revolve around survival, and a&nbsp;major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps&nbsp;are&nbsp;taken each night in pursuit of that, two-&nbsp;legged birds&nbsp;included.&nbsp;All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place&nbsp;very long. Multiply&nbsp;their&nbsp;movements by&nbsp;eight&nbsp;hours&nbsp;or more&nbsp;and that’s a lot of tracks!&nbsp;If we were to freshly paint the floors and isles of our workplaces then observe the number of shoe&nbsp;prints there at the end of an&nbsp;eight-hour&nbsp;shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of&nbsp;us would make.&nbsp;Or if we could somehow count the number of&nbsp;human&nbsp;footprints&nbsp;in just one isle at the grocery store in one&nbsp;days’ time&nbsp;as&nbsp;shoppers wondered the store,&nbsp;it would be astounding, but would not be a true&nbsp;estimation&nbsp;of the number of shoppers.

As a&nbsp;side&nbsp;note, I was recently asked&nbsp;how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow,&nbsp;while any cat track will be rounder&nbsp;(look at the paw of a house or barn cat)&nbsp;and will show NO claw marks as&nbsp;all cats have&nbsp;retractable&nbsp;claws, and walk with them retracted.

In the end, this all amounts to&nbsp;a few animals&nbsp;leaving a multitude of life-signs of various kinds. When scouting there is no better find&nbsp;than tracks and other signs left by our&nbsp;four- legged quarry. And while it is true that the more tracks and other signs&nbsp;you see, the more animals&nbsp;there are using&nbsp;that&nbsp;particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating&nbsp;wildlife numbers.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to be on the conservative side, count the&nbsp;number of wildlife&nbsp;tracks and divide by four! Continue to Explore Kansas outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>A few years&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. It was along a&nbsp;rutted dirt road&nbsp;somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the&nbsp;end of the line where&nbsp;an old bridge spanned the stream&nbsp;as it&nbsp;meandered through a&nbsp;sand hill&nbsp;pasture thick with cedars.&nbsp;Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near&nbsp;the stream, and from the&nbsp;truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been&nbsp;severely gnawed by beavers. The owner had told me of&nbsp;fresh beaver chewings along this&nbsp;creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount&nbsp;I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. In a sharp bend ahead of me a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in&nbsp;a&nbsp;deep pool in&nbsp;the creek below.&nbsp;I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud&nbsp;beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges&nbsp;of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby.&nbsp;The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so&nbsp;I&nbsp;went a ways in both directions from the den,&nbsp;set four&nbsp;traps and&nbsp;headed home with visions of 4 beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…&nbsp;or were&nbsp;they?&nbsp;Four days later, I&nbsp;had&nbsp;only1 large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. That year,&nbsp;I learned&nbsp;a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had&nbsp;long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species;&nbsp;the amount of sign left by our&nbsp;four-legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.Some weeks&nbsp;after&nbsp;that, following a&nbsp;good tracking snow, I headed for the woods&nbsp;to see what the fresh snow could show me. My first stop was a&nbsp;30-acre&nbsp;soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally&nbsp;thousands of deer tracks criss-crossing that field! It looked like an elementary school&nbsp;playground after recess.&nbsp;Now I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find&nbsp;literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge?&nbsp;I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed &amp; toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.&nbsp;For starters,&nbsp;we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have 4 legs, and 4 feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. Secondly,&nbsp;animal’s&nbsp;lives revolve around survival, and a&nbsp;major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps&nbsp;are&nbsp;taken each night in pursuit of that, two-&nbsp;legged birds&nbsp;included.&nbsp;All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place&nbsp;very long. Multiply&nbsp;their&nbsp;movements by&nbsp;eight&nbsp;hours&nbsp;or more&nbsp;and that’s a lot of tracks!&nbsp;If we were to freshly paint the floors and isles of our workplaces then observe the number of shoe&nbsp;prints there at the end of an&nbsp;eight-hour&nbsp;shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of&nbsp;us would make.&nbsp;Or if we could somehow count the number of&nbsp;human&nbsp;footprints&nbsp;in just one isle at the grocery store in one&nbsp;days’ time&nbsp;as&nbsp;shoppers wondered the store,&nbsp;it would be astounding, but would not be a true&nbsp;estimation&nbsp;of the number of shoppers.As a&nbsp;side&nbsp;note, I was recently asked&nbsp;how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow,&nbsp;while any cat track will be rounder&nbsp;(look at the paw of a house or barn cat)&nbsp;and will show NO claw marks as&nbsp;all cats have&nbsp;retractable&nbsp;claws, and walk with them retracted.In the end, this all amounts to&nbsp;a few animals&nbsp;leaving a multitude of life-signs of various kinds. When scouting there is no better find&nbsp;than tracks and other signs left by our&nbsp;four- legged quarry. And while it is true that the more tracks and other signs&nbsp;you see, the more animals&nbsp;there are using&nbsp;that&nbsp;particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating&nbsp;wildlife numbers.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;to be on the conservative side, count the&nbsp;number of wildlife&nbsp;tracks and divide by four! Continue to Explore Kansas outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Count the tracks and divide by four

The TMP-Marian Monarchs play host to the Trego Golden Eagles in a Mid-Continent League matchup Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/516917">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs play host to the Trego Golden Eagles in a Mid-Continent League matchup Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/516917">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/516917?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Trego

The Hays High Indians step out of conference play for a trip to Scott City Tuesday nigh for a matchup with the Beavers.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Scott City.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480655">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians step out of conference play for a trip to Scott City Tuesday nigh for a matchup with the Beavers.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Scott City.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480655">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480655?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High at Scott City

On Monday, an arrest was made in connection to a search warrant executed on July 16, 2022, in the 800 block of Third Avenue West in Glade.

During the execution of the search warrant, items were located that indicated they may be components of a methamphetamine lab.  Kansas Bureau of Investigation Clandestine Laboratory Response Team responded and collected the items of concern.  Those items were transported to the KBI for analysis which revealed they were, as suspected, meth lab components.

On Monday, deputies served an arrest warrant on Jimmie C. Lamb, 40, Glade, and took him into custody without incident.

Lambwas arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of precursors, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lamb being lodged in the Phillips County jail with a $250,000 bond.  All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675194629717.png" alt="Lamb / Phillips County photo" />
 <figcaption>Lamb / Phillips County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Phillips County Sheriff's OfficeOn Monday, an arrest was made in connection to a search warrant executed on July 16, 2022, in the 800 block of Third Avenue West in Glade.During the execution of the search warrant, items were located that indicated they may be components of a methamphetamine lab. Kansas Bureau of Investigation Clandestine Laboratory Response Team responded and collected the items of concern. Those items were transported to the KBI for analysis which revealed they were, as suspected, meth lab components.On Monday, deputies served an arrest warrant on Jimmie C. Lamb, 40, Glade, and took him into custody without incident.Lambwas arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of precursors, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lamb being lodged in the Phillips County jail with a $250,000 bond. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fplsoks%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0EvUzcJwJnu2Tg3MYtcfxX8yiqZH8KnYJzvsD3CDiuxzvkj3P4cJ4REu3hFnQuH6ql&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="294" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Phillips Co. man arrested on suspicion of multiple drug offenses

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High FFA Alumni organizers discuss their upcoming fundraiser set for Feb. 4.

<div><iframe title="Hays High FFA Alumni fundraiser nearly here" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=9qqkw-137ad6c-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High FFA Alumni organizers discuss their upcoming fundraiser set for Feb. 4.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High FFA Alumni Fundraiser nearly here

After a bitterly cold start to the work week, the National Weather Service is calling for temperatures to quickly rise through the remainder of the week.

A high in the mid-30 to low-40s is predicted Wednesday and Thursday, followed by highs at 50 or higher through the weekend.

Skies will remain clear and sunny, and the NWS is forecasting no precipitation in the long-term forecast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675180357887.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a bitterly cold start to the work week, the National Weather Service is calling for temperatures to quickly rise through the remainder of the week.A high in the mid-30 to low-40s is predicted Wednesday and Thursday, followed by highs at 50 or higher through the weekend.Skies will remain clear and sunny, and the NWS is forecasting no precipitation in the long-term forecast.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dry weather can be expected for the next week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSWX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSWX</a> <a href="https://t.co/ui1prGZnVe">pic.twitter.com/ui1prGZnVe</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1620261654872330240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Temps will rise, but northwest Kansas will stay dry

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hay Post

Three Fort Hays State University master's in graphic design students have come together for an MFA exhibit that is on display now through Friday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art.

All three have very different styles, but they have come together in an exhibit called "Synthesia."

Two of the students included work from community service projects in their exhibits.

Thomas Giebler of Andover cooperated with FHSU Professor Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

The book features a cloud named Ace that has many different emotions. The book depicts situations the children may experience, such as going through security. It also has a page where the children can draw pictures of the people they are visiting and write lists of things they want to do with their loved ones during the visits.

The coloring book is supposed to go to print this spring.

Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold for $30 and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Lee still has some copies of the prints available if anyone would like to purchase one to benefit the cause.

Lee's exhibit is titled "Mycelium," which is named after a type of fungi that breaks down dead material in nature.

Lee said her designs are heavily inspired by nature and the theme of her exhibit is turning negatives into positives.

She said she has used her time in graduate school to expand into the fine art realm. As an undergraduate student, she focused on pen and ink drawings.

She also has developed an interest in tattoos. For her thesis exhibit, she developed a series of tattoo images on paper for clients. She talked to the potential clients about what they did not like about themselves and how they wished they could change.

She then merged two animals — one depicting the negative aspect of the person with how they hoped to be.

Lee's tattoo image is a flying elephant. Lee was obese when she was younger, weighing about 350 pounds. Gastric sleeve surgery within the last few years has helped her achieve a healthier weight.

Schoolchildren often called her an elephant when she was a child.

"[The elephant] has butterfly wings, because I just wanted to be lighter," she said. "I didn't want to be pretty. I just wanted to be lighter."

She explained another drawing in the tattoo series.

She created an image of a bowerbird with a koala head for a client.&nbsp;

"When I asked that person what he feels self-conscious about, he said he felt like he had to be a perfectionist all the time and he has to be perfect all of the time to be loved," she said.&nbsp;

Bowerbirds create elaborate nests to attract mates, while koalas are perceived as being more laid back.

"It's my way of saying I know you're self-conscious about this part of you, but you can be loved. It's OK. You deserve to be loved.

"Everyone has something they hate about themselves, sadly," she said.

Giebler's full MFA exhibit is called "In A Small Sea." Toward the end of his undergraduate degree, he discovered animation and undertook several projects that required him to create whimsical characters.

He created the characters for a video game called Treeson. Visitors to the exhibit can watch a demo of the game.&nbsp;

An evil entity has taken over the magical tree world and placed all the trees in pots. A vegetable hybrid, Onyun, seeks to defeat the evil force but must use enemies like fire and termites to its advantage.

Giebler's portion of the exhibit has a couple of interactive elements. You can scan QR codes and see videos of other characters he's created, including entering the dream world of a child that has just slipped into a candy-induced slumber.

Caitlyn Frazer's master's thesis show is titled "Fraze." It's a play on her last name and the concept that many parts can come together to make a conceptual unit.

Frazer of Garden City said she draws from many mediums for her work, including sculpture and photography.

"I'm molding myself in the shape of whatever kind of artist I need to be," she said.

Frazer's thesis was inspired by her grandmother, Fran Lucas, and her childhood dream of owning a candy store. All the product branding for the store is inspired by her family.

It turned into this funky general store that sells candy, liquor and spirits aimed at helping adults feel like kids again, she said.

Giebler and Frazer graduated in December. This show completes their degrees. Giebler said he wants to teach graphic design and animation. Frazer said she will likely apply to work for an ad agency.

Lee will graduate in May. She is undecided about her plans after graduation. She is considering entering the industry, teaching or tattooing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675100197689.jpeg" alt="FHSU graduate student&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover partnered with art Professor&nbsp;Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>FHSU graduate student&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover partnered with art Professor&nbsp;Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hay PostThree Fort Hays State University master's in graphic design students have come together for an MFA exhibit that is on display now through Friday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art.All three have very different styles, but they have come together in an exhibit called "Synthesia."Two of the students included work from community service projects in their exhibits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101803575.jpeg" alt="(Left to right) FHSU graphic design graduate students&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover,&nbsp;Caitlyn Frazer of Garden City and&nbsp;Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, pose for a picture during the opening reception for their master thesis exhibits.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>(Left to right) FHSU graphic design graduate students&nbsp;Thomas Giebler of Andover,&nbsp;Caitlyn Frazer of Garden City and&nbsp;Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, pose for a picture during the opening reception for their master thesis exhibits.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas Giebler of Andover cooperated with FHSU Professor Kari Simpson Voth to create a coloring book that will be distributed to children visiting their mothers at the Topeka Correctional Facility.The book features a cloud named Ace that has many different emotions. The book depicts situations the children may experience, such as going through security. It also has a page where the children can draw pictures of the people they are visiting and write lists of things they want to do with their loved ones during the visits.The coloring book is supposed to go to print this spring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675100848083.jpeg" alt="Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Minjoo Lee of Busan, South Korea, created limited edition prints that she sold for $30 and donated 100 percent of the funds to help families in war-torn Ukraine. Lee still has some copies of the prints available if anyone would like to purchase one to benefit the cause.Lee's exhibit is titled "Mycelium," which is named after a type of fungi that breaks down dead material in nature.Lee said her designs are heavily inspired by nature and the theme of her exhibit is turning negatives into positives.She said she has used her time in graduate school to expand into the fine art realm. As an undergraduate student, she focused on pen and ink drawings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101040564.jpeg" alt="Minjoo Lee created this tattoo design as part of her graduate studies at FHSU.&nbsp; Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Minjoo Lee created this tattoo design as part of her graduate studies at FHSU.&nbsp; Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She also has developed an interest in tattoos. For her thesis exhibit, she developed a series of tattoo images on paper for clients. She talked to the potential clients about what they did not like about themselves and how they wished they could change.She then merged two animals — one depicting the negative aspect of the person with how they hoped to be.Lee's tattoo image is a flying elephant. Lee was obese when she was younger, weighing about 350 pounds. Gastric sleeve surgery within the last few years has helped her achieve a healthier weight.Schoolchildren often called her an elephant when she was a child."[The elephant] has butterfly wings, because I just wanted to be lighter," she said. "I didn't want to be pretty. I just wanted to be lighter."She explained another drawing in the tattoo series.She created an image of a bowerbird with a koala head for a client.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101168830.jpeg" alt="Lee created this tattoo design that combines a bowerbird and a koala for a client who said he struggled with perfectionism. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lee created this tattoo design that combines a bowerbird and a koala for a client who said he struggled with perfectionism. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"When I asked that person what he feels self-conscious about, he said he felt like he had to be a perfectionist all the time and he has to be perfect all of the time to be loved," she said.&nbsp;Bowerbirds create elaborate nests to attract mates, while koalas are perceived as being more laid back."It's my way of saying I know you're self-conscious about this part of you, but you can be loved. It's OK. You deserve to be loved."Everyone has something they hate about themselves, sadly," she said.Giebler's full MFA exhibit is called "In A Small Sea." Toward the end of his undergraduate degree, he discovered animation and undertook several projects that required him to create whimsical characters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101383011.jpeg" alt="A character art graduate student Thomas Giebler created for his master's exhibit. Visitors can scan the QR codes to see an animation including the character. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A character art graduate student Thomas Giebler created for his master's exhibit. Visitors can scan the QR codes to see an animation including the character. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>He created the characters for a video game called Treeson. Visitors to the exhibit can watch a demo of the game.&nbsp;An evil entity has taken over the magical tree world and placed all the trees in pots. A vegetable hybrid, Onyun, seeks to defeat the evil force but must use enemies like fire and termites to its advantage.Giebler's portion of the exhibit has a couple of interactive elements. You can scan QR codes and see videos of other characters he's created, including entering the dream world of a child that has just slipped into a candy-induced slumber.Caitlyn Frazer's master's thesis show is titled "Fraze." It's a play on her last name and the concept that many parts can come together to make a conceptual unit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101616592.jpeg" alt="Caitlyn Frazer created this candy packaging based on her grandmother's childhood dream of having a pet alligator named Eddie. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Caitlyn Frazer created this candy packaging based on her grandmother's childhood dream of having a pet alligator named Eddie. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Frazer of Garden City said she draws from many mediums for her work, including sculpture and photography."I'm molding myself in the shape of whatever kind of artist I need to be," she said.Frazer's thesis was inspired by her grandmother, Fran Lucas, and her childhood dream of owning a candy store. All the product branding for the store is inspired by her family.It turned into this funky general store that sells candy, liquor and spirits aimed at helping adults feel like kids again, she said.Giebler and Frazer graduated in December. This show completes their degrees. Giebler said he wants to teach graphic design and animation. Frazer said she will likely apply to work for an ad agency.Lee will graduate in May. She is undecided about her plans after graduation. She is considering entering the industry, teaching or tattooing.

FHSU graduate students give back through art; MFA shows at Moss-Thorns

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Sept. 4, 2022, marked 20 years since the double homicide at the Dolly Madison bakery in Great Bend. Two days after that anniversary, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation held a press conference to announce new evidence had been found in the case. Desiree Werth, sister of victim Mandi Alexander, expressed frustration at that conference and is now seeking signatures on a petition to get the Federal Bureau of Investigation involved in the case.

The granddaughter of Mary Drake, the other victim, shared stories about her grandmother for a Sept. 2, 2022, feature on Great Bend Post.com about the case. Werth believes that was a driving force for KBI agents to reach out to family ahead of the Sept. 6 conference.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/898a2194-ea67-4b16-9a58-bd087cfc13e7">RELATED: Male DNA found on victim of Dolly Madison double homicide</a>

"The only reason I think I was contacted about the conference was because of that article," she said. "They don't reach out to us. When we do call, the conversations are very short. The attention we get from there is not positive, it's not hopeful. It's just very short and like we're bothering them. That's how I feel."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b71f6fd9-f340-4839-bd6a-9eb7b0f92322">RELATED: 20 years later: Memories of life before, after Dolly Madison murders</a>

Werth expressed further frustration about that phone call, saying she was never informed of new evidence in the case. At the conference, KBI agents announced a DNA sample had been identified, though the sample would only be useful with a direct comparison against a possible suspect.

"I guess I was supposed to understand they had new evidence, but nowhere was that ever stated," Werth said. "When I asked if there was anything new, he said no, what they have is only information that law enforcement or the perpetrator would know."

As of Monday morning, 300 people had signed the petition on change.org. MaryAnne McCullough, host of the "Crime Scenes &amp; Cupcakes" podcast, had recently interviewed Werth and authored the petition. 

"We believe this investigation could be closed much sooner with the FBI assistance and reviewing materials," the petition said, in part. "As well as reviewing possible mishandling of evidence and inappropriate behavior on behalf of law enforcement. They have the DNA if they wait much longer the killer could die of old age before he’s ever caught. Or he could still be out there hurting others."

Werth said providing a reason for a signature, as well as hashtags, will help garner attention from the FBI. She requested those signing the petition or posting about it online use #SignPetition #FBI #KBI #greatbendpolice #justiceformandialexander #justiceformarydrake.

View the petition by <a href="https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-mishandling-of-evidence-in-the-dolly-madison-bakery-murders?recruiter=876119454&amp;recruited_by_id=4d526b40-5921-11e8-a57d-23a3c36f26e0&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&amp;utm_medium=copylink">CLICKING HERE</a>, or view the podcast featuring Werth by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn-VTuOj_2Z/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675096653917.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSept. 4, 2022, marked 20 years since the double homicide at the Dolly Madison bakery in Great Bend. Two days after that anniversary, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation held a press conference to announce new evidence had been found in the case. Desiree Werth, sister of victim Mandi Alexander, expressed frustration at that conference and is now seeking signatures on a petition to get the Federal Bureau of Investigation involved in the case.The granddaughter of Mary Drake, the other victim, shared stories about her grandmother for a Sept. 2, 2022, feature on Great Bend Post.com about the case. Werth believes that was a driving force for KBI agents to reach out to family ahead of the Sept. 6 conference.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/898a2194-ea67-4b16-9a58-bd087cfc13e7">RELATED: Male DNA found on victim of Dolly Madison double homicide</a>"The only reason I think I was contacted about the conference was because of that article," she said. "They don't reach out to us. When we do call, the conversations are very short. The attention we get from there is not positive, it's not hopeful. It's just very short and like we're bothering them. That's how I feel."<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b71f6fd9-f340-4839-bd6a-9eb7b0f92322">RELATED: 20 years later: Memories of life before, after Dolly Madison murders</a>Werth expressed further frustration about that phone call, saying she was never informed of new evidence in the case. At the conference, KBI agents announced a DNA sample had been identified, though the sample would only be useful with a direct comparison against a possible suspect."I guess I was supposed to understand they had new evidence, but nowhere was that ever stated," Werth said. "When I asked if there was anything new, he said no, what they have is only information that law enforcement or the perpetrator would know."As of Monday morning, 300 people had signed the petition on change.org. MaryAnne McCullough, host of the "Crime Scenes &amp; Cupcakes" podcast, had recently interviewed Werth and authored the petition. "We believe this investigation could be closed much sooner with the FBI assistance and reviewing materials," the petition said, in part. "As well as reviewing possible mishandling of evidence and inappropriate behavior on behalf of law enforcement. They have the DNA if they wait much longer the killer could die of old age before he’s ever caught. Or he could still be out there hurting others."Werth said providing a reason for a signature, as well as hashtags, will help garner attention from the FBI. She requested those signing the petition or posting about it online use #SignPetition #FBI #KBI #greatbendpolice #justiceformandialexander #justiceformarydrake.View the petition by <a href="https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-mishandling-of-evidence-in-the-dolly-madison-bakery-murders?recruiter=876119454&amp;recruited_by_id=4d526b40-5921-11e8-a57d-23a3c36f26e0&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&amp;utm_medium=copylink">CLICKING HERE</a>, or view the podcast featuring Werth by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn-VTuOj_2Z/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Sister of Dolly Madison murder victim seeking signatures on new petition

Kansas operators have spudded 80 new wells so far this year, down two wells from a year ago. Total footage drilled is down 41%. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the statewide active rig count is 47, down four rigs from a week ago and up four rigs from a year ago. Kansas regulators okayed 26 new drilling permits last week, 113 so far this year, which is up about 63% over last year at this time. The Kansas Corporation Commission approved two new drilling locations in Barton County and two in Ellis County, out of 10 new permits in Western Kansas. Operators in Kansas completed 34 wells in the week through January 26th, including three in Barton County and three in Ellis County. Baker Hughes reported 771 active drilling rigs across the US Friday, with the oil count dropping by four rigs, and gas up four. The count in Louisiana was down three rigs. New Mexico was up three. North Dakota was up two. The operator of the Keystone pipeline last week said it had recovered 90% of the crude oil that spewed into a Kansas creek nearly two months ago. According to the announcement crews are using skimmers and vacuum trucks, as well as mechanical removal, to recover oil and water from Mill Creek and the shoreline in Washington County. TC Energy is diverting creek water around the spill as recovery efforts continue. Profit margins in the refining sector continue to rise alongside gasoline and diesel prices. A Reuters report says the difference between crude costs and returns on finished products hit a three-month high last week to nearly three times the January average. Analysts say the so-called "crack spread" is likely to go higher because of refinery outages and tight fuel supplies. According to the auto club AAA, regular gasoline prices across the US are up eight cents from a week ago, while diesel is up about a nickel. In Kansas the pump price for regular is up 15 cents from a week ago, while diesel if up 11 cents. EIA reported an increase in domestic crude inventories for the fifth week in a row. Stockpiles increased by half a million barrels to 448.5 million as of January 20th. That's about three percent above the five-year average for this time of year. Regular gasoline inventories are up nearly two million barrels from a week ago, while deliveries are down nearly five percent from last year. Diesel stockpiles are down for a fourth straight week. Deliveries are off by 14% compared to last year. The government reported a slight drop in US crude-oil production last week, but output remains over 12.1 million barrels per day, compared to 11.6 million a year ago. The Energy Information Administration said crude imports were down by nearly one million barrels per day. The four-week average is down slightly from a year ago. An energy-based private equity firm is selling a big chunk of it's holding in the Permian Basin for $1.6 BILLION.&nbsp; Matador Resources is buying Advance Energy Partners Holdings, which boasted first-quarter production last year of about 25,000 barrels per day. Russian crude exports from ports on the Baltic are set to rise by half this month, according to a Reuters report. About 70% of those cargoes are bound for India. India has been a top buyer of the Russian grade for several months now. China is also increasing crude purchases from Russia, despite international sanctions.

By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas operators have spudded 80 new wells so far this year, down two wells from a year ago. Total footage drilled is down 41%. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the statewide active rig count is 47, down four rigs from a week ago and up four rigs from a year ago. Kansas regulators okayed 26 new drilling permits last week, 113 so far this year, which is up about 63% over last year at this time. The Kansas Corporation Commission approved two new drilling locations in Barton County and two in Ellis County, out of 10 new permits in Western Kansas. Operators in Kansas completed 34 wells in the week through January 26th, including three in Barton County and three in Ellis County. Baker Hughes reported 771 active drilling rigs across the US Friday, with the oil count dropping by four rigs, and gas up four. The count in Louisiana was down three rigs. New Mexico was up three. North Dakota was up two. The operator of the Keystone pipeline last week said it had recovered 90% of the crude oil that spewed into a Kansas creek nearly two months ago. According to the announcement crews are using skimmers and vacuum trucks, as well as mechanical removal, to recover oil and water from Mill Creek and the shoreline in Washington County. TC Energy is diverting creek water around the spill as recovery efforts continue. Profit margins in the refining sector continue to rise alongside gasoline and diesel prices. A Reuters report says the difference between crude costs and returns on finished products hit a three-month high last week to nearly three times the January average. Analysts say the so-called "crack spread" is likely to go higher because of refinery outages and tight fuel supplies. According to the auto club AAA, regular gasoline prices across the US are up eight cents from a week ago, while diesel is up about a nickel. In Kansas the pump price for regular is up 15 cents from a week ago, while diesel if up 11 cents. EIA reported an increase in domestic crude inventories for the fifth week in a row. Stockpiles increased by half a million barrels to 448.5 million as of January 20th. That's about three percent above the five-year average for this time of year. Regular gasoline inventories are up nearly two million barrels from a week ago, while deliveries are down nearly five percent from last year. Diesel stockpiles are down for a fourth straight week. Deliveries are off by 14% compared to last year. The government reported a slight drop in US crude-oil production last week, but output remains over 12.1 million barrels per day, compared to 11.6 million a year ago. The Energy Information Administration said crude imports were down by nearly one million barrels per day. The four-week average is down slightly from a year ago. An energy-based private equity firm is selling a big chunk of it's holding in the Permian Basin for $1.6 BILLION.&nbsp; Matador Resources is buying Advance Energy Partners Holdings, which boasted first-quarter production last year of about 25,000 barrels per day. Russian crude exports from ports on the Baltic are set to rise by half this month, according to a Reuters report. About 70% of those cargoes are bound for India. India has been a top buyer of the Russian grade for several months now. China is also increasing crude purchases from Russia, despite international sanctions.

News From the Oil Patch: Pump prices rise alongside refining margins

Fort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will host various events, including free information sessions and webinars across the state for any interested students and their families this spring. In addition to the traditional sessions, KAMS will also host Counselor Luncheons for interested school counselors and teachers to provide important updates about the program.

KAMS offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to live and learn at Fort Hays State University. Students earn 68 college credits for free, join a community of exceptional students and get a two-year head start on college.

School counselors, students, and guests can learn about KAMS and visit with representatives&nbsp;at these sessions. Please visit the registration website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGj9bHqmTQIEctQ5-2FMQfCc-2BjSCC-2BHCvWE318U9AhszMyNxOLDQpeuHtQjnjlnK8XB50ttt2kTDuMlP4ag60LJFoBVuXoUwYwSnVY-2BRc9k61IM9zASELZTaq8tNTNByQfjmQAr1ZJcMd4NnBVreaBcJg-3DSsoT_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem8n0mTf7PXUoZ05ll02d-2Bagx6Nze30ASv8-2Bd96rwVI99Lhg-2BEk5MSplxF9fBZq3GKz-2FNbgfsFF09RGRFKEJzMJbg0mx0-2B-2FEqTCOnvuRH62lbDxrq4Ja8SdNOoCEHgWmTcuGUTOG7A-2FXzh-2FHwO-2FuczVNewn4ZJz8v-2B6V-2Bpd64PmoFvgdjZHPrzHa83hnBhXiUi5GFWH-2FW6SzEHnU7C6gfpL3kP-2FkPwCO29bGMvYNdH5My9ctSbLC-2FNkLePk4umeWFsyEsZ3zC9IVQHFFsIKZ9-2FAw-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/kams/information-sessions/</a>&nbsp;to sign up for a session in your area.

Luncheons will be hosted by KAMS throughout Kansas this spring. During these luncheons, KAMS staff will provide important updates about the recently added flexibility in our KAMS curriculum. Join us for a free lunch, receive KAMS swag, and a chance to win a $250 scholarship for a prospective KAMS student from your school.

The Kansas Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science (KAMS) at Fort Hays State University invites you to attend an official information session to discover how you can start college two years early! If you have an interest and aptitude for mathematics and science and want to live and learn with students just like you, register today for this session to learn more about how the Academy can meet your needs. Why wait? Your time is now!

Regardless of your grade level, information sessions are an excellent way to attain information regarding the program's application process, scholarships, housing, curriculum details, and all the benefits KAMS offers. All information sessions are FREE and open to the public.

Information Sessions (In-Person)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina, KS – Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;

About KAMS: KAMS is an early college program focusing on advanced mathematics and science coursework. While studying at KAMS, students live on the FHSU campus in a select residence hall with other Academy students from around the world. Over the course of two years, students complete more than 60 hours of college credit and complete their high school diploma. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements. KAMS also provides hands-on research, leadership, and civic engagement opportunities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675092664541.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will host various events, including free information sessions and webinars across the state for any interested students and their families this spring. In addition to the traditional sessions, KAMS will also host Counselor Luncheons for interested school counselors and teachers to provide important updates about the program.KAMS offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to live and learn at Fort Hays State University. Students earn 68 college credits for free, join a community of exceptional students and get a two-year head start on college.School counselors, students, and guests can learn about KAMS and visit with representatives&nbsp;at these sessions. Please visit the registration website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGj9bHqmTQIEctQ5-2FMQfCc-2BjSCC-2BHCvWE318U9AhszMyNxOLDQpeuHtQjnjlnK8XB50ttt2kTDuMlP4ag60LJFoBVuXoUwYwSnVY-2BRc9k61IM9zASELZTaq8tNTNByQfjmQAr1ZJcMd4NnBVreaBcJg-3DSsoT_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem8n0mTf7PXUoZ05ll02d-2Bagx6Nze30ASv8-2Bd96rwVI99Lhg-2BEk5MSplxF9fBZq3GKz-2FNbgfsFF09RGRFKEJzMJbg0mx0-2B-2FEqTCOnvuRH62lbDxrq4Ja8SdNOoCEHgWmTcuGUTOG7A-2FXzh-2FHwO-2FuczVNewn4ZJz8v-2B6V-2Bpd64PmoFvgdjZHPrzHa83hnBhXiUi5GFWH-2FW6SzEHnU7C6gfpL3kP-2FkPwCO29bGMvYNdH5My9ctSbLC-2FNkLePk4umeWFsyEsZ3zC9IVQHFFsIKZ9-2FAw-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/kams/information-sessions/</a>&nbsp;to sign up for a session in your area.Counselor Luncheons:&nbsp;Luncheons will be hosted by KAMS throughout Kansas this spring. During these luncheons, KAMS staff will provide important updates about the recently added flexibility in our KAMS curriculum. Join us for a free lunch, receive KAMS swag, and a chance to win a $250 scholarship for a prospective KAMS student from your school.Hutchinson, KS – Feb. 16Hays, KS – March 30Lawrence, KS - April 4Student Information Sessions:The Kansas Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science (KAMS) at Fort Hays State University invites you to attend an official information session to discover how you can start college two years early! If you have an interest and aptitude for mathematics and science and want to live and learn with students just like you, register today for this session to learn more about how the Academy can meet your needs. Why wait? Your time is now! Regardless of your grade level, information sessions are an excellent way to attain information regarding the program's application process, scholarships, housing, curriculum details, and all the benefits KAMS offers. All information sessions are FREE and open to the public.Information Sessions (In-Person)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhattan, KS – Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.Salina, KS – Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;Kansas City, KS - March 1 at 5:30 p.m.Topeka, KS – March 8 at 5:30 p.m.Lawrence, KS - April 4 at 5:30 p.m.Hays, KS – April 18 at 5:30 p.m.Webinars (Online)Feb. 7April 17About KAMS: KAMS is an early college program focusing on advanced mathematics and science coursework. While studying at KAMS, students live on the FHSU campus in a select residence hall with other Academy students from around the world. Over the course of two years, students complete more than 60 hours of college credit and complete their high school diploma. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements. KAMS also provides hands-on research, leadership, and civic engagement opportunities.

Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science to hold events across state

Midwest Energy has an opening for System Operator at our Hays Corporate Office.

System Operators monitor the status of the electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, coordinate switching operations with field personnel. They&nbsp;direct the safe and efficient operation of the electric transmission network under both normal and emergency operations. Work consists of a variety of technical and skilled mathematical responsibilities to ensure the service territory is supplied with the most reliable power source available in the most economical manner possible. This position requires a rotating shift, holiday work and some overtime, as well as ability to work effectively under both normal and stressful emergency situations.&nbsp;

An&nbsp;Associate’s&nbsp;Degree&nbsp;or higher&nbsp;in Electrical Transmission Systems Technology, Business or related field is required,&nbsp;as&nbsp;is experience in&nbsp;using&nbsp;spreadsheet&nbsp;and&nbsp;database applications. Previous work experience at an electric utility company in one of the following areas is preferred: line construction or service, power plant operation, electric utility equipment maintenance, energy accounting or power purchasing, or system operations. An understanding of Energy Management Systems&nbsp;or SCADA systems&nbsp;would be helpful but is not required.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>&nbsp;for more information and to apply.&nbsp;Applications are due by Feb.&nbsp;27, 2023. Midwest Energy is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675095814744.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy has an opening for System Operator at our Hays Corporate Office.System Operators monitor the status of the electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, coordinate switching operations with field personnel. They&nbsp;direct the safe and efficient operation of the electric transmission network under both normal and emergency operations. Work consists of a variety of technical and skilled mathematical responsibilities to ensure the service territory is supplied with the most reliable power source available in the most economical manner possible. This position requires a rotating shift, holiday work and some overtime, as well as ability to work effectively under both normal and stressful emergency situations.&nbsp;An&nbsp;Associate’s&nbsp;Degree&nbsp;or higher&nbsp;in Electrical Transmission Systems Technology, Business or related field is required,&nbsp;as&nbsp;is experience in&nbsp;using&nbsp;spreadsheet&nbsp;and&nbsp;database applications. Previous work experience at an electric utility company in one of the following areas is preferred: line construction or service, power plant operation, electric utility equipment maintenance, energy accounting or power purchasing, or system operations. An understanding of Energy Management Systems&nbsp;or SCADA systems&nbsp;would be helpful but is not required.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>&nbsp;for more information and to apply.&nbsp;Applications are due by Feb.&nbsp;27, 2023. Midwest Energy is an equal opportunity employer.

Squeezebox extravaganza scheduled in Quinter

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675093889695.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>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to MCL play Monday with a matchup with the Oakley Plainsmen.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/515699">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to MCL play Monday with a matchup with the Oakley Plainsmen.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/515699">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/515699?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Oakley

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA — The
 Salina Police Department on Monday identified a deceased man found on the 
side of a roadway in north Salina early Saturday morning.

According
 to information released this afternoon by the department, a citizen 
called law enforcement dispatch at approximately 1:05 a.m. Saturday to 
report a body in the 1900 block of N. Fifth Street. Responding officers 
found a deceased man on the side of the roadway.

The body was 
identified as that of 20-year-old Brendon Thomas Wade Reed, formerly of 
Hays, according to a news release from the Salina Police Department. 
Reed's next-of-kin have been notified.

"At this time, the cause of
 death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing. The Salina Police 
Department is asking the public for any information they may have 
regarding this individual," the department noted.

Persons with 
additional information relative to the case are asked to call 
Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>.
 You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also 
contact the Salina Police Department or Detective Randy Constantino, at 
(785) 826-7210. Case number 23-2614.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA — The
 Salina Police Department on Monday identified a deceased man found on the 
side of a roadway in north Salina early Saturday morning.According
 to information released this afternoon by the department, a citizen 
called law enforcement dispatch at approximately 1:05 a.m. Saturday to 
report a body in the 1900 block of N. Fifth Street. Responding officers 
found a deceased man on the side of the roadway.The body was 
identified as that of 20-year-old Brendon Thomas Wade Reed, formerly of 
Hays, according to a news release from the Salina Police Department. 
Reed's next-of-kin have been notified."At this time, the cause of
 death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing. The Salina Police 
Department is asking the public for any information they may have 
regarding this individual," the department noted.Persons with 
additional information relative to the case are asked to call 
Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>.
 You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also 
contact the Salina Police Department or Detective Randy Constantino, at 
(785) 826-7210. Case number 23-2614.

Former Hays man found dead in Salina on Saturday

GOODLAND — A Goodland man has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for his conviction in the death of a child in 2020, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said Monday in a news release.

Steven E. Johnson, 28, Goodland, was sentenced in Sherman County District Court by Judge Scott Showalter to 61 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility on one count of involuntary manslaughter and 43 months for one count of child abuse. Johnson pleaded no contest to the charges in December 2021.

The case stems from the death of a 3-month-old child on May 13, 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Goodland Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Kobach’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675116827448.png" alt="Johnson / Sherman Co. photo" />
 <figcaption>Johnson / Sherman Co. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND — A Goodland man has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for his conviction in the death of a child in 2020, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said Monday in a news release.Steven E. Johnson, 28, Goodland, was sentenced in Sherman County District Court by Judge Scott Showalter to 61 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility on one count of involuntary manslaughter and 43 months for one count of child abuse. Johnson pleaded no contest to the charges in December 2021.The case stems from the death of a 3-month-old child on May 13, 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Goodland Police Department.The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Kobach’s office.

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