Parents of autistic children are invited to attend a new free support group offered by the Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th.

Titled “It’s Good to Talk—Neurodivergent,” the group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning Oct. 26. Free on-site childcare will be available to those who RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 5, to the center at (785) 259-6859 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@cflehope.org">info@cflehope.org</a>.

Darian Schulte, the center’s executive director, said in an email, “Parents coping with autism face many obstacles, whether that’s developing parenting strategies, learning better ways to communicate, or advocating for their child.

“This group offers an opportunity to build social supports with other parents in similar situations. Share, listen, and learn from other parents/legal guardians on how they handle their own unique experiences with autism.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580856294757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseParents of autistic children are invited to attend a new free support group offered by the Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th.Titled “It’s Good to Talk—Neurodivergent,” the group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning Oct. 26. Free on-site childcare will be available to those who RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 5, to the center at (785) 259-6859 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@cflehope.org">info@cflehope.org</a>.Darian Schulte, the center’s executive director, said in an email, “Parents coping with autism face many obstacles, whether that’s developing parenting strategies, learning better ways to communicate, or advocating for their child.“This group offers an opportunity to build social supports with other parents in similar situations. Share, listen, and learn from other parents/legal guardians on how they handle their own unique experiences with autism.”

Support group for parents of autistic children forms in Hays

Crude prices were higher Monday on expectations of a big output cut from the OPEC+ producers later this week. The group planned to meet by conference call, but will now meet in person for the first time since the pandemic. Prices jumped five percent Monday morning, with the near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude trading $4 higher at $83.56 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $88, up 4 percent on the day.&nbsp; It was a different story in New York Friday, where the benchmark contract settled nearly $2 lower to end the month of September at $79.49 per barrel. That's $10 a barrel lower than at the end of August. It marked the first quarterly loss in futures prices in two years.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at $69.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson, after dropping $1.75 on Friday. The average price for September was $74.28 per barrel, down more than $2 from the first of the month. U.S. crude production for July topped 11.8 million barrels per day, an increase of a tenth of a percent from the month before. The government reports Kansas output rose to 2.5 million barrels or 81,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says that's more than four percent higher than Kansas production in July of last year. Output in Texas increased nine-tenths of a percent over the month before to top five million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico at 1.5 million barrels per day, North Dakota at just over 1 million, Alaska at 432,000, and Colorado at just over 420,000 barrels per day. The final report on Hurricane Ian from the U.S. offshore energy regulator shows the storm forced the evacuation of 11 production platforms and five drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, while another three rigs were moved out of the storm's path. New analysis from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows the storm shut-in just over nine percent of the oil production and nearly six percent of the natural gas output in the Gulf. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up two oil rigs and down one rig exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down two rigs while New Mexico was up two. Oklahoma was down one for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig over last week, with 28 active rigs in eastern Kansas, and 32 west of Wichita. Operators on Friday reported drilling ahead on two leases in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 494 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators have spudded 1,237 wells so far this year, up more than 56% over last year. Some 227 operators have spudded new wells in Kansas since the first of the year, up nearly 16% from last year at this time. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations across the state last week. That's 1,237 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 784 by the end of September last year. There are 27 new permits east of Wichita, and 16 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators completed 23 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, with 15 in eastern Kansas and eight in the western half of the state. That's 1,209 new completions so far this year, compared to 648 by this time last year. The government says U.S. crude inventories dropped 200,000 barrels to 430.6 million barrels as of September 23rd. That's about 2 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 2.4 million barrels and are about 6 percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude production dropped by 96,000 barrels per day last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for the ninth week in a row. Output is nearly a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Imports dropped by half a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 5.6% higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. dropped to 9,404 tanker carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 848 carloads from the week before and a 10 percent decline from the same week last year. Traffic in Canada was up for the week but remains nearly two percent behind the tally last year at this time. A North Dakota law tying tax rates to oil prices is once again causing headaches for budget forecasters there. The state's oil extraction tax rate rose from 5 to 6 percent earlier this year when prices topped the trigger price of $94.69 per barrel for three consecutive months. Current prices are below that trigger and have been through August and September. If the average price in October is also below the trigger price, the tax rate drops back to 5 percent starting in November. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the state collected revenue increases of more than $59 million from June and July production due to the oil tax trigger being in effect.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices were higher Monday on expectations of a big output cut from the OPEC+ producers later this week. The group planned to meet by conference call, but will now meet in person for the first time since the pandemic. Prices jumped five percent Monday morning, with the near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude trading $4 higher at $83.56 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $88, up 4 percent on the day.&nbsp; It was a different story in New York Friday, where the benchmark contract settled nearly $2 lower to end the month of September at $79.49 per barrel. That's $10 a barrel lower than at the end of August. It marked the first quarterly loss in futures prices in two years.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at $69.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson, after dropping $1.75 on Friday. The average price for September was $74.28 per barrel, down more than $2 from the first of the month. U.S. crude production for July topped 11.8 million barrels per day, an increase of a tenth of a percent from the month before. The government reports Kansas output rose to 2.5 million barrels or 81,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says that's more than four percent higher than Kansas production in July of last year. Output in Texas increased nine-tenths of a percent over the month before to top five million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico at 1.5 million barrels per day, North Dakota at just over 1 million, Alaska at 432,000, and Colorado at just over 420,000 barrels per day. The final report on Hurricane Ian from the U.S. offshore energy regulator shows the storm forced the evacuation of 11 production platforms and five drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, while another three rigs were moved out of the storm's path. New analysis from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows the storm shut-in just over nine percent of the oil production and nearly six percent of the natural gas output in the Gulf. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up two oil rigs and down one rig exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down two rigs while New Mexico was up two. Oklahoma was down one for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig over last week, with 28 active rigs in eastern Kansas, and 32 west of Wichita. Operators on Friday reported drilling ahead on two leases in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 494 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators have spudded 1,237 wells so far this year, up more than 56% over last year. Some 227 operators have spudded new wells in Kansas since the first of the year, up nearly 16% from last year at this time. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations across the state last week. That's 1,237 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 784 by the end of September last year. There are 27 new permits east of Wichita, and 16 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators completed 23 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, with 15 in eastern Kansas and eight in the western half of the state. That's 1,209 new completions so far this year, compared to 648 by this time last year. The government says U.S. crude inventories dropped 200,000 barrels to 430.6 million barrels as of September 23rd. That's about 2 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 2.4 million barrels and are about 6 percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude production dropped by 96,000 barrels per day last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for the ninth week in a row. Output is nearly a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Imports dropped by half a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 5.6% higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. dropped to 9,404 tanker carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 848 carloads from the week before and a 10 percent decline from the same week last year. Traffic in Canada was up for the week but remains nearly two percent behind the tally last year at this time. A North Dakota law tying tax rates to oil prices is once again causing headaches for budget forecasters there. The state's oil extraction tax rate rose from 5 to 6 percent earlier this year when prices topped the trigger price of $94.69 per barrel for three consecutive months. Current prices are below that trigger and have been through August and September. If the average price in October is also below the trigger price, the tax rate drops back to 5 percent starting in November. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the state collected revenue increases of more than $59 million from June and July production due to the oil tax trigger being in effect.

News From the Oil Patch: OPEC+ meeting shuffle sparks crude rally

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664812300293.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

PHILLIPS COUNTY — The Phillips County Economic Development Board voted to increase funding for commercial properties as well as residential through the Demolition Assistance Program.

The program is now able to assist you with the removal of commercial buildings that are no longer of service to the community and cannot be rehabilitated. 

For more information or to apply, visit The PCED&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phillipscountyks.org/departments/EconomicDevelopment">website</a>.

Applications will not be accepted for projects that are either completed or currently in progress. The number of applications per year per program are limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664818175511.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PCEDPHILLIPS COUNTY — The Phillips County Economic Development Board voted to increase funding for commercial properties as well as residential through the Demolition Assistance Program. This change will take effect on Jan. 1.The program is now able to assist you with the removal of commercial buildings that are no longer of service to the community and cannot be rehabilitated. For more information or to apply, visit The PCED&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phillipscountyks.org/departments/EconomicDevelopment">website</a>.Applications will not be accepted for projects that are either completed or currently in progress. The number of applications per year per program are limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillips Co. to expand demolition assistance funds to commercial buildings

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Area Children's Center is seeking sponsors for its annual Bright Lights for Little Tykes fundraiser from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Fox Theatre.

The center is a non-profit child care facility that offers care for children from birth through preschool. The center is licensed for 88 children. That includes school-age children during the summer.

Only 75 percent of the operating costs for the facility are covered by student tuition.

Grant funding has helped with capital needs, but the center relies on fundraising to cover the operational expenses gap.

The center's fundraising goal is $100,000 for the 2022-23 school year.

Jessamyn Staples, center board member, said preserving the child care spots at the center is essential to the community. A survey conducted by the Ellis County Child Care Task Force indicated there are 10 children for every one child care spot available in the county. 

The center remodeled its kitchen about five months ago. The center's chef, Austin Petz, has introduced 500 new meals to the center. This has included ethnic foods, as well as a farm-to-table program that includes produce from an onsite garden. Petz estimated the center will reap more than 100 pounds of produce from the garden this season.

The preschool students have snacktivity breaks, during which they learn to prepare their own snacks and learn meal manners.

Tickets for the fundraiser will be $75 each or a table of eight for $550. The philanthropist, benefactor and contributor sponsorships come with varying levels of benefits, including tickets to the fundraiser.

The center's board is accepting both monetary donations and in-kind donations of auction items.

The fundraiser will include a gourmet meal, two drink tickets, a short program, an auction and live music entertainment with DOC.

The center is hoping to secure all donations and sponsorships by Nov. 1.

Tickets are available now. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bright-lights-for-little-tykes-a-night-of-giving-tickets-423679716437">Click here to purchase tickets online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486023988.jpeg" alt="Children play in the toddler room of the Hays Area Children's Center. Student tuition only covers 75 percent of operating costs for the nonprofit center. Photo by Cristina Janney " />
 <figcaption>Children play in the toddler room of the Hays Area Children's Center. Student tuition only covers 75 percent of operating costs for the nonprofit center. Photo by Cristina Janney </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Area Children's Center is seeking sponsors for its annual Bright Lights for Little Tykes fundraiser from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Fox Theatre.The center is a non-profit child care facility that offers care for children from birth through preschool. The center is licensed for 88 children. That includes school-age children during the summer. Only 75 percent of the operating costs for the facility are covered by student tuition.Grant funding has helped with capital needs, but the center relies on fundraising to cover the operational expenses gap.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486094481.jpeg" alt="Babies get ready for nap time in the infant room at the Hays Area Children's Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Babies get ready for nap time in the infant room at the Hays Area Children's Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The center's fundraising goal is $100,000 for the 2022-23 school year. Jessamyn Staples, center board member, said preserving the child care spots at the center is essential to the community. A survey conducted by the Ellis County Child Care Task Force indicated there are 10 children for every one child care spot available in the county. The center remodeled its kitchen about five months ago. The center's chef, Austin Petz, has introduced 500 new meals to the center. This has included ethnic foods, as well as a farm-to-table program that includes produce from an onsite garden. Petz estimated the center will reap more than 100 pounds of produce from the garden this season. The preschool students have snacktivity breaks, during which they learn to prepare their own snacks and learn meal manners.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486123034.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets for the fundraiser will be $75 each or a table of eight for $550. The philanthropist, benefactor and contributor sponsorships come with varying levels of benefits, including tickets to the fundraiser.The center's board is accepting both monetary donations and in-kind donations of auction items. The fundraiser will include a gourmet meal, two drink tickets, a short program, an auction and live music entertainment with DOC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486162076.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The center is hoping to secure all donations and sponsorships by Nov. 1. Tickets are available now. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bright-lights-for-little-tykes-a-night-of-giving-tickets-423679716437">Click here to purchase tickets online</a>.

Hays Area Children's Center's Bright Lights Little Tykes tickets on sale; donors sought

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian counselor David Zachman stops by to talk about career exploration programs in the Hays Catholic Schools.

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian counselor David Zachman stops by to talk about career exploration programs in the Hays Catholic Schools.<div><iframe title="TMP-Marian students prepare for future with career exploration programs" 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=xpe4x-12db5ac-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: TMP-Marian students prepare for future with career exploration programs

Purple Light Nights October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services is bringing awareness to our communities through several awareness and educational events.

Options invites community members to take action, prevent domestic violence, and support survivors. Options is excited to be hosting three tree lighting ceremonies this year to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These tree lightings will be across Options’ 18-county service area:

· Monday, Oct. 3 in Hill City at East City Park at 7 p.m. · Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Hays at Union Pacific Park at 7 p.m. · Wednesday, Oct. 5 in Colby at Fike Park at 7 p.m.

Options invites the community to show their support for survivors at these ceremonies.

Turn the Lights SalON! is returning this year to Options’ Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a competition between area salons to decorate their windows for the month of October.

Salons will have the opportunity to participate in a special training for the CUT IT OUT program. CUT IT OUT builds awareness of domestic abuse through materials displayed in salons through the “Give the Power Back” initiative. Options is offering several free training opportunities throughout the month for any salon/spa professional or student, which gives them tools they need to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to resources.

Contact Options for more information about the training: 785-625-4202.

In Her Shoes In Her Shoes is an interactive activity where participants can walk through a simulation of a survivor’s journey through an abusive relationship.

Options is hosting In Her Shoes at the libraries in Hays, Hill City, Colby, and Atwood. This event is designed to give participants a direct view of the triumphs and struggles that many survivors face while experiencing abuse and recovering from it. Options will host four In Her Shoes events throughout the month:

· Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Hays at the Hays Public Library from 5 to 8 p.m. · Monday, Oct. 17 in Hill City at the Graham County Library from 2 to 5 p.m. · Thursday, Oct. 20 in Atwood at the Atwood Public Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Friday, Oct. 28 in Colby at the Pioneer Memorial Library from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

These events contain sensitive and potentially graphic content; descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse, rape, and personal trauma are included. Discretion is advised.

Paint the Town Purple Paint the Town Purple is an art therapy painting event to encourage community members to express themselves and their experiences.

Options and Fort Hays State University Student Groups Arts for Social Change and the Criminal Justice Club will host a come-and-go event at Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. 

All supplies will be provided. The finished pieces will be combined into a larger work that will be on display at Fort Hays State University.

Options will host a second Paint the Town Purple event on campus at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

SubmittedPurple Light Nights October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services is bringing awareness to our communities through several awareness and educational events.Options invites community members to take action, prevent domestic violence, and support survivors. Options is excited to be hosting three tree lighting ceremonies this year to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These tree lightings will be across Options’ 18-county service area:· Monday, Oct. 3 in Hill City at East City Park at 7 p.m. · Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Hays at Union Pacific Park at 7 p.m. · Wednesday, Oct. 5 in Colby at Fike Park at 7 p.m.Options invites the community to show their support for survivors at these ceremonies.Turn the Lights SalON! is returning this year to Options’ Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a competition between area salons to decorate their windows for the month of October.Salons will have the opportunity to participate in a special training for the CUT IT OUT program. CUT IT OUT builds awareness of domestic abuse through materials displayed in salons through the “Give the Power Back” initiative. Options is offering several free training opportunities throughout the month for any salon/spa professional or student, which gives them tools they need to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to resources.Contact Options for more information about the training: 785-625-4202.In Her Shoes In Her Shoes is an interactive activity where participants can walk through a simulation of a survivor’s journey through an abusive relationship. Options is hosting In Her Shoes at the libraries in Hays, Hill City, Colby, and Atwood. This event is designed to give participants a direct view of the triumphs and struggles that many survivors face while experiencing abuse and recovering from it. Options will host four In Her Shoes events throughout the month:· Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Hays at the Hays Public Library from 5 to 8 p.m. · Monday, Oct. 17 in Hill City at the Graham County Library from 2 to 5 p.m. · Thursday, Oct. 20 in Atwood at the Atwood Public Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Friday, Oct. 28 in Colby at the Pioneer Memorial Library from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.These events contain sensitive and potentially graphic content; descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse, rape, and personal trauma are included. Discretion is advised.Paint the Town Purple Paint the Town Purple is an art therapy painting event to encourage community members to express themselves and their experiences. Options and Fort Hays State University Student Groups Arts for Social Change and the Criminal Justice Club will host a come-and-go event at Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. All supplies will be provided. The finished pieces will be combined into a larger work that will be on display at Fort Hays State University.Options will host a second Paint the Town Purple event on campus at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

Options sets events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The National Weather Service is warning that a hot, dry and windy Monday will increase the risk of wildfires to start the week.

"Avoid any outdoor burning or anything that may produce a spark in these conditions this afternoon," the NWS said.

Sustained wind of 16 to 22 mph will be accompanied by gusts up to 33 mph, and relative humidity across most of western Kansas will be below 20 percent.

There is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms Monday night and into Tuesday morning before skies clear Tuesday evening. The next chance of rain in the Hays area is a 40 percent chance of showers Friday, the NWS predicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664811220728.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is warning that a hot, dry and windy Monday will increase the risk of wildfires to start the week."Avoid any outdoor burning or anything that may produce a spark in these conditions this afternoon," the NWS said.Sustained wind of 16 to 22 mph will be accompanied by gusts up to 33 mph, and relative humidity across most of western Kansas will be below 20 percent.There is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms Monday night and into Tuesday morning before skies clear Tuesday evening. The next chance of rain in the Hays area is a 40 percent chance of showers Friday, the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A very dry atmosphere along with gusty south-southwest winds will lead to elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions this afternoon. Avoid any outdoor burning or anything that may produce a spark in these conditions this afternoon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/MQdGaHb7jT">pic.twitter.com/MQdGaHb7jT</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1576953538042744832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Hot, dry, windy Monday raises wildfire concerns

The closure of Pine Street just south of 6th Street in Hays originally planned for today is being postponed until Monday, October 10th.

On Monday, October 10th, Pine Street will be closed to through traffic just south of 6th Street for waterline work. 6th Street will remain open, and Pine Street should be back open to traffic by the end of that day. 

Questions about this project can be directed to the Contractor, J Corp at 785-628-8101 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664808581486.png" alt="(Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe closure of Pine Street just south of 6th Street in Hays originally planned for today is being postponed until Monday, October 10th.On Monday, October 10th, Pine Street will be closed to through traffic just south of 6th Street for waterline work. 6th Street will remain open, and Pine Street should be back open to traffic by the end of that day. Questions about this project can be directed to the Contractor, J Corp at 785-628-8101 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350

UPDATE: Postponement of Pine Street closing in Hays

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is trying to develop a child care substitute pool.

Members of the task force further discussed the pool at a meeting on Tuesday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e68008ff-464a-4c73-8434-6864728a30a3">A survey conducted last year indicated Hays has one open spot for every 10 children who need care, and that is keeping potential employees out of the workforce.</a>

Providers expressed concerns about the inability to find workers to fill in for themselves or other staff members when emergencies or sickness arise.

This can result in providers having to close temporarily, as well as adding to stress and burnout for the providers.

Temporary closures put a burden on parents, who say it is almost impossible to find alternative care on short notice and often have to miss work to take care of the displaced or sick children.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63e5a97b-6312-4d82-b0e4-a4122df76646">SEE RELATED STORY: Local providers: Current child care system no longer sustainable</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">SEE RELATED STORY: As lack of child care plagues Ellis County, new task force looks for solutions</a>

A substitute pool subcommittee has been meeting to explore the formation of such a pool.

On Tuesday, task force members discussed the need to pay an adequate wage to child care substitutes, managing the substitute pool list and issues of credentials.

The task force has not set an hourly wage for the substitutes yet. However, local child care providers have bemoaned low pay for child care workers.

USD 489 has offered to let the task force use its substitute teacher software to create a database for the child care substitute list.

The task force plans to apply for a $20,000 state Rural Champions grant. That would provide a part-time employee at 20 hours a week, who could solely focus on child care. The Hays Chamber has offered to provide the 25 percent in matching contributions if Hays is selected for the grant.

The Rural Champion grants are offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, and the selection process is in October.

Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber director and task force member, said if Hays is selected for the grant, the Champion employee could work on developing the substitute pool database, among other duties.

Under state licensing requirements, anyone who works more than several hours in child care has to meet the same requirements as full-time providers. This includes a physical, tuberculosis test, background check, and health and safety training.

Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Early Childhood Connections director and task force member, said she thought the task force should try to recruit students from Fort Hays State University for the pool.

The students could gain valuable experience working with children and possibly receive paid internship credit, she said.

She also suggested the pool pay for training for new pool members as an incentive for joining the pool.

Although members of the task force have discussed trying to offer child care accreditation classes to high school students, Hudson-Hamilton said Hays USD 489 officials have said they wished to delay implementing that track at the high school until next year.

Task force member and State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-111th District, said she thought requiring full accreditation for substitutes who may fill in for only an hour or two is too much to ask.

She said she hopes the pool could work with regulators so people who are needed for only short periods could also be used by providers.

Sarah Wasinger said the subcommittee had discussed having some sort of feedback process so providers could evaluate their experiences with pool substitutes. She also said she thought having a job fair during which prospective pool members could meet providers would be a good way to kick off the program.

The task force members also discussed other possible funding sources for work to expand child care in the community.

Community Development Block Grants for the first time this year will be available for child care projects. City and county governments can apply for up to $750,000.

The funds must be used for new construction, renovations of existing buildings, land acquisition, or engineering or architectural fees. The grants can't be used to fund operational expenses.

The task force has received a $30,000 matching grant from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation but needs to acquire the $30,000 match for those funds.

Task force members have discussed applying for a Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant to further the task force's efforts to organize the substitute pool and will be considering an application to the Patterson Family Foundation for a grant in 2023.

The task force will host a series of focus groups in November to update the task force on community needs since the task force's survey that was conducted a year ago.

"We have made some progress by different child care capacities being added," Sarah Wasinger said. "We obviously know we have more work that we need to do and how do we honor what our community says their needs and preferences are."

As part of this process, task force members hope to better determine how grant opportunities might align with community needs, Wasinger said.

Betty Johnson of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation is scheduled to host the focus groups.

Provider focus group — 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine Parent focus group — 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the welcome center Employer focus group — 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the welcome center Faith-based focus group — 1 p.m. Nov 17 at the welcome center. Education focus group — 9 a.m. Nov. 17 at the welcome center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664397948075.jpeg" alt="Children play recently at the Hays Area Children's Center. The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is trying to increase child care capacity in the area. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Children play recently at the Hays Area Children's Center. The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is trying to increase child care capacity in the area. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is trying to develop a child care substitute pool.Members of the task force further discussed the pool at a meeting on Tuesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e68008ff-464a-4c73-8434-6864728a30a3">A survey conducted last year indicated Hays has one open spot for every 10 children who need care, and that is keeping potential employees out of the workforce.</a> Providers expressed concerns about the inability to find workers to fill in for themselves or other staff members when emergencies or sickness arise.This can result in providers having to close temporarily, as well as adding to stress and burnout for the providers.Temporary closures put a burden on parents, who say it is almost impossible to find alternative care on short notice and often have to miss work to take care of the displaced or sick children.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63e5a97b-6312-4d82-b0e4-a4122df76646">SEE RELATED STORY: Local providers: Current child care system no longer sustainable</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">SEE RELATED STORY: As lack of child care plagues Ellis County, new task force looks for solutions</a> A substitute pool subcommittee has been meeting to explore the formation of such a pool.On Tuesday, task force members discussed the need to pay an adequate wage to child care substitutes, managing the substitute pool list and issues of credentials.The task force has not set an hourly wage for the substitutes yet. However, local child care providers have bemoaned low pay for child care workers. USD 489 has offered to let the task force use its substitute teacher software to create a database for the child care substitute list.The task force plans to apply for a $20,000 state Rural Champions grant. That would provide a part-time employee at 20 hours a week, who could solely focus on child care. The Hays Chamber has offered to provide the 25 percent in matching contributions if Hays is selected for the grant.The Rural Champion grants are offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, and the selection process is in October.Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber director and task force member, said if Hays is selected for the grant, the Champion employee could work on developing the substitute pool database, among other duties. Under state licensing requirements, anyone who works more than several hours in child care has to meet the same requirements as full-time providers. This includes a physical, tuberculosis test, background check, and health and safety training.Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Early Childhood Connections director and task force member, said she thought the task force should try to recruit students from Fort Hays State University for the pool.The students could gain valuable experience working with children and possibly receive paid internship credit, she said. She also suggested the pool pay for training for new pool members as an incentive for joining the pool. Although members of the task force have discussed trying to offer child care accreditation classes to high school students, Hudson-Hamilton said Hays USD 489 officials have said they wished to delay implementing that track at the high school until next year.Task force member and State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-111th District, said she thought requiring full accreditation for substitutes who may fill in for only an hour or two is too much to ask.She said she hopes the pool could work with regulators so people who are needed for only short periods could also be used by providers.Sarah Wasinger said the subcommittee had discussed having some sort of feedback process so providers could evaluate their experiences with pool substitutes. She also said she thought having a job fair during which prospective pool members could meet providers would be a good way to kick off the program. <h2>Funding</h2>The task force members also discussed other possible funding sources for work to expand child care in the community.Community Development Block Grants for the first time this year will be available for child care projects. City and county governments can apply for up to $750,000.The funds must be used for new construction, renovations of existing buildings, land acquisition, or engineering or architectural fees. The grants can't be used to fund operational expenses.The task force has received a $30,000 matching grant from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation but needs to acquire the $30,000 match for those funds.Task force members have discussed applying for a Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant to further the task force's efforts to organize the substitute pool and will be considering an application to the Patterson Family Foundation for a grant in 2023.<h2>Focus groups</h2>The task force will host a series of focus groups in November to update the task force on community needs since the task force's survey that was conducted a year ago."We have made some progress by different child care capacities being added," Sarah Wasinger said. "We obviously know we have more work that we need to do and how do we honor what our community says their needs and preferences are." As part of this process, task force members hope to better determine how grant opportunities might align with community needs, Wasinger said.Betty Johnson of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation is scheduled to host the focus groups.Provider focus group — 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine Parent focus group — 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the welcome center Employer focus group — 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the welcome center Faith-based focus group — 1 p.m. Nov 17 at the welcome center. Education focus group — 9 a.m. Nov. 17 at the welcome center.

Ellis County Child Care Task Force seeks to create child care substitute pool

The Fort Hays State University Foundation will announce a large gift in support of the FHSU shotgun team at a news conference at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Memorial Union’s Sunset Atrium. Attendees will hear from the university president, coach of the FHSU shotgun team, and two members of the team on how this gift will change the future of their expanding shooting sports program. To date, the team has won eight national championships.&nbsp;

The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.&nbsp;

More details on FHSU Homecoming activities and events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy16cETtgLJH7eLfsIAjA4Bwryp__r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BAr7RLMmtj-2FP6AdirQas4LxR2VZvRqNf5iYq9ablbVAg2yCC3CTsRuzWtVbBmEqoIYctgMzwZHE5clo45ppe13UE5xD9GZXBISM1xuIsVQO1ssCRqG7WY8pQCcGy8gL9isd50myLgKKgZSGum-2Fx78GNK8j4cIIcR4RpZtXGYV0-2FWU-2Ft2aq7dZkmJVs4DoGziPg9id37yPKmtVHQIBa1QZ1d00XYb96Zp00fhxF3xXFlMaCQYI0iu-2B9Fo71pl5XIZG">https://fhsuhomecoming.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664483518606.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation&nbsp;The Fort Hays State University Foundation will announce a large gift in support of the FHSU shotgun team at a news conference at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Memorial Union’s Sunset Atrium. Attendees will hear from the university president, coach of the FHSU shotgun team, and two members of the team on how this gift will change the future of their expanding shooting sports program. To date, the team has won eight national championships.&nbsp;The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.&nbsp;More details on FHSU Homecoming activities and events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy16cETtgLJH7eLfsIAjA4Bwryp__r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BAr7RLMmtj-2FP6AdirQas4LxR2VZvRqNf5iYq9ablbVAg2yCC3CTsRuzWtVbBmEqoIYctgMzwZHE5clo45ppe13UE5xD9GZXBISM1xuIsVQO1ssCRqG7WY8pQCcGy8gL9isd50myLgKKgZSGum-2Fx78GNK8j4cIIcR4RpZtXGYV0-2FWU-2Ft2aq7dZkmJVs4DoGziPg9id37yPKmtVHQIBa1QZ1d00XYb96Zp00fhxF3xXFlMaCQYI0iu-2B9Fo71pl5XIZG">https://fhsuhomecoming.com</a>.&nbsp;

Gift to FHSU shotgun team to be announced Friday

This week welcomes October and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is one of society’s largest social problems and it hides in plain sight.
DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and share resources.


Nationally 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced gender-based violence by an intimate
partner or ex-intimate partner (CDC, 2020). In addition, sexual minority groups within the LGBTQ+
community report levels of intimate partner violence at rates equal or higher than those of
heterosexuals (VAWnet, 2010). Domestic violence is a leading contributor of injuries, chronic health
issues, high-risk health behaviors, and creates a significant strain on the healthcare system. Growing
evidence shows the long-term impact of emotional and mental trauma from violence carries an
additional likelihood of disease and illness. It also is estimated that the cost of gender-based violence
to US society, including health costs and productivity losses, would be $9.3 billion annually.


Domestic violence takes on many forms. It can be verbal, emotional, psychological, digital, sexual,
and/or physical abuse. It can be extreme jealousy, possessiveness, unwanted touching, coercion, and
excessive arguments. And it is ALL about power and control. Domestic violence occurs in every
community across the country, and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion,
sexual orientation, or economic status. In Kansas alone, domestic violence claimed 34 lives in 2020
(KBI, 2020).


Throughout the month of October, Jana’s Campaign pledges to share 31 facts about domestic violence
on our social media accounts. A fact per day. Our hope is that you increase your understanding of this
complex issue and utilize the information to become a part of the collective voice of individuals,
families, activists, institutions, and systems who are working to reduce and ultimately prevent
domestic violence. To access this information, please follow Jana’s Campaign on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram.


“As we find ourselves upon another October of another year, a month dedicated to bringing awareness
to the epidemic that is domestic violence, it’s important to remember that domestic violence does not
contain itself to one month. It is something happening in every neighborhood, in every community,
every day. And it’s our responsibility – all of ours – to talk about it. Talk to your loved ones, your
children, your friends, peers, and acquaintances. Not just this month, but every month. Because
knowledge is power, prevention is power, and we have the power to end gender and relationship
violence. So, let’s start talking.” – Evelyn Dubey, Education &amp; Prevention Specialist, Jana’s Campaign


Jana's CampaignThis week welcomes October and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is one of society’s largest social problems and it hides in plain sight.
DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and share resources.
Nationally 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced gender-based violence by an intimate
partner or ex-intimate partner (CDC, 2020). In addition, sexual minority groups within the LGBTQ+
community report levels of intimate partner violence at rates equal or higher than those of
heterosexuals (VAWnet, 2010). Domestic violence is a leading contributor of injuries, chronic health
issues, high-risk health behaviors, and creates a significant strain on the healthcare system. Growing
evidence shows the long-term impact of emotional and mental trauma from violence carries an
additional likelihood of disease and illness. It also is estimated that the cost of gender-based violence
to US society, including health costs and productivity losses, would be $9.3 billion annually.
Domestic violence takes on many forms. It can be verbal, emotional, psychological, digital, sexual,
and/or physical abuse. It can be extreme jealousy, possessiveness, unwanted touching, coercion, and
excessive arguments. And it is ALL about power and control. Domestic violence occurs in every
community across the country, and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion,
sexual orientation, or economic status. In Kansas alone, domestic violence claimed 34 lives in 2020
(KBI, 2020).
Throughout the month of October, Jana’s Campaign pledges to share 31 facts about domestic violence
on our social media accounts. A fact per day. Our hope is that you increase your understanding of this
complex issue and utilize the information to become a part of the collective voice of individuals,
families, activists, institutions, and systems who are working to reduce and ultimately prevent
domestic violence. To access this information, please follow Jana’s Campaign on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram.
“As we find ourselves upon another October of another year, a month dedicated to bringing awareness
to the epidemic that is domestic violence, it’s important to remember that domestic violence does not
contain itself to one month. It is something happening in every neighborhood, in every community,
every day. And it’s our responsibility – all of ours – to talk about it. Talk to your loved ones, your
children, your friends, peers, and acquaintances. Not just this month, but every month. Because
knowledge is power, prevention is power, and we have the power to end gender and relationship
violence. So, let’s start talking.” – Evelyn Dubey, Education &amp; Prevention Specialist, Jana’s Campaign

Jana's Campaign: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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YOU HAVE TO PLAY TO WIN! CERVs Football Matchup

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664554560892.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>

Beginning Tuesday, 17th Street will be closed at Harvest Road for a bridge deck overlay.  The street will remain closed for approximately three days. 

For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

Beginning Tuesday, 17th Street will be closed at Harvest Road for a bridge deck overlay. The street will remain closed for approximately three days. For more information, call (785) 628-7350.— City of Hays

Portion of 17th Street closed this week for bridge repair

The Hoxie High&nbsp;School Auditorium will be the location for 12X Branson show award winner Keith&nbsp;Allynn&nbsp;to unveil his story of Neil Diamond’s life.&nbsp;The&nbsp;production will commence on Sunday,&nbsp;October 16th, 3:00 p.m. (CDT) in the Auditorium.&nbsp;Allynn&nbsp;and the Double Diamond Show Band&nbsp;tell the story of Diamond’s life through Diamond’s own songs, while weaving through&nbsp;Allynn’s&nbsp;own comedic journey from a top 10 Elvis in the World to Neil&nbsp;Diamond---all for the love of a woman. This show has been in production in Branson for over ten years. Whether you are a Neil Diamond fan, a Keith&nbsp;Allynn&nbsp;fan, or a simple fan of quality entertainment and showmanship, prepare to take a journey that will leave you amazed!&nbsp;

This show is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. In addition, funding has been received from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp;Admission is with season ticket, or at the door;&nbsp;Adults, $20; Students, $10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664746909440.jpeg" alt="DSC_7905.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>DSC_7905.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hoxie High&nbsp;School Auditorium will be the location for 12X Branson show award winner Keith&nbsp;Allynn&nbsp;to unveil his story of Neil Diamond’s life.&nbsp;The&nbsp;production will commence on Sunday,&nbsp;October 16th, 3:00 p.m. (CDT) in the Auditorium.&nbsp;Allynn&nbsp;and the Double Diamond Show Band&nbsp;tell the story of Diamond’s life through Diamond’s own songs, while weaving through&nbsp;Allynn’s&nbsp;own comedic journey from a top 10 Elvis in the World to Neil&nbsp;Diamond---all for the love of a woman. This show has been in production in Branson for over ten years. Whether you are a Neil Diamond fan, a Keith&nbsp;Allynn&nbsp;fan, or a simple fan of quality entertainment and showmanship, prepare to take a journey that will leave you amazed!&nbsp;This show is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. In addition, funding has been received from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp;Admission is with season ticket, or at the door;&nbsp;Adults, $20; Students, $10.

A NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE

NCK Tech has increased its partnerships with secondary schools to offer concurrent and career technical education credit and school officials say that is part of the reason the college hit a five-year enrollment high this fall.

The school has also increased its online offerings.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ea1749ee-54c6-4cb5-89c5-2651b780c192">Fall enrollment numbers were released by the Kansas Board of Regents Thursday. Those numbers showed an overall decline in enrollment at community colleges and universities but growth at the state's technical schools.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU enrollment down by 8%; NCK Tech enrollment at five-year high</a>

NCK Tech's headcount was up 12.8 percent compared to fall 2021 for a five-year high of 999 students. 

See the full report <a href="https://kansasregents.org/resources/2022_Kansas_Board_of_Regents_Fall_Enrollment.pdf">here</a>.

"All of our programs are in high demand right now. Business and industry are hungry for students with technical skills, so, therefore, students are attracted to the programs that are high-wage, high-demand," college officials said in an email to Hays Post on Friday.

NCK Tech is ranked first in the state of Kansas among all technical and community colleges in three-year graduation rates.

Although headcount has increased significantly at NCK Tech in recent years, full-time enrollment has grown at a slower pace — 2.7 percent compared to last year.

"Yes, we do have more students taking part-time loads in a few programs," college officials said. "Also as part of our strategic plan, NCK Tech is being intentional on trying to provide greater access for students by expanding the flexibility and alternative educational opportunities."

Officials said they see strong demand for technical education.

"There are tremendous opportunities in technical education that allow students to access the workforce quickly and still have excellent wages," officials said. "In addition, there are also a lot of opportunities for students to start at a technical college and continue on to a four-year degree. NCK Tech believes students and families are finding value in this approach."

NCK Tech has launched two new programs this fall that are also bringing more students to the college, which has campuses in Beloit and Hays.

The college has added a telecommunications and network technology program on the Hays campus as well as an associate's degree in nursing on the Beloit campus. Many of the college's other programs are at capacity or close to capacity, so officials said they are seeking ways to expand those physical areas to increase their enrollment capacity.

NCK Tech officials said they think the need for students with technical skills is not going away anytime soon. 

"We project our enrollment to continue to increase, not only from continuing to add secondary partners but also continuing to see what the workforce needs in our communities are and helping to fill these needs with qualified students."

"Currently, our main challenge is physical capacity space on campus," officials said. "We have programs that have outgrown their buildings and classrooms, and we are needing to find ways to expand our facilities. We are also working on being more creative in scheduling and utilizing our spaces on campus to the best of our ability."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNCK Tech has increased its partnerships with secondary schools to offer concurrent and career technical education credit and school officials say that is part of the reason the college hit a five-year enrollment high this fall.The school has also increased its online offerings. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ea1749ee-54c6-4cb5-89c5-2651b780c192">Fall enrollment numbers were released by the Kansas Board of Regents Thursday. Those numbers showed an overall decline in enrollment at community colleges and universities but growth at the state's technical schools.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU enrollment down by 8%; NCK Tech enrollment at five-year high</a> NCK Tech's headcount was up 12.8 percent compared to fall 2021 for a five-year high of 999 students. See the full report <a href="https://kansasregents.org/resources/2022_Kansas_Board_of_Regents_Fall_Enrollment.pdf">here</a>. "All of our programs are in high demand right now. Business and industry are hungry for students with technical skills, so, therefore, students are attracted to the programs that are high-wage, high-demand," college officials said in an email to Hays Post on Friday.NCK Tech is ranked first in the state of Kansas among all technical and community colleges in three-year graduation rates.Although headcount has increased significantly at NCK Tech in recent years, full-time enrollment has grown at a slower pace — 2.7 percent compared to last year."Yes, we do have more students taking part-time loads in a few programs," college officials said. "Also as part of our strategic plan, NCK Tech is being intentional on trying to provide greater access for students by expanding the flexibility and alternative educational opportunities."Officials said they see strong demand for technical education. "There are tremendous opportunities in technical education that allow students to access the workforce quickly and still have excellent wages," officials said. "In addition, there are also a lot of opportunities for students to start at a technical college and continue on to a four-year degree. NCK Tech believes students and families are finding value in this approach."NCK Tech has launched two new programs this fall that are also bringing more students to the college, which has campuses in Beloit and Hays.The college has added a telecommunications and network technology program on the Hays campus as well as an associate's degree in nursing on the Beloit campus. Many of the college's other programs are at capacity or close to capacity, so officials said they are seeking ways to expand those physical areas to increase their enrollment capacity.NCK Tech officials said they think the need for students with technical skills is not going away anytime soon. "We project our enrollment to continue to increase, not only from continuing to add secondary partners but also continuing to see what the workforce needs in our communities are and helping to fill these needs with qualified students."This growth comes with challenges. "Currently, our main challenge is physical capacity space on campus," officials said. "We have programs that have outgrown their buildings and classrooms, and we are needing to find ways to expand our facilities. We are also working on being more creative in scheduling and utilizing our spaces on campus to the best of our ability."

NCK Tech expands partnerships, programs as enrollment jumps

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

The Imagine Ellis County Committee continues their work to strengthen area communities, from Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams stops by to share with us the latest on this episode of the Post Podcast.

The Imagine Ellis County Committee continues their work to strengthen area communities, from Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams stops by to share with us the latest on this episode of the Post Podcast.<div><iframe title="Imagine Ellis County Committee continues strengthening area communities" 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=29djh-12d8106-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast:  Imagine Ellis County Committee continues strengthening area communities

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The 2022 Hays High Homecoming festivities are set to kick
off this week as students and alumni prepare for a weekend of activities
celebrating the school and all those that have been associated with it over the
years.

Inside the school, preparations have already begun as students
will begin spirit week Monday.

“On Monday, we have pick your Future Fairy Tale day,” said Rilee
Schwarz, Hays High School Stuco vice-president. “So you'll dress up as your
favorite college or your dream college. Tuesday is Enchanted by Music Day, and
students will dress up as their favorite music genre. Wednesday is Once Upon a Time,
where you will dress up as your favorite character. Thursday is What Cast Do You
Belong To, where you'll dress up as your class color. And then on Friday, it's Dress
Like Royalty, so everybody will dress up in formal wear.”

The dress-up days will accompany the week’s Enchanted Forest
theme, which will also be reflected in floats in the upcoming Homecoming parade,
said Hannah Eikenberry, Hays High School Stuco president.

“We also have our decorations around the school are all
related to that,” Schwarz said. “And all of our dress-up days are kind of
somewhat tied into that as well. So we kind of try and carry that out
throughout the week.”

While anticipation for the weekend events builds in the
school, alums will have the opportunity to kick off their activities with an in-school
assembly.

“On Friday of homecoming week, we're going to have a Hays
High showcase assembly where all of our alumni come back for an assembly with
students,” Eikenberry said. “And we're going to introduce something new this
year, where we introduce a lot of our clubs and our sports, as well as
introducing the alumni to our students going by class reunion.”

She said the inclusion of the two-surviving member of the class
of 1947 would make this year's assembly especially moving. 

“That's our main thing,” Eikenberry said. “That assembly and
then in the parade, they ride on their class floats. And we have, I think, 12
classes total coming back, maybe 14. And that's going up to 75 years with 1947.”

After the showcase, Schwarz said that alums would gather for
a barbecue at noon. 

Later on, Friday parade participants will line up at 4 p.m. for
a 5 p.m. planned start. Parade applications will be accepted until Monday,
Schwarz said.

With ongoing Oktoberfest festivities planned in Municipal
Park, the parade route will end a few blocks shorter than usual.

“We don't really want traffic up in that area,” Schwarz
said. “So I think we're cutting it off at Eighth Street.”

“Other than that, yeah, it's just a classic Hays parade,”
Eikenberry said. 

This year’s Grand Marshall is Hays Larks head coach Frank
Leo.

Following the parade, the Hays High football team is set to
take the field at 7 p.m. This year, the team will face Dodge City.

“You can just head on over there after the parade,” Schwarz
said. “We're playing Dodge City, who is a part of our conference, so that's a
big game for us.”

Homecoming royalty will be crowned during halftime.

Both Schwarz and Eikenberry are Homecoming Queen candidates,
along with Avery Harmoney, Savannah Lawson and Lily Biggs. King candidates
include Royal Gantt, Karsten Koenke, Remy Stull, Blake Buckles and Tanner Werth.

The student body will make the selections by vote on Thursday.

“There's a little bit of friendly competition, but it's all
in good fun and good taste,” Eikenberry said. “And then also our Hays High Showcase,
where it's usually called the formal assembly, and that's where the candidates
are showcased with their parents and go out and meet, and you learn a little
bit more about the couples.

“That will also be taking place at the end of the assembly,”
she continued. “But we're introducing the club introductions and sports
introductions to that. So, it's just a new name, but the same thing, with a
little added fun.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663785306743.jpeg" alt="Hays High Homecoming Royalty Candidates. Front row, from left: Avery Harmoney, Hannah Eikenberry, Savannah Lawson, Lily Biggs and Rilee Schwarz. Back row, from left: Royal Gantt, Karsten Koenke, Remy Stull, Blake Buckles and Tanner Werth." />
 <figcaption>Hays High Homecoming Royalty Candidates. Front row, from left: Avery Harmoney, Hannah Eikenberry, Savannah Lawson, Lily Biggs and Rilee Schwarz. Back row, from left: Royal Gantt, Karsten Koenke, Remy Stull, Blake Buckles and Tanner Werth.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe 2022 Hays High Homecoming festivities are set to kick
off this week as students and alumni prepare for a weekend of activities
celebrating the school and all those that have been associated with it over the
years.Inside the school, preparations have already begun as students
will begin spirit week Monday.“On Monday, we have pick your Future Fairy Tale day,” said Rilee
Schwarz, Hays High School Stuco vice-president. “So you'll dress up as your
favorite college or your dream college. Tuesday is Enchanted by Music Day, and
students will dress up as their favorite music genre. Wednesday is Once Upon a Time,
where you will dress up as your favorite character. Thursday is What Cast Do You
Belong To, where you'll dress up as your class color. And then on Friday, it's Dress
Like Royalty, so everybody will dress up in formal wear.”The dress-up days will accompany the week’s Enchanted Forest
theme, which will also be reflected in floats in the upcoming Homecoming parade,
said Hannah Eikenberry, Hays High School Stuco president.<div><iframe title="Hays High students, alumni prepare for 2022 Homecoming celebrations" 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=7h6fj-12d8189-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>“We also have our decorations around the school are all
related to that,” Schwarz said. “And all of our dress-up days are kind of
somewhat tied into that as well. So we kind of try and carry that out
throughout the week.”While anticipation for the weekend events builds in the
school, alums will have the opportunity to kick off their activities with an in-school
assembly.“On Friday of homecoming week, we're going to have a Hays
High showcase assembly where all of our alumni come back for an assembly with
students,” Eikenberry said. “And we're going to introduce something new this
year, where we introduce a lot of our clubs and our sports, as well as
introducing the alumni to our students going by class reunion.”She said the inclusion of the two-surviving member of the class
of 1947 would make this year's assembly especially moving. “That's our main thing,” Eikenberry said. “That assembly and
then in the parade, they ride on their class floats. And we have, I think, 12
classes total coming back, maybe 14. And that's going up to 75 years with 1947.”After the showcase, Schwarz said that alums would gather for
a barbecue at noon. Later on, Friday parade participants will line up at 4 p.m. for
a 5 p.m. planned start. Parade applications will be accepted until Monday,
Schwarz said.With ongoing Oktoberfest festivities planned in Municipal
Park, the parade route will end a few blocks shorter than usual.“We don't really want traffic up in that area,” Schwarz
said. “So I think we're cutting it off at Eighth Street.”“Other than that, yeah, it's just a classic Hays parade,”
Eikenberry said. This year’s Grand Marshall is Hays Larks head coach Frank
Leo.Following the parade, the Hays High football team is set to
take the field at 7 p.m. This year, the team will face Dodge City.“You can just head on over there after the parade,” Schwarz
said. “We're playing Dodge City, who is a part of our conference, so that's a
big game for us.”Homecoming royalty will be crowned during halftime.Both Schwarz and Eikenberry are Homecoming Queen candidates,
along with Avery Harmoney, Savannah Lawson and Lily Biggs. King candidates
include Royal Gantt, Karsten Koenke, Remy Stull, Blake Buckles and Tanner Werth.The student body will make the selections by vote on Thursday.“There's a little bit of friendly competition, but it's all
in good fun and good taste,” Eikenberry said. “And then also our Hays High Showcase,
where it's usually called the formal assembly, and that's where the candidates
are showcased with their parents and go out and meet, and you learn a little
bit more about the couples.“That will also be taking place at the end of the assembly,”
she continued. “But we're introducing the club introductions and sports
introductions to that. So, it's just a new name, but the same thing, with a
little added fun.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594578984890.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Hays High students, alumni prepare for 2022 Homecoming celebrations

On Sept. 16, the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation donated $20,000 to Community Assistance Center food bank in Hays.

Theresa Hill, food bank director, said the food bank has been struggling to meet the food needs of local households. As of early September, she said the food bank shelves were almost bare, and the food bank had been spending about $1,000 a month to purchase food.

The food bank serves 60 to 100 households per month.

Hill said the Schmidt foundation donation will take the food bank a long way toward meeting food needs in the community.

She said she thought inflation, which is driving up food costs, is increasing the need for food among local families.

Hill said the food bank always accepts monetary and food donations.

The next food drive for the food bank will be Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat, which will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11. Volunteers will go door to door, collecting food donations that night.

Find more information about donating to local food banks or how to find food in the Hays Post related story: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1fb8f53-1309-47cb-8b64-a714b9e7518b">Hays-area food banks' shelves bare: inflation likely to blame</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663950405923.jpeg" alt="Ann Gaschler of the Schmidt Foundation, left, presents a $20,000 check to Thesera Hill, director of the Community Assistance Center food bank, to purchase food for the food bank. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Ann Gaschler of the Schmidt Foundation, left, presents a $20,000 check to Thesera Hill, director of the Community Assistance Center food bank, to purchase food for the food bank. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOn Sept. 16, the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation donated $20,000 to Community Assistance Center food bank in Hays.Theresa Hill, food bank director, said the food bank has been struggling to meet the food needs of local households. As of early September, she said the food bank shelves were almost bare, and the food bank had been spending about $1,000 a month to purchase food.The food bank serves 60 to 100 households per month. Hill said the Schmidt foundation donation will take the food bank a long way toward meeting food needs in the community. She said she thought inflation, which is driving up food costs, is increasing the need for food among local families.Hill said the food bank always accepts monetary and food donations. The next food drive for the food bank will be Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat, which will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11. Volunteers will go door to door, collecting food donations that night. Find more information about donating to local food banks or how to find food in the Hays Post related story: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1fb8f53-1309-47cb-8b64-a714b9e7518b">Hays-area food banks' shelves bare: inflation likely to blame</a>.

Schmidt Foundation awards $20,000 to Community Assistance Center food bank

TOPEKA — A Hays organization has been awarded nearly $77,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced last week.

Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Inc., was awarded grants to support the following programs in 18 area counties:

• $31,970 to provide survivor-centered services to those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking by providing services directly to survivors in their communities.

• $45,000 to strengthen organizational activities including direct services programming and administrative services, which ensures these critical services remain available.&nbsp;

“Organizations across Kansas do great work every day to support victims of crime,” Schmidt said. “We are proud to support these organizations through the victim services grant programs.”

The awards were made from the Protection from Abuse Fund and the State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund. The Protection from Abuse Fund is funded by State General Fund appropriations, marriage license fees, county court costs and municipal court assessments. The State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund is funded though the remittance of applicable fines, penalties and forfeitures from clerks of the district courts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594750931446.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the Attorney GeneralTOPEKA — A Hays organization has been awarded nearly $77,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced last week.Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Inc., was awarded grants to support the following programs in 18 area counties:• $31,970 to provide survivor-centered services to those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking by providing services directly to survivors in their communities.• $45,000 to strengthen organizational activities including direct services programming and administrative services, which ensures these critical services remain available.&nbsp;“Organizations across Kansas do great work every day to support victims of crime,” Schmidt said. “We are proud to support these organizations through the victim services grant programs.”The awards were made from the Protection from Abuse Fund and the State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund. The Protection from Abuse Fund is funded by State General Fund appropriations, marriage license fees, county court costs and municipal court assessments. The State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund is funded though the remittance of applicable fines, penalties and forfeitures from clerks of the district courts.

Kansas AG announces grants for Hays-based Options

Meet the new Kris Kobach.&nbsp; Is he the same as the old Kris Kobach?	

Before Kobach narrowly won the Republican primary for Governor in 2018, an independent group supporting then-Governor Jeff Colyer ran an ad featuring the tagline, “Call Kris Kobach.&nbsp; Tell him we can’t afford his antics.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kobach is re-branding this year as the Republican nominee for Attorney General, downplaying alleged voter fraud and presenting himself as the candidate that will sue Joe Biden (meaning, the Federal Government) over a host of different issues including the U.S.-Mexico border.

	What were the “antics” mentioned in that commercial?&nbsp; To answer that, a brief history of Kobach’s career is in order.&nbsp; An anti-immigration activist long before Donald Trump ever sought public office, Kobach never avoided the spotlight. &nbsp; While working as a law professor at UMKC, Kobach started his political career as an Overland Park city councilman.&nbsp; He then made two unsuccessful runs, one for state senate and one for Congress, all while filing lawsuits and assisting lawmakers in other states like Alabama and Arizona in writing anti-immigration laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At about this same time, Kobach chaired the Kansas Republican Party.&nbsp; His signature act was to propose a “Loyalty Committee” that would determine which Republicans truly deserved the party’s support.&nbsp; As documented in a 2012 investigative report by the Hutchinson News, Kobach left the party in disarray, with less than $5000 in its treasury and multiple FEC fines both for unpaid taxes, and acceptance of illegal contributions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kobach was elected Kansas Secretary of State in 2010 and set to work immediately remaking the office.&nbsp; Formerly known for nonpartisan coordination of elections as well as business licensing, Kobach remade the office into a clearinghouse for investigations into alleged voter fraud, particularly directed at undocumented immigrants.&nbsp; Kobach championed the SAFE Act in 2011, which made him the only state Secretary of State in the U.S. with the power to prosecute voter fraud.&nbsp; His quest proved disappointing, with only 13 individuals successfully prosecuted.&nbsp; None were undocumented immigrants.&nbsp;

	Kobach was also a stalwart defender of the SAFE Act in court.&nbsp; While this job would normally fall to the state Attorney General Derek Schmidt (now running for Governor), Kobach was more than happy to use his own time and his office’s resources to defend the law’s provision that one must prove one’s U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, typically with a birth certificate.&nbsp; This is known as a proof of citizenship law and it had already been struck down in other states by court rulings.&nbsp; Kobach defended the law personally in two cases, Fish v Kobach and Bednasek v Kobach, decided together in 2018.&nbsp; I served as an expert witness for the plaintiffs (the ones challenging the law) in Bednasek.&nbsp; Appointed to the bench by George W. Bush upon a recommendation from Sam Brownback, judge Julie Robinson not only permanently enjoined the proof of citizenship law from being enforced, she also ordered Kobach to take continuing education law classes or lose his license to practice.&nbsp; Among other things, Kobach did not follow the standard legal procedure known as discovery during the course of the trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

	As a candidate for Governor in 2018, Kobach edged out Colyer by 343 votes in a primary election supervised by Kobach’s own office. He then lost to Governor Laura Kelly in a three-way race that included Independent Greg Orman. Perhaps Kobach’s most memorable moment of that election was when he rode in a parade on a float that featured a simulated machine gun.

	That’s a lot of history. Will Kansans really believe that Kobach has changed this year? We will find out in November.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Meet the new Kris Kobach.&nbsp; Is he the same as the old Kris Kobach?	Before Kobach narrowly won the Republican primary for Governor in 2018, an independent group supporting then-Governor Jeff Colyer ran an ad featuring the tagline, “Call Kris Kobach.&nbsp; Tell him we can’t afford his antics.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Kobach is re-branding this year as the Republican nominee for Attorney General, downplaying alleged voter fraud and presenting himself as the candidate that will sue Joe Biden (meaning, the Federal Government) over a host of different issues including the U.S.-Mexico border.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>	What were the “antics” mentioned in that commercial?&nbsp; To answer that, a brief history of Kobach’s career is in order.&nbsp; An anti-immigration activist long before Donald Trump ever sought public office, Kobach never avoided the spotlight. &nbsp; While working as a law professor at UMKC, Kobach started his political career as an Overland Park city councilman.&nbsp; He then made two unsuccessful runs, one for state senate and one for Congress, all while filing lawsuits and assisting lawmakers in other states like Alabama and Arizona in writing anti-immigration laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;At about this same time, Kobach chaired the Kansas Republican Party.&nbsp; His signature act was to propose a “Loyalty Committee” that would determine which Republicans truly deserved the party’s support.&nbsp; As documented in a 2012 investigative report by the Hutchinson News, Kobach left the party in disarray, with less than $5000 in its treasury and multiple FEC fines both for unpaid taxes, and acceptance of illegal contributions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kobach was elected Kansas Secretary of State in 2010 and set to work immediately remaking the office.&nbsp; Formerly known for nonpartisan coordination of elections as well as business licensing, Kobach remade the office into a clearinghouse for investigations into alleged voter fraud, particularly directed at undocumented immigrants.&nbsp; Kobach championed the SAFE Act in 2011, which made him the only state Secretary of State in the U.S. with the power to prosecute voter fraud.&nbsp; His quest proved disappointing, with only 13 individuals successfully prosecuted.&nbsp; None were undocumented immigrants.&nbsp;	Kobach was also a stalwart defender of the SAFE Act in court.&nbsp; While this job would normally fall to the state Attorney General Derek Schmidt (now running for Governor), Kobach was more than happy to use his own time and his office’s resources to defend the law’s provision that one must prove one’s U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, typically with a birth certificate.&nbsp; This is known as a proof of citizenship law and it had already been struck down in other states by court rulings.&nbsp; Kobach defended the law personally in two cases, Fish v Kobach and Bednasek v Kobach, decided together in 2018.&nbsp; I served as an expert witness for the plaintiffs (the ones challenging the law) in Bednasek.&nbsp; Appointed to the bench by George W. Bush upon a recommendation from Sam Brownback, judge Julie Robinson not only permanently enjoined the proof of citizenship law from being enforced, she also ordered Kobach to take continuing education law classes or lose his license to practice.&nbsp; Among other things, Kobach did not follow the standard legal procedure known as discovery during the course of the trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;	As a candidate for Governor in 2018, Kobach edged out Colyer by 343 votes in a primary election supervised by Kobach’s own office. He then lost to Governor Laura Kelly in a three-way race that included Independent Greg Orman. Perhaps Kobach’s most memorable moment of that election was when he rode in a parade on a float that featured a simulated machine gun.	That’s a lot of history. Will Kansans really believe that Kobach has changed this year? We will find out in November.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.