Hays High vs Colby Thursday, Jan. 23rd – 8:15 p.m.&nbsp; Colby, Kan. - Colby Events Center

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2051610">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

The Hays High boys have won three games in a row. A fourth consecutive victory would push them into the championship of the 40th Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic.

Hays(6-4) takes on the host school Colby(8-3). The Indians beat Concordia by twenty in the opening round. The Eagles took a double digit victory over Beloit.

Tip-off is set for 8:15 p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="HHS Listen Live" />
 <figcaption>HHS Listen Live</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Colby Thursday, Jan. 23rd – 8:15 p.m.&nbsp; Colby, Kan. - Colby Events CenterRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2051610">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>The Hays High boys have won three games in a row. A fourth consecutive victory would push them into the championship of the 40th Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic.Hays(6-4) takes on the host school Colby(8-3). The Indians beat Concordia by twenty in the opening round. The Eagles took a double digit victory over Beloit.Tip-off is set for 8:15 p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.&nbsp;

🏀🎥 Hays High faces Colby for tournament championship berth

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Marie Effa has four names—Marie Ejama Emmanuel Effa. Emmanuel is her father's name and Ejama is a traditional name and term of endearment meaning "my own."

Marie, 12, recently moved to Hays from Nigeria  in June, and she is trying to make Kansas her own. Marie's mother, Norah, is working locally as a nurse.

Marie, an eighth-grader at Thomas More Prep-Marian, recently gave a presentation to her fellow students about life in Nigeria.

Marie described some of the differences between her school in Nigeria and TMP. In Nigeria, students study more subjects — 16 to 17 subjects compared to eight at TMP.&nbsp;

Although the Nigerian students use computers, they primarily copy notes by hand in most of their classes.

Students in Nigeria can be subject to corporal punishment, but Marie said she was a good student and didn't experience that.

Students learn their lessons in English, but there more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria with more than 500 languages.

Marie is learning both her mother's ethnic group's language, Igbo, and her father's ethnic language, which is&nbsp;Ejagham.

The introduction of Western-style education and English has allowed the oral literature of Nigeria to be written down and spread across the globe, Marie said.

Marie's mother makes her and her siblings jollof rice, a stew-like dish that contains tomatoes, peppers and spices

"It's a pretty good dish if you ask me," she said. "I love the way my mom cooks her rice."

She said she misses many of the Nigerian dishes. Her mom also prepares a pepper soup that would be traditionally made with goat meat, ginger and red chili flakes.

Marie said she's still looking for a favorite food in America.

"I really like pizza and burgers and all that kind of stuff," she said, "but my mom says eating that all day isn't going to be healthy for me."

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country.

"We are very warm, nice people," Marie said. "We have an amazing culture and tourism events."

The many religious and ethnic groups have many festivals and celebrations. Marie said she attended the Calabar Carnival, which is celebrated at the end of the year and involves tens of thousands of brightly costumed participants and a couple of million spectators.

Nigeria is on the South Atlantic Coast of Africa just north of the equator. Marie explained Nigeria has two seasons—a rainy season and a dry season.&nbsp;

This is her first winter experience with snow. She said it's been difficult to get used to the cold, but she liked the snow.

However, she said she would like Hays to get enough snow so that she and her siblings could try fun snow activities like building a snowman or sledding.

Marie and her siblings — brothers 10 and 9 — are soccer fans.

"I'm seeing way more opportunities for me and my siblings to play soccer. Nigerians love soccer," she said. "My siblings and I practice a lot for it. My brother is really good. He just needs to develop more skills."

When Marie and her brothers aren't playing soccer, they enjoy playing video games.

Although Marie said she sees many opportunities for her and her siblings in Hays, she said she misses her friends back home.

At TMP, she is the only black student in junior high, but she has embraced her own uniqueness.

"It's kind of cool if you ask me," she said.

Her favorite subjects in school are science and math.

"In math, I get to test my ability and learn new things at the same time," she said. "I'm trying to work on doing calculations without a calculator."

TMP Junior High Principal Melissa Schoepf said she is seeing Marie grow.

"When Marie came here in August, she was very quiet and shy with good reason because it was a whole new environment, moving here and making new friends,"&nbsp;Schoepf said.

"Since then, we have really seen her blossom and really come out of her shell.

"It's been great for her and all of our kids to get to know each other and see cultural differences and learn about each other," she said.

Marie has dreams of being a doctor like her father, who is working in Gambia, Africa. She said it's tough being so far away from her dad, but he comes back for the holidays.

"He makes sure that he calls us in the morning and before we go to bed every single day," Marie said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674169704062.jpeg" alt="Thomas More Prep-Marian student Marie Effa, 12, right, with her mother, Norah, left. Marie is wearing a dress her mother made for her using a fabric with a traditional African pattern. The orange beads that Marie is wearing were the same beads her mother wore at her traditional Nigerian wedding. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Thomas More Prep-Marian student Marie Effa, 12, right, with her mother, Norah, left. Marie is wearing a dress her mother made for her using a fabric with a traditional African pattern. The orange beads that Marie is wearing were the same beads her mother wore at her traditional Nigerian wedding. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhat's in a name?Marie Effa has four names—Marie Ejama Emmanuel Effa. Emmanuel is her father's name and Ejama is a traditional name and term of endearment meaning "my own."Marie, 12, recently moved to Hays from Nigeria in June, and she is trying to make Kansas her own. Marie's mother, Norah, is working locally as a nurse.Marie, an eighth-grader at Thomas More Prep-Marian, recently gave a presentation to her fellow students about life in Nigeria.Marie described some of the differences between her school in Nigeria and TMP. In Nigeria, students study more subjects — 16 to 17 subjects compared to eight at TMP.&nbsp;Although the Nigerian students use computers, they primarily copy notes by hand in most of their classes.Students in Nigeria can be subject to corporal punishment, but Marie said she was a good student and didn't experience that.Students learn their lessons in English, but there more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria with more than 500 languages.Marie is learning both her mother's ethnic group's language, Igbo, and her father's ethnic language, which is&nbsp;Ejagham.The introduction of Western-style education and English has allowed the oral literature of Nigeria to be written down and spread across the globe, Marie said.Marie's mother makes her and her siblings jollof rice, a stew-like dish that contains tomatoes, peppers and spices"It's a pretty good dish if you ask me," she said. "I love the way my mom cooks her rice."She said she misses many of the Nigerian dishes. Her mom also prepares a pepper soup that would be traditionally made with goat meat, ginger and red chili flakes.Marie said she's still looking for a favorite food in America."I really like pizza and burgers and all that kind of stuff," she said, "but my mom says eating that all day isn't going to be healthy for me."Nigeria is Africa's most populous country."We are very warm, nice people," Marie said. "We have an amazing culture and tourism events."The many religious and ethnic groups have many festivals and celebrations. Marie said she attended the Calabar Carnival, which is celebrated at the end of the year and involves tens of thousands of brightly costumed participants and a couple of million spectators.Nigeria is on the South Atlantic Coast of Africa just north of the equator. Marie explained Nigeria has two seasons—a rainy season and a dry season.&nbsp;This is her first winter experience with snow. She said it's been difficult to get used to the cold, but she liked the snow.However, she said she would like Hays to get enough snow so that she and her siblings could try fun snow activities like building a snowman or sledding.Marie and her siblings — brothers 10 and 9 — are soccer fans."I'm seeing way more opportunities for me and my siblings to play soccer. Nigerians love soccer," she said. "My siblings and I practice a lot for it. My brother is really good. He just needs to develop more skills."When Marie and her brothers aren't playing soccer, they enjoy playing video games.Although Marie said she sees many opportunities for her and her siblings in Hays, she said she misses her friends back home.At TMP, she is the only black student in junior high, but she has embraced her own uniqueness."It's kind of cool if you ask me," she said.Her favorite subjects in school are science and math."In math, I get to test my ability and learn new things at the same time," she said. "I'm trying to work on doing calculations without a calculator."TMP Junior High Principal Melissa Schoepf said she is seeing Marie grow."When Marie came here in August, she was very quiet and shy with good reason because it was a whole new environment, moving here and making new friends,"&nbsp;Schoepf said."Since then, we have really seen her blossom and really come out of her shell."It's been great for her and all of our kids to get to know each other and see cultural differences and learn about each other," she said.Marie has dreams of being a doctor like her father, who is working in Gambia, Africa. She said it's tough being so far away from her dad, but he comes back for the holidays."He makes sure that he calls us in the morning and before we go to bed every single day," Marie said.

TMP student shares her own Nigerian story with peers

ELLIS — The annual KAY Snowball Dance will be on Saturday,&nbsp;Jan. 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;The dance is from 8 to 11 p.m.&nbsp;Crowning for Snowball Royalty will be at approximately 10 p.m.&nbsp;

PICTURED Back&nbsp;Row (L-R, Freshmen): &nbsp;Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz.

3rd&nbsp;Row (L-R, Sophomores): &nbsp;Addison Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl;&nbsp;Chason Fabrizius, son of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Brooke Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns;&nbsp;Tyler Bongartz, son of Mark and Jenni Bongartz;&nbsp;Natalee North, daughter of Travis &amp; Ava North;Toby Honas, son of Randy and Wendy Honas.

2nd&nbsp;Row (L-R, Juniors): &nbsp;Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig &amp; Becky Seibel;&nbsp;Macy Eberle, daughter of Cory and Michele Eberle;&nbsp;Ava Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Austin Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll.

Front Row (L-R, Seniors): &nbsp;Hannah Schiel, daughter of Jared and Beth Schiel; Makenna Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Harlie Bittel, daughter of Kristi Bittel and Blake Bittel; Dakota Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674484554097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS — The annual KAY Snowball Dance will be on Saturday,&nbsp;Jan. 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;The dance is from 8 to 11 p.m.&nbsp;Crowning for Snowball Royalty will be at approximately 10 p.m.&nbsp;PICTURED Back&nbsp;Row (L-R, Freshmen): &nbsp;Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz.3rd&nbsp;Row (L-R, Sophomores): &nbsp;Addison Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl;&nbsp;Chason Fabrizius, son of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Brooke Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns;&nbsp;Tyler Bongartz, son of Mark and Jenni Bongartz;&nbsp;Natalee North, daughter of Travis &amp; Ava North;Toby Honas, son of Randy and Wendy Honas.2nd&nbsp;Row (L-R, Juniors): &nbsp;Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig &amp; Becky Seibel;&nbsp;Macy Eberle, daughter of Cory and Michele Eberle;&nbsp;Ava Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Austin Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll.Front Row (L-R, Seniors): &nbsp;Hannah Schiel, daughter of Jared and Beth Schiel; Makenna Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Harlie Bittel, daughter of Kristi Bittel and Blake Bittel; Dakota Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler.— Submitted

Ellis High announces 2023 Snowball Royalty

The TMP girls will play in the fifth place game of the Mid-Continent League tournament Monday in Norton while the boys will play in the championship game in WaKeeney.

The girls 5th place game against Trego is scheduled to start at approximately 6 p.m. at Norton high school.

The boys will play in the championship game again Hill City in WaKeeney at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Will will have both games on 99.5 KHAZ and&nbsp;

online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m.

Due to Mid-Continent League streaming limitations, no TMP basketball games from the MCL tournament will be video streamed on HaysPost.com.

The TMP girls will play in the fifth place game of the Mid-Continent League tournament Monday in Norton while the boys will play in the championship game in WaKeeney.The girls 5th place game against Trego is scheduled to start at approximately 6 p.m. at Norton high school.The boys will play in the championship game again Hill City in WaKeeney at approximately 7:30 p.m.Will will have both games on 99.5 KHAZ and&nbsp;

online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp; The Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m.Due to Mid-Continent League streaming limitations, no TMP basketball games from the MCL tournament will be video streamed on HaysPost.com.

🏀🎙️ LISTEN LIVE - Thomas More Prep-Marian v Trego/Hill City

The National Weather Service is expecting the cold snap to hang on for a while, with another chance of snowfall coming this week.

The NWS in Dodge City said there is a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of freezing fog and snow Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., with highs in the low-30s through Thursday.&nbsp;

After a high in the upper-30s to low-40s Friday and Saturday, the high temperature Sunday and Monday is only expected to reach the mid- to high-teens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674500795264.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is expecting the cold snap to hang on for a while, with another chance of snowfall coming this week.The NWS in Dodge City said there is a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of freezing fog and snow Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., with highs in the low-30s through Thursday.&nbsp;After a high in the upper-30s to low-40s Friday and Saturday, the high temperature Sunday and Monday is only expected to reach the mid- to high-teens.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not as cold overnight under mostly cloudy skies with light winds and patchy fog. <a href="https://t.co/RK8YiFgUIh">pic.twitter.com/RK8YiFgUIh</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1617572496827633665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Cold week with a slight chance of snow in Hays area

Oklahoma City Police have made a second arrest in the New Year's Day shooting that left a Fort Hays State University student-athlete dead.

Destiny Denise Adams, 21, was taken into custody Jan. 18 by the Oklahoma City Police Department on suspicion of accessory to murder after the fact.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Adams acted as the getaway driver from the scene of the shooting that left&nbsp;Daniel Howard, 20, fatally injured and five others with gunshot wounds.

Adams is also accused of washing the clothes of the other man arrested so far in the case —<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/05160483-7329-462a-a0c9-eaf914d6c353"> J'Coal Glover, 30, who was arrested Jan. 7 on suspicion of first-degree murder.</a>

"These efforts demonstrated an attempt to prevent J'Coal from being arrested or punished as a result of this homicide," according to the affidavit.

Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to FHSU in the spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674492404051.jpeg" alt="Adams / Oklahoma County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Adams / Oklahoma County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostOklahoma City Police have made a second arrest in the New Year's Day shooting that left a Fort Hays State University student-athlete dead.Destiny Denise Adams, 21, was taken into custody Jan. 18 by the Oklahoma City Police Department on suspicion of accessory to murder after the fact.According to the probable cause affidavit, Adams acted as the getaway driver from the scene of the shooting that left&nbsp;Daniel Howard, 20, fatally injured and five others with gunshot wounds.Adams is also accused of washing the clothes of the other man arrested so far in the case —<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/05160483-7329-462a-a0c9-eaf914d6c353"> J'Coal Glover, 30, who was arrested Jan. 7 on suspicion of first-degree murder.</a>"These efforts demonstrated an attempt to prevent J'Coal from being arrested or punished as a result of this homicide," according to the affidavit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673372993423.jpeg" alt="Glover / Oklahoma County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Glover / Oklahoma County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to FHSU in the spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season.

Second arrest made in shooting death of FHSU student-athlete

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review

     On Saturday morning, more snow was falling upon older snow as I pulled into the icy Phillipsburg Post Office parking area.

     The day was dreary and grayish-white, with the division of sky and earth being barely perceptible against a similarly dreary and grayish-white background, as a light but persistant snow was drifting down.

     Parking next to  the only other vehicle at the post office, a flatbed truck I recognized, I exited my car thinking "this just might get interesting."

     Approaching the entrance to the building, an elderly man stepped out, mail in hand, saying, “Hello Kirby, I’ll hold the door open for you.  My daughter-in-law probably wouldn’t hold it open for you, but I will.”

     Chuckling, I responded “It doesn’t surprise me that you say she wouldn’t.”

     “You know who my daughter-in-law is,” he said more as a statement of fact than as a question.

     “Do you know who I am?” he asked in follow up.

     “Yes I do. Maybe your daughter-in-law will be willing to hold the door open once she sees the value of investing in growth in Phillips County like I do,” I responded.

     “I doubt if that happens.  I know I won’t live to see the value of that growth you’re talking about,” he said.  Pausing a moment and scrunching his face, he added, “I doubt if you’ll see it either.”

     “So is it worth it?” he asked as he turned and walked away without waiting for my answer.

     As I continued on my original mission and got my mail, the elderly man’s question immediately brought to mind my own grandmother, Fern Elder.

     Grandma Fern lived to the ripe old age of 92.  In her “younger” days when her years numbered  around 80, she was planting a tree in her yard in Kirwin.  

     I asked her the usual questions regarding its species and such.  In the course of the conversation she commented that eventually her tree will grow to be tall and strong, and “provide a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun.”

     Which quickly led my questioning to come around to “how long will it be until it gets that way?”

     “Oh, around 30 years or so,” she said.

     “Thirty years! Is it  worth it?  That  won’t benefit you.  Why are you going to all this trouble?” I said.

     “Kirby,” she answered, “I’m not doing this for myself.  I’m doing this for the next one.”

     The profound nature of her answer quickly ended any debate on the matter, and even made me feel a bit small, although that was certainly not her intent.  It also made me feel proud.  

     The 30 years she spoke of have since come to pass, and when I’m in Kirwin I sometimes go by and look at her tree.  It’s tall and strong, and provides a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun, for the next one, just as her wise counsel predicted it would.

     Back in the 1870s and '80s and '90s our ancestors  — yours and mine — set the stage for Phillips  County to become one of the economic crown jewels of northwest Kansas.

     Likewise in the '30s, '40s and '50s, there was another major surge of large-scale investment in the future of the county from which we have all, every single one of us, benefited.

     And for those old-timers who invested heavily into the future of Phillips County, you and I were “the next one.”

     Those heady Phillips County boom times in the mid-20th century even set the stage for the business that the family of the now-elderly man from the post office started in the 1960s.  That business continues to prosper to this very day.

     Each generation of the man’s family has since improved upon that business — not because the results of their hard work which they will pass on through “for the next one” is something the older generation will be seeing, but because it is our duty to make sure that those who follow us are placed on solid footing for the future.

     Right now we are at a monumental crossroads in the history of Phillips County, and as a consequence are going through a terrible debate in regard to growth, and whether it is “worth it” or not.

     With a third of one BILLION dollars being invested in Phillips County right now, what is happening out at TAMKO, and Amber Wave, along with the possible addition of hugely significant major industry coat-tailing behind Amber Wave, will affect the future of Phillips County for the next hundred years — just as the work of those who came before us did for us.

     And it is the obligation of every one of us to provide the support needed for that future at this key moment in time, including investing financially in it.

     If not for ourselves, then “for the next one.”

     Now, back to the old man’s question to me at the post office on Saturday — “So is it worth it?”

Phillips County Review editor Kirby Ross was named the top Kansas editorial writer in his circulation class by the Kansas Press Association in 2018 and 2022. The overall editorial pages of the Phillips County Review were named as the best in their class in Kansas by the KPA in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Republished with permission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594071502884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review On Saturday morning, more snow was falling upon older snow as I pulled into the icy Phillipsburg Post Office parking area. The day was dreary and grayish-white, with the division of sky and earth being barely perceptible against a similarly dreary and grayish-white background, as a light but persistant snow was drifting down. Parking next to the only other vehicle at the post office, a flatbed truck I recognized, I exited my car thinking "this just might get interesting."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Approaching the entrance to the building, an elderly man stepped out, mail in hand, saying, “Hello Kirby, I’ll hold the door open for you. My daughter-in-law probably wouldn’t hold it open for you, but I will.” Chuckling, I responded “It doesn’t surprise me that you say she wouldn’t.” “You know who my daughter-in-law is,” he said more as a statement of fact than as a question. “Yep.” “Do you know who I am?” he asked in follow up. “Yes I do. Maybe your daughter-in-law will be willing to hold the door open once she sees the value of investing in growth in Phillips County like I do,” I responded. “I doubt if that happens. I know I won’t live to see the value of that growth you’re talking about,” he said. Pausing a moment and scrunching his face, he added, “I doubt if you’ll see it either.” “Maybe not,” I said. “So is it worth it?” he asked as he turned and walked away without waiting for my answer.************** As I continued on my original mission and got my mail, the elderly man’s question immediately brought to mind my own grandmother, Fern Elder. Grandma Fern lived to the ripe old age of 92. In her “younger” days when her years numbered around 80, she was planting a tree in her yard in Kirwin. I asked her the usual questions regarding its species and such. In the course of the conversation she commented that eventually her tree will grow to be tall and strong, and “provide a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun.” Which quickly led my questioning to come around to “how long will it be until it gets that way?” “Oh, around 30 years or so,” she said. “Thirty years! Is it worth it? That won’t benefit you. Why are you going to all this trouble?” I said. “Kirby,” she answered, “I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing this for the next one.”************** The profound nature of her answer quickly ended any debate on the matter, and even made me feel a bit small, although that was certainly not her intent. It also made me feel proud. The 30 years she spoke of have since come to pass, and when I’m in Kirwin I sometimes go by and look at her tree. It’s tall and strong, and provides a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun, for the next one, just as her wise counsel predicted it would.************** Back in the 1870s and '80s and '90s our ancestors — yours and mine — set the stage for Phillips County to become one of the economic crown jewels of northwest Kansas. Likewise in the '30s, '40s and '50s, there was another major surge of large-scale investment in the future of the county from which we have all, every single one of us, benefited. And for those old-timers who invested heavily into the future of Phillips County, you and I were “the next one.” Those heady Phillips County boom times in the mid-20th century even set the stage for the business that the family of the now-elderly man from the post office started in the 1960s. That business continues to prosper to this very day. Each generation of the man’s family has since improved upon that business — not because the results of their hard work which they will pass on through “for the next one” is something the older generation will be seeing, but because it is our duty to make sure that those who follow us are placed on solid footing for the future. Right now we are at a monumental crossroads in the history of Phillips County, and as a consequence are going through a terrible debate in regard to growth, and whether it is “worth it” or not. With a third of one BILLION dollars being invested in Phillips County right now, what is happening out at TAMKO, and Amber Wave, along with the possible addition of hugely significant major industry coat-tailing behind Amber Wave, will affect the future of Phillips County for the next hundred years — just as the work of those who came before us did for us. And it is the obligation of every one of us to provide the support needed for that future at this key moment in time, including investing financially in it. If not for ourselves, then “for the next one.” Now, back to the old man’s question to me at the post office on Saturday — “So is it worth it?” My answer? You damn right it is. Phillips County Review editor Kirby Ross was named the top Kansas editorial writer in his circulation class by the Kansas Press Association in 2018 and 2022. The overall editorial pages of the Phillips County Review were named as the best in their class in Kansas by the KPA in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Republished with permission.

OPINION: 'So is it worth it?' — the future of Phillips County

A minor earthquake was reported Sunday night in Russell County.

The 2.0-magnitude quake was detected at 8:27 p.m. Sunday in northwest Russell County, the Kansas Geological Survey reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674482215637.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A minor earthquake was reported Sunday night in Russell County.The 2.0-magnitude quake was detected at 8:27 p.m. Sunday in northwest Russell County, the Kansas Geological Survey reported.

Earthquake recorded Sunday night in Russell Co.

Updated 10:30 a.m. Monday&nbsp;to correct Cole's age at the time of the accident. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

STOCKTON — A Stockton man will spend more than three years
in prison for a DUI crash that killed a 16 year-old Plainville girl in 2021. 

Zebulun Thomas Cole, who was 20 at the time of the accident, was sentenced last week in Rooks County
Court to 41 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter while under the
influence of alcohol.

When he pleaded guilty to the charge in November, Cole admitted
to driving under the influence of alcohol on April 29, 2021, and causing a
crash the resulted in the death of 16-year-old Carole Leanne Adamson of
Plainville.

Cole was driving westbound on Kansas 18 west of Plainville at
approximately 9:30 p.m. April 28, 2021, when his pickup hit an SUV that was
disabled on the side of the road. 

The collision caused the SUV to strike and kill Adamson, who
was standing next to it.

An Iowa woman, Maranda Payton-Louise Kuhl, was also injured
in the accident when the SUV hit a Dodge pickup she was standing next to.

Updated 10:30 a.m. Monday&nbsp;to correct Cole's age at the time of the accident. Hays Post apologizes for the error.By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostSTOCKTON — A Stockton man will spend more than three years
in prison for a DUI crash that killed a 16 year-old Plainville girl in 2021. Zebulun Thomas Cole, who was 20 at the time of the accident, was sentenced last week in Rooks County
Court to 41 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter while under the
influence of alcohol.When he pleaded guilty to the charge in November, Cole admitted
to driving under the influence of alcohol on April 29, 2021, and causing a
crash the resulted in the death of 16-year-old Carole Leanne Adamson of
Plainville.Cole was driving westbound on Kansas 18 west of Plainville at
approximately 9:30 p.m. April 28, 2021, when his pickup hit an SUV that was
disabled on the side of the road. The collision caused the SUV to strike and kill Adamson, who
was standing next to it.An Iowa woman, Maranda Payton-Louise Kuhl, was also injured
in the accident when the SUV hit a Dodge pickup she was standing next to.

Stockton man sentenced for fatal DUI accident

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Good, 
old-fashioned detective work. That's how Barton County Sheriff Brian 
Bellendir described the recent arrest on a 42-year-old murder in the 
county. Bellendir shared some more details of the investigation of the 
crime during an appearance on the "County Edition" show on KVGB 1590 
AM/95.5 FM.

"In 1981 and 82, these guys, the original 
investigators, were real close, but they just couldn't quite shove it 
over the edge," he said. "There's been a change in attitudes in how you 
investigate these sorts of things. My guys were able to get some more 
information that helped clear up some stuff."

Bellendir was just a
 senior in high school in January 1980 when Mary Robin Walter was found 
shot in a now-defunct trailer park west of Great Bend. Investigators at 
the time developed a suspect, but the case eventually went cold, and the
 case files remained in a file cabinet as Bellendir began his tenure at 
the sheriff's office.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Det. 
Sgt. Adam Hales was forced out of work for approximately two weeks in 
April 2022. He returned to light duty and asked Bellendir if he could 
reexamine the case.

"I actually chuckled and said, 'Good luck. You
 and every other detective that's ever worked in this office,'" 
Bellendir said. "I've seen this thing come and go since the early 
1980s."

As lead investigator, Hales was joined by detectives David
 Paden, Bryan Volkel, and Alex Lomas, as well as Patrol Sgt. Travis 
Doze. Together, they pieced together the files.

"The biggest problem we ran into, guys would make copies of a 
statement and then, instead of keeping that out of the case, it got 
mixed back in with the case," said Bellendir. "I had one guy in the 
detective division, that's all he did was make a comprehensive - we're 
talking 3-ring binders, four inches thick - that have the documents and 
the interviews, and all the material that is relevant to that case."

Bellendir
 said the department lucked out with no new major cases that might have 
forced the old investigation onto the back burner. Instead, the 
detectives made their case and presented it to the Barton County 
Attorney's Office in October 2022. On Dec. 8, 68-year-old Steven Hanks 
of Burden was arrested without incident on charges of second-degree 
murder.

Investigators held a press conference on the case the 
following day, and Bellendir said, that too, has resulted in more 
details about the case.

"People saw that press release, and we had
 at least two, they weren't witnesses to the crime, but they were 
witnesses that had information about the case," he said. "They had been 
interviewed back in the 1980s, but the interviews either weren't 
recorded or written down, or they were lost over time."

Hanks 
remains incarcerated in the Barton County jail awaiting trial. The case 
is scheduled for a review hearing in the Barton County District Court on
 Jan. 26 at 8 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617705007.jpeg" alt="Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir a Dec. 9 press conference." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir a Dec. 9 press conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGood, 
old-fashioned detective work. That's how Barton County Sheriff Brian 
Bellendir described the recent arrest on a 42-year-old murder in the 
county. Bellendir shared some more details of the investigation of the 
crime during an appearance on the "County Edition" show on KVGB 1590 
AM/95.5 FM."In 1981 and 82, these guys, the original 
investigators, were real close, but they just couldn't quite shove it 
over the edge," he said. "There's been a change in attitudes in how you 
investigate these sorts of things. My guys were able to get some more 
information that helped clear up some stuff."Bellendir was just a
 senior in high school in January 1980 when Mary Robin Walter was found 
shot in a now-defunct trailer park west of Great Bend. Investigators at 
the time developed a suspect, but the case eventually went cold, and the
 case files remained in a file cabinet as Bellendir began his tenure at 
the sheriff's office.Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Det. 
Sgt. Adam Hales was forced out of work for approximately two weeks in 
April 2022. He returned to light duty and asked Bellendir if he could 
reexamine the case."I actually chuckled and said, 'Good luck. You
 and every other detective that's ever worked in this office,'" 
Bellendir said. "I've seen this thing come and go since the early 
1980s."As lead investigator, Hales was joined by detectives David
 Paden, Bryan Volkel, and Alex Lomas, as well as Patrol Sgt. Travis 
Doze. Together, they pieced together the files.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Hanks" />
 <figcaption>Hanks</figcaption>
 </figure>"The biggest problem we ran into, guys would make copies of a 
statement and then, instead of keeping that out of the case, it got 
mixed back in with the case," said Bellendir. "I had one guy in the 
detective division, that's all he did was make a comprehensive - we're 
talking 3-ring binders, four inches thick - that have the documents and 
the interviews, and all the material that is relevant to that case."Bellendir
 said the department lucked out with no new major cases that might have 
forced the old investigation onto the back burner. Instead, the 
detectives made their case and presented it to the Barton County 
Attorney's Office in October 2022. On Dec. 8, 68-year-old Steven Hanks 
of Burden was arrested without incident on charges of second-degree 
murder.Investigators held a press conference on the case the 
following day, and Bellendir said, that too, has resulted in more 
details about the case."People saw that press release, and we had
 at least two, they weren't witnesses to the crime, but they were 
witnesses that had information about the case," he said. "They had been 
interviewed back in the 1980s, but the interviews either weren't 
recorded or written down, or they were lost over time."Hanks 
remains incarcerated in the Barton County jail awaiting trial. The case 
is scheduled for a review hearing in the Barton County District Court on
 Jan. 26 at 8 a.m.

Barton Co. sheriff shares details how detectives cracked cold case

Are you curious about the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence?

Thomas More Prep-Marian is offering a unique enrichment course taught by graduates of Stanford and MIT.

The course is hands-on and&nbsp;project-based. There are two different levels for any area student in sixth through 12th grades. You do not have to be a Hays Catholic School student.&nbsp; The courses are synchronous (meaning live person online) with an in-person proctor and held in TMP-Marian's school building. The courses are only one day a week for nine weeks so that busy students can still work around most of their activities.

The course will not only teach students new skills but provide impressive accomplishments to include on resumes and college/scholarship applications.

There is a cost to take this course, but TMP-Marian does not receive any payments. It is solely to offer an opportunity not always available in western Kansas.

Interested students and families can&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/10tFSFzGIWBSQOWfQjdkt4ULjq9RcCBcf/view" target="_blank">click here for more&nbsp;information&nbsp;or to sign up</a>. Minimum enrollment is required. The deadline to sign up is Jan. 27.

News releaseAre you curious about the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence?Thomas More Prep-Marian is offering a unique enrichment course taught by graduates of Stanford and MIT.The course is hands-on and&nbsp;project-based. There are two different levels for any area student in sixth through 12th grades. You do not have to be a Hays Catholic School student.&nbsp; The courses are synchronous (meaning live person online) with an in-person proctor and held in TMP-Marian's school building. The courses are only one day a week for nine weeks so that busy students can still work around most of their activities.The course will not only teach students new skills but provide impressive accomplishments to include on resumes and college/scholarship applications.There is a cost to take this course, but TMP-Marian does not receive any payments. It is solely to offer an opportunity not always available in western Kansas. Interested students and families can&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/10tFSFzGIWBSQOWfQjdkt4ULjq9RcCBcf/view" target="_blank">click here for more&nbsp;information&nbsp;or to sign up</a>. Minimum enrollment is required. The deadline to sign up is Jan. 27.

TMP-M hosting AI computer science class; open to all students

Fort Hays State University’s first Science Café for the spring 2023 semester is set for Monday, Jan. 30.

This month’s presentation,&nbsp;“Engaging Students with Earth Systems Remotely Using 360 Videos,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Matthew Clay, assistant professor of teacher education, will discuss research and fieldwork exploring how 360 videos can be used to create equitable experiences for students.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohlederat&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJN6YW3ahiFh3u1xso6sQsiDE6GJ06bOQIjYgX8RETmmTlEVt_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemv68t8YJ9JIsW6VzH-2FguQ5p6az0f7sXzLybYfq9KtvAAhDylyQmSbRTe8MqvHd-2F3QHRyNdAYJrnYZ6rW3v9LIZE5fwR3ppQmxo5Qwe5-2ByNDalThZAF4oHtvyR4F5reXnerWoSD8bLpmbiHcwQK6SFzYMs-2FayrSxxDN3-2BA4YqA-2BwHVQOKx-2FVQsOoEqSK3JM1L5p65m3VZ4TjQxe41nDhda7-2BonvYCJmE-2BnMJwIZUZGIJP8qGzQFhlkz82sEwRqYUb-2F549JKI7FP1RVejSziYpSxQ-3D-3D">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DFuap_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemv68t8YJ9JIsW6VzH-2FguQ5p6az0f7sXzLybYfq9KtvAAhDylyQmSbRTe8MqvHd-2F3QHRyNdAYJrnYZ6rW3v9LIZCERWwNq152gKb64-2BL668RfgUtPsqOpA-2FCpTOZxs1-2BWssTlJLmGZk4LspCIufUZjSV1-2FqyzgWCj6lDSJ4PEKltTzaRRmSOUiKzrb-2F0QBfDucTQ6GW-2F-2F-2FRUpQGTvN7T3O5gREg5UAaOO2VNCjse1pdVhrUVfMgPtwZvA9cIFh-2FTOHW5PH1FqLio636vFa6E0VJg-3D-3D">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674157826818.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s first Science Café for the spring 2023 semester is set for Monday, Jan. 30.This month’s presentation,&nbsp;“Engaging Students with Earth Systems Remotely Using 360 Videos,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674253357014.jpeg" alt="Dr. Matthew Clay" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Matthew Clay</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Matthew Clay, assistant professor of teacher education, will discuss research and fieldwork exploring how 360 videos can be used to create equitable experiences for students.Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohlederat&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJIbWkKLWq-2BAH9EOMnpKiWtF21cgruX7hnOpjSWWak0MV1Hmf_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemv68t8YJ9JIsW6VzH-2FguQ5p6az0f7sXzLybYfq9KtvAAhDylyQmSbRTe8MqvHd-2F3QHRyNdAYJrnYZ6rW3v9LIZHu5ViVS-2BuLrFexOdarwsjUujA-2BgiReekGY-2BCgEAncXkIS1yCLAQ-2B9xLGvSPBjx-2F3kCnYFsoF9e7Bd0-2ByIAUavaePuE2dw711ze-2FxypsKaclppPY9UEHxNMx-2FC50k2Br13M7s1pg-2Be5lUcFKhM51bqzuti7cZhNrEjtS8epyGIm-2BGixe-2F5XErjwt2k9Zb0353A-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJN6YW3ahiFh3u1xso6sQsiDE6GJ06bOQIjYgX8RETmmTlEVt_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemv68t8YJ9JIsW6VzH-2FguQ5p6az0f7sXzLybYfq9KtvAAhDylyQmSbRTe8MqvHd-2F3QHRyNdAYJrnYZ6rW3v9LIZE5fwR3ppQmxo5Qwe5-2ByNDalThZAF4oHtvyR4F5reXnerWoSD8bLpmbiHcwQK6SFzYMs-2FayrSxxDN3-2BA4YqA-2BwHVQOKx-2FVQsOoEqSK3JM1L5p65m3VZ4TjQxe41nDhda7-2BonvYCJmE-2BnMJwIZUZGIJP8qGzQFhlkz82sEwRqYUb-2F549JKI7FP1RVejSziYpSxQ-3D-3D">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DFuap_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemv68t8YJ9JIsW6VzH-2FguQ5p6az0f7sXzLybYfq9KtvAAhDylyQmSbRTe8MqvHd-2F3QHRyNdAYJrnYZ6rW3v9LIZCERWwNq152gKb64-2BL668RfgUtPsqOpA-2FCpTOZxs1-2BWssTlJLmGZk4LspCIufUZjSV1-2FqyzgWCj6lDSJ4PEKltTzaRRmSOUiKzrb-2F0QBfDucTQ6GW-2F-2F-2FRUpQGTvN7T3O5gREg5UAaOO2VNCjse1pdVhrUVfMgPtwZvA9cIFh-2FTOHW5PH1FqLio636vFa6E0VJg-3D-3D">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

First Science Café of 2023 set for Jan. 30

Grisell Memorial Hospital is now taking applications for RN, LPN and CNA. RNs will need to have ACLS, PALS and TNCC. Classes will be paid if not already certified.

We have day and night shifts available not only on the Acute Care side, but also ISB. We have night shift and weekend differential.

• BCBS Health and Dental • Vision • Pension • Life • And many more.

Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="https://grisellmemorialhospital.org/">grisellmemorialhospital.org</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:btillitson@grisell.org">btillitson@grisell.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674059180668.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Grisell Memorial Hospital is now taking applications for RN, LPN and CNA. RNs will need to have ACLS, PALS and TNCC. Classes will be paid if not already certified.We have day and night shifts available not only on the Acute Care side, but also ISB. We have night shift and weekend differential.We offer wonderful benefits including:• BCBS Health and Dental • Vision • Pension • Life • And many more.Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="https://grisellmemorialhospital.org/">grisellmemorialhospital.org</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:btillitson@grisell.org">btillitson@grisell.org</a>.

Three-day weather outlook

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The snow in Hays fell straight down starting Friday night and much of Saturday.&nbsp;

The final total, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, 7 inches of snow yielding 1.13 inches of precipitation.&nbsp;

The storm pushes the amount of moisture measured in January past the 154-average of 0.45 inches by the end of the month.&nbsp;

Hays has received 9 inches total snowfall so far this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674405831262.jpeg" alt="Hays measured a total 7 inches of snow Friday night into Saturday evening. Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays measured a total 7 inches of snow Friday night into Saturday evening. Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe snow in Hays fell straight down starting Friday night and much of Saturday.&nbsp;The final total, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, 7 inches of snow yielding 1.13 inches of precipitation.&nbsp;The storm pushes the amount of moisture measured in January past the 154-average of 0.45 inches by the end of the month.&nbsp;Hays has received 9 inches total snowfall so far this season.

7" of snow in Hays yields 1.13" of much-needed moisture

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly invites jobseekers to participate in the first Virtual Job Fair of 2023, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS. This virtual fair will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, and&nbsp;will highlight employment opportunities within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. There are close to 900 job openings in state government across Kansas.&nbsp;

“Filling our state agencies with talented and skilled employees is increasingly important,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We need to ensure our state agencies have the necessary workforce to advance the programs and services we offer to Kansans.”&nbsp;

Registration is required in order to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. 

The Virtual Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview that day.&nbsp;

“Our agencies are primed and ready to hire top talent to fill open jobs across the state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and&nbsp;Secretary of&nbsp;Commerce David Toland&nbsp;said. “Commerce alone has 30 job opportunities available and we are seeking motivated individuals ready to join our winning team.” 

KANSASWORKS links businesses, jobseekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs. Workforce development teams are dedicated to providing assistance with the job search process, creating effective resumes, job training, job placement and more.&nbsp;These centers are ready and available to assist&nbsp;anyone looking for employment&nbsp;with the necessary tools to finding&nbsp;good paying occupations.&nbsp;

Candidates&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate&nbsp;via&nbsp;any digital device.&nbsp;Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjAuNzAxNjkzNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FwcC5wcmVtaWVydmlydHVhbC5jb20vZXZlbnRzL2QwMzJhYTA5LTNiYjctNGRiOS04YTJjLTQwOGQ2ZTg4YWJhOC9zdGF0ZS1vZi1rYW5zYXMtYWdlbmNpZXMtZ292ZXJubWVudC1qb2JzLXZpcnR1YWwtam9iLWZhaXItamFudWFyeS0yNSwtMjAyMyJ9.xciOjsTos76xkYoA7_iRhvEnrEA884Q8jQjC8ABAVRg/s/1303161001/br/153174715324-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to register for the&nbsp;January 25&nbsp;Virtual Job Fair.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668466219278.jpeg" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly invites jobseekers to participate in the first Virtual Job Fair of 2023, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS. This virtual fair will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, and&nbsp;will highlight employment opportunities within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. There are close to 900 job openings in state government across Kansas.&nbsp;“Filling our state agencies with talented and skilled employees is increasingly important,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We need to ensure our state agencies have the necessary workforce to advance the programs and services we offer to Kansans.”&nbsp;Registration is required in order to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview that day.&nbsp;“Our agencies are primed and ready to hire top talent to fill open jobs across the state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and&nbsp;Secretary of&nbsp;Commerce David Toland&nbsp;said. “Commerce alone has 30 job opportunities available and we are seeking motivated individuals ready to join our winning team.” KANSASWORKS links businesses, jobseekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs. Workforce development teams are dedicated to providing assistance with the job search process, creating effective resumes, job training, job placement and more.&nbsp;These centers are ready and available to assist&nbsp;anyone looking for employment&nbsp;with the necessary tools to finding&nbsp;good paying occupations.&nbsp;Candidates&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate&nbsp;via&nbsp;any digital device.&nbsp;Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjAuNzAxNjkzNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FwcC5wcmVtaWVydmlydHVhbC5jb20vZXZlbnRzL2QwMzJhYTA5LTNiYjctNGRiOS04YTJjLTQwOGQ2ZTg4YWJhOC9zdGF0ZS1vZi1rYW5zYXMtYWdlbmNpZXMtZ292ZXJubWVudC1qb2JzLXZpcnR1YWwtam9iLWZhaXItamFudWFyeS0yNSwtMjAyMyJ9.xciOjsTos76xkYoA7_iRhvEnrEA884Q8jQjC8ABAVRg/s/1303161001/br/153174715324-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to register for the&nbsp;January 25&nbsp;Virtual Job Fair.&nbsp;

Virtual job fair for state openings takes place Wednesday

TREGO COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by Eric Gregory Grove, 36, Valley Spring, Arkansas, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 283.

The driver lost control due to snow-packed and icy road conditions and struck a guardrail.

EMS transported Grove and a passenger Floy Lynelle&nbsp;Cabrera, 52, Valley Spring, Arkansas, to the Trego County Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by Eric Gregory Grove, 36, Valley Spring, Arkansas, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 283.The driver lost control due to snow-packed and icy road conditions and struck a guardrail.EMS transported Grove and a passenger Floy Lynelle&nbsp;Cabrera, 52, Valley Spring, Arkansas, to the Trego County Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after crash on snow-packed I-70

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s appointment of Judge Rachel L. Pickering of Topeka&nbsp;to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals&nbsp;was recently unanimously confirmed by the Kansas Senate.&nbsp;The confirmation makes Judge Pickering the first Hispanic Kansan to sit on the Kansas Court of Appeals.&nbsp;

“I am pleased the Kansas Senate confirmed Judge Pickering,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Rachel is a committed public servant as an attorney and judge. Her experience in nearly every area of criminal litigation will provide her with great insight as she serves the Kansas Court of Appeals.”&nbsp;

Prior to being confirmed, Judge Pickering served as District Judge in the Third Judicial District in Shawnee County. She has experience as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor. She has also served as Appellate Defender, Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and Assistant Solicitor General.&nbsp;

Pickering is active in the legal community locally and nationally. She is currently the District 10 Representative for the National Association of Women Judges and is involved with the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. She previously served as President of the Women’s Attorney’s Association of Topeka and recently completed a term as President of the Hon. Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pickering has been an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law since 2018 and has coached the law school’s moot court teams. She has also taught various courses in continuing legal education to attorneys and judges about topics including appellate practice and criminal law.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pickering graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2003, earning a certificate in e-commerce and intellectual property, and spent her third year of law school as a visiting student at the University of Kansas School of Law. She earned her B.A. in History from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1994.&nbsp;

Also confirmed by the Kansas Senate were:&nbsp;

The following reappointments were also confirmed:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660683305182.png" alt="Diana Mendoza" />
 <figcaption>Diana Mendoza</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s appointment of Judge Rachel L. Pickering of Topeka&nbsp;to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals&nbsp;was recently unanimously confirmed by the Kansas Senate.&nbsp;The confirmation makes Judge Pickering the first Hispanic Kansan to sit on the Kansas Court of Appeals.&nbsp;“I am pleased the Kansas Senate confirmed Judge Pickering,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Rachel is a committed public servant as an attorney and judge. Her experience in nearly every area of criminal litigation will provide her with great insight as she serves the Kansas Court of Appeals.”&nbsp;Prior to being confirmed, Judge Pickering served as District Judge in the Third Judicial District in Shawnee County. She has experience as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor. She has also served as Appellate Defender, Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and Assistant Solicitor General.&nbsp;Pickering is active in the legal community locally and nationally. She is currently the District 10 Representative for the National Association of Women Judges and is involved with the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. She previously served as President of the Women’s Attorney’s Association of Topeka and recently completed a term as President of the Hon. Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pickering has been an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law since 2018 and has coached the law school’s moot court teams. She has also taught various courses in continuing legal education to attorneys and judges about topics including appellate practice and criminal law.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pickering graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2003, earning a certificate in e-commerce and intellectual property, and spent her third year of law school as a visiting student at the University of Kansas School of Law. She earned her B.A. in History from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1994.&nbsp;Also confirmed by the Kansas Senate were:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Ray Walling, State Librarian&nbsp;</li><li>Blake Benson, Pittsburg, Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;</li><li>John B. Dicus, Topeka, Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;</li><li>Diana Mendoza, Dodge City public school district, Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;</li><li>Anne St. Peter, KU Hospital Authority Board of Directors&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The following reappointments were also confirmed:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Erica Andrade, State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Michael Birzer, State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services&nbsp;</li><li>Patricia Hudgins, State Board of Indigent’s Defense Services&nbsp;</li><li>Pete Brungardt, State Lottery Commission&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Talal Khan, KU Hospital Authority Board of Directors&nbsp;</li><li>Rick Wiley, Public Employee Relations Board&nbsp;</li><li>Steve Bowser, Pooled Money Investment Board&nbsp;</li><li>Harold Schorn, Kansas Human Rights Commission</li>
 </ul>

W. Kansas woman confirmed to Kansas Board of Regents

As I sit here this morning&nbsp;in the warm comfort of my living room&nbsp;watching the snow flakes&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;I’m reminded&nbsp;just&nbsp;how&nbsp;magnificent our Creator is. First the flakes were huge like&nbsp;doily’s&nbsp;and filled the sky. Next thing I knew, they were tiny,&nbsp;scarcely&nbsp;qualifying as snow flakes and&nbsp;barely coming down. Back and forth that cycle went for the rest of the morning.

Show&nbsp;me one person who doesn’t have some&nbsp;sort of love-hate relationship with snow.&nbsp;It

seems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon the

day.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;hard to explain how something that makes the landscape&nbsp;suddenly&nbsp;seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and&nbsp;ruin your day. I was reminded today&nbsp;how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway.&nbsp;I’m kind of a purist in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away himself!&nbsp;Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man&nbsp;and commuter,&nbsp;snow is&nbsp;often&nbsp;an&nbsp;unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole&nbsp;new world of&nbsp;opportunities.&nbsp;

For the&nbsp;outdoors&nbsp;photographer&nbsp;or painter there is no other canvas that compares to&nbsp;an outdoor scene&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;snowfall.&nbsp;Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomesmajestic,&nbsp;the drab becomes&nbsp;dynamic and the everyday becomes&nbsp;extraordinary. Outdoor spots&nbsp;we pass&nbsp;daily with no recognition suddenly become&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;from a calendar.&nbsp;Likethe lava lamps of days gone by,&nbsp;the look of the landscape&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;changes from hour to hour with the wind.&nbsp;

Obviously,&nbsp;skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall,hills&nbsp;too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow.&nbsp;And let’s not forget the farmers. As a rule of thumb, ten inches of snow equal one inch of rain,&nbsp;and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so&nbsp;even though we will not be getting&nbsp;any amount near ten inches, every little bit of moisture is welcome, given the dry state of our land.

Hunters and trappers can benefit&nbsp;greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to&nbsp;spot in our&nbsp;often-dry&nbsp;Kansas soil,&nbsp;so&nbsp;trying to learn&nbsp;their&nbsp;movement patterns&nbsp;can rely&nbsp;on being&nbsp;fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?”&nbsp;That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.

After a significant&nbsp;snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested&nbsp;her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered&nbsp;back and forth across the field&nbsp;and between several freshly made brush piles.&nbsp;I tracked a coyote for several&nbsp;hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on&nbsp;a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks showed me&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;trails it had traveled&nbsp;along the steep banks&nbsp;and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing&nbsp;my eyes, I could&nbsp;almost see&nbsp;these animals as they&nbsp;left the footprints that held&nbsp;my attention.

So, the next time it snows, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely&nbsp;influence your relationship with the “white stuff”&nbsp;as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>As I sit here this morning&nbsp;in the warm comfort of my living room&nbsp;watching the snow flakes&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;I’m reminded&nbsp;just&nbsp;how&nbsp;magnificent our Creator is. First the flakes were huge like&nbsp;doily’s&nbsp;and filled the sky. Next thing I knew, they were tiny,&nbsp;scarcely&nbsp;qualifying as snow flakes and&nbsp;barely coming down. Back and forth that cycle went for the rest of the morning.Show&nbsp;me one person who doesn’t have some&nbsp;sort of love-hate relationship with snow.&nbsp;Itseems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon theday.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;hard to explain how something that makes the landscape&nbsp;suddenly&nbsp;seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and&nbsp;ruin your day. I was reminded today&nbsp;how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway.&nbsp;I’m kind of a purist in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away himself!&nbsp;Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man&nbsp;and commuter,&nbsp;snow is&nbsp;often&nbsp;an&nbsp;unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole&nbsp;new world of&nbsp;opportunities.&nbsp;For the&nbsp;outdoors&nbsp;photographer&nbsp;or painter there is no other canvas that compares to&nbsp;an outdoor scene&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;snowfall.&nbsp;Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomesmajestic,&nbsp;the drab becomes&nbsp;dynamic and the everyday becomes&nbsp;extraordinary. Outdoor spots&nbsp;we pass&nbsp;daily with no recognition suddenly become&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;from a calendar.&nbsp;Likethe lava lamps of days gone by,&nbsp;the look of the landscape&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;changes from hour to hour with the wind.&nbsp;Obviously,&nbsp;skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall,hills&nbsp;too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow.&nbsp;And let’s not forget the farmers. As a rule of thumb, ten inches of snow equal one inch of rain,&nbsp;and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so&nbsp;even though we will not be getting&nbsp;any amount near ten inches, every little bit of moisture is welcome, given the dry state of our land.Hunters and trappers can benefit&nbsp;greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to&nbsp;spot in our&nbsp;often-dry&nbsp;Kansas soil,&nbsp;so&nbsp;trying to learn&nbsp;their&nbsp;movement patterns&nbsp;can rely&nbsp;on being&nbsp;fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?”&nbsp;That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.After a significant&nbsp;snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested&nbsp;her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered&nbsp;back and forth across the field&nbsp;and between several freshly made brush piles.&nbsp;I tracked a coyote for several&nbsp;hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on&nbsp;a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks showed me&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;trails it had traveled&nbsp;along the steep banks&nbsp;and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing&nbsp;my eyes, I could&nbsp;almost see&nbsp;these animals as they&nbsp;left the footprints that held&nbsp;my attention.So, the next time it snows, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely&nbsp;influence your relationship with the “white stuff”&nbsp;as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

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