Anyone who reads history knows that life is&nbsp;sometimes&nbsp;hard.&nbsp;Old&nbsp;Ellis Headlight&nbsp;columns&nbsp;recordevents that&nbsp;challenged&nbsp;our region’s early development. Going through old files,&nbsp;I read accounts&nbsp;detailing Eastern&nbsp;Benevolent&nbsp;Societies&nbsp;who collected and sent emergency&nbsp;food and clothingsupplies to settlers&nbsp;living in dire straits.&nbsp;Often times, life was&nbsp;impossibly&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;due to drought, wind, fire,&nbsp;blizzards,&nbsp;economic depression,&nbsp;pests,&nbsp;and flooding. Local residents didn’t have enough&nbsp;to sustain&nbsp;themselves let alone to share. Those&nbsp;pioneers&nbsp;passed down stories about&nbsp;the goodness of&nbsp;support organizations&nbsp;that&nbsp;delivered&nbsp;train car loads of food and supplies.&nbsp;

One of those stories involves my&nbsp;pioneer&nbsp;family. My&nbsp;great-great grandfather&nbsp;was a Methodist Circuit Rider wrote a memoir&nbsp;about&nbsp;his&nbsp;pioneer&nbsp;family’s&nbsp;experiences from&nbsp;their&nbsp;arrival&nbsp;in Northwest Kansas&nbsp;in 1872 til&nbsp;he&nbsp;retired in 1912. He&nbsp;shared&nbsp;accounts about how&nbsp;more than once&nbsp;his wife scraped the bottom of the flour barrel trying to put together&nbsp;a skimpy meal&nbsp;or the kids had worn out and outgrown clothing and shoes.&nbsp;He tells&nbsp;how they rejoiced when&nbsp;missionary barrels arrived&nbsp;in&nbsp;answer to&nbsp;desperate&nbsp;prayers.

It's easy to think those hard times are over, but anyone who&nbsp;reads&nbsp;local news knows&nbsp;inflation takes a toll on everyone, especially those on fixed incomes. &nbsp;People&nbsp;who&nbsp;exist&nbsp;from paycheck to paycheck&nbsp;struggled before inflation reared&nbsp;its ugly head and now folks wonder how to pay for fuel, heat, cooling, medicine, and food. Their&nbsp;paychecks aren’t rubber,&nbsp;and they don’t stretch nearly far enough.&nbsp;

As they did in old days, aide organizations step up, but,&nbsp;too often,&nbsp;needs are greater than resources. Our local foodbank faces multiple struggles trying to&nbsp;sustain&nbsp;individuals and families.&nbsp;Each week local pastors remind&nbsp;their&nbsp;congregations&nbsp;to support this bedrock&nbsp;supply&nbsp;system.

Challenges multiply weekly. Prices the regional food bank&nbsp;once&nbsp;paid for goods they&nbsp;deliver to western Kansas towns have gone up, so donations don’t go as far. Donors’ budgets are stretched so they struggle to&nbsp;maintain or&nbsp;increase gifts. &nbsp;Prices of cans of soup and vegetables&nbsp;increasemonthly.&nbsp;People who’ve never&nbsp;utilized&nbsp;food banks now need those services,&nbsp;straining&nbsp;someshelves&nbsp;the point they’re&nbsp;empty.&nbsp;

One mom on social media&nbsp;came&nbsp;up with a way to contribute that doesn’t blow the family budget. Her toddlers shop with her, and she described how they use to&nbsp;wheel&nbsp;down every aisle&nbsp;begging for&nbsp;goodies&nbsp;that&nbsp;weren’t&nbsp;in their budget.&nbsp;One day she spied an empty&nbsp;Food Bank Donation Basket in the front of the store, which&nbsp;generated a great idea. She lets each child pick one item to buy and contribute&nbsp;every&nbsp;shopping trip. The kids are little so she explained what&nbsp;products&nbsp;people most need&nbsp;and allows&nbsp;her&nbsp;kiddoes&nbsp;to&nbsp;select&nbsp;their contributions.&nbsp;

Ironically, the youngsters&nbsp;focus so much on finding&nbsp;the perfect donation&nbsp;each store visit&nbsp;that they no longer beg her to buy&nbsp;frivolous treats. When she came up with her plan, she wanted to teach her kids generosity and didn’t expect this bonus outcome. All of us are struggling right now, but like this mom, some of us can do small things to help&nbsp;neighbors. This family’s solution is a nice start. 

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone who reads history knows that life is&nbsp;sometimes&nbsp;hard.&nbsp;Old&nbsp;Ellis Headlight&nbsp;columns&nbsp;recordevents that&nbsp;challenged&nbsp;our region’s early development. Going through old files,&nbsp;I read accounts&nbsp;detailing Eastern&nbsp;Benevolent&nbsp;Societies&nbsp;who collected and sent emergency&nbsp;food and clothingsupplies to settlers&nbsp;living in dire straits.&nbsp;Often times, life was&nbsp;impossibly&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;due to drought, wind, fire,&nbsp;blizzards,&nbsp;economic depression,&nbsp;pests,&nbsp;and flooding. Local residents didn’t have enough&nbsp;to sustain&nbsp;themselves let alone to share. Those&nbsp;pioneers&nbsp;passed down stories about&nbsp;the goodness of&nbsp;support organizations&nbsp;that&nbsp;delivered&nbsp;train car loads of food and supplies.&nbsp;One of those stories involves my&nbsp;pioneer&nbsp;family. My&nbsp;great-great grandfather&nbsp;was a Methodist Circuit Rider wrote a memoir&nbsp;about&nbsp;his&nbsp;pioneer&nbsp;family’s&nbsp;experiences from&nbsp;their&nbsp;arrival&nbsp;in Northwest Kansas&nbsp;in 1872 til&nbsp;he&nbsp;retired in 1912. He&nbsp;shared&nbsp;accounts about how&nbsp;more than once&nbsp;his wife scraped the bottom of the flour barrel trying to put together&nbsp;a skimpy meal&nbsp;or the kids had worn out and outgrown clothing and shoes.&nbsp;He tells&nbsp;how they rejoiced when&nbsp;missionary barrels arrived&nbsp;in&nbsp;answer to&nbsp;desperate&nbsp;prayers.It's easy to think those hard times are over, but anyone who&nbsp;reads&nbsp;local news knows&nbsp;inflation takes a toll on everyone, especially those on fixed incomes. &nbsp;People&nbsp;who&nbsp;exist&nbsp;from paycheck to paycheck&nbsp;struggled before inflation reared&nbsp;its ugly head and now folks wonder how to pay for fuel, heat, cooling, medicine, and food. Their&nbsp;paychecks aren’t rubber,&nbsp;and they don’t stretch nearly far enough.&nbsp;As they did in old days, aide organizations step up, but,&nbsp;too often,&nbsp;needs are greater than resources. Our local foodbank faces multiple struggles trying to&nbsp;sustain&nbsp;individuals and families.&nbsp;Each week local pastors remind&nbsp;their&nbsp;congregations&nbsp;to support this bedrock&nbsp;supply&nbsp;system.Challenges multiply weekly. Prices the regional food bank&nbsp;once&nbsp;paid for goods they&nbsp;deliver to western Kansas towns have gone up, so donations don’t go as far. Donors’ budgets are stretched so they struggle to&nbsp;maintain or&nbsp;increase gifts. &nbsp;Prices of cans of soup and vegetables&nbsp;increasemonthly.&nbsp;People who’ve never&nbsp;utilized&nbsp;food banks now need those services,&nbsp;straining&nbsp;someshelves&nbsp;the point they’re&nbsp;empty.&nbsp;One mom on social media&nbsp;came&nbsp;up with a way to contribute that doesn’t blow the family budget. Her toddlers shop with her, and she described how they use to&nbsp;wheel&nbsp;down every aisle&nbsp;begging for&nbsp;goodies&nbsp;that&nbsp;weren’t&nbsp;in their budget.&nbsp;One day she spied an empty&nbsp;Food Bank Donation Basket in the front of the store, which&nbsp;generated a great idea. She lets each child pick one item to buy and contribute&nbsp;every&nbsp;shopping trip. The kids are little so she explained what&nbsp;products&nbsp;people most need&nbsp;and allows&nbsp;her&nbsp;kiddoes&nbsp;to&nbsp;select&nbsp;their contributions.&nbsp;Ironically, the youngsters&nbsp;focus so much on finding&nbsp;the perfect donation&nbsp;each store visit&nbsp;that they no longer beg her to buy&nbsp;frivolous treats. When she came up with her plan, she wanted to teach her kids generosity and didn’t expect this bonus outcome. All of us are struggling right now, but like this mom, some of us can do small things to help&nbsp;neighbors. This family’s solution is a nice start. Every bit adds up.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Every bit adds up

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

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

On Monday, Pine Street will be closed to through traffic just south of Sixth Street for waterline work. Sixth Street will remain open, and Pine Street should be back open to traffic by the end of the day.For more information, call (785) 628-7350. &nbsp;— City of Hays

Portion of Pine closed Monday for waterline work

TREGO COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Saturday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota Tundra driven by Austin R. Luero, 19, Shafter, California was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the WaKeeney exit.

The pickup&nbsp; left the roadway to the north, entered the median and the driver overcorrected. 

The pickup returned to the eastbound lanes. The driver overcorrected again and the pickup started rotating, slid sideways, entered the median again, traveled down the embankment, struck a drain grate, tipped and&nbsp; rolled.

EMS transported Lucero and a passenger Murphy W. Maino, 17 Bakersfield, California, to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Saturday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota Tundra driven by Austin R. Luero, 19, Shafter, California was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the WaKeeney exit.The pickup&nbsp; left the roadway to the north, entered the median and the driver overcorrected. The pickup returned to the eastbound lanes. The driver overcorrected again and the pickup started rotating, slid sideways, entered the median again, traveled down the embankment, struck a drain grate, tipped and&nbsp; rolled.EMS transported Lucero and a passenger Murphy W. Maino, 17 Bakersfield, California, to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after I-70 pickup rollover crash

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Saturday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota 4-door driven by Timothy J. Fisher, 57, Sacramento, was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles east of Goodland.

The Toyota rear-ended a 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by Ryan T. Vandeberghe 36, Shawnee.

EMS transported Fisher to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp;Vandeberghe was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Saturday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota 4-door driven by Timothy J. Fisher, 57, Sacramento, was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles east of Goodland.The Toyota rear-ended a 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by Ryan T. Vandeberghe 36, Shawnee.EMS transported Fisher to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp;Vandeberghe was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after I-70 rear-end semi crash

REXFORD — Northwest Tech has announced a new apprenticeship opportunity&nbsp;in cooperation&nbsp;with Davis Electric.&nbsp;Through the new partnership,&nbsp;Davis Electric&nbsp;provides&nbsp;a paid OWE (occupational work experience) for&nbsp;Northwest Tech&nbsp;electrical students at the McCarty Dairy job site&nbsp;located in Rexford. In exchange, Northwest Tech students have the opportunity to expand their skills on a job site, and perform work that supports their classroom and lab&nbsp;instruction<a></a>.

“They have the opportunity to see state of the art controls and automation in the dairy that we can’t replicate here in the classroom,” Northwest Tech Electrical instructor Logan Dobbs said. “It is the most real environment they could be learning in.”

The collaboration began in the fall of 2022 and will continue through the fall of 2023. The dairy project covers every competency taught in the classroom, on the job training, and provides students with&nbsp;real-world&nbsp;industry experience. Currently, students are gaining industry experience with; underground installations with PVC, prefab light fixtures, conduit work, wire pulling, and motor controls.&nbsp;

“The founder of&nbsp;Davis Electric, Roger Davis,&nbsp;was a Northwest Tech graduate (Class of '77)&nbsp;and we have continued to recruit from Northwest Tech over the past 40 years,”&nbsp;said Brandon White, Davis Electric CEO/ project manager.&nbsp;“This project opens a whole new way to recruit and retain employees, both parties involved get the opportunity to see each other in action before employment.”

Split into two groups, the 25 second-year electrical students are on a three-week rotation in the classroom and on the job site. All students attend classes Monday and Tuesday, then one group reports to the Rexford job site at 10 a.m. Wednesday through&nbsp;Friday. Davis Electric has provided transportation two and from the job site&nbsp;for the college students. After completing safety training, first year students will have the opportunity to be a part of the project&nbsp;in the 2023 spring semester.

Clayton Rico,&nbsp;an alumnus of the Northwest Tech Electrical program is&nbsp;now a&nbsp;Lead Technician&nbsp;for Davis Electric and was excited to see the opportunity in action.&nbsp;

“I had the same instructor (Logan Dobbs) who is teaching these students," he said. "It is cool to see&nbsp;the students doing well out here and&nbsp;it’s been&nbsp;rewarding for me&nbsp;to be able to mentor them on this job site.”

For more information about Northwest Tech, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nwktc.edu/">www.nwktc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664377725767.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseREXFORD — Northwest Tech has announced a new apprenticeship opportunity&nbsp;in cooperation&nbsp;with Davis Electric.&nbsp;Through the new partnership,&nbsp;Davis Electric&nbsp;provides&nbsp;a paid OWE (occupational work experience) for&nbsp;Northwest Tech&nbsp;electrical students at the McCarty Dairy job site&nbsp;located in Rexford. In exchange, Northwest Tech students have the opportunity to expand their skills on a job site, and perform work that supports their classroom and lab&nbsp;instruction<a></a>.“They have the opportunity to see state of the art controls and automation in the dairy that we can’t replicate here in the classroom,” Northwest Tech Electrical instructor Logan Dobbs said. “It is the most real environment they could be learning in.”The collaboration began in the fall of 2022 and will continue through the fall of 2023. The dairy project covers every competency taught in the classroom, on the job training, and provides students with&nbsp;real-world&nbsp;industry experience. Currently, students are gaining industry experience with; underground installations with PVC, prefab light fixtures, conduit work, wire pulling, and motor controls.&nbsp;“The founder of&nbsp;Davis Electric, Roger Davis,&nbsp;was a Northwest Tech graduate (Class of '77)&nbsp;and we have continued to recruit from Northwest Tech over the past 40 years,”&nbsp;said Brandon White, Davis Electric CEO/ project manager.&nbsp;“This project opens a whole new way to recruit and retain employees, both parties involved get the opportunity to see each other in action before employment.”Split into two groups, the 25 second-year electrical students are on a three-week rotation in the classroom and on the job site. All students attend classes Monday and Tuesday, then one group reports to the Rexford job site at 10 a.m. Wednesday through&nbsp;Friday. Davis Electric has provided transportation two and from the job site&nbsp;for the college students. After completing safety training, first year students will have the opportunity to be a part of the project&nbsp;in the 2023 spring semester.Clayton Rico,&nbsp;an alumnus of the Northwest Tech Electrical program is&nbsp;now a&nbsp;Lead Technician&nbsp;for Davis Electric and was excited to see the opportunity in action.&nbsp;“I had the same instructor (Logan Dobbs) who is teaching these students," he said. "It is cool to see&nbsp;the students doing well out here and&nbsp;it’s been&nbsp;rewarding for me&nbsp;to be able to mentor them on this job site.”For more information about Northwest Tech, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nwktc.edu/">www.nwktc.edu</a>.

Davis Electric, Northwest Tech partner to train students

By DR. KARISSA NIEHOFF and&nbsp;BILL FAFLICK

There’s
 an unfortunate trend continuing&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas and across the nation that 
must be stopped: the bad behavior of coaches, parents and fans at high 
school athletic events.

We’ve all seen it: the yelling, harassing,
 berating, disrespecting and even physically assaulting high school 
referees, umpires and other officials during and after games. And 
oftentimes, the harassment continues on social media. Perhaps you’ve 
witnessed it firsthand or even been one of those offenders yourself.

Not
 only is this behavior unacceptable and embarrassing, but it’s also 
having serious consequences on the future of high school sports.

That’s
 because another unfortunate trend is sweeping the nation: a&nbsp;critical 
shortage of high school officials in every state. The No. 1 reason? You 
guessed it: Coaches, parents and fans mistreating officials.

National surveys of officials report alarming statistics:

• 55% of officials say verbal abuse from coaches, parents and fans is the No. 1 reason they quit.

• 57% think sportsmanship is getting worse.

• 84% feel officials are treated unfairly by spectators.

• 46% have felt unsafe or feared for their safety due to spectator, coach, administrator or player behavior.

Officials
 are quitting faster than new ones are signing up. It’s a major area of 
concern for states like Kansas just to cover games. We’re already seeing
 middle school and JV games being cancelled and, in some cases, varsity 
games have to be rescheduled or not played. All because there aren’t 
enough officials.

Unfortunately, bad behavior&nbsp;at high school 
athletic events&nbsp;has become normalized. It is almost expected that 
coaches, parents and fans will disrespect the individuals serving as 
officials.

This culture of bad behavior and the negative 
perception of officials must change now. Everyone involved in high 
school sports—parents, coaches, administrators, fans, the media—must 
turn their focus to the student-athletes playing the games and away from
 the individuals officiating the contests.

The bottom line: With no high school officials, there can be no high school sports.

That’s
 why the KSHSAA is partnering with the NFHS and other state high school 
associations across the country to launch the nationwide&nbsp;#BenchBadBehavior&nbsp;campaign.
 We’ll use the power of social media along with other tools to help 
educate everyone about the importance of good behavior at high school 
athletic events.

You can help by being a positive role model at 
your high school’s athletic events. And if you think you have what it 
takes to be a licensed official, sign up today at&nbsp;<a href="http://HighSchoolOfficials.com">HighSchoolOfficials.com</a>&nbsp;and help fill an urgent need&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas!

Dr. Karrissa Niehoff is&nbsp;chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Bill Faflick is executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664375207652.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By DR. KARISSA NIEHOFF and&nbsp;BILL FAFLICK There’s
 an unfortunate trend continuing&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas and across the nation that 
must be stopped: the bad behavior of coaches, parents and fans at high 
school athletic events.We’ve all seen it: the yelling, harassing,
 berating, disrespecting and even physically assaulting high school 
referees, umpires and other officials during and after games. And 
oftentimes, the harassment continues on social media. Perhaps you’ve 
witnessed it firsthand or even been one of those offenders yourself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not
 only is this behavior unacceptable and embarrassing, but it’s also 
having serious consequences on the future of high school sports.That’s
 because another unfortunate trend is sweeping the nation: a&nbsp;critical 
shortage of high school officials in every state. The No. 1 reason? You 
guessed it: Coaches, parents and fans mistreating officials.National surveys of officials report alarming statistics:• 55% of officials say verbal abuse from coaches, parents and fans is the No. 1 reason they quit.• 59% don’t feel respected.• 57% think sportsmanship is getting worse.• 84% feel officials are treated unfairly by spectators.• 46% have felt unsafe or feared for their safety due to spectator, coach, administrator or player behavior.Officials
 are quitting faster than new ones are signing up. It’s a major area of 
concern for states like Kansas just to cover games. We’re already seeing
 middle school and JV games being cancelled and, in some cases, varsity 
games have to be rescheduled or not played. All because there aren’t 
enough officials.Unfortunately, bad behavior&nbsp;at high school 
athletic events&nbsp;has become normalized. It is almost expected that 
coaches, parents and fans will disrespect the individuals serving as 
officials.This culture of bad behavior and the negative 
perception of officials must change now. Everyone involved in high 
school sports—parents, coaches, administrators, fans, the media—must 
turn their focus to the student-athletes playing the games and away from
 the individuals officiating the contests.The bottom line: With no high school officials, there can be no high school sports.That’s
 why the KSHSAA is partnering with the NFHS and other state high school 
associations across the country to launch the nationwide&nbsp;#BenchBadBehavior&nbsp;campaign.
 We’ll use the power of social media along with other tools to help 
educate everyone about the importance of good behavior at high school 
athletic events.You can help by being a positive role model at 
your high school’s athletic events. And if you think you have what it 
takes to be a licensed official, sign up today at&nbsp;<a href="http://HighSchoolOfficials.com">HighSchoolOfficials.com</a>&nbsp;and help fill an urgent need&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas!Dr. Karrissa Niehoff is&nbsp;chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Bill Faflick is executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

ENOUGH: Bad behavior by coaches, parents, fans must stop

Telescopes aimed at the Andromeda Galaxy on Friday, Oct. 7, will give observers a chance to see Jupiter, Saturn, and several deep-sky Messier Objects. FHSU’s Astronomy Club, led by Dr. Jack Maseberg, associate professor of physics, and Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the&nbsp;College of Education, will provide the use of high-powered telescopes at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center star-gazing event.&nbsp;

The Andromeda Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth. The telescopes will be pointed toward M31, and nearby M32, M110, M2, M13 and M15.

The event is open to the general public and will be from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Refreshments, a planetary solar system craft, and a time for storytelling will round out the evening.&nbsp;

“This is a great opportunity to look for deep space and celestial objects with experts,” said Mandy Kern.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156, is located northeast of Great Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664473064755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsTelescopes aimed at the Andromeda Galaxy on Friday, Oct. 7, will give observers a chance to see Jupiter, Saturn, and several deep-sky Messier Objects. FHSU’s Astronomy Club, led by Dr. Jack Maseberg, associate professor of physics, and Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the&nbsp;College of Education, will provide the use of high-powered telescopes at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center star-gazing event.&nbsp;The Andromeda Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth. The telescopes will be pointed toward M31, and nearby M32, M110, M2, M13 and M15.The event is open to the general public and will be from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Refreshments, a planetary solar system craft, and a time for storytelling will round out the evening.&nbsp;“This is a great opportunity to look for deep space and celestial objects with experts,” said Mandy Kern.The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156, is located northeast of Great Bend.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center to host star-gazing event

<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/2022/9/1664554622418.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

Hays High JAG-K Review: September edition

LA CROSSE — A Great Bend woman has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years for the January murder of a La Crosse man, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today in a news release.

Jennifer Stipe, 49, of Great Bend, was sentenced in Rush County District Court by Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman. Stipe pleaded guilty on Aug. 10 to one count of first-degree murder. Gatterman also ordered Stipe to pay $5,000 in restitution.

The charges stem from the Jan. 11, murder of Leslie Marvin Randa, 61, in La Crosse. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office.

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

Related charges against one additional defendant remain pending. Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646497053839.png" alt="Stipe" />
 <figcaption>Stipe</figcaption>
 </figure>LA CROSSE — A Great Bend woman has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years for the January murder of a La Crosse man, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today in a news release.Jennifer Stipe, 49, of Great Bend, was sentenced in Rush County District Court by Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman. Stipe pleaded guilty on Aug. 10 to one count of first-degree murder. Gatterman also ordered Stipe to pay $5,000 in restitution.The charges stem from the Jan. 11, murder of Leslie Marvin Randa, 61, in La Crosse. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office.The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Schmidt’s office.Related charges against one additional defendant remain pending. Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Great Bend woman sentenced to life for murder of La Crosse man

The annual alley cleanup is an opportunity to discard items that would not be picked up in the normal refuse collection. The 2022 fall cleanup will begin on Oct. 17.&nbsp;Items should be placed out by 7 a.m. and items can begin to be set out on Oct. 1.

The annual fall cleanup consists of one sweep through the city. No set schedule has been established; however, residential curbside services will be first with residential regular alley services following.

 If you put your trash on the curb, put your fall cleanup items on the curb. &nbsp;If you put your trash in the alley, put your fall cleanup&nbsp;items in the alley. &nbsp;The citywide general schedule for alley services will start after curbside collections are completed. 

The number of employees committed to the task may vary from day to day; therefore, crews are unable to predict when they will be by a residence. City crews have a 20-minute time limit per residence. Any items remaining after 20 minutes of pickup will be the responsibility of the property owner.

As in years past, the city&nbsp;will not&nbsp;pick up tires, hazardous waste, batteries and medical waste. Tires should be disposed of at the Ellis County Landfill, and hazardous waste and batteries should be disposed of at the Ellis County Hazardous Waste Facility. Call the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460 for detailed information.Call the Ellis County Health Department at 785-628-9440 regarding questions on the disposal of medical waste.

Waste should be placed in four separate piles in preparation of the fall cleanup. The piles should be organized in the following manner:

To avoid wrongful pick up, "treasured items" should be tagged or removed from the collection area.

Fall cleanup is for City of Hays residential customers paying for refuse services.

Free disposal of tree limbs is available for City of Hays residents at the Ellis County Sanitary Landfill, 1515 W. 55th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651091728879.jpeg" alt="The fall alley cleanup starts Oct. 17 in Hays. Unwanted items may be placed starting Oct. 1. (File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>The fall alley cleanup starts Oct. 17 in Hays. Unwanted items may be placed starting Oct. 1. (File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>The annual alley cleanup is an opportunity to discard items that would not be picked up in the normal refuse collection. The 2022 fall cleanup will begin on Oct. 17.&nbsp;Items should be placed out by 7 a.m. and items can begin to be set out on Oct. 1.The annual fall cleanup consists of one sweep through the city. No set schedule has been established; however, residential curbside services will be first with residential regular alley services following. If you put your trash on the curb, put your fall cleanup items on the curb. &nbsp;If you put your trash in the alley, put your fall cleanup&nbsp;items in the alley. &nbsp;The citywide general schedule for alley services will start after curbside collections are completed. The number of employees committed to the task may vary from day to day; therefore, crews are unable to predict when they will be by a residence. City crews have a 20-minute time limit per residence. Any items remaining after 20 minutes of pickup will be the responsibility of the property owner.<h2>Waste That Will Not Be Picked Up</h2>As in years past, the city&nbsp;will not&nbsp;pick up tires, hazardous waste, batteries and medical waste. Tires should be disposed of at the Ellis County Landfill, and hazardous waste and batteries should be disposed of at the Ellis County Hazardous Waste Facility. Call the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460 for detailed information.Call the Ellis County Health Department at 785-628-9440 regarding questions on the disposal of medical waste.<h2>Sort Your Waste</h2>Waste should be placed in four separate piles in preparation of the fall cleanup. The piles should be organized in the following manner:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664381375718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Note</h2>To avoid wrongful pick up, "treasured items" should be tagged or removed from the collection area.Fall cleanup is for City of Hays residential customers paying for refuse services.<h2>Tree Limb Disposal Reminder</h2>Free disposal of tree limbs is available for City of Hays residents at the Ellis County Sanitary Landfill, 1515 W. 55th. —&nbsp;City of Hays

Hays citywide cleanup: Almost time to set out items

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger.&nbsp;

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger" 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=fvb49-12d80de-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>

🎤Forward Ever: District 111 Rep. Barbara Wasinger

Drive-through flu shot clinic set for Oct. 5 in WaKeeney

​State Representative Barb&nbsp;Wasinger’s&nbsp;Democratic opponent in this year’s election campaign has stated&nbsp;repeatedly&nbsp;that she has failed to support funding for K-12 in Kansas schools and&nbsp;to&nbsp;advocate for Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently,&nbsp;he believes that if he says it enough times&nbsp;his opinion will miraculously turn&nbsp;into&nbsp;fact.

​But that’s not how it works in the real world. &nbsp;Fiction doesn’t become fact just because Barb’s Democratic opponent and his state and local allies&nbsp;with&nbsp;the Kansas National Education Association wish it were so.

​We serve as Chairwoman&nbsp;of the K-12 Budget in the Kansas House of Representatives and Vice Chairwoman of Education&nbsp;and Chair of Commerce&nbsp;in the Kansas&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;and we want to set the record straight based on facts.

K-12 Education: &nbsp;Barb has voted for full Constitutional funding for all K-12 students. &nbsp;She has also worked for improved student achievement and more transparency in the Parent’s Bill of Rights. &nbsp;In fact, she voted in favor of an education budget that included an additional$365.2 million in total funds in 2022 and an additional$402.6 million for 2024--all above and beyond our Constitutional commitment.Some of those additions included more money for mental health, career and technical education and school safety and security grants.

Special Education: &nbsp;Barb has consistently supported the Gannon Supreme Court decision which increased special education funding in the first year by $44 million and added $7.5 million in each subsequent years. &nbsp;In addition to this, she has supported annual per pupil funding increases that help finance the diverse needs of all of our students including those of special education.

Fort Hays State University: As Vice-Chair of Higher Education Budget Committee, Barb has consistently and vigorously advocated for Fort Hays’ interests. Ft. Hays has been granted funding for everything it has requested of the State Legislature.Barb has also advocated for $500,000.00for a cybersecurity initiative program and $1.5 million from COVID funds to upgrade Gross Memorial Coliseum. Fort Hays benefited from a State General Fund increase of over $3.4 million in the last two years.

If the 111th District wants to stay on the right track, the wise choice is a vote for Barb Wasinger. She’s the only candidate with the record of funding priorities&nbsp;while&nbsp;simultaneously demanding commonsense accountability and transparency&nbsp;to our taxpayers.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;addition to her pro-education and pro-taxpayer voting record, she’s best capable of representing the&nbsp;111th District because of her personal and business background. Rep. Wasinger has spent years operating&nbsp;and managing her own small businesses, unlike her opponent who is enjoying his&nbsp;plush ivory-tower retirement package with little experience in the real&nbsp;world.&nbsp;

​With&nbsp;her&nbsp;business background, Representative Wasinger has the best&nbsp;vantage point to take seriously every dollar appropriated for every important&nbsp;purpose. Like you, she works hard&nbsp;for every dollar she earns, even in the most&nbsp;down economies, and will remain accountable to you on how every dollar is&nbsp;spent.

Support&nbsp;Barb&nbsp;Wasinger and know that she shares your values of hard work,&nbsp;compassion for others, and supports&nbsp;education as one of the cornerstones of&nbsp;our great State!

Sen. Renee Erickson,&nbsp;Chair of Commerce and Vice-Chair Education, R-Wichita, and&nbsp;Rep. Kristey Williams,&nbsp;​K-12 Education Budget Chair, R- Augusta

​State Representative Barb&nbsp;Wasinger’s&nbsp;Democratic opponent in this year’s election campaign has stated&nbsp;repeatedly&nbsp;that she has failed to support funding for K-12 in Kansas schools and&nbsp;to&nbsp;advocate for Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently,&nbsp;he believes that if he says it enough times&nbsp;his opinion will miraculously turn&nbsp;into&nbsp;fact.​But that’s not how it works in the real world. &nbsp;Fiction doesn’t become fact just because Barb’s Democratic opponent and his state and local allies&nbsp;with&nbsp;the Kansas National Education Association wish it were so.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​We serve as Chairwoman&nbsp;of the K-12 Budget in the Kansas House of Representatives and Vice Chairwoman of Education&nbsp;and Chair of Commerce&nbsp;in the Kansas&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;and we want to set the record straight based on facts.K-12 Education: &nbsp;Barb has voted for full Constitutional funding for all K-12 students. &nbsp;She has also worked for improved student achievement and more transparency in the Parent’s Bill of Rights. &nbsp;In fact, she voted in favor of an education budget that included an additional$365.2 million in total funds in 2022 and an additional$402.6 million for 2024--all above and beyond our Constitutional commitment.Some of those additions included more money for mental health, career and technical education and school safety and security grants.Special Education: &nbsp;Barb has consistently supported the Gannon Supreme Court decision which increased special education funding in the first year by $44 million and added $7.5 million in each subsequent years. &nbsp;In addition to this, she has supported annual per pupil funding increases that help finance the diverse needs of all of our students including those of special education.Fort Hays State University: As Vice-Chair of Higher Education Budget Committee, Barb has consistently and vigorously advocated for Fort Hays’ interests. Ft. Hays has been granted funding for everything it has requested of the State Legislature.Barb has also advocated for $500,000.00for a cybersecurity initiative program and $1.5 million from COVID funds to upgrade Gross Memorial Coliseum. Fort Hays benefited from a State General Fund increase of over $3.4 million in the last two years.If the 111th District wants to stay on the right track, the wise choice is a vote for Barb Wasinger. She’s the only candidate with the record of funding priorities&nbsp;while&nbsp;simultaneously demanding commonsense accountability and transparency&nbsp;to our taxpayers.&nbsp;In&nbsp;addition to her pro-education and pro-taxpayer voting record, she’s best capable of representing the&nbsp;111th District because of her personal and business background. Rep. Wasinger has spent years operating&nbsp;and managing her own small businesses, unlike her opponent who is enjoying his&nbsp;plush ivory-tower retirement package with little experience in the real&nbsp;world.&nbsp;​With&nbsp;her&nbsp;business background, Representative Wasinger has the best&nbsp;vantage point to take seriously every dollar appropriated for every important&nbsp;purpose. Like you, she works hard&nbsp;for every dollar she earns, even in the most&nbsp;down economies, and will remain accountable to you on how every dollar is&nbsp;spent.Support&nbsp;Barb&nbsp;Wasinger and know that she shares your values of hard work,&nbsp;compassion for others, and supports&nbsp;education as one of the cornerstones of&nbsp;our great State!Sen. Renee Erickson,&nbsp;Chair of Commerce and Vice-Chair Education, R-Wichita, and&nbsp;Rep. Kristey Williams,&nbsp;​K-12 Education Budget Chair, R- Augusta

LETTER: Fiction versus fact in 111th House race

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University has reported an 8.2 percent decline in fall enrollment year over year, according to data released by the Kansas Board of Regents Thursday.

FHSU has seen a drop in headcount of 18.6 percent from a five-year high of 15,908 in 2019 to 12,951 on Sept. 20 of this year.

FHSU saw the most significant year-over-year drop in headcount enrollment compared to the other Regents universities. FHSU was also down in full-time equivalent students. The Regents consider undergraduate students who are enrolled in 15 hours and graduate students who are enrolled in 12 hours as full-time students.

Public universities and community colleges experienced a decrease in enrollment, while technical colleges had an increase. Overall, the Regents system has experienced a 1 percent decline in enrollment compared to the prior year.

Across the six state universities, there was a decrease of 1,333 students (-1.5 percent). Community colleges experienced a decrease of 630 students (-1 percent), while technical colleges saw an increase of 569 students (6 percent).

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

“The preliminary fall enrollment numbers show a continued trend of decreasing enrollment for many Kansas colleges and universities,” Regents Chairman Jon Rolph said. “Our system is taking decisive action to reverse declining enrollments, better serve students and ensure that our state has the workforce needed to grow the Kansas economy.

"Initiatives such as our general education package and implementation of student success initiatives will help our system serve and graduate more students.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2d790f37-173d-4569-8fe5-48137bb35063">Emporia State University, which has experienced smaller declines in enrollment compared to FHSU, has already taken steps to reorganize the university and cut costs. This included suspending tenure and firing some faculty.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">FHSU started a reorganization of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in the spring that included the consolidation of departments within the college.</a> The university also offered early retirement buyouts to staff.

However, FHSU has not announced any layoffs of tenured faculty similar to the steps taken at Emporia.

FHSU President Tisa Mason released the following statement Thursday on the enrollment numbers.

The recent decline in overall enrollment at FHSU is a challenge the university anticipated and is thoughtfully addressing through sound budgeting and detailed strategic planning. Innovative, resilient and caring people have long been the strength of this institution, and we are seeing our people turning challenge into opportunity yet again.

Two major investments we’ve made as part of the university’s strategic plan directly contributed to a rise in our retention rate. The Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, which opened on campus in fall 2021, along with an investment in comprehensive academic advising services, were drivers behind a very strong 3 percent rise in our freshman retention rate.

This academic year, Fort Hays State University will serve close to 13,000 students on-campus, online and on our partner campuses across the globe. The unmatched affordability and quality of an FHSU education continue to be a great strength of the university and one we will continue to leverage in our efforts to return to strong and sustained growth.

NCK Tech's enrollment was up 12.8 percent for a five-year high of 999 students. 

Northwest Technical College was the one school in the Regent's technical college system that saw a year-over-year decrease. Enrollment dropped 3.2 percent and is at a five-year low of 666 students.

NCK Tech officials said the college will be releasing more on the enrollment numbers Friday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University has reported an 8.2 percent decline in fall enrollment year over year, according to data released by the Kansas Board of Regents Thursday.FHSU has seen a drop in headcount of 18.6 percent from a five-year high of 15,908 in 2019 to 12,951 on Sept. 20 of this year.FHSU saw the most significant year-over-year drop in headcount enrollment compared to the other Regents universities. FHSU was also down in full-time equivalent students. The Regents consider undergraduate students who are enrolled in 15 hours and graduate students who are enrolled in 12 hours as full-time students. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664475831811.png" alt="Kansas Board of Regents full-time equivalent enrollment " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Regents full-time equivalent enrollment </figcaption>
 </figure>Public universities and community colleges experienced a decrease in enrollment, while technical colleges had an increase. Overall, the Regents system has experienced a 1 percent decline in enrollment compared to the prior year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664470891929.png" alt="Kansas Board of Regents headcount numbers " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Regents headcount numbers </figcaption>
 </figure>Across the six state universities, there was a decrease of 1,333 students (-1.5 percent). Community colleges experienced a decrease of 630 students (-1 percent), while technical colleges saw an increase of 569 students (6 percent).See the full report <a href="https://kansasregents.org/resources/2022_Kansas_Board_of_Regents_Fall_Enrollment.pdf">here</a>. “The preliminary fall enrollment numbers show a continued trend of decreasing enrollment for many Kansas colleges and universities,” Regents Chairman Jon Rolph said. “Our system is taking decisive action to reverse declining enrollments, better serve students and ensure that our state has the workforce needed to grow the Kansas economy."Initiatives such as our general education package and implementation of student success initiatives will help our system serve and graduate more students.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2d790f37-173d-4569-8fe5-48137bb35063">Emporia State University, which has experienced smaller declines in enrollment compared to FHSU, has already taken steps to reorganize the university and cut costs. This included suspending tenure and firing some faculty.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">FHSU started a reorganization of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in the spring that included the consolidation of departments within the college.</a> The university also offered early retirement buyouts to staff.However, FHSU has not announced any layoffs of tenured faculty similar to the steps taken at Emporia.FHSU President Tisa Mason released the following statement Thursday on the enrollment numbers.The recent decline in overall enrollment at FHSU is a challenge the university anticipated and is thoughtfully addressing through sound budgeting and detailed strategic planning. Innovative, resilient and caring people have long been the strength of this institution, and we are seeing our people turning challenge into opportunity yet again.Two major investments we’ve made as part of the university’s strategic plan directly contributed to a rise in our retention rate. The Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, which opened on campus in fall 2021, along with an investment in comprehensive academic advising services, were drivers behind a very strong 3 percent rise in our freshman retention rate.This academic year, Fort Hays State University will serve close to 13,000 students on-campus, online and on our partner campuses across the globe. The unmatched affordability and quality of an FHSU education continue to be a great strength of the university and one we will continue to leverage in our efforts to return to strong and sustained growth.-Tisa Mason<h2>Technical colleges</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664471038411.png" alt="Kansas Board of Regents technical college headcount numbers " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Regents technical college headcount numbers </figcaption>
 </figure>NCK Tech's enrollment was up 12.8 percent for a five-year high of 999 students. Northwest Technical College was the one school in the Regent's technical college system that saw a year-over-year decrease. Enrollment dropped 3.2 percent and is at a five-year low of 666 students. NCK Tech officials said the college will be releasing more on the enrollment numbers Friday.

FHSU enrollment down by 8%; NCK-Tech enrollment at five-year high

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A .5 perent sales tax that will be used toward paying down the Hays USD 489 bond debt is set to go into effect on Saturday.

The city sent out a reminder this week that all businesses in the city need to adjust their point-of-sale terminals to reflect the new tax rate.

The sales tax in addition to local property tax will be used to pay for a $143.5 million bond.

The main project under the bond will be the construction of a new 
high school, which will include an auditorium. The bond will also <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">renovate
 the current high school into a middle school and renovate the current 
middle school into an elementary school. Roosevelt and O'Loughlin 
elementary schools also will be renovated.</a>

Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center will be closed. The Westside school program will be relocated.

More information for retailers on the sales tax can be found at <a href="http://www.ksrevenue.org/salesratechanges.html">http://www.ksrevenue.org/salesratechanges.html</a> or the Kansas Department of Revenue Customer Service Center Website.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA .5 perent sales tax that will be used toward paying down the Hays USD 489 bond debt is set to go into effect on Saturday.The city sent out a reminder this week that all businesses in the city need to adjust their point-of-sale terminals to reflect the new tax rate.The sales tax in addition to local property tax will be used to pay for a $143.5 million bond.The main project under the bond will be the construction of a new 
high school, which will include an auditorium. The bond will also <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">renovate
 the current high school into a middle school and renovate the current 
middle school into an elementary school. Roosevelt and O'Loughlin 
elementary schools also will be renovated.</a>Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center will be closed. The Westside school program will be relocated.More information for retailers on the sales tax can be found at <a href="http://www.ksrevenue.org/salesratechanges.html">http://www.ksrevenue.org/salesratechanges.html</a> or the Kansas Department of Revenue Customer Service Center Website.

USD 489 bond sales tax to go into effect Saturday

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. has promoted&nbsp;James Turrentine&nbsp;to&nbsp;manager of&nbsp;safety.

Turrentine will be responsible for managing Sunflower’s&nbsp;safety&nbsp;program,&nbsp;including facility audits, incident investigations, policy and procedure reviews, the drug and alcohol program, and the Department of Transportation program. He will ensure Sunflower is compliant with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, in addition to leading Sunflower’s Safety&nbsp;Team efforts and company initiatives that reinforce safety culture.

Turrentine was instrumental in identifying and writing a recently approved Equipment&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pipe Labeling program for Sunflower, ensuring equipment and hazards are identified in the facilities.&nbsp;During his tenure, Turrentine has&nbsp;also&nbsp;demonstrated his commitment to safety serving on the Safety Committee and as a team member for the Job Analysis program and&nbsp;TapRoot&nbsp;Investigative program. He brings with him a strong background in the electric utility industry,&nbsp;affording him expertise in the areas of Lockout/Tagout, Confined Spaces, Man-In-Vessel, Weld-Burn permitting, and safety observation audits. He has worked closely with Sunflower’s Safety&nbsp;Department,&nbsp;identifying areas of opportunity for Arc Flash ratings on personal protective equipment, electrical glove inspections, equipment services dates, and various other safety initiatives. In addition, Turrentine is familiar with troubleshooting and correcting non-routine and emergency situations as well as coordinating response efforts specific to employee injuries, vehicle accidents, and fires.

With&nbsp;Turrentine’s&nbsp;promotion,&nbsp;Sunflower will seek to backfill the&nbsp;shift&nbsp;supervisor at its Holcomb facility.&nbsp;Additional information about the position and recruitment process can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflower.net/">www.sunflower.net</a>.&nbsp;For more information, contact Katelyn Dickinson, Human Resources Supervisor at (785) 623-3319.

About Sunflower Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier that operates a system of&nbsp;solar,&nbsp;wind,&nbsp;natural&nbsp;gas, and coal-based generating plants and a transmission system&nbsp;of approximately 2,400 miles&nbsp;for the&nbsp;needs of its&nbsp;seven Members,&nbsp;who serve customers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflower.net/%22%20/">http://www.sunflower.net</a>&nbsp;

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp;Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of Sunflower.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664294055065.jpeg" alt="Turrentine" />
 <figcaption>Turrentine</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseSunflower Electric Power Corp. has promoted&nbsp;James Turrentine&nbsp;to&nbsp;manager of&nbsp;safety.Turrentine will be responsible for managing Sunflower’s&nbsp;safety&nbsp;program,&nbsp;including facility audits, incident investigations, policy and procedure reviews, the drug and alcohol program, and the Department of Transportation program. He will ensure Sunflower is compliant with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, in addition to leading Sunflower’s Safety&nbsp;Team efforts and company initiatives that reinforce safety culture.Turrentine was instrumental in identifying and writing a recently approved Equipment&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pipe Labeling program for Sunflower, ensuring equipment and hazards are identified in the facilities.&nbsp;During his tenure, Turrentine has&nbsp;also&nbsp;demonstrated his commitment to safety serving on the Safety Committee and as a team member for the Job Analysis program and&nbsp;TapRoot&nbsp;Investigative program. He brings with him a strong background in the electric utility industry,&nbsp;affording him expertise in the areas of Lockout/Tagout, Confined Spaces, Man-In-Vessel, Weld-Burn permitting, and safety observation audits. He has worked closely with Sunflower’s Safety&nbsp;Department,&nbsp;identifying areas of opportunity for Arc Flash ratings on personal protective equipment, electrical glove inspections, equipment services dates, and various other safety initiatives. In addition, Turrentine is familiar with troubleshooting and correcting non-routine and emergency situations as well as coordinating response efforts specific to employee injuries, vehicle accidents, and fires.With&nbsp;Turrentine’s&nbsp;promotion,&nbsp;Sunflower will seek to backfill the&nbsp;shift&nbsp;supervisor at its Holcomb facility.&nbsp;Additional information about the position and recruitment process can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflower.net/">www.sunflower.net</a>.&nbsp;For more information, contact Katelyn Dickinson, Human Resources Supervisor at (785) 623-3319.About Sunflower Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier that operates a system of&nbsp;solar,&nbsp;wind,&nbsp;natural&nbsp;gas, and coal-based generating plants and a transmission system&nbsp;of approximately 2,400 miles&nbsp;for the&nbsp;needs of its&nbsp;seven Members,&nbsp;who serve customers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflower.net/%22%20/">http://www.sunflower.net</a>&nbsp;Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp;Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of Sunflower.&nbsp;

Turrentine named manager of safety for Sunflower Electric

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664469558146.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>

Reports from the public of alleged “intruders” in Scott State Fishing Lake were recently confirmed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fisheries biologists in late August 2022. Fisheries staff confirmed the presence of gizzard shad,&nbsp;Dorosoma cepedianum, in the spring-fed lake — 91 gizzard shad that averaged 5.7 inches long to be precise — during an exploratory electrofishing survey.

Based on the gizzard shad sampled, staff are confident the majority were hatched just this year.

“Given the relatively high abundance and young age, it’s likely that most of the current population was produced in Scott State Fishing Lake and not the result of immigration or stocking,” said KDWP district Fisheries biologist Dave Spalsbury.” 

Well, it wasn’t Department-led stocking, that is.

“Gizzard shad were not stocked by KDWP, so the Scott State Fishing Lake population originated via natural immigration during our high flow-through event in May 2021, or through unauthorized public stocking,” added Spalsbury.

While the full effects of gizzard shad establishment in Scott State Fishing Lake are currently unknown, Fisheries staff are well aware of the detrimental effect this species can have in small lakes if left unchecked.

During the initial establishment of a population, small gizzard shad can actually serve as forage for select sportfish. But over time – and with continued reproduction – juvenile gizzard shad form into adults and become too large to be vulnerable to predation. Inevitability, this leads to multiple fish populations directly competing for forage, and overall growth being stymied.

KDWP Fisheries staff are currently evaluating management strategies to mitigate the establishment of gizzard shad in Scott State Fishing Lake, with hopes of protecting the 115-acre lake from becoming overrun with the undesirable species.

Currently, Scott State Fishing Lake is home to channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, saugeye and the occasional rainbow trout. With the aid of good science, proactive management efforts, and continued monitoring – KDWP’s Fisheries staff aim to keep it that way.

For more on Scott State Fishing Lake, including creel and length limits, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjkuNjQzOTY2OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcvV2hlcmUtdG8tRmlzaC1pbi1LYW5zYXMvRmlzaGluZy1Mb2NhdGlvbnMtUHVibGljLVdhdGVycy9Tb3V0aHdlc3QtUmVnaW9uL1Njb3R0LVN0YXRlLUxha2UifQ.iIp6aXr986VbKjFNFZrh63RjfLpgn0-UxExki3Q3LXE/s/1303183450/br/144909338636-l">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664488142616.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPReports from the public of alleged “intruders” in Scott State Fishing Lake were recently confirmed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fisheries biologists in late August 2022. Fisheries staff confirmed the presence of gizzard shad,&nbsp;Dorosoma cepedianum, in the spring-fed lake — 91 gizzard shad that averaged 5.7 inches long to be precise — during an exploratory electrofishing survey.Based on the gizzard shad sampled, staff are confident the majority were hatched just this year.“Given the relatively high abundance and young age, it’s likely that most of the current population was produced in Scott State Fishing Lake and not the result of immigration or stocking,” said KDWP district Fisheries biologist Dave Spalsbury.” Well, it wasn’t Department-led stocking, that is.“Gizzard shad were not stocked by KDWP, so the Scott State Fishing Lake population originated via natural immigration during our high flow-through event in May 2021, or through unauthorized public stocking,” added Spalsbury.While the full effects of gizzard shad establishment in Scott State Fishing Lake are currently unknown, Fisheries staff are well aware of the detrimental effect this species can have in small lakes if left unchecked.During the initial establishment of a population, small gizzard shad can actually serve as forage for select sportfish. But over time – and with continued reproduction – juvenile gizzard shad form into adults and become too large to be vulnerable to predation. Inevitability, this leads to multiple fish populations directly competing for forage, and overall growth being stymied.KDWP Fisheries staff are currently evaluating management strategies to mitigate the establishment of gizzard shad in Scott State Fishing Lake, with hopes of protecting the 115-acre lake from becoming overrun with the undesirable species.Currently, Scott State Fishing Lake is home to channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, saugeye and the occasional rainbow trout. With the aid of good science, proactive management efforts, and continued monitoring – KDWP’s Fisheries staff aim to keep it that way.For more on Scott State Fishing Lake, including creel and length limits, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjkuNjQzOTY2OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcvV2hlcmUtdG8tRmlzaC1pbi1LYW5zYXMvRmlzaGluZy1Mb2NhdGlvbnMtUHVibGljLVdhdGVycy9Tb3V0aHdlc3QtUmVnaW9uL1Njb3R0LVN0YXRlLUxha2UifQ.iIp6aXr986VbKjFNFZrh63RjfLpgn0-UxExki3Q3LXE/s/1303183450/br/144909338636-l">HERE</a>.

'Undesirable' fish species found in western Kansas lake

The fire marshal has ruled the cause of a fire at Fort That Bakery in Victoria as undetermined.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad82cbcf-222b-40e6-8fac-c8e95e05faa5">Fire crews were called to the bakery, 201 E. Main, Tuesday night for a report of smoke coming from the roof of the building.</a>

Victoria Fire Chief John Weber said fire officials suspected the fire could have been electrical, but that could not be verified.

An insurance estimate on the damage has yet to be released.

Forty firefighters from the Victoria, Ellis and City of Hays fire departments responded to the fire, Weber said.

No one was inside the bakery at the time of the fire, and no one was injured.

Brooke Olson is the owner of the bakery, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0abc8fc6-d062-4860-aa27-84c74eda9b1f">which opened in 2021</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664378896966.jpeg" alt="Fork That Bakery during the fire Tuesday night. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Fork That Bakery during the fire Tuesday night. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe fire marshal has ruled the cause of a fire at Fort That Bakery in Victoria as undetermined.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad82cbcf-222b-40e6-8fac-c8e95e05faa5">Fire crews were called to the bakery, 201 E. Main, Tuesday night for a report of smoke coming from the roof of the building.</a> Victoria Fire Chief John Weber said fire officials suspected the fire could have been electrical, but that could not be verified.An insurance estimate on the damage has yet to be released.Forty firefighters from the Victoria, Ellis and City of Hays fire departments responded to the fire, Weber said.No one was inside the bakery at the time of the fire, and no one was injured. Brooke Olson is the owner of the bakery, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0abc8fc6-d062-4860-aa27-84c74eda9b1f">which opened in 2021</a>.

Cause of Fork That Bakery fire ruled undetermined

ELLIS — Ellis High School Fall Senior Night (band, choir, cross country, and football) will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday prior to the Ellis vs. Plainville football game.&nbsp;

Back row, from left: Jarret Mader, son of Michael &amp; Mindi Mader; William Crawford, son of Bret &amp; Kimberly Andries and the late George Crawford III; Maverick Gnad, son of John &amp; Pam Gnad and the late Sandy Robinson; Carson North, son of Heath &amp; Paula North; Alex McGuire, son of Wade &amp; Heidi McGuire; Rylan Cass, son of Ty &amp; Becca Cass; and Rex Johnson, son of Brandi Johnson, Earnest Johnson, and Rachel Johnson.

Front row, from left: Dakota Metzler, son of Jim &amp; Becky Metzler; Abbigail Heifner, daughter of John Heifner and Angela Johnson; Kayla Julian, daughter of Ronald &amp; Amanda Julian; Harlie Bittel, daughter of Kristi Bittel and Blake Bittel; Makenna Kohl, daughter of Jeff &amp; Emily Kohl; and Toccara Boyce, daughter of Jessica Boyce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664461611902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS — Ellis High School Fall Senior Night (band, choir, cross country, and football) will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday prior to the Ellis vs. Plainville football game.&nbsp;Back row, from left: Jarret Mader, son of Michael &amp; Mindi Mader; William Crawford, son of Bret &amp; Kimberly Andries and the late George Crawford III; Maverick Gnad, son of John &amp; Pam Gnad and the late Sandy Robinson; Carson North, son of Heath &amp; Paula North; Alex McGuire, son of Wade &amp; Heidi McGuire; Rylan Cass, son of Ty &amp; Becca Cass; and Rex Johnson, son of Brandi Johnson, Earnest Johnson, and Rachel Johnson.Front row, from left: Dakota Metzler, son of Jim &amp; Becky Metzler; Abbigail Heifner, daughter of John Heifner and Angela Johnson; Kayla Julian, daughter of Ronald &amp; Amanda Julian; Harlie Bittel, daughter of Kristi Bittel and Blake Bittel; Makenna Kohl, daughter of Jeff &amp; Emily Kohl; and Toccara Boyce, daughter of Jessica Boyce.

Ellis High will celebrate seniors on Friday night

Nicodemus will be part of a larger documentary series on African American history in the Midwest set to air on PBS in 2024.

Dan Manatt of <a href="https://democracyfilms.com/director-dan-manatt/">Democracy Film</a>s was in Nicodemus last year filming for his documentary "Black Pioneers and the Buffalo Soldiers," which will be shown at noon at the National Historic site in Nicodemus during the Nicodemus Pioneer Days on Saturday.

"Black Pioneers and the Buffalo Soldiers" is part of a larger series "The African American Midwest: 400 Year Fight for Freedom."

Now based in the Washington, D.C., area, Manatt grew up in Iowa and said he has a strong interest in the history of the Midwest.

"The African American Midwest documentary is meant to show the tremendous, overlooked African American history of the region," Manatt said. "Some of them are inspiring. Some of them are troubling, but none are more extraordinary and inspiring, that we have come across, than the Nicodemus story."

In September 1878, freed slaves from Kentucky disembarked from the train
 in Ellis and made their way on foot 35 miles across the prairie to 
their new home in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a>. The settlers encountered a barren prairie, and built the community from the ground up.

Black history has been limited to a telling of the history of the South, specifically the slave history of the South, Manatt said.

However, he said African American history is rich and diverse across the United States. Nicodemus combines two very important aspects of American history — the U.S. Calvary's Buffalo Soldiers and the Black pioneer settlement of the region.

"This struck me as a double icon," he said of the Nicodemus homesteaders. "This is the African American formerly enslaved family, and it's the iconic, pioneer family.

"From a storytelling perspective and historical perspective, there was nothing more exciting than coming across the Nicodemus story."

Manatt has worked on the Nicodemus portion of the series with Angela Bates, longtime Nicodemus historian and descendant of the original Nicodemus settlers.

Bates also said she thought African American history, except for the negative aspects of the slave experience, has been neglected in American history.

"It not only has been overlooked, it just hasn't been written about. It doesn't mean that it doesn't exist," she said. "I think what people are saying is there is more to our history than we have been presented."

Bates began doing outreach on Black history of the area in the 1980s. At that time, only one book had been written about the "exodusters," Black ex-slaves who left the South to homestead in the Midwest after the Civil War.

That history has been written about more and more in academic circles and just now is becoming a part of the knowledge of the greater American public.

She said she was speaking to a group at the Moundridge Public Library recently and a retired history professor approached her and said he was learning aspects of history he never knew.

"It's because it has not been important to the story of America from the perspective of a white male," she said.

Bates and the <a href="https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org/">Nicodemus National Historic Site</a> have worked for years to educate children about the history of Nicodemus and its settlers. She said she hopes this documentary will further inspire children and people of all ages.

"All people are interested in this history, not just African Americans," Bates said. "It's a story that adds color to what has been presented as strictly a white perspective only. When you start to get that other side of the story, you start to see the richness and fullness of that story."

The Buffalo Soldiers, which are also featured in Manatt's documentary, helped clear the way for homesteaders, including those who came to Nicodemus. The Black cavalrymen were so named by Native Americans because their dark skin was similar to that of bison.

Bates has a descendant who was a Buffalo Soldier, who settled in Nicodemus after his military service.

Manatt's documentary specifically addresses the Buffalo Soldier's engagement with the Cheyenne at the Battle of the Saline in August 1868. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de2e1cb1-7bea-4439-8b13-337f1a00bf5c">That battle site was only recently rediscovered on the CT2 Ranch in northern Ellis County.</a>

The Buffalo Soldiers' Company F, who fought at the Battle of Saline, was dispatched out of Fort Hays after railroad workers were killed by Native Americans at Victoria.

The Buffalo Soldiers engaged Native Americans in a series of skirmishes in a line northwest leading up to the Battle of Beecher Island just across the Colorado line.

"This whole region is a hotbed for that history, as well as Nicodemus and the migration of the folks west," Bates said. "It's fascinating, and I'm doing my best with all the people in the area to bring their stories to life as it fits into the bigger story of what was going on then." 

Manatt said the story of Nicodemus takes on more importance because it is a living story.

"It is a community that is still there," he said. "Not only is it still there, but it is also a story that inspires the descendants of the families to come back every year and re-enact. It is history, yes, but it's also the present. ... It's a continuing inspiration."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f6bbd39-50fa-4e01-9dae-242963b1d56a">Bates has also written and directed another film on the Nicodemus' settlers' journey from Kentucky and across the Ellis Trail to Nicodemus. That film was shot over the Labor Day Weekend, is in production and may be ready for viewers next year.</a>

"The American American Midwest: 400 Year Fight for Freedom," of which Manatt is the producer is sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council and other states' humanities agencies across the Midwest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664377409171.png" alt="Buffalo soldiers on a stagecoach. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Buffalo soldiers on a stagecoach. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNicodemus will be part of a larger documentary series on African American history in the Midwest set to air on PBS in 2024.Dan Manatt of <a href="https://democracyfilms.com/director-dan-manatt/">Democracy Film</a>s was in Nicodemus last year filming for his documentary "Black Pioneers and the Buffalo Soldiers," which will be shown at noon at the National Historic site in Nicodemus during the Nicodemus Pioneer Days on Saturday. "Black Pioneers and the Buffalo Soldiers" is part of a larger series "The African American Midwest: 400 Year Fight for Freedom."Now based in the Washington, D.C., area, Manatt grew up in Iowa and said he has a strong interest in the history of the Midwest."The African American Midwest documentary is meant to show the tremendous, overlooked African American history of the region," Manatt said. "Some of them are inspiring. Some of them are troubling, but none are more extraordinary and inspiring, that we have come across, than the Nicodemus story."In September 1878, freed slaves from Kentucky disembarked from the train
 in Ellis and made their way on foot 35 miles across the prairie to 
their new home in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a>. The settlers encountered a barren prairie, and built the community from the ground up. Black history has been limited to a telling of the history of the South, specifically the slave history of the South, Manatt said. However, he said African American history is rich and diverse across the United States. Nicodemus combines two very important aspects of American history — the U.S. Calvary's Buffalo Soldiers and the Black pioneer settlement of the region."This struck me as a double icon," he said of the Nicodemus homesteaders. "This is the African American formerly enslaved family, and it's the iconic, pioneer family."From a storytelling perspective and historical perspective, there was nothing more exciting than coming across the Nicodemus story."Manatt has worked on the Nicodemus portion of the series with Angela Bates, longtime Nicodemus historian and descendant of the original Nicodemus settlers.Bates also said she thought African American history, except for the negative aspects of the slave experience, has been neglected in American history."It not only has been overlooked, it just hasn't been written about. It doesn't mean that it doesn't exist," she said. "I think what people are saying is there is more to our history than we have been presented."Bates began doing outreach on Black history of the area in the 1980s. At that time, only one book had been written about the "exodusters," Black ex-slaves who left the South to homestead in the Midwest after the Civil War.That history has been written about more and more in academic circles and just now is becoming a part of the knowledge of the greater American public.She said she was speaking to a group at the Moundridge Public Library recently and a retired history professor approached her and said he was learning aspects of history he never knew. "It's because it has not been important to the story of America from the perspective of a white male," she said. Bates and the <a href="https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org/">Nicodemus National Historic Site</a> have worked for years to educate children about the history of Nicodemus and its settlers. She said she hopes this documentary will further inspire children and people of all ages. "All people are interested in this history, not just African Americans," Bates said. "It's a story that adds color to what has been presented as strictly a white perspective only. When you start to get that other side of the story, you start to see the richness and fullness of that story." The Buffalo Soldiers, which are also featured in Manatt's documentary, helped clear the way for homesteaders, including those who came to Nicodemus. The Black cavalrymen were so named by Native Americans because their dark skin was similar to that of bison. Bates has a descendant who was a Buffalo Soldier, who settled in Nicodemus after his military service.Manatt's documentary specifically addresses the Buffalo Soldier's engagement with the Cheyenne at the Battle of the Saline in August 1868. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de2e1cb1-7bea-4439-8b13-337f1a00bf5c">That battle site was only recently rediscovered on the CT2 Ranch in northern Ellis County.</a>The Buffalo Soldiers' Company F, who fought at the Battle of Saline, was dispatched out of Fort Hays after railroad workers were killed by Native Americans at Victoria. The Buffalo Soldiers engaged Native Americans in a series of skirmishes in a line northwest leading up to the Battle of Beecher Island just across the Colorado line. "This whole region is a hotbed for that history, as well as Nicodemus and the migration of the folks west," Bates said. "It's fascinating, and I'm doing my best with all the people in the area to bring their stories to life as it fits into the bigger story of what was going on then." Manatt said the story of Nicodemus takes on more importance because it is a living story. "It is a community that is still there," he said. "Not only is it still there, but it is also a story that inspires the descendants of the families to come back every year and re-enact. It is history, yes, but it's also the present. ... It's a continuing inspiration." <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f6bbd39-50fa-4e01-9dae-242963b1d56a">Bates has also written and directed another film on the Nicodemus' settlers' journey from Kentucky and across the Ellis Trail to Nicodemus. That film was shot over the Labor Day Weekend, is in production and may be ready for viewers next year.</a>"The American American Midwest: 400 Year Fight for Freedom," of which Manatt is the producer is sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council and other states' humanities agencies across the Midwest.

Nicodemus, Buffalo Soldiers featured in documentary on history of Midwest

The Hays school district is changing its plans for heating and air conditioning work.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school district is changing its plans for heating and air conditioning work.The district had planned on multi-phase HVAC work at Hays High School. The first phase of that work was completed this summer. However, since a bond issue passed in May, the district will be renovating the existing Hays High School building into a middle school.Superintendent Ron Wilson said some walls may be moved as part of that renovation, so district officials would like to postpone further work on the high school building until design work is finished on a renovation project.He said officials did not want to complete HVAC work that might have to be ripped out later during the renovation.Instead, district officials are proposing HVAC work at Wilson Elementary School. Wilson will be open for several more years but will be closed as an elementary school as part of the bond restructuring.However, district officials have discussed moving other district services to that building and closing Rockwell Administration Center.District officials plan to bid the Wilson HVAC work through the state cooperative pricing program and bring the bid back to the school board at its next meeting in October.<h2>HMS iPads</h2>Hays Middle School students will receive new iPads this week. The district ordered about 800 new devices for students this fall.The district has applied for a grant to pay for all or a portion of the devices. It is still waiting to hear back about that grant award. Cover photo by Pixabay.