RUSSELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy SUV driven by Delmer J. Williams, 54,&nbsp; Los Angeles, Calif. was eastbound on Interstate 70 near Bunker Hill Road.

The driver lost control of the vehicle.&nbsp; The SUV traveled through the&nbsp; ditch, the KDOT fence, continued across Old Highway 40 and entered a milo field.

EMS transported Williams to the hospital in Russell.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy SUV driven by Delmer J. Williams, 54,&nbsp; Los Angeles, Calif. was eastbound on Interstate 70 near Bunker Hill Road.The driver lost control of the vehicle.&nbsp; The SUV traveled through the&nbsp; ditch, the KDOT fence, continued across Old Highway 40 and entered a milo field.EMS transported Williams to the hospital in Russell.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after SUV lands in milo field off I-70

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

The biggest strength of Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is its grassroots policy process that undergoes at least a year of debate before it’s enshrined in the organization’s policy book. This manual serves a blueprint for the advocacy work of state staff in the Kansas Legislature. In 2022, this member-driven process was crucial to improving farming, ranching and rural living during the legislative session. The success Kansas Farm Bureau had during the last legislative session will affect everyone in agriculture or living in a rural community in some fashion. Some of the wins are unlikely to be undone anytime soon and others could prove to be more fleeting without continued engagement. As of July 1, several of these polices are now laws codified in Kansas statutes. That’s proof that a group of dedicated people working toward a common goal can make the ultimate influence on the political process. Turning policy into action is not an easy endeavor, so it’s worth acknowledging when it does happen. Here are a handful of examples of how Farm Bureau members of Kansas and other likeminded organizations had an impact in Topeka: Fencing Tax Exemption:&nbsp;KFB successfully testified in support of a law the exempts fencing supplies and services from sales tax to repair fencing damaged or destroyed by natural disasters including wildfires. Those exemptions are permanent for all farmers and ranchers. Based on calculations from the Kansas Division of Budget and the Kansas State University Land Use Survey Center, this sales tax elimination will save farmers and ranchers approximately $865 for each mile of fence, a number that will grow alongside the cost of materials and labor. Funding for Rural Housing:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau was one of nearly two dozen organizations that successfully lobbied for an investment in rural housing of more than $100 million. The money will come from the state’s extraordinary budget surplus and unspent federal COVID-19 relief funding. Included in the spending package is $40 million to spur moderate-income housing programs. An additional $20 million is dedicated specifically to rural housing. Expansion of Rural Veterinary Program: KFB supported legislation that will expand the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas, addressing a shortage of veterinarians across the state. The legislation will allow more flexibility in where Kansas State University graduates can establish a practice and receive up to $25,000 per year in student loan forgiveness. The law also adds flexibility to increase the number of recipients beyond the maximum of five if funding is available. Pasture Tax Fix:&nbsp;KFB successfully supported a policy change in how pastureland enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands are classified for Kansas property tax purposes. Without this fix, land that has always been in pasture and then enrolled in the CRP was in danger of being classified as higher-value dryland farm ground for property tax purposes. Water Issues:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau staff testified against proposed legislation that would have consolidated the state’s water regulatory agencies because it would have increased government bureaucracy and consolidated enormous power under the control of a single political appointee, in addition to other measures that go against KFB’s policy. While the proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, it has prompted a review of KFB policy on water issues with regional meetings scheduled around the state, including July 6 in Hutchinson, July 7 in Dodge City, July 12 in Hoxie and July 14 in Burlington. For more on the meetings or to register visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=03ee9ca492&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kfb.org</a>. As the final issue illustrates, effectively implementing policy is a job that never ends. It requires continued discussion and refinement, and the ability to react quickly when there’s an opening. Kansas Farm Bureau will continue seeking feedback, forging alliances and pushing politicians to create rules and regulations allowing agriculture to flourish in Kansas and beyond.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThe biggest strength of Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is its grassroots policy process that undergoes at least a year of debate before it’s enshrined in the organization’s policy book. This manual serves a blueprint for the advocacy work of state staff in the Kansas Legislature. In 2022, this member-driven process was crucial to improving farming, ranching and rural living during the legislative session. The success Kansas Farm Bureau had during the last legislative session will affect everyone in agriculture or living in a rural community in some fashion. Some of the wins are unlikely to be undone anytime soon and others could prove to be more fleeting without continued engagement. As of July 1, several of these polices are now laws codified in Kansas statutes. That’s proof that a group of dedicated people working toward a common goal can make the ultimate influence on the political process. Turning policy into action is not an easy endeavor, so it’s worth acknowledging when it does happen. Here are a handful of examples of how Farm Bureau members of Kansas and other likeminded organizations had an impact in Topeka: Fencing Tax Exemption:&nbsp;KFB successfully testified in support of a law the exempts fencing supplies and services from sales tax to repair fencing damaged or destroyed by natural disasters including wildfires. Those exemptions are permanent for all farmers and ranchers. Based on calculations from the Kansas Division of Budget and the Kansas State University Land Use Survey Center, this sales tax elimination will save farmers and ranchers approximately $865 for each mile of fence, a number that will grow alongside the cost of materials and labor. Funding for Rural Housing:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau was one of nearly two dozen organizations that successfully lobbied for an investment in rural housing of more than $100 million. The money will come from the state’s extraordinary budget surplus and unspent federal COVID-19 relief funding. Included in the spending package is $40 million to spur moderate-income housing programs. An additional $20 million is dedicated specifically to rural housing. Expansion of Rural Veterinary Program: KFB supported legislation that will expand the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas, addressing a shortage of veterinarians across the state. The legislation will allow more flexibility in where Kansas State University graduates can establish a practice and receive up to $25,000 per year in student loan forgiveness. The law also adds flexibility to increase the number of recipients beyond the maximum of five if funding is available. Pasture Tax Fix:&nbsp;KFB successfully supported a policy change in how pastureland enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands are classified for Kansas property tax purposes. Without this fix, land that has always been in pasture and then enrolled in the CRP was in danger of being classified as higher-value dryland farm ground for property tax purposes. Water Issues:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau staff testified against proposed legislation that would have consolidated the state’s water regulatory agencies because it would have increased government bureaucracy and consolidated enormous power under the control of a single political appointee, in addition to other measures that go against KFB’s policy. While the proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, it has prompted a review of KFB policy on water issues with regional meetings scheduled around the state, including July 6 in Hutchinson, July 7 in Dodge City, July 12 in Hoxie and July 14 in Burlington. For more on the meetings or to register visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=03ee9ca492&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kfb.org</a>. As the final issue illustrates, effectively implementing policy is a job that never ends. It requires continued discussion and refinement, and the ability to react quickly when there’s an opening. Kansas Farm Bureau will continue seeking feedback, forging alliances and pushing politicians to create rules and regulations allowing agriculture to flourish in Kansas and beyond."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Putting policy into action

<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/2022/7/1657213771329.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

LINCOLN, Neb. — Madelyn Martin of Hays, a recent graduate of Hays High School, is among 43 incoming first-year students selected to join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall. Comprising the academy's 10th cohort, the students hail from six U.S. states and 13 Nebraska communities.

"This cohort exemplifies how Huskers create the future they want to see," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. "They bring to Nebraska Business extensive experiences in leadership and academic achievements. These students will hone their academic and leadership skills, stretching their strengths together as they transform into future business leaders."

The cohorts complete most of their core and foundation business curriculum together using an action-based learning style focused on the development of critical thinking, technical and communication skills. Students choose from 11 academic majors in the College of Business, including business and law, offered in partnership with the Nebraska College of Law.

"We're incredibly excited to welcome our 10th cohort to the academy," said Erin Burnette, the academy's director. "This marks a key milestone for our program, and this group of students is the perfect compilation of talents, skills and ambitions to join the academy ranks."

The new students will participate in leadership activities and student competitions across the country to enhance their professional communication. The students will also participate in internships. This summer, more than 50% of academy students are participating in paid internships in 13 states and two countries.

Academy students also study abroad. Since January, 28% of the students have studied abroad in eight countries.

"These students are bright, eager and community-focused individuals, and I have no doubt they will quickly find ways to positively impact the academy, the College of Business and the university as a whole," Burnette said. "Our team feels very honored to be able to have a front-row seat as we help this cohort learn, grow and realize their potential as they progress through their college career."

Academy students are involved in more than 150 student organizations on campus, serving in a variety of leadership roles. Graduates have taken their talents to careers and graduate schools spanning 29 states and five countries.

Applications for the 2023 cohort open in August. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/j87kmUnWtrQH2RghkkTwy311euff3JwclT_mwecMXEco5FknET_6SoCGpTJYsZFN/3nj/Pkw7aLEuS8WBdBrmxG6gLQ/h0/vhSvKpR-wUP2oArMP5Cibr9flphOp7GFoGJojUsEwyc" target="_blank">https://business.unl.edu/honorsacademy</a>.

For the full list of students in the fall 2022 cohort, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/32IxTgwFGaalFTsuZasCIVhEYapg7COrhB3I32Zzi9M/3nj/Pkw7aLEuS8WBdBrmxG6gLQ/h1/F228xPBf9R5TVqH5ZCavvwoxv31gt4-Ohj31STMmdLo" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/jirq</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657206602847.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-07-07 at 10.08.43 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2022-07-07 at 10.08.43 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. — Madelyn Martin of Hays, a recent graduate of Hays High School, is among 43 incoming first-year students selected to join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall. Comprising the academy's 10th cohort, the students hail from six U.S. states and 13 Nebraska communities.Martin intends to major in marketing."This cohort exemplifies how Huskers create the future they want to see," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. "They bring to Nebraska Business extensive experiences in leadership and academic achievements. These students will hone their academic and leadership skills, stretching their strengths together as they transform into future business leaders."The cohorts complete most of their core and foundation business curriculum together using an action-based learning style focused on the development of critical thinking, technical and communication skills. Students choose from 11 academic majors in the College of Business, including business and law, offered in partnership with the Nebraska College of Law."We're incredibly excited to welcome our 10th cohort to the academy," said Erin Burnette, the academy's director. "This marks a key milestone for our program, and this group of students is the perfect compilation of talents, skills and ambitions to join the academy ranks."The new students will participate in leadership activities and student competitions across the country to enhance their professional communication. The students will also participate in internships. This summer, more than 50% of academy students are participating in paid internships in 13 states and two countries.Academy students also study abroad. Since January, 28% of the students have studied abroad in eight countries."These students are bright, eager and community-focused individuals, and I have no doubt they will quickly find ways to positively impact the academy, the College of Business and the university as a whole," Burnette said. "Our team feels very honored to be able to have a front-row seat as we help this cohort learn, grow and realize their potential as they progress through their college career."Academy students are involved in more than 150 student organizations on campus, serving in a variety of leadership roles. Graduates have taken their talents to careers and graduate schools spanning 29 states and five countries.Applications for the 2023 cohort open in August. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/j87kmUnWtrQH2RghkkTwy311euff3JwclT_mwecMXEco5FknET_6SoCGpTJYsZFN/3nj/Pkw7aLEuS8WBdBrmxG6gLQ/h0/vhSvKpR-wUP2oArMP5Cibr9flphOp7GFoGJojUsEwyc" target="_blank">https://business.unl.edu/honorsacademy</a>.For the full list of students in the fall 2022 cohort, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/32IxTgwFGaalFTsuZasCIVhEYapg7COrhB3I32Zzi9M/3nj/Pkw7aLEuS8WBdBrmxG6gLQ/h1/F228xPBf9R5TVqH5ZCavvwoxv31gt4-Ohj31STMmdLo" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/jirq</a>.

Hays High student selected to Nebraska Business Honors Academy

Raymond Lee, one of the greatest players in Fort Hays State Men's Basketball history and member of the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame, passed away on June 16, 2022. The Detroit, Michigan native was 58 years old. Lee helped Fort Hays State to consecutive NAIA National Championships in 1983-84 and 1984-85. The four-year standout from Detroit, Michigan played the most games of any player in the program's history, taking the court 145 times. In four seasons at FHSU, Lee amassed a school record 899 assists. He is third on the all-time scoring list with 1,615 points, but was second at the time he completed his career. Lee is one of the most decorated players in program history. He is the only three-time All-America selection in program history, earning the distinction as a sophomore (1984), junior (1985), and senior (1986). He is one of 10 players in program history to accomplish All-America honors at least twice. Fort Hays State enjoyed an overall record of 127-18 over his four seasons on the court at FHSU, including three conference regular season titles to go with the two national titles during that span. He was an all-conference selection all four of his seasons at FHSU and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC) Freshman of the Year in 1982-83. The Life Celebration Service for Raymond Lee will be on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (Address - 7110 North State Route 9). Lee's family will also be holding a Repass Dinner on Saturday, July 16 from 4-11 p.m. at the Marriott Kansas City Airport (Address - 775 Brasilia Ave. Kansas City, MO).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raymond Jeffrey Lee was born May 18, 1964, to the union of Percy and Olivia Lee in Detroit, Michigan.&nbsp;He passed away on June 16, 2022, at the age of 58.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his mother Olivia and brother Anthony.

Raymond, affectionately known as Sugar Ray, received his high school education at the University of Detroit Jesuit Academy&nbsp;in Detroit, Michigan&nbsp;where he was&nbsp;an&nbsp;all-state&nbsp;selection&nbsp;in basketball in 1982. &nbsp;Ray proceeded to attend Fort Hays State U<a></a>niversity from 1982 to 1986.&nbsp;He helped lead Fort Hays State University to&nbsp;two&nbsp;NAIA&nbsp;National Championships&nbsp;in 1983-84 and 1984-85&nbsp;and three conference championships over&nbsp;his&nbsp;four years&nbsp;on the court.&nbsp;

Ray&nbsp;is the only three-time All-America selection in the history of the storied Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball program&nbsp;and was a first-team selection in 1985.&nbsp;He was a four-time all-conference selection and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference Freshman of the Year in 1983.&nbsp;He played the most games of any player in FHSU Men’s Basketball history, taking the court 145 times. He still holds the FHSU career assists record with 899 and his 1,615 points ranked second best at the completion of his career.&nbsp;Ray was&nbsp;also&nbsp;inducted into the FHSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.&nbsp;After college Ray worked several years for Chrysler Corporation.&nbsp;He also worked for American Airlines in Kansas City and was an Independent Contractor for Horizon Transport.&nbsp;

Ray met the love of his life Marci Merchant in 1990 and married on December 23rd, 1996. &nbsp;Marci had a son Henri whom Ray helped guide to become&nbsp;a successful young man. &nbsp;Marci and Ray added to their family in April of 1993 with the birth of&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;and Raymond Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ray was a very proud father of all his children. &nbsp;He also took his athletic talents and knowledge into coaching youth in the KC area. &nbsp;Ray coached youth basketball and soccer. &nbsp;His oldest son Henri and wife Alexis gave him&nbsp;three&nbsp;grandchildren. &nbsp;He loved being a grandfather. &nbsp;He also was a fun loving and competitive individual. &nbsp;He loved music and being with family and friends. &nbsp;Ray would talk&nbsp;your ear off if you gave him one. Ray was a friend to everyone he met. &nbsp;His smile was contagious. &nbsp;One of Ray’s greatest memories was being a card member of the Midnight Funk Association. &nbsp;

Raymond Jeffrey Lee leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Marci&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;City; his father Percy Lee Jr. of Detroit, Michigan; his sons Henri (Alexis) of Detroit, son Raymond Jr of Kansas City; daughter&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;of Kansas City; brother Paul Lee (Allison) of Wichita, KS; sister Kim Lee Ousley (Bobby-deceased) of Detroit, Michigan;&nbsp;3 grandchildren Asher, Emery, and Kennedy of Detroit, Michigan; several nieces and nephews and family and friends.

The Life Celebration Service for Raymond will be on July 16, 2022, from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (7110 N, MO-9).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657214687234.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRaymond Lee, one of the greatest players in Fort Hays State Men's Basketball history and member of the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame, passed away on June 16, 2022. The Detroit, Michigan native was 58 years old. Lee helped Fort Hays State to consecutive NAIA National Championships in 1983-84 and 1984-85. The four-year standout from Detroit, Michigan played the most games of any player in the program's history, taking the court 145 times. In four seasons at FHSU, Lee amassed a school record 899 assists. He is third on the all-time scoring list with 1,615 points, but was second at the time he completed his career. Lee is one of the most decorated players in program history. He is the only three-time All-America selection in program history, earning the distinction as a sophomore (1984), junior (1985), and senior (1986). He is one of 10 players in program history to accomplish All-America honors at least twice. Fort Hays State enjoyed an overall record of 127-18 over his four seasons on the court at FHSU, including three conference regular season titles to go with the two national titles during that span. He was an all-conference selection all four of his seasons at FHSU and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC) Freshman of the Year in 1982-83. The Life Celebration Service for Raymond Lee will be on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (Address - 7110 North State Route 9). Lee's family will also be holding a Repass Dinner on Saturday, July 16 from 4-11 p.m. at the Marriott Kansas City Airport (Address - 775 Brasilia Ave. Kansas City, MO).&nbsp;&nbsp; Raymond Jeffrey Lee was born May 18, 1964, to the union of Percy and Olivia Lee in Detroit, Michigan.&nbsp;He passed away on June 16, 2022, at the age of 58.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his mother Olivia and brother Anthony.Raymond, affectionately known as Sugar Ray, received his high school education at the University of Detroit Jesuit Academy&nbsp;in Detroit, Michigan&nbsp;where he was&nbsp;an&nbsp;all-state&nbsp;selection&nbsp;in basketball in 1982. &nbsp;Ray proceeded to attend Fort Hays State U<a></a>niversity from 1982 to 1986.&nbsp;He helped lead Fort Hays State University to&nbsp;two&nbsp;NAIA&nbsp;National Championships&nbsp;in 1983-84 and 1984-85&nbsp;and three conference championships over&nbsp;his&nbsp;four years&nbsp;on the court.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657214802443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ray&nbsp;is the only three-time All-America selection in the history of the storied Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball program&nbsp;and was a first-team selection in 1985.&nbsp;He was a four-time all-conference selection and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference Freshman of the Year in 1983.&nbsp;He played the most games of any player in FHSU Men’s Basketball history, taking the court 145 times. He still holds the FHSU career assists record with 899 and his 1,615 points ranked second best at the completion of his career.&nbsp;Ray was&nbsp;also&nbsp;inducted into the FHSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.&nbsp;After college Ray worked several years for Chrysler Corporation.&nbsp;He also worked for American Airlines in Kansas City and was an Independent Contractor for Horizon Transport.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657214829558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ray met the love of his life Marci Merchant in 1990 and married on December 23rd, 1996. &nbsp;Marci had a son Henri whom Ray helped guide to become&nbsp;a successful young man. &nbsp;Marci and Ray added to their family in April of 1993 with the birth of&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;and Raymond Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ray was a very proud father of all his children. &nbsp;He also took his athletic talents and knowledge into coaching youth in the KC area. &nbsp;Ray coached youth basketball and soccer. &nbsp;His oldest son Henri and wife Alexis gave him&nbsp;three&nbsp;grandchildren. &nbsp;He loved being a grandfather. &nbsp;He also was a fun loving and competitive individual. &nbsp;He loved music and being with family and friends. &nbsp;Ray would talk&nbsp;your ear off if you gave him one. Ray was a friend to everyone he met. &nbsp;His smile was contagious. &nbsp;One of Ray’s greatest memories was being a card member of the Midnight Funk Association. &nbsp;Raymond Jeffrey Lee leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Marci&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;City; his father Percy Lee Jr. of Detroit, Michigan; his sons Henri (Alexis) of Detroit, son Raymond Jr of Kansas City; daughter&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;of Kansas City; brother Paul Lee (Allison) of Wichita, KS; sister Kim Lee Ousley (Bobby-deceased) of Detroit, Michigan;&nbsp;3 grandchildren Asher, Emery, and Kennedy of Detroit, Michigan; several nieces and nephews and family and friends.The Life Celebration Service for Raymond will be on July 16, 2022, from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (7110 N, MO-9).

🏀 FHSU basketball great Lee dies at age 58

On this episode of the Post Podcast Roger Leigleiter and Allen McCoy share information about the upcoming McCracken Rodeo.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="McCracken Rodeo begins Thursday" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=c7aeg-126a554-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Roger Leigleiter and Allen McCoy share information about the upcoming McCracken Rodeo. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: McCracken Rodeo begins Thursday

The Hays area will get a break from extreme temperature Thursday and Friday, with highs in the low-90s predicted each day.

The National Weather Service said a weak cold front will move across the area, dropping the mercury but hiking the humidity.

After receiving 0.8 inches of rainfall Wednesday afternoon, there is a slight chance of more showers and thunderstorms Thursday evening. There is a 10 percent chance of showers after 5 p.m., with a 20 percent chance between 8 and 9 p.m.

The reprieve from heat won't last long, with highs in the upper-90s to triple digits predicted Saturday through Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657204977253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays area will get a break from extreme temperature Thursday and Friday, with highs in the low-90s predicted each day.The National Weather Service said a weak cold front will move across the area, dropping the mercury but hiking the humidity.After receiving 0.8 inches of rainfall Wednesday afternoon, there is a slight chance of more showers and thunderstorms Thursday evening. There is a 10 percent chance of showers after 5 p.m., with a 20 percent chance between 8 and 9 p.m.The reprieve from heat won't last long, with highs in the upper-90s to triple digits predicted Saturday through Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A weak cold front will push south across Kansas early Friday, which will provide some relief from the 100-degree heat, however the northeasterly (then easterly) winds behind the front will result in a more humid airmass across the southwest Kansas region. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/zRb6Dbf9SE">pic.twitter.com/zRb6Dbf9SE</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1544993166519988224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Two-day cooldown then a return to extreme heat

With the primary election less than a month away, the
deadline to get registered to vote is quickly approaching.

Kansas residents have until July 12 to register for the Aug.
2 election.

According to Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi
Dreiling, voter registrations that are received in the election’s office after
July 12 but postmarked on that day or before will be accepted and registrations
sent in by email have to be received by midnight on July 12 will also be
registered to vote.

Kansas can register online by clicking <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg">HERE</a>.

Voters will be required to provide a driver’s license or a
valid identification card.

Voter registration applications and advance mail ballot
applications are available on the county website at <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/425/Election">ellisco.net</a>.

In Ellis County, officials will start mailing out advanced ballots
on July 13 and applications for advanced ballots will be taken until July 26
according to Dreiling.

Advanced voting in Ellis County begins on Monday, July 18, and will run through noon on Aug. 1 at the Administrative Center, 718 Main, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dreiling said Ellis County is starting advanced voting a
week before the state requires. Starting July 18 gives the voter an additional
week to early vote.

On election day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voter can see their ballot at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a> before
heading to the polls or filling out their ballot.

Dreiling said if voters have any questions they can call the
Ellis County Clerk’s office at 785-628-9410 or visit the county website at
<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/425/Election">ellisco.net under the election tab</a>.

Hays PostWith the primary election less than a month away, the
deadline to get registered to vote is quickly approaching.Kansas residents have until July 12 to register for the Aug.
2 election.According to Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi
Dreiling, voter registrations that are received in the election’s office after
July 12 but postmarked on that day or before will be accepted and registrations
sent in by email have to be received by midnight on July 12 will also be
registered to vote.Kansas can register online by clicking <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg">HERE</a>.Voters will be required to provide a driver’s license or a
valid identification card.Voter registration applications and advance mail ballot
applications are available on the county website at <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/425/Election">ellisco.net</a>.In Ellis County, officials will start mailing out advanced ballots
on July 13 and applications for advanced ballots will be taken until July 26
according to Dreiling.Advanced voting in Ellis County begins on Monday, July 18, and will run through noon on Aug. 1 at the Administrative Center, 718 Main, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.Dreiling said Ellis County is starting advanced voting a
week before the state requires. Starting July 18 gives the voter an additional
week to early vote.On election day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Voter can see their ballot at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a> before
heading to the polls or filling out their ballot.Dreiling said if voters have any questions they can call the
Ellis County Clerk’s office at 785-628-9410 or visit the county website at
<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/425/Election">ellisco.net under the election tab</a>.

Deadline to register in primary election is July 12

Submitted by Hammond campaign for state representative

Hays Medical Center, Ellis County citizens and their economy have lost in terms of health care and money, said Ed Hammond, Democratic candidate for the Kansas House, at a news conference this morning.

“Patients, HaysMed and the economy of the 111th&nbsp;District have all suffered because of the state’s failure to expand KanCare/Medicaid,” said Hammond. “Our current representative has chosen not to advocate for expansion and in fact has actively participated in blocking it. The time is now to have Medicaid expansion.”

Five years ago, a bi-partisan majority in the Kansas Legislature passed expansion, but then-Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed it. The Legislature has not been able to overcome the obstacles to passage since.

“And our current representative has been one of the obstacles,” said Hammond.

Hammond cited a recent survey from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas that found 87 percent of Kansans support expansion. An estimated 165,000 people in Kansas would benefit from expanded coverage — people who are currently uninsured or who would be eligible for more health care coverage.

Another survey, an economic study conducted by Kansas State University economist Dr. John Leatherman, indicated that failure to expand Medicare has cost the state $70 million per year&nbsp;in additional tax revenue, direct and indirect.

Kansas is one of only a dozen states that have not accepted the federal Medicaid expansion money, he said. More Republican governors than Democratic governors have presided over expansion, and those include Mike Pence, governor of Indiana before becoming vice president.

All states surrounding Kansas have expanded Medicaid, and that includes three of the reddest states in the country: Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Hammond emphasized three reasons why he is advocating for Medicaid expansion. The first is health care.

“The first reason I feel so strongly about this issue is because it improves the health of 165,000 Kansans,” he said. These people are not getting services or are getting services and the providers are having to write off the cost, he said.

Under current eligibility requirements, an uninsured parent with two children would have to earn less than $4 an hour, or no more than $8,500 a year, to qualify. He also pointed out that, contrary to a myth perpetrated by opponents of expansion, only U.S. citizens are covered.

“My opponent has decided not to advocate for our citizens, and the time is now,” said Hammond.

The second reason we need expansion is jobs.

“Expansion creates jobs,” he said. “We will have to hire more doctors, nurses, nurses’ aides and hospital staff in order to meet additional demand.”

Statewide, experts estimate an additional 3,800 jobs will be created by expansion, and hospitals and health care facilities need additional resources to deal with the pressures of inflation.

“As with health care for people, my opponent has decided not to advocate for jobs,” said Hammond, “and with growing inflation, the time is now.”

Hammond said the third reason for expanding KanCare/Medicaid is, “It stimulates the economy.”

“We know that since 2014, when Kansas could have expanded eligibility, the state has lost $5.7 billion,” he said.

The 10 percent state share can be taken from budgets that can be reduced because they won’t have to include Medicaid-covered health care costs in their budgets. The largest share would come from prisoner inpatient care, MediKan savings, blind and disability supplement income, and medical needy spenddown.&nbsp;

Health care for inmates is one of the largest savings. Most prisoners would qualify for expansion.

Economists who have studied the effects of expansion in other states agree that it is either revenue neutral or revenue positive. Expansion costs the state nothing or results in additional revenue.

“Kansas has been missing the benefit of these federal funds, and our citizens have been missing the opportunity to be covered for health care,” he said. HaysMed has lost $5.1 million a year, and the First Care Clinic and other health care providers in Ellis County have lost $2.5 million a year.

On top of that, he said, the lack of expansion has cost HaysMed in an even larger way. People without medical coverage, or who have insufficient medical coverage, don’t use hospital services. The result is that HaysMed does not serve enough Medicaid patients to qualify for $10 million a year in prescription drug rebates.

“This has further disadvantaged our economy and cost people 40 percent more in prescription drug costs through the hospital,” he said.

This results in a competitive disadvantage with other cities, such as Garden City, whose hospital does have enough Medicaid patients to qualify for the benefit.&nbsp;

This benefit applies to Medicaid patients and veterans, and the lack of Medicaid expansion meant that, on average, these people pay about 40-percent more for prescription drugs.

In round numbers, patients, HaysMed and the community miss out on $17.5 million in additional revenue. The amount of downstream economic impact is estimated at three to seven times more than the direct revenue as the money circulates in the local economy.

“Over the four years that my opponent has been in office, she has been willing to pass up $70 million in direct spending. We have lost the advantage of this money being in our economy,” said Hammond.

“Once again, my opponent has decided not to stand up for her city, her county and her district. I will,” he said, “and the time is now for someone to advocate for the 111th&nbsp;District.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657220948983.jpeg" alt="Hammond" />
 <figcaption>Hammond</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by Hammond campaign for state representativeHays Medical Center, Ellis County citizens and their economy have lost in terms of health care and money, said Ed Hammond, Democratic candidate for the Kansas House, at a news conference this morning.“Patients, HaysMed and the economy of the 111th&nbsp;District have all suffered because of the state’s failure to expand KanCare/Medicaid,” said Hammond. “Our current representative has chosen not to advocate for expansion and in fact has actively participated in blocking it. The time is now to have Medicaid expansion.”Five years ago, a bi-partisan majority in the Kansas Legislature passed expansion, but then-Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed it. The Legislature has not been able to overcome the obstacles to passage since.“And our current representative has been one of the obstacles,” said Hammond.Hammond cited a recent survey from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas that found 87 percent of Kansans support expansion. An estimated 165,000 people in Kansas would benefit from expanded coverage — people who are currently uninsured or who would be eligible for more health care coverage.Another survey, an economic study conducted by Kansas State University economist Dr. John Leatherman, indicated that failure to expand Medicare has cost the state $70 million per year&nbsp;in additional tax revenue, direct and indirect.Kansas is one of only a dozen states that have not accepted the federal Medicaid expansion money, he said. More Republican governors than Democratic governors have presided over expansion, and those include Mike Pence, governor of Indiana before becoming vice president.All states surrounding Kansas have expanded Medicaid, and that includes three of the reddest states in the country: Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska.Hammond emphasized three reasons why he is advocating for Medicaid expansion. The first is health care.“The first reason I feel so strongly about this issue is because it improves the health of 165,000 Kansans,” he said. These people are not getting services or are getting services and the providers are having to write off the cost, he said.Under current eligibility requirements, an uninsured parent with two children would have to earn less than $4 an hour, or no more than $8,500 a year, to qualify. He also pointed out that, contrary to a myth perpetrated by opponents of expansion, only U.S. citizens are covered.“My opponent has decided not to advocate for our citizens, and the time is now,” said Hammond.The second reason we need expansion is jobs.“Expansion creates jobs,” he said. “We will have to hire more doctors, nurses, nurses’ aides and hospital staff in order to meet additional demand.”Statewide, experts estimate an additional 3,800 jobs will be created by expansion, and hospitals and health care facilities need additional resources to deal with the pressures of inflation.“As with health care for people, my opponent has decided not to advocate for jobs,” said Hammond, “and with growing inflation, the time is now.”Hammond said the third reason for expanding KanCare/Medicaid is, “It stimulates the economy.”“We know that since 2014, when Kansas could have expanded eligibility, the state has lost $5.7 billion,” he said.The 10 percent state share can be taken from budgets that can be reduced because they won’t have to include Medicaid-covered health care costs in their budgets. The largest share would come from prisoner inpatient care, MediKan savings, blind and disability supplement income, and medical needy spenddown.&nbsp;Health care for inmates is one of the largest savings. Most prisoners would qualify for expansion.Economists who have studied the effects of expansion in other states agree that it is either revenue neutral or revenue positive. Expansion costs the state nothing or results in additional revenue.“Kansas has been missing the benefit of these federal funds, and our citizens have been missing the opportunity to be covered for health care,” he said. HaysMed has lost $5.1 million a year, and the First Care Clinic and other health care providers in Ellis County have lost $2.5 million a year.On top of that, he said, the lack of expansion has cost HaysMed in an even larger way. People without medical coverage, or who have insufficient medical coverage, don’t use hospital services. The result is that HaysMed does not serve enough Medicaid patients to qualify for $10 million a year in prescription drug rebates.“This has further disadvantaged our economy and cost people 40 percent more in prescription drug costs through the hospital,” he said.This results in a competitive disadvantage with other cities, such as Garden City, whose hospital does have enough Medicaid patients to qualify for the benefit.&nbsp;This benefit applies to Medicaid patients and veterans, and the lack of Medicaid expansion meant that, on average, these people pay about 40-percent more for prescription drugs.In round numbers, patients, HaysMed and the community miss out on $17.5 million in additional revenue. The amount of downstream economic impact is estimated at three to seven times more than the direct revenue as the money circulates in the local economy.“Over the four years that my opponent has been in office, she has been willing to pass up $70 million in direct spending. We have lost the advantage of this money being in our economy,” said Hammond.“Once again, my opponent has decided not to stand up for her city, her county and her district. I will,” he said, “and the time is now for someone to advocate for the 111th&nbsp;District.”

Hammond advocates expanding KanCare/Medicaid in campaign event

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After 31 years, Hays USD 489 has ended its relationship with High Plains Mental Health Center.

USD 489 plans to take over the day-to-day operations of the center, which assists children with mental health needs that can't be addressed in their home schools.

The program can accommodate up to 40 students. Students from the full special education co-op can qualify for the program. That includes children from Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse public schools, as well as local private schools.

The school offers academic instruction for elementary, middle school and high school students.

Students at Westside have a normal academic schedule just as those children in the other USD 489 schools. However, in addition, they had groups with High Plains staff twice a day and a social-emotional skills session once a day.

In May, High Plains Mental Health Center gave the district notice that it would like to switch to having the district take over the day-to-day administration of Westside School, USD 489 officials said in a news release.

 After meeting several times to discuss this transition, it was determined High Plains Mental Health Center could not commit to keeping the same number of staff at Westside for the next school year as the previous years, and those staff that would be at Westside would not be available consistently when students needed support in the classroom, USD 489 said.

With the reduced support, Westside students would have reduced access to timely services for what they need and when they would need it, the release said.

"After careful consideration, the district determined that the recommended reduction would take away flexibility and support that our students and teachers would need," the USD 489 news release said. 

To give that support the district will be hiring a mental health therapist, a Westside liaison, and two behavior support assistants who will work full time at Westside School.

"The district will do everything possible to minimize the impact on students and their families and continue to support students and families at Westside as they have come to expect," the news release said.

All scheduled summer groups will continue as normal at the Westside School at this time.

Walt Hill, High Plains Mental Health Center executive director, said in a letter dated July 1, "Although our staff will no longer have full-time offices at the Westside School building, High Plains Mental Health Center staff will continue to be available to provide mental health services (therapy, case management and medication services) for local students and their families.

"As the new school year approaches, we expect discussions to continue about how High Plains Mental Health Center staff will be working with any newly hired staff at Westside School to support students," Hill said in the letter.

"It always has been and will remain our goal to continue to work with Hays USD 489 in providing needed mental health services to the students and families within the district who wish to continue working with us," Hill said.

USD 489 said in its press release, "USD 489 and West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative want to recognize the 31-year relationship with High Plains Mental Health that has helped many students and families navigate difficult situations. 

"The district will continue to collaborate with High Plains, as well as other mental health agencies in the community to support the needs of all of our students."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642524538587.jpeg" alt="File photo " />
 <figcaption>File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter 31 years, Hays USD 489 has ended its relationship with High Plains Mental Health Center.USD 489 plans to take over the day-to-day operations of the center, which assists children with mental health needs that can't be addressed in their home schools.The program can accommodate up to 40 students. Students from the full special education co-op can qualify for the program. That includes children from Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse public schools, as well as local private schools.The school offers academic instruction for elementary, middle school and high school students.Students at Westside have a normal academic schedule just as those children in the other USD 489 schools. However, in addition, they had groups with High Plains staff twice a day and a social-emotional skills session once a day.In May, High Plains Mental Health Center gave the district notice that it would like to switch to having the district take over the day-to-day administration of Westside School, USD 489 officials said in a news release. After meeting several times to discuss this transition, it was determined High Plains Mental Health Center could not commit to keeping the same number of staff at Westside for the next school year as the previous years, and those staff that would be at Westside would not be available consistently when students needed support in the classroom, USD 489 said.With the reduced support, Westside students would have reduced access to timely services for what they need and when they would need it, the release said. "After careful consideration, the district determined that the recommended reduction would take away flexibility and support that our students and teachers would need," the USD 489 news release said. To give that support the district will be hiring a mental health therapist, a Westside liaison, and two behavior support assistants who will work full time at Westside School."The district will do everything possible to minimize the impact on students and their families and continue to support students and families at Westside as they have come to expect," the news release said.All scheduled summer groups will continue as normal at the Westside School at this time.Walt Hill, High Plains Mental Health Center executive director, said in a letter dated July 1, "Although our staff will no longer have full-time offices at the Westside School building, High Plains Mental Health Center staff will continue to be available to provide mental health services (therapy, case management and medication services) for local students and their families."As the new school year approaches, we expect discussions to continue about how High Plains Mental Health Center staff will be working with any newly hired staff at Westside School to support students," Hill said in the letter."It always has been and will remain our goal to continue to work with Hays USD 489 in providing needed mental health services to the students and families within the district who wish to continue working with us," Hill said. USD 489 said in its press release, "USD 489 and West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative want to recognize the 31-year relationship with High Plains Mental Health that has helped many students and families navigate difficult situations. "The district will continue to collaborate with High Plains, as well as other mental health agencies in the community to support the needs of all of our students."

USD 489, High Plains Mental Health end relationship at Westside school

A Garden City man arrested in Hays faces drug distribution charges following an early morning traffic stop&nbsp;late last month.

At around 1:20 a.m. June 24, Cpl. Dakota Reese initiated a traffic stop&nbsp;in the 500 block of West Seventh, according to Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler.

The vehicle stopped a block to the east, and the driver exited the vehicle.

As Reese ordered the driver back into the vehicle, he fled on foot.

A pursuit began, and the suspect was detained without incident a short time later.

During a subsequent vehicle search, approximately one pound of marijuana was discovered along with 85 grams of cocaine. Edibles containing THC were also located, Scheibler said.&nbsp;

The suspect, later identified as Matthew J. Douglas, 31, Garden City, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug possession with the intent to distribute, interference with law enforcement, no drug tax stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container of alcohol.&nbsp;

"I appreciate Cpl. Reese's proactive work out there initiating the traffic stop and running this guy down, and getting him into custody, resulting in a seizure of a significant amount of cocaine that would have been sold in our community," Scheibler said. "Cpl. Reese continues to be a leader in the Patrol Division."

Douglas has convictions for drug and traffic infractions dating back to crimes committed in 2018, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

In February of 2019, he was convicted of driving while suspended and drug possession in Thomas County, stemming from an arrest on July 19 of that year.

He was convicted of drug possession with the intent to distribute in Ellis County in March 2019 from an August 2018 arrest and with DUI from a separate incident in June of that year.

Douglas was also convicted of DUI in Trego County in June 2020 after an arrest in November 2019.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostA Garden City man arrested in Hays faces drug distribution charges following an early morning traffic stop&nbsp;late last month.At around 1:20 a.m. June 24, Cpl. Dakota Reese initiated a traffic stop&nbsp;in the 500 block of West Seventh, according to Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler.The vehicle stopped a block to the east, and the driver exited the vehicle.As Reese ordered the driver back into the vehicle, he fled on foot.A pursuit began, and the suspect was detained without incident a short time later.During a subsequent vehicle search, approximately one pound of marijuana was discovered along with 85 grams of cocaine. Edibles containing THC were also located, Scheibler said.&nbsp;The suspect, later identified as Matthew J. Douglas, 31, Garden City, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug possession with the intent to distribute, interference with law enforcement, no drug tax stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container of alcohol.&nbsp;"I appreciate Cpl. Reese's proactive work out there initiating the traffic stop and running this guy down, and getting him into custody, resulting in a seizure of a significant amount of cocaine that would have been sold in our community," Scheibler said. "Cpl. Reese continues to be a leader in the Patrol Division."Douglas has convictions for drug and traffic infractions dating back to crimes committed in 2018, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.In February of 2019, he was convicted of driving while suspended and drug possession in Thomas County, stemming from an arrest on July 19 of that year.He was convicted of drug possession with the intent to distribute in Ellis County in March 2019 from an August 2018 arrest and with DUI from a separate incident in June of that year.Douglas was also convicted of DUI in Trego County in June 2020 after an arrest in November 2019.

Traffic stop leads to drug distribution arrest in Hays

Two speakers with Operation Christmas Child will be telling their stories at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Lincoln Building, 920 Lincoln, Quinter.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief ministry headquartered in Boone, N.C. Each year thousands of individuals pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These boxes are then collected and shipped to children in need all over the world, including some poverty-stricken areas in the U.S.

For many of these children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each box also contains a pamphlet, written in that child’s language, telling the child about Jesus and how these gifts represent the love that He has for each child.

Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, serve Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas.

In 2016, the church had but 30 members. They packed more than 2,000 shoebox gifts. The following year, in 2017, they packed 8,030 shoeboxes despite the fact that flooding from Hurricane Harvey had devastated many of the members’ homes. The congregation even raised the suggested donation of $9 per shoebox to cover the cost of shipping.

Shortly afterwards, the Brumbelows were invited to travel to storm-ravaged Barbuda to distribute shoebox gifts to children who had lost their homes to Hurricane Irma.

Rachel Albin of Hays, OCC area coordinator for Northwest Kansas, urged families to “come hear how God has been using the Brumbelows for His glory.” The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656777374912.jpeg" alt="Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, will be speaking in Quinter July 22. Photo submitted by Operation Christmas Child" />
 <figcaption>Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, will be speaking in Quinter July 22. Photo submitted by Operation Christmas Child</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTwo speakers with Operation Christmas Child will be telling their stories at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Lincoln Building, 920 Lincoln, Quinter.Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief ministry headquartered in Boone, N.C. Each year thousands of individuals pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These boxes are then collected and shipped to children in need all over the world, including some poverty-stricken areas in the U.S.For many of these children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each box also contains a pamphlet, written in that child’s language, telling the child about Jesus and how these gifts represent the love that He has for each child.Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, serve Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas.In 2016, the church had but 30 members. They packed more than 2,000 shoebox gifts. The following year, in 2017, they packed 8,030 shoeboxes despite the fact that flooding from Hurricane Harvey had devastated many of the members’ homes. The congregation even raised the suggested donation of $9 per shoebox to cover the cost of shipping.Shortly afterwards, the Brumbelows were invited to travel to storm-ravaged Barbuda to distribute shoebox gifts to children who had lost their homes to Hurricane Irma.Rachel Albin of Hays, OCC area coordinator for Northwest Kansas, urged families to “come hear how God has been using the Brumbelows for His glory.” The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Operation Christmas Child event scheduled in Quinter

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:51 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Preston Tabor"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/Ni3yvSWL-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/Ni3yvSWL-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Ni3yvSWL-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Preston Tabor" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Preston Tabor

If you’ve read this column regularly over the past several years, you know how much I love commencement weekend at Fort Hays State University. For the graduating students and their families, this is a time of tremendous joy, and it is an honor and a privilege for me to greet each one as they cross the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several days after our spring commencement weekend in May, I received a note from Mallory Fischer. For Mallory, graduation day was a celebration ten tough years in the making. After years of struggling to find her way, she decided to take control of her life. “I made a lot of mistakes. I got kicked out of college. I was basically homeless. Finally, I decided I didn’t want to be mediocre anymore,” said Mallory.&nbsp;

In 2014, Mallory enrolled at Seward Community College in Liberal, where she went on to earn two associate’s degrees that led to her starting a career as a certified surgical technologist. She then came to FHSU in 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. At FHSU, Mallory decided to pursue a minor in Chemistry and began working in the department.&nbsp;

Four days before graduation, Mallory was studying in the Memorial Union. She looked out the window and saw a group of students playing volleyball on the quad. She decided to take a break and join in the action. In the heat of competition, Mallory recalls hearing and feeling a “pop” as she fell to the grass. While on the ground and initially a bit embarrassed after her tumble, she noticed that the lower half of her leg-didn’t look right. As the result of the fall, Mallory ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), suffered several micro-fractures in her lower leg, and strained both her posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and her medial collateral ligament (MCL). In short, very little was holding her leg together below her knee.

Immediately, her fellow students, most of whom she didn’t even know, sprung to her aid. Several headed for the Medical Services office in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success to help. They came back with a medical team and a wheelchair. While waiting for the medical staff to arrive, graduate student Misael Trejo sat with Mallory and kept her calm and alert.&nbsp;

Mallory admits that she probably should have gone immediately to the Hays Medical Center, but at the time insisted on going home to Dodge City to seek the attention of an orthopedist she knew well and trusted from her time working in the operating room.&nbsp;

It was about this time, just a few days before the graduation ceremony she had looked forward to for so long, that Mallory began to despair. Before she could even think about it and how she might be able to participate in commencement, she still had one more exam she had to complete-a chemistry final. With her leg secured in a brace but still suffering from significant pain from a major injury that would require an operation, Mallory made the trek back to campus to take her final. She recalls three things from this last academic challenge. First, she cried most of the way through the exam.&nbsp;Second, she bombed the test. And third, her professor, Dr. Krisztina&nbsp;Benze, was there to remind her that she had done so well in the class that failing her exam final would have no bearing on her grade or her being able to graduate.&nbsp;

Relieved as she was to complete all of her academic requirements despite the injury, Mallory still doubted whether she would be able to physically make it into the ceremony and participate with her graduating class as she had envisioned. That’s when her mentors in the Chemistry Department stepped in.&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Benze, Dr. Arvin Cruz,&nbsp;and Dr. James&nbsp;Balthazor&nbsp;were adamant. They told her she had no choice. They told her they all had decided that she would graduate with her class, and they would be there to support her throughout the event.&nbsp;

Mallory then decided to reach out to the Office of the Provost to explore any accommodations the university might make so she could participate at some level. She really wanted to process with her fellow graduates and walk across the stage to receive her diploma, but she was ready to accept something lesser if she could still attend the ceremony. Executive Administrative Specialist Cynthia Cline answered her phone call. She is one of our principal commencement ceremony organizers. Cline told her not to worry. She would meet Mallory at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the morning of the event and ensure everything would be OK.&nbsp;

Mallory arrived on graduation morning, and Cynthia&nbsp;was there as promised. She told Mallory that her significant other could sit with her and push her wheelchair as necessary. While Mallory was waiting for the event to begin, she encountered Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor. She told him she thought she was going to her seat on the coliseum floor ahead of the student procession and would probably miss joining this part of the event.&nbsp;Balthazor, slated to guide the procession as a commencement marshal, told her that not only would she participate in the procession, she would lead it! He then stepped behind her wheelchair, and Mallory, with the help of her friend and mentor, Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor, led the procession.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In her email to me, Mallory shared these thoughts:

I am so proud of how far I have come, and thanks to this incredible university, I was able to celebrate this very special day in front of my friends and family.&nbsp;

FHSU is my happy place. I received an excellent education that has prepared me for my future and simultaneously allowed me to cultivate relationships I will always treasure with many brilliant professors and my fellow students. I will miss this campus dearly. And I will never forget the kindness the professors, staff, and students provided me throughout this experience. You have an amazing team.&nbsp;

Thank you, Mallory. I think you are right. We do have an amazing team at FHSU. I call it our “ethic of care,” and it’s&nbsp;a fine description of&nbsp;the&nbsp;compassionate and caring people who make this&nbsp;university community&nbsp;special.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>If you’ve read this column regularly over the past several years, you know how much I love commencement weekend at Fort Hays State University. For the graduating students and their families, this is a time of tremendous joy, and it is an honor and a privilege for me to greet each one as they cross the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several days after our spring commencement weekend in May, I received a note from Mallory Fischer. For Mallory, graduation day was a celebration ten tough years in the making. After years of struggling to find her way, she decided to take control of her life. “I made a lot of mistakes. I got kicked out of college. I was basically homeless. Finally, I decided I didn’t want to be mediocre anymore,” said Mallory.&nbsp;In 2014, Mallory enrolled at Seward Community College in Liberal, where she went on to earn two associate’s degrees that led to her starting a career as a certified surgical technologist. She then came to FHSU in 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. At FHSU, Mallory decided to pursue a minor in Chemistry and began working in the department.&nbsp;Four days before graduation, Mallory was studying in the Memorial Union. She looked out the window and saw a group of students playing volleyball on the quad. She decided to take a break and join in the action. In the heat of competition, Mallory recalls hearing and feeling a “pop” as she fell to the grass. While on the ground and initially a bit embarrassed after her tumble, she noticed that the lower half of her leg-didn’t look right. As the result of the fall, Mallory ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), suffered several micro-fractures in her lower leg, and strained both her posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and her medial collateral ligament (MCL). In short, very little was holding her leg together below her knee.Immediately, her fellow students, most of whom she didn’t even know, sprung to her aid. Several headed for the Medical Services office in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success to help. They came back with a medical team and a wheelchair. While waiting for the medical staff to arrive, graduate student Misael Trejo sat with Mallory and kept her calm and alert.&nbsp;Mallory admits that she probably should have gone immediately to the Hays Medical Center, but at the time insisted on going home to Dodge City to seek the attention of an orthopedist she knew well and trusted from her time working in the operating room.&nbsp;It was about this time, just a few days before the graduation ceremony she had looked forward to for so long, that Mallory began to despair. Before she could even think about it and how she might be able to participate in commencement, she still had one more exam she had to complete-a chemistry final. With her leg secured in a brace but still suffering from significant pain from a major injury that would require an operation, Mallory made the trek back to campus to take her final. She recalls three things from this last academic challenge. First, she cried most of the way through the exam.&nbsp;Second, she bombed the test. And third, her professor, Dr. Krisztina&nbsp;Benze, was there to remind her that she had done so well in the class that failing her exam final would have no bearing on her grade or her being able to graduate.&nbsp;Relieved as she was to complete all of her academic requirements despite the injury, Mallory still doubted whether she would be able to physically make it into the ceremony and participate with her graduating class as she had envisioned. That’s when her mentors in the Chemistry Department stepped in.&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Benze, Dr. Arvin Cruz,&nbsp;and Dr. James&nbsp;Balthazor&nbsp;were adamant. They told her she had no choice. They told her they all had decided that she would graduate with her class, and they would be there to support her throughout the event.&nbsp;Mallory then decided to reach out to the Office of the Provost to explore any accommodations the university might make so she could participate at some level. She really wanted to process with her fellow graduates and walk across the stage to receive her diploma, but she was ready to accept something lesser if she could still attend the ceremony. Executive Administrative Specialist Cynthia Cline answered her phone call. She is one of our principal commencement ceremony organizers. Cline told her not to worry. She would meet Mallory at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the morning of the event and ensure everything would be OK.&nbsp;Mallory arrived on graduation morning, and Cynthia&nbsp;was there as promised. She told Mallory that her significant other could sit with her and push her wheelchair as necessary. While Mallory was waiting for the event to begin, she encountered Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor. She told him she thought she was going to her seat on the coliseum floor ahead of the student procession and would probably miss joining this part of the event.&nbsp;Balthazor, slated to guide the procession as a commencement marshal, told her that not only would she participate in the procession, she would lead it! He then stepped behind her wheelchair, and Mallory, with the help of her friend and mentor, Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor, led the procession.&nbsp;&nbsp;In her email to me, Mallory shared these thoughts:I am so proud of how far I have come, and thanks to this incredible university, I was able to celebrate this very special day in front of my friends and family.&nbsp;FHSU is my happy place. I received an excellent education that has prepared me for my future and simultaneously allowed me to cultivate relationships I will always treasure with many brilliant professors and my fellow students. I will miss this campus dearly. And I will never forget the kindness the professors, staff, and students provided me throughout this experience. You have an amazing team.&nbsp;Thank you, Mallory. I think you are right. We do have an amazing team at FHSU. I call it our “ethic of care,” and it’s&nbsp;a fine description of&nbsp;the&nbsp;compassionate and caring people who make this&nbsp;university community&nbsp;special.&nbsp;

MASON: Team Mallory

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

Great Rubber Ducky Run set for July 17 in Colby

In a news release Wednesday, Randy Marintzer announced he has filed to run for the Ellis County Commission Third District seat.

Hello, My name is Randy Marintzer.  I am a candidate for the 3rd District, Ellis County Commissioner seat.

I was born in McCook, Neb., and grew up on a farm near Herndon, Kan.

I graduated from Herndon Rural High School in 1967.  After high school, I attended NWK Vo-Tech school in Goodland, Kan., studying Auto Body Mechanics and graduated in 1969.

After Vo-Tech school, I was drafted into the United States Army and did my tour of duty Germany at an infantry soldier and welder.  I was Honorably Discharged in 1971.

In the fall of 1971 , I enrolled at Fort Hays State College and studied Business Administration. In 1975 , I graduated Cum Laude from Fort Hays with my Business Administration degree.

After college, I went to work selling Ag Equipment out of Garden City, Kan.   In 1979, I bought a small parcel of land in Ellis County and started farming.  During the early years of farming, I started my own company, Buckeye Implement Co., and continued selling "short" lines of machinery and equipment, mostly sprayers.  I also worked in the oilfield business during that time.  I continued to expand my farming and ranching operation.

Eventually, I became certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and did commercial spraying for neighbors.

I continue in most of these interests at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657140614886.jpeg" alt="Marintzer" />
 <figcaption>Marintzer</figcaption>
 </figure>In a news release Wednesday, Randy Marintzer announced he has filed to run for the Ellis County Commission Third District seat.His statement follows:Hello, My name is Randy Marintzer. I am a candidate for the 3rd District, Ellis County Commissioner seat.I was born in McCook, Neb., and grew up on a farm near Herndon, Kan.I graduated from Herndon Rural High School in 1967. After high school, I attended NWK Vo-Tech school in Goodland, Kan., studying Auto Body Mechanics and graduated in 1969.After Vo-Tech school, I was drafted into the United States Army and did my tour of duty Germany at an infantry soldier and welder. I was Honorably Discharged in 1971.In the fall of 1971 , I enrolled at Fort Hays State College and studied Business Administration. In 1975 , I graduated Cum Laude from Fort Hays with my Business Administration degree.After college, I went to work selling Ag Equipment out of Garden City, Kan. In 1979, I bought a small parcel of land in Ellis County and started farming. During the early years of farming, I started my own company, Buckeye Implement Co., and continued selling "short" lines of machinery and equipment, mostly sprayers. I also worked in the oilfield business during that time. I continued to expand my farming and ranching operation.Eventually, I became certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and did commercial spraying for neighbors.I continue in most of these interests at this time.

Marintzer declares candidacy for Ellis County Commission

RAWLINS COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of rural northwest Kansas fire.

Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Rawlins County Rural Fire District No. 2 was paged to a large fire at a private gun range at Blakeman, an unincorporated community 5 miles west of Atwood, according to the fire district.

Volunteer firefighters from the fire district responded.

Crews battled the raging flames, heavy smoke and fought the wind for approximately three hours to bring the fire under control. Law enforcement helped direct traffic on U.S. 36 as high winds were causing near zero visibility. Rawlins County EMS kept a watchful eye on the firefighters who were working in the extreme heat and heavy smoke.

Crews continued to put out hot spots for another two hours. Farmers showed up with discs and water. There were no structures, lives or livestock lost or damaged in the fire that burned approximately 265 acres of pasture, cropland and fence post.

&nbsp;Fire Chief Chris Neirmeier requested and received assistance from McDonald, Herndon, Bird City and Decatur County to battle the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

RAWLINS COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of rural northwest Kansas fire.Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Rawlins County Rural Fire District No. 2 was paged to a large fire at a private gun range at Blakeman, an unincorporated community 5 miles west of Atwood, according to the fire district.Volunteer firefighters from the fire district responded.Crews battled the raging flames, heavy smoke and fought the wind for approximately three hours to bring the fire under control. Law enforcement helped direct traffic on U.S. 36 as high winds were causing near zero visibility. Rawlins County EMS kept a watchful eye on the firefighters who were working in the extreme heat and heavy smoke.Crews continued to put out hot spots for another two hours. Farmers showed up with discs and water. There were no structures, lives or livestock lost or damaged in the fire that burned approximately 265 acres of pasture, cropland and fence post.&nbsp;Fire Chief Chris Neirmeier requested and received assistance from McDonald, Herndon, Bird City and Decatur County to battle the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

265 acres burn in rural NW Kansas fire

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 28 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 25 and July 1.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Several northwest Kansas counties (see map below) were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,350 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657130553013.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 28 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 25 and July 1.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Several northwest Kansas counties (see map below) were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,350 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657130530725.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 28 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. in past week

The Hays area remains under a heat advisory beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The mercury is expected to rise to nearly 100 degrees again, a day after the temperature topped out at 105 degrees Tuesday.

There is a 40 percent chance for showers or thunderstorms after 4 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657127678910.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays area remains under a heat advisory beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday.The mercury is expected to rise to nearly 100 degrees again, a day after the temperature topped out at 105 degrees Tuesday.There is a 40 percent chance for showers or thunderstorms after 4 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Anticipated high temperatures this afternoon. Expected Weather: Partly cloudy with a frontal boundary moving through the area. Winds ahead of this front will be from the south with northerly winds behind this feature. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/OtGLQ5M99S">pic.twitter.com/OtGLQ5M99S</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1544704994993065986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Hays area remains under heat advisory Wednesday

PLAINVILLE — Plainville USD 270, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and other community partners have joined forces to open a new child care group home in Plainville this fall.

Plainville was one of four communities that received grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for homes that will be used to house new child-care group homes.

The home will be able to accommodate 12 children at a time ages birth through school age. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The group home will be owned and operated by Plainville USD 270. 

The Rooks County Health Center donated to the child care home project, and it and the school district will each have four reserved spots at the home.

USD 270 received a second grant for a new building for its preschool program. The new preschool will have two rooms with a capacity of 20 students each. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. The district will double its slots from 40 to 80.

The school already has 45 preschool students enrolled for the fall and a waiting list for the child care home.

The preschool site is under construction, but Lisa Gehring, USD 270 superintendent, said she hopes to have that building open by the start of school in August.

Both the child care home and the new preschool building will be located on land owned by the school district west of Plainville Elementary School at 203 SE Cardinal Ave.

Gehring said the project is essential to building the Plainville community.

"We have families in our community who are not having children because there are no spots available," she said. 

Gehring said demand has been so high for the child care slots that the school district is considering a phase three, which would be a second child care group home.

Gehring said she thinks the preschool and child care's partnership with the school district provides a huge advantage. 

"This allows us to work with our educators," she said. "We can provide a seamless curriculum throughout. We're literally beginning at birth. Then we have a seamless curriculum all through graduation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052039741.jpeg" alt="Plainville's new child care group home building was paid for with a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The child care is set to open in August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Plainville's new child care group home building was paid for with a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The child care is set to open in August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPLAINVILLE — Plainville USD 270, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and other community partners have joined forces to open a new child care group home in Plainville this fall.Plainville was one of four communities that received grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for homes that will be used to house new child-care group homes.The home will be able to accommodate 12 children at a time ages birth through school age. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.The group home will be owned and operated by Plainville USD 270. The Rooks County Health Center donated to the child care home project, and it and the school district will each have four reserved spots at the home. USD 270 received a second grant for a new building for its preschool program. The new preschool will have two rooms with a capacity of 20 students each. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. The district will double its slots from 40 to 80.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052083415.jpeg" alt="The new child care group home in Plainville will have room for 12 children ages birth through school age. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new child care group home in Plainville will have room for 12 children ages birth through school age. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The school already has 45 preschool students enrolled for the fall and a waiting list for the child care home. The preschool site is under construction, but Lisa Gehring, USD 270 superintendent, said she hopes to have that building open by the start of school in August. Both the child care home and the new preschool building will be located on land owned by the school district west of Plainville Elementary School at 203 SE Cardinal Ave.Gehring said the project is essential to building the Plainville community."We have families in our community who are not having children because there are no spots available," she said. Gehring said demand has been so high for the child care slots that the school district is considering a phase three, which would be a second child care group home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052108738.jpeg" alt="Plainville USD 270 also received a grant from Dane G. Hansen to purchase a new building to expand its preschool program. The foundation can be seen to the left. Officials hope to also open the new preschool facility in the fall. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Plainville USD 270 also received a grant from Dane G. Hansen to purchase a new building to expand its preschool program. The foundation can be seen to the left. Officials hope to also open the new preschool facility in the fall. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Gehring said she thinks the preschool and child care's partnership with the school district provides a huge advantage. "This allows us to work with our educators," she said. "We can provide a seamless curriculum throughout. We're literally beginning at birth. Then we have a seamless curriculum all through graduation."The National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs
 has found that high-quality early childhood programs can yield a $4 to 
$9 return per $1 invested. A 2009 study of Perry Preschool, a 
high-quality program for 3-5 year-olds, estimated a return to society of between about $7 and $12 for 
each $1 invested"We are hoping we can really get them started off postively and work with them and catch some things early," Gehring said. "They will have all the advantages of being read to and be able to write and color and explore, so they have a good start."&nbsp;Gehring said the project started several years ago with the expansion of the school district's preschool. At one time, Plainville had several preschools, but they closed, leaving just the USD 270 preschool and Sacred Heart Catholic School preschool.USD 270 opened enrollment at its preschool in 2019. In its second year of operation, the preschool doubled in size. By the end of the last school year, the program was near capacity with 38 of 40 spots filled.Plainville has several home child cares, but they are at maximum capacity and have lengthy waiting lists, Gehring said. "We knew that child care was such a need," Gehring said. "If we as a school district can provide that early start for those kids and help our families, that is what we want to do."The school district has hired a child care director, Leasa Hrabe, and two providers, Jayde Hoiser and Shelby Paramore. The school district also will offer after-school care for school-age children through the program.In between the preschool and the child care home will be a storm shelter. The two buildings also will have a covered walkway so children can easily move between the preschool and the child care home.Gehring said the proximity of the two programs should be convenient for parents, who will not have to deal with students transferring between preschool and child care.The two programs should provide a benefit to the community as a whole, Gehring said."For the community, I think it's going to help us remain viable," she said. "I think we will see some new families come because we're going to have the services to meet their needs. "We have an excellent school system here, and now we're going to be able to start early with their children and provide a space for them."Gehring said she believes the model Plainville is building can be replicated in other communities in Kansas. She and other local officials are working on a presentation to share with other interested parties.&nbsp;"We're very excited to get this going," Gehring said. "It's a great opportunity for our families and our community. We are really excited."

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