If your loved one was incapacitated&nbsp;today&nbsp;would you be prepared to make decisions for them? &nbsp;A recent K-State news service announcement offered&nbsp;information&nbsp;on talking with your loved ones about end of life decisions. &nbsp;It’s the conversation no one wants to talk about. &nbsp;However, this is so important if you or a loved one would ever become incapacitated, permanently or temporarily,&nbsp;to know what that person would want. &nbsp;It is difficult to make decisions when you are under stress&nbsp;or grieving&nbsp;so having those conversations before hand can help relieve some of that stress. &nbsp;

Erin Yelland, Interim Director of&nbsp;the K-State Center on Aging stated, “Research shows that end-of-life conversations are fairly rare within families. Often, families are left to assume what a person might have wanted, and during a time of grief, those can be especially challenging decisions.” &nbsp;Recently, I was faced with many of these decisions when my mother became&nbsp;seriously ill and eventually&nbsp;incapacitated. &nbsp;We had some conservations&nbsp;in the past&nbsp;about her wishes but our conversations were not nearly extensive enough. &nbsp;

The things we had talked about made decisions a lot easier for me. &nbsp;It relieved a lot of stress for me&nbsp;knowing we had talked about what she wanted and I could follow through on those for her. &nbsp;However, some things we had not talked about so I had to guess on what she would want.&nbsp;Thankfully,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was aided by&nbsp;a very supportive family and conversations&nbsp;mom and I&nbsp;had about other people&nbsp;that were no longer able to make decisions for&nbsp;themselves&nbsp;which&nbsp;helped&nbsp;me make those decisions. &nbsp;Those decisions were much harder to make because I felt like I was guessing rather than knowing exactly what she wanted.

If you do not have health care directives in place and become incapacitated then the decisions will&nbsp;automatically&nbsp;fall to your spouse. &nbsp;If you are not married then the decisions will fall to your oldest child. &nbsp;It would be a good idea to discuss your preferences with your health care provider&nbsp;as well&nbsp;as those people you are closest to.

It is never too early to have health care directives in place for yourself. &nbsp;Even an&nbsp;18-year-old&nbsp;can have documents called health care directives or durable powers of attorney in place because you never know when a tragedy could happen. &nbsp;We always think we have plenty of time until that&nbsp;time arrives. &nbsp;Kansas law&nbsp;allows simple forms to be filled out and have one witness signature. &nbsp;The forms can be found at the K-State Research and Extension bookstore in the publication&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf">“Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas”</a>&nbsp;or at your local K-State Extension Office located at 601 Main in Hays or 3007 W. 10th in Great Bend.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>If your loved one was incapacitated&nbsp;today&nbsp;would you be prepared to make decisions for them? &nbsp;A recent K-State news service announcement offered&nbsp;information&nbsp;on talking with your loved ones about end of life decisions. &nbsp;It’s the conversation no one wants to talk about. &nbsp;However, this is so important if you or a loved one would ever become incapacitated, permanently or temporarily,&nbsp;to know what that person would want. &nbsp;It is difficult to make decisions when you are under stress&nbsp;or grieving&nbsp;so having those conversations before hand can help relieve some of that stress. &nbsp;Erin Yelland, Interim Director of&nbsp;the K-State Center on Aging stated, “Research shows that end-of-life conversations are fairly rare within families. Often, families are left to assume what a person might have wanted, and during a time of grief, those can be especially challenging decisions.” &nbsp;Recently, I was faced with many of these decisions when my mother became&nbsp;seriously ill and eventually&nbsp;incapacitated. &nbsp;We had some conservations&nbsp;in the past&nbsp;about her wishes but our conversations were not nearly extensive enough. &nbsp;The things we had talked about made decisions a lot easier for me. &nbsp;It relieved a lot of stress for me&nbsp;knowing we had talked about what she wanted and I could follow through on those for her. &nbsp;However, some things we had not talked about so I had to guess on what she would want.&nbsp;Thankfully,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was aided by&nbsp;a very supportive family and conversations&nbsp;mom and I&nbsp;had about other people&nbsp;that were no longer able to make decisions for&nbsp;themselves&nbsp;which&nbsp;helped&nbsp;me make those decisions. &nbsp;Those decisions were much harder to make because I felt like I was guessing rather than knowing exactly what she wanted.If you do not have health care directives in place and become incapacitated then the decisions will&nbsp;automatically&nbsp;fall to your spouse. &nbsp;If you are not married then the decisions will fall to your oldest child. &nbsp;It would be a good idea to discuss your preferences with your health care provider&nbsp;as well&nbsp;as those people you are closest to.It is never too early to have health care directives in place for yourself. &nbsp;Even an&nbsp;18-year-old&nbsp;can have documents called health care directives or durable powers of attorney in place because you never know when a tragedy could happen. &nbsp;We always think we have plenty of time until that&nbsp;time arrives. &nbsp;Kansas law&nbsp;allows simple forms to be filled out and have one witness signature. &nbsp;The forms can be found at the K-State Research and Extension bookstore in the publication&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf">“Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas”</a>&nbsp;or at your local K-State Extension Office located at 601 Main in Hays or 3007 W. 10th in Great Bend.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

KOERNER: Advance health care planning

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder stops by to share the latest from the council.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder stops by to share the latest from the council.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council prepares next exhibitions" 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=gd98a-12cfd14-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>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council prepares next exhibitions

Thanks for listening to Eagle Radio of Hays!&nbsp;

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Thanks for listening to Eagle Radio of Hays!&nbsp;<figure>
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 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://cashville.radio">HERE</a>&nbsp;to enter Ca$hville&nbsp;🤠 🤠 🤠New code words are announced each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KKQY">101.9 The Bull</a>. An extra chance to win will include an 11 a.m. code word every Thursday.<figure>
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More than 270 student scholarships exceeding $320,000 were awarded to Fort Hays State University business and entrepreneurship students for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The awards, announced at the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship awards ceremony Thursday afternoon in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, were presented to on-campus and online students.

“We hear it so much, but the saying that ‘it takes a village’ is true,” said FHSU provost Jill Arensdorf during her introductory statement.

Arensdorf said she was grateful for the scholarship opportunities available to her as an undergraduate student, which allowed her to graduate with little debt.

“Thank you for supporting our students at FHSU and the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship,” she said. “You have made significant investments in our Fort Hays students and are giving students a chance through that investment.”

That gratitude was reflected in the remarks of Dr. Muhammad Chishty, dean of FHSU’s Robbins College.

“There are many donors who have given gifts to the college of business and entrepreneurship to support a variety of programs and extracurricular activities that enrich the educational experience of our students,” he said. “We thank you for your gifts that are enriching the lives of our students.”

Robbins Ambassadors Jessalyn Kirchhoff and David Schulte, each receiving a $5,000 ambassador stipend, spoke about the support they have received as undergraduate students at FHSU and the impact that support has had on their educational experience.&nbsp;

“I had grown up in a place where everyone knew everyone,” Kirchhoff, a Smith Center native, said. “Around every corner, there was someone waiting to help out a friend. When I arrived in Hays, I instantly felt that same sort of support from the Robbins College. There is a continuous stream of people willing and wanting to help whenever a student is in need.”

Cole Engel, associate professor of accounting and co-chair of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship Committee, acknowledged his own gratitude for donors who had contributed to his academic success.&nbsp;

“You’ve heard from many people who have sat in these chairs, participating in these scholarships as a student,” he said as he presented the Dr. Cole Engel scholarship, a $2,000 award for three students. “That was me, too, some 15 years ago. I received some of these very same awards. They helped me, and it’s my turn to help you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663708928599.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsMore than 270 student scholarships exceeding $320,000 were awarded to Fort Hays State University business and entrepreneurship students for the 2022-2023 academic year.The awards, announced at the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship awards ceremony Thursday afternoon in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, were presented to on-campus and online students.“We hear it so much, but the saying that ‘it takes a village’ is true,” said FHSU provost Jill Arensdorf during her introductory statement.Arensdorf said she was grateful for the scholarship opportunities available to her as an undergraduate student, which allowed her to graduate with little debt.“Thank you for supporting our students at FHSU and the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship,” she said. “You have made significant investments in our Fort Hays students and are giving students a chance through that investment.”That gratitude was reflected in the remarks of Dr. Muhammad Chishty, dean of FHSU’s Robbins College.“There are many donors who have given gifts to the college of business and entrepreneurship to support a variety of programs and extracurricular activities that enrich the educational experience of our students,” he said. “We thank you for your gifts that are enriching the lives of our students.”Robbins Ambassadors Jessalyn Kirchhoff and David Schulte, each receiving a $5,000 ambassador stipend, spoke about the support they have received as undergraduate students at FHSU and the impact that support has had on their educational experience.&nbsp;“I had grown up in a place where everyone knew everyone,” Kirchhoff, a Smith Center native, said. “Around every corner, there was someone waiting to help out a friend. When I arrived in Hays, I instantly felt that same sort of support from the Robbins College. There is a continuous stream of people willing and wanting to help whenever a student is in need.”Cole Engel, associate professor of accounting and co-chair of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship Committee, acknowledged his own gratitude for donors who had contributed to his academic success.&nbsp;“You’ve heard from many people who have sat in these chairs, participating in these scholarships as a student,” he said as he presented the Dr. Cole Engel scholarship, a $2,000 award for three students. “That was me, too, some 15 years ago. I received some of these very same awards. They helped me, and it’s my turn to help you."

Scholarships top $320,000 for FHSU business students

The news coming out of Emporia last week, with at least 30 members of the faculty of Emporia State University fired on one day, was terribly sad. Not just because the firings were a blow to the education of hundreds of ESU students, but also because it reflects a failure to understand just what, realistically speaking, higher education in Kansas should be all about.

The population of Kansas overall is growing at a slow pace, relative to the rest of the country—and our rural areas are mostly shrinking in population, sometimes dramatically. This is the reality which all the universities and community colleges operating under the Kansas Board of Regents umbrella, and all the different independent colleges and universities across Kansas, have to deal with. Add to the decline of potential college students the burden of tuition costs, the plenitude of educational alternatives, and the many re-evaluations which the pandemic brought on, and it is obvious that Kansas’s colleges and universities must rethink how they do business.

Which they have done, and continue to do. It is wrong to suppose that the faculty who teach classes, run workshops, administer internships, and provide training are removed from the kind of experimental strategies which the aforementioned pressures make necessary. On the contrary, it is those faculty who do the legwork in figuring out how to combine old programs or innovate new ones, and reconstruct majors and courses to reflect diverse student needs. This has happened multiple times at my institution over the years that I’ve taught here, and almost all the faculty I know at different institutions here in Kansas have gone through the same.

Why do all that work? There are cynical answers, to be sure. But mostly, it’s because teachers at those schools have committed themselves to passing on their knowledge to Kansas’s students, and that means meeting students where they are: in those various cities and towns, large and small, in all those distinct regions, and developing educational approaches to serve those differing needs. It means making our colleges and universities “native to their place,” to quote Kansan Wes Jackson—and long-term job support to Kansas’s faculty helps make that possible.

Which is exactly what President Ken Hush has undermined at Emporia State, by getting permission from KBOR to fire tenured faculty without any particular explanation. He sold it as grand plan in “workforce management,” dismissing incremental approaches to re-developing ESU as insufficient. Perhaps Hush sees this as an ideological win over a bunch of supposed radicals, but in practice tenure—which varies greatly from one institution to another—doesn’t promise faculty any kind of lifetime intellectual isolation. Rather, by providing limited job protections (like due process guarantees that they will not be hurriedly or arbitrarily terminated), tenure enables those with the necessary expertise to take the time to build creative, lasting connections in the midst of students’ ever-changing educational needs and situations. A building which Hush’s decision has now made harder at ESU, crossing a line which Kansas higher education really can’t afford to break.

In our state, tenure is best understood as a protection which encourages faculty to root themselves in and develop a real understanding of the particular, sometimes shrinking, communities they serve. Emporia State does that, just as Fort Hays, Pittsburg State, Friends University, and many others do. ESU will no doubt continue to provide some of that unique service to those Kansas students who need it—but there will be less of it now in Emporia, and that’s a shame.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>The news coming out of Emporia last week, with at least 30 members of the faculty of Emporia State University fired on one day, was terribly sad. Not just because the firings were a blow to the education of hundreds of ESU students, but also because it reflects a failure to understand just what, realistically speaking, higher education in Kansas should be all about.The population of Kansas overall is growing at a slow pace, relative to the rest of the country—and our rural areas are mostly shrinking in population, sometimes dramatically. This is the reality which all the universities and community colleges operating under the Kansas Board of Regents umbrella, and all the different independent colleges and universities across Kansas, have to deal with. Add to the decline of potential college students the burden of tuition costs, the plenitude of educational alternatives, and the many re-evaluations which the pandemic brought on, and it is obvious that Kansas’s colleges and universities must rethink how they do business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Which they have done, and continue to do. It is wrong to suppose that the faculty who teach classes, run workshops, administer internships, and provide training are removed from the kind of experimental strategies which the aforementioned pressures make necessary. On the contrary, it is those faculty who do the legwork in figuring out how to combine old programs or innovate new ones, and reconstruct majors and courses to reflect diverse student needs. This has happened multiple times at my institution over the years that I’ve taught here, and almost all the faculty I know at different institutions here in Kansas have gone through the same.Why do all that work? There are cynical answers, to be sure. But mostly, it’s because teachers at those schools have committed themselves to passing on their knowledge to Kansas’s students, and that means meeting students where they are: in those various cities and towns, large and small, in all those distinct regions, and developing educational approaches to serve those differing needs. It means making our colleges and universities “native to their place,” to quote Kansan Wes Jackson—and long-term job support to Kansas’s faculty helps make that possible.Which is exactly what President Ken Hush has undermined at Emporia State, by getting permission from KBOR to fire tenured faculty without any particular explanation. He sold it as grand plan in “workforce management,” dismissing incremental approaches to re-developing ESU as insufficient. Perhaps Hush sees this as an ideological win over a bunch of supposed radicals, but in practice tenure—which varies greatly from one institution to another—doesn’t promise faculty any kind of lifetime intellectual isolation. Rather, by providing limited job protections (like due process guarantees that they will not be hurriedly or arbitrarily terminated), tenure enables those with the necessary expertise to take the time to build creative, lasting connections in the midst of students’ ever-changing educational needs and situations. A building which Hush’s decision has now made harder at ESU, crossing a line which Kansas higher education really can’t afford to break.In our state, tenure is best understood as a protection which encourages faculty to root themselves in and develop a real understanding of the particular, sometimes shrinking, communities they serve. Emporia State does that, just as Fort Hays, Pittsburg State, Friends University, and many others do. ESU will no doubt continue to provide some of that unique service to those Kansas students who need it—but there will be less of it now in Emporia, and that’s a shame.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: What Emporia has lost

Did you know that more than ten thousand people become eligible to enroll in Medicare each day because they turn 65 years old? Learning about the various parts of Medicare can be confusing at best. Factor in the advertisements we are bombarded with on TV and in the mail, it becomes difficult to sort out the best options.&nbsp;

Nine years ago, I saw a need in this area for people trained to assist Medicare recipients who wanted to review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment. As trained SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) counselors, my husband John, and I can help Medicare recipients take a look at their Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) and hopefully find the most affordable plan. We have several other SHICK counselors serving area residents through the RSVP office, so we hope to be able to keep up with the calls.

The Open Enrollment Period begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Plan costs and coverage change each year, so everyone with Medicare should check to make sure their plan still meets their health needs and budget. If you would like to check out the website for yourself, simply go to Medicare.gov and click on Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

If you are unable to do an internet search, feel free to give me a call at the Extension office. If you call my office at (620)793-1910 I will do my best to schedule a time for you to meet in-person with me or John to review your current prescription drug plan and check on plans available in 2023.&nbsp;We will schedule appointments in both our Great Bend and Hays offices as needed.&nbsp;

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 12, and join me at noon at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th&nbsp;Street. I will be sharing an educational program which will review the basic parts of Medicare. If you will be turning 65 within the next year, you may want to attend. The program is free and open to everyone. John and I will also be on hand to set up appointments to review your prescription drug plan during open enrollment at the Oct. 12 session. &nbsp;

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with&nbsp;the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663797285281.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Did you know that more than ten thousand people become eligible to enroll in Medicare each day because they turn 65 years old? Learning about the various parts of Medicare can be confusing at best. Factor in the advertisements we are bombarded with on TV and in the mail, it becomes difficult to sort out the best options.&nbsp;Nine years ago, I saw a need in this area for people trained to assist Medicare recipients who wanted to review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment. As trained SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) counselors, my husband John, and I can help Medicare recipients take a look at their Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) and hopefully find the most affordable plan. We have several other SHICK counselors serving area residents through the RSVP office, so we hope to be able to keep up with the calls.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>The Open Enrollment Period begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Plan costs and coverage change each year, so everyone with Medicare should check to make sure their plan still meets their health needs and budget. If you would like to check out the website for yourself, simply go to Medicare.gov and click on Part D Prescription Drug Plans.If you are unable to do an internet search, feel free to give me a call at the Extension office. If you call my office at (620)793-1910 I will do my best to schedule a time for you to meet in-person with me or John to review your current prescription drug plan and check on plans available in 2023.&nbsp;We will schedule appointments in both our Great Bend and Hays offices as needed.&nbsp;Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 12, and join me at noon at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th&nbsp;Street. I will be sharing an educational program which will review the basic parts of Medicare. If you will be turning 65 within the next year, you may want to attend. The program is free and open to everyone. John and I will also be on hand to set up appointments to review your prescription drug plan during open enrollment at the Oct. 12 session. &nbsp;Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with&nbsp;the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

KRUG: Medicare open enrollment begins soon

<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/2022/9/1663957132289.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

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Two little goats. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but perhaps it could be the beginning of an entrepreneurial career.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet a young rural-preneur who is using her two little goats to learn the principles of entrepreneurship for the future.&nbsp;

Kansas Lange is a teenager who won her county’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in spring 2022. Kansas and her family live in Garfield, in Pawnee County.&nbsp;

Her father is Charles Lange, a K-State grad and public health veterinarian in Dodge City. While inspecting the packing plant in Dodge, Dr. Lang met one of the workers, Sabrina, who is originally from New Mexico. They married, moved to Garfield, and now have two daughters and a son.&nbsp;

Kansas is the younger daughter. “My grandfather suggested they name me Kansas because that is where they met,” Kansas said.&nbsp;

Kansas became very active in 4-H. “I’m homeschooled, so this is my creative outlet and my opportunity to meet people in the community,” Kansas said.&nbsp;

In addition to showing multiple species of livestock, she enrolled in such projects as shooting sports, woodworking, clothing and textiles, and foods and nutrition.&nbsp;

Kyle Grant is the K-State Research and Extension 4-H agent in Pawnee County.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kansas has excelled in our Pawnee County shooting sports program,” Grant said. “She also excels at livestock judging, meats judging and skillathon, where she earned the opportunity to go to the national contest in Louisville, Kentucky. She is a good role model for Pawnee County 4-H’ers.”&nbsp;

Kansas learned about the Pawnee County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, sponsored by NetWork Kansas. YEC is a sequence of community-based entrepreneurship competitions for students in grades 6-12, culminating in a state championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students present their conceptual or business ideas to judges and compete against others in their age division locally. The top contestants advance to the state finals, held in April at K-State in partnership with the College of Business’ Center for Entrepreneurship and the Kansas Masons.&nbsp;

Erik Pedersen is president and COO of NetWork Kansas. “When you walk into one of these events at a middle school or high school, you see a student standing there with a tabletop display that they’ve created,” he said. “They’re dressed up and talking to a group of adult judges; they’re shaking hands, they’re making eye contact, they’re answering questions about their project or business idea. The life skills that they’re gaining will put them miles ahead of their peers.”&nbsp;

Kansas thought about what project she might enter in this competition. As a teenager, she was experiencing acne on her skin and looking for better skin treatments. “I found a lot of articles that said that goat milk soap could help,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;No big city stores carried such products nearby, but she could raise dairy goats and make soap of her own.&nbsp;

Kansas got two Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats that she milked twice daily, did the research and developed a process for producing scented goat milk soap. It worked so well that she wanted to share the products with others and started selling the product locally. She named her business Two Little Goats.&nbsp;

“My mom has a degree in business, so she could help with the business side, and my dad helped with the science and biology,” Kansas said.&nbsp;

She entered her project in the Pawnee County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. In 2022, she took first place and advanced to state. At the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Ag Growth Summit, Kansas spoke about her project at the entrepreneurship breakout session.&nbsp;

“I especially enjoyed doing the research and thinking on my feet when the judges ask questions,” she said.&nbsp;

She’s a remarkable young woman from the rural community of Garfield, population 151 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

More information about YEC is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.networkkansas.com/ecommunities/youth/youth-entrepreneurship-challenge">available online</a>.&nbsp;

How do we as a state develop and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs?&nbsp;&nbsp;The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a great step in the right direction. We commend Kansas Lange and all those involved with YEC for making a difference with their ideas and business development.&nbsp;

A big career in business just might begin with two little goats.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663765914789.png" alt="Kansas Lange" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lange</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Two little goats. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but perhaps it could be the beginning of an entrepreneurial career.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet a young rural-preneur who is using her two little goats to learn the principles of entrepreneurship for the future.&nbsp;Kansas Lange is a teenager who won her county’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in spring 2022. Kansas and her family live in Garfield, in Pawnee County.&nbsp;Her father is Charles Lange, a K-State grad and public health veterinarian in Dodge City. While inspecting the packing plant in Dodge, Dr. Lang met one of the workers, Sabrina, who is originally from New Mexico. They married, moved to Garfield, and now have two daughters and a son.&nbsp;Kansas is the younger daughter. “My grandfather suggested they name me Kansas because that is where they met,” Kansas said.&nbsp;Kansas became very active in 4-H. “I’m homeschooled, so this is my creative outlet and my opportunity to meet people in the community,” Kansas said.&nbsp;In addition to showing multiple species of livestock, she enrolled in such projects as shooting sports, woodworking, clothing and textiles, and foods and nutrition.&nbsp;Kyle Grant is the K-State Research and Extension 4-H agent in Pawnee County.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kansas has excelled in our Pawnee County shooting sports program,” Grant said. “She also excels at livestock judging, meats judging and skillathon, where she earned the opportunity to go to the national contest in Louisville, Kentucky. She is a good role model for Pawnee County 4-H’ers.”&nbsp;Kansas learned about the Pawnee County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, sponsored by NetWork Kansas. YEC is a sequence of community-based entrepreneurship competitions for students in grades 6-12, culminating in a state championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students present their conceptual or business ideas to judges and compete against others in their age division locally. The top contestants advance to the state finals, held in April at K-State in partnership with the College of Business’ Center for Entrepreneurship and the Kansas Masons.&nbsp;Erik Pedersen is president and COO of NetWork Kansas. “When you walk into one of these events at a middle school or high school, you see a student standing there with a tabletop display that they’ve created,” he said. “They’re dressed up and talking to a group of adult judges; they’re shaking hands, they’re making eye contact, they’re answering questions about their project or business idea. The life skills that they’re gaining will put them miles ahead of their peers.”&nbsp;Kansas thought about what project she might enter in this competition. As a teenager, she was experiencing acne on her skin and looking for better skin treatments. “I found a lot of articles that said that goat milk soap could help,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;No big city stores carried such products nearby, but she could raise dairy goats and make soap of her own.&nbsp;Kansas got two Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats that she milked twice daily, did the research and developed a process for producing scented goat milk soap. It worked so well that she wanted to share the products with others and started selling the product locally. She named her business Two Little Goats.&nbsp;“My mom has a degree in business, so she could help with the business side, and my dad helped with the science and biology,” Kansas said.&nbsp;She entered her project in the Pawnee County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. In 2022, she took first place and advanced to state. At the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Ag Growth Summit, Kansas spoke about her project at the entrepreneurship breakout session.&nbsp;“I especially enjoyed doing the research and thinking on my feet when the judges ask questions,” she said.&nbsp;She’s a remarkable young woman from the rural community of Garfield, population 151 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;More information about YEC is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.networkkansas.com/ecommunities/youth/youth-entrepreneurship-challenge">available online</a>.&nbsp;How do we as a state develop and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs?&nbsp;&nbsp;The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a great step in the right direction. We commend Kansas Lange and all those involved with YEC for making a difference with their ideas and business development.&nbsp;A big career in business just might begin with two little goats.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kansas Lange, Two Little Goats 

The Hays High Indians travel to Garden City for a big Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Buffaloes Friday night in week four of the high school football season. 

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK TO LISTEN</a>

Hays is looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season and are 2-1. The Buffs are 3-0 on the season.&nbsp;

Due to streaming restrictions in Garden City,&nbsp;Hays Post is not allowed to stream video of the game live.

You can watch the broadcast after the game <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/da3e27e8-0c6e-4845-8ad1-171f157280d9">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The Hays High Indians travel to Garden City for a big Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Buffaloes Friday night in week four of the high school football season. <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK TO LISTEN</a>Hays is looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season and are 2-1. The Buffs are 3-0 on the season.&nbsp;Due to streaming restrictions in Garden City,&nbsp;Hays Post is not allowed to stream video of the game live.You can watch the broadcast after the game <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/da3e27e8-0c6e-4845-8ad1-171f157280d9">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - Hays High at Garden City

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Scott City Beavers on homecoming
Friday night at Lewis Field in Hays.

&nbsp; Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/433292">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can also hear the Monarchs on 99.5 KHAZ or&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE&nbsp;</a>starting at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Scott City Beavers on homecoming
Friday night at Lewis Field in Hays.&nbsp; Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/433292">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/433292?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>&nbsp; You can also hear the Monarchs on 99.5 KHAZ or&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE&nbsp;</a>starting at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE - Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Scott City

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason and chief communications officer Scott Cason share details of the upcoming FHSU Media Tour.

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

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason and chief communications officer Scott Cason share details of the upcoming FHSU Media Tour. <div><iframe title="FHSU Media Tour shares university story across region" 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=k2wmx-12cf159-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Media Tour shares university story across region

TOPEKA — The Kansas State High School Activities Association
released the general classifications for the 2022-23 school year Friday.

TMP-Marian was among the schools changing classifications
from last year based on school enrollment.

TMP’s enrollment was 168, dropping the Hays Catholic school from
3A to 2A. The 2A classification is made up of 64 schools ranging from 173 to
110 students.

The enrollment figures as of Sept. 20 based on ninth,
10th, 11th and 12th grades.

You can find the complete enrollment numbers <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/PDF/Classifications22.pdf">HERE</a>.

TOPEKA — The Kansas State High School Activities Association
released the general classifications for the 2022-23 school year Friday.TMP-Marian was among the schools changing classifications
from last year based on school enrollment.TMP’s enrollment was 168, dropping the Hays Catholic school from
3A to 2A. The 2A classification is made up of 64 schools ranging from 173 to
110 students.The enrollment figures as of Sept. 20 based on ninth,
10th, 11th and 12th grades.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663946117755.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can find the complete enrollment numbers <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/PDF/Classifications22.pdf">HERE</a>.

KSHSAA releases 2022-23 general classifications

Friday night the Hays High Indians travel to Garden City for a WAC matchup with the Buffaloes.

Click the player or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/433297">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

Due to streaming restrictions in Garden City,&nbsp;Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live.

Friday night the Hays High Indians travel to Garden City for a WAC matchup with the Buffaloes.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/433297?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Click the player or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/433297">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.Due to streaming restrictions in Garden City,&nbsp;Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live.

🏈🎥 REPLAY: Hays High at Garden City

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Earlier this year, three Kansas KidWind teams prevailed in regional contests, faced off against fierce competition at the state finals, then went on to win awards at the National KidWind Challenge in San Antonio. This week, the teams traveled to Topeka to celebrate their success at the State Capitol.

• Elementary Division National Champions&nbsp;–&nbsp; Hutch STEM Blue from Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen Elementary. • Winner of the Innovator Award&nbsp;–&nbsp; Wind Chill from Dighton Middle School. • Winner of the Judges Award&nbsp;– Gerald La Turbina from Beloit Jr/Sr High School

The teams met with Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who congratulated them on their success and thanked them for representing Kansas so well on a national stage. Each team had the opportunity to talk with the Lieutenant Governor about their turbine design, lessons learned, and their experiences in competition. He encouraged them to keep up the good work.

“The Kelly Administration has worked hard to support the renewable energy industry and create attractive jobs throughout the state,” Toland said. “We want to provide the opportunity for young people to take what they’ve learned through the KidWind Challenge and build a career and a life in Kansas.”

The teams were also taken on a guided tour of the Capitol and treated to lunch.

To participate in the KidWind Challenge, student teams work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. Each team’s turbine is put to the test in a wind tunnel. Scoring is based on turbine performance, a knowledge quiz, a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process, and an instant challenge.

Just as the amount of wind energy being produced in the state is growing, so are the number of students participating in KidWind. The Kansas KidWind Challenge has grown from one regional challenge with 56 students in 2016 to six regional events with 196 student participants in 2022.

For 2023, KidWind regional events are being planned in Dodge City, Oakley, Overland Park, Hutchinson, Manhattan and Burlington. The state finals will be held in Topeka. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjEuNjQwMzU4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tjYy5rcy5nb3YvZW5lcmd5LWVkdWNhdGlvbi9raWR3aW5kP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.8epePLH2EBzaqWjWVbPKmr3edH_7tb2Fn8PEDChqovs/s/1510803200/br/144462151480-l">https://kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663791993145.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;— Earlier this year, three Kansas KidWind teams prevailed in regional contests, faced off against fierce competition at the state finals, then went on to win awards at the National KidWind Challenge in San Antonio. This week, the teams traveled to Topeka to celebrate their success at the State Capitol.The teams recognized were:• Elementary Division National Champions&nbsp;–&nbsp; Hutch STEM Blue from Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen Elementary. • Winner of the Innovator Award&nbsp;–&nbsp; Wind Chill from Dighton Middle School. • Winner of the Judges Award&nbsp;– Gerald La Turbina from Beloit Jr/Sr High SchoolThe teams met with Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who congratulated them on their success and thanked them for representing Kansas so well on a national stage. Each team had the opportunity to talk with the Lieutenant Governor about their turbine design, lessons learned, and their experiences in competition. He encouraged them to keep up the good work.“The Kelly Administration has worked hard to support the renewable energy industry and create attractive jobs throughout the state,” Toland said. “We want to provide the opportunity for young people to take what they’ve learned through the KidWind Challenge and build a career and a life in Kansas.”The teams were also taken on a guided tour of the Capitol and treated to lunch.To participate in the KidWind Challenge, student teams work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. Each team’s turbine is put to the test in a wind tunnel. Scoring is based on turbine performance, a knowledge quiz, a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process, and an instant challenge.Just as the amount of wind energy being produced in the state is growing, so are the number of students participating in KidWind. The Kansas KidWind Challenge has grown from one regional challenge with 56 students in 2016 to six regional events with 196 student participants in 2022.For 2023, KidWind regional events are being planned in Dodge City, Oakley, Overland Park, Hutchinson, Manhattan and Burlington. The state finals will be held in Topeka. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjEuNjQwMzU4NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tjYy5rcy5nb3YvZW5lcmd5LWVkdWNhdGlvbi9raWR3aW5kP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.8epePLH2EBzaqWjWVbPKmr3edH_7tb2Fn8PEDChqovs/s/1510803200/br/144462151480-l">https://kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind</a>.&nbsp;

Dighton students recognized for national champion KidWind project

The Copper Street Brass is the premier brass chamber ensemble in Minnesota and one of only a handful of self-sustaining brass groups in the country. They were founded in 2008 as a professionally trained classical chamber music ensemble with two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba. They perform&nbsp;exclusively their own music, which is an original blend of musical styles from Mozart to&nbsp;Madonna, and&nbsp;perform dozens of concerts and outreach programs each season.&nbsp;In Colby, they will present “That 70s Show," which includes music from 1770s, 1870s and 1970s.&nbsp;

The Mission of the Copper Street Brass is to represent the “Evolution of the Brass Quintet” through inventive concerts, engaging educational programs, and original musical arrangements. Also used in instrumentation are keyboards, guitar, percussion, and electronic instruments. Copper Street Brass performs their concert at 3 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 2, in the Cultural Arts Center, Colby, KS. Partial support for this program is given by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Admission is season ticket or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663681211371.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Copper Street Brass is the premier brass chamber ensemble in Minnesota and one of only a handful of self-sustaining brass groups in the country. They were founded in 2008 as a professionally trained classical chamber music ensemble with two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba. They perform&nbsp;exclusively their own music, which is an original blend of musical styles from Mozart to&nbsp;Madonna, and&nbsp;perform dozens of concerts and outreach programs each season.&nbsp;In Colby, they will present “That 70s Show," which includes music from 1770s, 1870s and 1970s.&nbsp;The Mission of the Copper Street Brass is to represent the “Evolution of the Brass Quintet” through inventive concerts, engaging educational programs, and original musical arrangements. Also used in instrumentation are keyboards, guitar, percussion, and electronic instruments. Copper Street Brass performs their concert at 3 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 2, in the Cultural Arts Center, Colby, KS. Partial support for this program is given by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Admission is season ticket or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

Copper Street Brass will present 'That 70s Show' in Colby

Get ready for flu season by scheduling a flu vaccine, starting Oct. 3 at the Ellis County Health Department, 2507 Canterbury.

~Regular Flu (ages 6 month+) ~Flublok (ages 18+ &amp; egg-free) ~High Dose (ages 65+)

Follow the link here to schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j</a>

To schedule an on-site business flu clinic or for more information, call&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank"></a>785-628-9440.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659648134471.jpg" alt="(Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Get ready for flu season by scheduling a flu vaccine, starting Oct. 3 at the Ellis County Health Department, 2507 Canterbury.These flu options will be available:~Regular Flu (ages 6 month+) ~Flublok (ages 18+ &amp; egg-free) ~High Dose (ages 65+)Follow the link here to schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j</a>To schedule an on-site business flu clinic or for more information, call&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5a9rmu5j?fbclid=IwAR1QdZv8qhEJWiGT3lLuGlsH4fWn3CIaohMDfPm4lgeKX1X9FUFSidxjZ78" target="_blank"></a>785-628-9440.

Flu shots available in October at Ellis County Health Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663861423154.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>

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized for the family of an infant&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edb10513-0914-41ca-a86c-3ba3c4c1653a">who lost her life in a house fire Wednesday in Hays.&nbsp;</a>

"If everyone could even donate $1 to help them pay for their baby’s funeral and medical expenses, daily items that they might need, and help to get them in a place as they are staying with family at this time," organizer Jessican Schmidt wrote. "It is a tragic time right now for them and could use all the help they can get."

Click <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-our-friends-as-they-lost-their-baby?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_5ynv+please-help-our-friends-as-they-lost-their-baby">HERE</a> for the GoFundMe page.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663889825153.png" alt="GoFundMe photo" />
 <figcaption>GoFundMe photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized for the family of an infant&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edb10513-0914-41ca-a86c-3ba3c4c1653a">who lost her life in a house fire Wednesday in Hays.&nbsp;</a>"If everyone could even donate $1 to help them pay for their baby’s funeral and medical expenses, daily items that they might need, and help to get them in a place as they are staying with family at this time," organizer Jessican Schmidt wrote. "It is a tragic time right now for them and could use all the help they can get."Click <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-our-friends-as-they-lost-their-baby?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_5ynv+please-help-our-friends-as-they-lost-their-baby">HERE</a> for the GoFundMe page.&nbsp;

Fatal Hays fire: GoFundMe created for infant's family

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Sara Dykman bicycled more than 10,000 miles following both the spring and fall migrations of the monarch butterfly in 2017.

She chronicles her story in her book "Bicycling with Butterflies." Dykman, who is from Kansas City, made her first in-person book tour appearance at the Hays Public Library on Sept. 8.

Dykman said if her audience only learned one thing from the presentation she wanted them to know that monarch butterfly caterpillars eat milkweed, a flower with 90 native species in the U.S, Mexico and Canada.

"The monarch is 100 percent connected to this plant this male butterfly is nectaring on, which is milkweed. No milkweed, no monarchs," she said. 

Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat. It makes them poisonous and helps to protect them from predators.

"It's not only good [for monarchs]," she said of the milkweed, "it is the only way we are going to save them."

The latest estimates are monarchs need 1 billion stems of milkweed to maintain their migration. 

The adult butterflies also need flowers from which they drink nectar.

Dykman started her journey in March in Mexico as the monarchs were leaving their overwintering site in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico. 

She said this was the most butterflies she would see until the butterflies started to regroup for their migration back south. Most of her journey, she would only see a few per day.

Monarchs are the only butterfly known to make a two-way annual migration. The butterflies migrate from southern Canada to Mexico each fall. They overwinter in Michoacán, Mexico, and then begin their journey north in the spring.

As they encounter milkweed, females lay their eggs and then die. The butterflies continue to reproduce and die as they move north. Several generations later, butterflies that were never in Mexico make the migration south in the fall to the overwintering site.

"That never gets old to me," Dykman said. "To look at a little egg next to a railroad track in Illinois and be like 'You are going to metamorphose and you are going to fly to a tree that your great-great-great grandma was on."

Most of the monarchs that migrate to Mexico come from east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the monarchs west of the Rockies overwinter in southern California. A few of the eastern monarchs overwinter in Florida.

The migratory monarch butterflies recently made the International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered list. Although monarch butterflies can be found worldwide, their migration in North America is under threat due to habitat destruction, use of pesticides and herbicides, and climate change.

The IUCN list is not the U.S. federal endangered species list that would give the butterflies and their habitat more protection in the United States.

"This migration is what's at stake," Dykman said. "This multi-generational, multi-national migration is what we're fighting to save."

Dykman gave presentations to schools and community groups on her journey. With the exception of her presentation stops, she said she "threw everything I needed on that bike, and I just didn't have a plan."

"When I was hungry, I would stop and cook," she said. "When I was tired, I would stop and camp."

She said camping in unestablished camp spots, was very cheap and she was separate from people who might be a threat.

She said bike touring makes her grateful for the smallest things.

"I always say my most two favorite things are an outlet, close to lunch time, even more than a shower, and a tree to lean your bike up against at night," she said.

She said it also gave her a better understanding of monarch habitat.

"If it's safe during the first mile and the last mile, that doesn't matter if it's not safe the middle mile," she said. "It's the same with the monarchs. They can have all the habitat they need in Mexico. They can have all the habitat they need in Canada, but if they don't have habitat in Kansas, the whole trip doesn't matter."

Dykman said designating wild lands as national and state parks and wildlife refuges will not help monarchs unless there are milkweed and nectar-producing flowers all along their migration route.

Now is the time to plant milkweed seeds, as they need to go through a process of cold and wet to germinate in the spring.

Dykman said she stopped often to view and take photographs of monarchs and other insects and animals during her trip. She would look for caterpillar poop or the distinctive horseshow-shaped holes in milkweed leaves that indicated a young monarch caterpillar had been eating a milkweed leaf.

"This is what my trip was about. It was seeing the world through the lens of a monarch," she said.

However, she said she saw habitat destruction that she didn't want to see.

Mowing roadside ditches, especially in the fall during the monarch migration, not only destroys monarch food, but it is likely to kill monarch caterpillars that are feeding on milkweed in those ditches, Dykman said.

Dykman urged local residents to contact their municipalities to urge officials not to mow, leave areas native or at least delay mowing until after the migration.

"I think that is one of the most important lessons that the monarchs taught me is that you're going to be depressed unless you go out and try to do something and try to fix it," she said.

"You can't just complain without a solution. My solution was to be their voice."

Species like frogs are very particular about their habitat.

"Monarchs don't mind if there's 99 percent pavement here, I'll put an egg on this milkweed in this planter box," she said.

&nbsp;Dykman urged her audience that even if monarchs are not your thing, pick something else in the environment to champion. 

"If your protecting frogs, you're protecting monarch. If you're protecting monarchs, you're protecting frogs. It's all connected," she said. "It doesn't matter what calls you. Find something that does and go take care of that thing."

You can learn more about Dykman's work on butterfly conservation on her website <a href="http://www.beyondabook.org/">Beyond A Book.</a> There is also a link on that site to order her book.

Other resources on monarch butterflies <a href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/">Monarch Watch</a> <a href="https://monarchjointventure.org/">Monarch Joint Venture</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663695791312.jpeg" alt="Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies," on her bike during a multi-country bicycle tour that followed the migration of the monarch butterfly. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies," on her bike during a multi-country bicycle tour that followed the migration of the monarch butterfly. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSara Dykman bicycled more than 10,000 miles following both the spring and fall migrations of the monarch butterfly in 2017.She chronicles her story in her book "Bicycling with Butterflies." Dykman, who is from Kansas City, made her first in-person book tour appearance at the Hays Public Library on Sept. 8.Dykman said if her audience only learned one thing from the presentation she wanted them to know that monarch butterfly caterpillars eat milkweed, a flower with 90 native species in the U.S, Mexico and Canada. "The monarch is 100 percent connected to this plant this male butterfly is nectaring on, which is milkweed. No milkweed, no monarchs," she said. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat. It makes them poisonous and helps to protect them from predators."It's not only good [for monarchs]," she said of the milkweed, "it is the only way we are going to save them."The latest estimates are monarchs need 1 billion stems of milkweed to maintain their migration. The adult butterflies also need flowers from which they drink nectar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663695881987.jpeg" alt="Monarch butterflies in flight in the overwintering site in Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman " />
 <figcaption>Monarch butterflies in flight in the overwintering site in Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman </figcaption>
 </figure>Dykman started her journey in March in Mexico as the monarchs were leaving their overwintering site in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico. She said this was the most butterflies she would see until the butterflies started to regroup for their migration back south. Most of her journey, she would only see a few per day. Monarchs are the only butterfly known to make a two-way annual migration. The butterflies migrate from southern Canada to Mexico each fall. They overwinter in Michoacán, Mexico, and then begin their journey north in the spring.As they encounter milkweed, females lay their eggs and then die. The butterflies continue to reproduce and die as they move north. Several generations later, butterflies that were never in Mexico make the migration south in the fall to the overwintering site."That never gets old to me," Dykman said. "To look at a little egg next to a railroad track in Illinois and be like 'You are going to metamorphose and you are going to fly to a tree that your great-great-great grandma was on."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663696667225.jpeg" alt="Monarch butterflies group for warmth in their overwintering location in Michoacán, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>Monarch butterflies group for warmth in their overwintering location in Michoacán, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>Most of the monarchs that migrate to Mexico come from east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the monarchs west of the Rockies overwinter in southern California. A few of the eastern monarchs overwinter in Florida.The migratory monarch butterflies recently made the International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered list. Although monarch butterflies can be found worldwide, their migration in North America is under threat due to habitat destruction, use of pesticides and herbicides, and climate change.The IUCN list is not the U.S. federal endangered species list that would give the butterflies and their habitat more protection in the United States."This migration is what's at stake," Dykman said. "This multi-generational, multi-national migration is what we're fighting to save."Dykman gave presentations to schools and community groups on her journey. With the exception of her presentation stops, she said she "threw everything I needed on that bike, and I just didn't have a plan.""When I was hungry, I would stop and cook," she said. "When I was tired, I would stop and camp."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663696900945.jpeg" alt="Monarch butterflies in mass at their overwintering site in Mexico. Ten monarchs weigh about as much as a dime. The monarchs concentrate in such quantities at the overwintering site that they can bend and break branches. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>Monarch butterflies in mass at their overwintering site in Mexico. Ten monarchs weigh about as much as a dime. The monarchs concentrate in such quantities at the overwintering site that they can bend and break branches. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>She said camping in unestablished camp spots, was very cheap and she was separate from people who might be a threat."I felt really, really safe," she said.She said bike touring makes her grateful for the smallest things."I always say my most two favorite things are an outlet, close to lunch time, even more than a shower, and a tree to lean your bike up against at night," she said. She said it also gave her a better understanding of monarch habitat."If it's safe during the first mile and the last mile, that doesn't matter if it's not safe the middle mile," she said. "It's the same with the monarchs. They can have all the habitat they need in Mexico. They can have all the habitat they need in Canada, but if they don't have habitat in Kansas, the whole trip doesn't matter."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697107455.jpeg" alt="A monarch butterfly caterpillar eats a milkweed leaf. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>A monarch butterfly caterpillar eats a milkweed leaf. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>Dykman said designating wild lands as national and state parks and wildlife refuges will not help monarchs unless there are milkweed and nectar-producing flowers all along their migration route.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697315480.jpeg" alt="A monarch butterfly on a thistle. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>A monarch butterfly on a thistle. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>Now is the time to plant milkweed seeds, as they need to go through a process of cold and wet to germinate in the spring. Dykman said she stopped often to view and take photographs of monarchs and other insects and animals during her trip. She would look for caterpillar poop or the distinctive horseshow-shaped holes in milkweed leaves that indicated a young monarch caterpillar had been eating a milkweed leaf. "This is what my trip was about. It was seeing the world through the lens of a monarch," she said.However, she said she saw habitat destruction that she didn't want to see. Mowing roadside ditches, especially in the fall during the monarch migration, not only destroys monarch food, but it is likely to kill monarch caterpillars that are feeding on milkweed in those ditches, Dykman said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697435225.png" alt="Sara Dykman's book "Bicycling with Butterflies" " />
 <figcaption>Sara Dykman's book "Bicycling with Butterflies" </figcaption>
 </figure>Dykman urged local residents to contact their municipalities to urge officials not to mow, leave areas native or at least delay mowing until after the migration."I think that is one of the most important lessons that the monarchs taught me is that you're going to be depressed unless you go out and try to do something and try to fix it," she said."You can't just complain without a solution. My solution was to be their voice." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697643117.jpeg" alt="Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies" speaks to a group on Sept. 8 at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies" speaks to a group on Sept. 8 at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Species like frogs are very particular about their habitat."Monarchs don't mind if there's 99 percent pavement here, I'll put an egg on this milkweed in this planter box," she said.&nbsp;Dykman urged her audience that even if monarchs are not your thing, pick something else in the environment to champion. "If your protecting frogs, you're protecting monarch. If you're protecting monarchs, you're protecting frogs. It's all connected," she said. "It doesn't matter what calls you. Find something that does and go take care of that thing." You can learn more about Dykman's work on butterfly conservation on her website <a href="http://www.beyondabook.org/">Beyond A Book.</a> There is also a link on that site to order her book.Other resources on monarch butterflies <a href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/">Monarch Watch</a> <a href="https://monarchjointventure.org/">Monarch Joint Venture</a>

'Bicycling with Butterflies' author talks about ride following monarch migration

Barton Community College joined 18 Kansas community colleges and 19 independent, four-year Kansas colleges in signing a milestone transfer agreement on Tuesday that will create a seamless transfer of all general education courses to independent universities and colleges and will fulfill all general education requirements.

The initiation of the Global Transfer and Course Articulation Agreement was officially signed on Sept. 20 at Friends University in Wichita after a discussion between the presidents representing both the Kansas Community Colleges and the Kansas Independent Colleges.

Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said Barton is proud to be a part of this initiative. “This is a landmark agreement that ensures students will be able to transfer courses with ease and keep their focus on their education and future plans,” he said. “This type of agreement encourages students to continue building on their education after they’ve completed a two-year degree and to do so while staying in Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663782628157.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Community College joined 18 Kansas community colleges and 19 independent, four-year Kansas colleges in signing a milestone transfer agreement on Tuesday that will create a seamless transfer of all general education courses to independent universities and colleges and will fulfill all general education requirements.The initiation of the Global Transfer and Course Articulation Agreement was officially signed on Sept. 20 at Friends University in Wichita after a discussion between the presidents representing both the Kansas Community Colleges and the Kansas Independent Colleges.Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said Barton is proud to be a part of this initiative. “This is a landmark agreement that ensures students will be able to transfer courses with ease and keep their focus on their education and future plans,” he said. “This type of agreement encourages students to continue building on their education after they’ve completed a two-year degree and to do so while staying in Kansas.”

Barton signs universal transfer agreement with Kansas independent colleges

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489's Early Childhood Connections child development specialist Michelle Dannels shares information about the Go Truck Go event.

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489's Early Childhood Connections child development specialist Michelle Dannels shares information about the Go Truck Go event.<div><iframe title="Go Truck Go set for 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=fzrrs-12cd270-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663790965594.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

🎙 Post Podcast: Go Truck Go set for Thursday

After a brutally dry and hot summer, western Kansas gets both a break from the heat and some welcome rainfall this week.

According to CoCoRahs reports, more than an inch of rain fell across Ellis County on Wednesday, with reports ranging from just over 1 inch to 1.67 inches just north of Hays.

Trego County had reports of more than 2 inches of rain in the northeast portion of the county.

Rain&nbsp; is expected to continue Thursday and into Friday, although the National Weather Service said significant accumulation was unlikely.

The high temperature in the Hays area is only expected to reach 55 degrees Thursday, with a high of 77 predicted Friday. Skies are expected to clear by Friday afternoon and no additional rainfall is expected through Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663854348732.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a brutally dry and hot summer, western Kansas gets both a break from the heat and some welcome rainfall this week.According to CoCoRahs reports, more than an inch of rain fell across Ellis County on Wednesday, with reports ranging from just over 1 inch to 1.67 inches just north of Hays.Trego County had reports of more than 2 inches of rain in the northeast portion of the county.Rain&nbsp; is expected to continue Thursday and into Friday, although the National Weather Service said significant accumulation was unlikely.The high temperature in the Hays area is only expected to reach 55 degrees Thursday, with a high of 77 predicted Friday. Skies are expected to clear by Friday afternoon and no additional rainfall is expected through Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A welcome break from the heat on Thursday, with temperatures well below normal.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/WZ1GEcPI2P">pic.twitter.com/WZ1GEcPI2P</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1572734239153754113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Welcome rain and a welcome break for Hays-area AC units

A pair of former Hays Daily News photographers recently were named to the inaugural class of the Kansas Photojournalism Hall&nbsp; of Fame.

The Kansas Press Association selected Charlie Riedel and Pete Souza for the honor.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.apimages.com/search?query=charlie+Riedel+&amp;entitysearch=&amp;st=kw&amp;ss=10&amp;allFilters=&amp;toItem=15&amp;orderBy=Oldest">Riedel</a>, a Fort Hays State University graduate, spent 17 award-winning years as photo editor of the HDN. He moved on to the Associated Press in 2000 and his work has included imagery from the Gulf oil spill, cleanup at the World Trade Center post-9/11, natural disasters, Super Bowls and the Kentucky Derby.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.petesouza.com/">Souza</a>, who served as White House photographer for both Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, got his beginnings in Kansas — working at newspapers in Hays and Fort Scott. His resume also includes stints at the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and on the book and speaking circuit.

A third member of the inaugural class — Sandra Milburn — also has northwest Kansas ties. Milburn, a University of Kansas graduate, is a Colby native who served as a photographer and photo editor of the Hutchinson News for a combined 32 years.

A 2007 photo Milburn captured after the Greensburg tornado was named the Associated Press Photo of the Year.

Photos courtesy Kansas Press Association

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580744561112.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA pair of former Hays Daily News photographers recently were named to the inaugural class of the Kansas Photojournalism Hall&nbsp; of Fame.The Kansas Press Association selected Charlie Riedel and Pete Souza for the honor.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663801850826.png" alt="Riedel" />
 <figcaption>Riedel</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://www.apimages.com/search?query=charlie+Riedel+&amp;entitysearch=&amp;st=kw&amp;ss=10&amp;allFilters=&amp;toItem=15&amp;orderBy=Oldest">Riedel</a>, a Fort Hays State University graduate, spent 17 award-winning years as photo editor of the HDN. He moved on to the Associated Press in 2000 and his work has included imagery from the Gulf oil spill, cleanup at the World Trade Center post-9/11, natural disasters, Super Bowls and the Kentucky Derby.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663789788954.jpeg" alt="Souza" />
 <figcaption>Souza</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.petesouza.com/">Souza</a>, who served as White House photographer for both Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, got his beginnings in Kansas — working at newspapers in Hays and Fort Scott. His resume also includes stints at the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and on the book and speaking circuit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663801944607.png" alt="Milburn" />
 <figcaption>Milburn</figcaption>
 </figure>A third member of the inaugural class — Sandra Milburn — also has northwest Kansas ties. Milburn, a University of Kansas graduate, is a Colby native who served as a photographer and photo editor of the Hutchinson News for a combined 32 years.A 2007 photo Milburn captured after the Greensburg tornado was named the Associated Press Photo of the Year.Photos courtesy Kansas Press Association

Former HDN photographers inducted to KPA Hall of Fame

Continuing the tradition created by President Edward Hammond more than three decades ago, Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason will be on the road next week with reporters and editors in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.&nbsp;

The primary goals of the annual media tour are to build&nbsp;strong working relationships with members of the media, identify where FHSU experts and resources can assist in news reporting, and listen and learn about the issues that are of greatest concern to the readers, viewers, listeners of each media outlet.&nbsp;

The president’s key messages will focus on the intentional alignment of FHSU’s strategic plan with the Kansas Board of Regents’ strategic plan. A major area of this alignment is a shared commitment to making a high-quality education an affordable reality for families. FHSU’s tuition and fees have long been the lowest among all KBOR system universities and unmatched nationwide.&nbsp;

Academic excellence is also a primary goal in the university’s strategic plan. Recent investments in faculty professional development contribute to the quality of instruction, increase faculty subject-matter expertise, and expand our professors’ personal and professional networks, exposing them to emerging knowledge and best practices.

“Our recent investments in ensuring our students are successful, including new student engagement facilities, integrated health and wellness services, and centralized professional academic advising programs, serve as evidence that the FHSU experience is the best value in higher education anywhere,” said President Mason.&nbsp;

Business development and economic prosperity are other areas of the strategic plan that President Mason will highlight. Several university initiatives have made remarkable progress recently in addressing the needs of rural Kansans.&nbsp;

The expanding cohort programs in social work, nursing, and communication sciences based in Dodge City are examples of these initiatives. Two dynamic teacher education and licensing programs that directly support rural school districts have also had a big impact. Also, the expanding Regional De-escalation Training Center at FHSU, which is training law enforcement officers on how to use personality modeling to defuse potentially violent confrontations, will be highlighted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Mason will also discuss FHSU’s newest economic development initiative, the Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator in Hays. Fueled by a $500,000 investment from the state of Kansas, the institute will provide a supportive environment designed to help technology and security-oriented ventures develop and ultimately launch.&nbsp;

All but one of the stops on this year’s tour will be different from last year. Scheduled stops in Nebraska and Oklahoma were added to highlight the more than 340 on-campus and online students enrolled from these two bordering states.

Schedule: • September 26: Great Bend, McPherson, Pratt, and Enid, Okla. • September 27: Wichita, Topeka and Lawrence • September 28: Kansas City, Atchison and Salina • September 29: Russell, McCook, Neb., and Goodland • September 30: Dodge City and Garden City

<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>FHSU University CommunicationsContinuing the tradition created by President Edward Hammond more than three decades ago, Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason will be on the road next week with reporters and editors in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.&nbsp;The primary goals of the annual media tour are to build&nbsp;strong working relationships with members of the media, identify where FHSU experts and resources can assist in news reporting, and listen and learn about the issues that are of greatest concern to the readers, viewers, listeners of each media outlet.&nbsp;The president’s key messages will focus on the intentional alignment of FHSU’s strategic plan with the Kansas Board of Regents’ strategic plan. A major area of this alignment is a shared commitment to making a high-quality education an affordable reality for families. FHSU’s tuition and fees have long been the lowest among all KBOR system universities and unmatched nationwide.&nbsp;Academic excellence is also a primary goal in the university’s strategic plan. Recent investments in faculty professional development contribute to the quality of instruction, increase faculty subject-matter expertise, and expand our professors’ personal and professional networks, exposing them to emerging knowledge and best practices.“Our recent investments in ensuring our students are successful, including new student engagement facilities, integrated health and wellness services, and centralized professional academic advising programs, serve as evidence that the FHSU experience is the best value in higher education anywhere,” said President Mason.&nbsp;Business development and economic prosperity are other areas of the strategic plan that President Mason will highlight. Several university initiatives have made remarkable progress recently in addressing the needs of rural Kansans.&nbsp;The expanding cohort programs in social work, nursing, and communication sciences based in Dodge City are examples of these initiatives. Two dynamic teacher education and licensing programs that directly support rural school districts have also had a big impact. Also, the expanding Regional De-escalation Training Center at FHSU, which is training law enforcement officers on how to use personality modeling to defuse potentially violent confrontations, will be highlighted.&nbsp;&nbsp;President Mason will also discuss FHSU’s newest economic development initiative, the Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator in Hays. Fueled by a $500,000 investment from the state of Kansas, the institute will provide a supportive environment designed to help technology and security-oriented ventures develop and ultimately launch.&nbsp;All but one of the stops on this year’s tour will be different from last year. Scheduled stops in Nebraska and Oklahoma were added to highlight the more than 340 on-campus and online students enrolled from these two bordering states.Schedule: • September 26: Great Bend, McPherson, Pratt, and Enid, Okla. • September 27: Wichita, Topeka and Lawrence • September 28: Kansas City, Atchison and Salina • September 29: Russell, McCook, Neb., and Goodland • September 30: Dodge City and Garden City

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