RUSSELL — The next art show at the Deines Cultural Center opens on Sunday with a reception from 2-4 p.m.. This special invitational show celebrates the warm breezes, wild flowers, and green pastures of the season. 

Fourteen Kansas artists have contributed their expressions of summer. 

Paintings, mixed media, ceramics, and jewelry is shown by artists Krystal Barnes, David Friday,&nbsp;Tracy Hanzlick, Mick Jilg, Hays,&nbsp;Joyce Jilg, Hays, Robert Joy, Cally Krallman, Kathleen Kuchar, Hays, Cal Mahin, Angela Muller, Barbara Stevens, Nicole Thibodeau, and Shannon Trevethan can be see at the Deines Cultural Center June 26th&nbsp;through August 3rd.

The Deines Cultural Center is located in downtown Russell at 820 N. Main Street. Admission to the galleries is free and everyone is welcome. 

Follow us on Facebook or call 785-483-3742 for exhibit and event information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655930363555.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedRUSSELL — The next art show at the Deines Cultural Center opens on Sunday with a reception from 2-4 p.m.. This special invitational show celebrates the warm breezes, wild flowers, and green pastures of the season. Fourteen Kansas artists have contributed their expressions of summer. Paintings, mixed media, ceramics, and jewelry is shown by artists Krystal Barnes, David Friday,&nbsp;Tracy Hanzlick, Mick Jilg, Hays,&nbsp;Joyce Jilg, Hays, Robert Joy, Cally Krallman, Kathleen Kuchar, Hays, Cal Mahin, Angela Muller, Barbara Stevens, Nicole Thibodeau, and Shannon Trevethan can be see at the Deines Cultural Center June 26th&nbsp;through August 3rd.The Deines Cultural Center is located in downtown Russell at 820 N. Main Street. Admission to the galleries is free and everyone is welcome. Follow us on Facebook or call 785-483-3742 for exhibit and event information.

Invitational exhibit at Deines Cultural Center includes Hays artists

<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/2022/6/1656092922375.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

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 229 students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Area students earning the honor include:&nbsp;

Claflin Brooke Farmer Wyatt Letourneau Hannah Redetzke&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellinwood Michael Bitter Megan Clemons Gage Hosman Cameron Stevenson Haley Troyer&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellis Rebecca Hillman&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Rylee Ayon Thain Bowman Maleny Carrasco Devin Christiansen Stacy Davis Trevor DeLong Christy Esquivel Mariah Felder Israel Franco Karla Garcia Hailey Gross Breana Hearn Ashley Herrman Elle Hutchinson Jacob Kennedy Teegan Krol Colter Maldonado Austin Miller Elias Moreno Samantha Nicholson Shaylee Patterson Giselle Sanchez Kayci Stevenson Mariah Thomas Ailyn Urias Cora Usoro Brooke Vratil Cedric Williams Isabelle Willms Keeley Wolf&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Emily Christensen Adisyn Jacobs&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington Isabell Gonzalez Shaiann Montoya Jarrett Shives Ashley Slemp Dayne Yott&nbsp;&nbsp;

La Crosse Kaden Depperschmidt&nbsp;&nbsp;

Larned Roy Arnold Seth Duque Jacob Grosfield Jessica Grosfield Richard Manion Matthew Neumann Tyson Nicholson Kaden Pontius Ruthie Webster David Widmer&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ness City Jason Foos&nbsp;&nbsp;

Osborne Charlie Seifert&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell Caden Sutter&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College has named 247 students to the President’s List for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

&nbsp;Claflin Callie Zink&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellinwood Jodi Ledesma Mya Maxwell&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellsworth Keenan Davenport Zachary Garrett Kyler Milbrandt Nya Rippert&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Jaime Arellanes Jordan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Avila Caden Bieker Sage Cauley Addison Crites Ashton Ensley Dylan Graham Jaci Guthrie Wittney Hammeke Kendyl Henning Braeden Hopkins Madison Huslig Jayce Kohls Sydney Mason Aiden Miller Austin Moore Raegan Moore Kelci Popp Nautika Richards Jesus Sanchez Brandi Sander Ashton Smith Karter Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Michael Chappell Tasiah Nunnery&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington Sarah Bray Brayden Copp Camille Dolechek Chandra Ehler Gabriel Hipp Jennah Jeffrey Tori Mitchell Addison Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kirwin Brittany Atchison&nbsp;&nbsp;

La Crosse Kara Lonnon&nbsp;&nbsp;

Larned Terry Adams Sarah Macmahon Juan Murillo Savannah Racette Zedrick Spencer Joseph Theis&nbsp;&nbsp;

Norton Brandon Quintana&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillipsburg Evelyn Ebner Jacie Roth&nbsp;&nbsp;

Plainville Cael Dobson&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith Center Jaden Boden Kandis Frydendall&nbsp;&nbsp;

WaKeeney Lili Shubert&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613590329847.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 229 students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Area students earning the honor include:&nbsp; Claflin Brooke Farmer Wyatt Letourneau Hannah Redetzke&nbsp;&nbsp; Ellinwood Michael Bitter Megan Clemons Gage Hosman Cameron Stevenson Haley Troyer&nbsp;&nbsp;Ellis Rebecca Hillman&nbsp;&nbsp;Great Bend Rylee Ayon Thain Bowman Maleny Carrasco Devin Christiansen Stacy Davis Trevor DeLong Christy Esquivel Mariah Felder Israel Franco Karla Garcia Hailey Gross Breana Hearn Ashley Herrman Elle Hutchinson Jacob Kennedy Teegan Krol Colter Maldonado Austin Miller Elias Moreno Samantha Nicholson Shaylee Patterson Giselle Sanchez Kayci Stevenson Mariah Thomas Ailyn Urias Cora Usoro Brooke Vratil Cedric Williams Isabelle Willms Keeley Wolf&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays Emily Christensen Adisyn Jacobs&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoisington Isabell Gonzalez Shaiann Montoya Jarrett Shives Ashley Slemp Dayne Yott&nbsp;&nbsp;La Crosse Kaden Depperschmidt&nbsp;&nbsp;Larned Roy Arnold Seth Duque Jacob Grosfield Jessica Grosfield Richard Manion Matthew Neumann Tyson Nicholson Kaden Pontius Ruthie Webster David Widmer&nbsp;&nbsp;Ness City Jason Foos&nbsp;&nbsp;Osborne Charlie Seifert&nbsp;&nbsp;Russell Caden Sutter&nbsp;&nbsp;Barton Community College has named 247 students to the President’s List for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Area students earning the honor include:Albert Thomas Bahr&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Claflin Callie Zink&nbsp;&nbsp;Ellinwood Jodi Ledesma Mya Maxwell&nbsp;&nbsp;Ellsworth Keenan Davenport Zachary Garrett Kyler Milbrandt Nya Rippert&nbsp;&nbsp;Great Bend Jaime Arellanes Jordan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Avila Caden Bieker Sage Cauley Addison Crites Ashton Ensley Dylan Graham Jaci Guthrie Wittney Hammeke Kendyl Henning Braeden Hopkins Madison Huslig Jayce Kohls Sydney Mason Aiden Miller Austin Moore Raegan Moore Kelci Popp Nautika Richards Jesus Sanchez Brandi Sander Ashton Smith Karter Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays Michael Chappell Tasiah Nunnery&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoisington Sarah Bray Brayden Copp Camille Dolechek Chandra Ehler Gabriel Hipp Jennah Jeffrey Tori Mitchell Addison Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirwin Brittany Atchison&nbsp;&nbsp;La Crosse Kara Lonnon&nbsp;&nbsp;Larned Terry Adams Sarah Macmahon Juan Murillo Savannah Racette Zedrick Spencer Joseph Theis&nbsp;&nbsp;Norton Brandon Quintana&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillipsburg Evelyn Ebner Jacie Roth&nbsp;&nbsp;Plainville Cael Dobson&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith Center Jaden Boden Kandis Frydendall&nbsp;&nbsp;Timken Sean Kelly&nbsp;&nbsp;WaKeeney Lili Shubert&nbsp;&nbsp;

NW Kansas students earn Barton CC academic honors

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Fire Department chief Ryan Hagans shares some safety tips while using fireworks.

<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="Fireworks risk decreased with common sense measures" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i63d7-125b384-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Fire Department chief Ryan Hagans shares some safety tips while using fireworks. <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: Fireworks risk decreased with common sense measures

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Public Works Department officially has a
future home north of Hays. 

After nearly seven months of searching for locations and
negotiating sale prices, the Ellis County Commission, in a special meeting
Wednesday, agreed to purchase 75 acres of land in the 1700 block of 250th
Avenue north of Hays.

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said, during those seven
months, they talked to several landowners and real estate agents in search of a location that
was both affordable and had a location that fit county needs.

Myers said there are multiple reasons the county needs a new
public works location.

“The current location out there is landlocked. There is just
under 10 acres of land (and) to the north of their shop facility is all
residential. Can’t expand to north and to the south of it is a small piece of
land owned by Union Pacific,” Myers said.

Myers said they looked into leasing the Union Pacific land
to the south but the company wanted a price that did not work for the county.

“Plus we’d still have ... an estimated $3 million in
renovations to our current facility,” Myers said.

The current public works facility, 1195 280th
Ave., is over 60 years old and is showing its age.

“They literally have markings on the floors to put buckets
every time it rains so that way when it rains to pours into the buckets,” Myers
said.

But Myers said the biggest reason public works needs a new
facility is that the current one does not work with operations today. 

“They currently have that facility, but they also a facility over
in Ellis, so ever time they need to have bulk material storage or have an asphalt
lay down yard or mixing yard, everything has to go to Ellis and they then have
to haul it," Myers said.

He added, “Keeping something centrally located in the county
is very import for efficiencies into the future.”

Public Works Director Brendon Mackay said the location is
good for the future of the department.

“It sets us up (for the future) because it will be centrally
located for the county,” Mackay said. “It will be on your way in when you come
into the big town. You’ll see us right from the roadway.”

Another bonus of the new property was that it is located in
an industrial area. The current facility is located in a more residential area
of the county.

“It will be in an area most part industrial,” said Mackay. “It’s
not like we’re in a housing development anymore where we have dust and noises,
and we don’t want to be the ones doing that.”

Mackay added that the new location will also allow them to
help maintain the Northwest Business Coordinator.

County Commissioner Neal Younger said, “it’s a very good
location.”

The purchase price was $475,000, with all the money coming
from the capital improvement fund within the budget.

Myers said that equals out to less than $7,000 per acre
while most properties they looked at were closed to $15-20,000 per acre.

The property does come with the mineral rights, which will
help repay on the property. There is already a water well on the property.

“When you take the long view, this is the best financial
decision that can be made for the public works department and the county,”
Commissioner Joe Leroux said.

The county will begin looking at working with architects in the
coming weeks and have options to present to the commission in early July, according
Myers.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Public Works Department officially has a
future home north of Hays. After nearly seven months of searching for locations and
negotiating sale prices, the Ellis County Commission, in a special meeting
Wednesday, agreed to purchase 75 acres of land in the 1700 block of 250th
Avenue north of Hays.Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said, during those seven
months, they talked to several landowners and real estate agents in search of a location that
was both affordable and had a location that fit county needs.Myers said there are multiple reasons the county needs a new
public works location.“The current location out there is landlocked. There is just
under 10 acres of land (and) to the north of their shop facility is all
residential. Can’t expand to north and to the south of it is a small piece of
land owned by Union Pacific,” Myers said.Myers said they looked into leasing the Union Pacific land
to the south but the company wanted a price that did not work for the county.“Plus we’d still have ... an estimated $3 million in
renovations to our current facility,” Myers said.The current public works facility, 1195 280th
Ave., is over 60 years old and is showing its age.“They literally have markings on the floors to put buckets
every time it rains so that way when it rains to pours into the buckets,” Myers
said.But Myers said the biggest reason public works needs a new
facility is that the current one does not work with operations today. “They currently have that facility, but they also a facility over
in Ellis, so ever time they need to have bulk material storage or have an asphalt
lay down yard or mixing yard, everything has to go to Ellis and they then have
to haul it," Myers said.He added, “Keeping something centrally located in the county
is very import for efficiencies into the future.”Public Works Director Brendon Mackay said the location is
good for the future of the department.“It sets us up (for the future) because it will be centrally
located for the county,” Mackay said. “It will be on your way in when you come
into the big town. You’ll see us right from the roadway.”Another bonus of the new property was that it is located in
an industrial area. The current facility is located in a more residential area
of the county.“It will be in an area most part industrial,” said Mackay. “It’s
not like we’re in a housing development anymore where we have dust and noises,
and we don’t want to be the ones doing that.”Mackay added that the new location will also allow them to
help maintain the Northwest Business Coordinator.County Commissioner Neal Younger said, “it’s a very good
location.”The purchase price was $475,000, with all the money coming
from the capital improvement fund within the budget.Myers said that equals out to less than $7,000 per acre
while most properties they looked at were closed to $15-20,000 per acre.The property does come with the mineral rights, which will
help repay on the property. There is already a water well on the property.“When you take the long view, this is the best financial
decision that can be made for the public works department and the county,”
Commissioner Joe Leroux said.The county will begin looking at working with architects in the
coming weeks and have options to present to the commission in early July, according
Myers.

Ellis County approves land purchase for future public works site

By ED CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association

Debate continues across the country on our nation’s energy future.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The competing visions, however, are not just philosophical arguments. &nbsp;There are real differences between these two visions and their outcomes on our economy, on consumers, and on our way of life.

​On one hand, we have&nbsp;the&nbsp;energy reality&nbsp;that the U.S. can lead&nbsp;the world in production of oil and natural gas and consumers enjoy almost unprecedented energy security.&nbsp;As recent as 2019 gasoline prices averaged $2.60 per gallon. &nbsp;This pro-energy vision means energy from all sources, including oil and natural gas, generate economic growth and reduce carbon emissions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the other hand,&nbsp;extreme&nbsp;environmental activists work to obstruct energy development and infrastructure projects, reducing our energy options under a false belief that oil and natural gas production and use are incompatible with environmental progress. &nbsp;Their vision is one of constrained energy choices, with less certainty and reliability, less assurance on affordable power and higher energy costs.

Fact is the U.S. leads the world in reduction of carbon emissions. &nbsp;From 2005 to 2018, total U.S. energy-related CO2&nbsp;emissions fell 12% while global energy-related emissions increased nearly 24%. &nbsp;Since 2005, national greenhouse gas emissions fell by 10%, and power sector emissions fell by 27% - as the U.S. economy grew by 25%.

The oil and natural gas industry has proven that over the long-term it is possible to lead in energy production&nbsp;AND&nbsp;in environmental stewardship. &nbsp;Those are the facts.

Cutting&nbsp;American&nbsp;oil and natural gas production&nbsp;would take us back to last century’s era of energy dependency. &nbsp;The U.S. economy would lose a projected 5.9 million jobs. &nbsp;But the vision of extreme environmental activists would take us there again, plunging the economy into persistent recession-level unemployment through&nbsp;2040. &nbsp;Lower U.S. energy production and higher energy prices could reduce cumulative GDP by $11.8 trillion.

Those who oppose American energy development at the state and national level are using environmental and regulatory issues to disrupt orderly oil and natural gas development and influence policymakers. &nbsp;They use these issues not to make energy development better, but to impede or stop oil and natural gas development. &nbsp;They have shown a propensity to align themselves rhetorically with public sentiment for more American energy development even as they espouse policies that would put that goal farther and farther out of reach.

History has shown that increasing taxes on oil and natural gas development negatively affects consumers, businesses, and the economy. &nbsp;Imposing new duplicative federal regulations when the industry is already well-regulated by the states will not put America on a path of preparing for its real energy future. &nbsp;

Contrary to claims from environmental activists, cutting U.S. oil and natural gas production would not magically reduce world energy demand. &nbsp;But it could raise costs significantly for American families and manufacturers, profoundly damage the U.S. economy, diminish our geopolitical influence, and severely weaken our energy security. &nbsp;That’s where&nbsp;Biden’s energy policies&nbsp;lead, and it is not a path most Americans want to take.

The most pressing risks facing U.S. companies in the foreseeable future are unlikely to be those arising from climate change or an energy transition. &nbsp;Rather, the factors to watch are more apt to be inflation, rising energy costs, and national security threats. &nbsp;The Biden Administration is too focused on climate change to anticipate or deter these significant real threats.

Today’s sky-high gasoline prices were a policy choice, not an unavoidable accident. &nbsp;No matter how many misleading statistics White House officials and congressional liberals try to throw at the people, the blame for high energy costs rests with them.

While claiming to fight to bring energy prices down, President Biden has made the wrong move at every turn. &nbsp;It is time for President Biden to recognize the strategic importance of American energy production. &nbsp;He should abandon his quixotic energy strategy immediately. &nbsp;Nothing less than total reversal of his approach is necessary.

President Biden and all federal and state policymakers should prioritize advancing American energy leadership with policies that encourage development of responsibly produced energy here at home. &nbsp;These policies should recognize the volatile world we live in and the long-term impacts of returning to the days of foreign energy dependency. &nbsp;

Ed Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Ed Cross" />
 <figcaption>Ed Cross</figcaption>
 </figure>By ED CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas AssociationDebate continues across the country on our nation’s energy future.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The competing visions, however, are not just philosophical arguments. &nbsp;There are real differences between these two visions and their outcomes on our economy, on consumers, and on our way of life.​On one hand, we have&nbsp;the&nbsp;energy reality&nbsp;that the U.S. can lead&nbsp;the world in production of oil and natural gas and consumers enjoy almost unprecedented energy security.&nbsp;As recent as 2019 gasoline prices averaged $2.60 per gallon. &nbsp;This pro-energy vision means energy from all sources, including oil and natural gas, generate economic growth and reduce carbon emissions. &nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand,&nbsp;extreme&nbsp;environmental activists work to obstruct energy development and infrastructure projects, reducing our energy options under a false belief that oil and natural gas production and use are incompatible with environmental progress. &nbsp;Their vision is one of constrained energy choices, with less certainty and reliability, less assurance on affordable power and higher energy costs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fact is the U.S. leads the world in reduction of carbon emissions. &nbsp;From 2005 to 2018, total U.S. energy-related CO2&nbsp;emissions fell 12% while global energy-related emissions increased nearly 24%. &nbsp;Since 2005, national greenhouse gas emissions fell by 10%, and power sector emissions fell by 27% - as the U.S. economy grew by 25%.The oil and natural gas industry has proven that over the long-term it is possible to lead in energy production&nbsp;AND&nbsp;in environmental stewardship. &nbsp;Those are the facts.Cutting&nbsp;American&nbsp;oil and natural gas production&nbsp;would take us back to last century’s era of energy dependency. &nbsp;The U.S. economy would lose a projected 5.9 million jobs. &nbsp;But the vision of extreme environmental activists would take us there again, plunging the economy into persistent recession-level unemployment through&nbsp;2040. &nbsp;Lower U.S. energy production and higher energy prices could reduce cumulative GDP by $11.8 trillion.Those who oppose American energy development at the state and national level are using environmental and regulatory issues to disrupt orderly oil and natural gas development and influence policymakers. &nbsp;They use these issues not to make energy development better, but to impede or stop oil and natural gas development. &nbsp;They have shown a propensity to align themselves rhetorically with public sentiment for more American energy development even as they espouse policies that would put that goal farther and farther out of reach.History has shown that increasing taxes on oil and natural gas development negatively affects consumers, businesses, and the economy. &nbsp;Imposing new duplicative federal regulations when the industry is already well-regulated by the states will not put America on a path of preparing for its real energy future. &nbsp;Contrary to claims from environmental activists, cutting U.S. oil and natural gas production would not magically reduce world energy demand. &nbsp;But it could raise costs significantly for American families and manufacturers, profoundly damage the U.S. economy, diminish our geopolitical influence, and severely weaken our energy security. &nbsp;That’s where&nbsp;Biden’s energy policies&nbsp;lead, and it is not a path most Americans want to take.The most pressing risks facing U.S. companies in the foreseeable future are unlikely to be those arising from climate change or an energy transition. &nbsp;Rather, the factors to watch are more apt to be inflation, rising energy costs, and national security threats. &nbsp;The Biden Administration is too focused on climate change to anticipate or deter these significant real threats.Today’s sky-high gasoline prices were a policy choice, not an unavoidable accident. &nbsp;No matter how many misleading statistics White House officials and congressional liberals try to throw at the people, the blame for high energy costs rests with them.While claiming to fight to bring energy prices down, President Biden has made the wrong move at every turn. &nbsp;It is time for President Biden to recognize the strategic importance of American energy production. &nbsp;He should abandon his quixotic energy strategy immediately. &nbsp;Nothing less than total reversal of his approach is necessary.President Biden and all federal and state policymakers should prioritize advancing American energy leadership with policies that encourage development of responsibly produced energy here at home. &nbsp;These policies should recognize the volatile world we live in and the long-term impacts of returning to the days of foreign energy dependency. &nbsp;Ed Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

CROSS: What’s next for our energy future?

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

In&nbsp;about&nbsp;one month, the Ellis County Fair will be up and going. If you have never bothered to come out to the fair I would ask that you give it a try, just once.&nbsp;Who knows you might see a long-forgotten friend or even the next-door neighbor.&nbsp;And have a good visit,&nbsp;while eating some of the county fair cuisine and listening to some music on the Midway. There are several free events and entertainment to take in each year and as always,&nbsp;you can wander around at your leisure and see the exhibits that 4-Hers and the general public have made and grown. If you have young children or grandkids&nbsp;the poultry, rabbits and livestock are always a hit and it might bring back some memories of your own of days gone by.&nbsp;

​There will be flyers and brochures&nbsp;distributed&nbsp;around&nbsp;town in local businesses highlighting the fair events.&nbsp;Local media outlets will be advertising the fair, and the Ellis County Fair Board has a&nbsp;web site&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellisco.net/">www.ellisco.net&nbsp;</a>then hold your cursor on the Government tab.&nbsp;

One of the&nbsp;culminating&nbsp;events to cap off the fair is always the 4-H&nbsp;Premium&nbsp;Livestock Sale in which the 4-Hers sell their Market Animals and Champion Food items to the public.&nbsp;If you have never experienced fresh home fed beef, pork, mutton,&nbsp;poultryand even rabbit and goat you are missing something.&nbsp;The champion baked items are always a&nbsp;delight.

Anyone whether you are a business owner or individual can come out to the fair and support the local 4-Hers by purchasing,&nbsp;partnering with&nbsp;others&nbsp;to purchase&nbsp;or adding money onto any sale&nbsp;animal&nbsp;or baked good.&nbsp;If you just want to support a 4-Her and don’t want or need the fresh meat, no problem.&nbsp;You can bid on the animal and pay a premium price at the sale for the animal and the animal is still the responsibility of the 4-Her.

​If you think about it,&nbsp;everyone is a winner in this situation. The buyer can have abasket full of baked goods or a&nbsp;freezer full of fresh meat that has been raised with some&nbsp;extra&nbsp;TLC and&nbsp;also receive recognition for supporting our youth!

The youth of the county can use this money towards eventual college&nbsp;tuition, the purchase of an&nbsp;automobile;&nbsp;school clothes&nbsp;the next project animal and feed, etc. I think you&nbsp;can&nbsp;see where this is going,&nbsp;in other words--the hard-earned money by the kids will show back up in the county and state&nbsp;economy. Sounds like&nbsp;local and state economic stimulus as well as making you feel good&nbsp;about&nbsp;supporting the&nbsp;efforts of the&nbsp;youth of Ellis County!

​&nbsp;The Ellis County 4-H Livestock Sale will be held on&nbsp;Saturday, July 23rd&nbsp;at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;A livestock purchasers’&nbsp;meal will be provided at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;If you need more information on the sale contact the Ellis County&nbsp;Fair Board&nbsp;President Jill Pfannenstiel 785-639-2177&nbsp;or&nbsp;Vice-President&nbsp;Justin Scheck&nbsp;785-650-9969.&nbsp;As with everything else purchasing animal projects and feeding them has increased in price for the 4-Hers as well. So please come and support the youth of Ellis County!&nbsp;

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 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn&nbsp;about&nbsp;one month, the Ellis County Fair will be up and going. If you have never bothered to come out to the fair I would ask that you give it a try, just once.&nbsp;Who knows you might see a long-forgotten friend or even the next-door neighbor.&nbsp;And have a good visit,&nbsp;while eating some of the county fair cuisine and listening to some music on the Midway. There are several free events and entertainment to take in each year and as always,&nbsp;you can wander around at your leisure and see the exhibits that 4-Hers and the general public have made and grown. If you have young children or grandkids&nbsp;the poultry, rabbits and livestock are always a hit and it might bring back some memories of your own of days gone by.&nbsp;​There will be flyers and brochures&nbsp;distributed&nbsp;around&nbsp;town in local businesses highlighting the fair events.&nbsp;Local media outlets will be advertising the fair, and the Ellis County Fair Board has a&nbsp;web site&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellisco.net/">www.ellisco.net&nbsp;</a>then hold your cursor on the Government tab.&nbsp;One of the&nbsp;culminating&nbsp;events to cap off the fair is always the 4-H&nbsp;Premium&nbsp;Livestock Sale in which the 4-Hers sell their Market Animals and Champion Food items to the public.&nbsp;If you have never experienced fresh home fed beef, pork, mutton,&nbsp;poultryand even rabbit and goat you are missing something.&nbsp;The champion baked items are always a&nbsp;delight.Anyone whether you are a business owner or individual can come out to the fair and support the local 4-Hers by purchasing,&nbsp;partnering with&nbsp;others&nbsp;to purchase&nbsp;or adding money onto any sale&nbsp;animal&nbsp;or baked good.&nbsp;If you just want to support a 4-Her and don’t want or need the fresh meat, no problem.&nbsp;You can bid on the animal and pay a premium price at the sale for the animal and the animal is still the responsibility of the 4-Her.​If you think about it,&nbsp;everyone is a winner in this situation. The buyer can have abasket full of baked goods or a&nbsp;freezer full of fresh meat that has been raised with some&nbsp;extra&nbsp;TLC and&nbsp;also receive recognition for supporting our youth!The youth of the county can use this money towards eventual college&nbsp;tuition, the purchase of an&nbsp;automobile;&nbsp;school clothes&nbsp;the next project animal and feed, etc. I think you&nbsp;can&nbsp;see where this is going,&nbsp;in other words--the hard-earned money by the kids will show back up in the county and state&nbsp;economy. Sounds like&nbsp;local and state economic stimulus as well as making you feel good&nbsp;about&nbsp;supporting the&nbsp;efforts of the&nbsp;youth of Ellis County!​&nbsp;The Ellis County 4-H Livestock Sale will be held on&nbsp;Saturday, July 23rd&nbsp;at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;A livestock purchasers’&nbsp;meal will be provided at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;If you need more information on the sale contact the Ellis County&nbsp;Fair Board&nbsp;President Jill Pfannenstiel 785-639-2177&nbsp;or&nbsp;Vice-President&nbsp;Justin Scheck&nbsp;785-650-9969.&nbsp;As with everything else purchasing animal projects and feeding them has increased in price for the 4-Hers as well. So please come and support the youth of Ellis County!&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Supporting 4-H youth and agriculture 

<figure>
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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>

Free Connections 3 to 5 Preschool enrollment open in Hays, Ellis & Russell

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with southwest&nbsp;Kansas veterinarian Tera Barnhardt.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: SW Kansas veterinarian Tera Barnhardt" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=u8h6h-125b080-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with southwest&nbsp;Kansas veterinarian Tera Barnhardt.

🎤Forward Ever: SW Kansas veterinarian Tera Barnhardt

The Hays Striders track team will be in competition June 24 to 27 at the AAU National Qualifying meet in Joplin, Mo. Coming off stellar performances at the recent District Qualifier held in Hays, the Striders qualified 27 athletes on the girls side and 30 athletes in the boys division. The Strider athletes will compete for a spot to compete at the AAU Junior Olympic meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 29 to Aug. 6. The Top 6 in each individual event will qualify.

On the girls' side, the Striders had six District Champions of those competing in the Statewide meet, with the following athletes taking Gold medals - Riley Leiker, 400 meter run; Makayla Lewallen 100 meter hurdles and 200 meter hurdles; Audrina Ortiz 100 meter Hurdles and 200 meter hurdles; Emma Basgall Triple Jump; Shyanne Yost Discus; and Kaelyn Means&nbsp; Shot Put and Discus.&nbsp;

Also notable was the 17-18 Women’s throws crew who went 1, 2, 3 in the Shot Put and 1, 2, 3, 4 in Discus. Kaelyn Means took gold in both the shot and discus, Maggi Lindenmeyer 2nd in the Shot and 3rd in Discus, Halle Lohrmeyer 2nd in Discus and 3rd in Shot; and Kaylee Hammerschmidt 4th in Discus.

The Strider boys had five District Champions with Emery Zimmerman, leading the Gold medal count in the 800 and 1500 meter runs; Kobe Schmidt&nbsp; 400 m dash; Jacob Leiker Shot Put; Caleb Englert Shot Put; and Grayson Walburn Discus.

Complete Striders Results are as follows:

Riley Leiker, 200 - 5th 33.97; 400 - 1st 1:16.12; LJ - 4th 9’7.50”

Stella Georgeson, 100 - 17th 18.33; 200 - 11th 38.10

Kersee Wince, 100 - 27th 20.28; LJ - 16th 6’2.50”

Samantha Staley-Herman, 200 - 26th 48.29; 400 - 13th 1:44.56

Alice Schulte, 400 - 7th 1:34.94; Long Jump - 10th 7’10.25

Abigail Mallardi, Turbo Jav - 4th 18’4”

Avery Day, 100 - 8th 18.30’ 200 - 5th 42.12

Hannah Mallardi, 100 - 12th 17.51; 400 - 9th 1:30.92

Adaline Herrman, 100 - 6th 15.62; High Jump - 4th 3’9.25”

Gemma Stuart, 100 - 9th 16.58; 200 - 7th 36.37; LJ - 6th 9’7.75”

Danica Vap, Shot Put - 2nd 23’0.50” Discus - 2nd 47’0” Turbo Jav - 2nd 47’01”

Sydney Lewallen, 400 - 2nd 1:08.23; 800 - 2nd 2;49.10; Long Jump - 3rd 12’5”

Leah Mallardi, 200 - 13th 36.14; 400 - 9th 1:27.13

Mariana Valencia, High Jump - 2nd 4’3.25”; 100 - 14th 15.25

Lyndi Zimmerman, 200 - 4th 29.02; 400 - 2nd 1:09.79; 1500 - 7th 6:08.64; 200 Hurdles - 2nd 33.55

Makayla Lewallen, 100 Hurdles - 1st 17.71; 200 Hurdles - 1st 32.17; 800 - 2nd 2:44.97; 1500 - 4th 5:39.62

Aliviah Ball, 100 - 4th 13.20; 200 - 29.03; 400 - 8th 1:08.96; HJ - 2nd 4’11”

Audrina Ortiz, 100 Hurdles - 1st 17.12; 200 Hurdles - 1st 31.68; 200 - 6th 28.75;&nbsp;

Kaliyah Bannister, High Jump - 6th 4’3.25”; Long Jump - 14’7.75

Scarlett Herrman, 100 - 13th 13.68;&nbsp;

Ka’Mara Harvey, 100 - 15th 13.76; 200 - 16th 31.31; 100 Hurdles - 3rd 17.91; 400 Hurdles - 1:28.42

Emma Basgall, Long Jump - 3rd 16’2.25; Triple Jump - 1st 33’7.50

Shyanne Yost, Discus - 1st 91’5.50”&nbsp;

Kaelyn Means, Shot Put - 1st 34’’4.25”; Discus - 1st 127’0”

Maggi Lindenmeyer, Shot Put - 2nd 33’9.25; Discus - 3rd 99’0”

Halle Lohmeyer, Shot Put - 3rd 32’11.75”; Discus - 2nd 105’11”

Kaylee Hammerschmidt, Discus - 4th 95’0”

Beckett Kitchen, 400 - 9th 1:32.73; 800 - 2nd 3:22.63; Long Jump - 6th 8’1.25”&nbsp;

Finley Zimmerman, 400 - 12th 1:39.19; 800 - 5th 3:44.13; 1500 - 2nd 7:14.29

Jax Vratil, 400 - 15th 1:42.91; Long Jump - 14th 6’4.75”; Turbo Javelin - 9th 24’01”

Parker Reed, Long Jump - 10th 7’00.75”; Turbo Javelin - 8th 31’10”&nbsp;

William Meier, Long Jump - 13th 6’10.75”; Shot Put - 3rd 15’11.50”; Turbo Javelin - 7th 33’4”

Mason Huwa, 100 - 14th 20’01”; 200 - 9th 46.72; Long Jump - 10th 7’7”

Emery Zimmerman, 400 - 3rd 1:10.87; 800 - 1st 2:42.54; 1500 - 1st 5:14.11

Tayte Lewallen, 800 - 3rd 2:51.86; 1500 - 5th 5:49.38; Long Jump - 2nd 11’10.50”

Kobe Schmidt, 100 - 3rd 14.37; 200 - 4th 31.11’ 400 - 1st 1:08.70&nbsp;

Robbie Readle, 100 - 9th 16.86; 400 - 7th 1:23.93

Jacob Leiker, 400 - 3rd 1:10.60; 800 - 3rd 2:47.91; Shot Put - 1st 30’11.75”

Holden Hageman, Shot Put - 6th 22’7”; Discus - 4th 54’5”; Turbo Javelin - 4th 59’8”

Jackson Huwa, 100 - 11th 15.43; 800 - 12th 3:07.97; High Jump - 2nd 4’1.25”

Talon Sander, 100 - 12th 15.80; High Jump - 4th 3’7.25”; Long Jump - 7th 11’0.75”

Bladyn Werth, 800 - 11th 3:06.95; 1500 - 4th 6:04.27; 3000 - 3rd 12:36.08

Braxton Basgall, 100 - 3rd 13.03; 400 - 3rd 1:02.25

Caleb Mallardi, 100 - 8th 18.45; Shot Put - 11th 16’3.25”

Auston Bland, 400 - 2nd 1:01.17; 1500 - 5th 5:31.10&nbsp;

Logan Leiker, 800 - 6th 2:42.58; 1500 - 2nd 5:12.73; 3000 - 2nd 11:10.69

Miles Day, Shot Put - 6th 23’8.25”; Discus - 9th 63’

Brayden Staley-Herman, 400 - 13th 1:11.96; 800 - 11th 2:58.75; 3000 - 5th 12:58.49; Long Jump - 4th 16’0.50”

Caleb Englert, Shot Put - 1st 38’7”; Discus - 2nd 118’11”

Diego Fernandez, Shot Put - 3rd 29’10.75” Discus - 4th 90’10”

John Wasinger, 100 - 10th 12.46; 200 - 12th 26.20; High Jump - 3rd 5’

Oscar Busch, 100 - 16th 12.62; Long Jump - 6th 15’7.75”

Grayson Walburn, Shot Put - 2nd 40’11.75”; Discus 1st - 160’11”

Kelby Hammerschmidt, Shot Put - 5th 35’4.50”; Discus - 5th 112’0”

SubmittedThe Hays Striders track team will be in competition June 24 to 27 at the AAU National Qualifying meet in Joplin, Mo. Coming off stellar performances at the recent District Qualifier held in Hays, the Striders qualified 27 athletes on the girls side and 30 athletes in the boys division. The Strider athletes will compete for a spot to compete at the AAU Junior Olympic meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 29 to Aug. 6. The Top 6 in each individual event will qualify.On the girls' side, the Striders had six District Champions of those competing in the Statewide meet, with the following athletes taking Gold medals - Riley Leiker, 400 meter run; Makayla Lewallen 100 meter hurdles and 200 meter hurdles; Audrina Ortiz 100 meter Hurdles and 200 meter hurdles; Emma Basgall Triple Jump; Shyanne Yost Discus; and Kaelyn Means&nbsp; Shot Put and Discus.&nbsp;Also notable was the 17-18 Women’s throws crew who went 1, 2, 3 in the Shot Put and 1, 2, 3, 4 in Discus. Kaelyn Means took gold in both the shot and discus, Maggi Lindenmeyer 2nd in the Shot and 3rd in Discus, Halle Lohrmeyer 2nd in Discus and 3rd in Shot; and Kaylee Hammerschmidt 4th in Discus.The Strider boys had five District Champions with Emery Zimmerman, leading the Gold medal count in the 800 and 1500 meter runs; Kobe Schmidt&nbsp; 400 m dash; Jacob Leiker Shot Put; Caleb Englert Shot Put; and Grayson Walburn Discus.Complete Striders Results are as follows:8 &amp; Under Girls&nbsp;Riley Leiker, 200 - 5th 33.97; 400 - 1st 1:16.12; LJ - 4th 9’7.50”Stella Georgeson, 100 - 17th 18.33; 200 - 11th 38.10Kersee Wince, 100 - 27th 20.28; LJ - 16th 6’2.50”Jade Rummel, 100 - 29th 21.14Abigail Mallardi, 100 - 33rd 21.86Samantha Staley-Herman, 200 - 26th 48.29; 400 - 13th 1:44.56Alice Schulte, 400 - 7th 1:34.94; Long Jump - 10th 7’10.25Sydney Wince, LJ - 19th 4’5.25”Abigail Mallardi, Turbo Jav - 4th 18’4”	9 Year Old GirlsAvery Day, 100 - 8th 18.30’ 200 - 5th 42.1210 Year Old GirlsHannah Mallardi, 100 - 12th 17.51; 400 - 9th 1:30.92	11 Year Old GirlsAdaline Herrman, 100 - 6th 15.62; High Jump - 4th 3’9.25”Gemma Stuart, 100 - 9th 16.58; 200 - 7th 36.37; LJ - 6th 9’7.75”Avryn Bieker, 1500 - 2nd 6:17.07Danica Vap, Shot Put - 2nd 23’0.50” Discus - 2nd 47’0” Turbo Jav - 2nd 47’01”	12 Year Old GirlsSydney Lewallen, 400 - 2nd 1:08.23; 800 - 2nd 2;49.10; Long Jump - 3rd 12’5”Leah Mallardi, 200 - 13th 36.14; 400 - 9th 1:27.13	13 Year Old GirlsMariana Valencia, High Jump - 2nd 4’3.25”; 100 - 14th 15.25Lyndi Zimmerman, 200 - 4th 29.02; 400 - 2nd 1:09.79; 1500 - 7th 6:08.64; 200 Hurdles - 2nd 33.55Makayla Lewallen, 100 Hurdles - 1st 17.71; 200 Hurdles - 1st 32.17; 800 - 2nd 2:44.97; 1500 - 4th 5:39.6214 Year Old GirlsAliviah Ball, 100 - 4th 13.20; 200 - 29.03; 400 - 8th 1:08.96; HJ - 2nd 4’11”Audrina Ortiz, 100 Hurdles - 1st 17.12; 200 Hurdles - 1st 31.68; 200 - 6th 28.75;&nbsp;Kaliyah Bannister, High Jump - 6th 4’3.25”; Long Jump - 14’7.75	15-16 Year Old GirlsScarlett Herrman, 100 - 13th 13.68;&nbsp;Ka’Mara Harvey, 100 - 15th 13.76; 200 - 16th 31.31; 100 Hurdles - 3rd 17.91; 400 Hurdles - 1:28.42Emma Basgall, Long Jump - 3rd 16’2.25; Triple Jump - 1st 33’7.50Shyanne Yost, Discus - 1st 91’5.50”&nbsp;17-18 Year Old WomenKaelyn Means, Shot Put - 1st 34’’4.25”; Discus - 1st 127’0”Maggi Lindenmeyer, Shot Put - 2nd 33’9.25; Discus - 3rd 99’0”Halle Lohmeyer, Shot Put - 3rd 32’11.75”; Discus - 2nd 105’11”Kaylee Hammerschmidt, Discus - 4th 95’0”	8 &amp; Under BoysBeckett Kitchen, 400 - 9th 1:32.73; 800 - 2nd 3:22.63; Long Jump - 6th 8’1.25”&nbsp;Finley Zimmerman, 400 - 12th 1:39.19; 800 - 5th 3:44.13; 1500 - 2nd 7:14.29Jax Vratil, 400 - 15th 1:42.91; Long Jump - 14th 6’4.75”; Turbo Javelin - 9th 24’01”Parker Reed, Long Jump - 10th 7’00.75”; Turbo Javelin - 8th 31’10”&nbsp;William Meier, Long Jump - 13th 6’10.75”; Shot Put - 3rd 15’11.50”; Turbo Javelin - 7th 33’4”	10 Year Old BoysMason Huwa, 100 - 14th 20’01”; 200 - 9th 46.72; Long Jump - 10th 7’7”Emery Zimmerman, 400 - 3rd 1:10.87; 800 - 1st 2:42.54; 1500 - 1st 5:14.11Tayte Lewallen, 800 - 3rd 2:51.86; 1500 - 5th 5:49.38; Long Jump - 2nd 11’10.50”	11 Year Old BoysKobe Schmidt, 100 - 3rd 14.37; 200 - 4th 31.11’ 400 - 1st 1:08.70&nbsp;Robbie Readle, 100 - 9th 16.86; 400 - 7th 1:23.93Jacob Leiker, 400 - 3rd 1:10.60; 800 - 3rd 2:47.91; Shot Put - 1st 30’11.75”Holden Hageman, Shot Put - 6th 22’7”; Discus - 4th 54’5”; Turbo Javelin - 4th 59’8”12 Year Old BoysJackson Huwa, 100 - 11th 15.43; 800 - 12th 3:07.97; High Jump - 2nd 4’1.25”Talon Sander, 100 - 12th 15.80; High Jump - 4th 3’7.25”; Long Jump - 7th 11’0.75”Bladyn Werth, 800 - 11th 3:06.95; 1500 - 4th 6:04.27; 3000 - 3rd 12:36.08	13 Year Old BoysBraxton Basgall, 100 - 3rd 13.03; 400 - 3rd 1:02.25Caleb Mallardi, 100 - 8th 18.45; Shot Put - 11th 16’3.25”Auston Bland, 400 - 2nd 1:01.17; 1500 - 5th 5:31.10&nbsp;Logan Leiker, 800 - 6th 2:42.58; 1500 - 2nd 5:12.73; 3000 - 2nd 11:10.69Miles Day, Shot Put - 6th 23’8.25”; Discus - 9th 63’14 Year Old BoysBrayden Staley-Herman, 400 - 13th 1:11.96; 800 - 11th 2:58.75; 3000 - 5th 12:58.49; Long Jump - 4th 16’0.50”Jude Hileman, 100 Hurdles - 2nd 17.17Caleb Englert, Shot Put - 1st 38’7”; Discus - 2nd 118’11”Diego Fernandez, Shot Put - 3rd 29’10.75” Discus - 4th 90’10”	15-16 BoysJohn Wasinger, 100 - 10th 12.46; 200 - 12th 26.20; High Jump - 3rd 5’Oscar Busch, 100 - 16th 12.62; Long Jump - 6th 15’7.75”Mario Valencia, High Jump - 2nd 5’4”	17-18 Young MenGrayson Walburn, Shot Put - 2nd 40’11.75”; Discus 1st - 160’11”Mason Hogan, Shot Put - 3rd 39’5.50”Kelby Hammerschmidt, Shot Put - 5th 35’4.50”; Discus - 5th 112’0”

Hays Striders set for AAU national qualifier in Missouri

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board approved the purchase of a subscription for security software to be used at all of the USD 489 schools at its meeting Monday.

The software from Raptor Technologies can track students in case of disasters. Teachers can access their rosters for each class and register that students are present and safe with the touch of their smartphones.

In the case of an actual disaster, the software is designed to speed up the reunification of parents and students.

The software will send a notification to all of the guardians listed for the child when that child is released to a guardian. If a child is released to a parent or grandparent, the software notifies the other parent or guardians that the child is safe and with that person.

The software also notifies guardians if a child is injured and taken to a hospital for care.

"One of the things from being in buildings prior that I was keyed in on was the reunification of kids to parents," Craig Palliser, board vice president, said. "You see so many times on the news that you have 600 or 1,000 kids to be reunited with their parents and it's in a different location.

"You don't want secretaries with flip charts trying to get the kid to the right person. [The software] looks so valuable."

Curt Vajnar, board member, recalled a past bomb threat at the middle school. Vajanr said he didn't know where his child was. 

"The stress was where is your kid," he said. "Has your kid been released? Has he been released out the east side and is at grandpa's house and I'm sitting on the west side? Will this tell us if he's still in the building?

"This would be wonderful," he said of the software.

Drew Smith of Raptor said the software can be used during drills to increase efficiency and build a culture of safety.

"We are hoping to get rid of manual paper-based processes," Smith said.

The software also will provide a visitor screening management system for all district schools. Visitors will be asked to present their driver's licenses or IDs when they check in at school offices.

"With visitor management, we are trying to prevent issues from happening in the schools," Drew Smith of Raptor said. "We screen every single visitor."

The Raptor software checks the name against the Kansas offender registry, as well as searches for custody issues.

After someone has been screened once by the system, school staff can search for them by name.

Raptor alert is an app that anyone who has access to it can initiate an emergency call. This could be something small like alerting the office that a nurse is needed in a classroom or something big like a lockdown, hold or a fire. It sends alerts to appropriate staff or 911 if necessary.

Raptor works with more than 37,000 schools across the country. The new software will work with existing systems and not require additional data entry.

The cost of the system and training is $35,651. The school district has applied for a Kansas Department of Education Safe &amp; Secure Schools grant for $17,266 to supplement the cost of the subscription.

Money for the project will come from the Capital Outlay Fund.

School officials hope to have the visitor management system running by the first day of school in the fall. The other systems may take longer to fully implement.

The school board approved $7,350 for the biannual payment on the Learning Center lease at the Hadley Center. Board member Allen Park asked if the district plans to relocate the center to another building once the bond is completed.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said other locations would be considered. However, he said the Learning Center likely would not be relocated to the new high school. 

The school approved the purchase of 57 computers for three computer labs at Hays High School at a cost of $155,040. These computers will replace computers that were bought in 2015.

The school board approved the purchase of a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox at a cost of $30,195 from Auto World for Early Childhood Connections. The car will be paid for with federal funds allocated to the ECC program. Auto World was the only bidder on the purchase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655841137958.png" alt="Hays school board " />
 <figcaption>Hays school board </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved the purchase of a subscription for security software to be used at all of the USD 489 schools at its meeting Monday. The software from Raptor Technologies can track students in case of disasters. Teachers can access their rosters for each class and register that students are present and safe with the touch of their smartphones.In the case of an actual disaster, the software is designed to speed up the reunification of parents and students.The software will send a notification to all of the guardians listed for the child when that child is released to a guardian. If a child is released to a parent or grandparent, the software notifies the other parent or guardians that the child is safe and with that person.The software also notifies guardians if a child is injured and taken to a hospital for care."One of the things from being in buildings prior that I was keyed in on was the reunification of kids to parents," Craig Palliser, board vice president, said. "You see so many times on the news that you have 600 or 1,000 kids to be reunited with their parents and it's in a different location."You don't want secretaries with flip charts trying to get the kid to the right person. [The software] looks so valuable."Curt Vajnar, board member, recalled a past bomb threat at the middle school. Vajanr said he didn't know where his child was. "The stress was where is your kid," he said. "Has your kid been released? Has he been released out the east side and is at grandpa's house and I'm sitting on the west side? Will this tell us if he's still in the building?"This would be wonderful," he said of the software.Drew Smith of Raptor said the software can be used during drills to increase efficiency and build a culture of safety."We are hoping to get rid of manual paper-based processes," Smith said.The software also will provide a visitor screening management system for all district schools. Visitors will be asked to present their driver's licenses or IDs when they check in at school offices."With visitor management, we are trying to prevent issues from happening in the schools," Drew Smith of Raptor said. "We screen every single visitor." The Raptor software checks the name against the Kansas offender registry, as well as searches for custody issues.After someone has been screened once by the system, school staff can search for them by name. Raptor alert is an app that anyone who has access to it can initiate an emergency call. This could be something small like alerting the office that a nurse is needed in a classroom or something big like a lockdown, hold or a fire. It sends alerts to appropriate staff or 911 if necessary. Raptor works with more than 37,000 schools across the country. The new software will work with existing systems and not require additional data entry. The cost of the system and training is $35,651. The school district has applied for a Kansas Department of Education Safe &amp; Secure Schools grant for $17,266 to supplement the cost of the subscription.Money for the project will come from the Capital Outlay Fund. School officials hope to have the visitor management system running by the first day of school in the fall. The other systems may take longer to fully implement. <h2>Learning Center lease</h2>The school board approved $7,350 for the biannual payment on the Learning Center lease at the Hadley Center. Board member Allen Park asked if the district plans to relocate the center to another building once the bond is completed.Superintendent Ron Wilson said other locations would be considered. However, he said the Learning Center likely would not be relocated to the new high school. <h2>Computer labs</h2>The school approved the purchase of 57 computers for three computer labs at Hays High School at a cost of $155,040. These computers will replace computers that were bought in 2015. <h2>Early Childhood Connections vehicle</h2>The school board approved the purchase of a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox at a cost of $30,195 from Auto World for Early Childhood Connections. The car will be paid for with federal funds allocated to the ECC program. Auto World was the only bidder on the purchase.

Hays BOE approves software to help reunite families in case of disaster

Each year, Fort Hays State’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship recognizes an outstanding faculty member from each of its four academic departments.&nbsp;

Faculty of the Year honorees for 2021-2022 include:

The comprehensive selection process, designed by the Robbins Ambassador students, included nominations, surveys, and interviews with the finalists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655844206977.png" alt="Four FHSU RCOBE faculty of the year recipients are from top left, Dr. Stacy Smith, Dr. Christina Glenn, Dr. Shane Schartz, and Dr. Robert Lloyd" />
 <figcaption>Four FHSU RCOBE faculty of the year recipients are from top left, Dr. Stacy Smith, Dr. Christina Glenn, Dr. Shane Schartz, and Dr. Robert Lloyd</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsEach year, Fort Hays State’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship recognizes an outstanding faculty member from each of its four academic departments.&nbsp;Faculty of the Year honorees for 2021-2022 include:<ul>
 <li>Dr. Stacey Smith, Department of Applied Business Studies&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Christina Glenn, Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Shane Schartz, Department of Informatics&nbsp;</li><li>Dr. Robert Lloyd, Department of Management</li>
 </ul>The comprehensive selection process, designed by the Robbins Ambassador students, included nominations, surveys, and interviews with the finalists.

FHSU's Robbins College names faculty of the year honorees

PRATT —

The Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors has announced 
Ashley Fitzsimmons Smith as its new president and chief executive 
officer, effective July 5.

Smith comes to PACC from IMI 
Global, where she has worked as a Sales Coordinator &amp; Customer 
Verification Specialist. She previously held positions with Cinch 
Outlet/Miller International, Performance Livestock Analysts, and High 
Call Outfitters.

Smith grew up on a farm in eastern Pratt County.
 With the desire to be closer to family, she and her husband made the 
decision to move back to Pratt in order to make it their home to live 
and raise their own family.&nbsp;

Smith holds a B.S. in Organizational 
Leadership from Fort Hays State University and a B.S. in Agricultural 
Communications and Journalism from Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655817682152.jpeg" alt="Ashley Fitzsimmons Smith" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Fitzsimmons Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy Hutch PostPRATT —

The Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors has announced 
Ashley Fitzsimmons Smith as its new president and chief executive 
officer, effective July 5.Smith comes to PACC from IMI 
Global, where she has worked as a Sales Coordinator &amp; Customer 
Verification Specialist. She previously held positions with Cinch 
Outlet/Miller International, Performance Livestock Analysts, and High 
Call Outfitters.Smith grew up on a farm in eastern Pratt County.
 With the desire to be closer to family, she and her husband made the 
decision to move back to Pratt in order to make it their home to live 
and raise their own family.&nbsp;Smith holds a B.S. in Organizational 
Leadership from Fort Hays State University and a B.S. in Agricultural 
Communications and Journalism from Kansas State University.