On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Brookdale Senior Living sales manager Brandon Taylor discuss the impact and availability of retirement communities.

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

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Brookdale Senior Living sales manager Brandon Taylor discuss the impact and availability of retirement communities. <div><iframe title="Senior group living influences area economy" 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=ydtif-12a9c29-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><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: Senior group living influences area economy

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

As of the start of school last week, Hays USD 489 had about 30 open positions.

All of the district's teacher positions have been filled, but the district is still struggling to fill classified jobs, such as bus drivers, cooks, teachers aides and special education cooperative paraprofessionals.

"So many of these positions are vital," said Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services. "We've got to get the kids here. We've got to keep them fed. We've got to have cooks. We've got to keep them safe. We have to have custodians and maintenance. We've got to be able to support them in the classroom.

"They are vital positions, and they are not easy to fill right now. There's so much competition around town for that same group of people that we're trying to get."

The district has an additional 18 to 20 openings for part-time workers in positions, including crossing guards, after school care and lunch room supervisors.

Chris Hipp, USD 489 assistant superintendent of finance, said the district is struggling to compete for applicants in a shallow pool of workers.

When workers can make more in retail or fast food, it is hard to lure them to education sector jobs, he said. The unemployment rate in Ellis County was 2.7 percent in July.

"There's more competition at certain spots in the economy," Hipp said. "I think our classified positions fall into that."

The district is seeing fewer applications for all positions, including&nbsp; teachers. The district is seeing about half as many applications as it did five years ago. Hipp said USD 489 has had a good supply of teachers from Fort Hays State University. Other districts in Kansas have no been so fortunate.

About 4 percent of teaching jobs — about 1,400 — were unfilled as of July, according to the Kansas News Service. And it's not just a Kansas problem.

A study co-authored by two professors from Kansas State University that was released this month said nationally at least 36,000 teacher positions are vacant along with at least 163,000 positions being held by underqualified teachers. 

Because national data is incomplete, researchers were unable to determine if the teacher shortage is the result of a lack of students entering teaching programs or a shortage of teachers in specific specialties in specific districts.

The employment problems are not new, Hipp said. The district was short two to four custodial positions all of last year. The district had to contract for some cleaning services, because it couldn't fill positions.

Contracting costs more and puts stress on the staff the district has, Hipp said.

Transportation is more specialized. The district was two drivers short as of the start of school last week.

Bus drivers must have commercial driver's licenses and extra certifications to drive buses. The district is willing to train employees, but they have to have the applicants, Hipp said, and training takes time — at least three weeks from a hire date.

"When we're short a driver," he said. "We can't go drive a bus."

Most of the paraprofessionals employed by the co-op are part-time and don't receive the same benefits as full-time certified staff. 

The co-op has raised paraproffessional pay, but the paras getting full benefits won't likely happen anytime soon. It's just too expensive, Hipp said.

Kyle Carlin, co-op director, estimated full benefits for paras would cost the district about $1.2 million per year.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ae8dce2-22e3-433f-8828-67e1f25a8317">Statute requires the state to fund 92 percent of special education costs that are not covered by the federal government. However, the state only funded special education at 76.4 percent for the 2021-22 school year, and it did not make any significant advance in closing the funding gap during the 2022 legislative session.</a>

The co-op is based in Hays and covers services for the Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse school districts, as well as the private schools in those districts. The Russell school district is being slowly phased into the co-op as well.

In attempts to fill the required paraprofessional positions, Hipp said the district has resorted to hiring several college students, who may be able to fit a few hours a week into their schedules, to stitch together one para position. 

The district also uses substitutes, pulls teachers from plan time and extends hours for paraprofessionals to fill gaps. However, none of these options are ideal.

"It leads to fatigue and burnout and not as good of services as we would like to provide," Hipp said.

Carlin said this unfortunately does not provide the consistency the district would like to provide to its students.

"We have to be creative in how we get our students' needs met," he said.

Hipp and other administrative staff last year had to fill in at school kitchens, because of a lack of staff. Hipp helped serve lunch at the high school. 

Hipp said he doesn't mind pulling kitchen duty, because he gets to spend time in schools and meet students. However, he said kitchen duty takes away time from his main assignment and is not an efficient use of district resources.

If you are interested in applying for a position with USD 489 or the special education co-op, visit the <a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489 website. </a>Click on the employment button on the right hand side of the page.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAs of the start of school last week, Hays USD 489 had about 30 open positions.All of the district's teacher positions have been filled, but the district is still struggling to fill classified jobs, such as bus drivers, cooks, teachers aides and special education cooperative paraprofessionals."So many of these positions are vital," said Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services. "We've got to get the kids here. We've got to keep them fed. We've got to have cooks. We've got to keep them safe. We have to have custodians and maintenance. We've got to be able to support them in the classroom."They are vital positions, and they are not easy to fill right now. There's so much competition around town for that same group of people that we're trying to get." The district has an additional 18 to 20 openings for part-time workers in positions, including crossing guards, after school care and lunch room supervisors.Chris Hipp, USD 489 assistant superintendent of finance, said the district is struggling to compete for applicants in a shallow pool of workers.When workers can make more in retail or fast food, it is hard to lure them to education sector jobs, he said. The unemployment rate in Ellis County was 2.7 percent in July."There's more competition at certain spots in the economy," Hipp said. "I think our classified positions fall into that."The district is seeing fewer applications for all positions, including&nbsp; teachers. The district is seeing about half as many applications as it did five years ago. Hipp said USD 489 has had a good supply of teachers from Fort Hays State University. Other districts in Kansas have no been so fortunate. About 4 percent of teaching jobs — about 1,400 — were unfilled as of July, according to the Kansas News Service. And it's not just a Kansas problem. A study co-authored by two professors from Kansas State University that was released this month said nationally at least 36,000 teacher positions are vacant along with at least 163,000 positions being held by underqualified teachers. Because national data is incomplete, researchers were unable to determine if the teacher shortage is the result of a lack of students entering teaching programs or a shortage of teachers in specific specialties in specific districts. The employment problems are not new, Hipp said. The district was short two to four custodial positions all of last year. The district had to contract for some cleaning services, because it couldn't fill positions.Contracting costs more and puts stress on the staff the district has, Hipp said.Transportation is more specialized. The district was two drivers short as of the start of school last week.Bus drivers must have commercial driver's licenses and extra certifications to drive buses. The district is willing to train employees, but they have to have the applicants, Hipp said, and training takes time — at least three weeks from a hire date. "When we're short a driver," he said. "We can't go drive a bus."Most of the paraprofessionals employed by the co-op are part-time and don't receive the same benefits as full-time certified staff. The co-op has raised paraproffessional pay, but the paras getting full benefits won't likely happen anytime soon. It's just too expensive, Hipp said.Kyle Carlin, co-op director, estimated full benefits for paras would cost the district about $1.2 million per year.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ae8dce2-22e3-433f-8828-67e1f25a8317">Statute requires the state to fund 92 percent of special education costs that are not covered by the federal government. However, the state only funded special education at 76.4 percent for the 2021-22 school year, and it did not make any significant advance in closing the funding gap during the 2022 legislative session.</a>The co-op is based in Hays and covers services for the Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse school districts, as well as the private schools in those districts. The Russell school district is being slowly phased into the co-op as well. In attempts to fill the required paraprofessional positions, Hipp said the district has resorted to hiring several college students, who may be able to fit a few hours a week into their schedules, to stitch together one para position. The district also uses substitutes, pulls teachers from plan time and extends hours for paraprofessionals to fill gaps. However, none of these options are ideal. "It leads to fatigue and burnout and not as good of services as we would like to provide," Hipp said. Carlin said this unfortunately does not provide the consistency the district would like to provide to its students."We have to be creative in how we get our students' needs met," he said. Hipp and other administrative staff last year had to fill in at school kitchens, because of a lack of staff. Hipp helped serve lunch at the high school. Hipp said he doesn't mind pulling kitchen duty, because he gets to spend time in schools and meet students. However, he said kitchen duty takes away time from his main assignment and is not an efficient use of district resources.If you are interested in applying for a position with USD 489 or the special education co-op, visit the <a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489 website. </a>Click on the employment button on the right hand side of the page. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

USD 489 starts school short of essential support staff

The Hays Symphony will present an Outdoor Pops Concert: Pops Potpourri; a Jazzy Salute to Fiddling Fun from Leroy Anderson, Morton Gould, and George Gershwin, as part of the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hays Pavilion, 10th &amp; Main Streets.&nbsp;

The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, FHSU assistant professor of violin and viola. Each featured composer offers a unique representation of music from the Twentieth Century. This group of American composers, Leroy Anderson, George Gershwin, Morton Gould, and Richard Hayman, were all giants in their field, creating a kind of American songbook.&nbsp;

Once considered America’s favorite ‘pop’ conductor, Richard Hayman conducted a myriad of ensembles throughout the eastern U.S., eventually becoming the chief arranger for the Boston Pops during Arthur Fielder’s tenure. His Pops Hoedown is a kind of ‘Yeehaar,’ barnyard romp giving the orchestra musicians quite a workout. Maestro Buckstead programmed several of Leroy Anderson’s works for this concert, the most famous of which is the “Syncopated Clock.” The piece features woodblock with a constant rhythmic pulse intertwined with short light melodies in the strings. John Williams described Mr. Anderson as “one of the greatest American masters of light orchestral music.”&nbsp;

Morton Gould, considered a child prodigy, had his first composition published at six. He later studied at the prestigious Julliard School and became an accomplished pianist. He was employed at Radio City Music Hall as a staff pianist, exposing him to both classical and popular programming of the day. “Yankee Doodle” was inspired by his lifelong endearment of those who served in our armed services. “American Salute” was originally written for orchestra (in 24 hours) and then later for band. The work represents Gould’s skill in thematic development; he creates the work based solely upon the melody of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”&nbsp;

George Gershwin, well known for his epic “Rhapsody in Blue” and jazzy show-stopping Broadway tunes, showed his more reflective side with his “Lullaby for Strings.” When Lullaby was finally published in 1968, Ira Gershwin wrote, “It may not be the Gershwin of Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and his other concert works, but I find it charming and kind.”&nbsp;

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert celebrating American music in this Pops Potpourri Concert.&nbsp;This free concert and the post-concert reception consisting of cookies and drinks are made possible by Cathy’s Breads and AutoWorld.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661180282572.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThe Hays Symphony will present an Outdoor Pops Concert: Pops Potpourri; a Jazzy Salute to Fiddling Fun from Leroy Anderson, Morton Gould, and George Gershwin, as part of the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hays Pavilion, 10th &amp; Main Streets.&nbsp;The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, FHSU assistant professor of violin and viola. Each featured composer offers a unique representation of music from the Twentieth Century. This group of American composers, Leroy Anderson, George Gershwin, Morton Gould, and Richard Hayman, were all giants in their field, creating a kind of American songbook.&nbsp;Once considered America’s favorite ‘pop’ conductor, Richard Hayman conducted a myriad of ensembles throughout the eastern U.S., eventually becoming the chief arranger for the Boston Pops during Arthur Fielder’s tenure. His Pops Hoedown is a kind of ‘Yeehaar,’ barnyard romp giving the orchestra musicians quite a workout. Maestro Buckstead programmed several of Leroy Anderson’s works for this concert, the most famous of which is the “Syncopated Clock.” The piece features woodblock with a constant rhythmic pulse intertwined with short light melodies in the strings. John Williams described Mr. Anderson as “one of the greatest American masters of light orchestral music.”&nbsp;Morton Gould, considered a child prodigy, had his first composition published at six. He later studied at the prestigious Julliard School and became an accomplished pianist. He was employed at Radio City Music Hall as a staff pianist, exposing him to both classical and popular programming of the day. “Yankee Doodle” was inspired by his lifelong endearment of those who served in our armed services. “American Salute” was originally written for orchestra (in 24 hours) and then later for band. The work represents Gould’s skill in thematic development; he creates the work based solely upon the melody of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”&nbsp;George Gershwin, well known for his epic “Rhapsody in Blue” and jazzy show-stopping Broadway tunes, showed his more reflective side with his “Lullaby for Strings.” When Lullaby was finally published in 1968, Ira Gershwin wrote, “It may not be the Gershwin of Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and his other concert works, but I find it charming and kind.”&nbsp;Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert celebrating American music in this Pops Potpourri Concert.&nbsp;This free concert and the post-concert reception consisting of cookies and drinks are made possible by Cathy’s Breads and AutoWorld.

Hays Symphony to perform outdoor pops concert at art walk

A grant to rehouse and preserve Sternberg Museum’s Miocene fossil mammal collection will soon ensure that fragile ancient remains receive much-needed attention.&nbsp;

Dr. Laura Wilson, professor of geosciences and Sternberg’s chief curator, and Dr. Aly Baumgartner, Sternberg’s collections manager of paleontology, were recently awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant to support Sternberg’s paleontology collections.&nbsp;

The grant focuses on preserving Miocene-aged fossils (approximately 7 million years old) from Kansas that document the changing ecosystem as grasslands spread across central North America.

With the grant of $134,274 from IMLS, the Miocene Minium Quarry Fossil Preservation Project will fund specimen care, undergraduate and graduate student employees, and the development of educational resources focusing on what these fossils tell us about past ecosystems and how that relates to changing ecosystems in the face of climate change.&nbsp;

Sternberg Museum’s Miocene fossil mammal collection is key in documenting changing ecosystems across the great plains region over the last 25 million years. These fossils have been excavated by Sternberg staff and students from the Minium Quarry, a Graham County Kansas fossil site owned by FHSU and Sternberg Museum.&nbsp;

“The fossils are very fragile and need special attention to ensure they don’t deteriorate,” Wilson said. “This grant gives us a fantastic opportunity to employ students and provide unique professional development opportunities they can take into the job market and graduate school.”

In addition to the physical care and preservation of the fossils, the grant will be used to develop web pages to educate the public about the collection and what can be learned from the fossils regarding grassland evolution.&nbsp;

“This grant allows us to further many of our goals and initiatives at the museum in general and the paleontology department specifically,” Wilson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661353869469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsA grant to rehouse and preserve Sternberg Museum’s Miocene fossil mammal collection will soon ensure that fragile ancient remains receive much-needed attention.&nbsp;Dr. Laura Wilson, professor of geosciences and Sternberg’s chief curator, and Dr. Aly Baumgartner, Sternberg’s collections manager of paleontology, were recently awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant to support Sternberg’s paleontology collections.&nbsp;The grant focuses on preserving Miocene-aged fossils (approximately 7 million years old) from Kansas that document the changing ecosystem as grasslands spread across central North America.With the grant of $134,274 from IMLS, the Miocene Minium Quarry Fossil Preservation Project will fund specimen care, undergraduate and graduate student employees, and the development of educational resources focusing on what these fossils tell us about past ecosystems and how that relates to changing ecosystems in the face of climate change.&nbsp;Sternberg Museum’s Miocene fossil mammal collection is key in documenting changing ecosystems across the great plains region over the last 25 million years. These fossils have been excavated by Sternberg staff and students from the Minium Quarry, a Graham County Kansas fossil site owned by FHSU and Sternberg Museum.&nbsp;“The fossils are very fragile and need special attention to ensure they don’t deteriorate,” Wilson said. “This grant gives us a fantastic opportunity to employ students and provide unique professional development opportunities they can take into the job market and graduate school.”In addition to the physical care and preservation of the fossils, the grant will be used to develop web pages to educate the public about the collection and what can be learned from the fossils regarding grassland evolution.&nbsp;“This grant allows us to further many of our goals and initiatives at the museum in general and the paleontology department specifically,” Wilson said.

Sternberg fossil collection will receive TLC thanks to grant

With many areas of Kansas experiencing significant drought, plant 
triage may be in order. This may mean that you need to prioritize what 
plants are most important. 

Large, established trees should be first on 
your list as they are expensive to remove, expensive to replace and take
 years to become large enough to fulfill their purpose. Next would be 
trees planted in the last 2 to 3 years as their root systems are still 
not completely established. Normally, these trees would be first on our 
list as the larger, more mature trees are more drought resistant. 
However, sometimes a drought will be severe enough that even large trees
 may die or become so weakened that borers move in and take them out. 


Next would be shrubs, then perennial flowers and finally lawns, annual 
flowers and vegetables. You probably see the pattern here. Start with 
what is most expensive to replace and move down from there. &nbsp;

If 
you are planning on watering your trees, one of the more common means is
 the use of soaker hoses. Soaker hoses are notorious for non-uniform 
watering. In other words, you often receive too much water from one part
 of the hose and not enough from another. 

On small trees, circling the 
tree several times with the soaker hose will even out the amount of 
water applied but this isn’t practical for larger trees. On larger 
trees, hooking both the beginning and the end of the soaker hose to a 
Y-adapter helps equalize the pressure and therefore provide a more 
uniform watering. 

The soaker hose can circle the trunk at a distance 
within the dripline of the tree but at least ½ the distance to the 
dripline. The dripline of the tree is outermost reach of the branches. 
On smaller trees, you may circle the tree several times so that only 
soil which has tree roots will be watered. Soil should be wet at least 
12 inches deep as 80% of a trees roots are in the top foot of soil. Use a
 metal rod, wooden dowel, electric fence post or something similar to 
check depth. 

Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet and your 
probe will stop when it hits dry soil. How long it takes water to reach a
 12 inch depth varies depending on the rate of water flow and soil. 
Record the amount of time it takes to reach 12 inches the first time the
 tree is watered. After that, simply water for that same amount of time.

&nbsp;Alicia
 Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood 
District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research
 and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>With many areas of Kansas experiencing significant drought, plant 
triage may be in order. This may mean that you need to prioritize what 
plants are most important. Large, established trees should be first on 
your list as they are expensive to remove, expensive to replace and take
 years to become large enough to fulfill their purpose. Next would be 
trees planted in the last 2 to 3 years as their root systems are still 
not completely established. Normally, these trees would be first on our 
list as the larger, more mature trees are more drought resistant. 
However, sometimes a drought will be severe enough that even large trees
 may die or become so weakened that borers move in and take them out. 
Next would be shrubs, then perennial flowers and finally lawns, annual 
flowers and vegetables. You probably see the pattern here. Start with 
what is most expensive to replace and move down from there. &nbsp;If 
you are planning on watering your trees, one of the more common means is
 the use of soaker hoses. Soaker hoses are notorious for non-uniform 
watering. In other words, you often receive too much water from one part
 of the hose and not enough from another. On small trees, circling the 
tree several times with the soaker hose will even out the amount of 
water applied but this isn’t practical for larger trees. On larger 
trees, hooking both the beginning and the end of the soaker hose to a 
Y-adapter helps equalize the pressure and therefore provide a more 
uniform watering. The soaker hose can circle the trunk at a distance 
within the dripline of the tree but at least ½ the distance to the 
dripline. The dripline of the tree is outermost reach of the branches. 
On smaller trees, you may circle the tree several times so that only 
soil which has tree roots will be watered. Soil should be wet at least 
12 inches deep as 80% of a trees roots are in the top foot of soil. Use a
 metal rod, wooden dowel, electric fence post or something similar to 
check depth. Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet and your 
probe will stop when it hits dry soil. How long it takes water to reach a
 12 inch depth varies depending on the rate of water flow and soil. 
Record the amount of time it takes to reach 12 inches the first time the
 tree is watered. After that, simply water for that same amount of time.&nbsp;Alicia
 Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood 
District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research
 and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Protecting your landscape from drought

<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/2022/8/1661368396976.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

SCOTT COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Wednesday in Scott County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Mack semi driven by Jeremy S. Weaver, 47, Ness City, was&nbsp;as southbound on Kansas 95 Highway two miles west of U.S. 83.

The driver was unable to negotiate the S curve. The truck rolled onto the passenger side, slid through the KDOT guardrail and rolled off of an embankment.

EMS transported Weaver to the Scott County Hospital. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

SCOTT COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Wednesday in Scott County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Mack semi driven by Jeremy S. Weaver, 47, Ness City, was&nbsp;as southbound on Kansas 95 Highway two miles west of U.S. 83.The driver was unable to negotiate the S curve. The truck rolled onto the passenger side, slid through the KDOT guardrail and rolled off of an embankment.EMS transported Weaver to the Scott County Hospital. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Kansas man hospitalized after semi rolls off embankment

Patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow, now have a new option available at HaysMed. Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, Interventional Cardiologist, is performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.&nbsp;

TAVR is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure that offers new hope to patients who have aortic valve stenosis.

The TAVR procedure is a revolutionary new way to replace an aortic valve without open heart surgery or a large incision to the patient’s chest. Studies show patients who have received this new device not only live longer, but feel better, and significantly improve their quality of life.

"We are very pleased to offer this life saving procedure to replace a defective heart valve without our patient undergoing open-heart surgery.” said Steve Albright, Director of Cardiology, “We are the only hospital in Western Kansas to have the capability to perform this advanced procedure.”

During most procedures the team inserts a valve through a small cut in the patient’s upper leg. The valve is advanced on a balloon catheter through the artery toward the damaged valve where it is inflated.&nbsp; The catheter is removed leaving the new aortic valve inside the old one.

“It’s very exciting for HaysMed to be able to offer this leading-edge cardiac care option and state-of-the-art technology to the community we serve,” said Albright. “We continue to grow our cardiac program and this milestone highlights our commitment to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services for our region.”

To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for a consultation, call 785-625-4699 or click <a href="http://www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/schedule/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661262597288.jpeg" alt="Seshadri " />
 <figcaption>Seshadri </figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedPatients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow, now have a new option available at HaysMed. Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, Interventional Cardiologist, is performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.&nbsp;TAVR is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure that offers new hope to patients who have aortic valve stenosis.The TAVR procedure is a revolutionary new way to replace an aortic valve without open heart surgery or a large incision to the patient’s chest. Studies show patients who have received this new device not only live longer, but feel better, and significantly improve their quality of life."We are very pleased to offer this life saving procedure to replace a defective heart valve without our patient undergoing open-heart surgery.” said Steve Albright, Director of Cardiology, “We are the only hospital in Western Kansas to have the capability to perform this advanced procedure.”During most procedures the team inserts a valve through a small cut in the patient’s upper leg. The valve is advanced on a balloon catheter through the artery toward the damaged valve where it is inflated.&nbsp; The catheter is removed leaving the new aortic valve inside the old one.“It’s very exciting for HaysMed to be able to offer this leading-edge cardiac care option and state-of-the-art technology to the community we serve,” said Albright. “We continue to grow our cardiac program and this milestone highlights our commitment to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services for our region.”To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for a consultation, call 785-625-4699 or click <a href="http://www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/schedule/">HERE</a>.

DeBakey Institute offers minimally invasive heart valve replacement

This Friday, area residents will
once again converge in downtown Hays for the 37th annual Hays Arts
Council Fall Art Walk.

Among the many businesses and
organizations participating, the event will feature painted works, sculpture,
photography music and food — with core hours scheduled from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“It's
going to be awesome,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. “I
think we've got 19 locations on the walk, and some of them have really large, major features. And some of them have smaller, more intimate features.”

Along
with the variety of visual work on display, the Hays Symphony Orchestra will also
kick off its season with an outdoor concert in the downtown pavilion from
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“Get to the
Art Walk early, get stuff done, and then enjoy at least some of the
concert,” Meder said. “And then there's still plenty of time when it's done, or
halfway through to go do more things.”

A chalk
station will also be set up nearby allowing children of all ages to create
their own art while the symphony performs.

“There's
always just some great art that ends up over there,” Meder said. “And it's fun
that people have the opportunity to be creative.”

Along
with the symphony, music will be a prominent part of the evening at other locations
including the Hays Public Library hosting Matt Detherage, the Paisley Pear Wine
Bar and Bistro featuring The Church Ladies (Unsupervised), and Salon 1007 hosting jazz musician Danny Zhang. &nbsp;

“There's
really some great things going on in that aspect of the arts as well,” Meder
said.

The
musical performances complement the typical variety of businesses participating
with visual artists.

At the
Hays Arts Center, two exhibitions from a recent Kansas transplant will be on
display.

“Rodney
Wood is a fabulous artist whose work is often described as magical realism or
emotional realism,” Meder said. “They're very straightforward and realistic.
But there's this mystery, this intrigue.
They're sort of this almost like a surreal element in some of it.”

While
Wood has been a longtime resident of Colorado, he is no stranger to the Hays
Art Walk, having showcased his art car Spell Bound during the Spring Art Walk
last year.

“He's
thinking about bringing some of his art cars up as well,” Meder said. “He was
the director of the art car museum in Trinidad. Big art car museum, but he's
also been with other galleries.”

She said
he has been a longtime artist and gallery director and brings part of his
large collection to Hays featuring original works along with reproductions of
pieces currently held by collectors.

“One of
the exhibitions that we'll be having is called Humanimals,” Meder said. “It
is this wonderful collection of work, where some of his delightfully
extraordinary friends have inspired him to create works that feature creatures
from the animal kingdom, but in settings that are very human,”

That
will be in the hall, she said, but in the front gallery will be all original
paintings.

“They're
absolutely fascinating,” Meder said. “And the subject matter is diverse and
varied.

“It's a
lot of exploration of the human condition and feelings,” she continued. “There's
a curiosity, even elements of survival skills, but a lot of enigma and mystery
in the course of his paintings. People are going to like this.”

Even though
he has only been in Kansas this year, Meder said she wanted to showcase his
work as quickly as possible “so we could be the first one in Kansas to exhibit
his work and showcase a style of a conceptual approach to the work that we
hadn't seen before.”

Along
with Humanimals, Wood will also present Windfalls of Passion.

The Arts
Center will also stage Intaglio: Below the Surface, that includes prints
from Michael Jilg and Phil Epp in the back gallery.

“It's going
to look striking back there,” Meder said. “They are both pros at what they do.
I couldn't be prouder of the three artists that will be featured at the Arts
Council for the Art Walk.”

While
the core Art Walk is set from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., some shows will run
different hours to allow for distance outside of the core of downtown,
including two exhibitions on the Fort Hays State University campus.

“And
then I also want to let people know that on Saturday, there are a number of the
locations that are open anyway, on Saturdays, they will still have their art
features up,” Meder said. “So, if you can't get out Friday night, or you want
to go back and see something again, we will have hours for that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282353687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThis Friday, area residents will
once again converge in downtown Hays for the 37th annual Hays Arts
Council Fall Art Walk.Among the many businesses and
organizations participating, the event will feature painted works, sculpture,
photography music and food — with core hours scheduled from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.“It's
going to be awesome,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. “I
think we've got 19 locations on the walk, and some of them have really large, major features. And some of them have smaller, more intimate features.”<div><iframe title="Art, music and fun to fill downtown Hays Friday" 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=eeep8-12a5925-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>Along
with the variety of visual work on display, the Hays Symphony Orchestra will also
kick off its season with an outdoor concert in the downtown pavilion from
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.“Get to the
Art Walk early, get stuff done, and then enjoy at least some of the
concert,” Meder said. “And then there's still plenty of time when it's done, or
halfway through to go do more things.”A chalk
station will also be set up nearby allowing children of all ages to create
their own art while the symphony performs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282374241.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“There's
always just some great art that ends up over there,” Meder said. “And it's fun
that people have the opportunity to be creative.”Along
with the symphony, music will be a prominent part of the evening at other locations
including the Hays Public Library hosting Matt Detherage, the Paisley Pear Wine
Bar and Bistro featuring The Church Ladies (Unsupervised), and Salon 1007 hosting jazz musician Danny Zhang. &nbsp;“There's
really some great things going on in that aspect of the arts as well,” Meder
said.The
musical performances complement the typical variety of businesses participating
with visual artists.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282389173.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At the
Hays Arts Center, two exhibitions from a recent Kansas transplant will be on
display.“Rodney
Wood is a fabulous artist whose work is often described as magical realism or
emotional realism,” Meder said. “They're very straightforward and realistic.
But there's this mystery, this intrigue.
They're sort of this almost like a surreal element in some of it.”“They
are just mesmerizing.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661190067413.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While
Wood has been a longtime resident of Colorado, he is no stranger to the Hays
Art Walk, having showcased his art car Spell Bound during the Spring Art Walk
last year.“He's
thinking about bringing some of his art cars up as well,” Meder said. “He was
the director of the art car museum in Trinidad. Big art car museum, but he's
also been with other galleries.”She said
he has been a longtime artist and gallery director and brings part of his
large collection to Hays featuring original works along with reproductions of
pieces currently held by collectors.“One of
the exhibitions that we'll be having is called Humanimals,” Meder said. “It
is this wonderful collection of work, where some of his delightfully
extraordinary friends have inspired him to create works that feature creatures
from the animal kingdom, but in settings that are very human,”That
will be in the hall, she said, but in the front gallery will be all original
paintings.“They're
absolutely fascinating,” Meder said. “And the subject matter is diverse and
varied.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282405288.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“It's a
lot of exploration of the human condition and feelings,” she continued. “There's
a curiosity, even elements of survival skills, but a lot of enigma and mystery
in the course of his paintings. People are going to like this.”Even though
he has only been in Kansas this year, Meder said she wanted to showcase his
work as quickly as possible “so we could be the first one in Kansas to exhibit
his work and showcase a style of a conceptual approach to the work that we
hadn't seen before.”Along
with Humanimals, Wood will also present Windfalls of Passion.The Arts
Center will also stage Intaglio: Below the Surface, that includes prints
from Michael Jilg and Phil Epp in the back gallery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282420984.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“It's going
to look striking back there,” Meder said. “They are both pros at what they do.
I couldn't be prouder of the three artists that will be featured at the Arts
Council for the Art Walk.”While
the core Art Walk is set from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., some shows will run
different hours to allow for distance outside of the core of downtown,
including two exhibitions on the Fort Hays State University campus.“And
then I also want to let people know that on Saturday, there are a number of the
locations that are open anyway, on Saturdays, they will still have their art
features up,” Meder said. “So, if you can't get out Friday night, or you want
to go back and see something again, we will have hours for that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282337739.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Art, music and fun to fill downtown Hays Friday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 54 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Aug. 13 to 19.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Nearly the entire state remains in the high- or substantial-incidence classification (see map below). In northwest Kansas, only Cheyenne, Sheridan and Wallace counties were in the low- to moderate-incidence categories.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,658 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661361219247.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 54 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Aug. 13 to 19.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly the entire state remains in the high- or substantial-incidence classification (see map below). In northwest Kansas, only Cheyenne, Sheridan and Wallace counties were in the low- to moderate-incidence categories.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,658 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661361253668.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 54 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

Nineteen new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law 
Enforcement Training Center on Aug. 19 at a ceremony held in
 the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Game Warden Kalaeb Bratton of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and 
Parks was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony 
was Chief Todd Akerman of the Augusta Department of Safety. Michael 
Satterlee, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator 
for the 297th Basic Training Class.

Game Warden Bratton of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 
was placed on the Director’s Honor Roll. He was additionally awarded the
 Larry Welch Academic Award for having the highest total average on the 
written exams within the class. His final average was 95.70% Officer 
Mitchell Mays of the Hutchinson Police Department was recognized during 
the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot."

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and 
Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace
 Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing
 authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law 
enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help 
train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in 
the line of duty. 
Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority
 of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and 
oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and 
certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies 
and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training 
programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to 
over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west 
and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the 
University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in May 2022, represented 
multiple municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from 
across Kansas. Area graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Barton 
Derrick Brown - Ellinwood Police Department

Ellis 
Brevin LaBarge - Hays Police Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660942253856.png" alt="KLETC" />
 <figcaption>KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCNineteen new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law 
Enforcement Training Center on Aug. 19 at a ceremony held in
 the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Game Warden Kalaeb Bratton of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and 
Parks was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony 
was Chief Todd Akerman of the Augusta Department of Safety. Michael 
Satterlee, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator 
for the 297th Basic Training Class.Game Warden Bratton of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 
was placed on the Director’s Honor Roll. He was additionally awarded the
 Larry Welch Academic Award for having the highest total average on the 
written exams within the class. His final average was 95.70% Officer 
Mitchell Mays of the Hutchinson Police Department was recognized during 
the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot."Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and 
Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace
 Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing
 authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law 
enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help 
train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in 
the line of duty. 
Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority
 of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and 
oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and 
certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies 
and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training 
programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to 
over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west 
and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the 
University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in May 2022, represented 
multiple municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from 
across Kansas. Area graduates are listed below by county and agency:Barton 
Derrick Brown - Ellinwood Police DepartmentEllis 
Brevin LaBarge - Hays Police Department

Hays officer among newest graduates of Kansas police academy

The Kansas Association of Broadcasters recently unveiled the 2022 class of inductees for the group's Hall of Fame. Included is longtime northwest Kansas broadcaster and former Voice of the Tigers Wyatt Thompson.

Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Wyatt has been in the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. Wyatt’s first opportunity to do play-by-play was on the student station at Colby Community College. Wyatt’s plan upon completing community college was to attend K-State. In 1976, he was working part-time for Kay Melia’s radio and television stations in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he was offered a full-time position at the Goodland stations. During this time, Wyatt learned production, news, sports, for both radio and television. Wyatt describes those years as the “best 3 years of my professional life from the standpoint of learning the business." During the next 10 years Wyatt made radio stops in Goodland, Abilene, Great Bend, and Arkansas City. Those years provided him the opportunity to hone his broadcast skills while doing play-by-play for community colleges and high schools. From 1985 until 1989 Thompson worked for KAYS radio and television in Hays, Kansas. He was the play-by-play voice for Ft. Hays State. In 1989, Thompsons career took him to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had his first Division 1 opportunity covering The Colorado State Rams. He initially started as the color analyst and eventually did play-by-play for five seasons. The Colorado Broadcasters Association recognized Wyatt for the best-play-by-play in 2000. Wyatt had also been a sports reporter in Denver on Clear Channels KOA.&nbsp;He hosted Countdown to Kickoff for the Denver Broncos as well as the “Zone Sports Insiders” show on KOA. In 2002, K-State announced Wyatt Thompson would be the new voice for K-State Athletics. In addition to play-by-play responsibilities for football, basketball, and selected K-State baseball games, he is the host for football and basketball coaches show on the K-State Radio Network. Additionally, Wyatt hosts weekly television shows for football and basketball throughout the state. Wyatt dedicates lots of time to his K-State community by appearing for gatherings, mentoring, appearances, and interviews. Wyatt enters his 21st year with his on-air partner Stan Weber for the 2022-23 sports season. Wyatt has received numerous broadcast awards during his career, including the KAB’s best play-by-play in 1982, the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year in 1989 and the Hod Humiston Award for Sports Broadcasting in 2011. Since arriving at K-State, he has been recognized as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award six times. Wyatt is a role model for aspiring young broadcasters and has participated in numerous KAB events from the annual KAB convention as a panelist to KAB sponsored seminars. He is admired and respected by his colleagues within the broadcast industry and coaches throughout the country.

Don Free, Retired Engineer for the Kansas City Royals

Don Free is a Topeka resident and has spent over 50 years in broadcasting. He joined the Air Force in 1964 and in 1967 while stationed at Forbes Air Base in Topeka, started working part time at WIBW-TV.&nbsp; Following his discharge from the Air Force, he went full-time as their cameraman and directing news. Four years later, Don moved into engineering, which was his ambition leaving high school. He began helping on TV remotes to broadcast an array of sporting events, including the Kansas City Royals. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to engineer 15 radio games for the Royals Radio Network, the year they won the World Series. The next season, he was hired full time with the Royals and started his 32-year-long dream job.&nbsp;Don retired from the Royals following the 2017 season. Without Don’s expertise, patience, and engineering ingenuity, those memorable play-by-play calls from Denny, Fred, Ryan, Bob and Steve would never have been heard. During his remarkable career, Don and his family lived in Topeka, meaning he drove to the Royals' stadium 81 times a year and to his other "office" at a ballpark somewhere around the country 81 more times. Despite being retired, Don continues to engineer some radio games for visiting teams at Kauffman Stadium and works with the Kansas State Football Radio Network as an engineer.&nbsp; Don was inducted into the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Bob Fidler Award designated for a media member who helped promote the sport. He’s been married to Sandy 42 years, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Jack Oliver, KEYN Program Director and Show Host

Since 1969, Jack has worked at numerous Wichita radio stations including KLEO (1969) (only a few overnights), then on to KGNO in Dodge City and then Back to Wichita at KAKE (1973-1979), and KKRD (1980-2004). Since 2004, Jack has been program director at KEYN (Audacy, Inc.). Previously, he was heard daily from 12-7 p.m. However, following the death of Don Hall in April of 2020, Jack moved from afternoons to host the KEYN morning show. Jack advises young radio broadcasters to “find a city that likes you and stay for a while.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Early in his broadcast career, Jack received a first-class radio telephone operator’s license through the FCC. In addition to this, he developed extraordinary skills as a top radio programmer, on-air talent, and production voice. Jack never worked with wax cylinders, but he has certainly watched the broadcasting industry grow from its days of analog mono, tape and vinyl to its evolution into stereo and digital, and at age 72, he has adapted well and today still enjoys practicing his craft.&nbsp; Jack is from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He’s a 1968 graduate of South High School in Wichita and earned a master’s degree in Business Communications from Wichita State University. Jack is very active in Wichita’s Native American Community and served on the board of directors of the All-American Indian Center for ten years. From 1994- 1996, he was a board member of the Wichita Zoning Commission and from 1996-1998 was a board member of the Wichita Traffic Commission. Jack has also helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. In addition, Jack has been a sought-after speaker on numerous panels at radio-TV conventions such as the NAB, Radio &amp;; Records, The Gavin Report, and The Conclave. He also received a prestigious nomination for&nbsp;air talent and program director of the year from Billboard Magazine, Radio &amp; Records and Hitmakers Magazine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267525296.jpeg" alt="Thompson" />
 <figcaption>Thompson</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association of Broadcasters recently unveiled the 2022 class of inductees for the group's Hall of Fame. Included is longtime northwest Kansas broadcaster and former Voice of the Tigers Wyatt Thompson.Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State WildcatsWyatt has been in the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. Wyatt’s first opportunity to do play-by-play was on the student station at Colby Community College. Wyatt’s plan upon completing community college was to attend K-State. In 1976, he was working part-time for Kay Melia’s radio and television stations in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he was offered a full-time position at the Goodland stations. During this time, Wyatt learned production, news, sports, for both radio and television. Wyatt describes those years as the “best 3 years of my professional life from the standpoint of learning the business." During the next 10 years Wyatt made radio stops in Goodland, Abilene, Great Bend, and Arkansas City. Those years provided him the opportunity to hone his broadcast skills while doing play-by-play for community colleges and high schools. From 1985 until 1989 Thompson worked for KAYS radio and television in Hays, Kansas. He was the play-by-play voice for Ft. Hays State. In 1989, Thompsons career took him to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had his first Division 1 opportunity covering The Colorado State Rams. He initially started as the color analyst and eventually did play-by-play for five seasons. The Colorado Broadcasters Association recognized Wyatt for the best-play-by-play in 2000. Wyatt had also been a sports reporter in Denver on Clear Channels KOA.&nbsp;He hosted Countdown to Kickoff for the Denver Broncos as well as the “Zone Sports Insiders” show on KOA. In 2002, K-State announced Wyatt Thompson would be the new voice for K-State Athletics. In addition to play-by-play responsibilities for football, basketball, and selected K-State baseball games, he is the host for football and basketball coaches show on the K-State Radio Network. Additionally, Wyatt hosts weekly television shows for football and basketball throughout the state. Wyatt dedicates lots of time to his K-State community by appearing for gatherings, mentoring, appearances, and interviews. Wyatt enters his 21st year with his on-air partner Stan Weber for the 2022-23 sports season. Wyatt has received numerous broadcast awards during his career, including the KAB’s best play-by-play in 1982, the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year in 1989 and the Hod Humiston Award for Sports Broadcasting in 2011. Since arriving at K-State, he has been recognized as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award six times. Wyatt is a role model for aspiring young broadcasters and has participated in numerous KAB events from the annual KAB convention as a panelist to KAB sponsored seminars. He is admired and respected by his colleagues within the broadcast industry and coaches throughout the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267657802.jpeg" alt="Free" />
 <figcaption>Free</figcaption>
 </figure>Don Free, Retired Engineer for the Kansas City RoyalsDon Free is a Topeka resident and has spent over 50 years in broadcasting. He joined the Air Force in 1964 and in 1967 while stationed at Forbes Air Base in Topeka, started working part time at WIBW-TV.&nbsp; Following his discharge from the Air Force, he went full-time as their cameraman and directing news. Four years later, Don moved into engineering, which was his ambition leaving high school. He began helping on TV remotes to broadcast an array of sporting events, including the Kansas City Royals. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to engineer 15 radio games for the Royals Radio Network, the year they won the World Series. The next season, he was hired full time with the Royals and started his 32-year-long dream job.&nbsp;Don retired from the Royals following the 2017 season. Without Don’s expertise, patience, and engineering ingenuity, those memorable play-by-play calls from Denny, Fred, Ryan, Bob and Steve would never have been heard. During his remarkable career, Don and his family lived in Topeka, meaning he drove to the Royals' stadium 81 times a year and to his other "office" at a ballpark somewhere around the country 81 more times. Despite being retired, Don continues to engineer some radio games for visiting teams at Kauffman Stadium and works with the Kansas State Football Radio Network as an engineer.&nbsp; Don was inducted into the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Bob Fidler Award designated for a media member who helped promote the sport. He’s been married to Sandy 42 years, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267690392.jpeg" alt="Oliver" />
 <figcaption>Oliver</figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Oliver, KEYN Program Director and Show HostSince 1969, Jack has worked at numerous Wichita radio stations including KLEO (1969) (only a few overnights), then on to KGNO in Dodge City and then Back to Wichita at KAKE (1973-1979), and KKRD (1980-2004). Since 2004, Jack has been program director at KEYN (Audacy, Inc.). Previously, he was heard daily from 12-7 p.m. However, following the death of Don Hall in April of 2020, Jack moved from afternoons to host the KEYN morning show. Jack advises young radio broadcasters to “find a city that likes you and stay for a while.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Early in his broadcast career, Jack received a first-class radio telephone operator’s license through the FCC. In addition to this, he developed extraordinary skills as a top radio programmer, on-air talent, and production voice. Jack never worked with wax cylinders, but he has certainly watched the broadcasting industry grow from its days of analog mono, tape and vinyl to its evolution into stereo and digital, and at age 72, he has adapted well and today still enjoys practicing his craft.&nbsp; Jack is from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He’s a 1968 graduate of South High School in Wichita and earned a master’s degree in Business Communications from Wichita State University. Jack is very active in Wichita’s Native American Community and served on the board of directors of the All-American Indian Center for ten years. From 1994- 1996, he was a board member of the Wichita Zoning Commission and from 1996-1998 was a board member of the Wichita Traffic Commission. Jack has also helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. In addition, Jack has been a sought-after speaker on numerous panels at radio-TV conventions such as the NAB, Radio &amp;; Records, The Gavin Report, and The Conclave. He also received a prestigious nomination for&nbsp;air talent and program director of the year from Billboard Magazine, Radio &amp; Records and Hitmakers Magazine.

Former Voice of the Tigers heading to broadcasting hall of fame

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher I give a lot of my time to help young leaders grow and develop through programs like 4-H and FFA. Though my biggest motivation is paying it forward because of all the people who helped me, I also directly benefit from working with these students who are experts on pop culture, new fashion, slang terminology and the latest social media trends. Now that I am solidly a mid-career professional, I sometimes forget how easy it is to lose touch with the changing world. My students are always ready to explain what “Hot Girl Summer” means, why people love the Kardashians and so many other things that might have completely passed over my head otherwise. Earlier this summer, my intern introduced me to one of the hot new social media sites Be Real. This platform prompts users at a random time daily to take and share a quick snapshot of life. Users have 2 minutes to take a snap that includes both front and back facing views. This quick, random time frame doesn’t allow people much time to make themselves or their life look better than reality. It is meant to showcase the mundane, messy and unfiltered reality of your life. After posting your shot you can see what your friends are up to and interact with comments and emoji’s like other social media platforms. If a user fails to snap a picture they miss out on seeing their friends’ posts for the day. At first I thought the idea was super strange, but with time it grew on me. Social media is often criticized for fake and overly glamorous view of many people’s lives, which can lead many users to negative impacts on the mental health of users. Be Real makes it harder to fake a picture-perfect life, showing more realistic and normal views of how we live. It struck me that Be Real is the perfect platform for farmers. There are so many people who have no idea what a farmer does on any given day. Even when someone tours a farm or follows their social media they get a very narrow view that is often the shiny filtered version. If farmers were using Be Real, I am confident that you would occasionally catch a beautiful sunset while checking an irrigator, or a new born baby calf nursing for the first time and some of the other exciting moments in farming. However, more of the snaps would be of the mundane things famers do every day like crawling over or under something to fix a machine, chasing animals that got out of the fence, doing office work, driving back and forth for hours in the same field, running to town to get parts, fueling equipment, fixing fences, checking rain gages or dry fields, looking for bugs, equipment maintenance, putting out a grass fire and a hundred other tasks that happen every day. Plus the farmer would definitely be covered in sweat, oil, dirt or manure in 95 percent of the pictures. If you paid close attention, you would also be able to feel the roller coaster of emotions that exist during a season. The hope of planting, fear caused by weeks of&nbsp; high temperatures and drought, the pain of lost animals and crops, the relief of rain and the pride of completing harvest. Unfortunately, I don’t think many farmers will catch on to this social media trend because they probably wouldn’t hear the notification or be in a place where they had time to get their phone out and take a picture. You will have to take my word for it: farming is as real as it gets.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher I give a lot of my time to help young leaders grow and develop through programs like 4-H and FFA. Though my biggest motivation is paying it forward because of all the people who helped me, I also directly benefit from working with these students who are experts on pop culture, new fashion, slang terminology and the latest social media trends. Now that I am solidly a mid-career professional, I sometimes forget how easy it is to lose touch with the changing world. My students are always ready to explain what “Hot Girl Summer” means, why people love the Kardashians and so many other things that might have completely passed over my head otherwise. Earlier this summer, my intern introduced me to one of the hot new social media sites Be Real. This platform prompts users at a random time daily to take and share a quick snapshot of life. Users have 2 minutes to take a snap that includes both front and back facing views. This quick, random time frame doesn’t allow people much time to make themselves or their life look better than reality. It is meant to showcase the mundane, messy and unfiltered reality of your life. After posting your shot you can see what your friends are up to and interact with comments and emoji’s like other social media platforms. If a user fails to snap a picture they miss out on seeing their friends’ posts for the day. At first I thought the idea was super strange, but with time it grew on me. Social media is often criticized for fake and overly glamorous view of many people’s lives, which can lead many users to negative impacts on the mental health of users. Be Real makes it harder to fake a picture-perfect life, showing more realistic and normal views of how we live. It struck me that Be Real is the perfect platform for farmers. There are so many people who have no idea what a farmer does on any given day. Even when someone tours a farm or follows their social media they get a very narrow view that is often the shiny filtered version. If farmers were using Be Real, I am confident that you would occasionally catch a beautiful sunset while checking an irrigator, or a new born baby calf nursing for the first time and some of the other exciting moments in farming. However, more of the snaps would be of the mundane things famers do every day like crawling over or under something to fix a machine, chasing animals that got out of the fence, doing office work, driving back and forth for hours in the same field, running to town to get parts, fueling equipment, fixing fences, checking rain gages or dry fields, looking for bugs, equipment maintenance, putting out a grass fire and a hundred other tasks that happen every day. Plus the farmer would definitely be covered in sweat, oil, dirt or manure in 95 percent of the pictures. If you paid close attention, you would also be able to feel the roller coaster of emotions that exist during a season. The hope of planting, fear caused by weeks of&nbsp; high temperatures and drought, the pain of lost animals and crops, the relief of rain and the pride of completing harvest. Unfortunately, I don’t think many farmers will catch on to this social media trend because they probably wouldn’t hear the notification or be in a place where they had time to get their phone out and take a picture. You will have to take my word for it: farming is as real as it gets."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Be real with farmers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661274417545.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>

GREAT BEND — Retired WNBA Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said celebrating the 50th anniversary is an important milestone to acknowledge.

“President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said. “Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.”

Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this landmark anniversary.

“Jackie is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us … not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said.

Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin, she led the country in scoring. Then to Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books en route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, to a professional career in the WNBA, Jackie has inspired and impacted millions. In 2016, Stiles was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.

For more information, please contact Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownc@bartonccc.edu">brownc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620)786-7441

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660935230253.jpeg" alt="Stiles" />
 <figcaption>Stiles</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA BCCGREAT BEND — Retired WNBA Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said celebrating the 50th anniversary is an important milestone to acknowledge.“President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said. “Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.”Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this landmark anniversary.“Jackie is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us … not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said.Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin, she led the country in scoring. Then to Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books en route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, to a professional career in the WNBA, Jackie has inspired and impacted millions. In 2016, Stiles was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.For more information, please contact Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownc@bartonccc.edu">brownc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620)786-7441

Jackie Stiles to speak at Barton Community College Aug. 29

UPDATE: The suspect is in custody following a barricade situation with the Russell Police earlier tonight, according to an update on the city's website.&nbsp;

RUSSELL - The Russsell Police Department is currently working an active scene with a barricaded suspect at 187 Edward Avenue, according to an alert published on the city's website.

The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.

Check back with Hays Post as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660738227969.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The suspect is in custody following a barricade situation with the Russell Police earlier tonight, according to an update on the city's website.&nbsp;RUSSELL - The Russsell Police Department is currently working an active scene with a barricaded suspect at 187 Edward Avenue, according to an alert published on the city's website.The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.Check back with Hays Post as more information becomes available.

UPDATE:  Suspect in custody following barricade situation with Russell PD

By GEMA DE LAS HERAS Federal Trade Commission

Scammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer to get “free COVID tests.” They’re calling and running websites, online and television ads to try to convince people to give their Medicare information. But if you give them your information, they’ll bill fraudulent charges to Medicare.

We’re hearing about many Medicare recipients who signed up for these free COVID tests and never got them. And what makes matters worse is that scammers could also bill for other products and services people didn’t need — and didn’t get.

If you or someone you know is covered by Medicare, here’s how to avoid these scams:

●During the COVID-19 public health emergency Medicare does in fact cover&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests">8 free COVID-19 tests a month</a>, but no one from Medicare will call you with an offer. If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free COVID test,” hang up right away.

●The federal government is also offering free COVID-19 tests to every residential household. No insurance information or even your name is required. To order free test kits from the government, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://special.usps.com/testkits">special.usps.com/testkits</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).&nbsp;They’ll&nbsp;be delivered to your home for free. Each order includes 8 tests. Every U.S. household is entitled to place two orders for a total of 16 tests.

●Medicare beneficiaries can get their free tests at participating pharmacies. Find a partial list&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/covid-19-tests-participating-pharmacies">here</a>.

●Never give your Medicare or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls out of the blue, asking for it.

●Fraudulent charges may affect your Medicare coverage. Although the money doesn’t come directly out of your pocket, you may not be able to get medical equipment you need. Check your Medicare Summary Notice to be sure you (and Medicare) are only being charged for services you really got.

●Find out more about Medicare fraud by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://CMS.gov">CMS.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Also, read the FTC’s article on&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-medical-identity-theft">medical identity theft</a>.

Spot this or a similar Medicare scam? Report at&nbsp;<a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661304781875.png" alt="Image courtesy FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEMA DE LAS HERAS Federal Trade CommissionScammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer to get “free COVID tests.” They’re calling and running websites, online and television ads to try to convince people to give their Medicare information. But if you give them your information, they’ll bill fraudulent charges to Medicare.We’re hearing about many Medicare recipients who signed up for these free COVID tests and never got them. And what makes matters worse is that scammers could also bill for other products and services people didn’t need — and didn’t get.If you or someone you know is covered by Medicare, here’s how to avoid these scams:●During the COVID-19 public health emergency Medicare does in fact cover&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests">8 free COVID-19 tests a month</a>, but no one from Medicare will call you with an offer. If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free COVID test,” hang up right away.●The federal government is also offering free COVID-19 tests to every residential household. No insurance information or even your name is required. To order free test kits from the government, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://special.usps.com/testkits">special.usps.com/testkits</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).&nbsp;They’ll&nbsp;be delivered to your home for free. Each order includes 8 tests. Every U.S. household is entitled to place two orders for a total of 16 tests.●Medicare beneficiaries can get their free tests at participating pharmacies. Find a partial list&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/covid-19-tests-participating-pharmacies">here</a>.●Never give your Medicare or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls out of the blue, asking for it.●Fraudulent charges may affect your Medicare coverage. Although the money doesn’t come directly out of your pocket, you may not be able to get medical equipment you need. Check your Medicare Summary Notice to be sure you (and Medicare) are only being charged for services you really got.●Find out more about Medicare fraud by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://CMS.gov">CMS.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Also, read the FTC’s article on&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-medical-identity-theft">medical identity theft</a>.Spot this or a similar Medicare scam? Report at&nbsp;<a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Free COVID-19 test scam targets people on Medicare

I saw a funny post on a friend’s Facebook page a few years ago that said “If parenthood came with a GPS, it would mostly just say ‘recalculating’”. While I had to giggle, it resonated with me as a former 4-H parent and now 4-H agent.

We talk a lot in 4-H about Experiential Learning – Learning by Doing; and having good adults to help youth by setting examples and modeling behavior. This is also much of how we learn to parent!

It is tough to talk through a situation with your child and then, watch them make a mistake in handling it. Unless it has grave consequences, it is much better for them to stub their toe while they are under our direction and guidance than to face plant as a 25-or 30-year old because they have never been allowed to make their own decisions. Are they going to make good decisions all of the time – NOPE! But I would challenge that neither did you or I at that age.

One of my favorite youth development authors, Dr. Tim Elmore, noted in a 2019 article in “Growing Leaders” that parents can make a couple of critical mistakes when it comes to youth and responsibility.

In his opinion, the first occurs when parents take responsibility too often when we should let go. He bases this thought on a 2019 nationwide survey that noted “Parents help their kids in a variety of ways, and that includes financial support, even when their children grow older. Nearly half of millennials get some level of financial help from mom and dad on a monthly basis, according to a new survey released by Money Under 30.”

I agree with Dr. Elmore that sometimes our adult children need our help but does that continued dependence on parents delay a young adult’s ability to shoulder responsibility? He goes on to state that “millions of today’s young adults are forced to delay professional goals because we’ve failed to teach them how to do without luxuries: smartphones, eating out, big tv’s” – which means their life goals….IF they have set them…..are pushed further away.

The second part of Dr. Elmore’s article also notes that parents let go of responsibility too often when we should still be taking it on and modeling appropriate behaviors. Do we expect our schools to teach money management, time management, daily living tasks such as preparing a meal, laundry, or basic car maintenance? Or, are we modelling these behaviors for our kids? Even if we are not great money managers or fantastic cooks, are we looking for resources to improve our own skills knowing that those young people are watching?

Dr. Elmore wraps up his article with a couple of great thoughts about committing to long-term thinking. He states “Let’s delegate responsibility to our young adults for their sake, so they can learn what it means to experience self-efficacy and autonomy. Let’s assume responsibility for our young adults for their sake, so they can see what it looks like to act from honor and justice.”

I see parents who are frustrated that their teens/young adults don’t seem to be responsible but this is not a skill that suddenly appears. It takes practice and some failed attempts to get better. Starting out with small responsibilities as young children and seeing adults model responsibility, good decision-making, and acknowledging their own errors is the best way to help youth develop solid life-time skills. It is Experiential Learning for all of us!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>I saw a funny post on a friend’s Facebook page a few years ago that said “If parenthood came with a GPS, it would mostly just say ‘recalculating’”. While I had to giggle, it resonated with me as a former 4-H parent and now 4-H agent.We talk a lot in 4-H about Experiential Learning – Learning by Doing; and having good adults to help youth by setting examples and modeling behavior. This is also much of how we learn to parent!It is tough to talk through a situation with your child and then, watch them make a mistake in handling it. Unless it has grave consequences, it is much better for them to stub their toe while they are under our direction and guidance than to face plant as a 25-or 30-year old because they have never been allowed to make their own decisions. Are they going to make good decisions all of the time – NOPE! But I would challenge that neither did you or I at that age.One of my favorite youth development authors, Dr. Tim Elmore, noted in a 2019 article in “Growing Leaders” that parents can make a couple of critical mistakes when it comes to youth and responsibility.In his opinion, the first occurs when parents take responsibility too often when we should let go. He bases this thought on a 2019 nationwide survey that noted “Parents help their kids in a variety of ways, and that includes financial support, even when their children grow older. Nearly half of millennials get some level of financial help from mom and dad on a monthly basis, according to a new survey released by Money Under 30.”I agree with Dr. Elmore that sometimes our adult children need our help but does that continued dependence on parents delay a young adult’s ability to shoulder responsibility? He goes on to state that “millions of today’s young adults are forced to delay professional goals because we’ve failed to teach them how to do without luxuries: smartphones, eating out, big tv’s” – which means their life goals….IF they have set them…..are pushed further away.The second part of Dr. Elmore’s article also notes that parents let go of responsibility too often when we should still be taking it on and modeling appropriate behaviors. Do we expect our schools to teach money management, time management, daily living tasks such as preparing a meal, laundry, or basic car maintenance? Or, are we modelling these behaviors for our kids? Even if we are not great money managers or fantastic cooks, are we looking for resources to improve our own skills knowing that those young people are watching?Dr. Elmore wraps up his article with a couple of great thoughts about committing to long-term thinking. He states “Let’s delegate responsibility to our young adults for their sake, so they can learn what it means to experience self-efficacy and autonomy. Let’s assume responsibility for our young adults for their sake, so they can see what it looks like to act from honor and justice.”I see parents who are frustrated that their teens/young adults don’t seem to be responsible but this is not a skill that suddenly appears. It takes practice and some failed attempts to get better. Starting out with small responsibilities as young children and seeing adults model responsibility, good decision-making, and acknowledging their own errors is the best way to help youth develop solid life-time skills. It is Experiential Learning for all of us!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

BERAN: Children becoming responsible

KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp; — With a new name and a new inpatient hospital coming
soon in western Kansas, <a href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/">Camber Children’s Mental Health</a>
(formerly KVC Hospitals) is reintroducing itself as the region’s premier source
and leading provider of children’s mental health care in Kansas and Missouri.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/926869cc-c7f5-4734-beb9-f2041712d603">new Hays location</a>, 3000 New Way Blvd., which will be on the HaysMed campus adjacent to the HaysMed Business Center, is set to open in January 2023.

Camber will continue providing residential treatment services in Hays at this facility.

"The only change is that the new hospital and residential treatment facility in Hays will now go by the new Camber name, instead of KVC Hospitals, " Blythe Hinderliter, KVC marketing and communications director told Hays Post in an email.

 "There are no changes to the services or other opening plans," Hinderliter added.

Several area legislators will be touring the facility under construction on Wednesday at 1 p.m.&nbsp;

Among the confirmed participants are Rep. Barbara Wasinger, Hays, Sen. Rick Billinger, Goodland, Rep.&nbsp;Tory Marie Arenberger, Great Bend, as well as staff from the offices of U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.

Acompanying the legislators will be representatives from HaysMed and High Plains Health,&nbsp;KDADS (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services) Behavioral Health Commission Director of Youth Services Gary Henault, KDADS Commissioner Andy Brown,&nbsp;Kansas
Mental Health Coalition and JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City. 

"We all need connection - that's been our guiding philosophy for three decades as KVC Hospitals, and it will continue to guide us forward as Camber Children's Mental Health," said Boby Eklofe, president.&nbsp; “In fact, we chose Camber because it means bridge or arch, representing our commitment to making meaningful connections with every child, teen, family, and community we serve.”

"We are grateful to expand our footprint in western Kansas, enabling us to reach more children and families in need of our services," said Eklofe.&nbsp;

"Through expert treatment delivered in the most compassionate, collaborative, and connected way possible, we are leading the way to better mental health - one child at a time."

Camber provides inpatient mental&nbsp;health hospitals and psychiatric&nbsp;residential treatment facilities&nbsp;(PRTFs) for youth and training&nbsp;and consultation for community&nbsp;professionals. It has 480 team&nbsp;members at three locations in&nbsp;Kansas City, Wichita and Hays.

For more information,
visit <a href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/">cambermentalhealth.org</a>.

About Camber Children’s Mental Health (formerly KVC Hospitals)

Camber Children’s Mental Health (formerly KVC Hospitals) is a
network of nonprofit inpatient hospitals and residential treatment centers
serving youth who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts,
the impacts of trauma, and other mental health needs. The goal of treatment is
to provide each child with individualized therapeutic healing to help them return
home as soon and as safely possible, equipped with the resilience, support, and
resources they need to continue treatment in their community. For over 30
years, Camber has provided a healing space for more than 37,000 youth
admissions, using a patient-centered approach that works to help heal the whole
family unit.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658883161541.jpeg" alt="Area legislators will tour the new home of KVC Hospital in Hays tomorrow afternoon. The facility at 3000 New Way Blvd. is now named Camber Children's Mental Health. No changes will be made to the juvenile psychiatric services provided. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Area legislators will tour the new home of KVC Hospital in Hays tomorrow afternoon. The facility at 3000 New Way Blvd. is now named Camber Children's Mental Health. No changes will be made to the juvenile psychiatric services provided. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661287915460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseKANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp; — With a new name and a new inpatient hospital coming
soon in western Kansas, <a href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/">Camber Children’s Mental Health</a>
(formerly KVC Hospitals) is reintroducing itself as the region’s premier source
and leading provider of children’s mental health care in Kansas and Missouri.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/926869cc-c7f5-4734-beb9-f2041712d603">new Hays location</a>, 3000 New Way Blvd., which will be on the HaysMed campus adjacent to the HaysMed Business Center, is set to open in January 2023. Camber will continue providing residential treatment services in Hays at this facility."The only change is that the new hospital and residential treatment facility in Hays will now go by the new Camber name, instead of KVC Hospitals, " Blythe Hinderliter, KVC marketing and communications director told Hays Post in an email. "There are no changes to the services or other opening plans," Hinderliter added.Several area legislators will be touring the facility under construction on Wednesday at 1 p.m.&nbsp;Among the confirmed participants are Rep. Barbara Wasinger, Hays, Sen. Rick Billinger, Goodland, Rep.&nbsp;Tory Marie Arenberger, Great Bend, as well as staff from the offices of U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.Acompanying the legislators will be representatives from HaysMed and High Plains Health,&nbsp;KDADS (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services) Behavioral Health Commission Director of Youth Services Gary Henault, KDADS Commissioner Andy Brown,&nbsp;Kansas
Mental Health Coalition and JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City. "We all need connection - that's been our guiding philosophy for three decades as KVC Hospitals, and it will continue to guide us forward as Camber Children's Mental Health," said Boby Eklofe, president.&nbsp; “In fact, we chose Camber because it means bridge or arch, representing our commitment to making meaningful connections with every child, teen, family, and community we serve.”"We are grateful to expand our footprint in western Kansas, enabling us to reach more children and families in need of our services," said Eklofe.&nbsp;"Through expert treatment delivered in the most compassionate, collaborative, and connected way possible, we are leading the way to better mental health - one child at a time."Camber provides inpatient mental&nbsp;health hospitals and psychiatric&nbsp;residential treatment facilities&nbsp;(PRTFs) for youth and training&nbsp;and consultation for community&nbsp;professionals. It has 480 team&nbsp;members at three locations in&nbsp;Kansas City, Wichita and Hays.For more information,
visit <a href="https://www.cambermentalhealth.org/">cambermentalhealth.org</a>.About Camber Children’s Mental Health (formerly KVC Hospitals)Camber Children’s Mental Health (formerly KVC Hospitals) is a
network of nonprofit inpatient hospitals and residential treatment centers
serving youth who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts,
the impacts of trauma, and other mental health needs. The goal of treatment is
to provide each child with individualized therapeutic healing to help them return
home as soon and as safely possible, equipped with the resilience, support, and
resources they need to continue treatment in their community. For over 30
years, Camber has provided a healing space for more than 37,000 youth
admissions, using a patient-centered approach that works to help heal the whole
family unit.&nbsp;

Children's hospital has new name; area legislators to tour mental health facility in Hays

Enrollment as of Monday at Hays USD 489 was within four students of last year, Superintendent Ron Wilson told the school board Monday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEnrollment as of Monday at Hays USD 489 was within four students of last year, Superintendent Ron Wilson told the school board Monday.Official enrollment won't be counted until Sept. 20, but the school district is maintaining at about 3,000 students.The largest increase in the district was at the high school. It saw a small senior class graduate, but a large influx of freshmen.Wilson described the school as packed to the gills with 964 students as of Monday.<div><iframe title="Hays Board of Education recap August 23, 2022" 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=rjupm-12a6fea-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>Hays Middle School was steady with 725 students. There was a smaller than usual kindergarten enrollment this year, and the elementary schools have seen a slight dip as a whole, Wilson said.The elementary schools had enrollments as follows as of Monday: Roosevelt — 383 Lincoln — 198 O'Loughlin — 386 Wilson — 382 Wilson said the district is still enrolling students and some students will likely leave the district before the final count in September.<h2>Budget</h2>The district approved its budget for the 2022-23 school year Monday after brief revenue-neutral and budget public hearings.Revenue neutral hearing are a relatively new part of the budgeting process.The district's local option budget mill levy, also known as the LOB, went down slightly this year. The state mill levy and the district's capital outlay mill levy are set at specific mill rates. The district's assessed valuation increased this years, so the district will be receiving additional revenue, even though taxes for non-bond expenses did not increase.<h2>Sales tax</h2>The district approved an agreement with the city to levy a half cent sales tax, which will help pay for the district's bond issue .The city is set to approve the agreement in late September. The sales tax will go into effect Oct. 1. Taxpayers will see the increase in their property taxes for the bond issue on their statements at the end of the year.<h2>Naming of HHS driveways</h2>The school board gave permission to the USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence to auction naming rights for west driveways off of 13th Street and Canterbury to the high school parking lot at its annual auction. The dinner and auction will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. You can buy tickets at the USD 489 office or <a href="https://event.auctria.com/ba41394c-a2ac-4f74-94b5-9f691944ba28/">online</a>. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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