<a href="https://www.timeswv.com/users/profile/david%20kirk/">David Kirk</a> <a href="https://www.timeswv.com/">Times West Virginian</a>

FAIRMONT, Va. — Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors voted to relinquish President Mirta Martin of her power and issue a termination on her contract effective July 18.

Martin served as president of Fort Hays State University from 2014 to 2016.

While the board whittled away in a closed executive session that lasted nearly three hours, supporters and critics of Martin waited outside the boardroom doors. Some of the president’s staunch defenders formed a prayer circle outside on the terrace from the university board room, asking that the university keep Martin in office.

The waiting was punctuated by Martin exiting the board room about halfway through the closed session. She made her rounds to the group and gave tearful hugs to many waiting to hear the board’s decision.

The board of governors move comes a day after Martin released a letter to the student body and the board members saying she will not seek renewal for her contract that is set to expire Dec. 28, 2022. After about a half-hour of socializing, Martin was called back into the board room Wednesday with her lawyer.

While some were in attendance regarding rumors of religious discrimination against Martin, many were there to simply voice their support for Martin and her work, one of whom was a former mayor of Fairmont Brad Merrifield.

“I’m just here to support Dr. Martin,” Merrifield said. “When I was in city government we worked on a lot of projects and I’m just here to support her personally really.”

Once the public was allowed into the boardroom, which was cramped and reduced to standing-room only, Board Chair David Goldberg relinquished his status as chair for the remainder of the meeting and handed control over to Vice Chair Rusty Hutson Jr. who joined the meeting via phone.

Board member Jason Pitzatella entered a motion asking the board to issue a 60-day notice to Martin and end her contract July 18, 2022. He also requested any power delegated by the board to Martin be revoked starting today and all powers of the president be given to the University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dianna Phillips.

Jeers from the crowd filled the room as the motion received a second from Board member Gina Fantasia. Hutson asked for final discussion from the board and Board member Jennifer Kinty spoke to the board’s rationale in this decision.

“Just so those in the room know, as a board member here, our fiduciary duty here is to Fairmont State University and it is not necessarily to Dr. Martin,” Kinty said. “We’re acting today on the best interest of Fairmont State University, not what’s in the best interest of Dr. Martin.”

Again, the room filled with scoffs and jeers from the public. Kinty cut off the assault and continued.

“With that said, there is a misalignment of goals going into a new academic year, and our goal is to... bring the university forward into the good works [Martin] has done,” Kinty said. “It is our responsibility as a board to make those tough decisions.”

Kinty spoke for the majority of members on the board, but Martin was not without her supports around the table. The only two nay votes were Jon Dodds, the board’s staff representative; and Maiya Bennett, the student representative.

Before the vote was taken, Dodds and Bennett both spoke and appealed to the work Martin has done for the university since she was hired in 2018.

“As a student and a member of the Student Government Association, I am in full support of Dr. Martin and my experience at the university would not be the same without her leadership,” Bennett said. “I was on this board the last time we had this same discussion three years ago and this six-month period was discussed.”

The majority of the board was concerned about a change in leadership in the middle of a school year. Judging by those who spoke on behalf of the board during the meeting, it was their opinion that they should allow Martin to begin the next steps in her professional career and begin looking for a new Fairmont State president as soon as possible.

The resolution passed as presented with only Dodds and Bennett voting no. Goldberg abstained and declined to comment after the meeting.

The board was quick to adjourn and Martin stood outside the doors to the boardroom hugging each supporter that passed.

Fairmont State will begin the appointment process of an interim president immediately and will conduct a national search for a replacement.

EDITOR'S NOTE:<a href="https://www.timeswv.com/news/local_news/fairmont-state-board-of-governors-ousts-martin-as-president/article_7aa3fa58-d705-11ec-93d8-33dd790a14c1.html?utm_campaign=blox&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Jh7RbdQYbguD-bIEnL8380tLfVlBDEMILjG3SAKbYhZJRNmi4IPbH4ZY">This story was reprinted with permission from the Times West Virginian.</a>

<a href="https://www.timeswv.com/users/profile/david%20kirk/">David Kirk</a> <a href="https://www.timeswv.com/">Times West Virginian</a>FAIRMONT, Va. — Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors voted to relinquish President Mirta Martin of her power and issue a termination on her contract effective July 18.Martin served as president of Fort Hays State University from 2014 to 2016.While the board whittled away in a closed executive session that lasted nearly three hours, supporters and critics of Martin waited outside the boardroom doors. Some of the president’s staunch defenders formed a prayer circle outside on the terrace from the university board room, asking that the university keep Martin in office.The waiting was punctuated by Martin exiting the board room about halfway through the closed session. She made her rounds to the group and gave tearful hugs to many waiting to hear the board’s decision.The board of governors move comes a day after Martin released a letter to the student body and the board members saying she will not seek renewal for her contract that is set to expire Dec. 28, 2022. After about a half-hour of socializing, Martin was called back into the board room Wednesday with her lawyer.While some were in attendance regarding rumors of religious discrimination against Martin, many were there to simply voice their support for Martin and her work, one of whom was a former mayor of Fairmont Brad Merrifield.“I’m just here to support Dr. Martin,” Merrifield said. “When I was in city government we worked on a lot of projects and I’m just here to support her personally really.”Once the public was allowed into the boardroom, which was cramped and reduced to standing-room only, Board Chair David Goldberg relinquished his status as chair for the remainder of the meeting and handed control over to Vice Chair Rusty Hutson Jr. who joined the meeting via phone.Board member Jason Pitzatella entered a motion asking the board to issue a 60-day notice to Martin and end her contract July 18, 2022. He also requested any power delegated by the board to Martin be revoked starting today and all powers of the president be given to the University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dianna Phillips.Jeers from the crowd filled the room as the motion received a second from Board member Gina Fantasia. Hutson asked for final discussion from the board and Board member Jennifer Kinty spoke to the board’s rationale in this decision.“Just so those in the room know, as a board member here, our fiduciary duty here is to Fairmont State University and it is not necessarily to Dr. Martin,” Kinty said. “We’re acting today on the best interest of Fairmont State University, not what’s in the best interest of Dr. Martin.”Again, the room filled with scoffs and jeers from the public. Kinty cut off the assault and continued.“With that said, there is a misalignment of goals going into a new academic year, and our goal is to... bring the university forward into the good works [Martin] has done,” Kinty said. “It is our responsibility as a board to make those tough decisions.”Kinty spoke for the majority of members on the board, but Martin was not without her supports around the table. The only two nay votes were Jon Dodds, the board’s staff representative; and Maiya Bennett, the student representative.Before the vote was taken, Dodds and Bennett both spoke and appealed to the work Martin has done for the university since she was hired in 2018.“As a student and a member of the Student Government Association, I am in full support of Dr. Martin and my experience at the university would not be the same without her leadership,” Bennett said. “I was on this board the last time we had this same discussion three years ago and this six-month period was discussed.”The majority of the board was concerned about a change in leadership in the middle of a school year. Judging by those who spoke on behalf of the board during the meeting, it was their opinion that they should allow Martin to begin the next steps in her professional career and begin looking for a new Fairmont State president as soon as possible.The resolution passed as presented with only Dodds and Bennett voting no. Goldberg abstained and declined to comment after the meeting.The board was quick to adjourn and Martin stood outside the doors to the boardroom hugging each supporter that passed.Fairmont State will begin the appointment process of an interim president immediately and will conduct a national search for a replacement.EDITOR'S NOTE:<a href="https://www.timeswv.com/news/local_news/fairmont-state-board-of-governors-ousts-martin-as-president/article_7aa3fa58-d705-11ec-93d8-33dd790a14c1.html?utm_campaign=blox&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Jh7RbdQYbguD-bIEnL8380tLfVlBDEMILjG3SAKbYhZJRNmi4IPbH4ZY">This story was reprinted with permission from the Times West Virginian.</a>

Former FHSU president contract cut short at Fairmont University

The United Way of Ellis County has announced its 2022 Campaign Logo Contest.  

Design a lasting work of art by entering the United Way of Ellis County’s 2022 Campaign Logo/Theme Contest.  The agency is excited to offer people of all ages the opportunity to submit designs that are inspired by the mission, focus, and vision of the United Way.

The winner’s design will become the official 2022 Campaign Logo/Theme and will be used for all campaign marketing material, social media and advertising.

Submissions are due by June 17 by website or email. For official rules and guidelines, visit <a href="http://www.liveunited.us/campaign-logo-contest">www.liveunited.us/campaign-logo-contest</a>.

Five finalists will be chosen and then will be voted on by the public via social media from June 27 to July 6.

The winning design will receive a prize pack that includes $100 in Chamber Checks, one United Way Live United T-shirt and recognition on United Way of Ellis County’s social media pages, website and campaign printed materials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652993004020.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted The United Way of Ellis County has announced its 2022 Campaign Logo Contest. Design a lasting work of art by entering the United Way of Ellis County’s 2022 Campaign Logo/Theme Contest. The agency is excited to offer people of all ages the opportunity to submit designs that are inspired by the mission, focus, and vision of the United Way.The winner’s design will become the official 2022 Campaign Logo/Theme and will be used for all campaign marketing material, social media and advertising.Submissions are due by June 17 by website or email. For official rules and guidelines, visit <a href="http://www.liveunited.us/campaign-logo-contest">www.liveunited.us/campaign-logo-contest</a>.Five finalists will be chosen and then will be voted on by the public via social media from June 27 to July 6.The winning design will receive a prize pack that includes $100 in Chamber Checks, one United Way Live United T-shirt and recognition on United Way of Ellis County’s social media pages, website and campaign printed materials.

United Way announces campaign logo contest

The Hays Police Department responded to 85 calls from May 1 to May 7, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 85 calls from May 1 to May 7, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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HPD Activity Log, May 1-7

The Hays Police Department responded to 85 calls from April 24 to April 30, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 85 calls from April 24 to April 30, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653065514015.png" alt="" />
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Hays PD Activity Log, April 24-30

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 14 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from May 7 to May 14.

KDHE now reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

<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 7,168 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;

Headline corrected, 7:15 p.m. Friday. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653063909523.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 14 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from May 7 to May 14.KDHE now reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.<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 7,168 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/2022/5/1653063668720.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>Headline corrected, 7:15 p.m. Friday. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

KDHE: 14 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. week of May 7

After three successful seasons, Hays High boys basketball
coach Alex Hutchins is leaving. Hutchins was named the new head coach at Washburn Rural Thursday, pending board of education approval.

Hutchins has coached at Hays High the past four seasons, the
first as the head girls’ coach and the last three as the head boys coach. His
boys teams went 59-9 with three Western Athletic Conference titles and two
state tournament appearances.

The Scott City native was named the WAC Coach of the Year twice.

Prior to moving to Hays, Hutchins was the head boys coach in Minneapolis and Elizabeth, Colo.

Hutchins will take over his new coaching duties with the
Junior Blues this summer and teach physical education when the new school year
begins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653007521464.jpeg" alt="Alex Hutchins" />
 <figcaption>Alex Hutchins</figcaption>
 </figure>After three successful seasons, Hays High boys basketball
coach Alex Hutchins is leaving. Hutchins was named the new head coach at Washburn Rural Thursday, pending board of education approval.Hutchins has coached at Hays High the past four seasons, the
first as the head girls’ coach and the last three as the head boys coach. His
boys teams went 59-9 with three Western Athletic Conference titles and two
state tournament appearances.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1272105031&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/alex-hutchins-moving-on" title="Alex Hutchins Moving On" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Alex Hutchins Moving On</a></div></div>The Scott City native was named the WAC Coach of the Year twice.Prior to moving to Hays, Hutchins was the head boys coach in Minneapolis and Elizabeth, Colo.Hutchins will take over his new coaching duties with the
Junior Blues this summer and teach physical education when the new school year
begins.

🏀 Updated w/ interview: Hutchins leaving HHS for Washburn Rural

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Symphony in the Flint Hills’ operations manager Kelly Tastove.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Symphony in the Flint Hills’ manager Kelly Tastove" 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=sw735-122edb0-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Symphony in the Flint Hills’ operations manager Kelly Tastove.

🎤Forward Ever: Symphony in the Flint Hills’ manager Kelly Tastove

The TMP-Marian baseball team will be the No. 5 seed in next week's 3A state baseball touranment and will open with No. 4 seed Girard at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 26.

The 3A state tournament will be played at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan.

KSHSAA state baseball information can be found <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Baseball/State.cfm">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

First Round - Thursday, May 26 1) Wichita Collegiate vs 8) Goodland - 11:00 a.m. 4) Girard vs 5) TMP-Marian - 1:15 p.m. 2) KC-Bishop Ward vs 7) Halstead - 3:30 p.m. 3) Columbus vs 6) Sabetha - 5:45 p.m.

The TMP-Marian baseball team will be the No. 5 seed in next week's 3A state baseball touranment and will open with No. 4 seed Girard at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 26.The 3A state tournament will be played at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan.KSHSAA state baseball information can be found <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Baseball/State.cfm">HERE</a>.&nbsp;First Round - Thursday, May 26 1) Wichita Collegiate vs 8) Goodland - 11:00 a.m. 4) Girard vs 5) TMP-Marian - 1:15 p.m. 2) KC-Bishop Ward vs 7) Halstead - 3:30 p.m. 3) Columbus vs 6) Sabetha - 5:45 p.m.

⚾TMP-Marian No. 5 seed for next week's 3A state tournament

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.4% in April. This was unchanged from 2.4% in March and a decrease from 3.5% in April 2021.

“While the unemployment rate remained steady at 2.4% over-the-month, it has seen significant improvement over-the-year as more Kansans move from unemployed to employed,” said Secretary Amber Shultz.  

The jobless rate in Ellis County fell from 1.7 percent in March to 1.3 percent in April. In northwest Kansas, only Rooks County had an unemployment rate at 2 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 500 from March. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 100 over the month, while government increased by 600.

“Preliminary estimates for April indicate little change over-the-month for seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in Kansas,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Small gains reported for multiple industries were offset by a decline in professional and business services. Despite the monthly decline for professional and business services, the industry has added jobs over-the-year.”

Since April 2021, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 22,900. This change is due to an increase of 23,400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 500 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653057273111.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.4% in April. This was unchanged from 2.4% in March and a decrease from 3.5% in April 2021.“While the unemployment rate remained steady at 2.4% over-the-month, it has seen significant improvement over-the-year as more Kansans move from unemployed to employed,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. The jobless rate in Ellis County fell from 1.7 percent in March to 1.3 percent in April. In northwest Kansas, only Rooks County had an unemployment rate at 2 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 500 from March. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 100 over the month, while government increased by 600.“Preliminary estimates for April indicate little change over-the-month for seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in Kansas,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Small gains reported for multiple industries were offset by a decline in professional and business services. Despite the monthly decline for professional and business services, the industry has added jobs over-the-year.”Since April 2021, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 22,900. This change is due to an increase of 23,400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 500 government jobs.

Jobless rate in Ellis County falls to 1.3 percent in April

During the May meeting of the&nbsp;Daughters&nbsp;of Isabella, Isabella&nbsp;Circle #254, Janelle Pfannenstiel was selected as the 2022 Daughter of the Year.&nbsp;

Janelle has been a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for many years. &nbsp;Her involvement includes attending Mass, leading the rosary monthly, previous Eucharistic Minister, and previous&nbsp;reader.

As a member of the&nbsp;Daughters&nbsp;of Isabella, Isabella Circle #254 for the past 20 years, she has attended monthly meetings, assisted with BINGO’s, provided baked items, attended and assisted with the Kansas State Convention in 2021, attended the 2022 Kansas State Conference, and&nbsp;is always willing to help&nbsp;in any way that she is asked.

Janelle also is a member and currently Chaplin of the VFW Post 9076, has received her 10-gallon pin from Red Cross for blood donations, and continues to work at Thomas-More Prep-Marian Junior High/High School.

Hobbies that Janelle enjoys in her spare time are abstract painting, flower gardening, visiting family, especially the grandchildren, and taking trips with the entire family when possible.

Janelle was married to David Pfannenstiel, who passed away in 1992. &nbsp;They have three daughters, Cassie Pfannenstiel-Rodriquez&nbsp;who is married to Chris Rodriquez, Kristy Pfannenstiel, and Emilee Pfannenstiel. &nbsp;Janelle is blessed with four grandchildren, Trevor Wood, Elizabeth Thomas, Eva Pfannenstiel-Rodriquez, and Lucia&nbsp;Pfannenstiel- Rodriquez.

During the&nbsp;Mother/Daughter/Honors Activity on June 14, Janelle will be honored along with the 25-year members, Rhonda Flax and Jackie&nbsp;Skolout. &nbsp;The 25-year members will be awarded pins showing their years of membership.

Updated 1:30 p.m. Friday to correct the date of the honors activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622490179372.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDuring the May meeting of the&nbsp;Daughters&nbsp;of Isabella, Isabella&nbsp;Circle #254, Janelle Pfannenstiel was selected as the 2022 Daughter of the Year.&nbsp;Janelle has been a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for many years. &nbsp;Her involvement includes attending Mass, leading the rosary monthly, previous Eucharistic Minister, and previous&nbsp;reader.As a member of the&nbsp;Daughters&nbsp;of Isabella, Isabella Circle #254 for the past 20 years, she has attended monthly meetings, assisted with BINGO’s, provided baked items, attended and assisted with the Kansas State Convention in 2021, attended the 2022 Kansas State Conference, and&nbsp;is always willing to help&nbsp;in any way that she is asked.Janelle also is a member and currently Chaplin of the VFW Post 9076, has received her 10-gallon pin from Red Cross for blood donations, and continues to work at Thomas-More Prep-Marian Junior High/High School.Hobbies that Janelle enjoys in her spare time are abstract painting, flower gardening, visiting family, especially the grandchildren, and taking trips with the entire family when possible.Janelle was married to David Pfannenstiel, who passed away in 1992. &nbsp;They have three daughters, Cassie Pfannenstiel-Rodriquez&nbsp;who is married to Chris Rodriquez, Kristy Pfannenstiel, and Emilee Pfannenstiel. &nbsp;Janelle is blessed with four grandchildren, Trevor Wood, Elizabeth Thomas, Eva Pfannenstiel-Rodriquez, and Lucia&nbsp;Pfannenstiel- Rodriquez.During the&nbsp;Mother/Daughter/Honors Activity on June 14, Janelle will be honored along with the 25-year members, Rhonda Flax and Jackie&nbsp;Skolout. &nbsp;The 25-year members will be awarded pins showing their years of membership.Updated 1:30 p.m. Friday to correct the date of the honors activity.

Daughters of Isabella choose 2022 Daughter of the Year

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 
2022. The rates will be:

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus three percentage points.

Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus three percentage points, and the 
overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus two percentage 
points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal 
short-term rate plus five percentage points. The rate on the portion of a
 corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is 
the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.

The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during April 2022 to take effect May 1, 2022,
 based on daily compounding.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-11.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-11</a>&nbsp;announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-23, dated June 6, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 
2022. The rates will be:<ul>
 <li>5% for overpayments (4% in the case of a corporation).</li><li>2.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.</li><li>5% for underpayments.</li><li>7% for large corporate underpayments.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus three percentage points.Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus three percentage points, and the 
overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus two percentage 
points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal 
short-term rate plus five percentage points. The rate on the portion of a
 corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is 
the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during April 2022 to take effect May 1, 2022,
 based on daily compounding.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-11.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-11</a>&nbsp;announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-23, dated June 6, 2022.

IRS interest rates increase for the third quarter of 2022

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school district applied for funds that officials hope to use to buy new iPad for Hays Middle School students.

The application is for emergency connectivity funds of up to $320,000 for 800 iPads. The connectivity funds are federal COVID relief funds.

The district has already saved $464,000 by using emergency connectivity funds to purchase 1,100 computer devices for the district. The district previously purchased computers for the high school students and staff.

This will be the third round of funding under the program.

If the district is fully funded for the latest round of the program, the district will have saved about $800,000 on technology purchases. The district has matched funds at 30 percent of the total cost of the devices.

The school board Monday approved the purchase of the new iPad contingent on receiving federal funds.

Scott Summers, technology director, said he hopes to receive the devices within six weeks of ordering them.

The board Monday also approved a policy on the use of therapy dogs and service animals in schools, heard a report on the board self-evaluation and discussed the upcoming selection of a board president and vice president. That selection will happen in July.

Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district applied for funds that officials hope to use to buy new iPad for Hays Middle School students.The application is for emergency connectivity funds of up to $320,000 for 800 iPads. The connectivity funds are federal COVID relief funds.The district has already saved $464,000 by using emergency connectivity funds to purchase 1,100 computer devices for the district. The district previously purchased computers for the high school students and staff. This will be the third round of funding under the program.If the district is fully funded for the latest round of the program, the district will have saved about $800,000 on technology purchases. The district has matched funds at 30 percent of the total cost of the devices. The school board Monday approved the purchase of the new iPad contingent on receiving federal funds. Scott Summers, technology director, said he hopes to receive the devices within six weeks of ordering them. The board Monday also approved a policy on the use of therapy dogs and service animals in schools, heard a report on the board self-evaluation and discussed the upcoming selection of a board president and vice president. That selection will happen in July. Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash

Hays school district applies for federal funds to purchase HMS iPads

TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today announced the appointment of Tim Werth of Hays to the Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees.

Werth is the founder of Werth Wealth Management, specializing in providing wealth management for families, businesses, foundations and corporate retirement plans. He began his business more than 30 years ago. Werth is a graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in finance and minor in accounting.

Schmidt appointed Werth to a three-year term on the board, which will expire in June 2025. He also reappointed Ben Schears of Goodland and Liz Sosa of Garden City to subsequent three-year terms on the board that will expire in June 2025.

The Sunflower Foundation was formed in 2000 as part of a legal settlement between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the Kansas attorney general and the Kansas insurance commissioner. The foundation supports work to improve the health of Kansans through grant programs, awards and related activities. The nine-member Board of Trustees governs the foundation’s work and oversees the long-term goals of the foundation. Eight of the members are appointed by the attorney general, and one member is appointed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625090590873.jpeg" alt="Tim Werth&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Tim Werth&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today announced the appointment of Tim Werth of Hays to the Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees.Werth is the founder of Werth Wealth Management, specializing in providing wealth management for families, businesses, foundations and corporate retirement plans. He began his business more than 30 years ago. Werth is a graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in finance and minor in accounting.Schmidt appointed Werth to a three-year term on the board, which will expire in June 2025. He also reappointed Ben Schears of Goodland and Liz Sosa of Garden City to subsequent three-year terms on the board that will expire in June 2025.The Sunflower Foundation was formed in 2000 as part of a legal settlement between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the Kansas attorney general and the Kansas insurance commissioner. The foundation supports work to improve the health of Kansans through grant programs, awards and related activities. The nine-member Board of Trustees governs the foundation’s work and oversees the long-term goals of the foundation. Eight of the members are appointed by the attorney general, and one member is appointed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

Hays man appointed to Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees

In response to a request made by the City of Hays, the Kansas 
Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources has issued a 
control order restricting the watering of lawns and other vegetation 
from private wells between noon and 7 p.m. from June 1 through 
Sept. 30.&nbsp;

Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist, has the details.

This
 measure is part of a greater interest to reduce water waste and to 
improve conservation practices in the Intensive Groundwater Use Control 
Area located in Hays.&nbsp;

The
 IGUCA in Hays was established in 1985 at the request of the City to 
help implement water conservation measures. It provides a mechanism to 
address preventable water waste by privately-owned wells.&nbsp;

Currently,
 the City of Hays prohibits the following year-round: 

* The washing down 
of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways. * The known loss of water 
through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems. *&nbsp;The escape of water from private property onto public property such as sidewalks or into the street guttering from landscape irrigation.

The above practices are <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/565/Water-RulesRestrictions">prohibited</a>, in addition to outdoor 
water use by city well customers between noon and 7 p.m. from June 1 through Sept.
 30.

By 
restricting daytime outdoor water use, including the watering of 
landscapes and gardens, unnecessary water loss due to wind and 
evaporation can be reduced, thus conserving the resource for more 
efficient use.

All 
citizens are encouraged to practice the conservation of natural 
resources, including water, and look for ways to improve conservation 
measures in our homes and businesses, both indoors and out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652907622464.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysIn response to a request made by the City of Hays, the Kansas 
Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources has issued a 
control order restricting the watering of lawns and other vegetation 
from private wells between noon and 7 p.m. from June 1 through 
Sept. 30.&nbsp;Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist, has the details.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VurGjiJ7IU0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This
 measure is part of a greater interest to reduce water waste and to 
improve conservation practices in the Intensive Groundwater Use Control 
Area located in Hays.&nbsp;The
 IGUCA in Hays was established in 1985 at the request of the City to 
help implement water conservation measures. It provides a mechanism to 
address preventable water waste by privately-owned wells.&nbsp;Currently,
 the City of Hays prohibits the following year-round: * The washing down 
of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways. * The known loss of water 
through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems. *&nbsp;The escape of water from private property onto public property such as sidewalks or into the street guttering from landscape irrigation.The above practices are <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/565/Water-RulesRestrictions">prohibited</a>, in addition to outdoor 
water use by city well customers between noon and 7 p.m. from June 1 through Sept.
 30.By 
restricting daytime outdoor water use, including the watering of 
landscapes and gardens, unnecessary water loss due to wind and 
evaporation can be reduced, thus conserving the resource for more 
efficient use.All 
citizens are encouraged to practice the conservation of natural 
resources, including water, and look for ways to improve conservation 
measures in our homes and businesses, both indoors and out.

🎥 CITY: No outdoor watering between noon & 7 p.m. starts soon

ELLIS — The Community Foundation of Ellis awarded $5,355.59 to seven local
organizations during the Foundation’s 2022 Spring grant cycle.


Grant funds are awarded with preference given to tangible, long-lived community assets
within the Ellis USD 388 school district boundaries. In no particular order, this year’s
Spring recipients are:


• Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum Updates $400.00
 • Ellis High School Project Graduation Swag Bag $250.00 • Ellis Baptist Church Freezer Purchase for Commodities $1,000.00
 • EHS Alumni Updates to the Alumni Room $980.32
 • Ellis Recreation Commission Fairground Football Equipment $1,000.00
 • Foster the Cause in Northwest Kansas Youth Community Gardening Initiative with
Life Skill Learning Opportunities $809.98

“Your unrestricted gifts to the Foundation are helping our community grow and
supporting all kinds of beneficial organizations to our community,” said Pauleen
Edmond, Foundation board president.


The 2022 Fall grant cycle opens June 1 and closes Aug. 31. Applications
will be available at the Ellis Alliance and Foundation Office at 820 Washington, Ellis.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652908250333.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseELLIS — The Community Foundation of Ellis awarded $5,355.59 to seven local
organizations during the Foundation’s 2022 Spring grant cycle.
Grant funds are awarded with preference given to tangible, long-lived community assets
within the Ellis USD 388 school district boundaries. In no particular order, this year’s
Spring recipients are:
• Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum Updates $400.00
 • Ellis High School Project Graduation Swag Bag $250.00 • Ellis Baptist Church Freezer Purchase for Commodities $1,000.00
 • EHS Alumni Updates to the Alumni Room $980.32
 • Ellis Recreation Commission Fairground Football Equipment $1,000.00
 • Foster the Cause in Northwest Kansas Youth Community Gardening Initiative with
Life Skill Learning Opportunities $809.98
“Your unrestricted gifts to the Foundation are helping our community grow and
supporting all kinds of beneficial organizations to our community,” said Pauleen
Edmond, Foundation board president.
The 2022 Fall grant cycle opens June 1 and closes Aug. 31. Applications
will be available at the Ellis Alliance and Foundation Office at 820 Washington, Ellis.

Ellis foundation awards grants to support local organizations

<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/2022/5/1652987863725.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

Editor's note: Updated to include another Hays High School student who was not included in the original K-State press release.

MANHATTAN — A student entrepreneurship competition featuring 61 high school and eight community college teams from across Kansas has awarded entrepreneurial-minded students with $75,000 in prize money. High school teams, including Hays High School, receiving an excellent rating from the judges earned the top prize of $1,200 each, while community college teams earning an excellent rating received $2,800 each. A good rating from the judges was worth $600 to high school teams and $2,000 for community college teams.

The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge gave students experience in the process of making a business proposal and pitching their ideas. The annual event was organized by the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/center-advancement-entrepreneurship/" target="_blank">Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship</a>&nbsp;and was sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasmasonic.foundation/program/kansas-entrepreneurship-challenge/" target="_blank">Kansas Masonic Foundation</a>&nbsp;on behalf of all Kansas Masons, and supported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">Network Kansas</a>.

"I was amazed by the maturity and poise of all of the students and was particularly impressed with the innovative ideas on display," said Robert Nelson, president of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. "We see this event as an opportunity for the Kansas Masons to extend our charitable mission to help young people build businesses that are going to help the state's economy and be beneficial to all Kansans." The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge saw teams compete in two areas: an executive summary and a mock boardroom session. In the mock boardroom, judges reviewed each teams' executive summary and had 10 minutes with each team to ask questions about their businesses. The judges' scores were used to determine winners in the different competition divisions. High school teams also had the option to participate in a trade show showcasing their products and services. Guests at the competition voted for the People's Choice Award. The winning team received a $500 prize sponsored by Network Kansas. "This event is an opportunity to showcase the tremendous entrepreneurial talent we have in the state of Kansas," said Chad Jackson, director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. "The real-world experience of pitching a business in front of the type of business experts we have on our panel is invaluable to these students and provides real-world feedback and support to launch companies within our state." Here are the results of the competition:

Shelby Alexander of Hays High School won $600 for Smart-Shot. Royal Ice team of R. Conrad Cassell, $600, Wabaunsee Junior High School,&nbsp;Alma; Second Stitch Swimwear team of Carmen Eisenbrandt, $600, Labette County High School,&nbsp;Altamont; Wonderfully Made team of Haylee Cockroft, $600, St. John's Catholic School,&nbsp;Beloit; Hendricks Hawaiian team with Matt Hendricks, $1,200, Cheylin High School,&nbsp;Bird City; Karlee's Kreations team of Karlee Evans, $600, Bucklin Junior High,&nbsp;Bucklin; Dungeon Combat Cards team of Jacob Frese, $600, Chanute High School, and Treefrog Smoothie team of Grace Slabaugh, $2,000, Neosho County Community College, both in&nbsp;Chanute; Sweet Clouds of Cotton Candy with Brody Kramer, $1,200, Clay Center High School,&nbsp;Clay Center; VaxOral team of Holly Trevebaugh, $2,000, Coffeyville Community College,&nbsp;Coffeyville. From&nbsp;Colby: Cozee Toes team of Cody Wright and Jordan Jones, $1,200, and Kaos Creations team of Ava Rodgers, $600, both from Colby High School; and Partners n' Care team of Brittany Swartz and Madison Hull, $600, Colby Junior High School. Seasons Flower Shop team of Halle Klotz, $600, Crest High School,&nbsp;Colony. From&nbsp;Concordia: Oasis Airsoft and Paintball team of Hunter Blackwood and Josh Wood, $600, Concordia High School; FlyAway team of Connor Klecan and Tom Poole, $2,800, Cloud County Community College; and Owlaid team of Gerardo Arana, $2,000, Cloud County Community College. Creative Clay Co. team of Riley Forge, $600, Council Grove Junior High,&nbsp;Council Grove; Kaden's Carryout team of Kaden Perry, $600, Elkhart High School,&nbsp;Elkhart; Kiley's Creations team of Kiley Stevenson, $600, Ellinwood High School,&nbsp;Ellinwood; Donley Brother's Mowing team of Cruz Donley, Owen Donley and Thaddeus Donley, $1,200, homeschool students,&nbsp;Ellsworth; Dirty Dog Café team of Annabelle Gorman, $600, Fort Scott High School,&nbsp;Fort Scott; Happy Tails Salon team of Teryn Teeter, $2,800, Garden City Community College,&nbsp;Garden City; Goat Milk? Soap team of Jonah Sandford, $600, Girard High School,&nbsp;Girard; On the Bloch team of Hadyn Blochlinger, $600, Goodland High School,&nbsp;Goodland; Sierra's Esthetics team of Sierra Britton, $1,200, Kiowa County High School,&nbsp;Greensburg; Drivyn team of Evyn Cox, $1,200, and the Stenzel Film team of Emily Stenzel, $1,200, both from Hays High School,&nbsp;Hays; Thoughtful Words team of Moriah Jost, $600, Hillsboro High School,&nbsp;Hillsboro; The Sweet Treat team of Dalton Estes and Riley Lusk, $1,200, Hutchinson High School,&nbsp;Hutchinson. SFI Solutions team of Isaac Cavazos, $1,200 and $500 People's Choice Award, Jetmore High School,&nbsp;Jetmore; She's Fit Fitness team of Judith Diaz Zaragoza, $600, Wyandotte High School,&nbsp;Kansas City; Farm Fresh team of Charlie Andrade, $600, Free State High School,&nbsp;Lawrence. From&nbsp;Leavenworth: Sweets Inc. team of Maya Wagstaff, $1,200; 720 Food Bus team of Gabriel Sorensen, $1,200; and Go-Go Travel team of Bo de Groof, $600, all from Leavenworth High School. Biermann Pottery team of Sidney Biermann, $600, Wichita County High School, $600,&nbsp;Leoti; Crumbs to Heaven team of Melany Busot, $600, Manhattan High School,&nbsp;Manhattan; Aligning Local Stars team of Joshua Bocox, $600, McPherson High School,&nbsp;McPherson; Frack Sweet Scents team of Cooper Frack, Norton High School, $1,200,&nbsp;Norton. From&nbsp;Osborne: Turning Tires team of Aiden Conrad, $,1200, Osborne High School; Kayla's Confections team of Kayla LaRosh, $600, Osborne Junior High School; and Downtown Western Wear team of Ashlyn Schultze, $600, Osborne Junior High School. NextDoorGig team of Quinton Pfaff, $600, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and Meta Energy team of Chance Pippert, Ethan Showalter, Sean Dunning, $2,800, Johnson County Community College, both in&nbsp;Overland Park; Unleashed team of Fiona Barelli, $2,800, Labette Community College,&nbsp;Parsons; Two Little Goats team of Kansas Lange Homeschool Team, $600,&nbsp;Pawnee County; Chatter Box team of Gabby Poels, $600, Phillipsburg High School,&nbsp;Phillipsburg; Intricates team of Bryan Garvert, $1,200, Plainville High School,&nbsp;Plainville; Larison Lawn Care team of Derek Larison, $1,200, Riverton High School,&nbsp;Riverton; Donkey Doo team of Adia Peck, $600, and Strings and Dings team of Jesus Mariscal, $600, both from Salina Central High School,&nbsp;Salina; C. Creative Marketing team of Carolina Barraza, $1,200, and The Chopping Block team of Owen Russell, $600, both from Pike Valley High School,&nbsp;Scandia; Midwest Dream Yards team of Lawson Bailey, $600, and Media Ape team of Alsono Frances Aguilar, $600, both from Scott City High School,&nbsp;Scott City; Magnolia's team of Maggie Peterson, $1,200, Smith Center High School,&nbsp;Smith Center; Tiger Coffee team of Allison Lopez, Hannah Son, Lillian Brummer and Tara Dowling, $1,200, St. John High School,&nbsp;St. John; CW Junk Removal team of Cody Oden and Wyatt Beltz, $600, Sterling High School,&nbsp;Sterling; Ayers Buddies Pet Sitting team of Taylor Ayers, $600, Stockton High School,&nbsp;Stockton; Mathematics Matters team of Hunter Hulse, $1,200, and B&amp;T Destinations team of Brooke Wehrman and Tressa Wehrman, $600, both from Sylvan-Lucas High School,&nbsp;Sylvan Grove; Swimming Lessons with Ainsley team of Ainsley Charest, $600, Hayden Catholic High School,&nbsp;Topeka; TOS Construction team of Titus Sherer, $600, Greeley County High School,&nbsp;Tribune. From&nbsp;Wamego: Wamego Learning and Education Center team of Jocelyn Stewart, $600, Wamego High School; Room Décor Alley team of Reese Reitz, $600, Wamego High School; and Capone's Coached team of Greg Gieber, $2,800, Highland Community College-Wamego campus. ICY-T team of Maley Hansen, $1,200, Wichita North High School,&nbsp;Wichita; and West Side Pressure Washing team of Erik Haemaelaeinen and Logan Burleson, $600, Winfield High School,&nbsp;Winfield.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652371294487.jpeg" alt="Hays High School winner Evyn Cox of Drivyn&nbsp;with Doug Wilkinson, trustee, Kansas Masonic Foundation and Robert Nelson, president, Kansas Masonic Foundation. (Photo by KSU)" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School winner Evyn Cox of Drivyn&nbsp;with Doug Wilkinson, trustee, Kansas Masonic Foundation and Robert Nelson, president, Kansas Masonic Foundation. (Photo by KSU)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652371025142.jpeg" alt="Hays High School winner Emily Stenzel of&nbsp;Stenzel Film with&nbsp;Doug Wilkinson, trustee, Kansas Masonic Foundation and Robert Nelson, president, Kansas Masonic Foundation. (Photo by KSU)" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School winner Emily Stenzel of&nbsp;Stenzel Film with&nbsp;Doug Wilkinson, trustee, Kansas Masonic Foundation and Robert Nelson, president, Kansas Masonic Foundation. (Photo by KSU)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652995519009.png" alt="Shelby Alexander of Hays High School won $600 for Smart-Shot." />
 <figcaption>Shelby Alexander of Hays High School won $600 for Smart-Shot.</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: Updated to include another Hays High School student who was not included in the original K-State press release. KSU News ServiceMANHATTAN — A student entrepreneurship competition featuring 61 high school and eight community college teams from across Kansas has awarded entrepreneurial-minded students with $75,000 in prize money. High school teams, including Hays High School, receiving an excellent rating from the judges earned the top prize of $1,200 each, while community college teams earning an excellent rating received $2,800 each. A good rating from the judges was worth $600 to high school teams and $2,000 for community college teams. The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge gave students experience in the process of making a business proposal and pitching their ideas. The annual event was organized by the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/center-advancement-entrepreneurship/" target="_blank">Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship</a>&nbsp;and was sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasmasonic.foundation/program/kansas-entrepreneurship-challenge/" target="_blank">Kansas Masonic Foundation</a>&nbsp;on behalf of all Kansas Masons, and supported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">Network Kansas</a>. "I was amazed by the maturity and poise of all of the students and was particularly impressed with the innovative ideas on display," said Robert Nelson, president of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. "We see this event as an opportunity for the Kansas Masons to extend our charitable mission to help young people build businesses that are going to help the state's economy and be beneficial to all Kansans." The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge saw teams compete in two areas: an executive summary and a mock boardroom session. In the mock boardroom, judges reviewed each teams' executive summary and had 10 minutes with each team to ask questions about their businesses. The judges' scores were used to determine winners in the different competition divisions. High school teams also had the option to participate in a trade show showcasing their products and services. Guests at the competition voted for the People's Choice Award. The winning team received a $500 prize sponsored by Network Kansas. "This event is an opportunity to showcase the tremendous entrepreneurial talent we have in the state of Kansas," said Chad Jackson, director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. "The real-world experience of pitching a business in front of the type of business experts we have on our panel is invaluable to these students and provides real-world feedback and support to launch companies within our state." Here are the results of the competition:Shelby Alexander of Hays High School won $600 for Smart-Shot. Royal Ice team of R. Conrad Cassell, $600, Wabaunsee Junior High School,&nbsp;Alma; Second Stitch Swimwear team of Carmen Eisenbrandt, $600, Labette County High School,&nbsp;Altamont; Wonderfully Made team of Haylee Cockroft, $600, St. John's Catholic School,&nbsp;Beloit; Hendricks Hawaiian team with Matt Hendricks, $1,200, Cheylin High School,&nbsp;Bird City; Karlee's Kreations team of Karlee Evans, $600, Bucklin Junior High,&nbsp;Bucklin; Dungeon Combat Cards team of Jacob Frese, $600, Chanute High School, and Treefrog Smoothie team of Grace Slabaugh, $2,000, Neosho County Community College, both in&nbsp;Chanute; Sweet Clouds of Cotton Candy with Brody Kramer, $1,200, Clay Center High School,&nbsp;Clay Center; VaxOral team of Holly Trevebaugh, $2,000, Coffeyville Community College,&nbsp;Coffeyville. From&nbsp;Colby: Cozee Toes team of Cody Wright and Jordan Jones, $1,200, and Kaos Creations team of Ava Rodgers, $600, both from Colby High School; and Partners n' Care team of Brittany Swartz and Madison Hull, $600, Colby Junior High School. Seasons Flower Shop team of Halle Klotz, $600, Crest High School,&nbsp;Colony. From&nbsp;Concordia: Oasis Airsoft and Paintball team of Hunter Blackwood and Josh Wood, $600, Concordia High School; FlyAway team of Connor Klecan and Tom Poole, $2,800, Cloud County Community College; and Owlaid team of Gerardo Arana, $2,000, Cloud County Community College. Creative Clay Co. team of Riley Forge, $600, Council Grove Junior High,&nbsp;Council Grove; Kaden's Carryout team of Kaden Perry, $600, Elkhart High School,&nbsp;Elkhart; Kiley's Creations team of Kiley Stevenson, $600, Ellinwood High School,&nbsp;Ellinwood; Donley Brother's Mowing team of Cruz Donley, Owen Donley and Thaddeus Donley, $1,200, homeschool students,&nbsp;Ellsworth; Dirty Dog Café team of Annabelle Gorman, $600, Fort Scott High School,&nbsp;Fort Scott; Happy Tails Salon team of Teryn Teeter, $2,800, Garden City Community College,&nbsp;Garden City; Goat Milk? Soap team of Jonah Sandford, $600, Girard High School,&nbsp;Girard; On the Bloch team of Hadyn Blochlinger, $600, Goodland High School,&nbsp;Goodland; Sierra's Esthetics team of Sierra Britton, $1,200, Kiowa County High School,&nbsp;Greensburg; Drivyn team of Evyn Cox, $1,200, and the Stenzel Film team of Emily Stenzel, $1,200, both from Hays High School,&nbsp;Hays; Thoughtful Words team of Moriah Jost, $600, Hillsboro High School,&nbsp;Hillsboro; The Sweet Treat team of Dalton Estes and Riley Lusk, $1,200, Hutchinson High School,&nbsp;Hutchinson. SFI Solutions team of Isaac Cavazos, $1,200 and $500 People's Choice Award, Jetmore High School,&nbsp;Jetmore; She's Fit Fitness team of Judith Diaz Zaragoza, $600, Wyandotte High School,&nbsp;Kansas City; Farm Fresh team of Charlie Andrade, $600, Free State High School,&nbsp;Lawrence. From&nbsp;Leavenworth: Sweets Inc. team of Maya Wagstaff, $1,200; 720 Food Bus team of Gabriel Sorensen, $1,200; and Go-Go Travel team of Bo de Groof, $600, all from Leavenworth High School. Biermann Pottery team of Sidney Biermann, $600, Wichita County High School, $600,&nbsp;Leoti; Crumbs to Heaven team of Melany Busot, $600, Manhattan High School,&nbsp;Manhattan; Aligning Local Stars team of Joshua Bocox, $600, McPherson High School,&nbsp;McPherson; Frack Sweet Scents team of Cooper Frack, Norton High School, $1,200,&nbsp;Norton. From&nbsp;Osborne: Turning Tires team of Aiden Conrad, $,1200, Osborne High School; Kayla's Confections team of Kayla LaRosh, $600, Osborne Junior High School; and Downtown Western Wear team of Ashlyn Schultze, $600, Osborne Junior High School. NextDoorGig team of Quinton Pfaff, $600, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and Meta Energy team of Chance Pippert, Ethan Showalter, Sean Dunning, $2,800, Johnson County Community College, both in&nbsp;Overland Park; Unleashed team of Fiona Barelli, $2,800, Labette Community College,&nbsp;Parsons; Two Little Goats team of Kansas Lange Homeschool Team, $600,&nbsp;Pawnee County; Chatter Box team of Gabby Poels, $600, Phillipsburg High School,&nbsp;Phillipsburg; Intricates team of Bryan Garvert, $1,200, Plainville High School,&nbsp;Plainville; Larison Lawn Care team of Derek Larison, $1,200, Riverton High School,&nbsp;Riverton; Donkey Doo team of Adia Peck, $600, and Strings and Dings team of Jesus Mariscal, $600, both from Salina Central High School,&nbsp;Salina; C. Creative Marketing team of Carolina Barraza, $1,200, and The Chopping Block team of Owen Russell, $600, both from Pike Valley High School,&nbsp;Scandia; Midwest Dream Yards team of Lawson Bailey, $600, and Media Ape team of Alsono Frances Aguilar, $600, both from Scott City High School,&nbsp;Scott City; Magnolia's team of Maggie Peterson, $1,200, Smith Center High School,&nbsp;Smith Center; Tiger Coffee team of Allison Lopez, Hannah Son, Lillian Brummer and Tara Dowling, $1,200, St. John High School,&nbsp;St. John; CW Junk Removal team of Cody Oden and Wyatt Beltz, $600, Sterling High School,&nbsp;Sterling; Ayers Buddies Pet Sitting team of Taylor Ayers, $600, Stockton High School,&nbsp;Stockton; Mathematics Matters team of Hunter Hulse, $1,200, and B&amp;T Destinations team of Brooke Wehrman and Tressa Wehrman, $600, both from Sylvan-Lucas High School,&nbsp;Sylvan Grove; Swimming Lessons with Ainsley team of Ainsley Charest, $600, Hayden Catholic High School,&nbsp;Topeka; TOS Construction team of Titus Sherer, $600, Greeley County High School,&nbsp;Tribune. From&nbsp;Wamego: Wamego Learning and Education Center team of Jocelyn Stewart, $600, Wamego High School; Room Décor Alley team of Reese Reitz, $600, Wamego High School; and Capone's Coached team of Greg Gieber, $2,800, Highland Community College-Wamego campus. ICY-T team of Maley Hansen, $1,200, Wichita North High School,&nbsp;Wichita; and West Side Pressure Washing team of Erik Haemaelaeinen and Logan Burleson, $600, Winfield High School,&nbsp;Winfield.&nbsp;

UPDATE: NW Kan. students winners in entrepreneurship challenge 

By PEDER MAGEE and JAMES TRILLING Senior Attorneys, FTC

Whether in class or at home, kids are probably using technology to do their schoolwork. But have you ever wondered what information that technology is gathering from your kid? 

The FTC has, and today issued a policy statement that put ed tech on notice: Kids shouldn’t have to give up their privacy rights to do their schoolwork or go to class remotely. In other words, ed tech companies: You can’t require parents and schools to agree to the comprehensive surveillance of children for kids to use those learning tools.

You might have heard of the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/protecting-your-childs-privacy-online">Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act</a>&nbsp;– also called COPPA. It’s at the center of the FTC’s efforts to protect kids’ privacy in the digital world. This law, enforced by the FTC, says that any site or service (think apps) that COPPA covers has to get a parent’s (or in some cases, a school’s) OK before it collects personal information from your child under 13.&nbsp; COPPA also protects kids’ privacy in other ways, like limiting how long companies can keep your child’s personal information and requiring that they properly safeguard the information. When a company breaks the rules, the FTC can sue.

With the pandemic-inspired explosion of ed tech, the FTC wants to make clear that ed tech companies offering online services directed to kids under 13 must follow the law, including by properly safeguarding your child’s personal information and, where a company relies on the school to provide consent, using kids’ information only for school-related purposes, not for things like marketing.

So, check out the policy statement itself for the details. But parents, here’s the message that industry is getting: The FTC is watching, ever more closely, what kid info you collect, how you use it, for how long you keep it, and how you protect it.

To keep up with the latest FTC actions, as well as the top frauds and scams, sign up for FTC Consumer Alerts:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/consumeralerts">ftc.gov/consumeralerts</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652989092933.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By PEDER MAGEE and JAMES TRILLING Senior Attorneys, FTCWhether in class or at home, kids are probably using technology to do their schoolwork. But have you ever wondered what information that technology is gathering from your kid? The FTC has, and today issued a policy statement that put ed tech on notice: Kids shouldn’t have to give up their privacy rights to do their schoolwork or go to class remotely. In other words, ed tech companies: You can’t require parents and schools to agree to the comprehensive surveillance of children for kids to use those learning tools.You might have heard of the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/protecting-your-childs-privacy-online">Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act</a>&nbsp;– also called COPPA. It’s at the center of the FTC’s efforts to protect kids’ privacy in the digital world. This law, enforced by the FTC, says that any site or service (think apps) that COPPA covers has to get a parent’s (or in some cases, a school’s) OK before it collects personal information from your child under 13.&nbsp; COPPA also protects kids’ privacy in other ways, like limiting how long companies can keep your child’s personal information and requiring that they properly safeguard the information. When a company breaks the rules, the FTC can sue.With the pandemic-inspired explosion of ed tech, the FTC wants to make clear that ed tech companies offering online services directed to kids under 13 must follow the law, including by properly safeguarding your child’s personal information and, where a company relies on the school to provide consent, using kids’ information only for school-related purposes, not for things like marketing.So, check out the policy statement itself for the details. But parents, here’s the message that industry is getting: The FTC is watching, ever more closely, what kid info you collect, how you use it, for how long you keep it, and how you protect it.To keep up with the latest FTC actions, as well as the top frauds and scams, sign up for FTC Consumer Alerts:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/consumeralerts">ftc.gov/consumeralerts</a>.

FTC: Is your kid using education technology? Read on

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

<div><iframe title="May Ray Day an opportunity to enjoy fun in the sun" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dc46x-122deaa-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><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: May Ray Day an opportunity to enjoy fun in the sun

The National Weather Service is calling for near-record high temperatures Thursday across western Kansas.

The high is the Hays area is expected to reach to the mid- to upper-90s, with winds of 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon.

Friday will bring a dramatic cooldown, with a high of 71 expected. There is also a slight chance of showers or storms late Friday night. The high temperature on Saturday is only expected to reach the low 50s.

More chances of precipitation are possible beginning Sunday night and continuing into Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652970266767.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is calling for near-record high temperatures Thursday across western Kansas.The high is the Hays area is expected to reach to the mid- to upper-90s, with winds of 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon.Friday will bring a dramatic cooldown, with a high of 71 expected. There is also a slight chance of showers or storms late Friday night. The high temperature on Saturday is only expected to reach the low 50s.More chances of precipitation are possible beginning Sunday night and continuing into Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today will be hot with high fire danger across western Kansas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wxtwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wxtwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/6tRXujgzOO">pic.twitter.com/6tRXujgzOO</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1527159297930674176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Extremely hot, breezy across western Kansas Thursday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will resume their discussion of a streatery and sidewalk café policy during their work session this evening.

On April 21, commissioners talked about rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption, location, footprint use, structural and safety requirements, and insurance requirements. Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler and&nbsp;Justin Whyte, Kansas ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) enforcement agent for the area, were on hand to answer questions about state alcoholic beverage laws.

They came to a consensus on many of the considerations, according to Asst. City Manager Collin Bielser, and a draft policy will be presented Thursday for further review and possible approval.

"Alcohol possession and consumption will be allowed as long as state law and ABC&nbsp; are followed," Bielser said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The streatery program will be allowed anywhere in the city of Hays where off-street parking is not available nor provided by the business and the business does not already have access to private property to accommodate outdoor dining."&nbsp;

Each business may occupy one parking stall with "no buffer zone requirement, which means they can occupy all the way to the center line of the delineating parking stalls on either side," Bielser explained.

Commissioners also agreed last month that businesses can use the adjacent sidewalk, creating a sidewalk café component to the policy.

There will be restrictions on where they can be located, but unlike streateries, the sidewalk cafés would be permitted to be open year-round.&nbsp;

The operation of streateries would be allowed from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year.&nbsp;

Bielser says the different operating policies are due to the need for snow removal from the streets during the winter.

Streateries can be located directly on the street or on a platform.

Bielser anticipates city staff will have discretion over what types of materials are used to build streateries, which will require a city permit. Commissioners have already agreed that "unacceptable construction materials include pallets, snow fence, and picket fencing."

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation earlier endorsed the streatery program with the stipulation that "all materials must be suitable for exterior use, and colors must be&nbsp;similar to those used on the business façade or business branding and identity."

Only restaurants and bars may participate in the new program.&nbsp;

If approved, the streateries/outdoor café program will require a new ordinance regarding street sales, public drinking and public possession of liquor or cereal malt beverages.

"Current municipal code does not allow the sale, possession, or consumption of alcoholic liquor or CMBs on public property, except in the parks," Bielser said.&nbsp;

Each location where alcoholic beverages are served would also have to be approved for an outdoor dining permit issued by the city.

Other agenda items for the May 19 work session include discussion of bid awards for a new solid waste equipment building, the purchase of three new service division dump trucks with snow removal equipment, and the rehabilitation of the Hickok Park storm sewer.

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192022-1342">here</a>. The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650697767981.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners will resume their discussion of a streatery and sidewalk café policy during their work session this evening.On April 21, commissioners talked about rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption, location, footprint use, structural and safety requirements, and insurance requirements. Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler and&nbsp;Justin Whyte, Kansas ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) enforcement agent for the area, were on hand to answer questions about state alcoholic beverage laws.They came to a consensus on many of the considerations, according to Asst. City Manager Collin Bielser, and a draft policy will be presented Thursday for further review and possible approval."Alcohol possession and consumption will be allowed as long as state law and ABC&nbsp; are followed," Bielser said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The streatery program will be allowed anywhere in the city of Hays where off-street parking is not available nor provided by the business and the business does not already have access to private property to accommodate outdoor dining."&nbsp;Each business may occupy one parking stall with "no buffer zone requirement, which means they can occupy all the way to the center line of the delineating parking stalls on either side," Bielser explained.Commissioners also agreed last month that businesses can use the adjacent sidewalk, creating a sidewalk café component to the policy.There will be restrictions on where they can be located, but unlike streateries, the sidewalk cafés would be permitted to be open year-round.&nbsp;The operation of streateries would be allowed from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year.&nbsp;Bielser says the different operating policies are due to the need for snow removal from the streets during the winter.Streateries can be located directly on the street or on a platform.Bielser anticipates city staff will have discretion over what types of materials are used to build streateries, which will require a city permit. Commissioners have already agreed that "unacceptable construction materials include pallets, snow fence, and picket fencing."The Downtown Hays Development Corporation earlier endorsed the streatery program with the stipulation that "all materials must be suitable for exterior use, and colors must be&nbsp;similar to those used on the business façade or business branding and identity."Only restaurants and bars may participate in the new program.&nbsp;If approved, the streateries/outdoor café program will require a new ordinance regarding street sales, public drinking and public possession of liquor or cereal malt beverages. "Current municipal code does not allow the sale, possession, or consumption of alcoholic liquor or CMBs on public property, except in the parks," Bielser said.&nbsp;Each location where alcoholic beverages are served would also have to be approved for an outdoor dining permit issued by the city.Other agenda items for the May 19 work session include discussion of bid awards for a new solid waste equipment building, the purchase of three new service division dump trucks with snow removal equipment, and the rehabilitation of the Hickok Park storm sewer.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0n_5KHXF_E"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192022-1342">here</a>. The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

🎥 City to further discuss proposed streateries/sidewalk café program

Representatives of the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition attended the Ellis County Commission meeting Monday and asked for the county to become members of the group.

The advocacy group is asking for $5,000 in annual membership dues.

In its request for funds from the county, the group said, "KNRC is a coalition of counties that monitors and, when appropriate, intervenes to reduce the impact of the federal government’s overreach when it impacts member counties in the area of natural resources and land use"

The group listed the following initiatives on which it seeks to rein in the federal government:

•	30x30 the America the Beautiful Initiative •	National Heritage Area •	Lesser prairie chicken designation as threatened •	Rails to Trails •	Great Western Trail

Duke Strobel, Russell County commissioner and coalition board member, said at the Ellis County Commission meeting Monday he is passionately against the 30X30 and trails initiatives.

"Organizations like this help us stay on top of things," he said of the coalition. 

Tracey Barton, coalition executive director, also attended the county meeting and said the group formed in 2013 when the lesser prairie chicken was listed as threatened.

She said the coalition was responsible for getting that listing removed. The lesser prairie chicken is currently listed as vulnerable.

"We are basically using local government to put a check on higher government," she said.

All three Ellis County commissioners said they wanted more information about the organization and its member benefits.

"I think that could be something that we could work in our budget for '23," Commissioner Neal Younger said.

Commission Chairman Butch Schlyer said, "It's something we could possibly research and look at the budget process."

Joe Leroux, commissioner, said, "It's not a crazy high cost, but I would want to know more about how's it benefiting the residents of Ellis County for us to be a part of this."

Schlyer said membership is something he definitely would like to consider when the commission starts looking at funding of its subsidized agencies. 

"We may get that in the budget for next year," he said.

The 30X30 initiative is an executive order made by President Biden that seeks to designate 30 percent of the U.S. land and water as protected areas by 2030.

Conservatives have touted the 30X30 initiative and the National Heritage Area as a "land grab" by the federal government. The Biden administration has said the 30X30 program would work with landowners and be voluntary.

State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, was the chairman of the Special Legislative Committee on the 30X30 initiative. He said the initiative is something Kansas legislators continue to watch, but he said he has not seen any movement on the legislation in the last three months and doubted there would be action prior to the mid-term election.

Kansas and Missouri already have a multi-county National Heritage Area that seeks to promote tourism to sites related to the Civil War. A push for an additional site in Nebraska and western Kansas was related to a group associated with the birthplace of Willa Cather. 

Under the designation, land stays in private hands, but the area can receive federal dollars to promote tourism.

Rahjes noted the 30X30 and National Heritage Area designation are two different issues.

Rahjes said he opposes the designation of any western Kansas counties as part of a National Heritage Area. He said he thought more specifics need to be spelled out with stakeholders before the project could get off the ground.

He said he does not see any movement soon on that proposal either anytime in the near future.

"In Kansas, the one thing we want to protect is landowners' rights to utilize property ..." Rahjes said.

The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition testified before the 30X30 legislative committee, but Rahjes said he was otherwise unfamiliar with the group.

Rails to Trails is a program that seeks to convert abandoned rail lines to public-access walking and biking trails.

The Great Western Trail is a corridor of braided and paralleling trails for both motorized and non-motorized users, its group website said. It currently does not include any trails in Kansas. 

In addition to the issues listed above, the group on its website said it seeks to "protect human systems" from the following federal acts:

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRepresentatives of the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition attended the Ellis County Commission meeting Monday and asked for the county to become members of the group.The advocacy group is asking for $5,000 in annual membership dues.In its request for funds from the county, the group said, "KNRC is a coalition of counties that monitors and, when appropriate, intervenes to reduce the impact of the federal government’s overreach when it impacts member counties in the area of natural resources and land use"The group listed the following initiatives on which it seeks to rein in the federal government: •	30x30 the America the Beautiful Initiative •	National Heritage Area •	Lesser prairie chicken designation as threatened •	Rails to Trails •	Great Western TrailDuke Strobel, Russell County commissioner and coalition board member, said at the Ellis County Commission meeting Monday he is passionately against the 30X30 and trails initiatives."Organizations like this help us stay on top of things," he said of the coalition. Tracey Barton, coalition executive director, also attended the county meeting and said the group formed in 2013 when the lesser prairie chicken was listed as threatened.She said the coalition was responsible for getting that listing removed. The lesser prairie chicken is currently listed as vulnerable."We are basically using local government to put a check on higher government," she said.<h2>Commissioners want more info</h2>All three Ellis County commissioners said they wanted more information about the organization and its member benefits."I think that could be something that we could work in our budget for '23," Commissioner Neal Younger said.Commission Chairman Butch Schlyer said, "It's something we could possibly research and look at the budget process."Joe Leroux, commissioner, said, "It's not a crazy high cost, but I would want to know more about how's it benefiting the residents of Ellis County for us to be a part of this." Schlyer said membership is something he definitely would like to consider when the commission starts looking at funding of its subsidized agencies. "We may get that in the budget for next year," he said.<h2>Land use policy</h2>The 30X30 initiative is an executive order made by President Biden that seeks to designate 30 percent of the U.S. land and water as protected areas by 2030. Conservatives have touted the 30X30 initiative and the National Heritage Area as a "land grab" by the federal government. The Biden administration has said the 30X30 program would work with landowners and be voluntary.State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, was the chairman of the Special Legislative Committee on the 30X30 initiative. He said the initiative is something Kansas legislators continue to watch, but he said he has not seen any movement on the legislation in the last three months and doubted there would be action prior to the mid-term election.Kansas and Missouri already have a multi-county National Heritage Area that seeks to promote tourism to sites related to the Civil War. A push for an additional site in Nebraska and western Kansas was related to a group associated with the birthplace of Willa Cather. Under the designation, land stays in private hands, but the area can receive federal dollars to promote tourism.Rahjes noted the 30X30 and National Heritage Area designation are two different issues.Rahjes said he opposes the designation of any western Kansas counties as part of a National Heritage Area. He said he thought more specifics need to be spelled out with stakeholders before the project could get off the ground.He said he does not see any movement soon on that proposal either anytime in the near future. "In Kansas, the one thing we want to protect is landowners' rights to utilize property ..." Rahjes said.The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition testified before the 30X30 legislative committee, but Rahjes said he was otherwise unfamiliar with the group.<h2>Trail, other legislation</h2>Rails to Trails is a program that seeks to convert abandoned rail lines to public-access walking and biking trails.The Great Western Trail is a corridor of braided and paralleling trails for both motorized and non-motorized users, its group website said. It currently does not include any trails in Kansas. In addition to the issues listed above, the group on its website said it seeks to "protect human systems" from the following federal acts: <ol>
 <li>National Environmental Policy Act</li><li>Federal Land Management Policy Act</li><li>Data Quality Act</li><li>Rivers and Harbors Act</li><li>Clean Water Act</li><li>Migratory Bird Act</li><li>Endangered Species Act </li><li>Regulatory Flexibility Act</li>
 </ol>Twenty-nine counties, all in western Kansas, are current members of the coalition. See a map below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652820037850.png" alt="Map of Kansas Natural Resource Coalition member counties. Member counties are shaded in a darker color. Image courtesy of Ellis County " />
 <figcaption>Map of Kansas Natural Resource Coalition member counties. Member counties are shaded in a darker color. Image courtesy of Ellis County </figcaption>
 </figure>Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay