On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker" 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=i4uwx-12748d5-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&nbsp;Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Food Bank President and CEO Brian Walker

Due to damp and cloudy weather, the seal coat planned for today in Hays&nbsp; &nbsp;has been postponed until next week. See above map for schedule. Be sure to get refuse and recycling out by 7:00 am. It will be picked up before street sealing starts. The City apologizes for any inconvenience. Call the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350 with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659107452408.png" alt="(City&nbsp; of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>(City&nbsp; of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to damp and cloudy weather, the seal coat planned for today in Hays&nbsp; &nbsp;has been postponed until next week. See above map for schedule. Be sure to get refuse and recycling out by 7:00 am. It will be picked up before street sealing starts. The City apologizes for any inconvenience. Call the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350 with questions.

Damp weather again delays street seal coating in Hays

Planning for a large-scale emergency can be a daunting task.

And while things can go wrong in any disaster, when it comes
to a city-wide catastrophe having unprepared agencies can quickly make a bad
situation worse.

In an effort to ensure area agencies are prepared for such an emergency, in March, Hays will host a full-scale exercise simulating a
direct tornado strike to the city.

“We don't like to think about those things happening,” said
Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle, “but we need to be prepared.”

“In coordination with the statewide tornado drill, we're going
to simulate a tornado strike in Hays,” he said.

The event will include key players tasked with assisting
area residents in an emergency affecting the entire city.

“There's going to be emergency management, St. Francis Ministries,
Midwest Energy, a lot of civic organizations, police, fire, EMS, the typical
people, the hospital and water resources,” Pantle said. “We'll all be involved
in this.”

The training allows those organizations to determine if
their policies and procedures meet their capabilities, he said.

“It will be an opportunity for them to say whether or not
they can do what they say they can do,” Pantle said. “And if they can't, they
can revise their plans or change their capability scope and make it so they can
do what they say they need to do.”

Sequencing the response correctly is also a significant part
of the training.

“The part that we're going to try and avoid is the, ‘Well,
what do we do now?' ” Pantle said. “We want to know, OK, this has happened.
Here's our next step. Here's what we need to be looking at in three hours.
Here's where we need to be at in six hours. Here's where we need to be at in
three days, three weeks — because it's going to be a long process.”

Along with departments and organizations testing their
abilities and limits, the event helps the separate groups learn to work
together, allowing for a better response if an emergency occurs.

“This is very important because, on a day-to-day basis, you
don't really converse or work alongside these organizations,” Pantle said. “It's
really only in the times of disaster that we see each other. And that makes it
ever so more important that we understand each other's capabilities when it
comes to disasters.”

Should that city-wide emergency occur, he said that training
exercises like this one helps keep responders from being caught off-guard. But
organizing a city-wide exercise takes a significant among of prep and planning.

“We try and invite as many people to the table that we think
are going to be what we'll call a player or not,” Pantle said. “And we will
have meetings with them.”

Meetings for the March training have already begun, he said.

“We're having a meeting every other month until the day of
the exercise, and then we'll have one more after, to do a formal after-action
review,” Pantle said. “We try and get as many of them there as possible.
They're obviously going to have a point person within each department who's
kind of our go-to for communication, but then within each department, they're
going to have their own people that do the portions that they need to take care
of.” 

In those meetings, table-top exercises help hone agency
responses simulated during the full-scale event.

Those meetings, Pantle said, help tune with outside agency
policies and procedures with the exercise.

“This is a 12-month planning process, if not longer
sometimes,” he said.

During that planning, the locations and scope of the
exercise will also be determined.

He said the department would release details as the event
approaches to prepare area residents that the training may impact.

“We don't want to catch anybody off guard,” Pantle said. “We
want everybody to know when it's taking place so they can plan their day
accordingly. … There will be some roads shut down. And there will be things that
people don't normally see going on. And we don't want to frighten anybody. It's
just an exercise. It’s just planning. So be looking for that information
printed out in the future.”

While he works to keep impacts on the public at a minimum,
the event he said is a vital part of emergency planning.

“It's going to give our community an opportunity to plan for
something that we hope never happens,” Pantle said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564409680244.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostPlanning for a large-scale emergency can be a daunting task.And while things can go wrong in any disaster, when it comes
to a city-wide catastrophe having unprepared agencies can quickly make a bad
situation worse.In an effort to ensure area agencies are prepared for such an emergency, in March, Hays will host a full-scale exercise simulating a
direct tornado strike to the city.“We don't like to think about those things happening,” said
Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle, “but we need to be prepared.”<div><iframe title="Hays to host full-scale tornado strike exercise" 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=drnit-1284924-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>“In coordination with the statewide tornado drill, we're going
to simulate a tornado strike in Hays,” he said.The event will include key players tasked with assisting
area residents in an emergency affecting the entire city.“There's going to be emergency management, St. Francis Ministries,
Midwest Energy, a lot of civic organizations, police, fire, EMS, the typical
people, the hospital and water resources,” Pantle said. “We'll all be involved
in this.”The training allows those organizations to determine if
their policies and procedures meet their capabilities, he said.“It will be an opportunity for them to say whether or not
they can do what they say they can do,” Pantle said. “And if they can't, they
can revise their plans or change their capability scope and make it so they can
do what they say they need to do.”Sequencing the response correctly is also a significant part
of the training.“The part that we're going to try and avoid is the, ‘Well,
what do we do now?' ” Pantle said. “We want to know, OK, this has happened.
Here's our next step. Here's what we need to be looking at in three hours.
Here's where we need to be at in six hours. Here's where we need to be at in
three days, three weeks — because it's going to be a long process.”Along with departments and organizations testing their
abilities and limits, the event helps the separate groups learn to work
together, allowing for a better response if an emergency occurs.“This is very important because, on a day-to-day basis, you
don't really converse or work alongside these organizations,” Pantle said. “It's
really only in the times of disaster that we see each other. And that makes it
ever so more important that we understand each other's capabilities when it
comes to disasters.”Should that city-wide emergency occur, he said that training
exercises like this one helps keep responders from being caught off-guard. But
organizing a city-wide exercise takes a significant among of prep and planning.“We try and invite as many people to the table that we think
are going to be what we'll call a player or not,” Pantle said. “And we will
have meetings with them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658950540623.jpeg" alt="Pantle" />
 <figcaption>Pantle</figcaption>
 </figure>Meetings for the March training have already begun, he said.“We're having a meeting every other month until the day of
the exercise, and then we'll have one more after, to do a formal after-action
review,” Pantle said. “We try and get as many of them there as possible.
They're obviously going to have a point person within each department who's
kind of our go-to for communication, but then within each department, they're
going to have their own people that do the portions that they need to take care
of.” In those meetings, table-top exercises help hone agency
responses simulated during the full-scale event.Those meetings, Pantle said, help tune with outside agency
policies and procedures with the exercise.“This is a 12-month planning process, if not longer
sometimes,” he said.During that planning, the locations and scope of the
exercise will also be determined.He said the department would release details as the event
approaches to prepare area residents that the training may impact.“We don't want to catch anybody off guard,” Pantle said. “We
want everybody to know when it's taking place so they can plan their day
accordingly. … There will be some roads shut down. And there will be things that
people don't normally see going on. And we don't want to frighten anybody. It's
just an exercise. It’s just planning. So be looking for that information
printed out in the future.”While he works to keep impacts on the public at a minimum,
the event he said is a vital part of emergency planning.“It's going to give our community an opportunity to plan for
something that we hope never happens,” Pantle said.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

🎙 Hays to host full-scale tornado strike exercise

Darian Schlegel of Hays decided when she was in high school that she wanted to be a psychologist and work with grief support groups.

That dream became a reality recently when Schlegel was named the new executive director of the Center for Life Experience, which provides grief support for individuals in Ellis County.

Schlegel follows <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0951cb0d-1453-4ec5-8bf4-ce9556e4fac6">Ann Leiker, who retired from the position in May</a>, after serving the organization for 22 years.

Schlegel, who grew up in Ness City, lost her mother when she was 15. Another close family member died a few months later. Schlegel credits her aunt for getting her involved in a grief counseling group for children and adolescents.

That’s when Schlegel made the decision she wanted to be a psychologist herself. She pursued that dream by getting a BS in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 2020. She completed her MS in clinical psychology from FHSU this past May.

While in college, Schlegel interned with Western Kansas Therapy Associates in Hays. She also completed an internship at the Kelly Center at FHSU, which provides counseling services for students. In addition, she served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Psychology Department.

When asked if it was a bit daunting following Leiker, the person who had guided CFLE since its inception, Schlegel said, “It’s more exciting than anything. Ann knows her stuff. It’s really been cool watching her.”

Schlegel has been training with Leiker since July 12. She will assume full-time duties on Aug. 8. She said she and Leiker have been working together on administrative matters so far. Schlegel will begin working with the center’s three grief support groups on Monday, Aug. 1.

She said her short-term goals are getting adjusted to the job demands and getting acquainted with CFLE board members, staff, and support group members.

Her long-term goals include “reaching a more diverse population—people who have never heard of us and what we do.” She also hopes to provide services to people in more rural areas in the state.

One way she hopes to do this is by “using social media a lot more to reach more young people.”

During her time at FHSU she said, “We saw a lot of young adults who were still processing their grief after the loss of a loved one a year, even five years later.

“We saw a lot of students struggling to make connections, especially their first year in college.” It is that younger population she is hoping to reach.

“CFLE is so important to me,” she added, “because it is important to normalize talking about grief. It’s important for people to express their emotions, even if they can’t exactly name what they are feeling.”

CFLE has three grief support groups. Their meeting times for August follow. All meetings will take place at the center, 103C E. 27th&nbsp;St.:

Healing After Loss, a group for those who have lost an adult loved one, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and dinner meeting at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16;

Healing After Loss of Suicide, a group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, dinner meetings at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17;

Healing Hearts, a group for adults who have lost a child close to them, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.

More information about the center is available by calling (785) 259-6859.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659027910346.jpeg" alt="Darian Schlegel is the new director of&nbsp; Center for Life Experience in Hays and will assume her duties Aug. 8. Schlegel is an FHSU graduate and Ness City native. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Darian Schlegel is the new director of&nbsp; Center for Life Experience in Hays and will assume her duties Aug. 8. Schlegel is an FHSU graduate and Ness City native. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseDarian Schlegel of Hays decided when she was in high school that she wanted to be a psychologist and work with grief support groups.That dream became a reality recently when Schlegel was named the new executive director of the Center for Life Experience, which provides grief support for individuals in Ellis County.Schlegel follows <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0951cb0d-1453-4ec5-8bf4-ce9556e4fac6">Ann Leiker, who retired from the position in May</a>, after serving the organization for 22 years.Schlegel, who grew up in Ness City, lost her mother when she was 15. Another close family member died a few months later. Schlegel credits her aunt for getting her involved in a grief counseling group for children and adolescents.That’s when Schlegel made the decision she wanted to be a psychologist herself. She pursued that dream by getting a BS in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 2020. She completed her MS in clinical psychology from FHSU this past May.While in college, Schlegel interned with Western Kansas Therapy Associates in Hays. She also completed an internship at the Kelly Center at FHSU, which provides counseling services for students. In addition, she served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Psychology Department.When asked if it was a bit daunting following Leiker, the person who had guided CFLE since its inception, Schlegel said, “It’s more exciting than anything. Ann knows her stuff. It’s really been cool watching her.”Schlegel has been training with Leiker since July 12. She will assume full-time duties on Aug. 8. She said she and Leiker have been working together on administrative matters so far. Schlegel will begin working with the center’s three grief support groups on Monday, Aug. 1.She said her short-term goals are getting adjusted to the job demands and getting acquainted with CFLE board members, staff, and support group members.Her long-term goals include “reaching a more diverse population—people who have never heard of us and what we do.” She also hopes to provide services to people in more rural areas in the state.One way she hopes to do this is by “using social media a lot more to reach more young people.”During her time at FHSU she said, “We saw a lot of young adults who were still processing their grief after the loss of a loved one a year, even five years later.“We saw a lot of students struggling to make connections, especially their first year in college.” It is that younger population she is hoping to reach.“CFLE is so important to me,” she added, “because it is important to normalize talking about grief. It’s important for people to express their emotions, even if they can’t exactly name what they are feeling.”CFLE has three grief support groups. Their meeting times for August follow. All meetings will take place at the center, 103C E. 27th&nbsp;St.:Healing After Loss, a group for those who have lost an adult loved one, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and dinner meeting at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16; Healing After Loss of Suicide, a group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, dinner meetings at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17;Healing Hearts, a group for adults who have lost a child close to them, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.More information about the center is available by calling (785) 259-6859.

Center for Life Experience in Hays names new executive director

	The Hays Striders track team have finished their final practices in preparation to send a contingent of qualifiers to the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Coming off stellar performances at the Regional Qualification meet in Joplin, the Striders are overcoming not only sweltering Kansas heat but also a change in practice venue to be ready for Nationals.

	The change in venue is due to both Hays Middle School and Hays High School tracks undergoing a resurface, seal, and striping this summer.

“We have had to move our practices out to the Fort Hays track and we are very grateful for the support and consideration that Coach Jason McCullough and the Tiger athletic department has given us by allowing us to practice on their track,” Head Coach Dave Haberman said. 

The heat has also changed daily practice times from 6 to 7 p.m. 

“Traditionally, we do change our practice time from 6 to 7 every summer as temperatures rise above 100 degrees and although they need to train in the heat, we are very conscious of heat-related injuries for our kids,” Haberman said.&nbsp;

	Coming out of the National Qualifier in Joplin last month, 16 Striders qualified to make the cross country trip to North Carolina A&amp;T for the Junior Olympics. The team had six Gold medal finishes and those athletes will be presented with the coveted Striders “Regional Champion” shirts. Aliviah Ball, 14, took first place in the high jump and tied the meet record; Riley Leiker, 7, won the 400 meter dash and broke the meet record; Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, won the 200 meter hurdles; Audrina Ortiz, 14, won the 200 meter hurdles, and Emery Zimmerman, 10, won both the 800 and 1500 meter runs.&nbsp;

	“We are proud of all our Strider athletes,” Haberman said, “they are some of the hardest working kids we’ve ever had.” When asked what their favorite workout is, several athletes commented “the Madness Run.”&nbsp;

	“The Madness Run is a special workout I devised to work two events at once – the 400 and 800,” Haberman added. “It’s hands down the best workout we use for those events, and it shows with their performances. New kids, high school and college athletes, and most parents are shocked as to how hard it is, but our returning athletes know the run makes them super competitive. Many events at Joplin had up to 60 athletes competing for those top 6 spots, and our athlete’s finishes, jumps and throws are a testament as to how hard they practice.”

	The Top 6 in individual events and top 4 in the Multi-Events qualified for the Junior Olympics out of Joplin. 

Complete Regional results for the Girls are:&nbsp;

Riley Leiker: 8 Under, 400-1st 1:15.86; 200-9th 35.12; Long Jump-12th 8’6”

Danica Vap: 11, Shot Put-2nd 27’7”; Turbo Javelin-5th, 53’8.75”

Sydney Lewallen: 12, 800-5th, 2:41.50; 400-8th, 1:09.96; Long Jump-7th, 13’7”

Makayla Lewallen: 13, Pentathlon-2nd 2194 points; 1500-5th 5:26.18; 100 hurdles-5th 18.17; 200 hurdles-8th 34.06; 800-14th 2:54.50

Lyndi Zimmerman: 13, 200 hurdles-1st 31.69; Pentathlon-4th 1804 points; 200-16th 28.75; 400-17th 1:10.87; 1500-12th 6:04.12

Aliviah Ball: 14, High Jump-1st 5’4”; 100-23rd 13.85;&nbsp; 200-28th 28.91; 400-22nd 1:07.96

Kaliyah Bannister: 14, Long Jump-20th 13’7”; High Jump-9th 4’4”	

Audrina Ortiz: 14, 100 hurdles-2nd 17.16; 200 hurdles-1st 30.81

Ka’Mara Harvey: 15-16, 100-46 14.63; 200-45th 31.19; 100 hurdles-16th 18.57

Kaelyn Means: 17-18, Shot Put-4th 32’5”; Discus-3rd 114’9”

Complete Regional results for the Boys are:

Finley Zimmerman: 8 Under, 400-43rd 1:42.46; 800-14th 3:30.42; 1500-9th 7:19.51

Tayte Lewallen: 10, Triathlon-4th 462 points; 800-3rd 2:45.46; 1500-3rd 5:35.98; Long Jump-11th 10’6”

Emery Zimmerman: Triathlon-5th 447 points; 400-11th 1:11.39; 800-1st 2:40.72; 1500-1st 5:27.65

Jacob Leiker: 11, Shot Put-2nd 30’7”; 400-13th 1:09.54; 800-7th 2:41.28

Kobe Schmidt: 11, 400-5th 1:05.95; 200-11th 29.78; 100-15th 14.76

Bladyn Werth: 12, 1500-14th 5:51.24; 3000-8th 13:24.85

Austin Bland: 13, Javelin-2nd 99’2”; 400-11th 1:00.30; 1500-8th 5:20.75

Logan Leiker: 13, 3000-2nd 11:33.49; 1500-3rd 5:05.85; 800-10th 2:32.99

Caleb Englert: 14, Shot Put-3rd 37’10”; Discus-8th 111’7.50”

Brayden Staley-Herman: 14, Long Jump-15th 12’2”

Oscar Busch: 15-16, Long Jump-20th 17’1”; 100-42nd 13.19

Grayson Walburn: 17-18, Discus-3rd&nbsp; 152’3”; Shot Put-6th 42’11”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659026438474.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted	The Hays Striders track team have finished their final practices in preparation to send a contingent of qualifiers to the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Coming off stellar performances at the Regional Qualification meet in Joplin, the Striders are overcoming not only sweltering Kansas heat but also a change in practice venue to be ready for Nationals.	The change in venue is due to both Hays Middle School and Hays High School tracks undergoing a resurface, seal, and striping this summer.“We have had to move our practices out to the Fort Hays track and we are very grateful for the support and consideration that Coach Jason McCullough and the Tiger athletic department has given us by allowing us to practice on their track,” Head Coach Dave Haberman said. The heat has also changed daily practice times from 6 to 7 p.m. “Traditionally, we do change our practice time from 6 to 7 every summer as temperatures rise above 100 degrees and although they need to train in the heat, we are very conscious of heat-related injuries for our kids,” Haberman said.&nbsp;	Coming out of the National Qualifier in Joplin last month, 16 Striders qualified to make the cross country trip to North Carolina A&amp;T for the Junior Olympics. The team had six Gold medal finishes and those athletes will be presented with the coveted Striders “Regional Champion” shirts. Aliviah Ball, 14, took first place in the high jump and tied the meet record; Riley Leiker, 7, won the 400 meter dash and broke the meet record; Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, won the 200 meter hurdles; Audrina Ortiz, 14, won the 200 meter hurdles, and Emery Zimmerman, 10, won both the 800 and 1500 meter runs.&nbsp;	“We are proud of all our Strider athletes,” Haberman said, “they are some of the hardest working kids we’ve ever had.” When asked what their favorite workout is, several athletes commented “the Madness Run.”&nbsp;	“The Madness Run is a special workout I devised to work two events at once – the 400 and 800,” Haberman added. “It’s hands down the best workout we use for those events, and it shows with their performances. New kids, high school and college athletes, and most parents are shocked as to how hard it is, but our returning athletes know the run makes them super competitive. Many events at Joplin had up to 60 athletes competing for those top 6 spots, and our athlete’s finishes, jumps and throws are a testament as to how hard they practice.”	The Top 6 in individual events and top 4 in the Multi-Events qualified for the Junior Olympics out of Joplin. Complete Regional results for the Girls are:&nbsp;Riley Leiker: 8 Under, 400-1st 1:15.86; 200-9th 35.12; Long Jump-12th 8’6”Danica Vap: 11, Shot Put-2nd 27’7”; Turbo Javelin-5th, 53’8.75”Sydney Lewallen: 12, 800-5th, 2:41.50; 400-8th, 1:09.96; Long Jump-7th, 13’7”Makayla Lewallen: 13, Pentathlon-2nd 2194 points; 1500-5th 5:26.18; 100 hurdles-5th 18.17; 200 hurdles-8th 34.06; 800-14th 2:54.50Lyndi Zimmerman: 13, 200 hurdles-1st 31.69; Pentathlon-4th 1804 points; 200-16th 28.75; 400-17th 1:10.87; 1500-12th 6:04.12Aliviah Ball: 14, High Jump-1st 5’4”; 100-23rd 13.85;&nbsp; 200-28th 28.91; 400-22nd 1:07.96Kaliyah Bannister: 14, Long Jump-20th 13’7”; High Jump-9th 4’4”	Audrina Ortiz: 14, 100 hurdles-2nd 17.16; 200 hurdles-1st 30.81Ka’Mara Harvey: 15-16, 100-46 14.63; 200-45th 31.19; 100 hurdles-16th 18.57Kaelyn Means: 17-18, Shot Put-4th 32’5”; Discus-3rd 114’9”Complete Regional results for the Boys are:Finley Zimmerman: 8 Under, 400-43rd 1:42.46; 800-14th 3:30.42; 1500-9th 7:19.51Tayte Lewallen: 10, Triathlon-4th 462 points; 800-3rd 2:45.46; 1500-3rd 5:35.98; Long Jump-11th 10’6”Emery Zimmerman: Triathlon-5th 447 points; 400-11th 1:11.39; 800-1st 2:40.72; 1500-1st 5:27.65Jacob Leiker: 11, Shot Put-2nd 30’7”; 400-13th 1:09.54; 800-7th 2:41.28Kobe Schmidt: 11, 400-5th 1:05.95; 200-11th 29.78; 100-15th 14.76Bladyn Werth: 12, 1500-14th 5:51.24; 3000-8th 13:24.85Austin Bland: 13, Javelin-2nd 99’2”; 400-11th 1:00.30; 1500-8th 5:20.75Logan Leiker: 13, 3000-2nd 11:33.49; 1500-3rd 5:05.85; 800-10th 2:32.99Caleb Englert: 14, Shot Put-3rd 37’10”; Discus-8th 111’7.50”Brayden Staley-Herman: 14, Long Jump-15th 12’2”Oscar Busch: 15-16, Long Jump-20th 17’1”; 100-42nd 13.19Grayson Walburn: 17-18, Discus-3rd&nbsp; 152’3”; Shot Put-6th 42’11”

👟 Hays Striders ready for Junior Olympics

Beginning Friday, 17th Street in Hays will be closed at Harvest Road for bridge deck repairs.  The street will remain closed for approximately two weeks. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654616304173.png" alt="(City of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>(City of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Friday, 17th Street in Hays will be closed at Harvest Road for bridge deck repairs. The street will remain closed for approximately two weeks. For more information, call 785-628-7350.

17th Street in Hays to close at Harvest Road for bridge repair

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659028590487.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

RUSSELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in Russell.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Ray E. Bosch, 72, Gorham, was northbound on 176th Street three and one half miles south of Interstate 70.

The pickup struck the drivers side of a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Sheila K.&nbsp;Bosch, 69, Gorham, who was northbound and attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection of&nbsp;176th Street and Four Corners Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheila Bosch was airlifted to Wichita hospital. EMS transported Ray Bosch to Hays Medical Center..&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in Russell.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Ray E. Bosch, 72, Gorham, was northbound on 176th Street three and one half miles south of Interstate 70.The pickup struck the drivers side of a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Sheila K.&nbsp;Bosch, 69, Gorham, who was northbound and attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection of&nbsp;176th Street and Four Corners Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheila Bosch was airlifted to Wichita hospital. EMS transported Ray Bosch to Hays Medical Center..&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Russell County couple hospitalized after crash during u-turn

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/">First Care Clinic</a> has purchased the building at 1301 Main and plans to renovate it to include a pharmacy and express care clinic.

First Care CEO Bryan Brady said the pharmacy will be for First Care patients. The express clinic will open to the entire community.

"Our vision is that the pharmacy will be closed off to only First Care Clinic patients," he said. "The express care ... our vision is that you would be able to go online to an app and request an appointment within the next 24 hours and come in for your acute issue."

The hours for the express care have yet to be set.

The project will cost about $1.3 million. Half will be paid for through a Department of Health and Human Services grant. The other half will be paid for through operating capital.

First Care Clinic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit federally qualified health center providing health care services for people of all ages, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. It provides services on a sliding-fee scale to those who qualify.

In line with that mission, the pharmacy is working to offer medication at reduced costs for the uninsured and underinsured, Brady said.

"One of the biggest things we hear from our patients is that their medication is unaffordable," Brady said. "If we can help them with that, and get them access to the medication they need, then that improves health outcomes."

Brady said he did not think the First Care express care will compete with the HaysMed Convenient Care Clinic. The First Care clinic will be downtown as opposed to HaysMed's clinic, which is on Vine Street.

The First Care express clinic will offer the same sliding-fee scale as the main clinic.

"Our goal is to look to fill those gaps in the community and not compete with anybody," Brady said.

The building encompasses about 3,000 square feet. The Hays Chamber will host a ground-breaking ceremony at 1 p.m. Aug. 4. The renovations will take nine months to a year to complete, Brady said.

Brady said unfortunately the old clinic and new buildings will not be connected. Patients will have to enter the pharmacy and express clinic from a separate outside door.

The 1301 Main building is part of the historical downtown district. First Care was able to come to a compromise with the state's historical society to allow the renovation of the building to move forward.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5c81a17f-33b4-44a3-9a8c-bffca3c81b37">First Care Clinic recently acquired Hess Clinic.</a> Brady said it will continue to operate that location in addition to the main clinic and new space at 13th and Main.

First Care is unique in that its main clinic is the only one in the area that houses family medical care, mental health services and general dentistry, all under one roof.

"It's part of our commitment to the Hays community," Brady said. "We're improving downtown. I don't know that many people know we employ almost 70 people down here. We are a big economic driver in downtown Hays."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658939980634.jpeg" alt="First Care Clinic will be renovating this building at 13th and Main in Hays. It will house a pharmacy and express clinic. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>First Care Clinic will be renovating this building at 13th and Main in Hays. It will house a pharmacy and express clinic. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/">First Care Clinic</a> has purchased the building at 1301 Main and plans to renovate it to include a pharmacy and express care clinic.First Care CEO Bryan Brady said the pharmacy will be for First Care patients. The express clinic will open to the entire community."Our vision is that the pharmacy will be closed off to only First Care Clinic patients," he said. "The express care ... our vision is that you would be able to go online to an app and request an appointment within the next 24 hours and come in for your acute issue."The hours for the express care have yet to be set.The project will cost about $1.3 million. Half will be paid for through a Department of Health and Human Services grant. The other half will be paid for through operating capital. First Care Clinic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit federally qualified health center providing health care services for people of all ages, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. It provides services on a sliding-fee scale to those who qualify.In line with that mission, the pharmacy is working to offer medication at reduced costs for the uninsured and underinsured, Brady said. "One of the biggest things we hear from our patients is that their medication is unaffordable," Brady said. "If we can help them with that, and get them access to the medication they need, then that improves health outcomes." Brady said he did not think the First Care express care will compete with the HaysMed Convenient Care Clinic. The First Care clinic will be downtown as opposed to HaysMed's clinic, which is on Vine Street.The First Care express clinic will offer the same sliding-fee scale as the main clinic."Our goal is to look to fill those gaps in the community and not compete with anybody," Brady said.The building encompasses about 3,000 square feet. The Hays Chamber will host a ground-breaking ceremony at 1 p.m. Aug. 4. The renovations will take nine months to a year to complete, Brady said.Brady said unfortunately the old clinic and new buildings will not be connected. Patients will have to enter the pharmacy and express clinic from a separate outside door. The 1301 Main building is part of the historical downtown district. First Care was able to come to a compromise with the state's historical society to allow the renovation of the building to move forward.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5c81a17f-33b4-44a3-9a8c-bffca3c81b37">First Care Clinic recently acquired Hess Clinic.</a> Brady said it will continue to operate that location in addition to the main clinic and new space at 13th and Main.First Care is unique in that its main clinic is the only one in the area that houses family medical care, mental health services and general dentistry, all under one roof."It's part of our commitment to the Hays community," Brady said. "We're improving downtown. I don't know that many people know we employ almost 70 people down here. We are a big economic driver in downtown Hays."

First Care to open pharmacy, express care in downtown Hays

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares updates from the district.&nbsp;

<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="Extension district wheat test plot results released" 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=yxim2-128592d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares updates from the district.&nbsp;<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: Extension district wheat test plot results released

Due to damp and cloudy weather, the seal coat planned for today, (July&nbsp; has been postponed until Monday, August 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Streets scheduled for Friday&nbsp; are still planned, but dependent on dry, sunny weather.

The city apologizes for any inconvenience. &nbsp;Call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to damp and cloudy weather, the seal coat planned for today, (July&nbsp; has been postponed until Monday, August 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Streets scheduled for Friday&nbsp; are still planned, but dependent on dry, sunny weather.The city apologizes for any inconvenience. &nbsp;Call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 with questions.

Weather postpones Hays street sealing work

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced that Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, will be the recipient of InterHab’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. 

Schmierbach created a special project called <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/06/24/fhsu-to-host-collaborative-arts-project-with-dsnwk/">“The Collaborative Arts Project,”</a> which engages individuals served by DSNWK as part of her Social Practices in Art class.

Steve Keil, DSNWK director of development, interviewed Schmierbach, along with DSNWK staff members Scott Stults, director of programs and services, and Megan Pfannenstiel, former Collaborative Arts participant and <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/custom-creations">Custom Creations</a> employee, for a special video to be shown at InterHab's Awards ceremony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658780036028.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced that Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, will be the recipient of InterHab’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. Schmierbach created a special project called <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/06/24/fhsu-to-host-collaborative-arts-project-with-dsnwk/">“The Collaborative Arts Project,”</a> which engages individuals served by DSNWK as part of her Social Practices in Art class.Steve Keil, DSNWK director of development, interviewed Schmierbach, along with DSNWK staff members Scott Stults, director of programs and services, and Megan Pfannenstiel, former Collaborative Arts participant and <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/custom-creations">Custom Creations</a> employee, for a special video to be shown at InterHab's Awards ceremony.

FHSU art professor earns InterHab’s Outstanding Volunteer Award

LAWRENCE — More than 6,200 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned&nbsp;honor roll&nbsp;distinction for the spring 2022 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;honor roll&nbsp;comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences and in the schools of Architecture &amp; Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism &amp; Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies and Social Welfare.&nbsp;Honor roll&nbsp;criteria vary among the university’s academic units. Some schools honor the top 10% of students enrolled, some establish a minimum grade-point average, and others raise the minimum GPA for each year students are in school. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the&nbsp;honor roll.

<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2022-ku-honor-roll-kansas-honorees">Click here for the entire list of spring 2022 KU honor roll students from Kansas.</a>

    Allison Brooks, Hays, School of Architecture &amp; Design

    Amanti Debelo, Hays, School of Business

    Landon Dinkel, Hays, School of Architecture &amp; Design

    Kilee Hale, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Jersey Kaiser, Hays, School of Education &amp; Human Sciences

    Hope Kisner, Hays, School of Business

    Kallie Leiker, Hays, School of Pharmacy

    Cristina Leos, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Andrea Lopez, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Keaton Markley, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Sophia Mickelson-Coulter, Hays, School of Business

    Alicia Phlieger, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Blayne Riedel, Hays, School of Business

    Hayden Rohr, Hays, School of Pharmacy

    Jenna Romme, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Dawson Rooney, Hays, School of Engineering

    Cameron Rozean, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Emma Schmidt, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Taylor Teel, Hays, School of the Arts

    Connor Teget, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

    Ashtyn Toepfer, Hays, School of the Arts

    Fernando Zarate, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575650214747.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — More than 6,200 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned&nbsp;honor roll&nbsp;distinction for the spring 2022 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;honor roll&nbsp;comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences and in the schools of Architecture &amp; Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism &amp; Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Professional Studies and Social Welfare.&nbsp;Honor roll&nbsp;criteria vary among the university’s academic units. Some schools honor the top 10% of students enrolled, some establish a minimum grade-point average, and others raise the minimum GPA for each year students are in school. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the&nbsp;honor roll.<a href="https://news.ku.edu/spring-2022-ku-honor-roll-kansas-honorees">Click here for the entire list of spring 2022 KU honor roll students from Kansas.</a>Ellis Count honorees included:&nbsp; Allison Brooks, Hays, School of Architecture &amp; Design Amanti Debelo, Hays, School of Business Landon Dinkel, Hays, School of Architecture &amp; Design Kilee Hale, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Jersey Kaiser, Hays, School of Education &amp; Human Sciences Hope Kisner, Hays, School of Business Kallie Leiker, Hays, School of Pharmacy Cristina Leos, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Andrea Lopez, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Keaton Markley, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Sophia Mickelson-Coulter, Hays, School of Business Alicia Phlieger, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Blayne Riedel, Hays, School of Business Hayden Rohr, Hays, School of Pharmacy Jenna Romme, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Dawson Rooney, Hays, School of Engineering Cameron Rozean, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Emma Schmidt, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Taylor Teel, Hays, School of the Arts Connor Teget, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences Ashtyn Toepfer, Hays, School of the Arts Fernando Zarate, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Hays, NW Kan. students earn spot on KU's spring 2022 honor roll 

The Hays Police Department announced Monday the promotion of Austin Schmeidler to Dispatcher Shift Lead.&nbsp;

Schmeidler began with the department in 2018 as a dispatcher and has served as a senior dispatcher since 2021, according to Chief Don Scheibler.

In the position, he will lead shifts in the communication center under the direction of Lt. Jeff Ridgeway. 

"Austin
has been a great employee for us, and we're confident he's going to be a great
supervisor for us," Scheibler said. "We're very excited for him."

He said the dispatch department fills a vital role in the community and serves as the first, first responders in emergencies across the county.

"The work they do is very important," Scheibler said, adding he believes Schmeidler will continue to prove to be an asset to the department and the community in his new role.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658858961163.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department Shift Lead Austin Schmeidler , left, with Chief Don Scheibler. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department Shift Lead Austin Schmeidler , left, with Chief Don Scheibler. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays Police Department announced Monday the promotion of Austin Schmeidler to Dispatcher Shift Lead.&nbsp;Schmeidler began with the department in 2018 as a dispatcher and has served as a senior dispatcher since 2021, according to Chief Don Scheibler.In the position, he will lead shifts in the communication center under the direction of Lt. Jeff Ridgeway. "Austin
has been a great employee for us, and we're confident he's going to be a great
supervisor for us," Scheibler said. "We're very excited for him."He said the dispatch department fills a vital role in the community and serves as the first, first responders in emergencies across the county."The work they do is very important," Scheibler said, adding he believes Schmeidler will continue to prove to be an asset to the department and the community in his new role.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658858971610.jpeg" alt="From left, Hays Police Department&nbsp; Lt. Brandon Wright, Shift Lead Austin Schmeidler and Deputy Chief Brian Dawson. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>From left, Hays Police Department&nbsp; Lt. Brandon Wright, Shift Lead Austin Schmeidler and Deputy Chief Brian Dawson. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Police Department dispatcher promoted

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658940176895.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>

We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.

We are also looking for general labor assistance!

Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.

Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply within at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642173081488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.We are also looking for general labor assistance!Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply within at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

City of Hays: 27th Street open to traffic

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 43 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from July&nbsp;16 to 22.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). Rawlins and Ness counties are in the moderate classification, while Rooks in in the substantial-incidence classification.

<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 7,440 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658941963304.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 43 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from July&nbsp;16 to 22.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). Rawlins and Ness counties are in the moderate classification, while Rooks in in the substantial-incidence classification.<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 7,440 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658942161160.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 43 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. in past week

Intermittent showers Tuesday resulted in 0.27 inches of rain — and more is on the way.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City&nbsp; is predicting showers and thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Saturday night in the Hays area.

Chance of showers or thunderstorms range from 20 percent to 60 percent for the remainder of the week — and between 1 and 3 inches of total rain is possible in the Hays area. Skies are expected to clear Sunday.

The cooler weather is also expected to linger, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s expected Thursday through Saturday.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658935986534.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Intermittent showers Tuesday resulted in 0.27 inches of rain — and more is on the way.The National Weather Service in Dodge City&nbsp; is predicting showers and thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Saturday night in the Hays area.Chance of showers or thunderstorms range from 20 percent to 60 percent for the remainder of the week — and between 1 and 3 inches of total rain is possible in the Hays area. Skies are expected to clear Sunday.The cooler weather is also expected to linger, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s expected Thursday through Saturday.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rainfall potential through Saturday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/YWuKGBFfda">pic.twitter.com/YWuKGBFfda</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1552214407215689728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Quarter inch of rain in Hays — more on the way

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Construction noises and breezes from huge fans moving the hot still air echo through a brick building in south Hays that has been mostly vacant for several years. It's being transformed into the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays, as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://hospitals.kvc.org/2021/12/13/governor-laura-kelly-announces-partnership-to-bring-youth-psychiatric-hospital-to-hays/" target="_blank">a new partnership</a>&nbsp;with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).

In January 2023, the new location will be providing acute inpatient and residential juvenile psychiatric services for youth ages 6-18 experiencing a mental health crisis. All the current KVC psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) services at the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th, will relocate to the bigger facility.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3de94af-2857-447a-955b-b0cacf3adeda">downtown site also housed acute patients from 2010 to 2019</a>&nbsp; following the closure of the children’s hospital at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;KVC cited CMS' (Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services) licensure as a reason they closed the acute beds in Hays.&nbsp;CMS required KVC to have acute patients and residential patients in separate spaces. The new facility will allow that.&nbsp;

The space is leased from HaysMed, which purchased the former NEW building in 2016 and operates several hospital business departments in the east end of the facility.&nbsp;

U. S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a former Hays resident, was invited to tour the remodeling project last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658862746178.jpeg" alt="RDH Electric employees work at the renovation of the former NEW building, 3000 New Way Blvd. It will become the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>RDH Electric employees work at the renovation of the former NEW building, 3000 New Way Blvd. It will become the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostConstruction noises and breezes from huge fans moving the hot still air echo through a brick building in south Hays that has been mostly vacant for several years. It's being transformed into the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays, as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://hospitals.kvc.org/2021/12/13/governor-laura-kelly-announces-partnership-to-bring-youth-psychiatric-hospital-to-hays/" target="_blank">a new partnership</a>&nbsp;with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).In January 2023, the new location will be providing acute inpatient and residential juvenile psychiatric services for youth ages 6-18 experiencing a mental health crisis. All the current KVC psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) services at the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th, will relocate to the bigger facility.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3de94af-2857-447a-955b-b0cacf3adeda">downtown site also housed acute patients from 2010 to 2019</a>&nbsp; following the closure of the children’s hospital at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;KVC cited CMS' (Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services) licensure as a reason they closed the acute beds in Hays.&nbsp;CMS required KVC to have acute patients and residential patients in separate spaces. The new facility will allow that.&nbsp;The space is leased from HaysMed, which purchased the former NEW building in 2016 and operates several hospital business departments in the east end of the facility.&nbsp;U. S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a former Hays resident, was invited to tour the remodeling project last week."This is designed to meet the unique safety, security, and therapeutic needs of youth receiving both levels of treatment," said Bobby Eklofe, MHSA, KVC Hospitals president, as he and Sarah Berens, LSCSW, Hays clinical director, walked with Moran through the building. "It's our own space."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658863904059.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kansas, Bobby Eklofe, KVC Hospitals president, and Sarah Berens, KVC&nbsp; Hospitals Hays clinical director, look at architectural plans for the&nbsp;new KVC Hospitals facility in Hays. It will house both psychiatric inpatient and residential treatment services for youth ages 6 to 18. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kansas, Bobby Eklofe, KVC Hospitals president, and Sarah Berens, KVC&nbsp; Hospitals Hays clinical director, look at architectural plans for the&nbsp;new KVC Hospitals facility in Hays. It will house both psychiatric inpatient and residential treatment services for youth ages 6 to 18. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>There will be 32 rooms available in segregated areas, 18 PRTF beds relocating from Hadley, and 14 new acute beds.According to Eklofe, residential treatment can last up to 120 days.&nbsp;Length of stay is different for each child, but typically, a child receiving care in acute care stays four to six daysThe acute program serves youth who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, the impacts of trauma and other behavioral health needs.The acute program's goal is to help stabilize children and return them home as soon as safely possible, equipped with the skills, support and resources they need to continue treatment in their communityKVC estimates the larger facility will allow for serving an additional 600 youth each year.&nbsp;Western Kansas residents have priority admittance, according to Berens, adding&nbsp; that most clients are between the ages of 10 and 13. "It's a tough age for kids," she said.KVC has had services in Kansas City, Kansas and Wichita for some time."It's not unusual for parents to be driving three or four hours to find a bed for their child. We wanted to make sure we brought the services closer to them," Eklofe said.&nbsp;"We're very fortunate to be able to work with partners like High Plains Mental Health Center, Hays Medical Center, the police department, the fire department, and other community leaders to be able to put this out here," Eklofe said. "We'll be able to provide safe, secure, and treatment-focused spaces for children."&nbsp;The facility includes therapy rooms, visitation rooms, a dining room, gymnasium and learning labs, where innovative treatment and education will&nbsp; teach youth about their brains and how to regulate their emotions. Movement throughout the living areas is unobstructed while still supporting privacy and maintaining safety and security.&nbsp; &nbsp;Cameras and motion sensors using state-of-the-art technology will be placed throughout the building for enhanced digital monitoring in addition to the direct supervision of employees 24-hours a day.A secure play area will be located just outside the door on the south side of the building. "It gives them the space to simply be kids while ensuring safety,"&nbsp;said Eklofe.Some additional staff will be hired, including a psychiatrist. Most of that staff will be specialized positions in nursing as well as&nbsp; clinicians for the acute program.&nbsp;"We're very fortunate to have quite a few direct care staff [already] in our residential program," Eklofe added.KVC has also partnered with Fort Hays State University, working with students and interns in the departments of social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing "to get their feet wet in this profession," said Berens. NCK Tech nursing students have also worked with KVC, doing clinical rotations.Berens, a Colby native, is herself an FHSU graduate. She earned her master's degree from KU.&nbsp;KVC staff members have also been recruited from FHSU job fairs with interest coming from students in criminal justice and teaching."We've had people come into direct service with teaching degrees, [working] with those clients that really need that specialized care. They've been able to utilize the skills that they're learning at the college level to get some experience and really hone their skills," Berens said.&nbsp;She's eagerly anticipating the opening of the new facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658883161541.jpeg" alt="KVC Hospital's new home at 3000 New Way Blvd. in Hays. KVC will begin offering acute and residential psychiatric treatment for up to 32 juveniles at the facility in January. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>KVC Hospital's new home at 3000 New Way Blvd. in Hays. KVC will begin offering acute and residential psychiatric treatment for up to 32 juveniles at the facility in January. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think it's such an opportunity to truly provide the therapeutic care that is so needed," Berens said."These kids deserve to have the best and we're able to be a step in that right direction.&nbsp;"It's so exciting to have acute care back in Hays and for northwest Kansas. It's always something that we've loved providing. It's so exciting and so needed."Editor's note: CORRECTION: This article was updated July 28 to reflect corrections in the additional number of children expected to be served (600) in the new hospital as well as the typical length of stay for residential treatment (120 days).

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