By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf has described
the spring migration at Cheyenne Bottoms this year as phenomenal. 

Robert
Penner, the Nature Conservancy Manager at Cheyenne Bottoms, estimated 400,000
shorebirds this spring during a survey.

The large number of birds that have
stopped at the wetlands has occurred despite low water conditions. Wolf said
the lack of water has provided near-perfect conditions for shorebirds that don’t
need deep water.

"Timing wise...if we can get two or three more 
weeks, the migration will be pretty much on the downswing," said Wolf. 
"At that point, the low water won't have a huge effect on this year's 
migration. Hopefully, we get rain for the return trip in the fall." 
The majority of the pools at Cheyenne Bottoms are dry, with most of the
water in the middle, which is typically a storage pool. Wolf said he hasn’t
seen the wetlands this dry since the summers of 2012 and 2013, and he explained
the importance of Cheyenne Bottoms as a resource for the birds to refuel. 
"The purpose of the birds stopping here is for them to eat a ton and put
 on fat reserves so they can make it to their next destination," said 
Wolf. "If we're dry, there's nothing for them here so they won't stop. 
That could be to their detriment." 
In 2012 and 2013 when Cheyenne Bottoms was dry, more shorebirds used Wilson
Lake and Kanopolis Lake as a stopping point in their spring migration.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The
 birds would have to find the next place," added Wolf. "If there isn't a
 next place for another 1,000 miles, that's not good for their 
physiology."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652123449620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>The Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf has described
the spring migration at Cheyenne Bottoms this year as phenomenal. Robert
Penner, the Nature Conservancy Manager at Cheyenne Bottoms, estimated 400,000
shorebirds this spring during a survey.The large number of birds that have
stopped at the wetlands has occurred despite low water conditions. Wolf said
the lack of water has provided near-perfect conditions for shorebirds that don’t
need deep water."Timing wise...if we can get two or three more 
weeks, the migration will be pretty much on the downswing," said Wolf. 
"At that point, the low water won't have a huge effect on this year's 
migration. Hopefully, we get rain for the return trip in the fall." 
The majority of the pools at Cheyenne Bottoms are dry, with most of the
water in the middle, which is typically a storage pool. Wolf said he hasn’t
seen the wetlands this dry since the summers of 2012 and 2013, and he explained
the importance of Cheyenne Bottoms as a resource for the birds to refuel. 
"The purpose of the birds stopping here is for them to eat a ton and put
 on fat reserves so they can make it to their next destination," said 
Wolf. "If we're dry, there's nothing for them here so they won't stop. 
That could be to their detriment." 
In 2012 and 2013 when Cheyenne Bottoms was dry, more shorebirds used Wilson
Lake and Kanopolis Lake as a stopping point in their spring migration.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"The
 birds would have to find the next place," added Wolf. "If there isn't a
 next place for another 1,000 miles, that's not good for their 
physiology."

Low water levels at Cheyenne Bottoms; good migration numbers

The Center for Life Experiences, a Hays-based organization
that helps area residents with grief after the loss of loved ones this summer
will now face its own loss, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Ann Leiker.

Leiker has led the organization for around 20 years, she
said, and served another 10 as a social worker in the community.

“I have loved every minute and been so honored to meet and talk
with the people that the center has reached out to,” Leiker said. “It's so
wonderful to see the center also having grown and welcoming more people."

&nbsp;“She's just done an
incredible job for us,” said Alan Scheurman, Center for Life Experiences board member. “She's so empathetic toward people and continued to provide
her expertise and skill level along with her past life experiences as well.”

Now he said they are hoping to replace Leiker with someone
who can move the organization into the future.

“We hope that someone will step up and possibly take on
responsibilities (with the same) passion that she had towards this type of an
organization,” Scheurman said. “We obviously need someone who's dedicated
and passionate about doing this type of work.”

Leiker said in the course of the position she has been responsible
for the day-to-day operations of the center and facilitating different support
groups.

Currently, the center hosts regular meetings including
Healing after Loss, for those that are healing after loss for loss of an adult,
Healing after Loss of Suicide, for families and people who have lost someone to
suicide and Healing Hearts, for families who have lost a child.

The organization also hosts events throughout the year,
including the Healing Kids Hearts retreat, for children from 7 to 12 years
old who have experienced a loss.

“I'm responsible for kind of coordinating and facilitating
all those kinds of things as well as making sure we get our bills paid and
making sure we welcome people and talk to people,” Leiker said.

As the search for a replacement is underway, she said
meetings would continue and the center would continue operating.

And while she is stepping down from her leadership role, she
would continue to support the center.

“I'm going to be around now and then helping through the
transition,” Leiker said. “But … I'm turning the big seven-zero this year. And
so I’ll time to take a little time to travel and do some things from just for
the fun of it and for myself. And volunteer some in the community and just keep
active.”

While she steps away, the board will search for an individual
that brings the right mix of skills into the position as they led area residents
to work through their grief and loss.

“People need to know they're not alone,” Leiker said. “They
have other people to help them walk through that and to grow and to move
forward with their life. Not move on, but move forward and not forgetting.”

Scheurman said he is optimistic a good fit will be found.

“I think there are people that have that commitment and
ability,” he said. “I think there are a lot of (potential candidates). Their
education and their background lead them towards that type of a group setting
and being able to work with people. And I think that's the main emphasis when
we look at people what they can or cannot do, they need to have that type of passion
towards that type of work.”

While Leiker brought to the position a background in social
work, it is not a requirement.

“I want to encourage anyone and I think even social work,
psychology, anything in the human services area that that has some education
with it, is what the board is hoping to look for,” she said. “So social work is
a nice fit, because of our skillset. But there are a lot of other there are
some other areas too, that the person can have their education and have
that capacity to, to understand.”

But anyone with an interest is encouraged to apply.

“We'll be happy to take any applications that are said to
us, we'll review them,” Scheurman said. “Our board is actively sending out
feelers at this point in time, both to the university here in town and to other
places to provide us with possible interested parties.

“We hope to find the right person and I think that's the
most important part,” he continued. “We could set timelines, but
we need to be reasonable about it. We need to make sure that whoever takes his
position that fits the agenda and the operation that we're currently leading
and see if they want to proceed forward and expand upon.”

<a href="http://www.cflehope.org">For more about the Center for Life Experiences, including the executive director position visit, cflehope.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651865463168.jpeg" alt="Ann Leiker" />
 <figcaption>Ann Leiker</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Center for Life Experiences, a Hays-based organization
that helps area residents with grief after the loss of loved ones this summer
will now face its own loss, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Ann Leiker.Leiker has led the organization for around 20 years, she
said, and served another 10 as a social worker in the community.“I have loved every minute and been so honored to meet and talk
with the people that the center has reached out to,” Leiker said. “It's so
wonderful to see the center also having grown and welcoming more people."&nbsp;“She's just done an
incredible job for us,” said Alan Scheurman, Center for Life Experiences board member. “She's so empathetic toward people and continued to provide
her expertise and skill level along with her past life experiences as well.”Now he said they are hoping to replace Leiker with someone
who can move the organization into the future.“We hope that someone will step up and possibly take on
responsibilities (with the same) passion that she had towards this type of an
organization,” Scheurman said. “We obviously need someone who's dedicated
and passionate about doing this type of work.”Leiker said in the course of the position she has been responsible
for the day-to-day operations of the center and facilitating different support
groups.Currently, the center hosts regular meetings including
Healing after Loss, for those that are healing after loss for loss of an adult,
Healing after Loss of Suicide, for families and people who have lost someone to
suicide and Healing Hearts, for families who have lost a child.The organization also hosts events throughout the year,
including the Healing Kids Hearts retreat, for children from 7 to 12 years
old who have experienced a loss.<div><iframe title="Center for Life Experiences director retiring; search for replacement underway" 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=8wptn-121bfd7-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>“I'm responsible for kind of coordinating and facilitating
all those kinds of things as well as making sure we get our bills paid and
making sure we welcome people and talk to people,” Leiker said.As the search for a replacement is underway, she said
meetings would continue and the center would continue operating.And while she is stepping down from her leadership role, she
would continue to support the center.“I'm going to be around now and then helping through the
transition,” Leiker said. “But … I'm turning the big seven-zero this year. And
so I’ll time to take a little time to travel and do some things from just for
the fun of it and for myself. And volunteer some in the community and just keep
active.”While she steps away, the board will search for an individual
that brings the right mix of skills into the position as they led area residents
to work through their grief and loss.“People need to know they're not alone,” Leiker said. “They
have other people to help them walk through that and to grow and to move
forward with their life. Not move on, but move forward and not forgetting.”Scheurman said he is optimistic a good fit will be found.“I think there are people that have that commitment and
ability,” he said. “I think there are a lot of (potential candidates). Their
education and their background lead them towards that type of a group setting
and being able to work with people. And I think that's the main emphasis when
we look at people what they can or cannot do, they need to have that type of passion
towards that type of work.”While Leiker brought to the position a background in social
work, it is not a requirement.“I want to encourage anyone and I think even social work,
psychology, anything in the human services area that that has some education
with it, is what the board is hoping to look for,” she said. “So social work is
a nice fit, because of our skillset. But there are a lot of other there are
some other areas too, that the person can have their education and have
that capacity to, to understand.”But anyone with an interest is encouraged to apply.“We'll be happy to take any applications that are said to
us, we'll review them,” Scheurman said. “Our board is actively sending out
feelers at this point in time, both to the university here in town and to other
places to provide us with possible interested parties.“We hope to find the right person and I think that's the
most important part,” he continued. “We could set timelines, but
we need to be reasonable about it. We need to make sure that whoever takes his
position that fits the agenda and the operation that we're currently leading
and see if they want to proceed forward and expand upon.”<a href="http://www.cflehope.org">For more about the Center for Life Experiences, including the executive director position visit, cflehope.org.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580856456293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 After 20 years, Center for Life Experiences seeking new director

Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce a large donation of artwork to the university’s permanent collection. The donation is curated as an academic research collection and encompasses nearly 200 artworks by renowned New York-based artists.

The donor, Rosemary Hornak, is a Midwest-based artist, art collector, and retired real estate developer. She worked as a studio artist alongside her brother, founding Photorealist artist, Ian Hornak (1944-2002). Portions of her collection have been the subject of museum exhibitions nationwide. In the last 15 years, she has donated hundreds of artworks by the country’s leading artists to approximately 50 museums throughout the United States including, the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, Dartmouth College, and The George Washington University.

Rosemary Hornak’s son brought Fort Hays State to her attention after he graduated from the university in 2021, and she chose FHSU as the beneficiary of this portion of her collection. FHSU history instructor Hollie Marquess helped facilitate the donation.

The collection will reside in FHSU’s Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design. It includes comprehensive retrospective sub-collections of artwork by Jon Carsman (1944-1987), Ian Hornak (1944-2002) – the donor’s late brother – and Scott Kahn (1946).

Jon Carsman was one of the most successful artists in New York during the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, having been credited as one of the artists who helped to re-popularize Realism in painting following its demise during the Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1950s. Carsman’s artwork is owned by most major museums in the United States, including the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Metropolitan Museum of Art; and locally, the Wichita Art Museum, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, and the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Ian Hornak was one of the founding artists of the Photorealist movement in the 1960s and later one of the country’s most celebrated artists.&nbsp;He was described by the New York Times as “right at the top of the list of romantically descriptive painters today.” His&nbsp;artwork is included in the collections of major museums nationwide, including the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and locally, the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Mo. His paintings were the subject of Barack Obama’s Presidential Inaugural exhibition at the Federal Reserve on the National Mall in Washington D.C. in 2013 and have sold for up to $165,000 each.

Scott Kahn is currently one of the most popular artists in the United States. Several of his paintings recently sold at Christie’s and Phillips auction houses for nearly $1 million each. Kahn’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and several of his pieces are included in the collections of major public, corporate, and private collections around the world.

Rosemary Hornak, the donor, said, “I hope for this donation to help to attract additional national attention and respect for Fort Hays State, as well as to aid the students, faculty, and the Hays community in their studies, work, and personal enjoyment.”

She has committed to ongoing donations to the university as she downsizes her collection, including artworks by some of the most renowned artists in the world, including Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, Robert Motherwell, and Robert Rauschenberg.

In addition to instructor Marquess, the university is grateful to Colin Schmidtberger, the director of the Moss-Thorns Gallery, and Schuyler Coates, a director of development at the Fort Hays State Foundation, for their invaluable assistance in making this donation possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651697785420.jpeg" alt="A painting from the late Ian Hornak of his sister, Rosemary Hornak, and her young son is part of the art collection donated to FHSU." />
 <figcaption>A painting from the late Ian Hornak of his sister, Rosemary Hornak, and her young son is part of the art collection donated to FHSU.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University is pleased to announce a large donation of artwork to the university’s permanent collection. The donation is curated as an academic research collection and encompasses nearly 200 artworks by renowned New York-based artists.The donor, Rosemary Hornak, is a Midwest-based artist, art collector, and retired real estate developer. She worked as a studio artist alongside her brother, founding Photorealist artist, Ian Hornak (1944-2002). Portions of her collection have been the subject of museum exhibitions nationwide. In the last 15 years, she has donated hundreds of artworks by the country’s leading artists to approximately 50 museums throughout the United States including, the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, Dartmouth College, and The George Washington University.Rosemary Hornak’s son brought Fort Hays State to her attention after he graduated from the university in 2021, and she chose FHSU as the beneficiary of this portion of her collection. FHSU history instructor Hollie Marquess helped facilitate the donation.The collection will reside in FHSU’s Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design. It includes comprehensive retrospective sub-collections of artwork by Jon Carsman (1944-1987), Ian Hornak (1944-2002) – the donor’s late brother – and Scott Kahn (1946).Jon Carsman was one of the most successful artists in New York during the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, having been credited as one of the artists who helped to re-popularize Realism in painting following its demise during the Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1950s. Carsman’s artwork is owned by most major museums in the United States, including the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Metropolitan Museum of Art; and locally, the Wichita Art Museum, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, and the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;Ian Hornak was one of the founding artists of the Photorealist movement in the 1960s and later one of the country’s most celebrated artists.&nbsp;He was described by the New York Times as “right at the top of the list of romantically descriptive painters today.” His&nbsp;artwork is included in the collections of major museums nationwide, including the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and locally, the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Mo. His paintings were the subject of Barack Obama’s Presidential Inaugural exhibition at the Federal Reserve on the National Mall in Washington D.C. in 2013 and have sold for up to $165,000 each.Scott Kahn is currently one of the most popular artists in the United States. Several of his paintings recently sold at Christie’s and Phillips auction houses for nearly $1 million each. Kahn’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and several of his pieces are included in the collections of major public, corporate, and private collections around the world.Rosemary Hornak, the donor, said, “I hope for this donation to help to attract additional national attention and respect for Fort Hays State, as well as to aid the students, faculty, and the Hays community in their studies, work, and personal enjoyment.”She has committed to ongoing donations to the university as she downsizes her collection, including artworks by some of the most renowned artists in the world, including Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, Robert Motherwell, and Robert Rauschenberg.In addition to instructor Marquess, the university is grateful to Colin Schmidtberger, the director of the Moss-Thorns Gallery, and Schuyler Coates, a director of development at the Fort Hays State Foundation, for their invaluable assistance in making this donation possible.

FHSU receives donation of extensive art collection

The Hays Area Children's Center and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas are collaborating on&nbsp;a transition process for Part C,&nbsp;Tiny-k services in Ellis County and a portion of Rush County. &nbsp;

Infant-toddler early intervention services are available to infants and toddlers to enhance development and minimize their potential for developmental delays, and to recognize the significant brain development that occurs during the child’s first three years. Intervention services include screenings, home visits, occupational, physical, speech or behavioral therapy and other intervention services.

This home-based service previously provided through the HACC, will officially transition over to DSNWK's Kid-Link services on May 15, 2022. The HACC will continue to operate their daycare services without change at the Children's Center on the FHSU campus. &nbsp;

Both the HACC and DSNWK are working to make this a smooth transition and would like to express our appreciation to all the affected families involved in this Part C,&nbsp;Tiny-k program for their help, patience and understanding as we work together through this transition process. &nbsp;

DSNWK's Kid-Link program has been proudly serving families in several surrounding counties in northwest Kansas including Norton, Phillips, Rooks, Smith, Osborne and Russell since 1976. &nbsp;

Parents involved in the Tiny-k program at the HACC can reach out with any questions about this change by calling HACC at (785) 625-3257. &nbsp;Over the next several weeks, direct outreach will be occurring with each enrolled family. &nbsp;New referrals in this area can be sent to DSNWK Kid-Link by faxing (785) 623-2867, phone (785) 621-5270, PO Box 310 or ASQ database (English:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asqonline.com/family/eabcab">https://www.asqonline.com/family/eabcab</a>, Spanish:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asqonline.com/family/42baa5">https://www.asqonline.com/family/42baa5</a>.

News releaseThe Hays Area Children's Center and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas are collaborating on&nbsp;a transition process for Part C,&nbsp;Tiny-k services in Ellis County and a portion of Rush County. &nbsp;Infant-toddler early intervention services are available to infants and toddlers to enhance development and minimize their potential for developmental delays, and to recognize the significant brain development that occurs during the child’s first three years. Intervention services include screenings, home visits, occupational, physical, speech or behavioral therapy and other intervention services.This home-based service previously provided through the HACC, will officially transition over to DSNWK's Kid-Link services on May 15, 2022. The HACC will continue to operate their daycare services without change at the Children's Center on the FHSU campus. &nbsp;Both the HACC and DSNWK are working to make this a smooth transition and would like to express our appreciation to all the affected families involved in this Part C,&nbsp;Tiny-k program for their help, patience and understanding as we work together through this transition process. &nbsp;DSNWK's Kid-Link program has been proudly serving families in several surrounding counties in northwest Kansas including Norton, Phillips, Rooks, Smith, Osborne and Russell since 1976. &nbsp;Parents involved in the Tiny-k program at the HACC can reach out with any questions about this change by calling HACC at (785) 625-3257. &nbsp;Over the next several weeks, direct outreach will be occurring with each enrolled family. &nbsp;New referrals in this area can be sent to DSNWK Kid-Link by faxing (785) 623-2867, phone (785) 621-5270, PO Box 310 or ASQ database (English:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asqonline.com/family/eabcab">https://www.asqonline.com/family/eabcab</a>, Spanish:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asqonline.com/family/42baa5">https://www.asqonline.com/family/42baa5</a>.

Part C Tiny-k services transitioning from HACC to DSNWK

SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase in western Kansas.

Just after 4p.m. Saturday, police in Scott City attempted to stop a pickup for traffic infractions, according to a media release.

 The vehicle failed to stop and officers pursued.  The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County and ended in Finney County at 4:55 p.m.&nbsp;

Braden Timothy Mitchell, age 20 of Holcomb was arrested by Scott City Officers on requested charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving under the influence, transportation of an open container, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of THC, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal window tint and multiple traffic violations.

KHP and Finney County Sheriff assisted with the pursuit.  Mitchell is currently in the custody of the Scott County Sheriff and the case has been forwarded to the Scott County Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652094015787.png" alt="The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County a Finney counties-photo Scott City Police." />
 <figcaption>The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County a Finney counties-photo Scott City Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase in western Kansas.Just after 4p.m. Saturday, police in Scott City attempted to stop a pickup for traffic infractions, according to a media release. The vehicle failed to stop and officers pursued. The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County and ended in Finney County at 4:55 p.m.&nbsp;Braden Timothy Mitchell, age 20 of Holcomb was arrested by Scott City Officers on requested charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving under the influence, transportation of an open container, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of THC, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal window tint and multiple traffic violations.KHP and Finney County Sheriff assisted with the pursuit. Mitchell is currently in the custody of the Scott County Sheriff and the case has been forwarded to the Scott County Attorney.

Man arrested after 50 mile, western Kan. high-speed chase

The City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Pro Pipe, Denver, to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. 

Cleaning will begin Monday. Pro Pipe should be completed with the entire project by Friday, July 1.

Pro Pine will perform light cleaning and video inspection of 118,177 linear feet (22 miles) of sanitary sewer with a budget authority not to&nbsp;exceed $140,000. The 2022 program continues the goal of performing cleaning of sanitary&nbsp;sewer lines on a five-year cleaning cycle.&nbsp;

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. 

During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning process. If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Pro Pipe’s onsite Supervisor Del at 480-318-9315,  Project Manager Isaac at 909-568-7070, or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651852630855.png" alt="Cleaning and inspection of 22 miles of sewer line will begin in Hays on Monday.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cleaning and inspection of 22 miles of sewer line will begin in Hays on Monday.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Pro Pipe, Denver, to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. Cleaning will begin Monday. Pro Pipe should be completed with the entire project by Friday, July 1.Pro Pine will perform light cleaning and video inspection of 118,177 linear feet (22 miles) of sanitary sewer with a budget authority not to&nbsp;exceed $140,000. The 2022 program continues the goal of performing cleaning of sanitary&nbsp;sewer lines on a five-year cleaning cycle.&nbsp;Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning process. If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Pro Pipe’s onsite Supervisor Del at 480-318-9315, Project Manager Isaac at 909-568-7070, or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

Sewer line cleaning, inspection begins Monday in Hays

	Want more nurses and teachers?&nbsp; Start with civic education.

	Late last month, the Kansas Board of Regents (BOR) released recommendations to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) calling for high-school students to take four math courses prior to graduation, instead of the current three.&nbsp; In addition, the BOR called for four units of English, validating the current standard.&nbsp; They also encouraged more high school students to study computer science and take dual-enrollment courses, in which high school students earn college credit for transfer.&nbsp; Finally, they want schools to help students complete the FAFSA form for federal student aid.&nbsp; These are ambitious goals–but what happened to civic education?

	It is no secret that the BOR wants to make our students career-ready.&nbsp; That is a good goal.&nbsp; Today’s popular careers with more need than applicants include nurses, teachers, physical therapists, and computer scientists.&nbsp; Yet with American democracy on life support, a renewed commitment to civic education remains vital–not only for our well-being, but also for our careers.

	Consider one of today’s hottest job fields:&nbsp; nursing.&nbsp; Burnout is rampant among existing nurses, while potential nursing students are changing their minds.&nbsp; The reason:&nbsp; our broken political climate.&nbsp; According to a 2019 survey by the American Nurses Association, one in four nurses has been physically assaulted on the job.&nbsp; A 2021 survey from the American Nurses Foundation found that 21% of nurses plan to leave their jobs within the next six months, and half of those (10% of all nurses total) said their jobs were negatively affecting their health and well being.	&nbsp;

	Toxic, political conspiracy theories promoted by politicians, trolls, and foreign agents pretending to be American citizens online are&nbsp; major factors in this assault on medicine.&nbsp; Only a renewed commitment to a healthy political climate will solve this.&nbsp; Students must be taught to thoroughly, rigorously evaluate information they read online and evaluate it in light of science.&nbsp; They also need to learn tolerance for those with whom they disagree.&nbsp; That is, they must learn that those with differing opinions are just that, not a cabal that is trying to hurt them, kill them, destroy their way of life, or even–these are actual tenents of the popular QAnon conspiracy theory–worship Satan and drink children’s blood in order to get high.&nbsp;&nbsp;

	Toxic nonsense corrupts other high-demand professions as well.&nbsp; We face growing shortages of teachers, who in turn are facing increasing harassment from politicians, internet trolls, and small minorities of parents who arrive at meetings ready to start fights because of things they have read or heard on social media or TV.&nbsp; Not surprisingly, fewer college students are showing an interest in becoming teachers.&nbsp; Another math class will not fix this.

	Our professionals are leaving their jobs due to political, verbal, and even physical assault, which in turn is caused by conspiracy theories and broken politics.&nbsp; High school and college students are shying away from these jobs.&nbsp; While the study of mathematics and other fields are to be commended, the only way to fix this crisis is to commit ourselves to a renewed, healthy political climate centered on accurate information and respect for differing opinions.&nbsp; It starts with civic education in the classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>	Want more nurses and teachers?&nbsp; Start with civic education.	Late last month, the Kansas Board of Regents (BOR) released recommendations to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) calling for high-school students to take four math courses prior to graduation, instead of the current three.&nbsp; In addition, the BOR called for four units of English, validating the current standard.&nbsp; They also encouraged more high school students to study computer science and take dual-enrollment courses, in which high school students earn college credit for transfer.&nbsp; Finally, they want schools to help students complete the FAFSA form for federal student aid.&nbsp; These are ambitious goals–but what happened to civic education?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>	It is no secret that the BOR wants to make our students career-ready.&nbsp; That is a good goal.&nbsp; Today’s popular careers with more need than applicants include nurses, teachers, physical therapists, and computer scientists.&nbsp; Yet with American democracy on life support, a renewed commitment to civic education remains vital–not only for our well-being, but also for our careers.	Consider one of today’s hottest job fields:&nbsp; nursing.&nbsp; Burnout is rampant among existing nurses, while potential nursing students are changing their minds.&nbsp; The reason:&nbsp; our broken political climate.&nbsp; According to a 2019 survey by the American Nurses Association, one in four nurses has been physically assaulted on the job.&nbsp; A 2021 survey from the American Nurses Foundation found that 21% of nurses plan to leave their jobs within the next six months, and half of those (10% of all nurses total) said their jobs were negatively affecting their health and well being.	&nbsp;	Toxic, political conspiracy theories promoted by politicians, trolls, and foreign agents pretending to be American citizens online are&nbsp; major factors in this assault on medicine.&nbsp; Only a renewed commitment to a healthy political climate will solve this.&nbsp; Students must be taught to thoroughly, rigorously evaluate information they read online and evaluate it in light of science.&nbsp; They also need to learn tolerance for those with whom they disagree.&nbsp; That is, they must learn that those with differing opinions are just that, not a cabal that is trying to hurt them, kill them, destroy their way of life, or even–these are actual tenents of the popular QAnon conspiracy theory–worship Satan and drink children’s blood in order to get high.&nbsp;&nbsp;	Toxic nonsense corrupts other high-demand professions as well.&nbsp; We face growing shortages of teachers, who in turn are facing increasing harassment from politicians, internet trolls, and small minorities of parents who arrive at meetings ready to start fights because of things they have read or heard on social media or TV.&nbsp; Not surprisingly, fewer college students are showing an interest in becoming teachers.&nbsp; Another math class will not fix this.	Our professionals are leaving their jobs due to political, verbal, and even physical assault, which in turn is caused by conspiracy theories and broken politics.&nbsp; High school and college students are shying away from these jobs.&nbsp; While the study of mathematics and other fields are to be commended, the only way to fix this crisis is to commit ourselves to a renewed, healthy political climate centered on accurate information and respect for differing opinions.&nbsp; It starts with civic education in the classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Regents recommendations missing civic education

<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/2022/5/1651864259365.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

Well, I’m already hearing of people having&nbsp;rashes&nbsp;from&nbsp;poison ivy this spring.&nbsp;My mom was so allergic to poison ivy I still believe&nbsp;to this day&nbsp;she could have caught it by merely looking at the plants.&nbsp;I remember her being hospitalized once with poison ivy&nbsp;so bad on her hand that it&nbsp;resembled raw hamburger.&nbsp;My dad on the other hand could’ve&nbsp;rolled&nbsp;around in the stuff and never known&nbsp;it.&nbsp;One&nbsp;night&nbsp;a few years back&nbsp;I went to change a flat tire on our mobile deer blind which was still in the woods, and found it to be afloat in a sea of the healthiest poison ivy&nbsp;I’d ever seen. I chopped it down all around the tire, wore gloves&nbsp;and was pretty careful as I worked, but three or four days later I&nbsp;had a small patch of rash on one&nbsp;arm, the first time I ever&nbsp;had&nbsp;poison ivy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Each stem of a poison ivy plant has three shiny, pointed green leaves, thus the old saying “Leaves of three, let them be.” The troublemaker is the oil called “Urushiol” that is found on poison ivy plants. Urushiol by itself is fairly harmless, but when absorbed by our skin, our body attacks&nbsp;to&nbsp;it as&nbsp;an intruder and the red, itchy rash follows. Urushiol is found in ALL parts of a poison ivy plant ALL year round, and has actually been found to be present in plants that have been dead&nbsp;for&nbsp;up to five years.&nbsp;Animals and pets do not react to urushiol but can carry it on their fur or hide and infect humans that way.&nbsp;It can also remain indefinitely on clothing and tools.&nbsp;Liquid from poison ivy blisters WILL NOT spread poison ivy; urushiol must be absorbed by our skin to cause a reaction&nbsp;and by the time a rash&nbsp;develops the oil has long since been absorbed.&nbsp;Sensitivity to poison ivy is thought to&nbsp;be genetic so it can&nbsp;run in the family; someone sensitive to poison ivy can&nbsp;also&nbsp;have a reaction from the smoke of burning poison ivy plants.

To keep this from reading&nbsp;like a pamphlet about poison ivy you’d pick up at the County Extension office, I’ve put together a&nbsp;little&nbsp;fun trivia&nbsp;about the “leaves-of-three” plant,&nbsp;plus&nbsp;few not-so-common facts&nbsp;and cures for poison ivy rash.

Five hundred people could itch from the amount of urushiol found on the head of a pin.&nbsp;It’s estimated that 85% of the world’s population would have an allergic reaction to poison ivy.&nbsp;Samples of urushiol several centuries old have still been found to cause skin irritation on sensitive people.&nbsp;

If using water &nbsp;to&nbsp;attempt &nbsp;to rinse&nbsp;urushiol&nbsp;off your skin&nbsp;before it’s absorbed, ALWAYS rinse with COOL water as hot water will actually open skin pores and speed absorption.

Capsaicin cream, labeled for arthritis pain can suppress the itch of poison ivy rash&nbsp;for hours.

Apple cider vinegar,&nbsp;rubbing alcohol&nbsp;or lemon juice&nbsp;poured liberally over your skin can rinse off urushiol if done soon enough after contact. Either liquid can also help heal poison ivy rash if drizzled over the rash or used on a compress.&nbsp;

Other ways to soothe poison ivy rash include&nbsp;coating the rash with&nbsp;cucumber slices or a paste made fromcucumber,&nbsp;and&nbsp;rubbing the rash with the inside of a banana peel or cool melon rind.&nbsp;

Witch hazel,&nbsp;strongly brewed tea,&nbsp;buttermilk or yogurt dabbed on poison ivy rash with a cotton ball can help draw toxins out of the rash and dry up seeping blisters.&nbsp;

Aloe Vera juice will soothe poison ivy rash like it soothes sunburn.

One cup of oatmeal ground into a fine powder, put into an old pair of pantyhose and used like a teabag in a tub of cool bathwater can provide relief from the intense itching of poison ivy rash.&nbsp;

Three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water makes a good paste to spread over poison ivy rash to aid in healing and offer temporary&nbsp;relief from itching.

In summary, lots of things can give relief from the itch of poison ivy rash, but the only sure way to prevent a reaction is to rinse off the urushiol oil before it can be absorbed into the skin.&nbsp;The opening lines of the old Coasters song “Poison Ivy” say “she comes on like a rose but everybody knows she’ll get you in dutch,&nbsp;you can look but you better not touch; poison ivy, poison ivy, at night when you’re sleepin’ poison ivy comes creeping around.” …Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Well, I’m already hearing of people having&nbsp;rashes&nbsp;from&nbsp;poison ivy this spring.&nbsp;My mom was so allergic to poison ivy I still believe&nbsp;to this day&nbsp;she could have caught it by merely looking at the plants.&nbsp;I remember her being hospitalized once with poison ivy&nbsp;so bad on her hand that it&nbsp;resembled raw hamburger.&nbsp;My dad on the other hand could’ve&nbsp;rolled&nbsp;around in the stuff and never known&nbsp;it.&nbsp;One&nbsp;night&nbsp;a few years back&nbsp;I went to change a flat tire on our mobile deer blind which was still in the woods, and found it to be afloat in a sea of the healthiest poison ivy&nbsp;I’d ever seen. I chopped it down all around the tire, wore gloves&nbsp;and was pretty careful as I worked, but three or four days later I&nbsp;had a small patch of rash on one&nbsp;arm, the first time I ever&nbsp;had&nbsp;poison ivy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each stem of a poison ivy plant has three shiny, pointed green leaves, thus the old saying “Leaves of three, let them be.” The troublemaker is the oil called “Urushiol” that is found on poison ivy plants. Urushiol by itself is fairly harmless, but when absorbed by our skin, our body attacks&nbsp;to&nbsp;it as&nbsp;an intruder and the red, itchy rash follows. Urushiol is found in ALL parts of a poison ivy plant ALL year round, and has actually been found to be present in plants that have been dead&nbsp;for&nbsp;up to five years.&nbsp;Animals and pets do not react to urushiol but can carry it on their fur or hide and infect humans that way.&nbsp;It can also remain indefinitely on clothing and tools.&nbsp;Liquid from poison ivy blisters WILL NOT spread poison ivy; urushiol must be absorbed by our skin to cause a reaction&nbsp;and by the time a rash&nbsp;develops the oil has long since been absorbed.&nbsp;Sensitivity to poison ivy is thought to&nbsp;be genetic so it can&nbsp;run in the family; someone sensitive to poison ivy can&nbsp;also&nbsp;have a reaction from the smoke of burning poison ivy plants.To keep this from reading&nbsp;like a pamphlet about poison ivy you’d pick up at the County Extension office, I’ve put together a&nbsp;little&nbsp;fun trivia&nbsp;about the “leaves-of-three” plant,&nbsp;plus&nbsp;few not-so-common facts&nbsp;and cures for poison ivy rash.Five hundred people could itch from the amount of urushiol found on the head of a pin.&nbsp;It’s estimated that 85% of the world’s population would have an allergic reaction to poison ivy.&nbsp;Samples of urushiol several centuries old have still been found to cause skin irritation on sensitive people.&nbsp;If using water &nbsp;to&nbsp;attempt &nbsp;to rinse&nbsp;urushiol&nbsp;off your skin&nbsp;before it’s absorbed, ALWAYS rinse with COOL water as hot water will actually open skin pores and speed absorption.Capsaicin cream, labeled for arthritis pain can suppress the itch of poison ivy rash&nbsp;for hours.Apple cider vinegar,&nbsp;rubbing alcohol&nbsp;or lemon juice&nbsp;poured liberally over your skin can rinse off urushiol if done soon enough after contact. Either liquid can also help heal poison ivy rash if drizzled over the rash or used on a compress.&nbsp;Other ways to soothe poison ivy rash include&nbsp;coating the rash with&nbsp;cucumber slices or a paste made fromcucumber,&nbsp;and&nbsp;rubbing the rash with the inside of a banana peel or cool melon rind.&nbsp;Witch hazel,&nbsp;strongly brewed tea,&nbsp;buttermilk or yogurt dabbed on poison ivy rash with a cotton ball can help draw toxins out of the rash and dry up seeping blisters.&nbsp;Aloe Vera juice will soothe poison ivy rash like it soothes sunburn.One cup of oatmeal ground into a fine powder, put into an old pair of pantyhose and used like a teabag in a tub of cool bathwater can provide relief from the intense itching of poison ivy rash.&nbsp;Three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water makes a good paste to spread over poison ivy rash to aid in healing and offer temporary&nbsp;relief from itching.In summary, lots of things can give relief from the itch of poison ivy rash, but the only sure way to prevent a reaction is to rinse off the urushiol oil before it can be absorbed into the skin.&nbsp;The opening lines of the old Coasters song “Poison Ivy” say “she comes on like a rose but everybody knows she’ll get you in dutch,&nbsp;you can look but you better not touch; poison ivy, poison ivy, at night when you’re sleepin’ poison ivy comes creeping around.” …Continue to Explore Kansas OutdoorsSteve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Don’t scratch that itch!

Beginning Monday, Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, will be performing rehabilitation of sanitary sewer manholes at locations in the south part of Hays.  See the map above for locations.

Mayer will rehab 50 manholes&nbsp;not to exceed the budgeted amount of $125,000. Additional manholes for rehabilitation have been identified to the north of the project area.

 Work is expected to take approximately three months. 

 Rehabilitation of sanitary sewer manholes will not affect the sanitary sewer system and customers will see no disruption in service.  Traffic should remain unaffected by this project and traffic control signs will be posted if necessary.

Manhole rehabilitation is generally considered to have a 50 to 60-year lifespan when the&nbsp;right material is properly applied. This project focuses on manholes in high acidic&nbsp;environments and high sewer use lines.

The Department of Water Resources initiated the manhole rehabilitation program in 2018.&nbsp;

 If you have any questions please contact the Austin with Mayer Specialty Services at 316-794-1165 or the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651853584266.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday, Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, will be performing rehabilitation of sanitary sewer manholes at locations in the south part of Hays. See the map above for locations.Mayer will rehab 50 manholes&nbsp;not to exceed the budgeted amount of $125,000. Additional manholes for rehabilitation have been identified to the north of the project area. Work is expected to take approximately three months. Rehabilitation of sanitary sewer manholes will not affect the sanitary sewer system and customers will see no disruption in service. Traffic should remain unaffected by this project and traffic control signs will be posted if necessary.Manhole rehabilitation is generally considered to have a 50 to 60-year lifespan when the&nbsp;right material is properly applied. This project focuses on manholes in high acidic&nbsp;environments and high sewer use lines.The Department of Water Resources initiated the manhole rehabilitation program in 2018.&nbsp; If you have any questions please contact the Austin with Mayer Specialty Services at 316-794-1165 or the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

South Hays sewer manholes to be rehabbed starting Monday

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Heart of America Development Corporation's land donation to the Microfactoy project.

<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="Land donation bolsters Hays Microfactory project" 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=4yc4u-121d508-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 Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Heart of America Development Corporation's land donation to the Microfactoy project.<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: Land donation bolsters Hays Microfactory project

🎥 2022 Ellis County National Day of Prayer

'I know all of that stuff that I went through was for a reason. I want to get my story across to stay strong.'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Several years ago, Sophia Linenberger was battling cancer — in a wheelchair and unable to walk. 

On May 22, Sophia, 18, will join her fellow seniors at Thomas More Prep-Marian and walk across the stage to receive her diploma.

"It feels really good," Sophia said. "It feels really good to be out of my wheelchair. I get to walk normally. I'm really excited about that and graduation."

When she was a freshman, Sophia was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, which affected her spine. She lost her ability to walk in only five days.

"We didn't know if she would ever walk again," said her mother, Jenny Linenberger.

Today, Sophia is a two-time cancer survivor. She is in remission and will have her six-month check-up in June.

Sophia was able to return to school three to four days before COVID hit. Because of cancer treatment and the need to isolate herself due to COVID, she has had to complete almost all of her high school academics online.

The last time she was able to attend classes in person, she was using either a wheelchair or a walker.

She did extensive physical therapy to gain enough strength and coordination to walk unaided again.

"It was a lot of hard work," she said. "I just had to keep doing my exercises every day. I've been getting better, and I try to do more, so I continue to get better."

With permission from her doctor, Sophia was finally able to return back to school in person for the final weeks of classes last week.

TMP typically has sendoffs for students attending regional and state competitions. Sophia's mom, Jenny, conceived the idea of a "send-in" for Sophia as she returned to school.

Students lined the sidewalk outside of the school, as well as the halls, to welcome their school mate back to class.

She said she has enjoyed being with her friends again at school. 

Sophia still wears a mask indoors and disinfects her desk between classes as a precaution against infections, including COVID. 

"Since COVID, we've really been on guard," Jenny Linenberger said. "We're still on guard. She's had so much damage to her lungs from both treatments of radiation. That's where COVID goes to — the lungs.

"It's been hard, but I also knew it was probably best for her to do things that she needed to do with her friends for the last couple of weeks."

Tonight Sophia will also realize a dream that in the not-so-distant past she thought was impossible. She will attend her senior prom. She picked out a flowered dress with a blue top. 

Being a part of a faith community through school and through her church has been very important to her and her family through the cancer battle, Sophia said. 

Sophia Bible journals. She and her mother prayed and sprinkled holy water on her before each chemo treatment. Sophia clutched a cross during procedures, and she and her mom also carried a Mary statute when they traveled for treatment.

"I would definitely say faith has got us through," Jenny said. "God will always be there, but Mary has always been my go-to person because she had to endure so much. She was the strongest woman ever. I always prayed to her for strength."

"Give me strength to get through this and be strong for Sophia and positive for Sophia."

Sophia's cancer is not the only tragedy that the family has had to face in the last four years.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/643056f3-3d2a-4a3e-9de7-8b60d9ccbf5b"> Sophia's father, Stan, was diagnosed with cancer in February 2021. He has received treatment and is also now in remissio</a>n.

Sophia has had extensive support not only from her peers and teachers at TMP, but from the community and beyond.

Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, met Sophia at a fundraiser for his foundation in 2019 in Kansas City. He has since worn a Sophia Strong wristband in support of Sophia.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b369386-bd31-4c9e-8faf-063b63ccd3f3">RELATED STORY: Local teen with cancer 'attends' Super Bowl with Mahomes</a>

The Fort Hays State University football team has supported Sophia throughout her cancer journey. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4db8c0cb-2d7b-4b1b-9872-af4fd5dadabe">They hosted send-offs for her when she had to travel to Kansas City for treatment,</a> and coach Chris Brown has invited Sophia to give his players pep talks, Jenny said.

"I would say the whole community of Hays ... they've supported us, They've stood behind us. They've given us prayers. They've helped us. The community of Hays is wonderful," Jenny said.

She and Sophia said they are thankful for everyone who has supported their family.

Sophia said she is looking forward to graduation day as a culmination of not only her school work but as a celebration of her triumph over cancer.

"It just means so much to me," she said, "because I worked so hard for this. I know all of that stuff that I went through was for a reason. I want to get my story across to stay strong. I'm just so excited that I will be able to walk across that stage.

"I'm just so thankful to God, because He's the one who got me through all of this."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651869791991.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger walks into Thomas More Prep-Marian on Monday, April 25 for her first day back in school in person after a four-year fight with cancer. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger walks into Thomas More Prep-Marian on Monday, April 25 for her first day back in school in person after a four-year fight with cancer. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'I know all of that stuff that I went through was for a reason. I want to get my story across to stay strong.'</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSeveral years ago, Sophia Linenberger was battling cancer — in a wheelchair and unable to walk. On May 22, Sophia, 18, will join her fellow seniors at Thomas More Prep-Marian and walk across the stage to receive her diploma."It feels really good," Sophia said. "It feels really good to be out of my wheelchair. I get to walk normally. I'm really excited about that and graduation."When she was a freshman, Sophia was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, which affected her spine. She lost her ability to walk in only five days."We didn't know if she would ever walk again," said her mother, Jenny Linenberger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651869985680.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger, cancer survivor, is welcomed back to school by classmates on April 25. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger, cancer survivor, is welcomed back to school by classmates on April 25. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Today, Sophia is a two-time cancer survivor. She is in remission and will have her six-month check-up in June.Sophia was able to return to school three to four days before COVID hit. Because of cancer treatment and the need to isolate herself due to COVID, she has had to complete almost all of her high school academics online.The last time she was able to attend classes in person, she was using either a wheelchair or a walker.She did extensive physical therapy to gain enough strength and coordination to walk unaided again."It was a lot of hard work," she said. "I just had to keep doing my exercises every day. I've been getting better, and I try to do more, so I continue to get better."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651870183696.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger is back in school after taking most of her high school courses online due to her battle with cancer and the threat of COVID to her weakened immune system. She still has to wear a mask but said she was excited to be back with her friends in the final weeks before graduation. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger is back in school after taking most of her high school courses online due to her battle with cancer and the threat of COVID to her weakened immune system. She still has to wear a mask but said she was excited to be back with her friends in the final weeks before graduation. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>With permission from her doctor, Sophia was finally able to return back to school in person for the final weeks of classes last week.TMP typically has sendoffs for students attending regional and state competitions. Sophia's mom, Jenny, conceived the idea of a "send-in" for Sophia as she returned to school.Students lined the sidewalk outside of the school, as well as the halls, to welcome their school mate back to class.She said she has enjoyed being with her friends again at school. Sophia still wears a mask indoors and disinfects her desk between classes as a precaution against infections, including COVID. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651870371244.jpeg" alt="Cancer survivor Sophia Linenberger is welcomed back to school by fellow Thomas More Prep-Marian students. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Cancer survivor Sophia Linenberger is welcomed back to school by fellow Thomas More Prep-Marian students. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>"Since COVID, we've really been on guard," Jenny Linenberger said. "We're still on guard. She's had so much damage to her lungs from both treatments of radiation. That's where COVID goes to — the lungs."It's been hard, but I also knew it was probably best for her to do things that she needed to do with her friends for the last couple of weeks." Tonight Sophia will also realize a dream that in the not-so-distant past she thought was impossible. She will attend her senior prom. She picked out a flowered dress with a blue top. Being a part of a faith community through school and through her church has been very important to her and her family through the cancer battle, Sophia said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651870650500.jpeg" alt="A TMP football player hands Sophia Linenberger a rose in 2019 after she returned home from a round of cancer treatment. She is accompanied by her mother, Jenny, and sister, Holly. Hays Post file photo " />
 <figcaption>A TMP football player hands Sophia Linenberger a rose in 2019 after she returned home from a round of cancer treatment. She is accompanied by her mother, Jenny, and sister, Holly. Hays Post file photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Sophia Bible journals. She and her mother prayed and sprinkled holy water on her before each chemo treatment. Sophia clutched a cross during procedures, and she and her mom also carried a Mary statute when they traveled for treatment."I would definitely say faith has got us through," Jenny said. "God will always be there, but Mary has always been my go-to person because she had to endure so much. She was the strongest woman ever. I always prayed to her for strength.""Give me strength to get through this and be strong for Sophia and positive for Sophia."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651870499116.jpeg" alt="Sophia and her father, Stan, were in cancer treatment at the same time. Both are now in remission. Sophia and her mother said faith helped their family through its cancer ordeal. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Sophia and her father, Stan, were in cancer treatment at the same time. Both are now in remission. Sophia and her mother said faith helped their family through its cancer ordeal. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Sophia's cancer is not the only tragedy that the family has had to face in the last four years.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/643056f3-3d2a-4a3e-9de7-8b60d9ccbf5b"> Sophia's father, Stan, was diagnosed with cancer in February 2021. He has received treatment and is also now in remissio</a>n.Sophia has had extensive support not only from her peers and teachers at TMP, but from the community and beyond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651870751004.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger, right, her sister, Holly, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at a charity gala in Kansas City in 2019. Since this event, Mahomes has worn a yellow wristband in honor of Sophia. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger, right, her sister, Holly, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at a charity gala in Kansas City in 2019. Since this event, Mahomes has worn a yellow wristband in honor of Sophia. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, met Sophia at a fundraiser for his foundation in 2019 in Kansas City. He has since worn a Sophia Strong wristband in support of Sophia.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b369386-bd31-4c9e-8faf-063b63ccd3f3">RELATED STORY: Local teen with cancer 'attends' Super Bowl with Mahomes</a> The Fort Hays State University football team has supported Sophia throughout her cancer journey. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4db8c0cb-2d7b-4b1b-9872-af4fd5dadabe">They hosted send-offs for her when she had to travel to Kansas City for treatment,</a> and coach Chris Brown has invited Sophia to give his players pep talks, Jenny said. "I would say the whole community of Hays ... they've supported us, They've stood behind us. They've given us prayers. They've helped us. The community of Hays is wonderful," Jenny said.She and Sophia said they are thankful for everyone who has supported their family. Sophia said she is looking forward to graduation day as a culmination of not only her school work but as a celebration of her triumph over cancer. "It just means so much to me," she said, "because I worked so hard for this. I know all of that stuff that I went through was for a reason. I want to get my story across to stay strong. I'm just so excited that I will be able to walk across that stage."I'm just so thankful to God, because He's the one who got me through all of this."

Cancer survivor reaches goal of walking across stage to receive TMP diploma

Hailey Zulkoski was among a group of students honored at a reception in April at the home of Dr. Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State University.

Zulkoski, a senior from Ord, Neb., is a member of the FHSU Shotgun Team, which won its eighth national championship at last fall’s&nbsp;Scholastic Clay Target Program Collegiate national tournament. President Mason hosted a reception for Zulkoski and her teammates and presented them with their national championship rings.

Zulkoski also was excited about her showing earlier in the month at the&nbsp;Association of College Unions International Clay Target Championships in San Antonio, Texas.

Zulkoski earned championship honors as the top female scorer in skeet doubles with a score of 99 out of a possible 100 at the ACUI. She was also the female champion in combined doubles for trap and skeet to help FHSU finish third as a team in Division 2. It was the best individual national finish of Zulkoski’s career.

FHSU finished with a score of 2,788 in team standings to finish just seven shots behind runner-up Emmanuel College out of Boston, Mass. Utah Southern was the Division 2 champ with a score of 2,832 (out of 3,000 targets).

Zulkoski also was part of FHSU’s Doubles American Skeet team at the ACUI national meet that finished third among all divisions with a score of 485 out of 500. Joining her on that team were Brock Barton, Zach Beers, Riley Ross, and Xander Winchel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651773259767.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsHailey Zulkoski was among a group of students honored at a reception in April at the home of Dr. Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State University.Zulkoski, a senior from Ord, Neb., is a member of the FHSU Shotgun Team, which won its eighth national championship at last fall’s&nbsp;Scholastic Clay Target Program Collegiate national tournament. President Mason hosted a reception for Zulkoski and her teammates and presented them with their national championship rings.Zulkoski also was excited about her showing earlier in the month at the&nbsp;Association of College Unions International Clay Target Championships in San Antonio, Texas.Zulkoski earned championship honors as the top female scorer in skeet doubles with a score of 99 out of a possible 100 at the ACUI. She was also the female champion in combined doubles for trap and skeet to help FHSU finish third as a team in Division 2. It was the best individual national finish of Zulkoski’s career.FHSU finished with a score of 2,788 in team standings to finish just seven shots behind runner-up Emmanuel College out of Boston, Mass. Utah Southern was the Division 2 champ with a score of 2,832 (out of 3,000 targets).Zulkoski also was part of FHSU’s Doubles American Skeet team at the ACUI national meet that finished third among all divisions with a score of 485 out of 500. Joining her on that team were Brock Barton, Zach Beers, Riley Ross, and Xander Winchel.FHSU’s national competitorsBrock Barton, Fairbury, Neb.Zach Beers, Syracuse, Neb.Nick Borchardt, Johnson Creek, Wis.Jade Chapman, Papillion, Neb.Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb.Will Dulohery, BentonJared Greenwood, BentonHank McVeigh, Lincoln, Neb.Riley Ross, St. Paul, Neb.Logan Smith, Burwell, Neb.Lane Sorensen, Hampton, Neb.Ryan St Peters, Godfrey, Ill.Mason Weller, Palmer, Neb.Xander Winchel, Spring Hill&nbsp;Hailey Zulkoski, Ord, Neb.

FHSU shotgun team places high at nationals again

TV series featuring Cottonwood Ranch, Don Rowlison to premiere on Smoky Hills PBS

"Cottonwood Connections," a new history-focused documentary series, will premiere on Smoky
Hills PBS on Sunday, May 15, at 6:00 PM.


"Cottonwood Connections" expands on the documentary film The Legacy of Cottonwood Ranch,
which recently aired on PBS stations across Kansas. The series utilizes the story of the
Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site to take a deeper dive into various historical topics related to
the Great Plains region, such as building with stone, real-life cowboys, the pre-historic past
and the role of mail order in settling the Great Plains.

The new series is hosted by Don Rowlison and presented by The Friends of Cottonwood
Ranch, an organization that supports the work of the historic site and has the mission of
encouraging historical education about the plains.

“When the documentary film was wrapping up, we discussed that there was still a lot of history
to share,” said Ed Lowry, director and producer of the series. “As a historic site that was a
settlement home, Cottonwood Ranch can serve as a springboard to talk about so many things.
And at the heart of all of that is Don Rowlison.”


Rowlison is an archeologist who specialized in studying the pre-historic people of the plains. In
1985, he became site curator for the Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site and devoted himself to
studying all the various issues that impacted people settling the region in the late 1800s.
Additionally, Don is, himself, a cowboy and was even inducted to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of
Fame in 2008 as a historian.


“Don’s vast knowledge and experience, his decades of studying and educating about the area,
not to mention his engaging personality and character, all combine to make a compelling host
for a documentary series like this,” Lowry said. “I also appreciate that Don loves to learn more
himself and is happy to bring others into the conversation.”


Guests in the early episodes include professors, archeologists, museum curators, and a
historical re-enactor.

The series will also be made available as an educational resource on the Cottonwood Ranch
web site at www.cottonwoodranchks.com following their televised airing.


Episodes of "Cottonwood Connections" will air on Smoky Hills PBS at 6:00 PM on Sundays,
then re-air the following Saturday, also at 6:00.


The first six episodes of the series will include:
 Building with Stone (May 15 and 21) 
Life of the Cowboys (May 22 and 28)
Archeology (May 29 and June 4)
 The Clothes People Wore (June 5 and 11) 
Discovering the Pre-Historic Past (June 12 and 18) 
The Role of Mail Order in Settling the Plains (June 19 and 25)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651772425857.png" alt="Don Rowlison, host of Cottonwood Connections, gives a junior high class a tour of the Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site in Sheridan County." />
 <figcaption>Don Rowlison, host of Cottonwood Connections, gives a junior high class a tour of the Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site in Sheridan County.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>TV series featuring Cottonwood Ranch, Don Rowlison to premiere on Smoky Hills PBS</h2>Smoky Hills PBS"Cottonwood Connections," a new history-focused documentary series, will premiere on Smoky
Hills PBS on Sunday, May 15, at 6:00 PM.
"Cottonwood Connections" expands on the documentary film The Legacy of Cottonwood Ranch,
which recently aired on PBS stations across Kansas. The series utilizes the story of the
Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site to take a deeper dive into various historical topics related to
the Great Plains region, such as building with stone, real-life cowboys, the pre-historic past
and the role of mail order in settling the Great Plains.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651772573826.png" alt="Don Rowlison, host of Cottonwood Connections, explains the use of stone in construction, a common practice in early settlement of Western Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Don Rowlison, host of Cottonwood Connections, explains the use of stone in construction, a common practice in early settlement of Western Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>The new series is hosted by Don Rowlison and presented by The Friends of Cottonwood
Ranch, an organization that supports the work of the historic site and has the mission of
encouraging historical education about the plains.“When the documentary film was wrapping up, we discussed that there was still a lot of history
to share,” said Ed Lowry, director and producer of the series. “As a historic site that was a
settlement home, Cottonwood Ranch can serve as a springboard to talk about so many things.
And at the heart of all of that is Don Rowlison.”
Rowlison is an archeologist who specialized in studying the pre-historic people of the plains. In
1985, he became site curator for the Cottonwood Ranch Historic Site and devoted himself to
studying all the various issues that impacted people settling the region in the late 1800s.
Additionally, Don is, himself, a cowboy and was even inducted to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of
Fame in 2008 as a historian.
“Don’s vast knowledge and experience, his decades of studying and educating about the area,
not to mention his engaging personality and character, all combine to make a compelling host
for a documentary series like this,” Lowry said. “I also appreciate that Don loves to learn more
himself and is happy to bring others into the conversation.”
Guests in the early episodes include professors, archeologists, museum curators, and a
historical re-enactor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651772602983.png" alt="Kristin Keith, historical re-enactor at Fort Larned Historic Site, discussing the styles of clothing worn by settlers in late 1800s. " />
 <figcaption>Kristin Keith, historical re-enactor at Fort Larned Historic Site, discussing the styles of clothing worn by settlers in late 1800s. </figcaption>
 </figure>The series will also be made available as an educational resource on the Cottonwood Ranch
web site at www.cottonwoodranchks.com following their televised airing.
Episodes of "Cottonwood Connections" will air on Smoky Hills PBS at 6:00 PM on Sundays,
then re-air the following Saturday, also at 6:00.
The first six episodes of the series will include:
 Building with Stone (May 15 and 21) 
Life of the Cowboys (May 22 and 28)
Archeology (May 29 and June 4)
 The Clothes People Wore (June 5 and 11) 
Discovering the Pre-Historic Past (June 12 and 18) 
The Role of Mail Order in Settling the Plains (June 19 and 25)

'Cottonwood Connections' set to premiere on Smoky Hills PBS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651864137416.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>

The time has come to invest in our community’s school facilities. &nbsp;I was against the bond the last time it was presented to voters, but I was uninformed. &nbsp;

As our kids have reached the age to visit other schools for their sporting functions, it has become abundantly apparent that our facilities are drastically inferior to our peer communities. And to make things worse, costs have increased so much that we could only do half the improvements if we had the same amount of money as the last bond proposal. &nbsp;

And it will only get more and more expensive if we don’t do something now.&nbsp; I was wrong last time, but we can get it right now — it’s time to invest in Hays’ schools. Join me on May 10 by voting yes for both the bond and sales tax options.&nbsp;

The time has come to invest in our community’s school facilities. &nbsp;I was against the bond the last time it was presented to voters, but I was uninformed. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As our kids have reached the age to visit other schools for their sporting functions, it has become abundantly apparent that our facilities are drastically inferior to our peer communities. And to make things worse, costs have increased so much that we could only do half the improvements if we had the same amount of money as the last bond proposal. &nbsp;And it will only get more and more expensive if we don’t do something now.&nbsp; I was wrong last time, but we can get it right now — it’s time to invest in Hays’ schools. Join me on May 10 by voting yes for both the bond and sales tax options.&nbsp;Rob Readle, Hays

LETTER: Vote no to last 489 bond? Time to make the right choice

DORRANCE — There's not much left in the little town of Dorrance — a few homes and old buildings that have been turned into boatsheds by the people hoping to frequent nearby Wilson Lake.

However, Dorrance was once a bustling farm community and whistle-stop for the Kansas Pacific Railroad.

One man is trying to preserve the community's history and his own family's past through a museum/eatery he calls the <a href="https://dorrancebankery.com/">Dorrance Bankery</a>.

On Saturday mornings, Tony Mahoney brings in baked goods made by a local home baker and invites local farmers or those whizzing by on Interstate 70 to pause awhile, sip some joe and tour the historic building.

Beginning May 14, Patsy D and her mobile barbecue of Russell will be offering barbecue over the lunch hour on Saturdays until the food is gone. Mahoney hopes this will entice more people to visit the bank and Dorrance.

The Dorrance State Bank was built in 1905. The bank closed in 1933 amid the Great Depression. In all, 9,000 banks failed during the 1930s.  By 1933, depositors saw $140 billion disappear through bank failures, according to research presented by Mahoney on the Bankery's website.

The building in downtown Dorrance was used in a variety of capacities after it was closed as a bank.

The Fritcshen family operated the community's telephone service from the building and used the building as a residence. The telephone switchboard from Dorrance is still in existence and is on display at the Fossil Station Museum in Russell.

During its time as a residence, what had been the bank vault was converted into a kitchen, which is still part of the building today.

When the modern telephone system came along, the building was converted into a small grocery store, which was operated by William and Arleen Huff. An attorney, Ray Coolidge of Russell, bought the building in 1981 and used it as an office until 1986.

The storefront was then used as a barbershop by Gerald Steinle for 21 years.

In 2007, when the barbershop closed, Mahoney, a retired pilot, purchased the bank building and took on the monumental task of refurbishing it. He applied for historical status for the bank, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"I think it's important just because we need to save our history," Mahoney said of the restoration.

Mahoney said he was drawn to the building because it is one of the few limestone structures still standing in the community. One of the others is the Rieff Building across the street. The Rieff Building was once owned by his father, who used it as a warehouse for his Toss Back company. His father eventually donated the Rieff Building to the Dorrance Historical Society.

Mahoney finished the bulk of restorations in 2021, but this will be the first full travel season the Bankery will be open for tours.

The building's historical status allowed Mahoney to apply for grant funds to restore the bank lobby as near as possible to what it was in the early 1900s. Most of the original fixtures in the building were missing, including the bank teller windows.

Mahoney was fortunate that during the early years of the bank a prolific photographer, Leslie Halbe, was active in the area. Glass plate negatives of photos from the Dorrance area, including photos of the bank, are still in existence. Halbe prints and digital images can be viewed at the Bankery.

Mahoney employed Russell carpenter, John Sechtem, to reconstruct the teller windows and counter. The restoration included bending and curling new ornate metal bars for the teller windows.

Mahoney handpainted the stencil border that once decorated the walls of the lobby. A vintage tin ceiling, although not original to the 1905 structure, was also uncovered and restored.

The original hardwood floors could not be saved, as portions of the floor were too badly damaged to be repaired. However, keeping with the building's character, Mahoney replaced the surface with new hardwood flooring.

Perhaps one of the most interesting stories of the restoration came from what Mahoney calls the "traveling window." Mahoney was able to secure and reinstall the original stained glass window over the entrance of the bank.

However, the more than 100-year-old window took a few side trips before ending up back home in Dorrance.

One day years ago, a man stopped by the bank when Mahoney was working. He had been married to a member of the Huff family, which had since operated a grocery store out of the former bank. The man's step-daughter still had the original window for the bank.

The daughter had taken the window to Wyoming, but Tom, the step-father, retrieved the window and told Mahoney he would hold onto the glass for Mahoney until he was ready to reinstall it in the bank.

A couple of years went by. Mahoney called Tom, but he didn't answer. Mahoney drove to Russell and learned from a family member Tom had died. After a number of phone calls, he found the glass was back with Tom's step-daughter, who now lived in Montana.

Graciously, the daughter agreed to give the glass to Mahoney to be placed in the museum. Mahoney traveled to Laramie, Wyo., and drove the glass back to Dorrance, where it is now reinstalled in its original home above the door to the bank.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651701983588.jpeg" alt="The Bankery offers pastries and soon barbecue out of a restored 1905 bank in Dorrance. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The Bankery offers pastries and soon barbecue out of a restored 1905 bank in Dorrance. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDORRANCE — There's not much left in the little town of Dorrance — a few homes and old buildings that have been turned into boatsheds by the people hoping to frequent nearby Wilson Lake.However, Dorrance was once a bustling farm community and whistle-stop for the Kansas Pacific Railroad.One man is trying to preserve the community's history and his own family's past through a museum/eatery he calls the <a href="https://dorrancebankery.com/">Dorrance Bankery</a>.On Saturday mornings, Tony Mahoney brings in baked goods made by a local home baker and invites local farmers or those whizzing by on Interstate 70 to pause awhile, sip some joe and tour the historic building.Beginning May 14, Patsy D and her mobile barbecue of Russell will be offering barbecue over the lunch hour on Saturdays until the food is gone. Mahoney hopes this will entice more people to visit the bank and Dorrance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651702231904.jpeg" alt="Bankery owner Tony Mahoney stands in front of the teller windows that were recreated during a 15-year restoration of the Dorrance State Bank. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Bankery owner Tony Mahoney stands in front of the teller windows that were recreated during a 15-year restoration of the Dorrance State Bank. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Many lives of the Dorrance Bank</h2>The Dorrance State Bank was built in 1905. The bank closed in 1933 amid the Great Depression. In all, 9,000 banks failed during the 1930s. By 1933, depositors saw $140 billion disappear through bank failures, according to research presented by Mahoney on the Bankery's website.The building in downtown Dorrance was used in a variety of capacities after it was closed as a bank.The Fritcshen family operated the community's telephone service from the building and used the building as a residence. The telephone switchboard from Dorrance is still in existence and is on display at the Fossil Station Museum in Russell.During its time as a residence, what had been the bank vault was converted into a kitchen, which is still part of the building today.When the modern telephone system came along, the building was converted into a small grocery store, which was operated by William and Arleen Huff. An attorney, Ray Coolidge of Russell, bought the building in 1981 and used it as an office until 1986.The storefront was then used as a barbershop by Gerald Steinle for 21 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651777985076.jpeg" alt="Tony Mahoney opens a safe on display at the Bankery. The museum also has copies of checks from the bank, which operated in Dorrance from 1905 to 1933. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Tony Mahoney opens a safe on display at the Bankery. The museum also has copies of checks from the bank, which operated in Dorrance from 1905 to 1933. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Saving history</h2>In 2007, when the barbershop closed, Mahoney, a retired pilot, purchased the bank building and took on the monumental task of refurbishing it. He applied for historical status for the bank, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places."I think it's important just because we need to save our history," Mahoney said of the restoration. Mahoney said he was drawn to the building because it is one of the few limestone structures still standing in the community. One of the others is the Rieff Building across the street. The Rieff Building was once owned by his father, who used it as a warehouse for his Toss Back company. His father eventually donated the Rieff Building to the Dorrance Historical Society.Mahoney finished the bulk of restorations in 2021, but this will be the first full travel season the Bankery will be open for tours. The building's historical status allowed Mahoney to apply for grant funds to restore the bank lobby as near as possible to what it was in the early 1900s. Most of the original fixtures in the building were missing, including the bank teller windows.Mahoney was fortunate that during the early years of the bank a prolific photographer, Leslie Halbe, was active in the area. Glass plate negatives of photos from the Dorrance area, including photos of the bank, are still in existence. Halbe prints and digital images can be viewed at the Bankery.Mahoney employed Russell carpenter, John Sechtem, to reconstruct the teller windows and counter. The restoration included bending and curling new ornate metal bars for the teller windows.Mahoney handpainted the stencil border that once decorated the walls of the lobby. A vintage tin ceiling, although not original to the 1905 structure, was also uncovered and restored.The original hardwood floors could not be saved, as portions of the floor were too badly damaged to be repaired. However, keeping with the building's character, Mahoney replaced the surface with new hardwood flooring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651776932226.jpeg" alt="After traveling across multiple states, the original stained glass window that was above the entrance of the Dorrance State Bank was reinstalled. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>After traveling across multiple states, the original stained glass window that was above the entrance of the Dorrance State Bank was reinstalled. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The traveling window</h2>Perhaps one of the most interesting stories of the restoration came from what Mahoney calls the "traveling window." Mahoney was able to secure and reinstall the original stained glass window over the entrance of the bank.However, the more than 100-year-old window took a few side trips before ending up back home in Dorrance.One day years ago, a man stopped by the bank when Mahoney was working. He had been married to a member of the Huff family, which had since operated a grocery store out of the former bank. The man's step-daughter still had the original window for the bank.The daughter had taken the window to Wyoming, but Tom, the step-father, retrieved the window and told Mahoney he would hold onto the glass for Mahoney until he was ready to reinstall it in the bank. A couple of years went by. Mahoney called Tom, but he didn't answer. Mahoney drove to Russell and learned from a family member Tom had died. After a number of phone calls, he found the glass was back with Tom's step-daughter, who now lived in Montana.Graciously, the daughter agreed to give the glass to Mahoney to be placed in the museum. Mahoney traveled to Laramie, Wyo., and drove the glass back to Dorrance, where it is now reinstalled in its original home above the door to the bank. The window has a few minor cracks but is remarkably well preserved considering its age and travels, Mahoney said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651777226121.jpeg" alt="The Dorrance Bankery also houses the largest Avery tractor ever made. The tractor belonged to Tony Mahoney's grandfather, who was a thresher in the Dorrance area. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Dorrance Bankery also houses the largest Avery tractor ever made. The tractor belonged to Tony Mahoney's grandfather, who was a thresher in the Dorrance area. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Dorrance legacy</h2>In addition to the restored bank lobby and memorabilia, Mahoney has displays highlighting other notable people and objects from Dorrance history."I thought we've got to get people off I-70 and stop in these little towns," Mahoney said. ... "That's my long-range object — to get people to come in here and see this stuff." &nbsp;Mahoney has a display on his father, Ken Mahoney and his company, Toss Back Inc., which created the “Snap Back” breakaway basketball rim. The breakaway rim allows basketball players, including NBA professionals to dunk without shattering the back glass.Another local man invented a golf hole cup that lifts out of the ground so sand can be easily dumped from it. Yet another local man invented an automobile hoist.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651777588813.jpeg" alt="The Dorrance Bankery's museum also houses this Avery thresher. The thresher was the largest that the Avery company made and was owned and operated by Tony Mahoney 's grandfather. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The Dorrance Bankery's museum also houses this Avery thresher. The thresher was the largest that the Avery company made and was owned and operated by Tony Mahoney 's grandfather. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>In an outbuilding, Mahoney has a display of antique tractors, including the world's largest Avery tractor and wheat threshing machine, both of which were owned and operated by his grandfather.The Avery tractor had a brief appearance in "Paper Moon," portions of which were shot near Dorrance. Mahoney said he also dreams of further renovating the Rieff building across the street, which once was an opera house. He said he would love that building, which is also on the historic register, to eventually be able to host shows again. The Bankeries hours are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays You can learn more about Dorrance and the Bankery at <a href="https://dorrancebankery.com/">https://dorrancebankery.com/</a> or follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DorranceBankerycom-234534225188457">Bankery on Facebook</a>.