Oakley High School plans to host&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy”&nbsp;at 3 p.m. CST, on Sunday,&nbsp;March 27.

This 52nd&nbsp;anniversary season concert is made possible from businesses and individual donors throughout northwest Kansas including special grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for Logan County, Bird City. At the door admission is $20 adults and $10 students.

The musicians&nbsp;bring new life to the&nbsp;“Nashville&nbsp;Sound”&nbsp;pioneered by their legendary forerunners –&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;Coleman’s grandfather&nbsp;Floyd Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Meagan&nbsp;Taylor’s uncle&nbsp;Chet Atkins&nbsp;– in this nostalgic concert,&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy.”&nbsp;You’ll hear&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;perform songs like&nbsp;Cramer’s “Last Date” on piano and&nbsp;Atkins’&nbsp;“Freight Train” on guitar.

Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;were&nbsp;legends at their instruments, two giants in the music industry.&nbsp;Cramer’s unique “slip note” piano style was an essential part of countless country, pop, and rock hits in the 1950s and ‘60s and is widely regarded as the standard for country piano.&nbsp;As&nbsp;innovative thumb-style guitar led&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;to become known as one of the world’s pre-eminent guitar virtuosos, and many of the records he produced for RCA have become classics.

Though&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;have passed away, their&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;lives on through pianist&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;and&nbsp;guitarist&nbsp;Taylor.&nbsp;In this concert,&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;take audiences on a journey back in time to Nashville’s “golden era,” sharing the music made famous by&nbsp;Cramer and Atkins, as well as by the countless country, pop, and rock artists whose careers they impacted, including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the&nbsp;Everly&nbsp;Brothers, Roy Orbison, Don Gibson, Dolly Parton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jim Reeves.

The concert is much more than just music, the two share their&nbsp;personal stories of growing up with “Granddad” and “Uncle Chester,” and audiences will enjoy hearing tales of Nashville’s early recording days as told straight from the source.&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;is&nbsp;topped off&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartwarming series of video duets with&nbsp;the descendants&nbsp;and their legendary predecessors that you’ll have to see to believe.

From a young age, it was evident that&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;had inherited his grandfather’s “slip note” touch at the piano, as it managed to “slip” its way into even the most elementary songs from his early piano lessons.&nbsp;Coleman’s keen ability to play music by ear led to a childhood spent arranging his own renditions of the songs he loved, just as his “Granddad” did throughout his career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;grew up performing with&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;at his concerts and on national&nbsp;television.Though he was only 12 years old when&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;passed away, the close relationship they shared formed the foundation upon which&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;has built his own&nbsp;music&nbsp;career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, and two years later, he was given the honor of playing for the Medallion Ceremony recognizing&nbsp;Cramer’s induction into&nbsp;the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Taylor&nbsp;started out playing piano and then switched to fiddle around age 10, when Atkins gave her a lesson. She did not begin playing guitar until she was 18. While his health had begun failing by then,&nbsp;Atkins’ friends were able to teach&nbsp;her&nbsp;many&nbsp;of his techniques, and today is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist herself.

See&nbsp;jasoncolemanmusic.com&nbsp;for&nbsp;album&nbsp;information.&nbsp;Coleman and Taylor have&nbsp;produced&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;albums&nbsp;individually or together&nbsp;over&nbsp;the nearly 20&nbsp;years they have known one another.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581542018976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAOakley High School plans to host&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy”&nbsp;at 3 p.m. CST, on Sunday,&nbsp;March 27.This 52nd&nbsp;anniversary season concert is made possible from businesses and individual donors throughout northwest Kansas including special grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for Logan County, Bird City. At the door admission is $20 adults and $10 students.The musicians&nbsp;bring new life to the&nbsp;“Nashville&nbsp;Sound”&nbsp;pioneered by their legendary forerunners –&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;Coleman’s grandfather&nbsp;Floyd Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Meagan&nbsp;Taylor’s uncle&nbsp;Chet Atkins&nbsp;– in this nostalgic concert,&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy.”&nbsp;You’ll hear&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;perform songs like&nbsp;Cramer’s “Last Date” on piano and&nbsp;Atkins’&nbsp;“Freight Train” on guitar.Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;were&nbsp;legends at their instruments, two giants in the music industry.&nbsp;Cramer’s unique “slip note” piano style was an essential part of countless country, pop, and rock hits in the 1950s and ‘60s and is widely regarded as the standard for country piano.&nbsp;As&nbsp;innovative thumb-style guitar led&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;to become known as one of the world’s pre-eminent guitar virtuosos, and many of the records he produced for RCA have become classics.Though&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;have passed away, their&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;lives on through pianist&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;and&nbsp;guitarist&nbsp;Taylor.&nbsp;In this concert,&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;take audiences on a journey back in time to Nashville’s “golden era,” sharing the music made famous by&nbsp;Cramer and Atkins, as well as by the countless country, pop, and rock artists whose careers they impacted, including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the&nbsp;Everly&nbsp;Brothers, Roy Orbison, Don Gibson, Dolly Parton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jim Reeves.The concert is much more than just music, the two share their&nbsp;personal stories of growing up with “Granddad” and “Uncle Chester,” and audiences will enjoy hearing tales of Nashville’s early recording days as told straight from the source.&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;is&nbsp;topped off&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartwarming series of video duets with&nbsp;the descendants&nbsp;and their legendary predecessors that you’ll have to see to believe.From a young age, it was evident that&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;had inherited his grandfather’s “slip note” touch at the piano, as it managed to “slip” its way into even the most elementary songs from his early piano lessons.&nbsp;Coleman’s keen ability to play music by ear led to a childhood spent arranging his own renditions of the songs he loved, just as his “Granddad” did throughout his career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;grew up performing with&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;at his concerts and on national&nbsp;television.Though he was only 12 years old when&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;passed away, the close relationship they shared formed the foundation upon which&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;has built his own&nbsp;music&nbsp;career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, and two years later, he was given the honor of playing for the Medallion Ceremony recognizing&nbsp;Cramer’s induction into&nbsp;the Country Music Hall of Fame.Taylor&nbsp;started out playing piano and then switched to fiddle around age 10, when Atkins gave her a lesson. She did not begin playing guitar until she was 18. While his health had begun failing by then,&nbsp;Atkins’ friends were able to teach&nbsp;her&nbsp;many&nbsp;of his techniques, and today is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist herself.See&nbsp;jasoncolemanmusic.com&nbsp;for&nbsp;album&nbsp;information.&nbsp;Coleman and Taylor have&nbsp;produced&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;albums&nbsp;individually or together&nbsp;over&nbsp;the nearly 20&nbsp;years they have known one another.

'Nashville Legacy' will take stage at Oakley High School

<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/2022/3/1647626511088.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

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Let’s take a trip back in time. How far?&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s say, a couple of thousand years. That’s the premise of a play that one rural Kansas community performs live on Easter Sunday, using a remarkable stone outcropping as a natural stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dale and Berny Unruh and Roy and Tricia Prescott are co-organizers of the working committee that produces this play as the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant. Dale is a native of the area who taught agriculture before farming. While at K-State, he met his wife Berny, who became an extension agent. Berny is originally from the rural community of Munden, population 100 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Tricia grew up at Pawnee Rock. She went to Fort Hays State, married Roy, and is a teacher. Both the Unruhs and the Prescotts live near Pawnee Rock today.&nbsp;

The town of Pawnee Rock is named for the actual rock, a remarkable sandstone outcropping that stands 50 feet above the surrounding plains. For centuries it has been a landmark for natives and travelers across the prairie.&nbsp;

In 1932, an east-coast author wrote an Easter-themed play called&nbsp;The Way of the Cross.&nbsp;&nbsp;It tells the story of a modern-day person who goes back in time and is observing the events in the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’s crucifixion. According to the Bible, the crucifixion took place on a hill near Jerusalem.&nbsp;

In 1936, the ministerial alliance at Pawnee Rock decided to perform this play outside as a sunrise Easter pageant, using the rock itself as the natural backdrop. Three crosses were temporarily placed atop the rock. A choir provided accompaniment. It worked so well that, until 1972, the pageant was performed annually (except for World War II) on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

In 1981, the pageant was revived by local volunteers with the plan to perform it every other year. That tradition continues today, although the pandemic forced a postponement in 2021. On April 17, volunteers will again perform the pageant at the historic Pawnee Rock.&nbsp;

Vivian Bright was the organizer of this event for more than 20 years. Vivian turns 90 in 2022. In 2019, her daughter Tricia Prescott and Tricia’s husband Roy assumed the co-organizer role along with the Unruhs.&nbsp;

This is a multi-generational community event. Tricia and Dale remember their parents hauling them to the pageant as kids. Tricia now plays the part of Salome, which her mother Vivian had played at one time. “(Vivian’s) mom had helped with the choir in the 1940s,” Tricia said.&nbsp;

There are also roles in the play for children. “I was told, `We’d like your daughter to play one of the children’s parts. And by the way, since you’re here anyway, we’ve got an opening for a Pharisee,” Dale said. The Unruhs have been involved ever since.&nbsp;

Dale and Berny’s daughters are now grown. Both live in Manhattan but return for the pageant. Nicolette is a managing partner of Nico’s Little Italy restaurant and Danette is a radiology technician. In the pageant, Nicolette plays Mary Magdalene and Danette is the Spirit of Easter. Their mom Berny helps with the costuming.&nbsp;

In 2022, Tricia Prescott’s seven-year-old granddaughter will fill one of the children’s roles. That would make the fifth generation of her family to participate in the event.&nbsp;

A professional sound company provides sound for a discounted fee. Volunteers do setup and cleanup. After the pageant, the owner of the old train depot opens it up for donuts and coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This is a fun event for our little community to really grab hold of, and the play has a great message,” Dale said. The rock itself is a prominent feature of the play.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That setting makes you feel like you’re going back in time,” he said. “It’s a really bright spot for our community,” Tricia said.&nbsp;

For more information about the pageant, search for Pawnee Rock Easter on Facebook.&nbsp;

It’s time to return to the present, where the rural community of Pawnee Rock is preparing for the 2022 Easter pageant. We commend all the volunteers who are making a difference by conducting this performance. I hope they rock on!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437315419.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Let’s take a trip back in time. How far?&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s say, a couple of thousand years. That’s the premise of a play that one rural Kansas community performs live on Easter Sunday, using a remarkable stone outcropping as a natural stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dale and Berny Unruh and Roy and Tricia Prescott are co-organizers of the working committee that produces this play as the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant. Dale is a native of the area who taught agriculture before farming. While at K-State, he met his wife Berny, who became an extension agent. Berny is originally from the rural community of Munden, population 100 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Tricia grew up at Pawnee Rock. She went to Fort Hays State, married Roy, and is a teacher. Both the Unruhs and the Prescotts live near Pawnee Rock today.&nbsp;The town of Pawnee Rock is named for the actual rock, a remarkable sandstone outcropping that stands 50 feet above the surrounding plains. For centuries it has been a landmark for natives and travelers across the prairie.&nbsp;In 1932, an east-coast author wrote an Easter-themed play called&nbsp;The Way of the Cross.&nbsp;&nbsp;It tells the story of a modern-day person who goes back in time and is observing the events in the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’s crucifixion. According to the Bible, the crucifixion took place on a hill near Jerusalem.&nbsp;In 1936, the ministerial alliance at Pawnee Rock decided to perform this play outside as a sunrise Easter pageant, using the rock itself as the natural backdrop. Three crosses were temporarily placed atop the rock. A choir provided accompaniment. It worked so well that, until 1972, the pageant was performed annually (except for World War II) on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;In 1981, the pageant was revived by local volunteers with the plan to perform it every other year. That tradition continues today, although the pandemic forced a postponement in 2021. On April 17, volunteers will again perform the pageant at the historic Pawnee Rock.&nbsp;Vivian Bright was the organizer of this event for more than 20 years. Vivian turns 90 in 2022. In 2019, her daughter Tricia Prescott and Tricia’s husband Roy assumed the co-organizer role along with the Unruhs.&nbsp;This is a multi-generational community event. Tricia and Dale remember their parents hauling them to the pageant as kids. Tricia now plays the part of Salome, which her mother Vivian had played at one time. “(Vivian’s) mom had helped with the choir in the 1940s,” Tricia said.&nbsp;There are also roles in the play for children. “I was told, `We’d like your daughter to play one of the children’s parts. And by the way, since you’re here anyway, we’ve got an opening for a Pharisee,” Dale said. The Unruhs have been involved ever since.&nbsp;Dale and Berny’s daughters are now grown. Both live in Manhattan but return for the pageant. Nicolette is a managing partner of Nico’s Little Italy restaurant and Danette is a radiology technician. In the pageant, Nicolette plays Mary Magdalene and Danette is the Spirit of Easter. Their mom Berny helps with the costuming.&nbsp;In 2022, Tricia Prescott’s seven-year-old granddaughter will fill one of the children’s roles. That would make the fifth generation of her family to participate in the event.&nbsp;A professional sound company provides sound for a discounted fee. Volunteers do setup and cleanup. After the pageant, the owner of the old train depot opens it up for donuts and coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a fun event for our little community to really grab hold of, and the play has a great message,” Dale said. The rock itself is a prominent feature of the play.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That setting makes you feel like you’re going back in time,” he said. “It’s a really bright spot for our community,” Tricia said.&nbsp;For more information about the pageant, search for Pawnee Rock Easter on Facebook.&nbsp;It’s time to return to the present, where the rural community of Pawnee Rock is preparing for the 2022 Easter pageant. We commend all the volunteers who are making a difference by conducting this performance. I hope they rock on!&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant  

By ROLF BOONE <a href="https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article259489249.html">The Olympian</a>

OLYMPIA, Wash. —&nbsp;Saint Martin’s University announced Wednesday that Jennifer Bonds-Raacke will be the first woman to serve as its president. 

Unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees following a nationwide search, Bonds-Raacke will assume the leadership role on July 1, upon the retirement of President Roy Heynderickx, according to a news release. 

She is the 11th president in the 127-year history of the Catholic Benedictine school.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next president of Saint Martin’s University,” she said in a statement. “As a first-generation college student, I know how a college education can transform your entire life.” 

She currently is provost and vice president for academic affairs at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Before that, she was at Fort Hays State University, where she was the dean of the graduate school and Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.

Bonds-Raacke earned her doctorate and master’s degree in experimental psychology from Kansas State University and her undergraduate degree from Christian Brothers University in Memphis. 

“We see in Dr. Bonds-Raacke a person who listens attentively and respectfully, responds thoughtfully, and is capable of unifying all in a common purpose,” said Abbot Marion Nguyen, chancellor of the university. “With joy, we welcome Dr. Bonds-Raacke to our home, soon to be her home.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647546845160.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Bonds-Raacke" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Bonds-Raacke</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROLF BOONE <a href="https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article259489249.html">The Olympian</a>OLYMPIA, Wash. —&nbsp;Saint Martin’s University announced Wednesday that Jennifer Bonds-Raacke will be the first woman to serve as its president. Unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees following a nationwide search, Bonds-Raacke will assume the leadership role on July 1, upon the retirement of President Roy Heynderickx, according to a news release. She is the 11th president in the 127-year history of the Catholic Benedictine school.“I am honored to have been selected as the next president of Saint Martin’s University,” she said in a statement. “As a first-generation college student, I know how a college education can transform your entire life.” She currently is provost and vice president for academic affairs at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Before that, she was at Fort Hays State University, where she was the dean of the graduate school and Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.Bonds-Raacke earned her doctorate and master’s degree in experimental psychology from Kansas State University and her undergraduate degree from Christian Brothers University in Memphis. “We see in Dr. Bonds-Raacke a person who listens attentively and respectfully, responds thoughtfully, and is capable of unifying all in a common purpose,” said Abbot Marion Nguyen, chancellor of the university. “With joy, we welcome Dr. Bonds-Raacke to our home, soon to be her home.”

Former FHSU dean will be Washington university's first female president

RUSH COUNTY— The Silver Alert for a Kansas man ended Saturday when authorities located a single vehicle accident.

A 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback driven by&nbsp;71-year-old Thomas Talburt of Wichita was westbound in the 3900 Block of Avenue X, according to the Rush County Sheriff.

 The vehicle left the road, and he was ejected. The Rush County Deputy Coroner pronounced&nbsp;Talburt dead at the scene.

SEDGWICK COUNTY – A Silver Alert for a missing 71-year-old Kansas man was cancelled Saturday afternoon after Thomas Talburt was located in Rush County after a single vehicle accident, according to Wichita Police.  Authorities released no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY –Authorities need&nbsp; help locating 71-year-old Thomas “Tom” Talburt. He was last seen in the 4500 block of S. Water in Wichita at approximately&nbsp;10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Talburt is&nbsp; described as 6-foot tall, 135 pounds, white hair with blue eyes. He is cleanly shaven and was last seen wearing&nbsp;brown puffy winter vest, a grey long sleeve Henley with blue sleeves, blue sweat pants, brown “desert boots” with white soles, a blue stocking cap, and sunglasses.

He is driving a two tone, black on top, tan on bottom 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback License plate 621 AIS.&nbsp; Left rear quarter panel has holes from rust.&nbsp;

Talburt was last contacted on the phone&nbsp;at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;today&nbsp;stating he was lost. &nbsp;Talburt has reportedly shown signs of early onset dementia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities need&nbsp; help locating 71-year-old Thomas “Tom” Talburt. He was last seen in the 4500 block of S. Water in Wichita at approximately&nbsp;10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647719932659.png" alt="Tom Talburt photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Tom Talburt photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY— The Silver Alert for a Kansas man ended Saturday when authorities located a single vehicle accident.A 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback driven by&nbsp;71-year-old Thomas Talburt of Wichita was westbound in the 3900 Block of Avenue X, according to the Rush County Sheriff. The vehicle left the road, and he was ejected. The Rush County Deputy Coroner pronounced&nbsp;Talburt dead at the scene.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY – A Silver Alert for a missing 71-year-old Kansas man was cancelled Saturday afternoon after Thomas Talburt was located in Rush County after a single vehicle accident, according to Wichita Police. Authorities released no additional details.--------SEDGWICK COUNTY –Authorities need&nbsp; help locating 71-year-old Thomas “Tom” Talburt. He was last seen in the 4500 block of S. Water in Wichita at approximately&nbsp;10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Talburt is&nbsp; described as 6-foot tall, 135 pounds, white hair with blue eyes. He is cleanly shaven and was last seen wearing&nbsp;brown puffy winter vest, a grey long sleeve Henley with blue sleeves, blue sweat pants, brown “desert boots” with white soles, a blue stocking cap, and sunglasses.He is driving a two tone, black on top, tan on bottom 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback License plate 621 AIS.&nbsp; Left rear quarter panel has holes from rust.&nbsp;Talburt was last contacted on the phone&nbsp;at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;today&nbsp;stating he was lost. &nbsp;Talburt has reportedly shown signs of early onset dementia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities need&nbsp; help locating 71-year-old Thomas “Tom” Talburt. He was last seen in the 4500 block of S. Water in Wichita at approximately&nbsp;10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Talburt is&nbsp; described as 6-foot tall, 135 pounds, white hair with blue eyes. He is cleanly shaven and was last seen wearing&nbsp;brown puffy winter vest, a grey long sleeve Henley with blue sleeves, blue sweat pants, brown “desert boots” with white soles, a blue stocking cap, and sunglasses.He is driving a two tone, black on top, tan on bottom 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback License plate 621 AIS.&nbsp; Left rear quarter panel has holes from rust.&nbsp;Talburt was last contacted on the phone&nbsp;at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;today&nbsp;stating he was lost. &nbsp;Talburt has reportedly shown signs of early onset dementia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kan. man dies in crash

As efforts to curb the ongoing housing shortage in Ellis
County continue, one of the most discussed projects — the Heart of America Corp. housing project at 22nd and Wheatland — is ready to celebrate a major milestone,
with some of the first houses in the development nearing completion.

But even as the first homes are sold and become occupied,
the next stage in the development is also moving forward.

“If anybody's been out by that development (east of NCK Tech), they've seen the activity,” Grow Hays Executive
Director Doug Williams said. “There's currently 10 homes under construction.”

He said that he believed the first houses could be completed within
30 days.

Shortly after the first homes are completed, two of the four
contractors that have committed to building homes in the development will begin
construction on 14 more homes.

“And so that'll put us at 24 out of the first 36 lots that
were in phase one,” Williams said. “And we're not even through the first three
months of this year.”

And plans to roll into the next phase are already shaping
up.

“Heart of America, which is a not-for-profit developer in
Hays, has purchased the 21 acres to the north of this development, and has
committed to go ahead and start construction, hopefully this summer, of the
next cul de sac, which will be 18 lots.”

The rapid-fire moves are needed, Williams said in an effort
to bring much-needed homes to the market.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/04190f5b-c0f4-4ebf-bb03-f747e8d62e08">At many times throughout the year, fewer than 10 homes under $499,000 have been available
for purchase in Ellis County</a>.

“I looked a while back, and there were nine total homes on
the market in Hays, two in Ellis and one in Victoria,” Williams said. “And of
those ... four were under $499,000. Well, that's not an acceptable
situation at all. We're not going to get companies to move here, or people who
want to relocate to move here and enter our workforce, if we don't have any
place for him to live. So we’ve got to get that fixed and get more choice out
there for people.”

But getting needed houses to the market is not going
to be a quick process, he said.

“What we're trying to do is get ahead of this situation,
instead of playing catchup all the time,” Williams said. “Unfortunately, in
our community, over the last 10 or 12 years, we haven't built as many houses as
we need to have. And that puts us behind the eight-ball on this stuff. So,
we're playing catch up.”

Having the infrastructure in place can be instrumental in moving
the project forward quickly, he said.

“We're going to try and get ahead of it a little bit,”
Williams said. “It takes some time
to get streets and sewer and water and that kind of thing in and, if we if we
are able to start this summer, it will be the first of the year before that
infrastructure is all in and ready for homes to be constructed on those lots.”

“We're going to get started with those 18 sometime next
summer,” he continued. “And then we're going to start platting that next 21
acres to the north, for the additional expansion after that, trying to look two,
three, four or five years down the line. But at this pace, I could see that
development being built out in two or three years, which would be terrific.”

He said with the price point for each home under $225,000, the houses are filling the most urgent need in the county — and are
being sold long before they are constructed.

“While we can argue all day long about what's affordable,
these certainly are appealing to a broad sector here,” Williams said. “And the
buyers are viewing them as affordable relative to other things on the market.”

And more inventory on the market can help with another
pressing issue facing Ellis County — insufficient workforce. 

“That's going to help us attract people to our community
help that workforce recruitment, and as well as keeping people here,” Williams
said.

Having the extra housing on the market is also likely to
drive down housing costs.

“Supply and demand,” Williams said. “It's that basic rule of
economics. And right now, we have very little supply and high demand, and it's
forcing prices up. The only way you're going to change that is to increase the
supply or decrease the demand.”

And decreasing demand is not desirable, he said. 

“That's not the way we want to have it happen,” Williams
said. “But certainly, if they raise interest rates, that will decrease demand a
little bit.”

Supply chain issues have also wreaked havoc on the price of
construction, which is also a cost driver in the housing market.

“The contractors that we have building out there are
struggling with material prices. They're all over the board,” Williams said. “They
don't really know where they stand. They think they know where they're going to be
when the smoke clears, but until they actually get the house done, they don't
know exactly where they're at on it.”

But when there is a demand, someone will find a way to create
supply and so, he said, he is grateful for the work the contractors are putting
in. 

“Kudos to these guys who are building the houses out there,”
Williams said. “They recognize a need and they're filling it. So that's
terrific.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647549658227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs efforts to curb the ongoing housing shortage in Ellis
County continue, one of the most discussed projects — the Heart of America Corp. housing project at 22nd and Wheatland — is ready to celebrate a major milestone,
with some of the first houses in the development nearing completion.But even as the first homes are sold and become occupied,
the next stage in the development is also moving forward.“If anybody's been out by that development (east of NCK Tech), they've seen the activity,” Grow Hays Executive
Director Doug Williams said. “There's currently 10 homes under construction.”He said that he believed the first houses could be completed within
30 days.<div><iframe title="Hays RHID Housing project pushing forward" 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=kw22p-11d5c8d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Shortly after the first homes are completed, two of the four
contractors that have committed to building homes in the development will begin
construction on 14 more homes.“And so that'll put us at 24 out of the first 36 lots that
were in phase one,” Williams said. “And we're not even through the first three
months of this year.”And plans to roll into the next phase are already shaping
up.“Heart of America, which is a not-for-profit developer in
Hays, has purchased the 21 acres to the north of this development, and has
committed to go ahead and start construction, hopefully this summer, of the
next cul de sac, which will be 18 lots.”The rapid-fire moves are needed, Williams said in an effort
to bring much-needed homes to the market.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/04190f5b-c0f4-4ebf-bb03-f747e8d62e08">At many times throughout the year, fewer than 10 homes under $499,000 have been available
for purchase in Ellis County</a>. “I looked a while back, and there were nine total homes on
the market in Hays, two in Ellis and one in Victoria,” Williams said. “And of
those ... four were under $499,000. Well, that's not an acceptable
situation at all. We're not going to get companies to move here, or people who
want to relocate to move here and enter our workforce, if we don't have any
place for him to live. So we’ve got to get that fixed and get more choice out
there for people.”But getting needed houses to the market is not going
to be a quick process, he said.“What we're trying to do is get ahead of this situation,
instead of playing catchup all the time,” Williams said. “Unfortunately, in
our community, over the last 10 or 12 years, we haven't built as many houses as
we need to have. And that puts us behind the eight-ball on this stuff. So,
we're playing catch up.”Having the infrastructure in place can be instrumental in moving
the project forward quickly, he said.“We're going to try and get ahead of it a little bit,”
Williams said. “It takes some time
to get streets and sewer and water and that kind of thing in and, if we if we
are able to start this summer, it will be the first of the year before that
infrastructure is all in and ready for homes to be constructed on those lots.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647549702477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We're going to get started with those 18 sometime next
summer,” he continued. “And then we're going to start platting that next 21
acres to the north, for the additional expansion after that, trying to look two,
three, four or five years down the line. But at this pace, I could see that
development being built out in two or three years, which would be terrific.”He said with the price point for each home under $225,000, the houses are filling the most urgent need in the county — and are
being sold long before they are constructed.“While we can argue all day long about what's affordable,
these certainly are appealing to a broad sector here,” Williams said. “And the
buyers are viewing them as affordable relative to other things on the market.”And more inventory on the market can help with another
pressing issue facing Ellis County — insufficient workforce. “That's going to help us attract people to our community
help that workforce recruitment, and as well as keeping people here,” Williams
said.Having the extra housing on the market is also likely to
drive down housing costs.“Supply and demand,” Williams said. “It's that basic rule of
economics. And right now, we have very little supply and high demand, and it's
forcing prices up. The only way you're going to change that is to increase the
supply or decrease the demand.”And decreasing demand is not desirable, he said. “That's not the way we want to have it happen,” Williams
said. “But certainly, if they raise interest rates, that will decrease demand a
little bit.”Supply chain issues have also wreaked havoc on the price of
construction, which is also a cost driver in the housing market.“The contractors that we have building out there are
struggling with material prices. They're all over the board,” Williams said. “They
don't really know where they stand. They think they know where they're going to be
when the smoke clears, but until they actually get the house done, they don't
know exactly where they're at on it.”But when there is a demand, someone will find a way to create
supply and so, he said, he is grateful for the work the contractors are putting
in. “Kudos to these guys who are building the houses out there,”
Williams said. “They recognize a need and they're filling it. So that's
terrific.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647549641195.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Hays housing project pushing forward to fill community needs

Trego Co. economic development town hall is next week

Openings are filling up quickly for the STEM-focused summer camps hosted by Fort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science.

KAMS offers four engaging camps in June for incoming 9th- and 10th-grade students. Each are four-day residential sessions.

Students will participate in various hands-on academic activities during the day with FHSU faculty, as well as activities in the evenings. Camp staff will be available day and night for the students.&nbsp;

• June 5-9 – Engineering: When Computer Aided Design Collides with Virtual Reality.&nbsp;The use of virtual reality (VR) is exploding across the engineering and industrial design world. At this highly interactive camp, students will utilize the latest technology, new skill development, and project engineering in 2D and 3D environments through AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. Using the innovative equipment and software featured at the FHSU Center for Applied Technology, students will create drawings to be imported into a VR environment for viewing and manipulation in space. Join us for a unique virtual reality experience!

• June 12-16 – Chemistry: Alternative Energy Sources.&nbsp;Budding scientists will enjoy this experiment-based camp packed full of hands-on learning opportunities in state-of-the-art chemistry labs on the FHSU campus. Campers will be exposed to problem-based activities that feature an exploration of alternative sources of energy, ranging from solar and electrical energy to biofuels. Experiments&nbsp;will include fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells and synthesis of quantum dots and biodiesel from avocado fruit! Students will leave camp having gained a basic understanding of cutting-edge nanoscience and nanotechnology that they can use to explore the world around them.

• June 19-23 – The Science Behind Fantasy Football.&nbsp;The world of fantasy sports is quickly shifting from a sports fan's hobby to a data scientist's career. At this camp, students will be shown the basics of data science, the fastest growing field in the STEM disciplines. Campers will be given the tools necessary to process data and use inferential statistics to predict outcomes and find correlations in sports statistics and fantasy football drafts. Use next-generation data science to build your next league-winning team!

• June 26-30 – Glaciers Don't Lie: Understanding Climate Change.&nbsp;The measurable differences of our world's ever-changing glaciers are viewed as one of the most important indicators of climate change. At this camp, students will learn about the composition and characteristics of glaciers through experimentations, observation of virtual reality/360 videos, and unique historical data. Campers will then team up to build an understanding of the history of a glacier through 3D printing, photos, satellite imagery, and more. At the end of the camp, students will present their findings to fellow campers, local educators, and professional scientists. The key components to understanding climate change are right here at your fingertips!&nbsp;

The registration fee per camp is $50 for Kansas residents and $400 for non-Kansas residents per camp. Registration deadline is May 1, with a priority deadline of April 1.&nbsp;Camp fees include a four-night stay in an FHSU residence hall room, meals, campus supplies, and KAMS swag. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of&nbsp;one&nbsp;camp per student.&nbsp;

For more information about the summer camps, contact KAMS Camp Director Sheila Clark by phone at 785.628.4168 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kamssummer@fhsu.edu.C" target="_blank">kamssummer@fhsu.edu.</a>&nbsp;The registration brochure can be downloaded here:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=gfEbCy0briANxWYnWfNEBi4yBEDtE5cvs3ci-2BBEfPj6Of5-2FvotQNTWZ5hW9MLSEVWdSjEce8BA3S4oIqW96RfSqK-2F2shhuzvK7n4vlWwkSHFnUmN4EttlZq-2BnmHH-2B5txvQ3t_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem6wo3-2FopHY3GtXWYiYpVPlKWz7-2FOuBtWoGY5K2Lu3OPRQOCMt-2B-2FN1c4TLt8kqcEnwHsh3jhgyGUQXF3j-2B1neHgLKG0CCcCM1EI64xgF1gsf34DosDP6IQVgyGGWQTmqtuNk4z6tSXp6D2zFMAhQ76vSmqscrtNfon-2Ff3iJEpuPgWqVbjzHrqijPf27c2K2v1TYiRsKzilSAzReFAXXfDa-2BRqVwdO1CHuRQeB-2BjDlwQChhs3v8zzaZjnPFmrq5KVGRB3dSG9IzFl7kk3-2Fneq0UVg-3D-3D" target="_blank">&nbsp;REGISTRATION BROCHURE.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647455432578.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsOpenings are filling up quickly for the STEM-focused summer camps hosted by Fort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science.KAMS offers four engaging camps in June for incoming 9th- and 10th-grade students. Each are four-day residential sessions.Students will participate in various hands-on academic activities during the day with FHSU faculty, as well as activities in the evenings. Camp staff will be available day and night for the students.&nbsp;The 2022 camps and dates are:• June 5-9 – Engineering: When Computer Aided Design Collides with Virtual Reality.&nbsp;The use of virtual reality (VR) is exploding across the engineering and industrial design world. At this highly interactive camp, students will utilize the latest technology, new skill development, and project engineering in 2D and 3D environments through AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. Using the innovative equipment and software featured at the FHSU Center for Applied Technology, students will create drawings to be imported into a VR environment for viewing and manipulation in space. Join us for a unique virtual reality experience!• June 12-16 – Chemistry: Alternative Energy Sources.&nbsp;Budding scientists will enjoy this experiment-based camp packed full of hands-on learning opportunities in state-of-the-art chemistry labs on the FHSU campus. Campers will be exposed to problem-based activities that feature an exploration of alternative sources of energy, ranging from solar and electrical energy to biofuels. Experiments&nbsp;will include fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells and synthesis of quantum dots and biodiesel from avocado fruit! Students will leave camp having gained a basic understanding of cutting-edge nanoscience and nanotechnology that they can use to explore the world around them.• June 19-23 – The Science Behind Fantasy Football.&nbsp;The world of fantasy sports is quickly shifting from a sports fan's hobby to a data scientist's career. At this camp, students will be shown the basics of data science, the fastest growing field in the STEM disciplines. Campers will be given the tools necessary to process data and use inferential statistics to predict outcomes and find correlations in sports statistics and fantasy football drafts. Use next-generation data science to build your next league-winning team!• June 26-30 – Glaciers Don't Lie: Understanding Climate Change.&nbsp;The measurable differences of our world's ever-changing glaciers are viewed as one of the most important indicators of climate change. At this camp, students will learn about the composition and characteristics of glaciers through experimentations, observation of virtual reality/360 videos, and unique historical data. Campers will then team up to build an understanding of the history of a glacier through 3D printing, photos, satellite imagery, and more. At the end of the camp, students will present their findings to fellow campers, local educators, and professional scientists. The key components to understanding climate change are right here at your fingertips!&nbsp;The registration fee per camp is $50 for Kansas residents and $400 for non-Kansas residents per camp. Registration deadline is May 1, with a priority deadline of April 1.&nbsp;Camp fees include a four-night stay in an FHSU residence hall room, meals, campus supplies, and KAMS swag. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of&nbsp;one&nbsp;camp per student.&nbsp;For more information about the summer camps, contact KAMS Camp Director Sheila Clark by phone at 785.628.4168 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kamssummer@fhsu.edu.C" target="_blank">kamssummer@fhsu.edu.</a>&nbsp;The registration brochure can be downloaded here:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=gfEbCy0briANxWYnWfNEBi4yBEDtE5cvs3ci-2BBEfPj6Of5-2FvotQNTWZ5hW9MLSEVWdSjEce8BA3S4oIqW96RfSqK-2F2shhuzvK7n4vlWwkSHFnUmN4EttlZq-2BnmHH-2B5txvQ3t_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem6wo3-2FopHY3GtXWYiYpVPlKWz7-2FOuBtWoGY5K2Lu3OPRQOCMt-2B-2FN1c4TLt8kqcEnwHsh3jhgyGUQXF3j-2B1neHgLKG0CCcCM1EI64xgF1gsf34DosDP6IQVgyGGWQTmqtuNk4z6tSXp6D2zFMAhQ76vSmqscrtNfon-2Ff3iJEpuPgWqVbjzHrqijPf27c2K2v1TYiRsKzilSAzReFAXXfDa-2BRqVwdO1CHuRQeB-2BjDlwQChhs3v8zzaZjnPFmrq5KVGRB3dSG9IzFl7kk3-2Fneq0UVg-3D-3D" target="_blank">&nbsp;REGISTRATION BROCHURE.</a>&nbsp;

Registration open for summer KAMS camps at FHSU

Once again, another unfunded mandate is working its way through the Kansas Legislature — HB2662.&nbsp; If passed, this bill would establish a Parents’ Bill of Rights and Academic Transparency law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In general, the parents’ rights part of the act restates provisions for parents of public school students that currently exist in other state laws. These include the right of parents to be heard in school board meetings, to have access to curricula, to protect the privacy of their children and the right to op-out of individual classes or health care services.

The transparency part of the act requires schools to post on-line and maintain extensive, detailed information on each course and grade-level curricula including library resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although requiring teachers to post lesson plans has been eliminated from the bill, recording and updating a school master-site with each curriculum and resources used within lessons remains in the bill. Also required are that&nbsp;copies of certain tests, questionnaires, surveys and examinations be made available to parents prior to obtaining consent to administer these items.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All this&nbsp;would come with a big price tag for implementation that cannot be estimated as well as tremendous time in monitoring the information.

Educators see the bill as micromanaging, distrusting, even vilifying teachers. The fear is that the act will foster self-censorship that will make lessons about difficult but important subjects nearly impossible, not to mention the tremendous addition to teachers’ workload caused by posting multiple, evolving instructional resources—time taken away from teaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

As has happened in the past, our schools today, are highly politicalized with Republican and Democrat forces churning curriculum into election fodder that feeds public tensions surrounding American history, racism and gender identification.&nbsp;

Still, it’s puzzling that some of our legislators want to re-legislate extant laws and create more, and more costly, non-instructional work for teachers and schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nevertheless, if we want the bill to become something more than using teachers for political gain, a revised HB2662 might start us down a better path.

There is a large, underlying challenge for Kansas public education to move toward learning models that will prepare our students for the 21st&nbsp;Century.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reimagining our schools will require a more highly organized statewide education system that is supported by electronic technology and based on open access to data, is easy to navigate and encourages parental and community engagement in our schools.&nbsp;

At present there is incomplete access for Kansas parents because broadband is not yet available to all Kansas residents, particularly those in rural and low-income urban areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moreover, teachers have the right not to be burdened by overwhelming, non-teaching data- management tasks.&nbsp; Generally, employees, when asked to take on more tasks at work, are given release- or over-time or, still better, tasks are assigned to others hired for the new purpose.&nbsp;

As yet, HB2662 does not account for how federal and state funds, including those earmarked for COVID relief and development, might be earmarked to set up a modern network for the Kansas State Department of Education and each school to connect state standards with school curriculum with limited resource lists solely for classroom goals.&nbsp;

The Parents’ Rights and Academic Transparency bill cannot be effective, if there is no fully accessible, efficiently organized, maintainable and funded access to school information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once again, another unfunded mandate is working its way through the Kansas Legislature — HB2662.&nbsp; If passed, this bill would establish a Parents’ Bill of Rights and Academic Transparency law.&nbsp;&nbsp;In general, the parents’ rights part of the act restates provisions for parents of public school students that currently exist in other state laws. These include the right of parents to be heard in school board meetings, to have access to curricula, to protect the privacy of their children and the right to op-out of individual classes or health care services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The transparency part of the act requires schools to post on-line and maintain extensive, detailed information on each course and grade-level curricula including library resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although requiring teachers to post lesson plans has been eliminated from the bill, recording and updating a school master-site with each curriculum and resources used within lessons remains in the bill. Also required are that&nbsp;copies of certain tests, questionnaires, surveys and examinations be made available to parents prior to obtaining consent to administer these items.&nbsp;&nbsp;All this&nbsp;would come with a big price tag for implementation that cannot be estimated as well as tremendous time in monitoring the information.Educators see the bill as micromanaging, distrusting, even vilifying teachers. The fear is that the act will foster self-censorship that will make lessons about difficult but important subjects nearly impossible, not to mention the tremendous addition to teachers’ workload caused by posting multiple, evolving instructional resources—time taken away from teaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As has happened in the past, our schools today, are highly politicalized with Republican and Democrat forces churning curriculum into election fodder that feeds public tensions surrounding American history, racism and gender identification.&nbsp;Still, it’s puzzling that some of our legislators want to re-legislate extant laws and create more, and more costly, non-instructional work for teachers and schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, if we want the bill to become something more than using teachers for political gain, a revised HB2662 might start us down a better path.There is a large, underlying challenge for Kansas public education to move toward learning models that will prepare our students for the 21st&nbsp;Century.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reimagining our schools will require a more highly organized statewide education system that is supported by electronic technology and based on open access to data, is easy to navigate and encourages parental and community engagement in our schools.&nbsp;At present there is incomplete access for Kansas parents because broadband is not yet available to all Kansas residents, particularly those in rural and low-income urban areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, teachers have the right not to be burdened by overwhelming, non-teaching data- management tasks.&nbsp; Generally, employees, when asked to take on more tasks at work, are given release- or over-time or, still better, tasks are assigned to others hired for the new purpose.&nbsp;As yet, HB2662 does not account for how federal and state funds, including those earmarked for COVID relief and development, might be earmarked to set up a modern network for the Kansas State Department of Education and each school to connect state standards with school curriculum with limited resource lists solely for classroom goals.&nbsp;The Parents’ Rights and Academic Transparency bill cannot be effective, if there is no fully accessible, efficiently organized, maintainable and funded access to school information.&nbsp;&nbsp;This bill needs a big rewrite.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: What the parent rights, transparency bill doesn’t do

At Fort Hays State University, we believe tomorrow is made by thinkers and doers who turn ideas into action. We turn challenges into opportunities, and we are at our best when the going gets tough. This past year was no exception.

During these pandemic-challenged months, we kept the lights&nbsp;on&nbsp;and the doors open, responsibly managed our finances without furloughing or terminating employees, and experienced a record year for students graduating.

We work to responsibly respond to the economic concerns of the state – and especially, the rural communities of our region.&nbsp;

Our roots are in teacher education. We embrace this important calling and continue to partner with school districts with creative solutions such as transition-to-teaching and para-pathways. Just last month, we worked with our local school district to have our teaching interns become licensed emergency substitute teachers.

As social unrest plagued our country, our criminal justice faculty and university police department went to work providing solutions. Supported by a $1.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, we established a regional de-escalation center to teach law enforcement officers techniques to help resolve potentially dangerous confrontations.

Nursing faculty understand the challenges nurses face in rural communities and prepare our students to meet those needs. That is why our program places special emphasis on rural preceptorships and simulations – creating over 40 unique rural care simulations. Starting this fall, our nurse practitioners will log 25% of clinical hours in rural communities with less than 5,000 people.&nbsp;

We are focused on the future for Kansas families and businesses. Our Transfer &amp; Military Center, for example, encourages degree completion through programs like our Kansas Community College Guarantee – complete an associate of arts or science at a Kansas community college, and you have fulfilled our general education requirements.&nbsp;We have&nbsp;earned “Military Friendly School”&nbsp;honors for 15&nbsp;straight years.&nbsp;Our partnership with the Kansas Army National Guard provides a pathway to a tuition-free degree.

We have built a Kansas&nbsp;computing&nbsp;talent pipeline with seven certificate programs, eight graduate programs, and undergraduate majors with eight different concentrations. We currently are serving over 400 traditional students as well as many mid-career professionals looking to grow their computing skills.

Near and dear to my heart, the key to our success at FHSU is affordability. FHSU has the most affordable tuition among our peers, and our online program is equally cost-effective. Using metrics provided by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, we recently reviewed our return on investment (ROI), finding a positive return for every FHSU category.

We are seeing positive numbers in high-demand positions. Seventy-two percent of our nursing graduates stay in Kansas, and 90% of our APRNs work in rural or underserved areas. Our social work program has grown from 100 in 2015 to more than 300 today. Thanks to our new&nbsp;master’s&nbsp;of social work&nbsp;online program, social workers wanting to advance their careers can&nbsp;stay in place in the rural communities they serve while pursuing this academic credential. Jobs in the technology industry are in high demand. Ninety-seven percent in technology fields report employment after graduation, with an average starting salary of $65,000 to $70,000.

The foundation of our success rests squarely on the shoulders of our talented faculty, who combine their love of teaching in a smaller, regional university with innovation and forward thinking to best serve students and the people of Kansas. For example, I am very proud that Dr. Andrew Feldstein, associate provost for Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies, was just recognized as one of Ingram Magazine’s 2022 Icons of Education.

We are always seeking ways to fill the talent pipeline in Kansas. Two key tools in this endeavor are our Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) and our Docking Institute of Public Affairs.

Federally funded and overseen by FHSU, the SBDC is a network of 12 centers across the state which work with small businesses to achieve success in today’s marketplace. Every dollar invested in the network generates $45 in&nbsp;the&nbsp;funding partner’s ROI.

The Docking Institute facilitates public policy among governmental and non-profit entities, providing the research needed for economic development. Among their services are labor availability studies for economic development, economic impact analyses, and housing availability for recruitment/retention of workers.

As my colleague Marion&nbsp;Terenzio&nbsp;recently wrote in an article for Inside Higher Ed, universities such as Fort Hays State must “absorb the essence and distinct characteristics of its surrounding communities – both to enrich those communities and to be enriched by them.”&nbsp;

I couldn’t agree more. I know how conscientiously we work for the people of western Kansas&nbsp;in particular and&nbsp;the state in general. To Marion’s point, our truth is how our diligence is fueled by our students, colleagues, neighbors, and communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>At Fort Hays State University, we believe tomorrow is made by thinkers and doers who turn ideas into action. We turn challenges into opportunities, and we are at our best when the going gets tough. This past year was no exception.During these pandemic-challenged months, we kept the lights&nbsp;on&nbsp;and the doors open, responsibly managed our finances without furloughing or terminating employees, and experienced a record year for students graduating.We work to responsibly respond to the economic concerns of the state – and especially, the rural communities of our region.&nbsp;Our roots are in teacher education. We embrace this important calling and continue to partner with school districts with creative solutions such as transition-to-teaching and para-pathways. Just last month, we worked with our local school district to have our teaching interns become licensed emergency substitute teachers.As social unrest plagued our country, our criminal justice faculty and university police department went to work providing solutions. Supported by a $1.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, we established a regional de-escalation center to teach law enforcement officers techniques to help resolve potentially dangerous confrontations.Nursing faculty understand the challenges nurses face in rural communities and prepare our students to meet those needs. That is why our program places special emphasis on rural preceptorships and simulations – creating over 40 unique rural care simulations. Starting this fall, our nurse practitioners will log 25% of clinical hours in rural communities with less than 5,000 people.&nbsp;We are focused on the future for Kansas families and businesses. Our Transfer &amp; Military Center, for example, encourages degree completion through programs like our Kansas Community College Guarantee – complete an associate of arts or science at a Kansas community college, and you have fulfilled our general education requirements.&nbsp;We have&nbsp;earned “Military Friendly School”&nbsp;honors for 15&nbsp;straight years.&nbsp;Our partnership with the Kansas Army National Guard provides a pathway to a tuition-free degree.We have built a Kansas&nbsp;computing&nbsp;talent pipeline with seven certificate programs, eight graduate programs, and undergraduate majors with eight different concentrations. We currently are serving over 400 traditional students as well as many mid-career professionals looking to grow their computing skills.Near and dear to my heart, the key to our success at FHSU is affordability. FHSU has the most affordable tuition among our peers, and our online program is equally cost-effective. Using metrics provided by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, we recently reviewed our return on investment (ROI), finding a positive return for every FHSU category.We are seeing positive numbers in high-demand positions. Seventy-two percent of our nursing graduates stay in Kansas, and 90% of our APRNs work in rural or underserved areas. Our social work program has grown from 100 in 2015 to more than 300 today. Thanks to our new&nbsp;master’s&nbsp;of social work&nbsp;online program, social workers wanting to advance their careers can&nbsp;stay in place in the rural communities they serve while pursuing this academic credential. Jobs in the technology industry are in high demand. Ninety-seven percent in technology fields report employment after graduation, with an average starting salary of $65,000 to $70,000.The foundation of our success rests squarely on the shoulders of our talented faculty, who combine their love of teaching in a smaller, regional university with innovation and forward thinking to best serve students and the people of Kansas. For example, I am very proud that Dr. Andrew Feldstein, associate provost for Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies, was just recognized as one of Ingram Magazine’s 2022 Icons of Education.We are always seeking ways to fill the talent pipeline in Kansas. Two key tools in this endeavor are our Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) and our Docking Institute of Public Affairs.Federally funded and overseen by FHSU, the SBDC is a network of 12 centers across the state which work with small businesses to achieve success in today’s marketplace. Every dollar invested in the network generates $45 in&nbsp;the&nbsp;funding partner’s ROI.The Docking Institute facilitates public policy among governmental and non-profit entities, providing the research needed for economic development. Among their services are labor availability studies for economic development, economic impact analyses, and housing availability for recruitment/retention of workers.As my colleague Marion&nbsp;Terenzio&nbsp;recently wrote in an article for Inside Higher Ed, universities such as Fort Hays State must “absorb the essence and distinct characteristics of its surrounding communities – both to enrich those communities and to be enriched by them.”&nbsp;I couldn’t agree more. I know how conscientiously we work for the people of western Kansas&nbsp;in particular and&nbsp;the state in general. To Marion’s point, our truth is how our diligence is fueled by our students, colleagues, neighbors, and communities.Simply put, together we are better.

MASON: Filling vital roles in rural Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647626368277.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>

Our office is buzzing with people who are pulling their Walk KS teams together and that is great news. This signature program at K-State Research &amp; Extension is set to begin March 27thand runs through May 21st. Registration for this program that emphasizes healthy living can be completed on-line. For a $10 registration fee, participants will receive a weekly newsletter, as well as a meal provided at&nbsp;no charge during&nbsp;the&nbsp;celebration held in late May.&nbsp;Registration information is available at either of our Extension offices&nbsp;at 3007 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.&nbsp;​

​Walk KS is&nbsp;it is the perfect time to remind&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike.&nbsp;When our office moved to a new location late last fall it&nbsp;increased&nbsp;my commuting time.&nbsp;I can log sixty minutes of&nbsp;exercise each day in fifteen-minute increments so that it is built into my normal routine.&nbsp;Even a few days off the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;I am anxious for&nbsp;Walk KS to&nbsp;begin!

​If you haven’t already&nbsp;pulled your&nbsp;team of six&nbsp;together, there is still time.&nbsp;Select a fun name that describes your team and when March&nbsp;27th&nbsp;rolls around start logging minutes exercised.&nbsp;If you prefer, you can sign up solo and log your minutes exercised online as well. Optional t-shirts may be ordered to help you get into the spirit of the program.&nbsp;People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty&nbsp;heather clay or heather teal.&nbsp;Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower.

​Walk Kansas Celebrations&nbsp;complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members&nbsp;areset for&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th,&nbsp;at&nbsp;noon at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend, and Thursday, May 26th, at noon&nbsp;at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room.&nbsp;I’ll have more information about these&nbsp;fun and educational events&nbsp;as the dates&nbsp;draws near.

​So,&nbsp;let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Our office is buzzing with people who are pulling their Walk KS teams together and that is great news. This signature program at K-State Research &amp; Extension is set to begin March 27thand runs through May 21st. Registration for this program that emphasizes healthy living can be completed on-line. For a $10 registration fee, participants will receive a weekly newsletter, as well as a meal provided at&nbsp;no charge during&nbsp;the&nbsp;celebration held in late May.&nbsp;Registration information is available at either of our Extension offices&nbsp;at 3007 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.&nbsp;​​Walk KS is&nbsp;it is the perfect time to remind&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike.&nbsp;When our office moved to a new location late last fall it&nbsp;increased&nbsp;my commuting time.&nbsp;I can log sixty minutes of&nbsp;exercise each day in fifteen-minute increments so that it is built into my normal routine.&nbsp;Even a few days off the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;I am anxious for&nbsp;Walk KS to&nbsp;begin!​If you haven’t already&nbsp;pulled your&nbsp;team of six&nbsp;together, there is still time.&nbsp;Select a fun name that describes your team and when March&nbsp;27th&nbsp;rolls around start logging minutes exercised.&nbsp;If you prefer, you can sign up solo and log your minutes exercised online as well. Optional t-shirts may be ordered to help you get into the spirit of the program.&nbsp;People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty&nbsp;heather clay or heather teal.&nbsp;Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower.​Walk Kansas Celebrations&nbsp;complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members&nbsp;areset for&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th,&nbsp;at&nbsp;noon at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend, and Thursday, May 26th, at noon&nbsp;at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room.&nbsp;I’ll have more information about these&nbsp;fun and educational events&nbsp;as the dates&nbsp;draws near.​So,&nbsp;let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Last call for Walk KS signups

On March 18, 2022, at 4:59 p.m. a robbery at All the Rage Studios, 2707 Vine Street, was called into dispatch. 

Hays Police Department officers responded to the business to investigate.

 It was reported that a black male with dreadlocks and a face mask came into the business with his hand stuffed into a bag and demanded the money from the business. 

An employee handed the man the money and the male suspect left the area driving a black SUV with a Texas tag. &nbsp;

Other law enforcement started looking for the suspect’s vehicle and information was given out to the surrounding jurisdictions on the robbery suspect and his vehicle.

 The Russell Police Department located a black Toyota 4 Runner SUV with a Texas license plate in the McDonald’s drive-thru. 

From running the license plate, officers were able to determine the vehicle was reported stolen out of Colorado.

The suspect vehicle fled from officers, and a pursuit was initiated that headed west bound on Interstate 70 with speeds exceeding 100 mph. 

Numerous attempts to deploy stop stick tire deflation devices were attempted but were unsuccessful. 

The suspect drove down the west bound off ramp at the 159 exit and drove onto Vine Street in Hays.

 The suspect continued south on Vine Street after driving through the roundabout at the off-ramp exit. 

As the suspect’s vehicle exited the second roundabout just south of interstate on Vine Street, the vehicle started driving south in the northbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic. 

Hays Police Officers interceded and stopped the suspect vehicle from continuing into oncoming traffic. 

Three police vehicles were damaged along with the suspect’s stolen vehicle.

The suspect was identified as 31 y.o. Irving Wozanee Brooks III from Jacksonville, Florida. 

Brooks was arrested and taken to the Ellis County Jail. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Traffic on north Vine Street was blocked and congested to one lane for a lengthy period, causing traffic to be diverted onto interstate for a while as emergency responders worked to remove the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.

The Hays Police Department would like to thank the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Russell Police Department, the Russell County Sheriff’s Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, and the other law enforcement agencies that helped apprehend Mr. Brooks.

Irving W. Brooks III is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail and is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653621461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentOn March 18, 2022, at 4:59 p.m. a robbery at All the Rage Studios, 2707 Vine Street, was called into dispatch. Hays Police Department officers responded to the business to investigate. It was reported that a black male with dreadlocks and a face mask came into the business with his hand stuffed into a bag and demanded the money from the business. An employee handed the man the money and the male suspect left the area driving a black SUV with a Texas tag. &nbsp;Other law enforcement started looking for the suspect’s vehicle and information was given out to the surrounding jurisdictions on the robbery suspect and his vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653478281.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photos by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure> The Russell Police Department located a black Toyota 4 Runner SUV with a Texas license plate in the McDonald’s drive-thru. From running the license plate, officers were able to determine the vehicle was reported stolen out of Colorado.The suspect vehicle fled from officers, and a pursuit was initiated that headed west bound on Interstate 70 with speeds exceeding 100 mph. Numerous attempts to deploy stop stick tire deflation devices were attempted but were unsuccessful. The suspect drove down the west bound off ramp at the 159 exit and drove onto Vine Street in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653659036.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The suspect continued south on Vine Street after driving through the roundabout at the off-ramp exit. As the suspect’s vehicle exited the second roundabout just south of interstate on Vine Street, the vehicle started driving south in the northbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic. Hays Police Officers interceded and stopped the suspect vehicle from continuing into oncoming traffic. Three police vehicles were damaged along with the suspect’s stolen vehicle.The suspect was identified as 31 y.o. Irving Wozanee Brooks III from Jacksonville, Florida. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653727062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brooks was arrested and taken to the Ellis County Jail. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Traffic on north Vine Street was blocked and congested to one lane for a lengthy period, causing traffic to be diverted onto interstate for a while as emergency responders worked to remove the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.The Hays Police Department would like to thank the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Russell Police Department, the Russell County Sheriff’s Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, and the other law enforcement agencies that helped apprehend Mr. Brooks.Irving W. Brooks III is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail and is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653832353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays armed robbery suspect caught after chase, crash

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/kansas-panel-clears-house-redistricting-map-after-changes-in-western-part-of-state/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A panel of state 
representatives approved Friday an updated proposal to redraw Kansas 
House districts that makes changes in western Kansas but ignores 
testimony urging changes in Leavenworth County and surrounding areas.

The updated Freestate 3 map would see many of the incumbents drawn into the same district under <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-house-map-plan-raises-concerns-about-leavenworth-county-lgbtq-representation/">a previous iteration</a>
 remain together, but a dramatic change out west would get rid of the 
district currently occupied by Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican, 
pairing her with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. Rep. Kyle Hoffman, 
R-Coldwater, and Rep. Boyd Orr, R-Fowler, are no longer together in the 
same district.

The amendment would keep several counties whole, something Rep. Adam 
Smith wanted to be prioritized in the process. He said these changes 
kept confusion down during elections where people are used to one 
representative for a clean group of counties.

“Also, it might sound a little bit strange for some of our more urban
 counterparts, but in western Kansas, we like to follow our highway 
systems that make it efficient for people to get around,” the Weskan 
Republican said. “The very first time I saw this, I played around with 
Google Earth a little bit, and (the 116th District) goes all the way 
from Copeland to Wellington. That is almost six full counties, and I 
believe that would be the longest, most stretched-out district in the 
history of the state.”

The amendment also makes changes in Johnson County. Another amendment
 brought by Smith would make a change to a district in Hutchinson.

Unchanged in the brand new 125 House districts are areas in 
Leavenworth County, where several members of the public expressed 
concerns. In the map, the city is still divided and a finger runs from 
one end of the county to relocate one precinct from the center of 
Leavenworth into another district.

Some opponents argued the map was grossly gerrymandered to improve 
the standing of Republican House redistricting chairman Chris Croft.

The map, introduced earlier this week, pairs House Speaker Ron 
Ryckman with Rep. Megan Lynn, R-Olathe, in the 49th House District. 
Ryckman has held office since 2012 and is in his third term as speaker.

Ryckman’s current district is trending less conservative. Ryckman won
 reelection by five points over a Democrat challenger in 2020, but in 
2016 that margin was 23 points.

“The gerrymandering of Leavenworth needs to be stopped, with 
population numbers adjusted through movement of the southern or western 
boundaries, not through cherry picking the one precinct that is a thorn 
in Rep. Proctor’s side,” said Jeffery Howards, chairman of the 
Leavenworth County Democratic Party in testimony Wednesday.

Across the rotunda Thursday, legislators approved Republican-backed 
Senate maps that would dramatically alter Shawnee County and the 
northeast part of Kansas. Under the plan, Topeka would gain a fourth 
Senate seat that would run along Interstate 70 and rope in part of 
northwest Lawrence.

The three senators who represent Shawnee County currently will add 
other parts of eastern Kansas counties to make up for the new district. 
It is possible under the plan that all four senators could reside 
outside Shawnee County.

Critics argue it unfairly dilutes the voting power of one of the 
state’s largest cities, but supporters say this would better represent 
the left-leaning parts of the county. The measure passed 28 to 8 with a 
handful of Democrats and Republicans opposing the map.

“I have said how the western Kansas voice is being eroded and it 
continues to be eroded by maps like this,” said Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood. “Without sufficient time to propose thoughtful amendments 
to this, I absolutely cannot support a map that’s neither transparent, 
nor honest.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647639861182.png" alt="Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, proposed an amendment he said would cleanup up confusion in Western Kansas. The change would see Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican paired with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, proposed an amendment he said would cleanup up confusion in Western Kansas. The change would see Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican paired with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/kansas-panel-clears-house-redistricting-map-after-changes-in-western-part-of-state/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A panel of state 
representatives approved Friday an updated proposal to redraw Kansas 
House districts that makes changes in western Kansas but ignores 
testimony urging changes in Leavenworth County and surrounding areas.The updated Freestate 3 map would see many of the incumbents drawn into the same district under <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-house-map-plan-raises-concerns-about-leavenworth-county-lgbtq-representation/">a previous iteration</a>
 remain together, but a dramatic change out west would get rid of the 
district currently occupied by Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican, 
pairing her with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. Rep. Kyle Hoffman, 
R-Coldwater, and Rep. Boyd Orr, R-Fowler, are no longer together in the 
same district.The amendment would keep several counties whole, something Rep. Adam 
Smith wanted to be prioritized in the process. He said these changes 
kept confusion down during elections where people are used to one 
representative for a clean group of counties.“Also, it might sound a little bit strange for some of our more urban
 counterparts, but in western Kansas, we like to follow our highway 
systems that make it efficient for people to get around,” the Weskan 
Republican said. “The very first time I saw this, I played around with 
Google Earth a little bit, and (the 116th District) goes all the way 
from Copeland to Wellington. That is almost six full counties, and I 
believe that would be the longest, most stretched-out district in the 
history of the state.”The amendment also makes changes in Johnson County. Another amendment
 brought by Smith would make a change to a district in Hutchinson.Unchanged in the brand new 125 House districts are areas in 
Leavenworth County, where several members of the public expressed 
concerns. In the map, the city is still divided and a finger runs from 
one end of the county to relocate one precinct from the center of 
Leavenworth into another district.Some opponents argued the map was grossly gerrymandered to improve 
the standing of Republican House redistricting chairman Chris Croft.The map, introduced earlier this week, pairs House Speaker Ron 
Ryckman with Rep. Megan Lynn, R-Olathe, in the 49th House District. 
Ryckman has held office since 2012 and is in his third term as speaker.Ryckman’s current district is trending less conservative. Ryckman won
 reelection by five points over a Democrat challenger in 2020, but in 
2016 that margin was 23 points.“The gerrymandering of Leavenworth needs to be stopped, with 
population numbers adjusted through movement of the southern or western 
boundaries, not through cherry picking the one precinct that is a thorn 
in Rep. Proctor’s side,” said Jeffery Howards, chairman of the 
Leavenworth County Democratic Party in testimony Wednesday.Across the rotunda Thursday, legislators approved Republican-backed 
Senate maps that would dramatically alter Shawnee County and the 
northeast part of Kansas. Under the plan, Topeka would gain a fourth 
Senate seat that would run along Interstate 70 and rope in part of 
northwest Lawrence.The three senators who represent Shawnee County currently will add 
other parts of eastern Kansas counties to make up for the new district. 
It is possible under the plan that all four senators could reside 
outside Shawnee County.Critics argue it unfairly dilutes the voting power of one of the 
state’s largest cities, but supporters say this would better represent 
the left-leaning parts of the county. The measure passed 28 to 8 with a 
handful of Democrats and Republicans opposing the map.“I have said how the western Kansas voice is being eroded and it 
continues to be eroded by maps like this,” said Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood. “Without sufficient time to propose thoughtful amendments 
to this, I absolutely cannot support a map that’s neither transparent, 
nor honest.”

Panel clears House redistricting map after western Kan. changes

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported five COVID inpatients, two active and three recovering.

On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated — a figure that has remained constant for several weeks.

<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-tracker">The Mayo Clinic</a> reported that as of March 13, just more than 65 percent of all eligible Americans and about 61 percent of eligible Kansans are considered fully vaccinated.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,132 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647623906394.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported five COVID inpatients, two active and three recovering.On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated — a figure that has remained constant for several weeks.<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-tracker">The Mayo Clinic</a> reported that as of March 13, just more than 65 percent of all eligible Americans and about 61 percent of eligible Kansans are considered fully vaccinated.Since reporting began, there have been 7,132 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647623927373.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Just one new COVID case in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

&nbsp; On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University College of Education dean and Anschutz Professor of Education and Professor of Physics Paul Adams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: FHSU Dean Paul Adams" 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=sp2xw-11d6730-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp; On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University College of Education dean and Anschutz Professor of Education and Professor of Physics Paul Adams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU Dean Paul Adams

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It wasn't the blizzard predicted by the National Weather Service, but Thursday's winter storm did bring much-needed moisture to Hays.&nbsp;

According to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of Hays, rain mixed with half an inch of snow yielded 0.50 inches of precipitation.

A peak wind gust of 46 mph was recorded at 12:35 p.m.

Hays is more than inch behind in the 153-year cumulative average moisture by the end of March.&nbsp; So far this year, the city has seen 1.27 inches of precipitation, while the average is 2.46 inches

All of Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from upper left corner) remains in severe drought as shown in the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas released yesterday.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/435820cb-7722-4f1f-96a7-63305d136ce7">weekend weather forecast</a> calls for sunshine and much warmer temperatures.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647616309980.jpeg" alt="Despite a blizzard warning, Hays got just a half inch of snow Thursday. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Despite a blizzard warning, Hays got just a half inch of snow Thursday. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt wasn't the blizzard predicted by the National Weather Service, but Thursday's winter storm did bring much-needed moisture to Hays.&nbsp;According to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of Hays, rain mixed with half an inch of snow yielded 0.50 inches of precipitation.A peak wind gust of 46 mph was recorded at 12:35 p.m.Hays is more than inch behind in the 153-year cumulative average moisture by the end of March.&nbsp; So far this year, the city has seen 1.27 inches of precipitation, while the average is 2.46 inchesAll of Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from upper left corner) remains in severe drought as shown in the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas released yesterday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647615557365.png" alt="U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/435820cb-7722-4f1f-96a7-63305d136ce7">weekend weather forecast</a> calls for sunshine and much warmer temperatures.&nbsp;

Local