Hays and Ellis County, along with several surrounding counties, have been upgraded to a blizzard warning.

The warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service is now forecasting up to 6 inches of snow in the Ellis County area.

Rain is likely after 5 p.m., changing to snow as the evening progresses, and couples with sustained winds of 31 to 36 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph are possible. The NWS is warning of hazardous driving conditions.

Snow is expected to taper off by early Friday morning. There will be a high of 47 on Friday, followed by a higher of 63 Saturday and 70 Sunday before another chance of precipitation Monday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647548193134.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays and Ellis County, along with several surrounding counties, have been upgraded to a blizzard warning.The warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday.The National Weather Service is now forecasting up to 6 inches of snow in the Ellis County area.Rain is likely after 5 p.m., changing to snow as the evening progresses, and couples with sustained winds of 31 to 36 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph are possible. The NWS is warning of hazardous driving conditions.Snow is expected to taper off by early Friday morning. There will be a high of 47 on Friday, followed by a higher of 63 Saturday and 70 Sunday before another chance of precipitation Monday.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647548285143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A strong winter storm will bring white out conditions to portions of our area tonight and overnight. A Blizzard Warning and Winter Weather Advisory are in effect from 7 PM CDT this evening through 7 AM CDT Friday morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/WTeafN7NH2">pic.twitter.com/WTeafN7NH2</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1504529630778171393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Hays, surrounding area upgraded to blizzard warning

Fort Hays State University’s Winter Bands Concert has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 22.

The Music and Theatre Department’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall. The concert was originally scheduled for March 10 but was postponed because of inclement weather.

The concert will feature special guest soloist Dr. Ryan Pearson on the marimba, as well as the music of the late Dr. Jeff Jordan. Jordan, a longtime FHSU professor who served for nearly 20 years as the university’s director of bands, died earlier this year from a rare form of leukemia.

The event will be live-streamed on YouTube by the FHSU Tiger Media Network. For more information on upcoming concerts and events, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=8dVHgYh7GDK85HGQJ1OkIo0nE3c3FSBYjPfXgJv11jqWXQtFdGi4MuDP6S9ssZJAV9GKdzDVU2mUN3YmUvSeEQ-3D-3DW2Yl_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B118x0N1-2F-2F3BFCcynQ3sOe37Q83Lbx-2F-2BnFW8n5SQ-2B1cVHhKJugGmzo-2F2ZwuSla-2BN8NUojakDqr2VX3knQsRfkfyJHQJn8LJCsP3FMR3x4elMCx30GG8rKGh3cCxC-2FOu42XfZAcCx8w2ITqVwKCNYk9aQWz10kgs866nb6xENvyojKeWLOXZ0UoGOmeeP-2Fg8UAt3FVc3rEzrSYcqC5CU6r6-2FNJ2LuTYH8sEMDRPLL050TfsxCwXg0Pglzk1b1fRb-2BF">https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/arts-calendar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647529379746.jpeg" alt="Dr. Ryan Pearson" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Ryan Pearson</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Winter Bands Concert has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 22.The Music and Theatre Department’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall. The concert was originally scheduled for March 10 but was postponed because of inclement weather.The concert will feature special guest soloist Dr. Ryan Pearson on the marimba, as well as the music of the late Dr. Jeff Jordan. Jordan, a longtime FHSU professor who served for nearly 20 years as the university’s director of bands, died earlier this year from a rare form of leukemia.The event will be live-streamed on YouTube by the FHSU Tiger Media Network. For more information on upcoming concerts and events, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=8dVHgYh7GDK85HGQJ1OkIo0nE3c3FSBYjPfXgJv11jqWXQtFdGi4MuDP6S9ssZJAV9GKdzDVU2mUN3YmUvSeEQ-3D-3DW2Yl_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B118x0N1-2F-2F3BFCcynQ3sOe37Q83Lbx-2F-2BnFW8n5SQ-2B1cVHhKJugGmzo-2F2ZwuSla-2BN8NUojakDqr2VX3knQsRfkfyJHQJn8LJCsP3FMR3x4elMCx30GG8rKGh3cCxC-2FOu42XfZAcCx8w2ITqVwKCNYk9aQWz10kgs866nb6xENvyojKeWLOXZ0UoGOmeeP-2Fg8UAt3FVc3rEzrSYcqC5CU6r6-2FNJ2LuTYH8sEMDRPLL050TfsxCwXg0Pglzk1b1fRb-2BF">https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/arts-calendar</a>.

FHSU Bands concert rescheduled for next week

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Hays and the surrounding area beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Dodge City.

As north winds pick up through the day, rain is expected early Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts are expected to be as high as 44 mph. Between a tenth and a quarter-inch of rain is expected.

As the mercury drops in the evening, rain will turn to snow, the NWS predicted. Up to 4 inches of snow is possible in the Ellis County area.

The NWS warned that travel could be hazardous as roads will be slick and visibility will be reduced.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647524895984.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A winter weather advisory has been issued for Hays and the surrounding area beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Dodge City.As north winds pick up through the day, rain is expected early Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts are expected to be as high as 44 mph. Between a tenth and a quarter-inch of rain is expected.As the mercury drops in the evening, rain will turn to snow, the NWS predicted. Up to 4 inches of snow is possible in the Ellis County area.The NWS warned that travel could be hazardous as roads will be slick and visibility will be reduced.Check Hays Post or tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Snow and blowing snow will be possible tonight across southwest Kansas. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from this evening (3/17) through early Friday morning (3/18). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/4lz24FfNsd">pic.twitter.com/4lz24FfNsd</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1504401109519020032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rain and snow is expected on Thursday. Snow accumulations of a trace to 4&quot; are possible, with localized amounts up to 5&quot; possible. The favored area for accumulating snow is across Kit Carson and Cheyenne Counties in Colorado. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cowx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/eZr62euXZ8">pic.twitter.com/eZr62euXZ8</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1504409866831425543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Rain turning to snow on the way to NW Kansas

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A $1.8 million artificial turf project is nearing completion at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

The turf should be ready for play when the season starts later this spring. Jeff Boyle, Hays parks director, said installation of the turf has gone smoothly.

New shade structures, scoreboards and a new playground area have also been added to the park in the last three years.

"I think what we've done here is pretty unbeatable in the state," Boyle said. "There's a lot of nice facilities to go to, but we're in the top tier of those," he said.

"I think we are going to see a huge increase in participation, and&nbsp; I think the overall experience is going to be so much better."

Artificial turf was added to the infields of all eight of the baseball/softball fields at the complex. The project also included turfing of the bullpens.

The addition of turf will allow guaranteed play even when it rains. Boyle said this is important to teams wishing to schedule tournaments at the complex.

He said he expects an increase in tournament play at the complex, which will likely bring more visitors to the community.

Families who travel for summer ball tournaments often bring their entire families. They stay in hotels, eat out, buy gas and shop. This not only benefits local businesses, but brings in more revenue for the city and county in the form of sales tax, Boyle said.

When the project was approved by the Hays City Commission in May 2021, Commissioner Shaun Musil cited a report from the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute that said the sports complex brought more than $1 million to the community in 2018.

Teams can sign up for summer youth baseball and fast-pitch softball, as well as adult softball tournaments, through the <a href="https://www.hayssportscomplex.com/">Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex website</a>.

The City of Hays paid a little more than $1 million toward the project out of its capital reserve fund with the Hays Recreation Commission paying the rest of the $750,000. The city's portion of the project was funded through its share of the 1/4 cent Ellis County sales tax.

Operation costs should decrease with the addition of the new surface, Boyle said. High winds regularly shifted the fine dirt from the infields off the fields. The city invested considerable time and effort, spreading that dirt back on the fields.

The dirt that was removed from the Bickle-Schmidt fields has been used to replace infield dirt at Auble-Bickle Park and Dusty Glassman Ball Field. The city hired a laser grader company to grade the fields so they shed water appropriately.

The city also hopes to add new infield dirt to the Hank Speier Ball Field from dirt that was left over from Bickle-Schmidt project.

The addition of the new infield dirt at these facilities should create much better playing surfaces, Boyle said.

Reconfiguration of fields will also allow 13 and younger players to play at Bickle-Schmidt.

This also will be the first full year new shade structures at Bickle-Schmidt will be in use. They were constructed last summer at a cost of $451,000. New scoreboards were also added at all eight ballfields in 2021.

Two years ago, a new shaded playground area was added to the southwest quad at the complex.

Although the shade structures, scoreboards and playground equipment were separate projects from the turf, Boyle said all four projects combined will greatly improved the experience for fans and athletes at the complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647455821696.jpeg" alt="New turf on one of the ball fields at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>New turf on one of the ball fields at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA $1.8 million artificial turf project is nearing completion at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.The turf should be ready for play when the season starts later this spring. Jeff Boyle, Hays parks director, said installation of the turf has gone smoothly.New shade structures, scoreboards and a new playground area have also been added to the park in the last three years. "I think what we've done here is pretty unbeatable in the state," Boyle said. "There's a lot of nice facilities to go to, but we're in the top tier of those," he said."I think we are going to see a huge increase in participation, and&nbsp; I think the overall experience is going to be so much better."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647456405593.jpeg" alt="Shade structures were installed last summer at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Shade structures were installed last summer at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Artificial turf was added to the infields of all eight of the baseball/softball fields at the complex. The project also included turfing of the bullpens.The addition of turf will allow guaranteed play even when it rains. Boyle said this is important to teams wishing to schedule tournaments at the complex.He said he expects an increase in tournament play at the complex, which will likely bring more visitors to the community.Families who travel for summer ball tournaments often bring their entire families. They stay in hotels, eat out, buy gas and shop. This not only benefits local businesses, but brings in more revenue for the city and county in the form of sales tax, Boyle said.When the project was approved by the Hays City Commission in May 2021, Commissioner Shaun Musil cited a report from the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute that said the sports complex brought more than $1 million to the community in 2018.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647456628884.jpeg" alt="New scoreboards have also been installed at all eight ball fields at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. " />
 <figcaption>New scoreboards have also been installed at all eight ball fields at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. </figcaption>
 </figure>Teams can sign up for summer youth baseball and fast-pitch softball, as well as adult softball tournaments, through the <a href="https://www.hayssportscomplex.com/">Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex website</a>. The City of Hays paid a little more than $1 million toward the project out of its capital reserve fund with the Hays Recreation Commission paying the rest of the $750,000. The city's portion of the project was funded through its share of the 1/4 cent Ellis County sales tax. Operation costs should decrease with the addition of the new surface, Boyle said. High winds regularly shifted the fine dirt from the infields off the fields. The city invested considerable time and effort, spreading that dirt back on the fields.The dirt that was removed from the Bickle-Schmidt fields has been used to replace infield dirt at Auble-Bickle Park and Dusty Glassman Ball Field. The city hired a laser grader company to grade the fields so they shed water appropriately.The city also hopes to add new infield dirt to the Hank Speier Ball Field from dirt that was left over from Bickle-Schmidt project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647457047678.jpeg" alt="A covered playground was added to the sports complex two years ago. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A covered playground was added to the sports complex two years ago. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The addition of the new infield dirt at these facilities should create much better playing surfaces, Boyle said. Reconfiguration of fields will also allow 13 and younger players to play at Bickle-Schmidt.This also will be the first full year new shade structures at Bickle-Schmidt will be in use. They were constructed last summer at a cost of $451,000. New scoreboards were also added at all eight ballfields in 2021. Two years ago, a new shaded playground area was added to the southwest quad at the complex.Although the shade structures, scoreboards and playground equipment were separate projects from the turf, Boyle said all four projects combined will greatly improved the experience for fans and athletes at the complex.

Turf at Bickle-Schmidt will be ready for summer ball

Despite many K-12 education bills being introduced in the Kansas Legislature this session — many being fueled over debates of parents rights and private school funding — not many of the bills are gaining traction in Topeka.

The deadline for consideration of all bills by both chambers is March 23, and most of the education bills have not made it out of committees.

Hays USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson last week gave an overview to the school board of the education bills that are under consideration. The Hays Post updated the status as of Wednesday. The Legislature was in adjournment and is supposed to be back in session today.

For another year, a bill was introduced in the Legislature that would create educational savings accounts for students to attend private schools.

The state treasury has said they don't have the manpower to administer the program, Wilson said. 

"You have to understand that a lot of these bills are not Kansas-driven," Wilson said. "These are driven nationally, and you'll see similar bills all across the nation that are very similar."

Wilson described the bill as an attack on public education.

This bill is still in the House K-12 budget education committee. 

"We have to be aware of what's going on," Wilson said, "aware of the legislators we vote into office and what they're supporting."

Another piece of legislation that has been nationally driven is the parent bill of rights. 

The bill asks that parents retain the role as the primary educator. The bill would require school districts to establish a portal where parents could review all materials, activities and curriculum that are used in classrooms.

The bill includes punishments in the form of fines for teachers if they failed to comply.

It  would also prohibit schools from non-renewing a teacher's contract for refusing to teach against certain beliefs or practices.

Wilson said he was hearing the bill does not have enough support to pass. It is currently in the House committee on K-12 education budget.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/397140bb-edad-46ed-8d31-04b74d54cfe8">RELATED STORY: Teachers voice concerns over proposed K-12 Legislation in Kansas</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/efdaca3b-2a3a-4c1b-85d0-974d24f4fd05">RELATED STORY: Kan. teachers push back against avalanche of school reform bills</a>

However, Wilson noted sometimes legislators will try to tack legislation onto spending bills at the end of the session.

"You are always nervous because there are people in chair positions that are trying to support these bills," he said.

A couple of pieces of legislation would address virtual education.

SB499 would require a second student count for virtual school enrollment, increasing certain virtual school state aid amounts and providing for additional state aid for certain students who transfer to virtual schools.

The Legislature is also considering different weightings that would dedicate more dollars to virtual education, Wilson said. 

SB499 had a hearing in the education committee on Feb. 21, but has never been referred to the full chamber.

HB2512 also addressed virtual students. It would provide an alternative calculation of graduation rates for virtual schools and prohibit virtual schools from offering or providing any financial incentive to entice students to enroll. 

This bill would reduce competition between virtual schools, Wilson said.

"It's not necessarily about making money for your school district," Wilson said. "Some district's that was what there No. 1 priority was. It's all about helping kids."

&nbsp;HB2512 would also authorize virtual school state aid for students who are credit deficient. That bill has been referred to the House K-12 education budget committee.

A bill that would have allowed home school students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas State High School Activities Association was heard by the K-12 Education Committee, but was never heard by the full House and therefore died.

The bill would have also made people employed by KSHSAA mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.

HB2466 would have required a computer science course of all Kansas high school graduates. The Kansas   National   Education Association, the Kansas State Department of Education and the   United   School  Administrators   of   Kansas   testified against the bill during a committee hearing.   Opponents   generally   stated   concerns   with provisions in the bill requiring students to pass a computer science course as a requirement for graduation.

The House committee amended the bill taking out the graduation requirement as well as $2 million in funding to implement the program.

The revised bill was sent to the Senate and was referred to the education committee in that chamber.

Wilson said Hays already offers computer science.

SB362 would require local school boards to look at school needs assessments and state assessments in the budget process. 

Wilson said the Hays school board already does this. This bill had a hearing on March 1 in the committee on K-12 education budget.

Another bill would have diverted at-risk student funding for a merit-based teacher pay program.

Wilson said merit-based pay is difficult to manage. An assessment has to be created to determine who would receive the merit pay. 

"There are so many variables that determine student success," he said. "It's also putting a lot of pressure on building administrators to determine who gets the money and who doesn't. We want to feel like it's one big family and one big team. If it feels like its a big competition for money, it doesn't always end well."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDespite many K-12 education bills being introduced in the Kansas Legislature this session — many being fueled over debates of parents rights and private school funding — not many of the bills are gaining traction in Topeka. The deadline for consideration of all bills by both chambers is March 23, and most of the education bills have not made it out of committees.Hays USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson last week gave an overview to the school board of the education bills that are under consideration. The Hays Post updated the status as of Wednesday. The Legislature was in adjournment and is supposed to be back in session today. For another year, a bill was introduced in the Legislature that would create educational savings accounts for students to attend private schools.The state treasury has said they don't have the manpower to administer the program, Wilson said. "You have to understand that a lot of these bills are not Kansas-driven," Wilson said. "These are driven nationally, and you'll see similar bills all across the nation that are very similar."Wilson described the bill as an attack on public education.This bill is still in the House K-12 budget education committee. "We have to be aware of what's going on," Wilson said, "aware of the legislators we vote into office and what they're supporting."Another piece of legislation that has been nationally driven is the parent bill of rights. Wilson called it a "crazy bill."The bill asks that parents retain the role as the primary educator. The bill would require school districts to establish a portal where parents could review all materials, activities and curriculum that are used in classrooms.The bill includes punishments in the form of fines for teachers if they failed to comply. It would also prohibit schools from non-renewing a teacher's contract for refusing to teach against certain beliefs or practices.Wilson said he was hearing the bill does not have enough support to pass. It is currently in the House committee on K-12 education budget.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/397140bb-edad-46ed-8d31-04b74d54cfe8">RELATED STORY: Teachers voice concerns over proposed K-12 Legislation in Kansas</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/efdaca3b-2a3a-4c1b-85d0-974d24f4fd05">RELATED STORY: Kan. teachers push back against avalanche of school reform bills</a> However, Wilson noted sometimes legislators will try to tack legislation onto spending bills at the end of the session."You are always nervous because there are people in chair positions that are trying to support these bills," he said.A couple of pieces of legislation would address virtual education.SB499 would require a second student count for virtual school enrollment, increasing certain virtual school state aid amounts and providing for additional state aid for certain students who transfer to virtual schools.The Legislature is also considering different weightings that would dedicate more dollars to virtual education, Wilson said. SB499 had a hearing in the education committee on Feb. 21, but has never been referred to the full chamber.HB2512 also addressed virtual students. It would provide an alternative calculation of graduation rates for virtual schools and prohibit virtual schools from offering or providing any financial incentive to entice students to enroll. This bill would reduce competition between virtual schools, Wilson said. "It's not necessarily about making money for your school district," Wilson said. "Some district's that was what there No. 1 priority was. It's all about helping kids." &nbsp;HB2512 would also authorize virtual school state aid for students who are credit deficient. That bill has been referred to the House K-12 education budget committee.A bill that would have allowed home school students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas State High School Activities Association was heard by the K-12 Education Committee, but was never heard by the full House and therefore died.The bill would have also made people employed by KSHSAA mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.HB2466 would have required a computer science course of all Kansas high school graduates. The Kansas National Education Association, the Kansas State Department of Education and the United School Administrators of Kansas testified against the bill during a committee hearing. Opponents generally stated concerns with provisions in the bill requiring students to pass a computer science course as a requirement for graduation.The House committee amended the bill taking out the graduation requirement as well as $2 million in funding to implement the program.The revised bill was sent to the Senate and was referred to the education committee in that chamber. Wilson said Hays already offers computer science.SB362 would require local school boards to look at school needs assessments and state assessments in the budget process. Wilson said the Hays school board already does this. This bill had a hearing on March 1 in the committee on K-12 education budget.Another bill would have diverted at-risk student funding for a merit-based teacher pay program.Wilson said merit-based pay is difficult to manage. An assessment has to be created to determine who would receive the merit pay. "There are so many variables that determine student success," he said. "It's also putting a lot of pressure on building administrators to determine who gets the money and who doesn't. We want to feel like it's one big family and one big team. If it feels like its a big competition for money, it doesn't always end well." That bill has also not left committee.

Parent bill of rights, private school legislation stalled in Topeka

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The owner of Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, is asking the Hays city commission to adopt a resolution that would modify the Nov. 13, 2014, Community Improvement District development agreement with the shopping center.

According to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, the amendment would allow the Big Creek Crossing owner, Hays Mall LLC, to be reimbursed for up to $1 million of eligible improvements it is making to the facility.&nbsp;

"The city commission approved a one-cent Community Improvement sales tax on the Big Creek Crossing property," Bielser said. "As part of that agreement, the owners had an allowance up to $1 million for the property owners to accommodate a large retailer."&nbsp;

The 2014 agreement required Phase 2 improvements for a large retailer to be completed by Dec. 31, 2016.&nbsp;

"That project was not completed within the agreed-to timeline so it was not eligible to be reimbursed by the CID proceeds,"&nbsp;Bielser said. "The property owner is now asking for a modification to the development agreement that would make the $1 million eligible for reimbursement costs related to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/55fbb118-f74e-471a-92f2-b2cd0fd4fb1d">forthcoming&nbsp;Ollie’s Bargain Outlet</a>."&nbsp;

Improvements at the north end of the property would include the interior of the facility, HVAC system, exterior and parking lot.

Commissioners will discuss the request at their work session Thursday.

Other agenda items include discussion of recommended bid awards for:

* Additonal projects in the 2022 street maintenance program * Sanitary sewer point repairs * Replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for the fire department * New parking lot in East Frontier Park

The complete March 17 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172022-1332">here</a>.

The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647446489040.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe owner of Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, is asking the Hays city commission to adopt a resolution that would modify the Nov. 13, 2014, Community Improvement District development agreement with the shopping center.According to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, the amendment would allow the Big Creek Crossing owner, Hays Mall LLC, to be reimbursed for up to $1 million of eligible improvements it is making to the facility.&nbsp;"The city commission approved a one-cent Community Improvement sales tax on the Big Creek Crossing property," Bielser said. "As part of that agreement, the owners had an allowance up to $1 million for the property owners to accommodate a large retailer."&nbsp;The 2014 agreement required Phase 2 improvements for a large retailer to be completed by Dec. 31, 2016.&nbsp;"That project was not completed within the agreed-to timeline so it was not eligible to be reimbursed by the CID proceeds,"&nbsp;Bielser said. "The property owner is now asking for a modification to the development agreement that would make the $1 million eligible for reimbursement costs related to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/55fbb118-f74e-471a-92f2-b2cd0fd4fb1d">forthcoming&nbsp;Ollie’s Bargain Outlet</a>."&nbsp;Improvements at the north end of the property would include the interior of the facility, HVAC system, exterior and parking lot.Commissioners will discuss the request at their work session Thursday.Other agenda items include discussion of recommended bid awards for:* Additonal projects in the 2022 street maintenance program * Sanitary sewer point repairs * Replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for the fire department * New parking lot in East Frontier ParkThe complete March 17 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172022-1332">here</a>.The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;<figure>
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🎥 Big Creek Crossing to ask for amendment of 2014 CID agreement

WICHITA — More than 1,030 students completed degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2021.&nbsp;Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude. 

Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries.&nbsp;

Northwest Kansas students earning degrees include: Bird City Kelly K Schroeder, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice Hays Dana A Dawdy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing Practice MSN to DNP Hill City Shane D Jones, B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Oakley Caitlin M Lunsway, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice Robert L Mader, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Phillipsburg Katelyn K Swanson, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637721410874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WSUWICHITA — More than 1,030 students completed degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2021.&nbsp;Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude. Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries.&nbsp;Northwest Kansas students earning degrees include: Bird City Kelly K Schroeder, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice Hays Dana A Dawdy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing Practice MSN to DNP Hill City Shane D Jones, B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Oakley Caitlin M Lunsway, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice Robert L Mader, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Phillipsburg Katelyn K Swanson, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude <figure>
 <img src="http://tracking.linklinemedia.com/l.gif?ref=AhwAAJaZIQxyVJWcopRjLTYbEpYYvuhvAQAAAOPafjATf7M3ghZEoZZUspBCpXCNGbNJqOf1nfd6fPsyV8EIqH_n20_XzfSID-bqa-ENQ6hKKSn3ZIUqfunOpADwjrKKpAIFeeUr_jYP6ZIl65jnP5327aBiGAF23fZit6cL-9lquZtVxh1NtGvL13I" alt="" />
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NW Kan. students complete degrees at Wichita State

<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/2022/3/1647460218362.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

I’ve had some interesting adventures&nbsp;over the years&nbsp;involving skunks in traps, the worst of which led to a drive home in my underwear so I didn’t&nbsp;totally contaminate the inside of my truck.&nbsp;Looking back, I can call them interesting now, but at the time my descriptions were slightly different. Skunks are fairly&nbsp;laid-back&nbsp;critters and if caught in an enclosed or covered&nbsp;cage trap can usually be carted&nbsp;away in the trap and unceremoniously&nbsp;dumped somewhere&nbsp;without incident.&nbsp;

Last week, I informed&nbsp;you&nbsp;readers that the&nbsp;“sweet”&nbsp;smell&nbsp;of skunk in the air of late was because skunk breeding season was in full swing here in Kansas. This week, allow me to introduce&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;a few skunks I have met over the years,&nbsp;one in particular,&nbsp;a little too&nbsp;closely.

Some years&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;as a new&nbsp;trapper I&nbsp;caught one in a large cage trap set for bobcats, possibly a first for both me and the skunk. As I slowly approached the cage, the silly thing ran to the back and&nbsp;began an acrobatics display fit&nbsp;for a circus. First up one side, across the back by its&nbsp;front claws then down the other side it went, twirling like a&nbsp;little black and white&nbsp;ballerina. With great effort and a long&nbsp;stick,&nbsp;I got the cage door propped&nbsp;open, then turned and ran cause’&nbsp;I knew Pepe’&nbsp;would be charging the open door for his freedom. At&nbsp;a safe distance I turned to&nbsp;watch, and there it still hung like Spiderman on the inside of the cage. My next plan involved rushing the cage, arms flailing and shouting at the top of my lungs, hoping&nbsp;to scare the critter out the open front door. It didn’t&nbsp;take me long to see how this would turn disastrous and the&nbsp;maneuver&nbsp;was called off in mid-charge. I had other traps to check, so I opted to leave for&nbsp;a while, then just stop on my way back through and&nbsp;reset the trap after Pepe’&nbsp;had vamoosed. A half hour later I&nbsp;found it still in the trap, curled up in a fuzzy little black and white ball in the back corner of the cage. I finally just left and the thing&nbsp;vanished sometime overnight.

A couple years later,&nbsp;I had a large cage trap&nbsp;set&nbsp;for&nbsp;bobcats&nbsp;on a&nbsp;cattle trail in an overgrown&nbsp;pasture.&nbsp;Onthat particular&nbsp;cold, miserable&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;morning, it was the last trap to check,&nbsp;then it was home to a plate of hot scrambled eggs and sausage.&nbsp;But as&nbsp;the pickup rolled to a stop, the distinct&nbsp;white-striped back of a skunk greeted me.&nbsp;I crept slowly toward the trap, calmly&nbsp;talking&nbsp;to the critter&nbsp;with&nbsp;hopes&nbsp;of quietly opening the trap door and leaving as I had successfully done a few times before.&nbsp;The little blighter charged&nbsp;harmlessly&nbsp;at me, stomping his feet like skunks often do, but while looking me square in the&nbsp;eyes,&nbsp;sprayed me over&nbsp;its&nbsp;back (yes,&nbsp;they can do that while facing you.) I&nbsp;stripped&nbsp;to my underwear, cranked the&nbsp;truck&nbsp;heater up and headed for home.&nbsp;On the phone, I informed Joyce of my&nbsp;predicament&nbsp;and she mixed up a bowl of 1 quart&nbsp;3%&nbsp;hydrogen&nbsp;peroxide,&nbsp;¼&nbsp;cup baking soda and 2&nbsp;teaspoons&nbsp;liquid dish soap.&nbsp;This stuff really works&nbsp;for washing yourself, your clothes and the dog.&nbsp;Warning; it may slightly bleach-out or discolor some clothing, but it removes the smell.

My latest encounter&nbsp;involved a skunk caught a short distance from town&nbsp;in a foothold coyote trap. Despite most people’s thinking, foothold&nbsp;traps usually&nbsp;cause a critter no more than a sore foot for&nbsp;a few days, but this skunk appeared to be stone cold dead. &nbsp;I stood and marveled at its beautiful silky fur as it rippled in the wind, and tried to figure what had caused its demise.&nbsp;It had the trap completely covered so I needed to push it aside to remove it. Both the skunk and the trap were going to stink already, and not anxious to drive home again in my stocking feet&nbsp;or underwear, I found a nice sturdy stick to roll it out of the way. I don’t know who was most surprised, the sleeping skunk when I poked it with the stick or me when it suddenly jumped to its feet! This encounter did not end in disaster (for me) but it&nbsp;gave new meaning to the&nbsp;old cliché’ “Things are not always as they seem.”&nbsp;

I’ve never understood how the term “skunked”&nbsp;came to mean basically getting nothing, as in getting “skunked” on a fishing trip. They are amazing little creatures that are very good&nbsp;at doing what God created them to do. Their fur is soft and silky, their essence is prized by trappers&nbsp;and the perfume industry&nbsp;and they’re actually fun to watch as they&nbsp;waddle along. But if you ever&nbsp;get “skunked” by messing with one, I guarantee you’ll get way more than nothing!

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>I’ve had some interesting adventures&nbsp;over the years&nbsp;involving skunks in traps, the worst of which led to a drive home in my underwear so I didn’t&nbsp;totally contaminate the inside of my truck.&nbsp;Looking back, I can call them interesting now, but at the time my descriptions were slightly different. Skunks are fairly&nbsp;laid-back&nbsp;critters and if caught in an enclosed or covered&nbsp;cage trap can usually be carted&nbsp;away in the trap and unceremoniously&nbsp;dumped somewhere&nbsp;without incident.&nbsp;Last week, I informed&nbsp;you&nbsp;readers that the&nbsp;“sweet”&nbsp;smell&nbsp;of skunk in the air of late was because skunk breeding season was in full swing here in Kansas. This week, allow me to introduce&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;a few skunks I have met over the years,&nbsp;one in particular,&nbsp;a little too&nbsp;closely.Some years&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;as a new&nbsp;trapper I&nbsp;caught one in a large cage trap set for bobcats, possibly a first for both me and the skunk. As I slowly approached the cage, the silly thing ran to the back and&nbsp;began an acrobatics display fit&nbsp;for a circus. First up one side, across the back by its&nbsp;front claws then down the other side it went, twirling like a&nbsp;little black and white&nbsp;ballerina. With great effort and a long&nbsp;stick,&nbsp;I got the cage door propped&nbsp;open, then turned and ran cause’&nbsp;I knew Pepe’&nbsp;would be charging the open door for his freedom. At&nbsp;a safe distance I turned to&nbsp;watch, and there it still hung like Spiderman on the inside of the cage. My next plan involved rushing the cage, arms flailing and shouting at the top of my lungs, hoping&nbsp;to scare the critter out the open front door. It didn’t&nbsp;take me long to see how this would turn disastrous and the&nbsp;maneuver&nbsp;was called off in mid-charge. I had other traps to check, so I opted to leave for&nbsp;a while, then just stop on my way back through and&nbsp;reset the trap after Pepe’&nbsp;had vamoosed. A half hour later I&nbsp;found it still in the trap, curled up in a fuzzy little black and white ball in the back corner of the cage. I finally just left and the thing&nbsp;vanished sometime overnight.A couple years later,&nbsp;I had a large cage trap&nbsp;set&nbsp;for&nbsp;bobcats&nbsp;on a&nbsp;cattle trail in an overgrown&nbsp;pasture.&nbsp;Onthat particular&nbsp;cold, miserable&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;morning, it was the last trap to check,&nbsp;then it was home to a plate of hot scrambled eggs and sausage.&nbsp;But as&nbsp;the pickup rolled to a stop, the distinct&nbsp;white-striped back of a skunk greeted me.&nbsp;I crept slowly toward the trap, calmly&nbsp;talking&nbsp;to the critter&nbsp;with&nbsp;hopes&nbsp;of quietly opening the trap door and leaving as I had successfully done a few times before.&nbsp;The little blighter charged&nbsp;harmlessly&nbsp;at me, stomping his feet like skunks often do, but while looking me square in the&nbsp;eyes,&nbsp;sprayed me over&nbsp;its&nbsp;back (yes,&nbsp;they can do that while facing you.) I&nbsp;stripped&nbsp;to my underwear, cranked the&nbsp;truck&nbsp;heater up and headed for home.&nbsp;On the phone, I informed Joyce of my&nbsp;predicament&nbsp;and she mixed up a bowl of 1 quart&nbsp;3%&nbsp;hydrogen&nbsp;peroxide,&nbsp;¼&nbsp;cup baking soda and 2&nbsp;teaspoons&nbsp;liquid dish soap.&nbsp;This stuff really works&nbsp;for washing yourself, your clothes and the dog.&nbsp;Warning; it may slightly bleach-out or discolor some clothing, but it removes the smell.My latest encounter&nbsp;involved a skunk caught a short distance from town&nbsp;in a foothold coyote trap. Despite most people’s thinking, foothold&nbsp;traps usually&nbsp;cause a critter no more than a sore foot for&nbsp;a few days, but this skunk appeared to be stone cold dead. &nbsp;I stood and marveled at its beautiful silky fur as it rippled in the wind, and tried to figure what had caused its demise.&nbsp;It had the trap completely covered so I needed to push it aside to remove it. Both the skunk and the trap were going to stink already, and not anxious to drive home again in my stocking feet&nbsp;or underwear, I found a nice sturdy stick to roll it out of the way. I don’t know who was most surprised, the sleeping skunk when I poked it with the stick or me when it suddenly jumped to its feet! This encounter did not end in disaster (for me) but it&nbsp;gave new meaning to the&nbsp;old cliché’ “Things are not always as they seem.”&nbsp;I’ve never understood how the term “skunked”&nbsp;came to mean basically getting nothing, as in getting “skunked” on a fishing trip. They are amazing little creatures that are very good&nbsp;at doing what God created them to do. Their fur is soft and silky, their essence is prized by trappers&nbsp;and the perfume industry&nbsp;and they’re actually fun to watch as they&nbsp;waddle along. But if you ever&nbsp;get “skunked” by messing with one, I guarantee you’ll get way more than nothing!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Skunks I have met

NCK Tech March Mania 3-in-1 Bracket Challenge

Make your picks for each game before the tournament starts for a chance to win.

<div><script type="text/javascript" src="https://hayspostcollegehoops.upickem.net/shared/embedcode/talker-v1.0.0.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://hayspostcollegehoops.upickem.net/shared/embedcode/embed.js" data-ss-embed="contest" data-routing="hash" data-contest-id="32"></script></div><h2>NCK Tech March Mania 3-in-1 Bracket Challenge</h2>Make your picks for each game before the tournament starts for a chance to win.

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

<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 Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported five COVID inpatients, three active and two recovering.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,131 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647450428295.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<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 Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported five COVID inpatients, three active and two recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 7,131 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647450472671.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

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

MIDWEST WIRELINE OF HAYS IS LOOKING FOR CDL DRIVERS TO JOIN THEIR TEAM.&nbsp; THOSE WHO HAVE A CURRENT CDL ARE PREFERRED, BUT MIDWEST WIRELINE IS WILLING TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE.&nbsp; 

MIDWEST WIRELINE OFFERS GREAT PAY, BENEFITS AND QUICK ADVANCEMENT POTENTIAL WITHIN THEIR COMPANY.&nbsp; 

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION, CALL 785-625-3858 OR IN PERSON AT 1846 250TH AVE, BLDG D IN HAYS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647010791148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MIDWEST WIRELINE OF HAYS IS LOOKING FOR CDL DRIVERS TO JOIN THEIR TEAM.&nbsp; THOSE WHO HAVE A CURRENT CDL ARE PREFERRED, BUT MIDWEST WIRELINE IS WILLING TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE.&nbsp; MIDWEST WIRELINE OFFERS GREAT PAY, BENEFITS AND QUICK ADVANCEMENT POTENTIAL WITHIN THEIR COMPANY.&nbsp; FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION, CALL 785-625-3858 OR IN PERSON AT 1846 250TH AVE, BLDG D IN HAYS.

Victoria Greenway Trail proposal gains momentum

Several members of Troop 133 were recognized for their service to scouting at the Wheatland District Baden Powell Banquet on March 5. These adults and youth were nominated for their awards by their peers and leader. They were chosen for the awards by the district awards committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andy Hurla:&nbsp;Clarence E. Cook “Eager Beaver Award”, Pack 118 and Troop 133.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Clarence E. Cook Award is given to any volunteer that shows an exceptional level of dedication to Scouting and can always be counted on to get the job done.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the 4th&nbsp;Highest Award in the District.&nbsp;Andy currently serves in leadership roles in two area scouting units.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 118 in Russell and is the Advancement Coordinator Scouts BSA Troop 133 in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;As Cubmaster, Andy is responsible to the general operations and program implementation of the various four Cub Scout Dens.&nbsp;&nbsp;He coordinates the unit’s outings, field trips and camp outs.&nbsp;&nbsp;As advancement Coordinator for troop 133, he acts as the units “guidance counselor”, helping scouts select merit badges to work on, what skills to develop and motivating the scouts to continue making progress toward their next rank.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Andy has taken on responsibilities in the troop for communications, long term planning and registering the scouts for various events.&nbsp;

Aaron Cunningham: Outstanding Friend of Scouting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 133.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also contributes to scouting in several ways in the Wheatland district and Coronado Area Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;He often serves as Master of Ceremonies for area scouting events and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron serves as a course director or instructor with area National Youth Leadership Training and Wood Badge Adult leader training.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Aaron is the Ceremonials Advisor for the Kidi-Kidish Lodge of the&nbsp;Order of the Arrow.&nbsp;

Dana Cunningham (Not Pictured): Outstanding Benefactor Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dana is the Troop 133 Committee Chairman and serves in multiple other leadership areas of Scouting in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is known for his generosity for assisting scouts, troops and crews to meet financial obligations for attending leadership courses, high adventure treks and Order for the Arrow events.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is also known for giving of his time and talent to maintaining troop equipment and resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mason Eaton: Go-Getter Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason is a member for the Bison Patrol with Troop 133.&nbsp;Mason has taken on several responsibilities this past year.&nbsp;&nbsp;He joined Order of the Arrow at Spring Conclave in May.&nbsp;&nbsp;For OA Fall Fellowship, he was asked at the last minute to attend and assist with the ceremonials team.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also contributed to putting on the Vespers service at Fall Fellowship.&nbsp;He was also elected as the Wheatland district OA chapter Chief that weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason assisted in planning the&nbsp;Kidi-Kidish Lodge winter banquet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In September he was elected as Patrol Leader and is developing into a good leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason is consistently attending outings and services projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;He one of the most regular attendees.&nbsp;&nbsp;During our pack the pantry service project, he demonstrated good leadership in organizing scouts and coordinating efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justus Nelson: Outstanding Order of the Arrow Youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Justus is a member for the Bison Patrol with Troop 133.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Justus was elected as Vice Chief of the West for the Kidi-Kidish Lodge of the&nbsp;Order of the Arrow in August at Fall Fellowship 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;He completed his Brotherhood at Spring Conclave 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Justus help facilitate the planning and presentation of 2022 Winter Banquet for&nbsp;Kidi-Kidish Lodge in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also serves the lodge as a member of the Ordeal ceremonials team.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Denny Jonson: District Outstanding Scoutmaster Award, Troop 133, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Denny is responsible for the general operations of the troop, organizing the leaders and youth for various activities including meetings and campouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;He often goes out of his way to ensure the scouts have the best possible experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Denny’s first responsibility as Scoutmaster this summer was leading a group of scouts on a one-week&nbsp;backpacking expedition through the Southern Rocky Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.&nbsp;

Jason Garner: District Outstanding Assistant Scoutmaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason has been a dedicated leader in Troop 133 for the last several years serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is continually giving of his time to assist with troop activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason was a leader for a High Adventure trek at Philmont this past summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;He spent several hours working with the crew to improve their critical skills for back backing, including gear selection and fitting, practicing cooking on stoves, food storage and land navigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason continues to be a good resource for the scouts, teaching a multitude of skills and guiding in outdoor activity preparation.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is also willing to help each multiple merit badges with Troop 133 and during district merit badge days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amy Smith: Outstanding Popcorn Kernel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy is a member of the Troop 133 committee and was a Popcorn Kernel for this past year’s main fundraising event, the popcorn sale.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy set up multiple store front sales thorough the Hays community and tracked each scout’s sales and orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy coordinated with the other kernels to ensure all orders were fulfilled.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Wheatland District of the Coronado Area Council encompasses all Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Units and Explorer posts in Russell, Ellis, Rooks, Osborne, Trego and Gove counties. Troop 133 is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Hays and meets on Tuesday nights at 6:45 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647273014860.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseSeveral members of Troop 133 were recognized for their service to scouting at the Wheatland District Baden Powell Banquet on March 5. These adults and youth were nominated for their awards by their peers and leader. They were chosen for the awards by the district awards committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Andy Hurla:&nbsp;Clarence E. Cook “Eager Beaver Award”, Pack 118 and Troop 133.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Clarence E. Cook Award is given to any volunteer that shows an exceptional level of dedication to Scouting and can always be counted on to get the job done.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the 4th&nbsp;Highest Award in the District.&nbsp;Andy currently serves in leadership roles in two area scouting units.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 118 in Russell and is the Advancement Coordinator Scouts BSA Troop 133 in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;As Cubmaster, Andy is responsible to the general operations and program implementation of the various four Cub Scout Dens.&nbsp;&nbsp;He coordinates the unit’s outings, field trips and camp outs.&nbsp;&nbsp;As advancement Coordinator for troop 133, he acts as the units “guidance counselor”, helping scouts select merit badges to work on, what skills to develop and motivating the scouts to continue making progress toward their next rank.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Andy has taken on responsibilities in the troop for communications, long term planning and registering the scouts for various events.&nbsp;Aaron Cunningham: Outstanding Friend of Scouting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 133.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also contributes to scouting in several ways in the Wheatland district and Coronado Area Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;He often serves as Master of Ceremonies for area scouting events and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron serves as a course director or instructor with area National Youth Leadership Training and Wood Badge Adult leader training.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Aaron is the Ceremonials Advisor for the Kidi-Kidish Lodge of the&nbsp;Order of the Arrow.&nbsp;Dana Cunningham (Not Pictured): Outstanding Benefactor Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dana is the Troop 133 Committee Chairman and serves in multiple other leadership areas of Scouting in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is known for his generosity for assisting scouts, troops and crews to meet financial obligations for attending leadership courses, high adventure treks and Order for the Arrow events.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is also known for giving of his time and talent to maintaining troop equipment and resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason Eaton: Go-Getter Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason is a member for the Bison Patrol with Troop 133.&nbsp;Mason has taken on several responsibilities this past year.&nbsp;&nbsp;He joined Order of the Arrow at Spring Conclave in May.&nbsp;&nbsp;For OA Fall Fellowship, he was asked at the last minute to attend and assist with the ceremonials team.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also contributed to putting on the Vespers service at Fall Fellowship.&nbsp;He was also elected as the Wheatland district OA chapter Chief that weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason assisted in planning the&nbsp;Kidi-Kidish Lodge winter banquet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In September he was elected as Patrol Leader and is developing into a good leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mason is consistently attending outings and services projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;He one of the most regular attendees.&nbsp;&nbsp;During our pack the pantry service project, he demonstrated good leadership in organizing scouts and coordinating efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Justus Nelson: Outstanding Order of the Arrow Youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Justus is a member for the Bison Patrol with Troop 133.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Justus was elected as Vice Chief of the West for the Kidi-Kidish Lodge of the&nbsp;Order of the Arrow in August at Fall Fellowship 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;He completed his Brotherhood at Spring Conclave 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Justus help facilitate the planning and presentation of 2022 Winter Banquet for&nbsp;Kidi-Kidish Lodge in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also serves the lodge as a member of the Ordeal ceremonials team.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Denny Jonson: District Outstanding Scoutmaster Award, Troop 133, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Denny is responsible for the general operations of the troop, organizing the leaders and youth for various activities including meetings and campouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;He often goes out of his way to ensure the scouts have the best possible experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Denny’s first responsibility as Scoutmaster this summer was leading a group of scouts on a one-week&nbsp;backpacking expedition through the Southern Rocky Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.&nbsp;Jason Garner: District Outstanding Assistant Scoutmaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason has been a dedicated leader in Troop 133 for the last several years serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is continually giving of his time to assist with troop activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason was a leader for a High Adventure trek at Philmont this past summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;He spent several hours working with the crew to improve their critical skills for back backing, including gear selection and fitting, practicing cooking on stoves, food storage and land navigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason continues to be a good resource for the scouts, teaching a multitude of skills and guiding in outdoor activity preparation.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is also willing to help each multiple merit badges with Troop 133 and during district merit badge days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Smith: Outstanding Popcorn Kernel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy is a member of the Troop 133 committee and was a Popcorn Kernel for this past year’s main fundraising event, the popcorn sale.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy set up multiple store front sales thorough the Hays community and tracked each scout’s sales and orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy coordinated with the other kernels to ensure all orders were fulfilled.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Wheatland District of the Coronado Area Council encompasses all Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Units and Explorer posts in Russell, Ellis, Rooks, Osborne, Trego and Gove counties. Troop 133 is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Hays and meets on Tuesday nights at 6:45 p.m.&nbsp;

Area Scouts honored for service at banquet

SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Freestar driven by&nbsp;Dick, Victoria Jade Dick, 29, Osborn,&nbsp;was northbound on U.S. 81 two miles north of Interstate 70 in the driving lane.

The Ford slowed down to make a U-Turn and collided with a 2005 GMC Sierra driven by Clyde Edwin Thrush II, 45, Minneapolis, that was northbound in the passing lane.

EMS transported Dick and a passenger in the Ford Michael Christopher McLaughlin, 32, Osborne, to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Thrush and a passenger in the pickup were not injured. All four were properly restrained according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Freestar driven by&nbsp;Dick, Victoria Jade Dick, 29, Osborn,&nbsp;was northbound on U.S. 81 two miles north of Interstate 70 in the driving lane.The Ford slowed down to make a U-Turn and collided with a 2005 GMC Sierra driven by Clyde Edwin Thrush II, 45, Minneapolis, that was northbound in the passing lane.EMS transported Dick and a passenger in the Ford Michael Christopher McLaughlin, 32, Osborne, to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Thrush and a passenger in the pickup were not injured. All four were properly restrained according to the KHP.

2 from Osborne hospitalized after crash during attempted u-turn

By LAAH TUCKER Special to the Post

NATOMA — American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109, Natoma, recognized National FFA Week,&nbsp;Feb. 17-24, with Laah Tucker, Unit 109 president, thanking Natoma USD 399 FFA students for their bravery and help during the Four County Fires in December 2021.

On behalf of the American Legion Post 140, Lindsborg, Tucker presented a $1,000 check and a $250 Thrivent gift card to FFA teacher Sgt. Katelyn Lindsey and Four County fire mitigation leader Kim Hoisington.

The donations will help provide funding for immediate supply needs in preparing for FFA groups' arrival from across Kansas during spring break in March to help ranchers and farmers in the restoration effort. 

The FFA chapters continue to arrive from across Kansas to help in restoring hundreds of miles of fences destroyed in the devastating wildfires.

Throughout the year, FFA members host activities that raise awareness about the role of the National FFA Organization’s focus in the development of agriculture's future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.

A group of young farmers founded Future Farmers of America in 1928. The organization’s mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population.

The annual week-long tradition Saturday to Saturday in February, began in 1948 to train future farmers and to recognize President George Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.

Laah Tucker is the Unit 109 president, American Legion Auxiliary Natoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647293761309.jpeg" alt="Front Row L-R: Morgan McQuade, Kizzie Shelton, MaKayla Murphy, Rylee Conlin, Candyce Engling, Ashton Lund, Christina Robison; Sgt. Katelyn Lindsey holding check, Kim Hoisington with Thrivent card, and Laah Tucker. Second row L-R: Raylyn Paget, Grant Young, Gabe Evans, Logan Pruter. Third row L-R: Curtis Boller, Jon Dockendorf, Nicholas Racette, Jared Griffin, Derek George, KC Conlin." />
 <figcaption>Front Row L-R: Morgan McQuade, Kizzie Shelton, MaKayla Murphy, Rylee Conlin, Candyce Engling, Ashton Lund, Christina Robison; Sgt. Katelyn Lindsey holding check, Kim Hoisington with Thrivent card, and Laah Tucker. Second row L-R: Raylyn Paget, Grant Young, Gabe Evans, Logan Pruter. Third row L-R: Curtis Boller, Jon Dockendorf, Nicholas Racette, Jared Griffin, Derek George, KC Conlin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Special to the Post NATOMA — American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109, Natoma, recognized National FFA Week,&nbsp;Feb. 17-24, with Laah Tucker, Unit 109 president, thanking Natoma USD 399 FFA students for their bravery and help during the Four County Fires in December 2021.On behalf of the American Legion Post 140, Lindsborg, Tucker presented a $1,000 check and a $250 Thrivent gift card to FFA teacher Sgt. Katelyn Lindsey and Four County fire mitigation leader Kim Hoisington.The donations will help provide funding for immediate supply needs in preparing for FFA groups' arrival from across Kansas during spring break in March to help ranchers and farmers in the restoration effort. The FFA chapters continue to arrive from across Kansas to help in restoring hundreds of miles of fences destroyed in the devastating wildfires.Throughout the year, FFA members host activities that raise awareness about the role of the National FFA Organization’s focus in the development of agriculture's future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.A group of young farmers founded Future Farmers of America in 1928. The organization’s mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population.The annual week-long tradition Saturday to Saturday in February, began in 1948 to train future farmers and to recognize President George Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.Laah Tucker is the Unit 109 president, American Legion Auxiliary Natoma.

Natoma American Legion Auxiliary honors FFA for wildfire efforts

By RON FIELDS <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>

Hours after the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, social media channels were barraged with misinformation. Photos and videos of fighter jets being downed, videos of explosions, photos of Russian forces parading through the streets of Moscow or Ukrainians praying in the streets — <a href="https://www.axios.com/uikraine-misinformation-videos-context-c9c13e84-7a9e-4578-8e52-6b8f34379f92.html">all from years or even decades before February 2022. </a>

These images filled social media feeds across the world and were shared countlessly, <a href="https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/russia-war-invasion-ukraine-scripted-fake/">fueling misinformation and confusion.</a>

But Ukraine is just one example of the now-constant battle to fight mis- and disinformation online, a problem that has accelerated in recent years. Young people are particularly vulnerable to both believing and sharing false information.

"We are now realizing that the more exposed we are to media, the less we have the tools to deal with all this media content," said Dr. Joseph Erba, strategic communication chair with the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. "With teenagers especially, we just assume since they've been around social media their whole lives that they know how it works."

Erba was quick to point out that youngsters aren't the only ones struggling with media literacy.&nbsp;

"Adults need help too," he said. "It's disheartening to see how easily people can be misinformed."

<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-news-is-a-critical-problem-that-needs-to-be-fixed/">A 2019 study by Pew Research Center</a> found more than half of the 6,000-plus U.S. adults polled admitted to sharing made-up news — the vast majority telling researchers that they didn't know the information was false or misleading.&nbsp;

<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2785686">A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics</a> found that screen time among adolescents grew and astounding four hours a day from pre-pandemic levels — from 3.8 hours a day to 7.7 hours a day.

Each minute added to that figure translates to more and more opportunities young people will be exposed to — and possibly share — misinformation.

"I hesitate to call it fact versus fiction," said Robyn Hartman, information and digital librarian at Fort Hays State University's Forsythe Library. "It's information overload. The more you get hit with difference pieces of information, whether from true news sources or other actors in the field, the less ability you have to distinguish face from an unproven claim or a half-truth or an opinion disguised as news."

There are ample bad actors intentionally creating "fake news" to push an agenda or ideology, Hartman said, making it even more difficult to tell a credible source from a questionable one.

Disseminating false information is nothing new, she added. But in the pre-internet and pre-social media world, that information traveled and spread at an exponentially slower pace. 

Media literacy is a critical piece of a new curriculum plan being rolled at at FHSU. While there are no actual "media literacy" courses, the concept of critical thinking and information literacy will be baked into every aspect of coursework. 

By RON FIELDS <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>Hours after the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, social media channels were barraged with misinformation. Photos and videos of fighter jets being downed, videos of explosions, photos of Russian forces parading through the streets of Moscow or Ukrainians praying in the streets — <a href="https://www.axios.com/uikraine-misinformation-videos-context-c9c13e84-7a9e-4578-8e52-6b8f34379f92.html">all from years or even decades before February 2022. </a>These images filled social media feeds across the world and were shared countlessly, <a href="https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/russia-war-invasion-ukraine-scripted-fake/">fueling misinformation and confusion.</a>But Ukraine is just one example of the now-constant battle to fight mis- and disinformation online, a problem that has accelerated in recent years. Young people are particularly vulnerable to both believing and sharing false information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646672222349.jpeg" alt="Joseph Erba" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Erba</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are now realizing that the more exposed we are to media, the less we have the tools to deal with all this media content," said Dr. Joseph Erba, strategic communication chair with the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. "With teenagers especially, we just assume since they've been around social media their whole lives that they know how it works."Erba was quick to point out that youngsters aren't the only ones struggling with media literacy.&nbsp;"Adults need help too," he said. "It's disheartening to see how easily people can be misinformed."<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-news-is-a-critical-problem-that-needs-to-be-fixed/">A 2019 study by Pew Research Center</a> found more than half of the 6,000-plus U.S. adults polled admitted to sharing made-up news — the vast majority telling researchers that they didn't know the information was false or misleading.&nbsp;<h2>More screen time</h2><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2785686">A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics</a> found that screen time among adolescents grew and astounding four hours a day from pre-pandemic levels — from 3.8 hours a day to 7.7 hours a day.Each minute added to that figure translates to more and more opportunities young people will be exposed to — and possibly share — misinformation."I hesitate to call it fact versus fiction," said Robyn Hartman, information and digital librarian at Fort Hays State University's Forsythe Library. "It's information overload. The more you get hit with difference pieces of information, whether from true news sources or other actors in the field, the less ability you have to distinguish face from an unproven claim or a half-truth or an opinion disguised as news."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646672369750.jpeg" alt="Robyn Hartman" />
 <figcaption>Robyn Hartman</figcaption>
 </figure>There are ample bad actors intentionally creating "fake news" to push an agenda or ideology, Hartman said, making it even more difficult to tell a credible source from a questionable one.Disseminating false information is nothing new, she added. But in the pre-internet and pre-social media world, that information traveled and spread at an exponentially slower pace. Media literacy is a critical piece of a new curriculum plan being rolled at at FHSU. While there are no actual "media literacy" courses, the concept of critical thinking and information literacy will be baked into every aspect of coursework. "There's no magic bullet," she said. "I would love to hand you a checklist, but the big emphasis should be on your critical thinking skills. (Fact-checking tools) can help you make those decisions, but it's only a piece of the puzzle."<h2>Pressing pause</h2>Erbe pleads with his students to slow down on social media — both to help prevent the spread of misinformation and to change one's own behavior on social media. "From a media literacy perspective, one of the tools that has worked the best is thinking to press pause, take a step back and really consider what you're reading here," he said. He believes most students entering KU have a "very low level of media literacy.""The difference I've noted in the classroom is, years ago, students were chatting with each other. Now they are on their phones and even more plugged into media," Erbe said. "The idea of media literacy is not rocket science. The main tenant is to demystify the media, to deconstruct media into pieces small enough we can see what's behind the curtain. If you know how something works, you're less likely to be influenced by it."He urges his students to use those critical thinking skills prior to blindly believing or sharing what they see on social media — Who is the source? Who is writing it? Where are their credentials? What examples are cited and who is quoted? Is it even a news article?<h2>In the classroom</h2>Jessica Augustine, journalism adviser at Hays High School, said while there is no course specifically focusing on media literacy or misinformation at HHS, "it's part of the stuff we do on a daily basis.""In 21st Century Journalism, we talk about it — interviewing, balancing sources, finding good sources. I think the kids I have are a bit more aware of the misinformation that's out there. They tend to be more analytical about what they choose," she said. "In general, the student body ... some kids just read whatever is on social media and they take it as fact."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646672316191.jpeg" alt="Jessica Augustine" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Augustine</figcaption>
 </figure>In her 20 years of teaching, Augustine said there have been noticeable behavior changes among young people. "In my first year ... it was rare for anyone to have a cellphone. Now it's odd if someone doesn't," she said. "I don't think they socialize face-to-face as well."And they're constantly barraged with just tons of information. I think it makes it hard for them to sift through and think about it. ... No one can sit there and fact check over and over and over."Augustine also urges students to stop and think —&nbsp;hit pause — before sharing social media posts. She referenced a December string of incidents in which students were creating Instagram account to bully and publicly shame fellow students <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e24207c9-9f9b-4f93-8e22-3840df309059">— a chain of events that led to an all-school assembly and candid discussion about the risks of social media. </a>"When you share those types of things, think before you post," she said.<h2>Arms race</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646672161575.jpeg" alt="Alex Mahadevan" />
 <figcaption>Alex Mahadevan</figcaption>
 </figure>Alex Mahadevan, program manager for the Poytner Institute's <a href="https://www.poynter.org/mediawise/">MediaWise</a>, said it's important to teach young people to think like fact checkers. He pointed out the significant number of first-time voters in 2018 and 2020 elections — many of them getting a bulk of their news from social media."The problem itself has only gotten worse and more widespread. Misinformers are getting better. ... People are becoming more polarized. ... <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/confirmation-bias">Confirmation bias</a> is a lot stronger than it was in the past," he said. "While the problem is getting worse, we are trying to scale up quickly to keep up with it."<a href="https://www.poynter.org/teen-fact-checking-network/">Poytner's Teen Fact-Checking Network</a> has a "newsroom" of teens keeping an eye on social media in an attempt to turn the tide. When a dubious claim is spotted online, these teens will research the subject, write a script and post their findings— <a href="https://www.poynter.org/tfcn/2022/no-that-isnt-a-nuclear-power-plant-next-to-the-olympic-ski-jump/">either confirming or denying,</a> or noting information is <a href="https://www.poynter.org/tfcn/2022/was-2021-the-deadliest-year-for-police/">either lacking or taken out of context.</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JRSB7BwHUQg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Even though he works in the fact-checking field, he said he has seen misinformation shared by his own family in India via the Facebook messaging tool WhatsApp."It's frustrating, because they're not doing it on purpose," Mahadevan said. "But there's only so much fact checkers can do. One content farm in Macedonia could reach 100 million people in a day. ... We've tried to follow misinformation from platform to platform, but it's an arms race."He also pointed to algorithms used by Facebook/Meta and other social media networks to determine what fills a news feed. "We're trying to help people understand why they see what they see. It could be curated by an computer algorithm rewarding negative engagement," he said. Mahadevan said parents need to help their children understand that what they see and share online can have real-world consequences on their future, noting billions of dollars being funneled into climate change denial efforts. "People are voting for politicians, doing things that are actively harming their future based on disinformation and misinformation online," he said. "Your future is at stake."Recent changes by Facebook to downplay local news sources in news feeds is "extremely frustrating," Mahadevan added. "What happens at a local level has such a profound effect on your life compared to memes," he said. "What you (local news organizations) do at a local level has so much of a deeper effect than the things they see on Facebook, which is not doing a good job of amplifying local news."And with many areas of the country now living within a "news desert" as an increasing number of newspapers close or cut staff, Mahadevan said that lack of local information is worrisome — noting a proper news diet should have local news as its foundation."That has been one of the biggest drivers of media illiteracy — the death of local news," he said. "The decline of local news has had a devastating effect on media literacy in the U.S."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bm3Yyn-xn-4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cover image courtesy MediaWise

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