By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school district approved Monday a policy that will make Narcan available in all the district schools.

Narcan is a nasal spray that is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

The medication will not harm an individual who is not experiencing an overdose, but it can save the life of someone who has overdosed, Superindent Ron Wilson said.

All schools will have staff members who are trained in administering the medication.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district approved Monday a policy that will make Narcan available in all the district schools.Narcan is a nasal spray that is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. The medication will not harm an individual who is not experiencing an overdose, but it can save the life of someone who has overdosed, Superindent Ron Wilson said.All schools will have staff members who are trained in administering the medication. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

Hays USD 489 school board approves Narcan policy

The&nbsp;Tiger Sports Hall of Fame&nbsp;induction ceremony&nbsp;is one of my favorite campus events.&nbsp;This&nbsp;annual event&nbsp;was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made extraordinary contributions&nbsp;to Tiger athletics.

The&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;never disappoints.&nbsp;In story after story,&nbsp;I couldn’t help but marvel&nbsp;at&nbsp;our hall of famers’ perseverance, grit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;remarkable&nbsp;triumphs&nbsp;over adversity. The room is filled with&nbsp;fellowship&nbsp;and&nbsp;shared&nbsp;admiration,&nbsp;and the stories bring laughter, smiles, and tears. In fact, there is always a box of tissues&nbsp;at the podium.

Another aspect of the program I love is that the inductee chooses who will present themto the attendees. Often the presenters are former coaches and teammates. Just as frequently,&nbsp;they are sons, daughters, and,&nbsp;this&nbsp;year, a mom. I loved that!

2022 Hall of Fame inductee Jon Nelson, track and field/cross country (1970-74), was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his daughter. They shared stories of Coach&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;Francis&nbsp;who was knownfor his&nbsp;one-liners, including “beat someone.”

Fred Campbell, men’s basketball (1984-1986),&nbsp;was unable to join us due to an injury. He&nbsp;sent a beautiful letter about how much he was looking forward to returning to Fort Hays State University and what his time here meant to him.&nbsp;Fred&nbsp;promised to return in the near future. He remains in my thoughts and prayers as he goes through&nbsp;his&nbsp;surgery and healing journey.

Steve&nbsp;Broxterman, track and field (1986-88),&nbsp;was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his son,&nbsp;who told several heartfelt stories&nbsp;detailing&nbsp;how his dad overcame&nbsp;adversity several times – two of those stories had to do with earning his way to the&nbsp;national championships in the high jump. The first time he earned a spot&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;national championship, he was a student at Highland Community College in northeast Kansas. The championships that year were in Dodge City. A bus breakdown led to him arriving too late to compete in his event.

Steve went on to continue his career at FHSU, qualifying for the NAIA National Championships in both his junior and senior years.&nbsp;Just prior to the&nbsp;competition&nbsp;in his senior year,&nbsp;Steve&nbsp;blew a hole in his shoe&nbsp;during practice.&nbsp;He&nbsp;did not have a spare pair.So, Steve&nbsp;looked around for&nbsp;somebody&nbsp;who he thought might be&nbsp;the kindest of his competitors&nbsp;and&nbsp;spotted an Emporia State athlete. He&nbsp;asked&nbsp;that competitor&nbsp;if he could wear his shoes.&nbsp;The ESU athlete&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to share his shoes. Round after round,&nbsp;the&nbsp;two athletes&nbsp;shared one pair of shoes.&nbsp;<a></a>This&nbsp;amazing demonstration of&nbsp;the spirit of sportsmanship&nbsp;in action&nbsp;is&nbsp;a great&nbsp;example of what it means to have&nbsp;the heart of a champion.

What I remember most about Greg Yost’s introduction&nbsp;(football 1987-90)&nbsp;was his aggressive,&nbsp;detailed, and dedicated&nbsp;approach to&nbsp;the game.&nbsp;A&nbsp;teammate described the ferocity&nbsp;of his tackles, saying when Greg&nbsp;walked off of the field,&nbsp;his helmet&nbsp;often carried paint streaks&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;opponents’ helmets. Greg was also known&nbsp;to spend a lot of time watching the film&nbsp;on his&nbsp;opponents so he could&nbsp;recognize plays and player tendencies ahead of time.&nbsp;That way,&nbsp;he&nbsp;always knew he could stay one&nbsp;step ahead of his opponents.&nbsp;

Damian Evans, men’s basketball (1990-92), was raised by a single parent&nbsp;in Chicago.&nbsp;<a></a>His mom, a tough&nbsp;and&nbsp;loving&nbsp;woman,&nbsp;guided by faith, poured all she had into raising her children.&nbsp;She&nbsp;prepared them to&nbsp;lift themselves up and pay it forward. You can see how her determination fueled the excellence that drove Damian to succeed.&nbsp;He is&nbsp;an&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;example of the work ethic we often talk about as core to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Nation.

Derek Pomeroy, baseball (1992-93), was introduced by athletic director Curtis&nbsp;Hammeke.&nbsp;Hammeke&nbsp;recruited and coached&nbsp;Derek&nbsp;at FHSU, who would become a key contributor to the winning baseball program Curtis was building. Derek talked a lot about the importance of&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;a winning culture with the right people on the team – reminding me of the well-known saying that you have to get the right people on the bus.

The event concluded with the celebration of Shelby White, women’s golf (2004-07). Shelby was unable to&nbsp;attend. Her sister accepted the award on her behalf.

I left the event filled with so much joy. The&nbsp;authentic stories&nbsp;I heard reinforced for me&nbsp;why the student-athlete experience is so valuable. They are champions of this university, and decade after decade,&nbsp;we&nbsp;always&nbsp;look to our student-athletes to tell our university story&nbsp;through&nbsp;how they practice and play, their character on and off the field, and their success in the classroom&nbsp;and&nbsp;in their professional lives after college.&nbsp;These pages of our “family album” are anchored in our culture and values&nbsp;– it is what makes us Fort Hays State University.

<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>The&nbsp;Tiger Sports Hall of Fame&nbsp;induction ceremony&nbsp;is one of my favorite campus events.&nbsp;This&nbsp;annual event&nbsp;was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made extraordinary contributions&nbsp;to Tiger athletics.The&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;never disappoints.&nbsp;In story after story,&nbsp;I couldn’t help but marvel&nbsp;at&nbsp;our hall of famers’ perseverance, grit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;remarkable&nbsp;triumphs&nbsp;over adversity. The room is filled with&nbsp;fellowship&nbsp;and&nbsp;shared&nbsp;admiration,&nbsp;and the stories bring laughter, smiles, and tears. In fact, there is always a box of tissues&nbsp;at the podium.Another aspect of the program I love is that the inductee chooses who will present themto the attendees. Often the presenters are former coaches and teammates. Just as frequently,&nbsp;they are sons, daughters, and,&nbsp;this&nbsp;year, a mom. I loved that!2022 Hall of Fame inductee Jon Nelson, track and field/cross country (1970-74), was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his daughter. They shared stories of Coach&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;Francis&nbsp;who was knownfor his&nbsp;one-liners, including “beat someone.”Fred Campbell, men’s basketball (1984-1986),&nbsp;was unable to join us due to an injury. He&nbsp;sent a beautiful letter about how much he was looking forward to returning to Fort Hays State University and what his time here meant to him.&nbsp;Fred&nbsp;promised to return in the near future. He remains in my thoughts and prayers as he goes through&nbsp;his&nbsp;surgery and healing journey.Steve&nbsp;Broxterman, track and field (1986-88),&nbsp;was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his son,&nbsp;who told several heartfelt stories&nbsp;detailing&nbsp;how his dad overcame&nbsp;adversity several times – two of those stories had to do with earning his way to the&nbsp;national championships in the high jump. The first time he earned a spot&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;national championship, he was a student at Highland Community College in northeast Kansas. The championships that year were in Dodge City. A bus breakdown led to him arriving too late to compete in his event.Steve went on to continue his career at FHSU, qualifying for the NAIA National Championships in both his junior and senior years.&nbsp;Just prior to the&nbsp;competition&nbsp;in his senior year,&nbsp;Steve&nbsp;blew a hole in his shoe&nbsp;during practice.&nbsp;He&nbsp;did not have a spare pair.So, Steve&nbsp;looked around for&nbsp;somebody&nbsp;who he thought might be&nbsp;the kindest of his competitors&nbsp;and&nbsp;spotted an Emporia State athlete. He&nbsp;asked&nbsp;that competitor&nbsp;if he could wear his shoes.&nbsp;The ESU athlete&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to share his shoes. Round after round,&nbsp;the&nbsp;two athletes&nbsp;shared one pair of shoes.&nbsp;<a></a>This&nbsp;amazing demonstration of&nbsp;the spirit of sportsmanship&nbsp;in action&nbsp;is&nbsp;a great&nbsp;example of what it means to have&nbsp;the heart of a champion.What I remember most about Greg Yost’s introduction&nbsp;(football 1987-90)&nbsp;was his aggressive,&nbsp;detailed, and dedicated&nbsp;approach to&nbsp;the game.&nbsp;A&nbsp;teammate described the ferocity&nbsp;of his tackles, saying when Greg&nbsp;walked off of the field,&nbsp;his helmet&nbsp;often carried paint streaks&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;opponents’ helmets. Greg was also known&nbsp;to spend a lot of time watching the film&nbsp;on his&nbsp;opponents so he could&nbsp;recognize plays and player tendencies ahead of time.&nbsp;That way,&nbsp;he&nbsp;always knew he could stay one&nbsp;step ahead of his opponents.&nbsp;Damian Evans, men’s basketball (1990-92), was raised by a single parent&nbsp;in Chicago.&nbsp;<a></a>His mom, a tough&nbsp;and&nbsp;loving&nbsp;woman,&nbsp;guided by faith, poured all she had into raising her children.&nbsp;She&nbsp;prepared them to&nbsp;lift themselves up and pay it forward. You can see how her determination fueled the excellence that drove Damian to succeed.&nbsp;He is&nbsp;an&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;example of the work ethic we often talk about as core to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Nation.Derek Pomeroy, baseball (1992-93), was introduced by athletic director Curtis&nbsp;Hammeke.&nbsp;Hammeke&nbsp;recruited and coached&nbsp;Derek&nbsp;at FHSU, who would become a key contributor to the winning baseball program Curtis was building. Derek talked a lot about the importance of&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;a winning culture with the right people on the team – reminding me of the well-known saying that you have to get the right people on the bus.The event concluded with the celebration of Shelby White, women’s golf (2004-07). Shelby was unable to&nbsp;attend. Her sister accepted the award on her behalf.I left the event filled with so much joy. The&nbsp;authentic stories&nbsp;I heard reinforced for me&nbsp;why the student-athlete experience is so valuable. They are champions of this university, and decade after decade,&nbsp;we&nbsp;always&nbsp;look to our student-athletes to tell our university story&nbsp;through&nbsp;how they practice and play, their character on and off the field, and their success in the classroom&nbsp;and&nbsp;in their professional lives after college.&nbsp;These pages of our “family album” are anchored in our culture and values&nbsp;– it is what makes us Fort Hays State University.

Heart of a Tiger: My evening with Tiger Hall of Famers

You don’t have to look far to see the impact Ed Hammond has had on the local community and on tens of thousands of students over his more than 30 years of service to Kansas. In his time leading Fort Hays State University, Ed transformed the campus, was an innovator in online education, and strategically grew the university while managing expenses and keeping costs affordable for students to achieve their dreams of higher education.&nbsp;

I wanted to share parts of the story you probably haven’t heard. At FHSU, I served as Vice President of the Student Government Association from 2009-2010 and as President from 2010-2012. Over those years, I worked closely with President Hammond in Hays and in Topeka to fight for higher education and had a front-row seat to the leadership qualities that made him so effective in his previous role – and will make him a great representative of the 111th House District.&nbsp;

One of the first times I attended a meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents with Ed, it was the height of the Great Recession. College leaders around the state were struggling to justify more&nbsp;hikes in tuition and fees to skeptical Regents for their approval. But not Ed. He walked up to the microphone and said “Fort Hays State University will be raising tuition $2.75 per credit hour. Any questions?”&nbsp;

The room fell silent. The&nbsp;board thanked President Hammond - and he sat down.&nbsp;

Kirk Schulz, the recently hired President of Kansas State University, was up next. He walked to the microphone and shook his head, “President Wefald told me never to follow a presentation from Ed Hammond.”&nbsp;

That was just the first of many moments I saw where Ed was a few steps ahead and had a commanding presence in Topeka. He knew Kansans needed access to affordable education. Families were struggling to make ends meet and FHSU&nbsp;could meet the moment for them. These efforts&nbsp;built goodwill both from the Regents and the Legislature.&nbsp;

Later that year, I came to Ed with an idea some of the students had been kicking around: we wanted to restrict smoking on campus. We knew it was going to be a contentious issue. I sat in his office on the third floor of Sheridan Hall and told him what we had in mind and asked for his feedback. He considered it for a moment and said without hesitation, “If you can pass this through Student Senate, I will support it.”&nbsp;

We put the issue before the Student Senate and it passed by one vote. Ed approved the policy shortly after – we were the first campus in Kansas to pass such a policy. The issue immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism from some faculty, students, and staff. Heated letters were written to the local&nbsp;newspapers and media outlets all over Kansas covered the issue. Even though it had only passed by one vote, Ed stood by his word and faithfully executed the policy we had requested.&nbsp;

Ed and I didn’t agree on everything and on more than a few occasions we had heated disagreements over certain issues around campus. Through those disagreements, we respected the roles we each had to play in the process and knew we could put those differences aside to move FHSU forward. It is that honesty we should all value in those who serve our communities and something that is desperately needed in our elected officials.&nbsp;

After my time in Student Government had come to an end, I spent the summer interning in Kansas City and went straight from Kansas City to a semester internship in Washington, D.C. I was 22 and money was tight, as it is for any young adult gaining experience in the Capitol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One day during the internship, I received&nbsp;a note that Ed was in town and wanted to get dinner. He took me over to The Monocle, a steakhouse across from Capitol Hill that I could have never afforded back then. We sat and chatted for over an hour about how things were going on campus and what I was learning in my&nbsp;internship. He didn’t have to take time out of his trip to visit with me – in fact, when we finished dinner, he took off for a meeting with Bob Dole. I have&nbsp;always appreciated that he made time that evening for a student instead of his&nbsp;many&nbsp;other options in DC.&nbsp;

That’s the kind of leader Ed is - and will be – as a Representative of the 111th District. He puts his people first and will fight tirelessly for you in the legislature. When he says he is going to support something, he is going to do it and he’s also going to be honest with you about why.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I know because I have seen him do it.&nbsp;

As I watch my three-year-old daughter grow up and prepare to enter the Kansas public education system, I want leaders like Ed in Topeka fighting to invest in her generation. All Kansans will benefit from his service and I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy.&nbsp;

You don’t have to look far to see the impact Ed Hammond has had on the local community and on tens of thousands of students over his more than 30 years of service to Kansas. In his time leading Fort Hays State University, Ed transformed the campus, was an innovator in online education, and strategically grew the university while managing expenses and keeping costs affordable for students to achieve their dreams of higher education.&nbsp;But you know that story already.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I wanted to share parts of the story you probably haven’t heard. At FHSU, I served as Vice President of the Student Government Association from 2009-2010 and as President from 2010-2012. Over those years, I worked closely with President Hammond in Hays and in Topeka to fight for higher education and had a front-row seat to the leadership qualities that made him so effective in his previous role – and will make him a great representative of the 111th House District.&nbsp;One of the first times I attended a meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents with Ed, it was the height of the Great Recession. College leaders around the state were struggling to justify more&nbsp;hikes in tuition and fees to skeptical Regents for their approval. But not Ed. He walked up to the microphone and said “Fort Hays State University will be raising tuition $2.75 per credit hour. Any questions?”&nbsp;The room fell silent. The&nbsp;board thanked President Hammond - and he sat down.&nbsp;Kirk Schulz, the recently hired President of Kansas State University, was up next. He walked to the microphone and shook his head, “President Wefald told me never to follow a presentation from Ed Hammond.”&nbsp;That was just the first of many moments I saw where Ed was a few steps ahead and had a commanding presence in Topeka. He knew Kansans needed access to affordable education. Families were struggling to make ends meet and FHSU&nbsp;could meet the moment for them. These efforts&nbsp;built goodwill both from the Regents and the Legislature.&nbsp;Later that year, I came to Ed with an idea some of the students had been kicking around: we wanted to restrict smoking on campus. We knew it was going to be a contentious issue. I sat in his office on the third floor of Sheridan Hall and told him what we had in mind and asked for his feedback. He considered it for a moment and said without hesitation, “If you can pass this through Student Senate, I will support it.”&nbsp;We put the issue before the Student Senate and it passed by one vote. Ed approved the policy shortly after – we were the first campus in Kansas to pass such a policy. The issue immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism from some faculty, students, and staff. Heated letters were written to the local&nbsp;newspapers and media outlets all over Kansas covered the issue. Even though it had only passed by one vote, Ed stood by his word and faithfully executed the policy we had requested.&nbsp;Ed and I didn’t agree on everything and on more than a few occasions we had heated disagreements over certain issues around campus. Through those disagreements, we respected the roles we each had to play in the process and knew we could put those differences aside to move FHSU forward. It is that honesty we should all value in those who serve our communities and something that is desperately needed in our elected officials.&nbsp;After my time in Student Government had come to an end, I spent the summer interning in Kansas City and went straight from Kansas City to a semester internship in Washington, D.C. I was 22 and money was tight, as it is for any young adult gaining experience in the Capitol.&nbsp;&nbsp;One day during the internship, I received&nbsp;a note that Ed was in town and wanted to get dinner. He took me over to The Monocle, a steakhouse across from Capitol Hill that I could have never afforded back then. We sat and chatted for over an hour about how things were going on campus and what I was learning in my&nbsp;internship. He didn’t have to take time out of his trip to visit with me – in fact, when we finished dinner, he took off for a meeting with Bob Dole. I have&nbsp;always appreciated that he made time that evening for a student instead of his&nbsp;many&nbsp;other options in DC.&nbsp;That’s the kind of leader Ed is - and will be – as a Representative of the 111th District. He puts his people first and will fight tirelessly for you in the legislature. When he says he is going to support something, he is going to do it and he’s also going to be honest with you about why.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know because I have seen him do it.&nbsp;As I watch my three-year-old daughter grow up and prepare to enter the Kansas public education system, I want leaders like Ed in Topeka fighting to invest in her generation. All Kansans will benefit from his service and I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy.&nbsp;Tyler Thompson, Kansas City

LETTER: Hammond offers the leadership Kansas needs

HUTCHINSON — Twenty new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Oct. 21 at a ceremony held in the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.

This graduation ceremony marked the 300th class to graduate from KLETC since it was created in 1968.

“Every class is special, but this class is special numerically because it is our 300th basic training class,” said Darin Beck, KLETC executive director.&nbsp; Beck, who has served in that role since June 2018, shared a little bit of KLETC history with the graduates.

“In 1968 the Legislature created KLETC by statute,” he said. “They recognized that there was a need to formalize training in the state, and the first basic training class was held Feb. 26, 1968, to March 15, 1968.”

The commencement speaker for the ceremony, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, said it was special to be back for the 300th, and he expressed his appreciation for the graduates. “Their decision to enter this profession, this line of work, to serve despite the perils, to serve despite the criticism, is admirable.”

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of KU Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in July 2022, represented multiple municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Northwest Kansas graduates are listed below by county and agency:

KLETCHUTCHINSON — Twenty new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Oct. 21 at a ceremony held in the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.This graduation ceremony marked the 300th class to graduate from KLETC since it was created in 1968.“Every class is special, but this class is special numerically because it is our 300th basic training class,” said Darin Beck, KLETC executive director.&nbsp; Beck, who has served in that role since June 2018, shared a little bit of KLETC history with the graduates.“In 1968 the Legislature created KLETC by statute,” he said. “They recognized that there was a need to formalize training in the state, and the first basic training class was held Feb. 26, 1968, to March 15, 1968.”The commencement speaker for the ceremony, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, said it was special to be back for the 300th, and he expressed his appreciation for the graduates. “Their decision to enter this profession, this line of work, to serve despite the perils, to serve despite the criticism, is admirable.”Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of KU Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in July 2022, represented multiple municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Northwest Kansas graduates are listed below by county and agency:Barton County<ul>
 <li>Angela Enriquez, Barton County Sheriff’s Office</li>
 </ul>Ellis County<ul>
 <li>Alexander Baker, Hays Police Department</li>
 </ul>Logan County<ul>
 <li>John Wojtech, Oakley Police Department</li>
 </ul>Osborne County<ul>
 <li>Jerry Cameron, Osborne Police Department</li>
 </ul>Thomas County<ul>
 <li>Cody Collins, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.</li>
 </ul>

NW Kansas officers among newest police academy grads

When examining and thinking through for whom you’ll be voting for in this upcoming election, it’s important to know the values of the person receiving your vote. It’s essential that each individual representing you at the State Capital holds true to the values of Kansas – and I’m proud to say that my longtime friend and your State Representative, Barb Wasinger, has proven true to those Kansas values upon which we were all raised on. Do not be tricked by the Democrat who may campaign as a “moderate” but will be a rubberstamp for every liberal policy of Joe Biden’s White House.

Barb will fight to keep your families safe, the economy strong, and ensure the schools in Hays and the surrounding area are locally controlled.&nbsp;

Barb Wasinger’s integrity, understanding, and commitment to the people of Hays will be unrivaled in Topeka, and that’s why she has my heartfelt full and total support and endorsement. U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Kan.

When examining and thinking through for whom you’ll be voting for in this upcoming election, it’s important to know the values of the person receiving your vote. It’s essential that each individual representing you at the State Capital holds true to the values of Kansas – and I’m proud to say that my longtime friend and your State Representative, Barb Wasinger, has proven true to those Kansas values upon which we were all raised on. Do not be tricked by the Democrat who may campaign as a “moderate” but will be a rubberstamp for every liberal policy of Joe Biden’s White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barb will fight to keep your families safe, the economy strong, and ensure the schools in Hays and the surrounding area are locally controlled.&nbsp;Barb Wasinger’s integrity, understanding, and commitment to the people of Hays will be unrivaled in Topeka, and that’s why she has my heartfelt full and total support and endorsement. U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Kan.

LETTER: Wasinger has proven true to Kansas values

<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/2022/10/1666886310536.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

&nbsp; The TMP-Marian Monarchs end the season Thursday night with a week nine matchup against the Southwestern Heights Mustangs.

&nbsp; Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/451448">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The TMP-Marian Monarchs end the season Thursday night with a week nine matchup against the Southwestern Heights Mustangs.&nbsp; Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/451448">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/451448?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE - Thomas More Prep-Marian v Southwestern Heights

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

The Hays Kiwanis Club will host Ellis County veterans and active military personnel at its annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 3.&nbsp; Those being honored will enjoy a free meal and live music program featuring the TMP Pop Singers.&nbsp; Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 East Eighth.

Veterans and active duty military personnel wishing to attend should RSVP to 785-628-8201 or <a href="mailto:hayskiwanis@gmail.com">hayskiwanis@gmail.com</a> on or before Nov. 1.

Hays Kiwanis Club is also accepting photos to honor Ellis County Veterans and those with ties to Ellis County as part of the program.&nbsp; Photos can be emailed to <a href="mailto:hayskiwanis@gmail.com">hayskiwanis@gmail.com</a>.

For additional information, contact President Sarah Wasinger or email hayskiwanis@gmail.com.

News releaseThe Hays Kiwanis Club will host Ellis County veterans and active military personnel at its annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 3.&nbsp; Those being honored will enjoy a free meal and live music program featuring the TMP Pop Singers.&nbsp; Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 East Eighth.Veterans and active duty military personnel wishing to attend should RSVP to 785-628-8201 or <a href="mailto:hayskiwanis@gmail.com">hayskiwanis@gmail.com</a> on or before Nov. 1.Hays Kiwanis Club is also accepting photos to honor Ellis County Veterans and those with ties to Ellis County as part of the program.&nbsp; Photos can be emailed to <a href="mailto:hayskiwanis@gmail.com">hayskiwanis@gmail.com</a>.For additional information, contact President Sarah Wasinger or email hayskiwanis@gmail.com.

Veterans, active military invited to Kiwanis luncheon

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The Docking Institute of Public Policy recently released the annual Kansas Speaks Survey of public opinion. A panel of 520 adult residents of Kansans age 18 and older were surveyed online to assess their attitudes and opinions regarding various issues of interest to Kansas citizens. This year’s survey covered topics including quality of life, the economy, satisfaction with government, politicians, and election integrity, a range of public policy issues, and the state of education in Kansas.

“With continuing inflation and persistent declines in the stock market since December, the positive rating of the Kansas economy has slipped somewhat in comparison to the 2021 Kansas Speaks survey,” said survey co-author Jian Sun.&nbsp;

Docking Institute director and survey co-author Brett Zollinger added, “Support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas remains high, with again over 70% supporting it this year.”&nbsp;

Select findings from the 2022 Kansas Speaks Survey include:

&nbsp;“Around 80% of respondents regard various levels of higher education as important to workforce development, research and development for business and industry, and for overall economic development, and over 70% regard higher education as important for civic life in the state,” says Zollinger.&nbsp;

Three political scientists from other Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) universities collaborated with Docking Institute staff on this year’s survey, including Patrick Miller from the University of Kansas, Alexandra Middlewood from Wichita State University, and Michael Smith of Emporia State University.&nbsp;

These policy fellows worked closely with Docking Institute researchers in establishing survey content and in methodological decisions. Miller offered survey items in the areas of election security, climate change, and abortion attitudes/policy; Middlewood contributed to gun ownership and attitudes toward various common gun control measure questioning, and Smith offered survey items on election security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666724376286.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThe Docking Institute of Public Policy recently released the annual Kansas Speaks Survey of public opinion. A panel of 520 adult residents of Kansans age 18 and older were surveyed online to assess their attitudes and opinions regarding various issues of interest to Kansas citizens. This year’s survey covered topics including quality of life, the economy, satisfaction with government, politicians, and election integrity, a range of public policy issues, and the state of education in Kansas.“With continuing inflation and persistent declines in the stock market since December, the positive rating of the Kansas economy has slipped somewhat in comparison to the 2021 Kansas Speaks survey,” said survey co-author Jian Sun.&nbsp;Docking Institute director and survey co-author Brett Zollinger added, “Support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas remains high, with again over 70% supporting it this year.”&nbsp;Select findings from the 2022 Kansas Speaks Survey include:<ul>
 <li>The majority of those surveyed (66%) believe Kansas was on the “right track,” this year, no different than in last year’s Kansas Speaks Survey</li><li>Fewer (16.1%) respondents felt the state economy was “very good” or “excellent” in this year’s survey, slightly lower than last year (21.4%)</li><li>Support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas in 2022 (72%) remained very similar to the support registered in the 2021 survey (73%)&nbsp;</li><li>For four consecutive years, Gov. Laura Kelly continues to enjoy the highest satisfaction rating (50.4%) among a list of state and federal officeholders and governing bodies.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;“Around 80% of respondents regard various levels of higher education as important to workforce development, research and development for business and industry, and for overall economic development, and over 70% regard higher education as important for civic life in the state,” says Zollinger.&nbsp;Three political scientists from other Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) universities collaborated with Docking Institute staff on this year’s survey, including Patrick Miller from the University of Kansas, Alexandra Middlewood from Wichita State University, and Michael Smith of Emporia State University.&nbsp;These policy fellows worked closely with Docking Institute researchers in establishing survey content and in methodological decisions. Miller offered survey items in the areas of election security, climate change, and abortion attitudes/policy; Middlewood contributed to gun ownership and attitudes toward various common gun control measure questioning, and Smith offered survey items on election security.

FHSU’s Docking Institute releases Kansas Speaks survey

TOPEKA — Two Wisconsin men and their company have been banned from doing business in Kansas and ordered to pay $230,000 in penalties for alleged violations of state roofing and consumer protection laws, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Thursday in a news release.

Benjamin Thayer, of Cambridge, Wisconsin, and Ryan Metzker, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and Copperhead Contracting LLC of Milton, Wisconsin, are enjoined from operating as roofing contractors in Kansas. Shawnee County District Court Judge Mary E. Christopher approved a default judgment and ordered the defendants to pay $230,000 in penalties and banned from doing business in Kansas, including operating as roofing contractors.

Schmidt filed a petition on July 7, 2022, alleging that the defendants conducted door-to-door solicitations and entered into contracts with seven individuals and one business for roofing services following a hail storm in May 2018. The defendants were ordered to pay $70,000 in civil penalties for failing to register with the state as required by the Kansas Roofing Registration Act. Furthermore, the defendants were ordered to pay $160,000 for failing to provide consumers’ right to cancel transaction notices and failure to provide notice of cancellation forms advising the consumers of their three-day right to cancel, violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.

In a separate case, a Sherman County roofer and his business have been banned from performing roofing services in Kansas and ordered to pay $10,000 in penalties after being found in violation of consumer protection laws, including the Roofing Registration Act.&nbsp;

Travis Hollingshead, doing business as Holly Enterprises, of Goodland, is enjoined from operating as a roofing contractor in Kansas. Sherman County District Court Judge Scott Showalter approved a consent judgment reached by Hollingshead and Schmidt’s office. Hollingshead was ordered to pay a $10,000 civil penalty and is banned from operating as a roofer in Kansas.

Schmidt filed the petition on September 20, 2022, alleging that Hollingshead had solicited and performed 36 roofing contracts in Kansas without holding a valid Kansas roofing registration certificate.

A copy of both judgments are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/roofer-enforcement">www.ag.ks.gov/roofer-enforcement</a>.

Both cases were litigated by Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz.

Schmidt reminded consumers to make sure roofing contractors have properly registered before signing any contract or having any roofing work done. Consumers should ask the roofing contractor for a copy of their roofer’s registration certificate.&nbsp;Consumers should also check the attorney general’s consumer protection website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>&nbsp;to confirm the roofer’s registration is in good standing.

TOPEKA — Two Wisconsin men and their company have been banned from doing business in Kansas and ordered to pay $230,000 in penalties for alleged violations of state roofing and consumer protection laws, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Thursday in a news release.Benjamin Thayer, of Cambridge, Wisconsin, and Ryan Metzker, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and Copperhead Contracting LLC of Milton, Wisconsin, are enjoined from operating as roofing contractors in Kansas. Shawnee County District Court Judge Mary E. Christopher approved a default judgment and ordered the defendants to pay $230,000 in penalties and banned from doing business in Kansas, including operating as roofing contractors.Schmidt filed a petition on July 7, 2022, alleging that the defendants conducted door-to-door solicitations and entered into contracts with seven individuals and one business for roofing services following a hail storm in May 2018. The defendants were ordered to pay $70,000 in civil penalties for failing to register with the state as required by the Kansas Roofing Registration Act. Furthermore, the defendants were ordered to pay $160,000 for failing to provide consumers’ right to cancel transaction notices and failure to provide notice of cancellation forms advising the consumers of their three-day right to cancel, violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.In a separate case, a Sherman County roofer and his business have been banned from performing roofing services in Kansas and ordered to pay $10,000 in penalties after being found in violation of consumer protection laws, including the Roofing Registration Act.&nbsp;Travis Hollingshead, doing business as Holly Enterprises, of Goodland, is enjoined from operating as a roofing contractor in Kansas. Sherman County District Court Judge Scott Showalter approved a consent judgment reached by Hollingshead and Schmidt’s office. Hollingshead was ordered to pay a $10,000 civil penalty and is banned from operating as a roofer in Kansas.Schmidt filed the petition on September 20, 2022, alleging that Hollingshead had solicited and performed 36 roofing contracts in Kansas without holding a valid Kansas roofing registration certificate.A copy of both judgments are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/roofer-enforcement">www.ag.ks.gov/roofer-enforcement</a>.Both cases were litigated by Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz.Schmidt reminded consumers to make sure roofing contractors have properly registered before signing any contract or having any roofing work done. Consumers should ask the roofing contractor for a copy of their roofer’s registration certificate.&nbsp;Consumers should also check the attorney general’s consumer protection website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>&nbsp;to confirm the roofer’s registration is in good standing.

NW Kan. roofer among two banned from doing business

Jana’s Campaign, a Hays-based&nbsp;national education and&nbsp;violence&nbsp;prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence,&nbsp;will host&nbsp;its annual Empty Place at the Table Gala at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall&nbsp;in Hays&nbsp;on Saturday, Nov. 12.

This annual event brings together&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign’s&nbsp;supporters, donors, and friends to celebrate the&nbsp;violence&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;and&nbsp;education work being done across the state&nbsp;and beyond.&nbsp;With this year’s theme being "the groovy '70s," this is an amazing opportunity to have fun and raise funds&nbsp;to&nbsp;ultimately make our world a safer place.&nbsp;

“Empty Place at the Table is our largest fundraising event, and it continues to grow each and every year," said Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign. “I am&nbsp;in awe of the&nbsp;support we receive from the Hays community and beyond.&nbsp;Because of this generous&nbsp;support, we are able to reach&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;more&nbsp;preteens, teens, and young adults&nbsp;each year, working to prevent violent and unhealthy relationship behaviors before they start.”

The evening will&nbsp;include&nbsp;a festive cocktail hour, dinner, live&nbsp;entertainment,&nbsp;a raffle,&nbsp;along with both a silent and live auction.&nbsp;Businesses throughout the community&nbsp;and state&nbsp;have&nbsp;donated&nbsp;items and experiences&nbsp;to support this&nbsp;event.&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;is celebrating&nbsp;impacting over&nbsp;83,000 students from623&nbsp;middle and high schools across ten&nbsp;states.&nbsp;These&nbsp;numbers reflect work completed since 2013, when&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;formalized their data collection processes.&nbsp;

This year, tickets&nbsp;are&nbsp;available for both online and in-person attendance. To purchase your tickets and learn more about the event itself, visit our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.janascampaign.org/">www.JanasCampaign.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723771960.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseJana’s Campaign, a Hays-based&nbsp;national education and&nbsp;violence&nbsp;prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence,&nbsp;will host&nbsp;its annual Empty Place at the Table Gala at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall&nbsp;in Hays&nbsp;on Saturday, Nov. 12.This annual event brings together&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign’s&nbsp;supporters, donors, and friends to celebrate the&nbsp;violence&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;and&nbsp;education work being done across the state&nbsp;and beyond.&nbsp;With this year’s theme being "the groovy '70s," this is an amazing opportunity to have fun and raise funds&nbsp;to&nbsp;ultimately make our world a safer place.&nbsp;“Empty Place at the Table is our largest fundraising event, and it continues to grow each and every year," said Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign. “I am&nbsp;in awe of the&nbsp;support we receive from the Hays community and beyond.&nbsp;Because of this generous&nbsp;support, we are able to reach&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;more&nbsp;preteens, teens, and young adults&nbsp;each year, working to prevent violent and unhealthy relationship behaviors before they start.”The evening will&nbsp;include&nbsp;a festive cocktail hour, dinner, live&nbsp;entertainment,&nbsp;a raffle,&nbsp;along with both a silent and live auction.&nbsp;Businesses throughout the community&nbsp;and state&nbsp;have&nbsp;donated&nbsp;items and experiences&nbsp;to support this&nbsp;event.&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;is celebrating&nbsp;impacting over&nbsp;83,000 students from623&nbsp;middle and high schools across ten&nbsp;states.&nbsp;These&nbsp;numbers reflect work completed since 2013, when&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;formalized their data collection processes.&nbsp;This year, tickets&nbsp;are&nbsp;available for both online and in-person attendance. To purchase your tickets and learn more about the event itself, visit our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.janascampaign.org/">www.JanasCampaign.org</a>.&nbsp;

Jana’s Campaign's Empty Place at the Table set for next month

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Gun-control 
legislation continues to be a hot-button issue around the nation. In 
April 2021, the Barton County Commission signed Proclamation 2021-09 
stating Barton County is a Second Amendment Sanctuary for the 
preservation of defense of the Second Amendment of the United States 
Constitution. Andrew Cook took that to heart. Earlier this month, Cook 
exercised his Constitutional rights by carrying a rifle around and 
inside the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5a4670b7-4048-44a4-8016-df90d4b60958">Barton County Courthouse. </a>

"The county had a one-hour 
heads up that I was coming," he said. "The sheriff's department had been
 contacted, letting them know that, because of this proclamation, I'm 
coming down there. Here's the rifle I'm bringing down, here's the time 
I'm going to be down there, and here's the activities I'm going to be 
doing. Give heads up to whoever needs to be notified."

Cook 
reports he actually received a warm welcome from several residents. 
Three people applauded his efforts on the way to the building, and two 
more women gave him a thumbs-up inside the courthouse. He said openly 
carrying a firearm is not about terrifying people who work or do 
business in the building.

"I was going there for a purpose, to 
show them that I can and they're not going to shut me down," he said. 
"At the same time, I'm not going with the intent to terrify anybody. I 
really don't want to get shot, so I want to give as much heads up and 
advanced notice to everybody as possible that, hey, I'm going to be 
there, but I'm not a threat to anybody."

Cook said, at the end of the day, government officials have sworn to 
protect the Constitution, including the Second Amendment. Expressing 
that right is bigger than himself.

"They're the ones swearing an 
oath to protect it," Cook said. "The Second Amendment shall not be 
infringed upon. It should begin and end right at that point. The Second 
Amendment doesn't talk about peoples' personal feelings on the matter. 
It's not protecting feelings when it comes to it, it's protecting 
rights. 

"At the end of the day, it's not Andrew Cook that has the
 right to go in there and do it. It's all the citizens have the right to
 do that. That's what we have to protect. There's truth in the saying 
that, 'An armed society is a polite society.' "

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666883198257.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGun-control 
legislation continues to be a hot-button issue around the nation. In 
April 2021, the Barton County Commission signed Proclamation 2021-09 
stating Barton County is a Second Amendment Sanctuary for the 
preservation of defense of the Second Amendment of the United States 
Constitution. Andrew Cook took that to heart. Earlier this month, Cook 
exercised his Constitutional rights by carrying a rifle around and 
inside the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5a4670b7-4048-44a4-8016-df90d4b60958">Barton County Courthouse. </a>"The county had a one-hour 
heads up that I was coming," he said. "The sheriff's department had been
 contacted, letting them know that, because of this proclamation, I'm 
coming down there. Here's the rifle I'm bringing down, here's the time 
I'm going to be down there, and here's the activities I'm going to be 
doing. Give heads up to whoever needs to be notified."Cook 
reports he actually received a warm welcome from several residents. 
Three people applauded his efforts on the way to the building, and two 
more women gave him a thumbs-up inside the courthouse. He said openly 
carrying a firearm is not about terrifying people who work or do 
business in the building."I was going there for a purpose, to 
show them that I can and they're not going to shut me down," he said. 
"At the same time, I'm not going with the intent to terrify anybody. I 
really don't want to get shot, so I want to give as much heads up and 
advanced notice to everybody as possible that, hey, I'm going to be 
there, but I'm not a threat to anybody."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666883254584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cook said, at the end of the day, government officials have sworn to 
protect the Constitution, including the Second Amendment. Expressing 
that right is bigger than himself."They're the ones swearing an 
oath to protect it," Cook said. "The Second Amendment shall not be 
infringed upon. It should begin and end right at that point. The Second 
Amendment doesn't talk about peoples' personal feelings on the matter. 
It's not protecting feelings when it comes to it, it's protecting 
rights. "At the end of the day, it's not Andrew Cook that has the
 right to go in there and do it. It's all the citizens have the right to
 do that. That's what we have to protect. There's truth in the saying 
that, 'An armed society is a polite society.' "

Kansas man puts right to bear arms to the test in Barton Co.

While Ed Hammond says he supports students, comments made during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fyXoJppI4">a debate</a>&nbsp;with state Rep. Barb Wasinger earlier this month suggests that his commitment to protecting girls leaves something to be desired.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Specifically, Hammond refused to say that he would support a ban on biological males competing in girls’ sports. Across the country, we have seen girls lose out on opportunities because they’ve had to compete against those with an unfair physical advantage.&nbsp;

In the 2018-2019 season, University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Lia Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220318183249/https:/www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/314430/rankings/">was ranked</a>&nbsp;as the NCAA’s 87th Division 1 male swimmer but took the 31st spot after competing against girls. What’s more, Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-ncaa-news-what-rank-did-lia-thomas-stand-at-while-competing-in-the-mens-swimming-division/">went from</a>&nbsp;holding 554th in the 200-yd freestyle to claiming fifth place now and moved from 65th place in the 200 yard freestyle to number one today.&nbsp;

This is not an isolated example, as former Connecticut high school track athlete Selina Soule is suing her state after having been made to face off against biologically male competitors. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/connecticut-track-athlete-sues-state-transgender-policy-womens-sports-being-robbed">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News, "I lost out on qualifying spots for the meets, better placement and possibly even scholarship opportunities. It was a very frustrating and heartbreaking thing to have to go through.”

The simple truth is that male and female bodies are inherently different: they develop differently and have different capabilities, which is the whole reason why male and female athletes compete in different divisions. Then there’s the fact that female athletes shouldn’t have to share a locker room and change clothes in front of someone of the opposite sex.&nbsp;

Hammond said at 1:02:58 in his debate with Wasinger that it is “common sense” to let the Kansas State High School Activities Association make decisions regarding transgender issues “on a case-by-case basis.” That isn’t good enough for our girls.&nbsp;

Wasinger understands this, which is why she sponsored “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” a bill which&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/04/16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-vetoes-gop-bill-banning-trans-athletes/">was vetoed</a>&nbsp;in April by Gov. Laura Kelly. At one point in the debate, Wasinger said, “I want to know why it’s OK to discriminate against young women.” That’s a question the rest of us should be asking too.&nbsp;

While Ed Hammond says he supports students, comments made during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fyXoJppI4">a debate</a>&nbsp;with state Rep. Barb Wasinger earlier this month suggests that his commitment to protecting girls leaves something to be desired.&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, Hammond refused to say that he would support a ban on biological males competing in girls’ sports. Across the country, we have seen girls lose out on opportunities because they’ve had to compete against those with an unfair physical advantage.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the 2018-2019 season, University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Lia Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220318183249/https:/www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/314430/rankings/">was ranked</a>&nbsp;as the NCAA’s 87th Division 1 male swimmer but took the 31st spot after competing against girls. What’s more, Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-ncaa-news-what-rank-did-lia-thomas-stand-at-while-competing-in-the-mens-swimming-division/">went from</a>&nbsp;holding 554th in the 200-yd freestyle to claiming fifth place now and moved from 65th place in the 200 yard freestyle to number one today.&nbsp;This is not an isolated example, as former Connecticut high school track athlete Selina Soule is suing her state after having been made to face off against biologically male competitors. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/connecticut-track-athlete-sues-state-transgender-policy-womens-sports-being-robbed">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News, "I lost out on qualifying spots for the meets, better placement and possibly even scholarship opportunities. It was a very frustrating and heartbreaking thing to have to go through.”The simple truth is that male and female bodies are inherently different: they develop differently and have different capabilities, which is the whole reason why male and female athletes compete in different divisions. Then there’s the fact that female athletes shouldn’t have to share a locker room and change clothes in front of someone of the opposite sex.&nbsp;Hammond said at 1:02:58 in his debate with Wasinger that it is “common sense” to let the Kansas State High School Activities Association make decisions regarding transgender issues “on a case-by-case basis.” That isn’t good enough for our girls.&nbsp;Wasinger understands this, which is why she sponsored “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” a bill which&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/04/16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-vetoes-gop-bill-banning-trans-athletes/">was vetoed</a>&nbsp;in April by Gov. Laura Kelly. At one point in the debate, Wasinger said, “I want to know why it’s OK to discriminate against young women.” That’s a question the rest of us should be asking too.&nbsp;Eugenia Spady, Hays&nbsp;

LETTER: Protecting females in sports a crucial issue

NORTON COUNTY—A registered Kansas sex offender was injured in an accident during a pursuit by law enforcement just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2004 Toyota Camry driven by Jeremiah D. Johnson, 37, New Almelo, was northbound on Norton County Road E3 five miles southeast of the city of Norton. 

Johnson lost control of the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The car traveled the east ditch, struck a stop sign, became airborne over Norton County Road Q, continued into a pasture, rolled and came to rest on its top facing south.

EMS transported Johnson to the Norton County Hospital. He was later transferred to&nbsp;Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Johnson has previous convictions for attempted Contraband; Non firearm, etc by non employee, Lewd and Lascivious Behavior Sexual Relations less than 16 and&nbsp;Aggravated violation of the Kansas offender registration act. He has been a registered sex offender since 2005, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

The KHP did not report what prompted the chase on Wednesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666836119241.png" alt="Johnson-photo KBI Offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo KBI Offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY—A registered Kansas sex offender was injured in an accident during a pursuit by law enforcement just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2004 Toyota Camry driven by Jeremiah D. Johnson, 37, New Almelo, was northbound on Norton County Road E3 five miles southeast of the city of Norton. Johnson lost control of the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The car traveled the east ditch, struck a stop sign, became airborne over Norton County Road Q, continued into a pasture, rolled and came to rest on its top facing south.EMS transported Johnson to the Norton County Hospital. He was later transferred to&nbsp;Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.Johnson has previous convictions for attempted Contraband; Non firearm, etc by non employee, Lewd and Lascivious Behavior Sexual Relations less than 16 and&nbsp;Aggravated violation of the Kansas offender registration act. He has been a registered sex offender since 2005, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.The KHP did not report what prompted the chase on Wednesday morning.

Kan. sex offender hospitalized after crash during high-speed chase

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666817345300.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>

When I’m asked&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;best&nbsp;describe&nbsp;State Representative Barb Wasinger one word comes immediately to mind. Tenacious!

​From the day Barb Wasinger set foot in the statehouse it was clear she&nbsp;was a leader. &nbsp;For most new legislators it takes time to get their feet under them but with Barb it was different. &nbsp;Barb jumped in and immediately became an effective advocate for the people of Hays and Ellis County.

​Barb quickly earned the trust of House leadership and because of that she serves on several important committees including Taxation and Financial Institutions&nbsp;&amp; Rural Development. &nbsp;Even more impressive is that after only two years in office she was named Vice Chair of the Higher Education Budget committee where she is a powerful voice for Fort Hays State University.

​She was also Chair of the Joint Rules and Regulations and is currently it’s Vice Chair. &nbsp;Barb took the lead to get the Constitutional Amendment (HCR 5014) dealing with the out-of-control bureaucracy to the ballot.

​She is a tenacious legislator who is not afraid to do the hard work to&nbsp;actually make&nbsp;things happen&nbsp;in the Statehouse. &nbsp;Whether working on&nbsp;a&nbsp;project for House Leadership or her constituents, Barb is single-minded. &nbsp;She will not let up until the job is done.&nbsp;

The people of Ellis County need to know what an effective, tremendous asset she is for them in Topeka.

​We have big plans for her next year! &nbsp;

Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, 100th District, House Majority Leader

When I’m asked&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;best&nbsp;describe&nbsp;State Representative Barb Wasinger one word comes immediately to mind. Tenacious!​From the day Barb Wasinger set foot in the statehouse it was clear she&nbsp;was a leader. &nbsp;For most new legislators it takes time to get their feet under them but with Barb it was different. &nbsp;Barb jumped in and immediately became an effective advocate for the people of Hays and Ellis County.​Barb quickly earned the trust of House leadership and because of that she serves on several important committees including Taxation and Financial Institutions&nbsp;&amp; Rural Development. &nbsp;Even more impressive is that after only two years in office she was named Vice Chair of the Higher Education Budget committee where she is a powerful voice for Fort Hays State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​She was also Chair of the Joint Rules and Regulations and is currently it’s Vice Chair. &nbsp;Barb took the lead to get the Constitutional Amendment (HCR 5014) dealing with the out-of-control bureaucracy to the ballot.​She is a tenacious legislator who is not afraid to do the hard work to&nbsp;actually make&nbsp;things happen&nbsp;in the Statehouse. &nbsp;Whether working on&nbsp;a&nbsp;project for House Leadership or her constituents, Barb is single-minded. &nbsp;She will not let up until the job is done.&nbsp;The people of Ellis County need to know what an effective, tremendous asset she is for them in Topeka.​We have big plans for her next year! &nbsp;I give her my strongest endorsement.Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, 100th District, House Majority Leader

LETTER: House leader — big plans for Wasinger

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

As <a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink Internet</a> prepares to expand its network across Kansas and Nebraska, legacy broadband companies are questioning the Dallas-based company's strategy to deploy mostly fixed wireless connectivity to rural residents.

On Aug. 31, Nextlink was awarded almost a half-billion dollars from the Federal Communications Commission to expand its service. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90364494-09e3-468a-8103-8425c695fa4b">In both Kansas and Nebraska, more than $25 million</a> was dedicated to deploying a mix of fiber and fixed wireless connections to about 40,000 customers deemed to have substandard connectivity. The funding is part of the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund —&nbsp;RDOF.

Jimmy Todd, CEO of Lenora, Kan.-based <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/">Nex-Tech</a>, contends the fixed wireless solution — which pipes a signal to customers via an access point on a tower or other high point —&nbsp;is not the solution.

"Fixed wireless is by no means the best option for them," he said. "The pandemic has taught us more than anything else how important it is to be connected. They're not going to get the same kind of service if those funds had gone to fiber providers."

Nextlink, which began a decade ago serving communities around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, also was awarded $281 million&nbsp;in 2018 as part of the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II —&nbsp;CAF II —&nbsp;which fueled its expansion into five additional states. In the RDOF grant, Nextlink proposed expanding that footprint to 11 states.

The latest grant, Todd said, was a "quick reaction to an outgoing FCC leadership. With CAF II, before there was never any proof of whether or not that was good or not, they rolled out the first round of RDOF."

Both grant programs have percentage-completion milestones that must be met. Todd said several of those milestones were "punted during the pandemic."

Nextlink's Chief Strategy Officer Claude Aiken said the CAF II builds are ahead of the FCC's schedule — but Todd claimed in the more rural parts of Kansas, that is not the case.

"The completion percentages likely are based on population centers further east," he said. "When you're looking at numbers, it's easier to show a higher number of people connected versus a less densely populated area. Out where we're at, we haven't seen a lot of activity."

Aiken said recently the company actually is ahead of its 2022 milestone of 40 percent completion in Kansas, with that state's CAF II work actually 60 percent completed.

Todd admitted Nex-Tech saw strategic areas to expand its network, which currently serves over 30,000 customers and has in recent years expanded into Salina, Great Bend and Moundridge. At least some future fiber expansions could be off the table with Nextlink's plans.

"We'd hoped that we've have the opportunity to build fiber in these rural areas. (Nextlink) hasn't even built out to their CAF II obligations," he said. "Will customers even, four years from now, have any kind of coverage?

"Their arrival keeps you from being able to take fiber to those customers," he added. "The operational costs are so much less. It costs more to deploy, but the operational cost is going to be less."

Todd said, depending upon terrain, population density and other factors, fibers costs between $20,000 and $40,000 per mile to deploy. That's in addition to the approximately $3,000 per customer installation costs. 

Daniel Friesen, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Buhler, Kan.-based <a href="https://ideatek.com/">Ideatek</a>, also said fiber is the best long-term solution.

"While IdeaTek also operates a fixed-wireless network to provide internet to remote, rural areas, fiber is the only real future-proof solution for Kansas," he said. "Investing more in fiber means there would be less state or federal spending on technology that has the tendency to become quickly outdated. Fiber is the only technology proven to serve the state's needs for decades to come."

Kansas and Nebraska have their own pools of dollars to help connect the unconnected — more than 80,000 in both Kansas and Nebraska lack broadband speeds of 25MB download/3MB upload.

"Nextlink does already offer service in parts of Nebraska, so any expansion of its services at least improves options for people, and in many cases, might be an option for service that was never available before," said Deb Collins, public information officer with the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

Nextlink's Aiken said the Kansas pool of money to fund broadband projects is "significantly oversubscribed."

"There are way more applications for funding than money to go around," he said. "Is the contention we should be double-funding these areas to do the same thing? ... This is going to enable people who might have otherwise not have had service to receive it."

But the fixed wireless technology — and the promise it can deliver reliable 100MB-by-20MB speeds at minimum — leaves Todd dubious, especially when it comes to the radio spectrum the wireless signals travel on from tower to home.

"They just don't have the licensed spectrum to do it. They own some, but they're not going to get to gigabit speeds through that. It's subject to too much noise," he said. 

And distance from the source signal makes a difference, he said, noting the similarities to a stronger signal while being near a home router.

"The radios are going to have to be in such close proximity. (You can) use higher spectrum radio signals ... but the higher the spectrum, the shorter the distance it travels," Todd said. "Technology has come a long way to improve this, but only to a point."

Aiken said the company is doing a trial run of speed tests for submission to the FCC, noting Nextlink has thousands of customers already using fixed wireless — and getting promised high-speed rates.

"Our chief technology officer has the next-generation gear that we've been deploying in areas that offer up to 500-by-100," Aiken said. "I would certainly hope if our chief technology officer is getting higher than 100-by-20 at his residence, we can certainly do that for other folks."

While Friesen said he disagreed with Nextlink's reliance upon fixed wireless, he said the ambitious deployment plan is well-intentioned.

"How can you not be impressed by the enormous plans companies like NextLink have? They've made a huge commitment to underserved Kansans," he said. "Their wireless plans are highly ambitious, something not yet seen at scale in the market, but we respect any innovation and creativity in the broadband space if it accomplishes the mission of serving the underserved.

"We can support any mission that serves underserved Kansans, even if we disagree on the technological path forward."

Aiken is confident Nextlink's plan of a mix of fiber and fixed wireless will provide the promised high-speed connectivity.

"We do our best to educate the rest of the world on what we can do, regardless of the technology," he said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662136805159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON FIELDS <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>As <a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink Internet</a> prepares to expand its network across Kansas and Nebraska, legacy broadband companies are questioning the Dallas-based company's strategy to deploy mostly fixed wireless connectivity to rural residents.On Aug. 31, Nextlink was awarded almost a half-billion dollars from the Federal Communications Commission to expand its service. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90364494-09e3-468a-8103-8425c695fa4b">In both Kansas and Nebraska, more than $25 million</a> was dedicated to deploying a mix of fiber and fixed wireless connections to about 40,000 customers deemed to have substandard connectivity. The funding is part of the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund —&nbsp;RDOF.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iBphp1RILuA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jimmy Todd, CEO of Lenora, Kan.-based <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/">Nex-Tech</a>, contends the fixed wireless solution — which pipes a signal to customers via an access point on a tower or other high point —&nbsp;is not the solution."Fixed wireless is by no means the best option for them," he said. "The pandemic has taught us more than anything else how important it is to be connected. They're not going to get the same kind of service if those funds had gone to fiber providers."Nextlink, which began a decade ago serving communities around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, also was awarded $281 million&nbsp;in 2018 as part of the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II —&nbsp;CAF II —&nbsp;which fueled its expansion into five additional states. In the RDOF grant, Nextlink proposed expanding that footprint to 11 states.The latest grant, Todd said, was a "quick reaction to an outgoing FCC leadership. With CAF II, before there was never any proof of whether or not that was good or not, they rolled out the first round of RDOF."Both grant programs have percentage-completion milestones that must be met. Todd said several of those milestones were "punted during the pandemic."Nextlink's Chief Strategy Officer Claude Aiken said the CAF II builds are ahead of the FCC's schedule — but Todd claimed in the more rural parts of Kansas, that is not the case."The completion percentages likely are based on population centers further east," he said. "When you're looking at numbers, it's easier to show a higher number of people connected versus a less densely populated area. Out where we're at, we haven't seen a lot of activity."Aiken said recently the company actually is ahead of its 2022 milestone of 40 percent completion in Kansas, with that state's CAF II work actually 60 percent completed.Todd admitted Nex-Tech saw strategic areas to expand its network, which currently serves over 30,000 customers and has in recent years expanded into Salina, Great Bend and Moundridge. At least some future fiber expansions could be off the table with Nextlink's plans."We'd hoped that we've have the opportunity to build fiber in these rural areas. (Nextlink) hasn't even built out to their CAF II obligations," he said. "Will customers even, four years from now, have any kind of coverage?"Their arrival keeps you from being able to take fiber to those customers," he added. "The operational costs are so much less. It costs more to deploy, but the operational cost is going to be less."Todd said, depending upon terrain, population density and other factors, fibers costs between $20,000 and $40,000 per mile to deploy. That's in addition to the approximately $3,000 per customer installation costs. Daniel Friesen, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Buhler, Kan.-based <a href="https://ideatek.com/">Ideatek</a>, also said fiber is the best long-term solution."While IdeaTek also operates a fixed-wireless network to provide internet to remote, rural areas, fiber is the only real future-proof solution for Kansas," he said. "Investing more in fiber means there would be less state or federal spending on technology that has the tendency to become quickly outdated. Fiber is the only technology proven to serve the state's needs for decades to come."Kansas and Nebraska have their own pools of dollars to help connect the unconnected — more than 80,000 in both Kansas and Nebraska lack broadband speeds of 25MB download/3MB upload."Nextlink does already offer service in parts of Nebraska, so any expansion of its services at least improves options for people, and in many cases, might be an option for service that was never available before," said Deb Collins, public information officer with the Nebraska Public Service Commission.Nextlink's Aiken said the Kansas pool of money to fund broadband projects is "significantly oversubscribed.""There are way more applications for funding than money to go around," he said. "Is the contention we should be double-funding these areas to do the same thing? ... This is going to enable people who might have otherwise not have had service to receive it."But the fixed wireless technology — and the promise it can deliver reliable 100MB-by-20MB speeds at minimum — leaves Todd dubious, especially when it comes to the radio spectrum the wireless signals travel on from tower to home."They just don't have the licensed spectrum to do it. They own some, but they're not going to get to gigabit speeds through that. It's subject to too much noise," he said. And distance from the source signal makes a difference, he said, noting the similarities to a stronger signal while being near a home router."The radios are going to have to be in such close proximity. (You can) use higher spectrum radio signals ... but the higher the spectrum, the shorter the distance it travels," Todd said. "Technology has come a long way to improve this, but only to a point."Aiken said the company is doing a trial run of speed tests for submission to the FCC, noting Nextlink has thousands of customers already using fixed wireless — and getting promised high-speed rates."Our chief technology officer has the next-generation gear that we've been deploying in areas that offer up to 500-by-100," Aiken said. "I would certainly hope if our chief technology officer is getting higher than 100-by-20 at his residence, we can certainly do that for other folks."While Friesen said he disagreed with Nextlink's reliance upon fixed wireless, he said the ambitious deployment plan is well-intentioned."How can you not be impressed by the enormous plans companies like NextLink have? They've made a huge commitment to underserved Kansans," he said. "Their wireless plans are highly ambitious, something not yet seen at scale in the market, but we respect any innovation and creativity in the broadband space if it accomplishes the mission of serving the underserved."We can support any mission that serves underserved Kansans, even if we disagree on the technological path forward."Aiken is confident Nextlink's plan of a mix of fiber and fixed wireless will provide the promised high-speed connectivity."We do our best to educate the rest of the world on what we can do, regardless of the technology," he said. Cover image courtesy Pixabay

🎥 Legacy providers: Fiber, not fixed wireless, the broadband solution

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly this week announced more than $22 million will help groups including law enforcement organizations and sexual assault crisis centers that support crime victims and survivors. The funding is provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance grant program.&nbsp;

“Survivors of crime deserve the resources and support they need to overcome trauma, achieve stability and independence, and see justice served,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This funding goes directly to organizations across the state working to accomplish that mission.”

In Hays, Options:&nbsp;Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services was award just more than $500,000, and Scott County-based&nbsp;Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center was awarded just less than $800,000.

VOCA grants support the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims and survivors through direct services such as court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices; crisis counseling, provided by rape crisis centers and mental health centers; forensic interviews, provided by children’s advocacy centers; and shelter, transportation, and transitional housing, provided by domestic violence programs.&nbsp;

A total of $22,045,285 was awarded to 65 agencies. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594750931446.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly this week announced more than $22 million will help groups including law enforcement organizations and sexual assault crisis centers that support crime victims and survivors. The funding is provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance grant program.&nbsp;“Survivors of crime deserve the resources and support they need to overcome trauma, achieve stability and independence, and see justice served,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This funding goes directly to organizations across the state working to accomplish that mission.”In Hays, Options:&nbsp;Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services was award just more than $500,000, and Scott County-based&nbsp;Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center was awarded just less than $800,000.VOCA grants support the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims and survivors through direct services such as court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices; crisis counseling, provided by rape crisis centers and mental health centers; forensic interviews, provided by children’s advocacy centers; and shelter, transportation, and transitional housing, provided by domestic violence programs.&nbsp;A total of $22,045,285 was awarded to 65 agencies. &nbsp;

Options awarded more than $500K grant for crime victim assistance 

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division has announced an asphalt repair project due to begin on Monday in the 500 block of Ellis Avenue has been postponed due to a
fire. 

The project will now begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will reopen when the project is completed. 

The road will be closed from South County Line Road to
Grants Villa Road. 

Motorists traveling in the affected area should use
alternate routes of travel until the project is complete. 

The road will be closed to through traffic for the safety of
staff and the traveling public. 

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division has announced an asphalt repair project due to begin on Monday in the 500 block of Ellis Avenue has been postponed due to a
fire. The project will now begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will reopen when the project is completed. The estimated completion date is Nov 9. The road will be closed from South County Line Road to
Grants Villa Road. Motorists traveling in the affected area should use
alternate routes of travel until the project is complete. The road will be closed to through traffic for the safety of
staff and the traveling public. — Ellis County

After delay, South Ellis Avenue road work set to start

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau I recently had to fire up the furnace for the first time this season. As painful as it was to switch the thermostat from the off position to heat, Mother Nature forced my hand with a hard freeze about two weeks early. In my mind there’s nothing better than waking up in a chilly house. On the flip side, there’s nothing worse than being awoken by a freezing house. The acorns falling on my roof for the past few weeks were one of the first signals this day was coming. Despite the drought, the oak tree north of my house has had a productive year. We’ve endured what can best be described as an intermittent hailstorm since late August. The seeds land with a thud before rolling into the gutter. Some of the larger acorns get a significant enough bounce off the hipped roof to make it to the patio, which adds an extra bit of excitement to each step once the little ovals are covered by leaves. The leaves and acorns will require some extra work over the coming weeks to remove. Like switching on the heat, raking leaves, disconnecting hoses and cleaning gutters are just some of the season’s many routines. In a couple of weeks my wife and I will participate in what’s become another fall tradition, voting early. Like any good idiosyncratic custom, this habit developed accidentally rather than on purpose. We’ll go out to breakfast on the Saturday before Election Day. On our way home we’ll stop by the county annex building to cast our ballots. I don’t remember exactly how this particular routine got started, but it ranks high on the list for why fall is my favorite season. Even if I’m not fully satisfied with the slate of candidates, I get to talk over the choices with my wife at our favorite breakfast place. Of course, voting early does involve a little risk. There’s always the chance of late-breaking news happening in the hours between Saturday morning and Tuesday evening that would change my vote in a particular race. I think the odds of that happening are up there with delaying my vote, getting busy on the second Tuesday of November and not voting, only to see a race end in a tie all because I didn’t cast my ballot. Both are plausible if highly unlikely scenarios. After voting, we’ll likely spend the rest of the day working outside, picking up acorns that have bounced off the roof and raking leaves into giant piles. At least one of us will probably try to watch a little football and possibly sneak in an afternoon nap. In some ways, elections are the easiest way we control our own governance. The hard work comes later, when you have to ensure winning candidates stick to their campaign promises if you voted for them. Tougher still is convincing someone you didn’t vote for to reconsider their position. That work will come in a different season. Whether you’re starting a tradition or sticking to an old routine, fall is voting season. I encourage you to make the most of it and cast your ballot anytime between now and Nov. 8.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau I recently had to fire up the furnace for the first time this season. As painful as it was to switch the thermostat from the off position to heat, Mother Nature forced my hand with a hard freeze about two weeks early. In my mind there’s nothing better than waking up in a chilly house. On the flip side, there’s nothing worse than being awoken by a freezing house. The acorns falling on my roof for the past few weeks were one of the first signals this day was coming. Despite the drought, the oak tree north of my house has had a productive year. We’ve endured what can best be described as an intermittent hailstorm since late August. The seeds land with a thud before rolling into the gutter. Some of the larger acorns get a significant enough bounce off the hipped roof to make it to the patio, which adds an extra bit of excitement to each step once the little ovals are covered by leaves. The leaves and acorns will require some extra work over the coming weeks to remove. Like switching on the heat, raking leaves, disconnecting hoses and cleaning gutters are just some of the season’s many routines. In a couple of weeks my wife and I will participate in what’s become another fall tradition, voting early. Like any good idiosyncratic custom, this habit developed accidentally rather than on purpose. We’ll go out to breakfast on the Saturday before Election Day. On our way home we’ll stop by the county annex building to cast our ballots. I don’t remember exactly how this particular routine got started, but it ranks high on the list for why fall is my favorite season. Even if I’m not fully satisfied with the slate of candidates, I get to talk over the choices with my wife at our favorite breakfast place. Of course, voting early does involve a little risk. There’s always the chance of late-breaking news happening in the hours between Saturday morning and Tuesday evening that would change my vote in a particular race. I think the odds of that happening are up there with delaying my vote, getting busy on the second Tuesday of November and not voting, only to see a race end in a tie all because I didn’t cast my ballot. Both are plausible if highly unlikely scenarios. After voting, we’ll likely spend the rest of the day working outside, picking up acorns that have bounced off the roof and raking leaves into giant piles. At least one of us will probably try to watch a little football and possibly sneak in an afternoon nap. In some ways, elections are the easiest way we control our own governance. The hard work comes later, when you have to ensure winning candidates stick to their campaign promises if you voted for them. Tougher still is convincing someone you didn’t vote for to reconsider their position. That work will come in a different season. Whether you’re starting a tradition or sticking to an old routine, fall is voting season. I encourage you to make the most of it and cast your ballot anytime between now and Nov. 8."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Routines of fall

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

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