By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Cottonwood Extension District had hoped to provide the Babysitting 101 earlier this year but due to the weather and illness, it was postponed. 

March 10 is the new date. It is an in-service day for USD 489 students. We understand this won’t work for everyone, but hopefully we will be able to provide more of these throughout the year to reach all area youth.

The Babysitting 101 Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (11-15 years old) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for children toddler through school age.

They will also develop “life skills” such as caring, managing resources, decision-making and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.

Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.

Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District 4-H Youth Development Agent, will be the instructor for the class. She has many years experience teaching this class in Great Bend. We are excited to welcome her to the Hays office.

The cost is $10 for supplies and snacks. Please call the office to register your child or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu. Limited spots available.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739889456856.jpeg" alt="Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictCottonwood Extension District had hoped to provide the Babysitting 101 earlier this year but due to the weather and illness, it was postponed. March 10 is the new date. It is an in-service day for USD 489 students. We understand this won’t work for everyone, but hopefully we will be able to provide more of these throughout the year to reach all area youth.The Babysitting 101 Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (11-15 years old) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for children toddler through school age.They will also develop “life skills” such as caring, managing resources, decision-making and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District 4-H Youth Development Agent, will be the instructor for the class. She has many years experience teaching this class in Great Bend. We are excited to welcome her to the Hays office.The cost is $10 for supplies and snacks. Please call the office to register your child or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu. Limited spots available.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Babysitting 101 rescheduled for March 10

KDHE TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Kensington public water supply system located in Smith County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on February 24 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-476-2668, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000195391f70a1-2008741f-b9cb-4e0f-8132-4a1601316293-000000/vM9kG_7dX_3oduKQgfQyPh6TtB7ZLxgpCcQON5F7k14=393">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

KDHE TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Kensington public water supply system located in Smith County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on February 24 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-476-2668, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000195391f70a1-2008741f-b9cb-4e0f-8132-4a1601316293-000000/vM9kG_7dX_3oduKQgfQyPh6TtB7ZLxgpCcQON5F7k14=393">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Kensington, Smith County

Ellis County Jail bookings: Feb. 16-22, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Feb. 16-22, 2025

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

An event coming in March will celebrate inclusion with dance.

Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is a vibrant dance recital in Hays.

The free event, which will take place on March 2 at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University, begins with raffle sales at 4 p.m. and ends with the show at 5 p.m.

DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and two high school students are leading the event to raise funds and awareness for individuals with disabilities.

Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr have long participated in Dancing Together and are now choreographing and planning the event.

"Music is such a good thing for individuals with disabilities, and it just reaches a different part of their brain. They all love it so much," Dreiling said.

"Getting to see their faces is so much fun," Rohr said. "Getting to be more a part of it was a big thing for me."

Dancing Together includes a raffle with donated baskets from local businesses and community members. Proceeds benefit DSNWK's Spring Fling, an annual gathering for individuals with disabilities across 18 counties.

Raffle prizes include coolers, sneakers and gift cards. Tickets are priced at $1 each, $5 for six and $20 for 25.

Styles Dance Centre owner Alyssa DeChant said the event originated from a Fort Hays State University leadership class. It has since grown into an annual tradition and is Rohr's chosen class project with assistance from Dreiling.

"It really is inspiring. It's truly my favorite show of our season," DeChant said.

The Dancing Together event has been in the works since December and brings together participants ages 5 to 60 as they prepare to take the stage for their big performance.

Alison Krier of DSNWK said their clients were excited when they learned about the practice. They asked about it daily until they arrived at the center to rehearse in large and small groups.

"They have a blast when they get here. They're very excited," Krier said. "They enjoy meeting all of the different partners that they get assigned with, being able to have a fun day out of classes and day services."

Steve Keil, DSNWK's development director, enjoys watching connections form between the dancers and the individuals his organization serves.

"Inclusion is a real possibility. Inclusion is part of how we should be as a community and society," Keil said.

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a> on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066284241.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants at rehearsal at the Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Courtesy Photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants at rehearsal at the Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Courtesy Photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostAn event coming in March will celebrate inclusion with dance.Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is a vibrant dance recital in Hays.The free event, which will take place on March 2 at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University, begins with raffle sales at 4 p.m. and ends with the show at 5 p.m.DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and two high school students are leading the event to raise funds and awareness for individuals with disabilities.Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr have long participated in Dancing Together and are now choreographing and planning the event."Music is such a good thing for individuals with disabilities, and it just reaches a different part of their brain. They all love it so much," Dreiling said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066387362.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for&nbsp;Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for&nbsp;Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066430674.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Getting to see their faces is so much fun," Rohr said. "Getting to be more a part of it was a big thing for me."Dancing Together includes a raffle with donated baskets from local businesses and community members. Proceeds benefit DSNWK's Spring Fling, an annual gathering for individuals with disabilities across 18 counties.Raffle prizes include coolers, sneakers and gift cards. Tickets are priced at $1 each, $5 for six and $20 for 25.Styles Dance Centre owner Alyssa DeChant said the event originated from a Fort Hays State University leadership class. It has since grown into an annual tradition and is Rohr's chosen class project with assistance from Dreiling."It really is inspiring. It's truly my favorite show of our season," DeChant said.The Dancing Together event has been in the works since December and brings together participants ages 5 to 60 as they prepare to take the stage for their big performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066473719.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066574376.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Alison Krier of DSNWK said their clients were excited when they learned about the practice. They asked about it daily until they arrived at the center to rehearse in large and small groups."They have a blast when they get here. They're very excited," Krier said. "They enjoy meeting all of the different partners that they get assigned with, being able to have a fun day out of classes and day services."Steve Keil, DSNWK's development director, enjoys watching connections form between the dancers and the individuals his organization serves."Inclusion is a real possibility. Inclusion is part of how we should be as a community and society," Keil said.You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a> on Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066643347.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066680000.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Dancing Together for DSNWK set for March 2 in Hays

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will host an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, to provide information on the upcoming closure of K-23 in Sheridan County.

The event will be held at the Hoxie Community Center, 820 Main Street, in Hoxie. 

Attendees may stop in at their convenience during the event to review project details and detour information. KDOT and project staff will also be available for questions. No formal presentation will be given.

The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, March 31, and is necessary for the modernization of six miles of K-23 between County Road 70 (CR-406) and Walnut Avenue in Hoxie. 

KDOT expects to reopen the highway in the fall and fully complete the project in early 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739902891919.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTNORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will host an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, to provide information on the upcoming closure of K-23 in Sheridan County.The event will be held at the Hoxie Community Center, 820 Main Street, in Hoxie. Attendees may stop in at their convenience during the event to review project details and detour information. KDOT and project staff will also be available for questions. No formal presentation will be given.The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, March 31, and is necessary for the modernization of six miles of K-23 between County Road 70 (CR-406) and Walnut Avenue in Hoxie. KDOT expects to reopen the highway in the fall and fully complete the project in early 2026.

KDOT to hold open house for K-23 closure 

THOMAS COUNTY —Law enforcement in northwest Kansas are investigating a suspect&nbsp;

Just after 1:30p.m. Sunday, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office initiated a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle reported out of Sheridan County, according to a media release. The pursuit proceeded through various areas of Thomas County before ultimately ending in a field after a prolonged 5-hour negotiation with the suspect.

Thanks to the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, the situation concluded safely with the suspect taken into custody without incident. We are pleased to report there were no injuries to law enforcement officers or the suspect during the operation.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the suspect or possible charges.

The Thomas County Sheriff thanked the Kansas Highway Patrol. Kansas Highway Patrol Air Support, Sheridan County Sheriff's Office, Decatur County Sheriff's Office, Rawlins County Sheriff's Office Thomas County EMS, the&nbsp;Colby Dispatch and the staff at McCarty Dairy for their invaluable assistance, providing useful equipment during the operation that contributed to a safe and successful resolution during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740395480937.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY —Law enforcement in northwest Kansas are investigating a suspect&nbsp;Just after 1:30p.m. Sunday, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office initiated a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle reported out of Sheridan County, according to a media release. The pursuit proceeded through various areas of Thomas County before ultimately ending in a field after a prolonged 5-hour negotiation with the suspect.Thanks to the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, the situation concluded safely with the suspect taken into custody without incident. We are pleased to report there were no injuries to law enforcement officers or the suspect during the operation.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the suspect or possible charges.The Thomas County Sheriff thanked the Kansas Highway Patrol. Kansas Highway Patrol Air Support, Sheridan County Sheriff's Office, Decatur County Sheriff's Office, Rawlins County Sheriff's Office Thomas County EMS, the&nbsp;Colby Dispatch and the staff at McCarty Dairy for their invaluable assistance, providing useful equipment during the operation that contributed to a safe and successful resolution during the incident.

5-hour standoff: Stolen vehicle suspect jailed in NW Kansas

BriefSpace is located at 219 W. 10th, Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739898727085.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Grow Hays BriefSpace is located at 219 W. 10th, Hays.

Housing update to be presented by Grow Hays at March 11 lunch

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Changing the diet is hard. Some of us get into a routine of choosing the same foods at the grocery store, ordering “the regular,” and making our go-to meals. Most of the time, this is not a bad thing. It creates less stress and less food waste.

However, sometimes we wish to change our dietary preferences. This may be to cope with health conditions, aim for weight loss, or prevent illness. If you have ever tried to change your eating patterns, you know it can be challenging.

But what if you could make changes to reframe how you eat, not what you eat, to find success?

Simply put, the American way of eating is not always conducive to achieving health goals. Cultural norms like skipping meals, snacking, and mindless eating make it challenging to fuel up properly. So, here are a few ways to reframe how you eat to help you meet your nutrition goals.

 Since childhood, you have likely heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although it may not be more significant than other meals, a high protein breakfast can help you achieve your goals by balancing blood sugar and fueling your day.

When we fuel the tank before the race, we aren’t running on fumes the entire day. However, undereating at the beginning of the day can cause overindulgence in the evening. Contrarily, having your largest meal of the day at breakfast instead of dinner can improve metabolism, digestion, and sleep. Overall, eating breakfast regularly can reduce extreme evening hunger, sugar cravings, and late-night grazing.

Instead, aim to have complete, fulfilling meals that can provide sustainable energy. Balanced meals with fiber, protein, and unsaturated fats are shown to be&nbsp;satiating, and eating enough at mealtimes can reduce unplanned snacking. Often times snacking adds unaccounted calories and includes processed, convenience foods.

Mindful eating can help you to enjoy your food and prevent overeating. By engaging all your senses as you eat, you slow down and improve digestion. You are also more conscious of hunger cues and can better distinguish between physical and emotional hunger.

The human brain is incapable of multitasking, so eliminating screen time during meals is essential. This allows us to tune into the body’s hunger and fullness cues and to create a healthier relationship with food.

Improving your eating style, like adding more vegetables, reducing processed foods, or drinking more water, is challenging. Plus, trying to make changes overnight can feel impossible. So, consider creating better mealtime habits first because how you eat can make it easier to adjust what you eat.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension , Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictChanging the diet is hard. Some of us get into a routine of choosing the same foods at the grocery store, ordering “the regular,” and making our go-to meals. Most of the time, this is not a bad thing. It creates less stress and less food waste.However, sometimes we wish to change our dietary preferences. This may be to cope with health conditions, aim for weight loss, or prevent illness. If you have ever tried to change your eating patterns, you know it can be challenging.But what if you could make changes to reframe how you eat, not what you eat, to find success?Simply put, the American way of eating is not always conducive to achieving health goals. Cultural norms like skipping meals, snacking, and mindless eating make it challenging to fuel up properly. So, here are a few ways to reframe how you eat to help you meet your nutrition goals.First, breakfast like a champion. Since childhood, you have likely heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although it may not be more significant than other meals, a high protein breakfast can help you achieve your goals by balancing blood sugar and fueling your day.When we fuel the tank before the race, we aren’t running on fumes the entire day. However, undereating at the beginning of the day can cause overindulgence in the evening. Contrarily, having your largest meal of the day at breakfast instead of dinner can improve metabolism, digestion, and sleep. Overall, eating breakfast regularly can reduce extreme evening hunger, sugar cravings, and late-night grazing.Next, don’t skimp on meals.Instead, aim to have complete, fulfilling meals that can provide sustainable energy. Balanced meals with fiber, protein, and unsaturated fats are shown to be&nbsp;satiating, and eating enough at mealtimes can reduce unplanned snacking. Often times snacking adds unaccounted calories and includes processed, convenience foods.Finally, be fully present as you eat. Mindful eating can help you to enjoy your food and prevent overeating. By engaging all your senses as you eat, you slow down and improve digestion. You are also more conscious of hunger cues and can better distinguish between physical and emotional hunger.The human brain is incapable of multitasking, so eliminating screen time during meals is essential. This allows us to tune into the body’s hunger and fullness cues and to create a healthier relationship with food.Improving your eating style, like adding more vegetables, reducing processed foods, or drinking more water, is challenging. Plus, trying to make changes overnight can feel impossible. So, consider creating better mealtime habits first because how you eat can make it easier to adjust what you eat.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension , Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

WINKEL: Reframe mealtime habits: How you eat

<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/2025/2/1740148149117.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

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Heart of America group and its work on commercial and housing development in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays: Heart of America Organization" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=ae6ub-1810294-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Heart of America group and its work on commercial and housing development in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses Heart of American group

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Outdoors Kansas

I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels, also known as limb chickens or tree bacon in our neck of the woods. 

Pesky as they are, I know of no other wild critter in the USA more pampered than the squirrel. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around inside those glass jar feeders. I’ve always wanted to catch a squirrel inside one and run out and screw the lid on before it could flee. 

We buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn. We teach them to take peanuts from our hands, and I even heard of someone who had taught the little beggars to tap on the front door when they wanted a handout. Last year at the fair we bought a rig that suspends two ears of corn side-by-side above the ground, forcing them to jump up and hang onto the corn while they get a mouthful.

A couple years back, a squirrel with only half a tail became a regular at our new feeder; we named it “Ol’ Stumpy.” 

We thought at first that Stumpy was a male, but when they hang spread-eagled from the corn with both right feet on one ear and both left feet on the other and spin around in the process looking like a centerfold for PlaySquirrel, it becomes fairly simple to examine them anatomically. There were no bulging body parts on Stumpy’s underside so we deemed her a girl. 

We could only guess at how Stumpy lost the end of her tail. Perhaps at Stumpy’s last home, some yappy little mongrel did get a piece of her, proudly wagging its tail as it showed its master nothing but the back half of Ol’ Stumpy’s tail. 

Or maybe Stumpy was one of those squirrels that someone taught to knock on the front door for a treat. 

We have lots of seniors in our little town, and I could see it all. Old Mrs. Dinglemire up the street who’s partly deaf and mostly blind hears a tapping sound at her front door and when she opens it, there stands Ol’ (Not Yet) Stumpy. Now Ol’ (Not Yet) Stumpy looks like a rat to her, so she grabs her broom and swings it at the innocent squirrel, entangling its thick tail in the broom, so when she lifts the broom, the squirrel comes with it and……well you get the picture. Somehow in the melee the little panhandler’s tail got snapped off in the door and Ol’ (Not Yet) Stumpy became Ol’ Stumpy.

I did a little research on Ol’ Stumpy’s tail dilemma on a website named <a href="https://thesquirrelboard.com/">“The Squirrel Board”</a> (I can’t make this stuff up!)

It seems Ol’ Stumpy’ was not alone and squirrel tails are made so they will “deglove” or snap off if a predator has hold of it. The jury seemed to still be out as to whether it would ever grow back and Stumpy would be whole again. 

The squirrel lovers on that site were out of my league. One guy said “If you’re feeding peanuts to your squirrels make sure they are roasted…I feed mine chopped almonds because they are healthier than peanuts.” (Really. Sounds like his squirrels eat better than I do.) He went on to say “Thanksgiving week we fed them almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts for a variety.” I have to admit that would make for some tasty squirrel if you roasted 'em while they were still full of nuts.

Now even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. 

Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the globe. Their theme is “Squirrel – It’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in dishes like squirrel pizza and squirrel flavored ice cream. 

And are you aware there is actually an organization called “Squirrels Unlimited?” (SQU for short.) Its mission statement reads: "SQU is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind’s greatest gifts."

There is also a market for squirrel tails. 

<a href="https://www.mepps.com/squirrel-tail/">Fishing lure manufacturer Mepps in Wisconsin</a> actually pays for squirrel tails because they seem to work better as skirts on their fishing lures than any other product they’ve tried. For fully useable grey, fox and black squirrel tails, they pay twenty-five cents, for fully useable red squirrel tails, they pay twelve cents, or you can get double that value by simply swapping them for new Mepps fishing lures.

On their website they caution “Mepps is only interested in 'Recycling' tails from squirrels harvested for the table. We do not advocate taking squirrels strictly for their tails.” Mepps says that when they receive the tails, members of their experienced team will grade the tails as premium, average or unusable. Sorry Stumpy, I guess you’re out of luck there, too. Maybe she purposely “degloved” her own tail to keep me from being tempted!

You know, now that I’ve written all this about Stumpy, I feel kinda bad for her, busted snapped-off tail and all. I mean, she had to have been self-conscious enough already without me dissn’ her like this. 

We haven’t seen her for a couple years now, so maybe she got run off by the rest of the local nut munchers, or maybe she just couldn’t take the shame anymore and decided to end it all by throwing herself in front of a school bus. I knew I should have gotten her counseling, and given everything people do for squirrels these days, I probably could’ve found that, too.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Outdoors KansasI have a love-hate relationship with squirrels, also known as limb chickens or tree bacon in our neck of the woods. Pesky as they are, I know of no other wild critter in the USA more pampered than the squirrel. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around inside those glass jar feeders. I’ve always wanted to catch a squirrel inside one and run out and screw the lid on before it could flee. We buy corn to feed them, and then buy feeders to hold the corn. We teach them to take peanuts from our hands, and I even heard of someone who had taught the little beggars to tap on the front door when they wanted a handout. Last year at the fair we bought a rig that suspends two ears of corn side-by-side above the ground, forcing them to jump up and hang onto the corn while they get a mouthful.A couple years back, a squirrel with only half a tail became a regular at our new feeder; we named it “Ol’ Stumpy.” We thought at first that Stumpy was a male, but when they hang spread-eagled from the corn with both right feet on one ear and both left feet on the other and spin around in the process looking like a centerfold for PlaySquirrel, it becomes fairly simple to examine them anatomically. There were no bulging body parts on Stumpy’s underside so we deemed her a girl. We could only guess at how Stumpy lost the end of her tail. Perhaps at Stumpy’s last home, some yappy little mongrel did get a piece of her, proudly wagging its tail as it showed its master nothing but the back half of Ol’ Stumpy’s tail. Or maybe Stumpy was one of those squirrels that someone taught to knock on the front door for a treat. We have lots of seniors in our little town, and I could see it all. Old Mrs. Dinglemire up the street who’s partly deaf and mostly blind hears a tapping sound at her front door and when she opens it, there stands Ol’ (Not Yet) Stumpy. Now Ol’ (Not Yet) Stumpy looks like a rat to her, so she grabs her broom and swings it at the innocent squirrel, entangling its thick tail in the broom, so when she lifts the broom, the squirrel comes with it and……well you get the picture. Somehow in the melee the little panhandler’s tail got snapped off in the door and Ol’ (Not Yet) Stumpy became Ol’ Stumpy.I did a little research on Ol’ Stumpy’s tail dilemma on a website named <a href="https://thesquirrelboard.com/">“The Squirrel Board”</a> (I can’t make this stuff up!) It seems Ol’ Stumpy’ was not alone and squirrel tails are made so they will “deglove” or snap off if a predator has hold of it. The jury seemed to still be out as to whether it would ever grow back and Stumpy would be whole again. The squirrel lovers on that site were out of my league. One guy said “If you’re feeding peanuts to your squirrels make sure they are roasted…I feed mine chopped almonds because they are healthier than peanuts.” (Really. Sounds like his squirrels eat better than I do.) He went on to say “Thanksgiving week we fed them almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts for a variety.” I have to admit that would make for some tasty squirrel if you roasted 'em while they were still full of nuts.Now even though Cousin Eddy from the National Lampoon movie “Christmas Vacation” says squirrels are high in cholesterol, they are not. Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters of Walmart, has an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off that draws TV crews, executive chefs and visitors from around the globe. Their theme is “Squirrel – It’s for Supper,” and they offer “organic tree-to-table squirrel” in dishes like squirrel pizza and squirrel flavored ice cream. And are you aware there is actually an organization called “Squirrels Unlimited?” (SQU for short.) Its mission statement reads: "SQU is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind’s greatest gifts."There is also a market for squirrel tails. <a href="https://www.mepps.com/squirrel-tail/">Fishing lure manufacturer Mepps in Wisconsin</a> actually pays for squirrel tails because they seem to work better as skirts on their fishing lures than any other product they’ve tried. For fully useable grey, fox and black squirrel tails, they pay twenty-five cents, for fully useable red squirrel tails, they pay twelve cents, or you can get double that value by simply swapping them for new Mepps fishing lures. On their website they caution “Mepps is only interested in 'Recycling' tails from squirrels harvested for the table. We do not advocate taking squirrels strictly for their tails.” Mepps says that when they receive the tails, members of their experienced team will grade the tails as premium, average or unusable. Sorry Stumpy, I guess you’re out of luck there, too. Maybe she purposely “degloved” her own tail to keep me from being tempted!You know, now that I’ve written all this about Stumpy, I feel kinda bad for her, busted snapped-off tail and all. I mean, she had to have been self-conscious enough already without me dissn’ her like this. We haven’t seen her for a couple years now, so maybe she got run off by the rest of the local nut munchers, or maybe she just couldn’t take the shame anymore and decided to end it all by throwing herself in front of a school bus. I knew I should have gotten her counseling, and given everything people do for squirrels these days, I probably could’ve found that, too.Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

EXPLORING KANSAS OUTDOORS: In memory of Ol’ Stumpy

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An Italian immigrant raised in Pennsylvania met the love of his life in the little town of Antonino, Kansas, during World War II.&nbsp;

It was an 80-year love story that would burn brightly through war, sickness and even death.&nbsp;

Jo Ann Jennings of Hays told the incredible love story of Frank Malizia and his wartime bride Irene Deter during a presentation at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.

The <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">Hays Arts Council</a>, of which Jennings is vice president of the board, sponsored the event. The center accepted free-will donations for its Heart of Hays capital campaign.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b3802757-2724-44c4-9b56-cca58f4db683">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Arts Council launches $3M capital campaign</a>

Jennings met Malizia through her connection with the Coffelt database, the most comprehensive collection of information on U.S. Armed Forces casualties in Vietnam.

Jennings's husband, Richard Coffelt, with the assistance of others, established the database over many years. It is now available to access for free through the National Archives.

After Richard’s death, a veteran's magazine published a story in 2013 about the database. Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. This led him to contact Jennings.

This would spark a friendship that would span years and 227 pages of correspondence between Jennings and Malizia in which Frank detailed his love story with Irene and the eventual heartbreak that followed.

Jennings said the couple's love story came through the letter in short "chapters," as Frank called them, as he said he would become too emotional to share all of his memories of Irene at once.

Frank was born in Italy. Shortly after he was born his father left to settle in America. When Frank was 7, he and his mother came to the United States on a ship, entered the country through Ellis Island and joined Frank's Father in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

In his first letter to Jennings, Frank explained how the article had sparked memories of his time at Walker Airbase and Great Bend during World War II.

Frank was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was based in Salt Lake City before being transferred to Great Bend. He was friends with Sylvester Sauer, an Ellis native.

Malizia wrote in his first letter about “the most beautiful girl in the world” from Antonino, whom he met through Sauer at a local dance.&nbsp;

“At that time in my life, I didn’t dance,” he said, “but at the end of the evening, Sylvester introduced me to this beautiful girl from Antonino, Kansas. Wow! Was I overcome! I asked this beautiful girl if the next time I was in town if she would like to go to a movie, and she said all right,” Malizia said in his first letter to Jennings.

Malizia rented a bike built for two, and the lovebirds took a ride into the country.

"I was so, so impressed with her," Malizia wrote. "I just had to see her again. This beautiful girl was 17, and I was 21. We hit it off great. I proposed to this beautiful girl from Kansas."

After receiving the letter, Jennings realized the couple's anniversary was approaching, so she, accompanied by her mother, took flowers to Irene's grave.&nbsp;

Jennings mother, who was about the same age as Frank, heard the story and was filled with questions. Jennings was at first reluctant to pry.

"He'll tell me when he wants to tell me," she told her mother.

But Frank was forthcoming, laying out more of his life with Irene in letter after letter.

Irene became pregnant with a son. Before Irene gave birth, Frank was deployed to the Pacific.&nbsp;Irene went into labor. She was taken to the hospital in Hays, but the doctor was unavailable.

Jennings said it is unclear what happened next, but according to Frank, a belt was tied either around Irene's belly or her legs to keep her from delivering before the doctor arrived. As a result, the baby, which the couple named Robert, was stillborn. He was buried in the Antonino cemetery.

"I think Frank never really got over that because even after the war ended and he came back to Hays, he went to the hospital to try to find answers to what happened with Robert, but he was told it would be best if he didn't cause any trouble," Jennings said.

After the end of the war, Irene and Frank moved back to Frank's home in Pennsylvania.

Irene became pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby, Carol Ann, on Dec. 8, 1946.

About a month after Carol Ann was born,&nbsp;Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The family worked with multiple doctors seeking treatment for Irene. She was in sanitoriums in Pennsylvania and then Illinois.

Despite Frank and the doctor's efforts, Irene's condition deteriorated.

"She was 19 years old. Imagine. She was 19 years old, and she tells him, 'I think I'm dying. I have a 1-year-old baby and a wonderful husband. I don't think I'm going to live, and I want to go home to my mother and dad," Jennings said.

Against the doctors' recommendations, Frank hired a private car for himself and Irene and returned to Kansas. Doctors saw Irene in Wichita before being transferred to another sanitorium in Norton. Frank worked at a meat packing plant in Hays during the week and visited Irene in Norton on the weekends.

Irene died on May 30, 1949, of tuberculosis at the age of 22. She was buried in the Antonino cemetery next to their infant son, Robert.

Frankn said of Irene in the very first letter to Jennings, "I never stopped loving that most beautiful girl from Antonino."

Irene's parents had been raising Carol, but Frank decided to return to Pennsylvania, where he raised Carol Ann. He later told Jennings that taking his daughter out of Kansas and away from her maternal family was one of the biggest regrets of his life.

"At that time, I was 27. I had been in a major war. I lost the love of my life. I had a 2-1/2-year-old. I didn't know what I was going to do," Frank told Jennings.

Frank would go on to have a full life. He remarried about 20 years after he lost Irene. He had two more children, Kim and Frank. However, his second marriage ended in divorce.&nbsp;

Frank retired as a Hotel and Restaurant Owner of the Leslie Hotel, The Hut and Dino's. He had also worked as a food equipment salesman.

According to his obituary, he also&nbsp;enjoyed playing Bocce, going golfing and having coffee with friends.

Frank told Jennings that since Irene's death, he had been traveling every other year to Antonino from his home in Pennsylvania to decorate his former wife's grave.&nbsp;

On one of these trips, Jennings and Frank met and spent about two weeks together. Frank shared more stories about Irene and his time in Kansas.

He continued to travel back to Ellis County to visit Irene until his health began to fail.&nbsp;

He asked Jennings to continue the tradition of visits to Irene's grave.

On Jan. 12, just short of his 102nd birthday, Frank died. His last request was to be buried next to Irene in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino.&nbsp;

On a blustery day on Jan. 23, with a cousin, Jennings, a couple of members of the Antonino parish, Father Curtis Carlson, and the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, Frank finally rejoined Irene.

"It's a long love story," Jennings said. "We should all be so lucky to be loved for 80 years and a love that was deep and strong."

Frank asked Jennings to continue visiting and maintaining his and Irene's graves in the small cemetery off a lonely road in Antonino.

"I had been taking care of Irene's grave since I found out about this love story, and I promised I would take care of his, the two of them," Jennings said. "As long as I'm here, it is now my responsibility."

She said she usually takes flowers near the anniversary of Irene's death, which falls close to Memorial Day. She also decorates the graves on Frank and Irene's anniversary.

"And I shall do it as long as I can for both of them," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087128143.jpeg" alt="Frank and Irene (Dater) Malizia, met when Frank was stationed in Great Bend during World War II. Irene was from Antonino. The couple were married on Nov. 23, 1943. After visiting Irene's grave for almost 80 years, Frank was recently buried next to the love of his life in the Antonino cemetery. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Frank and Irene (Dater) Malizia, met when Frank was stationed in Great Bend during World War II. Irene was from Antonino. The couple were married on Nov. 23, 1943. After visiting Irene's grave for almost 80 years, Frank was recently buried next to the love of his life in the Antonino cemetery. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088607786.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn Italian immigrant raised in Pennsylvania met the love of his life in the little town of Antonino, Kansas, during World War II.&nbsp;It was an 80-year love story that would burn brightly through war, sickness and even death.&nbsp;Jo Ann Jennings of Hays told the incredible love story of Frank Malizia and his wartime bride Irene Deter during a presentation at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.The <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">Hays Arts Council</a>, of which Jennings is vice president of the board, sponsored the event. The center accepted free-will donations for its Heart of Hays capital campaign.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b3802757-2724-44c4-9b56-cca58f4db683">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Arts Council launches $3M capital campaign</a>Jennings met Malizia through her connection with the Coffelt database, the most comprehensive collection of information on U.S. Armed Forces casualties in Vietnam.Jennings's husband, Richard Coffelt, with the assistance of others, established the database over many years. It is now available to access for free through the National Archives.After Richard’s death, a veteran's magazine published a story in 2013 about the database. Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. This led him to contact Jennings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087712280.jpeg" alt="Irene Dater of Antonino when she was 16 or 17 years old. Irene met soldier Frank Malizia at a local dance when he was stationed in Great Bend. He referred to the woman who later became his wife as "the most beautiful girl." Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Irene Dater of Antonino when she was 16 or 17 years old. Irene met soldier Frank Malizia at a local dance when he was stationed in Great Bend. He referred to the woman who later became his wife as "the most beautiful girl." Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>This would spark a friendship that would span years and 227 pages of correspondence between Jennings and Malizia in which Frank detailed his love story with Irene and the eventual heartbreak that followed.Jennings said the couple's love story came through the letter in short "chapters," as Frank called them, as he said he would become too emotional to share all of his memories of Irene at once.Frank was born in Italy. Shortly after he was born his father left to settle in America. When Frank was 7, he and his mother came to the United States on a ship, entered the country through Ellis Island and joined Frank's Father in New Castle, Pennsylvania.In his first letter to Jennings, Frank explained how the article had sparked memories of his time at Walker Airbase and Great Bend during World War II.Frank was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was based in Salt Lake City before being transferred to Great Bend. He was friends with Sylvester Sauer, an Ellis native.Malizia wrote in his first letter about “the most beautiful girl in the world” from Antonino, whom he met through Sauer at a local dance.&nbsp;“At that time in my life, I didn’t dance,” he said, “but at the end of the evening, Sylvester introduced me to this beautiful girl from Antonino, Kansas. Wow! Was I overcome! I asked this beautiful girl if the next time I was in town if she would like to go to a movie, and she said all right,” Malizia said in his first letter to Jennings.Malizia rented a bike built for two, and the lovebirds took a ride into the country."I was so, so impressed with her," Malizia wrote. "I just had to see her again. This beautiful girl was 17, and I was 21. We hit it off great. I proposed to this beautiful girl from Kansas."The two were married on Nov. 23, 1943.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087876844.jpeg" alt="Irene was pregnant when Frank was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. She signed this photo to her husband, "Love Irene." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Irene was pregnant when Frank was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. She signed this photo to her husband, "Love Irene." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>After receiving the letter, Jennings realized the couple's anniversary was approaching, so she, accompanied by her mother, took flowers to Irene's grave.&nbsp;Jennings mother, who was about the same age as Frank, heard the story and was filled with questions. Jennings was at first reluctant to pry."He'll tell me when he wants to tell me," she told her mother.Her mother said, "Jo Ann, he's 92."But Frank was forthcoming, laying out more of his life with Irene in letter after letter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740089574355.jpeg" alt="A copy of Frank Malizia's first letter to Jo Ann Jennings. Frank would send 225 more pages of correspondence to Jennings of Hays over the next 10 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A copy of Frank Malizia's first letter to Jo Ann Jennings. Frank would send 225 more pages of correspondence to Jennings of Hays over the next 10 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene became pregnant with a son. Before Irene gave birth, Frank was deployed to the Pacific.&nbsp;Irene went into labor. She was taken to the hospital in Hays, but the doctor was unavailable.Jennings said it is unclear what happened next, but according to Frank, a belt was tied either around Irene's belly or her legs to keep her from delivering before the doctor arrived. As a result, the baby, which the couple named Robert, was stillborn. He was buried in the Antonino cemetery."I think Frank never really got over that because even after the war ended and he came back to Hays, he went to the hospital to try to find answers to what happened with Robert, but he was told it would be best if he didn't cause any trouble," Jennings said.After the end of the war, Irene and Frank moved back to Frank's home in Pennsylvania.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088026357.jpeg" alt="Irene and Frank after WWII. Tragically, shortly after the couple's daughter, Carol Ann, was born, Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Irene and Frank after WWII. Tragically, shortly after the couple's daughter, Carol Ann, was born, Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene became pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby, Carol Ann, on Dec. 8, 1946.About a month after Carol Ann was born,&nbsp;Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The family worked with multiple doctors seeking treatment for Irene. She was in sanitoriums in Pennsylvania and then Illinois.Despite Frank and the doctor's efforts, Irene's condition deteriorated."She was 19 years old. Imagine. She was 19 years old, and she tells him, 'I think I'm dying. I have a 1-year-old baby and a wonderful husband. I don't think I'm going to live, and I want to go home to my mother and dad," Jennings said.Against the doctors' recommendations, Frank hired a private car for himself and Irene and returned to Kansas. Doctors saw Irene in Wichita before being transferred to another sanitorium in Norton. Frank worked at a meat packing plant in Hays during the week and visited Irene in Norton on the weekends.Irene died on May 30, 1949, of tuberculosis at the age of 22. She was buried in the Antonino cemetery next to their infant son, Robert.Frankn said of Irene in the very first letter to Jennings, "I never stopped loving that most beautiful girl from Antonino."Irene's parents had been raising Carol, but Frank decided to return to Pennsylvania, where he raised Carol Ann. He later told Jennings that taking his daughter out of Kansas and away from her maternal family was one of the biggest regrets of his life."At that time, I was 27. I had been in a major war. I lost the love of my life. I had a 2-1/2-year-old. I didn't know what I was going to do," Frank told Jennings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088265878.jpeg" alt="Members of the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, along with the husband of one of Frank's cousins, serve as pallbearers as soldier Frank&nbsp;Malizia is finally laid to rest next to his first wife, Irene, and their infant son, Robert, in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Frank, who lost his wife when he was 27, was just short of 102. He said he never stopped loving Irene. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, along with the husband of one of Frank's cousins, serve as pallbearers as soldier Frank&nbsp;Malizia is finally laid to rest next to his first wife, Irene, and their infant son, Robert, in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Frank, who lost his wife when he was 27, was just short of 102. He said he never stopped loving Irene. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank would go on to have a full life. He remarried about 20 years after he lost Irene. He had two more children, Kim and Frank. However, his second marriage ended in divorce.&nbsp;Frank retired as a Hotel and Restaurant Owner of the Leslie Hotel, The Hut and Dino's. He had also worked as a food equipment salesman.According to his obituary, he also&nbsp;enjoyed playing Bocce, going golfing and having coffee with friends.Frank told Jennings that since Irene's death, he had been traveling every other year to Antonino from his home in Pennsylvania to decorate his former wife's grave.&nbsp;On one of these trips, Jennings and Frank met and spent about two weeks together. Frank shared more stories about Irene and his time in Kansas.He continued to travel back to Ellis County to visit Irene until his health began to fail.&nbsp;He asked Jennings to continue the tradition of visits to Irene's grave.On Jan. 12, just short of his 102nd birthday, Frank died. His last request was to be buried next to Irene in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087447985.jpeg" alt="The Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard stands at attention during a graveside service for Sgt. Frank Malizia, who was buried beside his wartime bride, Irene, on Jan. 23 in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>The Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard stands at attention during a graveside service for Sgt. Frank Malizia, who was buried beside his wartime bride, Irene, on Jan. 23 in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>On a blustery day on Jan. 23, with a cousin, Jennings, a couple of members of the Antonino parish, Father Curtis Carlson, and the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, Frank finally rejoined Irene."It's a long love story," Jennings said. "We should all be so lucky to be loved for 80 years and a love that was deep and strong."Frank asked Jennings to continue visiting and maintaining his and Irene's graves in the small cemetery off a lonely road in Antonino."I had been taking care of Irene's grave since I found out about this love story, and I promised I would take care of his, the two of them," Jennings said. "As long as I'm here, it is now my responsibility."She said she usually takes flowers near the anniversary of Irene's death, which falls close to Memorial Day. She also decorates the graves on Frank and Irene's anniversary."And I shall do it as long as I can for both of them," she said.

NWester: WWII soldier laid to rest next to 'love of his life' in Antonino

When Fort Hays State University's Department of Applied Technology Chair heard that his department had reached the 100 percent graduate job placement milestone, he couldn’t have been more pleased.

“Applied Technology has hovered around the 98 percent job placement rate for many years,” said Kim Stewart, FHSU applied technology department chair. 

“To be able to say we achieved the 100 percent mark is really satisfying because our faculty and company partners have worked hard at creating successful pathways to employment for all our applied technology graduates.”

In January, FHSU’s Career Services sent Stewart its findings for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024. Based on data collected through the First Destination Survey (FDS), the report showed that 100 percent of students completing the survey indicated they had obtained a job or were seeking a higher education.

Stewart attributes the high employment rate to the robust internship program offered by his department. Nine of the 120 credits in the program of study are internship credits, equating to approximately two summers of internship experience.

Successful career fairs also factor in the success of the applied technology program. Early each fall, applied technology hosts a career fair inviting construction, manufacturing, and engineering/drafting companies to attend. 

In the fall of 2024, 68 companies met with more than 200 students (120 from FHSU and more than 80 from FHSU’s strategic affiliation partners, Fort Hays Tech NC and Fort Hays Tech NW). The companies sought summer interns, summer employment opportunities, and full-time employees.

One of FHSU’s strategic affiliation objectives is to move proactively to alleviate the housing shortage in Western Kansas. Among the steps FHSU is taking with its partners, Fort Hays Tech NC and Fort Hays Tech NW, the institutions are working to create opportunities for students to become highly qualified construction workers and managers.

“We are doing this by creating ‘up to date’ content at all three schools,” Stewart said.

The affiliation also creates educational pathways for students.&nbsp;One example is the new AAS degree from Fort Hays Tech NC in building/construction site management. 

Students take one year at FHNC in construction technology and a second year at FHSU with some construction management, then transfer the credits back to FHNC to earn an AAS. This degree helps the graduates to be highly qualified in residential construction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989495681.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Center for Applied Technology. FHSU photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Center for Applied Technology. FHSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsWhen Fort Hays State University's Department of Applied Technology Chair heard that his department had reached the 100 percent graduate job placement milestone, he couldn’t have been more pleased.“Applied Technology has hovered around the 98 percent job placement rate for many years,” said Kim Stewart, FHSU applied technology department chair. “To be able to say we achieved the 100 percent mark is really satisfying because our faculty and company partners have worked hard at creating successful pathways to employment for all our applied technology graduates.”In January, FHSU’s Career Services sent Stewart its findings for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024. Based on data collected through the First Destination Survey (FDS), the report showed that 100 percent of students completing the survey indicated they had obtained a job or were seeking a higher education.Stewart attributes the high employment rate to the robust internship program offered by his department. Nine of the 120 credits in the program of study are internship credits, equating to approximately two summers of internship experience.Successful career fairs also factor in the success of the applied technology program. Early each fall, applied technology hosts a career fair inviting construction, manufacturing, and engineering/drafting companies to attend. In the fall of 2024, 68 companies met with more than 200 students (120 from FHSU and more than 80 from FHSU’s strategic affiliation partners, Fort Hays Tech NC and Fort Hays Tech NW). The companies sought summer interns, summer employment opportunities, and full-time employees.One of FHSU’s strategic affiliation objectives is to move proactively to alleviate the housing shortage in Western Kansas. Among the steps FHSU is taking with its partners, Fort Hays Tech NC and Fort Hays Tech NW, the institutions are working to create opportunities for students to become highly qualified construction workers and managers.“We are doing this by creating ‘up to date’ content at all three schools,” Stewart said.The affiliation also creates educational pathways for students.&nbsp;One example is the new AAS degree from Fort Hays Tech NC in building/construction site management. Students take one year at FHNC in construction technology and a second year at FHSU with some construction management, then transfer the credits back to FHNC to earn an AAS. This degree helps the graduates to be highly qualified in residential construction.

FHSU Applied Technology reaches 100% graduate job placement

FHSU University Communications&nbsp;

FHSU Online will host its annual open house for online students at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/?utm_source=postcard&amp;utm_medium=print&amp;utm_campaign=open_house&amp;utm_id=fo" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/open-house</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST. During this virtual drop-in event, prospective online students will have the opportunity to:&nbsp;

• Join Q&amp;A sessions with academic department chairs to learn about online programs (undergraduate and graduate)&nbsp;

• Get your questions about the admissions and application process answered by advisors.&nbsp;

• Learn more about financial assistance and scholarships to help support your educational journey.&nbsp;

• Discover resources for online students, including tutoring, Health &amp; Wellness, Library, career services, and more.&nbsp;

Join us at the event for your chance to win free swag and scholarships!&nbsp;Don't miss out on the fun and an unforgettable experience!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739988084719.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Communications&nbsp;FHSU Online will host its annual open house for online students at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/?utm_source=postcard&amp;utm_medium=print&amp;utm_campaign=open_house&amp;utm_id=fo" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/open-house</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST. During this virtual drop-in event, prospective online students will have the opportunity to:&nbsp;• Join Q&amp;A sessions with academic department chairs to learn about online programs (undergraduate and graduate)&nbsp;• Get your questions about the admissions and application process answered by advisors.&nbsp;• Learn more about financial assistance and scholarships to help support your educational journey.&nbsp;• Discover resources for online students, including tutoring, Health &amp; Wellness, Library, career services, and more.&nbsp;Join us at the event for your chance to win free swag and scholarships!&nbsp;Don't miss out on the fun and an unforgettable experience!&nbsp;

FHSU Online will host its annual open house March 4

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas&nbsp;

As of last week, 26 bills related to elections had been introduced into the state legislature this session. Four of these bills have passed one of the houses — two in the Senate and two in the House.

Three of these bills are functionally redundant as they do not change the state’s status quo and instead seem to be driven mostly by political posturing. However, SB 4 would drastically change the state’s current approach to mail ballots.

SB 4 would require that voters return mail ballots by 7pm on Election Day. Under current Kansas law, mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received within three days are allowed to be counted. Should this bill pass, the three day grace period would be eliminated.

The grace period was added in 2017 by near unanimous vote at the urging of then Secretary of State Kris Kobach, stating that mail service was delaying ballots from arriving by Election Day, and thus those votes were not being counted.

Supporters of SB 4 claim allowing a grace period provides ample opportunities for voter fraud. However, the Kansas Secretary of State website highlights the numerous safety measures used to verify the legitimacy of mail ballots; and according to the Heritage Foundation’s election fraud database, there have been no cases of voter fraud in Kansas since 2021 — the infamous case of voter fraud committed by former Republican Congressman Steve Watkins.

Despite advocates’ claims that this bill does not make it harder to vote, it does, in fact, do just that. Mail takes time to be processed, especially for the most rural areas of our state and for voters living out-of-state, who are usually young and either in the military or college. Not to mention the disabled and elderly Kansans who rely on mail ballots and will be systematically disenfranchised by eliminating the grace period.

Some opponents of the bill claim partisan motivation in the elimination of the grace period, arguing that it disproportionately affects Democrats, who in recent years have been more likely to vote by mail than Republicans..

According to early voting data collected by IKE Lab during the 2024 general election, 42.6% of mail-in-votes in Kansas were cast by Democrats, 39.3% by Republicans, and 17.4% by unaffiliated voters.

Looking only at ballots recorded after Election Day, Democrats likely would be at even more of a disadvantage should the law be changed.

Of mail-ballots that were received during the grace period (see data note below), 56.8% of them belonged to registered Democrats, 24.1% to Republicans, and 19.1% to unaffiliated voters.

These numbers make it clear that eliminating the grace period would have a measurable impact on whose votes are counted.

Passing SB 4 would not only eliminate a safeguard that has ensured thousands of legitimate votes are counted, but it would also disproportionately impact specific groups of voters, particularly those in rural areas, the military, and the elderly.

While concerns about election security should always be taken seriously, the safeguards in place already ensure the integrity of mail-in ballots. Rather than solving a real problem, this bill risks disenfranchising Kansans for the sake of political maneuvering.

Lawmakers should prioritize making voting more accessible, not less.

Data Note: This data is taken from voting reports purchased from the Kansas Secretary of State on November 6, 2025 and November 12, 2025. A total of 9,399 ballots were included in the final vote report on November 12 that had not been included in the November 6 report. It is possible that some of these ballots had not been included in the first report due to delays in reporting by counties, however, it is likely that most, if not all, were ballots received during the grace period. 9,399 total ballots received during this period; 2,268 Republican, 5,334 Democratic, and 1,797 unaffiliated.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas&nbsp;As of last week, 26 bills related to elections had been introduced into the state legislature this session. Four of these bills have passed one of the houses — two in the Senate and two in the House.Three of these bills are functionally redundant as they do not change the state’s status quo and instead seem to be driven mostly by political posturing. However, SB 4 would drastically change the state’s current approach to mail ballots.SB 4 would require that voters return mail ballots by 7pm on Election Day. Under current Kansas law, mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received within three days are allowed to be counted. Should this bill pass, the three day grace period would be eliminated.The grace period was added in 2017 by near unanimous vote at the urging of then Secretary of State Kris Kobach, stating that mail service was delaying ballots from arriving by Election Day, and thus those votes were not being counted.Supporters of SB 4 claim allowing a grace period provides ample opportunities for voter fraud. However, the Kansas Secretary of State website highlights the numerous safety measures used to verify the legitimacy of mail ballots; and according to the Heritage Foundation’s election fraud database, there have been no cases of voter fraud in Kansas since 2021 — the infamous case of voter fraud committed by former Republican Congressman Steve Watkins.Despite advocates’ claims that this bill does not make it harder to vote, it does, in fact, do just that. Mail takes time to be processed, especially for the most rural areas of our state and for voters living out-of-state, who are usually young and either in the military or college. Not to mention the disabled and elderly Kansans who rely on mail ballots and will be systematically disenfranchised by eliminating the grace period.Some opponents of the bill claim partisan motivation in the elimination of the grace period, arguing that it disproportionately affects Democrats, who in recent years have been more likely to vote by mail than Republicans..According to early voting data collected by IKE Lab during the 2024 general election, 42.6% of mail-in-votes in Kansas were cast by Democrats, 39.3% by Republicans, and 17.4% by unaffiliated voters.Looking only at ballots recorded after Election Day, Democrats likely would be at even more of a disadvantage should the law be changed.Of mail-ballots that were received during the grace period (see data note below), 56.8% of them belonged to registered Democrats, 24.1% to Republicans, and 19.1% to unaffiliated voters.These numbers make it clear that eliminating the grace period would have a measurable impact on whose votes are counted.Passing SB 4 would not only eliminate a safeguard that has ensured thousands of legitimate votes are counted, but it would also disproportionately impact specific groups of voters, particularly those in rural areas, the military, and the elderly.While concerns about election security should always be taken seriously, the safeguards in place already ensure the integrity of mail-in ballots. Rather than solving a real problem, this bill risks disenfranchising Kansans for the sake of political maneuvering.Lawmakers should prioritize making voting more accessible, not less.Data Note: This data is taken from voting reports purchased from the Kansas Secretary of State on November 6, 2025 and November 12, 2025. A total of 9,399 ballots were included in the final vote report on November 12 that had not been included in the November 6 report. It is possible that some of these ballots had not been included in the first report due to delays in reporting by counties, however, it is likely that most, if not all, were ballots received during the grace period. 9,399 total ballots received during this period; 2,268 Republican, 5,334 Democratic, and 1,797 unaffiliated.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: SB 4 is a 'solution' in search of a problem

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740148087365.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>

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF Feb 24 – 28, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--Feb. 24 • Spring Picture Day in the A.C. – Free Dress Day. Volunteers will come collect your class when they’re ready for you for pictures. • Advisory Council Mtg. at 5:15 p.m. in Lounge. • We’re still doing the Baby Bottle Service Project this week, so students can still bring coins or money from home to put in their class bottle. All funds will be donated to Catholic Charities of Northwest Kansas at the end of the week.

--Feb. 25 • Hourly staff timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning. • We’ll have a Secured Perimeter Drill shortly following announcement this morning. We will come over the intercom to start the drill. • Parent Teacher Conferences between 4-6 p.m. by appointment. • New Parent Open House come-and-go between 5-6 p.m.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Sylvie Wolf, 3A.

--Feb. 26 • Spirit Day. 1A is creating an in-class museum of artifacts today. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • Joyful Noise for 4th grade at 2:45 p.m. • Happy Birthday to Henry James, 3B.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613660020276.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HFEHOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF Feb 24 – 28, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--Feb. 24 • Spring Picture Day in the A.C. – Free Dress Day. Volunteers will come collect your class when they’re ready for you for pictures. • Advisory Council Mtg. at 5:15 p.m. in Lounge. • We’re still doing the Baby Bottle Service Project this week, so students can still bring coins or money from home to put in their class bottle. All funds will be donated to Catholic Charities of Northwest Kansas at the end of the week.TUESDAY--Feb. 25 • Hourly staff timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning. • We’ll have a Secured Perimeter Drill shortly following announcement this morning. We will come over the intercom to start the drill. • Parent Teacher Conferences between 4-6 p.m. by appointment. • New Parent Open House come-and-go between 5-6 p.m.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Happy Birthday to Sylvie Wolf, 3A.WEDNESDAY--Feb. 26 • Spirit Day. 1A is creating an in-class museum of artifacts today. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • Joyful Noise for 4th grade at 2:45 p.m. • Happy Birthday to Henry James, 3B.THURSDAY--Feb. 27 • Memorial of St. Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church. • February Birthday Mass &amp; Lunch. • PK4 Grey Day. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon. Happy Birthday to Brynlynn Crathorne, KA, &amp; Carter Werth, KB.FRIDAY--Feb. 28 • 5th Grade Snack &amp; Drink Day today for a feed the pig prize.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; •Happy Birthday to Hudsen Minear, 1A, &amp; Diana Stapleton, 5B.&nbsp; &nbsp; • Greetings to Ms. Megan Mindrup, PK3 Para, who will celebrate a birthday this weekend.

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