My name is Jim Barrett. The purpose of this letter is to support Dr. Ed Hammond as the best
candidate for election to the Kansas House of Representatives from District 111. I was
employed by Fort Hays State University from the fall of 2007 until June of 2018. I taught in the
Advanced Education Programs Department for four years and served as the Chair of that
Department for my last seven years at FHSU. The last two of those years, Dr. Hammond served
as a half-time faculty member in that department.

Dr. Hammond obviously has many leadership qualities as demonstrated through the years of his
highly successful guidance of Fort Hays State University. I observed one quality that highly
impressed me that I believe makes him the best candidate for the 111th. Dr. Hammond had two
all-campus meetings each year when he would lay out the objectives for the year and provide
feedback on the progress toward those objectives. During those meetings, Dr. Hammond would
articulate the conditions in the United States, our region and Kansas in particular and link them
to what Fort Hays State University needed to do to continue to grow and be successful. That
ability to see the big picture as a framework through which to create a vision and direction for
the University was demonstrated yearly.


I am confident that Dr. Hammond will continue to analyze information from the US, Kansas, and
111th District, and use that to create a framework of advocacy that benefits all of the 111th as
well as Kansas. He is a skilled communicator, a tactful negotiator and someone who not only
knows what is right, but has the fortitude to use those skills and beliefs to work for what is right
for those he represents.


I am going to vote for Dr. Ed Hammond as representative for the 111th District and encourage
you to vote for him as well.


Dr. Jim Barrett, Professor Emeritus, Fort Hays State University

My name is Jim Barrett. The purpose of this letter is to support Dr. Ed Hammond as the best
candidate for election to the Kansas House of Representatives from District 111. I was
employed by Fort Hays State University from the fall of 2007 until June of 2018. I taught in the
Advanced Education Programs Department for four years and served as the Chair of that
Department for my last seven years at FHSU. The last two of those years, Dr. Hammond served
as a half-time faculty member in that department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Hammond obviously has many leadership qualities as demonstrated through the years of his
highly successful guidance of Fort Hays State University. I observed one quality that highly
impressed me that I believe makes him the best candidate for the 111th. Dr. Hammond had two
all-campus meetings each year when he would lay out the objectives for the year and provide
feedback on the progress toward those objectives. During those meetings, Dr. Hammond would
articulate the conditions in the United States, our region and Kansas in particular and link them
to what Fort Hays State University needed to do to continue to grow and be successful. That
ability to see the big picture as a framework through which to create a vision and direction for
the University was demonstrated yearly.
I am confident that Dr. Hammond will continue to analyze information from the US, Kansas, and
111th District, and use that to create a framework of advocacy that benefits all of the 111th as
well as Kansas. He is a skilled communicator, a tactful negotiator and someone who not only
knows what is right, but has the fortitude to use those skills and beliefs to work for what is right
for those he represents.
I am going to vote for Dr. Ed Hammond as representative for the 111th District and encourage
you to vote for him as well.
Dr. Jim Barrett, Professor Emeritus, Fort Hays State University

LETTER: Hammond's credentials make him best choice for 111th

“The Cowboy&nbsp;Ain’t&nbsp;Dead Yet" — one of the longest&nbsp;running, most successful one-man musical comedies ever produced — is coming to Colby at 3 p.m. Central Sunday, Oct. 30, 3:00&nbsp;p.m.(CST) in the Cultural Arts Center on Colby Community College campus. 

R.J.&nbsp;Vandygriff&nbsp;stars in this show about the most fascinating character to ever ride across the pages of history, the American cowboy. R.J.,&nbsp;starring as “Joe Texas,”&nbsp;and&nbsp;the San Antonio&nbsp;orchestra,&nbsp;have been receiving awards&nbsp;in&nbsp;recognized excellence such as the 2013 Cowboy Keeper Award, the 2012 Wrangler Award for Outstanding Original Composition,&nbsp;and the 2014 CMA of Texas Hall of Fame Inductee. 

The Western Plains Arts Association performance is&nbsp;funded in part by grants&nbsp;from&nbsp;both&nbsp;the Thomas County Community Foundation through Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation&nbsp;and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Admission is with season ticket, or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665612732882.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAA“The Cowboy&nbsp;Ain’t&nbsp;Dead Yet" — one of the longest&nbsp;running, most successful one-man musical comedies ever produced — is coming to Colby at 3 p.m. Central Sunday, Oct. 30, 3:00&nbsp;p.m.(CST) in the Cultural Arts Center on Colby Community College campus. R.J.&nbsp;Vandygriff&nbsp;stars in this show about the most fascinating character to ever ride across the pages of history, the American cowboy. R.J.,&nbsp;starring as “Joe Texas,”&nbsp;and&nbsp;the San Antonio&nbsp;orchestra,&nbsp;have been receiving awards&nbsp;in&nbsp;recognized excellence such as the 2013 Cowboy Keeper Award, the 2012 Wrangler Award for Outstanding Original Composition,&nbsp;and the 2014 CMA of Texas Hall of Fame Inductee. The Western Plains Arts Association performance is&nbsp;funded in part by grants&nbsp;from&nbsp;both&nbsp;the Thomas County Community Foundation through Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation&nbsp;and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Admission is with season ticket, or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

'The Cowboy Ain't Dead Yet' set to take the stage in Colby

Messiah Lutheran Church is offering a FREE PARENTING SEMINAR on Sat, Oct. 22 from 9:00 am - noon.&nbsp;

Dr. Annette Anschutz is a professor of Early Education at Concordia University Nebraska. She will be focusing on children's growth and development, discipline, and faith development. We want to help each of you as parents of preschool and elementary students grow in your parenting skills! Our children are such amazing gifts to each one of us! Let us sharpen our parenting tools and give our kids the best we can!&nbsp;

Messiah is located at 2000 Main St. Hays, KS.&nbsp;

There will be free refreshments served! If you need childcare, please call DCE Ben at the church office by Thursday. 785-639-2933

Messiah Lutheran Church is offering a FREE PARENTING SEMINAR on Sat, Oct. 22 from 9:00 am - noon.&nbsp;Dr. Annette Anschutz is a professor of Early Education at Concordia University Nebraska. She will be focusing on children's growth and development, discipline, and faith development. We want to help each of you as parents of preschool and elementary students grow in your parenting skills! Our children are such amazing gifts to each one of us! Let us sharpen our parenting tools and give our kids the best we can!&nbsp;Messiah is located at 2000 Main St. Hays, KS.&nbsp;There will be free refreshments served! If you need childcare, please call DCE Ben at the church office by Thursday. 785-639-2933

Three-day weather outlook

The Hays Police Department responded to 80 calls from Sept. 25 through Oct. 1, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 80 calls from Sept. 25 through Oct. 1, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666043157003.jpeg" alt="" />
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Hays PD Activity Log, Sept. 25-Oct. 1    

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

With the mercury expected to take a drastic nosedive this week, a freeze warning is in effect for most of northwest Kansas overnight Monday and Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is expected the low in the Hays area to drop to 27 degrees early Tuesday morning, with a low of 29 predicted early Wednesday morning.

The highs Monday and Tuesday are only expected to reach the low- to mid-50s. By Wednesday, the temperature will tick back up, with highs in the low- to mid-70s and overnight lows in the low-40s.

Skies are expected to remain clear and calm through the week.

The overnight low early Monday morning was 28 degrees, the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666016636110.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the mercury expected to take a drastic nosedive this week, a freeze warning is in effect for most of northwest Kansas overnight Monday and Tuesday.The National Weather Service in Dodge City is expected the low in the Hays area to drop to 27 degrees early Tuesday morning, with a low of 29 predicted early Wednesday morning.The highs Monday and Tuesday are only expected to reach the low- to mid-50s. By Wednesday, the temperature will tick back up, with highs in the low- to mid-70s and overnight lows in the low-40s.Skies are expected to remain clear and calm through the week.The overnight low early Monday morning was 28 degrees, the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After the first freeze of the season for many Monday morning, another freeze is expected Tuesday morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/YiSRnIDyWW">pic.twitter.com/YiSRnIDyWW</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1581976189387743234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The cooler weather sticks around the next few days including another round of freezing temperatures tonight. Record lows tonight are unlikely due to clouds. Otherwise, dry and warmer the rest of the week including some potential fire weather conditions Wed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cowx</a> <a href="https://t.co/0jrWmzNjuu">pic.twitter.com/0jrWmzNjuu</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1581945394065379328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Freeze warning issued for most of northwest Kansas

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By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

With the Nov. 8 general election less than a month away, the deadline to get registered to vote is quickly approaching. 

Residents in Kansas have until Tuesday to register
for the Nov. 8 general election.

Kansas can register online through the Kansas Department of
Revenue and Secretary of State by clicking <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg">HERE</a>&nbsp;or by contacting the county
election office.

Voters will be required to provide a driver’s license or a
valid identification card.

Voter registration applications and advance mail ballot
applications are available on the county website at ellisco.net. 

You should re-register if you have moved or changed their
names. If you are not certain if you are registered correctly, contact the
county clerk's Office.

In Ellis County, advanced ballots will begin to be mailed Oct. 19. 

The last day to request a mail-in ballot through the Ellis
County Clerk’s office is Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots have to be returned to the clerk’s
office by Nov. 14 this year because the Friday after election day is Veteran’s
Day, Nov. 11.

The ballots still have to be postmarked on election day,
Nov. 8.

There are two constitutional amendments on the ballot this
year and Ellis County Election Officer and Clerk Bobbie Dreiling said the best
way to view the amendment questions and the retention vote for Supreme Court
judges is to view a sample ballot at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>.

The clerk’s office will not send out the questions in
advance. 

Dreiling also said because of the additional questions on this
year’s ballot, in Ellis County the ballots will be 17 inches long front and
back, and she reminded voters to make sure to check both sides of the ballot.

In Ellis County, the election canvass will be Nov. 17 at 8
a.m. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith the Nov. 8 general election less than a month away, the deadline to get registered to vote is quickly approaching. Residents in Kansas have until Tuesday to register
for the Nov. 8 general election.Kansas can register online through the Kansas Department of
Revenue and Secretary of State by clicking <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg">HERE</a>&nbsp;or by contacting the county
election office.Voters will be required to provide a driver’s license or a
valid identification card.Voter registration applications and advance mail ballot
applications are available on the county website at ellisco.net. You should re-register if you have moved or changed their
names. If you are not certain if you are registered correctly, contact the
county clerk's Office.In Ellis County, advanced ballots will begin to be mailed Oct. 19. The last day to request a mail-in ballot through the Ellis
County Clerk’s office is Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots have to be returned to the clerk’s
office by Nov. 14 this year because the Friday after election day is Veteran’s
Day, Nov. 11.The ballots still have to be postmarked on election day,
Nov. 8.Advanced voting begins on Oct. 24. There are two constitutional amendments on the ballot this
year and Ellis County Election Officer and Clerk Bobbie Dreiling said the best
way to view the amendment questions and the retention vote for Supreme Court
judges is to view a sample ballot at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>.The clerk’s office will not send out the questions in
advance. Dreiling also said because of the additional questions on this
year’s ballot, in Ellis County the ballots will be 17 inches long front and
back, and she reminded voters to make sure to check both sides of the ballot.In Ellis County, the election canvass will be Nov. 17 at 8
a.m.

Deadline to register in general election is Oct. 18

The Kansas Geological Survey reported an earthquake Sunday evening in Rooks County.

The 2.5-magnitude quake was recorded at 8:36 p.m. Sunday just east of the Graham-Rooks county line.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666011157522.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Geological Survey reported an earthquake Sunday evening in Rooks County.The 2.5-magnitude quake was recorded at 8:36 p.m. Sunday just east of the Graham-Rooks county line.

Quake recorded Sunday in western Rooks County

The Hays Police Department responded to 90 calls from Sept. 11 through Sept. 17, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

The Hays Police Department responded to 97 calls from Sept. 18 through Sept. 24, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 90 calls from Sept. 11 through Sept. 17, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666040706024.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666040764593.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666040784251.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 97 calls from Sept. 18 through Sept. 24, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD Activity Log, Sept. 11-24  

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It was planned as a celebration of life for a popular Hays businessman who died during the COVID pandemic.

For those who attended a get-together on Oct. 6 at The Strand Event Center in downtown Hays, it was a trip down memory lane for many reasons.

Russ Clark was the former co-owner of the Village Shop, a men’s clothing store where The Strand is now located at 1102 Main. Clark died at the age of 96 in December of 2020 during a time when large gatherings were discouraged.

Two of Clark’s six children had milestone class reunions during this year’s homecoming activities for Hays High School in October. So they decided to organize a celebration of life for their dad at The Strand during that time as well.

“We had always watched what was going on at 1102 Main; it was a big part of our family,” said Steve Clark, the third born of the six Clark siblings, who made the trip to Hays from New York for the weekend.

After the Village Shop closed in 1990, the building housed some retail businesses and even a Goodwill store for a few years. It sat empty from 2009 until Hays entrepreneurs Dustin and Laney Roths bought and remodeled the building, then opened for business in 2020.

“When we heard the building was going to be turned into an event space, we were excited about that, thought it was a great use of the space,” Steve said. “So when we were talking about having some kind of get-together to honor our dad, this seemed like a logical place to have it.”

People came from near and far to honor Clark and to reminisce about days gone by.

After hugs and hellos for those attending – many who hadn’t seen each other in years – most conversations were started off with one common question: “Do you remember …?”&nbsp;

For those who didn’t know (or remember) certain facts, folks who lived during the Village Shop days were more than happy to fill in some blanks.

Russ Clark had opened the Village Shop in 1963 with Don Volker. In 1977, Volker sold his interest in the business to Jim Schiffelbein, then the manager of Browne’s for Men, another men’s clothing store across the street.

Clark and his wife, Dora Lou, opted for retirement when Schiffelbein took a job with Wolverine Worldwide in Michigan. Dora Lou had worked as bookkeeper for the Village Shop for decades, and the Clark couple was able to enjoy 28 years of retirement together before her death in 2018 at the age of 93.

Schiffelbein talked about how during the 1970s and ’80s, the men’s clothing stores never had to go looking for help. They always had plenty of applicants from down the street at Fort Hays State University.

He also mentioned how many of those young men went on to become successful professionals no matter what career they chose.

“You won’t get a better education than meeting with the public on a day-to-day basis,” Schiffelbein said. “We’re one of the few professions that you have to train the mind and the body.”

One of those young employees was Jerry Moran from Plainville, who went on to excel in a career other than a men’s clothing salesman.

“I learned a lot as a young college student, watching how Russ Clark conducted himself,” said Moran, who went on to succeed as an attorney and in local and state politics and now is in his second term as a U.S. Senator.

While attending Fort Hays State, Moran worked in Browne’s for Men, in which Clark and Volker had ownership shares along with the Village Shop. Therefore, Moran frequented the Village Shop – which specialized in men’s suits but also sold sportswear and other outerwear – and says he was a customer there until the store closed.

Moran admits his first college employment experience set a solid foundation for life.&nbsp;

“Russ Clark was a good role model for all kinds of professions, an honorable person,” Moran said. “I learned a lot just watching his relationship with customers. He always stood straight and tall, and his clothes seemed like something out of a magazine.”

Moran said he remembers the Village Shop being a “center of attention in Hays.”

“People from all over our part of Kansas wandered into the store to shop, not only to shop but to have a conversation with Russ Clark,” he said. “He had an aura about him where people not only liked him, but they respected him, too.”

Those who worked alongside Clark day in and day out had similar feelings.

“Russ was like a father to me,” Schiffelbein said in a telephone interview. Schiffelbein still lives in Michigan and was unable to make the celebration because of a prior commitment.

“He would tell what he thought about something,” Schiffelbein said, “and although you might not agree on everything, he was easy-going.”

He added that a big reason for the business’ success was it service, which included professional in-house tailoring.

“Tailoring was an art back then,” Schiffelbein said. “You were basically rebuilding the suit. That was a service that people really appreciated."

In its early days, the Village Shop occupied about half the building, and a men’s shoe store was in the other half.

Joe Pflaum, an assistant manager for that shoe store (Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.) at the time, said he remembers having to keep the Village Shop’s front door locked right up to opening time because customers would be standing outside waiting to get in.

“It was a really popular store, and it was really enjoyable to work there,” Pflaum said. “It was so family-oriented.”

The get-together on Oct. 6 resembled a family gathering as the Clark siblings mingled with the crowd, getting reacquainted with several. Three tables displaying memorabilia from Russ Clark’s life brought back a lot of memories for many and prompted more “remember whens.”&nbsp;

Steve Clark and his younger brother, Patrick (Sibling No. 5 who lives in Overland Park), entertained visitors with stories of their first jobs at the Village Shop.

“My first job was to sweep the sidewalk or vacuum the carpet,” Steve said. “I spent a lot of time down here from grade school through my first year of college at Fort Hays State.”

“Shining shoes – that was the first thing I got paid for,” Patrick said with a laugh, adding that he got proficient at removing tack stitching that is sewn on suit pockets to keep the shape of the suit during shipping.

“They watched me the first several times I removed those stitches,” he added, “but I got pretty good with that seam ripper after a while.”

Other Clark siblings in attendance were sisters Cindy Maddux from Randolph and Sara Clark from Oregon. The family’s oldest sibling (sister Lynne Burke from Mississippi) and youngest (Robert Clark from New York) were not able to make the trip.

Russ Clark survived the Dust Bowl and World War II and enjoyed a good, long life. And most everyone who knew him would tell you his No. 1 priority was family.

He would have been pleased that his family – immediate and extended – could get together for another visit at the Village Shop.

“Our parents enjoyed Hays, and Dad enjoyed interacting with people,” Steve Clark said. “Speaking for all my siblings, we agreed he would appreciate the serendipity that his final get-together was at 1102 Main. Dad was a good man. He made the world a better place.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt was planned as a celebration of life for a popular Hays businessman who died during the COVID pandemic.For those who attended a get-together on Oct. 6 at The Strand Event Center in downtown Hays, it was a trip down memory lane for many reasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665849154593.png" alt="Russ Clark" />
 <figcaption>Russ Clark</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765040693.jpeg" alt="A table at the celebration of life for Russ Clark displayed memorabilia about him, including his photo on a National Geographic cover, family photos and the American flag his family received from his committal serve at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney." />
 <figcaption>A table at the celebration of life for Russ Clark displayed memorabilia about him, including his photo on a National Geographic cover, family photos and the American flag his family received from his committal serve at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney.</figcaption>
 </figure>Russ Clark was the former co-owner of the Village Shop, a men’s clothing store where The Strand is now located at 1102 Main. Clark died at the age of 96 in December of 2020 during a time when large gatherings were discouraged.Two of Clark’s six children had milestone class reunions during this year’s homecoming activities for Hays High School in October. So they decided to organize a celebration of life for their dad at The Strand during that time as well.“We had always watched what was going on at 1102 Main; it was a big part of our family,” said Steve Clark, the third born of the six Clark siblings, who made the trip to Hays from New York for the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765065478.jpeg" alt="Two of Clark’s children, Sara Clark (far right) and Patrick Clark (against wall with tie) enjoyed greeting Hays folks from days gone by at their father’s celebration of life. At the table looking at memorabilia are DJ Bickle and his father, Don. Visiting with Sara is Sharon Wagner. In the back with Patrick is Mike Leas." />
 <figcaption>Two of Clark’s children, Sara Clark (far right) and Patrick Clark (against wall with tie) enjoyed greeting Hays folks from days gone by at their father’s celebration of life. At the table looking at memorabilia are DJ Bickle and his father, Don. Visiting with Sara is Sharon Wagner. In the back with Patrick is Mike Leas.</figcaption>
 </figure>After the Village Shop closed in 1990, the building housed some retail businesses and even a Goodwill store for a few years. It sat empty from 2009 until Hays entrepreneurs Dustin and Laney Roths bought and remodeled the building, then opened for business in 2020.“When we heard the building was going to be turned into an event space, we were excited about that, thought it was a great use of the space,” Steve said. “So when we were talking about having some kind of get-together to honor our dad, this seemed like a logical place to have it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765089753.jpeg" alt="A photo of a full Village Shop in its boom era." />
 <figcaption>A photo of a full Village Shop in its boom era.</figcaption>
 </figure>People came from near and far to honor Clark and to reminisce about days gone by.After hugs and hellos for those attending – many who hadn’t seen each other in years – most conversations were started off with one common question: “Do you remember …?”&nbsp;For those who didn’t know (or remember) certain facts, folks who lived during the Village Shop days were more than happy to fill in some blanks.Russ Clark had opened the Village Shop in 1963 with Don Volker. In 1977, Volker sold his interest in the business to Jim Schiffelbein, then the manager of Browne’s for Men, another men’s clothing store across the street.Clark and his wife, Dora Lou, opted for retirement when Schiffelbein took a job with Wolverine Worldwide in Michigan. Dora Lou had worked as bookkeeper for the Village Shop for decades, and the Clark couple was able to enjoy 28 years of retirement together before her death in 2018 at the age of 93.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765113285.jpeg" alt="Village Shop employees always dressed their part. On the left, from bottom to top are: Tracy Bishop, Robert Layher, Jack Dart and Harry Watts. On the right, from bottom to top, are Russ Clark, Brad Jordan and Chuck Comeau." />
 <figcaption>Village Shop employees always dressed their part. On the left, from bottom to top are: Tracy Bishop, Robert Layher, Jack Dart and Harry Watts. On the right, from bottom to top, are Russ Clark, Brad Jordan and Chuck Comeau.</figcaption>
 </figure>Schiffelbein talked about how during the 1970s and ’80s, the men’s clothing stores never had to go looking for help. They always had plenty of applicants from down the street at Fort Hays State University.He also mentioned how many of those young men went on to become successful professionals no matter what career they chose.“You won’t get a better education than meeting with the public on a day-to-day basis,” Schiffelbein said. “We’re one of the few professions that you have to train the mind and the body.”One of those young employees was Jerry Moran from Plainville, who went on to excel in a career other than a men’s clothing salesman.“I learned a lot as a young college student, watching how Russ Clark conducted himself,” said Moran, who went on to succeed as an attorney and in local and state politics and now is in his second term as a U.S. Senator.While attending Fort Hays State, Moran worked in Browne’s for Men, in which Clark and Volker had ownership shares along with the Village Shop. Therefore, Moran frequented the Village Shop – which specialized in men’s suits but also sold sportswear and other outerwear – and says he was a customer there until the store closed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765151685.jpeg" alt="A coat hanger and suit bag from the Village Shop were a fun topic of conversation at the celebration of life." />
 <figcaption>A coat hanger and suit bag from the Village Shop were a fun topic of conversation at the celebration of life.</figcaption>
 </figure>Moran admits his first college employment experience set a solid foundation for life.&nbsp;“Russ Clark was a good role model for all kinds of professions, an honorable person,” Moran said. “I learned a lot just watching his relationship with customers. He always stood straight and tall, and his clothes seemed like something out of a magazine.”Moran said he remembers the Village Shop being a “center of attention in Hays.”“People from all over our part of Kansas wandered into the store to shop, not only to shop but to have a conversation with Russ Clark,” he said. “He had an aura about him where people not only liked him, but they respected him, too.”Those who worked alongside Clark day in and day out had similar feelings.“Russ was like a father to me,” Schiffelbein said in a telephone interview. Schiffelbein still lives in Michigan and was unable to make the celebration because of a prior commitment.“He would tell what he thought about something,” Schiffelbein said, “and although you might not agree on everything, he was easy-going.”He added that a big reason for the business’ success was it service, which included professional in-house tailoring.“Tailoring was an art back then,” Schiffelbein said. “You were basically rebuilding the suit. That was a service that people really appreciated."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765175079.jpeg" alt="One of Clark’s sons, Steve Clark, right, visits with another icon of Downtown Hays – Georgia Moore, longtime co-owner of Mooretours International, Inc." />
 <figcaption>One of Clark’s sons, Steve Clark, right, visits with another icon of Downtown Hays – Georgia Moore, longtime co-owner of Mooretours International, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>In its early days, the Village Shop occupied about half the building, and a men’s shoe store was in the other half.Joe Pflaum, an assistant manager for that shoe store (Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.) at the time, said he remembers having to keep the Village Shop’s front door locked right up to opening time because customers would be standing outside waiting to get in.“It was a really popular store, and it was really enjoyable to work there,” Pflaum said. “It was so family-oriented.”The get-together on Oct. 6 resembled a family gathering as the Clark siblings mingled with the crowd, getting reacquainted with several. Three tables displaying memorabilia from Russ Clark’s life brought back a lot of memories for many and prompted more “remember whens.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665849367070.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steve Clark and his younger brother, Patrick (Sibling No. 5 who lives in Overland Park), entertained visitors with stories of their first jobs at the Village Shop.“My first job was to sweep the sidewalk or vacuum the carpet,” Steve said. “I spent a lot of time down here from grade school through my first year of college at Fort Hays State.”“Shining shoes – that was the first thing I got paid for,” Patrick said with a laugh, adding that he got proficient at removing tack stitching that is sewn on suit pockets to keep the shape of the suit during shipping.“They watched me the first several times I removed those stitches,” he added, “but I got pretty good with that seam ripper after a while.”Other Clark siblings in attendance were sisters Cindy Maddux from Randolph and Sara Clark from Oregon. The family’s oldest sibling (sister Lynne Burke from Mississippi) and youngest (Robert Clark from New York) were not able to make the trip.Russ Clark survived the Dust Bowl and World War II and enjoyed a good, long life. And most everyone who knew him would tell you his No. 1 priority was family.He would have been pleased that his family – immediate and extended – could get together for another visit at the Village Shop.“Our parents enjoyed Hays, and Dad enjoyed interacting with people,” Steve Clark said. “Speaking for all my siblings, we agreed he would appreciate the serendipity that his final get-together was at 1102 Main. Dad was a good man. He made the world a better place.”

NWester: Celebrating a legend on his home ground

As cybersecurity
threats continue to grow, Fort Hays State University has launched a program that
hopes to help alleviate the damaging nature of online attacks and take advantage of the market opportunity in the growing cybersecurity
industry. 

“This entire initiative is really aligned with the Fort Hays
State spirit of we see a problem, how can we contribute to solving it,” said Melissa
Hunsicker-Walburn, informatics chair and associate professor.

She said the effort came from the
concept of creating something that makes cybersecurity relevant and impactful
to the Kansas economy and aligns with the Kansas Board of Regents' desire to
increase economic prosperity in the state.

Specifically, the effort will
contribute to protecting small businesses that lack the resources of
major companies. 

“We
recognize that small businesses are often underserved or less than ideally
attentive to its cybersecurity posture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “And so, recognizing that there are a lot of
small and medium-sized businesses in Kansas ... that those businesses have, for whatever reason, tended not to really give
priority to their cybersecurity posture, how could we in our cybersecurity
program and our cybersecurity strengths at Fort Hays State, contribute to
making that an improved situation?”

The
answer, she said, led to the development of the institute.

“It's a two-track
kind of venture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “The
one track would be matching our students with small businesses to help advance
small business security posture.”

The
services would be delivered through “micro-internships,” she said. Those
internships would be limited in time and scope and project-oriented.

“A
student can be dispatched to go to a micro-internship, help a business with a
problem or help a business become aware of some of their problems,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “The student gets experience, they get real-world experience, they also get the soft skills of interacting with a small
business and learning more about what that environment looks like in real-time.
And then, of course, the small business comes out improved, and hopefully more
secure, and a viable part of the Kansas economy as a result.”

The benefactor
would also benefit from the experience of the internship coordinator and assistant
professor of informatics, Jason Zeller.

“He is
the one who has mapped the internships to the curriculum to know that a student
doing this type of work for business needs to have had these kinds of things,
and he will have them vetted them for their skill,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “And so, there's additional quality assurance
that comes from [Zeller’s] involvement in what we’re doing.”

The internships are slated to launch in January. Hunsicker-Walburn said about 15 pilot projects are already being vetted.

The
second part of the program, the tech incubator, will help guide those in the
area with technology-based ideas to create viable business opportunities.

“If
somebody out there has a has the tech acumen and a great idea, but they're they
don't know how to do a business plan, or they don't really know how to seek
capital, or they don't know how to protect their intellectual property that
they have in their idea itself they would apply to be a business or venture in
residence,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. 

From there, she said the department would draw from faculty and community expertise and
create its incubation team. And then, over a month’s long effort, the team
would work to guide the project to the market.

“We
really actually hope to have new venture creation and job growth and job
creation in this area of tech and cybersecurity,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said.

That
portion of the project is slated to launch next summer.

Ultimately, the&nbsp;Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator will be overseen by a full-time director. The search to fill the position will being soon,&nbsp;Hunsicker-Walburn said.

"We're
really pretty excited about the possibilities here," she said. "We think that there's going
to be a lot that we learned through the iterative
processes. We were just joking yesterday with President Mason that there's no
manual here — we're writing it. But that's also very exciting to be able to
possibly get a model for something like this, that then we can also use to help other rural areas that face the same challenges that we are
trying to solve."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078123829.jpeg" alt="Hammond Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus is home to the Informatics Department. File Photo." />
 <figcaption>Hammond Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus is home to the Informatics Department. File Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs cybersecurity
threats continue to grow, Fort Hays State University has launched a program that
hopes to help alleviate the damaging nature of online attacks and take advantage of the market opportunity in the growing cybersecurity
industry. “This entire initiative is really aligned with the Fort Hays
State spirit of we see a problem, how can we contribute to solving it,” said Melissa
Hunsicker-Walburn, informatics chair and associate professor.She said the effort came from the
concept of creating something that makes cybersecurity relevant and impactful
to the Kansas economy and aligns with the Kansas Board of Regents' desire to
increase economic prosperity in the state.Specifically, the effort will
contribute to protecting small businesses that lack the resources of
major companies. “We
recognize that small businesses are often underserved or less than ideally
attentive to its cybersecurity posture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “And so, recognizing that there are a lot of
small and medium-sized businesses in Kansas ... that those businesses have, for whatever reason, tended not to really give
priority to their cybersecurity posture, how could we in our cybersecurity
program and our cybersecurity strengths at Fort Hays State, contribute to
making that an improved situation?”The
answer, she said, led to the development of the institute.<div><iframe title="FHSU creates Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yyyt3-12eadf8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“It's a two-track
kind of venture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “The
one track would be matching our students with small businesses to help advance
small business security posture.”The
services would be delivered through “micro-internships,” she said. Those
internships would be limited in time and scope and project-oriented.“A
student can be dispatched to go to a micro-internship, help a business with a
problem or help a business become aware of some of their problems,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “The student gets experience, they get real-world experience, they also get the soft skills of interacting with a small
business and learning more about what that environment looks like in real-time.
And then, of course, the small business comes out improved, and hopefully more
secure, and a viable part of the Kansas economy as a result.”The benefactor
would also benefit from the experience of the internship coordinator and assistant
professor of informatics, Jason Zeller.“He is
the one who has mapped the internships to the curriculum to know that a student
doing this type of work for business needs to have had these kinds of things,
and he will have them vetted them for their skill,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “And so, there's additional quality assurance
that comes from [Zeller’s] involvement in what we’re doing.”The internships are slated to launch in January. Hunsicker-Walburn said about 15 pilot projects are already being vetted.The
second part of the program, the tech incubator, will help guide those in the
area with technology-based ideas to create viable business opportunities.“If
somebody out there has a has the tech acumen and a great idea, but they're they
don't know how to do a business plan, or they don't really know how to seek
capital, or they don't know how to protect their intellectual property that
they have in their idea itself they would apply to be a business or venture in
residence,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. From there, she said the department would draw from faculty and community expertise and
create its incubation team. And then, over a month’s long effort, the team
would work to guide the project to the market.“We
really actually hope to have new venture creation and job growth and job
creation in this area of tech and cybersecurity,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said.That
portion of the project is slated to launch next summer.Ultimately, the&nbsp;Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator will be overseen by a full-time director. The search to fill the position will being soon,&nbsp;Hunsicker-Walburn said."We're
really pretty excited about the possibilities here," she said. "We think that there's going
to be a lot that we learned through the iterative
processes. We were just joking yesterday with President Mason that there's no
manual here — we're writing it. But that's also very exciting to be able to
possibly get a model for something like this, that then we can also use to help other rural areas that face the same challenges that we are
trying to solve."

🎙 FHSU creates Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator 

The Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th, Hays, invites members, friends, family, donors, and community partners to a “Meet &amp; Greet” from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

This is an opportunity to meet Darian Schlegel, the center’s new executive director, hear about her plans for the future of the center, learn about upcoming events, and mingle with the center’s staff and board members. 

Officials from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served at the come and go event. More information is available at 785-259-6859.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665759418235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th, Hays, invites members, friends, family, donors, and community partners to a “Meet &amp; Greet” from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.This is an opportunity to meet Darian Schlegel, the center’s new executive director, hear about her plans for the future of the center, learn about upcoming events, and mingle with the center’s staff and board members. Officials from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served at the come and go event. More information is available at 785-259-6859.

Meet and greet set for new director of Center for Life Experience  

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🏈 WINNERS EVERY WEEK! CERVs Football Matchup

The Diocese of Salina, Salina, KS&nbsp;is seeking applicants for the leadership position of advancement director for&nbsp;Hays, KS&nbsp;Catholic Schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;The director is responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School and Holy Family Elementary by maintaining a book of donors under management, ensuring the plan submitted is realistic and achievable. &nbsp;

Summary of key areas of skill needed include experience with donor cultivation and enhancing alumni connections.

The ability to develop and maintain positive parent relationships is vital for this leadership role.&nbsp;

The director will work&nbsp;in&nbsp;&nbsp;conjunction&nbsp;with the Superintendent of Schools for the diocese, Endowment Board leadership and HCS Principals as we develop, maintain and execute our Strategic Plans.

If you have thought about&nbsp;making&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;successful career change and moving toward a role of significance, we would love to hear from you.&nbsp;

Working daily at leveraging your experience,&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;and talents for the mission of the church will exceed your expectations. See if the time is right for you to make a change.

Call Kim Hoelting, director of Human Resources for the diocese, for a confidential inquiry, to talk about this job or to request a full job description.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org">Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling at 785-342-0819.

This is a full-time exempt position, $55,000-68,000&nbsp;with a competitive benefits package.

Hays, Ks Advancement VacancyThe Diocese of Salina, Salina, KS&nbsp;is seeking applicants for the leadership position of advancement director for&nbsp;Hays, KS&nbsp;Catholic Schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;The director is responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School and Holy Family Elementary by maintaining a book of donors under management, ensuring the plan submitted is realistic and achievable. &nbsp;Summary of key areas of skill needed include experience with donor cultivation and enhancing alumni connections.The ability to develop and maintain positive parent relationships is vital for this leadership role.&nbsp;The director will work&nbsp;in&nbsp;&nbsp;conjunction&nbsp;with the Superintendent of Schools for the diocese, Endowment Board leadership and HCS Principals as we develop, maintain and execute our Strategic Plans.If you have thought about&nbsp;making&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;successful career change and moving toward a role of significance, we would love to hear from you.&nbsp;Working daily at leveraging your experience,&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;and talents for the mission of the church will exceed your expectations. See if the time is right for you to make a change.Call Kim Hoelting, director of Human Resources for the diocese, for a confidential inquiry, to talk about this job or to request a full job description.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org">Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling at 785-342-0819.This is a full-time exempt position, $55,000-68,000&nbsp;with a competitive benefits package.

NW Kansas man dies after crash in pickup driven by 12-year-old

<div>  <script src="https://embed-1007177.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="66e540ce-1f92-4263-9545-487a7da2bb04" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Microfactory groundbreaking.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Microfactory groundbreaking.<div><iframe title="Lt. Gov. Toland praises Ellis Co. Microfactory" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wpz29-12eabaa-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Lt. Gov. Toland praises Ellis Co. Microfactory, economic development

HaysMed’s annual drive-through flu shot clinic will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. The event will offer free flu shots for all residents older than 6 months.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For the safety of the public and those working the flu drive, masks are encouraged for all people ages 2 years and up.&nbsp; In addition, physical distancing will be observed at all locations on campus.

It will be the 23rd year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic.

People age 10 and up can receive their free flu shot without leaving their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event.&nbsp; If you want to fill out the forms and bring them with you, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a>&nbsp;and make copies to complete.

Children 6 months through 9 years of age will be vaccinated on the west side of the Center for Health Improvement.&nbsp; Adults attending with children can also receive their shots in the same location.

High-dose flu vaccine will not be available for 65 and over.&nbsp; The CDC has not expressed a preference for any flu vaccine indicated for people 65 years and older. It's most important for everyone to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine, whether it's a standard-dose or high-dose flu vaccine.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.

There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-through flu shot clinic.&nbsp; There will be no egg-free vaccines available at the drive-through flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine.&nbsp;

The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.

The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-through flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

HaysMedHaysMed’s annual drive-through flu shot clinic will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. The event will offer free flu shots for all residents older than 6 months.&nbsp; &nbsp;For the safety of the public and those working the flu drive, masks are encouraged for all people ages 2 years and up.&nbsp; In addition, physical distancing will be observed at all locations on campus.It will be the 23rd year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic.People age 10 and up can receive their free flu shot without leaving their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event.&nbsp; If you want to fill out the forms and bring them with you, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a>&nbsp;and make copies to complete.Children 6 months through 9 years of age will be vaccinated on the west side of the Center for Health Improvement.&nbsp; Adults attending with children can also receive their shots in the same location.High-dose flu vaccine will not be available for 65 and over.&nbsp; The CDC has not expressed a preference for any flu vaccine indicated for people 65 years and older. It's most important for everyone to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine, whether it's a standard-dose or high-dose flu vaccine.More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-through flu shot clinic.&nbsp; There will be no egg-free vaccines available at the drive-through flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine.&nbsp;The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-through flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

Drive-through flu shots available today at HaysMed

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The 84 chairs originally set up for Wednesday night's 111th Kansas House District candidate forum between incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, weren't enough to seat the audience at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays.

Staff had to bring out more chairs for the audience, which eventually numbered approximately 130 people.

President and CEO Sarah Wasinger of the Hays Chamber, one of the event sponsors, said Wasinger/Hammond race has generated the "most inquiries" to her office she's seen in her three years at the chamber.&nbsp;

Moderators for the forum were Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector, Topeka, and Pilar Pedraza of KAKE-TV News, Wichita. Both have spent numerous years covering the state Legislature.

Questions during the hour-long event came from the statehouse reporters along with written questions submitted by the attendees.

Both candidates are well-known to Hays voters and considered long-time dedicated public servants.

Wasinger, along with her lawyer husband, Tom Wasinger, owns Ellis County Abstract and Title. She has served two two-year terms in the Kansas House and is a previous Hays city commissioner and Ellis County commissioner.&nbsp;

Hammond is the retired president of Fort Hays State University where he served 28 years.&nbsp;

The candidates basically agreed with each other on several issues, including support for legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas. Wasinger, though, said she has concerns on how it would be distributed.&nbsp;

They also support the Second Amendment and gun ownership. Hammond and Wasinger both said they would like to see tightened firearm regulations for someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness. They also support increased gun safety education for young Kansans.&nbsp;

Wasinger and Hammond are both Catholics and said they are opposed to abortion. 

Hammond, however, told a personal story of a close family friend, also a Catholic, in order to save her life made the decision to have a medically-recommended abortion in her eighth month of pregnancy.

"I do not want government to be involved in that process that I saw that family go through," Hammond said.&nbsp;

Wasinger said there is a need for abortion clinic inspections to resume.&nbsp;

"Right now, there is no Kansas law that says an abortion clinic has to be inspected for health standards," Wasinger said.

"I also believe with all my heart there should be no live dismemberment abortions," Wasinger added. "Right now, there are no laws that restrict abortion."&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organization that advances sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-kansas">Kansas currently prohibits abortions after 22 weeks</a>.&nbsp;

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that&nbsp;established&nbsp;the&nbsp;constitutional right to abortion.&nbsp;

In August, Kansans <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ba65721c-78dc-40f5-8977-3c43ac00088a">overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure</a> that would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten abortion restrictions or ban the procedure outright.

A recount of the election votes was called for by a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a5da7b4-2ef4-4c3e-adf3-21fcca3607e1">Colby woman</a>; ultimately, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b5341b6f-f13c-4a6c-b1a5-59950f6a627c">results stood</a>.&nbsp;

The two candidates did not agree on how to resolve conflicting water needs of farmers and ranchers against community usage. The issue was the first question asked by Pedraza.&nbsp;

The entire state is in a drought and water supplies are declining.

The <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/water-law-basics">Kansas Water Appropriation Act</a> is administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources, which issues permits to appropriate water, regulates usage, and keeps records of all water rights in the state.

Wasinger praised the city of Hays and its longtime water conservation program, including a project to move water from the city-owned R9 Ranch in Edwards County to Ellis County as a longterm water supply.&nbsp;

"The state needs to encourage everyone to be as conservative with their water as the city of Hays has done," she said.&nbsp;"I think the state needs to encourage landowners, agricultural owners, to change how they're watering and when they're watering."

She mentioned the success of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/26054416-2887-4e75-bfab-77526fc38982">LEMAs (Local Enhanced Management Area) in northwest Kansas</a>.

"I think there's a really good chance for all of us together to figure out what's best. ... to discuss it and make sure we're all conserving properly. I think the state has a job in helping [us] do that," she said.

Hammond does not want to see the state further involved in water rights.

 "I believe the water is owned by a landowner, much like they own the oil under their land. And I believe very much in protecting that right those landowners have. I don't believe the state should be taking water away from them. They can sell it, just like they can sell their oil.&nbsp;

"I really see no need for a change in state water policy."

In his opening statement, Hammond said he is running on three issues he hears repeatedly from Hays voters — a need for Medicare expansion, more equitable K-12 state funding, and block grant funding for FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those three initiatives would have the "biggest potential impact" on the county's three major employers — HaysMed, USD 489, and FHSU — and help to improve the local economy.

"I hoping to go to Topeka and put together a bipartisan group of supporters for Medicaid expansion (KanCare). ... I believe we've lost about $100 million dollars over the last four years."&nbsp;

During her answer about how to improve the Ellis County economy, Wasinger talked about several programs already in effect.

"In the last few years, we made some incredible tax decisions about helping entrepreneurs do well in the state with help for funding resources," Wasinger said.

"I'm proud of all the things we've done to try to help rural housing."&nbsp;&nbsp;

When it comes to helping local governments lower property taxes for their residents, Hammond proposed reactivating the state's local ad valorem tax reduction fund, and at a higher rate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665702959984.jpeg" alt="Democrat challenger Ed Hammond listens to incumbent Repulican Barb Wasinger as she answers a question during Wednesday's forum for the Kansas House of Representatives 111th District. (Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Democrat challenger Ed Hammond listens to incumbent Repulican Barb Wasinger as she answers a question during Wednesday's forum for the Kansas House of Representatives 111th District. (Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe 84 chairs originally set up for Wednesday night's 111th Kansas House District candidate forum between incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, weren't enough to seat the audience at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays.Staff had to bring out more chairs for the audience, which eventually numbered approximately 130 people.President and CEO Sarah Wasinger of the Hays Chamber, one of the event sponsors, said Wasinger/Hammond race has generated the "most inquiries" to her office she's seen in her three years at the chamber.&nbsp;Moderators for the forum were Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector, Topeka, and Pilar Pedraza of KAKE-TV News, Wichita. Both have spent numerous years covering the state Legislature.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665702304546.jpeg" alt="Forum moderators Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector, and Pilar Pedraza, KAKE-TV news.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Forum moderators Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector, and Pilar Pedraza, KAKE-TV news.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Questions during the hour-long event came from the statehouse reporters along with written questions submitted by the attendees.Both candidates are well-known to Hays voters and considered long-time dedicated public servants.Wasinger, along with her lawyer husband, Tom Wasinger, owns Ellis County Abstract and Title. She has served two two-year terms in the Kansas House and is a previous Hays city commissioner and Ellis County commissioner.&nbsp;Hammond is the retired president of Fort Hays State University where he served 28 years.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665703889745.jpeg" alt="Audience members await the start of&nbsp; the Wasinger-Hammond forum at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays. Many in the Wasinger camp wore bright blue T-shirts, while gold and black T-shirts were prevalent among the Hammond supporters." />
 <figcaption>Audience members await the start of&nbsp; the Wasinger-Hammond forum at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays. Many in the Wasinger camp wore bright blue T-shirts, while gold and black T-shirts were prevalent among the Hammond supporters.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Guns, weed, abortion</h2>The candidates basically agreed with each other on several issues, including support for legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas. Wasinger, though, said she has concerns on how it would be distributed.&nbsp;They also support the Second Amendment and gun ownership. Hammond and Wasinger both said they would like to see tightened firearm regulations for someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness. They also support increased gun safety education for young Kansans.&nbsp;Wasinger and Hammond are both Catholics and said they are opposed to abortion. Hammond, however, told a personal story of a close family friend, also a Catholic, in order to save her life made the decision to have a medically-recommended abortion in her eighth month of pregnancy."I do not want government to be involved in that process that I saw that family go through," Hammond said.&nbsp;Wasinger said there is a need for abortion clinic inspections to resume.&nbsp;"Right now, there is no Kansas law that says an abortion clinic has to be inspected for health standards," Wasinger said."I also believe with all my heart there should be no live dismemberment abortions," Wasinger added. "Right now, there are no laws that restrict abortion."&nbsp;&nbsp;However, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organization that advances sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-kansas">Kansas currently prohibits abortions after 22 weeks</a>.&nbsp;In June, the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that&nbsp;established&nbsp;the&nbsp;constitutional right to abortion.&nbsp;In August, Kansans <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ba65721c-78dc-40f5-8977-3c43ac00088a">overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure</a> that would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten abortion restrictions or ban the procedure outright.A recount of the election votes was called for by a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a5da7b4-2ef4-4c3e-adf3-21fcca3607e1">Colby woman</a>; ultimately, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b5341b6f-f13c-4a6c-b1a5-59950f6a627c">results stood</a>.&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/pWpmdY9x-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Barb V Ed Forum" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><h2>Water rights, dwindling water supplies</h2>The two candidates did not agree on how to resolve conflicting water needs of farmers and ranchers against community usage. The issue was the first question asked by Pedraza.&nbsp;The entire state is in a drought and water supplies are declining.The <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/water-law-basics">Kansas Water Appropriation Act</a> is administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources, which issues permits to appropriate water, regulates usage, and keeps records of all water rights in the state. Wasinger praised the city of Hays and its longtime water conservation program, including a project to move water from the city-owned R9 Ranch in Edwards County to Ellis County as a longterm water supply.&nbsp;"The state needs to encourage everyone to be as conservative with their water as the city of Hays has done," she said.&nbsp;"I think the state needs to encourage landowners, agricultural owners, to change how they're watering and when they're watering."She mentioned the success of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/26054416-2887-4e75-bfab-77526fc38982">LEMAs (Local Enhanced Management Area) in northwest Kansas</a>."I think there's a really good chance for all of us together to figure out what's best. ... to discuss it and make sure we're all conserving properly. I think the state has a job in helping [us] do that," she said.Hammond does not want to see the state further involved in water rights."I disagree," he said firmly. "I believe the water is owned by a landowner, much like they own the oil under their land. And I believe very much in protecting that right those landowners have. I don't believe the state should be taking water away from them. They can sell it, just like they can sell their oil.&nbsp;"I really see no need for a change in state water policy."In his opening statement, Hammond said he is running on three issues he hears repeatedly from Hays voters — a need for Medicare expansion, more equitable K-12 state funding, and block grant funding for FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The local economy</h2>Those three initiatives would have the "biggest potential impact" on the county's three major employers — HaysMed, USD 489, and FHSU — and help to improve the local economy."I hoping to go to Topeka and put together a bipartisan group of supporters for Medicaid expansion (KanCare). ... I believe we've lost about $100 million dollars over the last four years."&nbsp;During her answer about how to improve the Ellis County economy, Wasinger talked about several programs already in effect."In the last few years, we made some incredible tax decisions about helping entrepreneurs do well in the state with help for funding resources," Wasinger said."I'm proud of all the things we've done to try to help rural housing."&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to helping local governments lower property taxes for their residents, Hammond proposed reactivating the state's local ad valorem tax reduction fund, and at a higher rate.&nbsp;He talked about the unexpected additional revenues Kansas has currently that could be used to reduce property taxes."That money comes to cities and counties and it has to be offset by an equal amount of property tax buy-down. It was the way in which originally the state of Kansas was trying to keep the local property taxes from going too high."Wasinger said the Legislature has been "proactive," particularly for seniors, by freezing their property taxes at a level they can maintain.&nbsp;She pointed out that the state "can't be spending every penny that we get. ... Every time you take money from one place, you realize we're going to have to take it from somewhere else."So do you want us to take it from mental health? Do you want us to take it from the schools?" she asked, looking directly at Hammond.<h2>Education funding</h2>The issue that sparked the biggest disagreement between the candidates was education funding, which is the biggest portion of the state's budget.Hammond was critical of how the K-12 funding bill developed, and then the money for special education was removed, calling it "a shell game."Wasinger countered that the legislature did fully fund K-12 education and said the Kansas Department of Education has $2 billion in federal COVID dollars that are unencumbered and could be used for special education funding."Why are they holding onto that?" she wondered.Hammond also wants to look more closely at the state block grants awarded to universities.He cited statistics from last year that showed Wichita State University receiving a grant more than twice as large as Fort Hays State University, even though WSU's enrollment was bigger than FHSU's by fewer than 200 students.&nbsp;<h2>Other topics</h2>Other topics discussed included working across the aisle with state legislators, energy resources, affordable housing, daycare shortages, and employee shortages.During her closing statement, Wasinger touted her work in the statehouse to help Kansas pay down its debts and save interest."Titles aren't important to me," Wasinger said. "I want to work for the betterment of our community." Hammond said he was not part of any special interest group. "I just want to be an advocate for you," he told the audience.The forum was sponsored by The Hays Chamber and Fort Hays State University through The American Democracy Project, the Political Science Department, Docking Institute of Public Affairs, and Tiger Media Network.It was live-streamed by TMN and made available to Hays Post. You can watch the hour-long forum <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e42670bc-9abe-4a00-a7f2-087cb2c1e0f7">here</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a>