Simply put, I created this column so that I could write stories about remarkable people like the reigning Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley. Life for Ayanna was a&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;from the start. She grew up in Dodge City, the child of two parents whose substance abuse issues led to related criminal activity.&nbsp;She never knew what would happen when she got up each day or what awaited her after the school day.&nbsp;

“My parents were young, and truthfully neither one of them&nbsp;was&nbsp;anticipating a child. I was the result of a teen pregnancy. Although there have been highs and lows in my relationships with my parents, I am grateful they sacrificed what they could in order to help support me in my endeavors today,” said Ayanna.

While other children her age enjoyed birthday parties, sleepovers,&nbsp;and family dinners, she was subject to abuse, neglect, and poverty. Trauma was something the young Ayanna simply had to learn to live with&nbsp;to&nbsp;survive. That was until she entered the second grade. Then, Ayanna encountered one of the first adults who recognized her as a traumatized child and did something to help.&nbsp;

Her teacher, Karen Bartholomay, noticed that Ayanna often fell asleep in class, tended to wear the same clothes every day, and couldn’t handle even the slightest disruption or conflict. Karen created a “book club” for her and select classmates. This fed her natural love of reading and helped her develop social skills and relationships with classmates. She also&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;Ayanna to nap when she needed it&nbsp;and provided her&nbsp;with a snack drawer&nbsp;in the classroom she&nbsp;could go to on the days when she had nothing at home to eat. She didn’t know it at the time, but the kindness of Karen Bartholomy instilled in&nbsp;a&nbsp;very young Ayanna a glimmer of hope that life for her didn’t&nbsp;always&nbsp;have to be&nbsp;a struggle.&nbsp;

Still, it wasn’t until middle school that Ayanna realized that the dynamics&nbsp;of&nbsp;her life differed from other students. Fortunately for Ayanna, the transition from middle to high school would also serve as a transformative experience for Ayanna. Cross country would be the catalyst for her transformation. She found a “tribe” in athletic competition that welcomed, respected, and supported her. She won her share of races but also learned to become a good teammate and leader. Competitive team sports also created structure and stability she had never known.&nbsp;

“Sports instilled consistency and accountability when I needed it most. I found an escape in activities that pushed me to be a better athlete and overall leader,” said Ayanna.

As a high school senior, Ayanna earned a prestigious Rudd Scholarship. The Rudd Scholarship is a Kansas program for Kansas residents who qualify for a Pell Grant and have the grit and determination to achieve their long-term goals. She arrived on&nbsp;the FHSU&nbsp;campus in the fall of 2019 with the intention of&nbsp;pursuing her&nbsp;love of dance&nbsp;as a member of&nbsp;the Tiger Debs Dance Team.&nbsp;

Entering FHSU, she also decided to make the most of the opportunity.&nbsp;During her freshman year of college, she decided to compete for the title of Miss Kansas.&nbsp;

“I finally had&nbsp;the&nbsp;money&nbsp;I needed&nbsp;to pursue the things I wanted to do, so I made a promise to myself to try new things. One of my high school friends had competed, and I saw her confidence grow through her involvement, so I figured,&nbsp;why not?” said Ayanna.

She took a bold leap and entered the world of competitive scholarship pageants, winning the Dodge City/Cowboy Capital/Boot Hill Scholarship Competition in her hometown of Dodge City. She parleyed that success into the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Kansas. She finished second in the 2021 competition.&nbsp;

She re-entered the Miss Kansas competition in 2022, winning the title of Miss Kiowa County and again qualifying for the statewide competition. She won that competition in June of this year, and you might think that might be the culmination of a dream, but it was just the start for Ayanna.&nbsp;

Ayanna’s decision to compete for the Miss Kansas title was not a pursuit of personal fame and glory; it was always going to be about using the platform to make a difference in the lives of children who, like her, are stuck in a cycle of abuse, neglect, and poverty. Each Miss Kansas is required to create a social impact initiative. ACE’s Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences is the title of Ayanna’s initiative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes “ACEs” as adverse childhood experiences that can tremendously impact future violence victimization, perpetration, lifelong health, and opportunity. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect, such as parental substance use, incarceration, and domestic violence.

As the newly crowned Miss Kansas, Ayanna immediately dove into the vital work of advancing her ACE’s&nbsp;low initiative, crisscrossing the state and taking advantage of every opportunity to share the story of her experiences and how her faith has changed her life. She credits her faith with bringing people into her life who helped her reach her potential. She further credits her faith with providing her with a sense of consistency in new and often foreign environments, like scholarship pageants and public speaking tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now four months into her service as Miss Kansas, Ayanna has made frequent appearances in Hays and&nbsp;on the FHSU&nbsp;campus. She was in Hays on September 15 to participate in the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute’s family literacy night at the Hays Masonic Lodge 195. The following day, she was on campus to promote a new FHSU scholarship program for Miss Kansas scholarship competition participants. She returned to campus on September 20 to join K12 education, mental health, and social work professionals for a live-streamed panel discussion on students and trauma.&nbsp;

I had the opportunity to meet Ayanna a few weeks ago, and I was struck by her seemingly boundless energy and her clear-eyed and complete dedication to using her opportunity as Miss&nbsp;Kansas 2022 to do good work and make a difference. That work includes childhood literacy and mentorship through a partnership with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters network in Kansas. But her principal focus will be on bringing awareness to the issue of childhood trauma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This amazing young woman endured and ultimately overcame years of childhood trauma that could have led to despair and getting sucked into the cycle of addiction, abuse, and neglect that had taken so much from her family. Ayanna Hensley personifies the characteristics of the wonderful people I speak about all the time in this column. She is persistent when the going gets tough and finds innovative ways to turn her Miss Kansas opportunity into a catalyst to make impactful change in our communities. And Ayanna does it all with an ethic of care in service to others, demonstrating&nbsp;what it means to approach life with the “heart of a tiger.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Simply put, I created this column so that I could write stories about remarkable people like the reigning Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley. Life for Ayanna was a&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;from the start. She grew up in Dodge City, the child of two parents whose substance abuse issues led to related criminal activity.&nbsp;She never knew what would happen when she got up each day or what awaited her after the school day.&nbsp;“My parents were young, and truthfully neither one of them&nbsp;was&nbsp;anticipating a child. I was the result of a teen pregnancy. Although there have been highs and lows in my relationships with my parents, I am grateful they sacrificed what they could in order to help support me in my endeavors today,” said Ayanna.While other children her age enjoyed birthday parties, sleepovers,&nbsp;and family dinners, she was subject to abuse, neglect, and poverty. Trauma was something the young Ayanna simply had to learn to live with&nbsp;to&nbsp;survive. That was until she entered the second grade. Then, Ayanna encountered one of the first adults who recognized her as a traumatized child and did something to help.&nbsp;Her teacher, Karen Bartholomay, noticed that Ayanna often fell asleep in class, tended to wear the same clothes every day, and couldn’t handle even the slightest disruption or conflict. Karen created a “book club” for her and select classmates. This fed her natural love of reading and helped her develop social skills and relationships with classmates. She also&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;Ayanna to nap when she needed it&nbsp;and provided her&nbsp;with a snack drawer&nbsp;in the classroom she&nbsp;could go to on the days when she had nothing at home to eat. She didn’t know it at the time, but the kindness of Karen Bartholomy instilled in&nbsp;a&nbsp;very young Ayanna a glimmer of hope that life for her didn’t&nbsp;always&nbsp;have to be&nbsp;a struggle.&nbsp;Still, it wasn’t until middle school that Ayanna realized that the dynamics&nbsp;of&nbsp;her life differed from other students. Fortunately for Ayanna, the transition from middle to high school would also serve as a transformative experience for Ayanna. Cross country would be the catalyst for her transformation. She found a “tribe” in athletic competition that welcomed, respected, and supported her. She won her share of races but also learned to become a good teammate and leader. Competitive team sports also created structure and stability she had never known.&nbsp;“Sports instilled consistency and accountability when I needed it most. I found an escape in activities that pushed me to be a better athlete and overall leader,” said Ayanna.As a high school senior, Ayanna earned a prestigious Rudd Scholarship. The Rudd Scholarship is a Kansas program for Kansas residents who qualify for a Pell Grant and have the grit and determination to achieve their long-term goals. She arrived on&nbsp;the FHSU&nbsp;campus in the fall of 2019 with the intention of&nbsp;pursuing her&nbsp;love of dance&nbsp;as a member of&nbsp;the Tiger Debs Dance Team.&nbsp;Entering FHSU, she also decided to make the most of the opportunity.&nbsp;During her freshman year of college, she decided to compete for the title of Miss Kansas.&nbsp;“I finally had&nbsp;the&nbsp;money&nbsp;I needed&nbsp;to pursue the things I wanted to do, so I made a promise to myself to try new things. One of my high school friends had competed, and I saw her confidence grow through her involvement, so I figured,&nbsp;why not?” said Ayanna.She took a bold leap and entered the world of competitive scholarship pageants, winning the Dodge City/Cowboy Capital/Boot Hill Scholarship Competition in her hometown of Dodge City. She parleyed that success into the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Kansas. She finished second in the 2021 competition.&nbsp;She re-entered the Miss Kansas competition in 2022, winning the title of Miss Kiowa County and again qualifying for the statewide competition. She won that competition in June of this year, and you might think that might be the culmination of a dream, but it was just the start for Ayanna.&nbsp;Ayanna’s decision to compete for the Miss Kansas title was not a pursuit of personal fame and glory; it was always going to be about using the platform to make a difference in the lives of children who, like her, are stuck in a cycle of abuse, neglect, and poverty. Each Miss Kansas is required to create a social impact initiative. ACE’s Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences is the title of Ayanna’s initiative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes “ACEs” as adverse childhood experiences that can tremendously impact future violence victimization, perpetration, lifelong health, and opportunity. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect, such as parental substance use, incarceration, and domestic violence.As the newly crowned Miss Kansas, Ayanna immediately dove into the vital work of advancing her ACE’s&nbsp;low initiative, crisscrossing the state and taking advantage of every opportunity to share the story of her experiences and how her faith has changed her life. She credits her faith with bringing people into her life who helped her reach her potential. She further credits her faith with providing her with a sense of consistency in new and often foreign environments, like scholarship pageants and public speaking tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now four months into her service as Miss Kansas, Ayanna has made frequent appearances in Hays and&nbsp;on the FHSU&nbsp;campus. She was in Hays on September 15 to participate in the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute’s family literacy night at the Hays Masonic Lodge 195. The following day, she was on campus to promote a new FHSU scholarship program for Miss Kansas scholarship competition participants. She returned to campus on September 20 to join K12 education, mental health, and social work professionals for a live-streamed panel discussion on students and trauma.&nbsp;I had the opportunity to meet Ayanna a few weeks ago, and I was struck by her seemingly boundless energy and her clear-eyed and complete dedication to using her opportunity as Miss&nbsp;Kansas 2022 to do good work and make a difference. That work includes childhood literacy and mentorship through a partnership with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters network in Kansas. But her principal focus will be on bringing awareness to the issue of childhood trauma.&nbsp;&nbsp;This amazing young woman endured and ultimately overcame years of childhood trauma that could have led to despair and getting sucked into the cycle of addiction, abuse, and neglect that had taken so much from her family. Ayanna Hensley personifies the characteristics of the wonderful people I speak about all the time in this column. She is persistent when the going gets tough and finds innovative ways to turn her Miss Kansas opportunity into a catalyst to make impactful change in our communities. And Ayanna does it all with an ethic of care in service to others, demonstrating&nbsp;what it means to approach life with the “heart of a tiger.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: Meet Ayanna Hensley

It's that time of year again. Time for the 52nd annual Drive for helping people with intellectual disabilities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

From Oct. 14 to 16, local Knights of Columbus members will hand out tootsie rolls in front of many businesses in Hays. Donations received from the Tootsie Roll weekend will benefit the intellectually disabled.

Eighty percent of the money collected stays in Hays and is given to local organizations that work with these special citizens. The balance of the money goes in our state "Commitment to Humanity" fund. This fund helps finance projects like the Special Olympics. Last year, the Knights of Columbus underwrote the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays with an amount around $23,000.

The 2023 tournament will be March 18 in Hays.

Knights of ColumbusIt's that time of year again. Time for the 52nd annual Drive for helping people with intellectual disabilities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.From Oct. 14 to 16, local Knights of Columbus members will hand out tootsie rolls in front of many businesses in Hays. Donations received from the Tootsie Roll weekend will benefit the intellectually disabled.Eighty percent of the money collected stays in Hays and is given to local organizations that work with these special citizens. The balance of the money goes in our state "Commitment to Humanity" fund. This fund helps finance projects like the Special Olympics. Last year, the Knights of Columbus underwrote the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays with an amount around $23,000.The 2023 tournament will be March 18 in Hays.Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

KoC weekend Tootsie Roll program to raise money for Special Olympics

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.

The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.

The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies.

"Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery.

"The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809523581.png" alt="Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive." />
 <figcaption>Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">
<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664837188306.png"/>
</a></div>To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies."Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery."The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809714527.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Schmidt Foundation gift will aid Ian recovery efforts

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University sent a reorganization plan for its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to the Kansas Board of Regents on Monday.

The plan consolidates the college's departments from 11 to five in response to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">declines in enrollment</a> and as a preemptive measure to likely consolidation and program cuts that will be recommended to the regents by a consulting company at the end of the year.

The recommendation would create the following departments and schools: • Department of English and Modern Languages • Department of History and Philosophy • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology • School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art and design, music and theater)

The university chose to identify schools as those consolidated programs with 150 majors or more.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">The consolidation process was announced in the spring with students and faculty packing at least two meetings expressing concerns about the proposal.</a>

At that time, administrators said they planned to slow the process. Although some changes have been made to the original recommendations made in the spring, the main tenets of the restructuring remain the same.

Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented a more sparsely attended audience the final plan to faculty Monday.

Arensdorf said the university had no plans to fire any staff or faculty — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2d790f37-173d-4569-8fe5-48137bb35063">a concern after Emporia State University in September suspended tenure and laid off 33 professors</a>.

Although some faculty had expressed excitement about the possibility for collaboration under the restructuring, Arensdorf said some faculty said nothing about the reorganization excited them.

Some of the concerns expressed in weeks leading up to the announcement of the final proposal Monday were proposed name changes for the departments and schools, marketing concerns, timing and speed of the change, loss of department identity, loss of resources and positions, and potential conflicts within departments, according to official feedback to the administration.

Arensdorf said the university is evaluating budgets, leadership and the number of support staff that will be needed under the consolidation, which the is scheduled to be implemented by June 2023.

The plan will not cut cost immediately but could do so over time, Arensdorf said.

"While this is a concern from some of you, there have been no actions to cut positions or to cut resources based on this reorganization," Arensdorf said.

The university has already left two administrative assistant positions in the college vacant as a result of resignations. The university could also reap salary savings over time with the changes in leadership, Arensdorf said.

"What is not clear yet is how many administrative assistants are going to be needed for each of these units," Arensdorf said. "That is an example of another thing that we will be working through over the next few months —&nbsp; to think through what kind of [full-time equivalent] support that we need in these new units as well as how do we staff the programs appropriately.

"Just like we do when faculty resign, right now we are vetting those positions very clearly and making sure we are making good fiscal decisions as well as human decisions for the institution."

Arensdorf presented recommended leadership and administrative assistant staff levels in her presentation Monday — a point of concern for many student and faculty early in the planning process.

The university has recommended: • Department of English and Modern Languages have a chair and program coordinator with one administrative assistant. • Department of History and Philosophy have a chair and program coordinator with one or two administrative assistants. • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science have a chair and program coordinator with one to 1.5 administrative assistants. • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology be co-chaired with two to three administrative assistants • School of Visual and Performing Arts be co-chaired with two administrative assistants.

Only department structures and names will be presented to the regents. Staffing and leadership decisions are left to the discretion of the university.

Arensdorf said FHSU is not following the lead of Emporia State University.

"This plan does not have anyone being fired," she said. "This plan might have people's roles and responsibilities changing, but it doesn't have anyone being fired."

The university's reorganization plan will go through two other regents subgroups before being considered by the regents likely in December. This is same meeting that consultant rpk is scheduled to present its findings to the regents.

Arensdorf said university administrators decided to propose the program changes before the rpk report is unveiled, because it looks proactive and is less risky than waiting to make changes after the report.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University sent a reorganization plan for its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to the Kansas Board of Regents on Monday.The plan consolidates the college's departments from 11 to five in response to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">declines in enrollment</a> and as a preemptive measure to likely consolidation and program cuts that will be recommended to the regents by a consulting company at the end of the year.The recommendation would create the following departments and schools: • Department of English and Modern Languages • Department of History and Philosophy • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology • School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art and design, music and theater)The university chose to identify schools as those consolidated programs with 150 majors or more. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">The consolidation process was announced in the spring with students and faculty packing at least two meetings expressing concerns about the proposal.</a>At that time, administrators said they planned to slow the process. Although some changes have been made to the original recommendations made in the spring, the main tenets of the restructuring remain the same.Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented a more sparsely attended audience the final plan to faculty Monday.Arensdorf said the university had no plans to fire any staff or faculty — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2d790f37-173d-4569-8fe5-48137bb35063">a concern after Emporia State University in September suspended tenure and laid off 33 professors</a>.Although some faculty had expressed excitement about the possibility for collaboration under the restructuring, Arensdorf said some faculty said nothing about the reorganization excited them.Some of the concerns expressed in weeks leading up to the announcement of the final proposal Monday were proposed name changes for the departments and schools, marketing concerns, timing and speed of the change, loss of department identity, loss of resources and positions, and potential conflicts within departments, according to official feedback to the administration. Arensdorf said the university is evaluating budgets, leadership and the number of support staff that will be needed under the consolidation, which the is scheduled to be implemented by June 2023.The plan will not cut cost immediately but could do so over time, Arensdorf said. "While this is a concern from some of you, there have been no actions to cut positions or to cut resources based on this reorganization," Arensdorf said. The university has already left two administrative assistant positions in the college vacant as a result of resignations. The university could also reap salary savings over time with the changes in leadership, Arensdorf said. "What is not clear yet is how many administrative assistants are going to be needed for each of these units," Arensdorf said. "That is an example of another thing that we will be working through over the next few months —&nbsp; to think through what kind of [full-time equivalent] support that we need in these new units as well as how do we staff the programs appropriately."Just like we do when faculty resign, right now we are vetting those positions very clearly and making sure we are making good fiscal decisions as well as human decisions for the institution." Arensdorf presented recommended leadership and administrative assistant staff levels in her presentation Monday — a point of concern for many student and faculty early in the planning process. The university has recommended: • Department of English and Modern Languages have a chair and program coordinator with one administrative assistant. • Department of History and Philosophy have a chair and program coordinator with one or two administrative assistants. • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science have a chair and program coordinator with one to 1.5 administrative assistants. • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology be co-chaired with two to three administrative assistants • School of Visual and Performing Arts be co-chaired with two administrative assistants.Only department structures and names will be presented to the regents. Staffing and leadership decisions are left to the discretion of the university.Arensdorf said FHSU is not following the lead of Emporia State University."This plan does not have anyone being fired," she said. "This plan might have people's roles and responsibilities changing, but it doesn't have anyone being fired."The university's reorganization plan will go through two other regents subgroups before being considered by the regents likely in December. This is same meeting that consultant rpk is scheduled to present its findings to the regents.Arensdorf said university administrators decided to propose the program changes before the rpk report is unveiled, because it looks proactive and is less risky than waiting to make changes after the report.

FHSU provost: No faculty cuts planned in light of college reorganization

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced a grant of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation to benefit three of their group living locations. &nbsp;

With the grant funds, DSNWK will upgrade two group living locations in Hill City. &nbsp;These projects will create greater accessibility for the people who reside there and improve the ability of support staff to better monitor daily activities, providing greater safety. &nbsp;New exterior siding will yield lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency&nbsp;for these two locations. &nbsp;The grant will also support new flooring at one of DSNWK’s group homes in Russell. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Providing greater functionality and accessibility for the people we serve is always a top priority,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for supporting our efforts to make these essential upgrades, which provides the individuals, who reside in these locations, the healthiest and safest living arrangements possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced a grant of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation to benefit three of their group living locations. &nbsp;With the grant funds, DSNWK will upgrade two group living locations in Hill City. &nbsp;These projects will create greater accessibility for the people who reside there and improve the ability of support staff to better monitor daily activities, providing greater safety. &nbsp;New exterior siding will yield lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency&nbsp;for these two locations. &nbsp;The grant will also support new flooring at one of DSNWK’s group homes in Russell. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Providing greater functionality and accessibility for the people we serve is always a top priority,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for supporting our efforts to make these essential upgrades, which provides the individuals, who reside in these locations, the healthiest and safest living arrangements possible.”

DSNWK receives $100K Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d9de4e8-2791-4788-bd53-b14686b086cf">UPDATE Thursday: Hays PD releases additional details about standoff</a>

An hours-long standoff in Hays Wednesday ended with a subject transported from the scene via ambulance.

Police first responded to the scene at around 5:30 p.m. on the report of an altercation at an apartment in the 300 block of West Eighth.

Upon the officers' arrival, the suspect entered the residence and refused to leave.

Area law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police and Hays Police Department secured several blocks around the building and negotiated with the subject for over three hours before he exited the home around 9:30 p.m.

Ellis County Emergency Medical Services and the Hays Fire Department were also on scene to assist.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665631457559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d9de4e8-2791-4788-bd53-b14686b086cf">UPDATE Thursday: Hays PD releases additional details about standoff</a>Hays PostAn hours-long standoff in Hays Wednesday ended with a subject transported from the scene via ambulance.Police first responded to the scene at around 5:30 p.m. on the report of an altercation at an apartment in the 300 block of West Eighth.Upon the officers' arrival, the suspect entered the residence and refused to leave.Area law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police and Hays Police Department secured several blocks around the building and negotiated with the subject for over three hours before he exited the home around 9:30 p.m.Ellis County Emergency Medical Services and the Hays Fire Department were also on scene to assist.This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665631439143.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Suspect taken into custody after hours-long standoff in Hays

Free cancer screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh. 

The free cancer screenings are open to the public and hosted by Hays Masonic Lodge No. 195, Masonic Cancer Alliance and The University of Kansas Cancer Center. No appointments are necessary. Lodge members and staff from MCA are teaming up with health professionals from the University of Kansas Medical Center to provide health services that include: • Skin and Prostate Cancer Screenings • Colon Cancer Take-Home Screening Kits • Tobacco Cessation Information • And More Area Masons work with staff from the MCA, the outreach network of KU Cancer Center, and the Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate many of the free screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages.

According to Brooke Groneman, MCA outreach director, over 20,000 Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day, and nearly 250 of those are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in Kansas, and the region has higher than average rates of skin cancer compared to other parts of the country. When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified with a possible health concern at one of the free cancer screenings is advised by the screening team to follow up with his/her local physician. For more information, call Chris Neeley at 785-259-2067.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665495398882.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>News releaseFree cancer screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh. The free cancer screenings are open to the public and hosted by Hays Masonic Lodge No. 195, Masonic Cancer Alliance and The University of Kansas Cancer Center. No appointments are necessary. Lodge members and staff from MCA are teaming up with health professionals from the University of Kansas Medical Center to provide health services that include: • Skin and Prostate Cancer Screenings • Colon Cancer Take-Home Screening Kits • Tobacco Cessation Information • And More Area Masons work with staff from the MCA, the outreach network of KU Cancer Center, and the Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate many of the free screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages. According to Brooke Groneman, MCA outreach director, over 20,000 Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day, and nearly 250 of those are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control reports that cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in Kansas, and the region has higher than average rates of skin cancer compared to other parts of the country. When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified with a possible health concern at one of the free cancer screenings is advised by the screening team to follow up with his/her local physician. For more information, call Chris Neeley at 785-259-2067.

Masons will offer free cancer screening next month in Hays

GOODLAND — Northwest Tech Engineering Students once again are preparing for the annual haunted house.&nbsp; The students plan, build props, and set up a haunted house for the Goodland community to enjoy. This event is also a fundraiser for Genesis of Sherman County. &nbsp;

“Each year this event allows for students to work together in teams to plan, design, and implement a large project.&nbsp; Not only are students learning skills of project management, communication, and designing, but students are also being involved in a community based event that helps local families in need.” said Engineering Instructor Mike Zimmerman.

Everyone is invited to come out and experience the haunted house. It will be hosted in the animal barn at the Sherman County Fairgrounds on Oct.r 28 and 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to go through the haunted house with the lights on and no jump-scares both nights from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person or three cans of food per person. All canned food and money collected will be donated to benefit Genesis of Sherman County.&nbsp;

“Our students are very excited to work on this project this year,” Zimmerman said. “We hope to see everyone there and having a fun time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665013237098.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseGOODLAND — Northwest Tech Engineering Students once again are preparing for the annual haunted house.&nbsp; The students plan, build props, and set up a haunted house for the Goodland community to enjoy. This event is also a fundraiser for Genesis of Sherman County. &nbsp;“Each year this event allows for students to work together in teams to plan, design, and implement a large project.&nbsp; Not only are students learning skills of project management, communication, and designing, but students are also being involved in a community based event that helps local families in need.” said Engineering Instructor Mike Zimmerman.Everyone is invited to come out and experience the haunted house. It will be hosted in the animal barn at the Sherman County Fairgrounds on Oct.r 28 and 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to go through the haunted house with the lights on and no jump-scares both nights from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person or three cans of food per person. All canned food and money collected will be donated to benefit Genesis of Sherman County.&nbsp;“Our students are very excited to work on this project this year,” Zimmerman said. “We hope to see everyone there and having a fun time.”

Northwest Tech set to host annual haunted house

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665605214743.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

Chamber workshop will focus on workplace recruitment

The Hays school board discussed a proposal Monday night to stock Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opiod overdose, at all USD 489 schools.

School nurses and other district medical staff will be trained to administer the drug, which is a nasal spray. All schools are staffed with some type of medical staff daily.

"It can be life-saving," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We can reverse those affects almost immediately if we have that in all our buildings."

Narcan does not have side effects if a person is not suffering an overdose.

The cost of the drug is $50 per dose and has a shelf life of two years.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said having the Narcan at the schools is similar to having AED at schools.

Some districts have only stocked the medication in middle and high schools. 

Board member Lori Hertel noted some opioids are being manufactured in rainbow colors and resemble candy.

Wilson said he wanted to make sure the Narcan was available in instances of even unintentional overdoses.

The board had first reading of the proposal at its meeting Monday night and is set to vote on final approval at its next meeting on Oct 24.

The board approved $2.4 million for HVAC improvements at Wilson Elementary School.

The district had intended on doing a second phase of HVAC improvements to the current high school. However, a bond passed that will convert the current high school into a middle school. A new high school also will be built as part of the bond.

District officials urged the board to delay the work at the current high school building as walls will likely be moved when that building is renovated into a middle school.

Wilson is set to be closed as an elementary school once the bond projects are complete. However, the district plans to move its administrative office into the Wilson once it is closed as a school.

Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, said the Wilson HVAC system was in the most need of replacement.

The work on the HVAC system will be done this summer and give the students who attend the school during the next two years better heating and cooling.

Wilson is not set to be renovated under the bond. Administrative offices will require a lesser HVAC load than classrooms, so the district is working with the engineers to design the new system for the building's future use.

Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board discussed a proposal Monday night to stock Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opiod overdose, at all USD 489 schools.School nurses and other district medical staff will be trained to administer the drug, which is a nasal spray. All schools are staffed with some type of medical staff daily. "It can be life-saving," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We can reverse those affects almost immediately if we have that in all our buildings."Narcan does not have side effects if a person is not suffering an overdose.The cost of the drug is $50 per dose and has a shelf life of two years. Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said having the Narcan at the schools is similar to having AED at schools.Some districts have only stocked the medication in middle and high schools. Board member Lori Hertel noted some opioids are being manufactured in rainbow colors and resemble candy.Wilson said he wanted to make sure the Narcan was available in instances of even unintentional overdoses. The board had first reading of the proposal at its meeting Monday night and is set to vote on final approval at its next meeting on Oct 24. <h2>Wilson HVAC</h2>The board approved $2.4 million for HVAC improvements at Wilson Elementary School.The district had intended on doing a second phase of HVAC improvements to the current high school. However, a bond passed that will convert the current high school into a middle school. A new high school also will be built as part of the bond.District officials urged the board to delay the work at the current high school building as walls will likely be moved when that building is renovated into a middle school.Wilson is set to be closed as an elementary school once the bond projects are complete. However, the district plans to move its administrative office into the Wilson once it is closed as a school.Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, said the Wilson HVAC system was in the most need of replacement.The work on the HVAC system will be done this summer and give the students who attend the school during the next two years better heating and cooling.Wilson is not set to be renovated under the bond. Administrative offices will require a lesser HVAC load than classrooms, so the district is working with the engineers to design the new system for the building's future use.Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

Hays USD 489 considers stocking Narcan at schools

Forum is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a>

Forum is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7fyXoJppI4"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Video courtesy Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 WATCH: 111th Kansas House candidate forum in Hays

<div>  <script src="https://embed-1007173.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="d8b53748-1259-4103-bf0b-6595ccd4ac8e" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Oct. 1 to 7. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,874 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665593057233.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Oct. 1 to 7. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,874 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665593084334.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: New COVID-19 cases in Ellis Co. continue to decline

Chicken restaurant also planned for former Mokas building

A new pizza restaurant will be opening in the little Dillons strip mall, 515 W. 27th, within the next two weeks.

Jacob Proffitt will be opening Little Dinero Pizzeria, which he said is meant to be an affordable pizza option.

The menu will include pizza-by-the-slice, as well as grab-and-go hot pizzas during the dinner hour.

Little Dinero's menu will also include specialty pizzas, including a crab rangoon and cheeseburger pizza, which will be a little more expensive than some of the more basic options, Proffitt said.

Proffitt said he doesn't want to compete with existing pizza places in Hays. He said Little Dinero will have its own niche.

All of the ingredients will be made in-house, including the sauce and dough. Little Dinero's crust will be somewhere between a thin crust and a hand-tossed.

"We try to hit all palettes," Proffitt said. "It is more like what a homemade pizza would be."

Proffitt said he wants to focus on affordability for families.

"The cost of pizza has really skyrocketed in this area," he said. "With the economy and interest rates going up, it's going to be a little tighter for families."

The name "Little Dinero" is supposed to mean "little money," Proffitt said.

Proffitt said he is planning a meal deal with two large pizzas, dessert sticks and a bottle of pop for about $20. A pizza slice and soda will run about $5.

"I wanted to do a good price-point pizza not only for the college students but for the community," Proffitt said.

There are also no other restaurants in the area of town where Little Dinero is opening, Proffitt said.

Little Dinero won't open with delivery, but Proffitt said he plans to add that service once the business gets up and running.

Proffitt remodeled two storefronts, knocking down a wall to create one open space. His company did major renovations to the storefronts, including new plumping and accessible bathrooms. Proffitt has signed a long-term lease on the storefronts, which have remained vacant most of the life of the complex.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/littledinero">You can follow Little Dinero on Facebook. </a>

Proffitt purchased and is remodeling the former Mokas building, 1230 E. 27th in Hays, into a chicken restaurant.

The restaurant has yet to be named. Proffitt said he hopes to have the eatery open after the first of the year.

He hopes to feature boneless chicken wings and chicken strips with traditional sides and fresh-baked pies.

Both hand-dipped buttermilk breaded strips and grilled chicken options will be available.

"Everything will be homemade, super-great quality," he said.

Proffitt said he did not want the new chicken restaurant to compete with JD's Chicken or&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9e61853-56ad-44ae-896c-b88483aa5269">Popeye's, which is coming soon to the strip mall in front of the Hilton Garden Inn</a>.

"The worst thing we could do is hurt another business," he said. "That's the worst thing we could do."

Proffitt said he is always trying to grow the community.

"If I can break even, I'm in," he said. ... "Money has never been our motivator. It's more of growing the community."

Proffitt also owns Auman Company, Taco Grande, Tiger Burger, Bricks Rockin' BBQ, Gari's Donuts and Munsch Fitness in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665431883801.jpeg" alt="Little Dinero's Pizzeria is set to open in the next two weeks at 515 W. 27th behind the Little Dillons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Little Dinero's Pizzeria is set to open in the next two weeks at 515 W. 27th behind the Little Dillons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chicken restaurant also planned for former Mokas building</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new pizza restaurant will be opening in the little Dillons strip mall, 515 W. 27th, within the next two weeks.Jacob Proffitt will be opening Little Dinero Pizzeria, which he said is meant to be an affordable pizza option.The menu will include pizza-by-the-slice, as well as grab-and-go hot pizzas during the dinner hour.Little Dinero's menu will also include specialty pizzas, including a crab rangoon and cheeseburger pizza, which will be a little more expensive than some of the more basic options, Proffitt said.Proffitt said he doesn't want to compete with existing pizza places in Hays. He said Little Dinero will have its own niche.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665432012423.jpeg" alt="Little Dinero's new kitchen. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Little Dinero's new kitchen. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>All of the ingredients will be made in-house, including the sauce and dough. Little Dinero's crust will be somewhere between a thin crust and a hand-tossed."We try to hit all palettes," Proffitt said. "It is more like what a homemade pizza would be." Proffitt said he wants to focus on affordability for families."The cost of pizza has really skyrocketed in this area," he said. "With the economy and interest rates going up, it's going to be a little tighter for families."The name "Little Dinero" is supposed to mean "little money," Proffitt said. Proffitt said he is planning a meal deal with two large pizzas, dessert sticks and a bottle of pop for about $20. A pizza slice and soda will run about $5. "I wanted to do a good price-point pizza not only for the college students but for the community," Proffitt said.There are also no other restaurants in the area of town where Little Dinero is opening, Proffitt said.Little Dinero won't open with delivery, but Proffitt said he plans to add that service once the business gets up and running.Proffitt remodeled two storefronts, knocking down a wall to create one open space. His company did major renovations to the storefronts, including new plumping and accessible bathrooms. Proffitt has signed a long-term lease on the storefronts, which have remained vacant most of the life of the complex.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/littledinero">You can follow Little Dinero on Facebook. </a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665432052709.jpeg" alt="The newly remodeled dining area of the former Mokas building. It is set to open as a chicken restaurant after the first of the year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The newly remodeled dining area of the former Mokas building. It is set to open as a chicken restaurant after the first of the year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chicken restaurant</h2>Proffitt purchased and is remodeling the former Mokas building, 1230 E. 27th in Hays, into a chicken restaurant.The restaurant has yet to be named. Proffitt said he hopes to have the eatery open after the first of the year.He hopes to feature boneless chicken wings and chicken strips with traditional sides and fresh-baked pies. Both hand-dipped buttermilk breaded strips and grilled chicken options will be available."Everything will be homemade, super-great quality," he said.Proffitt said he did not want the new chicken restaurant to compete with JD's Chicken or&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9e61853-56ad-44ae-896c-b88483aa5269">Popeye's, which is coming soon to the strip mall in front of the Hilton Garden Inn</a>."The worst thing we could do is hurt another business," he said. "That's the worst thing we could do."Proffitt said he is always trying to grow the community."If I can break even, I'm in," he said. ... "Money has never been our motivator. It's more of growing the community." Proffitt also owns Auman Company, Taco Grande, Tiger Burger, Bricks Rockin' BBQ, Gari's Donuts and Munsch Fitness in Hays.

Little Dinero Pizzeria to offer affordable grab-and-go options in west Hays

RUSSELL COUNTY — A man died in a construction site accident just after 2 p.m. Tuesday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Caterpillar 940B driven by Tyler Darren Jennings, 28, Valley Falls, Kansas, was traveling north up a hill at a construction site&nbsp;east of U.S. Highway 281 north of the river.

For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost power, rolled down a hill to the south and struck another Caterpillar 940 driven by 57-year-old Jose N. Ramirez Navarrete.

A man identified as a passenger of the second Caterpillar 53-year-old Hector Cesar Fraire Montelongo of Mesquite, New Mexico, was injured and airlifted to Russell Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The KHP reported it was unknown if&nbsp; Fraire Montelongo was on the Caterpillar's platform or on the ground next to the vehicle&nbsp; at time of collision.

RUSSELL COUNTY — A man died in a construction site accident just after 2 p.m. Tuesday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Caterpillar 940B driven by Tyler Darren Jennings, 28, Valley Falls, Kansas, was traveling north up a hill at a construction site&nbsp;east of U.S. Highway 281 north of the river.For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost power, rolled down a hill to the south and struck another Caterpillar 940 driven by 57-year-old Jose N. Ramirez Navarrete.A man identified as a passenger of the second Caterpillar 53-year-old Hector Cesar Fraire Montelongo of Mesquite, New Mexico, was injured and airlifted to Russell Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.The KHP reported it was unknown if&nbsp; Fraire Montelongo was on the Caterpillar's platform or on the ground next to the vehicle&nbsp; at time of collision.Jennings and Navarrete were not injured.

Man dead after accident at Russell Co. construction site 

The Hays USD 489 school district reported a 16 percent increase in the number of students qualifying for free meals compared to the 2018-19 — the last full school year before the pandemic.

The number of students receiving free lunches jumped from 926 in 2018-19 to 1,078 as of Sept. 20.

The USDA has provided free meals for all students for at least a portion of the last three years. This is the first year since the pandemic families will be required to pay full prices for meals.

Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said she thought the increase was due to a change in how the state qualifies children for free meals as well as an increase in food need in the community.

"Inflation has hit us all pretty hard," Younker said. "Going from free meals to paid can mean about $400 or $500 a year depending on if the kid eats breakfast or lunch."

The state automatically qualifies students who are from families receiving food assistance and are in foster care for free schools meals. This year, the state added any students who also receive Medicaid to that list of automatic qualifiers.

Younker said that increased the number of students receiving free meals to some degree.

The income guidelines have also been adjusted during the last few years, which also might have qualified more students for free meals.

Younker said she thought the increase in free meal applications is a result of more food need in the community. S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1fb8f53-1309-47cb-8b64-a714b9e7518b">he said this has been reflected in increased demand at local food pantries.</a>

"The need for food in our community has definitely gone up with the cost of groceries going up. It's harder to put food on the table for a lot of families," she said. "I think this reflects that."

Some district schools participate in Food for Kids, which is a program through the Kansas Food Bank. Backpacks full of food are sent home with qualifying children each weekend. Hays High and Middle schools also have their own on-site food closets to help families in need.

These programs are organized on a school-by-school basis, Younker said.

Reduced-price meals have stayed comparably steady, Younker said. 

Lincoln Elementary School has the highest concentration of students qualifying for free and reduced-cost meals — 62 percent of students qualify for free meals and another 11 percent qualify for reduced-price meals.

The rest of the schools in the district have in the 30 percent range of students qualifying for free meals. Eight to 10 percent of the other schools' students qualify for reduced-cost meals.

Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, also reported on Sept. 20 enrollment numbers to the school board Monday, saying the district enrollment remains steady.

Hays High School saw the largest increase in students with a large freshmen class of 266 students.

Families can apply for free or reduced-price school meals at any point in the school year. An online application is available at <a href="http://www.ezmealapp.com">www.ezmealapp.com</a>.

Feature photo courtesy of Pixabay

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district reported a 16 percent increase in the number of students qualifying for free meals compared to the 2018-19 — the last full school year before the pandemic.The number of students receiving free lunches jumped from 926 in 2018-19 to 1,078 as of Sept. 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665516831359.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 " />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 </figcaption>
 </figure>The USDA has provided free meals for all students for at least a portion of the last three years. This is the first year since the pandemic families will be required to pay full prices for meals.Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said she thought the increase was due to a change in how the state qualifies children for free meals as well as an increase in food need in the community."Inflation has hit us all pretty hard," Younker said. "Going from free meals to paid can mean about $400 or $500 a year depending on if the kid eats breakfast or lunch."The state automatically qualifies students who are from families receiving food assistance and are in foster care for free schools meals. This year, the state added any students who also receive Medicaid to that list of automatic qualifiers.Younker said that increased the number of students receiving free meals to some degree.The income guidelines have also been adjusted during the last few years, which also might have qualified more students for free meals.Younker said she thought the increase in free meal applications is a result of more food need in the community. S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1fb8f53-1309-47cb-8b64-a714b9e7518b">he said this has been reflected in increased demand at local food pantries.</a>"The need for food in our community has definitely gone up with the cost of groceries going up. It's harder to put food on the table for a lot of families," she said. "I think this reflects that."Some district schools participate in Food for Kids, which is a program through the Kansas Food Bank. Backpacks full of food are sent home with qualifying children each weekend. Hays High and Middle schools also have their own on-site food closets to help families in need.These programs are organized on a school-by-school basis, Younker said. Reduced-price meals have stayed comparably steady, Younker said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665518836798.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 " />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln Elementary School has the highest concentration of students qualifying for free and reduced-cost meals — 62 percent of students qualify for free meals and another 11 percent qualify for reduced-price meals.The rest of the schools in the district have in the 30 percent range of students qualifying for free meals. Eight to 10 percent of the other schools' students qualify for reduced-cost meals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665519098614.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, also reported on Sept. 20 enrollment numbers to the school board Monday, saying the district enrollment remains steady.Hays High School saw the largest increase in students with a large freshmen class of 266 students.Families can apply for free or reduced-price school meals at any point in the school year. An online application is available at <a href="http://www.ezmealapp.com">www.ezmealapp.com</a>. Feature photo courtesy of Pixabay

Number of students receiving free lunches in Hays USD 489 jumps

Dr. Joel Fort, obstetrician/gynecologist, was recently named the 2022 Physician Preceptor of the Year by Wichita State University College of Health Professions, Department of Physician Assistant.

The Physician Assistant program at Wichita State relies on providers who serve as clinical rotation preceptors and mentors for their students.&nbsp; The students work closely with preceptors, progressively developing the skills and clinical judgment needed to become practicing PAs.&nbsp; Preceptors play a vital role in the education of students and mentoring future colleagues.

Fort is a newer perception for the program but has quickly made an impact on students.&nbsp;

“He put the utmost effort, care, and time into my clinical education experience in the time I spent with him, even going as far as to purchase our OB/GYN book and highlight it beforehand with things he felt most important that I know,” commented a student. “He invested time during his one afternoon off a week to sit down and go through topics with me, rather than spending time to catch up on things he needed to do himself. He trusted me to first assist in surgery, and I felt my skills improved so much in my time with him. He truly cares about his students.”

Fort has been with HaysMed since 1999 and practices in the Women’s Clinic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665437324769.jpeg" alt="Fort" />
 <figcaption>Fort</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedDr. Joel Fort, obstetrician/gynecologist, was recently named the 2022 Physician Preceptor of the Year by Wichita State University College of Health Professions, Department of Physician Assistant.The Physician Assistant program at Wichita State relies on providers who serve as clinical rotation preceptors and mentors for their students.&nbsp; The students work closely with preceptors, progressively developing the skills and clinical judgment needed to become practicing PAs.&nbsp; Preceptors play a vital role in the education of students and mentoring future colleagues.Fort is a newer perception for the program but has quickly made an impact on students.&nbsp;“He put the utmost effort, care, and time into my clinical education experience in the time I spent with him, even going as far as to purchase our OB/GYN book and highlight it beforehand with things he felt most important that I know,” commented a student. “He invested time during his one afternoon off a week to sit down and go through topics with me, rather than spending time to catch up on things he needed to do himself. He trusted me to first assist in surgery, and I felt my skills improved so much in my time with him. He truly cares about his students.”Fort has been with HaysMed since 1999 and practices in the Women’s Clinic.

HaysMed physician named Preceptor of the Year 

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — The goal of a 
good sports official is to remain invisible; to act as a fair and 
competent arbiter of the rules. But that goal becomes more difficult as 
those with a stake in the outcome of the game - parents, coaches, and 
athletes - become more vocal. 

Groups like the National Federation
 of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Kansas State High School 
Activities Association (KSHSAA) are making a social media push to "bench
 bad behavior" in an effort to recruit and keep more officials. As the 
slogan goes, "With no high school officials, there can be no high school
 sports." In February, the NFHS reported that 50,000 officials 
nationwide had discontinued their service since the 2018-19 school year.

Great
 Bend High School Activities Director Matt Westerhaus has seen the 
impact at his new job and at his old position at Junction City High 
School.

"I have observed a decline in the availability of 
officials at all levels, varsity and sub-varsity," he said. "At both 
places, we have been very fortunate to have local people to help out 
with our sub-varsity schedules for officiating.  Varsity officials need 
to be registered with KSHSAA, sub-varsity officials do not need to be 
registered, and that level provides a great opportunity for officials to
 get their feet in the door, learn the game and then hopefully move up 
to be able to help at the varsity level."

Mark Goodheart assigns 
officials for three leagues in central and western Kansas: the Western 
Athletic Conference, Central Kansas League, and Central Prairie League. 
Bad sportsmanship has always been an issue, but Goodheart said a new 
challenge is for officials to find coverage at their full-time jobs so 
they can leave early to cover games. That particularly impacts 
non-varsity level sports.

"I think there's always been somewhat of
 a shortage, but I think it got more critical during COVID," he said. 
"We had begun to pick up a few more people in the last few years. 
Varsity officials, we can usually cover."

A shortage at the 
beginner level of officiating ultimately leads to a shortage at the 
varsity level. Young officials are turning away from the job because of 
an increasingly hostile atmosphere.

"Kids tell me I sometimes 
don't like how my coaches yell at me, I don't like how my parents yell 
at people," Goodheart said. "I just don't want to get yelled at. That's 
the hard part."

Goodheart got his start in officiating as a 
college kid wanting to make money. Then it grew into a passion. 
Athletics are important to communities, coaches, parents, and the 
athletes themselves. They are also important to the people trying to 
ensure fairness by enforcing the rules.

"Officials just want to go
 out and do the best job they can do," Goodheart said. "It's kind of 
like any job that anybody takes. No one takes a job and tries to fail at
 it."

There are many ways to boost the number of officials. 
Goodheart said female officials are an untapped resource, and 
organizations like KSHSAA offer plenty of training opportunities for new
 officials. Westerhaus said it's also about creating a positive culture 
so new officials stay in the game and get better.

"We need to 
continue to recruit, and encourage those that have a love for a sport or
 sports to give back by officiating," he said. "As schools, we also want
 to ensure that we make those early opportunities for officials as 
rewarding and as positive as possible. Fans, coaches, players, and 
administrators all play a part in providing a great atmosphere for not 
only our teams, but a positive, understanding atmosphere for beginning 
officials, so we encourage them to continue in their pursuit to provide a
 much-needed service to our educationally-based athletic programs. 

"I
 encourage anyone that may have an interest in officiating to reach out 
to a coach, activities directors, the Activities Association so that we 
can get them in touch with the right people to get them started."  

Goodheart
 said more teams have been appreciative of officials lately. Something 
as small as a "thank you" from athletes and coaches goes a long way. 
That and the camaraderie of officials, he said, make the job worth 
doing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665501994804.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — The goal of a 
good sports official is to remain invisible; to act as a fair and 
competent arbiter of the rules. But that goal becomes more difficult as 
those with a stake in the outcome of the game - parents, coaches, and 
athletes - become more vocal. Groups like the National Federation
 of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Kansas State High School 
Activities Association (KSHSAA) are making a social media push to "bench
 bad behavior" in an effort to recruit and keep more officials. As the 
slogan goes, "With no high school officials, there can be no high school
 sports." In February, the NFHS reported that 50,000 officials 
nationwide had discontinued their service since the 2018-19 school year.Great
 Bend High School Activities Director Matt Westerhaus has seen the 
impact at his new job and at his old position at Junction City High 
School."I have observed a decline in the availability of 
officials at all levels, varsity and sub-varsity," he said. "At both 
places, we have been very fortunate to have local people to help out 
with our sub-varsity schedules for officiating. Varsity officials need 
to be registered with KSHSAA, sub-varsity officials do not need to be 
registered, and that level provides a great opportunity for officials to
 get their feet in the door, learn the game and then hopefully move up 
to be able to help at the varsity level."Mark Goodheart assigns 
officials for three leagues in central and western Kansas: the Western 
Athletic Conference, Central Kansas League, and Central Prairie League. 
Bad sportsmanship has always been an issue, but Goodheart said a new 
challenge is for officials to find coverage at their full-time jobs so 
they can leave early to cover games. That particularly impacts 
non-varsity level sports."I think there's always been somewhat of
 a shortage, but I think it got more critical during COVID," he said. 
"We had begun to pick up a few more people in the last few years. 
Varsity officials, we can usually cover."A shortage at the 
beginner level of officiating ultimately leads to a shortage at the 
varsity level. Young officials are turning away from the job because of 
an increasingly hostile atmosphere."Kids tell me I sometimes 
don't like how my coaches yell at me, I don't like how my parents yell 
at people," Goodheart said. "I just don't want to get yelled at. That's 
the hard part."Goodheart got his start in officiating as a 
college kid wanting to make money. Then it grew into a passion. 
Athletics are important to communities, coaches, parents, and the 
athletes themselves. They are also important to the people trying to 
ensure fairness by enforcing the rules."Officials just want to go
 out and do the best job they can do," Goodheart said. "It's kind of 
like any job that anybody takes. No one takes a job and tries to fail at
 it."There are many ways to boost the number of officials. 
Goodheart said female officials are an untapped resource, and 
organizations like KSHSAA offer plenty of training opportunities for new
 officials. Westerhaus said it's also about creating a positive culture 
so new officials stay in the game and get better."We need to 
continue to recruit, and encourage those that have a love for a sport or
 sports to give back by officiating," he said. "As schools, we also want
 to ensure that we make those early opportunities for officials as 
rewarding and as positive as possible. Fans, coaches, players, and 
administrators all play a part in providing a great atmosphere for not 
only our teams, but a positive, understanding atmosphere for beginning 
officials, so we encourage them to continue in their pursuit to provide a
 much-needed service to our educationally-based athletic programs. "I
 encourage anyone that may have an interest in officiating to reach out 
to a coach, activities directors, the Activities Association so that we 
can get them in touch with the right people to get them started." Goodheart
 said more teams have been appreciative of officials lately. Something 
as small as a "thank you" from athletes and coaches goes a long way. 
That and the camaraderie of officials, he said, make the job worth 
doing."Probably every county in Kansas, I can think of somebody I
 know," he said. "It's the greatest fraternity or sorority I know of in 
Kansas."

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