The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Phillipsburg for a huge 2A district matchup against the Panthers Friday night.

&nbsp; Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/440594">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can also hear the Monarchs on 99.5 KHAZ or&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE&nbsp;</a>starting at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Phillipsburg for a huge 2A district matchup against the Panthers Friday night.&nbsp; Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/440594">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/440594?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>&nbsp; You can also hear the Monarchs on 99.5 KHAZ or&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE&nbsp;</a>starting at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE - Thomas More Prep-Marian at Phillipsburg

The Hays High Indians host the Dodge City Red Demonas in a Western Athletic Conference showdown Friday at Lewis Field in Hays.

&nbsp;Click the player below to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

You can also listen to the game on 96.9 KFIX or&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE&nbsp;</a>starting at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hays High Indians host the Dodge City Red Demonas in a Western Athletic Conference showdown Friday at Lewis Field in Hays.&nbsp;Click the player below to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/440607?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Kickoff set for 7 p.m.You can also listen to the game on 96.9 KFIX or&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE&nbsp;</a>starting at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High Indians vs Dodge City

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

Voters in the 111th&nbsp;District of the Kansas House of Representatives will get an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say during a live forum Oct. 12 in Hays.

The 111th&nbsp;District forum will be at 6 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth. Doors will open for the event at 5:30 p.m.

The forum will feature incumbent Barbara Wasinger, a Republican, and challenger Edward Hammond, a Democrat.<a></a>

The forum is sponsored by The Chamber in Hays, The American Democracy Project at Fort Hays State University, FHSU’s Political Science Department, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and Tiger Media Network.

“There is no greater liberty as an American than exercising one’s right to vote,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber. “The Chamber in Hays, Kan., encourages all 111th&nbsp;District constituents to attend this forum to be informed on both candidates and issues.”

Moderators for the forum will be Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector and Pilar Pedraza of KAKE News. Both have spent numerous years covering the statehouse in Topeka.

The event is scheduled to last approximately one hour.

“The American Democracy Project is honored to assist in sponsoring this event that helps our community members get informed and civically active,” said Grace McCord, student co-coordinator of the American Democracy Project at FHSU. “One of the best ways we can contribute to democracy is by being well-informed voters. We are especially excited to be a part of the 111th forum because it is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and get involved in the democratic process.”

The forum will be streamed live via Tiger Media Network’s YouTube Channel, and the public is also welcome to attend in person free of charge.

Refreshments will be provided by Midwest Energy and the Hays Daily News.

Audience members will be able to submit questions for candidates at the event. Questions also can be submitted prior to Oct. 12 by emailing them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a>&nbsp;or to Tiger Media Network at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:njschwien@fhsu.edu">njschwien@fhsu.edu</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a>News releaseVoters in the 111th&nbsp;District of the Kansas House of Representatives will get an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say during a live forum Oct. 12 in Hays.The 111th&nbsp;District forum will be at 6 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth. Doors will open for the event at 5:30 p.m.The forum will feature incumbent Barbara Wasinger, a Republican, and challenger Edward Hammond, a Democrat.<a></a>The forum is sponsored by The Chamber in Hays, The American Democracy Project at Fort Hays State University, FHSU’s Political Science Department, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and Tiger Media Network.“There is no greater liberty as an American than exercising one’s right to vote,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber. “The Chamber in Hays, Kan., encourages all 111th&nbsp;District constituents to attend this forum to be informed on both candidates and issues.”Moderators for the forum will be Tim Carpenter of the Kansas Reflector and Pilar Pedraza of KAKE News. Both have spent numerous years covering the statehouse in Topeka.The event is scheduled to last approximately one hour.“The American Democracy Project is honored to assist in sponsoring this event that helps our community members get informed and civically active,” said Grace McCord, student co-coordinator of the American Democracy Project at FHSU. “One of the best ways we can contribute to democracy is by being well-informed voters. We are especially excited to be a part of the 111th forum because it is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and get involved in the democratic process.”The forum will be streamed live via Tiger Media Network’s YouTube Channel, and the public is also welcome to attend in person free of charge.Refreshments will be provided by Midwest Energy and the Hays Daily News.Audience members will be able to submit questions for candidates at the event. Questions also can be submitted prior to Oct. 12 by emailing them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a>&nbsp;or to Tiger Media Network at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:njschwien@fhsu.edu">njschwien@fhsu.edu</a>.

Second 111th House forum set for Wednesday in Hays

Grow&nbsp;Hays Inc. will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grow Hays MicroFactory at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ninth and Commerce Parkway in Hays. Lt. Gov. David Toland and local representatives will be in attendance.

“The Grow Hays MicroFactory will be an incubator for small and startup manufacturing companies" said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays Inc. "The facility&nbsp;will be designed specifically to meet the needs of manufacturers with various&nbsp;amounts of space allocated to tenants as needed. Rental rates for the space will be well below market rates to ensure that these businesses have every opportunity to succeed and grow."

The project is being funded via grants and funding from the State of Kansas BASE Grant program, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b37f8cb5-ca02-4a76-b372-231a57c726c2">The Patterson Family Foundation, </a>Heart of America Development Corporation, and the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Groundbreaking for Hays microfactory set for next week" 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=q87yy-12e194f-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>Grow HaysGrow&nbsp;Hays Inc. will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grow Hays MicroFactory at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ninth and Commerce Parkway in Hays. Lt. Gov. David Toland and local representatives will be in attendance.“The Grow Hays MicroFactory will be an incubator for small and startup manufacturing companies" said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays Inc. "The facility&nbsp;will be designed specifically to meet the needs of manufacturers with various&nbsp;amounts of space allocated to tenants as needed. Rental rates for the space will be well below market rates to ensure that these businesses have every opportunity to succeed and grow."The project is being funded via grants and funding from the State of Kansas BASE Grant program, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b37f8cb5-ca02-4a76-b372-231a57c726c2">The Patterson Family Foundation, </a>Heart of America Development Corporation, and the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Groundbreaking for Hays microfactory set for next week

OPEC+ nations, where Saudi Arabia is the prime mover,&nbsp;recently&nbsp;announced they would cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day starting in November.&nbsp;Saudi officials said the cut is motivated by the concern over the global economy.&nbsp;OPEC countries are seeking to boost their budgets to cope with rising food prices and the strong dollar.&nbsp;

The Saudis are underscoring the folly of President Biden’s limits on oil production, and his non-emergency release of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.&nbsp;Last July, Biden traveled to Saudi Arabia to beg the Crown Prince for help containing surging U.S. gasoline prices.&nbsp;Biden administration officials spent days in a frantic lobbying effort to persuade Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members to change course. &nbsp;

For Biden, OPEC’s decision to cut production is a blow.&nbsp;It is a personal rebuff to a president who had vowed during his election campaign to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah," only to seek to patch up relations this year in the hope of securing higher oil supplies.&nbsp;

High&nbsp;gasoline prices were a Biden administration policy choice, not an unavoidable accident.&nbsp;First a pipeline bringing oil from Canada to the U.S. was quickly canceled.&nbsp;Then, new leasing for energy development on federal acreage was stopped.&nbsp;Added to that was a batch of proposed punitive, unnecessary, and burdensome regulations on oil and gas operations.&nbsp;These actions have severely hampered American oil and gas companies’ ability to adequately supply the market.&nbsp;These short-sighted energy policies result in higher energy costs that disproportionately harm low-income groups.&nbsp;

U.S. energy policies that restrict domestic production force our country to seek relief from foreign suppliers of energy.&nbsp;The problem is that when certain foreign governments control your energy, they have the power to use it for their own purposes, not yours.&nbsp;America should not be in the position of asking for foreign energy supplies, especially when we have abundant resources produced to standards that are among the highest in the world, right here at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While claiming to fight to bring energy prices down, President Biden has made the wrong move at every turn.&nbsp;Nothing less than a total reversal of his approach is necessary.&nbsp;President Biden should embrace American oil and gas exploration and production.&nbsp;Then we would not have to beg people in the Middle East or Russia to help us and Putin would not have the financial reserves to subsidize an invasion.&nbsp;

It is surprising that President Biden thought Saudi Arabia would increase oil supplies.&nbsp;The Biden administration came into office deriding Saudi Arabia and what it called “the Saudi war in&nbsp;Yemen.”&nbsp;More correctly, that war is the Iranian-fostered Houthi war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, in which Saudi cities and oil production facilities have been attacked.&nbsp;The Biden administration subsequently pulled American Patriot Missile batteries out of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and some from Jordan, leaving those countries exposed to increasingly long range and accurate missiles supplied to the Houthis by Tehran.&nbsp;In what universe would Saudi Arabia pump more oil, lower the price, and help the U.S.?&nbsp;

The most pressing risks facing the U.S. economy in the foreseeable future are unlikely to be those arising from climate change or an energy transition.&nbsp;Rather the factors to watch are more apt to be inflation, rising energy costs, and national security threats.&nbsp;The Biden administration is too focused on climate change to anticipate or deter these significant real threats.&nbsp;

President Biden and all federal and state policymakers should prioritize advancing American energy leadership with policies that encourage development of responsibly produced energy here at home.&nbsp;These policies should recognize the volatile world we live in and the long-term impacts of returning to the days of foreign energy dependency.

Edward Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148994103.jpeg" alt="Cross " />
 <figcaption>Cross </figcaption>
 </figure>By EDWARD CROSS KIOGAOPEC+ nations, where Saudi Arabia is the prime mover,&nbsp;recently&nbsp;announced they would cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day starting in November.&nbsp;Saudi officials said the cut is motivated by the concern over the global economy.&nbsp;OPEC countries are seeking to boost their budgets to cope with rising food prices and the strong dollar.&nbsp;The Saudis are underscoring the folly of President Biden’s limits on oil production, and his non-emergency release of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.&nbsp;Last July, Biden traveled to Saudi Arabia to beg the Crown Prince for help containing surging U.S. gasoline prices.&nbsp;Biden administration officials spent days in a frantic lobbying effort to persuade Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members to change course. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For Biden, OPEC’s decision to cut production is a blow.&nbsp;It is a personal rebuff to a president who had vowed during his election campaign to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah," only to seek to patch up relations this year in the hope of securing higher oil supplies.&nbsp;High&nbsp;gasoline prices were a Biden administration policy choice, not an unavoidable accident.&nbsp;First a pipeline bringing oil from Canada to the U.S. was quickly canceled.&nbsp;Then, new leasing for energy development on federal acreage was stopped.&nbsp;Added to that was a batch of proposed punitive, unnecessary, and burdensome regulations on oil and gas operations.&nbsp;These actions have severely hampered American oil and gas companies’ ability to adequately supply the market.&nbsp;These short-sighted energy policies result in higher energy costs that disproportionately harm low-income groups.&nbsp;U.S. energy policies that restrict domestic production force our country to seek relief from foreign suppliers of energy.&nbsp;The problem is that when certain foreign governments control your energy, they have the power to use it for their own purposes, not yours.&nbsp;America should not be in the position of asking for foreign energy supplies, especially when we have abundant resources produced to standards that are among the highest in the world, right here at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While claiming to fight to bring energy prices down, President Biden has made the wrong move at every turn.&nbsp;Nothing less than a total reversal of his approach is necessary.&nbsp;President Biden should embrace American oil and gas exploration and production.&nbsp;Then we would not have to beg people in the Middle East or Russia to help us and Putin would not have the financial reserves to subsidize an invasion.&nbsp;It is surprising that President Biden thought Saudi Arabia would increase oil supplies.&nbsp;The Biden administration came into office deriding Saudi Arabia and what it called “the Saudi war in&nbsp;Yemen.”&nbsp;More correctly, that war is the Iranian-fostered Houthi war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, in which Saudi cities and oil production facilities have been attacked.&nbsp;The Biden administration subsequently pulled American Patriot Missile batteries out of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and some from Jordan, leaving those countries exposed to increasingly long range and accurate missiles supplied to the Houthis by Tehran.&nbsp;In what universe would Saudi Arabia pump more oil, lower the price, and help the U.S.?&nbsp;The most pressing risks facing the U.S. economy in the foreseeable future are unlikely to be those arising from climate change or an energy transition.&nbsp;Rather the factors to watch are more apt to be inflation, rising energy costs, and national security threats.&nbsp;The Biden administration is too focused on climate change to anticipate or deter these significant real threats.&nbsp;President Biden and all federal and state policymakers should prioritize advancing American energy leadership with policies that encourage development of responsibly produced energy here at home.&nbsp;These policies should recognize the volatile world we live in and the long-term impacts of returning to the days of foreign energy dependency.Edward Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

CROSS: OPEC+ snubs Biden with oil output cuts

A generous $60,000 lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer, will initiate the construction of a new training center to accommodate the expanding Shotgun Team at Fort Hays State University. The training center will be built at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club just north of Hays on the 183 bypass and I-70 and will offer a large meeting room, reloading room, and office.&nbsp;

Upon the Shotgun Team’s establishment in 2005, the group had only five members. Seventeen years later, the award-winning team’s roster boasts more than 30 members. While the co-ed team works hard, practicing a variety of shotgun events weekly and traveling across the country to competitions, the group prioritizes bolstering the sense of unity needed to be successful.&nbsp;

With members from more than seven states and representing sixteen different academic majors, the Shotgun Team members dedicate themselves to maintaining good academic standing despite a demanding practice schedule.&nbsp;

“One thing I enjoy most about the shooting team is the comradery and friendship that we all share and the want and will to succeed,” said Shotgun Team member Lane Sorenson.&nbsp;

“My teammates and coaches have pushed me to become an extraordinary shooter, and I am forever thankful for the memories and friendships that have been created in my five years,” said Sorenson’s team member, Hailey Zulkoski.&nbsp;

“The FHSU Shotgun Team represents and demonstrates many of the qualities this university is built upon; hard work, leadership, dedication, discipline, and the desire and willingness to succeed,” Assistant Coach and FHSU admissions counselor Jerrod Lies said.&nbsp;

No matter rain or snow, the Shotgun Team commits as much time as possible to improve their skills for the team’s good, even if it means shoveling the sidewalks clear of three feet of snow to practice at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club three miles north of Hays.

This dedication has earned the team eight national championships and produces members who rank All-American status at ACUI national competitions.&nbsp;

“This group of young FHSU students who represent the Shotgun Team and Fort Hays State has amassed an incredible array of accomplishments,” head coach, Duane Shepherd, said.&nbsp;

“Their commitment toward professional development and the shotgun program has furthered the mission of Fort Hays State and the Shotgun Team to a national level of recognition,” he adds. “Fort Hays State’s Shotgun Team has been a national powerhouse for years, and it’s time they have a facility that reflects their success.”

The team continues to welcome new members thanks to their growing national recognition and the low tuition offered at Fort Hays State. Each summer, team members travel across the Midwest to talk about the group and its importance in their lives.&nbsp;

Last summer’s journey resulted in contacts across nine states, including young shooters, parents, coaches, and event coordinators. During these conversations, parents often comment on the affordability of Fort Hays State provided by the regional tuition rate that offers in-state tuition to students from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.&nbsp;

Though the team, which is not associated with FHSU Athletics, does not offer scholarships to its members, it covers targets, ammunition, travel, and other costs necessary for succeeding in competitions. Students often receive scholarships from the university or academic departments instead of athletic scholarships.&nbsp;

As the team continues to grow, so does the need for additional space. Thanks to the support from Lorena and her late husband Wilmer’s lead gift, the new home of the FHSU Shotgun Team will be constructed at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club. &nbsp;

The center will provide office and meeting space for team members and coaches, as well as storage for supplies and equipment. Additionally, the new training center will offer shooting simulation and allow for on-site reloading equipment.

“I am excited to see the program excel with the construction of the new building. It will help enhance the program and hopefully help with future recruitment,” Zulkoski said.

Wilmer and Lorena’s contributions to FHSU include their membership in the Wooster Society, a group of individuals who have arranged gifts to the FHSU Foundation through planned giving, and as Difference Makers, those who have strengthened Tiger Athletics by giving a minimum of $5,000 annually to athletic programs.

While the Kellogg’s lead gift provides the funding necessary to begin the project, community support and amplification will ensure the team receives the funding needed to make the center a reality.&nbsp;

“Thank you to Lorena and her late husband, Wilmer, for their support over the years and for making this facility possible with their generous lead gift. Their continuous support has helped our team reach new heights year after year, and we cannot thank them enough for their everlasting support,” Sorenson adds.&nbsp;

To contribute to the FHSU Shotgun Team and this new facility, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0KplCoaBuna1DIcN-2BXdvqcQ3J8Vvs_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BlqlraZfOKntwtBShJ5AphzTJ05Hv8ZObAdZNwRb6dZgZeRQMGAQTrZPEWU7HxIff2WRa3ZA0Q0d9-2Bd0cZ6VRY-2FxS6N9qxX0M-2F9iFGy6HCUoEekt16vaT6qCoaLXaS06vJP0Jtwv2HMz0mBW3Wyx2QuJSfir9HSaAhXeQ3wd9uTFbCDb-2BWd-2BMNPQQaqqMGJiiURAMEqJ7iCDdOgzeogzTrgNqF8-2BybMZj4YtMdD-2FPCYoIiecDfrLgH-2FcSRrFhBTL0">https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate</a>&nbsp;and list “Shotgun Team” as your area of designation. For additional information, please contact Jason Williby with the Fort Hays State University Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jjwilliby3@fhsu.edu">jjwilliby3@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or head coach Duane Shepherd at 785-628-4374 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dshepherd@fhsu.edu">dshepherd@fhsu.edu.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665156304450.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation&nbsp;A generous $60,000 lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer, will initiate the construction of a new training center to accommodate the expanding Shotgun Team at Fort Hays State University. The training center will be built at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club just north of Hays on the 183 bypass and I-70 and will offer a large meeting room, reloading room, and office.&nbsp;Upon the Shotgun Team’s establishment in 2005, the group had only five members. Seventeen years later, the award-winning team’s roster boasts more than 30 members. While the co-ed team works hard, practicing a variety of shotgun events weekly and traveling across the country to competitions, the group prioritizes bolstering the sense of unity needed to be successful.&nbsp;With members from more than seven states and representing sixteen different academic majors, the Shotgun Team members dedicate themselves to maintaining good academic standing despite a demanding practice schedule.&nbsp;“One thing I enjoy most about the shooting team is the comradery and friendship that we all share and the want and will to succeed,” said Shotgun Team member Lane Sorenson.&nbsp;“My teammates and coaches have pushed me to become an extraordinary shooter, and I am forever thankful for the memories and friendships that have been created in my five years,” said Sorenson’s team member, Hailey Zulkoski.&nbsp;“The FHSU Shotgun Team represents and demonstrates many of the qualities this university is built upon; hard work, leadership, dedication, discipline, and the desire and willingness to succeed,” Assistant Coach and FHSU admissions counselor Jerrod Lies said.&nbsp;No matter rain or snow, the Shotgun Team commits as much time as possible to improve their skills for the team’s good, even if it means shoveling the sidewalks clear of three feet of snow to practice at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club three miles north of Hays.This dedication has earned the team eight national championships and produces members who rank All-American status at ACUI national competitions.&nbsp;“This group of young FHSU students who represent the Shotgun Team and Fort Hays State has amassed an incredible array of accomplishments,” head coach, Duane Shepherd, said.&nbsp;“Their commitment toward professional development and the shotgun program has furthered the mission of Fort Hays State and the Shotgun Team to a national level of recognition,” he adds. “Fort Hays State’s Shotgun Team has been a national powerhouse for years, and it’s time they have a facility that reflects their success.”The team continues to welcome new members thanks to their growing national recognition and the low tuition offered at Fort Hays State. Each summer, team members travel across the Midwest to talk about the group and its importance in their lives.&nbsp;Last summer’s journey resulted in contacts across nine states, including young shooters, parents, coaches, and event coordinators. During these conversations, parents often comment on the affordability of Fort Hays State provided by the regional tuition rate that offers in-state tuition to students from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.&nbsp;Though the team, which is not associated with FHSU Athletics, does not offer scholarships to its members, it covers targets, ammunition, travel, and other costs necessary for succeeding in competitions. Students often receive scholarships from the university or academic departments instead of athletic scholarships.&nbsp;As the team continues to grow, so does the need for additional space. Thanks to the support from Lorena and her late husband Wilmer’s lead gift, the new home of the FHSU Shotgun Team will be constructed at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club. &nbsp;The center will provide office and meeting space for team members and coaches, as well as storage for supplies and equipment. Additionally, the new training center will offer shooting simulation and allow for on-site reloading equipment.“I am excited to see the program excel with the construction of the new building. It will help enhance the program and hopefully help with future recruitment,” Zulkoski said.Wilmer and Lorena’s contributions to FHSU include their membership in the Wooster Society, a group of individuals who have arranged gifts to the FHSU Foundation through planned giving, and as Difference Makers, those who have strengthened Tiger Athletics by giving a minimum of $5,000 annually to athletic programs.While the Kellogg’s lead gift provides the funding necessary to begin the project, community support and amplification will ensure the team receives the funding needed to make the center a reality.&nbsp;“Thank you to Lorena and her late husband, Wilmer, for their support over the years and for making this facility possible with their generous lead gift. Their continuous support has helped our team reach new heights year after year, and we cannot thank them enough for their everlasting support,” Sorenson adds.&nbsp;To contribute to the FHSU Shotgun Team and this new facility, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0KplCoaBuna1DIcN-2BXdvqcQ3J8Vvs_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BlqlraZfOKntwtBShJ5AphzTJ05Hv8ZObAdZNwRb6dZgZeRQMGAQTrZPEWU7HxIff2WRa3ZA0Q0d9-2Bd0cZ6VRY-2FxS6N9qxX0M-2F9iFGy6HCUoEekt16vaT6qCoaLXaS06vJP0Jtwv2HMz0mBW3Wyx2QuJSfir9HSaAhXeQ3wd9uTFbCDb-2BWd-2BMNPQQaqqMGJiiURAMEqJ7iCDdOgzeogzTrgNqF8-2BybMZj4YtMdD-2FPCYoIiecDfrLgH-2FcSRrFhBTL0">https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate</a>&nbsp;and list “Shotgun Team” as your area of designation. For additional information, please contact Jason Williby with the Fort Hays State University Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jjwilliby3@fhsu.edu">jjwilliby3@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or head coach Duane Shepherd at 785-628-4374 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dshepherd@fhsu.edu">dshepherd@fhsu.edu.</a>

Kelloggs invest in FHSU Shotgun Team success

Beginning Friday, three of Hays’ most beloved annual traditions will combine into one busy Hays weekend.

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d0efa892-5fcb-4849-95c6-ab79dd99c528">Hays High homecoming festivities began on Monday and will culminate with Hays High football facing Dodge City at 7 p.m. Friday on Fort Hays State University’s Lewis Field.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/421edd4a-0395-4d03-aa71-0931e910e2dc">FHSU homecoming activities are set to begin Thursday and will wrap up as FHSU football faces Washburn, with pregame ceremonies kicking off at 6:30 p.m.</a>

“There are lots of events on campus for the students and the campus community,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist. “But I would definitely say a lot of Homecoming, really, it gets started on Thursday.”

The Homecoming Golf Tournament will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. at Smoky Hill County Club, 3303 Hall. Lunch with FHSU Football Head Coach Chris Brown follows at noon.

The Tiger Bonfire is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Robbins Center. Food trucks are planned to be available during the event.

On Friday, the Half-Century Luncheon, class reunions and the Alumni and Friends Banquet will bring FHSU alumni together.

“I think one of my favorite things about the Alumni Awards is that we're picking people that have done some really amazing things, some of them we've never heard about, but we're really impressed by them,” Tatro said. “We just don't talk about them a lot, and we're so impressed by their stories.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eb5c7ba-cedc-4f96-9e48-81646a047c1a">Honorees at the banquet include, John Allen Jr., Judith Sims Billings, Mike McCarthy, Donald Richardson, Tory Blew and Brandon Penny.</a>

As both academic institutions continue celebrating students and alumni, Hays’ annual celebration of history, heritage and homecoming — Oktoberfest — will present two full days of events.

This year’s Oktoberfest carries the special distinction of being the 50th anniversary.

“Not everybody is lucky enough to say that they've got any successful event that's been going 50 years,” Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Melissa Dixon said.

The festivities begin with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Municipal Park at First and Main and the ceremonial tapping of the keg.

Until 7 p.m., attendees will have various activities and food options available that reflect the Volga German heritage, including a Stein Hoist, Deutsch Hops Contest and the OktoberFEAST Contest.&nbsp;

Music will also be featured throughout the day.

“Of course, we're gonna have the Joe Dolezal band doing polka,” Dixon said. “But we're also going to have some country bands so people can hang around and dance. Rice County Line will be there. And then also Jimmy D and the Fabulous Destinations.”

Area vendors and groups will also be a large part of the festivities.

“We do have a lot of student organizations that are gonna be down there doing fundraisers,” Dixon said. “And I like the fact that when Oktoberfest started, years and years and years ago, it was a big harvest celebration. All the villages came around all the church ladies made their goodies to raise money for their churches. And a lot of that is still in place.”

“Friday's vendors are reserved, their spots are reserved for nonprofits,” she continued. “So everything's really going to a good cause. You'll see some of your favorite civic organizations down there, and churches and student organizations raising funds. And then on the big picture, the Oktoberfest committee uses the funds raised Oktoberfest for scholarships for students who have Volga German backgrounds.”

Saturday’s family-friendly downtown events begin with the FHSU Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., with an Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome set for 11:45 a.m.

“Saturday, they really want to make it family-friendly,” Dixon said. “There are lots of games for kids that day. ... It really is for all ages.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca82a1d7-c587-4972-9812-a7c2f76ecb31">Then at noon, the “World’s Largest Bierock” will be presented.</a>

"We kicked around different items that may create some interest or fun, like a brat eating contest," Tom Bird, Oktoberfest vendor committee chair, said in June. "But when I started researching bierocks and found that it was more specific to the Volga Germans, in particular, western Kansas ... I thought, well, that would be unique."

He said the unique Volga German food is closely tied to the region and will be a draw to area residents.

“I'm excited to see how it goes,” Dixon said. “It has its own tent. The tent is already ready and it's really big.”

A cornhole tournament is planned at noon, along with children’s events, including Jammin Randy, a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.

Oktoberfest will close at 6 p.m., just as FHSU Tailgating ramps up in the East Lawn of Lewis field after starting at 5 p.m.

“Then at halftime is when we will find out who our new homecoming king and queen will be,” Tatro said. “So, definitely stick around for that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633287176851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostBeginning Friday, three of Hays’ most beloved annual traditions will combine into one busy Hays weekend.<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d0efa892-5fcb-4849-95c6-ab79dd99c528">Hays High homecoming festivities began on Monday and will culminate with Hays High football facing Dodge City at 7 p.m. Friday on Fort Hays State University’s Lewis Field.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/421edd4a-0395-4d03-aa71-0931e910e2dc">FHSU homecoming activities are set to begin Thursday and will wrap up as FHSU football faces Washburn, with pregame ceremonies kicking off at 6:30 p.m.</a><div><iframe title="Hays Oktoberfest 2022 begins Friday" 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=avm9i-12de6bc-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>“There are lots of events on campus for the students and the campus community,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist. “But I would definitely say a lot of Homecoming, really, it gets started on Thursday.”The Homecoming Golf Tournament will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. at Smoky Hill County Club, 3303 Hall. Lunch with FHSU Football Head Coach Chris Brown follows at noon.The Tiger Bonfire is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Robbins Center. Food trucks are planned to be available during the event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664993386413.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Half-Century Luncheon, class reunions and the Alumni and Friends Banquet will bring FHSU alumni together.“I think one of my favorite things about the Alumni Awards is that we're picking people that have done some really amazing things, some of them we've never heard about, but we're really impressed by them,” Tatro said. “We just don't talk about them a lot, and we're so impressed by their stories.”<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eb5c7ba-cedc-4f96-9e48-81646a047c1a">Honorees at the banquet include, John Allen Jr., Judith Sims Billings, Mike McCarthy, Donald Richardson, Tory Blew and Brandon Penny.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664993400868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As both academic institutions continue celebrating students and alumni, Hays’ annual celebration of history, heritage and homecoming — Oktoberfest — will present two full days of events.This year’s Oktoberfest carries the special distinction of being the 50th anniversary.“Not everybody is lucky enough to say that they've got any successful event that's been going 50 years,” Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Melissa Dixon said.The festivities begin with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Municipal Park at First and Main and the ceremonial tapping of the keg.Until 7 p.m., attendees will have various activities and food options available that reflect the Volga German heritage, including a Stein Hoist, Deutsch Hops Contest and the OktoberFEAST Contest.&nbsp;Music will also be featured throughout the day.“Of course, we're gonna have the Joe Dolezal band doing polka,” Dixon said. “But we're also going to have some country bands so people can hang around and dance. Rice County Line will be there. And then also Jimmy D and the Fabulous Destinations.”Area vendors and groups will also be a large part of the festivities.“We do have a lot of student organizations that are gonna be down there doing fundraisers,” Dixon said. “And I like the fact that when Oktoberfest started, years and years and years ago, it was a big harvest celebration. All the villages came around all the church ladies made their goodies to raise money for their churches. And a lot of that is still in place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633286822622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Friday's vendors are reserved, their spots are reserved for nonprofits,” she continued. “So everything's really going to a good cause. You'll see some of your favorite civic organizations down there, and churches and student organizations raising funds. And then on the big picture, the Oktoberfest committee uses the funds raised Oktoberfest for scholarships for students who have Volga German backgrounds.”Saturday’s family-friendly downtown events begin with the FHSU Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., with an Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome set for 11:45 a.m.“Saturday, they really want to make it family-friendly,” Dixon said. “There are lots of games for kids that day. ... It really is for all ages.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633289147182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca82a1d7-c587-4972-9812-a7c2f76ecb31">Then at noon, the “World’s Largest Bierock” will be presented.</a>"We kicked around different items that may create some interest or fun, like a brat eating contest," Tom Bird, Oktoberfest vendor committee chair, said in June. "But when I started researching bierocks and found that it was more specific to the Volga Germans, in particular, western Kansas ... I thought, well, that would be unique."He said the unique Volga German food is closely tied to the region and will be a draw to area residents.“I'm excited to see how it goes,” Dixon said. “It has its own tent. The tent is already ready and it's really big.”A cornhole tournament is planned at noon, along with children’s events, including Jammin Randy, a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.Oktoberfest will close at 6 p.m., just as FHSU Tailgating ramps up in the East Lawn of Lewis field after starting at 5 p.m.Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.“Then at halftime is when we will find out who our new homecoming king and queen will be,” Tatro said. “So, definitely stick around for that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633289112717.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Traditions combine for event-filled weekend in Hays

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

While TMP-Marian senior Braydon Binder didn’t initially love
lifting weights, once he got started, it didn’t take him long to become one of
the best young powerlifters in the country.

Binder won a state title as a junior and, earlier this year, set a national bench press record.

Powerlifting is made up of three lifts — bench, squad and
deadlift (or clean in Kansas) and the athletes attempt to lift as much weight
as they can for one rep. Each powerlifter has three attempts to complete the
rep until they reach their maximum weight.

Binder began competing his sophomore year, finishing second
at state, and said before his freshman year of high school weightlifting
wasn’t something he was too interested in. 

“I was never really like, a big guy,” Binder said. &nbsp;“I was trying to put muscle on. So, I
originally just started getting into the gym just trying to do what I could do
and then I discovered powerlifting was a thing, and it was kind of something I
got interested in.”

As a junior, Binder claimed the 2A state title at 132 pounds.
Nationally, he completes in the 60-kilogram&nbsp; weight class and 132 pounds in
Kansas. 

At last year’s state championship meet, he recorded the top
weight in the bench press (215lbs), the second best mark for the squat (305lbs)
and was third in the clean (180lbs) for the top overall score.

He holds several school records at TMP-Marian and state
records in the junior division of the United States Powerlifting Association.

Binder set the national record in bench in the 16-17 age
division last month at the Battle of the North in Mason City, Iowa, with a
successful lift of 105 KG (231lbs). 

He said when he started competing in powerlifting, he did
not think setting a national record was something he could achieve. 

“Showing everyone that if you have the dedication and you're
willing to put in the work, anything's possible,” Binder said.

He also had a squat of 147 KG (320lbs) and deadlifted 170 KG
(374lbs) at the meet in Mason City.

Binder said he also has his eyes set on trying to break the
national squat record.

TMP wrestling and powerlifting coach Austin Tatro said that
while Braydon might not fit the prototypical powerlifter body type, he makes up
for it with his mentality.

“Brayden very much does not fit into what you would
typically of a powerlifter but what he does fit into is that mentality, that
mindset of I’m going to move this weight from point A to point B and I’m not
going to let something stop me,” Tatro said.

&nbsp;Tatro also said that
they have seen his powerlifting training improve Brayden’s ability on the
wrestling mat.

“Most people don't really get to shove me around on the mat
anymore because I'm stronger,” Binder said. 

“Part of it is getting him to understand how he can use the
tools that he’s built for himself,” Tatro said. “Toward the end of last year,
we really started to put that together.”

Binder said he has continued to see the interest in powerlifting
increase at the state high school level and even at TMP.

The high school season in Kansas runs from December to March
while the nation season is all year round.

Tatro said he has seen Binder continue to grow both physically
and mentally.

&nbsp;“Realizing that just
because he may miss that mark this week , doesn’t mean that he is going to miss
the mark next week or next month,” Tatro said. “Getting that mentality right,
getting that headspace right has just absolutely catapulted his physical ability.”

Binder said winning a state title as a junior and setting a
national record this year has only motivated him more.

“Powerlifting, honestly, isn't a sport against each other. It
is a sport against yourself. It is going against your old version and trying to
break personal records,” Binder said. “I think I think powerlifting can
translate into life also how you always go against your old self and trying to
be the better version.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664840442774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWhile TMP-Marian senior Braydon Binder didn’t initially love
lifting weights, once he got started, it didn’t take him long to become one of
the best young powerlifters in the country.Binder won a state title as a junior and, earlier this year, set a national bench press record.Powerlifting is made up of three lifts — bench, squad and
deadlift (or clean in Kansas) and the athletes attempt to lift as much weight
as they can for one rep. Each powerlifter has three attempts to complete the
rep until they reach their maximum weight.Binder began competing his sophomore year, finishing second
at state, and said before his freshman year of high school weightlifting
wasn’t something he was too interested in. “I was never really like, a big guy,” Binder said. &nbsp;“I was trying to put muscle on. So, I
originally just started getting into the gym just trying to do what I could do
and then I discovered powerlifting was a thing, and it was kind of something I
got interested in.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664889687389.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As a junior, Binder claimed the 2A state title at 132 pounds.
Nationally, he completes in the 60-kilogram&nbsp; weight class and 132 pounds in
Kansas. At last year’s state championship meet, he recorded the top
weight in the bench press (215lbs), the second best mark for the squat (305lbs)
and was third in the clean (180lbs) for the top overall score.He holds several school records at TMP-Marian and state
records in the junior division of the United States Powerlifting Association.Binder set the national record in bench in the 16-17 age
division last month at the Battle of the North in Mason City, Iowa, with a
successful lift of 105 KG (231lbs). He said when he started competing in powerlifting, he did
not think setting a national record was something he could achieve. “Showing everyone that if you have the dedication and you're
willing to put in the work, anything's possible,” Binder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664840406710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He also had a squat of 147 KG (320lbs) and deadlifted 170 KG
(374lbs) at the meet in Mason City.Binder said he also has his eyes set on trying to break the
national squat record.TMP wrestling and powerlifting coach Austin Tatro said that
while Braydon might not fit the prototypical powerlifter body type, he makes up
for it with his mentality.“Brayden very much does not fit into what you would
typically of a powerlifter but what he does fit into is that mentality, that
mindset of I’m going to move this weight from point A to point B and I’m not
going to let something stop me,” Tatro said.&nbsp;Tatro also said that
they have seen his powerlifting training improve Brayden’s ability on the
wrestling mat.“Most people don't really get to shove me around on the mat
anymore because I'm stronger,” Binder said. “Part of it is getting him to understand how he can use the
tools that he’s built for himself,” Tatro said. “Toward the end of last year,
we really started to put that together.”Binder said he has continued to see the interest in powerlifting
increase at the state high school level and even at TMP.The high school season in Kansas runs from December to March
while the nation season is all year round.Tatro said he has seen Binder continue to grow both physically
and mentally.&nbsp;“Realizing that just
because he may miss that mark this week , doesn’t mean that he is going to miss
the mark next week or next month,” Tatro said. “Getting that mentality right,
getting that headspace right has just absolutely catapulted his physical ability.”Binder said winning a state title as a junior and setting a
national record this year has only motivated him more.“Powerlifting, honestly, isn't a sport against each other. It
is a sport against yourself. It is going against your old version and trying to
break personal records,” Binder said. “I think I think powerlifting can
translate into life also how you always go against your old self and trying to
be the better version.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664840424201.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

TMP-M senior making his mark in powerlifting world

Imagine Ellis County&nbsp;has enlisted the assistance of Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute to conduct a survey on quality-of-life priorities for Ellis County. 

The study aims to better understand residents’ perceptions and preferences regarding various aspects of the county that can improve the area as a place to live, work and play. 

The more households who respond, the more beneficial the findings will be for identifying quality-of-life priorities in our county.

The first mailing wave of questionnaires and cover letters has been sent to a random selection of households in the county. The second wave will go out soon. 

The questionnaire booklet requires only about 10 to 15 minutes to fill out, and it is pre-addressed and postage paid for direct return by mail to the Docking Institute.

SubmittedImagine Ellis County&nbsp;has enlisted the assistance of Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute to conduct a survey on quality-of-life priorities for Ellis County. The study aims to better understand residents’ perceptions and preferences regarding various aspects of the county that can improve the area as a place to live, work and play. The more households who respond, the more beneficial the findings will be for identifying quality-of-life priorities in our county.The first mailing wave of questionnaires and cover letters has been sent to a random selection of households in the county. The second wave will go out soon. The questionnaire booklet requires only about 10 to 15 minutes to fill out, and it is pre-addressed and postage paid for direct return by mail to the Docking Institute.

Imagine Ellis County sends quality-of-life survey to residents

Branson Sandoval and Jared VonFeldt, both critical care nurses in HaysMed’s Intensive Care Unit, recently received certification as Critical Care Registered Nurses from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

CCRN certification is awarded to critical care nurses who have completed a strenuous exam process assessing their knowledge base and who also meet the eligibility requirements for hours of clinical practice in care of acutely and/or critically ill patients.

"Health care is becoming more complex," said Sandy Gottschalk, Director of Professional Development at HaysMed. "It has become increasingly vital to assure our patients that health care professionals are highly skilled and competent. Receiving this certification validates a nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyone in the health care equation — patients and families, employers and nurses — all benefit from CCRN certification as it is a mark of excellence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664977536865.jpeg" alt="VonFeldt" />
 <figcaption>VonFeldt</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedBranson Sandoval and Jared VonFeldt, both critical care nurses in HaysMed’s Intensive Care Unit, recently received certification as Critical Care Registered Nurses from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.CCRN certification is awarded to critical care nurses who have completed a strenuous exam process assessing their knowledge base and who also meet the eligibility requirements for hours of clinical practice in care of acutely and/or critically ill patients."Health care is becoming more complex," said Sandy Gottschalk, Director of Professional Development at HaysMed. "It has become increasingly vital to assure our patients that health care professionals are highly skilled and competent. Receiving this certification validates a nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyone in the health care equation — patients and families, employers and nurses — all benefit from CCRN certification as it is a mark of excellence."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664977562443.jpeg" alt="Sandoval" />
 <figcaption>Sandoval</figcaption>
 </figure>

HaysMed nurses receive certification

<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/2022/10/1665070589712.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

I'm Rick Rupp and I'm a registered Democrat. Back in 2020 the pandemic hit us all very hard and my business was declared non-essential. I got hit very hard by that. I have been in business for over 50 years. I do a lot of work in this area for universities, schools and other businesses throughout most of Kansas.

I was very concerned because this is my livelihood. I frantically started calling around, talking to people to find out what was going to be happening. If schools, universities and businesses started closing, how am I going to make it? I heard the Kansas Department of Labor would let self-employed individuals apply for unemployment benefits and that if I wanted to participate, I needed to call the Department of Labor and was given a number.

I tried for three weeks — every single day for three weeks straight and I could not get through. Every single time I would be put on hold or they'd say something to the effect of "our lines are busy and we cannot accept any more calls at this time. Please call back. "

I became frustrated and worried because I was going through all of our savings that I worked very hard to build up. I needed help and I needed someone to talk to.

I happened to be in Hays one day and I was talking with a friend about what was going on. He gave me Barb Wasinger's phone number. I know Barb and her husband so I told him I would give it a try and let him know.

For the next two or three days I contemplated what I was going to say. So I did it. I called her. I asked her if there was any way she could help me. She asked me a few questions and told me she would make a few phone calls for me and would call me back.

Wow — she never asked me if I was a Republican or a Democrat — she just said she was going to help me. Two days later she called me back and told me someone from the Labor Department would call me. This was a Wednesday and on Friday they called me! The whole thing caught me off guard. They said your Representative Barb Wasinger has requested that we call you about your benefits. They went through the whole process with me and filled out papers for me. Within 2 weeks I had my benefits! My business would have closed without Barb's help.

So, I'm encouraging people to give Barb another 2 years and let's keep her in office!

She's working for us and she's for the people. She's not doing it for the political title she holds, she's doing it for the people in our District. Whether Republican or Democrat.

Vote for Barb and let's keep her in office!

I'm Rick Rupp and I'm a registered Democrat. Back in 2020 the pandemic hit us all very hard and my business was declared non-essential. I got hit very hard by that. I have been in business for over 50 years. I do a lot of work in this area for universities, schools and other businesses throughout most of Kansas.I was very concerned because this is my livelihood. I frantically started calling around, talking to people to find out what was going to be happening. If schools, universities and businesses started closing, how am I going to make it? I heard the Kansas Department of Labor would let self-employed individuals apply for unemployment benefits and that if I wanted to participate, I needed to call the Department of Labor and was given a number.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I tried for three weeks — every single day for three weeks straight and I could not get through. Every single time I would be put on hold or they'd say something to the effect of "our lines are busy and we cannot accept any more calls at this time. Please call back. "I became frustrated and worried because I was going through all of our savings that I worked very hard to build up. I needed help and I needed someone to talk to.I happened to be in Hays one day and I was talking with a friend about what was going on. He gave me Barb Wasinger's phone number. I know Barb and her husband so I told him I would give it a try and let him know.For the next two or three days I contemplated what I was going to say. So I did it. I called her. I asked her if there was any way she could help me. She asked me a few questions and told me she would make a few phone calls for me and would call me back.Wow — she never asked me if I was a Republican or a Democrat — she just said she was going to help me. Two days later she called me back and told me someone from the Labor Department would call me. This was a Wednesday and on Friday they called me! The whole thing caught me off guard. They said your Representative Barb Wasinger has requested that we call you about your benefits. They went through the whole process with me and filled out papers for me. Within 2 weeks I had my benefits! My business would have closed without Barb's help.So, I'm encouraging people to give Barb another 2 years and let's keep her in office!She's working for us and she's for the people. She's not doing it for the political title she holds, she's doing it for the people in our District. Whether Republican or Democrat.Vote for Barb and let's keep her in office!Rick Rupp, Victoria

LETTER: Why this Democrat is voting for state Rep. Wasinger

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

🎥 WATCH: 111th Kansas House candidate forum

Lindsay H. Metcalf grew up on a Kansas farm, flew the coop for a career in the city, and migrated home to write downwind of the neighborhood cattle. The award-winning author of nonfiction picture books will give two presentations in the Schmidt Community Commons at the Hays Public Library on Oct. 15.&nbsp;

For the youngest readers, Metcalf will present a Storytime at 10 a.m., that will focus on agricultural literacy, sharing examples of grains commonly grown in Kansas and explaining how they are planted and harvested. She will give the audience a pictorial tour of her family's traditional farm near Concordia, and as a special bonus, she'll read from an exclusive sneak-peek at her forthcoming 2024 picture book,&nbsp;Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm, which compares rural, outdoor farms with indoor vertical farms found in cities.

At noon, kids and adults will have the opportunity to Touch a Tractor! Carrico Implement will park tractors in front of the library, giving the whole family the chance to touch, explore, ask questions, and climb inside. A free hotdog lunch will be provided.&nbsp;

Metcalf will return at 1 p.m. to discuss her book&nbsp;Farmers Unite!&nbsp;In the late 1970s, grain prices had tanked, farm auction notices filled newspapers, and people had forgotten that food didn't grow in grocery stores. So, on Feb. 5, 1979, thousands of tractors from all parts of the US flooded Washington, D.C., in protest. Metcalf’s book relays this rarely told story of grassroots perseverance and economic justice.&nbsp;

The day’s activities are made possible through a donation from the Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664814671394.jpeg" alt="Lindsay H. Metcalf" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay H. Metcalf</figcaption>
 </figure>HPLLindsay H. Metcalf grew up on a Kansas farm, flew the coop for a career in the city, and migrated home to write downwind of the neighborhood cattle. The award-winning author of nonfiction picture books will give two presentations in the Schmidt Community Commons at the Hays Public Library on Oct. 15.&nbsp;For the youngest readers, Metcalf will present a Storytime at 10 a.m., that will focus on agricultural literacy, sharing examples of grains commonly grown in Kansas and explaining how they are planted and harvested. She will give the audience a pictorial tour of her family's traditional farm near Concordia, and as a special bonus, she'll read from an exclusive sneak-peek at her forthcoming 2024 picture book,&nbsp;Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm, which compares rural, outdoor farms with indoor vertical farms found in cities.At noon, kids and adults will have the opportunity to Touch a Tractor! Carrico Implement will park tractors in front of the library, giving the whole family the chance to touch, explore, ask questions, and climb inside. A free hotdog lunch will be provided.&nbsp;Metcalf will return at 1 p.m. to discuss her book&nbsp;Farmers Unite!&nbsp;In the late 1970s, grain prices had tanked, farm auction notices filled newspapers, and people had forgotten that food didn't grow in grocery stores. So, on Feb. 5, 1979, thousands of tractors from all parts of the US flooded Washington, D.C., in protest. Metcalf’s book relays this rarely told story of grassroots perseverance and economic justice.&nbsp;The day’s activities are made possible through a donation from the Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;

Author, journalist Lindsay Metcalf to visit Hays Public Library

I saw a poster the other day that caught my eye. It was a tennis-themed poster that included life lessons from a tennis perspective.&nbsp;I smiled as I thought how applicable thetennis quotes&nbsp;were to&nbsp;the practice of&nbsp;leadership. Here&nbsp;are&nbsp;a couple: &nbsp;“Foot faults happen – you get a second chance;”&nbsp;“Commit to follow through;”&nbsp;“No matter how far down you are, there’s always hope for a comeback.”&nbsp;All of&nbsp;these examples offer great advice&nbsp;that is&nbsp;applicable&nbsp;in&nbsp;so many&nbsp;situations.

The poster also prompted me to check in with&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;coach Brian Flax.&nbsp;Coach&nbsp;Flax is in his 27th year as the head tennis coach&nbsp;at FHSU.&nbsp;He&nbsp;ranks as the all-time leader in coaching victories with 205.&nbsp;Brian&nbsp;is currently the longest-tenured head coach at Fort Hays State.&nbsp;We are so grateful for his dedication to our players and&nbsp;to&nbsp;Tiger Tennis.

This season&nbsp;we returned&nbsp;the majority of the roster.&nbsp;Several of our returning players will&nbsp;bring significant experience to the fall 2022&nbsp;season.&nbsp;Among those returning as sophomores are twin sisters Heidi and Hope Lubbers.&nbsp;Hope is majoring in English, secondary education,&nbsp;while Heidi is preparing for our medical diagnostic imaging program with an emphasis on&nbsp;ultrasound.

Coach Flax shared that Heidi and Hope Lubbers come from a long line of&nbsp;tennis-playing&nbsp;family members.&nbsp;Their grandpa taught them,&nbsp;their sisters, uncles, and their mom&nbsp;the play and love the game.&nbsp;As soon as&nbsp;Heidi and Hope&nbsp;could&nbsp;hold a racquet, they&nbsp;were on the court too.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;their grandpa loved tennis so much&nbsp;that&nbsp;he built a court in his&nbsp;backyard.&nbsp;Older twin sisters Nicole and Natalie&nbsp;Lubbers&nbsp;played for the Tigers&nbsp;several&nbsp;years ago.&nbsp;Yup – two sets of twins; a&nbsp;double-double!

Heidi and Hope&nbsp;played for Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita,&nbsp;where they&nbsp;dominated the 5A doubles circuit,&nbsp;placing&nbsp;second&nbsp;at state their senior year.&nbsp;Their most memorable moment&nbsp;was&nbsp;winning the doubles semi-finals in the state tournament in that senior year. That match helped their team achieve enough points to win the state championship title. “I can still remember how proud our family and coach looked when we walked off that court,” shared Hope. I am sure that was&nbsp;the realization of a lot of dreams in a family where&nbsp;the passion for the game spans&nbsp;generations.&nbsp;

From my perspective, I&nbsp;love that this tennis family has such a strong legacy connection to FHSU. In fact, that connection to FHSU &nbsp;became&nbsp;even&nbsp;more apparent&nbsp;when I learned that Heidi and Hope&nbsp;made attending&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;their first priority-above tennis. I think that is&nbsp;incredible!&nbsp;

“Having come often to visit our sisters here at Hays, Hope and I grew to love the campus,”&nbsp;shared Heidi. “From the homey feel of the town to the beautiful buildings that are all walking distance from the residential halls, this college was always our top choice.”

Heidi and Hope’s aspirations of attending FHSU slipped somewhat when they didn’t receive an offer to play tennis due to the low number of team members graduating, which would have opened spots for the duo.&nbsp;“That hit us&nbsp;hard,” Heidi said.&nbsp;“But after talking it over, we were willing to put down our rackets for good and come just as students, but not student-athletes.”

The twins’ commitment to FHSU paid off in their senior year of high school when two spots opened on the tennis team. Coach Flax knew exactly who to call.

Heidi said that she and Hope have been grateful for the opportunity the coach gave them to play. Additionally, the twins are glad that the team&nbsp;comprises young players&nbsp;they can work with throughout their undergraduate careers. “College tennis teams like ours are composed of players who play at different skill levels.&nbsp;This would seem to cause a lot of drama in a competitive sport, but during my time here,&nbsp;there has been no drama or fights&nbsp;over&nbsp;a limited number of starting spots. All the girls respect Coach’s decisions.”&nbsp;Heidi said.

I was curious&nbsp;whether the twins&nbsp;felt they had an advantage when playing doubles. The answer&nbsp;was a definitive “Yes!”

“Heidi and I were meant to be doubles partners,” Hope&nbsp;shared.”&nbsp;As fraternal twins, our older sisters, Nicole and Natalie, never really got along on the court, so it was a no-brainer that they would not be doubles partners. Heidi and I, however,&nbsp;are identical twins,&nbsp;and we think that helps us&nbsp;work very well together,”&nbsp;

The twins point out that they have a connection most of their teammates don’t have. They continue to support and coach each other without judgment or holding back.&nbsp;

Hope and Heidi also mentioned&nbsp;how tennis has helped them grow in other ways. From Hope’s&nbsp;perspective,&nbsp;being&nbsp;a part of the FHSU tennis team has allowed&nbsp;her&nbsp;to take on roles&nbsp;she&nbsp;wouldn’t have&nbsp;had&nbsp;outside of the sport.&nbsp;She&nbsp;steps&nbsp;in to play leader when&nbsp;theteam captain&nbsp;or the coaches need&nbsp;her.

“Most of the time, I&nbsp;work hard to support&nbsp;the other girls, whether before, during, or after a tough match,&nbsp;or simply during a time of struggle in their personal lives, Hope said.“Everyone on the team&nbsp;must be flexible&nbsp;and be ready to take on different&nbsp;roles&nbsp;when necessary.&nbsp;Only when all the roles are filled can a team succeed and each player become a champion.”

Heidi also&nbsp;shared&nbsp;thoughts on&nbsp;being a champion: As a sophomore,&nbsp;she has&nbsp;seen howimportant it is to be a team leader to the freshman because they&nbsp;are aware of upperclassmen’s&nbsp;attitudes&nbsp;on and off the court.

“In order to be a champion, you should want your teammates to be champions before yourself.&nbsp;If&nbsp;I am not at the top of the lineup,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I am not performing my best, as long as the rest of the team is&nbsp;ready to step in and perform, everyone can be a champion.”&nbsp;Heidi said.

From Coach Flax’s&nbsp;perspective, Heidi&nbsp;and Hope&nbsp;are a&nbsp;dream&nbsp;to coach,&nbsp;and they&nbsp;are&nbsp;among the best overall&nbsp;teammates&nbsp;he has worked with&nbsp;in&nbsp;his&nbsp;27 years&nbsp;of&nbsp;coaching.&nbsp;He believes they are&nbsp;excellent ambassadors for the sport&nbsp;and&nbsp;constantly&nbsp;remind&nbsp;him&nbsp;of the&nbsp;essential&nbsp;intersection between athletics and leadership.&nbsp;

Diving back into tennis-inspired life lessons, it is said that every&nbsp;set in tennis&nbsp;begins with “Love,”&nbsp;and each point&nbsp;offers&nbsp;a new opportunity&nbsp;to win.&nbsp;Tiger Tennis is definitely a winner thanks to the community of care modeled by the coaching staff and&nbsp;embraced by the Lubbers sisters and their Tiger Tennis teammates. &nbsp;

If you would like to support the Tiger Tennis program, please consider two new sponsorship options. The first is a court sponsorship. For a $500 donation, you can have the name of your choice posted on a sign on one or more of the six tennis courts where the Tigers compete. If you wish to make a financial donation of any kind to support Tiger Tennis, the name of your choice will be placed on a new “Tiger Advantage Backers” sign at the tennis complex. Learn&nbsp;more and make your donations on the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/support-fhsu-tennis/?bbeml=tp-hf8wJfoouUSxi7AQP3Blmw.joixybNBdike6WQzDWwHkbw.rxqxaxTmsAkGB2AtiBd6xGg.lb0ESIFdyAkSHPSuEclIUBg">Support Tiger Tennis web page</a>&nbsp;hosted by the FHSU Foundation.

<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>I saw a poster the other day that caught my eye. It was a tennis-themed poster that included life lessons from a tennis perspective.&nbsp;I smiled as I thought how applicable thetennis quotes&nbsp;were to&nbsp;the practice of&nbsp;leadership. Here&nbsp;are&nbsp;a couple: &nbsp;“Foot faults happen – you get a second chance;”&nbsp;“Commit to follow through;”&nbsp;“No matter how far down you are, there’s always hope for a comeback.”&nbsp;All of&nbsp;these examples offer great advice&nbsp;that is&nbsp;applicable&nbsp;in&nbsp;so many&nbsp;situations.The poster also prompted me to check in with&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;coach Brian Flax.&nbsp;Coach&nbsp;Flax is in his 27th year as the head tennis coach&nbsp;at FHSU.&nbsp;He&nbsp;ranks as the all-time leader in coaching victories with 205.&nbsp;Brian&nbsp;is currently the longest-tenured head coach at Fort Hays State.&nbsp;We are so grateful for his dedication to our players and&nbsp;to&nbsp;Tiger Tennis.This season&nbsp;we returned&nbsp;the majority of the roster.&nbsp;Several of our returning players will&nbsp;bring significant experience to the fall 2022&nbsp;season.&nbsp;Among those returning as sophomores are twin sisters Heidi and Hope Lubbers.&nbsp;Hope is majoring in English, secondary education,&nbsp;while Heidi is preparing for our medical diagnostic imaging program with an emphasis on&nbsp;ultrasound.Coach Flax shared that Heidi and Hope Lubbers come from a long line of&nbsp;tennis-playing&nbsp;family members.&nbsp;Their grandpa taught them,&nbsp;their sisters, uncles, and their mom&nbsp;the play and love the game.&nbsp;As soon as&nbsp;Heidi and Hope&nbsp;could&nbsp;hold a racquet, they&nbsp;were on the court too.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;their grandpa loved tennis so much&nbsp;that&nbsp;he built a court in his&nbsp;backyard.&nbsp;Older twin sisters Nicole and Natalie&nbsp;Lubbers&nbsp;played for the Tigers&nbsp;several&nbsp;years ago.&nbsp;Yup – two sets of twins; a&nbsp;double-double!Heidi and Hope&nbsp;played for Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita,&nbsp;where they&nbsp;dominated the 5A doubles circuit,&nbsp;placing&nbsp;second&nbsp;at state their senior year.&nbsp;Their most memorable moment&nbsp;was&nbsp;winning the doubles semi-finals in the state tournament in that senior year. That match helped their team achieve enough points to win the state championship title. “I can still remember how proud our family and coach looked when we walked off that court,” shared Hope. I am sure that was&nbsp;the realization of a lot of dreams in a family where&nbsp;the passion for the game spans&nbsp;generations.&nbsp;From my perspective, I&nbsp;love that this tennis family has such a strong legacy connection to FHSU. In fact, that connection to FHSU &nbsp;became&nbsp;even&nbsp;more apparent&nbsp;when I learned that Heidi and Hope&nbsp;made attending&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;their first priority-above tennis. I think that is&nbsp;incredible!&nbsp;“Having come often to visit our sisters here at Hays, Hope and I grew to love the campus,”&nbsp;shared Heidi. “From the homey feel of the town to the beautiful buildings that are all walking distance from the residential halls, this college was always our top choice.”Heidi and Hope’s aspirations of attending FHSU slipped somewhat when they didn’t receive an offer to play tennis due to the low number of team members graduating, which would have opened spots for the duo.&nbsp;“That hit us&nbsp;hard,” Heidi said.&nbsp;“But after talking it over, we were willing to put down our rackets for good and come just as students, but not student-athletes.”The twins’ commitment to FHSU paid off in their senior year of high school when two spots opened on the tennis team. Coach Flax knew exactly who to call.Heidi said that she and Hope have been grateful for the opportunity the coach gave them to play. Additionally, the twins are glad that the team&nbsp;comprises young players&nbsp;they can work with throughout their undergraduate careers. “College tennis teams like ours are composed of players who play at different skill levels.&nbsp;This would seem to cause a lot of drama in a competitive sport, but during my time here,&nbsp;there has been no drama or fights&nbsp;over&nbsp;a limited number of starting spots. All the girls respect Coach’s decisions.”&nbsp;Heidi said.I was curious&nbsp;whether the twins&nbsp;felt they had an advantage when playing doubles. The answer&nbsp;was a definitive “Yes!”“Heidi and I were meant to be doubles partners,” Hope&nbsp;shared.”&nbsp;As fraternal twins, our older sisters, Nicole and Natalie, never really got along on the court, so it was a no-brainer that they would not be doubles partners. Heidi and I, however,&nbsp;are identical twins,&nbsp;and we think that helps us&nbsp;work very well together,”&nbsp;The twins point out that they have a connection most of their teammates don’t have. They continue to support and coach each other without judgment or holding back.&nbsp;Hope and Heidi also mentioned&nbsp;how tennis has helped them grow in other ways. From Hope’s&nbsp;perspective,&nbsp;being&nbsp;a part of the FHSU tennis team has allowed&nbsp;her&nbsp;to take on roles&nbsp;she&nbsp;wouldn’t have&nbsp;had&nbsp;outside of the sport.&nbsp;She&nbsp;steps&nbsp;in to play leader when&nbsp;theteam captain&nbsp;or the coaches need&nbsp;her.“Most of the time, I&nbsp;work hard to support&nbsp;the other girls, whether before, during, or after a tough match,&nbsp;or simply during a time of struggle in their personal lives, Hope said.“Everyone on the team&nbsp;must be flexible&nbsp;and be ready to take on different&nbsp;roles&nbsp;when necessary.&nbsp;Only when all the roles are filled can a team succeed and each player become a champion.”Heidi also&nbsp;shared&nbsp;thoughts on&nbsp;being a champion: As a sophomore,&nbsp;she has&nbsp;seen howimportant it is to be a team leader to the freshman because they&nbsp;are aware of upperclassmen’s&nbsp;attitudes&nbsp;on and off the court.“In order to be a champion, you should want your teammates to be champions before yourself.&nbsp;If&nbsp;I am not at the top of the lineup,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I am not performing my best, as long as the rest of the team is&nbsp;ready to step in and perform, everyone can be a champion.”&nbsp;Heidi said.From Coach Flax’s&nbsp;perspective, Heidi&nbsp;and Hope&nbsp;are a&nbsp;dream&nbsp;to coach,&nbsp;and they&nbsp;are&nbsp;among the best overall&nbsp;teammates&nbsp;he has worked with&nbsp;in&nbsp;his&nbsp;27 years&nbsp;of&nbsp;coaching.&nbsp;He believes they are&nbsp;excellent ambassadors for the sport&nbsp;and&nbsp;constantly&nbsp;remind&nbsp;him&nbsp;of the&nbsp;essential&nbsp;intersection between athletics and leadership.&nbsp;Diving back into tennis-inspired life lessons, it is said that every&nbsp;set in tennis&nbsp;begins with “Love,”&nbsp;and each point&nbsp;offers&nbsp;a new opportunity&nbsp;to win.&nbsp;Tiger Tennis is definitely a winner thanks to the community of care modeled by the coaching staff and&nbsp;embraced by the Lubbers sisters and their Tiger Tennis teammates. &nbsp;If you would like to support the Tiger Tennis program, please consider two new sponsorship options. The first is a court sponsorship. For a $500 donation, you can have the name of your choice posted on a sign on one or more of the six tennis courts where the Tigers compete. If you wish to make a financial donation of any kind to support Tiger Tennis, the name of your choice will be placed on a new “Tiger Advantage Backers” sign at the tennis complex. Learn&nbsp;more and make your donations on the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/support-fhsu-tennis/?bbeml=tp-hf8wJfoouUSxi7AQP3Blmw.joixybNBdike6WQzDWwHkbw.rxqxaxTmsAkGB2AtiBd6xGg.lb0ESIFdyAkSHPSuEclIUBg">Support Tiger Tennis web page</a>&nbsp;hosted by the FHSU Foundation.

Heart of a Tiger: A tennis double-double

Is Ellis County losing millions of dollars each year? Proponents of&nbsp;Obamacare&nbsp;expansion have recently&nbsp;suggested that&nbsp;this is the case. However, I know that isn’t true.&nbsp;How? Because I&nbsp;expanded&nbsp;Obamacare&nbsp;in Colorado.&nbsp;

During the 2013 Colorado legislative session I worked for a Colorado trade association that represented physicians before the state legislature. I was tasked with creating arguments that supported an expansion &nbsp;of&nbsp;Obamacare.&nbsp;The arguments we made then are the same ones being used now, and they simply do not live up to scrutiny.&nbsp;

For example, one of the biggest arguments made in favor of expansion is the “federal government picks up 90% of the cost”.&nbsp;However, I&nbsp;would ask ourselves if&nbsp;ever&nbsp;increasing federal spending has been benefiting us recently? With record inflation, soaring costs, and no relief in sight to energy prices I would argue the last thing we need is hundreds of millions in new federal spending&nbsp;which will only lead to further inflation and even higher costs in our daily lives.&nbsp;

Another argument is&nbsp;“expansion” is&nbsp;actually “budget neutral”.&nbsp;In other words, Kansas should spend hundreds of millions of dollars to hopefully save a few million.&nbsp;This&nbsp;claim is based on the concept of “budget offsets”, which is a fancy lobbyist term for&nbsp;what amounts to a&nbsp;shell game.&nbsp;For example,&nbsp;proponents&nbsp;argue that one way to “offset” the cost is&nbsp;putting prisoners on government insurance. By doing this,&nbsp;the state “saves money” because the federal government is paying for a significant portion of the cost, and thus saves Kansans money.&nbsp;If that seems confusing,&nbsp;it is supposed to.&nbsp;Proponents do not want us to look behind the hood of their proposal, rather just accept their arguments at face value.&nbsp;

Let me be clear. As a person who has an ongoing illness that nearly killed me,&nbsp;and has had more surgeries than&nbsp;I can remember, I support&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;access to healthcare for&nbsp;every single person in our community. However, the idea that more government spending will fix the problem has been proven to be untrue&nbsp;every single time it has been tried. That is why I appreciate&nbsp;our local state&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Barb Wasinger&nbsp;looking for real solutions to the cost and availability of healthcare. Simply put, we do not&nbsp;need&nbsp;special interest groups controlling healthcare in Kansas,&nbsp;we need dedicated people whose best interests&nbsp;are&nbsp;our community.&nbsp;

Is Ellis County losing millions of dollars each year? Proponents of&nbsp;Obamacare&nbsp;expansion have recently&nbsp;suggested that&nbsp;this is the case. However, I know that isn’t true.&nbsp;How? Because I&nbsp;expanded&nbsp;Obamacare&nbsp;in Colorado.&nbsp;During the 2013 Colorado legislative session I worked for a Colorado trade association that represented physicians before the state legislature. I was tasked with creating arguments that supported an expansion &nbsp;of&nbsp;Obamacare.&nbsp;The arguments we made then are the same ones being used now, and they simply do not live up to scrutiny.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For example, one of the biggest arguments made in favor of expansion is the “federal government picks up 90% of the cost”.&nbsp;However, I&nbsp;would ask ourselves if&nbsp;ever&nbsp;increasing federal spending has been benefiting us recently? With record inflation, soaring costs, and no relief in sight to energy prices I would argue the last thing we need is hundreds of millions in new federal spending&nbsp;which will only lead to further inflation and even higher costs in our daily lives.&nbsp;Another argument is&nbsp;“expansion” is&nbsp;actually “budget neutral”.&nbsp;In other words, Kansas should spend hundreds of millions of dollars to hopefully save a few million.&nbsp;This&nbsp;claim is based on the concept of “budget offsets”, which is a fancy lobbyist term for&nbsp;what amounts to a&nbsp;shell game.&nbsp;For example,&nbsp;proponents&nbsp;argue that one way to “offset” the cost is&nbsp;putting prisoners on government insurance. By doing this,&nbsp;the state “saves money” because the federal government is paying for a significant portion of the cost, and thus saves Kansans money.&nbsp;If that seems confusing,&nbsp;it is supposed to.&nbsp;Proponents do not want us to look behind the hood of their proposal, rather just accept their arguments at face value.&nbsp;Let me be clear. As a person who has an ongoing illness that nearly killed me,&nbsp;and has had more surgeries than&nbsp;I can remember, I support&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;access to healthcare for&nbsp;every single person in our community. However, the idea that more government spending will fix the problem has been proven to be untrue&nbsp;every single time it has been tried. That is why I appreciate&nbsp;our local state&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Barb Wasinger&nbsp;looking for real solutions to the cost and availability of healthcare. Simply put, we do not&nbsp;need&nbsp;special interest groups controlling healthcare in Kansas,&nbsp;we need dedicated people whose best interests&nbsp;are&nbsp;our community.&nbsp;Chris McGowne, Hays

LETTER: The true cost of Obamacare

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664990217413.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>

<a href="http://www.grannymaes.com/">Granny Mae's Pumpkin Patch</a>, located in Dorrance, recently was honored by national website The Travel.

The Kansas attraction was featured in the story "Fall on a Budget: 10 Affordable Places to Visit in the US This Autumn."

Click <a href="https://www.thetravel.com/affordable-places-to-visit-in-the-us-this-autumn/">HERE</a> to read the entire story.

OPEN WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022! SATURDAYS 10-6 AND SUNDAYS 1-5

HOW TO FIND US-INTERSTATE 70 DORRANCE EXIT 199. TURN SOUTH AND FOLLOW THE SIGNS! 3 MILES SOUTH, TWO MILES WEST, 1/2 MILE NORTH

<a href="http://www.grannymaes.com/">Granny Mae's Pumpkin Patch</a>, located in Dorrance, recently was honored by national website The Travel.The Kansas attraction was featured in the story "Fall on a Budget: 10 Affordable Places to Visit in the US This Autumn."Click <a href="https://www.thetravel.com/affordable-places-to-visit-in-the-us-this-autumn/">HERE</a> to read the entire story.<h2>OPEN WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022! SATURDAYS 10-6 AND SUNDAYS 1-5</h2><h2>HOW TO FIND US-INTERSTATE 70 DORRANCE EXIT 199. TURN SOUTH AND FOLLOW THE SIGNS! 3 MILES SOUTH, TWO MILES WEST, 1/2 MILE NORTH</h2>

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