Grant award will provide post kitchen improvements

The VFW Auxiliary 9076 announced recently it has received a $1,000 grant from the national VFW Foundation. The funds will go toward the purchase of a new refrigerator for the Post 9076 building kitchen.

“Together, the VFW Post and Auxiliary 9076 have hosted more than 40 food-related events this calendar year alone, which served veterans and their families, as well as the general public,” said&nbsp;Jason Hudsonpillar of Hays, Auxiliary president. “All of our events are planned and staffed primarily by volunteers, and improvements like this new commercial-grade cooler will help us continue to provide meals and host other activities for our members and guests.”

The slogan for the national VFW Auxiliary is, “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes.” Auxiliary 9076 fulfills this purpose by serving veterans, service members, their families, and the greater Hays community through social and patriotic events year-round. From public events like pancake breakfasts, Stag &amp; Stagette Nights, Christmas Day lunch, and fish-noodles-beans dinners during Lent, to private weddings and funerals, VFW Post and Auxiliary 9076 members log hundreds of volunteer hours each year.

“I joined the VFW Auxiliary as a Lifetime Member to honor my father, who is a Vietnam-era veteran,” Angela Pool-Funai of Ellis said. “It means a lot to me to be involved in an organization that not only cares about service members but also recognizes the sacrifices made by their families.”

Stay in the know about events open to the public and special activities just for members by following VFW 9076 on social media:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysVFW9076">facebook.com/HaysVFW9076</a>. For more information about membership in the VFW Auxiliary, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/membership">vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/membership</a>&nbsp;or call the Post at (785) 625-9940. Service members interested in joining the VFW can learn more at:&nbsp;<a href="http://vfw.org/join">vfw.org/join</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653657347702.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Grant award will provide post kitchen improvements</h2>News releaseThe VFW Auxiliary 9076 announced recently it has received a $1,000 grant from the national VFW Foundation. The funds will go toward the purchase of a new refrigerator for the Post 9076 building kitchen.“Together, the VFW Post and Auxiliary 9076 have hosted more than 40 food-related events this calendar year alone, which served veterans and their families, as well as the general public,” said&nbsp;Jason Hudsonpillar of Hays, Auxiliary president. “All of our events are planned and staffed primarily by volunteers, and improvements like this new commercial-grade cooler will help us continue to provide meals and host other activities for our members and guests.”Serving Veterans and FamiliesThe slogan for the national VFW Auxiliary is, “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes.” Auxiliary 9076 fulfills this purpose by serving veterans, service members, their families, and the greater Hays community through social and patriotic events year-round. From public events like pancake breakfasts, Stag &amp; Stagette Nights, Christmas Day lunch, and fish-noodles-beans dinners during Lent, to private weddings and funerals, VFW Post and Auxiliary 9076 members log hundreds of volunteer hours each year.“I joined the VFW Auxiliary as a Lifetime Member to honor my father, who is a Vietnam-era veteran,” Angela Pool-Funai of Ellis said. “It means a lot to me to be involved in an organization that not only cares about service members but also recognizes the sacrifices made by their families.”Stay in the know about events open to the public and special activities just for members by following VFW 9076 on social media:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysVFW9076">facebook.com/HaysVFW9076</a>. For more information about membership in the VFW Auxiliary, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/membership">vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/membership</a>&nbsp;or call the Post at (785) 625-9940. Service members interested in joining the VFW can learn more at:&nbsp;<a href="http://vfw.org/join">vfw.org/join</a>.

Hays VFW Auxiliary 9076 receives national grant award

The Kansas legislative year ended in&nbsp;a stalemate for culture warriors and without any major legislation for overall improvement of teaching and learning, because none of the bills addressed the elephant in the middle of the room—a shortage of fully prepared teachers.

During this year’s legislative session more than 50 school-related bills were put forward. Many reflected a partisan battle at the national level between Republicans and Democrats.

In Kansas, the battle is more often between public school supporters and conservatives who advocate school choice and criticize how race, gender and history is taught.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, we’re in a situation where political motives can be very different from important concerns that everyday people have for their kids’ education.&nbsp;

In these circumstances big problems, such as teacher shortages, can become invisible, like the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room, and any real progress to improve schools overlooked.

With the legislature adjourned, each political side can claim victories.&nbsp;

The most important and far reaching success for supporters of public education was the abandonment of a bill, defeated last year, which would allow parents to use public tax dollars to send their children to costly, selective admission, ideologically driven private schools.&nbsp;

Supporters of public education also prevailed when Governor Kelly vetoed the “Parents Bill of Rights” legislation that educators found to be transparency overkill and an unfunded mandate.&nbsp;

This bill required schools and individual teachers to post and maintain for parental review volumes of curriculum information as well as information on school library holdings.

Conservates scored a win when Governor Kelly signed into law an open enrollment plan that allows out-of-district students, regardless of where they live, to transfer to any public school.&nbsp;

The policy sets precedent for enlarging school-choice; however, it won’t be effective until 2024.&nbsp;

School districts will determine their own enrollment capacity and not be required to accept all students who apply, plus parents will have to pay for transportation, so there likely won’t be many shifts in school enrollment.&nbsp;

Conservatives also backed a policy requirement included in the school finance bill that requires&nbsp;local school boards to annually review state academic assessments when approving the school district’s budget.&nbsp;

Some legislation did receive across-the-aisle cooperation.&nbsp; For example, a change requiring high schools to offer at least one computer science course and an individual income tax credit of $250 per year for teachers’ classroom and school supplies.

Yet, no legislation addressed the preparation or retention of teachers even though there is a major shortage of teachers and substitutes and a consensus among educators that to improve student learning we must stabilize the pool of qualified teachers.&nbsp;

Data from the Kansas State Department of Education for spring 2022 shows 1381 unfilled teacher vacancies. Special education openings were reported at 305, elementary education at 251, English language arts at 108, math at 94 and science at 86. These numbers don’t include classrooms currently filled by teachers not fully licensed for the subjects they teach.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are currently 906 active emergency licenses for substitutes holding only a high school diploma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Downgrading requirements for teachers and substitutes have increased over the past five years, that helps fill our classrooms without growing the number of teachers prepared and licensed to teach their assigned courses.&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas legislative year ended in&nbsp;a stalemate for culture warriors and without any major legislation for overall improvement of teaching and learning, because none of the bills addressed the elephant in the middle of the room—a shortage of fully prepared teachers.During this year’s legislative session more than 50 school-related bills were put forward. Many reflected a partisan battle at the national level between Republicans and Democrats.In Kansas, the battle is more often between public school supporters and conservatives who advocate school choice and criticize how race, gender and history is taught.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Unfortunately, we’re in a situation where political motives can be very different from important concerns that everyday people have for their kids’ education.&nbsp;In these circumstances big problems, such as teacher shortages, can become invisible, like the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room, and any real progress to improve schools overlooked.With the legislature adjourned, each political side can claim victories.&nbsp;The most important and far reaching success for supporters of public education was the abandonment of a bill, defeated last year, which would allow parents to use public tax dollars to send their children to costly, selective admission, ideologically driven private schools.&nbsp;Supporters of public education also prevailed when Governor Kelly vetoed the “Parents Bill of Rights” legislation that educators found to be transparency overkill and an unfunded mandate.&nbsp;This bill required schools and individual teachers to post and maintain for parental review volumes of curriculum information as well as information on school library holdings.Conservates scored a win when Governor Kelly signed into law an open enrollment plan that allows out-of-district students, regardless of where they live, to transfer to any public school.&nbsp;The policy sets precedent for enlarging school-choice; however, it won’t be effective until 2024.&nbsp;School districts will determine their own enrollment capacity and not be required to accept all students who apply, plus parents will have to pay for transportation, so there likely won’t be many shifts in school enrollment.&nbsp;Conservatives also backed a policy requirement included in the school finance bill that requires&nbsp;local school boards to annually review state academic assessments when approving the school district’s budget.&nbsp;Some legislation did receive across-the-aisle cooperation.&nbsp; For example, a change requiring high schools to offer at least one computer science course and an individual income tax credit of $250 per year for teachers’ classroom and school supplies.Yet, no legislation addressed the preparation or retention of teachers even though there is a major shortage of teachers and substitutes and a consensus among educators that to improve student learning we must stabilize the pool of qualified teachers.&nbsp;Data from the Kansas State Department of Education for spring 2022 shows 1381 unfilled teacher vacancies. Special education openings were reported at 305, elementary education at 251, English language arts at 108, math at 94 and science at 86. These numbers don’t include classrooms currently filled by teachers not fully licensed for the subjects they teach.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are currently 906 active emergency licenses for substitutes holding only a high school diploma.&nbsp;&nbsp;Downgrading requirements for teachers and substitutes have increased over the past five years, that helps fill our classrooms without growing the number of teachers prepared and licensed to teach their assigned courses.&nbsp;The shortage is becoming dire.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Session closes with education elephant still in the room

<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/2022/5/1653682802439.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

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Let’s go to Atlanta, to the largest blade and knife show in the world. Among the exhibitors is a craftsman from halfway across the continent. He is displaying his high quality knives that are handmade in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvey King is the craftsman who started his own business, known as Harvey King Knives. Harvey is a native of Topeka. After college, he met and married Bonnie who was from Eskridge. They moved to Eskridge and lived there for 34 years. In 2004, he and Bonnie noticed a place that they admired in the country near Alta Vista, and eventually moved to where they live today.&nbsp;

“I have been interested in knives most of my life,” King said. “My dad was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, and he taught me the value of a good knife at a young age.”&nbsp;

“I spent 31 years building earthmover tires at Goodyear in Topeka,” said King, who is now retired. “The maintenance men at Goodyear knew I liked to hunt and fish and trap. They showed me some of the knives that they made in their spare time and, pretty quick, I wanted to try it.”&nbsp;

He started making knives in 1988 and soon found other people wanted them. A taxidermist friend talked him into sharing a table at some of the local shows and Harvey’s knives sold well. He launched his own business, Harvey King Knives, and started selling them at knife and gun shows around the country. In July 2022, King will turn 75.&nbsp;

“My daughter asked when I would retire,” King said. “I told her, when it ceases to be fun or when I’m too shaky to do it right. (Right now), it’s still fun.”&nbsp;

Hunters have an old saying: The gun does the work for 30 seconds, but the knife does the work for 2-3 hours. In other words, a hunting knife is used extensively, so it is important to have a good one.&nbsp;

What are the keys to making a good knife? ”Fit and finish,” King said. “The parts need to fit together just right, with no gaps, voids or holes, and the finish grind lines need to be straight.”&nbsp;

It is also important to start with the right materials, he said.&nbsp;

“A good knife starts with a properly heat-treated quality steel blade,” King said. He makes his blades out of D2 tool steel in 1/8” or 5/32” thickness. “It holds a good edge.”&nbsp;

What about the knife handle? “I like natural handles,” he said. King constructs his handles out of California buckeye, Amboyna Burl (a wood from southeast Asia), boxelder and hedge. The wood is injected with polyurethane carbonate to stabilize it. “It polishes out great,” King said.&nbsp;

He also handcrafts a leather sheath that goes with each knife.&nbsp;&nbsp;King creates various models of knives for small game, hunting, personal, companion use and more.&nbsp;

King has a supply of knives for sale and also makes custom knives on demand. In a year, he might produce as many as 175 knives. He is a member of the Professional Knifemakers Association, the American Bladesmith Society, and a past voting member of the Knifemakers Guild.&nbsp;

“I go to gun and knife shows,” he said, at one point attending 26 a year. He used to go to the Blade Show in Atlanta, which is the largest knife show in the world, but he prefers the shows in Denver and in Ohio, which are more personal. His knives have gone from coast to coast, from California to New York.&nbsp;

It's an impressive record for a craftsman located near the rural community of Alta Vista, population 409 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.harveykingknives.com/">www.harveykingknives.com</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to leave the world’s largest knife show, where Harvey King is displaying his beautiful knives that were handcrafted in rural Kansas. We salute Harvey King for making a difference with his skills and craftmanship. You might say they are cutting edge.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653485610058.png" alt="Harvey King / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Harvey King / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentLet’s go to Atlanta, to the largest blade and knife show in the world. Among the exhibitors is a craftsman from halfway across the continent. He is displaying his high quality knives that are handmade in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Harvey King is the craftsman who started his own business, known as Harvey King Knives. Harvey is a native of Topeka. After college, he met and married Bonnie who was from Eskridge. They moved to Eskridge and lived there for 34 years. In 2004, he and Bonnie noticed a place that they admired in the country near Alta Vista, and eventually moved to where they live today.&nbsp;“I have been interested in knives most of my life,” King said. “My dad was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, and he taught me the value of a good knife at a young age.”&nbsp;“I spent 31 years building earthmover tires at Goodyear in Topeka,” said King, who is now retired. “The maintenance men at Goodyear knew I liked to hunt and fish and trap. They showed me some of the knives that they made in their spare time and, pretty quick, I wanted to try it.”&nbsp;He started making knives in 1988 and soon found other people wanted them. A taxidermist friend talked him into sharing a table at some of the local shows and Harvey’s knives sold well. He launched his own business, Harvey King Knives, and started selling them at knife and gun shows around the country. In July 2022, King will turn 75.&nbsp;“My daughter asked when I would retire,” King said. “I told her, when it ceases to be fun or when I’m too shaky to do it right. (Right now), it’s still fun.”&nbsp;Hunters have an old saying: The gun does the work for 30 seconds, but the knife does the work for 2-3 hours. In other words, a hunting knife is used extensively, so it is important to have a good one.&nbsp;What are the keys to making a good knife? ”Fit and finish,” King said. “The parts need to fit together just right, with no gaps, voids or holes, and the finish grind lines need to be straight.”&nbsp;It is also important to start with the right materials, he said.&nbsp;“A good knife starts with a properly heat-treated quality steel blade,” King said. He makes his blades out of D2 tool steel in 1/8” or 5/32” thickness. “It holds a good edge.”&nbsp;What about the knife handle? “I like natural handles,” he said. King constructs his handles out of California buckeye, Amboyna Burl (a wood from southeast Asia), boxelder and hedge. The wood is injected with polyurethane carbonate to stabilize it. “It polishes out great,” King said.&nbsp;He also handcrafts a leather sheath that goes with each knife.&nbsp;&nbsp;King creates various models of knives for small game, hunting, personal, companion use and more.&nbsp;King has a supply of knives for sale and also makes custom knives on demand. In a year, he might produce as many as 175 knives. He is a member of the Professional Knifemakers Association, the American Bladesmith Society, and a past voting member of the Knifemakers Guild.&nbsp;“I go to gun and knife shows,” he said, at one point attending 26 a year. He used to go to the Blade Show in Atlanta, which is the largest knife show in the world, but he prefers the shows in Denver and in Ohio, which are more personal. His knives have gone from coast to coast, from California to New York.&nbsp;It's an impressive record for a craftsman located near the rural community of Alta Vista, population 409 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.harveykingknives.com/">www.harveykingknives.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to leave the world’s largest knife show, where Harvey King is displaying his beautiful knives that were handcrafted in rural Kansas. We salute Harvey King for making a difference with his skills and craftmanship. You might say they are cutting edge.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Harvey King Knives 

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Aaron T. Bostick, 20, Bastrop, Louisiana, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 281.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the road, across the median and onto eastbound Interstate 70. 

An eastbound 2016 International semi driven by Alan K. Putnam, 63, Tipton, Missouri , struck the GMC.

Bostick was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Putnam was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Aaron T. Bostick, 20, Bastrop, Louisiana, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 281.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the road, across the median and onto eastbound Interstate 70. An eastbound 2016 International semi driven by Alan K. Putnam, 63, Tipton, Missouri , struck the GMC.Bostick was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Putnam was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

20-year-old dies after crash with a semi on Interstate 70

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Fire warns of summer fire dangers" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bej9w-1237ebd-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Fire warns of summer fire dangers

By CALEB NELSON <a href="https://mybighornbasin.com">Big Horn Radio Network</a>

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. —&nbsp;Hot Springs Health, a Thermopolis, Wyo., hub for healthcare in the Big Horn Basin, first opened its doors in 1958. HSH currently has a hospital, four family practice clinics, and a surgical clinic.

The board of directors has announced the appointment of Scott Alwin as the new CEO of Hot Springs Health. His tenure begins on July 1, when he will take over for Margie Molitor.

HealthTech Staffing, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based healthcare consulting and management firm helped direct the search for the “right candidate.”

Alwin’s 20 years of experience in the healthcare field include time spent in administrative and clinical settings. He plans to introduce more stabilization, team building, and cost efficiency to the job.

“This is an exciting time for everyone at HSH. After an exhaustive, nationwide search for a talented CEO for our growing organization, we’re very pleased to find that our most qualified candidate was in house,” Bill Williams DVM, board chairman, said. “Everyone knows Scott, and he knows the ins and outs, the top and bottom of our hospital system. I’m confident he’ll hit all our targets in the near future. I also want to say that Margie Molitor did a superb job these last six years. We’re all very happy with the work she’s done to get us this far and wish her the best of luck,” Williams remarks.

Previously, Alwin served as the Chief Clinical Officer for the hospital, he held that position until 2021. As CCO, Alwin directed the planning and coordination of all clinical services: Nursing Services, Cardiopulmonary, Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmarcy, Ambulatory, Surgical Services, Nutrition/Food Services, Care Coordination/Utilization Review and Quality and Clinical Informatics.

Originally from northwest Kansas, the Colby native earned his Master of Science, Health Services Administration from Regis University, his Master of Science, Physical Therapy from Des Moines University and his Bachelor of Science, General Science from Fort Hays State University.

Alwin previously served in a variety of roles at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Neb., for 16 years, as well as stints at Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff and Gering, Neb.

“My family and I are thrilled to have this opportunity come up at the place that I’ve called home. It’s been a trying time these past couple years with the pandemic, and I couldn’t be happier to set down roots here at Hot Springs Health,” Alwin said. “The staff and even the patients I’ve had the pleasure of working with have all been extremely kind and welcoming.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653595298440.jpeg" alt="Scott Alwin, Courtesy of Hot Springs Health" />
 <figcaption>Scott Alwin, Courtesy of Hot Springs Health</figcaption>
 </figure>By CALEB NELSON <a href="https://mybighornbasin.com">Big Horn Radio Network</a>THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. —&nbsp;Hot Springs Health, a Thermopolis, Wyo., hub for healthcare in the Big Horn Basin, first opened its doors in 1958. HSH currently has a hospital, four family practice clinics, and a surgical clinic.The board of directors has announced the appointment of Scott Alwin as the new CEO of Hot Springs Health. His tenure begins on July 1, when he will take over for Margie Molitor.HealthTech Staffing, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based healthcare consulting and management firm helped direct the search for the “right candidate.”Alwin’s 20 years of experience in the healthcare field include time spent in administrative and clinical settings. He plans to introduce more stabilization, team building, and cost efficiency to the job.“This is an exciting time for everyone at HSH. After an exhaustive, nationwide search for a talented CEO for our growing organization, we’re very pleased to find that our most qualified candidate was in house,” Bill Williams DVM, board chairman, said. “Everyone knows Scott, and he knows the ins and outs, the top and bottom of our hospital system. I’m confident he’ll hit all our targets in the near future. I also want to say that Margie Molitor did a superb job these last six years. We’re all very happy with the work she’s done to get us this far and wish her the best of luck,” Williams remarks.Previously, Alwin served as the Chief Clinical Officer for the hospital, he held that position until 2021. As CCO, Alwin directed the planning and coordination of all clinical services: Nursing Services, Cardiopulmonary, Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmarcy, Ambulatory, Surgical Services, Nutrition/Food Services, Care Coordination/Utilization Review and Quality and Clinical Informatics.Originally from northwest Kansas, the Colby native earned his Master of Science, Health Services Administration from Regis University, his Master of Science, Physical Therapy from Des Moines University and his Bachelor of Science, General Science from Fort Hays State University.Alwin previously served in a variety of roles at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Neb., for 16 years, as well as stints at Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff and Gering, Neb.“My family and I are thrilled to have this opportunity come up at the place that I’ve called home. It’s been a trying time these past couple years with the pandemic, and I couldn’t be happier to set down roots here at Hot Springs Health,” Alwin said. “The staff and even the patients I’ve had the pleasure of working with have all been extremely kind and welcoming.”Republished with permission

NW Kan. native, FHSU alum named CEO of Wyoming hospital

The Dash 4 Disabilities will be June 11 at the Hays Aquatic Park. There is a 5K distance and a 1-mile option. .

Proceeds will benefit Hays Recreation leisure programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653506329265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Dash 4 Disabilities will be June 11 at the Hays Aquatic Park. There is a 5K distance and a 1-mile option. .Proceeds will benefit Hays Recreation leisure programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.&nbsp;

Dash 4 Disabilities fun run scheduled for June 11

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653682759787.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>

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is scheduled to speak at the Stonepost Lofts ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hays at 9 a.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

Stonepost Lofts is a historic adaptive-reuse project that turned Washington Elementary School into an 18-unit family development with 15 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653677090525.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is scheduled to speak at the Stonepost Lofts ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hays at 9 a.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;Stonepost Lofts is a historic adaptive-reuse project that turned Washington Elementary School into an 18-unit family development with 15 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units.

Moran set to speak at Stonepost Lofts ribbon-cutting

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/26/kansas-library-board-decides-to-keep-fred-gets-dressed-despite-mothers-complaint/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Oakley Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to keep a children’s book over <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/10/woman-wants-kansas-library-to-get-rid-of-childrens-book-about-boy-who-dresses-in-moms-clothes/">objections from a woman</a> who asked for its removal.

Janna Leitner tried to ban “Fred Gets Dressed,” by Peter Brown, from 
the public library after&nbsp;her two children, ages 9 and 11, discovered the
 book and brought it to their mother’s attention. Library staff told 
Kansas Reflector that the woman, who was identified in meeting minutes, 
was troubled by what she viewed as LGBTQ content.

The book is about a boy who loves to “romp through the house naked 
and wild and free” and tries on his mother’s clothes. Brown, a 
bestselling author of children’s books, is a straight, <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cisgender">cisgender</a> man who
 wrote the book&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.peterbrownstudio.com/fred-gets-dressed/">about an experience he had as a little boy</a>.

The library board heard Leitner’s concerns during an April 27 
meeting. The minutes from that meeting reference a discussion about 
whether the book is appropriate for children. The board decided “to 
table the censorship issue” until the May 25 board meeting, the minutes 
said.

During Wednesday’s meeting, library director Victoria Halbleib asked 
to provide a statement for the record, according to unofficial minutes 
obtained by Kansas Reflector.

“To ban a book is fundamentally wrong,” Halbleib said. “I am sorry 
that Mrs. Leitner and her children were disturbed by the content of this
 book, however, the content of any book has no power over us unless we 
open it and continue to look or read it. This is not about defending or 
condoning the content of this book or other material in this library. 
This is a censorship issue; it is about the right of every patron who 
comes through the door to have the freedom to decide for themselves what
 they will read. Please do not censor and remove this book from our 
collection.”

The board voted 6-0 not to remove the book, according to the minutes.
 The board also voted to order a plain hard copy of the book — the 
existing copy is a “wonderbook,” which includes audio — and place it on 
the regular bookshelf, rather than put it on display.

Brown previously said this was the first known attempt to ban his book.

“The woman trying to ban ‘Fred Gets Dressed’ has the right to keep 
her children from reading the book, but controlling what other people 
can read? That’s downright un-American,” Brown said. “I think everyone 
needs to lighten up, and let children be whoever they’re going to be, 
and let them read what they want to read. Everything is going to be 
fine.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653666865991.png" alt="“Fred Gets Dressed,” by Peter Brown, depicts a young boy who likes to romp naked through the house and gets dressed in his mother’s clothes. Brown based on the book on an experience from his own life. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>“Fred Gets Dressed,” by Peter Brown, depicts a young boy who likes to romp naked through the house and gets dressed in his mother’s clothes. Brown based on the book on an experience from his own life. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/26/kansas-library-board-decides-to-keep-fred-gets-dressed-despite-mothers-complaint/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Oakley Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to keep a children’s book over <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/10/woman-wants-kansas-library-to-get-rid-of-childrens-book-about-boy-who-dresses-in-moms-clothes/">objections from a woman</a> who asked for its removal.Janna Leitner tried to ban “Fred Gets Dressed,” by Peter Brown, from 
the public library after&nbsp;her two children, ages 9 and 11, discovered the
 book and brought it to their mother’s attention. Library staff told 
Kansas Reflector that the woman, who was identified in meeting minutes, 
was troubled by what she viewed as LGBTQ content.The book is about a boy who loves to “romp through the house naked 
and wild and free” and tries on his mother’s clothes. Brown, a 
bestselling author of children’s books, is a straight, <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cisgender">cisgender</a> man who
 wrote the book&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.peterbrownstudio.com/fred-gets-dressed/">about an experience he had as a little boy</a>.The library board heard Leitner’s concerns during an April 27 
meeting. The minutes from that meeting reference a discussion about 
whether the book is appropriate for children. The board decided “to 
table the censorship issue” until the May 25 board meeting, the minutes 
said.During Wednesday’s meeting, library director Victoria Halbleib asked 
to provide a statement for the record, according to unofficial minutes 
obtained by Kansas Reflector.“To ban a book is fundamentally wrong,” Halbleib said. “I am sorry 
that Mrs. Leitner and her children were disturbed by the content of this
 book, however, the content of any book has no power over us unless we 
open it and continue to look or read it. This is not about defending or 
condoning the content of this book or other material in this library. 
This is a censorship issue; it is about the right of every patron who 
comes through the door to have the freedom to decide for themselves what
 they will read. Please do not censor and remove this book from our 
collection.”The board voted 6-0 not to remove the book, according to the minutes.
 The board also voted to order a plain hard copy of the book — the 
existing copy is a “wonderbook,” which includes audio — and place it on 
the regular bookshelf, rather than put it on display.Brown previously said this was the first known attempt to ban his book.“The woman trying to ban ‘Fred Gets Dressed’ has the right to keep 
her children from reading the book, but controlling what other people 
can read? That’s downright un-American,” Brown said. “I think everyone 
needs to lighten up, and let children be whoever they’re going to be, 
and let them read what they want to read. Everything is going to be 
fine.”

NW Kan. library to keep ‘Fred Gets Dressed’ despite mother’s complaint

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rjycq-12376fe-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson.

🎤Forward Ever: Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Despite multiple discussions this spring by the Hays city commission, no local businesses contacted any commissioner in support of a proposed streatery policy. 

A streatery is an open space constructed in a parking space to be used as an extension of a restaurant or bar for use by the establishment's patrons.&nbsp;

The concept became prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic to creatively accommodate social distancing requirements and address the economic impact. Municipalities began allowing restaurants to extend their dining space into the public right-of-way, particularly into adjacent parking stalls.

During the commission's annual retreat earlier this year, the idea was discussed and Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, was tasked with researching it and writing a draft streatery and outdoor dining policy for Hays. Manhattan and Lawrence are currently the only cities in Kansas which have streateries.

During a lengthy discussion on April 21, commissioners determined a one-year trial of the streatery program would be the best way to start. It was Sandy Jacob's suggestion, but she noted that she had&nbsp;not been contacted by any downtown eateries that were interested in participating.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I don't know if it'll be conducive in this community, if people really want to do it," Jacobs said last month.

Shaun Musil, who owns the downtown Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, wondered if the investment costs would be worth it to the restaurant and bars. He was unsure if he would do it with his own business.

Commissioners talked about rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption, location, footprint use, structural and safety requirements, and insurance requirements. They came to a consensus in each area and also agreed that businesses could use the adjacent public sidewalk, creating a sidewalk café component to the policy.

After a few more refinements at the next work session, the final draft policy was presented for a vote Thursday night.

"I haven't talked to anybody in this community that really has any interest in the streateries," Jacobs said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She suggested the draft policy be amended to allow outdoor sidewalk dining only.

"Should anybody ever want to get into streateries, we've got that piece. The policy could be amended again and be brought forward for discussion."

Vice-mayor Michael Berges also thought commissioners would hear from the downtown restaurants.&nbsp;

"It feels like we're trying to do something that's not really being asked," Berges said.&nbsp;

He supported Jacobs' idea to remove the streatery portion of the proposed policy.

"We've got a lot of notes that we can refer back to but I think at this time it makes more sense to leave the street part out and allow some outdoor cafés which are easily moved in and out of restaurants, if they want to. If we do hear from restaurants (about streateries), we've got it ready to go and we can readdress it."&nbsp;

The policy was written to allow streateries anywhere in the city where off-street parking is not available nor provided by a restaurant or bar and the business does not already have access to private property to accommodate outdoor dining.

That limited the number of qualifying businesses in downtown Hays to about four and only one had expressed possible interest.

Phil Kuhn, owner of The Press, and&nbsp;Wes Rathbun, owner of several downtown businesses, including The Golden Q, previously told the commission they had concerns about the streatery proposal and how well the concept might work in Hays.

"I penciled it out," Kuhn told Hays Post, "and the cost to build a streatery just doesn't make financial sense for me." Both men think if more restaurants and bars were to open in downtown Hays, a "streatery row" could be created and become a popular gathering area such as Aggieville in Manhattan.

Commissioner Reese Barrick agreed with the restaurant owners.

 "I think in the future there could be more bars and restaurants and it could be a really cool thing," Barrick said. "But for now I think we're doing it for just one place. I would still love to see it on a bigger scale."

At each meeting, Musil worried about state law that makes him - the business owner - responsible for the violation if a customer wanders into Musil's property with an alcoholic drink purchased at a different streatery.

"There are some issues that go with serving alcohol in the streets. ... I think it'd be fun but fun doesn't always make sense," Musil said.&nbsp;

Commissioners unanimously approved the amended policy to allow sidewalk cafés&nbsp;only.

Any restaurant and/or bar within the Hays city limits, that
abuts a public sidewalk, and cannot offer outdoor dining on private property,
may provide outdoor dining on the public sidewalk. They will be permitted to operate year-round and must maintain ADA access for pedestrian traffic on the public sidewalk.

Because public consumption of alcoholic beverages is currently allowed only in city parks, a change was necessary to municipal code.

Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the ordinance requiring participating businesses to obtain a temporary extension of premise permit from&nbsp;the Kansas Department of Revenue, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in order to serve liquor and cereal malt beverages for outdoor dining.&nbsp;

Sidewalk cafes must also have an operating permit issued by the city.&nbsp;

The commission thanked Bielser for the time he spent researching streateries.&nbsp;

"I've not seen anything that this is wanted," said Mayor Mason Ruder. "The opportunity for sidewalk cafés could be a teaser for people to maybe look at doing this. We've got everything in place. If we need to review it later we can."

In other business, commissioners approved the following bid awards:

* Up to $172, 830 to QSI, Richmond, Kansas, for construction of a new Solid Waste Division equipment storage building * Purchase of one Kenworth&nbsp; T-480V single axle dump truck with plow and spreader and two Kenworth T-480V tandem-axle dump trucks with plows, spreader, and brine applicator system for $564,974 to Wichita Kenworth for the Service Division * Rehab of Hickok Park storm sewer, 27th and Indian Trail, by M&amp;D Excavating, Hays, for $27,807

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653628024280.jpeg" alt="A new&nbsp; city policy will allow sidewalk cafés in Hays to operate year-round and they must maintain ADA access for pedestrian traffic. (Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>A new&nbsp; city policy will allow sidewalk cafés in Hays to operate year-round and they must maintain ADA access for pedestrian traffic. (Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostDespite multiple discussions this spring by the Hays city commission, no local businesses contacted any commissioner in support of a proposed streatery policy. A streatery is an open space constructed in a parking space to be used as an extension of a restaurant or bar for use by the establishment's patrons.&nbsp;The concept became prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic to creatively accommodate social distancing requirements and address the economic impact. Municipalities began allowing restaurants to extend their dining space into the public right-of-way, particularly into adjacent parking stalls.During the commission's annual retreat earlier this year, the idea was discussed and Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, was tasked with researching it and writing a draft streatery and outdoor dining policy for Hays. Manhattan and Lawrence are currently the only cities in Kansas which have streateries.During a lengthy discussion on April 21, commissioners determined a one-year trial of the streatery program would be the best way to start. It was Sandy Jacob's suggestion, but she noted that she had&nbsp;not been contacted by any downtown eateries that were interested in participating.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't know if it'll be conducive in this community, if people really want to do it," Jacobs said last month.Shaun Musil, who owns the downtown Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, wondered if the investment costs would be worth it to the restaurant and bars. He was unsure if he would do it with his own business.Commissioners talked about rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption, location, footprint use, structural and safety requirements, and insurance requirements. They came to a consensus in each area and also agreed that businesses could use the adjacent public sidewalk, creating a sidewalk café component to the policy.After a few more refinements at the next work session, the final draft policy was presented for a vote Thursday night."I haven't talked to anybody in this community that really has any interest in the streateries," Jacobs said.&nbsp;&nbsp;She suggested the draft policy be amended to allow outdoor sidewalk dining only."Should anybody ever want to get into streateries, we've got that piece. The policy could be amended again and be brought forward for discussion."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MvfjHgvxMcI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vice-mayor Michael Berges also thought commissioners would hear from the downtown restaurants.&nbsp;"It feels like we're trying to do something that's not really being asked," Berges said.&nbsp;He supported Jacobs' idea to remove the streatery portion of the proposed policy. "We've got a lot of notes that we can refer back to but I think at this time it makes more sense to leave the street part out and allow some outdoor cafés which are easily moved in and out of restaurants, if they want to. If we do hear from restaurants (about streateries), we've got it ready to go and we can readdress it."&nbsp;The policy was written to allow streateries anywhere in the city where off-street parking is not available nor provided by a restaurant or bar and the business does not already have access to private property to accommodate outdoor dining.That limited the number of qualifying businesses in downtown Hays to about four and only one had expressed possible interest.Phil Kuhn, owner of The Press, and&nbsp;Wes Rathbun, owner of several downtown businesses, including The Golden Q, previously told the commission they had concerns about the streatery proposal and how well the concept might work in Hays."I penciled it out," Kuhn told Hays Post, "and the cost to build a streatery just doesn't make financial sense for me." Both men think if more restaurants and bars were to open in downtown Hays, a "streatery row" could be created and become a popular gathering area such as Aggieville in Manhattan.Commissioner Reese Barrick agreed with the restaurant owners. "I think in the future there could be more bars and restaurants and it could be a really cool thing," Barrick said. "But for now I think we're doing it for just one place. I would still love to see it on a bigger scale."At each meeting, Musil worried about state law that makes him - the business owner - responsible for the violation if a customer wanders into Musil's property with an alcoholic drink purchased at a different streatery."There are some issues that go with serving alcohol in the streets. ... I think it'd be fun but fun doesn't always make sense," Musil said.&nbsp;Commissioners unanimously approved the amended policy to allow sidewalk cafés&nbsp;only.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653629276003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Any restaurant and/or bar within the Hays city limits, that
abuts a public sidewalk, and cannot offer outdoor dining on private property,
may provide outdoor dining on the public sidewalk. They will be permitted to operate year-round and must maintain ADA access for pedestrian traffic on the public sidewalk.Because public consumption of alcoholic beverages is currently allowed only in city parks, a change was necessary to municipal code.Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the ordinance requiring participating businesses to obtain a temporary extension of premise permit from&nbsp;the Kansas Department of Revenue, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in order to serve liquor and cereal malt beverages for outdoor dining.&nbsp;Sidewalk cafes must also have an operating permit issued by the city.&nbsp;The commission thanked Bielser for the time he spent researching streateries.&nbsp;"I've not seen anything that this is wanted," said Mayor Mason Ruder. "The opportunity for sidewalk cafés could be a teaser for people to maybe look at doing this. We've got everything in place. If we need to review it later we can."In other business, commissioners approved the following bid awards:* Up to $172, 830 to QSI, Richmond, Kansas, for construction of a new Solid Waste Division equipment storage building * Purchase of one Kenworth&nbsp; T-480V single axle dump truck with plow and spreader and two Kenworth T-480V tandem-axle dump trucks with plows, spreader, and brine applicator system for $564,974 to Wichita Kenworth for the Service Division * Rehab of Hickok Park storm sewer, 27th and Indian Trail, by M&amp;D Excavating, Hays, for $27,807

🎥 Sidewalk cafés to be allowed in Hays for outdoor dining and drinking

The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Committee is looking for cowgirls who want to
throw their hats into the rodeo arena for this year's Miss Ellis County Rodeo
Pageant. The application deadline, June 30, 2022, is quickly approaching.

The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant
Committee is excited to have generous sponsors that support the contestants
with prizes that most pageants cannot offer.

“This year the pageant can
offer a saddle to the queen and princess winners this year because of the wonderful
support of local sponsors,” said Lisa Kisner, chair of the Ellis County Rodeo
Pageant Committee. “We are grateful for many Ellis County businesses and
supporters that make the Ellis County Rodeo Pageant second to none.”

Both title winners will also be
given a pair of traveling chaps to wear at events throughout their reign.

The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant
has three age divisions. The Queen contestant age range is 15 to 21, the
Princess contestants range from 11 to 14 years old, and the newly added Little
Miss contestants range from 7 to 10.

All contestants are judged on
their knowledge of rodeo, horsemanship, public speaking, modeling, personal
interviewing, awareness of current events, photogenic qualities, and overall
professionalism. Integrity, personality, poise, and knowledge are essential
components of these contests. There are prizes given to the winner in each age
division.

"Rodeo pageants are a
great opportunity for young girls. They learn vital skills that they can use
throughout their life," said Kisner. “It is so much more than just the
ability to ride a&nbsp;horse. They truly are a spokesperson for the sport of rodeo, as well as Ellis County. They will travel during their reign making public appearances promoting both.”

The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant
Committee is accepting applications from youth across the state of Kansas who would love to promote the western way of life. They must have a love for
horses, knowledge of rodeo, and exceptional representation skills.

The pageant will be held
Friday, July 15, at the Shadow Arena, 2022 Airbase Road, Hays. The final coronation ceremony
will be held before the KPRA Rodeo at the Ellis County fair grounds on July 19,
where the winners will be crowned for the year 2022.

For more information, follow us
on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCountyRodeoRoyalty">Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Facebook page </a>or contact Lisa Kisner at
lisa@lisascustominteriors.com or 785-656-1523 for an entry packet today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653493225012.jpeg" alt="2021 Ellis County Rodeo Royalty Josie Robinson, Ellis County Rodeo Princess,&nbsp;Lily Basgall, Ellis County Rodeo Little Miss, and&nbsp;Kate Pope, Ellis County Rodeo Queen. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>2021 Ellis County Rodeo Royalty Josie Robinson, Ellis County Rodeo Princess,&nbsp;Lily Basgall, Ellis County Rodeo Little Miss, and&nbsp;Kate Pope, Ellis County Rodeo Queen. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Committee is looking for cowgirls who want to
throw their hats into the rodeo arena for this year's Miss Ellis County Rodeo
Pageant. The application deadline, June 30, 2022, is quickly approaching.The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant
Committee is excited to have generous sponsors that support the contestants
with prizes that most pageants cannot offer.“This year the pageant can
offer a saddle to the queen and princess winners this year because of the wonderful
support of local sponsors,” said Lisa Kisner, chair of the Ellis County Rodeo
Pageant Committee. “We are grateful for many Ellis County businesses and
supporters that make the Ellis County Rodeo Pageant second to none.”Both title winners will also be
given a pair of traveling chaps to wear at events throughout their reign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653492518667.jpeg" alt="Traveling chaps and saddle for the new Miss Ellis County Rodeo Queen (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Traveling chaps and saddle for the new Miss Ellis County Rodeo Queen (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant
has three age divisions. The Queen contestant age range is 15 to 21, the
Princess contestants range from 11 to 14 years old, and the newly added Little
Miss contestants range from 7 to 10.All contestants are judged on
their knowledge of rodeo, horsemanship, public speaking, modeling, personal
interviewing, awareness of current events, photogenic qualities, and overall
professionalism. Integrity, personality, poise, and knowledge are essential
components of these contests. There are prizes given to the winner in each age
division."Rodeo pageants are a
great opportunity for young girls. They learn vital skills that they can use
throughout their life," said Kisner. “It is so much more than just the
ability to ride a&nbsp;horse. They truly are a spokesperson for the sport of rodeo, as well as Ellis County. They will travel during their reign making public appearances promoting both.”The Ellis County Rodeo Pageant
Committee is accepting applications from youth across the state of Kansas who would love to promote the western way of life. They must have a love for
horses, knowledge of rodeo, and exceptional representation skills.The pageant will be held
Friday, July 15, at the Shadow Arena, 2022 Airbase Road, Hays. The final coronation ceremony
will be held before the KPRA Rodeo at the Ellis County fair grounds on July 19,
where the winners will be crowned for the year 2022.For more information, follow us
on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCountyRodeoRoyalty">Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Facebook page </a>or contact Lisa Kisner at
lisa@lisascustominteriors.com or 785-656-1523 for an entry packet today.

Applications open for Ellis County Rodeo Pageant; June 30 deadline

By DAVE TRABERT Kansas Policy Institute

The&nbsp;Ellis County Attorney’s decision to not prosecute election bribery&nbsp;signals that the trend of&nbsp;picking and choosing&nbsp;which crimes to&nbsp;prosecute&nbsp;is no longer confined&nbsp;to&nbsp;major U.S.&nbsp;cities with progressive prosecutors. &nbsp;And that is a very dangerous sign for freedom in Kansas.

As we reported&nbsp;<a href="https://sentinelksmo.org/prosecutor-considers-election-bribery-charge-against-hays-superintendent/">earlier this month</a>,&nbsp;USD 489 Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson&nbsp;emailed district staff on April 22nd concerning the May 10 bond issue election, which included this offer:

“Here’s my challenge to you. If 100% of the eligible voters in your building vote before May 10th we will bring lunch for you one day before the end of school. Yes, we’ll know if you vote (and no we&nbsp;can not&nbsp;see how you vote) The first building in our district to get 100% also gets dessert with their lunch! My expectation is to buy lunch for every building in our district!”

Wilson’s email makes it&nbsp;pretty clear&nbsp;that he is asking employees to vote for bond issue. He writes, “If we want to change the spaces we work in, we must be willing to take the time to vote and change our teaching and learning environments. It doesn’t cost us a penny to vote! Simply, by not voting really registers as a NO vote when it comes to our school staff.”

Ellis County Attorney&nbsp;Robert A. Anderson Jr.&nbsp;recently announced that he won’t prosecute Wilson — not because he doesn’t believe a crime was committed,&nbsp;but because&nbsp;he has more important crimes to prosecute.

Anderson&nbsp;practically&nbsp;acknowledges that a serious crime was committed in his statement reprinted below. He just didn’t want to&nbsp;take action. &nbsp;And by failing to act, he has&nbsp;all but declared open season on election fraud in Hays, Kansas.

As the Ellis County Attorney, I am not required to provide this statement. However, I recognize that as the Ellis County Attorney I have been entrusted with a great deal of discretionary authority and with that, an immense responsibility. There has been a great deal of public attention and concern surrounding allegations that USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson committed “Election Bribery” in violation of K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 25-2409, a severity level 7 non-person felony. There were also many alleged instances of “Electioneering” (illegal placement of signs) in violation of K.S.A. 25-2430 on both sides of the bond issue. It is my intention to address those concerns now.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, we live in a time where we are very divided politically. Community, friendship, and family bonds are all too often dissolved&nbsp;as a consequence of&nbsp;political divisiveness. Elections and political issues are fraught with passion. Despite the best of intentions, we say and do things in support of our position without carefully considering the consequences . . . because these issues are important to us. Because&nbsp;acting and speaking for what we believe in is fundamental to who we are as Americans and as Kansans. It’s patriotic to vote, debate, challenge others, and to act when our values are questioned or challenged. It’s patriotic to encourage others to fulfill their civic duty to vote. But, according to a strict interpretation of our “Election Bribery” statute, there’s a thin line between conduct that is patriotic and conduct that is criminal.

Under K.S.A. 25-2409, “Election Bribery," it is a severity level 7 non-person felony crime if you confer, offer or agree to confer, or solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit as consideration to vote (generally); it is the same crime (and same punishment) if you confer, offer or agree to confer, or solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit as consideration to vote specifically for or against a particular candidate or issue. The latter is objectively more criminal than the former, yet they are the same under this statute. &nbsp;

Similarly, when talking about value equal to or greater than $3.00, the crime is the same regardless of the value. Objectively, it is less serious to offer someone something valued at $3.00 to go out and vote (generally – not for a particular candidate or issue) versus offering someone $1,000.00 to vote for a specific candidate or issue. Yet, they are the same crime and punishment under this statute.

The strict letter of the law seemingly criminalizes more conduct than what was probably originally targeted, and that becomes more apparent when examining all the election crimes in Chapter 25. Of the thirty election crimes statutes, “Election Bribery” and “Bribe Accepted by an Elected Official” are the two most serious election crimes in Kansas.&nbsp;

“Election Bribery” is more serious than: voting more than once, bribing an elected official, intimidating voters, tampering with the election, voting without being qualified, election forgery, election perjury, possessing false or forged election supplies, voter machine fraud, election fraud by an election officer, electioneering, and corrupt political advertising . . . just to name a few.&nbsp;

I have a duty to prioritize the efforts of my office and maximize community safety. I cannot justify prosecuting Superintendent Ron Wilson, or any recipients of the email who “agreed to accept value” for “Election Bribery” because it will come at the cost of diverting time and resources away from prosecution of sexual assaults, homicides, child abuse &amp; neglect, aggravated batteries, aggravated assaults, drug distribution crimes, burglaries, and other very serious matters that have a major impact on community safety. As such, concerning the allegations against Superintendent Ron Wilson, others who may have “agreed to accept value” to vote, and those who may have committed acts of “Electioneering," I will take no action at this time.

By DAVE TRABERT Kansas Policy InstituteThe&nbsp;Ellis County Attorney’s decision to not prosecute election bribery&nbsp;signals that the trend of&nbsp;picking and choosing&nbsp;which crimes to&nbsp;prosecute&nbsp;is no longer confined&nbsp;to&nbsp;major U.S.&nbsp;cities with progressive prosecutors. &nbsp;And that is a very dangerous sign for freedom in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As we reported&nbsp;<a href="https://sentinelksmo.org/prosecutor-considers-election-bribery-charge-against-hays-superintendent/">earlier this month</a>,&nbsp;USD 489 Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson&nbsp;emailed district staff on April 22nd concerning the May 10 bond issue election, which included this offer:“Here’s my challenge to you. If 100% of the eligible voters in your building vote before May 10th we will bring lunch for you one day before the end of school. Yes, we’ll know if you vote (and no we&nbsp;can not&nbsp;see how you vote) The first building in our district to get 100% also gets dessert with their lunch! My expectation is to buy lunch for every building in our district!”Wilson’s email makes it&nbsp;pretty clear&nbsp;that he is asking employees to vote for bond issue. He writes, “If we want to change the spaces we work in, we must be willing to take the time to vote and change our teaching and learning environments. It doesn’t cost us a penny to vote! Simply, by not voting really registers as a NO vote when it comes to our school staff.”Ellis County Attorney&nbsp;Robert A. Anderson Jr.&nbsp;recently announced that he won’t prosecute Wilson — not because he doesn’t believe a crime was committed,&nbsp;but because&nbsp;he has more important crimes to prosecute.Anderson&nbsp;practically&nbsp;acknowledges that a serious crime was committed in his statement reprinted below. He just didn’t want to&nbsp;take action. &nbsp;And by failing to act, he has&nbsp;all but declared open season on election fraud in Hays, Kansas.****As the Ellis County Attorney, I am not required to provide this statement. However, I recognize that as the Ellis County Attorney I have been entrusted with a great deal of discretionary authority and with that, an immense responsibility. There has been a great deal of public attention and concern surrounding allegations that USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson committed “Election Bribery” in violation of K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 25-2409, a severity level 7 non-person felony. There were also many alleged instances of “Electioneering” (illegal placement of signs) in violation of K.S.A. 25-2430 on both sides of the bond issue. It is my intention to address those concerns now.&nbsp;Unfortunately, we live in a time where we are very divided politically. Community, friendship, and family bonds are all too often dissolved&nbsp;as a consequence of&nbsp;political divisiveness. Elections and political issues are fraught with passion. Despite the best of intentions, we say and do things in support of our position without carefully considering the consequences . . . because these issues are important to us. Because&nbsp;acting and speaking for what we believe in is fundamental to who we are as Americans and as Kansans. It’s patriotic to vote, debate, challenge others, and to act when our values are questioned or challenged. It’s patriotic to encourage others to fulfill their civic duty to vote. But, according to a strict interpretation of our “Election Bribery” statute, there’s a thin line between conduct that is patriotic and conduct that is criminal.Under K.S.A. 25-2409, “Election Bribery," it is a severity level 7 non-person felony crime if you confer, offer or agree to confer, or solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit as consideration to vote (generally); it is the same crime (and same punishment) if you confer, offer or agree to confer, or solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit as consideration to vote specifically for or against a particular candidate or issue. The latter is objectively more criminal than the former, yet they are the same under this statute. &nbsp;Similarly, when talking about value equal to or greater than $3.00, the crime is the same regardless of the value. Objectively, it is less serious to offer someone something valued at $3.00 to go out and vote (generally – not for a particular candidate or issue) versus offering someone $1,000.00 to vote for a specific candidate or issue. Yet, they are the same crime and punishment under this statute.The strict letter of the law seemingly criminalizes more conduct than what was probably originally targeted, and that becomes more apparent when examining all the election crimes in Chapter 25. Of the thirty election crimes statutes, “Election Bribery” and “Bribe Accepted by an Elected Official” are the two most serious election crimes in Kansas.&nbsp;“Election Bribery” is more serious than: voting more than once, bribing an elected official, intimidating voters, tampering with the election, voting without being qualified, election forgery, election perjury, possessing false or forged election supplies, voter machine fraud, election fraud by an election officer, electioneering, and corrupt political advertising . . . just to name a few.&nbsp;I have a duty to prioritize the efforts of my office and maximize community safety. I cannot justify prosecuting Superintendent Ron Wilson, or any recipients of the email who “agreed to accept value” for “Election Bribery” because it will come at the cost of diverting time and resources away from prosecution of sexual assaults, homicides, child abuse &amp; neglect, aggravated batteries, aggravated assaults, drug distribution crimes, burglaries, and other very serious matters that have a major impact on community safety. As such, concerning the allegations against Superintendent Ron Wilson, others who may have “agreed to accept value” to vote, and those who may have committed acts of “Electioneering," I will take no action at this time.

OPINION: Choosing which crimes to prosecute comes to Kan. on election bribery

TOPEKA — Students from three Kansas schools earned national recognition for their knowledge of wind energy, including the design and construction of a competition wind turbine, at the National KidWind Challenge held last week in San Antonio, Texas.

Also representing Kansas at the National KidWind Challenge:

To qualify for the event, teams had to place first or second in their age bracket in their regional competition and first, second, or third in the state final. Scoring is based on turbine performance, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges in which the team explains its design process. Teams awarded the Judges Award at the state final were extended a special invitation by national organizers to participate in San Antonio event.

“KidWind is a fantastic hands-on opportunity that allows students to tinker and experiment with wind turbine designs. They experience the thrill of scientific discovery as their designs are validated through performance testing, and they hone their public-speaking skills as they present their turbine design to a panel of judges,” explained David Carter, Director of the Kansas Energy Program at K-State Engineering Extension.

The Kansas KidWind Challenge has grown from one regional challenge with 56 students in 2016 to six regional events with 196 student participants in 2022.

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 </figure>Kansas Corporation CommissionTOPEKA — Students from three Kansas schools earned national recognition for their knowledge of wind energy, including the design and construction of a competition wind turbine, at the National KidWind Challenge held last week in San Antonio, Texas.The Kansas award winners:<ul>
 <li>Elementary National Champion&nbsp; Hutch STEM Blue, Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen Elementary (USD 308)</li><li>Innovator Award&nbsp; Wind Chill, Dighton Middle School, (USD 482)</li><li>Judges Award&nbsp; Gerald La Turbina,&nbsp;Beloit Junior/Senior High School, (USD 273)</li>
 </ul>Also representing Kansas at the National KidWind Challenge:<ul>
 <li>K.O. CO. Windfighters, Centralia Schools (USD 380)</li><li>Turbine Turners, Oakley H.S. (USD 274)</li><li>Windstars, Nemaha Central (USD 115)</li><li>Wind Gladiators, Sterling High School (USD 376)</li><li>Fire Storm, Osage City High School (USD 420) - online participant</li>
 </ul>To qualify for the event, teams had to place first or second in their age bracket in their regional competition and first, second, or third in the state final. Scoring is based on turbine performance, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges in which the team explains its design process. Teams awarded the Judges Award at the state final were extended a special invitation by national organizers to participate in San Antonio event.“KidWind is a fantastic hands-on opportunity that allows students to tinker and experiment with wind turbine designs. They experience the thrill of scientific discovery as their designs are validated through performance testing, and they hone their public-speaking skills as they present their turbine design to a panel of judges,” explained David Carter, Director of the Kansas Energy Program at K-State Engineering Extension.The Kansas KidWind Challenge has grown from one regional challenge with 56 students in 2016 to six regional events with 196 student participants in 2022.<figure>
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Dighton team earns national honors in KidWind Competition

By LAAH TCUKER Special to the Hays Post

NATOMA — Natoma American Legion Post 109, with the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 109, will be commemorating the 156th Memorial Day Observance with American flags for veterans' graves and with services on May 30.&nbsp; 

Veterans from the American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Conflicts, and through Peace Times, will be remembered.

The American Legion Post 109, Auxiliary Unit 109, and volunteers will place American flags on veterans' graves at seven cemeteries in Osborne and Russell counties: Natoma Catholic, North Immanuel Lutheran, Round Mound, IXL, Pleasant Plains Methodist, Paradise Mount Herman, and Natoma City Cemetery.

Natoma's Avenue of Flags will be placed by American Legion Post 109. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653334784815.jpeg" alt="For decades the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary with volunteers have placed hundreds of flags on seven cemeteries Memorial Weekend. Following the devastating Natoma flooding of the American Legion Hall in 2021, Senator Jerry Moran and wife, Robba, donated 300 flags in time for Memorial Day to place on veterans' graves. (L-R) Volunteers: Natoma Mayor Rick Dunlap, Sheila Hachmeister, Callie Dunlap, Linda Crawford, Post Commander William Workman (center back); Jenjer Murphy, Brad Murphy, Mary Murphy, Ron Murphy, Terry Tucker, and Laah Tucker. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>For decades the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary with volunteers have placed hundreds of flags on seven cemeteries Memorial Weekend. Following the devastating Natoma flooding of the American Legion Hall in 2021, Senator Jerry Moran and wife, Robba, donated 300 flags in time for Memorial Day to place on veterans' graves. (L-R) Volunteers: Natoma Mayor Rick Dunlap, Sheila Hachmeister, Callie Dunlap, Linda Crawford, Post Commander William Workman (center back); Jenjer Murphy, Brad Murphy, Mary Murphy, Ron Murphy, Terry Tucker, and Laah Tucker. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TCUKER Special to the Hays Post NATOMA — Natoma American Legion Post 109, with the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 109, will be commemorating the 156th Memorial Day Observance with American flags for veterans' graves and with services on May 30.&nbsp; Veterans from the American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Conflicts, and through Peace Times, will be remembered.The American Legion Post 109, Auxiliary Unit 109, and volunteers will place American flags on veterans' graves at seven cemeteries in Osborne and Russell counties: Natoma Catholic, North Immanuel Lutheran, Round Mound, IXL, Pleasant Plains Methodist, Paradise Mount Herman, and Natoma City Cemetery.Natoma's Avenue of Flags will be placed by American Legion Post 109. &nbsp;

Natoma America Legion to observe Memorial Day

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

Come join one of the fastest growing Dermatology offices in Kansas.&nbsp; Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, PA is proud of our 45 years of service. We are currently looking to add a Medical Assistant to help us continue to grow and expand our services. &nbsp;If you're dedicated and ambitious, Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center PA located in Hays, KS is an ideal place for you. We invite you to make your next career move with us. Enjoy a four day work week, excellent benefits package and assistance with obtaining certification.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;High school diploma or GED is required; completion of an accredited medical assistance certification program or Nursing program is preferred. The applicant must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. We invite you to apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartland-derm.com/careers/">https://heartland-derm.com/careers/</a>&nbsp;or contact us at 785-628-3231.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653069240090.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Come join one of the fastest growing Dermatology offices in Kansas.&nbsp; Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, PA is proud of our 45 years of service. We are currently looking to add a Medical Assistant to help us continue to grow and expand our services. &nbsp;If you're dedicated and ambitious, Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center PA located in Hays, KS is an ideal place for you. We invite you to make your next career move with us. Enjoy a four day work week, excellent benefits package and assistance with obtaining certification.&nbsp;A&nbsp;High school diploma or GED is required; completion of an accredited medical assistance certification program or Nursing program is preferred. The applicant must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. We invite you to apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartland-derm.com/careers/">https://heartland-derm.com/careers/</a>&nbsp;or contact us at 785-628-3231.

Gov. secures disaster declaration for counties recovering from winter storm

After several unseasonably cool and dreary days, the weather "completely reverses" this Memorial Day weekend, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

Strong south winds will drive warm air into the area, with the mercury nearing triple digits by Sunday — accompanied by wind gusting up to 50 mph.

Skies will be clear through the weekend, with predicted highs of 87 Friday, 95 Saturday and 96 Sunday in the Hays area.&nbsp;

The next predicted chance of rainfall will be Tuesday, when there is a 50 percent chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653590419351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After several unseasonably cool and dreary days, the weather "completely reverses" this Memorial Day weekend, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.Strong south winds will drive warm air into the area, with the mercury nearing triple digits by Sunday — accompanied by wind gusting up to 50 mph.Skies will be clear through the weekend, with predicted highs of 87 Friday, 95 Saturday and 96 Sunday in the Hays area.&nbsp;The next predicted chance of rainfall will be Tuesday, when there is a 50 percent chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After several unseasonably cool days, the weather pattern completely reverses this holiday weekend. Expect hot temperatures and strong south winds, with the hottest temperature Sunday afternoon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/bkPyEFAu2r">pic.twitter.com/bkPyEFAu2r</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1529808182104600576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

From cold and dreary to blazing hot in a hurry in NW Kansas

BARTON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Today, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former police officer from the Ellinwood Police Department, according to a media release from the agency.

Just after 8 a.m., KBI agents arrested 40-year-old Christopher W. Rowland of Great Bend, at 1025 Main St. in Great Bend. 

He was arrested on requested charges of theft, possession of marijuana, official misconduct, interference with a law enforcement officer, and interference with the judicial process.

Rowland was employed as an officer with the Ellinwood Police Department until November of 2021. On December 14, 2021, the Ellinwood Police Department requested the KBI investigate missing money and drugs discovered during an audit of their evidence locker. The police department cooperated fully with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653588022478.png" alt="Rowland-photo Barton County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rowland-photo Barton County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Today, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former police officer from the Ellinwood Police Department, according to a media release from the agency.Just after 8 a.m., KBI agents arrested 40-year-old Christopher W. Rowland of Great Bend, at 1025 Main St. in Great Bend. He was arrested on requested charges of theft, possession of marijuana, official misconduct, interference with a law enforcement officer, and interference with the judicial process.Rowland was employed as an officer with the Ellinwood Police Department until November of 2021. On December 14, 2021, the Ellinwood Police Department requested the KBI investigate missing money and drugs discovered during an audit of their evidence locker. The police department cooperated fully with the investigation.Following his arrest, Rowland was transported to the Barton County Jail for booking.

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