For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662737157898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

“Kon'nichiwa.” That is hello in Japanese. Today, a shipment from the United States is arriving in Japan. It’s some samples of specialty, high quality pork produced by a family halfway around the globe in rural Kansas.

Kaden and Emily Roush are the owners of R Family Farms and a local grocery store in Lebanon, Kan. Kaden grew up in Lebanon on a crop and livestock farm. Five generations of his family have been involved in agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hog production was a major part of the Roush family operation until the hog market crash of the 1990s. As described by the family’s website: “However, out of the ashes sprang an opportunity for an energetic little boy, a few sows, and a 4-H project.”&nbsp;

Young Kaden Roush was that little boy.&nbsp;

Roush enrolled in the swine project in 4-H, raised pigs and showed them successfully at the county fair. Soon he was selling extra pigs to fellow 4-H members.&nbsp;

In the process, Roush developed a knack for livestock evaluation. He would develop and use those skills on the livestock judging teams at Allen Community College in Iola and then Kansas State University. The national judging team tours gave Roush the opportunity to observe diversity in agriculture and potential opportunities for marketing pork.&nbsp;

Roush soon met Emily. She was raised on a three-generation wheat, corn and soybean farm near the rural community of Iola, population 5,396 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Emily was active in FFA. After studying at Allen Community College, she finished her degree in agronomy at K-State and married Kaden. He earned a degree in agribusiness with a major in animal science.&nbsp;

Together, Kaden and Emily’s families embody more than two centuries of history of caring for the land and animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kaden and Emily thought about the opportunities for niche marketing of pork and decided to move back to his home area to launch a specialty hog enterprise. They named it R Family Farms. The Roush website states about Emily: “Although pigs were not her first love (or second, for that matter), she quickly grew to love them and joyfully welcomed them as a part of her future.”&nbsp;

The Roush’s vision was to educate consumers about where their food comes from while providing a world-class culinary experience. To do so, they chose to raise the Berkshire breed of hogs.&nbsp;

In 2015, R Family Farms broke ground on a new hog facility. The first Berkshire pigs arrived in January 2016. Today, R Family Farms is home to 75 sows that farrow all year long. The resulting litters are raised to market weight.&nbsp;About half of the meat is sold by private label and half to vendors in Missouri. In 2019, they shipped samples to Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kaden works as a loan officer at a local bank and Emily serves as Lebanon city clerk.&nbsp;

The family needed a specific outlet for their specialty Berkshire pork. They were supplying pork to a national chain of organic whole food stores when the chain cancelled their contract. It appeared to be a disaster.&nbsp;

Then they were contacted by Paradise Locker Meats in Paradise, Mo. That company was selling Berkshire pork to high-end restaurants and suddenly found that their source could not supply it.&nbsp;

“It was divine intervention,” Emily said. “We lost our contract and he’d lost his supplier.&nbsp;&nbsp;He needed the number of hogs that we had.”&nbsp;

The Roush’s farm supplied the pork and Paradise Locker Meats filled the order. The two businesses have worked together ever since.&nbsp;

Today, R Family Farms is using old-style outdoor production practices combined with modern day technology to bring superior quality pork to market.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rfamilyfarmsks.com/">www.rfamilyfarmsks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s time to leave Japan, which was the recipient of these Berkshire pork samples produced halfway around the world in Kansas. We salute Kaden and Emily Roush of R Family Farms for making a difference with innovative marketing of their products.&nbsp;

It’s time to say goodbye – or as they say in Japan, “Sayonara.”&nbsp;

And there’s more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that the Roush family owns a grocery store?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662555942364.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-09-07 at 8.05.22 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2022-09-07 at 8.05.22 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Kon'nichiwa.” That is hello in Japanese. Today, a shipment from the United States is arriving in Japan. It’s some samples of specialty, high quality pork produced by a family halfway around the globe in rural Kansas.Kaden and Emily Roush are the owners of R Family Farms and a local grocery store in Lebanon, Kan. Kaden grew up in Lebanon on a crop and livestock farm. Five generations of his family have been involved in agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hog production was a major part of the Roush family operation until the hog market crash of the 1990s. As described by the family’s website: “However, out of the ashes sprang an opportunity for an energetic little boy, a few sows, and a 4-H project.”&nbsp;Young Kaden Roush was that little boy.&nbsp;Roush enrolled in the swine project in 4-H, raised pigs and showed them successfully at the county fair. Soon he was selling extra pigs to fellow 4-H members.&nbsp;In the process, Roush developed a knack for livestock evaluation. He would develop and use those skills on the livestock judging teams at Allen Community College in Iola and then Kansas State University. The national judging team tours gave Roush the opportunity to observe diversity in agriculture and potential opportunities for marketing pork.&nbsp;Roush soon met Emily. She was raised on a three-generation wheat, corn and soybean farm near the rural community of Iola, population 5,396 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Emily was active in FFA. After studying at Allen Community College, she finished her degree in agronomy at K-State and married Kaden. He earned a degree in agribusiness with a major in animal science.&nbsp;Together, Kaden and Emily’s families embody more than two centuries of history of caring for the land and animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaden and Emily thought about the opportunities for niche marketing of pork and decided to move back to his home area to launch a specialty hog enterprise. They named it R Family Farms. The Roush website states about Emily: “Although pigs were not her first love (or second, for that matter), she quickly grew to love them and joyfully welcomed them as a part of her future.”&nbsp;The Roush’s vision was to educate consumers about where their food comes from while providing a world-class culinary experience. To do so, they chose to raise the Berkshire breed of hogs.&nbsp;In 2015, R Family Farms broke ground on a new hog facility. The first Berkshire pigs arrived in January 2016. Today, R Family Farms is home to 75 sows that farrow all year long. The resulting litters are raised to market weight.&nbsp;About half of the meat is sold by private label and half to vendors in Missouri. In 2019, they shipped samples to Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kaden works as a loan officer at a local bank and Emily serves as Lebanon city clerk.&nbsp;The family needed a specific outlet for their specialty Berkshire pork. They were supplying pork to a national chain of organic whole food stores when the chain cancelled their contract. It appeared to be a disaster.&nbsp;Then they were contacted by Paradise Locker Meats in Paradise, Mo. That company was selling Berkshire pork to high-end restaurants and suddenly found that their source could not supply it.&nbsp;“It was divine intervention,” Emily said. “We lost our contract and he’d lost his supplier.&nbsp;&nbsp;He needed the number of hogs that we had.”&nbsp;The Roush’s farm supplied the pork and Paradise Locker Meats filled the order. The two businesses have worked together ever since.&nbsp;Today, R Family Farms is using old-style outdoor production practices combined with modern day technology to bring superior quality pork to market.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rfamilyfarmsks.com/">www.rfamilyfarmsks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s time to leave Japan, which was the recipient of these Berkshire pork samples produced halfway around the world in Kansas. We salute Kaden and Emily Roush of R Family Farms for making a difference with innovative marketing of their products.&nbsp;It’s time to say goodbye – or as they say in Japan, “Sayonara.”&nbsp;And there’s more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that the Roush family owns a grocery store?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kaden and Emily Roush, R Family Farms 

Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School has announced the following 2022 Homecoming Court.

The 2022 Homecoming Court, pictured from left to right, are:

Landon&nbsp;Rozean&nbsp;and Julianna&nbsp;Baalmann&nbsp;–&nbsp;Landon is the son of Travis &amp; Jill (Class of 1996) (Werth)&nbsp;Rozean, and Julianna is the daughter of Justin and Michele&nbsp;Baalmann.

Kade Harris and Sophia Allen–&nbsp;Kade is the son of Jay and Kris Harris, and Sophia is the daughter of Matt (Class of 2001) &amp;&nbsp;Lindsy&nbsp;(Class of 2003) (Steinert) Allen.

Jensen&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;&amp; Janessa Pfeifer –&nbsp;Jensen is the son of Jeff (Class of 1994) &amp; Julie (Class of 1996) (Moeder)&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;and Janessa is the daughter of Jay &amp; the late Bobbie Pfeifer.

Michael Hale &amp; Jenna&nbsp;Schlyer&nbsp;–&nbsp;Michael is the son of Steven &amp; the late Amy Hale, and Jenna is the daughter of Mike &amp; Michelle (Class of 1997) (Hertel)&nbsp;Schlyer.

Garrett&nbsp;Feauto&nbsp;&amp; Arin&nbsp;Schibi&nbsp;–&nbsp;Garrett is the son of Bryan (Class of 1990) &amp; Amy&nbsp;Feauto, and Arin is the daughter of Eric (Class of 1992) &amp; Kelly (Class of 1992) (Feauto)&nbsp;Schibi.

The 2022 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Friday,&nbsp;Sept. 23, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Scott City Beavers at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663013286945.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School has announced the following 2022 Homecoming Court.The 2022 Homecoming Court, pictured from left to right, are:Landon&nbsp;Rozean&nbsp;and Julianna&nbsp;Baalmann&nbsp;–&nbsp;Landon is the son of Travis &amp; Jill (Class of 1996) (Werth)&nbsp;Rozean, and Julianna is the daughter of Justin and Michele&nbsp;Baalmann.Kade Harris and Sophia Allen–&nbsp;Kade is the son of Jay and Kris Harris, and Sophia is the daughter of Matt (Class of 2001) &amp;&nbsp;Lindsy&nbsp;(Class of 2003) (Steinert) Allen.Jensen&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;&amp; Janessa Pfeifer –&nbsp;Jensen is the son of Jeff (Class of 1994) &amp; Julie (Class of 1996) (Moeder)&nbsp;Brull&nbsp;and Janessa is the daughter of Jay &amp; the late Bobbie Pfeifer.Michael Hale &amp; Jenna&nbsp;Schlyer&nbsp;–&nbsp;Michael is the son of Steven &amp; the late Amy Hale, and Jenna is the daughter of Mike &amp; Michelle (Class of 1997) (Hertel)&nbsp;Schlyer.Garrett&nbsp;Feauto&nbsp;&amp; Arin&nbsp;Schibi&nbsp;–&nbsp;Garrett is the son of Bryan (Class of 1990) &amp; Amy&nbsp;Feauto, and Arin is the daughter of Eric (Class of 1992) &amp; Kelly (Class of 1992) (Feauto)&nbsp;Schibi.The 2022 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Friday,&nbsp;Sept. 23, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Scott City Beavers at 7 p.m.

Thomas More Prep-Marian announces 2022 Homecoming Court

Back and in full force after two years of pandemic limitations, the annual Rockalooa Music Festival will return to Hays at noon Sept. 24 at Municipal Park in Hays.

This
year marks the eighth year of the event and the third time as a full outdoor
festival.

The free music festival will feature ten live bands throughout the day along
with a variety of family-friendly activities, food trucks and a beer garden,
according to organizer Matt Isley.

“We're
going to have art booths, commercial vendors, and art vendors are going to have
some live art, some live muralist, as well as a community art board,” Isley
said. “Last year in 2021, we had a community art board where people could go up
and paint on it or draw on it or whatever. And it was a big hit.”

The
board has been on display at the Downtown visitors center since and will return
to the festival to be reimagined for 2022.

This
year’s lineup includes bands from Hays and the across the Midwest and various
musical styles, including, The Fey, Vehicles, Starslinger, Stone the Thrones,
Tree Kitty, Miles on End, Flyover, 80 Proof Alice and Mid-Engine.

“Each
band will have 30 minutes,” Isley said. “The couple of co-headliners there at
the end will have 45 minutes, something like that. So, the sets are pretty
palatable.”

This
year will mark the second for Lincoln, Neb.-based The Fey

“They
played last year, but this year, they're headlining,” Isley said. “We had a lot
of really good comments about them, and people liked them a lot.”

Wichita-based
Vehicles is also a returning band and is currently promoting a recent album
release.

Stone
the Thrones previously played a fundraiser show for the main event last year.

“We
get to put them on the main stage this year,” Isley said. “And we're excited to
have them for that. They're kind of a heavier rock group, but there's some
fusion in there.”

Starslinger,
he said, is an active local alternative rock band.

Flyover
is a newer Hays band and also played in the fundraiser show.

“They
impressed me, and I'm excited for them to get on the Rockalooa stage this
year,” Isley said.

Hays-based
Tree Kitty and Miles on End have been a staple of Rockalooa events and will
again perform.

Also
from Hays, 80 Proof Alice, a husband and wife bluegrass duo and organizers of
the Lovegrass Music festival, will perform.

“And
then finally, Mid-Engine is a relatively new band here in Hays,” Isley said.
“They played our fundraiser show also this past spring, and so we're gonna have
them on the lineup as well.”

The
10th band is to be determined after a last-minute cancelation with a scheduled
group.

“We're
trying to pick up another cool act for that slot,” Isley said. “We have a few
leads out, and we hope to be printing the finalized poster any day now.”

Isley
said he and the bands are excited to see the festival back at full force after
the pandemic canceled the 2020 event and forced a smaller event last year.

"Back
in 2019, we had lots of art vendors, and we had some live art and all that,” he
said. “And, of course, the pandemic happened. As we came out of that, we
haven't really done a big vendor booth area. Since then, and hopefully this
year, there's plenty of stuff for people to look at and see and purchase and
check out.”

“That's
kind of the point is one,” he continued. “It kind of uplifted some of the local
artists to a place to show their stuff, but it also gives our attendees
something to do between sets and during sets. And while they're listening to
the music, they can check out some cool visual art as well.”

The
event is made possible and free for the public thanks to the sponsors, but even
with the event approaching, he said there is still time to get involved.

“We
can definitely still get some sponsors on a number of promotional items, so we
can help each other out,” Isley said. “But we have a whole bunch of sponsors
this year. We have a handful of new ones that we are newly partnering with this
year. So, we're really excited that we're growing in that way. It really helps
put on the event and puts us a little more at ease.”

He
said volunteers to work the event in various capacities are also welcome, along
with additional food vendors that would like to set up during the festival.

<a href="https://rockhays.com/getinvolved">Anyone interested in signing up can
visit the Get Involved page of the Rockalooa.com website.</a>

“There's
also a big button for it on the homepage, get involved,” Isley said. “There,
you can sign up to be an artist or a commercial vendor in our vendor row. You
can sign up to be a volunteer, which we always need lots of help to get it
going to make it all happen.”

Merchandise
is also available on the website, he said, including tee-shirts that help
support the event through the non-profit Midway Music Corp.

“We
sell shirts every year that feature the poster design,” Isley said. “This year,
the motif, the theme, is Blue Light Lady. And so that same poster design is
going to be on the T-shirts.”

For
more information about Rockalooa 2022, visit the website, rockhays.com<a href="http://facebook.com/ROCKALOOA" target="_blank">, facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/rockalooa" target="_blank">instagram</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Rockalooa" target="_blank">twitter.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572532952.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostBack and in full force after two years of pandemic limitations, the annual Rockalooa Music Festival will return to Hays at noon Sept. 24 at Municipal Park in Hays.This
year marks the eighth year of the event and the third time as a full outdoor
festival.The free music festival will feature ten live bands throughout the day along
with a variety of family-friendly activities, food trucks and a beer garden,
according to organizer Matt Isley.“We're
going to have art booths, commercial vendors, and art vendors are going to have
some live art, some live muralist, as well as a community art board,” Isley
said. “Last year in 2021, we had a community art board where people could go up
and paint on it or draw on it or whatever. And it was a big hit.”The
board has been on display at the Downtown visitors center since and will return
to the festival to be reimagined for 2022.This
year’s lineup includes bands from Hays and the across the Midwest and various
musical styles, including, The Fey, Vehicles, Starslinger, Stone the Thrones,
Tree Kitty, Miles on End, Flyover, 80 Proof Alice and Mid-Engine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572591249.jpeg" alt="Matt Isley performing in the band Dangerously Biased at Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Matt Isley performing in the band Dangerously Biased at Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>“Each
band will have 30 minutes,” Isley said. “The couple of co-headliners there at
the end will have 45 minutes, something like that. So, the sets are pretty
palatable.”This
year will mark the second for Lincoln, Neb.-based The Fey“They
played last year, but this year, they're headlining,” Isley said. “We had a lot
of really good comments about them, and people liked them a lot.”Wichita-based
Vehicles is also a returning band and is currently promoting a recent album
release.Stone
the Thrones previously played a fundraiser show for the main event last year.“We
get to put them on the main stage this year,” Isley said. “And we're excited to
have them for that. They're kind of a heavier rock group, but there's some
fusion in there.”Starslinger,
he said, is an active local alternative rock band.Flyover
is a newer Hays band and also played in the fundraiser show.“They
impressed me, and I'm excited for them to get on the Rockalooa stage this
year,” Isley said.Hays-based
Tree Kitty and Miles on End have been a staple of Rockalooa events and will
again perform.Also
from Hays, 80 Proof Alice, a husband and wife bluegrass duo and organizers of
the Lovegrass Music festival, will perform.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572812460.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>“And
then finally, Mid-Engine is a relatively new band here in Hays,” Isley said.
“They played our fundraiser show also this past spring, and so we're gonna have
them on the lineup as well.”The
10th band is to be determined after a last-minute cancelation with a scheduled
group.“We're
trying to pick up another cool act for that slot,” Isley said. “We have a few
leads out, and we hope to be printing the finalized poster any day now.”Isley
said he and the bands are excited to see the festival back at full force after
the pandemic canceled the 2020 event and forced a smaller event last year."Back
in 2019, we had lots of art vendors, and we had some live art and all that,” he
said. “And, of course, the pandemic happened. As we came out of that, we
haven't really done a big vendor booth area. Since then, and hopefully this
year, there's plenty of stuff for people to look at and see and purchase and
check out.”“That's
kind of the point is one,” he continued. “It kind of uplifted some of the local
artists to a place to show their stuff, but it also gives our attendees
something to do between sets and during sets. And while they're listening to
the music, they can check out some cool visual art as well.”The
event is made possible and free for the public thanks to the sponsors, but even
with the event approaching, he said there is still time to get involved.“We
can definitely still get some sponsors on a number of promotional items, so we
can help each other out,” Isley said. “But we have a whole bunch of sponsors
this year. We have a handful of new ones that we are newly partnering with this
year. So, we're really excited that we're growing in that way. It really helps
put on the event and puts us a little more at ease.”He
said volunteers to work the event in various capacities are also welcome, along
with additional food vendors that would like to set up during the festival.<a href="https://rockhays.com/getinvolved">Anyone interested in signing up can
visit the Get Involved page of the Rockalooa.com website.</a>“There's
also a big button for it on the homepage, get involved,” Isley said. “There,
you can sign up to be an artist or a commercial vendor in our vendor row. You
can sign up to be a volunteer, which we always need lots of help to get it
going to make it all happen.”Merchandise
is also available on the website, he said, including tee-shirts that help
support the event through the non-profit Midway Music Corp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572909115.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2022" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>“We
sell shirts every year that feature the poster design,” Isley said. “This year,
the motif, the theme, is Blue Light Lady. And so that same poster design is
going to be on the T-shirts.”For
more information about Rockalooa 2022, visit the website, rockhays.com<a href="http://facebook.com/ROCKALOOA" target="_blank">, facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/rockalooa" target="_blank">instagram</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Rockalooa" target="_blank">twitter.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662572509351.jpeg" alt="Rockalooa 2021" />
 <figcaption>Rockalooa 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>

Rockalooa returns to Hays this month

A second small earthquake was detected in northwest Kansas on Monday morning.

At 8:09 a.m. Monday, the Kansas Geological Survey recorded a 2.2-magnitude quake in Osborne County, just east of the Rooks County line. At 9:27 a.m., a 2.1-magnitude quake was detected in Ellis County, just south of the Rooks County line.

There have been 17 measurable earthquakes in northwest Kansas since the beginning of August, according to KGS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662996393356.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A second small earthquake was detected in northwest Kansas on Monday morning.At 8:09 a.m. Monday, the Kansas Geological Survey recorded a 2.2-magnitude quake in Osborne County, just east of the Rooks County line. At 9:27 a.m., a 2.1-magnitude quake was detected in Ellis County, just south of the Rooks County line.There have been 17 measurable earthquakes in northwest Kansas since the beginning of August, according to KGS.

Second small quake detected Monday in Ellis County

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Rosemary Hillman is a good sport while talking about the intricacies of living a long life.

“At my age, who can remember anything for very long?” she asked with a laugh recently.

But it’s a sure bet that the Hays woman will remember her latest family celebration for a long time.

In August, Rosemary (Rose to most who know her) celebrated her 95th birthday with all her immediate family present – in the church in which she has enough special memories to fill a pew or two.

More than 30 Hillman family members gathered on Aug. 6 - two days after Rose's birthday — at the Chapel of Doves. The quaint little church sits on the property of the Rock Haven Spa &amp; Salon near the small Ellis County community of Schoenchen.

It’s the same building where Rose attended as a youngster in rural Graham County, then named Mount Pleasant Church. It was where she married Bob Hillman in 1947 on his 20th birthday. And it was where she and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. They were married for 57 years before Bob died in 2004.

The church has been moved several times, from its original 1909 construction site to another Graham County spot in 1924, then to the Frontier City area in northwest Hays in 1990, and finally to its current location in 2019.

But Rose will tell you the church – and all it stands for – is the same special place it has always been for her and her family.

“I was practically born there, definitely grew up there,” said Rose, the youngest of five children born to Ray and Lois Noah. “We made a lot of memories in that church.”

She talked of days gone by, when she was a youngster and attended church at Mount Pleasant. She explained how her father would travel to church early on Sunday mornings to light the stove and have it ready for the congregation when it appeared for services.

Rose admits her 90th birthday bash back in 2017 was one for the ages, too.

But she has been looking forward to this get-together for more than six months after her daughter, Sherry Crow from Hays, suggested having the party In the Chapel of Doves – so named because of 140 ceramic doves that adorn the walls of the church.

Sherry said she decided not to have a surprise party because she wanted her mother to enjoy the preparation leading up to the big event.

“I knew she would have so much fun looking forward to this,” Sherry said. “When we first thought of all this, we were thinking that would be a great place to have Mom’s 100th birthday. Then we decided, ‘Why wait?’ ”

“I told everyone this is something far better to come together for than a funeral,” Rose quipped.

Family came from near and far, including New Orleans and Oregon, to help Rose celebrate. Both her sons, Larry from Norton and Jarry from Enid., Okla., were there with their spouses, joining youngest sibling Sherry and her husband on their mother’s special occasion. All of Rose’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren also were able to attend.

Four family members – two grandchildren and two spouses of her grandchildren – are licensed ministers.

They each gave a sermon centering on the characteristics of Rose that remind them of Jesus – 1) generosity and hospitality; 2) sacrifice; 3) joy and sense of humor; and 4) children love.

Rose, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family as well, reciting one of her favorite verses from the Bible (Romans 10:9).

“If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” she told her attentive audience.

In looking back, Rose said she is grateful for many things: her family, good health and a friendship she formed with Dereama Allenbaugh in a small-group session at Celebration Community Church in Hays.

Allenbaugh is the owner of Rock Haven Spa and the one who decided to move the building to her property to restore and preserve the church.

“We thought this would be the perfect place to have small weddings and other special occasions,” Allenbaugh said of the church, which holds about 60 people. “We wanted to move it here and use it for what it was meant to be used for – making memories.”

Memories like those for Rose Hillman, who is still having a hard time today explaining what this particular birthday party meant to her.

“It was special … special … special,” she said, admitting that she is looking forward to more special birthdays. “I’m working on 96 now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824783907.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman's family gathered for her 95th birthday in August, celebrating at the church where many family memories were made over several decades. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman's family gathered for her 95th birthday in August, celebrating at the church where many family memories were made over several decades. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostRosemary Hillman is a good sport while talking about the intricacies of living a long life.“At my age, who can remember anything for very long?” she asked with a laugh recently.But it’s a sure bet that the Hays woman will remember her latest family celebration for a long time.In August, Rosemary (Rose to most who know her) celebrated her 95th birthday with all her immediate family present – in the church in which she has enough special memories to fill a pew or two.More than 30 Hillman family members gathered on Aug. 6 - two days after Rose's birthday — at the Chapel of Doves. The quaint little church sits on the property of the Rock Haven Spa &amp; Salon near the small Ellis County community of Schoenchen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824821958.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman's great-grandchildren donned fireman hats for a photo opp with her birthday cake that featured 95 lit candles. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman's great-grandchildren donned fireman hats for a photo opp with her birthday cake that featured 95 lit candles. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s the same building where Rose attended as a youngster in rural Graham County, then named Mount Pleasant Church. It was where she married Bob Hillman in 1947 on his 20th birthday. And it was where she and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. They were married for 57 years before Bob died in 2004.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662833567532.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman ducks as guests throw rice on her and her husband, Bob, as they leave the Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County on their wedding day in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman ducks as guests throw rice on her and her husband, Bob, as they leave the Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County on their wedding day in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>The church has been moved several times, from its original 1909 construction site to another Graham County spot in 1924, then to the Frontier City area in northwest Hays in 1990, and finally to its current location in 2019.But Rose will tell you the church – and all it stands for – is the same special place it has always been for her and her family.“I was practically born there, definitely grew up there,” said Rose, the youngest of five children born to Ray and Lois Noah. “We made a lot of memories in that church.”She talked of days gone by, when she was a youngster and attended church at Mount Pleasant. She explained how her father would travel to church early on Sunday mornings to light the stove and have it ready for the congregation when it appeared for services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662833586224.jpeg" alt="Rose and Bob Hillman, who were married at Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose and Bob Hillman, who were married at Mount Pleasant Church in Graham County in May of 1947. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>Rose admits her 90th birthday bash back in 2017 was one for the ages, too.But she has been looking forward to this get-together for more than six months after her daughter, Sherry Crow from Hays, suggested having the party In the Chapel of Doves – so named because of 140 ceramic doves that adorn the walls of the church.Sherry said she decided not to have a surprise party because she wanted her mother to enjoy the preparation leading up to the big event.“I knew she would have so much fun looking forward to this,” Sherry said. “When we first thought of all this, we were thinking that would be a great place to have Mom’s 100th birthday. Then we decided, ‘Why wait?’ ”“I told everyone this is something far better to come together for than a funeral,” Rose quipped.Family came from near and far, including New Orleans and Oregon, to help Rose celebrate. Both her sons, Larry from Norton and Jarry from Enid., Okla., were there with their spouses, joining youngest sibling Sherry and her husband on their mother’s special occasion. All of Rose’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren also were able to attend.Four family members – two grandchildren and two spouses of her grandchildren – are licensed ministers.They each gave a sermon centering on the characteristics of Rose that remind them of Jesus – 1) generosity and hospitality; 2) sacrifice; 3) joy and sense of humor; and 4) children love.Rose, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family as well, reciting one of her favorite verses from the Bible (Romans 10:9).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824807514.jpeg" alt="Rose Hillman, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family at her birthday party. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>Rose Hillman, a devout Christian, took advantage of the opportunity to preach scripture to her family at her birthday party. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure>“If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” she told her attentive audience.In looking back, Rose said she is grateful for many things: her family, good health and a friendship she formed with Dereama Allenbaugh in a small-group session at Celebration Community Church in Hays.Allenbaugh is the owner of Rock Haven Spa and the one who decided to move the building to her property to restore and preserve the church.“We thought this would be the perfect place to have small weddings and other special occasions,” Allenbaugh said of the church, which holds about 60 people. “We wanted to move it here and use it for what it was meant to be used for – making memories.”Memories like those for Rose Hillman, who is still having a hard time today explaining what this particular birthday party meant to her.“It was special … special … special,” she said, admitting that she is looking forward to more special birthdays. “I’m working on 96 now.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662824840116.jpeg" alt="The church where Rose Hillman attended many a service over the years in Graham County now sits in a serene setting in rural Ellis County near Schoenchen. Photo submitted by Hillman family" />
 <figcaption>The church where Rose Hillman attended many a service over the years in Graham County now sits in a serene setting in rural Ellis County near Schoenchen. Photo submitted by Hillman family</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Chapel of Doves — a chapel of love for Hays woman

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board will hear a report about USD 489's success rate after graduation at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The data is based on the district's graduation rate and the number of students who have earned post-secondary degrees or certificates or are in school pursuing degrees two years after graduation.

It does not include students who enter the military or go directly into the workforce.

The state uses the data for district accreditation.

The latest data available is from 2020. The district's five-year graduation rate was down slightly in 2020 but slightly above 2016, 2017 and 2018. 

The five-year success rate remained stable.

The board&nbsp; also will • Consider repairs to the boiler tube for Rockwell at a cost of $26,900. • Consider upgrades to Hays Middle School cooling system at a cost of $42,669 • Vote on policy revisions recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards • Vote on classified staff handbook changes

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will hear a report about USD 489's success rate after graduation at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Rockwell Administration Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662754795337.png" alt="USD 489 postsecondary progress report. The latest data is from 2020. " />
 <figcaption>USD 489 postsecondary progress report. The latest data is from 2020. </figcaption>
 </figure>The data is based on the district's graduation rate and the number of students who have earned post-secondary degrees or certificates or are in school pursuing degrees two years after graduation.It does not include students who enter the military or go directly into the workforce.The state uses the data for district accreditation. The latest data available is from 2020. The district's five-year graduation rate was down slightly in 2020 but slightly above 2016, 2017 and 2018. The five-year success rate remained stable.The board&nbsp; also will • Consider repairs to the boiler tube for Rockwell at a cost of $26,900. • Consider upgrades to Hays Middle School cooling system at a cost of $42,669 • Vote on policy revisions recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards • Vote on classified staff handbook changes

Hays BOE to discuss student success after graduation Tuesday

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will again be hosting their annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 26 from 4:15pm to 6:15pm at our office located at 601 Main in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. &nbsp;Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by the&nbsp;TheNational Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. &nbsp;Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. &nbsp;

Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. &nbsp;Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food,&nbsp;and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. &nbsp;Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. &nbsp;Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. &nbsp;Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and&nbsp;to&nbsp;follow directions. &nbsp;When children help prepare meals they tend to have&nbsp;more&nbsp;motivation to eat the meal as well. &nbsp;If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. &nbsp;This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children.&nbsp;Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza (Limit 2 per family) at 601 Main Street by Sept 16<a></a>.&nbsp;I hope to see many of you there. &nbsp;If you ever have any questions about healthy eating, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. &nbsp;

You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime. &nbsp;Please stay on the lookout for more events and activities in the near future.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will again be hosting their annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 26 from 4:15pm to 6:15pm at our office located at 601 Main in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. &nbsp;Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by the&nbsp;TheNational Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. &nbsp;Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. &nbsp;Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. &nbsp;Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food,&nbsp;and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. &nbsp;Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. &nbsp;Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. &nbsp;Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and&nbsp;to&nbsp;follow directions. &nbsp;When children help prepare meals they tend to have&nbsp;more&nbsp;motivation to eat the meal as well. &nbsp;If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. &nbsp;This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children.&nbsp;Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza (Limit 2 per family) at 601 Main Street by Sept 16<a></a>.&nbsp;I hope to see many of you there. &nbsp;If you ever have any questions about healthy eating, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. &nbsp;You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime. &nbsp;Please stay on the lookout for more events and activities in the near future.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662997379090.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KOERNER: Deadline looms for Family Pizza Night in Hays

One of the fall traditions in Hays is the Haunted Hays City Tours produced by the Hays Community Theatre. The local acting group is planning a great tour again in 2022, but is in need of local teenagers and adults to help act in the production.&nbsp;

“The Haunted Hays City Tours are very popular each year and we really enjoy bringing the history of Hays to life, along with some ghost stories and general Halloween creepiness - but we are still in need of people to help in various acting roles,” Sharona Fondable, Hays Community Theatre moard member, said.&nbsp;

Acting participants are not required to have previous acting experience and the time required is minimal. “This is really a great opportunity for community members age 14 and above to get involved with the theatre. The lines for each role are minimal, along with the time requirement,” Fondable added.

Participants are asked to be able to participate in the two nights the tours are offered, Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, and also be available one night during that week for a tour walk-through.&nbsp;

“This really is a fun event. It’s a chance to put on a costume, some scary makeup, and transform into a haunted character from the late 1800s,” said Andy Stanton, HCT moard member and Haunted Tours actor.

Interested teens and adults should e-mail the group at <a href="mailto:hauntedtours@hctks.com" target="_blank">hauntedtours@hctks.com</a> or message the Hays Community Theatre on their Facebook page, <a href="http://facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre" target="_blank">facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600702752021.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOne of the fall traditions in Hays is the Haunted Hays City Tours produced by the Hays Community Theatre. The local acting group is planning a great tour again in 2022, but is in need of local teenagers and adults to help act in the production.&nbsp;“The Haunted Hays City Tours are very popular each year and we really enjoy bringing the history of Hays to life, along with some ghost stories and general Halloween creepiness - but we are still in need of people to help in various acting roles,” Sharona Fondable, Hays Community Theatre moard member, said.&nbsp;Acting participants are not required to have previous acting experience and the time required is minimal. “This is really a great opportunity for community members age 14 and above to get involved with the theatre. The lines for each role are minimal, along with the time requirement,” Fondable added.Participants are asked to be able to participate in the two nights the tours are offered, Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, and also be available one night during that week for a tour walk-through.&nbsp;“This really is a fun event. It’s a chance to put on a costume, some scary makeup, and transform into a haunted character from the late 1800s,” said Andy Stanton, HCT moard member and Haunted Tours actor. Interested teens and adults should e-mail the group at <a href="mailto:hauntedtours@hctks.com" target="_blank">hauntedtours@hctks.com</a> or message the Hays Community Theatre on their Facebook page, <a href="http://facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre" target="_blank">facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre</a>.

Haunted Hays City tours looking for more volunteer actors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662736996892.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro shares FHSU Homecoming 2022 details.&nbsp;

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro shares FHSU Homecoming 2022 details.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="FHSU Alumni Association prepares for 2022 Homecoming" 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=q44up-12bb6a2-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Association prepares for 2022 Homecoming

Another earthquake shook northern Ellis County on Saturday evening, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

The 2.8-magnitude quake was recorded at 8:24 p.m. just south of the Rooks County line in northwest Ellis County.

There have been 15 measurable earthquakes in northwest Kansas since the beginning of August, according to KGS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662909177962.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Another earthquake shook northern Ellis County on Saturday evening, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.The 2.8-magnitude quake was recorded at 8:24 p.m. just south of the Rooks County line in northwest Ellis County.There have been 15 measurable earthquakes in northwest Kansas since the beginning of August, according to KGS.

Saturday's quake the 15th in NW Kan. since beginning of August

The Fort Hays State University Language and Literacy Institute, in partnership with Hays Masonic Lodge 195, will host a family literacy night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Special guest Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley, will share with participants the story of how her second-grade teacher saved her from a life of poverty, violence, and drug addiction by creating an after-school book club just for her. Hensley is an FHSU alum and Rudd Scholar.

Families are welcome to attend this event to listen to Miss Kansas, play games, and possibly win prizes. The Hays Masonic Lodge 195 will serve hotdogs, chips, and drinks beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event will mark the grand opening of the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute at its new location, United Methodist Campus Ministries, 507 Elm.&nbsp;

The language and literacy institute offers free in-person and online reading tutoring provided by preservice teacher education students as part of their required practicum experience.&nbsp;In addition, it provides resources to families at family literacy nights to enable them to support literacy in the home.

FHSU Language and Literacy Institute volunteers will begin tutoring struggling readers at Topeka Correctional Facility this fall. Additionally, volunteers at the institute will begin offering English lessons to English language learners in the community and Ukrainian refugees in eastern Kansas this fall.&nbsp;

Enrollment is underway for free reading tutoring sessions, which begin Sept. 20. Individuals interested in the sessions can email Dr. Sarah Miller at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sebmiller@fhsu.edu">sebmiller@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;to learn more and to sign up.&nbsp;

“Many of our nation's social problems such as poverty take root in an individual's inability to read proficiently,” Miller said. “Every semester, I tell preservice teachers they are learning to be superheroes. They can literally change the trajectory of a child's life by teaching them to read. Giving someone the power to read is incredible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662583455416.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThe Fort Hays State University Language and Literacy Institute, in partnership with Hays Masonic Lodge 195, will host a family literacy night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Special guest Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley, will share with participants the story of how her second-grade teacher saved her from a life of poverty, violence, and drug addiction by creating an after-school book club just for her. Hensley is an FHSU alum and Rudd Scholar.Families are welcome to attend this event to listen to Miss Kansas, play games, and possibly win prizes. The Hays Masonic Lodge 195 will serve hotdogs, chips, and drinks beginning at 5:30 p.m.The event will mark the grand opening of the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute at its new location, United Methodist Campus Ministries, 507 Elm.&nbsp;The language and literacy institute offers free in-person and online reading tutoring provided by preservice teacher education students as part of their required practicum experience.&nbsp;In addition, it provides resources to families at family literacy nights to enable them to support literacy in the home.FHSU Language and Literacy Institute volunteers will begin tutoring struggling readers at Topeka Correctional Facility this fall. Additionally, volunteers at the institute will begin offering English lessons to English language learners in the community and Ukrainian refugees in eastern Kansas this fall.&nbsp;Enrollment is underway for free reading tutoring sessions, which begin Sept. 20. Individuals interested in the sessions can email Dr. Sarah Miller at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sebmiller@fhsu.edu">sebmiller@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;to learn more and to sign up.&nbsp;“Many of our nation's social problems such as poverty take root in an individual's inability to read proficiently,” Miller said. “Every semester, I tell preservice teachers they are learning to be superheroes. They can literally change the trajectory of a child's life by teaching them to read. Giving someone the power to read is incredible.”

Miss Kansas will be guest at FHSU literacy event

This summer felt like being trapped in a Groundhog Day movie—waking up to repeat the same blame-game politics day after day.

Republicans blamed Democrat gubernatorial candidate and current Governor Laura Kelly for unpopular COVID policies. Democrats blamed Republican candidate Attorney General Derek Schmidt for former governor Brownback’s failed economic policies.&nbsp;

The race also includes state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a third candidate who blamed both Kelly and Schmidt as not being conservative enough.

This fall, the focus is shifting toward current issues including public education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, Schmidt promised to call for the legislature to ban trans athletes in women’s sports within the first 100 days of his taking office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kelly had vetoed a similar bill last year, but the legislature could not find enough votes to override.

Therefore, rules for school sports are left to the Kansas State High School Activities Association which currently allows transgender student participation.

Yet, inclusion of transgender students in athletics remains controversial.

Conservatives believe that, if allowed to participate in athletics, transgender girls would have unfair advantage when competing with girls whose sex is that assigned at birth.

The Republican voter base appears to support a belief that students are being indoctrinated into views about gender and sexuality that their parents oppose.&nbsp;

The Democratic voter base holds that excluding students from competition because of the gender identity they express is discriminatory and that respect for students to choose their gender identity is a basic right.

The International Olympic Committee took a practical viewpoint on the issue. Its new policy will leave participation of trans athletes up to each individual sport.

The governing body of swimming will bar transgender women from elite Olympic events but will work toward establishing an “open” category that would ensure all swimmers have the chance to compete.&nbsp;

The UCLA School of Law Williams Institute estimated the transgender population by state and found in Kansas approximately 2,100 youth 13 through 17 or 1.04 percent of that population identify as transgender.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is not known how many of these youth want to play school sports, but it is quite possible that a young person could attend grades 9 through 12 in Kansas without ever having class with a transgender student.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, this fall there is at least one Kansas first-grade student assigned male at birth who identifies and dresses as a girl with support of the parents.

That child will be included in the school and supported in learning according to state equal opportunity policies.

Gender identity is a highly publicized, highly emotional issue that should not deflect attention from critical and what should be nonpartisan school problems that include:

American democracy has endured for more than 200 years, despite wide-ranging religious and belief systems of its people.&nbsp; In November, Kansans will elect the politician they believe best able to lead the state beyond cultural wars that feed mistrust and anger and toward resolution of the overarching problems that we face.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We can learn more when Kelly and Schmidt debate at a Johnson County Bar Association event scheduled for Oct. 5. Pyle did not meet the seven percent polling threshold to participate.

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>This summer felt like being trapped in a Groundhog Day movie—waking up to repeat the same blame-game politics day after day.Republicans blamed Democrat gubernatorial candidate and current Governor Laura Kelly for unpopular COVID policies. Democrats blamed Republican candidate Attorney General Derek Schmidt for former governor Brownback’s failed economic policies.&nbsp;The race also includes state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a third candidate who blamed both Kelly and Schmidt as not being conservative enough.This fall, the focus is shifting toward current issues including public education.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, Schmidt promised to call for the legislature to ban trans athletes in women’s sports within the first 100 days of his taking office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kelly had vetoed a similar bill last year, but the legislature could not find enough votes to override.Therefore, rules for school sports are left to the Kansas State High School Activities Association which currently allows transgender student participation.Yet, inclusion of transgender students in athletics remains controversial.Conservatives believe that, if allowed to participate in athletics, transgender girls would have unfair advantage when competing with girls whose sex is that assigned at birth.The Republican voter base appears to support a belief that students are being indoctrinated into views about gender and sexuality that their parents oppose.&nbsp;The Democratic voter base holds that excluding students from competition because of the gender identity they express is discriminatory and that respect for students to choose their gender identity is a basic right.The International Olympic Committee took a practical viewpoint on the issue. Its new policy will leave participation of trans athletes up to each individual sport.The governing body of swimming will bar transgender women from elite Olympic events but will work toward establishing an “open” category that would ensure all swimmers have the chance to compete.&nbsp;The UCLA School of Law Williams Institute estimated the transgender population by state and found in Kansas approximately 2,100 youth 13 through 17 or 1.04 percent of that population identify as transgender.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is not known how many of these youth want to play school sports, but it is quite possible that a young person could attend grades 9 through 12 in Kansas without ever having class with a transgender student.&nbsp;Nevertheless, this fall there is at least one Kansas first-grade student assigned male at birth who identifies and dresses as a girl with support of the parents.That child will be included in the school and supported in learning according to state equal opportunity policies.Gender identity is a highly publicized, highly emotional issue that should not deflect attention from critical and what should be nonpartisan school problems that include:<ul>
 <li>Improving student academic achievement,</li><li>Addressing teacher shortages without short-cutting high-quality teacher preparation,&nbsp;</li><li>Increasing school safety and&nbsp;</li><li>Finding ways to provide access for each Kansas student to computing and internet access for homework and school/parent interaction.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>American democracy has endured for more than 200 years, despite wide-ranging religious and belief systems of its people.&nbsp; In November, Kansans will elect the politician they believe best able to lead the state beyond cultural wars that feed mistrust and anger and toward resolution of the overarching problems that we face.&nbsp;&nbsp;We can learn more when Kelly and Schmidt debate at a Johnson County Bar Association event scheduled for Oct. 5. Pyle did not meet the seven percent polling threshold to participate.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Transgender student athletes and the election

🎥 Green & Growing: Watering depth

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662736711319.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

I must admit when I arrived back at my air-conditioned office last Wednesday after spending the day at Kid’s Ag Day, it&nbsp;felt good to sit down. The&nbsp;cool&nbsp;early morning temperatures gave way to a hot day, but that did not take away from the fun learning experienced by 4th&nbsp;graders in&nbsp;Barton County. 

Fourth grade is the perfect age for kids to learn about where their food and other products they use daily come from. The station&nbsp;that&nbsp;my team member, Monique, and I manned for the day emphasized the importance of adding whole grains and other nutritious foods to the diet.&nbsp;We also provided a snack of animal crackers and a serving of 100% fruit juice.

Fourth graders are old enough to learn about reading a nutrition fact label, found on food products. During our short session we talked about looking for whole wheat or another whole grain as the first ingredient and making sure that the food had very little added sugar. I know when we had young kids at home, our rule was that they could choose cereal that had seven grams or less of sugar in a serving. That is a harder assignment than you might think. Many of the popular cereals advertised today have upwards of fifteen or more grams of sugar per serving. And then what about the&nbsp;person who fills an enormous cereal bowl with two cups of cereal? You will need to double the amount of sugar that is consumed. Yikes!

Another benefit of eating whole grains is the amount of fiber that contributes to healthier bodies. A feeling of fullness and healthy elimination are achieved when we consume&nbsp;around 30 grams of fiber each day. Our demonstration showed how fast a slice of white bread disintegrates when dipped in water and how the 100% whole wheat slice held together.&nbsp;

Besides talking about eating whole grains, we had Kassie Linsner, from Hoisington, visit with the 4th&nbsp;graders about joining 4-H.&nbsp;It’s always good to see our young people sharing what they are passionate about.

Hats off to our Great Bend Chamber for putting together such a well-planned event.&nbsp;In it’s 28thyear, many of the volunteers have helped lead a session or demonstration every year.&nbsp;I know I appreciated the help of June, Imogene, Aleta, Marilyn, and Kay who served the snacks.

Short after the calendar turns to October the Hays area 4th&nbsp;graders will be treated to a similar event. Their Kid’s Ag Day is sponsored by Farm Bureau on October 5th. Stacy Campbell, a Cottonwood District Ag and Natural Resources Agent, will have a station teaching young people about corn and the many by products they&nbsp;use daily.&nbsp;

I’m so glad we live in communities that value and promote the&nbsp;farming community and want our young people to develop an appreciation as well!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620) 793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>I must admit when I arrived back at my air-conditioned office last Wednesday after spending the day at Kid’s Ag Day, it&nbsp;felt good to sit down. The&nbsp;cool&nbsp;early morning temperatures gave way to a hot day, but that did not take away from the fun learning experienced by 4th&nbsp;graders in&nbsp;Barton County. Fourth grade is the perfect age for kids to learn about where their food and other products they use daily come from. The station&nbsp;that&nbsp;my team member, Monique, and I manned for the day emphasized the importance of adding whole grains and other nutritious foods to the diet.&nbsp;We also provided a snack of animal crackers and a serving of 100% fruit juice.Fourth graders are old enough to learn about reading a nutrition fact label, found on food products. During our short session we talked about looking for whole wheat or another whole grain as the first ingredient and making sure that the food had very little added sugar. I know when we had young kids at home, our rule was that they could choose cereal that had seven grams or less of sugar in a serving. That is a harder assignment than you might think. Many of the popular cereals advertised today have upwards of fifteen or more grams of sugar per serving. And then what about the&nbsp;person who fills an enormous cereal bowl with two cups of cereal? You will need to double the amount of sugar that is consumed. Yikes!Another benefit of eating whole grains is the amount of fiber that contributes to healthier bodies. A feeling of fullness and healthy elimination are achieved when we consume&nbsp;around 30 grams of fiber each day. Our demonstration showed how fast a slice of white bread disintegrates when dipped in water and how the 100% whole wheat slice held together.&nbsp;Besides talking about eating whole grains, we had Kassie Linsner, from Hoisington, visit with the 4th&nbsp;graders about joining 4-H.&nbsp;It’s always good to see our young people sharing what they are passionate about.Hats off to our Great Bend Chamber for putting together such a well-planned event.&nbsp;In it’s 28thyear, many of the volunteers have helped lead a session or demonstration every year.&nbsp;I know I appreciated the help of June, Imogene, Aleta, Marilyn, and Kay who served the snacks.Short after the calendar turns to October the Hays area 4th&nbsp;graders will be treated to a similar event. Their Kid’s Ag Day is sponsored by Farm Bureau on October 5th. Stacy Campbell, a Cottonwood District Ag and Natural Resources Agent, will have a station teaching young people about corn and the many by products they&nbsp;use daily.&nbsp;I’m so glad we live in communities that value and promote the&nbsp;farming community and want our young people to develop an appreciation as well!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620) 793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: 4th graders learn where their food comes from

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 assistant superintendent Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 assistant superintendent Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.<div><iframe title="As USD 489 accreditation process continues, district strengthens practical education programs" 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=5j54u-12bb693-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: As USD 489 accreditation process continues, district strengthens trade and tech programs

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

In September 1878, freed slaves from Kentucky disembarked from the train in Ellis and made their way on foot 35 miles across the prairie to their new home in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a>.&nbsp;

Over the Labor Day weekend, re-enactors — descendants of those original settlers — made that same journey through chest-high prairie grass in the hot late-summer heat for a documentary filmed on the Ellis Trail.&nbsp;

Angela Bates, <a href="https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org/">Nicodemus</a> descendant and historian, wrote and directed the filming of "Ellis Trail to Nicodemus, The End of the Journey to the Promise Land.” <a href="https://www.abt-films.com/">Nick Abt</a> of Wichita was the videographer for the project.&nbsp;

“I had already seen it in my mind,” Bates said of the script, “and then when I came out on the landscape, it became real. … To participate and see it physically happen was surreal.”&nbsp;

Bates said she hopes the documentary, which will also include scenes filmed with re-enactors in Kentucky and Ellis, interviews with Nicodemus descendants and historical photos, will ultimately be aired on PBS.

“I wanted to focus on the people traveling from Ellis to Nicodemus, but I wanted to focus on the family that came over with that first group in 1878 and the lady that was pregnant at the time,” Bates said.&nbsp;

This woman, Emma Williams, would give birth to the first child born in Nicodemus, Henry, and ultimately Emma would be the matriarch of most of the descendants to live in the community, including Bates.

Emma came to Nicodemus with her parents, Tom and Zerena Johnson and her adult sibling Henry and Ella. Emma was eight months pregnant when she made the trek across the Ellis Trail.&nbsp;

Her husband, Charles Williams, sent her ahead with her parents and siblings, promising to meet Emma in Nicodemus in the spring. As a symbol of this promise, Charles gave Emma a yellow rose to carry with her on her journey.&nbsp;

Emma was afraid she wouldn't see her husband again, which was expressed in the documentary script. Charles did join his wife the following spring in Nicodemus where they established and grew their family.&nbsp;

The rose that Emma carried from Kentucky across the Kansas prairie was dried and pressed into a Bible and handed down through the generations.&nbsp;Although the Nicodemus Historical Society is not aware of the rose’s whereabouts at this time, Bates said she had seen the rose as a younger woman.&nbsp;

Bates said she tried to capture the contrast between the lush Kentucky landscape from which the settlers came to the dry plains of northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662752587394.jpeg" alt="Descendants of Nicodemus settlers are filmed along the Ellis Trail in Trego County for a documentary about Nicodemus. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich " />
 <figcaption>Descendants of Nicodemus settlers are filmed along the Ellis Trail in Trego County for a documentary about Nicodemus. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;In September 1878, freed slaves from Kentucky disembarked from the train in Ellis and made their way on foot 35 miles across the prairie to their new home in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a>.&nbsp;Over the Labor Day weekend, re-enactors — descendants of those original settlers — made that same journey through chest-high prairie grass in the hot late-summer heat for a documentary filmed on the Ellis Trail.&nbsp;Angela Bates, <a href="https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org/">Nicodemus</a> descendant and historian, wrote and directed the filming of "Ellis Trail to Nicodemus, The End of the Journey to the Promise Land.” <a href="https://www.abt-films.com/">Nick Abt</a> of Wichita was the videographer for the project.&nbsp;“I had already seen it in my mind,” Bates said of the script, “and then when I came out on the landscape, it became real. … To participate and see it physically happen was surreal.”&nbsp;Bates said she hopes the documentary, which will also include scenes filmed with re-enactors in Kentucky and Ellis, interviews with Nicodemus descendants and historical photos, will ultimately be aired on PBS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662752805535.jpeg" alt="Nick Abt, filmmaker, middle, and Angela Bates, writer and director, right, during the filming of a new documentary on the settlement of Nicodemus. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich" />
 <figcaption>Nick Abt, filmmaker, middle, and Angela Bates, writer and director, right, during the filming of a new documentary on the settlement of Nicodemus. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich</figcaption>
 </figure>“I wanted to focus on the people traveling from Ellis to Nicodemus, but I wanted to focus on the family that came over with that first group in 1878 and the lady that was pregnant at the time,” Bates said.&nbsp;This woman, Emma Williams, would give birth to the first child born in Nicodemus, Henry, and ultimately Emma would be the matriarch of most of the descendants to live in the community, including Bates.Emma came to Nicodemus with her parents, Tom and Zerena Johnson and her adult sibling Henry and Ella. Emma was eight months pregnant when she made the trek across the Ellis Trail.&nbsp;Her husband, Charles Williams, sent her ahead with her parents and siblings, promising to meet Emma in Nicodemus in the spring. As a symbol of this promise, Charles gave Emma a yellow rose to carry with her on her journey.&nbsp;Emma was afraid she wouldn't see her husband again, which was expressed in the documentary script. Charles did join his wife the following spring in Nicodemus where they established and grew their family.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662752978639.jpeg" alt="An actress portrays Emma Williams, an early settler of Nicodemus. Emma was eight months pregnant when she walked the 35 miles to Nicodemus from Ellis. Her child was the first baby born in Nicodemus. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich" />
 <figcaption>An actress portrays Emma Williams, an early settler of Nicodemus. Emma was eight months pregnant when she walked the 35 miles to Nicodemus from Ellis. Her child was the first baby born in Nicodemus. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich</figcaption>
 </figure>The rose that Emma carried from Kentucky across the Kansas prairie was dried and pressed into a Bible and handed down through the generations.&nbsp;Although the Nicodemus Historical Society is not aware of the rose’s whereabouts at this time, Bates said she had seen the rose as a younger woman.&nbsp;Bates said she tried to capture the contrast between the lush Kentucky landscape from which the settlers came to the dry plains of northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I tried to capture the emotion,” Bates said. … “what it was like to be a former slave and now they’re free and now they are going to the West. They’re going to homestead. They’re going to have free land. They are going to have land they can call their own.”&nbsp;A pivotal scene in the documentary is when the settlers reach Nicodemus. The landscape was barren. The settlers had to build their community up from the dirt.&nbsp;&nbsp;“What I hope people will get out of this is to understand the trials and tribulations and the visions that the people had and what it took for them to make their vision a reality,” Bates said.&nbsp;“It’s one thing to endure slavery and now you’re emancipated. Now what are you going to do? If you stay in the South, you’re dealing with serious Jim Crow. If you move to the West, you can get some free government land.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753181039.jpeg" alt="Wagon teams volunteered their time to help in the re-enactment of the Nicodemus settlers' journey along the Ellis Trail for the documentary. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich" />
 <figcaption>Wagon teams volunteered their time to help in the re-enactment of the Nicodemus settlers' journey along the Ellis Trail for the documentary. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich</figcaption>
 </figure>Bates said her ancestors had a strong faith in God, and they had to believe their lives were going to be better in Kansas.&nbsp;Both Bates and Abt said they encountered challenges in filming in the rough, hot prairie environment.&nbsp;The crew only had two days to shoot on location with the re-enactors. Bates said the re-enactors were excited to participate in the project but were not used to the rough terrain. One of the children fell into a badger hole, but she was unhurt Bates and LeRoy Walz, local property owner, were instrumental in finding the path of the Ellis Trail, including finding wagon ruts that are still visible today.&nbsp;Bates and the Walz family have helped coordinate tours at key locations along the trail, and the Nicodemus Historical Society has assisted in placing historical markers at several sites along the trail, including at the site of the Walz family homestead.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753317514.jpeg" alt="The descendants of Nicodemus portrayed early settlers of the community during the recent filming of a documentary on Nicodemus in Trego County. Angela Bates, a descendant as well as writer and director on the project, is at far left. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovic" />
 <figcaption>The descendants of Nicodemus portrayed early settlers of the community during the recent filming of a documentary on Nicodemus in Trego County. Angela Bates, a descendant as well as writer and director on the project, is at far left. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovic</figcaption>
 </figure>A portion of the limestone home built by the Walz family is still visible on the site. Historical accounts indicate the Nicodemus settlers stopped at the homestead for water on their trek to Nicodemus.&nbsp;Many members of the extended Walz family traveled to Trego County for the filming and helped support the crew. LeRoy stabled the horses for the wagon teams. LeRoy and his cousin, Albert, both have cameos in the film.&nbsp;In such a divided nation, Bates pointed to the cooperation between the descendant of Nicodemus and the white descendants from the Walz family who worked together on this project.&nbsp;“Look at what we are doing right here, today,” she said. “You have 70 some people here depicting this story with wagons. You’ve got cowboys, and you’ve got wagons, and you’ve got people who own all of this equipment. They’re white, and they’re ecstatic and said they where so honored to be a part of this. …&nbsp;“It’s not just our history, it’s everybody’s history.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753641675.jpeg" alt="Nicodemus documentary director Angela Bates said many of the re-enactors said they were surprised by the rough conditions along the Ellis Trail. They were often walking in native fauna up to their chests. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich" />
 <figcaption>Nicodemus documentary director Angela Bates said many of the re-enactors said they were surprised by the rough conditions along the Ellis Trail. They were often walking in native fauna up to their chests. Photo courtesy of Kellie Hall Crnkovich</figcaption>
 </figure>Funding for this project has come from several sources including the National Trust for Public Lands and the National Parks Foundation. Bates is applying for more grants to help fund the completion of the project. Abt offered his services for free.&nbsp;Abt said the project will not be completed until winter of next year. He said he would like to see the film featured at film festivals and on PBS.&nbsp;Abt’s wife has connections to the exoduster movement, which were the African Americans who migrated from states along the Mississippi River to Kansas starting in about 1879. He said that connections sparked his interest in the Nicodemus film. “It’s an amazing piece of history," Abt said. ... “The adversities they faced while they were out there were truly incredible.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Being able to be out there and being able to film it where they were. They actually walked right through where we filmed in the heat at the same time of year they were there. You get a really good idea and an appreciation for how hard it was.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Abt has been making films since 2012. Some of his other credits include: “Nico Hernandez: Road to the Olympics,” “Exploration Kansas," “Medicine Hills,” as well as a feature on New Jerusalem State Park for the Nature Conservancy.&nbsp;

Local