By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher Warning: Today’s column is about politics and the upcoming election. Wait, don’t stop reading because what I have to say is especially important and will affect your farm and ranch for a long time to come. I know we are all tired of the constant fighting and mudslinging and what happens in D.C. and Topeka seem to be millions of miles away. I am here to tell you what happens in both cities hits close to home. Over and over, I hear about how good people have turned off politics and just do not participate anymore. Friends, we have to change that. I am begging, no I am pleading, with all of you to get involved in this next election cycle and help make Kansas Farm Bureau’s voice stronger. Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF) has a great record when it comes to endorsing candidates, but this is no time to get complacent. We must make our voice heard. VOTE FBF’s track record when it comes to endorsing candidates is so strong because we involve, or try to involve, every county and every member in the process. I know I sound like a broken record, but our strength is our grassroots. This is the time of the year when VOTE FBF starts to make decisions on which candidates to endorse in both our federal and state elections. The very core of the process is the recommendations from each county. It is important, especially in state races, because you know your candidates, your voice and opinions carry great weight with the VOTE FBF board. It’s true, you need to have at least donated $5to VOTE FBF, but that is a small price to have a say in who makes the rules and laws that affect our livelihoods. We need to make sure we are surfacing and supporting legislators who understand and back agriculture. The only way things will get better is if we are involved, and that has to start now. First, familiarize yourself with the candidates in your area. Read their websites and go meet them. Find out who supports your way of life and who will represent your point of view in D.C. and Topeka. Then go to your county office, pay your $5 if you haven’t already and ask to be part of the process. I will bet you won’t be turned down. I hope there will be deep, meaningful conversations about which candidates to back around those board tables. Most of all, however, I hope we have feedback from all 105 counties. I can’t emphasize how important the next two election cycles are to agriculture and rural Kansas. We must make sure we have a say in which candidates represent us. &nbsp;Get informed and get involved because we need your input to ensure we endorse pragmatic leaders who understand agriculture and rural Kansas. Now is the time to get involved and make sure Kansas Farm Bureau and VOTE FBF continue to be the Voice of Agriculture in the years to come.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher Warning: Today’s column is about politics and the upcoming election. Wait, don’t stop reading because what I have to say is especially important and will affect your farm and ranch for a long time to come. I know we are all tired of the constant fighting and mudslinging and what happens in D.C. and Topeka seem to be millions of miles away. I am here to tell you what happens in both cities hits close to home. Over and over, I hear about how good people have turned off politics and just do not participate anymore. Friends, we have to change that. I am begging, no I am pleading, with all of you to get involved in this next election cycle and help make Kansas Farm Bureau’s voice stronger. Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF) has a great record when it comes to endorsing candidates, but this is no time to get complacent. We must make our voice heard. VOTE FBF’s track record when it comes to endorsing candidates is so strong because we involve, or try to involve, every county and every member in the process. I know I sound like a broken record, but our strength is our grassroots. This is the time of the year when VOTE FBF starts to make decisions on which candidates to endorse in both our federal and state elections. The very core of the process is the recommendations from each county. It is important, especially in state races, because you know your candidates, your voice and opinions carry great weight with the VOTE FBF board. It’s true, you need to have at least donated $5to VOTE FBF, but that is a small price to have a say in who makes the rules and laws that affect our livelihoods. We need to make sure we are surfacing and supporting legislators who understand and back agriculture. The only way things will get better is if we are involved, and that has to start now. First, familiarize yourself with the candidates in your area. Read their websites and go meet them. Find out who supports your way of life and who will represent your point of view in D.C. and Topeka. Then go to your county office, pay your $5 if you haven’t already and ask to be part of the process. I will bet you won’t be turned down. I hope there will be deep, meaningful conversations about which candidates to back around those board tables. Most of all, however, I hope we have feedback from all 105 counties. I can’t emphasize how important the next two election cycles are to agriculture and rural Kansas. We must make sure we have a say in which candidates represent us. &nbsp;Get informed and get involved because we need your input to ensure we endorse pragmatic leaders who understand agriculture and rural Kansas. Now is the time to get involved and make sure Kansas Farm Bureau and VOTE FBF continue to be the Voice of Agriculture in the years to come."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Endorsing agriculture

<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/2022/5/1652208507496.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

PHILLIPS COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Toyota Tacoma driven by George P.&nbsp;Korobka, 74, Hays, was westbound on Phillips County E Santa Fe Road, a closed road due to a wash out. 

The pickup began to skid, traveled off the road into the wash out, struck the west bank and came to rest in the bottom of the wash out.

Korobka was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Oliff-Boeve Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Toyota Tacoma driven by George P.&nbsp;Korobka, 74, Hays, was westbound on Phillips County E Santa Fe Road, a closed road due to a wash out. The pickup began to skid, traveled off the road into the wash out, struck the west bank and came to rest in the bottom of the wash out.Korobka was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Oliff-Boeve Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man from Hays dies after pickup crash on closed road

Opportunities to Join the Cottonwood Team

The Cottonwood Extension District is currently receiving applications for the 4-H Youth Development Agent and the Family&nbsp;and&nbsp;Community Wellness Agent positions in the Hays office.&nbsp;Application deadline is June 1, 2022. See&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs">www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs</a>&nbsp;for responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedure.&nbsp;Interviews are scheduled on June 28th.&nbsp;

A career with K-State Research and Extension can be exciting and fulfilling. Helping families improve their lives through participation in educational programs is&nbsp;what we&nbsp;strive&nbsp;to accomplish in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;If you have additional questions about either of these positions please contact: Donna Krug, District Director, at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

K-State Research and Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Background check required.

EXTENSION AGENT, 4-H Youth Development opportunity in Cottonwood
District. Primary office in Hays, KS, with other office in Great Bend. 
See www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs for responsibilities, qualifications, and
application procedure. Application deadline: 6/1/22. K-State Research and
Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
Background check required.

EXTENSION AGENT, Family &amp; Community Wellness opportunity in
Cottonwood District. Primary office in Hays, KS, with other office in Great
Bend.

See www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs for responsibilities, qualifications, and
application procedure. Application deadline: 6/1/22. K-State Research and
Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
Background check required.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652127307936.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Opportunities to Join the Cottonwood TeamThe Cottonwood Extension District is currently receiving applications for the 4-H Youth Development Agent and the Family&nbsp;and&nbsp;Community Wellness Agent positions in the Hays office.&nbsp;Application deadline is June 1, 2022. See&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs">www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs</a>&nbsp;for responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedure.&nbsp;Interviews are scheduled on June 28th.&nbsp;A career with K-State Research and Extension can be exciting and fulfilling. Helping families improve their lives through participation in educational programs is&nbsp;what we&nbsp;strive&nbsp;to accomplish in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;If you have additional questions about either of these positions please contact: Donna Krug, District Director, at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>K-State Research and Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Background check required.------EXTENSION AGENT, 4-H Youth Development opportunity in Cottonwood
District. Primary office in Hays, KS, with other office in Great Bend. 
See www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs for responsibilities, qualifications, and
application procedure. Application deadline: 6/1/22. K-State Research and
Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
Background check required.------EXTENSION AGENT, Family &amp; Community Wellness opportunity in
Cottonwood District. Primary office in Hays, KS, with other office in Great
Bend. See www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs for responsibilities, qualifications, and
application procedure. Application deadline: 6/1/22. K-State Research and
Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
Background check required.

KRUG: Lots to celebrate in May

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 $143.5 million school bond passed Tuesday with&nbsp; 3,239 voters voting for the bond and 2,773 voting against it.

A question that would help pay for the bond with a half-cent city of Hays sales tax also passed with 3,025 voters voting for the question and 2,036 voters voting against it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">The bond will build a new high school, renovate the current high school into a middle school and renovate the current middle school into an elementary school. Roosevelt and O'Loughlin elementary schools will also be renovated.</a>

Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center will be closed. Westside school will be relocated.

"The community has shown up and shown they want to invest in kids, they want to invest in staff and they want to invest in the community," Superintendent Ron Wilson said Tuesday night.

He said he appreciated all the effort that had been put in by many people during the last eight months.

"Good things are going to happen for the community of Hays because of this," Wilson said. 

Wilson said the voter turnout was exceptional. Voter turnout was almost 38 percent.

The vote will not be official until the canvas at 8 a.m. May 16. 

Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling said 80 provisional ballots will have to be reviewed during the canvas. Mail-in ballots can also be accepted up to three days after Election Day if they are postmarked by Election Day.

Hays USD 489 had unsuccessful bond attempts in 2016 and 2017.

See more on the bond election on Wednesday Hays Post. Corrected 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to clarify Lincoln Elementary School will be closed as part of the bond issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652217474188.jpeg" alt="A voter casts his ballot in the Hays USD 489 school bond election Tuesday at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A voter casts his ballot in the Hays USD 489 school bond election Tuesday at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 $143.5 million school bond passed Tuesday with&nbsp; 3,239 voters voting for the bond and 2,773 voting against it. A question that would help pay for the bond with a half-cent city of Hays sales tax also passed with 3,025 voters voting for the question and 2,036 voters voting against it. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">The bond will build a new high school, renovate the current high school into a middle school and renovate the current middle school into an elementary school. Roosevelt and O'Loughlin elementary schools will also be renovated.</a>Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center will be closed. Westside school will be relocated."The community has shown up and shown they want to invest in kids, they want to invest in staff and they want to invest in the community," Superintendent Ron Wilson said Tuesday night.He said he appreciated all the effort that had been put in by many people during the last eight months."Good things are going to happen for the community of Hays because of this," Wilson said. Wilson said the voter turnout was exceptional. Voter turnout was almost 38 percent. The vote will not be official until the canvas at 8 a.m. May 16. Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling said 80 provisional ballots will have to be reviewed during the canvas. Mail-in ballots can also be accepted up to three days after Election Day if they are postmarked by Election Day. Hays USD 489 had unsuccessful bond attempts in 2016 and 2017.See more on the bond election on Wednesday Hays Post. Corrected 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to clarify Lincoln Elementary School will be closed as part of the bond issue.

UPDATE: Hays USD 489 bond passes amid high voter turnout 

Crystal Hammerschmidt is exploring nature and motherhood in her MFA exhibit "Mother Water."

The exhibit is on display now through Friday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus.

She said some of her pieces have been an homage to motherhood and her own mother. She has been spending more time with her mother recently because of health problems.

Hammerschmidt's main artistic focus is printmaking, but the pandemic helped her branch out into other mediums. 

Hammerschmidt, 39, of Smolan, grew up in her parents' upholstery shop. She has combined printmaking with upholstery to create mixed-media pieces.

"Folk Flower" is a large, colorful circular piece that combines relief cut print on fabric, hand-printed fabric buttons and cushion on wood. "Nature of Vanity" is another mixed media piece that seems to have vines coming out from a framed fabric installation.

Hammerschmidt was able to explore FHSU's casting program. She has a series of large metal discs in the exhibition that were cast from a ring of pinecones. The largest of these is "Disco-cones," which is cast from iron and weighs more than 500 pounds. The mold for "Disco-cones" was more than 1,200 pounds, Hammerschmidt said.

She said the pine cones were collected during the pandemic when she was on walks with her dog.

During the pandemic when she was at home, Hammerschmidt also made a series of clay models which were used to make cast iron figures. 

Hammerschmidt's exhibition is not without examples of traditional two-dimensional examples of her printmaking.

Some of these relate back to Hammerschmidt's nature theme, including "Celtic Worms" and "Sneaky Snake."

Hammerschmidt will be graduating Saturday.

Following graduation, she will travel with other members of the art department to Germany for five weeks, where they will be helping to build a furnace.

The project is part of a multiple-phase international project that will culminate in a cast-iron festival. She received a Koch Foundation grant to help fund the travel expense.

"It's combing industry, art, community and teachers," she said of the project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652211957510.jpeg" alt="Crystal Hammerschmidt, FHSU MFA student, with her piece "Folk Flower" art her exhibition "Mother Water" at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Crystal Hammerschmidt, FHSU MFA student, with her piece "Folk Flower" art her exhibition "Mother Water" at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCrystal Hammerschmidt is exploring nature and motherhood in her MFA exhibit "Mother Water."The exhibit is on display now through Friday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus.She said some of her pieces have been an homage to motherhood and her own mother. She has been spending more time with her mother recently because of health problems. Hammerschmidt's main artistic focus is printmaking, but the pandemic helped her branch out into other mediums. Hammerschmidt, 39, of Smolan, grew up in her parents' upholstery shop. She has combined printmaking with upholstery to create mixed-media pieces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652212150711.jpeg" alt="FHSU art student Crystal Hamerschmidt with her 500-pound cast-iron sculpture "Disco-cones." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>FHSU art student Crystal Hamerschmidt with her 500-pound cast-iron sculpture "Disco-cones." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"Folk Flower" is a large, colorful circular piece that combines relief cut print on fabric, hand-printed fabric buttons and cushion on wood. "Nature of Vanity" is another mixed media piece that seems to have vines coming out from a framed fabric installation.Hammerschmidt was able to explore FHSU's casting program. She has a series of large metal discs in the exhibition that were cast from a ring of pinecones. The largest of these is "Disco-cones," which is cast from iron and weighs more than 500 pounds. The mold for "Disco-cones" was more than 1,200 pounds, Hammerschmidt said. She said the pine cones were collected during the pandemic when she was on walks with her dog.During the pandemic when she was at home, Hammerschmidt also made a series of clay models which were used to make cast iron figures. Hammerschmidt's exhibition is not without examples of traditional two-dimensional examples of her printmaking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652212327085.jpeg" alt="Crystal Hammerschmidt with her mixed-media art piece "Nature of Vanity," which is made from found objects, vinyl, Spandex, cotton relief print, wood and wire. " />
 <figcaption>Crystal Hammerschmidt with her mixed-media art piece "Nature of Vanity," which is made from found objects, vinyl, Spandex, cotton relief print, wood and wire. </figcaption>
 </figure>Some of these relate back to Hammerschmidt's nature theme, including "Celtic Worms" and "Sneaky Snake."Hammerschmidt will be graduating Saturday. Following graduation, she will travel with other members of the art department to Germany for five weeks, where they will be helping to build a furnace.The project is part of a multiple-phase international project that will culminate in a cast-iron festival. She received a Koch Foundation grant to help fund the travel expense. "It's combing industry, art, community and teachers," she said of the project. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652212560484.jpeg" alt="Crystal Hammerschmidt's "Celtic Worms."&nbsp; Relief cut and wood. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Crystal Hammerschmidt's "Celtic Worms."&nbsp; Relief cut and wood. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU art student explores "Mother Water" in MFA exhibit

As Fort Hays State University wraps the 2021-22 academic year with
commencement this weekend, it’s not just graduating seniors taking a moment to
look back and reflect on their accomplishments.

As the end of the academic year quickly approaches the university itself
is taking stock of the number of noteworthy accomplishments made by FHSU students
and staff over the year.

Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason recently shred some of those triumphs
as the university begins winding down operations for the summer break.

“One of
the things that I think is distinctive and unique with our year, is the way our
students have competed,” Cason said. “And we have a lot of experiential – we
call them experiential learning opportunities — for students, internships,
service learning, things like that.

“But
nothing quite like the crucible of competition to bring out and really hone
your skills,” he continued. “Skills that I think prepare our students for
successful lives after college.”

One
example of the athletic achievements of the year was Bennington native Ryan
Stanley.

Stanley,
he said, is “one of the all-time greatest NCAA Division II pole vaulters ever,”
Cason said.

A four-time
All American, he won the national title and pole vault for the second straight
year, he said.

“The
height he hit to win the national championship — 17 feet, nine and a quarter
inch on his first attempt,” Cason said, “stands as the fifth best all
time in Division II and the third best in the Division II championship history.”

Cason also
noted, Stanley served as vice president of the FHSU Student Government.

“So,
there's a there's a young man who's gaining tremendous experience before he
goes out in the world,” Cason said.

While athletic
achievements are an often thought of examples of competition, he said FHSU is competitive
in academic areas as well.

On the non-athletic
completion side, he said students in the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of
Business and Entrepreneurship were able to continue their legacy of achievement
during a national financial planning challenge, bringing home a third place.

“You
talk about something that really prepares you for life in business, presenting
plans to boards and leadership groups, our students have great experience with
that with this financial planning challenge,” Cason said.

And technical
studies at the university also continue to shine.

“In the
last month (during the) annual International Technology and Engineering
Association conference in Orlando, our students won three of the five
individual events to claim the championship, and all-round honors with Purdue
University. … So truly a nationally dominant program in that regard.”

While
schools like Purdue may have more resources than a school the size of FHSU, he
said the caliber of students attending FHSU more than makes up for any size
advantage.

“It's that
that ethic of that perseverance, that innovation, that really is the hallmark
of our university and the kinds of students that we attract,” Cason said.

And
while academic and athletics programs at the university are notable for those accomplishments,
he said some campus club sports also highlighted the FHSU competitive spirit.

"We've
got the premier shooting sports team in the nation. Flat out hands down. We
just got our eighth national championship in October, in the Scholastic clay
targeting program in Columbus, Ohio. This is I think it's a pretty amazing
statistic, how good our students are. They hit 2,953 targets out of 3,000
targets that were served. That's a 98% hit percentage.”

Having competitors at that level
of ability, is a draw for future students.

“It really
is a reflection of our culture and where we live,” Cason said. “I think we have
students that come from California and north northwest, and obviously,
Nebraska, places like that, but they know about us, they know about our team,
and they want to come here and compete,” Cason said. “And they're also some of
the best students we have, as well. Their academic performance is top-notch.”

FHSU
graduations will once again be broken down into colleges with a mix of virtual
and in-person events beginning at 8 a.m. Friday.

<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/commencement/">A full calendar of the graduation
events can be found on the FHSU website, fhsu.edu.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578077978142.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs Fort Hays State University wraps the 2021-22 academic year with
commencement this weekend, it’s not just graduating seniors taking a moment to
look back and reflect on their accomplishments.As the end of the academic year quickly approaches the university itself
is taking stock of the number of noteworthy accomplishments made by FHSU students
and staff over the year.Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason recently shred some of those triumphs
as the university begins winding down operations for the summer break.“One of
the things that I think is distinctive and unique with our year, is the way our
students have competed,” Cason said. “And we have a lot of experiential – we
call them experiential learning opportunities — for students, internships,
service learning, things like that.“But
nothing quite like the crucible of competition to bring out and really hone
your skills,” he continued. “Skills that I think prepare our students for
successful lives after college.”<div><iframe title="Fort Hays State University has lots to celebrate as year end nears" 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=g25qh-1220ee0-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>One
example of the athletic achievements of the year was Bennington native Ryan
Stanley.Stanley,
he said, is “one of the all-time greatest NCAA Division II pole vaulters ever,”
Cason said.A four-time
All American, he won the national title and pole vault for the second straight
year, he said.“The
height he hit to win the national championship — 17 feet, nine and a quarter
inch on his first attempt,” Cason said, “stands as the fifth best all
time in Division II and the third best in the Division II championship history.”Cason also
noted, Stanley served as vice president of the FHSU Student Government.“So,
there's a there's a young man who's gaining tremendous experience before he
goes out in the world,” Cason said.While athletic
achievements are an often thought of examples of competition, he said FHSU is competitive
in academic areas as well.On the non-athletic
completion side, he said students in the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of
Business and Entrepreneurship were able to continue their legacy of achievement
during a national financial planning challenge, bringing home a third place.“You
talk about something that really prepares you for life in business, presenting
plans to boards and leadership groups, our students have great experience with
that with this financial planning challenge,” Cason said.And technical
studies at the university also continue to shine.“In the
last month (during the) annual International Technology and Engineering
Association conference in Orlando, our students won three of the five
individual events to claim the championship, and all-round honors with Purdue
University. … So truly a nationally dominant program in that regard.”While
schools like Purdue may have more resources than a school the size of FHSU, he
said the caliber of students attending FHSU more than makes up for any size
advantage.“It's that
that ethic of that perseverance, that innovation, that really is the hallmark
of our university and the kinds of students that we attract,” Cason said.And
while academic and athletics programs at the university are notable for those accomplishments,
he said some campus club sports also highlighted the FHSU competitive spirit."We've
got the premier shooting sports team in the nation. Flat out hands down. We
just got our eighth national championship in October, in the Scholastic clay
targeting program in Columbus, Ohio. This is I think it's a pretty amazing
statistic, how good our students are. They hit 2,953 targets out of 3,000
targets that were served. That's a 98% hit percentage.”Having competitors at that level
of ability, is a draw for future students.“It really
is a reflection of our culture and where we live,” Cason said. “I think we have
students that come from California and north northwest, and obviously,
Nebraska, places like that, but they know about us, they know about our team,
and they want to come here and compete,” Cason said. “And they're also some of
the best students we have, as well. Their academic performance is top-notch.”FHSU
graduations will once again be broken down into colleges with a mix of virtual
and in-person events beginning at 8 a.m. Friday.<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/commencement/">A full calendar of the graduation
events can be found on the FHSU website, fhsu.edu.</a>

🎙 As commencement nears, Fort Hays State celebrating accomplishments

For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

For a full look at the weather forecast click here.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652290945980.jpeg" alt="051222" />
 <figcaption>051222</figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

By ALI HOLCOMB <a href="https://www.holtonrecorder.net/news/keith-glotzbach-named-new-rvms-principal">The Holton Recorder</a>

Keith Glotzbach, 42, the assistant principal and athletic director at
 Emporia Middle School, will serve as the new principal at Royal Valley 
Middle School in Mayetta next school year.&nbsp;

The USD 337 Royal Valley Board of Education approved the employment contact with Glotzbach during its meeting Monday.

Glotzbach, who lives in Topeka, will replace Heather Hundley, who has resigned from the position effective the end of the current school year.

Glotzbach began serving as the assistant principal at EMS in July 
2017. Prior to that, he served as an instructional coach and math 
teacher with Topeka Public Schools for four years.&nbsp;

He grew up on a farm outside of Paxico and received a bachelor’s 
degree from Fort Hays State University and a master’s degree from Kansas
 State University. He and his wife have three children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652203547058.png" alt="Keith Glotzbach" />
 <figcaption>Keith Glotzbach</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALI HOLCOMB <a href="https://www.holtonrecorder.net/news/keith-glotzbach-named-new-rvms-principal">The Holton Recorder</a>Keith Glotzbach, 42, the assistant principal and athletic director at
 Emporia Middle School, will serve as the new principal at Royal Valley 
Middle School in Mayetta next school year.&nbsp;The USD 337 Royal Valley Board of Education approved the employment contact with Glotzbach during its meeting Monday.Glotzbach, who lives in Topeka, will replace Heather Hundley, who has resigned from the position effective the end of the current school year.Glotzbach began serving as the assistant principal at EMS in July 
2017. Prior to that, he served as an instructional coach and math 
teacher with Topeka Public Schools for four years.&nbsp;He grew up on a farm outside of Paxico and received a bachelor’s 
degree from Fort Hays State University and a master’s degree from Kansas
 State University. He and his wife have three children.

FHSU alum named principal of Mayetta middle school

Thirty-two outstanding fifth-grade students (ages 10 and 11) performed live in front of a four-person panel of judges and an audience of, at times, several hundred on Friday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Each of the 32 finalists received an engraved gold medal when they were introduced before the awards announcement.  

With the exact same scores, we had a four-way tie at fifth place (We don’t break ties, we just order more trophies.). 

* First place — Evie Dietz as Joan of Arc (O'Loughlin)

* Second place — Myles Archer as Babe Ruth (Wilson)

* Third place — Kendall Siler as Elizabeth Smith Friedman (Holy Family)

* Fourth place — Mason Rozean as Alexander Graham Bell (Holy Family)

* Fifth place (t) — Andrew Meagher as Nick Saban (Holy Family)

* Fifth place (t) — Josiah Olmstead as Charles M. Schultz (Lincoln)

* Fifth place (t) — Ellee Lang as Sally Ride (Wilson)

* Fifth place (t) — Levi Denham as Antonín Dvořák (Lincoln)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652131664950.jpeg" alt="Famous Figures top finishers. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Famous Figures top finishers. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThirty-two outstanding fifth-grade students (ages 10 and 11) performed live in front of a four-person panel of judges and an audience of, at times, several hundred on Friday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.Each of the 32 finalists received an engraved gold medal when they were introduced before the awards announcement. With the exact same scores, we had a four-way tie at fifth place (We don’t break ties, we just order more trophies.). Below are the top finishers: * First place — Evie Dietz as Joan of Arc (O'Loughlin)* Second place — Myles Archer as Babe Ruth (Wilson)* Third place — Kendall Siler as Elizabeth Smith Friedman (Holy Family)* Fourth place — Mason Rozean as Alexander Graham Bell (Holy Family)* Fifth place (t) — Andrew Meagher as Nick Saban (Holy Family)* Fifth place (t) — Josiah Olmstead as Charles M. Schultz (Lincoln)* Fifth place (t) — Ellee Lang as Sally Ride (Wilson)* Fifth place (t) — Levi Denham as Antonín Dvořák (Lincoln)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652131722135.jpeg" alt="All Famous Figures finalists " />
 <figcaption>All Famous Figures finalists </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XbzKKRvMIDg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Arts Council Famous Figures winners announced

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After a pandemic supply chain delay, a new 2022 van is now available to transport area veterans at no cost to Veterans Administration appointments.&nbsp;

"The van belongs to the VA and is delegated to&nbsp;Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fort Hays Chapter 18," said Taft Yates, senior vice commander of DAV Chapter 18.&nbsp;

A $10,000 grant was made in 2018 by the Hays-based Schmidt Foundation. The remaining funds were raised by the chapter to purchase the new van as a replacement of an older vehicle.

"It's veterans helping veterans to maintain and sustain themselves," Yates said. He is a retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger combat veteran and officer. The former Ellis police chief also serves as quartermaster of the Ellis VFW Post 9139 and is a member of TREA, The Retired Enlisted Association in Salina.&nbsp;

The previous van transported veterans from Hays to medical appointments in Wichita only. 

The new van, operated by volunteer drivers, has picked up passengers in Hoxie, Grinnell, Plainville and other area towns and transported them to medical providers in Wichita, Salina, Great Bend, Hays and other locales providing specialty health care. The Ford vehicle is based in Hays at the VA clinic on East 7th Street.&nbsp;

The free program is not DAV-centric — any military veteran can call for a ride to a VA appointment, although the van is not handicapped accessible. Caregivers may ride along, with room for up to five passengers.

"We need a 72-hour notice for an appointment," Yates noted.

Fuel and maintenance costs for the van are paid by the Veterans Administration. It is licensed, insured and maintained by the Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital in Wichita.&nbsp;

There are currently two drivers of the van, Mary Lou Mastin of Hays, who's volunteered for nearly 11 years, and Russell resident Rich Demont has been helping out for three years.

"More drivers are needed," according to Mike Dreiling, van coordinator and DAV chapter adjutant.&nbsp;

Dreiling, who lives in Russell, is also working to spread awareness of the free service, including to families and friends of veterans.&nbsp;

To reserve a ride to a VA medical appointment, veterans can call Dreiling at 785-735-7117. Any one wanting to be a volunteer driver should also call Dreiling at the same number.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652115636521.jpeg" alt="The new van used for transporting area veterans to regional VA appointments. (Photo courtesy DAV Fort Hays Chapter 18)" />
 <figcaption>The new van used for transporting area veterans to regional VA appointments. (Photo courtesy DAV Fort Hays Chapter 18)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter a pandemic supply chain delay, a new 2022 van is now available to transport area veterans at no cost to Veterans Administration appointments.&nbsp;"The van belongs to the VA and is delegated to&nbsp;Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fort Hays Chapter 18," said Taft Yates, senior vice commander of DAV Chapter 18.&nbsp;A $10,000 grant was made in 2018 by the Hays-based Schmidt Foundation. The remaining funds were raised by the chapter to purchase the new van as a replacement of an older vehicle."It's veterans helping veterans to maintain and sustain themselves," Yates said. He is a retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger combat veteran and officer. The former Ellis police chief also serves as quartermaster of the Ellis VFW Post 9139 and is a member of TREA, The Retired Enlisted Association in Salina.&nbsp;The previous van transported veterans from Hays to medical appointments in Wichita only. The new van, operated by volunteer drivers, has picked up passengers in Hoxie, Grinnell, Plainville and other area towns and transported them to medical providers in Wichita, Salina, Great Bend, Hays and other locales providing specialty health care. The Ford vehicle is based in Hays at the VA clinic on East 7th Street.&nbsp;The free program is not DAV-centric — any military veteran can call for a ride to a VA appointment, although the van is not handicapped accessible. Caregivers may ride along, with room for up to five passengers."We need a 72-hour notice for an appointment," Yates noted.Fuel and maintenance costs for the van are paid by the Veterans Administration. It is licensed, insured and maintained by the Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital in Wichita.&nbsp;There are currently two drivers of the van, Mary Lou Mastin of Hays, who's volunteered for nearly 11 years, and Russell resident Rich Demont has been helping out for three years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652115898703.jpeg" alt="Gary Shorman, Schmidt Foundation president, and Mike Dreiling, van coordinator, pose with the newly acquired veterans transport van and two volunteer drivers. The 2022 vehicle is based at the Hays VA Clinic. (Photo courtesy DAV Fort Hays Chapter 18)" />
 <figcaption>Gary Shorman, Schmidt Foundation president, and Mike Dreiling, van coordinator, pose with the newly acquired veterans transport van and two volunteer drivers. The 2022 vehicle is based at the Hays VA Clinic. (Photo courtesy DAV Fort Hays Chapter 18)</figcaption>
 </figure>"More drivers are needed," according to Mike Dreiling, van coordinator and DAV chapter adjutant.&nbsp;Dreiling, who lives in Russell, is also working to spread awareness of the free service, including to families and friends of veterans.&nbsp;To reserve a ride to a VA medical appointment, veterans can call Dreiling at 785-735-7117. Any one wanting to be a volunteer driver should also call Dreiling at the same number.

New van transports vets free to VA appointments; drivers needed

Gasoline prices are near their highest ever, rising 20 cents in the last month to $4.33 per gallon. That's just a penny less than the highest national average ever, reached March 11. Diesel prices are up fifty cents over a month ago to reach a new record of $5.54 per gallon nationwide. Diesel is going for $5.30 across Kansas. Average gasoline prices across the state are still well below four dollars a gallon, but we spotted several stations in Hays above that mark. Motorists in Great Bend are paying just under four dollars.&nbsp; The benchmark Nymex crude futures contract settled Friday just under $110 per barrel, a gain of more than a dollar and a half on the day. But by lunchtime Monday, light sweet crude for June delivery was down nearly five dollars, trading at a few pennies under $104 per barrel. London Brent was down about four percent, to $107.88 per barrel.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices are the highest since late March, and $5 higher than at the start of this month, and. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained $1.50 on Friday, and started the week at $100 per barrel. So far this year 126 Kansas operators have spudded 446 new wells, an increase of 95% over last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 376 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged at 20 in the eastern half of the state, while the tally west of Wichita was down two for the week at 29 active drilling rigs. In Barton County, drilling was underway on one lease, and operators were about to spud another. Kansas regulators okayed 16 new drilling permits during the week through May 5th. There are five new drilling locations east of Wichita and 11 in Western Kansas. That's 502 new permits so far this year. Operators completed 20 new wells last week across Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells in eastern Kansas and 13 in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 122 new intent-to-drill notices last month. That's 511 new intents so far this year compared to 313 through April last year. There are five new drilling notices on file in Barton County and two in Stafford County. Oklahoma could soon join Texas in efforts to divest from companies that divest from the patch. State senators in Oklahoma gave their okay last week to a bill that would require the state to divest from any financial company that boycotts the energy industry. It's called the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022. It returns to the House of Representatives for final approval before heading to the governor his signature. A fight between the state of North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes is escalating, with hundreds of millions of dollars in oil-and-gas revenues on the line. The state has filed to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the tribes over a stretch of land along the Missouri River. The Trump Administration reversed decades of administrative decisions and gave ownership of the land to the state. The Biden administration has since reversed that move. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up five oil rigs and two gas rigs, for a total of 705 active drilling rigs in the US. The count in Louisiana was up four rigs. Oklahoma was up two, New Mexico was up one and Texas was down one. The government reports US crude inventories increased by 1.3 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 415.7 million barrels as of April 29th. Inventories are about 15% below the five-year average for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories decreased by 2.2 million barrels last week and are about 4% below the five year average for this time of year. EIA reported a drop in US crude-oil production last week. Output reached an average of 11.85 million barrels per day, down by 94,000 barrels per day. That total is nearly a million barrels per day higher than the tally from the same week last year. Crude-oil imports increased last week by nearly 397,000 barrels per day. US imports averaged 6.3 million barrels per day.&nbsp; The average over the last four weeks was about 3.3% greater than during the same four weeks last year. The world's largest crude exporter slashed prices to Asia over the weekend due largely to the continuing COVID lockdowns in China. Saudi Aramco cut it's Asian prices by more than five dollars a barrel according to a company release on Sunday. This is the first price cut by the Saudis in four months. OPEC-Plus exporters on last week agreed to another small production increase for June. The alliance is raising targets for next month by 432,000 barrels per day, sticking to its existing strategy of gradually replacing production cuts from two years ago. Analysts tell CNBC that the group is happy with prices over $100 and doesn't want to threaten them with more substantial production increases. The meeting reportedly lasted just 13 minutes. The European Union is planning an embargo of Russian oil within six months, with refined products ending by the end of the year. Germany on Monday announced it would support the embargo despite its heavy reliance on Russian energy imports. So-called price triggers are expected to re-ignite a contentious debate when the North Dakota Legislative Assembly reconvenes in January, but that won't stop an estimated $372 million tax increase for the North Dakota oil patch next month. This comes in contrast to just a few years ago when low oil prices threatened to trigger a tax break for drillers that would have cost the state millions in lost revenue. The higher tax kicks in if the price of Nymex crude remains above $94.69 per barrel for a third straight month in May.&nbsp; OPEC-Plus exporters on Thursday agreed to another small production increase for June. The alliance is raising targets for next month by 432,000 barrels per day, sticking to its existing strategy of gradually replacing production cuts from two years ago. Analysts tell CNBC that the group is happy with prices over $100 and doesn't want to threaten them with more substantial production increases. The meeting reportedly lasted just 13 minutes. The Association of American Railroads reports monthly oil-by-rail traffic in the US was down by about 17% in April amid a six percent decline in all rail traffic. Weekly traffic in the US was down 12% compared to the week before, at 8,824 tanker carloads. That's down 20% from the same week a year ago. Canadian traffic was up 627 carloads over last week, marking a 29 percent gain over a year ago.

By JOHN P. TRETBARGasoline prices are near their highest ever, rising 20 cents in the last month to $4.33 per gallon. That's just a penny less than the highest national average ever, reached March 11. Diesel prices are up fifty cents over a month ago to reach a new record of $5.54 per gallon nationwide. Diesel is going for $5.30 across Kansas. Average gasoline prices across the state are still well below four dollars a gallon, but we spotted several stations in Hays above that mark. Motorists in Great Bend are paying just under four dollars.&nbsp; The benchmark Nymex crude futures contract settled Friday just under $110 per barrel, a gain of more than a dollar and a half on the day. But by lunchtime Monday, light sweet crude for June delivery was down nearly five dollars, trading at a few pennies under $104 per barrel. London Brent was down about four percent, to $107.88 per barrel.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices are the highest since late March, and $5 higher than at the start of this month, and. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained $1.50 on Friday, and started the week at $100 per barrel. So far this year 126 Kansas operators have spudded 446 new wells, an increase of 95% over last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 376 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged at 20 in the eastern half of the state, while the tally west of Wichita was down two for the week at 29 active drilling rigs. In Barton County, drilling was underway on one lease, and operators were about to spud another. Kansas regulators okayed 16 new drilling permits during the week through May 5th. There are five new drilling locations east of Wichita and 11 in Western Kansas. That's 502 new permits so far this year. Operators completed 20 new wells last week across Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells in eastern Kansas and 13 in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 122 new intent-to-drill notices last month. That's 511 new intents so far this year compared to 313 through April last year. There are five new drilling notices on file in Barton County and two in Stafford County. Oklahoma could soon join Texas in efforts to divest from companies that divest from the patch. State senators in Oklahoma gave their okay last week to a bill that would require the state to divest from any financial company that boycotts the energy industry. It's called the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022. It returns to the House of Representatives for final approval before heading to the governor his signature. A fight between the state of North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes is escalating, with hundreds of millions of dollars in oil-and-gas revenues on the line. The state has filed to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the tribes over a stretch of land along the Missouri River. The Trump Administration reversed decades of administrative decisions and gave ownership of the land to the state. The Biden administration has since reversed that move. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up five oil rigs and two gas rigs, for a total of 705 active drilling rigs in the US. The count in Louisiana was up four rigs. Oklahoma was up two, New Mexico was up one and Texas was down one. The government reports US crude inventories increased by 1.3 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 415.7 million barrels as of April 29th. Inventories are about 15% below the five-year average for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories decreased by 2.2 million barrels last week and are about 4% below the five year average for this time of year. EIA reported a drop in US crude-oil production last week. Output reached an average of 11.85 million barrels per day, down by 94,000 barrels per day. That total is nearly a million barrels per day higher than the tally from the same week last year. Crude-oil imports increased last week by nearly 397,000 barrels per day. US imports averaged 6.3 million barrels per day.&nbsp; The average over the last four weeks was about 3.3% greater than during the same four weeks last year. The world's largest crude exporter slashed prices to Asia over the weekend due largely to the continuing COVID lockdowns in China. Saudi Aramco cut it's Asian prices by more than five dollars a barrel according to a company release on Sunday. This is the first price cut by the Saudis in four months. OPEC-Plus exporters on last week agreed to another small production increase for June. The alliance is raising targets for next month by 432,000 barrels per day, sticking to its existing strategy of gradually replacing production cuts from two years ago. Analysts tell CNBC that the group is happy with prices over $100 and doesn't want to threaten them with more substantial production increases. The meeting reportedly lasted just 13 minutes. The European Union is planning an embargo of Russian oil within six months, with refined products ending by the end of the year. Germany on Monday announced it would support the embargo despite its heavy reliance on Russian energy imports. So-called price triggers are expected to re-ignite a contentious debate when the North Dakota Legislative Assembly reconvenes in January, but that won't stop an estimated $372 million tax increase for the North Dakota oil patch next month. This comes in contrast to just a few years ago when low oil prices threatened to trigger a tax break for drillers that would have cost the state millions in lost revenue. The higher tax kicks in if the price of Nymex crude remains above $94.69 per barrel for a third straight month in May.&nbsp; OPEC-Plus exporters on Thursday agreed to another small production increase for June. The alliance is raising targets for next month by 432,000 barrels per day, sticking to its existing strategy of gradually replacing production cuts from two years ago. Analysts tell CNBC that the group is happy with prices over $100 and doesn't want to threaten them with more substantial production increases. The meeting reportedly lasted just 13 minutes. The Association of American Railroads reports monthly oil-by-rail traffic in the US was down by about 17% in April amid a six percent decline in all rail traffic. Weekly traffic in the US was down 12% compared to the week before, at 8,824 tanker carloads. That's down 20% from the same week a year ago. Canadian traffic was up 627 carloads over last week, marking a 29 percent gain over a year ago.

News From the Oil Patch: Diesel, gas prices in record territory

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620748860431.png" alt="Hill City High School Class of 2022 / <a href="https://graduation.eagleradio.net/schools/hill-city">Click HERE</a>" />
 <figcaption>Hill City High School Class of 2022 / <a href="https://graduation.eagleradio.net/schools/hill-city">Click HERE</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hill City High School Class of 2022

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652123353081.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>

The Cats are coming to Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays on Wednesday, May 18th from 8:30am until 10am.

Sponsors of the event are K-State Athletics &amp; the K-State Alumni Association

Featuring Head Football Coach Chris Klieman, several student athletes, Willie the Wildcat, and the K-State Cheer Team

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Werth Wealth Management

Go the to the Heartland Catbackers Facebook Page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651599625977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Attention Heartland Catbackers!The Cats are coming to Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays on Wednesday, May 18th from 8:30am until 10am.Sponsors of the event are K-State Athletics &amp; the K-State Alumni AssociationFeaturing Head Football Coach Chris Klieman, several student athletes, Willie the Wildcat, and the K-State Cheer TeamComplimentary refreshments will be provided by Werth Wealth ManagementGo the to the Heartland Catbackers Facebook Page for more information.

KRUG: Shape up your plate

“May the Fourth” has become a day to celebrate “Star Wars,” but last Wednesday at Smoky Hill Education Service Center it also marked an opportunity to explore exciting future career possibilities for more than 75 middle school girls.

“They Do What?! Featuring stories from inspirational women in nontraditional careers” was a new event opportunity for 6th-8th grade girls to hear from successful women in nontraditional careers and participate in activities related to some of those careers.&nbsp;

One of the guest speakers - Kristine Larson Davis, xEMU Spacesuit Engineer at NASA - joined the group via Zoom. She spoke about growing up on a Galva farm and the road that led her to now work on major parts of the new lunar spacesuit that will be used in the upcoming Artemis missions.

“My parents always encouraged me to look into science, technology, engineering, and math,” she said. “The kind of things like you’re doing today.”

Also joining the event with guest presentations were Judge Angela Coble, Kansas Court of Appeals; and Dr. Annie Hoekman, Associate Professor of Computer Studies and Chair of the Department of Computer Studies at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Between presentations, the students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of engineering and coding activities - including Turing Tumbles, Ozobots, a building challenge with spaghetti noodles and marshmallows, and exploring electricity by making “Bristle Bots.” They also were able to tour the construction and welding departments at Central High School in Salina.

SHESC welcomed participants from four area districts: USD 273 Beloit, USD 224 Clifton-Clyde, USD 271 Stockton, and USD 320 Wamego. Funding came from a Carl D. Perkins CTE grant for districts in the Smoky Hill Perkins Consortium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652132561531.jpeg" alt="IMG-2196.jpg" />
 <figcaption>IMG-2196.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>News release“May the Fourth” has become a day to celebrate “Star Wars,” but last Wednesday at Smoky Hill Education Service Center it also marked an opportunity to explore exciting future career possibilities for more than 75 middle school girls.“They Do What?! Featuring stories from inspirational women in nontraditional careers” was a new event opportunity for 6th-8th grade girls to hear from successful women in nontraditional careers and participate in activities related to some of those careers.&nbsp;One of the guest speakers - Kristine Larson Davis, xEMU Spacesuit Engineer at NASA - joined the group via Zoom. She spoke about growing up on a Galva farm and the road that led her to now work on major parts of the new lunar spacesuit that will be used in the upcoming Artemis missions.“My parents always encouraged me to look into science, technology, engineering, and math,” she said. “The kind of things like you’re doing today.”Also joining the event with guest presentations were Judge Angela Coble, Kansas Court of Appeals; and Dr. Annie Hoekman, Associate Professor of Computer Studies and Chair of the Department of Computer Studies at Kansas Wesleyan University.Between presentations, the students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of engineering and coding activities - including Turing Tumbles, Ozobots, a building challenge with spaghetti noodles and marshmallows, and exploring electricity by making “Bristle Bots.” They also were able to tour the construction and welding departments at Central High School in Salina.SHESC welcomed participants from four area districts: USD 273 Beloit, USD 224 Clifton-Clyde, USD 271 Stockton, and USD 320 Wamego. Funding came from a Carl D. Perkins CTE grant for districts in the Smoky Hill Perkins Consortium.

NW Kan. students take part in event promoting nontraditional career paths

Two voters received the incorrect ballots during advanced voting for the Hays USD 489 school bond election, the Ellis County Clerk said Monday.

Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County Clerk, said an audit of the ballots cast during advance voting revealed two people had been given ballots that included the city sales tax question when they should have received ballots with only the bond question.

She said the mistake was a human error in her office.

Dreiling said there is no way to correct the issue now that the votes are cast.

The incorrect ballots will only be an issue if the sales tax portion of the school bond passes or fails by two votes or less. If that happens, the election could be contested.

Dreiling said the issue has been corrected for in-person voting at the polls Tuesday. The only polling location that will receive ballots that do not include the sales tax question will be St. Nicholas Church.

The polls for the school bond election will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The Hays USD 489 is proposing a $143.5 million bond. The main project included in the bond is the construction of a new high school. However, the existing high school also will be renovated into a&nbsp; new middle school, and the middle school will be renovated into a new elementary school.

Roosevelt and O'Loughlin elementary schools also will be renovated.

The second question on the ballot for city of Hays residents asks to use a half-cent sales tax to help pay for the bond.

The bond issue is not contingent on the sales tax question passing.

Cover photo provided by Pixabay

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTwo voters received the incorrect ballots during advanced voting for the Hays USD 489 school bond election, the Ellis County Clerk said Monday.Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County Clerk, said an audit of the ballots cast during advance voting revealed two people had been given ballots that included the city sales tax question when they should have received ballots with only the bond question.She said the mistake was a human error in her office. Dreiling said there is no way to correct the issue now that the votes are cast.The incorrect ballots will only be an issue if the sales tax portion of the school bond passes or fails by two votes or less. If that happens, the election could be contested. Dreiling said the issue has been corrected for in-person voting at the polls Tuesday. The only polling location that will receive ballots that do not include the sales tax question will be St. Nicholas Church. The polls for the school bond election will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Hays USD 489 is proposing a $143.5 million bond. The main project included in the bond is the construction of a new high school. However, the existing high school also will be renovated into a&nbsp; new middle school, and the middle school will be renovated into a new elementary school.Roosevelt and O'Loughlin elementary schools also will be renovated.The second question on the ballot for city of Hays residents asks to use a half-cent sales tax to help pay for the bond.The bond issue is not contingent on the sales tax question passing. Cover photo provided by Pixabay

2 voters receive wrong ballot in Hays USD 489 bond election

ELLIS&nbsp;— The Ellis Board of Education has voted to approve the contract for the next USD 388 superintendent.

The board unanimously approved the&nbsp;hiring of Janice Wilson for the role during their regular meeting Monday evening.

Wilson was one of three candidates interviewed for the position last week.

 She has served as the principal of Rea Woodman Elementary for Wichita USD 259 for five years, previously serving as principal of Jefferson Elementary, also in Wichita.

The position was open following the hiring of c<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2bf608c0-eae8-44f8-bd32-38085321efac">urrent Superintendent Corey Burton as superintendent at Ulysses USD 214.</a>

Look for full coverage on Hays Post later this week.

ELLIS&nbsp;— The Ellis Board of Education has voted to approve the contract for the next USD 388 superintendent.The board unanimously approved the&nbsp;hiring of Janice Wilson for the role during their regular meeting Monday evening.Wilson was one of three candidates interviewed for the position last week. She has served as the principal of Rea Woodman Elementary for Wichita USD 259 for five years, previously serving as principal of Jefferson Elementary, also in Wichita.The position was open following the hiring of c<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2bf608c0-eae8-44f8-bd32-38085321efac">urrent Superintendent Corey Burton as superintendent at Ulysses USD 214.</a>Look for full coverage on Hays Post later this week.

BREAKING: Ellis USD 388 selects next superintendent

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620748974214.png" alt="Trego Community High School Class of 2022 / <a href="https://eagle-graduation.netlify.app/schools/trego">Click HERE</a>" />
 <figcaption>Trego Community High School Class of 2022 / <a href="https://eagle-graduation.netlify.app/schools/trego">Click HERE</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

Trego Community High School Class of 2022

More than 300 people attended the second annual Tardeada Festival on Saturday in Hays.

The event, which was sponsored by United Way of Ellis County, was aimed at celebrating Hispanic culture and providing information on community services to Spanish-speaking residents.

Immaculate Heart of Mary's  matachine dancers performed.

In addition to the dancers and information booths, Hispanic foods were served, children burst pinatas and a community dance was held.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652127725486.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMore than 300 people attended the second annual Tardeada Festival on Saturday in Hays.The event, which was sponsored by United Way of Ellis County, was aimed at celebrating Hispanic culture and providing information on community services to Spanish-speaking residents.Immaculate Heart of Mary's matachine dancers performed.In addition to the dancers and information booths, Hispanic foods were served, children burst pinatas and a community dance was held.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652127395612.jpeg" alt=" " />
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Hispanic dancers wow crowd at Tardeada Festival in Hays

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf has described
the spring migration at Cheyenne Bottoms this year as phenomenal. 

Robert
Penner, the Nature Conservancy Manager at Cheyenne Bottoms, estimated 400,000
shorebirds this spring during a survey.

The large number of birds that have
stopped at the wetlands has occurred despite low water conditions. Wolf said
the lack of water has provided near-perfect conditions for shorebirds that don’t
need deep water.

"Timing wise...if we can get two or three more 
weeks, the migration will be pretty much on the downswing," said Wolf. 
"At that point, the low water won't have a huge effect on this year's 
migration. Hopefully, we get rain for the return trip in the fall." 
The majority of the pools at Cheyenne Bottoms are dry, with most of the
water in the middle, which is typically a storage pool. Wolf said he hasn’t
seen the wetlands this dry since the summers of 2012 and 2013, and he explained
the importance of Cheyenne Bottoms as a resource for the birds to refuel. 
"The purpose of the birds stopping here is for them to eat a ton and put
 on fat reserves so they can make it to their next destination," said 
Wolf. "If we're dry, there's nothing for them here so they won't stop. 
That could be to their detriment." 
In 2012 and 2013 when Cheyenne Bottoms was dry, more shorebirds used Wilson
Lake and Kanopolis Lake as a stopping point in their spring migration.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The
 birds would have to find the next place," added Wolf. "If there isn't a
 next place for another 1,000 miles, that's not good for their 
physiology."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652123449620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>The Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf has described
the spring migration at Cheyenne Bottoms this year as phenomenal. Robert
Penner, the Nature Conservancy Manager at Cheyenne Bottoms, estimated 400,000
shorebirds this spring during a survey.The large number of birds that have
stopped at the wetlands has occurred despite low water conditions. Wolf said
the lack of water has provided near-perfect conditions for shorebirds that don’t
need deep water."Timing wise...if we can get two or three more 
weeks, the migration will be pretty much on the downswing," said Wolf. 
"At that point, the low water won't have a huge effect on this year's 
migration. Hopefully, we get rain for the return trip in the fall." 
The majority of the pools at Cheyenne Bottoms are dry, with most of the
water in the middle, which is typically a storage pool. Wolf said he hasn’t
seen the wetlands this dry since the summers of 2012 and 2013, and he explained
the importance of Cheyenne Bottoms as a resource for the birds to refuel. 
"The purpose of the birds stopping here is for them to eat a ton and put
 on fat reserves so they can make it to their next destination," said 
Wolf. "If we're dry, there's nothing for them here so they won't stop. 
That could be to their detriment." 
In 2012 and 2013 when Cheyenne Bottoms was dry, more shorebirds used Wilson
Lake and Kanopolis Lake as a stopping point in their spring migration.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"The
 birds would have to find the next place," added Wolf. "If there isn't a
 next place for another 1,000 miles, that's not good for their 
physiology."

Low water levels at Cheyenne Bottoms; good migration numbers

The Center for Life Experiences, a Hays-based organization
that helps area residents with grief after the loss of loved ones this summer
will now face its own loss, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Ann Leiker.

Leiker has led the organization for around 20 years, she
said, and served another 10 as a social worker in the community.

“I have loved every minute and been so honored to meet and talk
with the people that the center has reached out to,” Leiker said. “It's so
wonderful to see the center also having grown and welcoming more people."

&nbsp;“She's just done an
incredible job for us,” said Alan Scheurman, Center for Life Experiences board member. “She's so empathetic toward people and continued to provide
her expertise and skill level along with her past life experiences as well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651865463168.jpeg" alt="Ann Leiker" />
 <figcaption>Ann Leiker</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Center for Life Experiences, a Hays-based organization
that helps area residents with grief after the loss of loved ones this summer
will now face its own loss, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Ann Leiker.Leiker has led the organization for around 20 years, she
said, and served another 10 as a social worker in the community.“I have loved every minute and been so honored to meet and talk
with the people that the center has reached out to,” Leiker said. “It's so
wonderful to see the center also having grown and welcoming more people."&nbsp;“She's just done an
incredible job for us,” said Alan Scheurman, Center for Life Experiences board member. “She's so empathetic toward people and continued to provide
her expertise and skill level along with her past life experiences as well.”Now he said they are hoping to replace Leiker with someone
who can move the organization into the future.“We hope that someone will step up and possibly take on
responsibilities (with the same) passion that she had towards this type of an
organization,” Scheurman said. “We obviously need someone who's dedicated
and passionate about doing this type of work.”Leiker said in the course of the position she has been responsible
for the day-to-day operations of the center and facilitating different support
groups.Currently, the center hosts regular meetings including
Healing after Loss, for those that are healing after loss for loss of an adult,
Healing after Loss of Suicide, for families and people who have lost someone to
suicide and Healing Hearts, for families who have lost a child.The organization also hosts events throughout the year,
including the Healing Kids Hearts retreat, for children from 7 to 12 years
old who have experienced a loss.<div><iframe title="Center for Life Experiences director retiring; search for replacement underway" 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=8wptn-121bfd7-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>“I'm responsible for kind of coordinating and facilitating
all those kinds of things as well as making sure we get our bills paid and
making sure we welcome people and talk to people,” Leiker said.As the search for a replacement is underway, she said
meetings would continue and the center would continue operating.And while she is stepping down from her leadership role, she
would continue to support the center.“I'm going to be around now and then helping through the
transition,” Leiker said. “But … I'm turning the big seven-zero this year. And
so I’ll time to take a little time to travel and do some things from just for
the fun of it and for myself. And volunteer some in the community and just keep
active.”While she steps away, the board will search for an individual
that brings the right mix of skills into the position as they led area residents
to work through their grief and loss.“People need to know they're not alone,” Leiker said. “They
have other people to help them walk through that and to grow and to move
forward with their life. Not move on, but move forward and not forgetting.”Scheurman said he is optimistic a good fit will be found.“I think there are people that have that commitment and
ability,” he said. “I think there are a lot of (potential candidates). Their
education and their background lead them towards that type of a group setting
and being able to work with people. And I think that's the main emphasis when
we look at people what they can or cannot do, they need to have that type of passion
towards that type of work.”While Leiker brought to the position a background in social
work, it is not a requirement.“I want to encourage anyone and I think even social work,
psychology, anything in the human services area that that has some education
with it, is what the board is hoping to look for,” she said. “So social work is
a nice fit, because of our skillset. But there are a lot of other there are
some other areas too, that the person can have their education and have
that capacity to, to understand.”But anyone with an interest is encouraged to apply.“We'll be happy to take any applications that are said to
us, we'll review them,” Scheurman said. “Our board is actively sending out
feelers at this point in time, both to the university here in town and to other
places to provide us with possible interested parties.“We hope to find the right person and I think that's the
most important part,” he continued. “We could set timelines, but
we need to be reasonable about it. We need to make sure that whoever takes his
position that fits the agenda and the operation that we're currently leading
and see if they want to proceed forward and expand upon.”<a href="http://www.cflehope.org">For more about the Center for Life Experiences, including the executive director position visit, cflehope.org.</a><figure>
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