<a href="https://www.jimcurrymusic.com/">Jim Curry and his band’s&nbsp;“Tribute to John Denver”</a> is coming to Oakley. The Western Plains Arts Association will open its 53rd&nbsp;season with a Las Vegas show featuring John Denver songs by Jim Curry and his band. They have been celebrated nationally and internationally, and have been touring South Dakota, New Mexico and now Kansas.&nbsp;

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is sponsoring the show, scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, in the Oakley High School auditorium. 

Admission is by season ticket or at the door — adults, $20, students, $10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662052480926.png" alt="Jim Curry" />
 <figcaption>Jim Curry</figcaption>
 </figure>WPAA<a href="https://www.jimcurrymusic.com/">Jim Curry and his band’s&nbsp;“Tribute to John Denver”</a> is coming to Oakley. The Western Plains Arts Association will open its 53rd&nbsp;season with a Las Vegas show featuring John Denver songs by Jim Curry and his band. They have been celebrated nationally and internationally, and have been touring South Dakota, New Mexico and now Kansas.&nbsp;The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is sponsoring the show, scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, in the Oakley High School auditorium. Admission is by season ticket or at the door — adults, $20, students, $10.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pp243sygKsg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 'Tribute to John Denver' will open WPAA season in Oakley

<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/2022/9/1662046902032.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

It was about this time several years ago, when our part of the country was bone-dry like today, that I took what was probably my&nbsp;last outdoor hike with our dad.&nbsp;I swooped him up&nbsp;at his retirement home apartment&nbsp;and we headed to the McPherson Valley Wetlands&nbsp;just outside Inman&nbsp;for a hike. 

The trails had recently been mowed making the walking easy, but&nbsp;I had to measure my steps so my long legs&nbsp;didn’t out-distance him. We stopped on the first rise and I pointed out all the marshes that were now dry and the ones that still held water.&nbsp;

Next,&nbsp;we meandered down into one dry pool along the trail where I had trapped muskrats&nbsp;the prior&nbsp;winter. We looked over&nbsp;a now flattened muskrat hut that had&nbsp;once&nbsp;seemed as big as a Volkswagen. We could still make out a&nbsp;muskrat&nbsp;trail in the mud that led from one big bunch of cattails to another. 

A little further,&nbsp;and we topped the dike along the drainage ditch that runs nearly a mile to the next road and drains all the marshes&nbsp;along the way, but was now so dry the ducks have to hitchhike down it.&nbsp;Just behind us,&nbsp;the drainage split as it made its way around a large grove of trees.&nbsp;The previous&nbsp;winter at that place&nbsp;there had been&nbsp;a long beaver dam&nbsp;that had since been demolished with heavy equipment. We stepped over the&nbsp;left-over&nbsp;rubble from that beaver&nbsp;dam and down into the dry drainage ditch. It was fascinating to think that&nbsp;the previous&nbsp;winter the water was deep enough where we stood that I hesitated to wade into it with chest waders. We found a beaver den or two dug into the bank deep in the bottom of the dry&nbsp;drainage. 

Bottles, tree limbs and strangely enough a bright yellow golf ball all lay in the mud waiting to be covered once again when the rain came.&nbsp;The grove of trees harbored&nbsp;mammoth cottonwoods probably as old as dad and I together. We clamored up out of the dry ditch, meandered through the trees and onto the road that led us back to the truck.

More often than not, a person’s love of the outdoors, especially hunting and trapping&nbsp;is&nbsp;fostered by their father or a father figure in their young life. I’ve grown used to being an exception to&nbsp;most rules, which applies in this case as well.&nbsp;Don’t get me wrong, our dad loved&nbsp;the outdoors, but was never a hunter or trapper.&nbsp;My brother used to live&nbsp;on 200 acres of Ohio wilderness,&nbsp;and dad loved&nbsp;roaming&nbsp;the many trails that&nbsp;meandered&nbsp;through his place.&nbsp;

The highlight of dad’s&nbsp;year was&nbsp;to be there at my&nbsp;brothers&nbsp;for the annual Gilliland family deer hunt that&nbsp;happened&nbsp;every November.&nbsp;Dad used to take me fishing when I was little; we’d walk to a couple ponds just up the road and catch bullheads and bass. I remember him taking me pheasant hunting one time, probably because&nbsp;I pestered him until he did. Other than that, he never took any of us hunting&nbsp;or trapping,&nbsp;I think because his dad&nbsp;didn’t hunt&nbsp;or trap&nbsp;and&nbsp;our&nbsp;dad just&nbsp;never got bitten by those&nbsp;bugs.

I&nbsp;firmly&nbsp;believe&nbsp;our families hunting “genes” came&nbsp;from our grandfather Hosafros (our mother’s father) who made many trips to Wyoming to hunt deer, elk and moose. In 1961 he harvested a moose that’s&nbsp;still&nbsp;in the Boone and Crocket record book (records of American big game animals taken with firearms.) But my brother and I first&nbsp;hunted deer with a motley crew&nbsp;of neighbor guys where&nbsp;we lived in north-central Ohio; the Beck family,&nbsp;whose numbers no one ever really knew,&nbsp;and Dave Burt, a local cop who lived on the road behind our farm.&nbsp;We’d gather in Dave’s kitchen for coffee and hot cocoa, and inevitably someone would spot a deer crossing the road and the hunt was on.&nbsp;I remember&nbsp;how jealous&nbsp;I was when my brother, who’s 11 years my junior harvested his first deer before I did&nbsp;and, on my farm,&nbsp;no less. Today he’s still the better deer hunter.

Our love of trapping began when I was in junior high and&nbsp;an older man named Mr. Wolf allowed me to tag along when he checked traps he had on our land.&nbsp;He helped me put together&nbsp;a few&nbsp;ragtag traps and the following year I trapped in the creek that ran&nbsp;through our place.&nbsp;Later in high school I caught muskrats and the occasional mink in a pond dad had built and in local creeks, and snagged a few&nbsp;foxes&nbsp;on land surrounding our place. When my brother was old enough and&nbsp;also&nbsp;wanted to trap,&nbsp;I gave him&nbsp;dad’s&nbsp;pond to trap where he also caught muskrats, mink and coon.

At 91, dad’s pace was noticeably slower&nbsp;when we&nbsp;took our hike, and I think he was glad he’d hauled along his favorite walkin’ stick. Yes, I used to wish dad had taken us kids hunting and trapping, but I’m just glad he still enjoyed&nbsp;nature. So even if you dad (or mom) is not a hunter or trapper, go snag them sometime and take them for a hike&nbsp;in God’s Creation and help them enjoy their twilight years Exploring Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>It was about this time several years ago, when our part of the country was bone-dry like today, that I took what was probably my&nbsp;last outdoor hike with our dad.&nbsp;I swooped him up&nbsp;at his retirement home apartment&nbsp;and we headed to the McPherson Valley Wetlands&nbsp;just outside Inman&nbsp;for a hike. The trails had recently been mowed making the walking easy, but&nbsp;I had to measure my steps so my long legs&nbsp;didn’t out-distance him. We stopped on the first rise and I pointed out all the marshes that were now dry and the ones that still held water.&nbsp;Next,&nbsp;we meandered down into one dry pool along the trail where I had trapped muskrats&nbsp;the prior&nbsp;winter. We looked over&nbsp;a now flattened muskrat hut that had&nbsp;once&nbsp;seemed as big as a Volkswagen. We could still make out a&nbsp;muskrat&nbsp;trail in the mud that led from one big bunch of cattails to another. A little further,&nbsp;and we topped the dike along the drainage ditch that runs nearly a mile to the next road and drains all the marshes&nbsp;along the way, but was now so dry the ducks have to hitchhike down it.&nbsp;Just behind us,&nbsp;the drainage split as it made its way around a large grove of trees.&nbsp;The previous&nbsp;winter at that place&nbsp;there had been&nbsp;a long beaver dam&nbsp;that had since been demolished with heavy equipment. We stepped over the&nbsp;left-over&nbsp;rubble from that beaver&nbsp;dam and down into the dry drainage ditch. It was fascinating to think that&nbsp;the previous&nbsp;winter the water was deep enough where we stood that I hesitated to wade into it with chest waders. We found a beaver den or two dug into the bank deep in the bottom of the dry&nbsp;drainage. Bottles, tree limbs and strangely enough a bright yellow golf ball all lay in the mud waiting to be covered once again when the rain came.&nbsp;The grove of trees harbored&nbsp;mammoth cottonwoods probably as old as dad and I together. We clamored up out of the dry ditch, meandered through the trees and onto the road that led us back to the truck.More often than not, a person’s love of the outdoors, especially hunting and trapping&nbsp;is&nbsp;fostered by their father or a father figure in their young life. I’ve grown used to being an exception to&nbsp;most rules, which applies in this case as well.&nbsp;Don’t get me wrong, our dad loved&nbsp;the outdoors, but was never a hunter or trapper.&nbsp;My brother used to live&nbsp;on 200 acres of Ohio wilderness,&nbsp;and dad loved&nbsp;roaming&nbsp;the many trails that&nbsp;meandered&nbsp;through his place.&nbsp;The highlight of dad’s&nbsp;year was&nbsp;to be there at my&nbsp;brothers&nbsp;for the annual Gilliland family deer hunt that&nbsp;happened&nbsp;every November.&nbsp;Dad used to take me fishing when I was little; we’d walk to a couple ponds just up the road and catch bullheads and bass. I remember him taking me pheasant hunting one time, probably because&nbsp;I pestered him until he did. Other than that, he never took any of us hunting&nbsp;or trapping,&nbsp;I think because his dad&nbsp;didn’t hunt&nbsp;or trap&nbsp;and&nbsp;our&nbsp;dad just&nbsp;never got bitten by those&nbsp;bugs.I&nbsp;firmly&nbsp;believe&nbsp;our families hunting “genes” came&nbsp;from our grandfather Hosafros (our mother’s father) who made many trips to Wyoming to hunt deer, elk and moose. In 1961 he harvested a moose that’s&nbsp;still&nbsp;in the Boone and Crocket record book (records of American big game animals taken with firearms.) But my brother and I first&nbsp;hunted deer with a motley crew&nbsp;of neighbor guys where&nbsp;we lived in north-central Ohio; the Beck family,&nbsp;whose numbers no one ever really knew,&nbsp;and Dave Burt, a local cop who lived on the road behind our farm.&nbsp;We’d gather in Dave’s kitchen for coffee and hot cocoa, and inevitably someone would spot a deer crossing the road and the hunt was on.&nbsp;I remember&nbsp;how jealous&nbsp;I was when my brother, who’s 11 years my junior harvested his first deer before I did&nbsp;and, on my farm,&nbsp;no less. Today he’s still the better deer hunter.Our love of trapping began when I was in junior high and&nbsp;an older man named Mr. Wolf allowed me to tag along when he checked traps he had on our land.&nbsp;He helped me put together&nbsp;a few&nbsp;ragtag traps and the following year I trapped in the creek that ran&nbsp;through our place.&nbsp;Later in high school I caught muskrats and the occasional mink in a pond dad had built and in local creeks, and snagged a few&nbsp;foxes&nbsp;on land surrounding our place. When my brother was old enough and&nbsp;also&nbsp;wanted to trap,&nbsp;I gave him&nbsp;dad’s&nbsp;pond to trap where he also caught muskrats, mink and coon.At 91, dad’s pace was noticeably slower&nbsp;when we&nbsp;took our hike, and I think he was glad he’d hauled along his favorite walkin’ stick. Yes, I used to wish dad had taken us kids hunting and trapping, but I’m just glad he still enjoyed&nbsp;nature. So even if you dad (or mom) is not a hunter or trapper, go snag them sometime and take them for a hike&nbsp;in God’s Creation and help them enjoy their twilight years Exploring Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: A walk with Dad

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J65eEPdRyMk"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

 🎥 HaysMed announces construction of on-site child care facility

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>

A decade-old Texas-based broadband company with operations across Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded nearly half a billion dollars to fund deployments across 11 states in the Midwest.

Nextlink Internet was awarded more than $25 million for projects in Kansas and Nebraska to bring fiber or wireless internet to rural areas through the Federal Communication Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.

According to its website, Nextlink offers services in area communities including Dorrance, Ellinwood, Hoisington, Larned, Olmitz, Otis, Rozel, Rush Center and Russell.

Nearly 14,000 customers in Nebraska and more than 26,000 customers in Kansas could be the beneficiaries of the projects, according to the FCC announcement.

“This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital divide,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We are confident these projects can bring quality service to currently unserved areas.”

Nextlink currently offers service in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.

“We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Nextlink said in a news release. "With significant licensed spectrum holdings to support gigabit wireless plus fiber projects ready to kick-off construction, we are well-positioned to move quickly to connect the unconnected.”

With the award, the news release said, Nextlink will expand beyond its existing seven-state footprint into Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana.

To date, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $6 billion to broadband providers to increase high-speed access in rural areas.

In the Aug. 31 announcement,&nbsp;<a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink</a>&nbsp;was awarded more than half — $429 million — of the nearly $800 million round of funding. Nextlink initially began operations in 2012 serving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Check the Post for more as details become available. According to its website, Nextlink serves the following communities in Kansas and Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058808250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>A decade-old Texas-based broadband company with operations across Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded nearly half a billion dollars to fund deployments across 11 states in the Midwest.Nextlink Internet was awarded more than $25 million for projects in Kansas and Nebraska to bring fiber or wireless internet to rural areas through the Federal Communication Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.According to its website, Nextlink offers services in area communities including Dorrance, Ellinwood, Hoisington, Larned, Olmitz, Otis, Rozel, Rush Center and Russell.Nearly 14,000 customers in Nebraska and more than 26,000 customers in Kansas could be the beneficiaries of the projects, according to the FCC announcement.“This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital divide,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We are confident these projects can bring quality service to currently unserved areas.”Nextlink currently offers service in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.“We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Nextlink said in a news release. "With significant licensed spectrum holdings to support gigabit wireless plus fiber projects ready to kick-off construction, we are well-positioned to move quickly to connect the unconnected.”With the award, the news release said, Nextlink will expand beyond its existing seven-state footprint into Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana.To date, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $6 billion to broadband providers to increase high-speed access in rural areas.In the Aug. 31 announcement,&nbsp;<a href="https://nextlinkinternet.com/">Nextlink</a>&nbsp;was awarded more than half — $429 million — of the nearly $800 million round of funding. Nextlink initially began operations in 2012 serving around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.Check the Post for more as details become available. According to its website, Nextlink serves the following communities in Kansas and Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058853859.png" alt="Kansas communities / screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Kansas communities / screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662058878898.png" alt="Kansas communities / screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Kansas communities / screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure>

Nextlink awarded $50M+ for broadband projects in Kan., Neb.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Higher food costs as well as other essentials, such as gas, are driving more people to use area food banks.

Theresa Hill, director of the Community Assistance Center food bank, said she has seen a significant increase in demand for food.

"I just spent $700 last month at Walmart. ... It's already gone," she said. "We have hardly anything in here. Our next food drive won't be until October.

"Just bring in food," she said. "We need it bad."

Hill said food costs are so high that even families who receive food stamps can't get all the food they need, so they come to the food bank.

Hill said she thought the increase in food needs was based on rising food costs due to inflation. Inflation on food had surged 10.9 percent as of July. 

During the pandemic, Hill said the food pantry saw a decrease in demand. She said she thought families were making ends meet with the help of stimulus checks.

Linda Mills, director of First Call for Help, also lamented that her agency's food pantry shelves were almost empty.

First Call for Help operates a smaller pantry and did receive a donation of spaghetti sauce and hamburger in addition to other canned goods from two local churches after putting out a call for assistance online and it the agency's newsletter.

"Anybody who has been to the grocery store knows its gone up quite a bit," she said. 

Families are being hit by a variety of factors, Mills said. Families with children in school are also dealing with back-to-school expenses right now.

"I think it's the price of gas, the price of food and August just being a really hard month for families," Mills said.

For the last two years, all students were provided free meals at school through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program. Although free and reduced-cost lunches are still available, Mills said families are having to adjust to paying those meal expenses again.

Renee Michaud, St. Joseph Food Pantry coordinator, said she is just now seeing an increase in demand for food.

So far, Michaud said the pantry has been able to keep up with the need, but the pantry always accepts donations.

The Ellis Food pantry has also seen an increase in food requests. The demand for food rose steadily in 2022, hitting a peak in April. During the summer, the demand dipped slightly, said Althea Cross, coordinator.

In April, the pantry served 178 people in 76 homes. The pantry serves families within the Ellis USD 388 school district.

Cross said the pantry always welcomes donations, but pantry has been well stocked from the Kansas Food Bank.

Brandon Nimz, who coordinates food commodity distributions in Hays, said he had seen a recent decrease in demand for commodities. Recipients must show proof of income to receive the commodities.

However, Nimz's Unite Ministries also offers a free store food pantry at the Gamers Guild that allows people to leave or take food as they need with no questions asked. That small pantry was almost empty. 

"Whenever food comes in, it disappears pretty fast," Nimz said. "I think it depends on the nature of it. If people have to show proof of income or feel like its formal or governmental ...

"I don't think people are pushed to the point of needing that type of assistance yet. I do think it's getting a little tighter out there because of the uptick in easy-access food."

A line of people was waiting for commodities at the most recent distribution on Friday. Joy Springer, commodities recipient, said increasing prices of food and other goods was making it more difficult to make ends meet.

Nimz said there also may be working poor who may be making too much to qualify for commodities, but not enough to make ends meet financially.

Mills said the food pantries were an essential resource in Ellis County.

"The thought of going hungry, for me anyway, doesn't sound very pleasant. I know we can always, as middle income, tighten our belts, but if you are low income or extremely low income, there's no place else you can cut."

Even those who are low income and working are stretched very thin with the increased cost, Mills said.

"It comes down to decisions whether they buy gas or buy food, pay their electric bill or fill their car up with gas so they can go back and forth to work. It's a hardship if you are earning a low income," Mills said.

"We wouldn't ask for it if we didn't need it," she said.

Below is a list of the major food charities in Ellis County. A new website —&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasfoodsource.org/" target="_blank">www.kansasfoodsource.org</a>&nbsp;— is also designed to help people in need of food assistance find pantry locations&nbsp;in their areas, including smaller pantries in Ellis County.

Community Assistance Center, 1108 Oak, 785-625-9110 To qualify • Proof of residence required (lease or Midwest Energy or water bill) • Proof of household income • If you have children, the school enrollment form When is food available? 8:30 to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

First Call for Help, 607 E. 13th, 785-623-2800 To qualify • No income qualifications • Must be from Ellis County. Will serve homeless. • Can receive food once a month When is food available? 8 to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

Ellis Food Pantry Call Ellis Alliance for food distribution dates at 785-726-2660. Must live in the Ellis USD 388. Food is distributed once a month. No proof of income is required. If someone has an emergency need for food, they can call and leave a message for the food bank with the Alliance.

St. Joseph Food Pantry, 215 W. 13th, 785-625-7356 Do not need to meet income guidelines Serves anyone who lives in Ellis County When is food available? Open the first and third Saturdays

Commodities, The Gamers Guild, 200 E. Eighth, 785-259-2539 Must meet income guidelines See income guidelines and watch for updates on distribution dates on <a href="https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">Unite Ministry</a> or the Hays Post

Community Assistance Center 8:30 to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Needs Monetary donations Baking mix Spaghetti sauce in a can Instant potatoes Corn Diced tomatoes in a can Canned meat (tuna or salmon) Soups

First Call for Help 8 to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Needs Peanut Butter Jelly Crackers Vegetable, chicken noodle, potato, chunky meat-Soups (pop-tops if you can) Pasta sauces Ready to eat meals Rice Beans Canned meats Instant potatoes Pancakes and syrup Canned vegetables and fruit Tuna and hamburger helper Ramen packets Cereal

Ellis Food Pantry Food can be dropped off at the Ellis Alliance Office, 820 Washington

St. Joseph Food Pantry Food can be dropped off at the pantry on the first and third Saturdays of the month or dropped off 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in food barrels just inside of the Kennedy gym doors. The pantry will accept garden produce from 8:30 and 9 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays during distribution hours as well. Needs Canned soups Canned beans (pinto or refried beans) Canned fruits

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661789548154.jpeg" alt="Brandon Nimz of Unite Ministries readies to distribute commodities Friday at the Gamers Guild in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Brandon Nimz of Unite Ministries readies to distribute commodities Friday at the Gamers Guild in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHigher food costs as well as other essentials, such as gas, are driving more people to use area food banks.Theresa Hill, director of the Community Assistance Center food bank, said she has seen a significant increase in demand for food. "I just spent $700 last month at Walmart. ... It's already gone," she said. "We have hardly anything in here. Our next food drive won't be until October."Just bring in food," she said. "We need it bad."Hill said food costs are so high that even families who receive food stamps can't get all the food they need, so they come to the food bank.Hill said she thought the increase in food needs was based on rising food costs due to inflation. Inflation on food had surged 10.9 percent as of July. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661789756054.jpeg" alt="Joy Springer signs for commodities Friday as Brandon Nimz of Unite Ministries looks on. Springer said increasing food costs are making it more difficult for her to make ends meet. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Joy Springer signs for commodities Friday as Brandon Nimz of Unite Ministries looks on. Springer said increasing food costs are making it more difficult for her to make ends meet. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>During the pandemic, Hill said the food pantry saw a decrease in demand. She said she thought families were making ends meet with the help of stimulus checks.Linda Mills, director of First Call for Help, also lamented that her agency's food pantry shelves were almost empty.First Call for Help operates a smaller pantry and did receive a donation of spaghetti sauce and hamburger in addition to other canned goods from two local churches after putting out a call for assistance online and it the agency's newsletter."Anybody who has been to the grocery store knows its gone up quite a bit," she said. Families are being hit by a variety of factors, Mills said. Families with children in school are also dealing with back-to-school expenses right now."I think it's the price of gas, the price of food and August just being a really hard month for families," Mills said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661789942954.jpeg" alt="These shelves were even more bare last week, but a couple of churches brought in food donations after First Call for Help issued a plea for food donations. Director Linda Mills said more food is needed to meet increased demand. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>These shelves were even more bare last week, but a couple of churches brought in food donations after First Call for Help issued a plea for food donations. Director Linda Mills said more food is needed to meet increased demand. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>For the last two years, all students were provided free meals at school through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program. Although free and reduced-cost lunches are still available, Mills said families are having to adjust to paying those meal expenses again.Renee Michaud, St. Joseph Food Pantry coordinator, said she is just now seeing an increase in demand for food.So far, Michaud said the pantry has been able to keep up with the need, but the pantry always accepts donations.The Ellis Food pantry has also seen an increase in food requests. The demand for food rose steadily in 2022, hitting a peak in April. During the summer, the demand dipped slightly, said Althea Cross, coordinator.In April, the pantry served 178 people in 76 homes. The pantry serves families within the Ellis USD 388 school district.Cross said the pantry always welcomes donations, but pantry has been well stocked from the Kansas Food Bank.Brandon Nimz, who coordinates food commodity distributions in Hays, said he had seen a recent decrease in demand for commodities. Recipients must show proof of income to receive the commodities.However, Nimz's Unite Ministries also offers a free store food pantry at the Gamers Guild that allows people to leave or take food as they need with no questions asked. That small pantry was almost empty. "Whenever food comes in, it disappears pretty fast," Nimz said. "I think it depends on the nature of it. If people have to show proof of income or feel like its formal or governmental ... "I don't think people are pushed to the point of needing that type of assistance yet. I do think it's getting a little tighter out there because of the uptick in easy-access food."A line of people was waiting for commodities at the most recent distribution on Friday. Joy Springer, commodities recipient, said increasing prices of food and other goods was making it more difficult to make ends meet. Nimz said there also may be working poor who may be making too much to qualify for commodities, but not enough to make ends meet financially. Mills said the food pantries were an essential resource in Ellis County."The thought of going hungry, for me anyway, doesn't sound very pleasant. I know we can always, as middle income, tighten our belts, but if you are low income or extremely low income, there's no place else you can cut."Even those who are low income and working are stretched very thin with the increased cost, Mills said."It comes down to decisions whether they buy gas or buy food, pay their electric bill or fill their car up with gas so they can go back and forth to work. It's a hardship if you are earning a low income," Mills said.Mills urged donations for the pantry."We wouldn't ask for it if we didn't need it," she said.Below is a list of the major food charities in Ellis County. A new website —&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasfoodsource.org/" target="_blank">www.kansasfoodsource.org</a>&nbsp;— is also designed to help people in need of food assistance find pantry locations&nbsp;in their areas, including smaller pantries in Ellis County. <h2>How to get food</h2>Community Assistance Center, 1108 Oak, 785-625-9110 To qualify • Proof of residence required (lease or Midwest Energy or water bill) • Proof of household income • If you have children, the school enrollment form When is food available? 8:30 to 1 p.m. Mondays through FridaysFirst Call for Help, 607 E. 13th, 785-623-2800 To qualify • No income qualifications • Must be from Ellis County. Will serve homeless. • Can receive food once a month When is food available? 8 to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through FridaysEllis Food Pantry Call Ellis Alliance for food distribution dates at 785-726-2660. Must live in the Ellis USD 388. Food is distributed once a month. No proof of income is required. If someone has an emergency need for food, they can call and leave a message for the food bank with the Alliance.St. Joseph Food Pantry, 215 W. 13th, 785-625-7356 Do not need to meet income guidelines Serves anyone who lives in Ellis County When is food available? Open the first and third SaturdaysCommodities, The Gamers Guild, 200 E. Eighth, 785-259-2539 Must meet income guidelines See income guidelines and watch for updates on distribution dates on <a href="https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">Unite Ministry</a> or the Hays Post <h2>How to donate food</h2>Community Assistance Center 8:30 to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Needs Monetary donations Baking mix Spaghetti sauce in a can Instant potatoes Corn Diced tomatoes in a can Canned meat (tuna or salmon) Soups First Call for Help 8 to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Needs Peanut Butter Jelly Crackers Vegetable, chicken noodle, potato, chunky meat-Soups (pop-tops if you can) Pasta sauces Ready to eat meals Rice Beans Canned meats Instant potatoes Pancakes and syrup Canned vegetables and fruit Tuna and hamburger helper Ramen packets CerealEllis Food Pantry Food can be dropped off at the Ellis Alliance Office, 820 Washington St. Joseph Food Pantry Food can be dropped off at the pantry on the first and third Saturdays of the month or dropped off 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in food barrels just inside of the Kennedy gym doors. The pantry will accept garden produce from 8:30 and 9 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays during distribution hours as well. Needs Canned soups Canned beans (pinto or refried beans) Canned fruits

Hays-area food banks' shelves bare; inflation likely to blame

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson shares updates from the Hays Public School district.&nbsp;

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

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson shares updates from the Hays Public School district.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="USD 489 settling into school year" 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=ae3t7-12b281d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: USD 489 settling into school year

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

LA CROSSE — The only grocery store in Rush County is now closed, but local officials
are doing everything possible to find new owners to reopen the store as soon as
possible. 
The Rush County Grocery, in La Crosse, was forced to shut down Tuesday because
of back taxes. Owner Henry Montiel mentioned on the store’s social media
account that the State of Kansas forced the shutdown and seized all accounts for
failure to keep up with sales tax. 
Rush County Economic Development Administrator Brad Penka said having the
grocery store closed for the foreseeable future is a huge blow to the
community. 
"We're progressing, trying to help with the sale," said Penka. "This 
kind of hit me out of the blue so we're not sure how this is going to 
affect it. We want to get something open as soon as possible. It's a 
very viable store. It's very important to the community. We have a lot 
of older people in the community that can't go out of town." 
Montiel, a 1994 graduate of La Crosse High School, moved back to his hometown
in 2018 to manage the grocery store. Montiel and his wife took over ownership of
the store in July 2021.

The Rush County Grocery has been up for sale the last
couple of months, looking for new owners. 
"I already heard people say 'Why didn't someone do something to help?' " 
said Penka. "The tax situation is a whole different thing. That's 
outside of anything we can do. Our economic group helped with the store 
when it was sold a few years ago. We helped find an owner and we're 
hoping to do the same thing again."

On his social media post, Montiel apologized to patrons for the closure and thanked them for their support.

"Having
 a small business and trying to keep everything running and all the 
bills paid got the best of me..." Montiel stated in the post. "... That's
 the reason I put the store up for sale was to let someone else with 
better knowledge and better business sense to come in and take over." 
Penka added there has been interest from a few potential owners to take over
the store on Main Street, and county officials are looking to reopen the store
as soon as possible. 
If interested in owning the grocery store, residents can call Rush County
Economic Development at 785-222-2808.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662039497857.jpeg" alt="The State of Kansas forced the Rush County Grocery to close Aug. 30, 2022 due to "failure to keep up on sales tax."" />
 <figcaption>The State of Kansas forced the Rush County Grocery to close Aug. 30, 2022 due to "failure to keep up on sales tax."</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLA CROSSE — The only grocery store in Rush County is now closed, but local officials
are doing everything possible to find new owners to reopen the store as soon as
possible. 
The Rush County Grocery, in La Crosse, was forced to shut down Tuesday because
of back taxes. Owner Henry Montiel mentioned on the store’s social media
account that the State of Kansas forced the shutdown and seized all accounts for
failure to keep up with sales tax. 
Rush County Economic Development Administrator Brad Penka said having the
grocery store closed for the foreseeable future is a huge blow to the
community. 
"We're progressing, trying to help with the sale," said Penka. "This 
kind of hit me out of the blue so we're not sure how this is going to 
affect it. We want to get something open as soon as possible. It's a 
very viable store. It's very important to the community. We have a lot 
of older people in the community that can't go out of town." 
Montiel, a 1994 graduate of La Crosse High School, moved back to his hometown
in 2018 to manage the grocery store. Montiel and his wife took over ownership of
the store in July 2021. The Rush County Grocery has been up for sale the last
couple of months, looking for new owners. 
"I already heard people say 'Why didn't someone do something to help?' " 
said Penka. "The tax situation is a whole different thing. That's 
outside of anything we can do. Our economic group helped with the store 
when it was sold a few years ago. We helped find an owner and we're 
hoping to do the same thing again."On his social media post, Montiel apologized to patrons for the closure and thanked them for their support."Having
 a small business and trying to keep everything running and all the 
bills paid got the best of me..." Montiel stated in the post. "... That's
 the reason I put the store up for sale was to let someone else with 
better knowledge and better business sense to come in and take over." 
Penka added there has been interest from a few potential owners to take over
the store on Main Street, and county officials are looking to reopen the store
as soon as possible. 
If interested in owning the grocery store, residents can call Rush County
Economic Development at 785-222-2808.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

State forces closure of Rush County’s only grocery store

Student Awareness Day will be hosted by the Fort Hays State University Foundation on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in FHSU’s Robbins Center. Awareness Day is an annual event aimed at educating current Tigers about the importance of private support and fundraising.&nbsp;

Students attending will be eligible for one of six scholarships for use in the spring 2023 semester. Students will be entered to receive one of four $250 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship just for attending. Students wearing FHSU apparel will receive an extra entry.&nbsp;

Students who share photos on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #AwarenessDay throughout the event will be entered to receive an additional $500 scholarship.&nbsp;

“Thank you to Astra Bank for continuing their sponsorship of this event. Awareness Day serves as a great opportunity for us to educate our students and bring awareness to the generosity of private support that Fort Hays State receives,” said Ricardo Zamora, FHSU’s Director of Annual Giving.

The first 150 students in attendance at this event will receive a free t-shirt. All students attending will enjoy a free lunch.&nbsp;

To learn more about the FHSU Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0KplRVHI6wIvAI1UNlDDqG-2By8Sihh_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem1t2Tzjfkc7U3uRjO6NIjT2C6qSOub-2BLfdXRLEjTDsupH0s0B4ZkedVr3H2Ly1yTQ1hkBZw6TJqKItHLlrDb5tTn6gozczLRKRPTeGe8K95DL-2FfJEz-2BekP7BGuSIVi8mr4MnONRtkrn5zhdomsvBQnTNWRjWe0KJXSeMbTI6ZK0N7QIZygZE4xJuvfMiTWpDrU6uUWItjAkEbDZUfFixo3ihHO9GfnfYB8l0Xdnz6FOItxTsvBnbZmwBsrS2-2FahGgaY4ECSMHxc6kzEVAEuiGxQ-3D-3D">https://foundation.fhsu.edu.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661877988357.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation&nbsp;Student Awareness Day will be hosted by the Fort Hays State University Foundation on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in FHSU’s Robbins Center. Awareness Day is an annual event aimed at educating current Tigers about the importance of private support and fundraising.&nbsp;Students attending will be eligible for one of six scholarships for use in the spring 2023 semester. Students will be entered to receive one of four $250 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship just for attending. Students wearing FHSU apparel will receive an extra entry.&nbsp;Students who share photos on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #AwarenessDay throughout the event will be entered to receive an additional $500 scholarship.&nbsp;“Thank you to Astra Bank for continuing their sponsorship of this event. Awareness Day serves as a great opportunity for us to educate our students and bring awareness to the generosity of private support that Fort Hays State receives,” said Ricardo Zamora, FHSU’s Director of Annual Giving.The first 150 students in attendance at this event will receive a free t-shirt. All students attending will enjoy a free lunch.&nbsp;To learn more about the FHSU Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0KplRVHI6wIvAI1UNlDDqG-2By8Sihh_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem1t2Tzjfkc7U3uRjO6NIjT2C6qSOub-2BLfdXRLEjTDsupH0s0B4ZkedVr3H2Ly1yTQ1hkBZw6TJqKItHLlrDb5tTn6gozczLRKRPTeGe8K95DL-2FfJEz-2BekP7BGuSIVi8mr4MnONRtkrn5zhdomsvBQnTNWRjWe0KJXSeMbTI6ZK0N7QIZygZE4xJuvfMiTWpDrU6uUWItjAkEbDZUfFixo3ihHO9GfnfYB8l0Xdnz6FOItxTsvBnbZmwBsrS2-2FahGgaY4ECSMHxc6kzEVAEuiGxQ-3D-3D">https://foundation.fhsu.edu.</a>

FHSU Foundation to award scholarships at Student Awareness Day

Medicaid members get $10 in fresh produce at local markets&nbsp;

LENEXA — As part of its ongoing commitment to creating health equity and fighting food insecurity, Sunflower Health Plan is again sponsoring its Member Days this summer at local farmers markets to help its members across Kansas afford fresh fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunflower Member Days will benefit people who have Medicaid coverage through Sunflower. Shoppers will receive $10 in vouchers they can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables on the day of the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Over the past year, it has become more difficult for families to put nutritious food on their tables, and that can have a big impact on overall health,” said Dr. Michael Skoch, Sunflower’s Chief Medical Director. “Sunflower Member Days will provide support to families who need it, helping them access vitally important fresh fruit and vegetables.”&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/kansas#:~:text=In%20Kansas%2C%20351%2C090%20people%20are,of%20them%20120%2C090%20are%20children.&amp;text=face%20hunger.,to%20meet%20their%20food%20needs." target="_blank">Feeding America</a>, more than 350,000 Kansans are facing hunger – approximately 120,000 of them children. Meanwhile, in fiscal year 2021, SNAP reached&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/snap_factsheet_kansas.pdf" target="_blank">200,300 Kansas residents</a>&nbsp;- 1 in 15 people in the state – and almost 72% of SNAP participants were families with children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The farmers market initiative is part of Sunflower’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health – issues such as food insecurity and lack of transportation or housing – that can serve as barriers to better overall health. In response, Sunflower Member Days will help members afford healthier food options, promote healthy eating habits, and support local growers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunflower Member Days launched June 21 in Salina, Kansas, and run through Sept. 24, with the final event slated for Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;

The Hays event will be 7:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Downtown Hays Farmers Market, 10th and Main.

<h2>Medicaid members get $10 in fresh produce at local markets&nbsp;</h2>News releaseLENEXA — As part of its ongoing commitment to creating health equity and fighting food insecurity, Sunflower Health Plan is again sponsoring its Member Days this summer at local farmers markets to help its members across Kansas afford fresh fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunflower Member Days will benefit people who have Medicaid coverage through Sunflower. Shoppers will receive $10 in vouchers they can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables on the day of the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Over the past year, it has become more difficult for families to put nutritious food on their tables, and that can have a big impact on overall health,” said Dr. Michael Skoch, Sunflower’s Chief Medical Director. “Sunflower Member Days will provide support to families who need it, helping them access vitally important fresh fruit and vegetables.”&nbsp;According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/kansas#:~:text=In%20Kansas%2C%20351%2C090%20people%20are,of%20them%20120%2C090%20are%20children.&amp;text=face%20hunger.,to%20meet%20their%20food%20needs." target="_blank">Feeding America</a>, more than 350,000 Kansans are facing hunger – approximately 120,000 of them children. Meanwhile, in fiscal year 2021, SNAP reached&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/snap_factsheet_kansas.pdf" target="_blank">200,300 Kansas residents</a>&nbsp;- 1 in 15 people in the state – and almost 72% of SNAP participants were families with children.&nbsp;&nbsp;The farmers market initiative is part of Sunflower’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health – issues such as food insecurity and lack of transportation or housing – that can serve as barriers to better overall health. In response, Sunflower Member Days will help members afford healthier food options, promote healthy eating habits, and support local growers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunflower Member Days launched June 21 in Salina, Kansas, and run through Sept. 24, with the final event slated for Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;The Hays event will be 7:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Downtown Hays Farmers Market, 10th and Main.

Sunflower Health Plan announces member day at Hays farmers market

Just prior to the beginning of each academic year,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp;hosts&nbsp;a convocation. We use this annual gathering to look back on our achievements, welcome new faculty and staff, discuss important campus-wide projects and programs, and provide an overview of the state of the university. We also close the ceremony with what I think is the most inspiring thing we do to kick off the new academic year&nbsp;-&nbsp;we honor outstanding faculty.&nbsp;

<a></a>Traditionally&nbsp;we&nbsp;recognize faculty in three award categories during our fall convocation. The first is the Faculty Member of the Year award. The second is the John Heinrichs Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor, and the third is the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award.&nbsp;

<a></a>The&nbsp;Faculty Member of the Year&nbsp;selection process examines&nbsp;the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.&nbsp;<a></a>This year, the award was presented to Associate Professor of Physics Dr. C.D. Clark.

<a></a>C.D. is known across this campus as a skilled problem solver and innovator in areas beyond his discipline, including&nbsp;work on&nbsp;delivering&nbsp;a high-quality educational experience for FHSU online learners. In the nomination letter submitted on C.D.’s behalf for this award, a colleague noted that while many initially rejected the idea of delivering laboratory courses online,&nbsp;C.D.&nbsp;rose to the challenge by developing the Engineering Physics II Lab as an&nbsp;online offering. C.D.’s course shifted the focus from using lab equipment to using open-source (free) analysis software widely used by scientists.

<a></a>C.D. is simply an indispensable member of this campus community. He is a highly respected and inspirational teacher and mentor to his students. All of our professors are asked to teach, conduct research, and serve in roles that advance our campus community. Few excel in these three roles better than C.D. Clark.&nbsp;

<a></a>The&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Award&nbsp;recognizes a faculty member for their commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.

This year’s&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor&nbsp;is Dr. Jeanne Sumrall.&nbsp;

An instructor in the Department of Geosciences and the Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS), our two-year pre-college program for high school juniors and seniors, Jeanne&nbsp;is committed to supporting and mentoring students through the undergraduate research process.&nbsp;

<a></a>Her personal investment in her students’ growth is evidenced in their letters of support for her nomination. One student wrote: “Not only does Dr. Sumrall care immensely about promoting undergraduate projects for her students, but she also follows through as she engages with us and encourages a lifetime love of research.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a></a>Another student who submitted a nomination&nbsp;for this award noted how&nbsp;Jeanne&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;her&nbsp;totake the lead in directing projects by creating just the right balance between support and independence.&nbsp;

<a></a>The final award presented at our fall convocation was the 2022&nbsp;President’s Distinguished Scholar. This year, the award went to Dr. April Terry, associate professor of criminal justice.&nbsp;

April’s research focuses on issues critical to ensuring we are constantly striving to create a just and equitable society, including the areas of gender and crime, juvenile corrections, gender-based violence, and rural criminology. She&nbsp;has quickly&nbsp;become&nbsp;a widely respected expert&nbsp;in her field and serves on a number of boards and committees that focus on issues of crime and punishment.&nbsp;She has published eight book chapters, a remarkable 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, nine technical reports, and more than 100 presentations, with 48 including student researchers.

If you have read the news over the past several years, you know that seismic changes are coming to higher education. One thing that will never change at FHSU is our focus on core values&nbsp;-&nbsp;knowledge and scholarship, innovation and entrepreneurship, and global engagement.&nbsp;<a></a>These values guide us, shape us, and influence how we work together to create an unmatched educational experience for our students.&nbsp;

Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of the remarkable people who make this university a special place. Our fall convocation award winners&nbsp;are another reminder of something that makes me proud to serve as the president of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Just prior to the beginning of each academic year,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp;hosts&nbsp;a convocation. We use this annual gathering to look back on our achievements, welcome new faculty and staff, discuss important campus-wide projects and programs, and provide an overview of the state of the university. We also close the ceremony with what I think is the most inspiring thing we do to kick off the new academic year&nbsp;-&nbsp;we honor outstanding faculty.&nbsp;<a></a>Traditionally&nbsp;we&nbsp;recognize faculty in three award categories during our fall convocation. The first is the Faculty Member of the Year award. The second is the John Heinrichs Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor, and the third is the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award.&nbsp;<a></a>The&nbsp;Faculty Member of the Year&nbsp;selection process examines&nbsp;the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.&nbsp;<a></a>This year, the award was presented to Associate Professor of Physics Dr. C.D. Clark.<a></a>C.D. is known across this campus as a skilled problem solver and innovator in areas beyond his discipline, including&nbsp;work on&nbsp;delivering&nbsp;a high-quality educational experience for FHSU online learners. In the nomination letter submitted on C.D.’s behalf for this award, a colleague noted that while many initially rejected the idea of delivering laboratory courses online,&nbsp;C.D.&nbsp;rose to the challenge by developing the Engineering Physics II Lab as an&nbsp;online offering. C.D.’s course shifted the focus from using lab equipment to using open-source (free) analysis software widely used by scientists.<a></a>C.D. is simply an indispensable member of this campus community. He is a highly respected and inspirational teacher and mentor to his students. All of our professors are asked to teach, conduct research, and serve in roles that advance our campus community. Few excel in these three roles better than C.D. Clark.&nbsp;<a></a>The&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Award&nbsp;recognizes a faculty member for their commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.This year’s&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor&nbsp;is Dr. Jeanne Sumrall.&nbsp;An instructor in the Department of Geosciences and the Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS), our two-year pre-college program for high school juniors and seniors, Jeanne&nbsp;is committed to supporting and mentoring students through the undergraduate research process.&nbsp;<a></a>Her personal investment in her students’ growth is evidenced in their letters of support for her nomination. One student wrote: “Not only does Dr. Sumrall care immensely about promoting undergraduate projects for her students, but she also follows through as she engages with us and encourages a lifetime love of research.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<a></a>Another student who submitted a nomination&nbsp;for this award noted how&nbsp;Jeanne&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;her&nbsp;totake the lead in directing projects by creating just the right balance between support and independence.&nbsp;<a></a>The final award presented at our fall convocation was the 2022&nbsp;President’s Distinguished Scholar. This year, the award went to Dr. April Terry, associate professor of criminal justice.&nbsp;April’s research focuses on issues critical to ensuring we are constantly striving to create a just and equitable society, including the areas of gender and crime, juvenile corrections, gender-based violence, and rural criminology. She&nbsp;has quickly&nbsp;become&nbsp;a widely respected expert&nbsp;in her field and serves on a number of boards and committees that focus on issues of crime and punishment.&nbsp;She has published eight book chapters, a remarkable 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, nine technical reports, and more than 100 presentations, with 48 including student researchers.If you have read the news over the past several years, you know that seismic changes are coming to higher education. One thing that will never change at FHSU is our focus on core values&nbsp;-&nbsp;knowledge and scholarship, innovation and entrepreneurship, and global engagement.&nbsp;<a></a>These values guide us, shape us, and influence how we work together to create an unmatched educational experience for our students.&nbsp;Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of the remarkable people who make this university a special place. Our fall convocation award winners&nbsp;are another reminder of something that makes me proud to serve as the president of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: Celebrating exceptional faculty at convocation

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661969735182.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>

Applications are still open for employers in northwest Kansas interested in a Fort Hays State University spring or summer intern.

Thanks to a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, funding was made possible for 25 paid internships during the 2022-23 academic year, including the summer 2023 term.

Applications for spring and summer interns will be accepted through Sept. 16.

Eligible employers must be located within the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County east, including the Republic-Saline County area and Ellsworth County.

Interested employers should go to the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">Career Services page on the FHSU website</a> to learn more about the program and complete the application. Employers will be asked to provide a detailed job description for the internship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661892058683.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsApplications are still open for employers in northwest Kansas interested in a Fort Hays State University spring or summer intern.Thanks to a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, funding was made possible for 25 paid internships during the 2022-23 academic year, including the summer 2023 term.Applications for spring and summer interns will be accepted through Sept. 16.Eligible employers must be located within the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County east, including the Republic-Saline County area and Ellsworth County.Interested employers should go to the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">Career Services page on the FHSU website</a> to learn more about the program and complete the application. Employers will be asked to provide a detailed job description for the internship.

Employer applications deadline for Hansen internship nears

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The athletic accomplishments coming out of Claflin from 1994 to 1997 remain unmatched in the state history books. In that stretch, Jackie Stiles set single game, season, and career basketball scoring records that stand to this day. On the track, her 14 individual gold medals remain an all-time best in Kansas. 

In 2002, Stiles' rise to the WNBA was detailed in a children's book called "Jackie Stiles: Gym Dandy." Earlier this year, actor, director and filmmaker Brent Huff took the story of her life a step farther. On March 1, his documentary "The Jackie Stiles Story" premiered in Springfield, Mo., where Stiles once set the NCAA scoring record for the Southwest Missouri State-turned Missouri State Bears. As of Aug. 30, the film is available on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime and Apple TV. 

Stiles first heard from Huff out of the blue approximately three years ago. She was skeptical about the project at first.

"He sent me some things he'd done," Stiles said. "He'd done a 30-for-30 and I was very impressed. Then when he came and did his first interview with me, which was in Springfield, I was just getting ready to leave my job at Missouri State to take my job at Oklahoma, so it was a crazy time. We sat down and did our first interview. I knew right away my story was in good hands because he knew more about my life than I even knew."

Stiles helped Huff get in touch with former coaches and acquaintances, including Clint Kinnamon, who coached Stiles for three varsity seasons in Claflin before going on to win several state titles at St. John, and Gregg Webb, Stiles' coach her senior season.

The film features many of the stories that gave Stiles legend-status in the sports world, and it features footage of her years in Claflin, Missouri, and playing for the WNBA's Portland Fire.

"It was so fun being a part of the making of the film because I got to relive so many of those memories," she said. "It actually premiered March 1, and that was actually when I broke the record a lot of years ago. I had not seen it yet. He wanted to surprise me, so I got to see it when the public saw it in Springfield. Talk about nerve wracking to watch your life on the big screen. 

"I was blown away by his work and it was fun reliving those memories. It was just an incredible moment getting to share it with so many people that made it possible. You don't accomplish something like that unless you had incredible people surrounding you, and I've been fortunate to have that my whole career."

Stiles became the first NCAA Div. I women's player to reach 1,000 points in a single season, also setting the career scoring record with 3,393 points, a record that stood for 16 years. Stiles later earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661888338642.jpeg" alt="Jackie Stiles spoke at a Barton Community College event on Aug. 29, 2022." />
 <figcaption>Jackie Stiles spoke at a Barton Community College event on Aug. 29, 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe athletic accomplishments coming out of Claflin from 1994 to 1997 remain unmatched in the state history books. In that stretch, Jackie Stiles set single game, season, and career basketball scoring records that stand to this day. On the track, her 14 individual gold medals remain an all-time best in Kansas. In 2002, Stiles' rise to the WNBA was detailed in a children's book called "Jackie Stiles: Gym Dandy." Earlier this year, actor, director and filmmaker Brent Huff took the story of her life a step farther. On March 1, his documentary "The Jackie Stiles Story" premiered in Springfield, Mo., where Stiles once set the NCAA scoring record for the Southwest Missouri State-turned Missouri State Bears. As of Aug. 30, the film is available on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Stiles first heard from Huff out of the blue approximately three years ago. She was skeptical about the project at first."He sent me some things he'd done," Stiles said. "He'd done a 30-for-30 and I was very impressed. Then when he came and did his first interview with me, which was in Springfield, I was just getting ready to leave my job at Missouri State to take my job at Oklahoma, so it was a crazy time. We sat down and did our first interview. I knew right away my story was in good hands because he knew more about my life than I even knew."Stiles helped Huff get in touch with former coaches and acquaintances, including Clint Kinnamon, who coached Stiles for three varsity seasons in Claflin before going on to win several state titles at St. John, and Gregg Webb, Stiles' coach her senior season.The film features many of the stories that gave Stiles legend-status in the sports world, and it features footage of her years in Claflin, Missouri, and playing for the WNBA's Portland Fire."It was so fun being a part of the making of the film because I got to relive so many of those memories," she said. "It actually premiered March 1, and that was actually when I broke the record a lot of years ago. I had not seen it yet. He wanted to surprise me, so I got to see it when the public saw it in Springfield. Talk about nerve wracking to watch your life on the big screen. "I was blown away by his work and it was fun reliving those memories. It was just an incredible moment getting to share it with so many people that made it possible. You don't accomplish something like that unless you had incredible people surrounding you, and I've been fortunate to have that my whole career."Stiles became the first NCAA Div. I women's player to reach 1,000 points in a single season, also setting the career scoring record with 3,393 points, a record that stood for 16 years. Stiles later earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.

'Jackie Stiles Story' now available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 67 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Aug. 20 to 26. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County is along several northwest Kansas counties in the high- or substantial-incidence classification (see map below).&nbsp;

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,725 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661968015491.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 67 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Aug. 20 to 26. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County is along several northwest Kansas counties in the high- or substantial-incidence classification (see map below).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,725 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661968044141.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 67 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

NORTON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Freightliner semi driven by Larry Eugene Radcliffe, 67, Hill City, was southbound on W6 Lane at Washington Road in Lenora.

The driver failed to yield right of way and struck an eastbound 2005 GMC Canyon driven by Peggy Sue&nbsp;Ninemire, 59, Lenora, on the drivers side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Ninemire to the hospital in Norton. Radcliffe was not injured.&nbsp;Ninemire was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NORTON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Freightliner semi driven by Larry Eugene Radcliffe, 67, Hill City, was southbound on W6 Lane at Washington Road in Lenora.The driver failed to yield right of way and struck an eastbound 2005 GMC Canyon driven by Peggy Sue&nbsp;Ninemire, 59, Lenora, on the drivers side.EMS transported&nbsp;Ninemire to the hospital in Norton. Radcliffe was not injured.&nbsp;Ninemire was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas woman hospitalized after semi,  pickup crash

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

GREAT BEND — Recent rainfall will help a little but not much. 

The state 
continues to suffer through a drought with now 72 percent of Kansas 
listed in at least a moderate drought, 57 percent at a severe level, and
 32 percent in extreme conditions. Ten percent of the state, mostly in 
the southwest, is listed at exceptional drought.

Last week, the 
National Weather Service reported the 1.10 inches of rain in Wichita 
through July and August were the third-least since 1888. The 1.08 inches
 during that span in Sedan, located in the southeast part of the state, 
is the lowest on record. Closer to home, Russell reported 2.10 inches in
 July and August, the least on record since 1950. Kansas State 
University's Mesonet reports 12.25 inches of rainfall this year in Great
 Bend, nine inches shy of normal year. According to agronomists at 
K-State, before the recent rains, August was the third driest on record 
behind 2000 and 1913.

The conditions are impacting virtually all 
plants in the state. Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources 
agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research, said trees are 
usually easy to forget. But try pushing a shovel into the dry dirt, and 
that's also what trees are up against to survive.

"The root 
systems, those very end roots that are there as a feed root trying to 
get the nutrients, it can't push through the soil either," she said. 
"They tend to die back, compromising the root system and making your 
tree weaker."

Boor said, like any other plant, trees need water. 
Keeping trees healthy now can prevent damage even after drought 
conditions end.

"By watering trees a good 12-18 inches deep in 
this massive heat, every other week or every three weeks, is a really 
good way to keep your tree healthy so other things don't come in like 
borers and diseases," she said.  "That can then take out the tree maybe 
not this year but in a couple years because it's still stressed over 
what is happening now."

Crops have also been affected by the 
conditions, especially those not irrigated. Milo and corn are dying in 
the field, and wheat took a hit but largely survived ahead of the 2022 
harvest this summer. Conditions now could have an effect on the 2023 
crop.

"This year, one of the issues we're seeing is some milo is 
not putting heads out," Boor said. "It doesn't have enough water to even
 get to the stage where it's putting out the seeds the producers can 
harvest. Other portions, a lot of corn was cut for sileage early because
 there wasn't enough of an ear to be able to make the bushels of grain 
they needed."

While plants suffer, certain insects thrive in 
drought conditions, including aphids and grasshoppers. Boor said the 
grasshoppers are out there but she's received no complaints about them 
being worse than usual. Damage from elm leaf beetles has been abundant 
but can be reduced with proper tree care.

"Elm leaf beetles are a 
yearly occurrence and this year just seems to be worse," said Boor. 
"That could be just because there's not as much leaf matter out there. 
The trees drop what they can't support. In a severe drought, they're not
 going to push out as many leaves. We're just seeing it look worse. It 
goes back to keeping them well cared for, then the elm leaf beetle is 
not as big of a deal."

The bad news: scientists are already 
warning the drought will likely continue through 2023.&nbsp;"There are a 
couple different options that might help alleviate it," Boor said, "but 
most signs are pointing that we're going to stay in this drought for a 
little bit longer."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661961378384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — Recent rainfall will help a little but not much. The state 
continues to suffer through a drought with now 72 percent of Kansas 
listed in at least a moderate drought, 57 percent at a severe level, and
 32 percent in extreme conditions. Ten percent of the state, mostly in 
the southwest, is listed at exceptional drought.Last week, the 
National Weather Service reported the 1.10 inches of rain in Wichita 
through July and August were the third-least since 1888. The 1.08 inches
 during that span in Sedan, located in the southeast part of the state, 
is the lowest on record. Closer to home, Russell reported 2.10 inches in
 July and August, the least on record since 1950. Kansas State 
University's Mesonet reports 12.25 inches of rainfall this year in Great
 Bend, nine inches shy of normal year. According to agronomists at 
K-State, before the recent rains, August was the third driest on record 
behind 2000 and 1913.The conditions are impacting virtually all 
plants in the state. Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources 
agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research, said trees are 
usually easy to forget. But try pushing a shovel into the dry dirt, and 
that's also what trees are up against to survive."The root 
systems, those very end roots that are there as a feed root trying to 
get the nutrients, it can't push through the soil either," she said. 
"They tend to die back, compromising the root system and making your 
tree weaker."Boor said, like any other plant, trees need water. 
Keeping trees healthy now can prevent damage even after drought 
conditions end."By watering trees a good 12-18 inches deep in 
this massive heat, every other week or every three weeks, is a really 
good way to keep your tree healthy so other things don't come in like 
borers and diseases," she said. "That can then take out the tree maybe 
not this year but in a couple years because it's still stressed over 
what is happening now."Crops have also been affected by the 
conditions, especially those not irrigated. Milo and corn are dying in 
the field, and wheat took a hit but largely survived ahead of the 2022 
harvest this summer. Conditions now could have an effect on the 2023 
crop."This year, one of the issues we're seeing is some milo is 
not putting heads out," Boor said. "It doesn't have enough water to even
 get to the stage where it's putting out the seeds the producers can 
harvest. Other portions, a lot of corn was cut for sileage early because
 there wasn't enough of an ear to be able to make the bushels of grain 
they needed."While plants suffer, certain insects thrive in 
drought conditions, including aphids and grasshoppers. Boor said the 
grasshoppers are out there but she's received no complaints about them 
being worse than usual. Damage from elm leaf beetles has been abundant 
but can be reduced with proper tree care."Elm leaf beetles are a 
yearly occurrence and this year just seems to be worse," said Boor. 
"That could be just because there's not as much leaf matter out there. 
The trees drop what they can't support. In a severe drought, they're not
 going to push out as many leaves. We're just seeing it look worse. It 
goes back to keeping them well cared for, then the elm leaf beetle is 
not as big of a deal."The bad news: scientists are already 
warning the drought will likely continue through 2023.&nbsp;"There are a 
couple different options that might help alleviate it," Boor said, "but 
most signs are pointing that we're going to stay in this drought for a 
little bit longer."

Extension agent: Drought conditions impacting plant, insect life

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A new logo, a new home, and a new fundraising campaign.

It's been a busy summer for the United Way of Ellis County which kicked off its 2022 campaign Friday during a Hays Chamber lunch at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays.

On Tuesday, the United Way offices moved from the Hadley Center to the Chestnut Street Building, 1200 Main. United Way will be housed in Suite 102, near the offices for other local non-profit organizations including Heartland Community Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Downtown Hays Development Corporation.

In early July, the new local logo designed by&nbsp;Brandon Karlin was unveiled and is included in the campaign marketing information.&nbsp;

During the kickoff lunch, several Ellis County residents whose lives have been changed with support from Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Call for Help, and Cancer Council of Ellis County, told their uplifting stories.

Justine is a client of First Call for Help and a resident of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f4275259-f0d0-4be5-a159-5b7f0dd64e43">First Step Housing.</a>

The housing for temporary residents is in the back of the FCFH office building, 607 E. 13th.

There are four bedrooms with private bathrooms, and a shared living area, kitchen and laundry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With FCFH director Linda Mills by her side, Justine talked about her journey from jail and the loss of all her possessions to now being employed, paying fines, and saving money to buy a vehicle.&nbsp;

"First Step was my first break," Justine told the audience," and I couldn't have been more thankful.&nbsp; It's the perfect place for me to start over in my own hometown.

"A few months ago I had nothing but the clothes on my back and the shoes on my feet. I'm now currently making more than $20 dollars an hour working full-time at Enersys."

Justine said she's had a lifetime goal of owning her own home and it "now seems tangible with the money-saving principals and goals" she's learning at First Step Housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors" is the theme for this year's fundraising campaign.

"It's something our community and the United Way have been doing since 1953," Erica Berges, United Way executive director said.

"Some of these neighbors are our partner agencies, the ones that are there for those who need help. They've provided services to thousands of neighbors, year after year."&nbsp;

Some of the agencies have seen "substantial increases" in aid requests "in just the past couple months," Berges noted. "So the need is still out there, more than ever."

There are 15 United Way of Ellis County 2022 Partner Agencies:

*Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled (WKACD) *Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) *Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center (WKCAC) *Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation *Cancer Council of Ellis County *Parents and Children Together (PACT) *Center for Life Experience *Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) *CASA of the High Plains *American Red Cross&nbsp; *Hays Senior Center *Catholic Charities *First Call for Help (FCFH) *Salvation Army *Options

There are several ways to donate money to the United Way. Details are available on the agency's <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/?fbclid=IwAR2vSZkz-P1sUH0eOmJTTWtKpJQOgWXmjms3CHGCkaxsKsfUNh21xX4iMrU">website</a>.&nbsp;

Editor's note: Becky Kiser is a board member of the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661914076530.jpeg" alt="Brochure for the 2022 United Way of Ellis County fundraising campaign featuring the new logo design by Brandon Karlin.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brochure for the 2022 United Way of Ellis County fundraising campaign featuring the new logo design by Brandon Karlin.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA new logo, a new home, and a new fundraising campaign.It's been a busy summer for the United Way of Ellis County which kicked off its 2022 campaign Friday during a Hays Chamber lunch at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall in Hays.On Tuesday, the United Way offices moved from the Hadley Center to the Chestnut Street Building, 1200 Main. United Way will be housed in Suite 102, near the offices for other local non-profit organizations including Heartland Community Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Downtown Hays Development Corporation.In early July, the new local logo designed by&nbsp;Brandon Karlin was unveiled and is included in the campaign marketing information.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661913697637.jpeg" alt="The new United Way of Ellis County logo debuted during the 2022 fundraising campaign. (Courtesy United Way of Ellis County )" />
 <figcaption>The new United Way of Ellis County logo debuted during the 2022 fundraising campaign. (Courtesy United Way of Ellis County )</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661913548267.jpeg" alt="Brandon Karlin, winner of a design contest for the United Way of Ellis County new logo unveiled in July. (United Way of Ellis County photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Karlin, winner of a design contest for the United Way of Ellis County new logo unveiled in July. (United Way of Ellis County photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661923879391.jpeg" alt="Paula Flesher, Cancer Council of Ellis County exec. dir., with Pam, whose son Tyler&nbsp; has a brain tumor. The Cancer Council has paid for a special brace and shoes which help Tyler walk and drive.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Paula Flesher, Cancer Council of Ellis County exec. dir., with Pam, whose son Tyler&nbsp; has a brain tumor. The Cancer Council has paid for a special brace and shoes which help Tyler walk and drive.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>During the kickoff lunch, several Ellis County residents whose lives have been changed with support from Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Call for Help, and Cancer Council of Ellis County, told their uplifting stories.Justine is a client of First Call for Help and a resident of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f4275259-f0d0-4be5-a159-5b7f0dd64e43">First Step Housing.</a>The housing for temporary residents is in the back of the FCFH office building, 607 E. 13th.There are four bedrooms with private bathrooms, and a shared living area, kitchen and laundry.&nbsp;&nbsp;With FCFH director Linda Mills by her side, Justine talked about her journey from jail and the loss of all her possessions to now being employed, paying fines, and saving money to buy a vehicle.&nbsp;"First Step was my first break," Justine told the audience," and I couldn't have been more thankful.&nbsp; It's the perfect place for me to start over in my own hometown."A few months ago I had nothing but the clothes on my back and the shoes on my feet. I'm now currently making more than $20 dollars an hour working full-time at Enersys."Justine said she's had a lifetime goal of owning her own home and it "now seems tangible with the money-saving principals and goals" she's learning at First Step Housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/MqYDs3vz-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Justine" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661923054641.jpeg" alt="Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at Friday's campaign kickoff.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at Friday's campaign kickoff.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"Neighbors Helping Neighbors" is the theme for this year's fundraising campaign."It's something our community and the United Way have been doing since 1953," Erica Berges, United Way executive director said."Some of these neighbors are our partner agencies, the ones that are there for those who need help. They've provided services to thousands of neighbors, year after year."&nbsp;Some of the agencies have seen "substantial increases" in aid requests "in just the past couple months," Berges noted. "So the need is still out there, more than ever."There are 15 United Way of Ellis County 2022 Partner Agencies:*Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled (WKACD) *Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) *Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center (WKCAC) *Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation *Cancer Council of Ellis County *Parents and Children Together (PACT) *Center for Life Experience *Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) *CASA of the High Plains *American Red Cross&nbsp; *Hays Senior Center *Catholic Charities *First Call for Help (FCFH) *Salvation Army *OptionsThere are several ways to donate money to the United Way. Details are available on the agency's <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/?fbclid=IwAR2vSZkz-P1sUH0eOmJTTWtKpJQOgWXmjms3CHGCkaxsKsfUNh21xX4iMrU">website</a>.&nbsp;Editor's note: Becky Kiser is a board member of the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;

🎥 'Neighbors helping neighbors': United Way of Ellis Co. kicks off annual fundraising campaign 

Fort Hays State University, the Tiger Fitness Center and local first responders will host the second annual 9/11 Memorial Event and Stair Climb on Saturday, Sept. 10. The event, held at Lewis Field on the campus of Fort Hays State University, begins at 7:46 a.m.&nbsp;

All ages are welcome at the event, with a brief memorial ceremony taking place ahead of the stair climb or walk. The memorial will highlight the sacrifices of first responders who put others first during the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on Flight 93.&nbsp;

Participants are encouraged to attend the memorial event and participate in as much, or as little of the stair climb or walk as preferred, to honor first responders and reflect on the events from Sept. 11, 2001. The FHSU track will be open and available for participants that do not wish to climb stairs.&nbsp;

Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the official start time aligning with the moment the first tower was struck.

Pre-register <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB1WSV39NJnlfA4D7NhpoBsN00_BwZAnu1KPm6QxWBX4X6iw/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.

Facebook Event:&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/4QlZWu44k">https://fb.me/e/4QlZWu44k</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661796164379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFort Hays State University, the Tiger Fitness Center and local first responders will host the second annual 9/11 Memorial Event and Stair Climb on Saturday, Sept. 10. The event, held at Lewis Field on the campus of Fort Hays State University, begins at 7:46 a.m.&nbsp;All ages are welcome at the event, with a brief memorial ceremony taking place ahead of the stair climb or walk. The memorial will highlight the sacrifices of first responders who put others first during the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on Flight 93.&nbsp;Participants are encouraged to attend the memorial event and participate in as much, or as little of the stair climb or walk as preferred, to honor first responders and reflect on the events from Sept. 11, 2001. The FHSU track will be open and available for participants that do not wish to climb stairs.&nbsp;Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the official start time aligning with the moment the first tower was struck.Pre-register <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB1WSV39NJnlfA4D7NhpoBsN00_BwZAnu1KPm6QxWBX4X6iw/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.Facebook Event:&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/4QlZWu44k">https://fb.me/e/4QlZWu44k</a>&nbsp;

Local