We are looking for creative high school students. In-person high school theater workshops offered by the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation are returning this summer.&nbsp;

Each week-long musical theatre workshop is open to high school students (incoming high school freshman through outgoing college freshman).&nbsp; In just five days, participating students will conceive, write, choreograph, compose, design, rehearse and perform an original piece of musical theatre in collaboration with a staff of professional artists.

The first three days of the workshop are from 9 am to 5 pm. The fourth day is from 9 am to 7 pm and the fifth day (performance day) is from 9 am to 10 pm. For the 2-week workshop in Salina, the longer hours will be in the second week.

Students from surrounding communities and counties are encouraged to participate in a workshop closest to them.&nbsp;For more information or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://lovewell.org/">lovewell.org</a>, and click on Apply, and then Kansas.

This is the fifth summer the program has been offered in Kansas.&nbsp; Lovewell offers students an opportunity to explore music and theater in a unique way. The response from the students and faculty in previous summers was overwhelmingly positive.

ABOUT THE LOVEWELL WORKSHOPS The week-long day camp/workshop brings students from all different creative backgrounds together to create an original work of musical theatre from scratch. While the performance is an enormous part of the workshop, the focus is on the creative process. No previous music or theater experience is required. To make it come together, the process needs writers, actors, poets, dancers, singers, dreamers, visual artists, musicians, composers, designers, and creative students of ALL kinds.

The students will work with a team of professional artists to help utilize all the students’ gifts and explore the arts while forging new friendships and making memories to last a lifetime.

PARTICIPTION COSTS The Hansen Foundation is underwriting the cost of the workshops so that the student participation fee is significantly discounted to $50.&nbsp; However, no student who is truly committed to participate will be denied the opportunity due to inability to pay. Scholarships are available.

ABOUT LOVEWELL Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts is a not-for-profit organization that brings students together with professional artists to conduct these unique and transformational workshops. The Lovewell team are artist who make their living as musical directors, play writes, choreographers, composers, lyricists, etc.

Lovewell is based in Florida, but its roots are in Kansas. Today, Lovewell offers workshops all over the United States and internationally. Learn more about Lovewell at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lovewell.org/">www.lovewell.org</a>

News releaseWe are looking for creative high school students. In-person high school theater workshops offered by the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation are returning this summer.&nbsp;Each week-long musical theatre workshop is open to high school students (incoming high school freshman through outgoing college freshman).&nbsp; In just five days, participating students will conceive, write, choreograph, compose, design, rehearse and perform an original piece of musical theatre in collaboration with a staff of professional artists.Workshop schedule:<ul>
 <li>June 6-10 – Hays (Hays High School)</li><li>June 13 – 17 – Hoxie (Hoxie High School)</li><li>June 20 – 24 – Phillipsburg (Huck Boyd Center)</li><li>June 27 – July 1 – Colby (Colby High School)</li><li>July 11-15 – Concordia (Brown Grand Theater)</li><li>July 18-29 – Salina (Salina Community Theater) (2-week workshop)</li>
 </ul>The first three days of the workshop are from 9 am to 5 pm. The fourth day is from 9 am to 7 pm and the fifth day (performance day) is from 9 am to 10 pm. For the 2-week workshop in Salina, the longer hours will be in the second week.Students from surrounding communities and counties are encouraged to participate in a workshop closest to them.&nbsp;For more information or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://lovewell.org/">lovewell.org</a>, and click on Apply, and then Kansas.This is the fifth summer the program has been offered in Kansas.&nbsp; Lovewell offers students an opportunity to explore music and theater in a unique way. The response from the students and faculty in previous summers was overwhelmingly positive.ABOUT THE LOVEWELL WORKSHOPS The week-long day camp/workshop brings students from all different creative backgrounds together to create an original work of musical theatre from scratch. While the performance is an enormous part of the workshop, the focus is on the creative process. No previous music or theater experience is required. To make it come together, the process needs writers, actors, poets, dancers, singers, dreamers, visual artists, musicians, composers, designers, and creative students of ALL kinds.The students will work with a team of professional artists to help utilize all the students’ gifts and explore the arts while forging new friendships and making memories to last a lifetime.PARTICIPTION COSTS The Hansen Foundation is underwriting the cost of the workshops so that the student participation fee is significantly discounted to $50.&nbsp; However, no student who is truly committed to participate will be denied the opportunity due to inability to pay. Scholarships are available.ABOUT LOVEWELL Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts is a not-for-profit organization that brings students together with professional artists to conduct these unique and transformational workshops. The Lovewell team are artist who make their living as musical directors, play writes, choreographers, composers, lyricists, etc.Lovewell is based in Florida, but its roots are in Kansas. Today, Lovewell offers workshops all over the United States and internationally. Learn more about Lovewell at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lovewell.org/">www.lovewell.org</a>

High school students invited to register for theater workshops

By the time this news column is published, I will have returned from a vacation that included some fun in the sun with an occasional Zoom meeting to keep me connected to what was going on at work.&nbsp;During my time away from the office, I finished up an on-line course titled, “Reframing Aging.” The instructors were passionate about helping us see how important it is to recognize the contributions of older residents in our community. I enjoyed sharing stories in the break out rooms about the many times I have enlisted the help of older adults to teach sewing or fiber arts workshops to young people.&nbsp;In our fast-paced world, it is important that basic life skills are passed on and don’t become a lost art. I’m looking forward to sharing more of what I learned from the Reframing Aging class in future columns.

The last three days of our road trip were spent in Ames Iowa, to share a session with Extension Educators there about how to teach fermentation workshops. One of the participants had heard my on-line presentation at a national meeting last fall, so it was a pleasant surprise to be invited to teach an in-person class at their professional development meeting. Now that I have a few hands-on fermentation workshops under my belt, I have some interesting stories to share.

The process of how to ferment vegetables is a popular topic and a wide variety of fermentation kits on the market make it safe and easy to accomplish. Fermentation is the oldest form of food preservation, with stories of it’s&nbsp;start, well over 7000 years ago. The fact sheet I wrote two years ago, titled, “Taking a New Look at Fermented Foods” is available to download from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. It highlights the process as well as the&nbsp;health benefits including a small amount of fermented food in your diet can provide.

As I return to the office and turn the&nbsp;calendar to May I invite you to take a look at the upcoming programs in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Cottonwood@ksu.edu">Cottonwood@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;to check out&nbsp;our May newsletter which includes these&nbsp;fun learning opportunities.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>By the time this news column is published, I will have returned from a vacation that included some fun in the sun with an occasional Zoom meeting to keep me connected to what was going on at work.&nbsp;During my time away from the office, I finished up an on-line course titled, “Reframing Aging.” The instructors were passionate about helping us see how important it is to recognize the contributions of older residents in our community. I enjoyed sharing stories in the break out rooms about the many times I have enlisted the help of older adults to teach sewing or fiber arts workshops to young people.&nbsp;In our fast-paced world, it is important that basic life skills are passed on and don’t become a lost art. I’m looking forward to sharing more of what I learned from the Reframing Aging class in future columns.The last three days of our road trip were spent in Ames Iowa, to share a session with Extension Educators there about how to teach fermentation workshops. One of the participants had heard my on-line presentation at a national meeting last fall, so it was a pleasant surprise to be invited to teach an in-person class at their professional development meeting. Now that I have a few hands-on fermentation workshops under my belt, I have some interesting stories to share.The process of how to ferment vegetables is a popular topic and a wide variety of fermentation kits on the market make it safe and easy to accomplish. Fermentation is the oldest form of food preservation, with stories of it’s&nbsp;start, well over 7000 years ago. The fact sheet I wrote two years ago, titled, “Taking a New Look at Fermented Foods” is available to download from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. It highlights the process as well as the&nbsp;health benefits including a small amount of fermented food in your diet can provide.As I return to the office and turn the&nbsp;calendar to May I invite you to take a look at the upcoming programs in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Cottonwood@ksu.edu">Cottonwood@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;to check out&nbsp;our May newsletter which includes these&nbsp;fun learning opportunities.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Extension programs provide fun learning

<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/2022/5/1651524147557.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

One aspect of the bond debate which often gets overlooked is the hardship caused by inflation. The trouble we’re seeing right now isn’t just the natural result of a cyclical economy. Rather, it was caused by printing trillions of dollars combined with destructive policies regarding energy and foreign policies. And far from being a temporary hiccup, there’s no evidence that the current administration plans to reverse these mistakes.

As consumers, we are already feeling the pain and know that additional taxes will only further erode our finances; that alone is a good reason to oppose a bond at this time. The ones hardest hit will be those on fixed incomes, many of them senior citizens who could be forced out of the only community they have ever called home.

What’s more, no one has mentioned how inflation will affect local government: the city, county and school system will see their insurance premiums, power bills and equipment costs all go up. Even Joe Biden acknowledged last month that the interruption of grain exports and higher fertilizer prices due to the war in Ukraine makes worldwide food shortages a possibility. This undoubtedly will strain the school district's lunch budget in ways that haven’t been considered.&nbsp;

Obviously, these increased costs will translate into higher taxes or cuts to services — probably both. Property taxes are guaranteed to increase just to keep up with inflated costs and the sharp increase in valuations will sting us even more.

The uncertainty of our economic condition, coupled with bad policy at the federal level will be costly for us all. Now, throw in the bond on top of that. How many people can afford for their property taxes to double? How many people could be pushed out of their homes? Does taxing people out of their property or making their rent unaffordable really help to "Grow Hays" and project an image that will bring people in?

One aspect of the bond debate which often gets overlooked is the hardship caused by inflation. The trouble we’re seeing right now isn’t just the natural result of a cyclical economy. Rather, it was caused by printing trillions of dollars combined with destructive policies regarding energy and foreign policies. And far from being a temporary hiccup, there’s no evidence that the current administration plans to reverse these mistakes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As consumers, we are already feeling the pain and know that additional taxes will only further erode our finances; that alone is a good reason to oppose a bond at this time. The ones hardest hit will be those on fixed incomes, many of them senior citizens who could be forced out of the only community they have ever called home.What’s more, no one has mentioned how inflation will affect local government: the city, county and school system will see their insurance premiums, power bills and equipment costs all go up. Even Joe Biden acknowledged last month that the interruption of grain exports and higher fertilizer prices due to the war in Ukraine makes worldwide food shortages a possibility. This undoubtedly will strain the school district's lunch budget in ways that haven’t been considered.&nbsp;Obviously, these increased costs will translate into higher taxes or cuts to services — probably both. Property taxes are guaranteed to increase just to keep up with inflated costs and the sharp increase in valuations will sting us even more.The uncertainty of our economic condition, coupled with bad policy at the federal level will be costly for us all. Now, throw in the bond on top of that. How many people can afford for their property taxes to double? How many people could be pushed out of their homes? Does taxing people out of their property or making their rent unaffordable really help to "Grow Hays" and project an image that will bring people in?Eugenia Spady, Hays&nbsp;

LETTER: Inflation makes bond unaffordable

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head baseball coach Jerod Goodale&nbsp;has announced his resignation due to personal reasons after four years at the helm. Goodale, the 15th coach in program history, joined the Tiger coaching staff in May 2018. He coached the Tigers to 29 wins over the last four seasons, bringing his 11-year career total to 209 victories including seven years as head coach at Colorado School of Mines. Goodale coached four All-MIAA performers in his time at FHSU alongside 70 Academic Honor Roll recognitions, 26 D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards and one CoSIDA Academic All-District selection in Grant Schmidt. In his 18 years as a collegiate baseball coach, Goodale has helped produce 12 All-Americans, 81 all-conference performers, 150 academic all-conference performers, four Academic All-Americans, two national gold glove award winners, 31 players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft and four players that have reached the Major League Baseball level. A nationwide search for the 16th head baseball coach in program history will begin immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651534157222.jpeg" alt="FHSU baseball coach Jerod Goodale announced his resignation Monday after four seasons as the Tigers head coach (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Allie Schweizer)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU baseball coach Jerod Goodale announced his resignation Monday after four seasons as the Tigers head coach (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Allie Schweizer)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head baseball coach Jerod Goodale&nbsp;has announced his resignation due to personal reasons after four years at the helm. Goodale, the 15th coach in program history, joined the Tiger coaching staff in May 2018. He coached the Tigers to 29 wins over the last four seasons, bringing his 11-year career total to 209 victories including seven years as head coach at Colorado School of Mines. Goodale coached four All-MIAA performers in his time at FHSU alongside 70 Academic Honor Roll recognitions, 26 D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards and one CoSIDA Academic All-District selection in Grant Schmidt. In his 18 years as a collegiate baseball coach, Goodale has helped produce 12 All-Americans, 81 all-conference performers, 150 academic all-conference performers, four Academic All-Americans, two national gold glove award winners, 31 players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft and four players that have reached the Major League Baseball level. A nationwide search for the 16th head baseball coach in program history will begin immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚾ Goodale announces resignation as FHSU head coach

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1,650 graduates during its spring commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14.&nbsp;

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in ceremonies both mornings at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

Following is a schedule for the 2022 commencement (all times Central):

• 8 a.m. Friday – College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

• 11 a.m. Friday – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences

• 8 a.m. Saturday – Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

• 11 a.m. Saturday – College of Education.

• 2 p.m. Saturday – Virtual ceremonies for graduates.

• 4 p.m. Saturday – Virtual ceremonies for undergraduates.

All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be located on the Tiger Media Network and the FHSU Facebook&nbsp;Page. An individual is not required to sign up for a Facebook account to view the ceremonies.

Recordings of the virtual ceremonies will be archived on the FHSU YouTube channel, with the link provided on the commencement website on the “Programs and Videos” tab.

Doors to GMC and the adjoining Cunningham Hall will open at 7:15 a.m. Graduates will check in at Gate 2 or Gate 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter the door labeled&nbsp;“Guest Door entrance”&nbsp;(located at both gates).

Students are asked to wear their regalia&nbsp;into&nbsp;GMC. Graduates may make arrangements to pick up their regalia before Monday, May&nbsp;9,&nbsp;at the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>to arrange a pickup time. Regalia will also be available before Friday’s&nbsp;and Saturday’s&nbsp;ceremonies at the Robbins Center (directly north of the GMC parking lot) from 7 to 11 a.m.

Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of Gross Coliseum. Guests will be seated in the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for persons with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs are available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the disability seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and&nbsp;northeast&nbsp;corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.

An interpreter for those who are hearing impaired will be located near the left side of the stage and shown within the commencement live stream video feed.

Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between each commencement ceremony. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In the event of inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.

Here are a few suggestions from University Police to help ease the congestion:

• Guests arriving for the second ceremony are encouraged to arrive no more than 15 to 30 minutes before 10 a.m. Arriving too early will result in guests being forced to park further away or face departing traffic from the first ceremony. Delaying arrival will also allow time for departing guests from the first ceremony to clear the area in preparation for the second ceremony.

• Graduates driving themselves are encouraged to arrive early and park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to GMC. This will better ensure they avoid traffic congestion, get a parking spot, and arrive on time for their ceremony. Shuttles will be available both days before and after both ceremonies with the drop-off station at Gate 3.

• Faculty and staff attending are also encouraged to park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to the ceremonies.

• All guests are encouraged to carpool when possible. Fewer cars will ease traffic congestion and increase the amount of parking at GMC.&nbsp;

• VIP parking is available on the west side of GMC, with handicapped parking on the east side.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651527153925.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1,650 graduates during its spring commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14.&nbsp;Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in ceremonies both mornings at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;Following is a schedule for the 2022 commencement (all times Central):• 8 a.m. Friday – College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.• 11 a.m. Friday – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences• 8 a.m. Saturday – Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.• 11 a.m. Saturday – College of Education.• 2 p.m. Saturday – Virtual ceremonies for graduates.• 4 p.m. Saturday – Virtual ceremonies for undergraduates.All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be located on the Tiger Media Network and the FHSU Facebook&nbsp;Page. An individual is not required to sign up for a Facebook account to view the ceremonies.Recordings of the virtual ceremonies will be archived on the FHSU YouTube channel, with the link provided on the commencement website on the “Programs and Videos” tab.Doors to GMC and the adjoining Cunningham Hall will open at 7:15 a.m. Graduates will check in at Gate 2 or Gate 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter the door labeled&nbsp;“Guest Door entrance”&nbsp;(located at both gates).Students are asked to wear their regalia&nbsp;into&nbsp;GMC. Graduates may make arrangements to pick up their regalia before Monday, May&nbsp;9,&nbsp;at the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>to arrange a pickup time. Regalia will also be available before Friday’s&nbsp;and Saturday’s&nbsp;ceremonies at the Robbins Center (directly north of the GMC parking lot) from 7 to 11 a.m.Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of Gross Coliseum. Guests will be seated in the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for persons with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs are available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the disability seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and&nbsp;northeast&nbsp;corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.An interpreter for those who are hearing impaired will be located near the left side of the stage and shown within the commencement live stream video feed.Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between each commencement ceremony. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In the event of inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.Here are a few suggestions from University Police to help ease the congestion:• Guests arriving for the second ceremony are encouraged to arrive no more than 15 to 30 minutes before 10 a.m. Arriving too early will result in guests being forced to park further away or face departing traffic from the first ceremony. Delaying arrival will also allow time for departing guests from the first ceremony to clear the area in preparation for the second ceremony.• Graduates driving themselves are encouraged to arrive early and park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to GMC. This will better ensure they avoid traffic congestion, get a parking spot, and arrive on time for their ceremony. Shuttles will be available both days before and after both ceremonies with the drop-off station at Gate 3.• Faculty and staff attending are also encouraged to park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to the ceremonies.• All guests are encouraged to carpool when possible. Fewer cars will ease traffic congestion and increase the amount of parking at GMC.&nbsp;• VIP parking is available on the west side of GMC, with handicapped parking on the east side.

FHSU spring commencement quickly approaching

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

In late March, the city of Hays and its Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomed the annual Kansas Mission of Mercy, the free dental clinic sponsored by Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation.&nbsp;

It was the first time the two-day event was hosted in Hays.

"To cover expenses for the event, $159,000 in funds was raised," Asst. City Manager Collin Bielser told the city commission during their meeting last week.&nbsp;

"Approximately 526 patients were seen, resulting in 471 fillings and over 1,500 extractions occurred," Bielser said, "for a donated service value of $673,000."

More than 500 lay people volunteered at KMOM, including nursing students from Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College, as well as NCK Tech plumbing and electrical students.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2948bc62-23cd-4705-8ef2-b0b54a6cf041">RELATED: READ HAYS POST COVERAGE OF KMOM</a>

Bielser also talked about recent activities of the parks department as spring weather returns.

Parks department employees work year-round to keep existing trees in good health and also plant or transplant new trees on city property throughout town.

A professional contractor was recently hired to trim dead limbs off 21 trees along Chetolah Draw between 22nd Street and Centennial.

"They actually took out two dead and hazardous trees," Bielser said. "City staff collected all the downed branches -  18 truckloads were hauled away." 

During last week's Arbor Day observation, Hays received a "Tree City USA" award from the national Arbor Day Foundation for the 43rd consecutive year.

Parks Director Jeff Boyle was also recognized with the inaugural "Jim Strine Community Forestry Award" by the Kansas Forestry Service.&nbsp; A resident of Hays, Strine was a longtime Kansas State District Forester who passed away in January.

Workers also transplanted 104 seedlings in the city's tree nursery east of Canterbury Drive.&nbsp;

More recent projects and programs conducted by city departments are noted in Collins' report below.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651469941267.jpeg" alt="More than 520 people received free dental care during the KMOM event in Hays hosted by the Kansas Charitable Dental Foundation. (Photo courtesy City of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>More than 520 people received free dental care during the KMOM event in Hays hosted by the Kansas Charitable Dental Foundation. (Photo courtesy City of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIn late March, the city of Hays and its Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomed the annual Kansas Mission of Mercy, the free dental clinic sponsored by Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation.&nbsp;It was the first time the two-day event was hosted in Hays."To cover expenses for the event, $159,000 in funds was raised," Asst. City Manager Collin Bielser told the city commission during their meeting last week.&nbsp;"Approximately 526 patients were seen, resulting in 471 fillings and over 1,500 extractions occurred," Bielser said, "for a donated service value of $673,000."More than 500 lay people volunteered at KMOM, including nursing students from Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College, as well as NCK Tech plumbing and electrical students.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2948bc62-23cd-4705-8ef2-b0b54a6cf041">RELATED: READ HAYS POST COVERAGE OF KMOM</a>Bielser also talked about recent activities of the parks department as spring weather returns.Parks department employees work year-round to keep existing trees in good health and also plant or transplant new trees on city property throughout town.A professional contractor was recently hired to trim dead limbs off 21 trees along Chetolah Draw between 22nd Street and Centennial."They actually took out two dead and hazardous trees," Bielser said. "City staff collected all the downed branches - 18 truckloads were hauled away." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651470883949.jpeg" alt="Hays Parks Director Jeff Boyle was awarded&nbsp;the inaugural "Jim Strine Community Forestry Award" by the Kansas Forestry Service. (Photo courtesy City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>Hays Parks Director Jeff Boyle was awarded&nbsp;the inaugural "Jim Strine Community Forestry Award" by the Kansas Forestry Service. (Photo courtesy City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>During last week's Arbor Day observation, Hays received a "Tree City USA" award from the national Arbor Day Foundation for the 43rd consecutive year.Parks Director Jeff Boyle was also recognized with the inaugural "Jim Strine Community Forestry Award" by the Kansas Forestry Service.&nbsp; A resident of Hays, Strine was a longtime Kansas State District Forester who passed away in January.Workers also transplanted 104 seedlings in the city's tree nursery east of Canterbury Drive.&nbsp;More recent projects and programs conducted by city departments are noted in Collins' report below.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Aut6eW0Dyg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 More than 520 patients treated in Hays during KMOM free dental clinic

For the first time since 2019, Fort Hays State University’s Hispanic College Institute will be back to a full schedule in June.

The HCI is a free, four-day residential program held on the FHSU campus. It is targeted at first-generation high school students who are entering their junior or senior year in the 2022-23 academic year. However, any high school student entering their junior or senior year in high school is welcome to attend. Fort Hays State provides free transportation to campus for the students, and there is still time to sign up. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtNIf0BcSsqrLMDeEjdN2qtIkpczItI0Et0EkSPCweMFyWrMy_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem4jaG3ekCg3VtduxEejvM-2FKgidVT9Dwi1vSpHHqcntiUmyh0ib-2BgAtxP8tSNDOaedw-2BUd9NAp8lEQfiOQCVWSsk4CLhyNp2NsVNXjyZu92N82TpKShTRt3spLWOklwTAl4KhVf74-2F-2F5t5tsskW1qAvSbTg0LZAlRfqaTzhIHaxYD-2BiiuFa3seKdi3g2GGeq7LIZhdp6czl8P3-2BauqHLr6SoyMHVgQ6tvR0gjqhdfNdlogVnPcG4eTvj1SYl3k-2B5evgJjVoDzW3Z-2FqWrRj6joJuA-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/hci</a>.

After the pandemic forced the cancellation of the HCI in 2020, it was held in a shortened format last year. Hugo Perez, assistant director of admissions at FHSU, said he and the rest of the HCI planning committee are looking forward to returning to the full four-day, three-night schedule.

Perez well remembers the challenges he faced when trying to apply for college as a senior at Salina Central High School. Neither of his parents, natives of Mexico, were high school graduates. The only frame of reference to post-secondary education for Perez was an uncle who attended college.

So he always gets a feeling of exhilaration this time of year while preparing for the annual HCI.&nbsp;

“Growing up in Salina, most Hispanic students always thought we would work at Tony’s Pizza or Exide Battery because that’s what our parents did,” said Perez, the oldest of three siblings. “To even able to have the knowledge that you anyone can go to college if that’s what you desire to do is huge.”

Perez did attend college and graduated from Garden City Community College and Fort Hays State. But he knows the process would have been easier had he been able to attend the HCI or a program like it.

“It would have given me a path of less resistance, showing us the ropes of even where to start,” he said. “With my parents not having gone to college, that whole experience was eye-opening.”

Students will learn about foundations for success in college, beginning with how to fill out applications for college as well as for financial aid. They will hear from FHSU alumni, telling about the impact that the Fort Hays State education experience has had on their lives. And they will make new friends.

The HCI gives students a taste of college life while introducing them to the beautiful Fort Hays State campus.

This year’s HCI is set for June 1-4. Perez said he can see a difference in students from the time they walk on campus to their departure date.

“The more students we get here, the more students who learn about the college experience,” he said.&nbsp;

“To get an understanding of what college is all about is a tremendous benefit for students,” he said. “The majority of students who come to HCI are first-generation students. This is a way of making them aware of and guiding them through the financial aid and application process – just getting a taste of what college life is like – is so beneficial to them. They find out that they can follow their dream of attending college.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651240212022.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFor the first time since 2019, Fort Hays State University’s Hispanic College Institute will be back to a full schedule in June.The HCI is a free, four-day residential program held on the FHSU campus. It is targeted at first-generation high school students who are entering their junior or senior year in the 2022-23 academic year. However, any high school student entering their junior or senior year in high school is welcome to attend. Fort Hays State provides free transportation to campus for the students, and there is still time to sign up. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtNIf0BcSsqrLMDeEjdN2qtIkpczItI0Et0EkSPCweMFyWrMy_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem4jaG3ekCg3VtduxEejvM-2FKgidVT9Dwi1vSpHHqcntiUmyh0ib-2BgAtxP8tSNDOaedw-2BUd9NAp8lEQfiOQCVWSsk4CLhyNp2NsVNXjyZu92N82TpKShTRt3spLWOklwTAl4KhVf74-2F-2F5t5tsskW1qAvSbTg0LZAlRfqaTzhIHaxYD-2BiiuFa3seKdi3g2GGeq7LIZhdp6czl8P3-2BauqHLr6SoyMHVgQ6tvR0gjqhdfNdlogVnPcG4eTvj1SYl3k-2B5evgJjVoDzW3Z-2FqWrRj6joJuA-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/hci</a>.After the pandemic forced the cancellation of the HCI in 2020, it was held in a shortened format last year. Hugo Perez, assistant director of admissions at FHSU, said he and the rest of the HCI planning committee are looking forward to returning to the full four-day, three-night schedule.Perez well remembers the challenges he faced when trying to apply for college as a senior at Salina Central High School. Neither of his parents, natives of Mexico, were high school graduates. The only frame of reference to post-secondary education for Perez was an uncle who attended college.So he always gets a feeling of exhilaration this time of year while preparing for the annual HCI.&nbsp;“Growing up in Salina, most Hispanic students always thought we would work at Tony’s Pizza or Exide Battery because that’s what our parents did,” said Perez, the oldest of three siblings. “To even able to have the knowledge that you anyone can go to college if that’s what you desire to do is huge.”Perez did attend college and graduated from Garden City Community College and Fort Hays State. But he knows the process would have been easier had he been able to attend the HCI or a program like it.“It would have given me a path of less resistance, showing us the ropes of even where to start,” he said. “With my parents not having gone to college, that whole experience was eye-opening.”Students will learn about foundations for success in college, beginning with how to fill out applications for college as well as for financial aid. They will hear from FHSU alumni, telling about the impact that the Fort Hays State education experience has had on their lives. And they will make new friends.The HCI gives students a taste of college life while introducing them to the beautiful Fort Hays State campus.This year’s HCI is set for June 1-4. Perez said he can see a difference in students from the time they walk on campus to their departure date.“The more students we get here, the more students who learn about the college experience,” he said.&nbsp;“To get an understanding of what college is all about is a tremendous benefit for students,” he said. “The majority of students who come to HCI are first-generation students. This is a way of making them aware of and guiding them through the financial aid and application process – just getting a taste of what college life is like – is so beneficial to them. They find out that they can follow their dream of attending college.”

Hispanic College Institute scheduled for June at FHSU

LA CROSSE — La Crosse is gearing up for the 56th annual Barbed Wire Festival May 5 to 7. For over 50 years, people have been traveling from all over the western United States to take part in this unique annual event. This year’s theme is “Sailing into a New Adventure.”

This year’s festival features a special exhibition of “In Search of Earth’s Secrets” in cooperation with Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Funded by the National Science Foundation, In Search of Earth's Secrets allows audiences to enjoy hands-on experience while learning about exciting science topics researched by the JOIDES Resolution such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the extinction of the dinosaurs. The exhibit will be on display at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum from May 5-17, 2022.

On Friday, the festivities begin at 8:00am at the La Crosse City Auditorium with displays of antiques and collectibles, crafts items, military displays, and of course, lots of barbed wire related items. The favorite “Tribute to Veterans” will once again be on display with historical military items, some never before seen. Displays will be open until 5:00pm.

Festivities move to the La Crosse Fire Department for the Barbecue and Casino Night at 6:30pm. After enjoying homemade burgers, brats and more, participants receive free “Barbed Bucks” that they can use to play a variety of casino style games. At the end of the evening, participants use their “Barbed Bucks” to purchase items in a fun and exciting live auction. Cost of the meal is $10, but there is no charge to participate in the games. Proceeds support the educational mission of the museum.

Saturday is filled with events for all ages. The auditorium opens at 8:00 am for a second day of displays. For bargain hunters, there will be community garage sales throughout town with maps available at the Festival Registration Desk. At 10:00, “The World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest”™ starts with men’s, ladies’ and youth competitions open to everyone.&nbsp;

Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the Live Fund Raising Auction featuring barbed wire and other collectibles offered to the highest bidder. At 6:30, the festival moves to the La Crosse Country Club for the Evening Banquet featuring live music. A limited number of banquet tickets are available.&nbsp;

The festival concludes on Sunday with a non-denominational church service at 11:00 am in the Grass Park Shelter House across the creek from the museum complex followed by a community picnic sponsored by the La Crosse United Methodist Church. For more information, or a full schedule of events, visit us at <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/wireshow">www.rushcounty.org/wireshow</a> or on Facebook. Questions, call 785-222-2808. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association. All activities are open to the public and there is no admission charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651345290092.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLA CROSSE — La Crosse is gearing up for the 56th annual Barbed Wire Festival May 5 to 7. For over 50 years, people have been traveling from all over the western United States to take part in this unique annual event. This year’s theme is “Sailing into a New Adventure.”This year’s festival features a special exhibition of “In Search of Earth’s Secrets” in cooperation with Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Funded by the National Science Foundation, In Search of Earth's Secrets allows audiences to enjoy hands-on experience while learning about exciting science topics researched by the JOIDES Resolution such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the extinction of the dinosaurs. The exhibit will be on display at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum from May 5-17, 2022.On Friday, the festivities begin at 8:00am at the La Crosse City Auditorium with displays of antiques and collectibles, crafts items, military displays, and of course, lots of barbed wire related items. The favorite “Tribute to Veterans” will once again be on display with historical military items, some never before seen. Displays will be open until 5:00pm.Festivities move to the La Crosse Fire Department for the Barbecue and Casino Night at 6:30pm. After enjoying homemade burgers, brats and more, participants receive free “Barbed Bucks” that they can use to play a variety of casino style games. At the end of the evening, participants use their “Barbed Bucks” to purchase items in a fun and exciting live auction. Cost of the meal is $10, but there is no charge to participate in the games. Proceeds support the educational mission of the museum.Saturday is filled with events for all ages. The auditorium opens at 8:00 am for a second day of displays. For bargain hunters, there will be community garage sales throughout town with maps available at the Festival Registration Desk. At 10:00, “The World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest”™ starts with men’s, ladies’ and youth competitions open to everyone.&nbsp;Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the Live Fund Raising Auction featuring barbed wire and other collectibles offered to the highest bidder. At 6:30, the festival moves to the La Crosse Country Club for the Evening Banquet featuring live music. A limited number of banquet tickets are available.&nbsp;The festival concludes on Sunday with a non-denominational church service at 11:00 am in the Grass Park Shelter House across the creek from the museum complex followed by a community picnic sponsored by the La Crosse United Methodist Church. For more information, or a full schedule of events, visit us at <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/wireshow">www.rushcounty.org/wireshow</a> or on Facebook. Questions, call 785-222-2808. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association. All activities are open to the public and there is no admission charge.

56th annual La Crosse Barbed Wire Festival set for this month

The deadline for letters related to the USD 489 bond issue to be considered for publication will be noon Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The deadline for letters related to the USD 489 bond issue to be considered for publication will be noon Wednesday.

USD 489 bond letter deadline is Wednesday

In February,&nbsp;United WE released a report highlighting the&nbsp;growing gender inequalities in our state, particularly&nbsp;in&nbsp;healthcare.

Last week, state lawmakers&nbsp;made a small step towards progress on this issue.

The&nbsp;newest&nbsp;budget funds an&nbsp;extension&nbsp;to&nbsp;KanCare, the state’s&nbsp;Medicaid program,&nbsp;for&nbsp;postpartum health coverage.&nbsp;

KanCare’s&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;coverage was extended from 60 days to 12 months.Previously, there&nbsp;had been&nbsp;a temporary&nbsp;expansion&nbsp;of coverage&nbsp;under federal COVID policy.

This policy change is the result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of Kansas maternal health stakeholders to make the temporary extension permanent.&nbsp;

The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that about 30% of births last year were covered by&nbsp;KanCare.

Additionally, the percentage of working age women in Kansas without health insurance coverage increased&nbsp;by&nbsp;10% from 2018-2019 and is higher than the national average. The number of women in poverty without health insurance is on the rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas, while the rest of the country decreases.

The&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;extension&nbsp;provides&nbsp;much needed, and potentially lifesaving,&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;healthcare coverage&nbsp;for Kansas&nbsp;women.

There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of severe health complications as an unintended outcome of pregnancy, labor, and delivery among Kansas women. Between 2016-2019, the number of severe complications increased nearly 5% each year.

The Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee&nbsp;found that between&nbsp;2016-2018, an alarming 92% of&nbsp;pregnancy-associated mortalities were preventable.&nbsp;Over 47%&nbsp;of these deaths&nbsp;occurred 43 days to one year after the end of the pregnancy.&nbsp;A period now covered under&nbsp;KanCare’spostpartum expansion.

According to the March of Dimes, women living in poverty and women of color are more likely to experience maternal physical and mental health conditions and are less likely to get help due to lack of healthcare access.&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;expansion has the potential to close that gap.

As of 2020,&nbsp;March of Dimes&nbsp;found&nbsp;45 counties in Kansas&nbsp;to be&nbsp;maternity care deserts. An additional 24 counties have low access to maternity care. Those counties are home to over 93,000 women,&nbsp;ages&nbsp;15-44.

Healthcare may still be out of reach for a sizeable number of&nbsp;low-income&nbsp;women in Kansas, butfor the women now covered under the&nbsp;expansion,&nbsp;those 12 months of coverage could quite&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;be the difference between life and death.

Additionally, a 2017 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that parental enrollment in Medicaid is associated with a 29% higher likelihood a child will receive annual well-child visits.&nbsp;

Maternal health advocates — both providers and private citizens — made this&nbsp;KanCareexpansion happen by lobbying state lawmakers to address the&nbsp;growing&nbsp;maternal health crisis.

For a political scientist&nbsp;and eternal optimist&nbsp;like myself, it’s heartening to see civic&nbsp;virtue&nbsp;in action.&nbsp;

So many of our state’s&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;are disillusioned with politics and government at every level.

For many, government never does enough&nbsp;to address citizen concerns. They never do it fast enough. And they never do exactly what&nbsp;is&nbsp;wanted, or&nbsp;even&nbsp;needed. Their work&nbsp;is&nbsp;often filled with half measures and compromises. But in a few instances, like this one, we see average people stepping up and pressuring policymakers for much&nbsp;needed change.

I hope this serves as an example to Kansas’ citizens, especially our young people, that government can make&nbsp;good&nbsp;policy that isn’t dragged down by partisan bickering and in-fighting. Sometimes it just takes a little&nbsp;civic virtue and&nbsp;grassroots&nbsp;advocacy.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD&nbsp;is an Assistant&nbsp;Professor of Political Science at&nbsp;Wichita State&nbsp;University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>In February,&nbsp;United WE released a report highlighting the&nbsp;growing gender inequalities in our state, particularly&nbsp;in&nbsp;healthcare.Last week, state lawmakers&nbsp;made a small step towards progress on this issue.The&nbsp;newest&nbsp;budget funds an&nbsp;extension&nbsp;to&nbsp;KanCare, the state’s&nbsp;Medicaid program,&nbsp;for&nbsp;postpartum health coverage.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KanCare’s&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;coverage was extended from 60 days to 12 months.Previously, there&nbsp;had been&nbsp;a temporary&nbsp;expansion&nbsp;of coverage&nbsp;under federal COVID policy.This policy change is the result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of Kansas maternal health stakeholders to make the temporary extension permanent.&nbsp;The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that about 30% of births last year were covered by&nbsp;KanCare.Additionally, the percentage of working age women in Kansas without health insurance coverage increased&nbsp;by&nbsp;10% from 2018-2019 and is higher than the national average. The number of women in poverty without health insurance is on the rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas, while the rest of the country decreases.The&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;extension&nbsp;provides&nbsp;much needed, and potentially lifesaving,&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;healthcare coverage&nbsp;for Kansas&nbsp;women.There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of severe health complications as an unintended outcome of pregnancy, labor, and delivery among Kansas women. Between 2016-2019, the number of severe complications increased nearly 5% each year.The Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee&nbsp;found that between&nbsp;2016-2018, an alarming 92% of&nbsp;pregnancy-associated mortalities were preventable.&nbsp;Over 47%&nbsp;of these deaths&nbsp;occurred 43 days to one year after the end of the pregnancy.&nbsp;A period now covered under&nbsp;KanCare’spostpartum expansion.According to the March of Dimes, women living in poverty and women of color are more likely to experience maternal physical and mental health conditions and are less likely to get help due to lack of healthcare access.&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;expansion has the potential to close that gap.As of 2020,&nbsp;March of Dimes&nbsp;found&nbsp;45 counties in Kansas&nbsp;to be&nbsp;maternity care deserts. An additional 24 counties have low access to maternity care. Those counties are home to over 93,000 women,&nbsp;ages&nbsp;15-44.Healthcare may still be out of reach for a sizeable number of&nbsp;low-income&nbsp;women in Kansas, butfor the women now covered under the&nbsp;expansion,&nbsp;those 12 months of coverage could quite&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;be the difference between life and death.Additionally, a 2017 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that parental enrollment in Medicaid is associated with a 29% higher likelihood a child will receive annual well-child visits.&nbsp;Maternal health advocates — both providers and private citizens — made this&nbsp;KanCareexpansion happen by lobbying state lawmakers to address the&nbsp;growing&nbsp;maternal health crisis.For a political scientist&nbsp;and eternal optimist&nbsp;like myself, it’s heartening to see civic&nbsp;virtue&nbsp;in action.&nbsp;So many of our state’s&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;are disillusioned with politics and government at every level.For many, government never does enough&nbsp;to address citizen concerns. They never do it fast enough. And they never do exactly what&nbsp;is&nbsp;wanted, or&nbsp;even&nbsp;needed. Their work&nbsp;is&nbsp;often filled with half measures and compromises. But in a few instances, like this one, we see average people stepping up and pressuring policymakers for much&nbsp;needed change.I hope this serves as an example to Kansas’ citizens, especially our young people, that government can make&nbsp;good&nbsp;policy that isn’t dragged down by partisan bickering and in-fighting. Sometimes it just takes a little&nbsp;civic virtue and&nbsp;grassroots&nbsp;advocacy.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD&nbsp;is an Assistant&nbsp;Professor of Political Science at&nbsp;Wichita State&nbsp;University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Grassroots advocacy expands postpartum coverage

As we gear up for the last week of the most important election in this community, it saddens me how mean and nasty some people have become when your viewpoint is different than theirs.&nbsp; Everyone has their own opinion and their own viewpoint, and if it is different than yours, we should agree to disagree.

Before you vote on May 10, I hope that you consider the following:

• Do we really need a new high school or should we just fix what's broken in the schools we have?

• Who benefits the most with a new high school? Is it the education of the young minds?

• Will our children and grandchildren be able to afford to live in Hays if this bond passes? They will be the ones paying it off.

• If this bond passes, do you realize our current first graders (age 6) will be 36 years old and high school seniors (age 18) will be 48 years old when the bond is paid off?

• What about the direct financial impact this will have for the elderly and those on fixed incomes?

• Inflation is at the highest rate it's been in the last 40 years with no end in sight.

• There will need to be roads constructed on&nbsp;E. 13th St.&nbsp;or Canterbury. Will this bring more taxes to the community?

• Will appraisals for&nbsp;homes close to the high school&nbsp;DOUBLE&nbsp;as they did in Garden City when their new high school was finished? Most of those homes were constructed after the high school was built so we don't know what impact that will be for those homeowners.

• Mainstream media is discussing a recession. What would happen if a recession does hit?&nbsp;

• Why can’t we fix what is broken and save our community from higher taxes?

• Let’s not tax this community out of existence!

My dad was a very wise man and taught me that if you can't afford something don't buy it. You fix what's broken and you make do with what you have. You live below your means and save for what you want.&nbsp;

I don’t know about you, BUT I am tired of paying more and more taxes.&nbsp;

As we gear up for the last week of the most important election in this community, it saddens me how mean and nasty some people have become when your viewpoint is different than theirs.&nbsp; Everyone has their own opinion and their own viewpoint, and if it is different than yours, we should agree to disagree.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Before you vote on May 10, I hope that you consider the following:• Do we really need a new high school or should we just fix what's broken in the schools we have?• Who benefits the most with a new high school? Is it the education of the young minds?• Will our children and grandchildren be able to afford to live in Hays if this bond passes? They will be the ones paying it off.• If this bond passes, do you realize our current first graders (age 6) will be 36 years old and high school seniors (age 18) will be 48 years old when the bond is paid off?• What about the direct financial impact this will have for the elderly and those on fixed incomes?• Inflation is at the highest rate it's been in the last 40 years with no end in sight.• There will need to be roads constructed on&nbsp;E. 13th St.&nbsp;or Canterbury. Will this bring more taxes to the community?• Will appraisals for&nbsp;homes close to the high school&nbsp;DOUBLE&nbsp;as they did in Garden City when their new high school was finished? Most of those homes were constructed after the high school was built so we don't know what impact that will be for those homeowners.• Mainstream media is discussing a recession. What would happen if a recession does hit?&nbsp;• Why can’t we fix what is broken and save our community from higher taxes?• Let’s use common sense!• Let’s not tax this community out of existence! My dad was a very wise man and taught me that if you can't afford something don't buy it. You fix what's broken and you make do with what you have. You live below your means and save for what you want.&nbsp;I don’t know about you, BUT I am tired of paying more and more taxes.&nbsp;IT IS SIMPLY NOT THE RIGHT TIME!&nbsp;Cindy Weigel, Hays

LETTER: Time is not right for USD 489 bond

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651263944200.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 NORTHWEST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING INFORMATION DAY IS BACK!

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OLDER KANSANS AND CAREGIVERS TO LEARN ABOUT SENIOR SERVICES LIKE MEDICARE, AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES, SCAMS, FRAUDS, MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH SERVICES AS WELL AS VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

WE'LL HAVE REFRESHMENTS DOOR PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS.

JOIN US SATURDAY, MAY 7TH FROM 9-2 AT THE HAYS SENIOR CENTER LOCATED ON OLD 40 JUST EAST OF THE ROSE GARDEN BANQUET HALL.

CONTACT NORTHWEST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING WITH QUESTIONS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650898346131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>THE NORTHWEST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING INFORMATION DAY IS BACK!THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OLDER KANSANS AND CAREGIVERS TO LEARN ABOUT SENIOR SERVICES LIKE MEDICARE, AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES, SCAMS, FRAUDS, MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH SERVICES AS WELL AS VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMSWE'LL HAVE REFRESHMENTS DOOR PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS.JOIN US SATURDAY, MAY 7TH FROM 9-2 AT THE HAYS SENIOR CENTER LOCATED ON OLD 40 JUST EAST OF THE ROSE GARDEN BANQUET HALL.CONTACT NORTHWEST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING WITH QUESTIONS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650898371862.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: How in the world did that happen?

Dave Schoendaller with Glassman Corporation was elected to the Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors of Kansas. 

There was an extensive nomination process through AGC member companies. This position consists of a three-year term that started on January 1, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651162785711.jpeg" alt="Dave Schoendallar" />
 <figcaption>Dave Schoendallar</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDave Schoendaller with Glassman Corporation was elected to the Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors of Kansas. There was an extensive nomination process through AGC member companies. This position consists of a three-year term that started on January 1, 2022.

Schoendaller named to trade industry board of directors

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

The Country Cuts Salon, 700 E 8th, recently opened
in Hays, but while the 20-year-old owner is just getting started, she continues
a family tradition dating back almost three decades.

While owner and stylist Kenna Spencer was ready to strike
out on her own, she also leans heavily on her mother’s experience in the field
and tailored her shop to reflect the casual, hometown atmosphere that was found
in her mother’s shop.

“After 28 years, I sold my salon and so my clients are all
going to her now. So, I am in here just kind of teaching her the ways of how I
do hair and with my clients,” said long-time Hays stylist and former owner of
Hair Repair Salon Kathy Zimmerman-Cossaart.

She had hoped Spencer would someday take over her salon
after finishing training at the Hays Academy of Hair Design, 1214 E 27th,
but an unexpected setback changed that goal.

“The goal was for her to come to
work at my salon and take over, but she ended up being diagnosed with MS,” Zimmerman-Cossaart
said. “So, kind of put a little lump in.”

With the diagnosis, even finishing
her training was in question, and so she sold Hair Repair to one of her long-time
stylists.

But Spencer was not going to let her
goal of succeeding her mother end completely.

“Before I got diagnosed with MS…I didn't
want her salon just to go to anybody or her clients to go to anybody,” Spencer
said. “Because I know they're like family to her. So, in my mind, I wanted to
do that for her.”

Moving past the diagnosis, it would
take her nearly two years to graduate from the academy, but out of that time
came a blessing – she would connect with two other students that now also work
in the salon.

Reagan Musquiz, is a cosmetologist, nail tech, lash tech and
offers sugaring in the salon while Afrika King, is also a cosmetologist, lash tech, nail tech, sugaring and works as a massage therapist.

“I didn't graduate with the class I started with,” Spencer
said. “I graduated with their class and the class below them. So, they kind of
just brought me into their class and made me feel more comfortable at school.”

“I think also, one thing we really have to give credit to
and for is Hays Hair Academy because they really allowed us to venture out and
try a little bit of everything and so for us all graduating from there, we got
to really figure out what our passion was,” Musquiz said.

“I actually started at Fort Hays massage therapy program,”
King said. “I didn't actually think that I was going to be a cosmetologist.
Like that wasn't like my lifelong dream or anything, I just kind of fell into
it because of COVID and fell in love with it. So, I already did massages before
that. And then when we were in school, I was just doing all of the extra
classes that you could, because I was just interested.

“I think that's the great thing about cosmetology and about
us is that we all have different passions, we all shine in different places,”
Musquiz said. "While we all also, especially with Kathy being here, we get to
learn from each other. ... We're making a life for ourselves while also growing in this industry.”

So far, Zimmerman-Cossaart said her
former clients have taken to the new salon.

“My clients are very happy,” she
said.

And while she is excited to see her
long-term clients embracing the location, she said she is still somewhat surprised
Spencer went into the family business.

“Frankly, she's my farm girl,”
Zimmerman-Cossaart said. She was “raised out on the farm with her dad and loves
doing that. And then she came to me to say she was gonna do hair.”

“She's very country, but you can
tell it in here,” she continued. “ But (my salon) was the same way. Mine was
very homey."

The laid-back, country vibe is very
much visible throughout the salon.

“I wanted to make it more
comfortable for anybody and everybody to come in, where they don't feel like 'Oh, I don't belong,’” Spencer said.

For more about Country Cuts Salon,
visit their pages on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Country-Cuts-Salon-104194535524225">facebook</a>
and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.country.cuts.salon/">instagram</a>.

For more about Spencer, or to book
services at the salon call, (785) 498-4247.

She also maintains and account on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kutz.with.kenna/?hl=en">instagram.</a>

King can also be found on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aadae_with_afrika/">instagram</a> and booked by
calling (785) 735-4237 or by email at aadaewithafrika@gmail.com.

Musquiz can be found on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/revive_with_reag/">instagram</a> and booked by
calling (785) 871-7779.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651371636143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostThe Country Cuts Salon, 700 E 8th, recently opened
in Hays, but while the 20-year-old owner is just getting started, she continues
a family tradition dating back almost three decades.While owner and stylist Kenna Spencer was ready to strike
out on her own, she also leans heavily on her mother’s experience in the field
and tailored her shop to reflect the casual, hometown atmosphere that was found
in her mother’s shop.“After 28 years, I sold my salon and so my clients are all
going to her now. So, I am in here just kind of teaching her the ways of how I
do hair and with my clients,” said long-time Hays stylist and former owner of
Hair Repair Salon Kathy Zimmerman-Cossaart.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651371564073.jpeg" alt="Left to right: Afrika King, Kenna Spencer, Reagan Musquiz, Kathy Zimmerman-Cossaart" />
 <figcaption>Left to right: Afrika King, Kenna Spencer, Reagan Musquiz, Kathy Zimmerman-Cossaart</figcaption>
 </figure>She had hoped Spencer would someday take over her salon
after finishing training at the Hays Academy of Hair Design, 1214 E 27th,
but an unexpected setback changed that goal.“The goal was for her to come to
work at my salon and take over, but she ended up being diagnosed with MS,” Zimmerman-Cossaart
said. “So, kind of put a little lump in.”With the diagnosis, even finishing
her training was in question, and so she sold Hair Repair to one of her long-time
stylists.But Spencer was not going to let her
goal of succeeding her mother end completely.“Before I got diagnosed with MS…I didn't
want her salon just to go to anybody or her clients to go to anybody,” Spencer
said. “Because I know they're like family to her. So, in my mind, I wanted to
do that for her.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651372053059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Moving past the diagnosis, it would
take her nearly two years to graduate from the academy, but out of that time
came a blessing – she would connect with two other students that now also work
in the salon.Reagan Musquiz, is a cosmetologist, nail tech, lash tech and
offers sugaring in the salon while Afrika King, is also a cosmetologist, lash tech, nail tech, sugaring and works as a massage therapist.“I didn't graduate with the class I started with,” Spencer
said. “I graduated with their class and the class below them. So, they kind of
just brought me into their class and made me feel more comfortable at school.”“I think also, one thing we really have to give credit to
and for is Hays Hair Academy because they really allowed us to venture out and
try a little bit of everything and so for us all graduating from there, we got
to really figure out what our passion was,” Musquiz said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651372089653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I actually started at Fort Hays massage therapy program,”
King said. “I didn't actually think that I was going to be a cosmetologist.
Like that wasn't like my lifelong dream or anything, I just kind of fell into
it because of COVID and fell in love with it. So, I already did massages before
that. And then when we were in school, I was just doing all of the extra
classes that you could, because I was just interested.“I think that's the great thing about cosmetology and about
us is that we all have different passions, we all shine in different places,”
Musquiz said. "While we all also, especially with Kathy being here, we get to
learn from each other. ... We're making a life for ourselves while also growing in this industry.”So far, Zimmerman-Cossaart said her
former clients have taken to the new salon.“My clients are very happy,” she
said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651372133788.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And while she is excited to see her
long-term clients embracing the location, she said she is still somewhat surprised
Spencer went into the family business.“Frankly, she's my farm girl,”
Zimmerman-Cossaart said. She was “raised out on the farm with her dad and loves
doing that. And then she came to me to say she was gonna do hair.”“She's very country, but you can
tell it in here,” she continued. “ But (my salon) was the same way. Mine was
very homey."The laid-back, country vibe is very
much visible throughout the salon.“I wanted to make it more
comfortable for anybody and everybody to come in, where they don't feel like 'Oh, I don't belong,’” Spencer said.For more about Country Cuts Salon,
visit their pages on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Country-Cuts-Salon-104194535524225">facebook</a>
and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.country.cuts.salon/">instagram</a>. For more about Spencer, or to book
services at the salon call, (785) 498-4247.She also maintains and account on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kutz.with.kenna/?hl=en">instagram.</a>King can also be found on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aadae_with_afrika/">instagram</a> and booked by
calling (785) 735-4237 or by email at aadaewithafrika@gmail.com.Musquiz can be found on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/revive_with_reag/">instagram</a> and booked by
calling (785) 871-7779.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651371596783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

A legacy renewed: Hays salon borrows from tradition in new location

Fort Hays State University unveiled plans for a new athletic complex Wednesday. The Schmidt-Bickle Athletic Complex will be a $6.5 million, two-story facility that will span nearly 20,000 square feet.

The facility is possible thanks to two generous $1.5 million-lead gifts from the Schmidt Foundation and Don and Chris Bickle. Don and Chris Bickle are longtime donors of FHSU, as were the late Bob and Pat Schmidt. Those two local couples were never afraid to dream big when it came to supporting student-athletes at Fort Hays State. That philanthropy is continued today through the generosity of the Bickles and the Schmidt Foundation, which carries on Bob’s and Pat’s legacy.

The new complex will be located adjacent to Lewis Field. It has yet to be determined whether the complex will be attached to the current Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility or if it will be a freestanding building in the south endzone of Lewis Field.

The first floor will feature a locker room and training room, and the second floor will provide football coaches offices and additional meeting rooms. A theater-style meeting room will allow the full football team to come together to review game footage.

A locker room large enough to house the entire Tiger football squad will be new for Fort Hays State. Currently, the football team is split between two locker rooms, which is not ideal, said Layke Heimerman, a senior Tiger linebacker from Halstead.

“Although I’m a senior and won’t have the opportunity to benefit from this facility, I’m very excited to see a facility like this come to FHSU, as I care deeply about the program and the future success of it,” Heimerman said. “Having the entire team under one roof will be huge for our program. Not only will this help with the development of freshmen and allow each student-athlete to feel like they’re part of the team, but it will create more camaraderie in the locker room and ultimately lead to stronger team chemistry.”

Heimerman touched on the need for new team meeting rooms as well.

“Specifically for our linebacker group, we had 16 guys this fall – all meeting in one 8x11-foot room,” he said. “Due to the lack of meeting space available, we’re forced to meet in piecemeal groups that can add stress to our players and coaches.”

The new athletic complex will improve physical needs and demands for Tiger Athletics and will also be a big plus with recruitment. A state-of-the-art building can attract and retain high-level student-athletes, which translates into more competitive teams well into the future.

“With the growth of our athletic department over the years, we have simply outgrown our current training facilities and a building like this will allow for a boost in student-athlete care,” said Nate Hepner, head athletic trainer for FHSU Athletics, who said the new facility will house a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy area including a walk-in hot tub and cold tub along with a game-changing underwater treadmill.

“With these additions, our new athletic training room will be on par with many Division I universities and professional teams, but most importantly will set us apart as a leader in sports medicine across the highly competitive MIAA conference, as well as Division II as a whole,” Hepner added. “Our student-athletes make a commitment to Fort Hays State, and the new Schmidt-Bickle Athletic Complex will showcase the university’s commitment to keeping those students healthy while they compete.”

Chris Brown, head football coach at FHSU, thanked Tiger Nation, saying “we have some of the greatest supporters in the country.”

“Words can’t explain how grateful we are. Without you and your support we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Brown said. “We appreciate all that you do for Tiger Athletics, and may God bless each and every one of you.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651183820762.jpeg" alt="Preliminary sketch of new athletic complex at FHSU." />
 <figcaption>Preliminary sketch of new athletic complex at FHSU.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationFort Hays State University unveiled plans for a new athletic complex Wednesday. The Schmidt-Bickle Athletic Complex will be a $6.5 million, two-story facility that will span nearly 20,000 square feet.The facility is possible thanks to two generous $1.5 million-lead gifts from the Schmidt Foundation and Don and Chris Bickle. Don and Chris Bickle are longtime donors of FHSU, as were the late Bob and Pat Schmidt. Those two local couples were never afraid to dream big when it came to supporting student-athletes at Fort Hays State. That philanthropy is continued today through the generosity of the Bickles and the Schmidt Foundation, which carries on Bob’s and Pat’s legacy.The new complex will be located adjacent to Lewis Field. It has yet to be determined whether the complex will be attached to the current Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility or if it will be a freestanding building in the south endzone of Lewis Field.The first floor will feature a locker room and training room, and the second floor will provide football coaches offices and additional meeting rooms. A theater-style meeting room will allow the full football team to come together to review game footage.A locker room large enough to house the entire Tiger football squad will be new for Fort Hays State. Currently, the football team is split between two locker rooms, which is not ideal, said Layke Heimerman, a senior Tiger linebacker from Halstead.“Although I’m a senior and won’t have the opportunity to benefit from this facility, I’m very excited to see a facility like this come to FHSU, as I care deeply about the program and the future success of it,” Heimerman said. “Having the entire team under one roof will be huge for our program. Not only will this help with the development of freshmen and allow each student-athlete to feel like they’re part of the team, but it will create more camaraderie in the locker room and ultimately lead to stronger team chemistry.”Heimerman touched on the need for new team meeting rooms as well.“Specifically for our linebacker group, we had 16 guys this fall – all meeting in one 8x11-foot room,” he said. “Due to the lack of meeting space available, we’re forced to meet in piecemeal groups that can add stress to our players and coaches.”The new athletic complex will improve physical needs and demands for Tiger Athletics and will also be a big plus with recruitment. A state-of-the-art building can attract and retain high-level student-athletes, which translates into more competitive teams well into the future.“With the growth of our athletic department over the years, we have simply outgrown our current training facilities and a building like this will allow for a boost in student-athlete care,” said Nate Hepner, head athletic trainer for FHSU Athletics, who said the new facility will house a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy area including a walk-in hot tub and cold tub along with a game-changing underwater treadmill.“With these additions, our new athletic training room will be on par with many Division I universities and professional teams, but most importantly will set us apart as a leader in sports medicine across the highly competitive MIAA conference, as well as Division II as a whole,” Hepner added. “Our student-athletes make a commitment to Fort Hays State, and the new Schmidt-Bickle Athletic Complex will showcase the university’s commitment to keeping those students healthy while they compete.”Chris Brown, head football coach at FHSU, thanked Tiger Nation, saying “we have some of the greatest supporters in the country.”“Words can’t explain how grateful we are. Without you and your support we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Brown said. “We appreciate all that you do for Tiger Athletics, and may God bless each and every one of you.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional fundraising for the athletic complex is underway. Those interested in helping to make this project a reality, contact Jared Schiel with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5755 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jschiel@fhsu.edu">jschiel@fhsu.edu</a>.

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