CHEYENNE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Tuesday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Kia passenger vehicle driven by Leslie S. Reneau, 71, Laird, Colorado, was northbound on Kansas 27 twelve miles north of St. Francis.

The vehicle's passenger side tires went off the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected and the KIA traveled off the roadway to the left. The driver overcorrected again and the vehicle rolled into the west ditch.

EMS transported Reneau to the hospital in St. Francis. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CHEYENNE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Tuesday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Kia passenger vehicle driven by Leslie S. Reneau, 71, Laird, Colorado, was northbound on Kansas 27 twelve miles north of St. Francis.The vehicle's passenger side tires went off the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected and the KIA traveled off the roadway to the left. The driver overcorrected again and the vehicle rolled into the west ditch.EMS transported Reneau to the hospital in St. Francis. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after NW Kansas rollover accident

The Ellis County Historical Society is gearing up for an
exciting year and they need you to make it happen. 

In a time when many are asking for money, ECHS is asking for
your time. Whether you have a few spare hours or want to help on a regular
basis, there is something for everyone. 

ECHS is kicking off the summer with a volunteer drive on
Thursday, April 28th in the Stone Church at 100 W 7th in Hays. Come and go from
6:00 to 8:00 pm and get a peek behind the scenes of ECHS, learn about the
upcoming projects, and ask all those burning questions. 

There is no obligation to volunteer but ECHS needs your
talents to make their dreams come true. All skill sets are needed from clerical
to manual labor. 

They will need a volunteer army to tackle the challenges of
“Saving Our Past’s Future.” 

Please consider giving your time and talent to ECHS.&nbsp; Contact ECHS at 785-628-2624 or at
director@echshays.org if you have any questions. Hope to see you on April 28th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651002869453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ellis County Historical Society is gearing up for an
exciting year and they need you to make it happen. In a time when many are asking for money, ECHS is asking for
your time. Whether you have a few spare hours or want to help on a regular
basis, there is something for everyone. ECHS is kicking off the summer with a volunteer drive on
Thursday, April 28th in the Stone Church at 100 W 7th in Hays. Come and go from
6:00 to 8:00 pm and get a peek behind the scenes of ECHS, learn about the
upcoming projects, and ask all those burning questions. There is no obligation to volunteer but ECHS needs your
talents to make their dreams come true. All skill sets are needed from clerical
to manual labor. They will need a volunteer army to tackle the challenges of
“Saving Our Past’s Future.” Please consider giving your time and talent to ECHS.&nbsp; Contact ECHS at 785-628-2624 or at
director@echshays.org if you have any questions. Hope to see you on April 28th.

Ellis County Historical Society hosting volunteer open house

Three Fort Hays State University students will be honored during the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting graduate dinner on May 3.

Two students will receive Student-of-the-Year awards for the 2021-22 school year in person. The third student lives in Spain, so a formal presentation cannot be scheduled. However, he will be recognized at the dinner.

The Accounting Student of the Year is Tatum Kimzey. She graduated in December 2021&nbsp;with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting and a concentration in public accounting. She is from Catharine and has been employed by Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAs in Hays since January.

The Finance Student of the Year is Logan Lix. He will graduate in May&nbsp;with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in finance and a concentration in banking. He is from Wright.

The International Business and Economics student of the year is Pol van Riet Miranda. He will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in international business and economics. He is from Naples, N.Y., and is currently living in Barcelona, Spain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650901423689.jpeg" alt="From left: Tatum Kimzey, Logan Lix, and Pol van Riet Miranda." />
 <figcaption>From left: Tatum Kimzey, Logan Lix, and Pol van Riet Miranda.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThree Fort Hays State University students will be honored during the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting graduate dinner on May 3.Two students will receive Student-of-the-Year awards for the 2021-22 school year in person. The third student lives in Spain, so a formal presentation cannot be scheduled. However, he will be recognized at the dinner.The Accounting Student of the Year is Tatum Kimzey. She graduated in December 2021&nbsp;with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting and a concentration in public accounting. She is from Catharine and has been employed by Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAs in Hays since January.The Finance Student of the Year is Logan Lix. He will graduate in May&nbsp;with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in finance and a concentration in banking. He is from Wright.The International Business and Economics student of the year is Pol van Riet Miranda. He will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in international business and economics. He is from Naples, N.Y., and is currently living in Barcelona, Spain.

FHSU honors economics, finance and accounting students of the year

BUNKER HILL — "Doctors on Call," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature therapists Dayna Hauschild and Beth Christians with High Plains Mental Health.&nbsp; This episode will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday and will focus on trauma.

"Doctors on Call" is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.&nbsp;

Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — "Doctors on Call," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature therapists Dayna Hauschild and Beth Christians with High Plains Mental Health.&nbsp; This episode will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday and will focus on trauma."Doctors on Call" is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.&nbsp;

'Doctors on Call' episode will focus on mental health

Hays High and the Hays High Booster Club is looking forward to hosting the 2022 KU Barnstorming Tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets will be available soon only at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.barnstormingtour.com/">http://www.barnstormingtour.com/</a>

<a href="http://www.barnstormingtour.com/"></a>Tickets are not sold by Hays High or at the gate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650986689888.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High and the Hays High Booster Club is looking forward to hosting the 2022 KU Barnstorming Tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets will be available soon only at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.barnstormingtour.com/">http://www.barnstormingtour.com/</a><a href="http://www.barnstormingtour.com/"></a>Tickets are not sold by Hays High or at the gate.

🎥 Dry weather provides chance to clean, compact farm ponds 

Crude prices tumbled six percent on Monday, with fresh demand fears blamed on the fresh outbreak of the COVID virus in China. After losing nearly two dollars a barrel on Friday, crude prices on Monday dropped to their lowest level in ten days. By lunchtime Monday, prices were down six percent with WTI fetching just over $96 a barrel and London Brent trading just over $100. On Friday, Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped nearly two dollars and starts the week at $92.25 per barrel. Gasoline prices are rising again. According to the auto club Triple-A, demand is ticking back up in areas where pump prices are below four dollars. The national average price for a gallon of regular rose to $4.12, up four cents from a week ago, down 12 cents from a month ago, and up about $1.25 per gallon over a year ago. Kansas prices were up as well, rising 11 cents a gallon on the week to average $3.77 a gallon. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a spike in Kansas drilling activity, with new spudded wells more than doubling in a week to 368 wells, up 92% year over year. They're scouting 344 wells in various stages of drilling and completion, more than double the tally from a year ago. Operators completed 29 wells last week in western Kansas, including one in Ellis County and three in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 31 new drilling permits across Kansas last week, 20 of them west of Wichita, and 11 in Western Kansas. The weekly rig count is down one rig in eastern Kansas at 19, and up one rig to 30 in the western half of the state. It's been busy in Barton County, with drillers continuing work on one lease and reaching total depth on ten more. Operators were about to spud new wells in Barton and Stafford counties.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 695 active rigs Friday, up one oil rig and up one seeking natural gas. The count in North Dakota was up two rigs. The government reported an 8-million barrel dip in US crude-oil inventories last week. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles as of April 15th dropped to 413.7 million barrels. That's about 15% below the five-year seasonal average. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by800,000 barrels, and are about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. US operators increased production last week by 85,000 barrels per day to just over 11.9 million barrels per day. EIA reports output is more than 900,000 barrels per day ahead of the tally last year at this time. U.S. crude oil imports averaged 5.8 million barrels per day last week, down by 159,000 barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.1 million barrels per day, 3.1% more than the same four-week period last year.&nbsp; US Oil-by-rail shipments last week dipped by more than 853 carloads. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,466 tankers shipping petroleum and petroleum products in the week through April 16th. That's down nearly 22% from a year ago. Canadian traffic dropped slightly from the week before, but rail shipments of Canadian crude are up 14% from a year ago. Oil and gas companies already have millions of acres public lands under lease and thousands of unused permits that can be used for production. The Bureau of Land Management’s deputy director of policy and programs said that the agency has about 25 million acres under lease for oil and gas development nationwide, and only about half of that is in production. The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel newspaper says Colorado has about 2.4 million acres under lease, with production on 1.5 million acres. Authorities in New Mexico continue their crackdown on pollution in the oil patch, now boasting the toughest emissions rules in the nation. The nation's number-two crude producer had already placed dramatic limits on venting and flaring natural gas at production sites. The latest effort focuses on oilfield equipment shown to emit volatile organic compounds and other pollutants. The new law requires producers to calculate and certify their emissions, and to find and fix leaks on a regular basis. The rule would apply to compressors, turbines, heaters and other pneumatic devices used at production sites.&nbsp; Regulators in the number three crude-producing state reported a slight increase in output in February. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports average daily output increased by about 500 barrels per day to 1.089 million barrels per day. The state improved its gas-capture rate to 94%, flaring or venting only six percent of the natural gas produced at its oil wells. Plans are once again moving forward on North Dakota's first major oil pipeline in five years, which was delayed by the pandemic. A hearing on the needed state permits is set next month for Bridger Pipeline's 145-mile South Bend Pipeline. The Bismarck Tribune reports that by the end of the year, the company hopes to move 105,000 barrels per day to its pipeline hub in eastern Montana. China's largest offshore oil producer CNOOC went public in Shanghai last week, after being delisted in the US for its ties to the military. In that country's 11th largest public offering ever, share prices jumped as much as 44% before ending the day 27% higher. The company raised $4.4 billion in the offering.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices tumbled six percent on Monday, with fresh demand fears blamed on the fresh outbreak of the COVID virus in China. After losing nearly two dollars a barrel on Friday, crude prices on Monday dropped to their lowest level in ten days. By lunchtime Monday, prices were down six percent with WTI fetching just over $96 a barrel and London Brent trading just over $100. On Friday, Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped nearly two dollars and starts the week at $92.25 per barrel. Gasoline prices are rising again. According to the auto club Triple-A, demand is ticking back up in areas where pump prices are below four dollars. The national average price for a gallon of regular rose to $4.12, up four cents from a week ago, down 12 cents from a month ago, and up about $1.25 per gallon over a year ago. Kansas prices were up as well, rising 11 cents a gallon on the week to average $3.77 a gallon. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a spike in Kansas drilling activity, with new spudded wells more than doubling in a week to 368 wells, up 92% year over year. They're scouting 344 wells in various stages of drilling and completion, more than double the tally from a year ago. Operators completed 29 wells last week in western Kansas, including one in Ellis County and three in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 31 new drilling permits across Kansas last week, 20 of them west of Wichita, and 11 in Western Kansas. The weekly rig count is down one rig in eastern Kansas at 19, and up one rig to 30 in the western half of the state. It's been busy in Barton County, with drillers continuing work on one lease and reaching total depth on ten more. Operators were about to spud new wells in Barton and Stafford counties.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 695 active rigs Friday, up one oil rig and up one seeking natural gas. The count in North Dakota was up two rigs. The government reported an 8-million barrel dip in US crude-oil inventories last week. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles as of April 15th dropped to 413.7 million barrels. That's about 15% below the five-year seasonal average. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by800,000 barrels, and are about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. US operators increased production last week by 85,000 barrels per day to just over 11.9 million barrels per day. EIA reports output is more than 900,000 barrels per day ahead of the tally last year at this time. U.S. crude oil imports averaged 5.8 million barrels per day last week, down by 159,000 barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.1 million barrels per day, 3.1% more than the same four-week period last year.&nbsp; US Oil-by-rail shipments last week dipped by more than 853 carloads. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,466 tankers shipping petroleum and petroleum products in the week through April 16th. That's down nearly 22% from a year ago. Canadian traffic dropped slightly from the week before, but rail shipments of Canadian crude are up 14% from a year ago. Oil and gas companies already have millions of acres public lands under lease and thousands of unused permits that can be used for production. The Bureau of Land Management’s deputy director of policy and programs said that the agency has about 25 million acres under lease for oil and gas development nationwide, and only about half of that is in production. The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel newspaper says Colorado has about 2.4 million acres under lease, with production on 1.5 million acres. Authorities in New Mexico continue their crackdown on pollution in the oil patch, now boasting the toughest emissions rules in the nation. The nation's number-two crude producer had already placed dramatic limits on venting and flaring natural gas at production sites. The latest effort focuses on oilfield equipment shown to emit volatile organic compounds and other pollutants. The new law requires producers to calculate and certify their emissions, and to find and fix leaks on a regular basis. The rule would apply to compressors, turbines, heaters and other pneumatic devices used at production sites.&nbsp; Regulators in the number three crude-producing state reported a slight increase in output in February. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports average daily output increased by about 500 barrels per day to 1.089 million barrels per day. The state improved its gas-capture rate to 94%, flaring or venting only six percent of the natural gas produced at its oil wells. Plans are once again moving forward on North Dakota's first major oil pipeline in five years, which was delayed by the pandemic. A hearing on the needed state permits is set next month for Bridger Pipeline's 145-mile South Bend Pipeline. The Bismarck Tribune reports that by the end of the year, the company hopes to move 105,000 barrels per day to its pipeline hub in eastern Montana. China's largest offshore oil producer CNOOC went public in Shanghai last week, after being delisted in the US for its ties to the military. In that country's 11th largest public offering ever, share prices jumped as much as 44% before ending the day 27% higher. The company raised $4.4 billion in the offering.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices drop 6 percent

<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/2022/4/1650912442457.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

Glassman Corporation, a prominent Mechanical Construction and Services firm is growing with available employment opportunities!&nbsp; Join our team of topnotch skilled personnel!&nbsp;Successful candidates must have a valid DL, be&nbsp;self-motivated, and goal orientated.&nbsp;Entry level apprentice wage starting at&nbsp;$18.00 per hour. Experienced Licensed Journeyman from $26-$35 per hour, based upon&nbsp;credentials, experience and skill set.&nbsp;Full Time. Advancement Opportunities!&nbsp;

Benefits including 100% employer funded health insurance and dental insurance after the waiting period is complete!

Benefits: • 100% Employer Funded Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Medical Insurance • 100% Employer Funded Humana Dental Insurance • Additional Insurances such as Accident, Disability and Life Insurance available • 401k with Safe Harbor Match • Employee Appreciation Events • Safety Rewards Program • Paid Holidays and PTO • Company Paid Uniforms • Company Vehicle • Company Paid Cell Phone and iPad

Glassman Corporation participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Current Job Openings Include: Project Superintendents Journeyman Plumbers HVAC Technicians Sheet Metal&nbsp;Installers Construction Apprentices

To Apply visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glassmancorp.com/careers" target="_blank">www.glassmancorp.com/careers</a>&nbsp;or visit your local KS Workforce Center.

Learn more about who we are and what we do by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glassmancorp.com/" target="_blank">www.glassmancorp.com</a>!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650576295495.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glassman Corporation, a prominent Mechanical Construction and Services firm is growing with available employment opportunities!&nbsp; Join our team of topnotch skilled personnel!&nbsp;Successful candidates must have a valid DL, be&nbsp;self-motivated, and goal orientated.&nbsp;Entry level apprentice wage starting at&nbsp;$18.00 per hour. Experienced Licensed Journeyman from $26-$35 per hour, based upon&nbsp;credentials, experience and skill set.&nbsp;Full Time. Advancement Opportunities!&nbsp;Benefits including 100% employer funded health insurance and dental insurance after the waiting period is complete!Benefits: • 100% Employer Funded Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Medical Insurance • 100% Employer Funded Humana Dental Insurance • Additional Insurances such as Accident, Disability and Life Insurance available • 401k with Safe Harbor Match • Employee Appreciation Events • Safety Rewards Program • Paid Holidays and PTO • Company Paid Uniforms • Company Vehicle • Company Paid Cell Phone and iPadGlassman Corporation participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Current Job Openings Include: Project Superintendents Journeyman Plumbers HVAC Technicians Sheet Metal&nbsp;Installers Construction ApprenticesTo Apply visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glassmancorp.com/careers" target="_blank">www.glassmancorp.com/careers</a>&nbsp;or visit your local KS Workforce Center.Learn more about who we are and what we do by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glassmancorp.com/" target="_blank">www.glassmancorp.com</a>!

Roll Out the Rain Barrel event set for May 3

VICTORIA—Two years ago, the Ellis County Commission voted to
obstain from paying dues to the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development
Commission, ending access to their services for cities in the county.

But after last week's Victoria City Council meeting, two of
the three major cities in Ellis County – Ellis and Victoria have opted to
independently join the area economic development organization.

Executive director Randy Hrabe first shared with the council
the situation that has led to the group asking cities in the county to sign up
while the county remains a non-member.

We "ran into an issue two years ago when Ellis County
decided not to pay their dues," Hrabe said. "And so they didn't get
some of the services that were available."

He said the Ellis County Commission at the time questioned
the return on investment for Ellis County, while they were the group's largest
source of dues income. 

Along with those concerns, a tight budget led the county to
offer a smaller amount in terms of dues for the year.

The NWKPDC Board of Directors met that action by clarify to the
county that if full dues are not paid, a county would no longer receive voting
rights.

So, in turn, Ellis County paid no dues that year,
effectively ending their membership in the group.

With Ellis historically being by far the largest beneficiary
of the services of the NWKPDC, they worked with the board from the group over
several months to solidify their entry outside of the county membership.

The board decided that for a municipality to join the
membership would be a minimum of $3,500 annually.

Ellis signed up, citing many of the city's projects,
including a new city pool, that had been significantly subsidized by grants
obtained by the NWKPDC.

Hrabe noted even more recently as an example of the benefits of
membership that Ellis received a COVID grant for local businesses while
Victoria and Hays missed out.

"The city of Ellis got $150,000 because they paid
$3,500," Hrabe said.

One of the main reasons Ellis has been about to tap in to
NWKPDC services centers around an eligibility requirement for Community
Development Block Grants, Hrabe said.

A significant amount of grants funded through the NWKPDC are
CBDG Grants. Those grants often rely on income requirements. To get those
requirements, a survey – commonly referred to as an LMI survey must be
completed.

To quality for many of those grants, the majority of
recipients must be reside under an average income threshold for the area the
project will service.

Due to the average income reported for the cities being
higher than the threshold, in the past, Hays and Victoria have failed to
qualify for the bulk of the grants the NWKDPC could secure.

But Hrabe told the council event without the LMI, the city would
benefit from joining and would qualify for a variety of community improvement
projects.

"Victoria does qualify for certain aspects of it,"
Hrabe said. "If you do the whole city all at once, you may not qualify,
but you may qualify by doing an LMI survey and different things."

There is a national objective in low to moderate-income for
most projects, but there are some projects that you can do that do not require
it, said Corina Cox, NWKPDC economic development director.

For the full benefit, the surveys must be completed and
represent a majority of the city population. But that has been problematic in
Victoria, city council members shared with Hrabe.

"Our problem has never been where we're at, our problem
has always been getting surveys back. People here don't fill out surveys. No
matter what we've done," said city council member Zach Katzenbach.
"It doesn't work."

Cox suggested incentivizing participation as much as
possible, while Hrabe suggested letting residents know the potential benefit to
the city if just 51 percent of residents complete the survey.

Despite previous difficulty getting surveys completed,
council member Harland Rupp noted recent infrastructure projects in the city
may encourage participation.

"The only reason I think this time that we have a fair
chance is because we have done a lot last year," Rupp said. "People
are starting to see improvements."

Among the infrastructure development conversations
permeating the town, the potential of a multiuse facility taking root in the
former rest home in the heart of the city and a Greenway trail that would
provide a walking/riding path connecting the city's attractions has driven the
conversation for Victoria to take a similar path as Ellis and join
independently of the county.

Rest homeowner Jeff Pfeifer spoke at the meeting about the
necessity of grants to move those projects forward. A project Hrabe said his
organization could support if the city was a member of the NWKPDC.

"It looked like a good project to me," Hrabe said.
"I mean, it's a way of taking an old facility and turning it into
something for your community."

But without grants, Pfeifer said the project would likely
never come to fruition.

"We're not going to go to a bank to get a loan,"
he said. "We're not going to get investors. We have to have grants. The
whole concept that we're building on is to get some grant stacking, two or
three grants. … That's the only way it's going to happen. And these grants are
going to have to be sponsored or applied for, by the city.”

"So we're going to need help on that," he
continued. "We're gonna need letters of support from the city, because
that looks better on the grant that the city is supporting (it). That, and I
don't have that expertise these guys do."

&nbsp;Cox said plans for
the facility are in line with many of the funding avenues they facilitate, with
funding for multiple projects available as a part of the full plan.

And Pfeifer said he believes the community has shown support
for the effort.

"You've seen the people come into the meetings, this
community is interested in the rest home building," Pfeifer said.

With that interest, he said he believed the community, this
time, would fill out the LMI surveys and give Victoria the potential to receive
similar grants that have powered substantial development in Ellis in recent
years.

And the cost to make the attempt being so low, Rupp said it
was worth the cost.

"That's peanuts because we just said we're going to
match the city's club for $2,500, and they will come up with $2,500. So what is
another $1,000 a year," he said. "$3500 isn't going to break us. It
might give us time to study this and see how we can keep going forward as a
community in growing it and redeveloping."

And the council agreed, ultimately voting 3-2 to join the
NWKPDC, with dues totaling $3,500 for the year.

Before wrapping up, Cox told the council, now "you guys
just have to let me know what your highest priority is."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650769096232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA—Two years ago, the Ellis County Commission voted to
obstain from paying dues to the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development
Commission, ending access to their services for cities in the county.But after last week's Victoria City Council meeting, two of
the three major cities in Ellis County – Ellis and Victoria have opted to
independently join the area economic development organization.Executive director Randy Hrabe first shared with the council
the situation that has led to the group asking cities in the county to sign up
while the county remains a non-member.We "ran into an issue two years ago when Ellis County
decided not to pay their dues," Hrabe said. "And so they didn't get
some of the services that were available."He said the Ellis County Commission at the time questioned
the return on investment for Ellis County, while they were the group's largest
source of dues income. Along with those concerns, a tight budget led the county to
offer a smaller amount in terms of dues for the year.The NWKPDC Board of Directors met that action by clarify to the
county that if full dues are not paid, a county would no longer receive voting
rights.So, in turn, Ellis County paid no dues that year,
effectively ending their membership in the group.<h2>BUT WHAT ABOUT ELLIS…</h2>With Ellis historically being by far the largest beneficiary
of the services of the NWKPDC, they worked with the board from the group over
several months to solidify their entry outside of the county membership.The board decided that for a municipality to join the
membership would be a minimum of $3,500 annually.Ellis signed up, citing many of the city's projects,
including a new city pool, that had been significantly subsidized by grants
obtained by the NWKPDC.Hrabe noted even more recently as an example of the benefits of
membership that Ellis received a COVID grant for local businesses while
Victoria and Hays missed out."The city of Ellis got $150,000 because they paid
$3,500," Hrabe said.One of the main reasons Ellis has been about to tap in to
NWKPDC services centers around an eligibility requirement for Community
Development Block Grants, Hrabe said.A significant amount of grants funded through the NWKPDC are
CBDG Grants. Those grants often rely on income requirements. To get those
requirements, a survey – commonly referred to as an LMI survey must be
completed.To quality for many of those grants, the majority of
recipients must be reside under an average income threshold for the area the
project will service.Due to the average income reported for the cities being
higher than the threshold, in the past, Hays and Victoria have failed to
qualify for the bulk of the grants the NWKDPC could secure.But Hrabe told the council event without the LMI, the city would
benefit from joining and would qualify for a variety of community improvement
projects."Victoria does qualify for certain aspects of it,"
Hrabe said. "If you do the whole city all at once, you may not qualify,
but you may qualify by doing an LMI survey and different things."There is a national objective in low to moderate-income for
most projects, but there are some projects that you can do that do not require
it, said Corina Cox, NWKPDC economic development director.For the full benefit, the surveys must be completed and
represent a majority of the city population. But that has been problematic in
Victoria, city council members shared with Hrabe."Our problem has never been where we're at, our problem
has always been getting surveys back. People here don't fill out surveys. No
matter what we've done," said city council member Zach Katzenbach.
"It doesn't work."Cox suggested incentivizing participation as much as
possible, while Hrabe suggested letting residents know the potential benefit to
the city if just 51 percent of residents complete the survey.Despite previous difficulty getting surveys completed,
council member Harland Rupp noted recent infrastructure projects in the city
may encourage participation."The only reason I think this time that we have a fair
chance is because we have done a lot last year," Rupp said. "People
are starting to see improvements."Among the infrastructure development conversations
permeating the town, the potential of a multiuse facility taking root in the
former rest home in the heart of the city and a Greenway trail that would
provide a walking/riding path connecting the city's attractions has driven the
conversation for Victoria to take a similar path as Ellis and join
independently of the county.Rest homeowner Jeff Pfeifer spoke at the meeting about the
necessity of grants to move those projects forward. A project Hrabe said his
organization could support if the city was a member of the NWKPDC."It looked like a good project to me," Hrabe said.
"I mean, it's a way of taking an old facility and turning it into
something for your community."But without grants, Pfeifer said the project would likely
never come to fruition."We're not going to go to a bank to get a loan,"
he said. "We're not going to get investors. We have to have grants. The
whole concept that we're building on is to get some grant stacking, two or
three grants. … That's the only way it's going to happen. And these grants are
going to have to be sponsored or applied for, by the city.”"So we're going to need help on that," he
continued. "We're gonna need letters of support from the city, because
that looks better on the grant that the city is supporting (it). That, and I
don't have that expertise these guys do."&nbsp;Cox said plans for
the facility are in line with many of the funding avenues they facilitate, with
funding for multiple projects available as a part of the full plan.And Pfeifer said he believes the community has shown support
for the effort."You've seen the people come into the meetings, this
community is interested in the rest home building," Pfeifer said.With that interest, he said he believed the community, this
time, would fill out the LMI surveys and give Victoria the potential to receive
similar grants that have powered substantial development in Ellis in recent
years.And the cost to make the attempt being so low, Rupp said it
was worth the cost."That's peanuts because we just said we're going to
match the city's club for $2,500, and they will come up with $2,500. So what is
another $1,000 a year," he said. "$3500 isn't going to break us. It
might give us time to study this and see how we can keep going forward as a
community in growing it and redeveloping."And the council agreed, ultimately voting 3-2 to join the
NWKPDC, with dues totaling $3,500 for the year.Before wrapping up, Cox told the council, now "you guys
just have to let me know what your highest priority is."

Two out of three ain't bad; Victoria follows Ellis' lead joining economic partnership

HODGEMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Volvo semi driven by&nbsp; David K.&nbsp;Ensey, 45, Acampo, California, was eastbound on&nbsp;on Kansas 156 just east of 210th Road.

The vehicle&nbsp; traveled into the south ditch and overturned onto the passenger side.

EMS transported&nbsp; Ensey to the hospital in Jetmore.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

HODGEMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Volvo semi driven by&nbsp; David K.&nbsp;Ensey, 45, Acampo, California, was eastbound on&nbsp;on Kansas 156 just east of 210th Road.The vehicle&nbsp; traveled into the south ditch and overturned onto the passenger side.EMS transported&nbsp; Ensey to the hospital in Jetmore.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns on Kansas highway

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will consider allowing the Russell school district to join the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative at its meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The cooperative currently includes Hays, Ellis, Victoria and LaCrosse.

All four of the existing co-op members plus the Russell school district have to approve the agreement. 

Russell already has a contract with the co-op for gifted services.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/597cb3fb-8783-4f1c-96de-c5990d35e807">The agreement would bring Russell into the West Central Kansas co-op slowly over a period of years.</a>

Russell also would have to pay a buy-in fee and begin paying a portion of the special education budget. That could lower the percentages paid by the existing districts.

The school board also will consider the approval of security camera bids for Wilson, O'Loughlin, Lincoln and Westside schools.

The board will consider a policy governing therapy dogs in schools.

The board will consider the approval of the Kansas Association of School Boards annual membership and Legal Assistance Fund.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will consider allowing the Russell school district to join the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative at its meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center. The cooperative currently includes Hays, Ellis, Victoria and LaCrosse. All four of the existing co-op members plus the Russell school district have to approve the agreement. Russell already has a contract with the co-op for gifted services.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/597cb3fb-8783-4f1c-96de-c5990d35e807">The agreement would bring Russell into the West Central Kansas co-op slowly over a period of years.</a>Russell also would have to pay a buy-in fee and begin paying a portion of the special education budget. That could lower the percentages paid by the existing districts. The school board also will consider the approval of security camera bids for Wilson, O'Loughlin, Lincoln and Westside schools.The board will consider a policy governing therapy dogs in schools.The board will consider the approval of the Kansas Association of School Boards annual membership and Legal Assistance Fund.

Hays USD 489 will consider admitting Russell into spec. ed co-op

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on April 25 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, contact the water system, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information <a href="http://kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption">webpage</a>.

KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on April 25 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, contact the water system, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information <a href="http://kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption">webpage</a>.

KDHE: Boil order issued for Smith Center

Special education officials are urging Kansas legislators when they come back to Topeka today to increase funding for special education.

Statute requires the state to fund 92 percent of special education costs that are not covered by the federal government. However, the state has only funded special education at 76.4 percent for the 2021-22 school year.

The Legislature has not funded special education at the statutory requirement since 2009. This means local school districts have to pay the difference.

Federal law requires school districts to fully fund all aspects of students' independent education plans. This includes both students who have learning disabilities and gifted students. It also includes reading support and speech therapy.

"The way that it ends up affecting our schools is that ultimately funding has to be made up by the local budget, so that means tough decisions about class sizes and other resources that will be available to all students and not just students with disabilities or giftedness," said Kyle Carlin, executive director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative.

The co-op, which includes Hays, Ellis, Victoria and LaCrosse and soon Russell, is being shorted $1 million to $1.5 million per year, Carlin said.

This school year the co-op had 977 students with IEPs, which also included students served in the area's Catholic schools. This was up from 903 students two years ago.

This is a statewide issue. Carlin said the local coop members have been able to absorb the excess special education costs. Other districts and co-ops have not been as lucky. Rural schools have been hit hardest. They have been forced to cut staff, and some are even in danger of closing, Carlin said.

The Kansas Department of Education has estimated special education is being underfunded statewide by $140 million.

One in six students in Kansas receives special education services. Those numbers are not only on the rise in the local area. Since 2001, special education enrollment is up 20 percent statewide, which is four times the general enrollment rate increase.

More students are being identified at earlier ages as a result of enhanced testing and screening, Carlin said. Earlier identification can result in better outcomes for students, he said.

The local coop is doing a good job at helping students meet their education plan goals, but this is becoming harder as teachers are being forced to absorb more responsibilities because of funding issues, Carlin said.

More students also are needing specialized support post COVID, Carlin said.

Carlin encouraged Kansans to contact their local legislators and advocate for more special education funding.

"Every dollar the state doesn't provide has to be made up somewhere," Carlin said."That means we are taking resources away from all students to make sure we are meeting [special education] needs. It is something that affects every single person in our district and our cooperative."

With a budget surplus as high as $1.5 billion, Carlin said the state can afford to invest $140 million in special education.

"I'm not sure how we can't afford to do this when it impacts our most vulnerable students," he said.

The following are local legislators and their contacts: • Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, Phone: 785-296-7399 
 
 Email: Rick.Billinger@senate.ks.gov • Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, Phone: 785 296-4683 
 
 Email: Barb.Wasinger@house.ks.gov • Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, Phone: 785 296-7463 
 
 Email: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov • Rep. Tatum Lee, R-Ness City, Phone: 785 296-7396 
 
 Email: Tatum.Lee@house.ks.gov • Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, Phone: 785-296-7682 
 
 Email: Alicia.Straub@senate.ks.gov

You can search for contacts of all Kansas legislators at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSpecial education officials are urging Kansas legislators when they come back to Topeka today to increase funding for special education.Statute requires the state to fund 92 percent of special education costs that are not covered by the federal government. However, the state has only funded special education at 76.4 percent for the 2021-22 school year. The Legislature has not funded special education at the statutory requirement since 2009. This means local school districts have to pay the difference. Federal law requires school districts to fully fund all aspects of students' independent education plans. This includes both students who have learning disabilities and gifted students. It also includes reading support and speech therapy. "The way that it ends up affecting our schools is that ultimately funding has to be made up by the local budget, so that means tough decisions about class sizes and other resources that will be available to all students and not just students with disabilities or giftedness," said Kyle Carlin, executive director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative. The co-op, which includes Hays, Ellis, Victoria and LaCrosse and soon Russell, is being shorted $1 million to $1.5 million per year, Carlin said.This school year the co-op had 977 students with IEPs, which also included students served in the area's Catholic schools. This was up from 903 students two years ago.This is a statewide issue. Carlin said the local coop members have been able to absorb the excess special education costs. Other districts and co-ops have not been as lucky. Rural schools have been hit hardest. They have been forced to cut staff, and some are even in danger of closing, Carlin said.The Kansas Department of Education has estimated special education is being underfunded statewide by $140 million.One in six students in Kansas receives special education services. Those numbers are not only on the rise in the local area. Since 2001, special education enrollment is up 20 percent statewide, which is four times the general enrollment rate increase.More students are being identified at earlier ages as a result of enhanced testing and screening, Carlin said. Earlier identification can result in better outcomes for students, he said.The local coop is doing a good job at helping students meet their education plan goals, but this is becoming harder as teachers are being forced to absorb more responsibilities because of funding issues, Carlin said. More students also are needing specialized support post COVID, Carlin said. Carlin encouraged Kansans to contact their local legislators and advocate for more special education funding. "Every dollar the state doesn't provide has to be made up somewhere," Carlin said."That means we are taking resources away from all students to make sure we are meeting [special education] needs. It is something that affects every single person in our district and our cooperative."With a budget surplus as high as $1.5 billion, Carlin said the state can afford to invest $140 million in special education. "I'm not sure how we can't afford to do this when it impacts our most vulnerable students," he said. The following are local legislators and their contacts: • Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, Phone: 785-296-7399 
 
 Email: Rick.Billinger@senate.ks.gov • Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, Phone: 785 296-4683 
 
 Email: Barb.Wasinger@house.ks.gov • Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, Phone: 785 296-7463 
 
 Email: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov • Rep. Tatum Lee, R-Ness City, Phone: 785 296-7396 
 
 Email: Tatum.Lee@house.ks.gov • Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, Phone: 785-296-7682 
 
 Email: Alicia.Straub@senate.ks.govYou can search for contacts of all Kansas legislators at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>.

Local official urges legislators to increase special ed funding

By MEG TAGGART Hays High Guidon

Passing a bond for public schools has been a hot topic in Hays for years, but this spring, ballots for a bond issue and a sales tax will go to voters.&nbsp;

With the deadline to register to vote for the bond on Tuesday, April 19, it is important to know what Hays residents will be voting for on Tuesday, May 10.&nbsp;

The $143.5 million bond will be used to build a new high school east of the current high school, renovate the current high school to be the middle school, renovate Hays Middle School into an elementary school, renovate Wilson Elementary School into the district administrative building and Westside and close the Westside and Lincoln Elementary School buildings. &nbsp;

“Our students are missing out on opportunities because of limited space,”&nbsp;Public Relations Manager Chrisy Crough said. “With these new buildings and &nbsp;new space, they will have opportunities to learn and collaborate and do different things that the teachers just can’t do right now because of a lack of space.”&nbsp;

Each school will have adequate parking areas, proper storm shelters and improved learning spaces.&nbsp;

The new high school will also include athletic facilities equivalent to other 5A schools. A football field and track, soccer field and softball complex will be built, and existing facilities would be renovated for use by the middle school. &nbsp;

“Everything that we are proposing will be something that any student in Hays will be very proud of and prideful to show off,” superintendent Ron Wilson said. “It’s going to be an amazing transformation for our community.” &nbsp;

While the bond is one question on the ballot, citizens will also vote on a half percent increase in city sales tax, which would help fund the bond. One reason for this proposed sales tax is because USD 489 will not receive any state aid for bond capital improvements because Hays is considered a “property wealthy” county. A sales tax proposal, rather than a property tax proposal, allows costs of the bond to be shared with others who come into the community and spend money.&nbsp;

“Think of how many people come into the city of Hays – all of those people who spend money at the grocery store, gas stations and our restaurants are going to help pay for our schools instead of getting that state funding,” Crough said.&nbsp;

The sales tax increase will not affect individuals heavily, but will add up. For example, if someone buys a Snoball every day for $1.40, in a week, he will have spent an extra five cents.

“If you go into Dillons and buy $200 worth of groceries, the sales tax on that right now would be $17.50, and with the additional increase, you’d only be spending one extra dollar,” Wilson said.&nbsp;

To learn more, patrons can visit&nbsp;www.usd489.com&nbsp;and click on “USD 489 BOND.”&nbsp;

“It’s an investment in our community,” Wilson said. “Hays needs to understand that we have to compete as a community for our future. A bond could bring new businesses and new people, and that’s why it’s important that it happens now rather than later.”&nbsp;

By MEG TAGGART Hays High GuidonPassing a bond for public schools has been a hot topic in Hays for years, but this spring, ballots for a bond issue and a sales tax will go to voters.&nbsp;With the deadline to register to vote for the bond on Tuesday, April 19, it is important to know what Hays residents will be voting for on Tuesday, May 10.&nbsp;The $143.5 million bond will be used to build a new high school east of the current high school, renovate the current high school to be the middle school, renovate Hays Middle School into an elementary school, renovate Wilson Elementary School into the district administrative building and Westside and close the Westside and Lincoln Elementary School buildings. &nbsp;“Our students are missing out on opportunities because of limited space,”&nbsp;Public Relations Manager Chrisy Crough said. “With these new buildings and &nbsp;new space, they will have opportunities to learn and collaborate and do different things that the teachers just can’t do right now because of a lack of space.”&nbsp;Each school will have adequate parking areas, proper storm shelters and improved learning spaces.&nbsp;The new high school will also include athletic facilities equivalent to other 5A schools. A football field and track, soccer field and softball complex will be built, and existing facilities would be renovated for use by the middle school. &nbsp;“Everything that we are proposing will be something that any student in Hays will be very proud of and prideful to show off,” superintendent Ron Wilson said. “It’s going to be an amazing transformation for our community.” &nbsp;While the bond is one question on the ballot, citizens will also vote on a half percent increase in city sales tax, which would help fund the bond. One reason for this proposed sales tax is because USD 489 will not receive any state aid for bond capital improvements because Hays is considered a “property wealthy” county. A sales tax proposal, rather than a property tax proposal, allows costs of the bond to be shared with others who come into the community and spend money.&nbsp;“Think of how many people come into the city of Hays – all of those people who spend money at the grocery store, gas stations and our restaurants are going to help pay for our schools instead of getting that state funding,” Crough said.&nbsp;The sales tax increase will not affect individuals heavily, but will add up. For example, if someone buys a Snoball every day for $1.40, in a week, he will have spent an extra five cents.“If you go into Dillons and buy $200 worth of groceries, the sales tax on that right now would be $17.50, and with the additional increase, you’d only be spending one extra dollar,” Wilson said.&nbsp;To learn more, patrons can visit&nbsp;www.usd489.com&nbsp;and click on “USD 489 BOND.”&nbsp;“It’s an investment in our community,” Wilson said. “Hays needs to understand that we have to compete as a community for our future. A bond could bring new businesses and new people, and that’s why it’s important that it happens now rather than later.”&nbsp;

GUIDON: A look at the USD 489 bond from student writer's perspective

In the next two weeks, the voters in the USD 489 school district will decide on an issue that will impact our community for the next 50 years. Regardless of how you choose to vote on the school bond, I hope you will consider what I call the four Cs.

We live in a competitive world. Our community competes with many others when it comes to attracting new businesses, healthcare professionals, professors, teachers, retirees, and remote workers. Fortunately, in many areas, we compete very well. We have a great healthcare system, an amazing four-year university, great broadband technology, and our city and county elected officials have consistently done a very good job maintaining our infrastructure. Unfortunately, we don’t compete well in the quality of our educational facilities. We have failed to make the investments needed and it has put us at a competitive disadvantage. I assure you that when companies and people look at Hays, they look at the quality of education as WELL as the quality of our facilities. Facilities matter. We don’t compete well. We need to fix this.

Many comments have been made regarding trust. Trust comes hard these days and some feel we cannot trust the USD 489 school board, the vision committee, the architect, the date of the vote, you name it. Having witnessed the process, what I have seen is a group of dedicated community members who have done their homework, looked at various options, and developed a plan that is doable and will create long-term value for our community. While all of us will never agree with every part of this bond from what I have seen, we can have a great deal of confidence in the people who have worked through this process. They are not a bunch of Kool-Aid drinkers. They are smart, engaged people that want only the best for our community.&nbsp;

Much focus has been placed on the cost of the bond. &nbsp;Understandably so. It is a large investment and we will all have to contribute in one way or another. A more important question however is what is the cost of&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;passing this bond. Make no mistake, there is a cost to this community if this bond fails. We will miss opportunities. There will be people and businesses that will choose not to locate here. It will not help our workforce shortage and it will be more difficult to grow. I cannot put a specific dollar value on what that cost will be but I believe, in the long term, it will be well above the cost of this bond.&nbsp;

The most important C is children. We have neglected to provide modern learning environments for our kids for long enough. I am a lifelong resident of this community. My parents went through the USD 489 School System, I attended Lincoln School, Felten Middle School, and Hays High School on 12th street. They were old when I was there and that was a long time ago! The “it was good enough for me so it should be good enough for the children today” attitude doesn’t cut it anymore. We live in a different world and it is time that we make the investments needed to ensure our children, grandchildren, and future generations have an environment that equips them best for the future. We can’t kick this can down the road any longer.&nbsp;

Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director

In the next two weeks, the voters in the USD 489 school district will decide on an issue that will impact our community for the next 50 years. Regardless of how you choose to vote on the school bond, I hope you will consider what I call the four Cs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Competition</h2>We live in a competitive world. Our community competes with many others when it comes to attracting new businesses, healthcare professionals, professors, teachers, retirees, and remote workers. Fortunately, in many areas, we compete very well. We have a great healthcare system, an amazing four-year university, great broadband technology, and our city and county elected officials have consistently done a very good job maintaining our infrastructure. Unfortunately, we don’t compete well in the quality of our educational facilities. We have failed to make the investments needed and it has put us at a competitive disadvantage. I assure you that when companies and people look at Hays, they look at the quality of education as WELL as the quality of our facilities. Facilities matter. We don’t compete well. We need to fix this.<h2>Confidence</h2>Many comments have been made regarding trust. Trust comes hard these days and some feel we cannot trust the USD 489 school board, the vision committee, the architect, the date of the vote, you name it. Having witnessed the process, what I have seen is a group of dedicated community members who have done their homework, looked at various options, and developed a plan that is doable and will create long-term value for our community. While all of us will never agree with every part of this bond from what I have seen, we can have a great deal of confidence in the people who have worked through this process. They are not a bunch of Kool-Aid drinkers. They are smart, engaged people that want only the best for our community.&nbsp;<h2>Cost</h2>Much focus has been placed on the cost of the bond. &nbsp;Understandably so. It is a large investment and we will all have to contribute in one way or another. A more important question however is what is the cost of&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;passing this bond. Make no mistake, there is a cost to this community if this bond fails. We will miss opportunities. There will be people and businesses that will choose not to locate here. It will not help our workforce shortage and it will be more difficult to grow. I cannot put a specific dollar value on what that cost will be but I believe, in the long term, it will be well above the cost of this bond.&nbsp;<h2>Children</h2>The most important C is children. We have neglected to provide modern learning environments for our kids for long enough. I am a lifelong resident of this community. My parents went through the USD 489 School System, I attended Lincoln School, Felten Middle School, and Hays High School on 12th street. They were old when I was there and that was a long time ago! The “it was good enough for me so it should be good enough for the children today” attitude doesn’t cut it anymore. We live in a different world and it is time that we make the investments needed to ensure our children, grandchildren, and future generations have an environment that equips them best for the future. We can’t kick this can down the road any longer.&nbsp;Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director

LETTER: USD 489 bond — if not now, when?

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering a "Let's Talk Water Science"&nbsp;summer camp for students who have completed grades 7, 8, or 9.

The event – set for Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10 – is being co-sponsored by the KWEC, the City of Hays Water Resources Department, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, and K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis counties).

Students will get in the water and test the water quality (waders will be provided by the KWEC). Students will collect data on alkalinity, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, phosphates, temperature, and turbidity. Campers will also sample the water for aquatic invertebrates and use them to determine water quality.

The first day of camp will be spent at Frontier Park in Hays, and water testing will take place in Big Creek. In the afternoon, campers will tour the City of Hays Wastewater Treatment Plant. In any given year, approximately 25% of the treated water is beneficially used as irrigation water for multiple outdoor recreation facilities.

Day 2 will be spent at Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest wetland complex in the interior of the United States, and at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center near Great Bend. Students will repeat water quality tests and invertebrate sampling in the wetland and compare the results from the previous day. Benefits and functions of wetlands will be studied. The day will include a driving tour of the wetlands in search of wildlife. The 4-H Water Ambassador team will supplement daily activities with hands-on and interactive projects.

Participation is free, and transportation between Hays and Great Bend, as well as all necessary equipment, will be provided. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for each day; snacks will be provided.

Camp will start at 10 a.m. at Frontier Park on June 9. Transportation from the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to Hays will leave at 8:45 a.m. Camp is dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to the KWEC should return at 4:30 p.m.

The Friday camp will start at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Bottoms. Transportation from Hays to Cheyenne Bottoms will leave at 8:45 a.m. from the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 601 Main St. Barton County campers can meet at the KWEC at 9:30 a.m. Camp is dismissed from the KWEC at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to Hays should return at 4:30 p.m.

The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area northeast of Great Bend.

Registration is limited to 12 – six campers from Ellis County and six from Barton County. Registration deadline is May 27.

To register for an event or camp go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDI4Fbv2aCJ7wVn3UMG-2B6d7EPIvnUo7uIbKANOQy6jAEsXA2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx80zji2J-2BIUYz1BFv8ShmhUheviwvkoswHHSKxOny2MNWpX8vvPqwzGd-2FBUi0OfhwQ-2FndvhYJNq9Yd9bUGvq2TRte87SLXXuQMZzJG-2FqfggeV10gcGYgFbGkgqtE0C1aK9Kwl-2FOE7HRfJR1mDh39DvyylDURhYdqSvL7oEw5oHUqJbCeMgoIcXoBFza7lrwgYA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/cqaCp862fH4QcP9p9</a>&nbsp;or email Mandy Kern at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amkern2@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amkern2@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;for the link. For more information on the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMCDkFVbWlkuYggWR1l9m3niOQl9kmqWr-2FsCfzG-2FTJVW1Xdl_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx6sux8g6xLKsSxkUh2hBVi-2B-2BN83yvz9vbp0yB-2BKXvgE0mYHV1Au7-2F8B9JzZWfgMlvIGdNxe4KAbsU0VqoG7by36624C5-2BAVzQBBO3swYUgqybhcG3DyCneB4iDN8Bzml1zlK-2FKTHyisEwlRgRyKQqc8nVaAy8PH1lhZwtwipnIP6K3kSDLpc8a-2FSaR5Oh4zxDA-3D-3D">https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650820679972.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering a "Let's Talk Water Science"&nbsp;summer camp for students who have completed grades 7, 8, or 9.The event – set for Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10 – is being co-sponsored by the KWEC, the City of Hays Water Resources Department, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, and K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis counties).Students will get in the water and test the water quality (waders will be provided by the KWEC). Students will collect data on alkalinity, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, phosphates, temperature, and turbidity. Campers will also sample the water for aquatic invertebrates and use them to determine water quality.The first day of camp will be spent at Frontier Park in Hays, and water testing will take place in Big Creek. In the afternoon, campers will tour the City of Hays Wastewater Treatment Plant. In any given year, approximately 25% of the treated water is beneficially used as irrigation water for multiple outdoor recreation facilities.Day 2 will be spent at Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest wetland complex in the interior of the United States, and at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center near Great Bend. Students will repeat water quality tests and invertebrate sampling in the wetland and compare the results from the previous day. Benefits and functions of wetlands will be studied. The day will include a driving tour of the wetlands in search of wildlife. The 4-H Water Ambassador team will supplement daily activities with hands-on and interactive projects.Participation is free, and transportation between Hays and Great Bend, as well as all necessary equipment, will be provided. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for each day; snacks will be provided.Camp will start at 10 a.m. at Frontier Park on June 9. Transportation from the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to Hays will leave at 8:45 a.m. Camp is dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to the KWEC should return at 4:30 p.m.The Friday camp will start at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Bottoms. Transportation from Hays to Cheyenne Bottoms will leave at 8:45 a.m. from the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 601 Main St. Barton County campers can meet at the KWEC at 9:30 a.m. Camp is dismissed from the KWEC at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to Hays should return at 4:30 p.m.The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area northeast of Great Bend.Registration is limited to 12 – six campers from Ellis County and six from Barton County. Registration deadline is May 27.To register for an event or camp go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDI4Fbv2aCJ7wVn3UMG-2B6d7EPIvnUo7uIbKANOQy6jAEsXA2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx80zji2J-2BIUYz1BFv8ShmhUheviwvkoswHHSKxOny2MNWpX8vvPqwzGd-2FBUi0OfhwQ-2FndvhYJNq9Yd9bUGvq2TRte87SLXXuQMZzJG-2FqfggeV10gcGYgFbGkgqtE0C1aK9Kwl-2FOE7HRfJR1mDh39DvyylDURhYdqSvL7oEw5oHUqJbCeMgoIcXoBFza7lrwgYA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/cqaCp862fH4QcP9p9</a>&nbsp;or email Mandy Kern at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amkern2@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amkern2@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;for the link. For more information on the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMCDkFVbWlkuYggWR1l9m3niOQl9kmqWr-2FsCfzG-2FTJVW1Xdl_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx6sux8g6xLKsSxkUh2hBVi-2B-2BN83yvz9vbp0yB-2BKXvgE0mYHV1Au7-2F8B9JzZWfgMlvIGdNxe4KAbsU0VqoG7by36624C5-2BAVzQBBO3swYUgqybhcG3DyCneB4iDN8Bzml1zlK-2FKTHyisEwlRgRyKQqc8nVaAy8PH1lhZwtwipnIP6K3kSDLpc8a-2FSaR5Oh4zxDA-3D-3D">https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/</a>.

KWEC to offer water science camp this summer

The Fort Hays State family showed incredible enthusiasm and support for the university’s second annual Giving Day this week, raising nearly $200,000 in a 24-hour period.

The tremendous success of FHSU’s Giving Day proves further that Fort Hays State is a university of resilience, strength, and community. In total, 810 Tiger fans from 40 states came together to invest in areas across campus that were in-need of financial support. Many donors elected to support more than one project leading to just under 1,000 gifts.&nbsp;

Throughout the 24-hour fundraising effort on April 21, donors supported scholarships, every academic college and athletic program across campus, an array of student organizations and a wide variety of additional campus projects and priorities. The day was fueled with gifts of all sizes – fully funding several projects that were initially lacking in private support.&nbsp;

“Gifts started rolling in early in the morning and the momentum continued throughout the entire day,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation. “When the last online donation was made Thursday evening, I had goosebumps. Fort Hays State University has once again united to strengthen our mission. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from those who made a gift to those who helped spread the word about Giving Day. The impact of our collective giving will be felt for years to come.”&nbsp;

Fort Hays State’s Giving Day was created to raise awareness around the university’s needs, to cultivate new donors, and to offer an engaging way to raise money for deserving Tigers. Donors could give to their favorite area of FHSU or choose from 50 specific areas of the university that were in-need of financial support.

Those who were unable to donate on FHSU’s Giving Day can still make a difference at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0KpmzJDxcEWX-2BLHEpBU8vuQfgySEj_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BmVP7SUZkCCUYEoTYMM5DangzfdTg-2Fw-2FC-2FyG2w-2FK6jcpVt-2BgJFUkR6ftcBUJKyxXB-2FTRjnHCn8SPj2xr6fX0NULxyiTn33WCLKoZDawecbqVbED2krFHEnxclfh4UPPE6mbNoIOOwh2nqzxdPAgP-2FBFb9ZE-2FDBO00UNWlTGR5eJYYuQ90gj7cvpf4h-2F2LiD6I3xTAbDadHuNr1bQgtoKsorMyCCaigPlqZOMaxp4FtHRgjWc6QAnZF5bahhNu5mfD">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;to make a gift and to learn&nbsp;more about the FHSU Foundation, the fundraising arm of Fort Hays State. You may also contact their office at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650651382968.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationThe Fort Hays State family showed incredible enthusiasm and support for the university’s second annual Giving Day this week, raising nearly $200,000 in a 24-hour period.The tremendous success of FHSU’s Giving Day proves further that Fort Hays State is a university of resilience, strength, and community. In total, 810 Tiger fans from 40 states came together to invest in areas across campus that were in-need of financial support. Many donors elected to support more than one project leading to just under 1,000 gifts.&nbsp;Throughout the 24-hour fundraising effort on April 21, donors supported scholarships, every academic college and athletic program across campus, an array of student organizations and a wide variety of additional campus projects and priorities. The day was fueled with gifts of all sizes – fully funding several projects that were initially lacking in private support.&nbsp;“Gifts started rolling in early in the morning and the momentum continued throughout the entire day,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation. “When the last online donation was made Thursday evening, I had goosebumps. Fort Hays State University has once again united to strengthen our mission. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from those who made a gift to those who helped spread the word about Giving Day. The impact of our collective giving will be felt for years to come.”&nbsp;Fort Hays State’s Giving Day was created to raise awareness around the university’s needs, to cultivate new donors, and to offer an engaging way to raise money for deserving Tigers. Donors could give to their favorite area of FHSU or choose from 50 specific areas of the university that were in-need of financial support.Those who were unable to donate on FHSU’s Giving Day can still make a difference at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0KpmzJDxcEWX-2BLHEpBU8vuQfgySEj_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BmVP7SUZkCCUYEoTYMM5DangzfdTg-2Fw-2FC-2FyG2w-2FK6jcpVt-2BgJFUkR6ftcBUJKyxXB-2FTRjnHCn8SPj2xr6fX0NULxyiTn33WCLKoZDawecbqVbED2krFHEnxclfh4UPPE6mbNoIOOwh2nqzxdPAgP-2FBFb9ZE-2FDBO00UNWlTGR5eJYYuQ90gj7cvpf4h-2F2LiD6I3xTAbDadHuNr1bQgtoKsorMyCCaigPlqZOMaxp4FtHRgjWc6QAnZF5bahhNu5mfD">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;to make a gift and to learn&nbsp;more about the FHSU Foundation, the fundraising arm of Fort Hays State. You may also contact their office at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

Giving Day at Fort Hays State a tremendous success

DW Home Improvement is looking for the next qualified individual to join their team.

If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of the home remodeling industry or are just looking for a change, give Dustin Wegele a call at (785) 787-0900 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dwhomeimprovement@outlook.com" target="_blank">dwhomeimprovement@outlook.com</a>.

DW Home Improvement is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and specializes in a variety of home improvement needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650485111959.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DW Home Improvement is looking for the next qualified individual to join their team. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of the home remodeling industry or are just looking for a change, give Dustin Wegele a call at (785) 787-0900 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dwhomeimprovement@outlook.com" target="_blank">dwhomeimprovement@outlook.com</a>.DW Home Improvement is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and specializes in a variety of home improvement needs.