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Kaiser Liquor's Battle of the Brews 2022

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By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Many residents in Hays were feeling sticker shock when they received their recent valuation notices.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/870c779c-0739-4bcd-8ad1-d6c2f96e62aa">The Ellis County Appraiser Lisa Ree said the average house in Hays went up 15 percent in valuation. Homes to the east of Canterbury Drive went up about 25 percent in their valuations.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">Hays USD 489 school district is proposing a $143.5 million bond.</a> Early voting starts on April 25 with Election Day on May 10.

The district has released charts to help property owners estimate how much their property taxes will be if the bond passes.

However, a vice president at Piper Sandler, the district's bond counsel, said these are only estimates.

The charts were created based on conservative estimates of the community's valuation. <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1657143/Preliminary_Financing_Analysis_2021.10.20.pdf">The district's valuation growth has been 2.6 percent over 10 years.</a>

In their analysis, Piper Sandler was even more conservative, assuming a 0 percent to 1 percent growth in valuation during the term of the bond.

"The tax impact that we are showing is the highest that we expect it to be. If [valuation] continues to grow at the rate we have been showing, I expect the tax impact to be less," Clayton Kelley, Piper Sandler vice president, said.

The school district will not receive more money because the valuation has increased.

A higher-than-predicted valuation could result in a lower mill levy.

The school district released a document last week that showed how increased valuation could affect your school bond tax bill.

If a $250,000 home's valuation increased to $287,000, the increase in monthly school bond payments would be about $4.04 per month. This is if voters also pass the sales tax question to help pay for the bond.

<a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/tax-calculator">You can find charts with the approximate per month cost for your property on the Hays USD 489 website.</a>

Once the mill levy is set for the 30-year-bond, if the overall district valuation grows more quickly than the bond counsel's estimates, the bond could be paid off sooner.

The overall mill levy for schools in the Hays district is one of the lowest in the state. It has decreased from a high of 53.27 mills in 2006-7 to 42.145 in 2020-21. Half of that mill levy — 20 mills — is set by the state.

The district has also proposed a half-cent sales tax to pay off the bond. That would mean 5 additional cents on a $10 purchase.

If that measure passes, the same principle applies to sales tax as it does to property tax. If Hays can grow its sales tax revenue, the bond would be paid off sooner.

The valuation can grow in a couple of ways — the value of the property can grow or new homes and businesses can be added to the tax roles.

Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, said local property owners are going to likely see an increase in their taxes regardless of whether the school bond passes.

Some property taxes, such as the statewide tax for schools, is fixed at 20 mills. Property taxes levied for the county and city are not. The city and county base their mill levies on their budgets.

If the valuation goes up and the budgets for the city and county stay the same, the mill levy would be decreased and taxes would stay the same.

However, with the city and county facing high inflation and increased costs, Williams said he thought budgets, as well as the tax needed to support both the city and county, will likely increase this year.

"Is there a cost of building new schools? Absolutely," Willilams said. "There's a cost of not building new schools. That's been my point all along is that in my opinion in the long run, it costs us a lot more not to do it than it does to do it."

The cost of not building new schools is harder to quantify but includes an inability to attract new residents, new businesses, doctors, lawyers, professors or skilled laborers.

All of these assets in the community can increase the property tax base and sales tax revenue, Williams said. Part of the job at Grow Hays is to grow the valuation by bringing in new business and encouraging the construction of new homes, he said.

Williams said a strong housing market with strong property values is much preferred over low property values.

"Everybody gripes about their valuation right up until the time they're ready to sell their home," he said. "Then they say you can't trust the county's valuation because it's too low."

Williams said Hays is not going to be competitive with other communities until it starts investing in its schools.

"Everybody is going to complain about taxes, including me," Williams said. "Nobody likes to pay taxes, but relative to other communities in our state, we have the second-lowest mill levy in the state of Kansas."

Overland Park is the only community with a lower mill levy. 

"Part of the reason the [Hays' mill levy] is low is because we have chosen not to make investments in schools and infrastructure," Williams said. "That's not a good thing."

Communities including Dodge City, Garden City, Salina, Junction City, Andover, Great Bend and districts in Johnson County have all invested in schools.

"We're putting ourselves at a terrible competitive disadvantage," he said. ...

"If I'm a retailer and I'm looking at making an investment in Hays, and I look at the community and they're not willing to invest in themselves, why should I come in and invest in this community?" Williams said. 

"That's the feedback we're going to get from people we're asking to invest millions and millions in a big factory or big retailer and we're not willing to invest in ourselves. It doesn't make a very good impression."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMany residents in Hays were feeling sticker shock when they received their recent valuation notices.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/870c779c-0739-4bcd-8ad1-d6c2f96e62aa">The Ellis County Appraiser Lisa Ree said the average house in Hays went up 15 percent in valuation. Homes to the east of Canterbury Drive went up about 25 percent in their valuations.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">Hays USD 489 school district is proposing a $143.5 million bond.</a> Early voting starts on April 25 with Election Day on May 10.The district has released charts to help property owners estimate how much their property taxes will be if the bond passes.However, a vice president at Piper Sandler, the district's bond counsel, said these are only estimates.The charts were created based on conservative estimates of the community's valuation. <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1657143/Preliminary_Financing_Analysis_2021.10.20.pdf">The district's valuation growth has been 2.6 percent over 10 years.</a>In their analysis, Piper Sandler was even more conservative, assuming a 0 percent to 1 percent growth in valuation during the term of the bond."The tax impact that we are showing is the highest that we expect it to be. If [valuation] continues to grow at the rate we have been showing, I expect the tax impact to be less," Clayton Kelley, Piper Sandler vice president, said. The school district will not receive more money because the valuation has increased.A higher-than-predicted valuation could result in a lower mill levy.The school district released a document last week that showed how increased valuation could affect your school bond tax bill.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650048531558.png" alt="USD 489 bond tax graphic. Courtesy image. " />
 <figcaption>USD 489 bond tax graphic. Courtesy image. </figcaption>
 </figure>If a $250,000 home's valuation increased to $287,000, the increase in monthly school bond payments would be about $4.04 per month. This is if voters also pass the sales tax question to help pay for the bond. <a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/tax-calculator">You can find charts with the approximate per month cost for your property on the Hays USD 489 website.</a>Once the mill levy is set for the 30-year-bond, if the overall district valuation grows more quickly than the bond counsel's estimates, the bond could be paid off sooner.The overall mill levy for schools in the Hays district is one of the lowest in the state. It has decreased from a high of 53.27 mills in 2006-7 to 42.145 in 2020-21. Half of that mill levy — 20 mills — is set by the state.The district has also proposed a half-cent sales tax to pay off the bond. That would mean 5 additional cents on a $10 purchase. If that measure passes, the same principle applies to sales tax as it does to property tax. If Hays can grow its sales tax revenue, the bond would be paid off sooner. The valuation can grow in a couple of ways — the value of the property can grow or new homes and businesses can be added to the tax roles.Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, said local property owners are going to likely see an increase in their taxes regardless of whether the school bond passes.Some property taxes, such as the statewide tax for schools, is fixed at 20 mills. Property taxes levied for the county and city are not. The city and county base their mill levies on their budgets.If the valuation goes up and the budgets for the city and county stay the same, the mill levy would be decreased and taxes would stay the same.However, with the city and county facing high inflation and increased costs, Williams said he thought budgets, as well as the tax needed to support both the city and county, will likely increase this year."Is there a cost of building new schools? Absolutely," Willilams said. "There's a cost of not building new schools. That's been my point all along is that in my opinion in the long run, it costs us a lot more not to do it than it does to do it."The cost of not building new schools is harder to quantify but includes an inability to attract new residents, new businesses, doctors, lawyers, professors or skilled laborers.All of these assets in the community can increase the property tax base and sales tax revenue, Williams said. Part of the job at Grow Hays is to grow the valuation by bringing in new business and encouraging the construction of new homes, he said.Williams said a strong housing market with strong property values is much preferred over low property values."Everybody gripes about their valuation right up until the time they're ready to sell their home," he said. "Then they say you can't trust the county's valuation because it's too low." Williams said Hays is not going to be competitive with other communities until it starts investing in its schools. "Everybody is going to complain about taxes, including me," Williams said. "Nobody likes to pay taxes, but relative to other communities in our state, we have the second-lowest mill levy in the state of Kansas."Overland Park is the only community with a lower mill levy. "Part of the reason the [Hays' mill levy] is low is because we have chosen not to make investments in schools and infrastructure," Williams said. "That's not a good thing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650050545516.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 " />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 </figcaption>
 </figure>Communities including Dodge City, Garden City, Salina, Junction City, Andover, Great Bend and districts in Johnson County have all invested in schools."We're putting ourselves at a terrible competitive disadvantage," he said. ... "If I'm a retailer and I'm looking at making an investment in Hays, and I look at the community and they're not willing to invest in themselves, why should I come in and invest in this community?" Williams said. "That's the feedback we're going to get from people we're asking to invest millions and millions in a big factory or big retailer and we're not willing to invest in ourselves. It doesn't make a very good impression."

Hays USD 489 bond tax bills may be lower than estimates

TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in March. This was unchanged from 2.5% in February and a decrease from 3.5% in March 2021.

“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”

Ellis County's jobless rate remained flat at 1.7 percent compared to February. In northwest Kansas, only Lane County had an unemployment rate of at least 3 percent. Greeley County in far western Kansas had the lowest jobless rate in the state at 1 percent. 

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,300 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government decreased by 500.

“Kansas hourly wages trended higher in March, rising 6.6% over the year,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “However, due to continued inflationary pressure, Kansas real hourly earnings declined by 1.8% compared to March 2021.”

Since March 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,900. This change is due to an increase of 20,500 private sector jobs and a decrease of 600 government jobs.

The April 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650294285258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in March. This was unchanged from 2.5% in February and a decrease from 3.5% in March 2021.“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”Ellis County's jobless rate remained flat at 1.7 percent compared to February. In northwest Kansas, only Lane County had an unemployment rate of at least 3 percent. Greeley County in far western Kansas had the lowest jobless rate in the state at 1 percent. Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,300 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government decreased by 500.“Kansas hourly wages trended higher in March, rising 6.6% over the year,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “However, due to continued inflationary pressure, Kansas real hourly earnings declined by 1.8% compared to March 2021.”Since March 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,900. This change is due to an increase of 20,500 private sector jobs and a decrease of 600 government jobs.The April 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 20.

NW Kan. jobless rates remain extremely low in March

🎥 SPONSORED: USD 489 — Count Me In

The Interior Department said it’s moving forward with the first sales of public oil and gas onshore drilling leases under President Joe Biden. But they will dramatically increase royalty rates paid by producers and sharply drop the acreage available. The royalty rate for new leases will increase by more than 50%, the first such increase since the early 1900s. President Biden suspended new leasing just a week after taking office in January 2021. But, a federal judge in Louisiana ordered the sales to resume, saying Interior officials had offered no “rational explanation” for canceling them. The news agency Interfax reports Russian crude production is down more than seven percent, even as executives in Europe draft proposals to ban Russian crude. Yet another uprising in Libya forced that country to shut down production at its two largest oil fields. Analysts tell Reuters that crude-oil supplies are so tight, even minor disruptions are likely to have an outsized impact on prices. Crude prices surged on Monday with the benchmark contract in New York gaining more than two percent from the pre-holiday close. Light sweet crude for May delivery on the Nymex was fetching $109.34 per barrel at lunchtime Monday. Brent crude in London was trading over $114. Kansas crude prices rose nearly ten dollars a barrel in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $97.25 [["ninety-seven twenty-five"]] per barrel. Baker Hughes reports a spike in active drilling rigs in Texas for the fourth week in a row. The national Rotary Rig Count increased by four rigs last week. In Texas the count was up two in the Permian Basin and up three in the Eagle Ford play in South Texas. Oklahoma gained one rig while New Mexico lost one. Regulators in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico okayed 904 permits for horizontal drilling last month, the highest tally ever. Analysts at Rystad Energy calls that a response to higher prices and said it foreshadows a spike in supplies starting early next year. The four-week average of 210 permits through April 3rd was also a record, according to a Bloomberg Report. So far this year, 108 Kansas operators have spudded 348 wells, an increase of more than 96% over a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 365 wells currently in various stages of drilling and completion, up nearly 124% from last year. The Rig Count in Kansas is down one rig in the eastern half of the state and up two west of Wichita. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Barton County. Operators were about to spud two wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County.&nbsp; The monthly tally of intent-to-drill notices posted on the Web site of the Kansas Corporation Commission reflects a dramatic increase in the pace of oil-and-gas drilling activity across the state. There are 169 new intents on file statewide through the end of March, bringing the first-quarter total to 389, compared to 213 through the end of March last year. There are 18 new notices on file in Barton County, four in Ellis County, three in Russell County and three in Stafford County. Most of the first-quarter totals are dramatically higher than last year. Barton County's three-month tally is 24 intents, compared to just two a year earlier. Ellis County has 15 new notices on file this year, up from two last year. Russell County has just three new intents, down from five at this time last year. Stafford County weighs in with nine new intents for the first quarter of 2022, compared to just three last year. Operators completed two wells in Ellis County and two in Stafford County last week, out of 34 new well completions statewide. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports32 of those are in Western Kansas, and just two in the eastern half of the state. The running total for this year is 467 newly-completed wells. Kansas operators received permits for 31 new drilling locations across the state last week, including two in Barton County. The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved 438 drilling permits for new locations so far this year. The Energy Information Administration reported US crude-oil inventories increased by nearly ten million barrels last week. As of April 8th, stockpiles totaled 421.8 million barrels, up 9.4 million barrels from the week before and about 13 percent below the five-year seasonal average. Gasoline stockpiles were down 3.6 million barrels and are about three percent below the five year average. The government reported a slight decrease in US crude-oil production last week. EIA reports output for the week through April 8th was down 50,000 barrels per day, at 11.848 million. US crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down 305,000 barrels a day. Imports over the last four weeks are up nearly fiver percent from a year ago. Oil by rail in the US increased by 751 tanker carloads last week. The American Association of Railroads reports 9,319 tankers hauling petroleum for the week through April 9th. That's down more than 25% from the same week a year ago. Canadian traffic was up more than 500 carloads over the week before, an increase of more than 25% over a year ago.&nbsp; National gasoline prices have dropped nearly twenty-three cents per gallon in the last month, but they remain over a dollar higher than a year ago. Locally motorists are paying 30-cents a gallon less than a month ago, but 40 cents more than they were last fall. The auto club Triple-A reports the national average pump prices for a gallon of regular on Monday was just over $4.08 per gallon, down three cents from a week ago and 19 cents a gallon less than a month ago.

<h2>Acreage reduced, royalties raised</h2>By JOHN P. TRETBARThe Interior Department said it’s moving forward with the first sales of public oil and gas onshore drilling leases under President Joe Biden. But they will dramatically increase royalty rates paid by producers and sharply drop the acreage available. The royalty rate for new leases will increase by more than 50%, the first such increase since the early 1900s. President Biden suspended new leasing just a week after taking office in January 2021. But, a federal judge in Louisiana ordered the sales to resume, saying Interior officials had offered no “rational explanation” for canceling them. The news agency Interfax reports Russian crude production is down more than seven percent, even as executives in Europe draft proposals to ban Russian crude. Yet another uprising in Libya forced that country to shut down production at its two largest oil fields. Analysts tell Reuters that crude-oil supplies are so tight, even minor disruptions are likely to have an outsized impact on prices. Crude prices surged on Monday with the benchmark contract in New York gaining more than two percent from the pre-holiday close. Light sweet crude for May delivery on the Nymex was fetching $109.34 per barrel at lunchtime Monday. Brent crude in London was trading over $114. Kansas crude prices rose nearly ten dollars a barrel in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $97.25 [["ninety-seven twenty-five"]] per barrel. Baker Hughes reports a spike in active drilling rigs in Texas for the fourth week in a row. The national Rotary Rig Count increased by four rigs last week. In Texas the count was up two in the Permian Basin and up three in the Eagle Ford play in South Texas. Oklahoma gained one rig while New Mexico lost one. Regulators in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico okayed 904 permits for horizontal drilling last month, the highest tally ever. Analysts at Rystad Energy calls that a response to higher prices and said it foreshadows a spike in supplies starting early next year. The four-week average of 210 permits through April 3rd was also a record, according to a Bloomberg Report. So far this year, 108 Kansas operators have spudded 348 wells, an increase of more than 96% over a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 365 wells currently in various stages of drilling and completion, up nearly 124% from last year. The Rig Count in Kansas is down one rig in the eastern half of the state and up two west of Wichita. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Barton County. Operators were about to spud two wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County.&nbsp; The monthly tally of intent-to-drill notices posted on the Web site of the Kansas Corporation Commission reflects a dramatic increase in the pace of oil-and-gas drilling activity across the state. There are 169 new intents on file statewide through the end of March, bringing the first-quarter total to 389, compared to 213 through the end of March last year. There are 18 new notices on file in Barton County, four in Ellis County, three in Russell County and three in Stafford County. Most of the first-quarter totals are dramatically higher than last year. Barton County's three-month tally is 24 intents, compared to just two a year earlier. Ellis County has 15 new notices on file this year, up from two last year. Russell County has just three new intents, down from five at this time last year. Stafford County weighs in with nine new intents for the first quarter of 2022, compared to just three last year. Operators completed two wells in Ellis County and two in Stafford County last week, out of 34 new well completions statewide. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports32 of those are in Western Kansas, and just two in the eastern half of the state. The running total for this year is 467 newly-completed wells. Kansas operators received permits for 31 new drilling locations across the state last week, including two in Barton County. The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved 438 drilling permits for new locations so far this year. The Energy Information Administration reported US crude-oil inventories increased by nearly ten million barrels last week. As of April 8th, stockpiles totaled 421.8 million barrels, up 9.4 million barrels from the week before and about 13 percent below the five-year seasonal average. Gasoline stockpiles were down 3.6 million barrels and are about three percent below the five year average. The government reported a slight decrease in US crude-oil production last week. EIA reports output for the week through April 8th was down 50,000 barrels per day, at 11.848 million. US crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down 305,000 barrels a day. Imports over the last four weeks are up nearly fiver percent from a year ago. Oil by rail in the US increased by 751 tanker carloads last week. The American Association of Railroads reports 9,319 tankers hauling petroleum for the week through April 9th. That's down more than 25% from the same week a year ago. Canadian traffic was up more than 500 carloads over the week before, an increase of more than 25% over a year ago.&nbsp; National gasoline prices have dropped nearly twenty-three cents per gallon in the last month, but they remain over a dollar higher than a year ago. Locally motorists are paying 30-cents a gallon less than a month ago, but 40 cents more than they were last fall. The auto club Triple-A reports the national average pump prices for a gallon of regular on Monday was just over $4.08 per gallon, down three cents from a week ago and 19 cents a gallon less than a month ago.

News From the Oil Patch: Biden OKs first onshore lease sales

NORTON —&nbsp;The Norton County Community Foundation Board of Directors has named Melinda Davis as its new executive director.&nbsp; Through her past work in education and library administration, Davis has experience bringing various cohorts of people together around a central mission and seeing projects to completion.&nbsp; “We’re thrilled to have Melinda on board at NCCF,” said Chase Rice, NCCF board chair. “We believe she will positively guide the direction of the foundation and continue the growth of our assets so that we are in a position to support the community for years to come.” &nbsp; Davis assumed the role on March 9 and has been busy learning the day-to-day functions of the foundation, as well as meeting with donors and various community partners. “So far, the best part about living in Norton County has been how friendly and welcoming the community has been,” said Davis. “This was a major reason why I was eager to work with the Norton County Community Foundation.” Melinda and her husband, Kerry, moved from the Denver area to Norton in September 2021. Although not raised here, she has connections to the county through her parents, Carolyn and Stan Applegate. She has been visiting the family farm since her college years and is very happy to be living here. Melinda and Kerry have a total of eight children (all grown) who all love to visit Norton. Kerry is currently deployed and serves as an Army Colonel on a NATO mission in Kosovo. Although Melinda’s background is in education and library administration, her most unique job was as a tour guide at Disneyland during college. Melinda loves visiting local shops, neighboring towns, and hearing peoples’ stories. The community is invited to an informal meet and greet at NCCF’s office (Suite 203, Heaton Building) from 10:00 AM – Noon on Wednesday, April 27th.&nbsp; About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650039793372.jpeg" alt="Melinda Davis&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Melinda Davis&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseNORTON —&nbsp;The Norton County Community Foundation Board of Directors has named Melinda Davis as its new executive director.&nbsp; Through her past work in education and library administration, Davis has experience bringing various cohorts of people together around a central mission and seeing projects to completion.&nbsp; “We’re thrilled to have Melinda on board at NCCF,” said Chase Rice, NCCF board chair. “We believe she will positively guide the direction of the foundation and continue the growth of our assets so that we are in a position to support the community for years to come.” &nbsp; Davis assumed the role on March 9 and has been busy learning the day-to-day functions of the foundation, as well as meeting with donors and various community partners. “So far, the best part about living in Norton County has been how friendly and welcoming the community has been,” said Davis. “This was a major reason why I was eager to work with the Norton County Community Foundation.” Melinda and her husband, Kerry, moved from the Denver area to Norton in September 2021. Although not raised here, she has connections to the county through her parents, Carolyn and Stan Applegate. She has been visiting the family farm since her college years and is very happy to be living here. Melinda and Kerry have a total of eight children (all grown) who all love to visit Norton. Kerry is currently deployed and serves as an Army Colonel on a NATO mission in Kosovo. Although Melinda’s background is in education and library administration, her most unique job was as a tour guide at Disneyland during college. Melinda loves visiting local shops, neighboring towns, and hearing peoples’ stories. The community is invited to an informal meet and greet at NCCF’s office (Suite 203, Heaton Building) from 10:00 AM – Noon on Wednesday, April 27th.&nbsp; About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton Co. foundation announces new executive director

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Enter to win the Mommy & Me photo contest

<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/2022/4/1650308972277.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

Gerri Schumacher, owner-operator of STR Cattle Consulting &amp; Services located in Hays, KS, is excited to announce she will be featured on RFD-TV.&nbsp; The episode is part of the Special Cowboy Moments series.

Don't have RFDTV?&nbsp; No worries! You can watch the episode at your convenience right here&nbsp;<a href="https://strcattleconsulting.com/">https://strcattleconsulting.com/</a>

Take an inside look to see where the passion&nbsp;started. Schumacher gained over 35 years of hands of knowledge in the&nbsp;cattle industry from managing her family's farm and ranch, Schumacher&nbsp;Trust Ranch. Questions were coming in almost weekly about different&nbsp;areas of the cattle industry. It was an easy step to establishing STR&nbsp;Cattle Consulting &amp; Services, LLC June of 2018. Check out all available services on&nbsp;<a href="https://strcattleconsulting.com/" target="_blank">https://strcattleconsulting.com/</a>. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn #awomananadhercows

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649870853201.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gerri Schumacher, owner-operator of STR Cattle Consulting &amp; Services located in Hays, KS, is excited to announce she will be featured on RFD-TV.&nbsp; The episode is part of the Special Cowboy Moments series.Don't have RFDTV?&nbsp; No worries! You can watch the episode at your convenience right here&nbsp;<a href="https://strcattleconsulting.com/">https://strcattleconsulting.com/</a>Take an inside look to see where the passion&nbsp;started. Schumacher gained over 35 years of hands of knowledge in the&nbsp;cattle industry from managing her family's farm and ranch, Schumacher&nbsp;Trust Ranch. Questions were coming in almost weekly about different&nbsp;areas of the cattle industry. It was an easy step to establishing STR&nbsp;Cattle Consulting &amp; Services, LLC June of 2018. Check out all available services on&nbsp;<a href="https://strcattleconsulting.com/" target="_blank">https://strcattleconsulting.com/</a>. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn #awomananadhercowsCourtesy photo

Curious George and Smoky Hills PBS coming to Colby

PHILLIPS COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Kenworth Semi driven by William Clark Winters, 61, Kensington, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of U.S. 183.

The semi rear-ended a 2019 Chevy Traverse driven by Jari Lee Hunter, 64, Kirwin, who had traveled into the eastbound lanes due to construction and signaled to return to the westbound lanes just before the crash.

EMS transported Hunter to the hospital in Phillipsburg. Winters was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Kenworth Semi driven by William Clark Winters, 61, Kensington, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of U.S. 183.The semi rear-ended a 2019 Chevy Traverse driven by Jari Lee Hunter, 64, Kirwin, who had traveled into the eastbound lanes due to construction and signaled to return to the westbound lanes just before the crash.EMS transported Hunter to the hospital in Phillipsburg. Winters was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas woman injured after semi rear-ends SUV

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After approving the replacement of the heating, ventilation
and air condition system at the Ellis County Administrative Center at 718 Main in Hays earlier this year the county commission approved a design-build
contract with Glassman Corporation last week. 

In February, the commission awarded the $1.35 million bid to Glassman
Corporation of Hays to upgrade the more than 40 year-old system.

The base bid for the project was for $1.2 million with an
additional 10 percent, approximately $123,000, set aside as contingency.

County Administrator Darin Myers said those extra funds would
be used to in the event there were any unforeseen issues come up during construction.

Myers said county staff has been meeting with the contractor
and at Monday’s commission meeting Darn Myers said Glassman has already started
work on the project.

“They
started down here in the basement, and I believe they’re all done down here," he said. "I believe at the end of last week they were in the clerk’s office.”

The project is being funded by money from the American
Rescue Plan Act.

APRA funds were initially designated for COVID-related
projects and issues, but Myers said the requirements have changed and the county
has a $10 million standard allowance that can be spent on almost anything as
long as the proper steps are taken. 

• Approved the purchase of 22
ballistic vests for the Ellis County Sheriff's Office for $33,506. The
department expects to get a grant to help pay for approximately half.

• Approved the purchase of new fire house for every county
fire truck for $33,658. The money will come from the rural fire budget.

• Heard updates from DSNWK, ACCESS Transportation, Ellis
County Historical Society and Emergency Manger Lyle Pantle on the Dec. 15 storm.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAfter approving the replacement of the heating, ventilation
and air condition system at the Ellis County Administrative Center at 718 Main in Hays earlier this year the county commission approved a design-build
contract with Glassman Corporation last week. In February, the commission awarded the $1.35 million bid to Glassman
Corporation of Hays to upgrade the more than 40 year-old system.The base bid for the project was for $1.2 million with an
additional 10 percent, approximately $123,000, set aside as contingency.County Administrator Darin Myers said those extra funds would
be used to in the event there were any unforeseen issues come up during construction.Myers said county staff has been meeting with the contractor
and at Monday’s commission meeting Darn Myers said Glassman has already started
work on the project.“They
started down here in the basement, and I believe they’re all done down here," he said. "I believe at the end of last week they were in the clerk’s office.”The project is being funded by money from the American
Rescue Plan Act.APRA funds were initially designated for COVID-related
projects and issues, but Myers said the requirements have changed and the county
has a $10 million standard allowance that can be spent on almost anything as
long as the proper steps are taken. In other business, the commission:• Approved the purchase of 22
ballistic vests for the Ellis County Sheriff's Office for $33,506. The
department expects to get a grant to help pay for approximately half.• Approved the purchase of new fire house for every county
fire truck for $33,658. The money will come from the rural fire budget.• Heard updates from DSNWK, ACCESS Transportation, Ellis
County Historical Society and Emergency Manger Lyle Pantle on the Dec. 15 storm.• Began initial budget discussions.

Ellis County Commission approves HVAC contract

WAKEENEY — The&nbsp;Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation's&nbsp;Bake Sale will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the&nbsp;American Legion, 517 Russell Ave.

Locals will be providing a terrific selection of sweets and baked goods.&nbsp;

Pop in to support and get a sugar fix and you could even be a winner of one of the drawing prizes that have been donated for the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650216576791.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-04-17 at 12.29.22 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2022-04-17 at 12.29.22 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWAKEENEY — The&nbsp;Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation's&nbsp;Bake Sale will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the&nbsp;American Legion, 517 Russell Ave.Locals will be providing a terrific selection of sweets and baked goods.&nbsp;Pop in to support and get a sugar fix and you could even be a winner of one of the drawing prizes that have been donated for the event.

Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation schedules bake sale

Ten years after the program was ended, only to restart years later, Hays can once again count
itself among the ranks of cities in the Kansas Main Street Program.

Gov. Laura Kelly made the announcement Thursday in Salina.
Along with Hays, Salina and Great Bend have returned to the program that “helps
communities preserve and revitalize their downtown districts by helping them
develop a comprehensive strategy,” according to an announcement from Kelly’s
office.

"The Kansas Main Street network continues to grow, and
it's great to see communities that were previously part of the program rejoin
this year," Kelly said. "Today's announcement is a sign for the
future of our state's vibrant downtowns and the state's economy. It's clear the
Kansas Main Street program is not only back on its feet—it's now stronger than
ever."&nbsp;

The program was initially launched in 1985, was ended by the
Brownback administration in 2012, and was restarted in 2019 by Kelly.

“These communities were in the program during its first 27
years of existence, and since its return, these three communities have
expressed interest in rejoining,” the announcement said. “With these three
communities rejoining, the Kansas Main Street program has added ten communities
in the past two years, bringing the total number of Designated communities to
35.”

The self-described “self-help technical assistance program”
focuses on organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring in Kansas
downtowns.

Among the attendees at the ceremony was Downtown Hays
Development Corporation executive director Sara Bloom.

“The main street program allows main streets to – or downtowns
to – follow four main points to help build and improve them,” Bloom said. “One
of the points is having an organization and having that funding behind you and,
and design standards and all sorts of sorts of different things.”

For 21 years, Bloom said the DHDC has worked to revitalize
downtown Hays.

"Our main streets speak volumes about our state and its
communities,"&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland
said. "We're pleased to see three outstanding communities rejoining Kansas
Main Street this year. Strong and vibrant main streets make it clear that
Kansas is open for business, and we have outstanding cities and towns where
people want to live and where businesses want to invest."

Bloom said having Hays re-admitted to the program is “huge.”

“There's a whole organization that is supporting the
revitalization, of downtowns in Kansas,” Bloom said. “What it means for us even
though we have a fantastic, beautiful, wonderful downtown, now that we are a
designated Mainstreet, again, that opens opportunities for additional grants
for additional recognition.”

“It gives us free tools that we can use as an organization,”
she continued. “It ties us into the greater national network, and it gives us
even more opportunities through that.”

She also called the recognition an “honor.”

“It speaks really, really highly of our downtown and the
quality of downtown that we have. … We should be very proud.”

The program is affiliated with the National Main Street
Center and offers designated cities training and technical assistance designed
to help with efforts to become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization.

"I want to join the Governor and Lieutenant Governor in
welcoming these wonderful cities back to the Kansas Main Street
program,"&nbsp;said Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell.&nbsp;"To
those communities that have returned to the program, we are excited to have you
and appreciate that you saw the value in the services and technical assistance
provides. The state office is here to guide you and support you in your
efforts, and we look forward to your success."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650055132869.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly announces Salina, Hays and Great Bend would rejoin the Kansas Main Street Program. Photo by Leslie Eikleberry / Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly announces Salina, Hays and Great Bend would rejoin the Kansas Main Street Program. Photo by Leslie Eikleberry / Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostTen years after the program was ended, only to restart years later, Hays can once again count
itself among the ranks of cities in the Kansas Main Street Program.Gov. Laura Kelly made the announcement Thursday in Salina.
Along with Hays, Salina and Great Bend have returned to the program that “helps
communities preserve and revitalize their downtown districts by helping them
develop a comprehensive strategy,” according to an announcement from Kelly’s
office."The Kansas Main Street network continues to grow, and
it's great to see communities that were previously part of the program rejoin
this year," Kelly said. "Today's announcement is a sign for the
future of our state's vibrant downtowns and the state's economy. It's clear the
Kansas Main Street program is not only back on its feet—it's now stronger than
ever."&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays receives Kansas Main Street designation" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4mu9t-11fe6b4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The program was initially launched in 1985, was ended by the
Brownback administration in 2012, and was restarted in 2019 by Kelly.“These communities were in the program during its first 27
years of existence, and since its return, these three communities have
expressed interest in rejoining,” the announcement said. “With these three
communities rejoining, the Kansas Main Street program has added ten communities
in the past two years, bringing the total number of Designated communities to
35.”The self-described “self-help technical assistance program”
focuses on organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring in Kansas
downtowns.Among the attendees at the ceremony was Downtown Hays
Development Corporation executive director Sara Bloom.“The main street program allows main streets to – or downtowns
to – follow four main points to help build and improve them,” Bloom said. “One
of the points is having an organization and having that funding behind you and,
and design standards and all sorts of sorts of different things.”For 21 years, Bloom said the DHDC has worked to revitalize
downtown Hays."Our main streets speak volumes about our state and its
communities,"&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland
said. "We're pleased to see three outstanding communities rejoining Kansas
Main Street this year. Strong and vibrant main streets make it clear that
Kansas is open for business, and we have outstanding cities and towns where
people want to live and where businesses want to invest."Bloom said having Hays re-admitted to the program is “huge.”“There's a whole organization that is supporting the
revitalization, of downtowns in Kansas,” Bloom said. “What it means for us even
though we have a fantastic, beautiful, wonderful downtown, now that we are a
designated Mainstreet, again, that opens opportunities for additional grants
for additional recognition.”“It gives us free tools that we can use as an organization,”
she continued. “It ties us into the greater national network, and it gives us
even more opportunities through that.”She also called the recognition an “honor.”“It speaks really, really highly of our downtown and the
quality of downtown that we have. … We should be very proud.”The program is affiliated with the National Main Street
Center and offers designated cities training and technical assistance designed
to help with efforts to become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization."I want to join the Governor and Lieutenant Governor in
welcoming these wonderful cities back to the Kansas Main Street
program,"&nbsp;said Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell.&nbsp;"To
those communities that have returned to the program, we are excited to have you
and appreciate that you saw the value in the services and technical assistance
provides. The state office is here to guide you and support you in your
efforts, and we look forward to your success."

🎙 Hays rejoins Kansas Main Street program

With the USD 489 bond election less than a month away, time
is quickly running out for interested parties to register to vote in the
special election is they have not previously registered.

The election for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">$143.5 million USD 489 bond</a> is
set for May 10 for voters within the district.

The deadline to register to vote in the bond election is Tuesday,
April 19.

Ellis County Clerk and Election official Bobbie Dreiling
encouraged people who were not sure if they are registered to reach out to her
office for more information.

You can also find registration information, along with
relevant election information on the election’s page on the county website at
<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/425/Election">Ellisco.net</a>.

Mail-in advanced ballots will go out to people who requested
them starting April 20 and early voting begins April 25.

Advanced, in-person voting will continue through May 9 at 12
p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St., Hays.

There are two questions on the USD 489 bond election ballot.

Every voter within the city limits of Hays will vote on both
the $143.5 bond proposal and the half-cent sales tax within the city of Hays to
help the USD 489 district repay the bond.

For residents that live outside the city limits of Hays, voters will be able to vote only on the bond
proposal. 

You can find out if you live within the district by viewing the <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/1731/County-School-Districts?bidId=">map
of school district</a> in Ellis County or by contacting the election’s office.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith the USD 489 bond election less than a month away, time
is quickly running out for interested parties to register to vote in the
special election is they have not previously registered.The election for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">$143.5 million USD 489 bond</a> is
set for May 10 for voters within the district.The deadline to register to vote in the bond election is Tuesday,
April 19.<div><iframe title="Ellis County Clerk prepares for upcoming elections" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=c239b-11eee20-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Ellis County Clerk and Election official Bobbie Dreiling
encouraged people who were not sure if they are registered to reach out to her
office for more information.You can also find registration information, along with
relevant election information on the election’s page on the county website at
<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/425/Election">Ellisco.net</a>.Mail-in advanced ballots will go out to people who requested
them starting April 20 and early voting begins April 25.Advanced, in-person voting will continue through May 9 at 12
p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St., Hays.There are two questions on the USD 489 bond election ballot.Every voter within the city limits of Hays will vote on both
the $143.5 bond proposal and the half-cent sales tax within the city of Hays to
help the USD 489 district repay the bond.For residents that live outside the city limits of Hays, voters will be able to vote only on the bond
proposal. You can find out if you live within the district by viewing the <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/1731/County-School-Districts?bidId=">map
of school district</a> in Ellis County or by contacting the election’s office.A sample ballot can be found below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650290089658.jpeg" alt="USD 489 bond-sample ballot" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 bond-sample ballot</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Deadline to register to vote in USD 489 bond election approaching

This week Fort Hays State University will once again promote the scholarly, research and creative activities of
Fort Hays State University students, faculty and staff during the John
Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activities Day.

This year’s event will take place in a hybrid format, with online content
available throughout the week and in-person presentation scheduled for April
20.

“SACAD
actually started in 2005 With an event just to honor and recognize research and
scholarly activity that was happening among faculty and students at Fort Hays,”
said Department of Psychology associate professor Whitney Whitaker. “Since then,
it has grown into this university wide celebration of scholarly and creative
activities.”

Initially
the day was limited to physical science students and staff presenting their
work, in an effort to collaborate, she said, but over the years the event has
grown substantially.

“It's
morphed into more of a university celebration where all departments are
recognized and participate now, from English to Music and Theatre,” Whitaker
said. “So, it's really taken off and really grown since 2005.”

“It has
grown into a university-wide event where all departments all units are
recognized,” she said. “We have opportunities for poster presentations, oral
presentations, and one thing that we're really proud of is the creative works
exhibit where we have people who will showcase their art, their sculptures,
printmaking. It's a really, really cool event and way to recognize what's going
on on campus.”

As the
program has grown, Whitaker said the work needed has also expanded.

“It
takes a team to make it happen,” she said. “So, we have our SACAD Planning
Committee, which is part of the scholarship Environment Committee at Fort Hays.
That committee is charged to cultivate and enhance collaborations between
faculty and students and just everybody on campus for scholarly and creative
works.”

A large
team of volunteers also help during the in-person event from across the campus.

“Our
Dean's are really, really critical to in terms of helping us to spread the
word. And one thing that we are really grateful for this year – and in the last
couple of years – is that our FHSU Foundation is involved also in helping us to
plan. They have been very gracious in helping to fund the event but also
inviting alumni and donors to the event as well to really make this spread
outside of the university community to our local community and beyond.”

Creating
community awareness and participation has been a growing focus for the program,
and so in that vein, this year an award ceremony is slated for Wednesday.

“One of
our major goals is to try to expand this outside of the campus community, to
our local community, and then even beyond,” Whitaker said. “And one of the ways
that we think that we might be able to achieve that is through the hybrid
format this year.”

The
online content will be available throughout the week, presenting those wishing to participate
that are outside the area, like FHSU alumni, the opportunity to do so.

“We hope
that will then help to bring in maybe alumni or other people who are familiar
with Fort Hays, or maybe even not familiar, but would want to be interested in
looking at and reviewing some of the work,” Whitaker said. “We hope that that
the mission of cultivating and celebrating the work of our faculty and staff
and students can spread then across the nation, maybe even across the world
with some of our partnerships that we have.”

And
while the program organizers look to the future, the day is also a reflection
of the past.

“We
changed the name of it in 2014 to honor the late Dr. John Heinrichs,” Whitaker
said. “John was a faculty member and the chair of the Geosciences Department and
when he passed away, we wanted to try to find a way to honor his legacy.”

As an
avid supporter of the connection between faculty and students working together on
research, renaming the event to honor Heinrichs was in line with his legacy at
the university.

“We're
always looking for new donors, new sponsors, new volunteers as well to help us
to put on this event,” Whitaker said. “And we are truly hoping that we'll be
able to continue the hybrid format next year. So, there's definitely ways for
people to get involved as well. And if that's the case, I would encourage them
to reach out to me or reach out to the university because there's definitely
ways to get plugged in if people want to attend as well.”

<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/research/events-and-opportunities/sacad/event-submission-details">For
more about the John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, including
a full calendar of events visit the Fort Hays State University website, fhsu.edu.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650060000528.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThis week Fort Hays State University will once again promote the scholarly, research and creative activities of
Fort Hays State University students, faculty and staff during the John
Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activities Day.This year’s event will take place in a hybrid format, with online content
available throughout the week and in-person presentation scheduled for April
20.<div><iframe title="FHSU celebrates creativity during John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dwnsd-11fe6ce-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>“SACAD
actually started in 2005 With an event just to honor and recognize research and
scholarly activity that was happening among faculty and students at Fort Hays,”
said Department of Psychology associate professor Whitney Whitaker. “Since then,
it has grown into this university wide celebration of scholarly and creative
activities.”Initially
the day was limited to physical science students and staff presenting their
work, in an effort to collaborate, she said, but over the years the event has
grown substantially.“It's
morphed into more of a university celebration where all departments are
recognized and participate now, from English to Music and Theatre,” Whitaker
said. “So, it's really taken off and really grown since 2005.”“It has
grown into a university-wide event where all departments all units are
recognized,” she said. “We have opportunities for poster presentations, oral
presentations, and one thing that we're really proud of is the creative works
exhibit where we have people who will showcase their art, their sculptures,
printmaking. It's a really, really cool event and way to recognize what's going
on on campus.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650060113431.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>As the
program has grown, Whitaker said the work needed has also expanded.“It
takes a team to make it happen,” she said. “So, we have our SACAD Planning
Committee, which is part of the scholarship Environment Committee at Fort Hays.
That committee is charged to cultivate and enhance collaborations between
faculty and students and just everybody on campus for scholarly and creative
works.”A large
team of volunteers also help during the in-person event from across the campus.“Our
Dean's are really, really critical to in terms of helping us to spread the
word. And one thing that we are really grateful for this year – and in the last
couple of years – is that our FHSU Foundation is involved also in helping us to
plan. They have been very gracious in helping to fund the event but also
inviting alumni and donors to the event as well to really make this spread
outside of the university community to our local community and beyond.”Creating
community awareness and participation has been a growing focus for the program,
and so in that vein, this year an award ceremony is slated for Wednesday.The public
is invited to attend.“One of
our major goals is to try to expand this outside of the campus community, to
our local community, and then even beyond,” Whitaker said. “And one of the ways
that we think that we might be able to achieve that is through the hybrid
format this year.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650060141703.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The
online content will be available throughout the week, presenting those wishing to participate
that are outside the area, like FHSU alumni, the opportunity to do so.“We hope
that will then help to bring in maybe alumni or other people who are familiar
with Fort Hays, or maybe even not familiar, but would want to be interested in
looking at and reviewing some of the work,” Whitaker said. “We hope that that
the mission of cultivating and celebrating the work of our faculty and staff
and students can spread then across the nation, maybe even across the world
with some of our partnerships that we have.”And
while the program organizers look to the future, the day is also a reflection
of the past.“We
changed the name of it in 2014 to honor the late Dr. John Heinrichs,” Whitaker
said. “John was a faculty member and the chair of the Geosciences Department and
when he passed away, we wanted to try to find a way to honor his legacy.”As an
avid supporter of the connection between faculty and students working together on
research, renaming the event to honor Heinrichs was in line with his legacy at
the university.“We're
always looking for new donors, new sponsors, new volunteers as well to help us
to put on this event,” Whitaker said. “And we are truly hoping that we'll be
able to continue the hybrid format next year. So, there's definitely ways for
people to get involved as well. And if that's the case, I would encourage them
to reach out to me or reach out to the university because there's definitely
ways to get plugged in if people want to attend as well.”<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/research/events-and-opportunities/sacad/event-submission-details">For
more about the John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, including
a full calendar of events visit the Fort Hays State University website, fhsu.edu.</a>

🎙 FHSU celebrates student, faculty work during day dedicated to John Heinrichs

Mark your calendars for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, when Jana’s Campaign will host an exhibit as a part of the Hays Art Council’s Spring Art Walk at Styles Dance Studio, 1501 Main. Students and community members are welcome.

Jana’s Campaign’s&nbsp;spring interns, Brooklyn Burk and Sydney Boxberger, have led the efforts to organize this exhibit, which will include various artwork from local students and community artists. The exhibition will focus on education, prevention, and awareness of domestic and relationship violence. Drawings, paintings, graphic designs, poetry, and forensic/dance performances that reflect these topics will be showcased.

Artwork from&nbsp;Victim to Survivor, which is a Namibian nonprofit organization, also will be displayed among local artwork.&nbsp;Victim to Survivor&nbsp;is aimed at educating the community and Namibian youth on the impact of domestic abuse. The Namibia Africa exhibit is titled “In&nbsp;the&nbsp;Name of Love.”

“Due to the event being held at the end of April, to wrap up Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we felt it was important to raise further awareness of these issues in our local community," Boxberger said. "Everyone is worthy of a healthy relationship, and raising awareness of the red flags of unhealthy relationships is important because we all deserve to feel safe and loved."

In addition to the art being shown, Sigma Sigma Sigma, a sorority at Fort Hays State University, will host&nbsp;Jana’s Jewelry — a bracelet-making station. The bracelets made through this project are provided to middle and high school students as a resource to better recognize and speak out against dating and sexual violence.&nbsp;

Community members who visit the exhibit will be greeted with free popcorn provided by AMC Classic Hays 8 movie theater and cookies provided by Burk and Boxberger/

Have artwork you would like to feature at this exhibit? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:janascampaign@gmail.com">janascampaign@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578075822734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMark your calendars for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, when Jana’s Campaign will host an exhibit as a part of the Hays Art Council’s Spring Art Walk at Styles Dance Studio, 1501 Main. Students and community members are welcome.Jana’s Campaign’s&nbsp;spring interns, Brooklyn Burk and Sydney Boxberger, have led the efforts to organize this exhibit, which will include various artwork from local students and community artists. The exhibition will focus on education, prevention, and awareness of domestic and relationship violence. Drawings, paintings, graphic designs, poetry, and forensic/dance performances that reflect these topics will be showcased.Artwork from&nbsp;Victim to Survivor, which is a Namibian nonprofit organization, also will be displayed among local artwork.&nbsp;Victim to Survivor&nbsp;is aimed at educating the community and Namibian youth on the impact of domestic abuse. The Namibia Africa exhibit is titled “In&nbsp;the&nbsp;Name of Love.”“Due to the event being held at the end of April, to wrap up Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we felt it was important to raise further awareness of these issues in our local community," Boxberger said. "Everyone is worthy of a healthy relationship, and raising awareness of the red flags of unhealthy relationships is important because we all deserve to feel safe and loved."In addition to the art being shown, Sigma Sigma Sigma, a sorority at Fort Hays State University, will host&nbsp;Jana’s Jewelry — a bracelet-making station. The bracelets made through this project are provided to middle and high school students as a resource to better recognize and speak out against dating and sexual violence.&nbsp;Community members who visit the exhibit will be greeted with free popcorn provided by AMC Classic Hays 8 movie theater and cookies provided by Burk and Boxberger/Have artwork you would like to feature at this exhibit? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:janascampaign@gmail.com">janascampaign@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;today.

Jana's Campaign exhibit to address dating, domestic, sexual violence

Drive for Cancer golf tourney scheduled for June 10

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

With a goal of making it easier to develop properties in Hays, a number of revisions to the Unified Development Code (UDC) have been proposed by city staff.

A public hearing on the 26 proposed regulation changes will be conducted Monday evening by the Hays Area Planning Commission. The recommended updates have been presented to the Planning Commission the past few&nbsp; months by Curtis Deines, planning and development superintendent.&nbsp;

The changes include everything from maximum building heights and the minimum size of planned residential developments to&nbsp; minimum landscape surface requirements and changes in building signage for businesses.

City staff recommends approval of the proposed changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If approved, the UDC update will go to the Hays city commission for its approval.&nbsp;

The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. The complete April 18 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04182022-1337">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWith a goal of making it easier to develop properties in Hays, a number of revisions to the Unified Development Code (UDC) have been proposed by city staff.A public hearing on the 26 proposed regulation changes will be conducted Monday evening by the Hays Area Planning Commission. The recommended updates have been presented to the Planning Commission the past few&nbsp; months by Curtis Deines, planning and development superintendent.&nbsp;The changes include everything from maximum building heights and the minimum size of planned residential developments to&nbsp; minimum landscape surface requirements and changes in building signage for businesses.City staff recommends approval of the proposed changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;If approved, the UDC update will go to the Hays city commission for its approval.&nbsp;The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. The complete April 18 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04182022-1337">here</a>.&nbsp;

Proposed changes to Hays Unified Development Code face public hearing Monday

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650052527920.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Strong economic development efforts start with investment and re-investment in our community.&nbsp;

As the&nbsp;city and county&nbsp;put tremendous efforts into housing, workforce development,&nbsp;daycare,&nbsp;and other like initiatives it may all fall&nbsp;short&nbsp;without an investment in our schools. &nbsp;

It is important to recognize, with this bond&nbsp;opportunity, it is more about space than condition. &nbsp;We are out of space in our schools. &nbsp;How do we entice new businesses and families if we cannot find room for&nbsp;their children in our schools?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our children learn differently today, teachers teach differently today&nbsp;but&nbsp;our schools are not conducive to that teaching/learning environment. &nbsp;Investing in our schools by passing the current school bond effort ensures our schools remain attractive, current and with space for everyone,&nbsp;making it easier to attract and retain great teachers&nbsp;along with businesses and families.

Our peer schools have done it and it is now our time. &nbsp;I support yes votes on&nbsp;both&nbsp;questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 10, ensuring&nbsp;our community is ready for our future — ready to grow and thrive.

Successful schools are the foundation of successful&nbsp;communities.

Help Hays stay a great place to live, work, grow and learn!&nbsp;Vote yes on May 10.

Strong economic development efforts start with investment and re-investment in our community.&nbsp;As the&nbsp;city and county&nbsp;put tremendous efforts into housing, workforce development,&nbsp;daycare,&nbsp;and other like initiatives it may all fall&nbsp;short&nbsp;without an investment in our schools. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It is important to recognize, with this bond&nbsp;opportunity, it is more about space than condition. &nbsp;We are out of space in our schools. &nbsp;How do we entice new businesses and families if we cannot find room for&nbsp;their children in our schools?&nbsp;&nbsp;Our children learn differently today, teachers teach differently today&nbsp;but&nbsp;our schools are not conducive to that teaching/learning environment. &nbsp;Investing in our schools by passing the current school bond effort ensures our schools remain attractive, current and with space for everyone,&nbsp;making it easier to attract and retain great teachers&nbsp;along with businesses and families.Our peer schools have done it and it is now our time. &nbsp;I support yes votes on&nbsp;both&nbsp;questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 10, ensuring&nbsp;our community is ready for our future — ready to grow and thrive.Successful schools are the foundation of successful&nbsp;communities.Help Hays stay a great place to live, work, grow and learn!&nbsp;Vote yes on May 10.Sandy Jacobs, Hays

LETTER: It's time to reinvest in Hays USD 489, community

While the writing of the Pledge of Allegiance is most commonly attributed to Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister from New York, the New York Times recently delved into the possibility that the actual author was a schoolboy from Victoria, Kansas — Frank Bellamy.

Click <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/us/pledge-of-allegiance-francis-bellamy.html">HERE</a> to read the investigation by the NYT, published earlier this month.

<a href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96314797/pledge-of-allegiance-1892/">Cover image via newspapers.com</a>&nbsp;

While the writing of the Pledge of Allegiance is most commonly attributed to Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister from New York, the New York Times recently delved into the possibility that the actual author was a schoolboy from Victoria, Kansas — Frank Bellamy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Pledge of Allegiance&quot; on April 30, 1892? Before Francis Bellamy published it in Youth&#39;s Companion on September 8, 1892? cc <a href="https://twitter.com/bgzimmer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bgzimmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EsnpcB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EsnpcB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/btaylorblake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@btaylorblake</a> <a href="https://t.co/RC0eqZPjzH">https://t.co/RC0eqZPjzH</a>&mdash; Barry Popik (@barrypopik) <a href="https://twitter.com/barrypopik/status/1496783059756195841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>Click <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/us/pledge-of-allegiance-francis-bellamy.html">HERE</a> to read the investigation by the NYT, published earlier this month.<a href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96314797/pledge-of-allegiance-1892/">Cover image via newspapers.com</a>&nbsp;

Was the Pledge of Allegiance written by Victoria student? NYT examines

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Hays microfactory project.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays microfactory to bring industrial opportunities to the area" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=s7685-11fe6a8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Hays microfactory project.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Hays microfactory to bring industrial opportunities to the area

The Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian's theater productions have both earned nominations for this year's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTWichita/?__cft__[0]=AZU9lNspRGkLur6VHWvRlHpd2cwghwMoh2lq_j7vYm76gaPjbVv5uGXdtu0wQwHG11hL_4HpvyWIajMR6uysjlpp_XvLgoeljcEMtjoDNmt86a46n8OQ_dWJ5fEKh7HRHLhNOAmHC4fmFm973KlqErLA&amp;__tn__=kK-R">Music Theatre Wichita</a> Jester Awards, which will be at Century II in Wichita on April 24.

The HHS production of "Urinetown" has earned 10 nominations.

The HHS nominations are overall production, stage crew, production number - "We're Not Sorry," leading performer in a female presenting role - Devlyn Jochum, leading performer in a male presenting role - Carson Brooksher, supporting performer in a female presenting role - Shirley Lee, supporting performer in a male presenting role - Seth Tripp, vocal direction - Alex Underwood, artistic guest - Adrian Rifat (direction), and ensemble/chorus.

TMP's&nbsp; production of "Shrek the Musical" had the following nominations: Madelyn Seiler (Fiona), leading performer in a female presenting role and choreography/staging; and Pamela Grizzell (costume design) as a design guest.

Hays Post The Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian's theater productions have both earned nominations for this year's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTWichita/?__cft__[0]=AZU9lNspRGkLur6VHWvRlHpd2cwghwMoh2lq_j7vYm76gaPjbVv5uGXdtu0wQwHG11hL_4HpvyWIajMR6uysjlpp_XvLgoeljcEMtjoDNmt86a46n8OQ_dWJ5fEKh7HRHLhNOAmHC4fmFm973KlqErLA&amp;__tn__=kK-R">Music Theatre Wichita</a> Jester Awards, which will be at Century II in Wichita on April 24. The HHS production of "Urinetown" has earned 10 nominations. The HHS nominations are overall production, stage crew, production number - "We're Not Sorry," leading performer in a female presenting role - Devlyn Jochum, leading performer in a male presenting role - Carson Brooksher, supporting performer in a female presenting role - Shirley Lee, supporting performer in a male presenting role - Seth Tripp, vocal direction - Alex Underwood, artistic guest - Adrian Rifat (direction), and ensemble/chorus.TMP's&nbsp; production of "Shrek the Musical" had the following nominations: Madelyn Seiler (Fiona), leading performer in a female presenting role and choreography/staging; and Pamela Grizzell (costume design) as a design guest.