LENORA — Nex-Tech has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Moundridge Communications Network, a broadband and telephone service provider. Moundridge Communications network was founded in 1904 and is one of the oldest operating telephone companies in Kansas. The company provides Internet and telephone services to customers in the Kansas communities of Moundridge and Goessel. Family-owned and operated, the Weelborg and Smith families have owned the company since 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have worked with Nex-Tech for many years, so when we decided to sell the company we reached out to Jimmy and the Management team,” explained Harry Weelborg, CEO and President of Moundridge Communications Network. “This has been a family-owned company, and we want to ensure the customers are taken care of and that the new owner will continue to grow the company and invest in technology; Nex-Tech has this same vision.”&nbsp; Through this acquisition, new business technologies including Cloud Phone, Managed I.T., Security and Surveillance, hardware and software, and backup services will be available to Moundridge customers and customers in the surrounding areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Moundridge Communications Network local office will remain in Moundridge to provide local support to customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As we set our strategic growth plans, Nex-Tech considers acquisitions as a great opportunity to expand our footprint by continuing our longstanding commitment to deploy leading-edge technology in the communities we serve, offering advanced services to homes and businesses,” said Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager Jimmy Todd. “As a cooperative-based company, Nex-Tech believes in providing high-level customer service and being a strong community partner, much like customers have been accustomed to with the Weelborg and Smith families as owners of the company,” continued Todd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The companies expect the transaction to be concluded by July 2022, subject to state and federal regulatory approval.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601562391147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLENORA — Nex-Tech has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Moundridge Communications Network, a broadband and telephone service provider. Moundridge Communications network was founded in 1904 and is one of the oldest operating telephone companies in Kansas. The company provides Internet and telephone services to customers in the Kansas communities of Moundridge and Goessel. Family-owned and operated, the Weelborg and Smith families have owned the company since 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have worked with Nex-Tech for many years, so when we decided to sell the company we reached out to Jimmy and the Management team,” explained Harry Weelborg, CEO and President of Moundridge Communications Network. “This has been a family-owned company, and we want to ensure the customers are taken care of and that the new owner will continue to grow the company and invest in technology; Nex-Tech has this same vision.”&nbsp; Through this acquisition, new business technologies including Cloud Phone, Managed I.T., Security and Surveillance, hardware and software, and backup services will be available to Moundridge customers and customers in the surrounding areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Moundridge Communications Network local office will remain in Moundridge to provide local support to customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“As we set our strategic growth plans, Nex-Tech considers acquisitions as a great opportunity to expand our footprint by continuing our longstanding commitment to deploy leading-edge technology in the communities we serve, offering advanced services to homes and businesses,” said Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager Jimmy Todd. “As a cooperative-based company, Nex-Tech believes in providing high-level customer service and being a strong community partner, much like customers have been accustomed to with the Weelborg and Smith families as owners of the company,” continued Todd.&nbsp;&nbsp;The companies expect the transaction to be concluded by July 2022, subject to state and federal regulatory approval.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nex-Tech acquires Moundridge communications network

Government regulation of women who become pregnant from rape has suddenly grabbed national headlines. That’s because state legislatures around America are considering numerous controversial bills that would ban abortion access for these women.&nbsp;

In Kansas this year, a conservative lawmaker introduced House Bill (HB) 2746. It bans abortion except in very limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health. It also seemingly allows the prosecution of certain women who get abortions and their doctors.&nbsp;

HB 2746 didn’t get serious consideration, but the House Majority Leader did not rule out considering it next year when speaking to the&nbsp;Kansas City Star.&nbsp;

That “next year” part is key.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas but with significant limitations imposed by the legislature. However, that might soon change.&nbsp;

If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;this year&nbsp;and&nbsp;if the abortion amendment on the August primary ballot in Kansas passes, then the Kansas legislature could pass something like HB 2746 and it could actually be enforced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If that August amendment fails, then something like HB 2746 would likely not be enforceable in Kansas, no matter what happens to&nbsp;Roe. Put simply, the August abortion vote decides the future of abortion access in Kansas.&nbsp;

Since “the rape exception” is getting national headlines, let’s focus there. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported 1,190 rapes in Kansas in 2020, though the real number is likely higher since sexual assault often goes unreported.&nbsp;

There is no consensus on how many rapes result in pregnancy, but 5% is often cited from a 1996 study. Given that, then at least 60 Kansas women likely became pregnant from rape in 2020. That seems small, unless it’s you or a loved one.&nbsp;

The rape exception has long bothered anti-abortion activists, dating at least to Eugene Quay’s famous 1961&nbsp;Georgetown Law Journal&nbsp;article. These activists sometimes argue that women will just lie about being raped if rape exceptions to abortion bans are allowed. Some have also advanced junk science saying that rape cannot cause pregnancy, which inspired Todd Akin’s controversial “legitimate rape” comment in Missouri in 2012.&nbsp;

The rape exception has broad support in Kansas. The 2021 Kansas Speaks survey from Ft. Hays State University shows that only 20% of Kansas adults support banning abortion in cases of rape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That’s a tough realty for anti-abortion activists. If their true endgame is something like HB 2746 that bans abortion in Kansas even for rape victims, saying that publicly won’t win votes this August.&nbsp;

Instead, many amendment supporters are distorting the issue into something more palatable, falsely claiming that the 2019&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court declared every abortion restriction in Kansas illegal and bans the legislature from regulating abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But that’s not reality, and not what&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;actually did. Rather, it’s a hypothetical legal argument, unlike HB 2746 which actually exists. Three years after&nbsp;Hodes, abortion is still heavily restricted in Kansas. The sky hasn’t fallen on abortion regulations.&nbsp;

Borrowing a phrase from the late Republican Senator John Warner, the typical Kansan is “pro-choice with limitations, pro-life with exceptions.” The fate of abortion in Kansas is in our ambivalent hands this August. Kansans deserve forthright discussion about the complex reality here and the actual stakes of this abortion vote.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Government regulation of women who become pregnant from rape has suddenly grabbed national headlines. That’s because state legislatures around America are considering numerous controversial bills that would ban abortion access for these women.&nbsp;In Kansas this year, a conservative lawmaker introduced House Bill (HB) 2746. It bans abortion except in very limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health. It also seemingly allows the prosecution of certain women who get abortions and their doctors.&nbsp;HB 2746 didn’t get serious consideration, but the House Majority Leader did not rule out considering it next year when speaking to the&nbsp;Kansas City Star.&nbsp;That “next year” part is key.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas but with significant limitations imposed by the legislature. However, that might soon change.&nbsp;If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;this year&nbsp;and&nbsp;if the abortion amendment on the August primary ballot in Kansas passes, then the Kansas legislature could pass something like HB 2746 and it could actually be enforced.&nbsp;&nbsp;If that August amendment fails, then something like HB 2746 would likely not be enforceable in Kansas, no matter what happens to&nbsp;Roe. Put simply, the August abortion vote decides the future of abortion access in Kansas.&nbsp;Since “the rape exception” is getting national headlines, let’s focus there. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported 1,190 rapes in Kansas in 2020, though the real number is likely higher since sexual assault often goes unreported.&nbsp;There is no consensus on how many rapes result in pregnancy, but 5% is often cited from a 1996 study. Given that, then at least 60 Kansas women likely became pregnant from rape in 2020. That seems small, unless it’s you or a loved one.&nbsp;The rape exception has long bothered anti-abortion activists, dating at least to Eugene Quay’s famous 1961&nbsp;Georgetown Law Journal&nbsp;article. These activists sometimes argue that women will just lie about being raped if rape exceptions to abortion bans are allowed. Some have also advanced junk science saying that rape cannot cause pregnancy, which inspired Todd Akin’s controversial “legitimate rape” comment in Missouri in 2012.&nbsp;The rape exception has broad support in Kansas. The 2021 Kansas Speaks survey from Ft. Hays State University shows that only 20% of Kansas adults support banning abortion in cases of rape.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s a tough realty for anti-abortion activists. If their true endgame is something like HB 2746 that bans abortion in Kansas even for rape victims, saying that publicly won’t win votes this August.&nbsp;Instead, many amendment supporters are distorting the issue into something more palatable, falsely claiming that the 2019&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court declared every abortion restriction in Kansas illegal and bans the legislature from regulating abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;But that’s not reality, and not what&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;actually did. Rather, it’s a hypothetical legal argument, unlike HB 2746 which actually exists. Three years after&nbsp;Hodes, abortion is still heavily restricted in Kansas. The sky hasn’t fallen on abortion regulations.&nbsp;Borrowing a phrase from the late Republican Senator John Warner, the typical Kansan is “pro-choice with limitations, pro-life with exceptions.” The fate of abortion in Kansas is in our ambivalent hands this August. Kansans deserve forthright discussion about the complex reality here and the actual stakes of this abortion vote.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: 'The rape exception' and the politics of abortion access

<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/2022/4/1650052492733.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

Have you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the&nbsp;first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all?&nbsp;All of the above are scenarios&nbsp;that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So&nbsp;here are a few tips to help make you ready for action&nbsp;when your buddy calls and screams&nbsp;into the phone&nbsp;“The fish are bitin’!”

Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy&nbsp;spools of line and DIY, or most sporting&nbsp;goods stores have&nbsp;a&nbsp;machine to do it for a small fee.&nbsp;If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer&nbsp;tires aren’t flat.&nbsp;Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that.&nbsp;If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing. &nbsp;

We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my&nbsp;new&nbsp;fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get&nbsp;checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date. If you are 65, you can&nbsp;purchase a lifetime&nbsp;combination hunting / fishing license&nbsp;for&nbsp;only&nbsp;$42.50&nbsp;that’s good until you turn&nbsp;74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century!&nbsp;

Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual&nbsp;licenses (NOT&nbsp;special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the&nbsp;following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and&nbsp;charge it to a credit or debit card. &nbsp;

Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. Some lakes and reservoirs however have length limits, etc that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2022&nbsp;Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a 48 page pamphlet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught”&nbsp;with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.

If you’re like me,&nbsp;and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2022Fishing Forecast. This forecast&nbsp;is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample&nbsp;lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.&nbsp;

So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your&nbsp;fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Have you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the&nbsp;first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all?&nbsp;All of the above are scenarios&nbsp;that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So&nbsp;here are a few tips to help make you ready for action&nbsp;when your buddy calls and screams&nbsp;into the phone&nbsp;“The fish are bitin’!”Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy&nbsp;spools of line and DIY, or most sporting&nbsp;goods stores have&nbsp;a&nbsp;machine to do it for a small fee.&nbsp;If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer&nbsp;tires aren’t flat.&nbsp;Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that.&nbsp;If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing. &nbsp;We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my&nbsp;new&nbsp;fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get&nbsp;checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date. If you are 65, you can&nbsp;purchase a lifetime&nbsp;combination hunting / fishing license&nbsp;for&nbsp;only&nbsp;$42.50&nbsp;that’s good until you turn&nbsp;74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century!&nbsp;Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual&nbsp;licenses (NOT&nbsp;special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the&nbsp;following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and&nbsp;charge it to a credit or debit card. &nbsp;Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. Some lakes and reservoirs however have length limits, etc that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2022&nbsp;Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a 48 page pamphlet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught”&nbsp;with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.If you’re like me,&nbsp;and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2022Fishing Forecast. This forecast&nbsp;is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample&nbsp;lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.&nbsp;So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your&nbsp;fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Be prepared when the fish are biting

TOPEKA — The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force has named 92 schools as recipients of the 2021 Challenge Awards.

The&nbsp;awards recognize Kansas schools that are making a notable difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population.&nbsp;Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,800 awards have been presented to schools across the state.

Certificates of Merit will be presented to schools by Kansas State Board of Education members.

The Challenge Award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas Assessment results in math and reading, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates and the socio-economic status of those taking the test.

The Confidence in Public Education Task Force is a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to strengthen confidence in Kansas public education and to increase awareness of the positive aspects of public education in the state. The Task Force was created in 1981.

Members of the Task Force include American Association of University Women; Kansas PTA; Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB); Kansas National Education Association (KNEA); Kansas State Board of Education; Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHAA); Kansas Partners in Education; League of Women Voters – Kansas; and United School Administrators of Kansas (USA-Kansas).

Area schools receiving a 2021 Challenge Award are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578438949499.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State Board of EducationTOPEKA — The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force has named 92 schools as recipients of the 2021 Challenge Awards.The&nbsp;awards recognize Kansas schools that are making a notable difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population.&nbsp;Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,800 awards have been presented to schools across the state.Certificates of Merit will be presented to schools by Kansas State Board of Education members.The Challenge Award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas Assessment results in math and reading, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates and the socio-economic status of those taking the test.The Confidence in Public Education Task Force is a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to strengthen confidence in Kansas public education and to increase awareness of the positive aspects of public education in the state. The Task Force was created in 1981.Members of the Task Force include American Association of University Women; Kansas PTA; Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB); Kansas National Education Association (KNEA); Kansas State Board of Education; Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHAA); Kansas Partners in Education; League of Women Voters – Kansas; and United School Administrators of Kansas (USA-Kansas).Area schools receiving a 2021 Challenge Award are:<ul>
 <li>Central Plains Junior-Senior High School, Central Plains USD 112. </li><li>Golden Plains Middle School, Golden Plains USD 316. </li><li>Great Bend High School, Great Bend USD 428.</li><li>Park Elementary School, Great Bend USD 428.</li><li>Riley Elementary School, Great Bend USD 428.</li><li>Grinnell Middle School, Grinnell USD 291.</li><li>Lincoln Elementary School, Hays USD 489.</li><li>Healy Elementary School, Healy USD 468.</li><li>Thunder Ridge Middle School, Thunder Ridge USD 110.</li>
 </ul>

Lincoln among western Kan. schools earning 2021 Challenge Awards

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Creek Side Resort in Hays will begin showing outdoor movies beginning this weekend. 

The outdoor films will be shown on weekends through October. They are a campground amenity. Anyone who has rented a tent or RV spot or cabin will have walk-in access to the outdoor theater.

"That's just one more addition of an amenity that we can offer to not only the community but also to our travelers off of I-70," Kac'Rae&nbsp; Patterson, resort general manager, said.

The resort is at 3301 U.S. 183 bypass, near the 157 exit of Interstate 70.

Concessions also will be offered. Movies will start approximately at dusk.

The movies will be family-oriented and will include theme nights, Patterson said. For example, the resort is planning a princess night and will encourage girls to dress as their favorite princesses and a superhero night.

The resort will typically be showing the movies two weekends in a row.

The movie area has a couple of picnic tables, but moviegoers will be encouraged to bring their own seating.

The resort will have cardboard cars for the kids to sit in and pose for pictures with.

Watch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CreekSideHays">Creek Side's Facebook page</a> for more information on scheduled movies.

A tent site costs $15 per night. You aren't required to set up a tent if you just want to use the facilities for the evening and don't plan to spend the night, Patterson said.

RV sites cost $39 per night. Cabins cost $100 per night, depending on the weekend.

The resort has three finished cabins but is in the process of building eight more. It has 69 RV sites and 33 tent sites. Most of the RV sites have water, sewer and electrical hookups.

The resort also just opened a new clubhouse, which includes showers, laundry facilities and a fitness center.

Creek Side first opened in 2019 and has seen its business steadily grow, Patterson said.

"We've just been busier and busier," she said. "We just added additional sites."

Other amenities at the resort include a playground, dog park, gazebo, duck pond, community fire pits, propane station and horse stalls.

Sites can be booked through the <a href="https://www.creeksidehays.com/">Creek Side Resort website</a> or by calling 785-259-0927.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649880737357.jpeg" alt="Creek Side Resort will begin showing outdoor movies as an amenity of the campground beginning this weekend. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Creek Side Resort will begin showing outdoor movies as an amenity of the campground beginning this weekend. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCreek Side Resort in Hays will begin showing outdoor movies beginning this weekend. The outdoor films will be shown on weekends through October. They are a campground amenity. Anyone who has rented a tent or RV spot or cabin will have walk-in access to the outdoor theater."That's just one more addition of an amenity that we can offer to not only the community but also to our travelers off of I-70," Kac'Rae&nbsp; Patterson, resort general manager, said.The resort is at 3301 U.S. 183 bypass, near the 157 exit of Interstate 70. Concessions also will be offered. Movies will start approximately at dusk. The movies will be family-oriented and will include theme nights, Patterson said. For example, the resort is planning a princess night and will encourage girls to dress as their favorite princesses and a superhero night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649880890977.jpeg" alt="Inside Creek Side Resort's new clubhouse. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Inside Creek Side Resort's new clubhouse. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The resort will typically be showing the movies two weekends in a row.The movie area has a couple of picnic tables, but moviegoers will be encouraged to bring their own seating. The resort will have cardboard cars for the kids to sit in and pose for pictures with. Watch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CreekSideHays">Creek Side's Facebook page</a> for more information on scheduled movies. A tent site costs $15 per night. You aren't required to set up a tent if you just want to use the facilities for the evening and don't plan to spend the night, Patterson said. RV sites cost $39 per night. Cabins cost $100 per night, depending on the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649881033608.jpeg" alt="Creek Side Resort's fitness center inside its new clubhouse. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Creek Side Resort's fitness center inside its new clubhouse. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The resort has three finished cabins but is in the process of building eight more. It has 69 RV sites and 33 tent sites. Most of the RV sites have water, sewer and electrical hookups. The resort also just opened a new clubhouse, which includes showers, laundry facilities and a fitness center.Creek Side first opened in 2019 and has seen its business steadily grow, Patterson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649881222247.jpeg" alt="Inside one of Creek Side Resort's three cabins. The resort is in the process of building eight more cabins. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Inside one of Creek Side Resort's three cabins. The resort is in the process of building eight more cabins. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>"We've just been busier and busier," she said. "We just added additional sites."Other amenities at the resort include a playground, dog park, gazebo, duck pond, community fire pits, propane station and horse stalls. Sites can be booked through the <a href="https://www.creeksidehays.com/">Creek Side Resort website</a> or by calling 785-259-0927.

Creek Side Resort to offer outdoor movies, opens clubhouse

Thomas More Prep-Marian

Spring has sprung and golf is in the air. Join TMP-M for the fourth&nbsp;annual Fr. Earl Befort, O.F.M. Capuchin Golf Classic, which will be held Friday, June 3, at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.&nbsp;

The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. with lunch and refreshments provided.&nbsp; Register your four-person 
team, reserve golf carts, and/or purchase a $100 hole sponsor sign <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic">HERE</a> at by May 13.

<a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic" target="_blank">Full schedule and entry forms are available here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649708330609.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
 Thomas More Prep-MarianSpring has sprung and golf is in the air. Join TMP-M for the fourth&nbsp;annual Fr. Earl Befort, O.F.M. Capuchin Golf Classic, which will be held Friday, June 3, at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.&nbsp; The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. with lunch and refreshments provided.&nbsp; Register your four-person 
team, reserve golf carts, and/or purchase a $100 hole sponsor sign <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic">HERE</a> at by May 13.<a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic" target="_blank">Full schedule and entry forms are available here.</a>

Fr. Earl Befort Golf Classic scheduled for June

On Tuesday, April 5, the annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays Water
Poster Contest “Make Every Drop Count” winners were announced. 

The 2022 theme
was “Make Every Drop Count.”

 A total of 337 posters were entered in categories pre-school
through community/adult from 26 teachers and classrooms.

The awards celebration was
held at the Hays Public Library with students, teachers and family members
present. 

Hays City Commissioner, Michael Berges, congratulated each winner
along with Wally, the City of Hays waterdrop mascot. Holly Dickman, city of
Hays water conservation specialist, Joe Billinger, city of Hays stormwater superintendent,
and Stacie Minson, KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed specialist, helped with the awards ceremony.

“This year the entries were
amazing and really showed attention to detail on how to conserve water and on
how to protect our water," Minson said. "We look forward to judging the entries every year and
then getting to highlight the community’s water messages.” 

Dickman said “it’s
a rewarding part of my job to go into the classrooms and share water
conservation (tips) with students and teachers as they get ready to design their
posters.”

The “Make Every Drop Count” posters focused on water conservation or
stormwater/water quality messages. Posters showed how to reduce water usage
indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters shared how to reduce
sediment, nutrients, and E. coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc., that are
harmful to water sources. 

Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central
Office Suppl, 1101 Main,&nbsp; during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair July 16-23.

The 2022 “Make Every Drop Count” poster winners include:

GRADE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PLACING&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NAME

Pre-K&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Wince 
K&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alina Sun­ 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Benjamin Marintzer 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Willa Hill

1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jade Whitmer 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jace Leiker 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kersee Wince 
 
2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kelton Legleiter 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Theron Walters 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Oliver Buckstead

3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ruby Ma 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Grayson Decker 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kincaid Demel

4th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Niko
Tsereteli 
­&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jadon Conner &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mason Basgall

5th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aura
Bai &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kiana Sun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Josiah Olmstead

6th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ana
Lopez &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Carissa Sun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kesaria Tsereteli

7th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jacob
Fisher &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kaleigha Mae Arias &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiarhianna Hood

8th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Taylor
Tutak &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emily Ross &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raegan Brewer

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Tutak &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ana Lopez &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jacob Fisher

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Mika Zimmerman &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kaden Haas &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Marisa Wasinger­­

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aubrey Warden &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ashley Pachta &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Samantha Leiker

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy Satomi &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jian Sun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kenda Leiker

To learn
more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas,
visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or&nbsp; the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE) at www.<a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html">kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html</a> (special events tab).

For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU watershed specialist, 785-769-3297 or
Holly Dickman, city of Hays water conservation specialist, 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649690835441.jpeg" alt="The 2022 "Make Every Drop Count" water poster contest winners were honored April 5 at the Hays Public Library. (Photos by Stacie Minson/KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed specialist)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The 2022 "Make Every Drop Count" water poster contest winners were honored April 5 at the Hays Public Library. (Photos by Stacie Minson/KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed specialist)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn Tuesday, April 5, the annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays Water
Poster Contest “Make Every Drop Count” winners were announced. The 2022 theme
was “Make Every Drop Count.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649691341586.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Jacob Fisher, 7th grade, 1st place" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Jacob Fisher, 7th grade, 1st place</figcaption>
 </figure> A total of 337 posters were entered in categories pre-school
through community/adult from 26 teachers and classrooms.The awards celebration was
held at the Hays Public Library with students, teachers and family members
present. Hays City Commissioner, Michael Berges, congratulated each winner
along with Wally, the City of Hays waterdrop mascot. Holly Dickman, city of
Hays water conservation specialist, Joe Billinger, city of Hays stormwater superintendent,
and Stacie Minson, KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed specialist, helped with the awards ceremony.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649691502275.jpeg" alt="Taylor Tutak, 8th grade, 1st place" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Tutak, 8th grade, 1st place</figcaption>
 </figure>“This year the entries were
amazing and really showed attention to detail on how to conserve water and on
how to protect our water," Minson said. "We look forward to judging the entries every year and
then getting to highlight the community’s water messages.” Dickman said “it’s
a rewarding part of my job to go into the classrooms and share water
conservation (tips) with students and teachers as they get ready to design their
posters.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649691217797.jpeg" alt="Theron Walters, 2nd grade, 2nd place" />
 <figcaption>Theron Walters, 2nd grade, 2nd place</figcaption>
 </figure>The “Make Every Drop Count” posters focused on water conservation or
stormwater/water quality messages. Posters showed how to reduce water usage
indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters shared how to reduce
sediment, nutrients, and E. coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc., that are
harmful to water sources. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central
Office Suppl, 1101 Main,&nbsp; during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair July 16-23.The 2022 “Make Every Drop Count” poster winners include:GRADE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PLACING&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NAMEPre-K&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Wince 
K&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alina Sun­ 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Benjamin Marintzer 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Willa Hill1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jade Whitmer 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jace Leiker 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kersee Wince 
 
2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kelton Legleiter 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Theron Walters 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Oliver Buckstead3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ruby Ma 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Grayson Decker 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kincaid Demel4th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Niko
Tsereteli 
­&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jadon Conner &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mason Basgall5th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aura
Bai &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kiana Sun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Josiah Olmstead6th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ana
Lopez &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Carissa Sun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kesaria Tsereteli7th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jacob
Fisher &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kaleigha Mae Arias &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiarhianna Hood8th&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Taylor
Tutak &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emily Ross &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raegan BrewerOVERALL JR. HIGH WINNERS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Tutak &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ana Lopez &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jacob FisherOVERALL HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Mika Zimmerman &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kaden Haas &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Marisa Wasinger­­OVERALL FHSU WINNERS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aubrey Warden &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ashley Pachta &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Samantha Leiker 
OVERALL ADULT DIVISION WINNERS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;1st&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy Satomi &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2nd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jian Sun &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kenda LeikerTo learn
more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas,
visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or&nbsp; the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE) at www.<a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html">kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html</a> (special events tab).
For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU watershed specialist, 785-769-3297 or
Holly Dickman, city of Hays water conservation specialist, 785-628-7350.

'Make Every Drop Count' poster contest winners announced 

TOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer Wednesday announced the awarding of $2.55 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants, benefitting 10 communities in rural Kansas.

The grants the USDA is awarding will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities and purchase medical supplies.

The Kansas communities receiving grant funding are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649876753868.jpeg" alt="Health facilities in Goodland and St. Francis have been awarded emergency rural health care grants from USDA. (Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>Health facilities in Goodland and St. Francis have been awarded emergency rural health care grants from USDA. (Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>USDA TOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer Wednesday announced the awarding of $2.55 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants, benefitting 10 communities in rural Kansas.The grants the USDA is awarding will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities and purchase medical supplies.The Kansas communities receiving grant funding are:<ul>
 <li>Cheyenne County Public Building Commission&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$54,200&nbsp;grant to use toward the purchase and installation of flooring and equipment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Saint Francis skilled nursing facility. The facility's flooring and dining furniture cannot withstand the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s&nbsp;new required cleaning and sanitizing standards. The project will replace over 9,000 square feet of carpet and laminate flooring and purchase new dining room tables and chairs. </li><li>Cloud County Health Center&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$369,600&nbsp;grant to use toward the purchase of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine. An on-site MRI service will provide faster diagnosis and treatment, improving the quality of care.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Winfield Rest Haven Inc.&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$307,600&nbsp;grant to use toward reimbursing Winfield Rest Haven Inc. for lost revenues suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Winfield Rest Haven, a skilled nursing home, is open to all residents regardless of their ability to pay. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly reduced operating revenue to the facility.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Atchison Hospital Association&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$414,800&nbsp;grant to use toward reimbursing&nbsp;Atchison Hospital Association, Amberwell Health, for lost revenue in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;This facility provides in-patient, out-patient, emergency care and physician services to patients in the county and surrounding areas.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$434,300&nbsp;grant to use toward the purchase and installation of telehealth infrastructure and upgrade health information systems to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. The critical access hospital has faced unprecedented challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sumner County Hospital District #1&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$91,100&nbsp;grant to use toward the purchase of equipment and supplies to replace what was used during the COVID-19 pandemic, increase telehealth capabilities, purchase additional equipment to continue serving COVID-19 patients and provide vaccinations and testing at this&nbsp;Caldwell&nbsp;facility. This project will allow the only hospital in Sumner County to continue providing health care protection and treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic and increase telehealth services.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Prairie Sunset Home Inc.&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$74,600&nbsp;grant to use toward reimbursing Prairie Sunset Home Inc., a skilled nursing home, for lost revenues from 2020 and 2021. The investment will also purchase supplies and equipment and improve information technology and telehealth capabilities to help the facility in its continued fight over COVID-19. This facility provides services to residents in a very small community and parts of&nbsp;Reno County.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Inc.&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$657,700&nbsp;grant to use toward purchasing medical equipment, medical vehicles and a pharmacy storage system to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the hospital's COVID-19 response in rural southeast Kansas. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Frankfort Community Care Home&nbsp;will receive a&nbsp;$69,600&nbsp;grant to use toward the reimbursement of lost revenues that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sherman County Public Building Commission&nbsp;will receive an&nbsp;$83,100&nbsp;grant to use toward purchasing equipment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and improve the quality of life for their residents. The purchase includes&nbsp;a digital screening system, air filtration machines and ceiling hoists for Topside Manor, the only facility of its kind in&nbsp;Goodland.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Goodland, St. Francis among recipients of USDA health care grants 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650052459118.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>

Gerri Schumacher, owner-operator of STR Cattle Consulting &amp;&nbsp;Services located in Hays, KS, is excited to announce she will be featured&nbsp;on RFD-TV. It will air April 20th&nbsp;at 8:30 pm Central&nbsp;on RFD-TV.&nbsp;The episode is part of the Special&nbsp;Cowboy Moments series. 

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/">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;&nbsp;Services located in Hays, KS, is excited to announce she will be featured&nbsp;on RFD-TV. It will air April 20th&nbsp;at 8:30 pm Central&nbsp;on RFD-TV.&nbsp;The episode is part of the Special&nbsp;Cowboy Moments series. 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/">https://strcattleconsulting.com/</a>. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn #awomananadhercowsCourtesy photo

Now That’s Rural: Lucas Hass and Grant Wagner, Flyboys 

ELLIS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Friday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp; Shae Z. Bard, 48, Agra, was southbound on U.S. 183 approximately 6 miles north of Interstate 70 following a 2007 Freightliner semi driven by Jacob D. Reilly, 33, of Damar.

The Dodge attempted to pass another vehicle and rear-ended the semi as it began to make a left turn.

EMS transported Bard and a passenger in the pickup Zachary L.&nbsp;Pumphrey, 28, Plainville, to Hays Medical Center. Reilly was not injured. Bard was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Friday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp; Shae Z. Bard, 48, Agra, was southbound on U.S. 183 approximately 6 miles north of Interstate 70 following a 2007 Freightliner semi driven by Jacob D. Reilly, 33, of Damar.The Dodge attempted to pass another vehicle and rear-ended the semi as it began to make a left turn.EMS transported Bard and a passenger in the pickup Zachary L.&nbsp;Pumphrey, 28, Plainville, to Hays Medical Center. Reilly was not injured. Bard was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after pickup rear-ends semi

Great Bend, Kan.—April 15, 2022—Sunflower Electric Power Corp. (Sunflower) has
hired Kendall Greene, P.E., as manager of substation systems.


Greene was formerly a senior utility substation engineer with more than 10 years of
experience in substation design, project management, construction, operations, and
leadership. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the Colorado School of Mines in
general engineering, with an emphasis in electrical and a minor in business and
economics, Greene went Black &amp; Veatch where she worked in substation design. She
then accepted a position at Platte River Power Authority where she worked as a system
electrical engineer and as field and operations support and then to Evergy, assuming
the role of senior engineer in substation design.


At Sunflower, Greene will manage construction, maintenance, and repair of Sunflower’s
substation, protection, and metering systems, involving scheduling, coordinating, and
planning work while maintaining system reliability and protection. She will also work to
ensure North American Electric Reliability Company (NERC), Southwest Power Pool
(SPP), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) compliance by
collaborating with internal departments and external entities.


To see all of Sunflower’s career opportunities, visit www.sunflower.net/careers.


About Sunflower—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale
power supplier that operates a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based
generating plants and a transmission system of approximately 2,400 miles for the
needs of its seven Members, who serve customers living in central and western
Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at http://www.sunflower.net


Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton;
Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, 
Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western
Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative,
Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of
Sunflower.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650049339107.jpeg" alt="Kendall Greene&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kendall Greene&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend, Kan.—April 15, 2022—Sunflower Electric Power Corp. (Sunflower) has
hired Kendall Greene, P.E., as manager of substation systems.
Greene was formerly a senior utility substation engineer with more than 10 years of
experience in substation design, project management, construction, operations, and
leadership. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the Colorado School of Mines in
general engineering, with an emphasis in electrical and a minor in business and
economics, Greene went Black &amp; Veatch where she worked in substation design. She
then accepted a position at Platte River Power Authority where she worked as a system
electrical engineer and as field and operations support and then to Evergy, assuming
the role of senior engineer in substation design.
At Sunflower, Greene will manage construction, maintenance, and repair of Sunflower’s
substation, protection, and metering systems, involving scheduling, coordinating, and
planning work while maintaining system reliability and protection. She will also work to
ensure North American Electric Reliability Company (NERC), Southwest Power Pool
(SPP), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) compliance by
collaborating with internal departments and external entities.
To see all of Sunflower’s career opportunities, visit www.sunflower.net/careers.
About Sunflower—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale
power supplier that operates a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based
generating plants and a transmission system of approximately 2,400 miles for the
needs of its seven Members, who serve customers living in central and western
Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at http://www.sunflower.net
Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton;
Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, 
Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western
Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative,
Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of
Sunflower.

Kendall Greene joins Sunflower Electric Power Corp.

SHERMAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Friday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda SUV driven by Claudia A.&nbsp;Fetalvero, 22, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on Interstate 70 ten miles west of Goodland.

The SUV traveled off the roadway into the median. The vehicle returned to the roadway and the driver overcorrected. The Honda traveled back into the median and rolled.

EMS transported Fetalvero and passengers Daniel M. Coronado, 33, White Plains, Virgina, and a 2-year-old girl from Colorado Springs, to the hospital in Goodland. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Friday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda SUV driven by Claudia A.&nbsp;Fetalvero, 22, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on Interstate 70 ten miles west of Goodland.The SUV traveled off the roadway into the median. The vehicle returned to the roadway and the driver overcorrected. The Honda traveled back into the median and rolled.EMS transported Fetalvero and passengers Daniel M. Coronado, 33, White Plains, Virgina, and a 2-year-old girl from Colorado Springs, to the hospital in Goodland. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 adults, 2-year-old hospitalized after SUV rollover accident

HaysMed is looking for input on health care services.&nbsp; 

The hospital invites the public to share feedback about health care in western Kansas. 

Share your opinion with us by April 18 when the survey closes at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey?fbclid=IwAR2SjNmXsytTETuGwllNqlnTtnYBi2HFm0620sjctk8en6DJ8pQDo3zH8yM" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey</a>

HaysMedHaysMed is looking for input on health care services.&nbsp; The hospital invites the public to share feedback about health care in western Kansas. Share your opinion with us by April 18 when the survey closes at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey?fbclid=IwAR2SjNmXsytTETuGwllNqlnTtnYBi2HFm0620sjctk8en6DJ8pQDo3zH8yM" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey</a>

HaysMed survey seeks input on health care in western Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County in the last week.

KDHE now reports updated case numbers weekly on Fridays.

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

On March 30, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,136 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650041426310.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County in the last week.KDHE now reports updated case numbers weekly on Fridays.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.On March 30, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated.Since reporting began, there have been 7,136 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

KDHE: No new COVID cases in Ellis Co. in last week

The 48th annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at Fort Hays State University. The event is for kids 10 and under and involves searching for eggs filled with candy, coins and gift certificates.&nbsp;

"For decades, this has been a fun-filled, successful community event that happens every Easter weekend," said Kiwanis Club President Chuck White.&nbsp;

The Kiwanis Club gets help stuffing and hiding the thousands of eggs from volunteer organizations such as &nbsp;FHSU's Circle K club and the Thomas More Prep-Marian Builders Club and Key Club. All three clubs are Kiwanis International programs.

"We are stuffing about 6,000 eggs, so it takes a couple of hours to fill all of those the day before the hunt, and then the next morning, it takes the kiddos about two minutes to find those 6,000 eggs," White said.&nbsp;

The first egg hunt took place in 1974. While it still took just minutes for the kids to find all the eggs, there is one big difference today.

"We still have a few club members that were around back then that remember the eggs actually being hard-boiled eggs that they had to dye the day before in different colors," White said. "But along came the plastic eggs with the candy, which kids seem to enjoy."&nbsp;

The event starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Quad area at FHSU. Different age groups from 0-2 up to 9-10 will be split into sections before the Easter egg hunt begins to ensure the search is as fair as possible. The Easter Bunny will also be on-site for photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631119203853.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 48th annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at Fort Hays State University. The event is for kids 10 and under and involves searching for eggs filled with candy, coins and gift certificates.&nbsp;"For decades, this has been a fun-filled, successful community event that happens every Easter weekend," said Kiwanis Club President Chuck White.&nbsp;The Kiwanis Club gets help stuffing and hiding the thousands of eggs from volunteer organizations such as &nbsp;FHSU's Circle K club and the Thomas More Prep-Marian Builders Club and Key Club. All three clubs are Kiwanis International programs."We are stuffing about 6,000 eggs, so it takes a couple of hours to fill all of those the day before the hunt, and then the next morning, it takes the kiddos about two minutes to find those 6,000 eggs," White said.&nbsp;The first egg hunt took place in 1974. While it still took just minutes for the kids to find all the eggs, there is one big difference today."We still have a few club members that were around back then that remember the eggs actually being hard-boiled eggs that they had to dye the day before in different colors," White said. "But along came the plastic eggs with the candy, which kids seem to enjoy."&nbsp;The event starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Quad area at FHSU. Different age groups from 0-2 up to 9-10 will be split into sections before the Easter egg hunt begins to ensure the search is as fair as possible. The Easter Bunny will also be on-site for photos.

48th annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt set for Saturday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Bids for projects in the Hays Department of Water Resources are consistently lower than what has been budgeted.&nbsp; Reese Barrick, the newest city commissioner, is no longer surprised by that.

"I'm always happy that nearly every time we go out to bid something, it comes in quite a bit less than what you budgeted," Barrick said with praise for Jeff Crispin, water resources director. "I appreciate your work."

"Are you just doing that to make yourself look good?" Barrick joked with Crispin during last night's city commission meeting.

"No," Crispin replied with a smile. "I'd rather be right - very close."

Added Commissioner Shaun Musil, "With COVID overruns, I think it's pretty smart how you budgeted on that."

Musil was referring to the bid the commission approved for&nbsp;the 2022 manhole rehabilitation program. The city is in its fifth year of the program, averaging about 50 manholes each year.

This year's project will perform rehabilitation on manholes in the southwest part of Hays that were found to have crumbling or soft concrete, according to Crispin. The 50 manholes, estimated to be 80 years old, are located south of 6th Street between Elm and Milner.

The low bid of $83,558 was submitted by Mayer Specialty Services, Wichita. The company has performed the same work for the city the past three years. "They do an excellent job," Crispin told commissioners.

Due to the favorable bid, Crispin recommended awarding the project in an amount not to exceed the budgeted amount of $125,000. Fifteen additional manholes for rehabilitation have been identified to the north of the project area.

The project includes lining manholes with a cement-based mix that includes an alkaline-resistant fiberglass reinforcement called MS-2A.&nbsp; A strong geopolymer product will also be used in higher corrosion environment manholes.&nbsp;

"It costs between $1,500 and $3,000 to rehab a manhole," Crispin said, "and $15,000 or more to replace one, so it's obvious it makes good sense to keep up with our maintenance program."

There are approximately 2,400 manholes in Hays.

Commissioners also approved the low bid of $26,426 by Sidner Environmental Services, St. Louis, for a replacement water production soda ash feeder.  The current feeder, which helps control alkalinity in the water softening process, is 48 years old and runs 24 hours a day.

This bid was also well below the $50,000 budgeted because of anticipated pandemic-increased costs.

City water employees will install the feeder which is similar to the current machinery.&nbsp;

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs was absent from the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649990823792.jpeg" alt="The 2022 manhole rehabilitation program includes approximately 65 manholes in the southwest part of Hays. Some are as much as 80 years old. (Photo courtesy City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>The 2022 manhole rehabilitation program includes approximately 65 manholes in the southwest part of Hays. Some are as much as 80 years old. (Photo courtesy City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostBids for projects in the Hays Department of Water Resources are consistently lower than what has been budgeted.&nbsp; Reese Barrick, the newest city commissioner, is no longer surprised by that."I'm always happy that nearly every time we go out to bid something, it comes in quite a bit less than what you budgeted," Barrick said with praise for Jeff Crispin, water resources director. "I appreciate your work.""Are you just doing that to make yourself look good?" Barrick joked with Crispin during last night's city commission meeting."No," Crispin replied with a smile. "I'd rather be right - very close."Added Commissioner Shaun Musil, "With COVID overruns, I think it's pretty smart how you budgeted on that."Musil was referring to the bid the commission approved for&nbsp;the 2022 manhole rehabilitation program. The city is in its fifth year of the program, averaging about 50 manholes each year.This year's project will perform rehabilitation on manholes in the southwest part of Hays that were found to have crumbling or soft concrete, according to Crispin. The 50 manholes, estimated to be 80 years old, are located south of 6th Street between Elm and Milner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649382428898.png" alt="The manholes to be rehabbed this year are in the southwest part of Hays south of 6th Street. (City of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The manholes to be rehabbed this year are in the southwest part of Hays south of 6th Street. (City of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The low bid of $83,558 was submitted by Mayer Specialty Services, Wichita. The company has performed the same work for the city the past three years. "They do an excellent job," Crispin told commissioners.Due to the favorable bid, Crispin recommended awarding the project in an amount not to exceed the budgeted amount of $125,000. Fifteen additional manholes for rehabilitation have been identified to the north of the project area.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fDKWTK87WUI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The project includes lining manholes with a cement-based mix that includes an alkaline-resistant fiberglass reinforcement called MS-2A.&nbsp; A strong geopolymer product will also be used in higher corrosion environment manholes.&nbsp;"It costs between $1,500 and $3,000 to rehab a manhole," Crispin said, "and $15,000 or more to replace one, so it's obvious it makes good sense to keep up with our maintenance program."There are approximately 2,400 manholes in Hays.Commissioners also approved the low bid of $26,426 by Sidner Environmental Services, St. Louis, for a replacement water production soda ash feeder. The current feeder, which helps control alkalinity in the water softening process, is 48 years old and runs 24 hours a day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649991203363.png" alt="The current soda ash feeder in the Hays water plant is 48 years old with&nbsp;420,768 hours of continuous usage. (Photo by City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>The current soda ash feeder in the Hays water plant is 48 years old with&nbsp;420,768 hours of continuous usage. (Photo by City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>This bid was also well below the $50,000 budgeted because of anticipated pandemic-increased costs.City water employees will install the feeder which is similar to the current machinery.&nbsp;Commissioner Sandy Jacobs was absent from the meeting.

🎥 Lower bid than expected allows for more manhole maintenance this year

VICTORIA — The High Plains Barbershop Chorus will be supporting an all-women's Sweet Adelines chorus starting Thursday, April 21.

The new chorus and the men's barbershop group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays.&nbsp;

The Hays men's group has about two dozen members from across western Kansas.

The chorus recently joined the Colby chorus for a show in Hays. The Hays chorus in turn performed with the Colby singers in Colby.

The High Plains Barbershop Chorus celebrated Barbershop Quartet Day at Victoria Elementary School on Monday.

Max Befort, High Plains Barbershop member, is the chorus teacher at the school.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qZLCZRz5teo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVICTORIA — The High Plains Barbershop Chorus will be supporting an all-women's Sweet Adelines chorus starting Thursday, April 21.The new chorus and the men's barbershop group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays.&nbsp; The Hays men's group has about two dozen members from across western Kansas. The chorus recently joined the Colby chorus for a show in Hays. The Hays chorus in turn performed with the Colby singers in Colby.The High Plains Barbershop Chorus celebrated Barbershop Quartet Day at Victoria Elementary School on Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649797741014.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Max Befort, High Plains Barbershop member, is the chorus teacher at the school."Music is something that's lifelong — that you can always do, even if you're just jamming out in your car," he said. "My theory on music is it should impact lives. As you can see, it's impacted all of our lives. The students can see this is something they can do their whole lives."He said singing with a group also helps create lifelong friendships. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649797885813.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Vance Chartier, barbershop member, said music helps teach students discipline and focus, which helps them in their other studies.You can follow the group on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/">Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus.</a>

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