After January began by dumping 4 inches of snow on Ellis County to open the year, the National Weather Service is forecasting another long dry spell for most of Kansas.

Neither rain nor snow is predicted in the area until at least Jan. 17, the NWS said, and possibly not until Jan. 20.&nbsp;

This week is expected to be mild, clear and calm in the Hays area, with highs in the mid-50s on Tuesday and Wednesday and nearly 60 degrees on Thursday.

A dry cold front late Friday will bring in colder air, the NWS reported, although the high temperatures Saturday and Sunday will remain in the mid- to upper-40s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641843162146.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After January began by dumping 4 inches of snow on Ellis County to open the year, the National Weather Service is forecasting another long dry spell for most of Kansas.Neither rain nor snow is predicted in the area until at least Jan. 17, the NWS said, and possibly not until Jan. 20.&nbsp;This week is expected to be mild, clear and calm in the Hays area, with highs in the mid-50s on Tuesday and Wednesday and nearly 60 degrees on Thursday.A dry cold front late Friday will bring in colder air, the NWS reported, although the high temperatures Saturday and Sunday will remain in the mid- to upper-40s.

NWS: After early snow, January dry spell has arrived

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 89 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8e87b848-d187-43e9-9f0b-811944da4111?fbclid=IwAR20JdOZzHW7LRTXXGaOjP18WdfiA7KTJHxTrajadwxmDr1UjcTThScQL6g">Related:&nbsp;Doctors plead for COVID precautions to alleviate hospital crisis</a>

As of Monday morning, there were 22 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>

The KDHE reported on Friday that 50 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (age 5 and older) are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 61 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 5,553 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 78 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

Updated 2 p.m. Tuesday to correct the number of overall cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641840663584.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 89 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8e87b848-d187-43e9-9f0b-811944da4111?fbclid=IwAR20JdOZzHW7LRTXXGaOjP18WdfiA7KTJHxTrajadwxmDr1UjcTThScQL6g">Related:&nbsp;Doctors plead for COVID precautions to alleviate hospital crisis</a>As of Monday morning, there were 22 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>The KDHE reported on Friday that 50 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (age 5 and older) are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 61 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 5,553 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 78 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;Updated 2 p.m. Tuesday to correct the number of overall cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641840768310.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 89 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State has announced February 14 as the make-up date for its postponed men's basketball game vs. Lincoln University. The teams will tipoff at 5 pm inside Gross Memorial Coliseum on the evening of Valentine's Day. Lincoln was unable to make the trip to Hays this past Saturday due to COVID-19 protocols within their team. Tickets used for the women's contest vs. Lincoln this past Saturday will still be valid on the make-up date of the men's game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641834224865.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State has announced February 14 as the make-up date for its postponed men's basketball game vs. Lincoln University. The teams will tipoff at 5 pm inside Gross Memorial Coliseum on the evening of Valentine's Day. Lincoln was unable to make the trip to Hays this past Saturday due to COVID-19 protocols within their team. Tickets used for the women's contest vs. Lincoln this past Saturday will still be valid on the make-up date of the men's game.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 FHSU men's game with Lincoln rescheduled for Feb. 14

STOCKTON—Proving beautiful music can come from the most
humble of sources. Retired concrete finisher and Stockton resident Royce Williams delights musicians in the area and beyond with his one-of-a-kind, handmade
cigar box guitars.

Through mostly word of mouth, his instruments have been talked about, bought and sold, and maybe most importantly, played by amateurs and professionals alike.

But much like the humble beginnings of the cigar box guitar, Williams said it was a project in itself to learn how to craft his instruments, years ago.

“The very first one I made I ended up tearing apart because
it was crap,” Williams said. “You know, I didn't know what I was doing.”

But after practicing on versions for grandkids as a novelty, he
said he went to work learning everything about creating a high-quality cigar box guitar.

“I started looking up, you know, googling ... like
scale lengths and transition nut to fret, you got a certain distance. … So, it
was quite a learning experience for me,” Williams said.

But now he said, “everything's the way it should be.”

With his guitars, Williams carries on a proud American folk music tradition.

“They've been making cigar box guitars since the 1850s,” he
said, "when they first started putting cigars in a box as people started to
turn them into guitars.”

Despite that long history, he said often when some see cigar
box guitars, they doubt their musical quality.

“A lot of people just think it's a toy or something to hang
on the wall and not an instrument,” Williams said. “Then I often pick one out
and plug it in and they see that it really is.”

With each instrument, Williams said buyers have between 40
and 50 cigar boxes they can choose from, and he also completes custom builds.

But either way, to create a cigar box guitar, getting the namesake
material is the first step.

He can find some in Hays, but a special shop in Denver is
where the magic is.

“They boast that they sell 1,000 different types of cigars so
that means 1,000 different type of boxes,” Williams said. “They have a big
warehouse of cigar boxes.”

The boxes, while being the show piece of the instrument, is
also likely the cheapest, with Williams noting &nbsp;“you can get him pretty cheap like between $2
and $5.”

But while the boxes may look the same every guitar is a custom
order and has its own personality.

“I never make two the same and every one is different,”
Williams said. “Like those two,” he said pointing to a two completed guitars.
“They look the same but (they have) different color tuners, different types of
sound holes in them. Everybody's is a one of a kind.”

For other parts, Williams has trusted sources.

“There's a couple of places that just cater to cigar box guitars, MGB
Guitars and the C.B. Gitty,” he said. “Every once in
a while, something will have to come from China. … But I usually end up ordering
somewhere else because it's gonna take too long to get here.”

With waiting for parts and construction breaks, he said completing
one guitar can take up to a month — and he typically builds only one at a time.

As a cigar box guitar builder, Williams not only joins a
long history of craftsmen creating distinctive instruments, but also an active
and supportive community.

“September 15, 16 and 17 this year in Clarksville, Tenn., they're having a thing for guitar builders,” he said. “I want to go to meet
some of these people I talk with online because we trade different ideas and (if
we) can't figure something out, somebody will know what to do.”

In one group, he even said they all build guitars for each other, with recipients and builders matched at random.

As for playing his guitars, Williams lets others take on
that responsibility as he only ever learned to play just enough to tune his
creations.

But he appreciates their work and is proud to watch videos of people from all across the U.S. playing his instruments.&nbsp;

It’s kind of overwhelming to think 'I made something like
that,' ” he said. “You know I just never seen myself doing it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641583558102.jpeg" alt="While not his usual fare, Cigar Box Guitar builder Royce Williams shows a toilet seat guitar from his collection.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>While not his usual fare, Cigar Box Guitar builder Royce Williams shows a toilet seat guitar from his collection.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSTOCKTON—Proving beautiful music can come from the most
humble of sources. Retired concrete finisher and Stockton resident Royce Williams delights musicians in the area and beyond with his one-of-a-kind, handmade
cigar box guitars.Through mostly word of mouth, his instruments have been talked about, bought and sold, and maybe most importantly, played by amateurs and professionals alike.But much like the humble beginnings of the cigar box guitar, Williams said it was a project in itself to learn how to craft his instruments, years ago.“The very first one I made I ended up tearing apart because
it was crap,” Williams said. “You know, I didn't know what I was doing.”But after practicing on versions for grandkids as a novelty, he
said he went to work learning everything about creating a high-quality cigar box guitar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641583663655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I started looking up, you know, googling ... like
scale lengths and transition nut to fret, you got a certain distance. … So, it
was quite a learning experience for me,” Williams said.But now he said, “everything's the way it should be.”With his guitars, Williams carries on a proud American folk music tradition.“They've been making cigar box guitars since the 1850s,” he
said, "when they first started putting cigars in a box as people started to
turn them into guitars.”Despite that long history, he said often when some see cigar
box guitars, they doubt their musical quality.“A lot of people just think it's a toy or something to hang
on the wall and not an instrument,” Williams said. “Then I often pick one out
and plug it in and they see that it really is.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641583588182.jpeg" alt="Along with Cigar Box Guitars, Royce Williams creates one-of-a-kind suitcase amplifiers and other custom guitars." />
 <figcaption>Along with Cigar Box Guitars, Royce Williams creates one-of-a-kind suitcase amplifiers and other custom guitars.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Crafting a sound</h2>With each instrument, Williams said buyers have between 40
and 50 cigar boxes they can choose from, and he also completes custom builds.But either way, to create a cigar box guitar, getting the namesake
material is the first step.He can find some in Hays, but a special shop in Denver is
where the magic is.“They boast that they sell 1,000 different types of cigars so
that means 1,000 different type of boxes,” Williams said. “They have a big
warehouse of cigar boxes.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641583604922.jpeg" alt="Each of Royce Williams Cigar Box Guitars comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity." />
 <figcaption>Each of Royce Williams Cigar Box Guitars comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity.</figcaption>
 </figure>The boxes, while being the show piece of the instrument, is
also likely the cheapest, with Williams noting &nbsp;“you can get him pretty cheap like between $2
and $5.”But while the boxes may look the same every guitar is a custom
order and has its own personality.“I never make two the same and every one is different,”
Williams said. “Like those two,” he said pointing to a two completed guitars.
“They look the same but (they have) different color tuners, different types of
sound holes in them. Everybody's is a one of a kind.”For other parts, Williams has trusted sources.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641583623471.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“There's a couple of places that just cater to cigar box guitars, MGB
Guitars and the C.B. Gitty,” he said. “Every once in
a while, something will have to come from China. … But I usually end up ordering
somewhere else because it's gonna take too long to get here.”With waiting for parts and construction breaks, he said completing
one guitar can take up to a month — and he typically builds only one at a time.<h2>A following</h2>As a cigar box guitar builder, Williams not only joins a
long history of craftsmen creating distinctive instruments, but also an active
and supportive community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641601746287.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“September 15, 16 and 17 this year in Clarksville, Tenn., they're having a thing for guitar builders,” he said. “I want to go to meet
some of these people I talk with online because we trade different ideas and (if
we) can't figure something out, somebody will know what to do.”In one group, he even said they all build guitars for each other, with recipients and builders matched at random.As for playing his guitars, Williams lets others take on
that responsibility as he only ever learned to play just enough to tune his
creations.But he appreciates their work and is proud to watch videos of people from all across the U.S. playing his instruments.&nbsp;It’s kind of overwhelming to think 'I made something like
that,' ” he said. “You know I just never seen myself doing it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641583541181.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

American music in a box: Royce's CBG 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The United Way of Ellis County is 90 percent to its goal as of Friday.

The agency reported it had raised $317,151 of its $350,000 goal during a Hays Chamber Chat Friday morning.

Any funds received by the end of January will be counted toward the 2021 campaign.

The agency's Care Council will begin the final determinations of awards to agencies at the beginning of February, Erica Berges, United Way executive director, said.

"That's the good thing about the Care Council is that you know that money is being used in the best way possible," Berges said. "That's what those 12 volunteers are doing."

The continuing pandemic, as well as inflation has increased the need within the community, as well as within the partner agencies.

"We always hate to cut what they may have been given last year, because the need is always there," she said. "The people in need will always be there."

Berges said she is hopeful United Way will be able to bring in more than it did last year, but was not sure if the agency would be able to bring enough in the last few weeks to meet its goal.

"We need some more help," she said. ... "We're going to be really close. 

"There were a lot of businesses that came in higher than last year. That was good, and some individual donors who ramped up their giving this year. That's been a big help to where we are now."

All of the funds raised stay in Ellis County.

The agency funded 16 partner agencies in 2021. They included:

• American Red Cross • Big Brothers Big Sisters • Cancer Council of Ellis County • Catholic Charities • Center for Life Experience • Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation • CASA of the High Plains • Development Services of Northwest Kansas • Early Childhood Connections • First Call for Help • Hays Area Children's Center • Hays Senior Center • Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services • Parents and Children Together • Western Kansas Association on the Concerns for the Disabled • Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

&nbsp;You can bring checks or cash to the United Way office at 205 E. Seventh St., Suite 111, Hays. Mail checks to the office at PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601. You can also call the United Way at 785-628-8281 for more information.

You can make online one-time or reoccurring payments through the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us">United Way website</a>. You can also sign up through the website for a round-up option. Your purchases on your chosen credit card&nbsp; will be rounded up to the nearest dollar with the change transferred to the United Way at the end of the month.

Arrangements can also be made for monthly withdrawls from your bank account.

The agency also accepts donations through Venmo @United-Way-of-Ellis-County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641588261544.jpeg" alt="Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber executive director, Erica Berges, United Way executive director, and Meleny Jacome, United Way administrative assistant, discuss the United Way campaign at a Chamber Chat Friday at the Hadley Center. " />
 <figcaption>Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber executive director, Erica Berges, United Way executive director, and Meleny Jacome, United Way administrative assistant, discuss the United Way campaign at a Chamber Chat Friday at the Hadley Center. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe United Way of Ellis County is 90 percent to its goal as of Friday.The agency reported it had raised $317,151 of its $350,000 goal during a Hays Chamber Chat Friday morning.Any funds received by the end of January will be counted toward the 2021 campaign.The agency's Care Council will begin the final determinations of awards to agencies at the beginning of February, Erica Berges, United Way executive director, said."That's the good thing about the Care Council is that you know that money is being used in the best way possible," Berges said. "That's what those 12 volunteers are doing."The continuing pandemic, as well as inflation has increased the need within the community, as well as within the partner agencies."We always hate to cut what they may have been given last year, because the need is always there," she said. "The people in need will always be there." Berges said she is hopeful United Way will be able to bring in more than it did last year, but was not sure if the agency would be able to bring enough in the last few weeks to meet its goal."We need some more help," she said. ... "We're going to be really close. "There were a lot of businesses that came in higher than last year. That was good, and some individual donors who ramped up their giving this year. That's been a big help to where we are now."All of the funds raised stay in Ellis County. The agency funded 16 partner agencies in 2021. They included:• American Red Cross • Big Brothers Big Sisters • Cancer Council of Ellis County • Catholic Charities • Center for Life Experience • Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation • CASA of the High Plains • Development Services of Northwest Kansas • Early Childhood Connections • First Call for Help • Hays Area Children's Center • Hays Senior Center • Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services • Parents and Children Together • Western Kansas Association on the Concerns for the Disabled • Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center &nbsp;You can bring checks or cash to the United Way office at 205 E. Seventh St., Suite 111, Hays. Mail checks to the office at PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601. You can also call the United Way at 785-628-8281 for more information.You can make online one-time or reoccurring payments through the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us">United Way website</a>. You can also sign up through the website for a round-up option. Your purchases on your chosen credit card&nbsp; will be rounded up to the nearest dollar with the change transferred to the United Way at the end of the month.Arrangements can also be made for monthly withdrawls from your bank account. The agency also accepts donations through Venmo @United-Way-of-Ellis-County.

United Way 90 percent to goal with 3 weeks left in campaign

Brandon Gottschalk, RN, surgical nurse, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed. This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people.&nbsp; Gottschalk was nominated by a one of his patients.&nbsp;

Gottschalk&nbsp;was selected from a group of blind nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers, and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings.&nbsp;

“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to&nbsp;<a href="file://hmcfile_svnt/docs/Nursing/Nursing%20Services/Daisy%20Award/Brochures/www.haysmed.com/daisyaward">www.haysmed.com/daisyaward</a>.&nbsp; If you have questions, call 785.623.2388

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641579221880.jpeg" alt="Brandon Gottschalk" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Gottschalk</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedBrandon Gottschalk, RN, surgical nurse, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed. This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people.&nbsp; Gottschalk was nominated by a one of his patients.&nbsp;Gottschalk&nbsp;was selected from a group of blind nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers, and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings.&nbsp;“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to&nbsp;<a href="file://hmcfile_svnt/docs/Nursing/Nursing%20Services/Daisy%20Award/Brochures/www.haysmed.com/daisyaward">www.haysmed.com/daisyaward</a>.&nbsp; If you have questions, call 785.623.2388

HaysMed nurse recognized with Daisy Award

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Public Management Center has announced its new class of graduates of the Heartland Certified Public Manager program. The graduation ceremony took place last month in the House Chamber of the Kansas Capitol. Ed O’Malley, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center, delivered remarks to the graduates.

More than 80 graduates, representing local, county, state or federal agencies from across Kansas, began their coursework in January 2021. They participated in classes held in Lawrence, Park City and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson. For the first time in the course’s 28-year history, a fully online cohort also graduated, joining the other cohorts at the Capitol and meeting each other and their instructors for the first time in person.

Of these participants, approximately 20 are graduates of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School who completed their CPM certification through classroom instruction and online work. They were recognized in November by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and were also included in the CPM graduation ceremony.

“The Kansas CPM program is a dynamic and engaging certification program of 300 contact hours that uses a capstone project as the final exam and course materials that inspire new ways of thinking and innovative approaches to public sector problem-solving,” said Deb Miller, the Public Management Center’s director.

“I am always very impressed with the caliber and dedication of the CPM graduates. Their love for public service and leadership is evident by their commitment to their organizations, communities and the citizens they serve,” Miller said. “While the 2020 class faced the challenge of completing CPM virtually, this year’s class had the adaptive challenge of starting virtually, switching to meeting in-person but always being prepared to pivot to online instruction if COVID infections became a problem. Luckily, the safety guidelines we put in place allowed for in-person instruction to the very end of the year.”

The Heartland CPM program is a professional education opportunity for managers working in government agencies, nonprofits and organizations that contract to provide public services and meet community needs. CPM is a nationally accredited management program and certification in which participants develop and strengthen their management skills through a competency-based curriculum. Close to 1,800 CPM graduates have earned the nationally recognized emblem of management excellence through the Heartland program, which serves Kansas and Missouri.

The Heartland CPM program can fill a training gap for staff with significant technical expertise who seek to further their knowledge of current management practices. The program offers a blended learning approach of classroom hours, online learning and outside assignments to meet 300 hours of structured learning. The curriculum addresses personal and organizational integrity, managing work, leading people, developing self, public service and leadership during times of change. Along the way, participants complete a capstone project focused on an opportunity for cost savings, revenue generation, process improvement or innovation in their workplace.

Area graduates are listed below. Not all graduates opted for their names to be published.

KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Public Management Center has announced its new class of graduates of the Heartland Certified Public Manager program. The graduation ceremony took place last month in the House Chamber of the Kansas Capitol. Ed O’Malley, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center, delivered remarks to the graduates.More than 80 graduates, representing local, county, state or federal agencies from across Kansas, began their coursework in January 2021. They participated in classes held in Lawrence, Park City and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson. For the first time in the course’s 28-year history, a fully online cohort also graduated, joining the other cohorts at the Capitol and meeting each other and their instructors for the first time in person.Of these participants, approximately 20 are graduates of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School who completed their CPM certification through classroom instruction and online work. They were recognized in November by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and were also included in the CPM graduation ceremony.“The Kansas CPM program is a dynamic and engaging certification program of 300 contact hours that uses a capstone project as the final exam and course materials that inspire new ways of thinking and innovative approaches to public sector problem-solving,” said Deb Miller, the Public Management Center’s director.“I am always very impressed with the caliber and dedication of the CPM graduates. Their love for public service and leadership is evident by their commitment to their organizations, communities and the citizens they serve,” Miller said. “While the 2020 class faced the challenge of completing CPM virtually, this year’s class had the adaptive challenge of starting virtually, switching to meeting in-person but always being prepared to pivot to online instruction if COVID infections became a problem. Luckily, the safety guidelines we put in place allowed for in-person instruction to the very end of the year.”The Heartland CPM program is a professional education opportunity for managers working in government agencies, nonprofits and organizations that contract to provide public services and meet community needs. CPM is a nationally accredited management program and certification in which participants develop and strengthen their management skills through a competency-based curriculum. Close to 1,800 CPM graduates have earned the nationally recognized emblem of management excellence through the Heartland program, which serves Kansas and Missouri.The Heartland CPM program can fill a training gap for staff with significant technical expertise who seek to further their knowledge of current management practices. The program offers a blended learning approach of classroom hours, online learning and outside assignments to meet 300 hours of structured learning. The curriculum addresses personal and organizational integrity, managing work, leading people, developing self, public service and leadership during times of change. Along the way, participants complete a capstone project focused on an opportunity for cost savings, revenue generation, process improvement or innovation in their workplace.Area graduates are listed below. Not all graduates opted for their names to be published.Barton County<ul>
 <li>Chance Bailey, Ellinwood Police Department</li><li>Brent Smith, Great Bend Fire Department</li>
 </ul>Ellis County<ul>
 <li>Lyle Pantle, Ellis County Fire Department</li>
 </ul>Ellsworth County<ul>
 <li>Emil Halfhill, Ellsworth Police Department</li>
 </ul>Graham County<ul>
 <li>Shaun Dooley, Graham County Sheriff’s Office</li>
 </ul>Sherman County:<ul>
 <li>Misty Rice, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office</li><li>Jeffrey Riedesel, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office</li>
 </ul>

NW Kansans among grads of KU's certified public manager program

Midwest Energy is arranging a total of $20,000 in donations to enable 13 regional emergency management services and fire departments to purchase grain entrapment rescue tubes and related accessories. The $20,000 total is made up of $10,000 from Midwest Energy’s Community Fund and $10,000 from Denver-based CoBank, one of Midwest’s lenders.&nbsp;

	Those receiving grants include: Claflin Fire Department, Phillipsburg Fire Department, Hamilton County Emergency Management, Burdett Fire Department, Garden City Fire Department, Sheridan County Fire Department, Wilson Fire Department, Rawlins County Fire District #1, Reno County Fire District #7, Plainville Rural Fire Department, Gove Fire Department, Lane County Fire Department and St. Francis Volunteer Fire Department. Each organization will receive $1,538 towards equipment purchase, which will cost roughly $3,000.

	Grain entrapment rescue tubes have multiple inter-locking sections that can be slid around a person, shielding them from the grain pressing against the victim. The grain level inside the tube is then reduced with a brushless battery-powered drill and auger, and the victim is removed. These devices make timely grain bin rescues a possibility.

	When a man in Cheyenne County was trapped in a grain bin in July 2021, a rescue tube in neighboring Sherman County was brought in to free him in a matter of minutes.&nbsp;

	 Steve Hirsch, an Oberlin-based attorney who also serves as Training Officer for Sheridan County Fire Department and Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council, feels there is a real need for rural fire departments to have these tubes on hand.&nbsp;

	“More and more farms are adding on-site bins, and as a result, grain entrapments are increasingly common,” Hirsch said. “When people become entrapped in grain, every minute counts. These grants allow 13 more counties access to this vital equipment.”

Midwest Energy, headquartered in Hays, is an electric and natural gas cooperative, serving 92,000 customers in Central and Western Kansas. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy is arranging a total of $20,000 in donations to enable 13 regional emergency management services and fire departments to purchase grain entrapment rescue tubes and related accessories. The $20,000 total is made up of $10,000 from Midwest Energy’s Community Fund and $10,000 from Denver-based CoBank, one of Midwest’s lenders.&nbsp;	Those receiving grants include: Claflin Fire Department, Phillipsburg Fire Department, Hamilton County Emergency Management, Burdett Fire Department, Garden City Fire Department, Sheridan County Fire Department, Wilson Fire Department, Rawlins County Fire District #1, Reno County Fire District #7, Plainville Rural Fire Department, Gove Fire Department, Lane County Fire Department and St. Francis Volunteer Fire Department. Each organization will receive $1,538 towards equipment purchase, which will cost roughly $3,000.	Grain entrapment rescue tubes have multiple inter-locking sections that can be slid around a person, shielding them from the grain pressing against the victim. The grain level inside the tube is then reduced with a brushless battery-powered drill and auger, and the victim is removed. These devices make timely grain bin rescues a possibility.	When a man in Cheyenne County was trapped in a grain bin in July 2021, a rescue tube in neighboring Sherman County was brought in to free him in a matter of minutes.&nbsp;	 Steve Hirsch, an Oberlin-based attorney who also serves as Training Officer for Sheridan County Fire Department and Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council, feels there is a real need for rural fire departments to have these tubes on hand.&nbsp;	“More and more farms are adding on-site bins, and as a result, grain entrapments are increasingly common,” Hirsch said. “When people become entrapped in grain, every minute counts. These grants allow 13 more counties access to this vital equipment.”	Midwest Energy, headquartered in Hays, is an electric and natural gas cooperative, serving 92,000 customers in Central and Western Kansas. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy arranges $20K in donations for grain bin rescue equipment

A little girl's dance family is reaching out to her and her family in their time of need.

13-year-old Camdyn Darrah, a seventh-grader at Hays Middle School, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Darrah has been dancing with Styles Dance Center since she was little and is now on the studio's senior dance team.

Camdyn was scheduled to start chemotherapy Friday at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. She is scheduled for chemo twice a month for six months.

Not only is her mom, Jenna, a single mom, facing medical costs but also travel expenses to KC for Camdyn's treatment, her grandmother Carol Rome said. The family is unsure how COVID will affect where they will be able to stay, as they will be trying to prevent Camdyn from being exposed to the virus.

Jenna is a paraprofessional at Wilson Elementary School.

Styles in cooperation with Gone Logo is selling two styles of T-shirts and rubber wrist bands with the logo #Camden Strong. Follow the link below to order. <a href="https://camdynstrong21.itemorder.com/sale">https://camdynstrong21.itemorder.com/sale</a>

The deadline to order shirts and bracelets is Jan. 28. Proceeds benefit Camdyn's family.

Alyssa Dechant, director of Styles Dance, has also been accepting cash donations electronically for the family.

The Venmo is @Alyssa-Dechant (Code 3604 if needed.) Please designate this is for Camdyn. Dechant said the she chose to use this platform over GoFundMe to avoid service fees. 100 percent of the donations will go to the Darrah family.

Dechant said the studio is hoping to set up a dance recital that would also benefit that family and invite other dancers and studios in the community to participate. 

That is still in the works. Dechant said she was hoping to stage that event in February.

Dechant said Camdyn is a very talented dancer.

"She's very flexible. She works very, very hard. She's a wonderful team member," she said.

She dances ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater and modern.

Rome said Camdyn's is an energetic and happy child. She dances, cheers and plays violin. 

"She's just an incredible child," her grandma said. "She's always been super high energy. She's funny, outgoing, good student. She's a good dancer. She gives everything she's got. She's good at sports. She's just one of those kids."

She had no symptoms that she was ill until she found two nodules — one at her neck and another at her lymph node.

"Prognosis is still pretty good, but it's going to be difficult," Rome said. 

Camdyn's diagnosis has had a profound effect on her extended family, but Rome said she and Jenna have been grateful for the outpouring of support from their dance family, as well as the broader community.

Jenna teaches dance at Styles, and Camdyn's younger sister, Caelyn, 9, also dances with the studio. 

The family has been offered food and help with rides for Camdyn's younger sister and an array of other kind gestures to aid the family, Rome said.

"People are being extremely kind and generous," Rome said. "We so appreciate it. ...

"This town is amazing. People always seem to rally, and we are very lucky and blessed to live here and that people care." 

Rome asked for prayers and positive thoughts as Camdyn moves forward with her treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641486592677.jpeg" alt="Camdyn Darrah and her younger sister, Caelyn, at a dance recital. Camdyn, 13, of Hays, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Camdyn Darrah and her younger sister, Caelyn, at a dance recital. Camdyn, 13, of Hays, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA little girl's dance family is reaching out to her and her family in their time of need.13-year-old Camdyn Darrah, a seventh-grader at Hays Middle School, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma.Darrah has been dancing with Styles Dance Center since she was little and is now on the studio's senior dance team.Camdyn was scheduled to start chemotherapy Friday at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. She is scheduled for chemo twice a month for six months. Not only is her mom, Jenna, a single mom, facing medical costs but also travel expenses to KC for Camdyn's treatment, her grandmother Carol Rome said. The family is unsure how COVID will affect where they will be able to stay, as they will be trying to prevent Camdyn from being exposed to the virus.Jenna is a paraprofessional at Wilson Elementary School. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641487080379.jpeg" alt="Camdyn Darrah, her mother Jenna and younger sister Caelyn. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Camdyn Darrah, her mother Jenna and younger sister Caelyn. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Styles in cooperation with Gone Logo is selling two styles of T-shirts and rubber wrist bands with the logo #Camden Strong. Follow the link below to order. <a href="https://camdynstrong21.itemorder.com/sale">https://camdynstrong21.itemorder.com/sale</a>The deadline to order shirts and bracelets is Jan. 28. Proceeds benefit Camdyn's family.Alyssa Dechant, director of Styles Dance, has also been accepting cash donations electronically for the family.The Venmo is @Alyssa-Dechant (Code 3604 if needed.) Please designate this is for Camdyn. Dechant said the she chose to use this platform over GoFundMe to avoid service fees. 100 percent of the donations will go to the Darrah family.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641487190404.jpeg" alt="Camdyn Darrah with her younger sister, Caelyn. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Camdyn Darrah with her younger sister, Caelyn. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Dechant said the studio is hoping to set up a dance recital that would also benefit that family and invite other dancers and studios in the community to participate. That is still in the works. Dechant said she was hoping to stage that event in February.Dechant said Camdyn is a very talented dancer."She's very flexible. She works very, very hard. She's a wonderful team member," she said.She dances ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater and modern.Rome said Camdyn's is an energetic and happy child. She dances, cheers and plays violin. "She's just an incredible child," her grandma said. "She's always been super high energy. She's funny, outgoing, good student. She's a good dancer. She gives everything she's got. She's good at sports. She's just one of those kids."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641487323166.jpeg" alt="Camdyn Darrah, her mother Jenna and younger sister Caelyn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Camdyn Darrah, her mother Jenna and younger sister Caelyn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She had no symptoms that she was ill until she found two nodules — one at her neck and another at her lymph node."Prognosis is still pretty good, but it's going to be difficult," Rome said. Camdyn's diagnosis has had a profound effect on her extended family, but Rome said she and Jenna have been grateful for the outpouring of support from their dance family, as well as the broader community.Jenna teaches dance at Styles, and Camdyn's younger sister, Caelyn, 9, also dances with the studio. The family has been offered food and help with rides for Camdyn's younger sister and an array of other kind gestures to aid the family, Rome said."People are being extremely kind and generous," Rome said. "We so appreciate it. ..."This town is amazing. People always seem to rally, and we are very lucky and blessed to live here and that people care." Rome asked for prayers and positive thoughts as Camdyn moves forward with her treatment.

Dance family rallies around Hays girl fighting cancer

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641588713570.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

We are looking for CDL Drivers (A or with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.&nbsp;

Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.

Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641328630646.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are looking for CDL Drivers (A or with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.&nbsp;Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Area students named to honor roll at Bethany College

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares potential impacts of the USD 489 bond issue proposal.

As Hays residents consider another USD 489 bond issue Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams says school facilities are a key factor in recruiting people to the area. He talks to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.

Particularly in this day and age where we have lots of people moving around the country. You know, there's studies that say, in the next 10 years, 20 million people will migrate from urban areas to more rural areas. And these are people that can work remotely that have good jobs and have, they're skilled, and they're looking for alternatives other than the rat race in the city. So they're, they're looking at alternatives. And when they look out, across the country, one of the key things that this demographic looks for is schools, you know, when you talk to people, you know, talk to people all the time in urban areas, when they move to a different neighborhood, the first thing they look at, are the schools. Mm hmm. And that's what these people are looking for, as well. And we feel like Hayes has so much to offer. And we've got a great story to tell, until it comes to the physical condition of our schools. I think our quality of education is very good here. But the physical condition of our schools has been neglected for far too long. And so we have no choice but to do something about that. Because we're in a competitive world. And if you look at lots and lots of other communities, they have made the investments in their school systems, and we have not.

Yeah, exactly exactly what you're saying. And you know, I think about I saw some comments on when I was on social media. And it was folks basically, kind of lambasted saying that no peep, nobody would make that decision based on the schools, nobody's going to move to Hayes, because we have good schools. But I think to your point, people do make that decision if they're going to move and I think about myself, for example, if I were to leave this job, I would work probably online and could pick anywhere in the world. Anywhere, right? And the schools would be I've got a couple nine year olds and a little one about to get into the school district. That would be the one of the first things I would look at.

Sure, it's very important. And I think those people who don't think it is, could spend a few minutes talking to the human resources department at Hayes Medical Center, or Fort Hays State University who are trying to recruit health care providers, or college, college professors, or even our school system, trying to recruit or keep teachers, those teachers that do a really great job. How long are they going to stay here, when they have to work in the kind of conditions that some work in and they're really nasty, you know, some of our situations are, are not good at all. And you know that the thing I continue to harp on is, there's a cost of not passing a bond. And I argue that it's far higher than passing a bond. Yeah, you can, you can quantify what $140 million is, and it's X number of dollars for a homeowner per month, blah, blah, blah. It's more difficult to quantify the cost of those lost opportunities, those people that didn't come to our community, those businesses that maybe chose not to expand here, because we don't have the type of school system that can recruit people to our community for labor force and that kind of thing. So there's a high cost of not doing what we need to do, not to mention the fact that it gets more expensive every year.

Yeah, and this is something I've shared, we were talking a little bit about this right before we went on air too. And I've shared this story, one of the initial bond issue, guys that was helping spread the word on this one on room when the first bond issue went through seven, eight years ago now. But that's exactly what his point was. He was he was a conservative guy. And he said, Look, I don't like spending money, and I don't want to increase my taxes, not one penny, but every year we wait, it just is going to cost us more. And that's what we've seen. So the bond issue then was I think about 108 100 9 million, and now it's 143, I think is the lowest of the three points, I could have that wrong. But that's an increase in materials cost and the cost of labor and all that, etc. associated expenses.

What absolutely is, you know, I've lived here all my life. And I remember the bond issues that they attempted to pass in the 60s and 70s. And I believe there were four failed attempts before they passed the $5 million bond to build Hayes high to give you some idea of what cost to the bond that built Hayes high and I think 1978 is when they passed the bond was $5 million. But through the 60s and early 70s, they had a number of failed attempts. And if you go back and look at the plans of the original high school they were going to build It's incredible what it contained. But then we went through the inflationary 70s And that kind of thing. So what we ended up with at the time was was nice, but it cost a lot more in the end than what that initial bond issue cost would have been. Had they has to the first go around. And we're kind of in the same situation now, and certainly in an inflationary time, there's all indications that, you know, we're dealing with some inflation, for sure, and materials and that type of thing. And so, to wait, it's just going to cost more later. And I continue to say, schools are critical infrastructure, no different than roads, no different than a sewer, plant water lines, you've got to invest in those things, if you want to have a productive community, and it affects all aspects of the community, seniors, young families, singles, you know, our local economy will suffer, if we don't invest in our schools and our infrastructure.

You know, one of the big things that we spoke earlier with on the morning show here earlier this week, and with our USD 49, report, we talked about the space. And I think that's another key component of this is, you know, our schools right now are basically maxed out with the number of children we can get in them. And if we want to have any sort of growth, we're gonna have to put those kids somewhere.

Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams&nbsp; 

That's exactly right. If you look at them and that's, that's my real challenge, my frustration with some of the social media things is that people don't look at the numbers, they just kind of spout off. And don't, don't think this through or don't educate themselves, because I've heard him say, you know, hey, size, enrollment is dropping? Well, that's not true at all, if you look at the numbers, and if you look at the capacity that was designed for, were about 150 kids over what it was designed to hold. And we think we're going to have some growth, we want to have some growth, no, we're not going to be Denver, or, you know, a large urban area, but we want consistent steady growth in our community, we need to have it if we're going to be the type of community that we'd like to have. And so space is a huge issue. And we've got to deal with that somehow or another.

Yeah, you know, you can I know one of the big arguments that I hear pretty frequently against the bond issues has been, well, we didn't take care of it the way we should have. And I think there is some we've talked about that a little bit in the past, there's, there's some truth to that, but the space thing you can't get around it, there's no other way. And you know, I've seen it, and I always encourage people to go into the schools and check it out yourself. I've seen the lunch rooms, as they're shifting around at 1015. In the morning, I've seen, you know, teachers teaching out of closets. And that's just not a good, you know, again, a should go back to your point earlier, those educators I think, are gonna be really questioning the decision, do I want to stay in this district, and you know, you teach in a closet for two, three years in a row? I think anybody to have that kind of mindset.

Sure. And we live in a society where talented people have lots of choices. You know, we're in a tight labor market all across our country. And if somebody is a good teacher, they can go get a job anywhere, you know, they can, they can teach wherever they want. So if they don't have a decent, good conditions with which to teach, they're going to go someplace else. And they and the whole, you know, they didn't handle the funds appropriately before, you know, I don't know, maybe they did. Maybe they didn't, I suppose there are some arguments that they made poor choices in the past where they spent the capital outlay money and that kind of thing. But that's irrelevant. Today. I think we have a good school board, I think with this vision committee is committed a large group of committed smart people. I think our USD 489 staff is smart, committed people, we got to trust them. You know, at some point in time, we can't be sitting back playing armchair quarterback all the time and saying we should do this, you should do that. When you don't really understand the situation. You know, we've got to trust these people that they're telling us the right thing and that they have the community and the school district's best interests in mind. And we need to act.

Yeah. You know, I'm glad you mentioned that, because that's one of the things that I think in this particular conversation, I've seen that this seems to be going well, is that a lot more people are involved. And they're interested in like, there was a bond meeting a couple of days ago, there was a fairly substantial crowd. And I remember in the first bond issue, you know, again, 578 years ago, you go to those meetings, and there'd be nobody there literally nobody. So I'm curious, you know, what you're hearing from, like business leaders about that, you know, is the tide kind of turned a little bit? Are more people supporting this? Or is it still going to be an uphill battle?

I think it has turned to some extent, I think that the real challenge I have seen in the past is that I don't think anybody disagrees that we need a bond. I mean, I say nobody there there are those out there that disagree and are not going to vote for it under any circumstance. But I think it has turned I think people recognize that we do need a bond. And most of what I hear is positive. So I think we are headed in the right direction, at least I hope so. You know, you're always going to have a vocal minority are going to voice their opinions and that's great. That's what this country saw about. But I think by and large people recognize the need and We this time I hope is different and I hope we can get something done. It's critical to our future that we do.

Okay. Well, before we run out of time, there's one other thing we want to talk a little bit about today. And that's some construction going on out towards, well, gosh, I don't know the roads but out east of town.

Heart of America has a development near Commerce Parkway, where Glassman climate control is that area behind Glassman climate control on Ninth Street out there. That is been out there for a long time, 20 years 20 plus years with some lots and things out there for commercial development. And we've had two lots sales in the last few months to local businesses who are going to do expansions out there. And we've got some interest in a third lot for a potential construction project for some factory microfactory project. And so some good activity out there good to see some local businesses, make investments and expand. And I think there'll be 2022, you'll see a lot of activity out there that be to the east of where Glassman Corporation is just off of commerce Parkway. So that's good news. Great to see.

Yeah, absolutely. You know, I wonder he, when businesses make that move, you know, and that's I don't know, that's out of city limits, right. Is there a is there an impact to like tax revenues or anything like that to be concerned about? Or is this is an all kind of good thing? Because it really it's not like a big move. It's in an expansion, of course, is always a good thing.

Well, expansion is good. And let me correct. That is in the city limits. So okay, that is annexed into the city, they do have access to city services, water, sewer, that kind of thing. Fire protection. So that is why they made that decision where they're going is it isn't a city. Gotcha. So it's all positive from that standpoint, because both of these organizations operate in existing buildings that pay property taxes. They're building new buildings, which will add property tax revenue to the tax rolls. So it's all good. Plus, I'll expand and employ more people. So I don't see any downside to this one.

Okay, win, win, win. Love that. Are you gonna tell us the businesses. You can't tell us, can you?

You always have the best information is what you can't share.

Love it. Well, it's very good to hear that, you know, that's happening. And I love seeing expansion out there. Because, you know, to me, that's one of those areas, one of those regions that can really use that it's kind of underdeveloped, I think and you know, and I didn't realize that had been out there that, that for that long,

It has been that those lots were developed quite some time ago, and it's time there was some expansion out there. It's a good spot with, as I said earlier, it's in the city limits. It's got access to city utilities. Part of America also owns 32 acres directly to the east of where these are. So the game plan would be just continue going east and find some other organizations to either come in or expand out there and keep it going.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 bond issue to impact more than education" 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=ncnv7-1172470-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares potential impacts of the USD 489 bond issue proposal.<h2>Transcript</h2>James Bell&nbsp; As Hays residents consider another USD 489 bond issue Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams says school facilities are a key factor in recruiting people to the area. He talks to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.Doug Williams&nbsp; Particularly in this day and age where we have lots of people moving around the country. You know, there's studies that say, in the next 10 years, 20 million people will migrate from urban areas to more rural areas. And these are people that can work remotely that have good jobs and have, they're skilled, and they're looking for alternatives other than the rat race in the city. So they're, they're looking at alternatives. And when they look out, across the country, one of the key things that this demographic looks for is schools, you know, when you talk to people, you know, talk to people all the time in urban areas, when they move to a different neighborhood, the first thing they look at, are the schools. Mm hmm. And that's what these people are looking for, as well. And we feel like Hayes has so much to offer. And we've got a great story to tell, until it comes to the physical condition of our schools. I think our quality of education is very good here. But the physical condition of our schools has been neglected for far too long. And so we have no choice but to do something about that. Because we're in a competitive world. And if you look at lots and lots of other communities, they have made the investments in their school systems, and we have not.James Bell&nbsp; Yeah, exactly exactly what you're saying. And you know, I think about I saw some comments on when I was on social media. And it was folks basically, kind of lambasted saying that no peep, nobody would make that decision based on the schools, nobody's going to move to Hayes, because we have good schools. But I think to your point, people do make that decision if they're going to move and I think about myself, for example, if I were to leave this job, I would work probably online and could pick anywhere in the world. Anywhere, right? And the schools would be I've got a couple nine year olds and a little one about to get into the school district. That would be the one of the first things I would look at.Doug Williams&nbsp; Sure, it's very important. And I think those people who don't think it is, could spend a few minutes talking to the human resources department at Hayes Medical Center, or Fort Hays State University who are trying to recruit health care providers, or college, college professors, or even our school system, trying to recruit or keep teachers, those teachers that do a really great job. How long are they going to stay here, when they have to work in the kind of conditions that some work in and they're really nasty, you know, some of our situations are, are not good at all. And you know that the thing I continue to harp on is, there's a cost of not passing a bond. And I argue that it's far higher than passing a bond. Yeah, you can, you can quantify what $140 million is, and it's X number of dollars for a homeowner per month, blah, blah, blah. It's more difficult to quantify the cost of those lost opportunities, those people that didn't come to our community, those businesses that maybe chose not to expand here, because we don't have the type of school system that can recruit people to our community for labor force and that kind of thing. So there's a high cost of not doing what we need to do, not to mention the fact that it gets more expensive every year.James Bell&nbsp; Yeah, and this is something I've shared, we were talking a little bit about this right before we went on air too. And I've shared this story, one of the initial bond issue, guys that was helping spread the word on this one on room when the first bond issue went through seven, eight years ago now. But that's exactly what his point was. He was he was a conservative guy. And he said, Look, I don't like spending money, and I don't want to increase my taxes, not one penny, but every year we wait, it just is going to cost us more. And that's what we've seen. So the bond issue then was I think about 108 100 9 million, and now it's 143, I think is the lowest of the three points, I could have that wrong. But that's an increase in materials cost and the cost of labor and all that, etc. associated expenses.Doug Williams&nbsp; What absolutely is, you know, I've lived here all my life. And I remember the bond issues that they attempted to pass in the 60s and 70s. And I believe there were four failed attempts before they passed the $5 million bond to build Hayes high to give you some idea of what cost to the bond that built Hayes high and I think 1978 is when they passed the bond was $5 million. But through the 60s and early 70s, they had a number of failed attempts. And if you go back and look at the plans of the original high school they were going to build It's incredible what it contained. But then we went through the inflationary 70s And that kind of thing. So what we ended up with at the time was was nice, but it cost a lot more in the end than what that initial bond issue cost would have been. Had they has to the first go around. And we're kind of in the same situation now, and certainly in an inflationary time, there's all indications that, you know, we're dealing with some inflation, for sure, and materials and that type of thing. And so, to wait, it's just going to cost more later. And I continue to say, schools are critical infrastructure, no different than roads, no different than a sewer, plant water lines, you've got to invest in those things, if you want to have a productive community, and it affects all aspects of the community, seniors, young families, singles, you know, our local economy will suffer, if we don't invest in our schools and our infrastructure.James Bell&nbsp; You know, one of the big things that we spoke earlier with on the morning show here earlier this week, and with our USD 49, report, we talked about the space. And I think that's another key component of this is, you know, our schools right now are basically maxed out with the number of children we can get in them. And if we want to have any sort of growth, we're gonna have to put those kids somewhere.Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams&nbsp; That's exactly right. If you look at them and that's, that's my real challenge, my frustration with some of the social media things is that people don't look at the numbers, they just kind of spout off. And don't, don't think this through or don't educate themselves, because I've heard him say, you know, hey, size, enrollment is dropping? Well, that's not true at all, if you look at the numbers, and if you look at the capacity that was designed for, were about 150 kids over what it was designed to hold. And we think we're going to have some growth, we want to have some growth, no, we're not going to be Denver, or, you know, a large urban area, but we want consistent steady growth in our community, we need to have it if we're going to be the type of community that we'd like to have. And so space is a huge issue. And we've got to deal with that somehow or another.James Bell&nbsp; Yeah, you know, you can I know one of the big arguments that I hear pretty frequently against the bond issues has been, well, we didn't take care of it the way we should have. And I think there is some we've talked about that a little bit in the past, there's, there's some truth to that, but the space thing you can't get around it, there's no other way. And you know, I've seen it, and I always encourage people to go into the schools and check it out yourself. I've seen the lunch rooms, as they're shifting around at 1015. In the morning, I've seen, you know, teachers teaching out of closets. And that's just not a good, you know, again, a should go back to your point earlier, those educators I think, are gonna be really questioning the decision, do I want to stay in this district, and you know, you teach in a closet for two, three years in a row? I think anybody to have that kind of mindset.Doug Williams&nbsp; Sure. And we live in a society where talented people have lots of choices. You know, we're in a tight labor market all across our country. And if somebody is a good teacher, they can go get a job anywhere, you know, they can, they can teach wherever they want. So if they don't have a decent, good conditions with which to teach, they're going to go someplace else. And they and the whole, you know, they didn't handle the funds appropriately before, you know, I don't know, maybe they did. Maybe they didn't, I suppose there are some arguments that they made poor choices in the past where they spent the capital outlay money and that kind of thing. But that's irrelevant. Today. I think we have a good school board, I think with this vision committee is committed a large group of committed smart people. I think our USD 489 staff is smart, committed people, we got to trust them. You know, at some point in time, we can't be sitting back playing armchair quarterback all the time and saying we should do this, you should do that. When you don't really understand the situation. You know, we've got to trust these people that they're telling us the right thing and that they have the community and the school district's best interests in mind. And we need to act.James Bell&nbsp; Yeah. You know, I'm glad you mentioned that, because that's one of the things that I think in this particular conversation, I've seen that this seems to be going well, is that a lot more people are involved. And they're interested in like, there was a bond meeting a couple of days ago, there was a fairly substantial crowd. And I remember in the first bond issue, you know, again, 578 years ago, you go to those meetings, and there'd be nobody there literally nobody. So I'm curious, you know, what you're hearing from, like business leaders about that, you know, is the tide kind of turned a little bit? Are more people supporting this? Or is it still going to be an uphill battle?Doug Williams&nbsp; I think it has turned to some extent, I think that the real challenge I have seen in the past is that I don't think anybody disagrees that we need a bond. I mean, I say nobody there there are those out there that disagree and are not going to vote for it under any circumstance. But I think it has turned I think people recognize that we do need a bond. And most of what I hear is positive. So I think we are headed in the right direction, at least I hope so. You know, you're always going to have a vocal minority are going to voice their opinions and that's great. That's what this country saw about. But I think by and large people recognize the need and We this time I hope is different and I hope we can get something done. It's critical to our future that we do.James Bell&nbsp; Okay. Well, before we run out of time, there's one other thing we want to talk a little bit about today. And that's some construction going on out towards, well, gosh, I don't know the roads but out east of town.Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams&nbsp; Commerce Parkway.James Bell&nbsp; There you go.Doug Williams&nbsp; Heart of America has a development near Commerce Parkway, where Glassman climate control is that area behind Glassman climate control on Ninth Street out there. That is been out there for a long time, 20 years 20 plus years with some lots and things out there for commercial development. And we've had two lots sales in the last few months to local businesses who are going to do expansions out there. And we've got some interest in a third lot for a potential construction project for some factory microfactory project. And so some good activity out there good to see some local businesses, make investments and expand. And I think there'll be 2022, you'll see a lot of activity out there that be to the east of where Glassman Corporation is just off of commerce Parkway. So that's good news. Great to see.James Bell&nbsp; Yeah, absolutely. You know, I wonder he, when businesses make that move, you know, and that's I don't know, that's out of city limits, right. Is there a is there an impact to like tax revenues or anything like that to be concerned about? Or is this is an all kind of good thing? Because it really it's not like a big move. It's in an expansion, of course, is always a good thing.Doug Williams&nbsp; Well, expansion is good. And let me correct. That is in the city limits. So okay, that is annexed into the city, they do have access to city services, water, sewer, that kind of thing. Fire protection. So that is why they made that decision where they're going is it isn't a city. Gotcha. So it's all positive from that standpoint, because both of these organizations operate in existing buildings that pay property taxes. They're building new buildings, which will add property tax revenue to the tax rolls. So it's all good. Plus, I'll expand and employ more people. So I don't see any downside to this one.James Bell&nbsp; Okay, win, win, win. Love that. Are you gonna tell us the businesses. You can't tell us, can you?Doug Williams&nbsp; I will soon, not right now.James Bell&nbsp; You always have the best information is what you can't share.Doug Williams&nbsp; Always.James Bell&nbsp; Love it. Well, it's very good to hear that, you know, that's happening. And I love seeing expansion out there. Because, you know, to me, that's one of those areas, one of those regions that can really use that it's kind of underdeveloped, I think and you know, and I didn't realize that had been out there that, that for that long,Doug Williams&nbsp; It has been that those lots were developed quite some time ago, and it's time there was some expansion out there. It's a good spot with, as I said earlier, it's in the city limits. It's got access to city utilities. Part of America also owns 32 acres directly to the east of where these are. So the game plan would be just continue going east and find some other organizations to either come in or expand out there and keep it going.

🎙Post Podcast: USD 489 bond issue to impact more than education

NEW YORK &amp; CHICAGO &amp; MONTRÉAL — On Friday, Blackstone Inc. (NYSE: BX) announced that funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure Partners have entered into a definitive agreement with Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Invenergy for an approximately $3 billion equity investment in Invenergy Renewables Holdings LLC, the largest private renewable energy company in North America.

 Blackstone's investment will provide capital to accelerate Invenergy's renewables development activities. CDPQ and Invenergy management remain majority owners of the company and Invenergy will continue as managing member.

Inveneregy has operated the Buckeye Wind Farm in Ellis County since 2015.

Invenergy Renewables is one of the largest and most well-respected renewable energy developers, with over 175 projects totaling nearly 25,000 megawatts developed across four continents, focused on long-lasting partnerships with utilities, financial institutions and commercial and industrial customers. The generation projects developed by the company power the equivalent of 8.5 million homes. Invenergy has received numerous industry recognitions, notably a #4 global rank for "Top Power Generators" based on renewables capacity by Energy Intelligence New Energy in 2020. The company's developed projects have offset approximately 167 million tons of carbon dioxide, or approximately the annual emissions of the state of New York. Invenergy Renewables has a significant development and construction pipeline, and its affiliate Invenergy Transmission is solving power delivery challenges by advancing some of the world's most innovative transmission infrastructure projects. The company is building both the largest wind and solar projects in the United States, that combined will deliver nearly 3 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2023.

Commenting on the transaction, Sean Klimczak, Global Head of Infrastructure at Blackstone, said: "Blackstone is committed to investing behind the energy transition and Invenergy is the clear independent leader in the renewable energy sector. We look forward to a long-term partnership with the Invenergy and CDPQ teams and are excited to invest alongside them to support the accelerated build-out of Invenergy's clean energy portfolio."

Matthew Runkle, Senior Managing Director in the Infrastructure Group at Blackstone, added: "We are proud to have the opportunity to work with Michael Polsky and the world-class team at Invenergy. Invenergy has built an outstanding platform for delivering clean energy – which is essential to our future – and we are honored to be a part of their mission."

Jim Murphy, President &amp; Corporate Business Leader at Invenergy, said: "The Invenergy team is pleased to welcome Blackstone, a leader in the renewable investment space, as our partner. We greatly value our long-term relationship with CDPQ and are thrilled to continue to accelerate the clean energy transition with Blackstone's additional investment and capabilities."

Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice President and Head of Infrastructure at CDPQ, added: "For nearly a decade, we have worked alongside Invenergy to build a key global player in the energy transition, in the United States and around the world. Michael Polsky, Jim Murphy and their team raise the bar when it comes to developing and operating sustainable energy solutions, making their company a true innovator and leader in its field. We are delighted to welcome our long-term partner Blackstone as a new investor, combining our global reach and resources to help position Invenergy for continued growth."

The investment in Invenergy Renewables is the most recent example of a number of clean energy companies Blackstone is proud to support. Since 2019, Blackstone has committed nearly $13 billion in investments that Blackstone believes are consistent with the broader energy transition. Additionally in 2020, Blackstone announced a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 15% in aggregate within the first three years of ownership across all new investments where Blackstone has control over energy usage.

Lazard and CIBC served as M&amp;A advisors to Blackstone and Kirkland &amp; Ellis as legal advisor to Blackstone. Mayer Brown was legal advisor to CDPQ, and Sidley &amp; Austin and White &amp; Case represented the company and Invenergy.

Read the full release <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220107005440/en/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641584721050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Business WireNEW YORK &amp; CHICAGO &amp; MONTRÉAL — On Friday, Blackstone Inc. (NYSE: BX) announced that funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure Partners have entered into a definitive agreement with Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Invenergy for an approximately $3 billion equity investment in Invenergy Renewables Holdings LLC, the largest private renewable energy company in North America. Blackstone's investment will provide capital to accelerate Invenergy's renewables development activities. CDPQ and Invenergy management remain majority owners of the company and Invenergy will continue as managing member.Inveneregy has operated the Buckeye Wind Farm in Ellis County since 2015.Invenergy Renewables is one of the largest and most well-respected renewable energy developers, with over 175 projects totaling nearly 25,000 megawatts developed across four continents, focused on long-lasting partnerships with utilities, financial institutions and commercial and industrial customers. The generation projects developed by the company power the equivalent of 8.5 million homes. Invenergy has received numerous industry recognitions, notably a #4 global rank for "Top Power Generators" based on renewables capacity by Energy Intelligence New Energy in 2020. The company's developed projects have offset approximately 167 million tons of carbon dioxide, or approximately the annual emissions of the state of New York. Invenergy Renewables has a significant development and construction pipeline, and its affiliate Invenergy Transmission is solving power delivery challenges by advancing some of the world's most innovative transmission infrastructure projects. The company is building both the largest wind and solar projects in the United States, that combined will deliver nearly 3 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2023.Commenting on the transaction, Sean Klimczak, Global Head of Infrastructure at Blackstone, said: "Blackstone is committed to investing behind the energy transition and Invenergy is the clear independent leader in the renewable energy sector. We look forward to a long-term partnership with the Invenergy and CDPQ teams and are excited to invest alongside them to support the accelerated build-out of Invenergy's clean energy portfolio."Matthew Runkle, Senior Managing Director in the Infrastructure Group at Blackstone, added: "We are proud to have the opportunity to work with Michael Polsky and the world-class team at Invenergy. Invenergy has built an outstanding platform for delivering clean energy – which is essential to our future – and we are honored to be a part of their mission."Jim Murphy, President &amp; Corporate Business Leader at Invenergy, said: "The Invenergy team is pleased to welcome Blackstone, a leader in the renewable investment space, as our partner. We greatly value our long-term relationship with CDPQ and are thrilled to continue to accelerate the clean energy transition with Blackstone's additional investment and capabilities."Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice President and Head of Infrastructure at CDPQ, added: "For nearly a decade, we have worked alongside Invenergy to build a key global player in the energy transition, in the United States and around the world. Michael Polsky, Jim Murphy and their team raise the bar when it comes to developing and operating sustainable energy solutions, making their company a true innovator and leader in its field. We are delighted to welcome our long-term partner Blackstone as a new investor, combining our global reach and resources to help position Invenergy for continued growth."The investment in Invenergy Renewables is the most recent example of a number of clean energy companies Blackstone is proud to support. Since 2019, Blackstone has committed nearly $13 billion in investments that Blackstone believes are consistent with the broader energy transition. Additionally in 2020, Blackstone announced a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 15% in aggregate within the first three years of ownership across all new investments where Blackstone has control over energy usage.Lazard and CIBC served as M&amp;A advisors to Blackstone and Kirkland &amp; Ellis as legal advisor to Blackstone. Mayer Brown was legal advisor to CDPQ, and Sidley &amp; Austin and White &amp; Case represented the company and Invenergy.Read the full release <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220107005440/en/">HERE</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Blackstone invests $3B in parent company of Buckeye Wind

The Hays USD 489 school board will discuss the results of a community survey on possible bond options at its meeting at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

District officials have not finalized what they will take to voters, but have floated three options. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63930500-9846-41ad-8bc8-85aee2b6e95f">Each option includes building a new school — either a high school, middle school or elementary school.</a>

The most expensive option would be to build a new high school. Cost estimate is $143.5 million over a 25-year bond. The cost per month on a $150,000 home would be $33.42. 

Officials have also discussed breaking the projects into two bonds, which would decrease the per-month cost. However, this option would likely cost more over time and require a second bond vote.

The board will also hear information about recommended adjustments to district COVID mitigation levels. 

The board also plans to tour Westside school.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will discuss the results of a community survey on possible bond options at its meeting at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.District officials have not finalized what they will take to voters, but have floated three options. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63930500-9846-41ad-8bc8-85aee2b6e95f">Each option includes building a new school — either a high school, middle school or elementary school.</a>The most expensive option would be to build a new high school. Cost estimate is $143.5 million over a 25-year bond. The cost per month on a $150,000 home would be $33.42. Officials have also discussed breaking the projects into two bonds, which would decrease the per-month cost. However, this option would likely cost more over time and require a second bond vote.<h2>COVID</h2>The board will also hear information about recommended adjustments to district COVID mitigation levels. The board also plans to tour Westside school.

Hays USD 489 BOE to discuss bond survey, COVID mitigation

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by Caleb M. Peterson, Wasilla, Alaska, was eastbound on U.S. 40 just west of County Road 280 at Page City.

The vehicle passenger side tires left the roadway. The driver overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle. It slid east into the north ditch.

EMS transported Peterson to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by Caleb M. Peterson, Wasilla, Alaska, was eastbound on U.S. 40 just west of County Road 280 at Page City.The vehicle passenger side tires left the roadway. The driver overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle. It slid east into the north ditch.EMS transported Peterson to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after car slides into Logan Co. ditch

The executive board of SPARK, a Kansas committee of appointed leaders proposed late last month to divvy-up some $150 million of Kansas federal COVID relief funding.&nbsp; For K-12 schools, $4 million was proposed for electronic access projects and $50 million divided into $1,000 stipends for families of low-income/low performing students to buy approved educational materials and services.&nbsp; The remainder was proposed to go to economic development.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The total American Rescue Plan Act funding for all Kansas institutions named in the legislation will be about five billion.

SPARK stands for Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas.&nbsp; It’s made up of elected officials, business executives and community members.&nbsp; Four advisory panels will inform the executive board which will recommend allocations to the Kansas State Finance Council, a bi-partisan legislative group chaired by the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While there seems to be a wide consensus among legislators and the public that schools need help, there is little public discussion of how ARPA ear-marked for K-12 education will fit into a comprehensive plan to build schools back better.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is not surprising because COVID caused a range of difficulties for students and schools and the responsibility for addressing those difficulties cannot readily be seen as belonging to any one government entity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, how far will the proposed $4 million go toward making fast and reliable learning technology available for students in all parts of the state? Can the multiple agencies that currently provide government grants and programs for increased broadband also benefit K-12 school technology beyond ARPA funding?&nbsp; Can bundling available funding fully provide needed technology for schools?&nbsp;

Another challenge for the committee is prioritizing allocation.&nbsp; Offering money to families of low-income/high-need students to spend in rebuilding learning lost during COVID could certainly be useful.&nbsp; However, schools face many problems—teacher shortages, substitute teacher shortages, students who are having social/emotional difficulty in returning to traditional learning, students who are not performing at grade level and enrollment decline.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A $1,000 appropriation of $50 million for learning aids would reach only about 500 students out of a total of 471,000 Kansas students.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bringing into focus resources for K-12 public education from multiple funding pools and making investments that reach the most students most effectively demand a comprehensive plan that will do the following:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>The executive board of SPARK, a Kansas committee of appointed leaders proposed late last month to divvy-up some $150 million of Kansas federal COVID relief funding.&nbsp; For K-12 schools, $4 million was proposed for electronic access projects and $50 million divided into $1,000 stipends for families of low-income/low performing students to buy approved educational materials and services.&nbsp; The remainder was proposed to go to economic development.&nbsp;&nbsp;The total American Rescue Plan Act funding for all Kansas institutions named in the legislation will be about five billion.SPARK stands for Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas.&nbsp; It’s made up of elected officials, business executives and community members.&nbsp; Four advisory panels will inform the executive board which will recommend allocations to the Kansas State Finance Council, a bi-partisan legislative group chaired by the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;While there seems to be a wide consensus among legislators and the public that schools need help, there is little public discussion of how ARPA ear-marked for K-12 education will fit into a comprehensive plan to build schools back better.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is not surprising because COVID caused a range of difficulties for students and schools and the responsibility for addressing those difficulties cannot readily be seen as belonging to any one government entity.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, how far will the proposed $4 million go toward making fast and reliable learning technology available for students in all parts of the state? Can the multiple agencies that currently provide government grants and programs for increased broadband also benefit K-12 school technology beyond ARPA funding?&nbsp; Can bundling available funding fully provide needed technology for schools?&nbsp;Another challenge for the committee is prioritizing allocation.&nbsp; Offering money to families of low-income/high-need students to spend in rebuilding learning lost during COVID could certainly be useful.&nbsp; However, schools face many problems—teacher shortages, substitute teacher shortages, students who are having social/emotional difficulty in returning to traditional learning, students who are not performing at grade level and enrollment decline.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A $1,000 appropriation of $50 million for learning aids would reach only about 500 students out of a total of 471,000 Kansas students.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bringing into focus resources for K-12 public education from multiple funding pools and making investments that reach the most students most effectively demand a comprehensive plan that will do the following:<ul>
 <li>Finish the goal of fast, reliable connectivity for students wherever they are in Kansas and equip students with individual learning devices they can use at school, on a school bus or at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Enable professional development for teachers to be ready for remote or hybrid teaching that includes a flexible implementation plan, if circumstances require such teaching in the future, plus provide opportunity for teachers to learn online instruction skills as needed by their schools.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Recruit a full, highly qualified, diverse educator work-force that includes teachers, substitutes and other school personnel.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Reach out to public school experts across the country, Kansas parents and teachers to identify and implement best practices for remediating COVID learning loss, enabling student achievement at grade level and attending to students’ social/emotional difficulties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>SPARK is an apt name for this enormously powerful committee charged to disperse government largess heretofore unimaginable.&nbsp; The committee’s work will have impact for at least a decade.&nbsp; It’s a pivotal moment for Kansas public education.&nbsp; The committee needs to get this right because its choices will be of major public consequence.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

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