<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>

INDIANAPOLIS - After winning both the MIAA regular season and tournament championships, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team has been selected as the No. 1 seed in the Central Region of the 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship. The Tigers (28-3) will be hosting the Central Regional of the tournament for the third time inside Gross Memorial Coliseum March 11, 12 and 14. Four quarterfinal games will open the festivities on Friday, followed by the semifinals Saturday evening. Two teams will then vie for a regional championship on Monday. The winner of that game will advance to Birmingham, Ala. for the Elite Eight, scheduled for March 21-25. Fort Hays State's first round opponent will be eighth-seeded Minnesota State-Mankato. The Mavericks were 21-6 on the year, reaching the NSIC semifinals while finishing third in the regular season Northern Sun standings. Other quarterfinal matchups include No. 2 Southwestern Oklahoma State 29-4) against No. 7 Missouri Western (21-9), No. 3 Minnesota-Duluth (24-4) facing off with No. 6 Nebraska-Kearney (23-7) and No. 4 Missouri Southern (24-6) squaring off with No. 5 Saint Cloud State (23-4). This is the third time that the Tigers have served as DII regional hosts, joining 2015 and 2019. Fort Hays State reached the regional title game each year, but fell one win short of advancing to the Elite Eight. Fort Hays State was also the top seed in last year's regional that was held at a predetermined site (Warrensburg, Mo.), with FHSU falling in the regional semifinals that year. Fort Hays State has now been selected to play in seven of the last eight regional championships and eight overall during the Tigers' DII history. The Tigers are 5-6 all-time in the big dance, including a 1-0 record against the Mavericks, a 3-1 record against teams from the NSIC, a 4-2 mark when playing in Hays, a 2-0 mark against the No. 8 seed and a 3-2 record in the quarterfinal round. More tournament information will be released soon, including game times and ticket information. 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups No. 1 Fort Hays State (28-3) vs. No. 8 Minnesota State (21-6) No. 4 Missouri Southern (24-6) vs. No. 5 St. Cloud State (23-4) No. 2 Southwestern Oklahoma State (29-4) vs. No. 7 Missouri Western (21-9) No. 3 Minnesota Duluth (24-4) vs. No. 6 Nebraska-Kearney (23-7)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646626903948.jpeg" alt="NCAA II Central Regional Bracket" />
 <figcaption>NCAA II Central Regional Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>INDIANAPOLIS - After winning both the MIAA regular season and tournament championships, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team has been selected as the No. 1 seed in the Central Region of the 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship. The Tigers (28-3) will be hosting the Central Regional of the tournament for the third time inside Gross Memorial Coliseum March 11, 12 and 14. Four quarterfinal games will open the festivities on Friday, followed by the semifinals Saturday evening. Two teams will then vie for a regional championship on Monday. The winner of that game will advance to Birmingham, Ala. for the Elite Eight, scheduled for March 21-25. Fort Hays State's first round opponent will be eighth-seeded Minnesota State-Mankato. The Mavericks were 21-6 on the year, reaching the NSIC semifinals while finishing third in the regular season Northern Sun standings. Other quarterfinal matchups include No. 2 Southwestern Oklahoma State 29-4) against No. 7 Missouri Western (21-9), No. 3 Minnesota-Duluth (24-4) facing off with No. 6 Nebraska-Kearney (23-7) and No. 4 Missouri Southern (24-6) squaring off with No. 5 Saint Cloud State (23-4). This is the third time that the Tigers have served as DII regional hosts, joining 2015 and 2019. Fort Hays State reached the regional title game each year, but fell one win short of advancing to the Elite Eight. Fort Hays State was also the top seed in last year's regional that was held at a predetermined site (Warrensburg, Mo.), with FHSU falling in the regional semifinals that year. Fort Hays State has now been selected to play in seven of the last eight regional championships and eight overall during the Tigers' DII history. The Tigers are 5-6 all-time in the big dance, including a 1-0 record against the Mavericks, a 3-1 record against teams from the NSIC, a 4-2 mark when playing in Hays, a 2-0 mark against the No. 8 seed and a 3-2 record in the quarterfinal round. More tournament information will be released soon, including game times and ticket information. 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups No. 1 Fort Hays State (28-3) vs. No. 8 Minnesota State (21-6) No. 4 Missouri Southern (24-6) vs. No. 5 St. Cloud State (23-4) No. 2 Southwestern Oklahoma State (29-4) vs. No. 7 Missouri Western (21-9) No. 3 Minnesota Duluth (24-4) vs. No. 6 Nebraska-Kearney (23-7)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 NCAA II women's Central Regional coming to Hays

SHERMAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Avalanche driven by&nbsp; Chrystal Marie Aldaco, 28, Little Elm, TX, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of County Road 3.

The vehicle crossed over a bridge, hit a patch of ice and the driver lost control. 

The Avalanche slid into the median, struck the eastbound inside guardrail, overturned and came to rest on its top in the eastbound driving lane.

EMS transported Aldaco and two children to the hospital in Goodland. They were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Avalanche driven by&nbsp; Chrystal Marie Aldaco, 28, Little Elm, TX, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of County Road 3.The vehicle crossed over a bridge, hit a patch of ice and the driver lost control. The Avalanche slid into the median, struck the eastbound inside guardrail, overturned and came to rest on its top in the eastbound driving lane.EMS transported Aldaco and two children to the hospital in Goodland. They were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver, 2 children hospitalized after trucks overturns

Representatives from the Hays chamber will be out and about
this week for the annual Stepping Out Day.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., chamber ambassadors will be stopping
by member businesses to change out their decals from the year before, visiting
each business in person.

“You’re into those businesses, you're talking to people,”
said Chamber Ambassador LaVonne Giess. “Everybody's super friendly. Let's take the old
decal off, put the new one on. Sometimes it's a trick to find it. Sometimes
it's right upfront. But it is it's always a nice time to get out of the
office.”

This year, the members will also be collecting entries for a
raffle.

“When they go into the businesses, not only do they give
them a decal, but they also ask for a business card,” said Rhonda Meyerhoff, vice
president of membership. “And if they get a business card, then the business
member will be entered into a raffle drawing. So that's always just kind of a
fun little thing.”

The Chamber ambassadors, who will be representing the
organization during the event, are a vital part of the Chamber,&nbsp;Meyerhoff said, and
often serve as the public relations arm of the organization.

“The Chamber could not do what we do without our wonderful
group of 50 ambassadors,” she said. “They are absolutely amazing, absolutely amazing. They're there to be ready pretty much whenever the need
arises for them to do things. And so, we really appreciate that they'll be able
to take any of those comments back to the Chamber.”

Along with visiting with the businesses and replacing Chamber membership decals, they will also be collecting donations for the Chamber’s
upcoming golf tournament.

“Last year, as we were doing the Stepping Out, we kind of
just started talking to some businesses and said, ‘Well, let's just ask while
we're here instead of making a second trip,’ and said, ‘You know, the golf
tournament is coming up. Do you have any item you'd like to donate for the
auction? We're looking for items,’ ” Giess said. “And a lot of businesses were
like, yes, some of them gave them to us right away. Some said, 'Yes, come back,
we're definitely going to donate something.'

“And so, we really wanted to push that further this year,”
she continued, “and start early, letting those businesses know that when we're
in there doing the Stepping Out and putting up their decal. That is their
opportunity, if they have an item they want to donate for the auction, we can
take it right away that day and not have to make another trip back.”

For those members in service industries who would still
like to donate, Giess said cash donations can also be accepted. Those donations
will be used to buy raffle items from other Chamber members.

“We will take that around town to businesses and buy gift packages or gift cards and things like that that can be used at the
auction,” Giess said. “So your business does not have to have an item necessarily,
they can do a monetary donation, and we will go buy something for the auction.”

Last year, “they were able to put some really nice gift baskets
together,” Meyerhoff said. “And it would say on the online website who
sponsored that gift.”

And while the donations can be a fun way to participate, they
serve a vital need for the organization.

“A lot of people don't understand 55 percent of the
Chamber's budget comes from membership dues,” Meyerhoff said. “The other 45
percent comes from non-dues revenue, such as the sponsorship. The Chamber does
not receive any annual fund funds from the city, the county, the state or
federal. So having these types of events be profitable is imperative for our budget,
and allows us to keep doing the great things that we're doing at the chamber.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646533751009.jpeg" alt="This week the Hays Chamber will be "stepping out" to replace their member decals around the city of Hays. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>This week the Hays Chamber will be "stepping out" to replace their member decals around the city of Hays. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostRepresentatives from the Hays chamber will be out and about
this week for the annual Stepping Out Day.From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., chamber ambassadors will be stopping
by member businesses to change out their decals from the year before, visiting
each business in person.“You’re into those businesses, you're talking to people,”
said Chamber Ambassador LaVonne Giess. “Everybody's super friendly. Let's take the old
decal off, put the new one on. Sometimes it's a trick to find it. Sometimes
it's right upfront. But it is it's always a nice time to get out of the
office.”<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber visiting business this week" 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=hwbzw-11c26e6-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>This year, the members will also be collecting entries for a
raffle.“When they go into the businesses, not only do they give
them a decal, but they also ask for a business card,” said Rhonda Meyerhoff, vice
president of membership. “And if they get a business card, then the business
member will be entered into a raffle drawing. So that's always just kind of a
fun little thing.”The Chamber ambassadors, who will be representing the
organization during the event, are a vital part of the Chamber,&nbsp;Meyerhoff said, and
often serve as the public relations arm of the organization.“The Chamber could not do what we do without our wonderful
group of 50 ambassadors,” she said. “They are absolutely amazing, absolutely amazing. They're there to be ready pretty much whenever the need
arises for them to do things. And so, we really appreciate that they'll be able
to take any of those comments back to the Chamber.”Along with visiting with the businesses and replacing Chamber membership decals, they will also be collecting donations for the Chamber’s
upcoming golf tournament.“Last year, as we were doing the Stepping Out, we kind of
just started talking to some businesses and said, ‘Well, let's just ask while
we're here instead of making a second trip,’ and said, ‘You know, the golf
tournament is coming up. Do you have any item you'd like to donate for the
auction? We're looking for items,’ ” Giess said. “And a lot of businesses were
like, yes, some of them gave them to us right away. Some said, 'Yes, come back,
we're definitely going to donate something.'<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269644630.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“And so, we really wanted to push that further this year,”
she continued, “and start early, letting those businesses know that when we're
in there doing the Stepping Out and putting up their decal. That is their
opportunity, if they have an item they want to donate for the auction, we can
take it right away that day and not have to make another trip back.”For those members in service industries who would still
like to donate, Giess said cash donations can also be accepted. Those donations
will be used to buy raffle items from other Chamber members.“We will take that around town to businesses and buy gift packages or gift cards and things like that that can be used at the
auction,” Giess said. “So your business does not have to have an item necessarily,
they can do a monetary donation, and we will go buy something for the auction.”Last year, “they were able to put some really nice gift baskets
together,” Meyerhoff said. “And it would say on the online website who
sponsored that gift.”And while the donations can be a fun way to participate, they
serve a vital need for the organization.“A lot of people don't understand 55 percent of the
Chamber's budget comes from membership dues,” Meyerhoff said. “The other 45
percent comes from non-dues revenue, such as the sponsorship. The Chamber does
not receive any annual fund funds from the city, the county, the state or
federal. So having these types of events be profitable is imperative for our budget,
and allows us to keep doing the great things that we're doing at the chamber.”

🎙 Hays Chamber 'steps out' to visit Hays businesses

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams shares information about the ongoing work around Interstate 70, exit 157.

<div><iframe title="Infrastructure around I-70 exit key to development" 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=qkbk4-11c25db-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 information about the ongoing work around Interstate 70, exit 157.

🎙Post Podcast: Infrastructure around I-70 exit key to development

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host a variety of free daily activities during spring break later this month, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.

FHSU graduate assistants will lead the activities from noon to 4:30 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the marsh. Those who can’t attend in person can watch a Facebook Live program at 10 a.m. each day. Follow @wetlandscenter for a story and demonstration of the afternoon activity.

Following is a synopsis of each day’s activities.

Monday, March 14 – Plants play a crucial role in the habitat of Cheyenne Bottoms. Come and explore all things plants as we learn about each of the six parts of a plant, dissect a flower, marvel at how a stem transports food and liquids, and make and take a unique garden monster you can watch grow before your eyes.

Tuesday, March 15 – Come and take a deep dive into one of the ways scientists think Cheyenne Bottoms was formed. Build a small sinkhole and see how a wetland acts as a natural water filter for many contaminants and pollutants.

Wednesday, March 16 – Cheyenne Bottoms has always been a place full of incredible diversity, especially with our familiar flapping friends. Birds of different shapes, sizes, and sounds can be found all over. But have you ever wondered why the many different birds have different types of beaks? Come and see just how each bird relies on its beak as you experience how they work with their natural tools. Leave with a gift for your feathery fellows back home: custom feeders, easy to make, that you can hang up in your own yard.

Thursday, March 17 – Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking? A majority of their decisions are based on behaviors that suit their different lifestyles. Come and learn about the ways reptiles think and perceive the world as we make beaded reptile keychains you can take home.

Friday, March 18 – Slither on down to the KWEC to experience the snakes that call Kansas home. Create and decorate your own paper snake while learning about how snakes grow, and take part in a fun interactive activity to understand how snakes find food and navigate the world around them! Check out real snake skins, a snake skeleton, and even a live snake as you learn more about these wonderful, wiggly reptiles.

The spring break fun doesn’t stop there. Start your break at 3 p.m. Friday, March 11, with our monthly WILD club activity for school-age kids. District KDWP Wildlife Biologist James Svaty will be on hand to talk about fur-bearing animals and fur harvesting. He will bring different types of traps and teach how to set them. He will also have a collection of skins and skulls, and we will go hiking in pursuit of tracks and other signs of wildlife.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, join KWEC Director Curtis Wolf for a Birdwatching 101 class – &nbsp;open to people of all ages. On Saturday, March 19, meet at the center at 1 p.m. for a caravan tour of Cheyenne Bottoms. Hop in our van, or follow in your vehicle to check out what birds are present in the wetlands. On both Sundays of spring break (March 13 and 20), books about reptiles will be available in the classroom, and we encourage kids to come and “Read to a Reptile” anytime from 1 to 5 p.m.

KWEC is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway. For more information, call 877-243-9268 or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNMEWbHN_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAKqx4wHtZmTYUw0kXF6WCcG2ouxU3cplY9Ibm8bJ-2FhwrtHp-2FXP3Tn4csKT2VYEwyAgbobPVPca8tTB0vHwBHR3fXtPVNkRoxTYGS95vNKJ5QwPZpVqHnfauUUDGe2kdyKQZb-2B3DFyhA751K2JtMsvYHLyXXCAv9fVWzAv5KwS4rxVAM0MCD5ySu6y46OSy533Hv5jpQflqR7-2Be8fuvyt4xqc1j6bCxVj4DZ10Sw5r9inAIzOGlg7C-2Bycuxl3aFFba9jFR2w9jG45Qd4BKJNRmw-3D-3D">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646345731963.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host a variety of free daily activities during spring break later this month, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.FHSU graduate assistants will lead the activities from noon to 4:30 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the marsh. Those who can’t attend in person can watch a Facebook Live program at 10 a.m. each day. Follow @wetlandscenter for a story and demonstration of the afternoon activity.Following is a synopsis of each day’s activities.Monday, March 14 – Plants play a crucial role in the habitat of Cheyenne Bottoms. Come and explore all things plants as we learn about each of the six parts of a plant, dissect a flower, marvel at how a stem transports food and liquids, and make and take a unique garden monster you can watch grow before your eyes.Tuesday, March 15 – Come and take a deep dive into one of the ways scientists think Cheyenne Bottoms was formed. Build a small sinkhole and see how a wetland acts as a natural water filter for many contaminants and pollutants.Wednesday, March 16 – Cheyenne Bottoms has always been a place full of incredible diversity, especially with our familiar flapping friends. Birds of different shapes, sizes, and sounds can be found all over. But have you ever wondered why the many different birds have different types of beaks? Come and see just how each bird relies on its beak as you experience how they work with their natural tools. Leave with a gift for your feathery fellows back home: custom feeders, easy to make, that you can hang up in your own yard.Thursday, March 17 – Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking? A majority of their decisions are based on behaviors that suit their different lifestyles. Come and learn about the ways reptiles think and perceive the world as we make beaded reptile keychains you can take home.Friday, March 18 – Slither on down to the KWEC to experience the snakes that call Kansas home. Create and decorate your own paper snake while learning about how snakes grow, and take part in a fun interactive activity to understand how snakes find food and navigate the world around them! Check out real snake skins, a snake skeleton, and even a live snake as you learn more about these wonderful, wiggly reptiles.The spring break fun doesn’t stop there. Start your break at 3 p.m. Friday, March 11, with our monthly WILD club activity for school-age kids. District KDWP Wildlife Biologist James Svaty will be on hand to talk about fur-bearing animals and fur harvesting. He will bring different types of traps and teach how to set them. He will also have a collection of skins and skulls, and we will go hiking in pursuit of tracks and other signs of wildlife.At 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, join KWEC Director Curtis Wolf for a Birdwatching 101 class – &nbsp;open to people of all ages. On Saturday, March 19, meet at the center at 1 p.m. for a caravan tour of Cheyenne Bottoms. Hop in our van, or follow in your vehicle to check out what birds are present in the wetlands. On both Sundays of spring break (March 13 and 20), books about reptiles will be available in the classroom, and we encourage kids to come and “Read to a Reptile” anytime from 1 to 5 p.m.KWEC is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway. For more information, call 877-243-9268 or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNMEWbHN_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAKqx4wHtZmTYUw0kXF6WCcG2ouxU3cplY9Ibm8bJ-2FhwrtHp-2FXP3Tn4csKT2VYEwyAgbobPVPca8tTB0vHwBHR3fXtPVNkRoxTYGS95vNKJ5QwPZpVqHnfauUUDGe2kdyKQZb-2B3DFyhA751K2JtMsvYHLyXXCAv9fVWzAv5KwS4rxVAM0MCD5ySu6y46OSy533Hv5jpQflqR7-2Be8fuvyt4xqc1j6bCxVj4DZ10Sw5r9inAIzOGlg7C-2Bycuxl3aFFba9jFR2w9jG45Qd4BKJNRmw-3D-3D">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center offers spring break activities

Ordinary life in the United States today is regularly shaped by all sorts of complicated corporate, governmental, and bureaucratic systems. Few like this, but fewer still are willing or able to reject the goods which systems of specialization provide. For some, the way to hold onto the ideal of ordinary citizens truly governing themselves despite this complexity, is “transparency.”

That “transparency” is a key component of modern democracy is undeniable. If the decision-making of those whom we elect stays invisible, it invites corruption and poisons our civic health. But like “democracy” itself, the concept of “transparency” can sometimes become a totem, a term used to advance a cause rather than a standard to assess what is actually taking place.

I think about this in connection with an education bill currently being debated in Topeka, titled in part the&nbsp;“Academic Transparency Act.” A recent defense of that bill by a couple of Kansas legislators strongly made the case that, as parents “have a right to know what their children are being taught” in public schools, it’s reasonable to require school districts to technologically guarantee “easy access to curricular materials that already should be available today,”&nbsp;concluding that “there are no enemies in transparency.” And in a sense, they’re absolutely right.

After all, no one likes being stuck in the bureaucratic darkness. When these legislators point out that “busy parents” often find the process of figuring out what is happening in their children’s classrooms “unclear, unfamiliar, and tedious,” anyone who has ever had to negotiate the complex systems around us (remember all the times you’ve longed to talk with a human being when calling about an insurance claim or a problem with your wireless plan) can surely sympathize.

And yet, the fact is that most teachers already bend over backwards to involve parents and help them through that process, with parent-teacher conferences, open houses, book fairs, and more. Given what is actually in the bill—requiring&nbsp;school districts to set up “transparency portals” to give parents online access to “each test, questionnaire, survey, or examination,” as well as explanations of the rationale behind each assignment, links to all the library materials used in any of the aforementioned assignments, and much more—it’s predictable that many see the bill as using “transparency” to express, instead, a simple distrust in educators themselves.

The bill won’t pass right now, thanks to strong Democratic opposition and dissents from some Republicans concerned about the intrusive governmental mandates it involves. But whether it dies or is snuck through as part of an appropriations bill, the complicated problem at its heart remains: in a world of busy specialization, it is unfortunately easy for a few people to embrace extreme accusations about what these legislators called “unhealthy ideas” in the public schools, and then turn to technological access instead of building trust as a solution.

Outside of a total embrace of home schooling, educators and parents will likely always see “the common good of the child”—as these legislators put it—somewhat differently, since their roles and responsibilities differ. That’s what life in a complex, pluralistic, specialized society unavoidably brings us. Technological transparency might smooth these frustrations, but given its costs, re-emphasizing instead the need for all to take the time to respectfully engage with one another, and trust in each others’ areas of concern and expertise, would surely be better.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ordinary life in the United States today is regularly shaped by all sorts of complicated corporate, governmental, and bureaucratic systems. Few like this, but fewer still are willing or able to reject the goods which systems of specialization provide. For some, the way to hold onto the ideal of ordinary citizens truly governing themselves despite this complexity, is “transparency.”That “transparency” is a key component of modern democracy is undeniable. If the decision-making of those whom we elect stays invisible, it invites corruption and poisons our civic health. But like “democracy” itself, the concept of “transparency” can sometimes become a totem, a term used to advance a cause rather than a standard to assess what is actually taking place.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I think about this in connection with an education bill currently being debated in Topeka, titled in part the&nbsp;“Academic Transparency Act.” A recent defense of that bill by a couple of Kansas legislators strongly made the case that, as parents “have a right to know what their children are being taught” in public schools, it’s reasonable to require school districts to technologically guarantee “easy access to curricular materials that already should be available today,”&nbsp;concluding that “there are no enemies in transparency.” And in a sense, they’re absolutely right.After all, no one likes being stuck in the bureaucratic darkness. When these legislators point out that “busy parents” often find the process of figuring out what is happening in their children’s classrooms “unclear, unfamiliar, and tedious,” anyone who has ever had to negotiate the complex systems around us (remember all the times you’ve longed to talk with a human being when calling about an insurance claim or a problem with your wireless plan) can surely sympathize.And yet, the fact is that most teachers already bend over backwards to involve parents and help them through that process, with parent-teacher conferences, open houses, book fairs, and more. Given what is actually in the bill—requiring&nbsp;school districts to set up “transparency portals” to give parents online access to “each test, questionnaire, survey, or examination,” as well as explanations of the rationale behind each assignment, links to all the library materials used in any of the aforementioned assignments, and much more—it’s predictable that many see the bill as using “transparency” to express, instead, a simple distrust in educators themselves.The bill won’t pass right now, thanks to strong Democratic opposition and dissents from some Republicans concerned about the intrusive governmental mandates it involves. But whether it dies or is snuck through as part of an appropriations bill, the complicated problem at its heart remains: in a world of busy specialization, it is unfortunately easy for a few people to embrace extreme accusations about what these legislators called “unhealthy ideas” in the public schools, and then turn to technological access instead of building trust as a solution.Outside of a total embrace of home schooling, educators and parents will likely always see “the common good of the child”—as these legislators put it—somewhat differently, since their roles and responsibilities differ. That’s what life in a complex, pluralistic, specialized society unavoidably brings us. Technological transparency might smooth these frustrations, but given its costs, re-emphasizing instead the need for all to take the time to respectfully engage with one another, and trust in each others’ areas of concern and expertise, would surely be better.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: On transparency and trust in Topeka

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646425416734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

A couple of weeks ago, 4-H members across Barton County gathered for 4-H Club Day.&nbsp;This event provides opportunities for 4-H&nbsp;members&nbsp;to showcase their presentation skills while receiving feedback from a judge for areas of improvement. Youth participate in Project Talks (specific information about one of the 40 project areas), a Demonstration (shows how to do something), an Illustrated Talk (tells how to do something or about something), and Public or Extemporaneous Speaking. They also have an opportunity&nbsp;to showcase teamwork through skits or model meetings (Parliamentary procedure).&nbsp;Those with top placings will have the opportunity to compete at the Regional 4-H Club Day on March 11 in Great Bend.

I love watching the development of a youth who starts out as a little one in a Show and Tell presentation and, just a few years later, is taking on more complicated topics and challenging themselves with Public Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking.&nbsp;

In addition to this opportunity, a group of youth across the Cottonwood Extension District are part of a team of water ambassadors, our 4-H2O Ambassadors!&nbsp;This group of 7 youth are provided training by a variety of partners including Cottonwood Extension 4-H, Hays Water Resources Department, KSU Watershed specialists, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;The 4-H Water Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for teens 13 and older, focusing on the importance of water quality, water conservation and water careers.&nbsp;If your organization would be interested in hearing from our water ambassadors, give me a call.

Another incredible opportunity that has been provided to one of our Cottonwood – Barton 4-H members is the chance to represent Kansas 4-H at an international level. Jayla Wyant was selected as one of the IFYE (International Foreign Youth Exchange) youth for 2022. She will be traveling to Japan this summer to stay with a host family, learn about youth development and experience a different culture.&nbsp;Jayla is fundraising for this trip as the costs are considerably more than a regular summer. If you are interested in supporting her fundraising efforts, please contact me at the Extension Office and I will have her family&nbsp;get&nbsp;in contact.&nbsp;

What incredible opportunities to learn through experiences!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>A couple of weeks ago, 4-H members across Barton County gathered for 4-H Club Day.&nbsp;This event provides opportunities for 4-H&nbsp;members&nbsp;to showcase their presentation skills while receiving feedback from a judge for areas of improvement. Youth participate in Project Talks (specific information about one of the 40 project areas), a Demonstration (shows how to do something), an Illustrated Talk (tells how to do something or about something), and Public or Extemporaneous Speaking. They also have an opportunity&nbsp;to showcase teamwork through skits or model meetings (Parliamentary procedure).&nbsp;Those with top placings will have the opportunity to compete at the Regional 4-H Club Day on March 11 in Great Bend.I love watching the development of a youth who starts out as a little one in a Show and Tell presentation and, just a few years later, is taking on more complicated topics and challenging themselves with Public Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking.&nbsp;In addition to this opportunity, a group of youth across the Cottonwood Extension District are part of a team of water ambassadors, our 4-H2O Ambassadors!&nbsp;This group of 7 youth are provided training by a variety of partners including Cottonwood Extension 4-H, Hays Water Resources Department, KSU Watershed specialists, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;The 4-H Water Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for teens 13 and older, focusing on the importance of water quality, water conservation and water careers.&nbsp;If your organization would be interested in hearing from our water ambassadors, give me a call.Another incredible opportunity that has been provided to one of our Cottonwood – Barton 4-H members is the chance to represent Kansas 4-H at an international level. Jayla Wyant was selected as one of the IFYE (International Foreign Youth Exchange) youth for 2022. She will be traveling to Japan this summer to stay with a host family, learn about youth development and experience a different culture.&nbsp;Jayla is fundraising for this trip as the costs are considerably more than a regular summer. If you are interested in supporting her fundraising efforts, please contact me at the Extension Office and I will have her family&nbsp;get&nbsp;in contact.&nbsp;What incredible opportunities to learn through experiences!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 4-H Club Day a hit — and life lesson

GOODLAND -&nbsp;For the second straight year and the fourth time in the last
five seasons the TMP-Marian boys have qualified for the 3A state tournament
after they hold off MCL rival Norton Saturday 47-39 to claim the Goodland sub-state
championship.

After taking an early 2-0 lead TMP (19-4) found themselves down 8-4
in a low scoring first half. Bryce Seib hit a 3-pointer that put TMP up 9-8 and
helped to spark a 12-4 run to end the first half giving TMP a 16-12 lead at halftime.

TMP led by five twice to start the second half but Norton (14-8) was able to chip away at the lead and tied the game at 19. That was one of
three different ties down the stretch in the third quarter, including a 27-27
tie at the end of the third quarter.

Kenton Ginther hit his first of two fourth quarter 3-pointers
to open the fourth quarter that briefly put TMP up 30-27.

Norton was able to tie the game again at 32-32 with 5:22 to
play in the game. But Ginther drained his second 3-pointer of the game on the
ensuing possession with 5:05 left to play in the game putting TMP up 35-32 and
they never trailed the rest of the way.

Kade Harris got a steal and layup on the next Norton possession
putting TMP up 37-32.

Those two field goals sparked a 15-7 run over the final five
minutes and five seconds of the game as the Monarchs secured the 47-39 victory.

TMP’s Dylan Werth led all scorers with 12 points and Gavin
Unrein added 10 points for the Monarchs.

The Monarchs will either be the six of seven seed in next
week’s 3A state tournament at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646544980964.jpeg" alt="TMP claimed their second straight sub-state championship Saturday with a win over Norton.&nbsp;(Courtesy Bluejay Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>TMP claimed their second straight sub-state championship Saturday with a win over Norton.&nbsp;(Courtesy Bluejay Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND -&nbsp;For the second straight year and the fourth time in the last
five seasons the TMP-Marian boys have qualified for the 3A state tournament
after they hold off MCL rival Norton Saturday 47-39 to claim the Goodland sub-state
championship.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1227249472&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-coach-int-3-5-23" title="3-5-2022 - TMP coach Bill Meagher" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3-5-2022 - TMP coach Bill Meagher</a></div></div>After taking an early 2-0 lead TMP (19-4) found themselves down 8-4
in a low scoring first half. Bryce Seib hit a 3-pointer that put TMP up 9-8 and
helped to spark a 12-4 run to end the first half giving TMP a 16-12 lead at halftime.TMP led by five twice to start the second half but Norton (14-8) was able to chip away at the lead and tied the game at 19. That was one of
three different ties down the stretch in the third quarter, including a 27-27
tie at the end of the third quarter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646545282729.jpeg" alt="TMP's Gavin Unrein shots a layup in the Monarchs win Saturday vs Norton.&nbsp;(Courtesy Bluejay Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>TMP's Gavin Unrein shots a layup in the Monarchs win Saturday vs Norton.&nbsp;(Courtesy Bluejay Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kenton Ginther hit his first of two fourth quarter 3-pointers
to open the fourth quarter that briefly put TMP up 30-27.Norton was able to tie the game again at 32-32 with 5:22 to
play in the game. But Ginther drained his second 3-pointer of the game on the
ensuing possession with 5:05 left to play in the game putting TMP up 35-32 and
they never trailed the rest of the way.Kade Harris got a steal and layup on the next Norton possession
putting TMP up 37-32.Those two field goals sparked a 15-7 run over the final five
minutes and five seconds of the game as the Monarchs secured the 47-39 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1227249442&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-norton-highlights-3-5-22" title="3-5-2022 TMP boys highlights vs Norton" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3-5-2022 TMP boys highlights vs Norton</a></div></div>TMP’s Dylan Werth led all scorers with 12 points and Gavin
Unrein added 10 points for the Monarchs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646545261827.jpeg" alt="TMP's Dylan Werth challenges Norton's Drake Harding's shot.&nbsp;(Courtesy Bluejay Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>TMP's Dylan Werth challenges Norton's Drake Harding's shot.&nbsp;(Courtesy Bluejay Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Monarchs will either be the six of seven seed in next
week’s 3A state tournament at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

🏀TMP boys headed back to state with sub-state championship

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays dentists, Jon Kinderknect and Jarrod Jones stop by to speak about the upcoming Kansas Mission of Mercy dental clinic.

<div><iframe title="Free dental clinic coming to Hays in March" 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=kpu8e-11c25ce-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 Hays dentists, Jon Kinderknect and Jarrod Jones stop by to speak about the upcoming Kansas Mission of Mercy dental clinic.

🎙Post Podcast: Free dental clinic coming to Hays in March

RUSH COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Special Agents made multiple arrests connected to the January 2022 murder of 61-year-old Leslie Randa, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 8:30p.m. Friday, Jennifer Page Stipe, 48, and Darin Lee McBee, 58, both of 325 Marla Street in Great Bend, Kan. were arrested. 

Stipe was arrested on a requested charge of first degree murder. McBee was arrested on requested charges that include multiple felonies related to the murder. 

The arrest took place at&nbsp;Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot at 1930 East 17th&nbsp;Ave. in Hutchinson. Authorities also located the missing 2006 GMC Envoy.&nbsp;On Jan. 21, a family member found Leslie Randa deceased in his home, located at 205 E 5th Street in LaCrosse.

The Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;is expected to prosecute the case.

RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office continue their search for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the January 21 homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse.

 The vehicle has Kansas tag 463HAE&nbsp; and front grill guard is chrome. 

 The SUV was observed in Wichita after Randa was killed, and may still be in the Wichita area. 

If anyone saw this SUV on January 11, or after, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office at 785-222-2578.

A family member found Leslie Randa in his home, located at 205 E 5th Street in LaCrosse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646497053839.png" alt="Stipe is being held in Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Stipe is being held in Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Special Agents made multiple arrests connected to the January 2022 murder of 61-year-old Leslie Randa, according to a media release from the KBI.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646497116590.png" alt="McBee photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>McBee photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 8:30p.m. Friday, Jennifer Page Stipe, 48, and Darin Lee McBee, 58, both of 325 Marla Street in Great Bend, Kan. were arrested. Stipe was arrested on a requested charge of first degree murder. McBee was arrested on requested charges that include multiple felonies related to the murder. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643198011225.png" alt="Photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The arrest took place at&nbsp;Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot at 1930 East 17th&nbsp;Ave. in Hutchinson. Authorities also located the missing 2006 GMC Envoy.&nbsp;On Jan. 21, a family member found Leslie Randa deceased in his home, located at 205 E 5th Street in LaCrosse.The Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;is expected to prosecute the case.------------RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office continue their search for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the January 21 homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse. The vehicle has Kansas tag 463HAE&nbsp; and front grill guard is chrome. The SUV was observed in Wichita after Randa was killed, and may still be in the Wichita area. If anyone saw this SUV on January 11, or after, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office at 785-222-2578.A family member found Leslie Randa in his home, located at 205 E 5th Street in LaCrosse.

KBI: 2 suspects arrested in Rush Co. homicide investigation

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It wasn't much, but it was measureable, and it counts.

A light rainstorm moved through Hays Friday night, leaving lawns and streets glistening with the much welcome moisture.

According to official reports from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, Hays received 0.02 inches of rain.

The last time precipitation fell in Hays was more than a month ago, said Joe Becker, weather monitor.

A light snow fell February 2nd, yielding 0.30 inches of precipitation.

It's been a dry year so far in Hays, nearly two inches less than usual accumlation by March 4.

To date, just 0.56 inches has been measured. Hays' 153-year average total through March is 2.46 inches.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/210a8921-482e-445d-adde-554ef86b7f8d">three-day forecast</a> from the National Weather Service calls for a chance of preciptation Sunday - rain and snow - as a weather front moves through bringing cooler temperatures.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621177967075.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt wasn't much, but it was measureable, and it counts.A light rainstorm moved through Hays Friday night, leaving lawns and streets glistening with the much welcome moisture.According to official reports from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, Hays received 0.02 inches of rain.The last time precipitation fell in Hays was more than a month ago, said Joe Becker, weather monitor.A light snow fell February 2nd, yielding 0.30 inches of precipitation.It's been a dry year so far in Hays, nearly two inches less than usual accumlation by March 4.To date, just 0.56 inches has been measured. Hays' 153-year average total through March is 2.46 inches.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/210a8921-482e-445d-adde-554ef86b7f8d">three-day forecast</a> from the National Weather Service calls for a chance of preciptation Sunday - rain and snow - as a weather front moves through bringing cooler temperatures.&nbsp;

Precip falls in Hays for first time in more than month; nearly 2" behind normal 

Developmental Services of
Northwest Kansas has announced it is the beneficiary of two donations from area
organizations.

Farm Bureau Foundation
presented a check to DSNWK on Feb. 18 to go toward its food bank. The
money will support the food bank with any equipment or supplies that are
needed. 

Because DSNWK is an affiliated member of the Kansas Food Bank, they can
provide access to food for individuals served by DSNWK at a reduced fee.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays
presented a check on Feb. 7 to support DSNWK’s Consumer Medical Fund.
This special fund assists individuals served by DSNWK with the cost of medical
items and care that are not covered by Medicaid such as dental expenses and
vision needs.

DSNWK would like to thank both
Farm Bureau Foundation and Trinity Lutheran Church for their generous support
of people with developmental disabilities.

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18
northwest Kansas counties since 1967.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of
Northwest Kansas has announced it is the beneficiary of two donations from area
organizations.Farm Bureau Foundation
presented a check to DSNWK on Feb. 18 to go toward its food bank. The
money will support the food bank with any equipment or supplies that are
needed. Because DSNWK is an affiliated member of the Kansas Food Bank, they can
provide access to food for individuals served by DSNWK at a reduced fee.Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays
presented a check on Feb. 7 to support DSNWK’s Consumer Medical Fund.
This special fund assists individuals served by DSNWK with the cost of medical
items and care that are not covered by Medicaid such as dental expenses and
vision needs.DSNWK would like to thank both
Farm Bureau Foundation and Trinity Lutheran Church for their generous support
of people with developmental disabilities.DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18
northwest Kansas counties since 1967.

Two donations help DSNWK food bank, consumer medical fund

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

Would you like to go camping on a lakefront property? Then build yourself a lake next door.&nbsp;

That statement might sound overly simplistic, but today we’ll learn about a reservoir that was recently constructed in southwest Kansas. It is serving the outdoor recreation needs of thousands of people in Kansas and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week we met the Jantz family of MJE LLC, which is the company that constructed this project known as HorseThief Reservoir. Audrey Rupp is district manager for HorseThief Reservoir. Gene Webb is HorseThief’s historian.&nbsp;

Audrey grew up at Tribune, studied tourism and hospitality at Fort Hays State University and became manager at HorseThief in November 2021. Gene Webb is a lifelong resident of Hodgeman County where the lake is located.&nbsp;

“I’ve hunted and fished in this area since I was 12 years old,” Gene said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now I’m 85.”&nbsp;

Gene served on the board of the HorseThief Reservoir Benefit District for many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Corps of Engineers had been interested in the possibility of a dam here back in the 1930s,” Gene said.&nbsp;

In tight budget climates, how would such a project get accomplished? In more recent years, the Pawnee watershed district studied the issue and proposed going to the state to create a tax benefit district that could generate resources for reservoir construction.&nbsp;

“I was on an advisory committee to see if people were willing to support a sales tax to build the lake,” Gene said. In 2004, the proposal was put on the ballot in Hodgeman, Ford, Gray and Finney counties. The proposal passed by more than a 2-1 margin. The Pawnee Watershed District owns the land, which is leased to the HorseThief Benefit District.&nbsp;

In 2009, the 7,200 foot long dam was completed. The reservoir was constructed in a scenic area nine miles west of the rural community of Jetmore, population 770 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The reservoir takes its name from a nearby canyon where the old-timers say horse thieves were hung back in frontier days. Here’s my advice:&nbsp;&nbsp;When you come to the reservoir today, bring your own horse….&nbsp;

HorseThief Reservoir is now the largest body of water in southwest Kansas, consisting of 450 acres of water in 1600 acres of prairie. “Everybody said (the lake) would never fill with water,” Audrey said, due to the fickle nature of western Kansas rainfall. “By spring 2010 it was filled to 50% and by July 2016 it was filled to capacity.”&nbsp;

In 2018, an estimated 100,000 visitors came to HorseThief Reservoir from many states.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have 54 camping sites with utilities and primitive camping sites all over,” Audrey said.&nbsp;

There are boat docks, barbecue sites, horseshoe pits, frisbee golf, windsurfing, an archery range, swimming area, equestrian corrals, hiking and biking trails, a lodge, and a stage and open air pavilion which has hosted a red dirt music festival plus weddings and holiday parties.&nbsp;

There are also five yurts, which sounds like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. These are domelike structures for lodging. A reservoir visitor can opt for primitive camping or go for a yurt with the comforts of home.&nbsp;

A couple of the yurts are fully equipped with running water, refrigerator, stove, microwave, bathrooms, queen beds and more. This is for what some call Glamping – glamorous camping.&nbsp;

Walk-in hunting is allowed for deer, waterfowl, and upland birds. The lake is stocked with walleye, large mouth bass, channel cat, bluegill, sage eye and more. “I’m still an avid fisherman,” Gene said.&nbsp;

There are also special events such as Zombie paintball in the fall, plus a rooster roundup contest and more. “We have a friends group which holds fundraisers with the proceeds going to the reservoir,” Audrey said. “We are actively working on plans for further enhancements to get people here year-round.”&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.horsethiefreservoir.com/">www.horsethiefreservoir.com</a>.&nbsp;

Would you like to go camping on a lakefront property? Then build a lake next door. We commend Audrey Rupp, Gene Webb and all those involved with HorseThief Reservoir for making a difference with this community enhancement in outdoor recreation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s go to the lake!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646233787488.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;Would you like to go camping on a lakefront property? Then build yourself a lake next door.&nbsp;That statement might sound overly simplistic, but today we’ll learn about a reservoir that was recently constructed in southwest Kansas. It is serving the outdoor recreation needs of thousands of people in Kansas and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week we met the Jantz family of MJE LLC, which is the company that constructed this project known as HorseThief Reservoir. Audrey Rupp is district manager for HorseThief Reservoir. Gene Webb is HorseThief’s historian.&nbsp;Audrey grew up at Tribune, studied tourism and hospitality at Fort Hays State University and became manager at HorseThief in November 2021. Gene Webb is a lifelong resident of Hodgeman County where the lake is located.&nbsp;“I’ve hunted and fished in this area since I was 12 years old,” Gene said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now I’m 85.”&nbsp;Gene served on the board of the HorseThief Reservoir Benefit District for many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Corps of Engineers had been interested in the possibility of a dam here back in the 1930s,” Gene said.&nbsp;In tight budget climates, how would such a project get accomplished? In more recent years, the Pawnee watershed district studied the issue and proposed going to the state to create a tax benefit district that could generate resources for reservoir construction.&nbsp;“I was on an advisory committee to see if people were willing to support a sales tax to build the lake,” Gene said. In 2004, the proposal was put on the ballot in Hodgeman, Ford, Gray and Finney counties. The proposal passed by more than a 2-1 margin. The Pawnee Watershed District owns the land, which is leased to the HorseThief Benefit District.&nbsp;In 2009, the 7,200 foot long dam was completed. The reservoir was constructed in a scenic area nine miles west of the rural community of Jetmore, population 770 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The reservoir takes its name from a nearby canyon where the old-timers say horse thieves were hung back in frontier days. Here’s my advice:&nbsp;&nbsp;When you come to the reservoir today, bring your own horse….&nbsp;HorseThief Reservoir is now the largest body of water in southwest Kansas, consisting of 450 acres of water in 1600 acres of prairie. “Everybody said (the lake) would never fill with water,” Audrey said, due to the fickle nature of western Kansas rainfall. “By spring 2010 it was filled to 50% and by July 2016 it was filled to capacity.”&nbsp;In 2018, an estimated 100,000 visitors came to HorseThief Reservoir from many states.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have 54 camping sites with utilities and primitive camping sites all over,” Audrey said.&nbsp;There are boat docks, barbecue sites, horseshoe pits, frisbee golf, windsurfing, an archery range, swimming area, equestrian corrals, hiking and biking trails, a lodge, and a stage and open air pavilion which has hosted a red dirt music festival plus weddings and holiday parties.&nbsp;There are also five yurts, which sounds like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. These are domelike structures for lodging. A reservoir visitor can opt for primitive camping or go for a yurt with the comforts of home.&nbsp;A couple of the yurts are fully equipped with running water, refrigerator, stove, microwave, bathrooms, queen beds and more. This is for what some call Glamping – glamorous camping.&nbsp;Walk-in hunting is allowed for deer, waterfowl, and upland birds. The lake is stocked with walleye, large mouth bass, channel cat, bluegill, sage eye and more. “I’m still an avid fisherman,” Gene said.&nbsp;There are also special events such as Zombie paintball in the fall, plus a rooster roundup contest and more. “We have a friends group which holds fundraisers with the proceeds going to the reservoir,” Audrey said. “We are actively working on plans for further enhancements to get people here year-round.”&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.horsethiefreservoir.com/">www.horsethiefreservoir.com</a>.&nbsp;Would you like to go camping on a lakefront property? Then build a lake next door. We commend Audrey Rupp, Gene Webb and all those involved with HorseThief Reservoir for making a difference with this community enhancement in outdoor recreation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s go to the lake!&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Audrey Rupp, HorseThief Reservoir 

By EDWARD CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association

We all feel the effects of rising energy prices. &nbsp;The Russian invasion of Ukraine only adds to our energy concerns and heightens the importance of the role of U.S. energy policy.

European countries are starting to realize their fears about energy access and affordability with the breakout of conflict in Ukraine. &nbsp;Broadly similar to green new deal style policies, the European Union (EU) has been cutting off their own fossil fuel production and usage without a viable alternative to meet that baseline demand. &nbsp;With their domestic sources waning, Russia stepped in to meet that demand. &nbsp;Now that Russian supply is threatened, renewable sources are not able to meet demand and energy prices continue to increase sharply across the continent.

​The lesson learned from Europe is that renewable energy sources are not ready to meet national energy demand. &nbsp;Over-reliance on renewable energy and Russian gas has been a recipe for disaster for the EU. &nbsp;President Biden should heed this as a warning of what his energy agenda will bring if he continues his war on American oil and gas.

Americans had fairly stable energy prices in 2017-2019, and fairly low ones, in part due to the tremendous increase in energy production in the United States – both oil and natural gas. &nbsp;In 2018, the U.S. produced 95% of its domestic energy requirements, the largest share since 1967. &nbsp;Gas prices, the marker Americans watch almost to the exclusion of everything else, averaged $2.60/gal in 2019, 4% lower than in 2018.

Here’s a key point: &nbsp;when a country becomes the leading producer of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and&nbsp;natural gas&nbsp;and has reduced&nbsp;CO2&nbsp;emissions by 70% in 10 years, it is clearly doing many things right.

The Biden Administration need look no further than their own actions to find the primary reason energy prices have escalated since he took office. &nbsp;First, a pipeline bringing oil from Canada to the U.S. was quickly cancelled. &nbsp;Then, new leasing for energy development on federal acreage was stopped. &nbsp;Added to that was a batch of proposed punitive, unnecessary, and burdensome regulations on oil and gas operations. &nbsp;These actions have severely hampered American oil and gas companies’ ability to adequately supply the market and have put American Energy Independence at risk. &nbsp;These are short-sighted energy policies that result in higher energy costs that disproportionately harm low-income groups.&nbsp;

U.S.&nbsp;energy&nbsp;policies that restrict domestic production force our country to seek relief from&nbsp;foreign suppliers of energy,&nbsp;undermining our energy independence. &nbsp;The problem is that when certain foreign governments control your energy, they have the power to use it for their own purposes, not yours. &nbsp;America should not be in the position of asking for foreign energy supplies, especially when we have abundant resources produced to standards that are among the highest in the world, right here at home.&nbsp;

Instead, we should be leading. &nbsp;Energy should be a bipartisan priority. &nbsp;Nothing is more essential to economic growth than reliable, affordable and abundant energy. &nbsp;To lose that advantage is not in anybody’s best interest. &nbsp; &nbsp;

John Kerry, President Biden’s Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, is concerned that the war in Ukraine will distract attention away from the ‘climate crisis’. &nbsp;Unserious statements like those coming from Kerry and others in the Biden Administration are creating a geopolitical power vacuum. &nbsp;We might not be serious, but our enemies are ruthlessly so. &nbsp;They raise a toast to our self-inflicted demise. &nbsp;We are left with a simple choice in the U.S.: get serious about our energy policy and preserve our place in the geopolitical order or be forced to stop play-acting as a superpower. &nbsp;

​It is time for President Biden to recognize the strategic importance of American energy production. &nbsp;He should abandon his&nbsp;quixotic&nbsp;energy strategy immediately. &nbsp;Senseless pandering to the green left has helped foster the very conditions that have given Vladimir Putin confidence that his war on Ukraine will be met with little resistance from the U.S.

​While claiming to fight to bring energy prices down, President Biden has made the wrong move at every turn. &nbsp;Nothing less than a total reversal of his approach is necessary. &nbsp;This is the signal that President Biden needs to send to the world to stop the decline of American energy security. &nbsp;Certain times require a re-evaluation of priorities and a reorganization of values. &nbsp;The global crisis that Putin has set in motion is such a moment. &nbsp;

Putin tends to lash out when energy prices are high. &nbsp;Lowering these costs will not be easy. &nbsp;It will take time. &nbsp;And the only effective means of lowering the price of energy is increasing its supply.&nbsp;

President Biden should embrace oil and gas exploration. &nbsp;If the U.S. is energy independent, then we don’t beg people in the Middle East or Russia to help us and Putin would not have the financial reserves to subsidize an invasion. &nbsp;America was energy independent just a few years ago. &nbsp;Biden should do everything&nbsp;he&nbsp;can to make us energy independent again.

​President Biden and all federal and state policymakers should prioritize advancing American energy leadership with policies that encourage development of responsibly produced energy here at home. &nbsp;These policies should recognize the volatile world we live in and the long-term impacts of returning to the days of foreign energy dependency.&nbsp;

Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association." />
 <figcaption>Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>By EDWARD CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas AssociationWe all feel the effects of rising energy prices. &nbsp;The Russian invasion of Ukraine only adds to our energy concerns and heightens the importance of the role of U.S. energy policy.European countries are starting to realize their fears about energy access and affordability with the breakout of conflict in Ukraine. &nbsp;Broadly similar to green new deal style policies, the European Union (EU) has been cutting off their own fossil fuel production and usage without a viable alternative to meet that baseline demand. &nbsp;With their domestic sources waning, Russia stepped in to meet that demand. &nbsp;Now that Russian supply is threatened, renewable sources are not able to meet demand and energy prices continue to increase sharply across the continent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​The lesson learned from Europe is that renewable energy sources are not ready to meet national energy demand. &nbsp;Over-reliance on renewable energy and Russian gas has been a recipe for disaster for the EU. &nbsp;President Biden should heed this as a warning of what his energy agenda will bring if he continues his war on American oil and gas.Americans had fairly stable energy prices in 2017-2019, and fairly low ones, in part due to the tremendous increase in energy production in the United States – both oil and natural gas. &nbsp;In 2018, the U.S. produced 95% of its domestic energy requirements, the largest share since 1967. &nbsp;Gas prices, the marker Americans watch almost to the exclusion of everything else, averaged $2.60/gal in 2019, 4% lower than in 2018.Here’s a key point: &nbsp;when a country becomes the leading producer of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and&nbsp;natural gas&nbsp;and has reduced&nbsp;CO2&nbsp;emissions by 70% in 10 years, it is clearly doing many things right.The Biden Administration need look no further than their own actions to find the primary reason energy prices have escalated since he took office. &nbsp;First, a pipeline bringing oil from Canada to the U.S. was quickly cancelled. &nbsp;Then, new leasing for energy development on federal acreage was stopped. &nbsp;Added to that was a batch of proposed punitive, unnecessary, and burdensome regulations on oil and gas operations. &nbsp;These actions have severely hampered American oil and gas companies’ ability to adequately supply the market and have put American Energy Independence at risk. &nbsp;These are short-sighted energy policies that result in higher energy costs that disproportionately harm low-income groups.&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;energy&nbsp;policies that restrict domestic production force our country to seek relief from&nbsp;foreign suppliers of energy,&nbsp;undermining our energy independence. &nbsp;The problem is that when certain foreign governments control your energy, they have the power to use it for their own purposes, not yours. &nbsp;America should not be in the position of asking for foreign energy supplies, especially when we have abundant resources produced to standards that are among the highest in the world, right here at home.&nbsp;Instead, we should be leading. &nbsp;Energy should be a bipartisan priority. &nbsp;Nothing is more essential to economic growth than reliable, affordable and abundant energy. &nbsp;To lose that advantage is not in anybody’s best interest. &nbsp; &nbsp;John Kerry, President Biden’s Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, is concerned that the war in Ukraine will distract attention away from the ‘climate crisis’. &nbsp;Unserious statements like those coming from Kerry and others in the Biden Administration are creating a geopolitical power vacuum. &nbsp;We might not be serious, but our enemies are ruthlessly so. &nbsp;They raise a toast to our self-inflicted demise. &nbsp;We are left with a simple choice in the U.S.: get serious about our energy policy and preserve our place in the geopolitical order or be forced to stop play-acting as a superpower. &nbsp;​It is time for President Biden to recognize the strategic importance of American energy production. &nbsp;He should abandon his&nbsp;quixotic&nbsp;energy strategy immediately. &nbsp;Senseless pandering to the green left has helped foster the very conditions that have given Vladimir Putin confidence that his war on Ukraine will be met with little resistance from the U.S.​While claiming to fight to bring energy prices down, President Biden has made the wrong move at every turn. &nbsp;Nothing less than a total reversal of his approach is necessary. &nbsp;This is the signal that President Biden needs to send to the world to stop the decline of American energy security. &nbsp;Certain times require a re-evaluation of priorities and a reorganization of values. &nbsp;The global crisis that Putin has set in motion is such a moment. &nbsp;Putin tends to lash out when energy prices are high. &nbsp;Lowering these costs will not be easy. &nbsp;It will take time. &nbsp;And the only effective means of lowering the price of energy is increasing its supply.&nbsp;President Biden should embrace oil and gas exploration. &nbsp;If the U.S. is energy independent, then we don’t beg people in the Middle East or Russia to help us and Putin would not have the financial reserves to subsidize an invasion. &nbsp;America was energy independent just a few years ago. &nbsp;Biden should do everything&nbsp;he&nbsp;can to make us energy independent again.​President Biden and all federal and state policymakers should prioritize advancing American energy leadership with policies that encourage development of responsibly produced energy here at home. &nbsp;These policies should recognize the volatile world we live in and the long-term impacts of returning to the days of foreign energy dependency.&nbsp;Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

CROSS: U.S. energy policy highlighted by Russian invasion of Ukraine

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646425279461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

“Celebrate a World of Flavors” is the theme of National Nutrition Month 2022. What a perfect time to explore a couple of diets that encourage making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. It is no secret that cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the&nbsp;United States and around the world. Because this chronic disease is so prevalent, research is ongoing, and much is known about the causes of heart disease.&nbsp;

It is no mystery – poor dietary quality is the top risk factor, accounting for approximately half of&nbsp;cardiovascular disease&nbsp;deaths globally.&nbsp;The American Heart Association has shifted their 2030 goals from managing hear disease to preventing heart disease. The new AHA focus emphasizes support of healthful behavior changes – particularly healthy eating and physical activity – in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Two well-researched dietary patterns have been shown to make a real difference in heart health: the DASH dietary pattern and the Mediterranean-style dietary pattern.&nbsp;I will be sharing in detail the benefits of both of these plans in educational programs set for next week. “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart” will be presented Wednesday, March 9th, at 10:30 AM at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. The same information will be shared during a Stop and Learn session at noon the same day, at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;Ellis County residents can learn about the Mediterranean and DASH diet plans on Thursday, May 26th&nbsp;at a noon program at the Ellis County Extension office. This will be part of the Walk KS celebration. I’ll share more about this closer to the date.

During my presentation I will share specific steps to help you adopt a Mediterranean or DASH eating pattern. The focus of any healthy diet is to eat more nutrient dense foods and less refined or&nbsp;highly processed foods. A fact sheet written by two K-State Research and Extension Specialists will be shared during the presentations. Additional handouts from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the medinsteadofmeds.com website&nbsp;contain great information about this important topic. Both programs next Wednesday are free and open to everyone. I hope to see you soon!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Celebrate a World of Flavors” is the theme of National Nutrition Month 2022. What a perfect time to explore a couple of diets that encourage making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. It is no secret that cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the&nbsp;United States and around the world. Because this chronic disease is so prevalent, research is ongoing, and much is known about the causes of heart disease.&nbsp;It is no mystery – poor dietary quality is the top risk factor, accounting for approximately half of&nbsp;cardiovascular disease&nbsp;deaths globally.&nbsp;The American Heart Association has shifted their 2030 goals from managing hear disease to preventing heart disease. The new AHA focus emphasizes support of healthful behavior changes – particularly healthy eating and physical activity – in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.Two well-researched dietary patterns have been shown to make a real difference in heart health: the DASH dietary pattern and the Mediterranean-style dietary pattern.&nbsp;I will be sharing in detail the benefits of both of these plans in educational programs set for next week. “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart” will be presented Wednesday, March 9th, at 10:30 AM at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. The same information will be shared during a Stop and Learn session at noon the same day, at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;Ellis County residents can learn about the Mediterranean and DASH diet plans on Thursday, May 26th&nbsp;at a noon program at the Ellis County Extension office. This will be part of the Walk KS celebration. I’ll share more about this closer to the date.During my presentation I will share specific steps to help you adopt a Mediterranean or DASH eating pattern. The focus of any healthy diet is to eat more nutrient dense foods and less refined or&nbsp;highly processed foods. A fact sheet written by two K-State Research and Extension Specialists will be shared during the presentations. Additional handouts from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the medinsteadofmeds.com website&nbsp;contain great information about this important topic. Both programs next Wednesday are free and open to everyone. I hope to see you soon!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Mediterranean and DASH diets explored

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Art lovers can join the Fort Hays State University faculty and staff for a mini-art walk on Friday night.

Four galleries will be open for receptions.&nbsp; A reception for "FORTITUDE," a showcase of FHSU student and faculty art will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th. Also from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., visitors can view an exhibit from the FHSU printmaking students in the Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main.

An opening reception for the annual graphic design BFA exhibition will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art. A reception for Madeleine Stegman's BFA exhibition will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Taylor Gallery in the Applied Sciences Building. This is across the street from the Moss-Thorns gallery.

"FORTITUDE" is a revamp of 2021's "Fortitude and Persistence," which focuses on faculty, graduate student and upper-level undergraduate art. It is being used as a recruiting tool for the university art department, said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Center director.

This was especially important in 2021, when university representatives were limited in their ability to travel to do recruiting, she said.

The exhibit includes examples from all disciplines from the department including both 2-D work and sculpture.

This year, the exhibit will also include work from the interior design students, who display concepts for commercial and residential design projects.

"It's just a wonderful opportunity to see strong, wonderful, contemporary art," Meder said.

The exhibit will be at the center through April 20, which is the high school student art day at FHSU. Meder encourages any high school classes in town for the event at the college to take a trip downtown to see the FHSU exhibit.

The next week Meder will be setting up for the annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition, which will anchor the Spring Art Walk on Saturday, April 30.

Meder said she thought the printmaking exhibit would be a good compliment to "FORTITUDE."

"The more you give people to look at, the more likely they are to come out. It's like, hey, the whole mall is on sale, not just two stores," she said.

The graphic design exhibition, titled "Blue Hour," at the Moss-Thorns gallery includes 24 students this year and is the culmination of the student's bachelor's programs.

The blue hour is the time from sunset to nightfall or right before sunrise (about 20 minutes) when the sun has set or not quite risen, but the landscape is illuminated by the light bouncing around in the atmosphere.

Blue hour represents this roller coaster of time we had during the graphic design program, the students said in their artist statement. 

"During COVID-19, time stopped. When we came back, it felt as though time rapidly accelerated and we’ve been working extremely hard to catch up," they said in their statement.

Karrie Simpson Voth, department chairwoman and professor of graphic design, said the students will be displaying 2-D posters and stamp design, product packaging and original games.

The students were allowed to choose a political topic or cause. They were taught 10 design styles and asked to create five posters using different design styles. The "Blue Hour" exhibit includes 55 posters.

Two of Megan LaRocque's posters explored female and male roles in society. She randomly asked male student what they would do if women did not exist for a day and female students what they would do if men didn't exist for a day. 

The men made references to sex, playing video games and "wouldn't notice." The comments on the poster from women were very different. Women talked about being able to feeling safer, freer and more confident.

They said they'd go the gym, have fun, get a good job, speak their mind, wouldn't lock their windows, wouldn't guard my drink, my keys wouldn't be a weapon and would wear both of my headphones.

She also created a pro-life poster that incorporated the words that an abortion doctor used to describe an abortion, but shaped them into a figure of a baby.

LaRocque of Cawker City also created a stamp collection based on a fictional author who wrote about what is unseen pollution in our oceans. This not included the stamps, but a brochure and book cover.

The exhibition will also include a movie that was produced by members of the class. 

"In our video, we have been trying to capture us as a class, how we interact with each other and how we're different than other classes, as well as show off our work" said Jacob Olson of Russell.&nbsp;

The students said they used themes and colors from the blue hour concept, including pinks, purples and orange, as well as slow motion and time lapse as symbolic of time shifts in the blue hour. 

"While in the graphic design program, time felt like it went forward, backwards, stopped, and sped up. We existed outside of the regular 24-hour day. When everyone else was asleep, we were most productive. We worked through countless nights where the concept of time disappeared. This is our blue hour," the students said in their artist statement.

The "Blue Hour" exhibition will go through the&nbsp; March 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646347965267.jpeg" alt="Pieces from the Fort Hays State University "FORTITUDE" art exhibition on display now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Pieces from the Fort Hays State University "FORTITUDE" art exhibition on display now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostArt lovers can join the Fort Hays State University faculty and staff for a mini-art walk on Friday night.Four galleries will be open for receptions.&nbsp; A reception for "FORTITUDE," a showcase of FHSU student and faculty art will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th. Also from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., visitors can view an exhibit from the FHSU printmaking students in the Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main.An opening reception for the annual graphic design BFA exhibition will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art. A reception for Madeleine Stegman's BFA exhibition will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Taylor Gallery in the Applied Sciences Building. This is across the street from the Moss-Thorns gallery."FORTITUDE" is a revamp of 2021's "Fortitude and Persistence," which focuses on faculty, graduate student and upper-level undergraduate art. It is being used as a recruiting tool for the university art department, said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Center director.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646348169761.jpeg" alt="Piece from the Fort Hays State University "FORTITUDE" art exhibition on display now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Piece from the Fort Hays State University "FORTITUDE" art exhibition on display now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>This was especially important in 2021, when university representatives were limited in their ability to travel to do recruiting, she said.The exhibit includes examples from all disciplines from the department including both 2-D work and sculpture.This year, the exhibit will also include work from the interior design students, who display concepts for commercial and residential design projects."It's just a wonderful opportunity to see strong, wonderful, contemporary art," Meder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646348324233.jpeg" alt="Piece from the Fort Hays State University "FORTITUDE" art exhibition on display now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Piece from the Fort Hays State University "FORTITUDE" art exhibition on display now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The exhibit will be at the center through April 20, which is the high school student art day at FHSU. Meder encourages any high school classes in town for the event at the college to take a trip downtown to see the FHSU exhibit.The next week Meder will be setting up for the annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition, which will anchor the Spring Art Walk on Saturday, April 30. Meder said she thought the printmaking exhibit would be a good compliment to "FORTITUDE.""The more you give people to look at, the more likely they are to come out. It's like, hey, the whole mall is on sale, not just two stores," she said.The graphic design exhibition, titled "Blue Hour," at the Moss-Thorns gallery includes 24 students this year and is the culmination of the student's bachelor's programs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646348445198.jpeg" alt="FHSU graphic design student Megan LaRocque randomly asked male students what they would do if women did not exist for a day for this poster. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>FHSU graphic design student Megan LaRocque randomly asked male students what they would do if women did not exist for a day for this poster. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646349286467.jpeg" alt="FHSU graphic design student Megan LaRocque randomly asked female students what they would do if men did not exist for a day for this poster. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>FHSU graphic design student Megan LaRocque randomly asked female students what they would do if men did not exist for a day for this poster. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The blue hour is the time from sunset to nightfall or right before sunrise (about 20 minutes) when the sun has set or not quite risen, but the landscape is illuminated by the light bouncing around in the atmosphere.Blue hour represents this roller coaster of time we had during the graphic design program, the students said in their artist statement. "During COVID-19, time stopped. When we came back, it felt as though time rapidly accelerated and we’ve been working extremely hard to catch up," they said in their statement. Karrie Simpson Voth, department chairwoman and professor of graphic design, said the students will be displaying 2-D posters and stamp design, product packaging and original games.The students were allowed to choose a political topic or cause. They were taught 10 design styles and asked to create five posters using different design styles. The "Blue Hour" exhibit includes 55 posters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646349615655.jpeg" alt="Metal work that is a part of FHSU student Madeleine Stegman's BFA exhibition that will be on exhibit at the Taylor Gallery on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Metal work that is a part of FHSU student Madeleine Stegman's BFA exhibition that will be on exhibit at the Taylor Gallery on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of Megan LaRocque's posters explored female and male roles in society. She randomly asked male student what they would do if women did not exist for a day and female students what they would do if men didn't exist for a day. The men made references to sex, playing video games and "wouldn't notice." The comments on the poster from women were very different. Women talked about being able to feeling safer, freer and more confident.They said they'd go the gym, have fun, get a good job, speak their mind, wouldn't lock their windows, wouldn't guard my drink, my keys wouldn't be a weapon and would wear both of my headphones.She also created a pro-life poster that incorporated the words that an abortion doctor used to describe an abortion, but shaped them into a figure of a baby.LaRocque of Cawker City also created a stamp collection based on a fictional author who wrote about what is unseen pollution in our oceans. This not included the stamps, but a brochure and book cover. The exhibition will also include a movie that was produced by members of the class. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646349931739.jpeg" alt="Metal work that is a part of FHSU student Madeleine Stegman's BFA exhibition that will be on exhibit at the Taylor Gallery on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Metal work that is a part of FHSU student Madeleine Stegman's BFA exhibition that will be on exhibit at the Taylor Gallery on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"In our video, we have been trying to capture us as a class, how we interact with each other and how we're different than other classes, as well as show off our work" said Jacob Olson of Russell.&nbsp; The students said they used themes and colors from the blue hour concept, including pinks, purples and orange, as well as slow motion and time lapse as symbolic of time shifts in the blue hour. "While in the graphic design program, time felt like it went forward, backwards, stopped, and sped up. We existed outside of the regular 24-hour day. When everyone else was asleep, we were most productive. We worked through countless nights where the concept of time disappeared. This is our blue hour," the students said in their artist statement. The "Blue Hour" exhibition will go through the&nbsp; March 25.

Four FHSU exhibits featured tonight in 'mini-art walk'

A warm-hearted comedy that contrasts&nbsp;greed with the greater good of generosity of spirit&nbsp;will take the stage&nbsp;at 7 p.m.&nbsp;on March 10 to 12&nbsp;at 12th&nbsp;Street&nbsp;Auditorium.

“The Curious Savage,”&nbsp;a community theater and high school staple for more than&nbsp;70&nbsp;years, originally appeared on Broadway in 1950.&nbsp;It was written by John Patrick, who also wrote two very well-known&nbsp;plays,&nbsp;the Pulitzer Prize winning “The Teahouse of the August Moon”&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;“Everybody Loves Opal.”

Director Bill Gasper said&nbsp;“The Curious Savage”&nbsp;is a feel-good play that centers around Ethel Savage, a new widow who has been left with a substantial fortune. Her three grown stepchildren, however,&nbsp;are intent on keeping her from&nbsp;spending&nbsp;it.&nbsp; Thus, they conspire to have her committed to a private sanatorium known&nbsp;as The Cloisters.&nbsp; There, Ethel is left to work out how she will deal with her spiteful stepchildren&nbsp;while getting to know five colorful&nbsp;characters who are long-term patients in the same facility.&nbsp;

As she gets to know the five other residents on her ward, Ethel discovers through their generosity of spirit her own inner conviction to do what she has to do to fend off her loathsome brood.&nbsp; Each of her fellow Cloister inmates is unique and&nbsp;brings to the story special elements of charm and sensitivity.

“It’s a great story with interesting characters,” Gasper said. “That’s probably why it’s been performed&nbsp;by&nbsp;so many times. It’s&nbsp;very humorous but&nbsp;not in an over-the-top&nbsp;farcical sort of way. I particularly like the play because it delivers meaningful messages about family, generosity, greed and kindness. And although it was written in 1950, those messages still ring very true today.”

Gasper said there are 11 students in the cast with three others helping behind the scenes.

“I wanted to do a more serious, Broadway style play this year and those generally have smaller casts,” Gasper said. “The downside to a small cast is that typically means smaller audiences,&nbsp;so I’m encouraging people to come out and watch what will be a very fine performance.”

General admission tickets&nbsp;are $6&nbsp;in advance and $7&nbsp;at the door for adults.&nbsp;All tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the high school office. The production is suitable for all audiences.

“Our admission price is a bargain.&nbsp;I keep ticket prices low because I want people to come out and see how talented our young actors are,” Gasper said. “They are very dedicated and put in a lot of work, and their only reward is to perform in front of an audience.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646416328740.jpeg" alt="Hays High School will present the comedy classic, “The Curious Savage” at 7 p.m. on March 10-12 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are: Front - Augusta Green, Katelyn Willemsen, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner. Back – Skyler Rodriguez, Gracie Wente, Oscar Flores, Caleb King, Calliope Green, Mazzy Sacia, Carson Brooksher, Stanna Flinn." />
 <figcaption>Hays High School will present the comedy classic, “The Curious Savage” at 7 p.m. on March 10-12 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are: Front - Augusta Green, Katelyn Willemsen, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner. Back – Skyler Rodriguez, Gracie Wente, Oscar Flores, Caleb King, Calliope Green, Mazzy Sacia, Carson Brooksher, Stanna Flinn.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High SchoolA warm-hearted comedy that contrasts&nbsp;greed with the greater good of generosity of spirit&nbsp;will take the stage&nbsp;at 7 p.m.&nbsp;on March 10 to 12&nbsp;at 12th&nbsp;Street&nbsp;Auditorium.“The Curious Savage,”&nbsp;a community theater and high school staple for more than&nbsp;70&nbsp;years, originally appeared on Broadway in 1950.&nbsp;It was written by John Patrick, who also wrote two very well-known&nbsp;plays,&nbsp;the Pulitzer Prize winning “The Teahouse of the August Moon”&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;“Everybody Loves Opal.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646416353391.jpeg" alt="Residents of The Cloisters, a sanatorium for people with various emotional problems, express their irrational fear to Mrs. Savage (Devlyn Jochum) for looking at a newspaper. Caleb King, Oscar Flores, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Calliope King and Kathelyn Willemsen play the patients." />
 <figcaption>Residents of The Cloisters, a sanatorium for people with various emotional problems, express their irrational fear to Mrs. Savage (Devlyn Jochum) for looking at a newspaper. Caleb King, Oscar Flores, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Calliope King and Kathelyn Willemsen play the patients.</figcaption>
 </figure>Director Bill Gasper said&nbsp;“The Curious Savage”&nbsp;is a feel-good play that centers around Ethel Savage, a new widow who has been left with a substantial fortune. Her three grown stepchildren, however,&nbsp;are intent on keeping her from&nbsp;spending&nbsp;it.&nbsp; Thus, they conspire to have her committed to a private sanatorium known&nbsp;as The Cloisters.&nbsp; There, Ethel is left to work out how she will deal with her spiteful stepchildren&nbsp;while getting to know five colorful&nbsp;characters who are long-term patients in the same facility.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646416378265.jpeg" alt="An angry Lilly Belle Savage (Mazzy Sacia) looks on as the non-talking Mrs. Paddy (Calliope Green) follows Dr. Emmett’s (Gracie Wente) instructions to “look at me.”" />
 <figcaption>An angry Lilly Belle Savage (Mazzy Sacia) looks on as the non-talking Mrs. Paddy (Calliope Green) follows Dr. Emmett’s (Gracie Wente) instructions to “look at me.”</figcaption>
 </figure>As she gets to know the five other residents on her ward, Ethel discovers through their generosity of spirit her own inner conviction to do what she has to do to fend off her loathsome brood.&nbsp; Each of her fellow Cloister inmates is unique and&nbsp;brings to the story special elements of charm and sensitivity.“It’s a great story with interesting characters,” Gasper said. “That’s probably why it’s been performed&nbsp;by&nbsp;so many times. It’s&nbsp;very humorous but&nbsp;not in an over-the-top&nbsp;farcical sort of way. I particularly like the play because it delivers meaningful messages about family, generosity, greed and kindness. And although it was written in 1950, those messages still ring very true today.”Gasper said there are 11 students in the cast with three others helping behind the scenes.“I wanted to do a more serious, Broadway style play this year and those generally have smaller casts,” Gasper said. “The downside to a small cast is that typically means smaller audiences,&nbsp;so I’m encouraging people to come out and watch what will be a very fine performance.”General admission tickets&nbsp;are $6&nbsp;in advance and $7&nbsp;at the door for adults.&nbsp;All tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the high school office. The production is suitable for all audiences.“Our admission price is a bargain.&nbsp;I keep ticket prices low because I want people to come out and see how talented our young actors are,” Gasper said. “They are very dedicated and put in a lot of work, and their only reward is to perform in front of an audience.”

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