By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

Four Colorado residents were arrested in Hays on Thursday after
they were reported for shoplifting at a local store.

At around 5:30 p.m., employees in the loss prevention department at
Walmart, 4301 Vine, reported they had identified several individuals who had been shoplifting
in the store, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

Arriving officers located two suspects in a vehicle,
while two others had left the area.

One of the suspects was then located walking in the area and
fled on foot from officers, but complied and was detained without further incident
after the officer threatened the use of a Taser.

The suspect was identified as Devante R. Gonzales, 27, who was
arrested on suspicion of fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer.

The other suspects were identified as Connie N. Medina, 27,
Alexis H. Free, 26, and Rene T. Valdivia, 53. All four were arrested on
suspicion of drug possession with the intent to distribute.

“When the officers arrived on scene, they were believed to
have been involved in shoplifting,” Scheibler said. “The vehicle they were in
was pulling a trailer believed to have been full of stolen property.”

While the property could not be easily determined to have
been stolen, suspicion of other shoplifting activity led to a search of the
vehicle, he said.

During the search, marijuana and methamphetamine were
located, according to reports.

Scheibler also said while the four were arrested and remain
detained in the Ellis County jail, “they are all considered innocent until
proven guilty in a court of law.”

By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostFour Colorado residents were arrested in Hays on Thursday after
they were reported for shoplifting at a local store.At around 5:30 p.m., employees in the loss prevention department at
Walmart, 4301 Vine, reported they had identified several individuals who had been shoplifting
in the store, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.Arriving officers located two suspects in a vehicle,
while two others had left the area.One of the suspects was then located walking in the area and
fled on foot from officers, but complied and was detained without further incident
after the officer threatened the use of a Taser.The suspect was identified as Devante R. Gonzales, 27, who was
arrested on suspicion of fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer.The other suspects were identified as Connie N. Medina, 27,
Alexis H. Free, 26, and Rene T. Valdivia, 53. All four were arrested on
suspicion of drug possession with the intent to distribute.“When the officers arrived on scene, they were believed to
have been involved in shoplifting,” Scheibler said. “The vehicle they were in
was pulling a trailer believed to have been full of stolen property.”While the property could not be easily determined to have
been stolen, suspicion of other shoplifting activity led to a search of the
vehicle, he said.During the search, marijuana and methamphetamine were
located, according to reports.Scheibler also said while the four were arrested and remain
detained in the Ellis County jail, “they are all considered innocent until
proven guilty in a court of law.”

Four arrested in Hays for alleged drug offenses after shoplifting report

The 2022 Indian Call candidates pictured from left to right are:

Ashton Hernandez, Grace McCord, Connor Jacobs, Lauryn Miller, Jace Linenberger, Jocelyn Rigler, Nate Brooks, Jersey Johnson, Noah Weimer and Caroline Robben&nbsp;

The Indian Call crowning will be held on Feb. 18 during half time of the boys basketball game. The dance will then follow on Feb. 19.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644415838730.png" alt="2022 Indian Call candidates" />
 <figcaption>2022 Indian Call candidates</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2022 Indian Call candidates pictured from left to right are:Ashton Hernandez, Grace McCord, Connor Jacobs, Lauryn Miller, Jace Linenberger, Jocelyn Rigler, Nate Brooks, Jersey Johnson, Noah Weimer and Caroline Robben&nbsp;The Indian Call crowning will be held on Feb. 18 during half time of the boys basketball game. The dance will then follow on Feb. 19.&nbsp;

Hays High announces 2022 Indian Call candidates

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Housing. Childcare. Condition of Hays schools. Low unemployment rate.

These are among major concerns the local business community has recently identified as issues holding back healthy growth in Ellis County.

Local residents had the opportunity Monday night to chime in with their thoughts during an <a href="https://imagineelliscounty.org/">Imagine Ellis County</a>&nbsp;(IEC)&nbsp;town hall meeting at the Hays Hilton Garden Inn.

"There are no bad ideas tonight," Betty Johnson, facilitator and Dane G. Hansen Foundation director of strategic doing, said to the crowd of more than 80 people.

The audience included a mix of local business owners, students, retirees, city and county employees, educators, and representatives of the religious community and non-profit sector.&nbsp;

"We have lots of nice <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImagineEllisCounty/videos/595807445033557">videos</a> about how great it is to live in Ellis County, but nobody knows about it," said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director.&nbsp;

IEG has received grants from the Hansen Foundation, the Schmidt Foundation and the Heartland Community Foundation to produce the videos in partnership with Eagle Communications/Eagle Creative of Hays.

A marketing campaign for Ellis County will include creating a website, utilizing geofencing, and using various social media platforms along with traditional advertising billboards.

Towns along the eastern slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains will be targeted, according to Williams. It's an urban area from which some families have begun moving, looking for smaller and safer communities in which to raise their families.

Safe, clean, and quiet communities, along with good law enforcement, was often an answer to questions posed to the participants by Johnson.

Broken into small groups, they discussed the things Ellis County is doing right and why they live in Ellis County.

The positive comments included community pride, strong work ethic, support of small businesses, great parks, variety of educational institutions, big city amenities with a small town feel, and good medical care.

Then it was time to talk about the not so great things in Ellis County and what's stopping Ellis County from being more successful.

Answers and suggestions reached into the far-flung corners of the county, including better connections of the small Ellis County towns to the county seat of Hays, more diverse retail and restaurant options, retention and recruitment of young people, as well as retirees from the region. 

"They shop and pay their bills," quipped a representative of one group.

Transportation between the towns and into Hays was seen as a needed improvement. Getting people out of Ellis County when they need to travel is also a little more complicated now. 

"We recently lost our Greyhound bus service," noted another group speaker.&nbsp;

Other areas listed as needs were activities and events for middle school students, a better senior center, and a large community center.

Roadblocks included affordable land, fear of change, lack of racial diversity, a shrinking oil and gas economy as the nation turns toward green energy options, mentoring of new leaders, transfer of wealth, and future funding for all of the ideas and suggestions.&nbsp;

Finally, the groups gazed into the future and talked about what they see in Ellis County 20 years from now; the year is 2042.

"More roundabouts," promised one group, drawing laughter and applause from the others. Another group envisioned the traffic roundabouts in Hays would become "hoverways."

Also in the near future Fort Hays State University will have the largest student enrollment among Kansas colleges, thanks to increased online learning and its virtual college. Mental health services will be provided in schools. The R-9 Ranch in Edwards County owned by Hays and Russell will be providing abundant water to the immediate area.&nbsp;

"We've got some great momentum going here and we want to continue this. ... This is invaluable input," Williams said at the end of the meeting.

After compilation, Monday's feedback will be publicly available on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImagineEllisCounty">Imagine Ellis County Facebook page</a> and future website.&nbsp;

The FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs has been engaged to conduct a community survey this summer to give additional guidance of what people are looking for and what Ellis County needs to be doing to attract them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Offering remote work and learning opportunities through an expanded internet infrastructure is one key, according to Williams.

He talked about a recent interview he watched with Karin Kimbrough, chief economist for Linkedin, the world's largest job search website.&nbsp;

"She gave some statistics that pre-pandemic 1 in 67 jobs on LinkedIn was for remote workers. Today it's 1 in 7. And people who apply for LinkedIn jobs are two and half times more likely to apply for a remote position rather than one where they have to work on site.&nbsp;

"That's an opportunity for our community because we've got tremendous bandwidth, and we're got a great place to live," Williams said.

Similar town hall meetings will be held in Victoria and Ellis.&nbsp;

"We'd like to think we're the best kept secret out there. And if we get more people to understand what we have to offer here, we can get more people to come and live here."&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Editor's note: Hays Post is owned by Eagle Communiations.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644356857039.jpeg" alt="Monday's Imagine Ellis County town hall meeting discussed ways to increase healthy growth of the county.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Monday's Imagine Ellis County town hall meeting discussed ways to increase healthy growth of the county.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHousing. Childcare. Condition of Hays schools. Low unemployment rate.These are among major concerns the local business community has recently identified as issues holding back healthy growth in Ellis County.Local residents had the opportunity Monday night to chime in with their thoughts during an <a href="https://imagineelliscounty.org/">Imagine Ellis County</a>&nbsp;(IEC)&nbsp;town hall meeting at the Hays Hilton Garden Inn."There are no bad ideas tonight," Betty Johnson, facilitator and Dane G. Hansen Foundation director of strategic doing, said to the crowd of more than 80 people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644380941582.jpeg" alt="Betty Johnson (standing), Hansen Foundation, facilitates strategic doing at Monday's Imagine Ellis County town hall meeting in Hays.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Betty Johnson (standing), Hansen Foundation, facilitates strategic doing at Monday's Imagine Ellis County town hall meeting in Hays.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The audience included a mix of local business owners, students, retirees, city and county employees, educators, and representatives of the religious community and non-profit sector.&nbsp;"We have lots of nice <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImagineEllisCounty/videos/595807445033557">videos</a> about how great it is to live in Ellis County, but nobody knows about it," said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director.&nbsp;IEG has received grants from the Hansen Foundation, the Schmidt Foundation and the Heartland Community Foundation to produce the videos in partnership with Eagle Communications/Eagle Creative of Hays.A marketing campaign for Ellis County will include creating a website, utilizing geofencing, and using various social media platforms along with traditional advertising billboards.Towns along the eastern slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains will be targeted, according to Williams. It's an urban area from which some families have begun moving, looking for smaller and safer communities in which to raise their families.Safe, clean, and quiet communities, along with good law enforcement, was often an answer to questions posed to the participants by Johnson.Broken into small groups, they discussed the things Ellis County is doing right and why they live in Ellis County.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XuY_RcuzFag"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The positive comments included community pride, strong work ethic, support of small businesses, great parks, variety of educational institutions, big city amenities with a small town feel, and good medical care.Then it was time to talk about the not so great things in Ellis County and what's stopping Ellis County from being more successful.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644356823534.jpeg" alt="Holding up a group's idea sheet to be read outloud and shared with other groups during Imagine Ellis County's town hall meeting. More than 80 residents attended." />
 <figcaption>Holding up a group's idea sheet to be read outloud and shared with other groups during Imagine Ellis County's town hall meeting. More than 80 residents attended.</figcaption>
 </figure>Answers and suggestions reached into the far-flung corners of the county, including better connections of the small Ellis County towns to the county seat of Hays, more diverse retail and restaurant options, retention and recruitment of young people, as well as retirees from the region. "They shop and pay their bills," quipped a representative of one group.Transportation between the towns and into Hays was seen as a needed improvement. Getting people out of Ellis County when they need to travel is also a little more complicated now. "We recently lost our Greyhound bus service," noted another group speaker.&nbsp;Other areas listed as needs were activities and events for middle school students, a better senior center, and a large community center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644381112383.jpeg" alt="Former Ellis County Commissioner, Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R Jewelry in downtown Hays, presents his group's ideas for improving Ellis County." />
 <figcaption>Former Ellis County Commissioner, Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R Jewelry in downtown Hays, presents his group's ideas for improving Ellis County.</figcaption>
 </figure>Roadblocks included affordable land, fear of change, lack of racial diversity, a shrinking oil and gas economy as the nation turns toward green energy options, mentoring of new leaders, transfer of wealth, and future funding for all of the ideas and suggestions.&nbsp;Finally, the groups gazed into the future and talked about what they see in Ellis County 20 years from now; the year is 2042."More roundabouts," promised one group, drawing laughter and applause from the others. Another group envisioned the traffic roundabouts in Hays would become "hoverways."Also in the near future Fort Hays State University will have the largest student enrollment among Kansas colleges, thanks to increased online learning and its virtual college. Mental health services will be provided in schools. The R-9 Ranch in Edwards County owned by Hays and Russell will be providing abundant water to the immediate area.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644381583050.jpeg" alt="Michael Berges, Hays vice-mayor (checkered shirt) discusses cooperation between the city and Ellis County as Neal Younger (blue shirt), county commissioner, takes notes during Image Ellis County." />
 <figcaption>Michael Berges, Hays vice-mayor (checkered shirt) discusses cooperation between the city and Ellis County as Neal Younger (blue shirt), county commissioner, takes notes during Image Ellis County.</figcaption>
 </figure>So what's next?"We've got some great momentum going here and we want to continue this. ... This is invaluable input," Williams said at the end of the meeting.After compilation, Monday's feedback will be publicly available on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImagineEllisCounty">Imagine Ellis County Facebook page</a> and future website.&nbsp;The FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs has been engaged to conduct a community survey this summer to give additional guidance of what people are looking for and what Ellis County needs to be doing to attract them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Offering remote work and learning opportunities through an expanded internet infrastructure is one key, according to Williams.He talked about a recent interview he watched with Karin Kimbrough, chief economist for Linkedin, the world's largest job search website.&nbsp;"She gave some statistics that pre-pandemic 1 in 67 jobs on LinkedIn was for remote workers. Today it's 1 in 7. And people who apply for LinkedIn jobs are two and half times more likely to apply for a remote position rather than one where they have to work on site.&nbsp;"That's an opportunity for our community because we've got tremendous bandwidth, and we're got a great place to live," Williams said.Similar town hall meetings will be held in Victoria and Ellis.&nbsp;"We'd like to think we're the best kept secret out there. And if we get more people to understand what we have to offer here, we can get more people to come and live here."&nbsp;&nbsp;(Editor's note: Hays Post is owned by Eagle Communiations.)

🎥 Town hall participants 'Imagine Ellis County' in 2042

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Norton Correctional Facility continues to be the largest active coronavirus cluster in the state, although numbers are falling.

KDHE on Wednesday reported 375 active COVID clusters in the state, accounting for 9,116 cases, 100 hospitalizations and 86 deaths.&nbsp;

There were 68 COVID cases reported at the Norton prison in the last 14 days, the first time in three weeks the cluster of cases has been in the double digits.

Other area clusters identified by KDHE were:

• Ellsworth Correctional Facility, 27 cases • Larned State Hospital, 30 cases • Ascension Living Via Christi Village, Hays, 10 cases

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644430111159.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Norton Correctional Facility continues to be the largest active coronavirus cluster in the state, although numbers are falling.KDHE on Wednesday reported 375 active COVID clusters in the state, accounting for 9,116 cases, 100 hospitalizations and 86 deaths.&nbsp;There were 68 COVID cases reported at the Norton prison in the last 14 days, the first time in three weeks the cluster of cases has been in the double digits.Other area clusters identified by KDHE were:• Ellsworth Correctional Facility, 27 cases • Larned State Hospital, 30 cases • Ascension Living Via Christi Village, Hays, 10 cases

Norton prison COVID cluster still state's largest; 3 other area clusters

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 39 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 25 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, including seven active cases and 18 recovering cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3619e873-913c-44d6-b0ba-b71a3e8dfced">RELATED: Norton prison COVID cluster still the state's largest</a>

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>

The Kansas Hospital Organization reported Wednesday that 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are fully vaccinated. The county-by-county vaccination rate report will no longer be published by KDHE.

Since reporting began, there have been 6,989 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644429886933.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 39 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.As of Wednesday morning, there were 25 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, including seven active cases and 18 recovering cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3619e873-913c-44d6-b0ba-b71a3e8dfced">RELATED: Norton prison COVID cluster still the state's largest</a><a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>The Kansas Hospital Organization reported Wednesday that 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are fully vaccinated. The county-by-county vaccination rate report will no longer be published by KDHE.Since reporting began, there have been 6,989 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644429926074.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644429619227.png" alt="Kansas Hospital Association" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Hospital Association</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 39 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

Following a three-year varsity career, Hays High senior Roy Moroni will continue his football journey at the same stadium he played home games at. The Indians' starting running back will play for Fort Hays State University. A signing ceremony was held Wednesday, one week following the official decision on national signing day for college football.

Moroni ran for 1,106 yards during his senior season while averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He also scored 17 rushing touchdowns and crossed the goal line on two more touchdowns on receptions.

He ended his career with 1,944 yards and a per carry average of 6.4 yards to go along with 24 total touchdowns.

Moroni was part of an offense that set a school record in total yards and rushing yards along with total points scored.

He holds the fourth best mark for rushing yards in a season, third for season points scored, and fourth in career rushing yards.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostFollowing a three-year varsity career, Hays High senior Roy Moroni will continue his football journey at the same stadium he played home games at. The Indians' starting running back will play for Fort Hays State University. A signing ceremony was held Wednesday, one week following the official decision on national signing day for college football.Roy Moroni<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1212811909&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/roy-moroni" title="Roy Moroni" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Roy Moroni</a></div></div>Moroni ran for 1,106 yards during his senior season while averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He also scored 17 rushing touchdowns and crossed the goal line on two more touchdowns on receptions.He ended his career with 1,944 yards and a per carry average of 6.4 yards to go along with 24 total touchdowns.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1212812191&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/tony-crough-about-roy-moroni" title="Tony Crough About Roy Moroni" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Crough About Roy Moroni</a></div></div>Moroni was part of an offense that set a school record in total yards and rushing yards along with total points scored.He holds the fourth best mark for rushing yards in a season, third for season points scored, and fourth in career rushing yards.

🏈🎧 HHS' Moroni headed to Fort Hays State

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president
and CEO Sarah Wasinger talk about internships with the chamber's Fort Hays
State University, Dane G. Hansen Foundation intern Avary Huff.

Internships
can be valuable for both businesses and students. Hayes chamber president and
CEO Sarah Wasinger along with their Fort Hays State University, Dane G. Hansen,
intern Avary Huff stopped by to talk to us a little bit about internships and
Avery's experience that the Hays Chamber on this episode of the post podcast.

Oh, you
had a pretty unique place that you came from before you join our chamber. Do
you want to talk a little bit about your experience last semester before we
jump into some other things?

Sure,
Sara. So last semester, I was actually studying abroad in Spain. Wow. I was
there from the end of August to the middle of January. And I really got to
learn about tourism in Spain since that is my major. I was really putting it
into that real word world perspective, and also working on my Spanish. So had a
blast over there.

I
mentioned it's hard to not have a good time hanging out in Europe.

Yeah,
absolutely. A lot of good fish. I wouldn't call the fried sardines. Good fish.
But we talked a little bit about that. Like, what was the weirdest thing she
ate the definitely the best food over there.

I think
you may have been going to the wrong restaurants, just fried sardines. But
that's very cool. That's very cool. Um, so yeah, you're over here at the
chamber. Now, what does an intern do at the chamber.

So I've
only been there for a couple of weeks now. But I've been helping with all the
events that have been going on, and just really getting out into the community,
whatever's on the calendar for the day, I'm there to help and figure out how I
can be best assistance in the office as well.

So for
in another thing that we did, because it's kind of the beginning of the year.
So obviously, our board financial reports are approved a month delayed. So
Avery even got to experience creating the month by month budget report with me
this last week to Yes, we did was very exciting.

Um, it
wasn't the most exciting event I've worked on. But it was definitely a learning
experience.

But we
tried to give Avery the opportunity to really witness the gamut of what goes on
at the chamber. So obviously, yes, events are a very big part of what we do to
feature businesses, but really giving her some ability. The big part of her job
will actually start here very soon, because we're going to start preparing for
our golf tournament, which is our biggest fundraiser of the year. And that
might be a good segue to the question that we were just talking about in the
car. What was one of the things that surprised you the most about your last
couple of weeks at the chamber?

Um,
there are two things. So the first thing that surprised me is that most of the
Chamber's budget does come from dues. So based on dues from members joining,
that's how we're able to host events throughout the year, and then also the
fast paced environment that happens at the chamber. I don't think I didn't
realize that I wouldn't just be working in an office all day. You're really
getting out into the community. There's always something going on 24/7

Absolutely
it sir about that all the time. You guys are always always out in the community
almost every day. There's an event that you guys are at, or asmuch running
around us. 

I do you
think I'd be you know, like a slice for life goals right there. So I just need
to go see one of my members to workout.

And
we've got some new, we've got some new workout options coming up from what I
understand as well do we do I'm sure that I'm well, I'm not sure. But I'm
imagine that those new ones are going to be Chamber members as well. We have a
meeting with them. Okay. Well, now I've jinxed it.

We'll
talk about that when it happens. There you go, there you go. But one of the
things that is very important to you that I think a lot of people don't, maybe
they have some trepidation for being in a business that has a intern, it
doesn't really take a lot of energy, the biggest thing is to make sure you're
incorporating them into the day to day, give them a variety of ways that they
can be involved. And I think so many times people are like, well, maybe I just
don't have time to bring that person along. But Avery, I think has some
information to share just based on her experience so far, but this is not your
first internship.

So why
do you recommend internships to students and businesses.

Um, for
students, I would definitely recommend internships because it's a lot different
from the knowledge you're learning in the classroom, you actually get to go out
and apply it and see how it might not be exactly the same as what you have
learned from your professors. So you really just get that real world
application of those topics. And you get to learn all those skills to make you
more marketable as a student looking for jobs once you graduate. So that's
really exciting for this internship opportunity. And then as for the business
side of things, I would recommend internships for businesses, because not only
are you investing in members of your community, and growing their skill sets,
but you're also getting another extra helping hand so they'll help increase
your employee productivity throughout the day. And then you really just get to
have a fresh new perspective on things because interns are usually students, so
they're exposed to different things. They're not in the workforce. So they have
different outlooks on things and can definitely bring new ideas to your
business.

Yeah,
and you know what, over the years, I've had some different roles where I've
worked with interns, and one of the things that just to speak to that a little
bit, one of the things I love is when they bring in like the latest in, because
you're in the classroom, you're hearing the latest in academic research in your
field, whatever the field might be, and you're now able to bring that directly
to a business owner. I mean, that's a resource that they probably don't have
time for otherwise.

Exactly.
Exactly. It's a fresh perspective. And it's a real asset, because they are
learning that information. It's fresh on top of their mind, and they're able to
apply it at your business.

And
specifically speaking about the Dane G. Hanson program, I think that a lot of
people forget how affordable it is for the business. It's a $500 investment for
about 240 hours. Yeah, 240 hours. So I mean, if you do the math, I mean, I
think James is trying to do the math.

I came
up with a four nine or something, I couldn't do the math, talk either. But no,
that that is that's an incredible amount of help and support, you can get $400
That's a pretty good price. And you know, it's a win win. I you know, I mean, I
love the Win Win Win situations. And this sounds like exactly.

And I do
have to speak to the fact that when we interview, so each business gets the
opportunity to interview, you know, anywhere between four to five students. And
each of the students that we interviewed as a chamber staff, we were just blown
away from so I mean, you're talking about, you know, the cream of the crop when
you're looking at the Dean Johansen interns. So you're getting someone who's
already essentially pre vetted by Fort Hays, they know the caliber of the
students that are putting into that program. And so it is, you know, kind of
like hiring that hidden gem, because you're getting that opportunity to have
that fresh perspective that Avery was talking about. But also just, you know,
some extra hands on the ground. Yeah. And what better way to give back to a
student who might want to find a job in Hays because they love it so much, you
know, so it, it can help us build our workforce.

Exactly.
You know, that I was gonna say that was one of the topics that was discussed
last night was keep retaining people here. And what a great way to do it. You
know, I imagine like if we got somebody here at Eagle radio, and they they
enjoy the position, and then a position is open, like, if that's an obvious
choice, and then we know we're not losing them to Denver or Kansas City or
salon or wherever.

Very
cool. Well, you know, I just I'm curious, is it just college kids that come
through Fort Hays for this program, they don't look for any the high school. So
it's it's a imagine you have to be at least a second year college kid to be
able to apply? Apply them.

Right.
So the internships are open to all the Fort Hays students. I'm not sure if you're
able to do it your first year, maybe the second semester of your first year.
But other than that they're open for all the students to apply for.

And we
do also have a haste High School intern Reese liker that we have at the Chamber
currently right now too. So I know there are high school opportunities for
students. And I think those are usually reserved for seniors as well, since
they have a more flexible schedule. But um, yeah, definitely. If you're a
business and you have questions, we would be happy to answer those for you. And
I know I'm Career Services at Fort Hays State University, obviously would
welcome phone calls to learn more about the program.

Very
cool. Very cool. Well, before we run out of time, sir, we probably should talk
about the events going on this week, because you've got a number of things
going on. Again, as usual,

We do.
So, our HYP Advisory Council retreat will be this week, Thursday at 5:15pm at
the Welcome Center. And Friday, we are very excited. Speaking of Fort Hays
State University, our chamber chat will be the tiger gear on Friday, that will
be at 9am. At Professor sandwich shop and more, we do have it under good
authority that they're going to be drawing for some sweet Tiger gear that day.
So you might want to wear your Tiger Gear to that one, as well as just maybe be
ready to get a new cool new shirt or something.

I love
Tiger gear.&nbsp; I need you not to&nbsp;&nbsp; 

We bleed
black and gold. Exactly. It's I mean, it might be scary in the medical
professions. You know,

There's
such a vital part of the community and what a cool program to help that, you
know, connection.

Absolutely.
And we would be remiss to not remind a few people that chamber checks are
always on sale at the chamber. And Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
So if you don't know the right gift to get your sweetheart, they can be spent
at nearly 500 locations in Ellis counties. So it's not a bad idea. Yeah,

There's
some beautiful spots downtown. Well, there'd be the spots all over Ross County.
But yeah,

When I'm
let them pick the gift that they want. That's right, I found that that is usually
just the easiest thing to do.

Stay out
of the doghouse by a chamber check. or multiple again, another win win win.
That's my man. And then the only other thing we really wanted to share was
congratulations to our USD 489 School Board for their approval of the bond
issue to be put on the ballot in May, our chamber is actually going to be
hosting two different opportunities this month specifically, to give folks the
opportunity to learn more about what will be included in the bond issue. So
superintendent Ron Wilson will actually speak to our HIV connection lunch group
on February 15, at noon at thirsties. HIV members if you have not signed up for
that lunch yet, please do so today if possible, and then February membership
lunch will be February 25 at Rose Garden banquet hall and catering and that was
sponsored by Golden Belt Bank and he'll be speaking at noon as well. So
definitely make sure that you come ready to learn and he'll be able to ask
questions or answer questions.

<div><iframe title="Internship programs benefit area business; education" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e6vbi-11a0018-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 Chamber president
and CEO Sarah Wasinger talk about internships with the chamber's Fort Hays
State University, Dane G. Hansen Foundation intern Avary Huff.<h2>Transcript</h2>James Bell&nbsp;
Internships
can be valuable for both businesses and students. Hayes chamber president and
CEO Sarah Wasinger along with their Fort Hays State University, Dane G. Hansen,
intern Avary Huff stopped by to talk to us a little bit about internships and
Avery's experience that the Hays Chamber on this episode of the post podcast.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
Oh, you
had a pretty unique place that you came from before you join our chamber. Do
you want to talk a little bit about your experience last semester before we
jump into some other things?Avary Huff&nbsp;
Sure,
Sara. So last semester, I was actually studying abroad in Spain. Wow. I was
there from the end of August to the middle of January. And I really got to
learn about tourism in Spain since that is my major. I was really putting it
into that real word world perspective, and also working on my Spanish. So had a
blast over there.James Bell&nbsp;
I
mentioned it's hard to not have a good time hanging out in Europe.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
Yeah,
absolutely. A lot of good fish. I wouldn't call the fried sardines. Good fish.
But we talked a little bit about that. Like, what was the weirdest thing she
ate the definitely the best food over there.James Bell&nbsp;
I think
you may have been going to the wrong restaurants, just fried sardines. But
that's very cool. That's very cool. Um, so yeah, you're over here at the
chamber. Now, what does an intern do at the chamber.Avary Huff&nbsp;
So I've
only been there for a couple of weeks now. But I've been helping with all the
events that have been going on, and just really getting out into the community,
whatever's on the calendar for the day, I'm there to help and figure out how I
can be best assistance in the office as well.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
So for
in another thing that we did, because it's kind of the beginning of the year.
So obviously, our board financial reports are approved a month delayed. So
Avery even got to experience creating the month by month budget report with me
this last week to Yes, we did was very exciting.Avary Huff&nbsp;
Um, it
wasn't the most exciting event I've worked on. But it was definitely a learning
experience.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
But we
tried to give Avery the opportunity to really witness the gamut of what goes on
at the chamber. So obviously, yes, events are a very big part of what we do to
feature businesses, but really giving her some ability. The big part of her job
will actually start here very soon, because we're going to start preparing for
our golf tournament, which is our biggest fundraiser of the year. And that
might be a good segue to the question that we were just talking about in the
car. What was one of the things that surprised you the most about your last
couple of weeks at the chamber?Avary Huff&nbsp;
Um,
there are two things. So the first thing that surprised me is that most of the
Chamber's budget does come from dues. So based on dues from members joining,
that's how we're able to host events throughout the year, and then also the
fast paced environment that happens at the chamber. I don't think I didn't
realize that I wouldn't just be working in an office all day. You're really
getting out into the community. There's always something going on 24/7James Bell&nbsp;
Absolutely
it sir about that all the time. You guys are always always out in the community
almost every day. There's an event that you guys are at, or asmuch running
around us. Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
I do you
think I'd be you know, like a slice for life goals right there. So I just need
to go see one of my members to workout.James Bell&nbsp;
And
we've got some new, we've got some new workout options coming up from what I
understand as well do we do I'm sure that I'm well, I'm not sure. But I'm
imagine that those new ones are going to be Chamber members as well. We have a
meeting with them. Okay. Well, now I've jinxed it.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
We'll
talk about that when it happens. There you go, there you go. But one of the
things that is very important to you that I think a lot of people don't, maybe
they have some trepidation for being in a business that has a intern, it
doesn't really take a lot of energy, the biggest thing is to make sure you're
incorporating them into the day to day, give them a variety of ways that they
can be involved. And I think so many times people are like, well, maybe I just
don't have time to bring that person along. But Avery, I think has some
information to share just based on her experience so far, but this is not your
first internship.James Bell&nbsp;
Is that
right? Avary Huff&nbsp;
No, it's
my third. Okay. Wow.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
So why
do you recommend internships to students and businesses.Avary Huff&nbsp;
Um, for
students, I would definitely recommend internships because it's a lot different
from the knowledge you're learning in the classroom, you actually get to go out
and apply it and see how it might not be exactly the same as what you have
learned from your professors. So you really just get that real world
application of those topics. And you get to learn all those skills to make you
more marketable as a student looking for jobs once you graduate. So that's
really exciting for this internship opportunity. And then as for the business
side of things, I would recommend internships for businesses, because not only
are you investing in members of your community, and growing their skill sets,
but you're also getting another extra helping hand so they'll help increase
your employee productivity throughout the day. And then you really just get to
have a fresh new perspective on things because interns are usually students, so
they're exposed to different things. They're not in the workforce. So they have
different outlooks on things and can definitely bring new ideas to your
business.James Bell&nbsp;
Yeah,
and you know what, over the years, I've had some different roles where I've
worked with interns, and one of the things that just to speak to that a little
bit, one of the things I love is when they bring in like the latest in, because
you're in the classroom, you're hearing the latest in academic research in your
field, whatever the field might be, and you're now able to bring that directly
to a business owner. I mean, that's a resource that they probably don't have
time for otherwise.Avary Huff&nbsp;
Exactly.
Exactly. It's a fresh perspective. And it's a real asset, because they are
learning that information. It's fresh on top of their mind, and they're able to
apply it at your business.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
And
specifically speaking about the Dane G. Hanson program, I think that a lot of
people forget how affordable it is for the business. It's a $500 investment for
about 240 hours. Yeah, 240 hours. So I mean, if you do the math, I mean, I
think James is trying to do the math.James Bell&nbsp;
I came
up with a four nine or something, I couldn't do the math, talk either. But no,
that that is that's an incredible amount of help and support, you can get $400
That's a pretty good price. And you know, it's a win win. I you know, I mean, I
love the Win Win Win situations. And this sounds like exactly.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
And I do
have to speak to the fact that when we interview, so each business gets the
opportunity to interview, you know, anywhere between four to five students. And
each of the students that we interviewed as a chamber staff, we were just blown
away from so I mean, you're talking about, you know, the cream of the crop when
you're looking at the Dean Johansen interns. So you're getting someone who's
already essentially pre vetted by Fort Hays, they know the caliber of the
students that are putting into that program. And so it is, you know, kind of
like hiring that hidden gem, because you're getting that opportunity to have
that fresh perspective that Avery was talking about. But also just, you know,
some extra hands on the ground. Yeah. And what better way to give back to a
student who might want to find a job in Hays because they love it so much, you
know, so it, it can help us build our workforce.James Bell&nbsp;
Exactly.
You know, that I was gonna say that was one of the topics that was discussed
last night was keep retaining people here. And what a great way to do it. You
know, I imagine like if we got somebody here at Eagle radio, and they they
enjoy the position, and then a position is open, like, if that's an obvious
choice, and then we know we're not losing them to Denver or Kansas City or
salon or wherever.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
Absolutely.James Bell&nbsp;
Very
cool. Well, you know, I just I'm curious, is it just college kids that come
through Fort Hays for this program, they don't look for any the high school. So
it's it's a imagine you have to be at least a second year college kid to be
able to apply? Apply them.Avary Huff&nbsp;
Right.
So the internships are open to all the Fort Hays students. I'm not sure if you're
able to do it your first year, maybe the second semester of your first year.
But other than that they're open for all the students to apply for.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
And we
do also have a haste High School intern Reese liker that we have at the Chamber
currently right now too. So I know there are high school opportunities for
students. And I think those are usually reserved for seniors as well, since
they have a more flexible schedule. But um, yeah, definitely. If you're a
business and you have questions, we would be happy to answer those for you. And
I know I'm Career Services at Fort Hays State University, obviously would
welcome phone calls to learn more about the program.James Bell&nbsp;
Very
cool. Very cool. Well, before we run out of time, sir, we probably should talk
about the events going on this week, because you've got a number of things
going on. Again, as usual,Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
We do.
So, our HYP Advisory Council retreat will be this week, Thursday at 5:15pm at
the Welcome Center. And Friday, we are very excited. Speaking of Fort Hays
State University, our chamber chat will be the tiger gear on Friday, that will
be at 9am. At Professor sandwich shop and more, we do have it under good
authority that they're going to be drawing for some sweet Tiger gear that day.
So you might want to wear your Tiger Gear to that one, as well as just maybe be
ready to get a new cool new shirt or something.James Bell&nbsp;
I love
Tiger gear.&nbsp; I need you not to&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
We bleed
black and gold. Exactly. It's I mean, it might be scary in the medical
professions. You know,James Bell&nbsp;
There's
such a vital part of the community and what a cool program to help that, you
know, connection.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
Absolutely.
And we would be remiss to not remind a few people that chamber checks are
always on sale at the chamber. And Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
So if you don't know the right gift to get your sweetheart, they can be spent
at nearly 500 locations in Ellis counties. So it's not a bad idea. Yeah,James Bell&nbsp;
There's
some beautiful spots downtown. Well, there'd be the spots all over Ross County.
But yeah,Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
restaurantsJames Bell&nbsp;
When I'm
let them pick the gift that they want. That's right, I found that that is usually
just the easiest thing to do.Sarah Wasinger&nbsp;
Stay out
of the doghouse by a chamber check. or multiple again, another win win win.
That's my man. And then the only other thing we really wanted to share was
congratulations to our USD 489 School Board for their approval of the bond
issue to be put on the ballot in May, our chamber is actually going to be
hosting two different opportunities this month specifically, to give folks the
opportunity to learn more about what will be included in the bond issue. So
superintendent Ron Wilson will actually speak to our HIV connection lunch group
on February 15, at noon at thirsties. HIV members if you have not signed up for
that lunch yet, please do so today if possible, and then February membership
lunch will be February 25 at Rose Garden banquet hall and catering and that was
sponsored by Golden Belt Bank and he'll be speaking at noon as well. So
definitely make sure that you come ready to learn and he'll be able to ask
questions or answer questions.

🎙Post Podcast: Internship programs benefit area business; education

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

 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.

Leslie Randa, 61, was discovered in his home, located at 205 E 5th St in LaCrosse, Kan. Randa was found by a family member who then contacted 911 at 1:39 p.m. on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643198011225.png" alt="Photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Rush County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a Black 2006 GMC Envoy in connection with the homicide of 61-year-old Leslie Randa of La Crosse on January 21. 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.Leslie Randa, 61, was discovered in his home, located at 205 E 5th St in LaCrosse, Kan. Randa was found by a family member who then contacted 911 at 1:39 p.m. on Friday.

Search continues for vehicle connected to Rush Co. homicide

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board voted Monday to change all of its meetings to 6:30 p.m. Mondays.

The school board had been meeting for work sessions at 11:30 a.m. on the second Mondays of the month at one of the district schools.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said this was meant to give the school board members opportunities to see the schools operating with students in them.

However, board member Curt Vajnar argued residents — and even school board members — struggled to attend the meetings conducted in the middle of the day.

The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m Monday, Feb. 21, at the Rockwell Administration Center. 

The school board usually sets its meeting schedule in July for the year. The board plans to revisit the meeting schedule issue again at that time.

Vajnar further thought the term work session was misleading as the board usually conducts business during the lunch hour work sessions. The district in the future plans to do away with the work session title.

Although the district did not have an audience participation item on its agenda when it was released on Friday, that was added to the agenda Monday.

One person spoke briefly in favor of the bond issue during that participation period.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board voted Monday to change all of its meetings to 6:30 p.m. Mondays.The school board had been meeting for work sessions at 11:30 a.m. on the second Mondays of the month at one of the district schools.Superintendent Ron Wilson said this was meant to give the school board members opportunities to see the schools operating with students in them.However, board member Curt Vajnar argued residents — and even school board members — struggled to attend the meetings conducted in the middle of the day.The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m Monday, Feb. 21, at the Rockwell Administration Center. The school board usually sets its meeting schedule in July for the year. The board plans to revisit the meeting schedule issue again at that time. Vajnar further thought the term work session was misleading as the board usually conducts business during the lunch hour work sessions. The district in the future plans to do away with the work session title.Although the district did not have an audience participation item on its agenda when it was released on Friday, that was added to the agenda Monday.One person spoke briefly in favor of the bond issue during that participation period.

USD 489 changes meeting times in hopes of increasing participation

COLBY — Colby Community College has the highest graduation rates among all Kansas community colleges and owns the second-best retention rate, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/Data/2022_State_University_Data_Book/2022_Community_College_Data_Book.pdf">2022 Community College Data Book</a>. The annual report, which evaluates the 19 Kansas community colleges, was released this week by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Data is based on the 2017 cohort of students. Graduation rates are measured by the percentage of first-time, full-time students who begin and complete an associate degree from the same institution within two years (100%) or three years (150%). Colby ranked first in both categories.&nbsp;The college graduated 41.1% in the two-year period and 54.4% over a three-year span.

The college had the second-highest student retention rate among the sector at 65.8%, just half a percentage away from the top spot. Retention is measured by the number of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students attending an institution for the fall semester and returning for the following fall semester.

"CCC's high graduation and retention rates are a testament to the efforts of our students, faculty and staff, Trustees, and the community as a whole," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "The college's student outcomes illustrate a commitment to sustained academic excellence and achievement."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College has the highest graduation rates among all Kansas community colleges and owns the second-best retention rate, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/Data/2022_State_University_Data_Book/2022_Community_College_Data_Book.pdf">2022 Community College Data Book</a>. The annual report, which evaluates the 19 Kansas community colleges, was released this week by the Kansas Board of Regents.Data is based on the 2017 cohort of students. Graduation rates are measured by the percentage of first-time, full-time students who begin and complete an associate degree from the same institution within two years (100%) or three years (150%). Colby ranked first in both categories.&nbsp;The college graduated 41.1% in the two-year period and 54.4% over a three-year span.The college had the second-highest student retention rate among the sector at 65.8%, just half a percentage away from the top spot. Retention is measured by the number of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students attending an institution for the fall semester and returning for the following fall semester."CCC's high graduation and retention rates are a testament to the efforts of our students, faculty and staff, Trustees, and the community as a whole," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "The college's student outcomes illustrate a commitment to sustained academic excellence and achievement."

Colby CC achieves highest graduation rates in Kansas

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

I can’t remember if I was helping check momma cows during calving season or chopping ice during a spell of cold weather when I was inspired to do something I shouldn’t. I do know it was about this time of year when my grandfather’s storytelling found a set of eager ears and launched a journey that would be completed a few weeks later, just about the time spring break rolled around. I was in high school, and I can still envision the scene in my grandfather’s pickup truck as he told me about the time he tried to make wine when he was about my age. From my hazy recollection, the gist of the story was he poured some yeast into a bottle of grape juice and then stuffed a cork in the neck and stowed the brew away inside his closet. Eventually, he forgot about the science experiment fermenting somewhere amongst his blue jeans and boots. The days turned into weeks before there was a sudden reckoning as the cork’s grip on the glass was overcome by a buildup of carbon dioxide and shot out, followed by the rest of the bottle’s contents. “I got in a decent amount of trouble for ruining my clothes,” my grandfather told me. “But my closet sure smelled good for a long time.” Even while I was laughing at the punchline, my mind was forming a plan to conduct my own experiment. I even had the benefit of knowing a cork shouldn’t be used. I also took satisfaction in the apparent loophole my grandfather helped me see. While I was too young to buy alcohol, there was no such prohibition on sourcing all of the necessary ingredients. It didn’t take long to recruit a friend to help complete this small act of rebellion. We soon abandoned our initial plan to create our own vintage with freshly crushed grapes in favor of a couple bottles of juice off a shelf, a sack of sugar and some yeast. These supplies were artfully split between two different shopping carts so as to avoid raising any suspicions of their intended use. We retreated to the cover of my friend’s kitchen to begin mixing the elixir, an act we were old enough to know was wrong, but we were young enough to do it anyway. We spooned in sugar and added bread yeast before stretching balloons over the lips of each bottle. Then we waited. Periodically checking the concoction over the next few weeks provided a great view of chemistry in action. The yeast consumed the sugar producing enough carbon dioxide to fill the balloon, which was evidence our plan was working. When the rubber orbs started to deflate a few weeks later, it was finally time to test our winemaking skills. We were naïve enough to hope we’d brewed something amazing. We would have settled for something that was merely drinkable. Our sights were set way too high. While the liquid gave off an almost pleasant aroma as we strained it through coffee filters, the initial sip was overpowering. So much so that I had a much more intimate understanding of what Roger Miller was singing about in “Chug-a-Lug." We didn’t make it much beyond the initial tasting before abandoning the idea of drinking our wine. I’m sure it could have been repurposed to strip varnish or a ground clearing herbicide, though. The only buzz I received from the wine was the bit of wisdom that my grandfather was lucky to have forgotten that bottle in his closet.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauI can’t remember if I was helping check momma cows during calving season or chopping ice during a spell of cold weather when I was inspired to do something I shouldn’t. I do know it was about this time of year when my grandfather’s storytelling found a set of eager ears and launched a journey that would be completed a few weeks later, just about the time spring break rolled around. I was in high school, and I can still envision the scene in my grandfather’s pickup truck as he told me about the time he tried to make wine when he was about my age. From my hazy recollection, the gist of the story was he poured some yeast into a bottle of grape juice and then stuffed a cork in the neck and stowed the brew away inside his closet. Eventually, he forgot about the science experiment fermenting somewhere amongst his blue jeans and boots. The days turned into weeks before there was a sudden reckoning as the cork’s grip on the glass was overcome by a buildup of carbon dioxide and shot out, followed by the rest of the bottle’s contents. “I got in a decent amount of trouble for ruining my clothes,” my grandfather told me. “But my closet sure smelled good for a long time.” Even while I was laughing at the punchline, my mind was forming a plan to conduct my own experiment. I even had the benefit of knowing a cork shouldn’t be used. I also took satisfaction in the apparent loophole my grandfather helped me see. While I was too young to buy alcohol, there was no such prohibition on sourcing all of the necessary ingredients. It didn’t take long to recruit a friend to help complete this small act of rebellion. We soon abandoned our initial plan to create our own vintage with freshly crushed grapes in favor of a couple bottles of juice off a shelf, a sack of sugar and some yeast. These supplies were artfully split between two different shopping carts so as to avoid raising any suspicions of their intended use. We retreated to the cover of my friend’s kitchen to begin mixing the elixir, an act we were old enough to know was wrong, but we were young enough to do it anyway. We spooned in sugar and added bread yeast before stretching balloons over the lips of each bottle. Then we waited. Periodically checking the concoction over the next few weeks provided a great view of chemistry in action. The yeast consumed the sugar producing enough carbon dioxide to fill the balloon, which was evidence our plan was working. When the rubber orbs started to deflate a few weeks later, it was finally time to test our winemaking skills. We were naïve enough to hope we’d brewed something amazing. We would have settled for something that was merely drinkable. Our sights were set way too high. While the liquid gave off an almost pleasant aroma as we strained it through coffee filters, the initial sip was overpowering. So much so that I had a much more intimate understanding of what Roger Miller was singing about in “Chug-a-Lug." We didn’t make it much beyond the initial tasting before abandoning the idea of drinking our wine. I’m sure it could have been repurposed to strip varnish or a ground clearing herbicide, though. The only buzz I received from the wine was the bit of wisdom that my grandfather was lucky to have forgotten that bottle in his closet. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Wisdom and wine

First Call for Help is sponsoring its second annual Photo Frenzy fundraiser.

Strike a pose on Saturday, March 5. Select your team of up to four people, hop in the car, and get ready to make memories for a good cause. 

•	Call 785-623-2800 to register your team by March 2. Registration fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. This is a family friendly event. 	•	On the morning of March 5, receive your scavenger hunt clues and have a blast setting out to find the locations between 10 a.m. and noon. 	•	Snap photos of your answers and submit them for points. 	•	Team scores will be added together, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team members.

This is a fun, interactive event that brings people together to raise money and awareness for First Call For Help. All registration fees and any additional funds raised go directly to support community members in need of basic essential services, such as rent, utilities and diapers.

Last year was a great success and we hope to make this year even bigger and better, a news release said. To sign up or for more information, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306693231.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFirst Call for Help is sponsoring its second annual Photo Frenzy fundraiser. Strike a pose on Saturday, March 5. Select your team of up to four people, hop in the car, and get ready to make memories for a good cause. Here’s the full picture:	•	Call 785-623-2800 to register your team by March 2. Registration fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. This is a family friendly event. 	•	On the morning of March 5, receive your scavenger hunt clues and have a blast setting out to find the locations between 10 a.m. and noon. 	•	Snap photos of your answers and submit them for points. 	•	Team scores will be added together, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team members.This is a fun, interactive event that brings people together to raise money and awareness for First Call For Help. All registration fees and any additional funds raised go directly to support community members in need of basic essential services, such as rent, utilities and diapers. Last year was a great success and we hope to make this year even bigger and better, a news release said. To sign up or for more information, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800.

First Call for Help sets Photo Frenzy fundraiser

<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/2022/2/1644343955786.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

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was settled and named by the Delaware Indians as a campsite halfway between the Allegheny and Susquehanna Rivers. When German settlers arrived in the 1700s, they brought with them a tradition known as “Candlemas Day,” celebrated in Germany on Feb. 2nd, which happens to be the midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, (winter and spring.) Tradition held that if Feb. 2nd were sunny, the last half of winter would be nasty and cold, and vice-versa. In Germany, for whatever reason, hedgehogs were observed to see if a shadow was cast. In Pennsylvania, given the absence of hedgehogs, groundhogs were selected to assume that role. An old German saying read: For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, So far will the snow swirl until May; For as the snow swirls on Candlemas Day, So far will the sun shine until May. So, in layman’s terms, if sunny on Feb. 2nd, 6 more weeks of winter would follow.

Pennsylvania’s first official celebration of Groundhog Day was in 1886, when the legendary groundhog was named Punxsutawney Phil, and the first trip to Phil’s mythical home on Gobbler’s Knob, was made the following year. Today Phil is said to thrive on dog food and ice cream in his climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. Each Feb. 2nd, he is carried up to Gobbler’s Knob and placed in a heated burrow beneath a simulated tree stump before being pulled out at 7:25 a.m. to make his annual prediction, which, according to someone who obviously has an even more boring life than me, have been 39% correct. Common sense says there have been several Phil’s since 1886, but no one has fessed-up.

And as far as groundhog predictors go, Phil is not the only game in town. There are 6 other groundhogs on the continent that claim to share Phil’s gift. West Virginia has French Creek Freddie, Georgia has General Beauregard Lee, Michigan has Woody the Woodchuck, Ohio has Buckeye Chuck, Staten Island New York has Charles G. Hogg (Staten Island Chuck for short), Ontario, Canada has Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia has Shubenacadie Sam (seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up.)&nbsp;

But groundhogs don’t have a corner on this spring prognostication business, as other states around the country claim to have mammals that also share that gift. The same rules apply, the results are just given by different critters.

The Oregon Zoo has Fufu the hedgehog, and just like the German settlers who brought this legend to us, the zoo says these prickly prognosticators are the real deal. Fufu has only been in this role for a few years, but so far, she appears to have been correct about 53% of the time.

For eight years now, Groundhog Day in Brevard, North Carolina has been celebrated as “White Squirrel Day,” in honor of a couple white squirrel prognosticators. The first to hold the position was Pisgah Pete, and with Pete’s recent retirement, the star is now a white squirrel named Penelope Ella Elizabeth, Pisgah Penny for short. Again, it’s not divulged how Penny communicates her predictions, but this year she will also take a stab at picking the winner of the Super Bowl.

Relatively new to the spring-arrival-prediction scene is a chicken from the town of Katonah, New York. Since 2019, Clucksatawney Henrietta the chicken has attempted to predict spring’s arrival not with her shadow, but by when she lays an egg. Yes, you read that right; if Henrietta lays an egg during their annual Groundhog Day ceremony, there will be an early spring; if not, winter is here for 6 more weeks. There are no statistics concerning this style of prognostication, but when you’re tired of snow drifts, I guess you’ll cling to any hope available.

Residents of Eastford, Connecticut believe they have the most accurate weather-predicting groundhog alternative on the planet in the form of Scramble the duck. Scramble uses the shadow method, and Eastford claims that because she is more intelligent than a groundhog, her predictions have been 100% accurate.

Oregon residents pin their hope of an early spring on a beaver at the Oregon Zoo named Stumptown Fil, aka Filbert the beaver. Fil also applies the shadow method, but even the zoo says his predictions are suspect. Fil predicted an early spring in 2020, but a month later the zoo was forced to temporarily close due to ice and snow.

Also among the group of unusual Groundhog Day prognosticators are the burrowing owls of Florida and an armadillo in the town of Bee Cave, Texas, known as Bee Cave Bob. Bob and the owls are revered by residents of their respective states, but their careers have been less illustrious than the group listed above. &nbsp;

While I’m not quite ready to rely on a Texan armadillo, Scramble the duck from Connecticut or a white squirrel named Pisgah Penny to tell me when winter will end, I say let Henrietta lay an egg and let’s have breakfast. The past couple years have been one snow storm after another year-round, and I think we’ve all forgotten how to have fun...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was settled and named by the Delaware Indians as a campsite halfway between the Allegheny and Susquehanna Rivers. When German settlers arrived in the 1700s, they brought with them a tradition known as “Candlemas Day,” celebrated in Germany on Feb. 2nd, which happens to be the midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, (winter and spring.) Tradition held that if Feb. 2nd were sunny, the last half of winter would be nasty and cold, and vice-versa. In Germany, for whatever reason, hedgehogs were observed to see if a shadow was cast. In Pennsylvania, given the absence of hedgehogs, groundhogs were selected to assume that role. An old German saying read: For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, So far will the snow swirl until May; For as the snow swirls on Candlemas Day, So far will the sun shine until May. So, in layman’s terms, if sunny on Feb. 2nd, 6 more weeks of winter would follow.Pennsylvania’s first official celebration of Groundhog Day was in 1886, when the legendary groundhog was named Punxsutawney Phil, and the first trip to Phil’s mythical home on Gobbler’s Knob, was made the following year. Today Phil is said to thrive on dog food and ice cream in his climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. Each Feb. 2nd, he is carried up to Gobbler’s Knob and placed in a heated burrow beneath a simulated tree stump before being pulled out at 7:25 a.m. to make his annual prediction, which, according to someone who obviously has an even more boring life than me, have been 39% correct. Common sense says there have been several Phil’s since 1886, but no one has fessed-up.And as far as groundhog predictors go, Phil is not the only game in town. There are 6 other groundhogs on the continent that claim to share Phil’s gift. West Virginia has French Creek Freddie, Georgia has General Beauregard Lee, Michigan has Woody the Woodchuck, Ohio has Buckeye Chuck, Staten Island New York has Charles G. Hogg (Staten Island Chuck for short), Ontario, Canada has Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia has Shubenacadie Sam (seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up.)&nbsp;But groundhogs don’t have a corner on this spring prognostication business, as other states around the country claim to have mammals that also share that gift. The same rules apply, the results are just given by different critters.The Oregon Zoo has Fufu the hedgehog, and just like the German settlers who brought this legend to us, the zoo says these prickly prognosticators are the real deal. Fufu has only been in this role for a few years, but so far, she appears to have been correct about 53% of the time.For eight years now, Groundhog Day in Brevard, North Carolina has been celebrated as “White Squirrel Day,” in honor of a couple white squirrel prognosticators. The first to hold the position was Pisgah Pete, and with Pete’s recent retirement, the star is now a white squirrel named Penelope Ella Elizabeth, Pisgah Penny for short. Again, it’s not divulged how Penny communicates her predictions, but this year she will also take a stab at picking the winner of the Super Bowl.Relatively new to the spring-arrival-prediction scene is a chicken from the town of Katonah, New York. Since 2019, Clucksatawney Henrietta the chicken has attempted to predict spring’s arrival not with her shadow, but by when she lays an egg. Yes, you read that right; if Henrietta lays an egg during their annual Groundhog Day ceremony, there will be an early spring; if not, winter is here for 6 more weeks. There are no statistics concerning this style of prognostication, but when you’re tired of snow drifts, I guess you’ll cling to any hope available.Residents of Eastford, Connecticut believe they have the most accurate weather-predicting groundhog alternative on the planet in the form of Scramble the duck. Scramble uses the shadow method, and Eastford claims that because she is more intelligent than a groundhog, her predictions have been 100% accurate.Oregon residents pin their hope of an early spring on a beaver at the Oregon Zoo named Stumptown Fil, aka Filbert the beaver. Fil also applies the shadow method, but even the zoo says his predictions are suspect. Fil predicted an early spring in 2020, but a month later the zoo was forced to temporarily close due to ice and snow.Also among the group of unusual Groundhog Day prognosticators are the burrowing owls of Florida and an armadillo in the town of Bee Cave, Texas, known as Bee Cave Bob. Bob and the owls are revered by residents of their respective states, but their careers have been less illustrious than the group listed above. &nbsp;While I’m not quite ready to rely on a Texan armadillo, Scramble the duck from Connecticut or a white squirrel named Pisgah Penny to tell me when winter will end, I say let Henrietta lay an egg and let’s have breakfast. The past couple years have been one snow storm after another year-round, and I think we’ve all forgotten how to have fun...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Who needs a weatherman?

The deadline for securing pet licenses is March 1.  A late fee of $10 for each month or part of a month that pets are not licensed will be charged in addition to the registration fee of $5 for a neutered or spayed pet or $25 for a pet that is not neutered or spayed. 

Licenses can be secured at the Office of the City Clerk, 1507 Main.  Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe deadline for securing pet licenses is March 1. A late fee of $10 for each month or part of a month that pets are not licensed will be charged in addition to the registration fee of $5 for a neutered or spayed pet or $25 for a pet that is not neutered or spayed. Licenses can be secured at the Office of the City Clerk, 1507 Main. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;

Pet licenses in city of Hays due March 1

The TMP-Marian Monarchs play host to the Russell Broncos in a Mid-Continent League rivalry matchup Tuesday in Hays.

The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow from Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/357134">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs play host to the Russell Broncos in a Mid-Continent League rivalry matchup Tuesday in Hays.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow from Al Billinger Fieldhouse.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/357134">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/357134?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Russell

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with &nbsp;Kansas housing Emergency Rental Assistance program executive director Ryan Vincent.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas housing Emergency Rental Assistance program executive director Ryan Vincent" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=9zvym-119e5dd-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with &nbsp;Kansas housing Emergency Rental Assistance program executive director Ryan Vincent.

🎤Forward Ever: Ryan Vincent, Kansas Housing Corp.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a4c1626f-4136-4677-b1e0-4cbdb4c935e5">READ MORE:&nbsp;Teacher of the Month inspired by his students to learn more</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644338096248.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644338144373.jpeg" alt="Mark&nbsp; and Lynette Ottley of Nations Auction Elite Realty present Jerry Braun, Hays USD 489 gifted teacher, with the December Teacher of the Month award. " />
 <figcaption>Mark&nbsp; and Lynette Ottley of Nations Auction Elite Realty present Jerry Braun, Hays USD 489 gifted teacher, with the December Teacher of the Month award. </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a4c1626f-4136-4677-b1e0-4cbdb4c935e5">READ MORE:&nbsp;Teacher of the Month inspired by his students to learn more</a>

Nations Auction Elite Realty Teacher of the Month: Jerry Braun

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — There was 
still a good turnout of visitors at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center
 in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center overlooks Cheyenne 
Bottoms which is the largest inland marsh in the United States. Curtis 
Wolf, the Center's director, said he is pleased with last year's 
accomplishments.&nbsp;

“There's no doubt we’re still being affected by 
COVID and the numbers reflected that,” Wolf explained. “But I’m still 
very proud of the visitors' numbers that we had, the program numbers. 
We’ve documented over 19,000 total contacts. Our typical year is more 
like 24,000, 25,000 contacts. So we’re definitely down overall still. 
But it’s still great and we’re very proud of the numbers we have 
there.”&nbsp;

The Center was able to conduct many of its annual 
programs throughout the year. In addition to those, a book was written 
by program specialist Mandy Kern entitled "Ava: A Year of Adventure in 
the Life of an American Avocet." The avocet is a shorebird that migrates
 through central Kansas every year and is the Center's logo.&nbsp;

According
 to Wolf, another accomplishment was a project to better provide 
information for Spanish-speaking visitors. The Center got help from the 
Modern Languages Department at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

“They 
have an interpretation class or a translation class, and basically gave 
them the text of all our exhibits, and they went through and did the 
translation for us.”&nbsp;

The Education Center is open Tuesdays 
through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 
p.m. It is closed on Mondays.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644257494572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — There was 
still a good turnout of visitors at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center
 in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center overlooks Cheyenne 
Bottoms which is the largest inland marsh in the United States. Curtis 
Wolf, the Center's director, said he is pleased with last year's 
accomplishments.&nbsp;“There's no doubt we’re still being affected by 
COVID and the numbers reflected that,” Wolf explained. “But I’m still 
very proud of the visitors' numbers that we had, the program numbers. 
We’ve documented over 19,000 total contacts. Our typical year is more 
like 24,000, 25,000 contacts. So we’re definitely down overall still. 
But it’s still great and we’re very proud of the numbers we have 
there.”&nbsp;The Center was able to conduct many of its annual 
programs throughout the year. In addition to those, a book was written 
by program specialist Mandy Kern entitled "Ava: A Year of Adventure in 
the Life of an American Avocet." The avocet is a shorebird that migrates
 through central Kansas every year and is the Center's logo.&nbsp;According
 to Wolf, another accomplishment was a project to better provide 
information for Spanish-speaking visitors. The Center got help from the 
Modern Languages Department at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;“They 
have an interpretation class or a translation class, and basically gave 
them the text of all our exhibits, and they went through and did the 
translation for us.”&nbsp;The Education Center is open Tuesdays 
through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 
p.m. It is closed on Mondays.&nbsp;

Despite COVID, 2021 a good year at Kansas Wetlands Education Center

NORTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase and fire.

On Saturday, Norton County Sheriff's deputies assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol with a high speed chase that started in Phillips County, according to a media release from Norton Police.

Officers in Norton were able to successfully deploy stop strips on the east edge of town. The vehicle came to a stop and caught fire in the 300 Block of West Holme Street. Officers made a felony traffic stop and took a suspect into custody.

The Norton Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the vehicle fire. Police reported no injuries. They have not released the suspect's name or possible charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565313643582.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase and fire.On Saturday, Norton County Sheriff's deputies assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol with a high speed chase that started in Phillips County, according to a media release from Norton Police.Officers in Norton were able to successfully deploy stop strips on the east edge of town. The vehicle came to a stop and caught fire in the 300 Block of West Holme Street. Officers made a felony traffic stop and took a suspect into custody.The Norton Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the vehicle fire. Police reported no injuries. They have not released the suspect's name or possible charges.

Suspect arrested after NW Kan. police chase, vehicle fire

From Feb. 21 through March
4, the Ellis County Sheriff's office will join other law enforcement agencies in Kansas,
Missouri and Oklahoma
with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness of roadway safety. 

Motor vehicle crashes
are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States — ahead of all other types of injury, disease
or violence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644078050173.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County SheriffFrom Feb. 21 through March
4, the Ellis County Sheriff's office will join other law enforcement agencies in Kansas,
Missouri and Oklahoma
with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness of roadway safety. Motor vehicle crashes
are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States — ahead of all other types of injury, disease
or violence."Even one teen death is unacceptable," Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said. "Please slow down, put the phone away or turn it off, and always buckle up."Officers will issue citations
to any individual who refuses
to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting
or failing to buckle up. Remind teens that driving
is a privilege and encourage
then to learn about the importance of driving safely.