By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

C. W. Seaman, 77, lives seven miles northeast of Natoma. The only source of groceries in the small community of 300 is a convenience store.

 It carries&nbsp;milk, bread, ice cream, drinks, some meats and canned goods, candy and crackers — but no fresh produce.

He has to drive 42 miles to Hays or 30 miles to Osborne to the nearest grocery store. It's usually about a half-day trip.

A lack of access to food, especially healthy fresh produce, is a fact of life for many in rural Kansas.

Seven counties in northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, contain food deserts, according to the most recent data released by the United States Department of Agriculture.

A food desert is an area defined by the USDA as low income, based on poverty rates and area median income levels. It is also considered low access, an area where people live more than 10 miles from a grocery store in a rural area and more than one mile from a grocery store in an urban area.

The lack of grocery stores is not only harmful to individual consumers, but their departure is also harmful to the local economy.

Rial Carver, Extension specialist with <a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/">K-State Research and Extension’s Rural Grocery Initiative,</a> said food deserts can be viewed in two ways.

Grocery stores are economic drivers in the community. They provide jobs, as well as contribute to the tax base. For the consumer, they are a source of&nbsp;healthy, fresh food.

A single new dollar spent in the community is worth $7 to the community, according to a study by South Dakota State University. Those dollars are flying out of rural communities to the tune of millions of dollars annually.

Since the initiative started keeping statistics on independent grocery stores in Kansas in 2008, 100 independent grocery stores have closed. About half of those reopened under new owners.&nbsp;

It's been at least 11 years since there's been a grocery store in Natoma.

“In all honesty, there is just not enough people in the Natoma area to support one,” Seaman said.

“It is a problem for our small communities,” he continued. “We are all ‘Let’s get a grant and open a grocery store,' but it’s an economic decision. There’s got to be enough people to support the store to make it go. If there isn’t, you can do whatever you want to do, and it's still not going to survive.”

John Girard, owner of <a href="https://girardsmarket.com/ads">Girard's IGA</a> in Osborne, said the U.S. system of food commerce creates obstacles for independent grocery store owners in rural areas.

Chains, such as Dillons, Walmart and Dollar General, are able to negotiate better prices from suppliers. Independent stores struggle to compete.

Many suppliers also require minimum orders, a challenge for stores with less volume.

It's hard to control costs for small groceries, because the items that set them a part from small discount retailers in their communities, including milk, meat and produce cost the most to maintain, Girard said. 

All these items require refrigeration, which means higher electricity bills. They also are more perishable, an enemy for a store with low volume.

The profit made on dry groceries once offset the cost of the healthy perishables at the local grocery store, Girard said. However, many local residents are now turning to discount retailers or big box stores in other communities to buy those goods.

However, Girard said those shoppers may not be getting the deal they think.

Girard is fighting a consumer mindset that bigger is better. Some residents of Osborne, population 1,500, are driving 90 miles to buy groceries in Hays.

"I tell people if you want to go there and look at Walmart and look at all the different variety, come back and tell me what you paid for it. Tell me what item you liked. ... If I can save you 180 miles driving at the same cost, then we've both won."

Seaman in Natoma expressed concern for the elderly and disabled who are unable to make the long drives.

“We have people who look after people,” he said. “We take care of our own, so to speak, so I am sure people will pick up groceries for those who need to. They make good I guess."

After 40 years of struggling to convince people to shop local, the pandemic resulted in a surge of customers for Girard. 2020 was a banner year, and 2021 is looking even better, he said.&nbsp;

People from far away as Hays drove to Osborne to shop, where the store was less crowded, didn't require masks and didn't experience the product shortages.

Girard said staying connected with his community has been important to his success. He's been on various boards in town during the last two decades.

He served on the hospital board. One percent of the taxes he collects on groceries goes to the local hospital.

"Why should we beautify Hays?" he said of the taxes collected on groceries. "Part of that money goes to the city of Hays."&nbsp;

In a small town, business is not something that happens only in the confines of an office. He is regularly approached to support community causes.&nbsp;

"One night I was mowing my yard, and I spent $400 on donations," he said. "We put back into the community."

Carver&nbsp;of the Rural Grocery Store Initiative said Osborne is not isolated in its battle to educate the public on the benefits of shopping local. Creating jobs, contributing to the tax base and donating to charity are not items that fit on a grocery store flyer, she said.

Rural grocery stores aren't just a place to buy lettuce, they have also evolved into community hubs as other gather spaces and organizations in small towns have faded away.

The local newspaper only prints weekly, so the local funeral home posts funeral notices at Girard's grocery store.&nbsp;

"Sometimes the only time people get out is to come to the grocery store," Girard said.

As costs increase, Girard said he has had to decrease overhead to keep up with competitors. Shoppers weren't happy when he eliminated grocery carry out.

He's also upgraded infrastructure, a significant initial investment, but work that promises to reduce overhead costs.

He's replaced old refrigeration units with newer, more efficient units and installed solar panels on the store's roof in 2020 to reduce electricity costs. He also replaced an old floor that needed to be waxed with new low-maintenance flooring.&nbsp;The store went to emailed sale flyers instead of printed, mailed grocery flyers.&nbsp;

"I say we've been competitive because we've constantly changed," he said. "We haven't been stagnant."

Girard may be one of the last in his line. Finding someone to take on a small grocery store in a small town is a tall order. Girard, who regularly works up to a 14-hour day, said he would be unlikely to find a buyer for his store. He hopes to recruit one of his children to take over the business.

Carver of the Rural Grocery Initiative echoed those concerns.&nbsp;

At one time in rural communities, a small business would have been passed to a younger member of the family. That is often not the case anymore. Transitioning to a new owner can take years of planning for a small business.&nbsp;

Girard said he thinks small businesses, including groceries, will come back to small towns.&nbsp;

"In our small towns, we're better than Amazon, because you're not going to wait two days to get it. If you're out of toilet paper, you can't wait to order from Amazon. People struggle to plan ahead, they want it, and they want it now.&nbsp;

"That's our challenge to keep our store well-stocked to beat Amazon."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632435604179.jpeg" alt="A shopper browses the aisles at Girard's Grocery in Osborne. Since 2008, 50 independent grocery stores in Kansas have closed, leaving many rural communities in food deserts." />
 <figcaption>A shopper browses the aisles at Girard's Grocery in Osborne. Since 2008, 50 independent grocery stores in Kansas have closed, leaving many rural communities in food deserts.</figcaption>
 </figure>Part one of a series. By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostC. W. Seaman, 77, lives seven miles northeast of Natoma. The only source of groceries in the small community of 300 is a convenience store. It carries&nbsp;milk, bread, ice cream, drinks, some meats and canned goods, candy and crackers — but no fresh produce.He has to drive 42 miles to Hays or 30 miles to Osborne to the nearest grocery store. It's usually about a half-day trip.A lack of access to food, especially healthy fresh produce, is a fact of life for many in rural Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632431143718.png" alt="USDA food desert map" />
 <figcaption>USDA food desert map</figcaption>
 </figure>Seven counties in northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, contain food deserts, according to the most recent data released by the United States Department of Agriculture.A food desert is an area defined by the USDA as low income, based on poverty rates and area median income levels. It is also considered low access, an area where people live more than 10 miles from a grocery store in a rural area and more than one mile from a grocery store in an urban area.The lack of grocery stores is not only harmful to individual consumers, but their departure is also harmful to the local economy.Rial Carver, Extension specialist with <a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/">K-State Research and Extension’s Rural Grocery Initiative,</a> said food deserts can be viewed in two ways.Grocery stores are economic drivers in the community. They provide jobs, as well as contribute to the tax base. For the consumer, they are a source of&nbsp;healthy, fresh food.A single new dollar spent in the community is worth $7 to the community, according to a study by South Dakota State University. Those dollars are flying out of rural communities to the tune of millions of dollars annually.Since the initiative started keeping statistics on independent grocery stores in Kansas in 2008, 100 independent grocery stores have closed. About half of those reopened under new owners.&nbsp;It's been at least 11 years since there's been a grocery store in Natoma.“In all honesty, there is just not enough people in the Natoma area to support one,” Seaman said.“It is a problem for our small communities,” he continued. “We are all ‘Let’s get a grant and open a grocery store,' but it’s an economic decision. There’s got to be enough people to support the store to make it go. If there isn’t, you can do whatever you want to do, and it's still not going to survive.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632432762790.jpeg" alt="Girard's IGA is an independent grocery store in Osborne. Owner&nbsp;John Girard said small, rural stores struggle to compete against corporate chains." />
 <figcaption>Girard's IGA is an independent grocery store in Osborne. Owner&nbsp;John Girard said small, rural stores struggle to compete against corporate chains.</figcaption>
 </figure>John Girard, owner of <a href="https://girardsmarket.com/ads">Girard's IGA</a> in Osborne, said the U.S. system of food commerce creates obstacles for independent grocery store owners in rural areas.Chains, such as Dillons, Walmart and Dollar General, are able to negotiate better prices from suppliers. Independent stores struggle to compete.Many suppliers also require minimum orders, a challenge for stores with less volume.It's hard to control costs for small groceries, because the items that set them a part from small discount retailers in their communities, including milk, meat and produce cost the most to maintain, Girard said. All these items require refrigeration, which means higher electricity bills. They also are more perishable, an enemy for a store with low volume.The profit made on dry groceries once offset the cost of the healthy perishables at the local grocery store, Girard said. However, many local residents are now turning to discount retailers or big box stores in other communities to buy those goods.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632435091301.jpeg" alt="John Girard, owner of Girard's grocery, replaced old refrigeration units in an attempt to cut electricity costs and stay competitive with chain stores." />
 <figcaption>John Girard, owner of Girard's grocery, replaced old refrigeration units in an attempt to cut electricity costs and stay competitive with chain stores.</figcaption>
 </figure>However, Girard said those shoppers may not be getting the deal they think.Girard is fighting a consumer mindset that bigger is better. Some residents of Osborne, population 1,500, are driving 90 miles to buy groceries in Hays."I tell people if you want to go there and look at Walmart and look at all the different variety, come back and tell me what you paid for it. Tell me what item you liked. ... If I can save you 180 miles driving at the same cost, then we've both won."Seaman in Natoma expressed concern for the elderly and disabled who are unable to make the long drives.“We have people who look after people,” he said. “We take care of our own, so to speak, so I am sure people will pick up groceries for those who need to. They make good I guess."After 40 years of struggling to convince people to shop local, the pandemic resulted in a surge of customers for Girard. 2020 was a banner year, and 2021 is looking even better, he said.&nbsp;People from far away as Hays drove to Osborne to shop, where the store was less crowded, didn't require masks and didn't experience the product shortages. Girard said staying connected with his community has been important to his success. He's been on various boards in town during the last two decades. He served on the hospital board. One percent of the taxes he collects on groceries goes to the local hospital."Why should we beautify Hays?" he said of the taxes collected on groceries. "Part of that money goes to the city of Hays."&nbsp;In a small town, business is not something that happens only in the confines of an office. He is regularly approached to support community causes.&nbsp;"One night I was mowing my yard, and I spent $400 on donations," he said. "We put back into the community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632434672890.jpeg" alt="A shopper checks out at Girard's grocery of Osborne. John Girard said it has been a struggle during the last 40 years to convince residents to shop local." />
 <figcaption>A shopper checks out at Girard's grocery of Osborne. John Girard said it has been a struggle during the last 40 years to convince residents to shop local.</figcaption>
 </figure>Carver&nbsp;of the Rural Grocery Store Initiative said Osborne is not isolated in its battle to educate the public on the benefits of shopping local. Creating jobs, contributing to the tax base and donating to charity are not items that fit on a grocery store flyer, she said.Rural grocery stores aren't just a place to buy lettuce, they have also evolved into community hubs as other gather spaces and organizations in small towns have faded away.The local newspaper only prints weekly, so the local funeral home posts funeral notices at Girard's grocery store.&nbsp;"Sometimes the only time people get out is to come to the grocery store," Girard said.As costs increase, Girard said he has had to decrease overhead to keep up with competitors. Shoppers weren't happy when he eliminated grocery carry out. He's also upgraded infrastructure, a significant initial investment, but work that promises to reduce overhead costs.He's replaced old refrigeration units with newer, more efficient units and installed solar panels on the store's roof in 2020 to reduce electricity costs. He also replaced an old floor that needed to be waxed with new low-maintenance flooring.&nbsp;The store went to emailed sale flyers instead of printed, mailed grocery flyers.&nbsp;"I say we've been competitive because we've constantly changed," he said. "We haven't been stagnant."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633383293785.jpeg" alt="John Girard, owner, Girard's IGA, installed solar panels on his store's roof in 2020 to reduce his electricity costs. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>John Girard, owner, Girard's IGA, installed solar panels on his store's roof in 2020 to reduce his electricity costs. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Girard may be one of the last in his line. Finding someone to take on a small grocery store in a small town is a tall order. Girard, who regularly works up to a 14-hour day, said he would be unlikely to find a buyer for his store. He hopes to recruit one of his children to take over the business.Carver of the Rural Grocery Initiative echoed those concerns.&nbsp;At one time in rural communities, a small business would have been passed to a younger member of the family. That is often not the case anymore. Transitioning to a new owner can take years of planning for a small business.&nbsp;Girard said he thinks small businesses, including groceries, will come back to small towns.&nbsp;"In our small towns, we're better than Amazon, because you're not going to wait two days to get it. If you're out of toilet paper, you can't wait to order from Amazon. People struggle to plan ahead, they want it, and they want it now.&nbsp;"That's our challenge to keep our store well-stocked to beat Amazon."

In a land of plenty, food deserts prevalent in western Kansas

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will discuss an HVAC project at Hays High School at its meeting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Wilson Elementary School.

This project will replace the original HVAC system for Hays High, which was built in 1979. It will include a majority of the building, Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, said.

The school district is seeking a qualified mechanical contracting firm for the project.

The statement of qualifications is due by 3 p.m. Oct. 25. The school board is set to approve a contractor at its Nov. 22 meeting.

The school board members will also take a tour of the secure entrance at Wilson that is under construction.

They will hear a presentation on the process the district uses for purchasing custodial supplies.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will discuss an HVAC project at Hays High School at its meeting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Wilson Elementary School.This project will replace the original HVAC system for Hays High, which was built in 1979. It will include a majority of the building, Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, said. The school district is seeking a qualified mechanical contracting firm for the project.The statement of qualifications is due by 3 p.m. Oct. 25. The school board is set to approve a contractor at its Nov. 22 meeting. The school board members will also take a tour of the secure entrance at Wilson that is under construction.They will hear a presentation on the process the district uses for purchasing custodial supplies.

Hays USD 489 school board to discuss HHS HVAC

Elected officials from the Hays area emphasized the need for improvements to bridge at the U.S. Highway 183 Bypass and Interstate 70 interchange during a Kansas Department of Transportation feedback session on Wednesday.

The bridge reconstruction, which would be a $19 million project, would be an extension of the Northwest Business Corridor Project. The&nbsp; business corridor project is aimed at diverting commercial traffic and oversized loads around the City of Hays. 

Right now, most of that truck traffic travels on Vine Street through the middle of Hays.

Ellis County Commissioner Dean Haselhorst said hazardous materials are regularly transported through the middle of Hays, including past Holy Family Elementary School and very close to residential areas.

He added the narrow bridge and a blind spot for vehicles traveling north leads to near misses at the interchange several times per day. There also is no stoplight at the interchange.

Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the City of Hays has $35 million in infrastructure projects underway in the area. The 55th Street reconfiguration just north of the junction is supposed to be completed by the end of the week.

Staking&nbsp; Northwest Business Corridor project will begin in November, with construction starting in February or March. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.

The area that will be serviced by the corridor has three major businesses, employing 1,500 workers, Jacobs said. In addition, a new truck plaza is planned for the corner of the junction.

Jacobs and other local officials who attended the meeting by Zoom said the project is important to economic development in Hays.

"I see it as a new gateway to Fort Hays State University," Jacobs said. "I see that being used a lot. I think that's going to be huge."

The city is anticipating so much growth in that area the city has entered into an engineering contract for a new fire station in the area.

State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, said the Northwest Business Corridor will make the community safer and create opportunities to further economic development.

"What we should of thought of at the time was to add this bridge to it," she said. "There's been a lot of time from members of the community, Fort Hays and Ellis County and state and federal people. ... to leave this unfinished would be a shame, because it is something that truly needs to be part of the project that is going on now."

Doug Williams, Grow Hays director, echoed Wasingers' concerns.

"There's economic development reasons and safety reasons [for the project,] he said. "To leave that stretch of the overall project undone, would be unfortunate. It needs to be a high priority."

Work is already underway on reconstruction of U.S. Highway 281 north of Russell. The current phase was let last year, and the second phase of that project will be let in March 2022.

However, the community group also placed emphasis on two more phases of that project, which would extend the reconstruction from Kansas Highway 18 west to Luray and then from Luray to north to Osborne.

"A continued focus on north U.S. 281 is extremely important to us locally," Kayla Schneider with the City of Russell said. "Locally, we had business expansion that will be creating major truck traffic increase. 

"We feel that 281 reconstruction is imperative to continued economic development."

Community member said they would not allow their children drive on these two section of road. They are narrow and lack shoulders, yet they are designated for wide loads.

The project from the K-18 west to Luray is estimated to cost $20 million. The Luray north to Osborne project would cost an estimated $53 million.

The next round of KDOT funding will include $600 million to $750 million spent statewide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633619215089.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Department of Transportation is considering a project to reconstruct the U.S. 183 Bypass / I-70 bridge and interchange at Hays. " />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Department of Transportation is considering a project to reconstruct the U.S. 183 Bypass / I-70 bridge and interchange at Hays. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostElected officials from the Hays area emphasized the need for improvements to bridge at the U.S. Highway 183 Bypass and Interstate 70 interchange during a Kansas Department of Transportation feedback session on Wednesday. The bridge reconstruction, which would be a $19 million project, would be an extension of the Northwest Business Corridor Project. The&nbsp; business corridor project is aimed at diverting commercial traffic and oversized loads around the City of Hays. Right now, most of that truck traffic travels on Vine Street through the middle of Hays.Ellis County Commissioner Dean Haselhorst said hazardous materials are regularly transported through the middle of Hays, including past Holy Family Elementary School and very close to residential areas.He added the narrow bridge and a blind spot for vehicles traveling north leads to near misses at the interchange several times per day. There also is no stoplight at the interchange. Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the City of Hays has $35 million in infrastructure projects underway in the area. The 55th Street reconfiguration just north of the junction is supposed to be completed by the end of the week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633550144591.png" alt="List of possible KDOT road projects. " />
 <figcaption>List of possible KDOT road projects. </figcaption>
 </figure>Staking&nbsp; Northwest Business Corridor project will begin in November, with construction starting in February or March. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022. The area that will be serviced by the corridor has three major businesses, employing 1,500 workers, Jacobs said. In addition, a new truck plaza is planned for the corner of the junction.Jacobs and other local officials who attended the meeting by Zoom said the project is important to economic development in Hays. "I see it as a new gateway to Fort Hays State University," Jacobs said. "I see that being used a lot. I think that's going to be huge."The city is anticipating so much growth in that area the city has entered into an engineering contract for a new fire station in the area.State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, said the Northwest Business Corridor will make the community safer and create opportunities to further economic development."What we should of thought of at the time was to add this bridge to it," she said. "There's been a lot of time from members of the community, Fort Hays and Ellis County and state and federal people. ... to leave this unfinished would be a shame, because it is something that truly needs to be part of the project that is going on now." Doug Williams, Grow Hays director, echoed Wasingers' concerns."There's economic development reasons and safety reasons [for the project,] he said. "To leave that stretch of the overall project undone, would be unfortunate. It needs to be a high priority."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633551040571.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>U.S. 281 </h2>Work is already underway on reconstruction of U.S. Highway 281 north of Russell. The current phase was let last year, and the second phase of that project will be let in March 2022. However, the community group also placed emphasis on two more phases of that project, which would extend the reconstruction from Kansas Highway 18 west to Luray and then from Luray to north to Osborne."A continued focus on north U.S. 281 is extremely important to us locally," Kayla Schneider with the City of Russell said. "Locally, we had business expansion that will be creating major truck traffic increase. "We feel that 281 reconstruction is imperative to continued economic development."Community member said they would not allow their children drive on these two section of road. They are narrow and lack shoulders, yet they are designated for wide loads. The project from the K-18 west to Luray is estimated to cost $20 million. The Luray north to Osborne project would cost an estimated $53 million. The next round of KDOT funding will include $600 million to $750 million spent statewide.

Local officials advocate for 183 Bypass, I-70 bridge reconstruction

By Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University&nbsp;

“Built to last.” That’s a phrase we often use to describe something built with the careful craftsmanship and solid materials of yesteryear – something that stands the test of time, like a solid old school building from decades ago.&nbsp;

Today we’ll learn about a group of volunteers who have taken such a building and repurposed it for their community’s modern use. Thanks to K-State’s Dr. Steve Smethers for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jack Donaldson is one of the founders of the community center in Kincaid. Jack grew up in the nearby community of Selma where he went to grade school. He went on to high school at Kincaid and married Ann who also attended Kincaid before the high school closed in 1967. At that time, it was converted to a junior high school which then closed in 2005.&nbsp;

Jack had a career in the trucking and construction industries. Then he and Ann opened a bed and breakfast in Moran. In 2016, they retired back to Kincaid.&nbsp;

After the school closed, the building had been purchased by a couple from Utah. They were unable to do anything with it and donated it back to the city.&nbsp;

The mayor approached Jack about the building, which remains city-owned. “It was built as a WPA project back in the ‘30s,” Jack said. “It was very sturdy, built to last.”&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, he said, “instead of 2 x 6 floor joists, it had full 2 x 16 floor joists.”&nbsp;

As president of the high school alumni association, Jack checked with alumni. They gathered the donations needed to pay back taxes and create a museum in the old school building. A volunteer board of directors was created to raise operating funds.&nbsp;

Today the Kincaid Community Center serves as the site of the city library, senior citizen nutrition center and community museum.

“A lady named Jennifer Gum-Fowler took over the library in what had been the school library upstairs, and that’s now part of the southeast Kansas library system,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The large science and biology classroom has been converted to the museum for Kincaid, housing lots of artifacts from the community.

“We have most of the annual yearbooks,” Jack said.&nbsp;

Artifacts donated for display include a 1936 baby buggy, a treadle sewing machine, quilts, old-time items such as feed sack dresses, a collection of fair books dating to 1909 and much more. Ann spent many days repainting rooms in the old building.&nbsp;

A smaller classroom has been converted into a museum for the even smaller rural communities in the region, including Selma, Bush City, and Lone Elm – population 25 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The old ag classroom and shop is now an exercise room, complete with exercise bikes and other equipment.

“The ag teacher had taken lots of pictures of his students’ projects,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those are now posted on the walls around the room. “There are probably more than 650 pictures.”&nbsp;

Meeting space is available for rent to the public. The former school kitchen is available for caterers.

“We get some money from the township, but otherwise the museum has to support itself through donations and rentals,” Ann said.

“People are good about donating,” Ann said. “Everybody pulls together.”&nbsp;

“The city clerk will open the museum to the public when notified,” Ann said.

“A lot of people have helped to do this,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, search for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kincaid-High-School-Community-Center-622691321690651">Kincaid High School Community Center </a>on Facebook.&nbsp;

Built to last. That’s how Jack Donaldson described the structure of the old Kincaid High School building. Now he and others have helped convert that structure to a community center that serves the needs of the community today. We commend Jack and Ann Donaldson and the many other donors and volunteers who support the museum. They are making a difference that lasts.&nbsp;

And there’s more. Remember the collection of fair books dating back to 1909? Those fair books were from the free fair that’s been held in Kincaid for more than a century. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141281633.png" alt="Ron Wilson " />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson </figcaption>
 </figure>By Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University&nbsp;“Built to last.” That’s a phrase we often use to describe something built with the careful craftsmanship and solid materials of yesteryear – something that stands the test of time, like a solid old school building from decades ago.&nbsp;Today we’ll learn about a group of volunteers who have taken such a building and repurposed it for their community’s modern use. Thanks to K-State’s Dr. Steve Smethers for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack Donaldson is one of the founders of the community center in Kincaid. Jack grew up in the nearby community of Selma where he went to grade school. He went on to high school at Kincaid and married Ann who also attended Kincaid before the high school closed in 1967. At that time, it was converted to a junior high school which then closed in 2005.&nbsp;Jack had a career in the trucking and construction industries. Then he and Ann opened a bed and breakfast in Moran. In 2016, they retired back to Kincaid.&nbsp;After the school closed, the building had been purchased by a couple from Utah. They were unable to do anything with it and donated it back to the city.&nbsp;The mayor approached Jack about the building, which remains city-owned. “It was built as a WPA project back in the ‘30s,” Jack said. “It was very sturdy, built to last.”&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, he said, “instead of 2 x 6 floor joists, it had full 2 x 16 floor joists.”&nbsp;As president of the high school alumni association, Jack checked with alumni. They gathered the donations needed to pay back taxes and create a museum in the old school building. A volunteer board of directors was created to raise operating funds.&nbsp;Today the Kincaid Community Center serves as the site of the city library, senior citizen nutrition center and community museum.“A lady named Jennifer Gum-Fowler took over the library in what had been the school library upstairs, and that’s now part of the southeast Kansas library system,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The large science and biology classroom has been converted to the museum for Kincaid, housing lots of artifacts from the community.“We have most of the annual yearbooks,” Jack said.&nbsp;Artifacts donated for display include a 1936 baby buggy, a treadle sewing machine, quilts, old-time items such as feed sack dresses, a collection of fair books dating to 1909 and much more. Ann spent many days repainting rooms in the old building.&nbsp;A smaller classroom has been converted into a museum for the even smaller rural communities in the region, including Selma, Bush City, and Lone Elm – population 25 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The old ag classroom and shop is now an exercise room, complete with exercise bikes and other equipment.“The ag teacher had taken lots of pictures of his students’ projects,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those are now posted on the walls around the room. “There are probably more than 650 pictures.”&nbsp;Meeting space is available for rent to the public. The former school kitchen is available for caterers.“We get some money from the township, but otherwise the museum has to support itself through donations and rentals,” Ann said.Several ladies clubs help raise money.“People are good about donating,” Ann said. “Everybody pulls together.”&nbsp;The museum is open by appointment.“The city clerk will open the museum to the public when notified,” Ann said.“A lot of people have helped to do this,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, search for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kincaid-High-School-Community-Center-622691321690651">Kincaid High School Community Center </a>on Facebook.&nbsp;Built to last. That’s how Jack Donaldson described the structure of the old Kincaid High School building. Now he and others have helped convert that structure to a community center that serves the needs of the community today. We commend Jack and Ann Donaldson and the many other donors and volunteers who support the museum. They are making a difference that lasts.&nbsp;And there’s more. Remember the collection of fair books dating back to 1909? Those fair books were from the free fair that’s been held in Kincaid for more than a century. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Jack and Ann Donaldson, Kincaid Community Center 

	Is it possible to plan for the perfect day? I always start the day with a to-do list and the outlook to get a lot done looks great. And then the first situation or problem pops its head into the room.

	Whether you are planning for your family or for your day at work, it is still important to plan. Whether you are a morning person or not, it is still important to establish a morning routine. If you help your children practice doing the same thing each morning, it will help them establish a regular morning routine and develop a habit for life.

	A recent social media post describes how a typical plan can quickly go astray: “I needed a pair of scissors to finish a project and went to the junk drawer to get them and decided to organize the junk drawer and found another item that did not belong there and went to put it where it belonged and found that the bathroom was a mess and stopped to clean the bathroom counter but found an item there that really needed to be in the bedroom” and the list goes on and on.

The distractions that we face each day with phone notifications, email, picking up misplaced items in the house, cleaning off the kitchen counter are endless and suddenly hours have passed and nothing has been crossed off the “to-do” list.&nbsp;

	It would take a series of articles or a week of training to teach the steps of organization. Let’s focus on family life first. It is most important to stay positive with your family members. Make a list of what is expected of each person so everyone can be in the vehicle ready to go to school or to work at an established set time. Be patient with the younger children and remember a good mood and pleasant attitude will make a huge difference in the outcome.&nbsp;

	In all reality, the organizing for the morning routine, starts the night before. Help each child lay out on a chair what they will wear to school the next day. Backpacks should be packed and by the door ready to go. If lunches are needed they should be packed in the refrigerator or laying on the counter ready to be packed.&nbsp;

	I like to walk through the house each evening and pick up a few things that need to be put away. My house is never spotless but I do feel better if the dishes are in the dishwasher and the kitchen counter is cleaned off and ready for the next meal preparation.&nbsp;

	A good evening routine should also include writing out your to-do list for the next day. There are too many things to remember and if it is written down at least it won’t be on your mind when you lay down to go to sleep.&nbsp;

	Crossing everything off the to-do list isn’t something that is going to happen every day. There are not many days that it actually happens for me! The important thing is that we do have a plan and that we are willing to adjust the plan until we find what works for our family. Helping your children learn a routine and establish habits will make a big difference in their life. 	&nbsp;

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu.</a>

Is it possible to plan for the perfect day? I always start the day with a to-do list and the outlook to get a lot done looks great. And then the first situation or problem pops its head into the room.	Whether you are planning for your family or for your day at work, it is still important to plan. Whether you are a morning person or not, it is still important to establish a morning routine. If you help your children practice doing the same thing each morning, it will help them establish a regular morning routine and develop a habit for life.	A recent social media post describes how a typical plan can quickly go astray: “I needed a pair of scissors to finish a project and went to the junk drawer to get them and decided to organize the junk drawer and found another item that did not belong there and went to put it where it belonged and found that the bathroom was a mess and stopped to clean the bathroom counter but found an item there that really needed to be in the bedroom” and the list goes on and on.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The distractions that we face each day with phone notifications, email, picking up misplaced items in the house, cleaning off the kitchen counter are endless and suddenly hours have passed and nothing has been crossed off the “to-do” list.&nbsp;	It would take a series of articles or a week of training to teach the steps of organization. Let’s focus on family life first. It is most important to stay positive with your family members. Make a list of what is expected of each person so everyone can be in the vehicle ready to go to school or to work at an established set time. Be patient with the younger children and remember a good mood and pleasant attitude will make a huge difference in the outcome.&nbsp;	In all reality, the organizing for the morning routine, starts the night before. Help each child lay out on a chair what they will wear to school the next day. Backpacks should be packed and by the door ready to go. If lunches are needed they should be packed in the refrigerator or laying on the counter ready to be packed.&nbsp;	I like to walk through the house each evening and pick up a few things that need to be put away. My house is never spotless but I do feel better if the dishes are in the dishwasher and the kitchen counter is cleaned off and ready for the next meal preparation.&nbsp;	A good evening routine should also include writing out your to-do list for the next day. There are too many things to remember and if it is written down at least it won’t be on your mind when you lay down to go to sleep.&nbsp;	Crossing everything off the to-do list isn’t something that is going to happen every day. There are not many days that it actually happens for me! The important thing is that we do have a plan and that we are willing to adjust the plan until we find what works for our family. Helping your children learn a routine and establish habits will make a big difference in their life. 	&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu.</a>

UNRUH: How can I possibly get all this done? 

Three-day weather outlook

On this episode Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares the latest from the ongoing development at the intersection of the Hwy. 183 Bypass and Interstate 70.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Development around I-70 exit 157 continues" 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=6y7tr-10fd4f9-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares the latest from the ongoing development at the intersection of the Hwy. 183 Bypass and Interstate 70.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Development around I-70 exit 157 continues

In today's digitally connected world, scams are a constant, but a shocking uptick in phone and internet scams since 2020 has made the problem more troublesome than ever.

 Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun recently warned area residents are not immune to the increase.

"They are everywhere," Braun said, "and it seems like they're increasing again. You know, we kind of go through waves where we don't have a lot of them. But here recently, we're starting to see those and identity theft also falls within that."

He said the most effective action to stop scammers from being successful is simply not sharing personal information over the phone.

"So a couple of things to think about," Braun said. "So if you receive a phone call, and they're starting to ask you what your social security number is, they're asking you personal information."

They identify themselves as some kind of a legit service that maybe you had at one time and don't anymore, but it's not real. Any information shared should stop right there, he said.

"If they're legit, they already have that information," Braun said.

 Social Security scams are a prime example of a recent scam that is unfortunately too often effective for the scammer.

Braun said many scams can be stopped by simply verifying the caller is who they say they are.

 "We hear a lot about warrants, those types of things, and they start asking that personal information, 'Is this is so and so?' and 'We can help you get that warrant taken care of,'" Braun said. 

But he said law enforcement is unlikely to ever make that call.

"The Ellis County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement throughout the state of Kansas will never ask you those questions," Braun said. "More than likely they won't be contacting you by phone call. So the warrant thing, put that to rest. 

"If you have a question, please call the sheriff's office. We'll help you out. I can assure you, your law enforcement jurisdictional, wherever you might live, they're the same way. Reach out to them."

Residents should be cautious anytime an unsolicited caller requests personal information.

"The scam side, they're asking your DOB, social security number, they're asking your addresses," Braun said. "They're asking maybe some phone numbers, things of those nature. You should stop right there and you should say, 'You know what? I'm going to call the local law enforcement. Can I have a number so they can call you back and make sure that you're legit? I guarantee you're going to have a hang-up immediately."

With so much personal information stored on mobile devices, he warns they are another potential avenue for scammers and identity thieves to steal information.

 "For those people that put a lot of stuff in their phones, credit cards, etc. remember, hackers," Braun said. "Please refrain from doing that. I know it's an inconvenience to enter that manually. Because it's so much nicer to save it. 

"But they can get in your phone. They can get in your computer. And if they have access, we get those every day where people have unwarranted billings, because someone got in there and they're buying, whatever it might be.

The Sheriff's department can help victims of identify theft.

"So in the Sheriff's office, we're helping out with those identity thefts and helping those people fill out that paperwork. Because a lot of times, it's our elderly people, and it's confusing, and they want you to go online, you know, so we're trying to help them," Braun said.&nbsp;

"So if someone has an identity theft, please, you can come down to the Sheriff's office, and we'll help you out, get that going and get that paperwork submitted. So that way we can get that going."

While they are willing to help, Braun warns catching the perpetrator is often unlikely.

"Unfortunately and it's frustrating because now we have a victim," Braun said. "And typically, it's an elderly person who may be on a fixed income.

"There's just nothing we can do other than, hey, let's contact the bank, stop this action, lock those accounts down. The banks are really, really good about doing that for those, but it's an inconvenience for those people also."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633552732990.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis County Sherriff warns of increasing scammer activity" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=s7ngp-10fd4c0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=f6f6f6"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostIn today's digitally connected world, scams are a constant, but a shocking uptick in phone and internet scams since 2020 has made the problem more troublesome than ever. Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun recently warned area residents are not immune to the increase."They are everywhere," Braun said, "and it seems like they're increasing again. You know, we kind of go through waves where we don't have a lot of them. But here recently, we're starting to see those and identity theft also falls within that."He said the most effective action to stop scammers from being successful is simply not sharing personal information over the phone."So a couple of things to think about," Braun said. "So if you receive a phone call, and they're starting to ask you what your social security number is, they're asking you personal information."They identify themselves as some kind of a legit service that maybe you had at one time and don't anymore, but it's not real. Any information shared should stop right there, he said."If they're legit, they already have that information," Braun said. Social Security scams are a prime example of a recent scam that is unfortunately too often effective for the scammer.Braun said many scams can be stopped by simply verifying the caller is who they say they are. "We hear a lot about warrants, those types of things, and they start asking that personal information, 'Is this is so and so?' and 'We can help you get that warrant taken care of,'" Braun said. But he said law enforcement is unlikely to ever make that call."The Ellis County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement throughout the state of Kansas will never ask you those questions," Braun said. "More than likely they won't be contacting you by phone call. So the warrant thing, put that to rest. "If you have a question, please call the sheriff's office. We'll help you out. I can assure you, your law enforcement jurisdictional, wherever you might live, they're the same way. Reach out to them."Residents should be cautious anytime an unsolicited caller requests personal information."The scam side, they're asking your DOB, social security number, they're asking your addresses," Braun said. "They're asking maybe some phone numbers, things of those nature. You should stop right there and you should say, 'You know what? I'm going to call the local law enforcement. Can I have a number so they can call you back and make sure that you're legit? I guarantee you're going to have a hang-up immediately."With so much personal information stored on mobile devices, he warns they are another potential avenue for scammers and identity thieves to steal information. "For those people that put a lot of stuff in their phones, credit cards, etc. remember, hackers," Braun said. "Please refrain from doing that. I know it's an inconvenience to enter that manually. Because it's so much nicer to save it. "But they can get in your phone. They can get in your computer. And if they have access, we get those every day where people have unwarranted billings, because someone got in there and they're buying, whatever it might be.The Sheriff's department can help victims of identify theft. "So in the Sheriff's office, we're helping out with those identity thefts and helping those people fill out that paperwork. Because a lot of times, it's our elderly people, and it's confusing, and they want you to go online, you know, so we're trying to help them," Braun said.&nbsp;"So if someone has an identity theft, please, you can come down to the Sheriff's office, and we'll help you out, get that going and get that paperwork submitted. So that way we can get that going."While they are willing to help, Braun warns catching the perpetrator is often unlikely."Unfortunately and it's frustrating because now we have a victim," Braun said. "And typically, it's an elderly person who may be on a fixed income."There's just nothing we can do other than, hey, let's contact the bank, stop this action, lock those accounts down. The banks are really, really good about doing that for those, but it's an inconvenience for those people also."

Scams are on the rise, Sheriff Braun says do this to stay safe

Astra Bank presented Roosevelt Elementary School with a check for $3,000 Tuesday to pay for its fifth-grade classes to participate in Young AmeriTowne in Lenora.

When the kids visit Lenora in the spring, they will turn into miniature adults. They have a job. They interview for their job. They have a checking account. They learn how to write checks.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8e390afb-ca47-4fe2-a9e5-1786bc698fb5">Last year, Roosevelt fifth-graders participated in Young AmeriTowne. </a>This year, the school plans to send about 70 students.

The project was funded last year by the school's Home and School group, but this year it used its funds to replace playground equipment.

Kyle Campbell and Deron and Sue O’Connor of Astra Bank were on hand Tuesday for the check presentation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633543340707.jpeg" alt="Roosevelt fifth-grade students, teachers and Astra Bank representatives. " />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt fifth-grade students, teachers and Astra Bank representatives. </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostAstra Bank presented Roosevelt Elementary School with a check for $3,000 Tuesday to pay for its fifth-grade classes to participate in Young AmeriTowne in Lenora.When the kids visit Lenora in the spring, they will turn into miniature adults. They have a job. They interview for their job. They have a checking account. They learn how to write checks.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8e390afb-ca47-4fe2-a9e5-1786bc698fb5">Last year, Roosevelt fifth-graders participated in Young AmeriTowne. </a>This year, the school plans to send about 70 students. The project was funded last year by the school's Home and School group, but this year it used its funds to replace playground equipment.Kyle Campbell and Deron and Sue O’Connor of Astra Bank were on hand Tuesday for the check presentation.

Astra Bank gives $3,000 to Roosevelt for AmeriTowne project

Heather Schumacher, was recently recognized with the 2021 Debra Boeken Customer Care Representative of the Year award.

A CCR is a vital part of the patient care team and serves as the right hand of the unit’s Charge Nurse and as an asset to every member of the team.&nbsp; CCRs do whatever is needed in order to help patients and visitors be comfortable on the unit; make available whatever supplies that are needed but that are not currently on the unit; and be carry out a myriad of tasks that are needed to help make the shift run very smoothly.

Schumacher works in the Emergency Department at HaysMed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633455798075.jpeg" alt="Heather Schumacher" />
 <figcaption>Heather Schumacher</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHeather Schumacher, was recently recognized with the 2021 Debra Boeken Customer Care Representative of the Year award.A CCR is a vital part of the patient care team and serves as the right hand of the unit’s Charge Nurse and as an asset to every member of the team.&nbsp; CCRs do whatever is needed in order to help patients and visitors be comfortable on the unit; make available whatever supplies that are needed but that are not currently on the unit; and be carry out a myriad of tasks that are needed to help make the shift run very smoothly.Schumacher works in the Emergency Department at HaysMed.

HaysMed recognizes Customer Care Representative of the Year

It is rare these days to find a political message cutting across the usual red-blue partisan divide--but I saw one this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking out at me from the back of a pickup truck was a small bumper sticker, featuring an image of a Native American in full headdress, looking stoic and sad.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message read, “Trust the Government.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I took the message as sarcastic, telling us “the Government” is not trustworthy due to this country’s sad history of mistreating Native American peoples.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message is a little different from others we hear these days.&nbsp;&nbsp;More often we hear someone condemning critical race theory and vaccines together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, this one relies on our country’s tough history regarding race as a reason to distrust all things related to government. This is an interesting twist, but still terrible advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, Native Americans need to get vaccinated for COVID right away.

A new report from the Brookings Institution shows the cost of non-vaccination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Titled “American Indians and Alaska Natives are dying of COVID-19 at shocking rates,”&nbsp;the report points out that among Native Americans, more of the deaths are among the young than among other races.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet many celebrated elders have died too.&nbsp;&nbsp;These statistics are often hidden because in many states, the American Indian-Alaskan Native population is replaced with an asterisk due to its small size.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brookings researchers dug out the terrible truth: of all ethnicities, the first Americans are&nbsp;the&nbsp;hardest-hit by COVID deaths, as a percentage of population.

&nbsp;The Brookings paper notes many states in which the Native American COVID deaths are much higher than those of whites as a percentage of population-- ten times higher in New Mexico, for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;The news is better in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;A September 23 article in the&nbsp;Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;concluded that Native American vaccination rates in Kansas are about the same as for the population as a whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, author Andrew Bahl found that this population has a “traditional mistrust of government,” and that bureaucratic red tape makes vaccination more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is exactly why conspiracy theories about “the government” miss the mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ours is a complex, overlapping system of federal, state, and local authority, plus for-profit and nonprofit entities working on government contracts, and so on and so forth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What we have here is not&nbsp;the&nbsp;government at all, but&nbsp;governments--and their interrelationships sure can make things complicated.

From the Bureau of Indian Affairs to state and local authorities, not enough is being done to address this crisis, and the problem appears worse in other states than it is here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet as Bahl noted, American Indians--for very good reason--are still very distrustful of anything related to government, and may refuse vaccination for this reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet today’s U.S. Center for Disease Control, state, and local public health authorities have little to do with this country’s horrible history regarding Native Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;To refuse vaccination or promulgate conspiracy theories that say otherwise is to cause more preventable deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We must face our country’s history honestly, but today, the culpability of our governments for Native Americans’ COVID deaths are happening because we are doing too little, not too much.&nbsp;

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576785940426.png" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>It is rare these days to find a political message cutting across the usual red-blue partisan divide--but I saw one this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking out at me from the back of a pickup truck was a small bumper sticker, featuring an image of a Native American in full headdress, looking stoic and sad.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message read, “Trust the Government.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I took the message as sarcastic, telling us “the Government” is not trustworthy due to this country’s sad history of mistreating Native American peoples.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message is a little different from others we hear these days.&nbsp;&nbsp;More often we hear someone condemning critical race theory and vaccines together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, this one relies on our country’s tough history regarding race as a reason to distrust all things related to government. This is an interesting twist, but still terrible advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, Native Americans need to get vaccinated for COVID right away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A new report from the Brookings Institution shows the cost of non-vaccination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Titled “American Indians and Alaska Natives are dying of COVID-19 at shocking rates,”&nbsp;the report points out that among Native Americans, more of the deaths are among the young than among other races.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet many celebrated elders have died too.&nbsp;&nbsp;These statistics are often hidden because in many states, the American Indian-Alaskan Native population is replaced with an asterisk due to its small size.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brookings researchers dug out the terrible truth: of all ethnicities, the first Americans are&nbsp;the&nbsp;hardest-hit by COVID deaths, as a percentage of population.&nbsp;The Brookings paper notes many states in which the Native American COVID deaths are much higher than those of whites as a percentage of population-- ten times higher in New Mexico, for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;The news is better in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;A September 23 article in the&nbsp;Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;concluded that Native American vaccination rates in Kansas are about the same as for the population as a whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, author Andrew Bahl found that this population has a “traditional mistrust of government,” and that bureaucratic red tape makes vaccination more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is exactly why conspiracy theories about “the government” miss the mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ours is a complex, overlapping system of federal, state, and local authority, plus for-profit and nonprofit entities working on government contracts, and so on and so forth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What we have here is not&nbsp;the&nbsp;government at all, but&nbsp;governments--and their interrelationships sure can make things complicated.From the Bureau of Indian Affairs to state and local authorities, not enough is being done to address this crisis, and the problem appears worse in other states than it is here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet as Bahl noted, American Indians--for very good reason--are still very distrustful of anything related to government, and may refuse vaccination for this reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet today’s U.S. Center for Disease Control, state, and local public health authorities have little to do with this country’s horrible history regarding Native Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;To refuse vaccination or promulgate conspiracy theories that say otherwise is to cause more preventable deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We must face our country’s history honestly, but today, the culpability of our governments for Native Americans’ COVID deaths are happening because we are doing too little, not too much.&nbsp;Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Vaccine hesitancy among Native Americans deadly

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis Alliance executive director Sophia Henrickson shares updates from the Ellis business community.

<div><iframe title="Ellis organizations preparing for holiday season" 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=t3y3s-10fd4e5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis Alliance executive director Sophia Henrickson shares updates from the Ellis business community.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Ellis organizations preparing for holiday season

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is now taking&nbsp;orders for poinsettia plants for the Christmas season —&nbsp; beautiful, fresh, Kansas-grown poinsettias directly from Stutzman’s Greenhouse in Hutchinson. 

Your purchase makes it possible for Kiwanis to support youth activities and organizations in Hays. All profits from this fundraiser go directly back into the community to support local programs.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Supplies are limited, so you are encouraged to place your order early.&nbsp;To place an order, go to <a href="http://www.hayskiwanis.org">www.hayskiwanis.org</a> to print the order form or find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayskiwanis">Facebook at Kiwanis Club of Hays, Kansas</a>. Mail your form and check to the address listed on the form.

Delivery is available in Hays only and this year the Kiwanis are offering a pick-up option as well. Order deadline is Nov. 18, delivery on Wednesday, Dec. 1. For more information, contact Janette Meis at 785-650-7113.

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is now taking&nbsp;orders for poinsettia plants for the Christmas season —&nbsp; beautiful, fresh, Kansas-grown poinsettias directly from Stutzman’s Greenhouse in Hutchinson. Your purchase makes it possible for Kiwanis to support youth activities and organizations in Hays. All profits from this fundraiser go directly back into the community to support local programs.&nbsp; &nbsp; Supplies are limited, so you are encouraged to place your order early.&nbsp;To place an order, go to <a href="http://www.hayskiwanis.org">www.hayskiwanis.org</a> to print the order form or find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayskiwanis">Facebook at Kiwanis Club of Hays, Kansas</a>. Mail your form and check to the address listed on the form. Delivery is available in Hays only and this year the Kiwanis are offering a pick-up option as well. Order deadline is Nov. 18, delivery on Wednesday, Dec. 1. For more information, contact Janette Meis at 785-650-7113.Submitted<figure>
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Kiwanis taking orders for poinsettia plants 

HaysMed is recognizing Physician Assistants working at the hospital during National Physician Assistant Week from Oct. 6 through 12.&nbsp;

Treating patients in today’s complex healthcare settings takes a whole team of professionals. Physician assistants are medical professionals with thousands of hours of training. Their skills enable them to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform many medical tasks.

As their name implies, PAs work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers. In most states, a PA has an agreement with a specific physician and practices alongside them. The supervising physician doesn’t have to be present when a PA is practicing, letting them take care of other tasks while the PA continues patient care. Physician Assistants can prescribe and administer medication, acting on behalf of their supervising physician. In some cases, PAs can even perform surgical procedures that use local anesthesia without the supervision of the physician.

“Physician Assistants are unsung heroes and deserve their moment in the limelight,” said Terry Siek, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care. “This week is to celebrate them and be thankful for their efforts.”

PAs at HaysMed include:&nbsp;&nbsp;Alaina Dressler, PA-C, Surgery; Nichole Ganoung, PA-C and Jennifer Williams, PA-C,&nbsp; Family Medicine; Mark Heimerman, PA-C,&nbsp; Joshua Lahr, PA-C, Jared Reed, PA-C and Caitlin Thornton, PA-C, Orthopedics; Rachel Ketter, PA and Melvin Setter, PA, ENT; Kelsey Lahey, PA-C, Andrea Paul, PA-C and Tara Roa, PA-C, Internal Medicine; Brittney Stewart, PA-C, Convenient Care; Margo Straub, PA-C, Pediatrics; and&nbsp; Amanda Volchko, PA-C, Cancer Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633529570402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed is recognizing Physician Assistants working at the hospital during National Physician Assistant Week from Oct. 6 through 12.&nbsp;Treating patients in today’s complex healthcare settings takes a whole team of professionals. Physician assistants are medical professionals with thousands of hours of training. Their skills enable them to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform many medical tasks.As their name implies, PAs work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers. In most states, a PA has an agreement with a specific physician and practices alongside them. The supervising physician doesn’t have to be present when a PA is practicing, letting them take care of other tasks while the PA continues patient care. Physician Assistants can prescribe and administer medication, acting on behalf of their supervising physician. In some cases, PAs can even perform surgical procedures that use local anesthesia without the supervision of the physician.“Physician Assistants are unsung heroes and deserve their moment in the limelight,” said Terry Siek, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care. “This week is to celebrate them and be thankful for their efforts.”PAs at HaysMed include:&nbsp;&nbsp;Alaina Dressler, PA-C, Surgery; Nichole Ganoung, PA-C and Jennifer Williams, PA-C,&nbsp; Family Medicine; Mark Heimerman, PA-C,&nbsp; Joshua Lahr, PA-C, Jared Reed, PA-C and Caitlin Thornton, PA-C, Orthopedics; Rachel Ketter, PA and Melvin Setter, PA, ENT; Kelsey Lahey, PA-C, Andrea Paul, PA-C and Tara Roa, PA-C, Internal Medicine; Brittney Stewart, PA-C, Convenient Care; Margo Straub, PA-C, Pediatrics; and&nbsp; Amanda Volchko, PA-C, Cancer Center.

HaysMed celebrates National Physician Assistant Week

Perhaps you have heard the saying “You are what you eat.” As I visited with 7th grade students in their Skills for Adolescence class this week, I shared the importance of making healthy food choices now in order to avoid the onset of chronic conditions as they age. They already knew some of the important concepts of avoiding highly processed foods with added fats, sodium, and sugar. Besides make healthy food choices I emphasized that regular physical activity is necessary to keep their body healthy too.

The My Plate guide for healthy eating encourages us to fill half of our plate with fruits and vegetables. That would be a goal of including five to nine servings of these colorful foods every day. The wide array of vitamins and minerals, plus a healthy dose of fiber, make these food groups popular for anyone wanting to maintain or lose weight. Another food group that needs your consideration is the grain group. Most active teens and adults need around six ounces of grains every day. It is also important to make half of your grain’s whole grains. Whole grains include such foods as brown rice, whole wheat bread or pasta, or whole grain oats to name a few.

The protein group and dairy or calcium rich foods group round out the My Plate icon. Remember that protein can be from animal or plant sources and a serving should fit in the palm of your hand. Protein and calcium rich foods provide the nutrients for our muscles and bones.

The 7th graders got a little wide eyed when I shared a nutrition fact label from a cola type beverage. A twenty-ounce serving has a whopping sixty-five grams of sugar in it. That translates to just over sixteen teaspoons of sugar! Things to check out on other nutrition fact labels included added fats, sodium and whether the food has fiber.&nbsp;

Before my visit ended, we sampled sweet potato, parsnips, and daikon radish sticks that were dipped in freshly made hummus. Most students had never tried those vegetables in their raw form before and were quite surprised how much they liked them. I love connecting with this age group as they gain more independence and make decisions daily about what they are eating and drinking. My hope is that they will remember my short visit with them and consider the healthy options.

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 <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 – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Perhaps you have heard the saying “You are what you eat.” As I visited with 7th grade students in their Skills for Adolescence class this week, I shared the importance of making healthy food choices now in order to avoid the onset of chronic conditions as they age. They already knew some of the important concepts of avoiding highly processed foods with added fats, sodium, and sugar. Besides make healthy food choices I emphasized that regular physical activity is necessary to keep their body healthy too.The My Plate guide for healthy eating encourages us to fill half of our plate with fruits and vegetables. That would be a goal of including five to nine servings of these colorful foods every day. The wide array of vitamins and minerals, plus a healthy dose of fiber, make these food groups popular for anyone wanting to maintain or lose weight. Another food group that needs your consideration is the grain group. Most active teens and adults need around six ounces of grains every day. It is also important to make half of your grain’s whole grains. Whole grains include such foods as brown rice, whole wheat bread or pasta, or whole grain oats to name a few.The protein group and dairy or calcium rich foods group round out the My Plate icon. Remember that protein can be from animal or plant sources and a serving should fit in the palm of your hand. Protein and calcium rich foods provide the nutrients for our muscles and bones.The 7th graders got a little wide eyed when I shared a nutrition fact label from a cola type beverage. A twenty-ounce serving has a whopping sixty-five grams of sugar in it. That translates to just over sixteen teaspoons of sugar! Things to check out on other nutrition fact labels included added fats, sodium and whether the food has fiber.&nbsp;Before my visit ended, we sampled sweet potato, parsnips, and daikon radish sticks that were dipped in freshly made hummus. Most students had never tried those vegetables in their raw form before and were quite surprised how much they liked them. I love connecting with this age group as they gain more independence and make decisions daily about what they are eating and drinking. My hope is that they will remember my short visit with them and consider the healthy options.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 <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: You are what you eat

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Southwestern Heights Mustangs in a 2A district matchup Friday in Hays.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/?B=297341/hayshigh/">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Southwestern Heights Mustangs in a 2A district matchup Friday in Hays.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/?B=297341/hayshigh/">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.Kickoff set for 7 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/308370?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Southwestern Heights

The Hays High Indians travel to Dodge City Friday night for a Western Athletic Conference matchup.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/hayshigh/">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians travel to Dodge City Friday night for a Western Athletic Conference matchup.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/hayshigh/">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.Kickoff set for 7 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/308369?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>