Three-day weather outlook

The first free hearing screening of the semester to be held in western Kansas by Fort Hays State University graduate students. The screening will be hosted by the Sharon Springs Masonic Lodge #417 at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church on Friday, October 15th&nbsp;from, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Mountain Time.&nbsp;

“The FHSU Speech-Language Hearing Clinic is continuing into its fifth year of providing hearing screenings sponsored by a grant from the Kansas Masonic Foundation after last year’s screenings were delayed due to COVID-19,” said Marcy Beougher, speech-language pathologist and an instructor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. &nbsp; The grant has and will continue to provide numerous opportunities for older adults in western Kansas to receive important health screening services that are currently scarce or difficult to access. “Over the years, the Herndon Clinic students, faculty, and staff have provided over 830 free screenings in Western Kansas communities providing hearing screening results, referrals, free hearing protective earplugs, and helpful handouts.” Said Beougher. “Through these community screenings hosted by active Masonic lodges, we are trying to reach individuals who likely would not have access to a free hearing screening.” &nbsp;&nbsp; Appointments may be scheduled ahead of time, but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site will have four stations, with each screening lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Information about hearing loss and follow-up services available will be shared during the screenings. Free educational materials and earplugs will be provided by the Kansas Masons. The screening is provided by graduate students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders under the supervision of an FHSU Herndon Clinic instructor. &nbsp; “The students are gaining excellent clinical experience as well as mandatory clinical hours from each screening,” she said. “We are grateful to the Kansas Masons for their support of this quality program.” Additional free hearing screenings will be offered this fall in Nickerson on Nov. 5 and Lewis on Nov. 19. Three more screenings will be set in communities with active Masonic Lodges in the Spring of 2022.&nbsp; &nbsp; To schedule an appointment for the Sharon Springs screening, contact Daniel Smith at (620) 376-8497 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:DozerDan74@gmail.com">DozerDan74@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=xPslMx44JjC7Rus-2BUf-2BldFHAeOa4VRZhJo5kBY1kajyYw5V1hEOXyM1pg0ogI9xcXPOR_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BQNAmtA3y7vaVgo02Ya9qojlZRC0DnomBCGYiVMIwZCT33t5A9DCixRhJSSzRz35e9FrwXCtzYA1pgEKd5f5TIJf-2Bj8-2FMKs5hj8oMoy55jvP4dT1-2Bzukb15fPe07xCKAhf7DG-2B9BozDorsQypFjSKU-2B3O7f8H2vDselSJPxV2IbYukPRKL1SijaDIXBrvrJqbeYi7Cd9wk5xsYahrg5227POi5seuI1uG1i4tZO2jxBfmpAf2t9kDrVvIa5Jekh85">fhsu.edu/herndon-clinic/</a>&nbsp;or contact the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at 785-628-5366.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633554518673.jpeg" alt="Former CSD graduate student, Carmen Hill screening the hearing of Dr. Glen McNeil, former dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences." />
 <figcaption>Former CSD graduate student, Carmen Hill screening the hearing of Dr. Glen McNeil, former dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe first free hearing screening of the semester to be held in western Kansas by Fort Hays State University graduate students. The screening will be hosted by the Sharon Springs Masonic Lodge #417 at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church on Friday, October 15th&nbsp;from, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Mountain Time.&nbsp;“The FHSU Speech-Language Hearing Clinic is continuing into its fifth year of providing hearing screenings sponsored by a grant from the Kansas Masonic Foundation after last year’s screenings were delayed due to COVID-19,” said Marcy Beougher, speech-language pathologist and an instructor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. &nbsp; The grant has and will continue to provide numerous opportunities for older adults in western Kansas to receive important health screening services that are currently scarce or difficult to access. “Over the years, the Herndon Clinic students, faculty, and staff have provided over 830 free screenings in Western Kansas communities providing hearing screening results, referrals, free hearing protective earplugs, and helpful handouts.” Said Beougher. “Through these community screenings hosted by active Masonic lodges, we are trying to reach individuals who likely would not have access to a free hearing screening.” &nbsp;&nbsp; Appointments may be scheduled ahead of time, but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site will have four stations, with each screening lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Information about hearing loss and follow-up services available will be shared during the screenings. Free educational materials and earplugs will be provided by the Kansas Masons. The screening is provided by graduate students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders under the supervision of an FHSU Herndon Clinic instructor. &nbsp; “The students are gaining excellent clinical experience as well as mandatory clinical hours from each screening,” she said. “We are grateful to the Kansas Masons for their support of this quality program.” Additional free hearing screenings will be offered this fall in Nickerson on Nov. 5 and Lewis on Nov. 19. Three more screenings will be set in communities with active Masonic Lodges in the Spring of 2022.&nbsp; &nbsp; To schedule an appointment for the Sharon Springs screening, contact Daniel Smith at (620) 376-8497 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:DozerDan74@gmail.com">DozerDan74@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=xPslMx44JjC7Rus-2BUf-2BldFHAeOa4VRZhJo5kBY1kajyYw5V1hEOXyM1pg0ogI9xcXPOR_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BQNAmtA3y7vaVgo02Ya9qojlZRC0DnomBCGYiVMIwZCT33t5A9DCixRhJSSzRz35e9FrwXCtzYA1pgEKd5f5TIJf-2Bj8-2FMKs5hj8oMoy55jvP4dT1-2Bzukb15fPe07xCKAhf7DG-2B9BozDorsQypFjSKU-2B3O7f8H2vDselSJPxV2IbYukPRKL1SijaDIXBrvrJqbeYi7Cd9wk5xsYahrg5227POi5seuI1uG1i4tZO2jxBfmpAf2t9kDrVvIa5Jekh85">fhsu.edu/herndon-clinic/</a>&nbsp;or contact the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at 785-628-5366.

Free Herndon hearing screenings set for Sharon Springs

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Each year, in October, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This October, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is partnering with the National Network to End Domestic Violence and other state and territorial coalitions across the nation to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic.&nbsp;

&nbsp;More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.

“Recent incidents in Kansas and around the country continue to demonstrate that domestic violence is all around us, demanding our attention to support victims and survivors,” said Joyce Grover, KCSDV executive director. “Whether they know it or not – every Kansan knows someone who is or has been or will be a victim of domestic violence. It is up to each of us to believe victims and to stand up to abusers.”

In Sept. 2020 during a one-day nationwide domestic violence census count. 824 victims were served in one day in Kansas. Those numbers include 393 adult and child victims who found refuge in shelters, transitional house or other housing provided by local domestic violence programs; 431 adult and child victims who received nonresidential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, children’s support groups and more.

Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources via phone, chat, text, and/or email. During the 24-hour survey period, hotline staff in Kansas received 195 contacts, averaging 8 contacts per hour.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month through proclamation declaring domestic violence as a widespread, preventable, public health problem impacting all demographics of Kansans and Kansas communities. The declaration is shown below.

&nbsp;Throughout October,&nbsp;KCSDV&nbsp;and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence. A week of action is planned for October 18 – 24, 2021 designed to engage advocates, partners, and the public in starting a national conversation.

&nbsp;Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at&nbsp;<a href="http://thehotline.org/">thehotline.org</a>&nbsp;or 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or the&nbsp;Kansas Hotline 888-363-2287.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633357219088.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA —&nbsp;Each year, in October, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.This October, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is partnering with the National Network to End Domestic Violence and other state and territorial coalitions across the nation to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic.&nbsp;&nbsp;More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.“Recent incidents in Kansas and around the country continue to demonstrate that domestic violence is all around us, demanding our attention to support victims and survivors,” said Joyce Grover, KCSDV executive director. “Whether they know it or not – every Kansan knows someone who is or has been or will be a victim of domestic violence. It is up to each of us to believe victims and to stand up to abusers.”In Sept. 2020 during a one-day nationwide domestic violence census count. 824 victims were served in one day in Kansas. Those numbers include 393 adult and child victims who found refuge in shelters, transitional house or other housing provided by local domestic violence programs; 431 adult and child victims who received nonresidential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, children’s support groups and more.Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources via phone, chat, text, and/or email. During the 24-hour survey period, hotline staff in Kansas received 195 contacts, averaging 8 contacts per hour.Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month through proclamation declaring domestic violence as a widespread, preventable, public health problem impacting all demographics of Kansans and Kansas communities. The declaration is shown below.&nbsp;Throughout October,&nbsp;KCSDV&nbsp;and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence. A week of action is planned for October 18 – 24, 2021 designed to engage advocates, partners, and the public in starting a national conversation.&nbsp;Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at&nbsp;<a href="http://thehotline.org/">thehotline.org</a>&nbsp;or 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or the&nbsp;Kansas Hotline 888-363-2287.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633357235235.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Kansas coalition recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Fort Hays State University announced Thursday email accounts for former students, faculty and staff would end next year due to changes from Google, the current email provider for the university.

The announcement was sent to all email users by&nbsp;Mark Griffin, assistant vice president of technology and chief information officer.

"As an FHSU Gmail user (@<a href="http://mail.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">mail.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;email account), the University has been providing long-term access to Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos," he said. "We have been able to do this because Google has provided the university with free access and storage to their services. In July 2022, though, Google will be making a change that is requiring us to make some changes as well."

Griffin said the company will now charge for usage over 100 terabytes, a limit the university is already over.

"As of right now, we are using over 3 times that amount," he said.

With that change, Griffin said the university has decided to only provide accounts to those currently affiliated with the university.

 "Beginning on June 1, 2022, FHSU will no longer be able to provide 'lifetime' email accounts," he said. "We will continue to provide Gmail accounts to our current students, faculty and staff. We will also continue to provide Gmail accounts for one year after they last attend FHSU."

Accounts will now only be active for one year after an affiliation with the university ends.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we wanted to provide everyone with ample time to make the necessary change," Griffin said. "Due to the changes that Google is making in the service that they provide to our university, we are unable to continue offering this service."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633642165097.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFort Hays State University announced Thursday email accounts for former students, faculty and staff would end next year due to changes from Google, the current email provider for the university.The announcement was sent to all email users by&nbsp;Mark Griffin, assistant vice president of technology and chief information officer."As an FHSU Gmail user (@<a href="http://mail.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">mail.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;email account), the University has been providing long-term access to Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos," he said. "We have been able to do this because Google has provided the university with free access and storage to their services. In July 2022, though, Google will be making a change that is requiring us to make some changes as well."Griffin said the company will now charge for usage over 100 terabytes, a limit the university is already over."As of right now, we are using over 3 times that amount," he said.With that change, Griffin said the university has decided to only provide accounts to those currently affiliated with the university. "Beginning on June 1, 2022, FHSU will no longer be able to provide 'lifetime' email accounts," he said. "We will continue to provide Gmail accounts to our current students, faculty and staff. We will also continue to provide Gmail accounts for one year after they last attend FHSU."Accounts will now only be active for one year after an affiliation with the university ends."We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we wanted to provide everyone with ample time to make the necessary change," Griffin said. "Due to the changes that Google is making in the service that they provide to our university, we are unable to continue offering this service."

FHSU to end popular email service for former students

Spend a fall evening gazing at the stars with the Fort Hays State University Astronomy Club led by Dr. Jack Maseberg and Dr. Paul Adams. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host the star gazing workshop from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.&nbsp;

Their high-powered telescopes will be pointed towards Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and several deep-sky Messier Objects. The Andromeda Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth.&nbsp;

The International Space Station will fly over early during the presentation as well. The FHSU Maker Van will also be open with a cool Stellarium software you can learn to use at home and a few astronomy displays and planet models.

Refreshments, a craft, and storytelling will help round out this "out of this world" evening.

The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, northeast of Great Bend.

For more information about this free event, call the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633363411095.jpeg" alt="A child views deep-sky Messier Objects at a previous star gazing workshop at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center." />
 <figcaption>A child views deep-sky Messier Objects at a previous star gazing workshop at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsSpend a fall evening gazing at the stars with the Fort Hays State University Astronomy Club led by Dr. Jack Maseberg and Dr. Paul Adams. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host the star gazing workshop from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.&nbsp;Their high-powered telescopes will be pointed towards Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and several deep-sky Messier Objects. The Andromeda Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth.&nbsp;The International Space Station will fly over early during the presentation as well. The FHSU Maker Van will also be open with a cool Stellarium software you can learn to use at home and a few astronomy displays and planet models.Refreshments, a craft, and storytelling will help round out this "out of this world" evening.The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, northeast of Great Bend.For more information about this free event, call the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268.

It's 'Out of this World' at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Happy National Cooperatives Month! As a cooperative communicator, October is full of educating people about and emphasizing the benefits of cooperative membership. Last year at this time, I wrote in this column about the history and value of cooperatives. To recap, we are fortunate to have robust, mature, and stabile cooperatives build on the foresight of our ancestors. During my recent travels to the Baltics with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program, building my cooperative knowledge was one of several highlights. A little context is important here. The Baltic countries all have relatively “young” farms started from scratch with a history of less than three decades because they were only liberated from the USSR in the early 1990s. That liberation came with the collapse of their existing system of agriculture, supply chain as the USSR utilized collective farms where the state mandated regions specialize in a few pieces of the system. In the Baltics the freedom to own land, farm independently and conduct free-market business has been tempered by the challenges of lack of infrastructure and capital, and inexperienced farmers and landowners. It should not have been surprising but my jaw dropped the first time a farmer shared that they were the proud member of a 2-year-old grain cooperative with 30 members. The farmer was also excited to share they were one of 10 farms starting a beef cattle cooperative. Even small cooperatives in Kansas have seven or eight decades of history and dozens to hundreds of members. I was primed with all kind of questions when we arrived at our first cooperative. It was the closest opportunity I would get to travel back in time and question my organization’s founders. I was not disappointed as both the general manager and chair of the board, who was also one of the founders, were both there to meet with our group. There were many similarities with us, like sourcing seed and fertilizer for members, grain storage and constantly exploring opportunities to add value for members. We also saw farmers having coffee, confirming that is a universal ritual of cooperatives. We all laughed when the chair told us we could not leave without discussing crop yields and land prices as he couldn’t return empty-handed to his neighbors. In contrast, we observed how being new altered their business. The cooperative had rented a barge and took on risk for grain until it reached northern Africa. It was exploring processing grain for domestic demand that was not being met. We were also reminded that their farmers had real skin in the game because they didn’t have past sales to build equity and capital. Their farmers had to buy-in with a membership fee assessed on how much ground they farmed. One of my most important take-aways for the trip came from this visit. I was curious about how they market the idea of cooperative membership to get people to buy-in. The chair’s response was a bit shocking. He said it was easy to sell the cooperative but they don’t really actively seek new members. He went on to say they could sign-up new members who would benefit from the cooperative but not be a good fit for the community. Their core group of members are neighbors who want to work together, not just for their own profitability but for the community. They are a small committed group. They work together, socialize together and grow together. Having that community mindset is more important than any other benefit when seeking or evaluating new members. Farmers in the Baltics reminded me that cooperatives are all about community. They are a community of people who act, risk their resources, and do things that benefit themselves and their neighbors, children and the industry. That mindset of working toward a common good and investing in the community not for shellfish gain sometimes feels absent in our lives here. As we celebrate Cooperatives Month, I challenge us all move away from the complacency that comes with our well-established roles in the community. Maybe taking new eyes to your community will help you to see needs and find ways to build something new or at least supporting something for the greater good.

"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/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Happy National Cooperatives Month! As a cooperative communicator, October is full of educating people about and emphasizing the benefits of cooperative membership. Last year at this time, I wrote in this column about the history and value of cooperatives. To recap, we are fortunate to have robust, mature, and stabile cooperatives build on the foresight of our ancestors. During my recent travels to the Baltics with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program, building my cooperative knowledge was one of several highlights. A little context is important here. The Baltic countries all have relatively “young” farms started from scratch with a history of less than three decades because they were only liberated from the USSR in the early 1990s. That liberation came with the collapse of their existing system of agriculture, supply chain as the USSR utilized collective farms where the state mandated regions specialize in a few pieces of the system. In the Baltics the freedom to own land, farm independently and conduct free-market business has been tempered by the challenges of lack of infrastructure and capital, and inexperienced farmers and landowners. It should not have been surprising but my jaw dropped the first time a farmer shared that they were the proud member of a 2-year-old grain cooperative with 30 members. The farmer was also excited to share they were one of 10 farms starting a beef cattle cooperative. Even small cooperatives in Kansas have seven or eight decades of history and dozens to hundreds of members. I was primed with all kind of questions when we arrived at our first cooperative. It was the closest opportunity I would get to travel back in time and question my organization’s founders. I was not disappointed as both the general manager and chair of the board, who was also one of the founders, were both there to meet with our group. There were many similarities with us, like sourcing seed and fertilizer for members, grain storage and constantly exploring opportunities to add value for members. We also saw farmers having coffee, confirming that is a universal ritual of cooperatives. We all laughed when the chair told us we could not leave without discussing crop yields and land prices as he couldn’t return empty-handed to his neighbors. In contrast, we observed how being new altered their business. The cooperative had rented a barge and took on risk for grain until it reached northern Africa. It was exploring processing grain for domestic demand that was not being met. We were also reminded that their farmers had real skin in the game because they didn’t have past sales to build equity and capital. Their farmers had to buy-in with a membership fee assessed on how much ground they farmed. One of my most important take-aways for the trip came from this visit. I was curious about how they market the idea of cooperative membership to get people to buy-in. The chair’s response was a bit shocking. He said it was easy to sell the cooperative but they don’t really actively seek new members. He went on to say they could sign-up new members who would benefit from the cooperative but not be a good fit for the community. Their core group of members are neighbors who want to work together, not just for their own profitability but for the community. They are a small committed group. They work together, socialize together and grow together. Having that community mindset is more important than any other benefit when seeking or evaluating new members. Farmers in the Baltics reminded me that cooperatives are all about community. They are a community of people who act, risk their resources, and do things that benefit themselves and their neighbors, children and the industry. That mindset of working toward a common good and investing in the community not for shellfish gain sometimes feels absent in our lives here. As we celebrate Cooperatives Month, I challenge us all move away from the complacency that comes with our well-established roles in the community. Maybe taking new eyes to your community will help you to see needs and find ways to build something new or at least supporting something for the greater good."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: Cooperative communities

Grow Hays, an economic development organization dedicated to Ellis County, is set to grow itself, with the creation of&nbsp;a director of recruitment and retainment position.

 "Essentially, when we approached the city and the county and our funding partners this year, we asked for a little bit of an increase because we want to add a position to put somebody on board who can focus on recruiting new businesses — whether it be retail, industrial distribution, ... commercial," said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams. "We want to up our game in that area and put a little more focus on the recruitment of new businesses to our community."

He said the role would also help retain existing businesses.

"And then we also want to spend more time with existing businesses, making sure we're a resource to them," Williams said. "And make sure we retain the businesses we have. ... If they have expansion thoughts, and they want to grow, we want to have somebody that can engage with them and help them in those areas."

A frequently touted part of keeping existing businesses by Williams is succession planning, and he said this role would help with that as well.

 "We want to make sure that our local business owners have given some thought to succession and what happens when they decide they want to leave the business or if there's an untimely exit from the business," he said. "So we've got a position open, we've advertised it, we are looking for applicants, and we're going to leave that open until Oct. 15, at which time, we will close applications and make a decision sometime in the next two weeks after that."

Williams said the position is open to anyone but he suspects local applicants will be the bulk of the interested parties.

"And that's OK. I think there's a there's an advantage for somebody local that has a little bit of a feel for the community and an understanding as to how our community works and what our community's assets are," he said.

But Williams said having an outsider's perspective could also be valuable.

"Sometimes it's really good as well, Williams said. "So I'm not going to rule out either one. But I think we'll probably have more local applicants than out-of-town applicants for sure."

Either way, he said, understanding the needs of smaller communities like the ones found in Ellis County is vital.

"The limitation sometimes that a small community has — but also the culture that small communities have and the way we look at things here — might be a lot different than the way they look at it in a larger community."

No matter where the final selection comes from, Williams said the focus will be on getting business into and staying in Hays.

"Day to day, they're going to be responding to RFPs that are put out by companies that are looking to expand. They're going to become familiar with the inventory of commercial space in our community — whether it be retail or commercial," Williams said. "They're going to be soliciting franchisees who maybe have other operations in other communities and are likely expansions to our community, whether it be restaurants or retail outlets of another sort. They're going to be reaching out to existing businesses that talking to them as to what their challenges are, what they need to see and how we can help. So it'll be a busy position, for sure."

For more about the position, click <a href="https://www.growhays.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Grow-Hays-Director-of-Recruitment-Retainment-3.pdf">HERE</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633560786353.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Grow Hays seeks director of recruitment and retention" 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=xtfun-10f9275-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGrow Hays, an economic development organization dedicated to Ellis County, is set to grow itself, with the creation of&nbsp;a director of recruitment and retainment position. "Essentially, when we approached the city and the county and our funding partners this year, we asked for a little bit of an increase because we want to add a position to put somebody on board who can focus on recruiting new businesses — whether it be retail, industrial distribution, ... commercial," said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams. "We want to up our game in that area and put a little more focus on the recruitment of new businesses to our community."He said the role would also help retain existing businesses."And then we also want to spend more time with existing businesses, making sure we're a resource to them," Williams said. "And make sure we retain the businesses we have. ... If they have expansion thoughts, and they want to grow, we want to have somebody that can engage with them and help them in those areas."A frequently touted part of keeping existing businesses by Williams is succession planning, and he said this role would help with that as well. "We want to make sure that our local business owners have given some thought to succession and what happens when they decide they want to leave the business or if there's an untimely exit from the business," he said. "So we've got a position open, we've advertised it, we are looking for applicants, and we're going to leave that open until Oct. 15, at which time, we will close applications and make a decision sometime in the next two weeks after that."Williams said the position is open to anyone but he suspects local applicants will be the bulk of the interested parties."And that's OK. I think there's a there's an advantage for somebody local that has a little bit of a feel for the community and an understanding as to how our community works and what our community's assets are," he said.But Williams said having an outsider's perspective could also be valuable."Sometimes it's really good as well, Williams said. "So I'm not going to rule out either one. But I think we'll probably have more local applicants than out-of-town applicants for sure."Either way, he said, understanding the needs of smaller communities like the ones found in Ellis County is vital."The limitation sometimes that a small community has — but also the culture that small communities have and the way we look at things here — might be a lot different than the way they look at it in a larger community."No matter where the final selection comes from, Williams said the focus will be on getting business into and staying in Hays."Day to day, they're going to be responding to RFPs that are put out by companies that are looking to expand. They're going to become familiar with the inventory of commercial space in our community — whether it be retail or commercial," Williams said. "They're going to be soliciting franchisees who maybe have other operations in other communities and are likely expansions to our community, whether it be restaurants or retail outlets of another sort. They're going to be reaching out to existing businesses that talking to them as to what their challenges are, what they need to see and how we can help. So it'll be a busy position, for sure."For more about the position, click <a href="https://www.growhays.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Grow-Hays-Director-of-Recruitment-Retainment-3.pdf">HERE</a>.

🎙 Grow Hays is growing; new position created to address recruitment, retention

SALINA –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan’s DECA program has been on the rise for several years, and now, local groups are taking notice. The Schmidt Foundation, based in Hays, has made a $50,000 gift to KWU to establish the Schmidt Foundation Annual Scholarship. One of the qualifications will be participation in the DECA program.

“We are grateful to the Schmidt Foundation for its generosity,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement and university operations. “The foundation has shown a true commitment to the betterment of our students with this gift, as it will not only include financial support, but professional networking dinners and support in internships that can help these students reach the next level.”&nbsp;

Kansas Wesleyan’s DECA program has been one of the university’s many standouts during the past three years, dominating at the state level and achieving success at the international competition. This past season, two KWU students finished third in their respective events at the international meet, a competition that brings together more than 300 schools and in excess of 1,000 students.&nbsp;

“Our DECA program has had success at the national level, and we believe this gift will help drive further achievements from that team,” said Oliver. “Even more importantly, however, it will help further the educational ambitions of Marketing and Business students at KWU.”

To be eligible for selection, a prospective KWU student must plan to pursue a degree in either Marketing or Business and have at least a 3.25 grade point average, along with participating in KWU’s DECA program.

To learn more about happenings at Kansas Wesleyan, please visit<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

ABOUT KWU:&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit four-year college located in Salina, Kan., and affiliated with the United Methodist Church.&nbsp;Its mission is to promote and integrate academic excellence, spiritual development, personal well-being and social responsibility. KWU provides an educational program characterized by excellence, within a caring community, rooted in the liberal arts tradition, that includes 16 academic departments and a wide range of majors.&nbsp;More than 98 percent of graduates from the past three years are in jobs or graduate school within six months of graduation, a figure that is among the top two such rates in the state of Kansas. KWU’s music program and debate teams have been especially successful, with debate winning&nbsp;more than&nbsp;50 national championships and graduates of the music program securing positions all over the U.S., while multiple athletic teams have advanced to national tournaments.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/">www.kwu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633465312090.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseSALINA –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan’s DECA program has been on the rise for several years, and now, local groups are taking notice. The Schmidt Foundation, based in Hays, has made a $50,000 gift to KWU to establish the Schmidt Foundation Annual Scholarship. One of the qualifications will be participation in the DECA program.“We are grateful to the Schmidt Foundation for its generosity,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement and university operations. “The foundation has shown a true commitment to the betterment of our students with this gift, as it will not only include financial support, but professional networking dinners and support in internships that can help these students reach the next level.”&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan’s DECA program has been one of the university’s many standouts during the past three years, dominating at the state level and achieving success at the international competition. This past season, two KWU students finished third in their respective events at the international meet, a competition that brings together more than 300 schools and in excess of 1,000 students.&nbsp;“Our DECA program has had success at the national level, and we believe this gift will help drive further achievements from that team,” said Oliver. “Even more importantly, however, it will help further the educational ambitions of Marketing and Business students at KWU.”To be eligible for selection, a prospective KWU student must plan to pursue a degree in either Marketing or Business and have at least a 3.25 grade point average, along with participating in KWU’s DECA program.To learn more about happenings at Kansas Wesleyan, please visit<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.ABOUT KWU:&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit four-year college located in Salina, Kan., and affiliated with the United Methodist Church.&nbsp;Its mission is to promote and integrate academic excellence, spiritual development, personal well-being and social responsibility. KWU provides an educational program characterized by excellence, within a caring community, rooted in the liberal arts tradition, that includes 16 academic departments and a wide range of majors.&nbsp;More than 98 percent of graduates from the past three years are in jobs or graduate school within six months of graduation, a figure that is among the top two such rates in the state of Kansas. KWU’s music program and debate teams have been especially successful, with debate winning&nbsp;more than&nbsp;50 national championships and graduates of the music program securing positions all over the U.S., while multiple athletic teams have advanced to national tournaments.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/">www.kwu.edu</a>.

Schmidt Foundation launches scholarship at Kansas Wesleyan

I have been intrigued for several years with Ethan Lang, a junior majoring in finance. From his freshman year forward, I have heard parts of his story of entrepreneurialism and strong work ethic. Ethan was introduced as an ambassador of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at the fall RCOBE Awards Ceremony, where he received several scholarships. So I reached out to Ethan to let him know how impressed I have been with his accomplishments and to learn a little more about him.

I was first introduced to Ethan weeks before he began his freshman year as a resident of the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall. At the time, I was involved in conversations around the programming for Hansen Hall, a living and learning community that creates opportunities for residents to travel, compete, win awards, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and develop skills to advance their careers. It was then I learned a new freshman, Ethan Lang, was managing an investment account and had started a popular blog to share information with his peers. I couldn’t wait for this young man to move in and make an impact at FHSU. That is exactly what he has been doing ever since.

Ethan grew up in Hays and chose to continue his education at FHSU because of our outstanding financial planning program – a concentration within the finance major. He was particularly excited to take classes such as retirement planning, insurance planning, and estate planning.

Ethan shared with me that he became interested in personal finance and investing early in high school when his dad opened an investment account for 15-year-old Ethan.&nbsp;

“I started investing in stocks and tried to learn everything I could, and I definitely made mistakes along the way,” Ethan said. “I ended up buying a course about day trading and thought I was going to 'get rich quick'. I thought I was smarter than everyone else, and I'd be retired in my late 20s, sitting on a beach. To say the least, I was widely wrong. I made money on the first few trades, but my luck ran out. I lost over 40 percent of my portfolio in a day on a call option.”

Ethan explained that at the time, his portfolio was $500, so that loss was $200.

“But it was devastating to me, and I knew something had to change,” he explained. “I went back to square one and started educating myself, and this time, the right way. I consumed all of the information I could. I read books, watched YouTube videos, and listened to podcasts about personal finance and investing, trying to learn the right way of doing things. And you know what? I started to figure it out.”

Ethan soon started a blog and an Instagram page to share what he was learning.

“I didn't want anyone to go through what I did, falling into these 'get-rich-quick' schemes,” he said. “I decided to make it a business and call it, ‘Making Cents of Finance.’ To my surprise, people actually loved it.”

Ethan shared with me that his definition of entrepreneurship means helping and bringing value to others.

“I’m going to open up my own financial planning firm in Hays upon graduation, and of course, I’ll charge for my services,” he said. “But I’ll always focus on providing more value to the person on the other side of that table, even if they don’t decide to work with me.”

Last year, Ethan placed first at the Faulkner Challenge, an annual business pitch competition. He won $6,000 which he invested back into his business. Given his passion to share knowledge, part of that money funded the Young Wealth Podcast, where Ethan interviews guests who built wealth at a young age, so Ethan – as well as his listeners – can learn from them.

Ethan’s Instagram account has over 240,000 followers. Along with his Young Wealth Podcast, he manages other platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. All platforms share the goal of educating the next generation about personal finance.

Ethan is a member of the 2021 financial planning team. Recently, the team made the Elite Eight in the National Financial Planning Challenge and finished third overall. By the way, this is the 13th time in 14 years of competition that we have had one of the top teams in the country.

Ethan is also president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) and is helping create an entrepreneurship club at FHSU to further help more aspiring entrepreneurs. He is a member of the Tiger track and cross country teams, where he is an MIAA league champion, an NCAA Division II All-American, and a three-time school record holder.

Our students inspire me every day. I am encouraged by their caring hearts for helping others, their thirst for knowledge, and their dreams for building a better world. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I have been intrigued for several years with Ethan Lang, a junior majoring in finance. From his freshman year forward, I have heard parts of his story of entrepreneurialism and strong work ethic. Ethan was introduced as an ambassador of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at the fall RCOBE Awards Ceremony, where he received several scholarships. So I reached out to Ethan to let him know how impressed I have been with his accomplishments and to learn a little more about him.I was first introduced to Ethan weeks before he began his freshman year as a resident of the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall. At the time, I was involved in conversations around the programming for Hansen Hall, a living and learning community that creates opportunities for residents to travel, compete, win awards, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and develop skills to advance their careers. It was then I learned a new freshman, Ethan Lang, was managing an investment account and had started a popular blog to share information with his peers. I couldn’t wait for this young man to move in and make an impact at FHSU. That is exactly what he has been doing ever since.Ethan grew up in Hays and chose to continue his education at FHSU because of our outstanding financial planning program – a concentration within the finance major. He was particularly excited to take classes such as retirement planning, insurance planning, and estate planning.Ethan shared with me that he became interested in personal finance and investing early in high school when his dad opened an investment account for 15-year-old Ethan.&nbsp;“I started investing in stocks and tried to learn everything I could, and I definitely made mistakes along the way,” Ethan said. “I ended up buying a course about day trading and thought I was going to 'get rich quick'. I thought I was smarter than everyone else, and I'd be retired in my late 20s, sitting on a beach. To say the least, I was widely wrong. I made money on the first few trades, but my luck ran out. I lost over 40 percent of my portfolio in a day on a call option.”Ethan explained that at the time, his portfolio was $500, so that loss was $200.“But it was devastating to me, and I knew something had to change,” he explained. “I went back to square one and started educating myself, and this time, the right way. I consumed all of the information I could. I read books, watched YouTube videos, and listened to podcasts about personal finance and investing, trying to learn the right way of doing things. And you know what? I started to figure it out.”Ethan soon started a blog and an Instagram page to share what he was learning.“I didn't want anyone to go through what I did, falling into these 'get-rich-quick' schemes,” he said. “I decided to make it a business and call it, ‘Making Cents of Finance.’ To my surprise, people actually loved it.”Ethan shared with me that his definition of entrepreneurship means helping and bringing value to others.“I’m going to open up my own financial planning firm in Hays upon graduation, and of course, I’ll charge for my services,” he said. “But I’ll always focus on providing more value to the person on the other side of that table, even if they don’t decide to work with me.”Last year, Ethan placed first at the Faulkner Challenge, an annual business pitch competition. He won $6,000 which he invested back into his business. Given his passion to share knowledge, part of that money funded the Young Wealth Podcast, where Ethan interviews guests who built wealth at a young age, so Ethan – as well as his listeners – can learn from them.Ethan’s Instagram account has over 240,000 followers. Along with his Young Wealth Podcast, he manages other platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. All platforms share the goal of educating the next generation about personal finance.Ethan is a member of the 2021 financial planning team. Recently, the team made the Elite Eight in the National Financial Planning Challenge and finished third overall. By the way, this is the 13th time in 14 years of competition that we have had one of the top teams in the country.Ethan is also president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) and is helping create an entrepreneurship club at FHSU to further help more aspiring entrepreneurs. He is a member of the Tiger track and cross country teams, where he is an MIAA league champion, an NCAA Division II All-American, and a three-time school record holder.Our students inspire me every day. I am encouraged by their caring hearts for helping others, their thirst for knowledge, and their dreams for building a better world. &nbsp;

MASON: Lang investing in his future at Fort Hays State

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, on Wednesday announced&nbsp;a $1.25 million&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDOJCOPS/2021/10/06/file_attachments/1958564/2021%20CPD%20Award%20List_v2_05oct21_508.pdf">grant</a>&nbsp;to Fort Hays State University from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The&nbsp;<a href="https://cops.usdoj.gov/de-escalation">Community Policing Development Program</a>&nbsp;grant will support the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/regional-training-center">recently established</a>&nbsp;De-Escalation Regional Training Center that will provide national level training for law enforcement in Kansas and surrounding states.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/08267845-c808-4292-84f3-7e596ea367ea">RELATED: FHSU faculty appointed to positions with new de-escalation center</a>

“As the lead Republican appropriator for the Department of Justice, I work to make certain law enforcement have the tools and resources necessary to keep our communities safe,” Moran said.&nbsp;“I am pleased this federal grant will support the establishment of a regional training center in Hays for law enforcement across the Midwest to learn and develop the skills necessary to effectively and appropriately de-escalate challenging and dangerous situations they encounter in the field.”

Corrected 9 a.m. Friday to clarify Moran's committee position.

Office of Sen. MoranWASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, on Wednesday announced&nbsp;a $1.25 million&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDOJCOPS/2021/10/06/file_attachments/1958564/2021%20CPD%20Award%20List_v2_05oct21_508.pdf">grant</a>&nbsp;to Fort Hays State University from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The&nbsp;<a href="https://cops.usdoj.gov/de-escalation">Community Policing Development Program</a>&nbsp;grant will support the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/regional-training-center">recently established</a>&nbsp;De-Escalation Regional Training Center that will provide national level training for law enforcement in Kansas and surrounding states.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/08267845-c808-4292-84f3-7e596ea367ea">RELATED: FHSU faculty appointed to positions with new de-escalation center</a>“As the lead Republican appropriator for the Department of Justice, I work to make certain law enforcement have the tools and resources necessary to keep our communities safe,” Moran said.&nbsp;“I am pleased this federal grant will support the establishment of a regional training center in Hays for law enforcement across the Midwest to learn and develop the skills necessary to effectively and appropriately de-escalate challenging and dangerous situations they encounter in the field.”Corrected 9 a.m. Friday to clarify Moran's committee position.

Moran announces $1.25M grant to FHSU 'de-escalation center'

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysMedical">HaysMed</a> has released September statistics on COVID admissions:

There were 46 total admissions for COVID-19, and those patients had an average age of 57.

Forty-two of the 46 were unvaccinated, and 24 of the admissions were from Ellis County. There were five COVID-related deaths at HaysMed in September, with an average age of 64.

There were also 46 COVID admissions in August, 20 in July and just eight in June.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ed15ddb2-d301-4def-82b7-5e47f6051caf">RELATED:&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID patients: 'They're all unvaccinated, so we know the vaccine works'</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625771878390.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysMedical">HaysMed</a> has released September statistics on COVID admissions:There were 46 total admissions for COVID-19, and those patients had an average age of 57.Forty-two of the 46 were unvaccinated, and 24 of the admissions were from Ellis County. There were five COVID-related deaths at HaysMed in September, with an average age of 64.There were also 46 COVID admissions in August, 20 in July and just eight in June.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ed15ddb2-d301-4def-82b7-5e47f6051caf">RELATED:&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID patients: 'They're all unvaccinated, so we know the vaccine works'</a>

HaysMed reports September COVID statistics

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

It was the lowest number of new cases between reporting periods since Aug. 4. KDHE releases updated case statistics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

There have been 601 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

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

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 61 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,405 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633541849983.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported eight new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.It was the lowest number of new cases between reporting periods since Aug. 4. KDHE releases updated case statistics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.There have been 601 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 61 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,405 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

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

The National Weather Service is predicting near-record high temperatures Saturday as a mass of unseasonably warm air pushes into western Kansas.

Hays could reach up to 90 degrees Saturday — almost a year to the day a new record high of 92 degrees was set for Oct. 10, 2020.

The temperature is expected to push into the mid-90s in the southernmost portions of western Kansas.

Skies are expected to remain calm and clear throughout the weekend, although there is a chance for rain or thunderstorms beginning Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633529103421.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is predicting near-record high temperatures Saturday as a mass of unseasonably warm air pushes into western Kansas.Hays could reach up to 90 degrees Saturday — almost a year to the day a new record high of 92 degrees was set for Oct. 10, 2020.The temperature is expected to push into the mid-90s in the southernmost portions of western Kansas.Skies are expected to remain calm and clear throughout the weekend, although there is a chance for rain or thunderstorms beginning Sunday night.

NWS: Record high temps possible this weekend in NW Kan.

Fort Hays State University's Department of Music and Theatre is set to bring its version of The Music Man to the stage with performances beginning Thursday.

The show is the first from the department since March 2020, said Terry Crull, associate professor of music and director of choral activities.

"This is a big show," he said. "Everybody loves it and to be the first thing we have after out of the pandemic. We're excited, and the fun cast is working hard."

Songs from the show are widely known, including 76 Trombones and Wells Fargo Wagon, Crull said.

 "Everybody knows songs from the show, even if they don't know they know the song from the show," he said. "Even if you don't know, you know music from The Music Man. You will know it when you hear it, and you'll say 'Oh, that's in the show!' "

Many will remember the show from the 1962 movie version that featured Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.

Crull said the performance is set in fictional town of River City, Iowa, just across the border from Illinois, with characters based on people known to the show's creator Merideth Wilson.

Playing those parts are seasoned veterans of the department, Crull said.

"Braden Boyer is playing Harold Hill. Jenna Confer. ... Jenna is is our Marian Paroo the librarian, stuck-up librarian, who falls in love with Harold Hill and saves him from getting tarred and feathered when he's going to get run out of town," he said.

The story tells of Hill conning the people of River City into purchasing band instruments and equipment as he pretends to be a music instructor.

"They never practice because he doesn't know one note from another," Crull said. "But he sells them some band instruments, uniforms and whatever else and then when they catch him, here come the kids and uniforms, and they're supposed to play the minuet in G."

With a seasoned pit from the department, he said having the players pretend to be inexperienced is a fun aspect of the show.

"I mean the pit orchestra, college kids going on, you know, like a first-grade clarinet squeaking and whatever else, is hilarious," Crull said.

And with the show being the first since early in 2020, Crull said he expects large crowds for each performance.

"Show up and have a good time," Crull said. "Come early so you can read the program. Get your tickets early because like I said, this is a very popular show and it's been two years since we did a show. So we anticipate full big crowds and should be fun of course."

 "It's a big cast so there's lots of families that are going to be taking up a lot of seats," Crull said. "We've already sold a lot of those tickets to the kids in the show. So yeah, it's just about 1912 stubborn Iowans who get flim-flamed into buying in band instruments and yet it turns out, all good, as a great musical should, with a happy ending."

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 Sunday in the Felten Start Theatre in Malloy Hall on the FHSU campus.

Tickets are available at the box office, or by calling the FHSU Music Department at 628-4533.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489879917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="FHSU‘s Department of Music and Theatre set to present ‘The Music Man‘" 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=cpm3d-10f929d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFort Hays State University's Department of Music and Theatre is set to bring its version of The Music Man to the stage with performances beginning Thursday.The show is the first from the department since March 2020, said Terry Crull, associate professor of music and director of choral activities."This is a big show," he said. "Everybody loves it and to be the first thing we have after out of the pandemic. We're excited, and the fun cast is working hard."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489939579.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Songs from the show are widely known, including 76 Trombones and Wells Fargo Wagon, Crull said. "Everybody knows songs from the show, even if they don't know they know the song from the show," he said. "Even if you don't know, you know music from The Music Man. You will know it when you hear it, and you'll say 'Oh, that's in the show!' "Many will remember the show from the 1962 movie version that featured Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489809806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Crull said the performance is set in fictional town of River City, Iowa, just across the border from Illinois, with characters based on people known to the show's creator Merideth Wilson.Playing those parts are seasoned veterans of the department, Crull said."Braden Boyer is playing Harold Hill. Jenna Confer. ... Jenna is is our Marian Paroo the librarian, stuck-up librarian, who falls in love with Harold Hill and saves him from getting tarred and feathered when he's going to get run out of town," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489833009.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The story tells of Hill conning the people of River City into purchasing band instruments and equipment as he pretends to be a music instructor."They never practice because he doesn't know one note from another," Crull said. "But he sells them some band instruments, uniforms and whatever else and then when they catch him, here come the kids and uniforms, and they're supposed to play the minuet in G."With a seasoned pit from the department, he said having the players pretend to be inexperienced is a fun aspect of the show.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489850694.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I mean the pit orchestra, college kids going on, you know, like a first-grade clarinet squeaking and whatever else, is hilarious," Crull said.And with the show being the first since early in 2020, Crull said he expects large crowds for each performance."Show up and have a good time," Crull said. "Come early so you can read the program. Get your tickets early because like I said, this is a very popular show and it's been two years since we did a show. So we anticipate full big crowds and should be fun of course."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489776237.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> "It's a big cast so there's lots of families that are going to be taking up a lot of seats," Crull said. "We've already sold a lot of those tickets to the kids in the show. So yeah, it's just about 1912 stubborn Iowans who get flim-flamed into buying in band instruments and yet it turns out, all good, as a great musical should, with a happy ending."Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 Sunday in the Felten Start Theatre in Malloy Hall on the FHSU campus.Tickets are available at the box office, or by calling the FHSU Music Department at 628-4533.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633489900381.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

🎙 FHSU ready to strike up the band for 'The Music Man'

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633447383694.jpeg" alt="Kayla Reed " />
 <figcaption>Kayla Reed </figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedKayla Reed, RN, OB, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed.&nbsp; This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. Reed was nominated by a one of her patients.&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of staff and supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings.&nbsp;“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to<a href="file://hmcfile_svnt/docs/Nursing/Nursing%20Services/Daisy%20Award/Brochures/www.haysmed.com/daisyaward">www.haysmed.com/daisyaward</a>. If you have questions, call 785.623.2388

HaysMed nurse recognized with Daisy Award

Members of the FHSU and Hays communities are invited to join FHSU President Tisa Mason as she kicks off this year’s regional media tour at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the Sunset Atrium of the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. 

The annual regional media tour has been a rarely missed tradition at Fort Hays State since 1987. Participants at the kick-off event will get an advanced briefing on the key messages President Mason will focus on during this year’s tour, including:

President Mason will also share stories at each stop about remarkable Tiger students and alumni who are making a difference in their local communities.

Over the five-day tour – Oct. 11-15 – the president will make 20 stops to visit with media in 15 cities in Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584670616252.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Relations Members of the FHSU and Hays communities are invited to join FHSU President Tisa Mason as she kicks off this year’s regional media tour at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the Sunset Atrium of the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. The annual regional media tour has been a rarely missed tradition at Fort Hays State since 1987. Participants at the kick-off event will get an advanced briefing on the key messages President Mason will focus on during this year’s tour, including:<ul>
 <li>The unmatched value of a Fort Hays State degree</li><li>The economic impact of FHSU in Kanas</li><li>FHSU’s contribution to workforce development</li>
 </ul>President Mason will also share stories at each stop about remarkable Tiger students and alumni who are making a difference in their local communities.Over the five-day tour – Oct. 11-15 – the president will make 20 stops to visit with media in 15 cities in Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska:<ul>
 <li>Salina</li><li>Topeka</li><li>Lawrence</li><li>Kansas City</li><li>Wichita</li><li>Hutchinson</li><li>Beloit</li><li>Phillipsburg</li><li>Logan</li><li>Colby</li><li>Scott City</li><li>Burlington, Colo.</li><li>Fort Morgan, Colo.</li><li>North Platte, Neb.</li><li>Grand Island, Neb.</li>
 </ul>

NW Kan. stops included in FHSU president's annual media tour 

Editor's note: The following questions were submitted to candidates for the USD 489 school board by the Hays NEA. The questions and answers are being posted as submitted with the permission of the Hays NEA and the candidates.

Three positions are up for election. Also running are Ken Brooks,&nbsp;Cathy Hopkins, Casey Herrman, Curt Vajnar, and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.

In general, not being a current board member limits one’s familiarity with current details and programs about which your questions assume an understanding.&nbsp; So, my answers are based on the knowledge I possess at this point with the added general statement that if elected I would be in a better position to address your questions/issues.

Please discuss your reasons for seeking a position on the Board of Education.&nbsp;What qualifications do you have that make you the best candidate? I am not the best candidate – not sure anyone is, but as I stated in my announcement, I am running for a seat on the school board because I want to work to get a school facilities bond that is reasonable in scope and duration passed.&nbsp; I believe now and believed In that past that the voters would approve such a bond.

In addition, I think there needs some diversity of thought and background on the school board.&nbsp; A school board ought to reflect the community it serves.&nbsp; Currently, there is only one member who makes his living in the private sector.&nbsp; The rest are educators, former educators or people who are employed in the public sector. The concern is that a board with little diversity becomes somewhat of an echo chamber.&nbsp; I believe my 35 years of experience running 2 local businesses would be an asset to the discussions and decision making of the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, my qualifications are not like anyone else running for the school board. After graduating from Notre Dame undergraduate and law school in 1976 and before moving back to my hometown of Hays I spent 9 years working in Washington , D.C., mostly on Capitol Hill and various political campaigns around the country. Since moving back home and in addition to my business experience, I have served as an Ellis County Commissioner and worked for an against various political/bond campaigns/ issues. I was on the Space Needs Committee for Ellis County and helped develop the plans to upgrade the County’s facilities, e.g., the Law Enforcement Center and the EMS/Rural Fire building.&nbsp; I also worked on the campaign to get the bond passed to pay for improvements. So, I believe my overall experience could be a significant asset when it comes to developing and passing a bond for school facilities.

What do you see as the greatest problem facing public education today? In Kansas?&nbsp;In USD 489?&nbsp;&nbsp; In Kansas, sustainable funding at the state level and funding which is targeted to reaching the teachers and the students -not the administrators and sports facilities.&nbsp; At the local level, attracting and maintaining good teachers and developing a high school curriculum that not only teaches the basics, but enhances CTE courses and training for those students who don’t want to go to college.

How do you see your role as a member of the Board of Education in regard to accountability to patrons of the district?&nbsp;… to teachers and students?&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you see your role as overseeing policy or making decisions regarding day-to-day operations?&nbsp; School board members are representatives of the voters who elected them and therefore are ultimately accountable to them. However, it is impossible to represent the voters properly unless you have the best interests of the students in mind and are open to the concerns of the teachers who often times need the boards support when it comes to issues that are important to them – not only pay but relationships with parents who see the role of teachers differently than teachers sometimes do.

I see the role of a board member as primarily policy making.&nbsp; Micromanaging the Superintendent and administrators concerning day to day operations is inefficient and often harmful to the operations of the school district.

What philosophy/core belief will be the driving force behind your decision making if elected to the board? Education of K-12 is best when decisions are made by local representatives/board member.&nbsp; Creating a learning environment that allows the students to be successful after high school should be the guiding principle – whether or not that involves going to college.

What is your position on 1-to-1 technology for K-12?&nbsp;What changes, if any, would you like to see?&nbsp; I understand and appreciate the need of students to have access to technology in this day and age. I am supportive in general of the district’s efforts to get computers to all the students, but I don’t know enough about the current programs to say much else.&nbsp; As I understand it the cost of the technology program comes out of the capital outlay budget which is funded by the 8 mills designated to fund the capital outlay budget.&nbsp; A part of the question and answer ought to involve the massive dollars needed for deferred maintenance and how do we address the need and costs of both technology and repair and maintenance of school facilities in the future -even if a school bond is passed.

Describe the first change you would like to see enacted by the Board of Education. I don’t have a “first change” idea in mind.&nbsp; Such an answer would require a much more detailed knowledge of all the issues facing the school district.&nbsp; And at this point anything I say would require guesswork on my part.

We believe every student deserves qualified, committed teachers.&nbsp; How do you feel due process for teachers affects this goal?&nbsp; This is a loaded question that involves a common understanding of and agreement as to the meaning of “due process for teachers”.&nbsp; The lens through which you as teachers view due process isn’t necessarily shared by everyone else.&nbsp; Having said that, teachers who have committed their lives to educating our children absolutely deserve to be treated fairly when it comes to issues related to their employment.

What is your vision regarding facilities in the district to provide our students with the best opportunities for success?&nbsp;What are your thoughts on previous and future bond issues/elections?&nbsp; There is no question that our school facilities need to be upgraded. That has never been the issue. But before you can arrive at a plan for improving school buildings, the board first needs to make some basic decisions about the kind of school system they want for the future. For example, how many elementary schools does the district want/need? Do they want a new junior high or high school or elementary school? What is to be done with the buildings that are no longer needed or wanted?

The reasons the previous bonds failed are fairly simple and straight forward and I wrote about this during the past bond election. The school board failed to follow results of the survey it had done on the size, scope and duration of a bond.&nbsp; The proposed bonds were rushed through the “vision process”, too expensive and the last one too long (30 Years) given the political nature of the voters of Ellis County.&nbsp; The bond effort should never had been led by the architectural firm that stood to benefit from its passage.&nbsp; Obviously, the voters understood that the greater the amount of the bond the more money the architects stood to make.

Any future bond needs to be handled differently than in the pass. The members of the school board need to be more hands on and help sell the bond. DLR should absolutely not be the face of the next bond. It has a role to play in developing a bond, but not as the lead. Also, the vision teams should be just one vision team made up of administrators, teachers and citizens, not 3 separate teams. This will better help everyone to understand what the others are saying. Right now, the only one who hears what everyone is saying is DLR and it is bad strategy to let it be the only filter through which all information flows.

How can the board/district recruit and retain quality teachers?&nbsp;&nbsp;What could the board do to improve teacher morale?&nbsp; I don’t know what the answer is to recruit and retain quality teachers – not enough familiarity with all the variables needed to suggest something that makes sense. As to morale, the board should support the teachers as they deal with parents who may be to some degree unnecessarily disagreeable. Also, members should always listen and be courteous to the teachers and their concerns knowing that they will not always do what the teachers want or agree with them on issues. Civil discussions will always win the day.

How would you characterize your attitude toward collective bargaining?&nbsp;What role do you see yourself taking in this process?&nbsp; Collective bargaining was born of the need to create a mechanism/process where the needs and wants of the employees were heard. It’s still the same today. As I wrote above civil discussions will always win the day and will have the best chance to effect reasonable decisions.&nbsp; My role would be to visit with teachers and administrators to better understand their concerns, etc. and use that information when deciding on contractual issues, as well as policy issues, facing the school board.

Editor's note: The following questions were submitted to candidates for the USD 489 school board by the Hays NEA. The questions and answers are being posted as submitted with the permission of the Hays NEA and the candidates.Three positions are up for election. Also running are Ken Brooks,&nbsp;Cathy Hopkins, Casey Herrman, Curt Vajnar, and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632937489557.png" alt="Thomas Wasinger" />
 <figcaption>Thomas Wasinger</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Thomas Wasinger</h2>In general, not being a current board member limits one’s familiarity with current details and programs about which your questions assume an understanding.&nbsp; So, my answers are based on the knowledge I possess at this point with the added general statement that if elected I would be in a better position to address your questions/issues.Please discuss your reasons for seeking a position on the Board of Education.&nbsp;What qualifications do you have that make you the best candidate? I am not the best candidate – not sure anyone is, but as I stated in my announcement, I am running for a seat on the school board because I want to work to get a school facilities bond that is reasonable in scope and duration passed.&nbsp; I believe now and believed In that past that the voters would approve such a bond.In addition, I think there needs some diversity of thought and background on the school board.&nbsp; A school board ought to reflect the community it serves.&nbsp; Currently, there is only one member who makes his living in the private sector.&nbsp; The rest are educators, former educators or people who are employed in the public sector. The concern is that a board with little diversity becomes somewhat of an echo chamber.&nbsp; I believe my 35 years of experience running 2 local businesses would be an asset to the discussions and decision making of the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, my qualifications are not like anyone else running for the school board. After graduating from Notre Dame undergraduate and law school in 1976 and before moving back to my hometown of Hays I spent 9 years working in Washington , D.C., mostly on Capitol Hill and various political campaigns around the country. Since moving back home and in addition to my business experience, I have served as an Ellis County Commissioner and worked for an against various political/bond campaigns/ issues. I was on the Space Needs Committee for Ellis County and helped develop the plans to upgrade the County’s facilities, e.g., the Law Enforcement Center and the EMS/Rural Fire building.&nbsp; I also worked on the campaign to get the bond passed to pay for improvements. So, I believe my overall experience could be a significant asset when it comes to developing and passing a bond for school facilities.What do you see as the greatest problem facing public education today? In Kansas?&nbsp;In USD 489?&nbsp;&nbsp; In Kansas, sustainable funding at the state level and funding which is targeted to reaching the teachers and the students -not the administrators and sports facilities.&nbsp; At the local level, attracting and maintaining good teachers and developing a high school curriculum that not only teaches the basics, but enhances CTE courses and training for those students who don’t want to go to college.How do you see your role as a member of the Board of Education in regard to accountability to patrons of the district?&nbsp;… to teachers and students?&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you see your role as overseeing policy or making decisions regarding day-to-day operations?&nbsp; School board members are representatives of the voters who elected them and therefore are ultimately accountable to them. However, it is impossible to represent the voters properly unless you have the best interests of the students in mind and are open to the concerns of the teachers who often times need the boards support when it comes to issues that are important to them – not only pay but relationships with parents who see the role of teachers differently than teachers sometimes do.I see the role of a board member as primarily policy making.&nbsp; Micromanaging the Superintendent and administrators concerning day to day operations is inefficient and often harmful to the operations of the school district.What philosophy/core belief will be the driving force behind your decision making if elected to the board? Education of K-12 is best when decisions are made by local representatives/board member.&nbsp; Creating a learning environment that allows the students to be successful after high school should be the guiding principle – whether or not that involves going to college.What is your position on 1-to-1 technology for K-12?&nbsp;What changes, if any, would you like to see?&nbsp; I understand and appreciate the need of students to have access to technology in this day and age. I am supportive in general of the district’s efforts to get computers to all the students, but I don’t know enough about the current programs to say much else.&nbsp; As I understand it the cost of the technology program comes out of the capital outlay budget which is funded by the 8 mills designated to fund the capital outlay budget.&nbsp; A part of the question and answer ought to involve the massive dollars needed for deferred maintenance and how do we address the need and costs of both technology and repair and maintenance of school facilities in the future -even if a school bond is passed.Describe the first change you would like to see enacted by the Board of Education. I don’t have a “first change” idea in mind.&nbsp; Such an answer would require a much more detailed knowledge of all the issues facing the school district.&nbsp; And at this point anything I say would require guesswork on my part.We believe every student deserves qualified, committed teachers.&nbsp; How do you feel due process for teachers affects this goal?&nbsp; This is a loaded question that involves a common understanding of and agreement as to the meaning of “due process for teachers”.&nbsp; The lens through which you as teachers view due process isn’t necessarily shared by everyone else.&nbsp; Having said that, teachers who have committed their lives to educating our children absolutely deserve to be treated fairly when it comes to issues related to their employment.What is your vision regarding facilities in the district to provide our students with the best opportunities for success?&nbsp;What are your thoughts on previous and future bond issues/elections?&nbsp; There is no question that our school facilities need to be upgraded. That has never been the issue. But before you can arrive at a plan for improving school buildings, the board first needs to make some basic decisions about the kind of school system they want for the future. For example, how many elementary schools does the district want/need? Do they want a new junior high or high school or elementary school? What is to be done with the buildings that are no longer needed or wanted?The reasons the previous bonds failed are fairly simple and straight forward and I wrote about this during the past bond election. The school board failed to follow results of the survey it had done on the size, scope and duration of a bond.&nbsp; The proposed bonds were rushed through the “vision process”, too expensive and the last one too long (30 Years) given the political nature of the voters of Ellis County.&nbsp; The bond effort should never had been led by the architectural firm that stood to benefit from its passage.&nbsp; Obviously, the voters understood that the greater the amount of the bond the more money the architects stood to make.Any future bond needs to be handled differently than in the pass. The members of the school board need to be more hands on and help sell the bond. DLR should absolutely not be the face of the next bond. It has a role to play in developing a bond, but not as the lead. Also, the vision teams should be just one vision team made up of administrators, teachers and citizens, not 3 separate teams. This will better help everyone to understand what the others are saying. Right now, the only one who hears what everyone is saying is DLR and it is bad strategy to let it be the only filter through which all information flows.How can the board/district recruit and retain quality teachers?&nbsp;&nbsp;What could the board do to improve teacher morale?&nbsp; I don’t know what the answer is to recruit and retain quality teachers – not enough familiarity with all the variables needed to suggest something that makes sense. As to morale, the board should support the teachers as they deal with parents who may be to some degree unnecessarily disagreeable. Also, members should always listen and be courteous to the teachers and their concerns knowing that they will not always do what the teachers want or agree with them on issues. Civil discussions will always win the day.How would you characterize your attitude toward collective bargaining?&nbsp;What role do you see yourself taking in this process?&nbsp; Collective bargaining was born of the need to create a mechanism/process where the needs and wants of the employees were heard. It’s still the same today. As I wrote above civil discussions will always win the day and will have the best chance to effect reasonable decisions.&nbsp; My role would be to visit with teachers and administrators to better understand their concerns, etc. and use that information when deciding on contractual issues, as well as policy issues, facing the school board.

USD 489 candidate profile: Thomas Wasinger

Three positions are up for election. Also running are Ken Brooks, Casey Herrman,&nbsp;Cathy Hopkins,&nbsp;Curt Vajnar and Thomas Wasinger.

1. Please discuss your reasons for seeking a position on the Board of Education. What qualifications do you have that make you the best candidate?&nbsp; I chose to run for USD 489 School Board as a means to serve my community in a positive way, after encouragement from friends and neighbors at the low number of candidates for the number of open seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of my core beliefs is in the need for our communities to band together in building up our society. This begins in working together to take care of our children. As a single, working parent for most of my son’s life, I know how impactful the mere existence of a public school can be on a family’s life. I have a great respect for the work that teachers and staff do and the tremendous responsibility they have in caring for those children, let alone educating them. My goal as a member of USD 489’s Board of Ed would be to serve the children of Hays, which means making sure that teachers and staff have the resources they need—money, time, and&nbsp; space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In my professional life as a librarian, I have worked with and created partnerships with&nbsp; individual teachers and school staff, and I have worked to educate entire schools in library&nbsp; resources available to them. I currently serve as the president of my profession’s statewide&nbsp; organization and have previously served on several boards alongside public and private school&nbsp; teachers. I am an excellent listener, and I ask good questions when there are issues to be resolved. I have completed two courses with the Kansas Leadership Center, and I am a&nbsp; certified facilitator with the Center for Discourse and Democracy (at Kansas State University).&nbsp; I have worked with lobbyists in successfully advocating for and against legislation at the state level. I have presented regionally and nationally on a wide range of topics including the&nbsp; following:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Library best practices.&nbsp; • Resources – technology trends, how to find &amp; use different resources, and how to teach how to use those resources. • Poverty and its impact on behavior and learning, as well as resources to assist in moving out of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I have also introduced new technologies to our area including Hoopla (a platform for library&nbsp; books, movies, and music) and Niche Academy (a technology learning platform). In my&nbsp; current position, I was a core member of the remodel committee—a $1.6 million project in a&nbsp; building that remained open throughout (a great deal of) construction—and included the&nbsp; installation of a remarkable Early Literacy Area based on my sketches and outline.&nbsp;

What do you see as the greatest problem facing public education today? In Kansas? Partisanship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I believe that the hyper-polarization of our communities has created an environment in which&nbsp; misinformation has been allowed to overrule expert guidance in the public eye. I think this&nbsp;applies to multiple areas under the purview of the USD 489 School Board, including healthy&nbsp; finances, curriculum decisions, and school safety—from viruses and other dangers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In USD 489?&nbsp; Same. The local impact of this problem can be mitigated by connecting community members to resources and to positive, proactive communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Issues that impact families and schools are rarely simple. They require deep analysis and&nbsp; balance of resources and facts at hand. Decisions about these issues are going to be hard, and&nbsp; they are going to have to defer, often, to the best knowledge we have at any given time; better,&nbsp; more current information will supersede older. The best knowledge is always going to come&nbsp; from the longstanding authorities that are available to us who are continuing their analysis using their larger resources and skill sets.&nbsp;

How do you see your role as a member of the Board of Education in regard to&nbsp; accountability to patrons of the district?&nbsp;&nbsp; As a patron of the district myself, I feel that the BOE has worked to be transparent with the community. I think maintaining and expanding public communication will be very important in the coming years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

… to teachers?&nbsp;&nbsp; As a support. Teachers need resources: money and time. A teacher cannot possibly be expected to do their work effectively while having to supply their classrooms out of their own paychecks or cram too much curriculum for 10 different learning styles for too many kids in rooms that are too small for the number of people expected to be in them.&nbsp; Teachers need time to learn and plan, and every teacher deserves a lunch break. Staff retention is imperative to any effective organization. “Nonprofessional” staff are integral as well to schools’ positive impact on children and their families, and these members of the organization should be treated fairly and accommodated appropriately.&nbsp;&nbsp;

… to students?&nbsp;&nbsp; Students need good teachers; advocating for teachers is advocating for students.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Every Student Every Day is a great motto. This means everyone—including those with&nbsp; physical and intellectual disabilities, difficult family situations, and diverse backgrounds. The BOE is responsible for student safety, but the board relies on individual staff to employ best practices to accomplish goals regarding health and security.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Do you see your role as overseeing policy or making decisions regarding day-to-day&nbsp; operations?&nbsp; I am experienced in board work. The Board’s role is to oversee policy &amp; finance and to hire &amp; evaluate particular individuals (the superintendent) who is then responsible for day-to-day operations and enforcement of policy. Evaluation of that singular hire should&nbsp; be very comprehensive and include evaluations from that person’s reports as well.&nbsp;

What philosophy/core belief will be the driving force behind your decision making&nbsp; if elected to the board?&nbsp; Equity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our community thrives when we all have access to the same opportunities. Personal responsibility is only personal when chances and treatment are already equal inside our school and other governmental structures.&nbsp;

What is your position on 1-to-1 technology for K-12? What changes, if any, would you like to see? These are my observations as a person who has interacted with the school’s technology&nbsp; in my personal and professional life:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• That technology is necessary, not just for reasons to accommodate equal and&nbsp; greater access to information, but to make sure that children have the skills they&nbsp; require to live and work and grow in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• That tablets hold within them access to books in text/picture and audio format&nbsp; and allow generally allow greater access to materials and resources.&nbsp;

• That many relied-upon resources are now ONLY available in a digital format and not print.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• That technology fails, often, and at the most inconvenient times.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• That it can connect us to one another in magnificent, important, beautiful ways. • That communication between technology specialists and the people who employ it is not always excellent.&nbsp;

I have not asked teachers what they think about 1-to-1 technology for K-12. I think that asking kindergarten teachers to also teach iPad troubleshooting is too much. I also think that planning lessons around tech that may fail is hard to do; always having a backup lesson is taxing. I once spent a full two days (with two other staff members) installing&nbsp; resources on 5 grades, 3 classes each, all of which was then wiped due to an update that no one knew about—two days before students were set to arrive in class. My son was enrolled in online 8th grade last year but received an iPad with no keyboard for the first two months of the year—keyboarding was one of his requirements for a class.&nbsp;

Technology is important. Equitable access to technology means each child needs their own device. People make tech work. Increased and improved communication is necessary, and training for teachers on how to use the tech they are provided should be consistent and easily available, regardless of skill level.&nbsp;

Describe the first change you would like to see enacted by the Board of Education. When I think of the most impactful measure that any school district has had on me as a&nbsp; single parent, it is the existence of half-day preschool for 3-4-year-olds and all-day&nbsp; kindergarten from age 5. Without that support as a single working mother, I would be&nbsp; destitute. Relying on patched together, inconsistent pre-kindergarten care for our littles&nbsp; is too taxing to endure sometimes, and far too expensive to maintain on an individual&nbsp; basis. Working and banding together, we can build a system that will support families&nbsp;better than we do now, and which will allow our community to grow economically as&nbsp; well as intellectually. Early Childhood Education is KEY to success later on for children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I know in-roads are being made currently; I would like to see fast, effective, and&nbsp; sustainable movement in the coming three years.&nbsp;

We believe every student deserves qualified, committed teachers. How do you feel due process for teachers affects this goal? I think it’s imperative.

Without due process, teachers are at the mercy of every single parent’s limited view—we only see our own children’s perspective and rarely the perspective of the other students in the room OR the challenges a particular teacher might be dealing with. I think that documentation of behavior (teacher &amp; student) is important, and I think that it is essential that definitive cause be shown for termination through due process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That said, I also acknowledge the seriousness of allegations not being taken seriously (as&nbsp; a rule in our society, not specifically to this district) and the damage that does to the&nbsp; accusers/victims of long-term abuse and to the function and trust in our overall systems.&nbsp; Allegations must be taken seriously, as the BOE is responsible for student safety. Due&nbsp; process ensures that we remain entrusted with the care we provide.&nbsp;

What is your vision regarding facilities in the district to provide our students with the best opportunities for success? What are your thoughts on previous and future bond issues/elections? My view on the facilities is that they are almost entirely too small and too old to effectively accommodate the numbers and needs of the children who attend these schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Having moved here in 2019, I cannot personally attest to the previous processes. My&nbsp; impression from conversations with parents, teachers, and other voters is that those&nbsp; previous bond issues concentrated too much on expensive athletic facilities and not enough on classroom support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Future bond issues should be transparent, should have all information available to anyone who asks, and should make student academic success the very obvious priority.&nbsp; Those of us who support improved facilities should work to educate populations, not just on the issue itself, but on the importance of voting in that local election.&nbsp;

How can the board/district recruit and retain quality teachers? What could the board do to improve teacher morale? No teacher chooses this career to become enormously wealthy. Teacher recruitment and retention depends on a culture of growth and excellence in a community who appreciates them. Improved morale is a feature of a retention plan. Making sure that teachers feel a level of control and responsibility for their students’ success, giving teachers the tools they need to do their work effectively, and connecting district&nbsp;employees to each other will make a bigger impact than any other measures. Of course, this is only true as long as the wage that staff and teachers earn is enough to reward their education, experience, and commitment they demonstrate. It must be sufficient to live on and comparable to districts with similar demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In any organization, morale comes down to leadership: Do the leaders of the organization&nbsp; support the needs of the staff of the organization?&nbsp;&nbsp; The BOE is ultimately responsible for morale. Making sure that staff (classified and unclassified) have means to communicate goals and grievances to their superiors and that their successes and failures are seen, acknowledged, and addressed are essential components of any leadership team.&nbsp;

The best organizations seek to hire leaders who work to improve their subordinates’&nbsp; investment in the organization. People want to do well. When they cannot, the problem of WHY must be solved—this is an individual problem. If morale is low in USD 489, it is because leadership is invested in something besides the individual success of each staff member.&nbsp;

How would you characterize your attitude toward collective bargaining? What role do you see yourself taking in this process? I think that collective bargaining is an essential component of our great American democracy. I would make myself a listener and a question-asker, especially in the first year of negotiations.&nbsp;

Editor's note: The following questions were submitted to candidates for the USD 489 school board by the Hays NEA. The questions and answers are being posted as submitted with the permission of the Hays NEA and the candidates.Three positions are up for election. Also running are Ken Brooks, Casey Herrman,&nbsp;Cathy Hopkins,&nbsp;Curt Vajnar and Thomas Wasinger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633100159398.jpeg" alt="Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp" />
 <figcaption>Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp</h2>1. Please discuss your reasons for seeking a position on the Board of Education. What qualifications do you have that make you the best candidate?&nbsp; I chose to run for USD 489 School Board as a means to serve my community in a positive way, after encouragement from friends and neighbors at the low number of candidates for the number of open seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of my core beliefs is in the need for our communities to band together in building up our society. This begins in working together to take care of our children. As a single, working parent for most of my son’s life, I know how impactful the mere existence of a public school can be on a family’s life. I have a great respect for the work that teachers and staff do and the tremendous responsibility they have in caring for those children, let alone educating them. My goal as a member of USD 489’s Board of Ed would be to serve the children of Hays, which means making sure that teachers and staff have the resources they need—money, time, and&nbsp; space.&nbsp;&nbsp;In my professional life as a librarian, I have worked with and created partnerships with&nbsp; individual teachers and school staff, and I have worked to educate entire schools in library&nbsp; resources available to them. I currently serve as the president of my profession’s statewide&nbsp; organization and have previously served on several boards alongside public and private school&nbsp; teachers. I am an excellent listener, and I ask good questions when there are issues to be resolved. I have completed two courses with the Kansas Leadership Center, and I am a&nbsp; certified facilitator with the Center for Discourse and Democracy (at Kansas State University).&nbsp; I have worked with lobbyists in successfully advocating for and against legislation at the state level. I have presented regionally and nationally on a wide range of topics including the&nbsp; following:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Library best practices.&nbsp; • Resources – technology trends, how to find &amp; use different resources, and how to teach how to use those resources. • Poverty and its impact on behavior and learning, as well as resources to assist in moving out of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have also introduced new technologies to our area including Hoopla (a platform for library&nbsp; books, movies, and music) and Niche Academy (a technology learning platform). In my&nbsp; current position, I was a core member of the remodel committee—a $1.6 million project in a&nbsp; building that remained open throughout (a great deal of) construction—and included the&nbsp; installation of a remarkable Early Literacy Area based on my sketches and outline.&nbsp;What do you see as the greatest problem facing public education today? In Kansas? Partisanship.&nbsp;&nbsp;I believe that the hyper-polarization of our communities has created an environment in which&nbsp; misinformation has been allowed to overrule expert guidance in the public eye. I think this&nbsp;applies to multiple areas under the purview of the USD 489 School Board, including healthy&nbsp; finances, curriculum decisions, and school safety—from viruses and other dangers.&nbsp;&nbsp;In USD 489?&nbsp; Same. The local impact of this problem can be mitigated by connecting community members to resources and to positive, proactive communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;Issues that impact families and schools are rarely simple. They require deep analysis and&nbsp; balance of resources and facts at hand. Decisions about these issues are going to be hard, and&nbsp; they are going to have to defer, often, to the best knowledge we have at any given time; better,&nbsp; more current information will supersede older. The best knowledge is always going to come&nbsp; from the longstanding authorities that are available to us who are continuing their analysis using their larger resources and skill sets.&nbsp;How do you see your role as a member of the Board of Education in regard to&nbsp; accountability to patrons of the district?&nbsp;&nbsp; As a patron of the district myself, I feel that the BOE has worked to be transparent with the community. I think maintaining and expanding public communication will be very important in the coming years.&nbsp;&nbsp;… to teachers?&nbsp;&nbsp; As a support. Teachers need resources: money and time. A teacher cannot possibly be expected to do their work effectively while having to supply their classrooms out of their own paychecks or cram too much curriculum for 10 different learning styles for too many kids in rooms that are too small for the number of people expected to be in them.&nbsp; Teachers need time to learn and plan, and every teacher deserves a lunch break. Staff retention is imperative to any effective organization. “Nonprofessional” staff are integral as well to schools’ positive impact on children and their families, and these members of the organization should be treated fairly and accommodated appropriately.&nbsp;&nbsp;… to students?&nbsp;&nbsp; Students need good teachers; advocating for teachers is advocating for students.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every Student Every Day is a great motto. This means everyone—including those with&nbsp; physical and intellectual disabilities, difficult family situations, and diverse backgrounds. The BOE is responsible for student safety, but the board relies on individual staff to employ best practices to accomplish goals regarding health and security.&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you see your role as overseeing policy or making decisions regarding day-to-day&nbsp; operations?&nbsp; I am experienced in board work. The Board’s role is to oversee policy &amp; finance and to hire &amp; evaluate particular individuals (the superintendent) who is then responsible for day-to-day operations and enforcement of policy. Evaluation of that singular hire should&nbsp; be very comprehensive and include evaluations from that person’s reports as well.&nbsp;What philosophy/core belief will be the driving force behind your decision making&nbsp; if elected to the board?&nbsp; Equity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our community thrives when we all have access to the same opportunities. Personal responsibility is only personal when chances and treatment are already equal inside our school and other governmental structures.&nbsp;What is your position on 1-to-1 technology for K-12? What changes, if any, would you like to see? These are my observations as a person who has interacted with the school’s technology&nbsp; in my personal and professional life:&nbsp;&nbsp;• That technology is necessary, not just for reasons to accommodate equal and&nbsp; greater access to information, but to make sure that children have the skills they&nbsp; require to live and work and grow in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp; • That tablets hold within them access to books in text/picture and audio format&nbsp; and allow generally allow greater access to materials and resources.&nbsp;• That many relied-upon resources are now ONLY available in a digital format and not print.&nbsp;&nbsp;• That technology fails, often, and at the most inconvenient times.&nbsp;&nbsp;• That it can connect us to one another in magnificent, important, beautiful ways. • That communication between technology specialists and the people who employ it is not always excellent.&nbsp;I have not asked teachers what they think about 1-to-1 technology for K-12. I think that asking kindergarten teachers to also teach iPad troubleshooting is too much. I also think that planning lessons around tech that may fail is hard to do; always having a backup lesson is taxing. I once spent a full two days (with two other staff members) installing&nbsp; resources on 5 grades, 3 classes each, all of which was then wiped due to an update that no one knew about—two days before students were set to arrive in class. My son was enrolled in online 8th grade last year but received an iPad with no keyboard for the first two months of the year—keyboarding was one of his requirements for a class.&nbsp;Technology is important. Equitable access to technology means each child needs their own device. People make tech work. Increased and improved communication is necessary, and training for teachers on how to use the tech they are provided should be consistent and easily available, regardless of skill level.&nbsp;Describe the first change you would like to see enacted by the Board of Education. When I think of the most impactful measure that any school district has had on me as a&nbsp; single parent, it is the existence of half-day preschool for 3-4-year-olds and all-day&nbsp; kindergarten from age 5. Without that support as a single working mother, I would be&nbsp; destitute. Relying on patched together, inconsistent pre-kindergarten care for our littles&nbsp; is too taxing to endure sometimes, and far too expensive to maintain on an individual&nbsp; basis. Working and banding together, we can build a system that will support families&nbsp;better than we do now, and which will allow our community to grow economically as&nbsp; well as intellectually. Early Childhood Education is KEY to success later on for children.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know in-roads are being made currently; I would like to see fast, effective, and&nbsp; sustainable movement in the coming three years.&nbsp;We believe every student deserves qualified, committed teachers. How do you feel due process for teachers affects this goal? I think it’s imperative. Without due process, teachers are at the mercy of every single parent’s limited view—we only see our own children’s perspective and rarely the perspective of the other students in the room OR the challenges a particular teacher might be dealing with. I think that documentation of behavior (teacher &amp; student) is important, and I think that it is essential that definitive cause be shown for termination through due process.&nbsp;&nbsp;That said, I also acknowledge the seriousness of allegations not being taken seriously (as&nbsp; a rule in our society, not specifically to this district) and the damage that does to the&nbsp; accusers/victims of long-term abuse and to the function and trust in our overall systems.&nbsp; Allegations must be taken seriously, as the BOE is responsible for student safety. Due&nbsp; process ensures that we remain entrusted with the care we provide.&nbsp;What is your vision regarding facilities in the district to provide our students with the best opportunities for success? What are your thoughts on previous and future bond issues/elections? My view on the facilities is that they are almost entirely too small and too old to effectively accommodate the numbers and needs of the children who attend these schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having moved here in 2019, I cannot personally attest to the previous processes. My&nbsp; impression from conversations with parents, teachers, and other voters is that those&nbsp; previous bond issues concentrated too much on expensive athletic facilities and not enough on classroom support.&nbsp;&nbsp;Future bond issues should be transparent, should have all information available to anyone who asks, and should make student academic success the very obvious priority.&nbsp; Those of us who support improved facilities should work to educate populations, not just on the issue itself, but on the importance of voting in that local election.&nbsp;How can the board/district recruit and retain quality teachers? What could the board do to improve teacher morale? No teacher chooses this career to become enormously wealthy. Teacher recruitment and retention depends on a culture of growth and excellence in a community who appreciates them. Improved morale is a feature of a retention plan. Making sure that teachers feel a level of control and responsibility for their students’ success, giving teachers the tools they need to do their work effectively, and connecting district&nbsp;employees to each other will make a bigger impact than any other measures. Of course, this is only true as long as the wage that staff and teachers earn is enough to reward their education, experience, and commitment they demonstrate. It must be sufficient to live on and comparable to districts with similar demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;In any organization, morale comes down to leadership: Do the leaders of the organization&nbsp; support the needs of the staff of the organization?&nbsp;&nbsp; The BOE is ultimately responsible for morale. Making sure that staff (classified and unclassified) have means to communicate goals and grievances to their superiors and that their successes and failures are seen, acknowledged, and addressed are essential components of any leadership team.&nbsp;The best organizations seek to hire leaders who work to improve their subordinates’&nbsp; investment in the organization. People want to do well. When they cannot, the problem of WHY must be solved—this is an individual problem. If morale is low in USD 489, it is because leadership is invested in something besides the individual success of each staff member.&nbsp;How would you characterize your attitude toward collective bargaining? What role do you see yourself taking in this process? I think that collective bargaining is an essential component of our great American democracy. I would make myself a listener and a question-asker, especially in the first year of negotiations.&nbsp;Other comments Thank you for the opportunity to communicate with the staff of our district. If there are any further questions or concerns, I can be reached at&nbsp; mzampierilillpopp.489@gmail.com and general position statements can be found at <a href="http://www.mzampierilillpopp489.com">www.mzampierilillpopp489.com</a>.

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