Three-day weather outlook

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about upcoming Grow Hays events.

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

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays fosters entrepreneurship with upcoming events" 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=h38bz-10c66cc-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about upcoming Grow Hays events.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Grow Hays fosters entrepreneurship with upcoming events

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Emergency management staff for the city of Hays and Ellis County are looking at a different solution to the current backup plan for when the countywide emergency dispatch system goes down, which happened earlier this month.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ea9092fb-3f58-48dc-bf1b-91d52840d030">Aug. 2 accidental activation </a>of a fire suppression sprinkler head in the Ellis County emergency communications center by a contractor soldering on the HVAC system caused more than $80,000 in water damage to computer and phone equipment.

"The county IT staff, the city of Hays IT staff and law enforcement center staff were very quick to respond" to the incident in the law enforcement center, according to Toby Dougherty, city manager.

The backup 911 dispatch center was set up temporarily in the Hays Fire Department for about a week.

"There were some calls transferred to the Pratt Communications Center, which is a combined communications center," Dougherty told Hays city commissioners Thursday night, "but very few calls were actually overflowed. We were able to set this up so they could get back online.

"Kudos to everybody involved. They did a great job getting <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c8967fcd-2a2d-4b71-ad00-28769cb8491e">everything back online</a>."

Although the temporary fix "worked beautifully," Mayor Sandy Jacobs also said she's concerned the city doesn't have an immediate backup if the 911 system goes down.

The backup contingency plan worked, Dougherty said, which involves utilizing computer terminals in the fire department set up by the communications officers and also transferring calls to Pratt as needed.

 "From the user end — for the people who actually utilized the 911 services — I think it was fairly seamless. ... [But] what we have is not optimal. There were some things that we couldn't do, mostly in the computer-aided dispatch realm."

A plan was included for a&nbsp;permanent secondary emergency communications center in the basement of the&nbsp;Ellis County Rural Fire and Emergency Medical Services building when it was constructed a few years ago at&nbsp;1105 E. 22nd in Hays.

"They're looking at the possibility of investing some money in that. It is a little bit disruptive for the fire department when they're set up and doing the dispatch there," Dougherty said.&nbsp;Fire Chief Ryan Hagans, who was in the audience, nodded his head in agreement.

The dispatch equipment in the basement of the LEC is extremely expensive, according to Dougherty.

"Sometimes when it's that expensive it's hard to duplicate for the redundancy, especially as quickly as you roll through the technology in that stuff. It becomes obsolete. It's extremely difficult," he said.

Discussions are underway between Hays and Ellis County emergency management teams about how much money is necessary to invest in a permanent secondary 911 communications system.

In other business, commissioners approved low bids for:

• Purchase of a new $166,220 biosolids handling truck from Summit Truck Goup, Salina, for the Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility&nbsp;

• Purchase of a customized solid waste baler and conveyer for $95,000 from TAKNEK LLC, Gainesville, Texas, used to bale cardboard and paper recycling

• Architechtural design services with Krayill Associates, Wichita, for $316,450 to design a second fire station&nbsp;

Commissioners also voted to sign a deed transferring title of a portion of north Vine Street frontage road excess right of way to the adjacent property owner, Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, and reserving a public utility easement at 3701 Vine — the Phillips 66 station — in connection with the current roundabout construction.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630056124688.jpeg" alt="Emergency management employees for the city of Hays and Ellis County are reviewing the possibility of installing a permanent 911 emergency dispatch backup system in the basement of the county's fire/EMS building. Accidental flooding from a fire sprinker head Aug. 2 forced temporary implementation of the backup system in the Hays Fire Dept. (Photos courtesy city of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Emergency management employees for the city of Hays and Ellis County are reviewing the possibility of installing a permanent 911 emergency dispatch backup system in the basement of the county's fire/EMS building. Accidental flooding from a fire sprinker head Aug. 2 forced temporary implementation of the backup system in the Hays Fire Dept. (Photos courtesy city of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostEmergency management staff for the city of Hays and Ellis County are looking at a different solution to the current backup plan for when the countywide emergency dispatch system goes down, which happened earlier this month.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ea9092fb-3f58-48dc-bf1b-91d52840d030">Aug. 2 accidental activation </a>of a fire suppression sprinkler head in the Ellis County emergency communications center by a contractor soldering on the HVAC system caused more than $80,000 in water damage to computer and phone equipment. "The county IT staff, the city of Hays IT staff and law enforcement center staff were very quick to respond" to the incident in the law enforcement center, according to Toby Dougherty, city manager.The backup 911 dispatch center was set up temporarily in the Hays Fire Department for about a week."There were some calls transferred to the Pratt Communications Center, which is a combined communications center," Dougherty told Hays city commissioners Thursday night, "but very few calls were actually overflowed. We were able to set this up so they could get back online."Kudos to everybody involved. They did a great job getting <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c8967fcd-2a2d-4b71-ad00-28769cb8491e">everything back online</a>."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bt8iIJZYJ3c"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Although the temporary fix "worked beautifully," Mayor Sandy Jacobs also said she's concerned the city doesn't have an immediate backup if the 911 system goes down.The backup contingency plan worked, Dougherty said, which involves utilizing computer terminals in the fire department set up by the communications officers and also transferring calls to Pratt as needed. "From the user end — for the people who actually utilized the 911 services — I think it was fairly seamless. ... [But] what we have is not optimal. There were some things that we couldn't do, mostly in the computer-aided dispatch realm."A plan was included for a&nbsp;permanent secondary emergency communications center in the basement of the&nbsp;Ellis County Rural Fire and Emergency Medical Services building when it was constructed a few years ago at&nbsp;1105 E. 22nd in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630062817286.jpeg" alt="1105 E. 22nd, Hays (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>1105 E. 22nd, Hays (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>"They're looking at the possibility of investing some money in that. It is a little bit disruptive for the fire department when they're set up and doing the dispatch there," Dougherty said.&nbsp;Fire Chief Ryan Hagans, who was in the audience, nodded his head in agreement.The dispatch equipment in the basement of the LEC is extremely expensive, according to Dougherty."Sometimes when it's that expensive it's hard to duplicate for the redundancy, especially as quickly as you roll through the technology in that stuff. It becomes obsolete. It's extremely difficult," he said.Discussions are underway between Hays and Ellis County emergency management teams about how much money is necessary to invest in a permanent secondary 911 communications system.In other business, commissioners approved low bids for:• Purchase of a new $166,220 biosolids handling truck from Summit Truck Goup, Salina, for the Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility&nbsp;• Purchase of a customized solid waste baler and conveyer for $95,000 from TAKNEK LLC, Gainesville, Texas, used to bale cardboard and paper recycling• Architechtural design services with Krayill Associates, Wichita, for $316,450 to design a second fire station&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630066600616.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also voted to sign a deed transferring title of a portion of north Vine Street frontage road excess right of way to the adjacent property owner, Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, and reserving a public utility easement at 3701 Vine — the Phillips 66 station — in connection with the current roundabout construction.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission recap: Aug. 27, 2021" 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=hsjfb-10c6672-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>

 🎥 🎙 City Manager: 'Emergency dispatch backup plan worked, but it's not optimal'

The Red Cross has 28 open appointments for the Plainville community blood drive. Its goal is 43 units of blood.

These units are promised to hospitals, and the Red Cross needs your help to ensure they receive them.&nbsp; If you have an appointment, thank you. If you do not yet have an appointment, please make one now.

Upcoming Blood Drive: Plainville Community Monday, Aug. 30 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall of Plainville

To schedule an appointment, visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org">www.redcrossblood.org</a> — enter code: Plainville.

Need a better reason to donate blood? There are always patients in need of blood, whether it’s down the street or across the country. Every two seconds, someone needs blood in the U.S. and you can help save those patients’ lives by donating blood. Your donation is needed more than you may think. Let’s help save lives together!

Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card and MASK required.

Don’t forget to save time by using RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history online before you come to your appointment.&nbsp;More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcrossblood.org%2FRapidPass&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cbill.dinkel%40redcross.org%7C4bf19a30f94143219b0008d967175b09%7Cdd5b5d42c0d34ad2b5f160edb3af2771%7C0%7C0%7C637654172272493194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=w3gduG1imbuo7eh3kMO5oelGAH0ESZd44i0euaLrVr8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">redcrossblood.org/RapidPass</a>

You must provide a valid email address to receive $5 e-gift card for coming to donate.

Your e-gift card may be included in your post-blood drive thank you email from the American Red Cross.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629220487432.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Red Cross has 28 open appointments for the Plainville community blood drive. Its goal is 43 units of blood.These units are promised to hospitals, and the Red Cross needs your help to ensure they receive them.&nbsp; If you have an appointment, thank you. If you do not yet have an appointment, please make one now.Upcoming Blood Drive: Plainville Community Monday, Aug. 30 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall of PlainvilleTo schedule an appointment, visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org">www.redcrossblood.org</a> — enter code: Plainville.Need a better reason to donate blood? There are always patients in need of blood, whether it’s down the street or across the country. Every two seconds, someone needs blood in the U.S. and you can help save those patients’ lives by donating blood. Your donation is needed more than you may think. Let’s help save lives together!Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card and MASK required.Don’t forget to save time by using RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history online before you come to your appointment.&nbsp;More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcrossblood.org%2FRapidPass&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cbill.dinkel%40redcross.org%7C4bf19a30f94143219b0008d967175b09%7Cdd5b5d42c0d34ad2b5f160edb3af2771%7C0%7C0%7C637654172272493194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=w3gduG1imbuo7eh3kMO5oelGAH0ESZd44i0euaLrVr8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">redcrossblood.org/RapidPass</a>You must provide a valid email address to receive $5 e-gift card for coming to donate.Your e-gift card may be included in your post-blood drive thank you email from the American Red Cross.

Plainville blood drive set for Monday

Last spring, with COVID vaccine distributed widely, we anticipated a fall school start where children’s hugs rekindled long-separated friendships, teenagers high-fived favorite teachers and everyone could cheer the football team from the stands.&nbsp; It would be a return to in-person instruction and excitement for teaching and learning.

The fall, however, has erupted in an explosion of anger at school board and county commission meetings amidst rising COVID infections with spikes among children.&nbsp; All this has killed the expectation of a fully productive school year.

CDC guidelines require masks inside school buildings, on buses and during school activities.&nbsp; The Kansas State Department of Education has recommend following the CDC guidelines.&nbsp; In Topeka, Perry-Lecompton, Wichita and at least 10 other school districts that include about 35 percent of the state’s students, masks are required, in many other districts “strongly encouraged.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yet, in Wichita, among scores of protesters to a county-wide mask mandate at a Sedgwick County meeting, an irate man threatened to protest outside homes of county commissioners.&nbsp; In the Shawnee Mission school district, two parents have sued challenging&nbsp;the district’s COVID protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school district, upheld by a district court, is awaiting a Kansas Supreme Court hearing.

Nationally, the president of the American Federation of Teachers supports mandatory masks in schools.&nbsp; Eight states prohibit school districts from setting mask requirements while 14 states and the District of Columbia require masks be worn in schools.&nbsp; The remaining states have left the decision to each school district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the battle over mask mandates, just about everyone seems to be ignoring the real problem—COVID will not ultimately disappear.&nbsp; As long as the virus keeps circulating, it will keep evolving and vaccines will eventually become less effective while variants, like Delta, can become stronger.&nbsp; It’s not inconceivable that infection rates may grow so high that schools again will be closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

School mask (if considered dress code) and school vaccine mandates (12 are currently required for Kansas six-year-olds) have withstood legal challenges at the U. S. Supreme Court level.&nbsp; But more than a legal or political issue, the battle over safe schools is an ethical concern about how we live as Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

COVID frustration and anger are understandable, but public behavior should be civil and public schools should align with the direction of public officials.&nbsp;

In America, each of us have the choice to wear a mask or not; yet isn’t following the advice of health and education leaders the right thing to do?&nbsp;&nbsp;

What are we teaching our children when they see us shouting disrespectfully at public meetings or disregarding requests from schools?&nbsp; We are role-models to our children; that’s reason enough to make our behavior considerate.&nbsp;

There have been reports, although limited, that mask-wearing children are being bullied on the playground by the kids who don’t wear masks.&nbsp; This is a COVID-related safety issue that teachers shouldn’t have to deal with.&nbsp;

It’s only fair for those who refuse for their children to wear a mask to use another form of education such as online learning, home schooling or private schools that don’t require masks.

All of us should look at the reality of the situation and show gratitude for the ability to go back to in-person school, then focus on what we can do to fight COVID and hold our communities together.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last spring, with COVID vaccine distributed widely, we anticipated a fall school start where children’s hugs rekindled long-separated friendships, teenagers high-fived favorite teachers and everyone could cheer the football team from the stands.&nbsp; It would be a return to in-person instruction and excitement for teaching and learning.The fall, however, has erupted in an explosion of anger at school board and county commission meetings amidst rising COVID infections with spikes among children.&nbsp; All this has killed the expectation of a fully productive school year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CDC guidelines require masks inside school buildings, on buses and during school activities.&nbsp; The Kansas State Department of Education has recommend following the CDC guidelines.&nbsp; In Topeka, Perry-Lecompton, Wichita and at least 10 other school districts that include about 35 percent of the state’s students, masks are required, in many other districts “strongly encouraged.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, in Wichita, among scores of protesters to a county-wide mask mandate at a Sedgwick County meeting, an irate man threatened to protest outside homes of county commissioners.&nbsp; In the Shawnee Mission school district, two parents have sued challenging&nbsp;the district’s COVID protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school district, upheld by a district court, is awaiting a Kansas Supreme Court hearing.Nationally, the president of the American Federation of Teachers supports mandatory masks in schools.&nbsp; Eight states prohibit school districts from setting mask requirements while 14 states and the District of Columbia require masks be worn in schools.&nbsp; The remaining states have left the decision to each school district.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the battle over mask mandates, just about everyone seems to be ignoring the real problem—COVID will not ultimately disappear.&nbsp; As long as the virus keeps circulating, it will keep evolving and vaccines will eventually become less effective while variants, like Delta, can become stronger.&nbsp; It’s not inconceivable that infection rates may grow so high that schools again will be closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;School mask (if considered dress code) and school vaccine mandates (12 are currently required for Kansas six-year-olds) have withstood legal challenges at the U. S. Supreme Court level.&nbsp; But more than a legal or political issue, the battle over safe schools is an ethical concern about how we live as Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID frustration and anger are understandable, but public behavior should be civil and public schools should align with the direction of public officials.&nbsp;In America, each of us have the choice to wear a mask or not; yet isn’t following the advice of health and education leaders the right thing to do?&nbsp;&nbsp;What are we teaching our children when they see us shouting disrespectfully at public meetings or disregarding requests from schools?&nbsp; We are role-models to our children; that’s reason enough to make our behavior considerate.&nbsp;There have been reports, although limited, that mask-wearing children are being bullied on the playground by the kids who don’t wear masks.&nbsp; This is a COVID-related safety issue that teachers shouldn’t have to deal with.&nbsp;It’s only fair for those who refuse for their children to wear a mask to use another form of education such as online learning, home schooling or private schools that don’t require masks.All of us should look at the reality of the situation and show gratitude for the ability to go back to in-person school, then focus on what we can do to fight COVID and hold our communities together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Anger won’t stop school COVID spread 

NORTON — Norton County Community Foundation awarded $19,225 to Norton County nonprofit organizations and charitable projects in July and August. Funds were part of the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which offers financial support to qualifying and deserving projects and programs in Northwest Kansas, and the Youth Skilled Therapy Financial Assistance Fund. Grant funds supported the following projects:

According to the grant application, Norton County’s Rural Fire District #2 was in need of 800 MHz digital P25 Trunked mobile radios and intercom systems for their fire apparatuses, along with 800 MHz digital P25 Trunked portable radios for the firemen and women. “This grant will help provide a vital communication asset to our department, not only for our safety, but will also allow us to provide better aid to surrounding departments and agencies who use the same equipment,” said Kirk Persinger.&nbsp; Funds for the Kansas Suffrage Mural Media Campaign will support the production of media content that will provide professional visual and audio documentation of the mural’s creation and ongoing legacy. “This media campaign will produce a time-lapsed, storytelling documentation of not just the process, but the ideas and community ties that will be an important part of sharing the work and proving the impact that a large-scale mural project can have," said artist, Erika Nelson.&nbsp; “The Youth Skilled Therapy Financial Assistance Fund provides financial support for children who require skilled care in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy and demonstrate a financial need for such service,” said Tara Vance, NCCF Executive Director.&nbsp; The guidelines and application for the Hansen Community Grant can be found on NCCF’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://nortonccf.org/">nortonccf.org</a>. Applications are due the first day of every month to be considered for that month’s funding. For more information, please contact Tara Vance at 785.874.5106,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>, or visit the NCCF office at the Heaton Building in Downtown Norton, KS, located at 112 S. Kansas Street.&nbsp;

About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624440063597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseNORTON — Norton County Community Foundation awarded $19,225 to Norton County nonprofit organizations and charitable projects in July and August. Funds were part of the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which offers financial support to qualifying and deserving projects and programs in Northwest Kansas, and the Youth Skilled Therapy Financial Assistance Fund. Grant funds supported the following projects:<ul>
 <li>Norton County Rural Fire District #2&nbsp;received $17,000 for new communication equipment.</li><li>Norton Travel &amp; Tourism received&nbsp;$1,625 for the Kansas Suffrage Mural Media Campaign.</li><li>Youth Skilled Therapy Financial Assistance Fund&nbsp;distributed $600 through its program.</li>
 </ul>According to the grant application, Norton County’s Rural Fire District #2 was in need of 800 MHz digital P25 Trunked mobile radios and intercom systems for their fire apparatuses, along with 800 MHz digital P25 Trunked portable radios for the firemen and women. “This grant will help provide a vital communication asset to our department, not only for our safety, but will also allow us to provide better aid to surrounding departments and agencies who use the same equipment,” said Kirk Persinger.&nbsp; Funds for the Kansas Suffrage Mural Media Campaign will support the production of media content that will provide professional visual and audio documentation of the mural’s creation and ongoing legacy. “This media campaign will produce a time-lapsed, storytelling documentation of not just the process, but the ideas and community ties that will be an important part of sharing the work and proving the impact that a large-scale mural project can have," said artist, Erika Nelson.&nbsp; “The Youth Skilled Therapy Financial Assistance Fund provides financial support for children who require skilled care in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy and demonstrate a financial need for such service,” said Tara Vance, NCCF Executive Director.&nbsp; The guidelines and application for the Hansen Community Grant can be found on NCCF’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://nortonccf.org/">nortonccf.org</a>. Applications are due the first day of every month to be considered for that month’s funding. For more information, please contact Tara Vance at 785.874.5106,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>, or visit the NCCF office at the Heaton Building in Downtown Norton, KS, located at 112 S. Kansas Street.&nbsp;About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton Co. foundation awards $19,225 in July, August grants

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

Let’s meet some freedom fighters. These won’t be found in some jungle fighting a dictator. These fighters are working to achieve freedom from bad Internet service, and they are based in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daniel Friesen is founder and chief innovation officer at IdeaTek in Buhler. He describes his company’s staff as freedom fighters for good Internet service, particularly in rural communities.&nbsp;

Daniel went to high school in Buhler. He was a tech-savvy kid. “When our teachers at the school got computers, they would ask me to set them up,” Daniel said.&nbsp;

In 1999, he and four high school friends started a computer repair business in Buhler with $250 in the basement of his parent’s house. The business was named IdeaTek.&nbsp;

Daniel continued the business in college while his four friends pursued other interests.&nbsp;He studied computer systems support at Hutchinson Community College and management information systems at Wichita State before pursuing the business full time in Buhler, where he and his wife and family live today.&nbsp;

Daniel served three terms as mayor of Buhler and is currently a Reno County Commissioner. He was a member of the Kansas Broadband Expansion Taskforce and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Commission Competitive Infrastructure Working Group. Locally, he is a member of community foundation boards and trustee of the Buhler MB Church.&nbsp;

Back in 2005, Daniel transitioned IdeaTek from computers to the telecommunications business. IdeaTek pioneered fiber-to-the-home internet service in Buhler in 2007, followed by servicing nearby rural communities such as Bentley, population 530, and Yoder, population 194 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The business continued to grow and change. Daniel transitioned from CEO to chief innovation officer.&nbsp;

“Today we are highly focused on high quality fiber optics,” Daniel said. “We are an internet service provider focused on underserved areas of the state of Kansas.”&nbsp;

“Everyone deserves high quality, robust broadband service. Geography shouldn’t be a limiting factor.”&nbsp;

The pandemic demonstrated the importance of broadband service for quality education, health care and more.&nbsp;

“We’re big proponents of competition,” Daniel said. “If you let the free market work, it will solve problems. Competition always benefits the consumer.”&nbsp;

Today, IdeaTek has grown to more than 120 employees. IdeaTek’s service area now reaches from Strong City to Liberal.&nbsp;

In 2020, federal CARES Act funding was allocated for broadband telecommunications in rural, underserved areas. IdeaTek took on several projects.&nbsp;

“That was a monumental lift,” Daniel said. In three months, IdeaTek reached out to serve 17 counties. Nearly 20 communities received fiber for the first time. The company deployed 20 cable plows and 39 bore machines to build 70 towers and 358 route miles.&nbsp;

In the end, the project involved 115,000 hours and 25,805 fiber miles with potential to serve 10,335 homes and businesses. The total investment was $18 million. “It was the most rewarding and challenging project we’ve done,” Daniel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The goal remains to reach underserved areas of Kansas. According to IdeaTek, Kansas ranks 28th in the nation for broadband connectivity - 173,000 Kansans do not have wired broadband services available in their home, and 26 percent of rural Americans lack access to broadband compared to only one percent of urban customers.&nbsp;

“We call ourselves Internet freedom fighters,” Daniel said. “We want to free people from poor Internet service.” The company website even describes a freedom fighter’s characteristics: passionate, tenacious, inventive, hyper-adaptable and trustworthy.&nbsp;

IdeaTek was named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing private companies. The company website says: “We’re&nbsp;small-town&nbsp;techies and&nbsp;Kansans at heart,&nbsp;passionate about helping&nbsp;rural communities thrive. If we can help make that happen by connecting community members and organizations with our&nbsp;fast, reliable internet,&nbsp;we are&nbsp;all about it.”&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ideatek.com/">www.IdeaTek.com</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to say goodbye to these freedom fighters. They’re not fighting guerilla warfare in some jungle somewhere; they are fighting for better broadband service in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

We salute Daniel Friesen and all the people at IdeaTek in Buhler for making a difference with rural broadband advocacy and investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope they keep up the good fight.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629897872208.png" alt="Daniel Friesen,&nbsp;IdeaTek" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Friesen,&nbsp;IdeaTek</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Let’s meet some freedom fighters. These won’t be found in some jungle fighting a dictator. These fighters are working to achieve freedom from bad Internet service, and they are based in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Daniel Friesen is founder and chief innovation officer at IdeaTek in Buhler. He describes his company’s staff as freedom fighters for good Internet service, particularly in rural communities.&nbsp;Daniel went to high school in Buhler. He was a tech-savvy kid. “When our teachers at the school got computers, they would ask me to set them up,” Daniel said.&nbsp;In 1999, he and four high school friends started a computer repair business in Buhler with $250 in the basement of his parent’s house. The business was named IdeaTek.&nbsp;Daniel continued the business in college while his four friends pursued other interests.&nbsp;He studied computer systems support at Hutchinson Community College and management information systems at Wichita State before pursuing the business full time in Buhler, where he and his wife and family live today.&nbsp;Daniel served three terms as mayor of Buhler and is currently a Reno County Commissioner. He was a member of the Kansas Broadband Expansion Taskforce and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Commission Competitive Infrastructure Working Group. Locally, he is a member of community foundation boards and trustee of the Buhler MB Church.&nbsp;Back in 2005, Daniel transitioned IdeaTek from computers to the telecommunications business. IdeaTek pioneered fiber-to-the-home internet service in Buhler in 2007, followed by servicing nearby rural communities such as Bentley, population 530, and Yoder, population 194 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The business continued to grow and change. Daniel transitioned from CEO to chief innovation officer.&nbsp;“Today we are highly focused on high quality fiber optics,” Daniel said. “We are an internet service provider focused on underserved areas of the state of Kansas.”&nbsp;“Everyone deserves high quality, robust broadband service. Geography shouldn’t be a limiting factor.”&nbsp;The pandemic demonstrated the importance of broadband service for quality education, health care and more.&nbsp;“We’re big proponents of competition,” Daniel said. “If you let the free market work, it will solve problems. Competition always benefits the consumer.”&nbsp;Today, IdeaTek has grown to more than 120 employees. IdeaTek’s service area now reaches from Strong City to Liberal.&nbsp;In 2020, federal CARES Act funding was allocated for broadband telecommunications in rural, underserved areas. IdeaTek took on several projects.&nbsp;“That was a monumental lift,” Daniel said. In three months, IdeaTek reached out to serve 17 counties. Nearly 20 communities received fiber for the first time. The company deployed 20 cable plows and 39 bore machines to build 70 towers and 358 route miles.&nbsp;In the end, the project involved 115,000 hours and 25,805 fiber miles with potential to serve 10,335 homes and businesses. The total investment was $18 million. “It was the most rewarding and challenging project we’ve done,” Daniel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The goal remains to reach underserved areas of Kansas. According to IdeaTek, Kansas ranks 28th in the nation for broadband connectivity - 173,000 Kansans do not have wired broadband services available in their home, and 26 percent of rural Americans lack access to broadband compared to only one percent of urban customers.&nbsp;“We call ourselves Internet freedom fighters,” Daniel said. “We want to free people from poor Internet service.” The company website even describes a freedom fighter’s characteristics: passionate, tenacious, inventive, hyper-adaptable and trustworthy.&nbsp;IdeaTek was named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing private companies. The company website says: “We’re&nbsp;small-town&nbsp;techies and&nbsp;Kansans at heart,&nbsp;passionate about helping&nbsp;rural communities thrive. If we can help make that happen by connecting community members and organizations with our&nbsp;fast, reliable internet,&nbsp;we are&nbsp;all about it.”&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ideatek.com/">www.IdeaTek.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to say goodbye to these freedom fighters. They’re not fighting guerilla warfare in some jungle somewhere; they are fighting for better broadband service in rural Kansas.&nbsp;We salute Daniel Friesen and all the people at IdeaTek in Buhler for making a difference with rural broadband advocacy and investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope they keep up the good fight.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek 


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — University of Kansas political science professor Patrick Miller notes that, if Republicans can stay united in the Kansas Legislature, they can reshape the state's electoral map however they choose.

"There's no check on partisan based redistricting," Miller said. "The conservative majority on the Supreme Court has said recently that the federal courts cannot adjudicate cases about partisan redistricting, that you can't even bring that into the federal court."

D.C. is trying to shape redistricting on both sides, though.

"They are sending out maps from D.C. to the states, suggested maps to state legislatures saying, you know, this is kind of what we would like your map to look like, so that we can get another person of our party in D.C.," Miller said. "They're doing that more aggressively than they were 10 years ago, quite frankly. Democrats aren't going to waste their time sending model maps to Kansas. They're sending model maps to Illinois and New York. Republicans are sending model maps to Kansas and Georgia, places like that."

The Democrats best chance in Kansas to have a voice in the process may be to try to divide Republicans amongst themselves.

"Ten years ago, we couldn't come up with a map, quite frankly, because moderate Republicans and conservative Republicans couldn't compromise," Miller said. "They were each trying to shaft each other in that process, so the process broke down. There are a lot fewer moderate Republicans in the legislature these days, not very many, quite frankly. Republicans have that supermajority, which means that in theory, if Republicans stay united, they can override a gubernatorial veto."

Hutchinson Democrat Jason Probst is on the House committee. McPherson Republican Rick Wilborn chairs the Senate panel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — University of Kansas political science professor Patrick Miller notes that, if Republicans can stay united in the Kansas Legislature, they can reshape the state's electoral map however they choose."There's no check on partisan based redistricting," Miller said. "The conservative majority on the Supreme Court has said recently that the federal courts cannot adjudicate cases about partisan redistricting, that you can't even bring that into the federal court."D.C. is trying to shape redistricting on both sides, though."They are sending out maps from D.C. to the states, suggested maps to state legislatures saying, you know, this is kind of what we would like your map to look like, so that we can get another person of our party in D.C.," Miller said. "They're doing that more aggressively than they were 10 years ago, quite frankly. Democrats aren't going to waste their time sending model maps to Kansas. They're sending model maps to Illinois and New York. Republicans are sending model maps to Kansas and Georgia, places like that."The Democrats best chance in Kansas to have a voice in the process may be to try to divide Republicans amongst themselves."Ten years ago, we couldn't come up with a map, quite frankly, because moderate Republicans and conservative Republicans couldn't compromise," Miller said. "They were each trying to shaft each other in that process, so the process broke down. There are a lot fewer moderate Republicans in the legislature these days, not very many, quite frankly. Republicans have that supermajority, which means that in theory, if Republicans stay united, they can override a gubernatorial veto."Hutchinson Democrat Jason Probst is on the House committee. McPherson Republican Rick Wilborn chairs the Senate panel.

Miller: Key to redistricting in Kansas is Republican unity, or lack of it

By SHAUNA RUMBAUGH <a href="https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/camp-exposes-inner-city-youth-to-agriculture-college-experience/article_3508a398-01ba-11ec-b0f0-2b0e32302a85.html?utm_source=hpj.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fhpj-weekly%2F%3F-dc%3D1629478818&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=headline">High Plains Journal</a>

NICODEMUS — Agriculture is part of the legacy of the historic northwest Kansas town of Nicodemus in Graham County. In the late 1870s, freed slaves headed west and started a farming community in Nicodemus, the oldest and only remaining African American settlement west of the Mississippi River.

Descendants of those early settlers highlight the town’s history during an annual agriculture camp for students ages 10 to 17. The 2021 Switzer/KSU Ag Camp was held July 19 to 21. JohnElla Holmes, Ph.D., retired Kansas State University instructor, is the founder and director of Nicodemus Educational Camps.

The camp was named in honor of Nicodemus native, football All-American and Kansas State University Hall of Fame athlete Veryl Switzer. Holmes said Switzer is “a Kansas State great. His name is on the students’ section of the Snyder Family Football Stadium. He was a star athlete on the football and track field from 1950 to 1954, and he was drafted to and integrated the Green Bay Packers in 1954. He was the No. 4 pick in the first round draft in 1954.”

After returning from service in the U.S.
 Air Force and playing football in Canada, Switzer worked as an educator
 and administrator, then returned to K-State and served as associate 
director of athletics and assistant vice president of minority affairs 
before retiring.

“He started 
one of the first academic success programs in athletics,” Holmes said. 
While at K-State he also wrote a TRIO grant for Upward Bound, a 
Department of Education program that prepares students for 
post-secondary education.

Holmes said Switzer wanted to expand Upward Bound into agriculture and worked with Holmes to make that happen.

“He
 really wanted to do something that would make sure that our youth today
 understood what kind of pride there is in farming and owning your own 
land. He wanted to bring pride back into land ownership and farming, and
 he’s always believed that if you can feed your family then you are a 
success.”

Holmes said Switzer 
wanted to expose inner-city kids to agriculture, how diverse the degrees
 are, what opportunities are available and how agriculture continues to 
expand.

In 2005 Switzer and 
Holmes developed a curriculum modeled on the Upward Bound program, which
 resulted in the Switzer/KSU Ag Camp launching in 2007.

“For
 the first two days of camp, we bring them to Kansas State University, 
where K-State’s College of Agriculture hosts them. They take them 
through all kinds of tours and they talk to professors, graduate 
students and a MANNRS [Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and 
Related Sciences] group,” she said.

Campers
 stay in the residence halls, eat in the dining hall and experience 
college life as they meet with university student mentors.

“Because of the high population of 
ethnic minority students, they get to see students who look like them 
that are actually majoring in agronomy, milling science, pre-vet and 
that sort of thing,” Holmes said.

They also expose campers to career options in agribusiness, ag economics, ag communications and related fields.

The
 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
 leads part of the camp as well. One day of the camp is dedicated to 
water resources, conservation and sustainability, Holmes said.

In
 Osborne, Kansas, the campers meet with Extension agents and wildlife 
biologists to learn about erosion and how farmers and others use water, 
as well as what a precious resource it is and why it needs to be 
conserved. The youth also get to catch and release fish and see other 
wildlife on the trip.

The group
 then heads to Nicodemus to learn about the town’s heritage and visit 
area farms. During previous camps, students have been able to experience
 wheat harvest and take turns riding in a combine.

“They
 get to see Black-owned property and the pride and respect we have in 
that, and how we’re trying to increase agribusiness in this area,” 
Holmes said. For example, Angela Bates, executive director of the 
Nicodemus Historical Society, is turning her father’s farmland into a 
lavender field and the old homestead into a guesthouse.

They work in a garden and learn about 
how to have a garden anywhere, such as a patio, driveway or hay bale 
garden. K-State provides campers with a plant they can take home after 
learning how to care for it. Campers also go horseback riding and 
fishing and enjoy other recreational activities while visiting 
Nicodemus.

The Kansas Black 
Farmers Association does fundraising for the camp and sponsors several 
scholarships. The organization funded a cabin in Nicodemus where the 
campers stay, and additional lodging is provided at the Bates farm.

As
 of 2019, the camp has served 600 students, and Holmes said she is very 
proud that of the campers who have reached their senior year, “We had a 
100% graduation rate of all our campers.” She added that many of those 
students have gone on to receive higher education at a college, 
university or trade school. A few of the former campers have opted to 
pursue agriculture-related careers, too.

The
 education they receive about agriculture at the Switzer/KSU Ag Camp is 
valuable to campers even if they do not choose to make it a career. 
Holmes said organizers plan to include an alumni reunion for the 15th 
anniversary of the camp next year.

To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.nicodemuscamps.com">www.nicodemuscamps.com</a>.

Shauna Rumbaugh can be reached at 620-227-1805 or <a href="mailto:srumbaugh@hpj.com">srumbaugh@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629480189221.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Nicodemus Educational Camps" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Nicodemus Educational Camps</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHAUNA RUMBAUGH <a href="https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/camp-exposes-inner-city-youth-to-agriculture-college-experience/article_3508a398-01ba-11ec-b0f0-2b0e32302a85.html?utm_source=hpj.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fhpj-weekly%2F%3F-dc%3D1629478818&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=headline">High Plains Journal</a>NICODEMUS — Agriculture is part of the legacy of the historic northwest Kansas town of Nicodemus in Graham County. In the late 1870s, freed slaves headed west and started a farming community in Nicodemus, the oldest and only remaining African American settlement west of the Mississippi River.Descendants of those early settlers highlight the town’s history during an annual agriculture camp for students ages 10 to 17. The 2021 Switzer/KSU Ag Camp was held July 19 to 21. JohnElla Holmes, Ph.D., retired Kansas State University instructor, is the founder and director of Nicodemus Educational Camps.The camp was named in honor of Nicodemus native, football All-American and Kansas State University Hall of Fame athlete Veryl Switzer. Holmes said Switzer is “a Kansas State great. His name is on the students’ section of the Snyder Family Football Stadium. He was a star athlete on the football and track field from 1950 to 1954, and he was drafted to and integrated the Green Bay Packers in 1954. He was the No. 4 pick in the first round draft in 1954.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629480271822.png" alt="Veryl Switzer (Photo courtesy of K-State Athletics Hall of Fame.)" />
 <figcaption>Veryl Switzer (Photo courtesy of K-State Athletics Hall of Fame.)</figcaption>
 </figure>After returning from service in the U.S.
 Air Force and playing football in Canada, Switzer worked as an educator
 and administrator, then returned to K-State and served as associate 
director of athletics and assistant vice president of minority affairs 
before retiring.“He started 
one of the first academic success programs in athletics,” Holmes said. 
While at K-State he also wrote a TRIO grant for Upward Bound, a 
Department of Education program that prepares students for 
post-secondary education.Holmes said Switzer wanted to expand Upward Bound into agriculture and worked with Holmes to make that happen.“He
 really wanted to do something that would make sure that our youth today
 understood what kind of pride there is in farming and owning your own 
land. He wanted to bring pride back into land ownership and farming, and
 he’s always believed that if you can feed your family then you are a 
success.”Holmes said Switzer 
wanted to expose inner-city kids to agriculture, how diverse the degrees
 are, what opportunities are available and how agriculture continues to 
expand.In 2005 Switzer and 
Holmes developed a curriculum modeled on the Upward Bound program, which
 resulted in the Switzer/KSU Ag Camp launching in 2007.<h2>Experiential learning</h2>“For
 the first two days of camp, we bring them to Kansas State University, 
where K-State’s College of Agriculture hosts them. They take them 
through all kinds of tours and they talk to professors, graduate 
students and a MANNRS [Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and 
Related Sciences] group,” she said.Campers
 stay in the residence halls, eat in the dining hall and experience 
college life as they meet with university student mentors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629480331368.png" alt="Courtesy High Plains Journal" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy High Plains Journal</figcaption>
 </figure>“Because of the high population of 
ethnic minority students, they get to see students who look like them 
that are actually majoring in agronomy, milling science, pre-vet and 
that sort of thing,” Holmes said.They also expose campers to career options in agribusiness, ag economics, ag communications and related fields.The
 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
 leads part of the camp as well. One day of the camp is dedicated to 
water resources, conservation and sustainability, Holmes said.In
 Osborne, Kansas, the campers meet with Extension agents and wildlife 
biologists to learn about erosion and how farmers and others use water, 
as well as what a precious resource it is and why it needs to be 
conserved. The youth also get to catch and release fish and see other 
wildlife on the trip.The group
 then heads to Nicodemus to learn about the town’s heritage and visit 
area farms. During previous camps, students have been able to experience
 wheat harvest and take turns riding in a combine.“They
 get to see Black-owned property and the pride and respect we have in 
that, and how we’re trying to increase agribusiness in this area,” 
Holmes said. For example, Angela Bates, executive director of the 
Nicodemus Historical Society, is turning her father’s farmland into a 
lavender field and the old homestead into a guesthouse.They work in a garden and learn about 
how to have a garden anywhere, such as a patio, driveway or hay bale 
garden. K-State provides campers with a plant they can take home after 
learning how to care for it. Campers also go horseback riding and 
fishing and enjoy other recreational activities while visiting 
Nicodemus.The Kansas Black 
Farmers Association does fundraising for the camp and sponsors several 
scholarships. The organization funded a cabin in Nicodemus where the 
campers stay, and additional lodging is provided at the Bates farm.As
 of 2019, the camp has served 600 students, and Holmes said she is very 
proud that of the campers who have reached their senior year, “We had a 
100% graduation rate of all our campers.” She added that many of those 
students have gone on to receive higher education at a college, 
university or trade school. A few of the former campers have opted to 
pursue agriculture-related careers, too.The
 education they receive about agriculture at the Switzer/KSU Ag Camp is 
valuable to campers even if they do not choose to make it a career. 
Holmes said organizers plan to include an alumni reunion for the 15th 
anniversary of the camp next year.To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.nicodemuscamps.com">www.nicodemuscamps.com</a>.Shauna Rumbaugh can be reached at 620-227-1805 or <a href="mailto:srumbaugh@hpj.com">srumbaugh@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission,

Camp exposes inner-city youth to agriculture, college experience

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Fire Department chief Ryan Hagans shares tips on home fire prevention.

<div><iframe title="Small measures can reduce risk of fire at home" 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=aqdhb-10c6683-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Fire Department chief Ryan Hagans shares tips on home fire prevention. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Small measures can reduce risk of fire at home

'We need to be telling the community how bad the conditions are'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Every school except two in Hays USD 489 received Fs in a facilities evaluation by the district's architectural firm, DLR Group.

A community committee created to give recommendations to the Hays school board about a potential bond issue met Wednesday night with DLR representatives.

A group of administrators and a group of teachers met with DLR earlier in the day.

Most of the scores were close to a similar assessment that was done in 2017 during the last bond attempt.

Some scores rose slightly thanks to capital improvement projects that have been completed in recent years in the buildings. This included updated locks and new secure entrances at all the schools. Lights at all of the schools have been replaced with LEDs except at Wilson.

"There is only so much [Rusty Lindsay, buildings and grounds director] can fix with the budget he has," Kirby Pennington, DLR project architect, said. "By the time he fixes this with the budget he has, the problems have compounded. ... It is really a Band-Aid approach that he is limited to.

"He is not going to be able to fix those space problems that are all over."

The schools were evaluated on two criteria — facility condition and educational environment.

Facility conditions dealt with issues, such as HVAC, accessibility, plumbing, roofs, and safety and security. Educational environment dealt with the sizes of the classrooms, space for student collaboration and project-based learning, and furniture and equipment.

Hays Middle School received a 70 for facility condition, but a 44 for educational environment.

Roosevelt Elementary School received a 62 percent for facility condition in part bolstered by a new heating and air-conditioning system that was installed this summer. It scored a 44 for the educational environment.

See a snapshot of the scores below and a more detailed assessment of the schools at the end of this story.

All of the elementary schools scored a three or lower out of five on accessibility. Lincoln scored a 1. Lincoln has stairs and no elevator. Its cafeteria is also in the basement.&nbsp;

Many of the district's restrooms do not have grab bars or a turning radius adequate to turn a wheelchair.&nbsp;

"It's not fair," Pennington said. "That's an experience someone has to live every day."

She also showed a picture of a lunch table that had no space for a wheelchair to pull up to.

Westside, as well as Rockwell, with their multiple floors, are inaccessible to individuals who have mobility issues.

Many of the schools have old windows that are leaking, as well as doors that are rusting. The older single-pane windows are not well insulated and let in heat, cold and noise.

Ceilings are leaking as well. Teachers have reported ceiling tiles falling on students. Even if roofs are repaired, the mechanical systems above the tiles are failing, causing water to drip onto the tiles.

"There are a lot of condition issues," Pennington said. "Not everything can be addressed. It is all coming to a head because all of the buildings are kind of at their end of life."

Although the district has adopted technological advances, the schools are struggling to meet the power and connectivity needs of those upgrades, Pennington said.

Parts for the mechanical systems are difficult to purchase because they don't make them anymore, she said.

HHS has a new audio/visual lab, but it's next to the school's mechanical room. The students have to time their recording based on when the heating and cooling system kicks on and off.

"One teacher said it makes her sad that the kids know how the building is limiting them," Pennington said.&nbsp;

Hays Middle School is the only school in the district with a certified tornado shelter. Some of the schools have shelter spaces that are accessed via stairs, which means children who can't navigate the stairs have to be carried.

"The conditions in those spaces are subhuman," Pennington said. "They aren't adequate. In order to fit all of the kids, they have to go through tunnels and crawl under the piping to get all the kids down there.

"That's terrible. We need to be telling the community how bad the conditions are."

In the previous meetings of the bond committees, Stephanie Myer, DLR community engagement leader, said the schools' lack of adequate space came up over and over again.

All of the schools with the exception of Lincoln are overcapacity. Hays High School's enrollment is 905 students with a capacity of 862 students.&nbsp;

Enrollment will likely rise again next year as the eighth-grade class that will be coming into the school next fall is larger than the senior class that will be graduating in 2022, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said.

Pennigton said a high school would ideally operate at 76 to 89 percent capacity. High school and middle schools need more space because students are moving between classes.&nbsp;

Elementary school can operate closer to capacity, because most students remain in the same classroom most of the day.

Hays Middle School is operating at 105 percent capacity with 730 students in a space meant for 696.

Roosevelt is the only school that has optimum classroom space. HHS' typical classroom is 680 square feet, but the ideal class size for a high school is 850 square feet. HMS comes closer to meeting the classroom size requirements but does not meet standards for square feet per student because of the overcrowding.

Wilson, O'Loughlin and Lincoln all have classrooms that are 800 square feet or less, which is much lower than the recommended 900 square feet. Wilson and O'Loughlin are also dealing with overcrowding.

"There is so much movement that is happening in education that can't be done here because the facility is the way it is," Pennington said.

Pennington asked, "Do students look at their school and say, 'That's designed for me.'

"I think when you walk into these buildings, it's a different mentality. Schools are built differently. Yes, good learning happens in those places, but when the facility is in such disrepair, it's not the same learning experience that it was 30 years ago or 40 years ago or 50 years ago. You have a building in the district that's 96 years old.

"It's not the same, and I don't think we can make that statement anymore."

As the committee looked forward to its next meeting, it briefly discussed its priorities based on the report it heard Wednesday.

Both teachers and community members said they would like to see a new school built. The community members also said they want the school bond to include long-term plans to address deferred maintenance that is not going to be able to be addressed in the bond.

Teachers' priorities included accessibility, an auditorium, safety and security, space for project-based learning, improved athletic and outdoor facilities, updated HVAC systems, and plumbing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630007195748.jpeg" alt="Photos of accessibility issues at USD 489 schools presented at a bond committee meeting Wednesday night.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photos of accessibility issues at USD 489 schools presented at a bond committee meeting Wednesday night.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'We need to be telling the community how bad the conditions are'</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEvery school except two in Hays USD 489 received Fs in a facilities evaluation by the district's architectural firm, DLR Group.A community committee created to give recommendations to the Hays school board about a potential bond issue met Wednesday night with DLR representatives.A group of administrators and a group of teachers met with DLR earlier in the day.<h2>Progress since 2017</h2>Most of the scores were close to a similar assessment that was done in 2017 during the last bond attempt.Some scores rose slightly thanks to capital improvement projects that have been completed in recent years in the buildings. This included updated locks and new secure entrances at all the schools. Lights at all of the schools have been replaced with LEDs except at Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630009841554.jpeg" alt="Capital Outlay Progress. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>Capital Outlay Progress. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630009887023.jpeg" alt="Capital Outlay Progress. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>Capital Outlay Progress. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure>"There is only so much [Rusty Lindsay, buildings and grounds director] can fix with the budget he has," Kirby Pennington, DLR project architect, said. "By the time he fixes this with the budget he has, the problems have compounded. ... It is really a Band-Aid approach that he is limited to."He is not going to be able to fix those space problems that are all over."<h2>Most schools have failing facilities</h2>The schools were evaluated on two criteria — facility condition and educational environment.Facility conditions dealt with issues, such as HVAC, accessibility, plumbing, roofs, and safety and security. Educational environment dealt with the sizes of the classrooms, space for student collaboration and project-based learning, and furniture and equipment.Hays Middle School received a 70 for facility condition, but a 44 for educational environment.Roosevelt Elementary School received a 62 percent for facility condition in part bolstered by a new heating and air-conditioning system that was installed this summer. It scored a 44 for the educational environment.See a snapshot of the scores below and a more detailed assessment of the schools at the end of this story.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629993562897.jpeg" alt="Information from DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>Information from DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure>All of the elementary schools scored a three or lower out of five on accessibility. Lincoln scored a 1. Lincoln has stairs and no elevator. Its cafeteria is also in the basement.&nbsp;Many of the district's restrooms do not have grab bars or a turning radius adequate to turn a wheelchair.&nbsp;"It's not fair," Pennington said. "That's an experience someone has to live every day."She also showed a picture of a lunch table that had no space for a wheelchair to pull up to.Westside, as well as Rockwell, with their multiple floors, are inaccessible to individuals who have mobility issues.Many of the schools have old windows that are leaking, as well as doors that are rusting. The older single-pane windows are not well insulated and let in heat, cold and noise.Ceilings are leaking as well. Teachers have reported ceiling tiles falling on students. Even if roofs are repaired, the mechanical systems above the tiles are failing, causing water to drip onto the tiles."There are a lot of condition issues," Pennington said. "Not everything can be addressed. It is all coming to a head because all of the buildings are kind of at their end of life."Although the district has adopted technological advances, the schools are struggling to meet the power and connectivity needs of those upgrades, Pennington said.Parts for the mechanical systems are difficult to purchase because they don't make them anymore, she said.HHS has a new audio/visual lab, but it's next to the school's mechanical room. The students have to time their recording based on when the heating and cooling system kicks on and off."One teacher said it makes her sad that the kids know how the building is limiting them," Pennington said.&nbsp;Hays Middle School is the only school in the district with a certified tornado shelter. Some of the schools have shelter spaces that are accessed via stairs, which means children who can't navigate the stairs have to be carried."The conditions in those spaces are subhuman," Pennington said. "They aren't adequate. In order to fit all of the kids, they have to go through tunnels and crawl under the piping to get all the kids down there."That's terrible. We need to be telling the community how bad the conditions are."<h2>Schools over capacity</h2>In the previous meetings of the bond committees, Stephanie Myer, DLR community engagement leader, said the schools' lack of adequate space came up over and over again.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630009732494.jpeg" alt="USD 489 capacity chart. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 capacity chart. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure>All of the schools with the exception of Lincoln are overcapacity. Hays High School's enrollment is 905 students with a capacity of 862 students.&nbsp;Enrollment will likely rise again next year as the eighth-grade class that will be coming into the school next fall is larger than the senior class that will be graduating in 2022, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said.Pennigton said a high school would ideally operate at 76 to 89 percent capacity. High school and middle schools need more space because students are moving between classes.&nbsp;Elementary school can operate closer to capacity, because most students remain in the same classroom most of the day.Hays Middle School is operating at 105 percent capacity with 730 students in a space meant for 696.Roosevelt is the only school that has optimum classroom space. HHS' typical classroom is 680 square feet, but the ideal class size for a high school is 850 square feet. HMS comes closer to meeting the classroom size requirements but does not meet standards for square feet per student because of the overcrowding.Wilson, O'Loughlin and Lincoln all have classrooms that are 800 square feet or less, which is much lower than the recommended 900 square feet. Wilson and O'Loughlin are also dealing with overcrowding."There is so much movement that is happening in education that can't be done here because the facility is the way it is," Pennington said.Pennington asked, "Do students look at their school and say, 'That's designed for me.'"I think when you walk into these buildings, it's a different mentality. Schools are built differently. Yes, good learning happens in those places, but when the facility is in such disrepair, it's not the same learning experience that it was 30 years ago or 40 years ago or 50 years ago. You have a building in the district that's 96 years old."It's not the same, and I don't think we can make that statement anymore."<h2>Priorities</h2>As the committee looked forward to its next meeting, it briefly discussed its priorities based on the report it heard Wednesday.Both teachers and community members said they would like to see a new school built. The community members also said they want the school bond to include long-term plans to address deferred maintenance that is not going to be able to be addressed in the bond.Teachers' priorities included accessibility, an auditorium, safety and security, space for project-based learning, improved athletic and outdoor facilities, updated HVAC systems, and plumbing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630094839628.jpeg" alt="Facility scorecard categories. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>Facility scorecard categories. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630008428645.jpeg" alt="HHS Scorecard. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>HHS Scorecard. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630008527397.jpeg" alt="HMS scorecard. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>HMS scorecard. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630008856572.jpeg" alt="Wilson scorecard. Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>Wilson scorecard. Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630008955428.jpeg" alt="Lincoln scorecard.&nbsp;Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln scorecard.&nbsp;Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630009045752.jpeg" alt="O'Loughlin scorecard.&nbsp;Source: DLR Group" />
 <figcaption>O'Loughlin scorecard.&nbsp;Source: DLR Group</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630008219943.jpeg" alt="Roosevelt scorecard. Source:&nbsp;DLR Group. Note: DLR is re-evaluating Roosevelt's mechanical score based on the new HVAC controls at the school. That score may change." />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt scorecard. Source:&nbsp;DLR Group. Note: DLR is re-evaluating Roosevelt's mechanical score based on the new HVAC controls at the school. That score may change.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays schools receive failing facility grades

Ellis County has announced the hiring of Jackie Schumacher as the new human resource coordinator. This is a new addition to the Ellis County staff that will bring some new opportunities in the recruitment, selection and retention of all employees.

“We are thrilled to have Jackie join our team. We believe she will enhance our commitment to our employees and help improve morale. She has a positive attitude, which will provide an all-around better experience to all employees starting day one," said Darin Myers, county administrator, said.

A native of Ellis County, Schumacher resides in Hays with her husband Chandler and two daughters, Giana and Mia. She brings more than 18 years of experience managing and leading operations, including human resource activities in several sectors.

Schumacher is “most excited to focus on, work with and serve Ellis County employees, enhancing their experiences so they are equipped to work with, serve and improve our community.”

Schumacher attended Fort Hays State University and earned a BBA in marketing, a certificate in leadership and most recently an MPS in Human Resource Management. A life-long learner, she also recently completed coursework through the Kansas Leadership Center. She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association.

“Darin and Sheriff Braun’s enthusiasm towards current employees, accomplishments thus far, and the vision for Ellis County during the selection process has made me very grateful to be joining the team during this exciting time, and I look forward to starting mid-September,” Schumacher said.

Ellis CountyEllis County has announced the hiring of Jackie Schumacher as the new human resource coordinator. This is a new addition to the Ellis County staff that will bring some new opportunities in the recruitment, selection and retention of all employees.“We are thrilled to have Jackie join our team. We believe she will enhance our commitment to our employees and help improve morale. She has a positive attitude, which will provide an all-around better experience to all employees starting day one," said Darin Myers, county administrator, said.A native of Ellis County, Schumacher resides in Hays with her husband Chandler and two daughters, Giana and Mia. She brings more than 18 years of experience managing and leading operations, including human resource activities in several sectors.Schumacher is “most excited to focus on, work with and serve Ellis County employees, enhancing their experiences so they are equipped to work with, serve and improve our community.”Schumacher attended Fort Hays State University and earned a BBA in marketing, a certificate in leadership and most recently an MPS in Human Resource Management. A life-long learner, she also recently completed coursework through the Kansas Leadership Center. She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association.“Darin and Sheriff Braun’s enthusiasm towards current employees, accomplishments thus far, and the vision for Ellis County during the selection process has made me very grateful to be joining the team during this exciting time, and I look forward to starting mid-September,” Schumacher said.

Ellis County hires new human resources coordinator

Correction 10:14 a.m. Aug. 30. Invenergy's donated a total of $10,000 to the community. The Ellis County Fair; Ellis County Fire Department; American Legion,&nbsp;Ellis High School&nbsp;Project Graduation and Toys for Tots also received funds.

Invenergy donated to three of Ellis County's high schools to benefit their garden programs.

Invenergy, Buckeye Wind Energy Center, has donated gardening items to Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays High School and Victoria High School.

Hays High School received funds in the spring to purchase items including an expandable hose, rake, hoe, mini cultivator, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, trowels and pruning shears.

HHS will also receive a dual compost tumbler and freight boxes for raised gardens.

Victoria High School is in the process of building a new greenhouse. Delivery of their gardening supplies will take place at a later date.

On Aug. 18, TMP received donations of a dual compost tumbler and a solar water pump.

TMP students have been volunteering in the garden during the summer with the produce being donated to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, said Randy Brull, garden coordinator and former TMP science teacher.

Preston Mermis and Jenna Brull, both TMP eighth-graders, have been two of those student volunteers.

"It's something fun to do," Mermis said. "[I enjoy] the work. Some people might not enjoy the work, the labor itself, but I enjoy it."

He said he also appreciated the food is going to people who need it.

This will be the fifth year for the TMP garden.

Lesa Lang-Parson of&nbsp;Buckeye Wind Energy LLC said the donations further the company's mission of environmental sustainability.

"With today’s society being a convenient disposable one, it is promising to have our community's youth take a passionate interest in not only the environment but also the needs of the community," Lang-Parson said via email.

"The donations the garden club received are valued, as are the life lessons these students are learning."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629832751287.jpeg" alt="From left, Nolan Schmeidler, operations maintenance manager at Buckeye Wind Energy; Randy Brull, TMP garden coordinator; Melissa Pinkney, TMP garden coordinator; Preston Mermis, TMP eighth-grader and garden volunteer; Lesa Lang-Parson administrative assistant Buckeye Wind Energy; and Jenna Brull, TMP eighth-grader and garden volunteer; receive donations for the TMP garden from Invenergy last week. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>From left, Nolan Schmeidler, operations maintenance manager at Buckeye Wind Energy; Randy Brull, TMP garden coordinator; Melissa Pinkney, TMP garden coordinator; Preston Mermis, TMP eighth-grader and garden volunteer; Lesa Lang-Parson administrative assistant Buckeye Wind Energy; and Jenna Brull, TMP eighth-grader and garden volunteer; receive donations for the TMP garden from Invenergy last week. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Correction 10:14 a.m. Aug. 30. Invenergy's donated a total of $10,000 to the community. The Ellis County Fair; Ellis County Fire Department; American Legion,&nbsp;Ellis High School&nbsp;Project Graduation and Toys for Tots also received funds.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostInvenergy donated to three of Ellis County's high schools to benefit their garden programs.Invenergy, Buckeye Wind Energy Center, has donated gardening items to Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays High School and Victoria High School.Hays High School received funds in the spring to purchase items including an expandable hose, rake, hoe, mini cultivator, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, trowels and pruning shears.HHS will also receive a dual compost tumbler and freight boxes for raised gardens.Victoria High School is in the process of building a new greenhouse. Delivery of their gardening supplies will take place at a later date.On Aug. 18, TMP received donations of a dual compost tumbler and a solar water pump.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629833219933.jpeg" alt="Nikole Winter, Hays High School ag teacher, picks out garden tools that were purchased through a donation from&nbsp;Invenergy. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Nikole Winter, Hays High School ag teacher, picks out garden tools that were purchased through a donation from&nbsp;Invenergy. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP students have been volunteering in the garden during the summer with the produce being donated to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, said Randy Brull, garden coordinator and former TMP science teacher.Preston Mermis and Jenna Brull, both TMP eighth-graders, have been two of those student volunteers."It's something fun to do," Mermis said. "[I enjoy] the work. Some people might not enjoy the work, the labor itself, but I enjoy it."He said he also appreciated the food is going to people who need it.This will be the fifth year for the TMP garden.Lesa Lang-Parson of&nbsp;Buckeye Wind Energy LLC said the donations further the company's mission of environmental sustainability."With today’s society being a convenient disposable one, it is promising to have our community's youth take a passionate interest in not only the environment but also the needs of the community," Lang-Parson said via email."The donations the garden club received are valued, as are the life lessons these students are learning."

Invenergy donates equipment to local high school gardens

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, is interested in learning more about housing concerns in northwest Kansas. The Hansen Foundation serves the 26 most northwest counties in the state, and annually awards approximately $23 million in grants and scholarships.

The Foundation is working with the North Central Regional Planning Commission, Beloit, to collect information about the housing needs in specific counties, and the region as a whole.&nbsp;

On the back cover of the most recent issue of the Foundation’s regional magazine,&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Today, area residents can share their thoughts by taking a short housing survey. Access to the survey is by QR code on the back of the magazine, or online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DaneGHansenHousingSurvey">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DaneGHansenHousingSurvey</a>.

The Hansen Trustees will study the survey results to help determine how or if the Foundation can be a partner in addressing various housing issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575649739391.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, is interested in learning more about housing concerns in northwest Kansas. The Hansen Foundation serves the 26 most northwest counties in the state, and annually awards approximately $23 million in grants and scholarships.The Foundation is working with the North Central Regional Planning Commission, Beloit, to collect information about the housing needs in specific counties, and the region as a whole.&nbsp;On the back cover of the most recent issue of the Foundation’s regional magazine,&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Today, area residents can share their thoughts by taking a short housing survey. Access to the survey is by QR code on the back of the magazine, or online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DaneGHansenHousingSurvey">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DaneGHansenHousingSurvey</a>.The Hansen Trustees will study the survey results to help determine how or if the Foundation can be a partner in addressing various housing issues.

Northwest Kansas housing survey now open

A Hays organization has been awarded almost $77,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Friday.

Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Inc., was awarded grants to support the following programs in 18 area counties:

Kansas Attorney General's OfficeA Hays organization has been awarded almost $77,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Friday.Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Inc., was awarded grants to support the following programs in 18 area counties:<ul>
 <li>$31,970 to provide survivor-centered services to those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking by providing services directly to survivors in their communities.</li><li>$44,894 to strengthen organizational activities including direct services programming and administrative services, which ensures these critical services remain available.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“Organizations across Kansas do great work every day to support victims of crime,” Schmidt said. “We are proud to support these organizations through the victim services grant programs.”The awards were made from the Protection from Abuse Fund and the State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund. The Protection from Abuse Fund is funded by State General Fund appropriations, marriage license fees, county court costs and municipal court assessments. The State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund is funded through the remittance of applicable fines, penalties and forfeitures from clerks of the district courts.This year, the attorney general’s office awarded almost $2.3 million in grants to local and state crime victim assistance organizations. More information on the grant programs and the full list of award recipients is available on the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/#_blank" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>.