Three-day weather outlook

We have been receiving numerous reports of brown patch showing up on tall fescue. This disease is favored by warm night temperatures and extended periods of leaf wetness. If you go outside in the morning and the lawn is covered with dew and the temperature is in the high 60s or higher, it means that conditions are getting right for brown patch. The fungus is primarily a leaf pathogen and does not attack the roots. During severe outbreaks, the fungus may invade the lower leaf sheaths and crown and kill plants. But in most cases, the turfgrass can recover from brown patch. This recovery may take two to three weeks, depending on weather. There is no way to eliminate brown patch from a lawn. It will persist indefinitely in the soil. Therefore, the disease is not carried from one lawn to another. In almost all cases, the limiting factor for brown patch development is the weather, not the amount of fungal inoculum. Although you can’t eliminate the fungus, cultural practices – especially irrigation – can help control it. Don't water in the evening; instead, water early in the morning. This will help decrease the number of hours the leaf tissue remains wet and susceptible to infection.

The frequency of irrigation is not as important as the time of day you do it. Don't overfertilize and certainly don't fertilize when brown patch is active. Also, don't allow your seeding or overseeding rates to become too high.&nbsp;Fungicides can be effective in preventing brown patch, but the two most commonly used products (Heritage and ProStar) are expensive and not available in small quantities to the general public. Homeowners do have access to some effective products including triadimefon (Green Light Fung-Away), propiconazole (BioAdvanced Fungus Control for Lawns, Fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide II) and myclobutanil (Immunox, F-Stop Lawn &amp; Garden). Of the three, triadimefon may be the fungicide of choice because it protects the turf longer (3 to 5 weeks rather than 2 weeks). 

But my suggestion is not to use fungicides unless you want to maintain a blemish-free yard and are willing to pay for it. In those cases, you would need to be on a preventative spray program, which is very expensive, rather than waiting for symptoms and applying as a curative. These products do not cure an infection already present but are only effective as a preventative. Applications should begin in mid-June and continue through August. Often tall fescue lawns will recover from brown patch but infections this year seem more severe than usual and may require overseeding this fall.

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>We have been receiving numerous reports of brown patch showing up on tall fescue. This disease is favored by warm night temperatures and extended periods of leaf wetness. If you go outside in the morning and the lawn is covered with dew and the temperature is in the high 60s or higher, it means that conditions are getting right for brown patch. The fungus is primarily a leaf pathogen and does not attack the roots. During severe outbreaks, the fungus may invade the lower leaf sheaths and crown and kill plants. But in most cases, the turfgrass can recover from brown patch. This recovery may take two to three weeks, depending on weather. There is no way to eliminate brown patch from a lawn. It will persist indefinitely in the soil. Therefore, the disease is not carried from one lawn to another. In almost all cases, the limiting factor for brown patch development is the weather, not the amount of fungal inoculum. Although you can’t eliminate the fungus, cultural practices – especially irrigation – can help control it. Don't water in the evening; instead, water early in the morning. This will help decrease the number of hours the leaf tissue remains wet and susceptible to infection. The frequency of irrigation is not as important as the time of day you do it. Don't overfertilize and certainly don't fertilize when brown patch is active. Also, don't allow your seeding or overseeding rates to become too high.&nbsp;Fungicides can be effective in preventing brown patch, but the two most commonly used products (Heritage and ProStar) are expensive and not available in small quantities to the general public. Homeowners do have access to some effective products including triadimefon (Green Light Fung-Away), propiconazole (BioAdvanced Fungus Control for Lawns, Fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide II) and myclobutanil (Immunox, F-Stop Lawn &amp; Garden). Of the three, triadimefon may be the fungicide of choice because it protects the turf longer (3 to 5 weeks rather than 2 weeks). But my suggestion is not to use fungicides unless you want to maintain a blemish-free yard and are willing to pay for it. In those cases, you would need to be on a preventative spray program, which is very expensive, rather than waiting for symptoms and applying as a curative. These products do not cure an infection already present but are only effective as a preventative. Applications should begin in mid-June and continue through August. Often tall fescue lawns will recover from brown patch but infections this year seem more severe than usual and may require overseeding this fall.Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Brown patch on tall fescue

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Friday — the first new case reported since June 16.

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

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,761 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624902722157.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Friday — the first new case reported since June 16.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,761 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: First new virus case since June 16 ID'd in Ellis Co.

A new program in Ellis County seeks to provide seniors improved access to fresh produce while fostering local producers that sell at farmer's markets.

After being offered in eastern Kansas towns, the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now available to Ellis County low-income residents over 60 years of age.

The program is coordinated through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and administered in Ellis County by the Cottonwood Extension District, 601 Main.

"This year they wanted to branch out and find a larger farmers market they could try it in," said Cottonwood Extension District agent Berny Unruh.

Funding for the program is provided by a federal grant.

"The idea is not only to provide seniors with fruit and vegetables but to promote or support our local farmers," Unruh said.

Unruh said with the price of fresh fruit and vegetables, many seniors living with tight incomes, may be hesitant to purchase the higher cost produce over lower-cost food options.

"They will live a lot longer if they have fresh fruits and vegetables, in their diet," Unruh said.

Those health concerns brought on by a lack of proper nutrition she said can sneak up on seniors and cause a variety of health problems.

"Oftentimes, when those things do start happening, whether it is diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, that is not something that they notice right away, and they don't get it checked, and then their health can decline very quickly," Unruh said.

The signup process is straightforward and can be done quickly in the Cottonwood Extension District office.

"It's two pages," Unruh said. "And we will ask those very simple questions about age and income."

Those seniors who qualify will be given a booklet with seven $5 checks that can then be used at authorized farmers' market vendors.

Those vendors will have signs indicating they are a part of the program.

Unruh said she is hopeful area seniors will take advantage of the program.

"They should not be afraid to come and know that there are things that they might be able to afford," she said.

<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/sfmnp/seniors.htm">For more information about the program visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624565125202.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh shares information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program at the Downtown Hays Farmers Market. Photo courtesy Downtown Hays Development Corp." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh shares information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program at the Downtown Hays Farmers Market. Photo courtesy Downtown Hays Development Corp.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program comes to Ellis County" 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=upx4x-1070ba1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA new program in Ellis County seeks to provide seniors improved access to fresh produce while fostering local producers that sell at farmer's markets.After being offered in eastern Kansas towns, the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now available to Ellis County low-income residents over 60 years of age.The program is coordinated through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and administered in Ellis County by the Cottonwood Extension District, 601 Main."This year they wanted to branch out and find a larger farmers market they could try it in," said Cottonwood Extension District agent Berny Unruh.Funding for the program is provided by a federal grant."The idea is not only to provide seniors with fruit and vegetables but to promote or support our local farmers," Unruh said.Unruh said with the price of fresh fruit and vegetables, many seniors living with tight incomes, may be hesitant to purchase the higher cost produce over lower-cost food options.But she said doing can be detrimental."They will live a lot longer if they have fresh fruits and vegetables, in their diet," Unruh said.<div><iframe title="Vitamins can play an important part in health" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6f4qp-1042527-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=1"></iframe></div>Those health concerns brought on by a lack of proper nutrition she said can sneak up on seniors and cause a variety of health problems."Oftentimes, when those things do start happening, whether it is diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, that is not something that they notice right away, and they don't get it checked, and then their health can decline very quickly," Unruh said.The signup process is straightforward and can be done quickly in the Cottonwood Extension District office."It's two pages," Unruh said. "And we will ask those very simple questions about age and income."Those seniors who qualify will be given a booklet with seven $5 checks that can then be used at authorized farmers' market vendors.Those vendors will have signs indicating they are a part of the program.Unruh said she is hopeful area seniors will take advantage of the program."They should not be afraid to come and know that there are things that they might be able to afford," she said.<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/sfmnp/seniors.htm">For more information about the program visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website.</a>

Extension district works to increase seniors' access to produce

As a couple of hundred people gathered in downtown Hays on Thursday,
either to protest or attend "Understanding the Threat: Strategic and Operational
Training and Consulting on the Threat of the Global Islamic Movement," presented
by conservative leader and former state Rep. Peggy Mast, it was
unlikely anyone’s’ mind was going to be changed.

Across from the venue, a young, diverse crowd standing up to what they perceived as intolerance crowded across the sidewalk as a mostly senior white crowd
arrived to attend the event.

The protestors outnumbered attendees at least 2-to-1, displaying
a variety of signs and loudly chanting “Love not Hate” as supporters drove by
honking and cheering in recognition of the efforts.

Anniston Weber helped notify people about the event via social media, helping create the protest turnout.

“A group of us noticed that there was an event going on at
the Fox, primarily targeting Islam and Muslims,” Weber said. “And we have Muslim
students here, we have a Muslim community here, and they deserve to feel just as
welcome as everybody else here.”

She said Mast's notoriety also drew attention to
the event. 

“The speaker has been known to make homophobic, racist, even
sexist remarks and you know, we don’t need that. … We don’t need bigotry, we don’t
need hate, and Hays is better than that,” Weber said.

Despite the billing, during the event attendees heard Mast share a list of perceived threats to the country from groups like Black
Lives Matter, Antifa, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, communists and
socialists.

During the over two-hour presentation, Mast also spoke about a
variety of conservative
conspiracy theories about COVID-19, global warming and the federal
government moving to control more than they should.

Following her presentation, Mast took audience questions. With
the divisiveness in the room evident from the outset as a young woma, became
frustrated when Mast failed to answer in a way she felt was appropriate.

“She knew she wasn’t going to get an answer,” said a born-and-raised Hays citizen who asked to be identified as Doug Jones, who asked the
next question. “I knew I wasn’t going to get an answer. The point is to ask the
question.”

He asked Mast if it responsible to spread fear with conjecture.

“Through the whole thing, she responded as if there was only
one piece of conjecture, but throughout the whole thing she was making claims
that were unsubstantiated and making generalizations about cultures, making
generalizations about countries and peoples, blaming for this, that and the
other thing,” Jones said.

“And she didn’t answer my question.”

But he didn’t really expect her to, he said.

After Mast avoided the question, audience members started
yelling toward each other, until Jones asked the crowd to move on and listen to
the presenter.

Afterward, he said he felt Mast had presented disjointed ideas,
pushed into a vague idea of an enemy.

“I think people are really scared and I think everybody
wants somebody to blame,” Jones said. “And this whole talk was sort of an
expression of that.

“It was a very chaotic jumble of ‘this person is to blame’
and ‘these people and this person are working together to dismantle the
American ideal.’ ” 

That ideal is based on the existing power structure that is
being perceived as threatened, he said.

“That power structure is white male-dominated that is being
threatened by people from other countries, people from other cultures and stuff,”
he said. “Their ideas are new, foreign and scary.”

But with more access than ever to information and different
ideas, he said he believes it’s a natural response to the growing complexity of
the world.

“It makes sense that more people are going to have more dots
to connect," he said.

But while he felt the presentation was problematic, Mast had the potential
to share relevant information.

He spoke with Mast after the event ended and asked about her concerns
about Islam, noting the event was billed as a discussion on that topic, but it
was not discussed.

“And she preceded to tell me her views about Sharia law and nothing
that I disagree with,” he said.

“She was talking about how it was a very suppressive set of views
and that she doesn’t support it. Very fair. I think if her talk was about
Sharia law there would be a lot less problematic things on in it, but she was
all over the place.”

But his critique of the lack of an organized message extended
to both sides.

“The same thing could be said for this protest,” he said,
pointing to the diverse subjects displayed on the protestors’ signs. “It’s
scattered, disorganized.

“On both sides, the protest and the event, no one knows what
they are really standing for I think. I think it is just people want to be
riled up.”

A lack of understanding — and more, a lack of the desire to
understand — underpins the messaging of both groups, he said. 

“The people out here probably dislike the people in there a
lot more than the people that went in,” he said, noting only a few of the group
of protestors came into the venue. “We were right face to face with them,
sitting in the same room and nobody was super disrespectful to each other.”

Weber said only “one or two” of the protestors she knew of
were planning on going inside. 

“Personally, I don’t think I could stomach it,” Weber said. “After
reading articles and watching interviews with her in the past, I don’t think I
could excuse or condone somebody that quotes Hitler unironically.”

“I think when people are separated from their enemy, they’re
more likely to get upset at them,” Jones said. “I think that if you have a
conversation with your enemy, you are probably going to see that they are a
human being and they deserve respect and they probably have some good points.”

He wished more people had conversations with those that share different opinions and world views.

“Both sides — they don’t know what the person believes, because
they fear somewhere inside themselves, that if they really gave it a shot — if
they really gave the other person a chance — they might be brainwashed.”

But he said his beliefs did not change, just from hearing another
point of view.

“I feel like I understand the other side better,” he said.

Editor's note: Hays Post was requested to take no photos of Mast's presentation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624746019869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs a couple of hundred people gathered in downtown Hays on Thursday,
either to protest or attend "Understanding the Threat: Strategic and Operational
Training and Consulting on the Threat of the Global Islamic Movement," presented
by conservative leader and former state Rep. Peggy Mast, it was
unlikely anyone’s’ mind was going to be changed.Across from the venue, a young, diverse crowd standing up to what they perceived as intolerance crowded across the sidewalk as a mostly senior white crowd
arrived to attend the event.The protestors outnumbered attendees at least 2-to-1, displaying
a variety of signs and loudly chanting “Love not Hate” as supporters drove by
honking and cheering in recognition of the efforts.Anniston Weber helped notify people about the event via social media, helping create the protest turnout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624746195543.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“A group of us noticed that there was an event going on at
the Fox, primarily targeting Islam and Muslims,” Weber said. “And we have Muslim
students here, we have a Muslim community here, and they deserve to feel just as
welcome as everybody else here.”She said Mast's notoriety also drew attention to
the event. “The speaker has been known to make homophobic, racist, even
sexist remarks and you know, we don’t need that. … We don’t need bigotry, we don’t
need hate, and Hays is better than that,” Weber said.Despite the billing, during the event attendees heard Mast share a list of perceived threats to the country from groups like Black
Lives Matter, Antifa, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, communists and
socialists.During the over two-hour presentation, Mast also spoke about a
variety of conservative
conspiracy theories about COVID-19, global warming and the federal
government moving to control more than they should.Following her presentation, Mast took audience questions. With
the divisiveness in the room evident from the outset as a young woma, became
frustrated when Mast failed to answer in a way she felt was appropriate.“She knew she wasn’t going to get an answer,” said a born-and-raised Hays citizen who asked to be identified as Doug Jones, who asked the
next question. “I knew I wasn’t going to get an answer. The point is to ask the
question.”He asked Mast if it responsible to spread fear with conjecture.“Through the whole thing, she responded as if there was only
one piece of conjecture, but throughout the whole thing she was making claims
that were unsubstantiated and making generalizations about cultures, making
generalizations about countries and peoples, blaming for this, that and the
other thing,” Jones said.“And she didn’t answer my question.”But he didn’t really expect her to, he said.After Mast avoided the question, audience members started
yelling toward each other, until Jones asked the crowd to move on and listen to
the presenter.Afterward, he said he felt Mast had presented disjointed ideas,
pushed into a vague idea of an enemy.“I think people are really scared and I think everybody
wants somebody to blame,” Jones said. “And this whole talk was sort of an
expression of that.“It was a very chaotic jumble of ‘this person is to blame’
and ‘these people and this person are working together to dismantle the
American ideal.’ ” That ideal is based on the existing power structure that is
being perceived as threatened, he said.“That power structure is white male-dominated that is being
threatened by people from other countries, people from other cultures and stuff,”
he said. “Their ideas are new, foreign and scary.”But with more access than ever to information and different
ideas, he said he believes it’s a natural response to the growing complexity of
the world.“It makes sense that more people are going to have more dots
to connect," he said.But while he felt the presentation was problematic, Mast had the potential
to share relevant information.He spoke with Mast after the event ended and asked about her concerns
about Islam, noting the event was billed as a discussion on that topic, but it
was not discussed.“And she preceded to tell me her views about Sharia law and nothing
that I disagree with,” he said.“She was talking about how it was a very suppressive set of views
and that she doesn’t support it. Very fair. I think if her talk was about
Sharia law there would be a lot less problematic things on in it, but she was
all over the place.”But his critique of the lack of an organized message extended
to both sides.“The same thing could be said for this protest,” he said,
pointing to the diverse subjects displayed on the protestors’ signs. “It’s
scattered, disorganized.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624746243951.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“On both sides, the protest and the event, no one knows what
they are really standing for I think. I think it is just people want to be
riled up.”A lack of understanding — and more, a lack of the desire to
understand — underpins the messaging of both groups, he said. “The people out here probably dislike the people in there a
lot more than the people that went in,” he said, noting only a few of the group
of protestors came into the venue. “We were right face to face with them,
sitting in the same room and nobody was super disrespectful to each other.”Weber said only “one or two” of the protestors she knew of
were planning on going inside. She would not be one of them.“Personally, I don’t think I could stomach it,” Weber said. “After
reading articles and watching interviews with her in the past, I don’t think I
could excuse or condone somebody that quotes Hitler unironically.”“I think when people are separated from their enemy, they’re
more likely to get upset at them,” Jones said. “I think that if you have a
conversation with your enemy, you are probably going to see that they are a
human being and they deserve respect and they probably have some good points.”He wished more people had conversations with those that share different opinions and world views.“Both sides — they don’t know what the person believes, because
they fear somewhere inside themselves, that if they really gave it a shot — if
they really gave the other person a chance — they might be brainwashed.”But he said his beliefs did not change, just from hearing another
point of view.“I feel like I understand the other side better,” he said.Editor's note: Hays Post was requested to take no photos of Mast's presentation.

'People want to be riled up': Hays event highlights cultural divides

HPPR selected as one of six stations nationwide

While Americans&nbsp;face challenges unlike any other time in our history,&nbsp;High Plains Public Radio&nbsp;in partnership with&nbsp;StoryCorps, the national nonprofit dedicated to recording and preserving personal stories, invites people to take part in meaningful conversations that are recorded for history. With support from the&nbsp;Corporation for Public Broadcasting, HPPR&nbsp;is one of six stations/networks across the country selected to take part in&nbsp;StoryCorps’ &nbsp;One Small Step&nbsp;initiative to facilitate and broadcast conversations with Americans of opposing viewpoints. With participant permission, these conversations are preserved for future generations at the&nbsp;American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.&nbsp;

High Plains Public Radio&nbsp;plans to broadcast edited versions of select submissions from its local communities.

“We’re very excited to join in this project, and hope to bring many High Plains voices to the table,” said HPPR Executive Director Will Murphy. “Public radio, and HPPR in particular, is about bringing people together for civil conversation, and this seemed like a great opportunity for area residents to talk&nbsp;with&nbsp;one another, rather than&nbsp;at&nbsp;one another.”

“Recent polls demonstrate what most of us have already experienced first-hand: that there is a pervasive culture of contempt that threatens the very foundations of our democracy. According to<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-coronavirus-opinion-poll/">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-coronavirus-opinion-poll/">a CBS News poll</a>released earlier this year, more than half of all Americans say the greatest danger to America's way of life comes from their fellow citizens,” said&nbsp;Dave Isay, Founder and President of StoryCorps.&nbsp;“One Small Step aims to remind people of the humanity in all of us, and that it’s hard to hate up close. These communities can model this change for the rest of the country.”

"StoryCorps uses its innovative approach to sharing stories in its One Small Step Communities initiative to foster understanding and respect, even among people who deeply disagree,” said&nbsp;Patricia Harrison,&nbsp;President and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “By working with High Plains Public Radio to connect people with different backgrounds and political beliefs, One Small Step is helping HPPR strengthen their communities, one step at a time. CPB is very pleased to support this effort.”

Launched by StoryCorps in 2018 in response to growing division in the country, One Small Step is a nationwide initiative that provides two strangers who hold different views with the opportunity to take part in facilitated and recorded conversations—specifically to counteract intensifying hostility and to enable those who disagree to listen to each other with respect.&nbsp;Rather than spark additional partisan debates, One Small Step encourages answers to questions such as, “Was there a moment, event, or person in your life that shaped your political views?” and “What scares you most when you think about the future?”

HPPR encourages residents of the High Plains to take part in this limited-time opportunity:&nbsp;

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Information about how to participate is at&nbsp;<a href="http://hppr.org/">HPPR.org</a>.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In locations where COVID social distancing requirements remain in place, High Plains Public Radio will use StoryCorps’ remote recording platform, which pairs two strangers for a conversation over video which is hosted by a trained facilitator.&nbsp;

High Plains Public Radio will also team up with a variety of community organizations to spread the word and will collaborate with StoryCorps to match participants and record conversations through the end of the year. The project will include a series of public listening events, streamed online, in fall 2021. Find out how your organization can partner with High Plains Public Radio at&nbsp;<a href="http://hppr.org/">HPPR.org</a>.

High Plains Public Radio's&nbsp;participation in the One Small Step Communities project is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. StoryCorps' national One Small Step initiative is made possible by the generous support of The Hearthland Foundation, the Fetzer Institute, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Charles Koch Institute.

About High Plains Public Radio HPPR was founded over 40 years ago with one station located in Pierceville, Kansas. In the intervening four decades, it has spread to provide primary public broadcasting service to western Kansas, Eastern Colorado, the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, and portions of Nebraska and New Mexico. HPPR operates a mix of news and music, while a second channel, HPPR Connect, focuses on news and talk programming. In addition to broadcast options, HPPR can be accessed via stream on laptop or smart speaker, or through a readily available mobile app.

About StoryCorps Founded in 2003 by Dave Isay, StoryCorps has given people of all backgrounds and beliefs, in thousands of towns and cities in all 50 states, the chance to record interviews about their lives. The organization preserves the recordings in its archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered, and shares select stories with the public through StoryCorps’ podcast, NPR broadcasts, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books. These powerful human stories reflect the vast range of American experiences, wisdom and values; engender empathy and connection; and remind us how much more we have in common than what divides us.&nbsp;

StoryCorps is especially committed to capturing and amplifying voices least heard in the media. The StoryCorps MobileBooth, an Airstream trailer the organization has transformed into a traveling recording booth, crisscrosses the country year-round in order to gather the stories of people nationwide. There are also StoryBooths located in Chicago and Atlanta.&nbsp;

With the 2015 TED Prize awarded to Dave Isay, StoryCorps launched a free mobile app that puts the StoryCorps experience entirely in the hands of users and enables anyone, anywhere to record meaningful conversations with another person and upload the audio to the Library of Congress. The StoryCorps app serves as the facilitator, guiding users through the interview experience, from recording to archiving to sharing their stories with the world. It provides easy-to-use tools to help people prepare interview questions; record high-quality conversations on their mobile devices; and upload the audio to&nbsp;<a href="http://archive.storycorps.org/">archive.storycorps.org</a>&nbsp;which serves as a home for these recordings and also provides interview and editing resources. StoryCorps recently launched StoryCorps Connect, a new video-based platform that makes it possible for two people in different locations to conduct a StoryCorps interview safely and remotely. After recording a StoryCorps conversation via any of these methods, participants are emailed a link to their interview, and a digital file goes to the Library of Congress, where it will be preserved for generations to come.

StoryCorps is a national institution that fosters a culture of listening in the United States; celebrates the dignity, power, and grace that can be heard in the stories we find all around us; and helps us recognize that every life and every story matters equally. In the coming years, StoryCorps hopes to touch the lives of every American family.

About the Corporation for Public Broadcasting The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio High Plains Public Radios nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cpb.org/">cpb.org,</a>&nbsp;follow us on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CPBmedia">@CPBmedia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CorporationForPublicBroadcasting/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/19798">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpb.org/subscribe">subscribe</a>&nbsp;for other updates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624290796017.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>HPPR selected as one of six stations nationwide</h2>HPPRWhile Americans&nbsp;face challenges unlike any other time in our history,&nbsp;High Plains Public Radio&nbsp;in partnership with&nbsp;StoryCorps, the national nonprofit dedicated to recording and preserving personal stories, invites people to take part in meaningful conversations that are recorded for history. With support from the&nbsp;Corporation for Public Broadcasting, HPPR&nbsp;is one of six stations/networks across the country selected to take part in&nbsp;StoryCorps’ &nbsp;One Small Step&nbsp;initiative to facilitate and broadcast conversations with Americans of opposing viewpoints. With participant permission, these conversations are preserved for future generations at the&nbsp;American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.&nbsp;High Plains Public Radio&nbsp;plans to broadcast edited versions of select submissions from its local communities.“We’re very excited to join in this project, and hope to bring many High Plains voices to the table,” said HPPR Executive Director Will Murphy. “Public radio, and HPPR in particular, is about bringing people together for civil conversation, and this seemed like a great opportunity for area residents to talk&nbsp;with&nbsp;one another, rather than&nbsp;at&nbsp;one another.”“Recent polls demonstrate what most of us have already experienced first-hand: that there is a pervasive culture of contempt that threatens the very foundations of our democracy. According to<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-coronavirus-opinion-poll/">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-coronavirus-opinion-poll/">a CBS News poll</a>released earlier this year, more than half of all Americans say the greatest danger to America's way of life comes from their fellow citizens,” said&nbsp;Dave Isay, Founder and President of StoryCorps.&nbsp;“One Small Step aims to remind people of the humanity in all of us, and that it’s hard to hate up close. These communities can model this change for the rest of the country.”"StoryCorps uses its innovative approach to sharing stories in its One Small Step Communities initiative to foster understanding and respect, even among people who deeply disagree,” said&nbsp;Patricia Harrison,&nbsp;President and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “By working with High Plains Public Radio to connect people with different backgrounds and political beliefs, One Small Step is helping HPPR strengthen their communities, one step at a time. CPB is very pleased to support this effort.”Launched by StoryCorps in 2018 in response to growing division in the country, One Small Step is a nationwide initiative that provides two strangers who hold different views with the opportunity to take part in facilitated and recorded conversations—specifically to counteract intensifying hostility and to enable those who disagree to listen to each other with respect.&nbsp;Rather than spark additional partisan debates, One Small Step encourages answers to questions such as, “Was there a moment, event, or person in your life that shaped your political views?” and “What scares you most when you think about the future?”HPPR encourages residents of the High Plains to take part in this limited-time opportunity:&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Information about how to participate is at&nbsp;<a href="http://hppr.org/">HPPR.org</a>.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In locations where COVID social distancing requirements remain in place, High Plains Public Radio will use StoryCorps’ remote recording platform, which pairs two strangers for a conversation over video which is hosted by a trained facilitator.&nbsp;High Plains Public Radio will also team up with a variety of community organizations to spread the word and will collaborate with StoryCorps to match participants and record conversations through the end of the year. The project will include a series of public listening events, streamed online, in fall 2021. Find out how your organization can partner with High Plains Public Radio at&nbsp;<a href="http://hppr.org/">HPPR.org</a>.High Plains Public Radio's&nbsp;participation in the One Small Step Communities project is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. StoryCorps' national One Small Step initiative is made possible by the generous support of The Hearthland Foundation, the Fetzer Institute, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Charles Koch Institute.About High Plains Public Radio HPPR was founded over 40 years ago with one station located in Pierceville, Kansas. In the intervening four decades, it has spread to provide primary public broadcasting service to western Kansas, Eastern Colorado, the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, and portions of Nebraska and New Mexico. HPPR operates a mix of news and music, while a second channel, HPPR Connect, focuses on news and talk programming. In addition to broadcast options, HPPR can be accessed via stream on laptop or smart speaker, or through a readily available mobile app.About StoryCorps Founded in 2003 by Dave Isay, StoryCorps has given people of all backgrounds and beliefs, in thousands of towns and cities in all 50 states, the chance to record interviews about their lives. The organization preserves the recordings in its archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered, and shares select stories with the public through StoryCorps’ podcast, NPR broadcasts, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books. These powerful human stories reflect the vast range of American experiences, wisdom and values; engender empathy and connection; and remind us how much more we have in common than what divides us.&nbsp;StoryCorps is especially committed to capturing and amplifying voices least heard in the media. The StoryCorps MobileBooth, an Airstream trailer the organization has transformed into a traveling recording booth, crisscrosses the country year-round in order to gather the stories of people nationwide. There are also StoryBooths located in Chicago and Atlanta.&nbsp;With the 2015 TED Prize awarded to Dave Isay, StoryCorps launched a free mobile app that puts the StoryCorps experience entirely in the hands of users and enables anyone, anywhere to record meaningful conversations with another person and upload the audio to the Library of Congress. The StoryCorps app serves as the facilitator, guiding users through the interview experience, from recording to archiving to sharing their stories with the world. It provides easy-to-use tools to help people prepare interview questions; record high-quality conversations on their mobile devices; and upload the audio to&nbsp;<a href="http://archive.storycorps.org/">archive.storycorps.org</a>&nbsp;which serves as a home for these recordings and also provides interview and editing resources. StoryCorps recently launched StoryCorps Connect, a new video-based platform that makes it possible for two people in different locations to conduct a StoryCorps interview safely and remotely. After recording a StoryCorps conversation via any of these methods, participants are emailed a link to their interview, and a digital file goes to the Library of Congress, where it will be preserved for generations to come.StoryCorps is a national institution that fosters a culture of listening in the United States; celebrates the dignity, power, and grace that can be heard in the stories we find all around us; and helps us recognize that every life and every story matters equally. In the coming years, StoryCorps hopes to touch the lives of every American family.About the Corporation for Public Broadcasting The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio High Plains Public Radios nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cpb.org/">cpb.org,</a>&nbsp;follow us on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CPBmedia">@CPBmedia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CorporationForPublicBroadcasting/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/19798">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpb.org/subscribe">subscribe</a>&nbsp;for other updates.

High Plains Public Radio partners with StoryCorps to bridge American divides

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Wonder Women League, in partnership with the Good Samaritan Society and&nbsp;Ascension Living Via Christi Village, provided raised gardens and plants for the seniors living at the centers.

The league placed raised beds at both the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities at Good Samaritan.

Gloves, watering cans and gardening hand tools were also donated.

The <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a> is a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County.

Jan Klaus, league Elder Care Committee member, said the raised garden bed project was near and dear to her heart.

"Elder Care Committee was brought forth to find projects in the community that would benefit the elder population," she said. "After taking care of aging parents and relatives, I know how important it is to give them a purpose, and tending to a vegetable garden seemed like the perfect idea. 

"Wheels were put into motion with the help of our committee members and wonderful volunteers, and donors stepped up to help.      We are hopeful the raised garden beds will continue for years to come and give the residents pride and joy in tending to them."

Noe Gillespie, Good Samaritan Society administrator, said he wanted to thank the league for the donation as well as Good Sam activity coordinator Jackie Honings for helping to involve the residents in the project from day 1.

Elder Care Committee members include&nbsp;Deb Hoffman, Jan Klaus, Pat Klaus, Sherry Dryden, Lavonne Giess, Marie Froelich, Shelby Doty and Cristina Janney.

Donors include: Bob Billinger – constructed beds Hank VonLintel – constructed support legs Hays Greenhouse and Superior Lawn and Landscape – donated vegetable plants and soil Heartland Building Center Inc. – donated lumber RD Graphics – donated signs for beds

Family members of the committee members worked to move the soil to the beds. These included&nbsp;Dave Giess, Dan Meyerhoff and Brad and Mike Klaus.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624566078003.jpeg" alt="Good Samaritan Society resident&nbsp;Royalan Leiker, far left, members of the Wonder Women League, Good Samaritan Society administrator Noe Gillespie, center, and&nbsp;Good Samaritan Society resident Frankie Ream, far right, at a raised garden bed donated by the league to the nursing facility. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Good Samaritan Society resident&nbsp;Royalan Leiker, far left, members of the Wonder Women League, Good Samaritan Society administrator Noe Gillespie, center, and&nbsp;Good Samaritan Society resident Frankie Ream, far right, at a raised garden bed donated by the league to the nursing facility. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Wonder Women League, in partnership with the Good Samaritan Society and&nbsp;Ascension Living Via Christi Village, provided raised gardens and plants for the seniors living at the centers.The league placed raised beds at both the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities at Good Samaritan.Gloves, watering cans and gardening hand tools were also donated.The <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a> is a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County.Jan Klaus, league Elder Care Committee member, said the raised garden bed project was near and dear to her heart.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624566138349.jpeg" alt="Frankie Ream, Good Samaritan Society resident, sits next to one of the newly donated raised garden beds. The beds were elevated to make it easier for residents in wheelchairs to work in them.&nbsp;Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Frankie Ream, Good Samaritan Society resident, sits next to one of the newly donated raised garden beds. The beds were elevated to make it easier for residents in wheelchairs to work in them.&nbsp;Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Elder Care Committee was brought forth to find projects in the community that would benefit the elder population," she said. "After taking care of aging parents and relatives, I know how important it is to give them a purpose, and tending to a vegetable garden seemed like the perfect idea. "Wheels were put into motion with the help of our committee members and wonderful volunteers, and donors stepped up to help. We are hopeful the raised garden beds will continue for years to come and give the residents pride and joy in tending to them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624566168173.jpeg" alt="Volunteers place one of the garden beds donated by the Wonder Women League to a Hays care home. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers place one of the garden beds donated by the Wonder Women League to a Hays care home. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Noe Gillespie, Good Samaritan Society administrator, said he wanted to thank the league for the donation as well as Good Sam activity coordinator Jackie Honings for helping to involve the residents in the project from day 1.Elder Care Committee members include&nbsp;Deb Hoffman, Jan Klaus, Pat Klaus, Sherry Dryden, Lavonne Giess, Marie Froelich, Shelby Doty and Cristina Janney.Donors include: Bob Billinger – constructed beds Hank VonLintel – constructed support legs Hays Greenhouse and Superior Lawn and Landscape – donated vegetable plants and soil Heartland Building Center Inc. – donated lumber RD Graphics – donated signs for beds<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624566197828.jpeg" alt="Wonder Women League volunteers load soil into a raised garden beds at Good Samaritan Society in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Wonder Women League volunteers load soil into a raised garden beds at Good Samaritan Society in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Family members of the committee members worked to move the soil to the beds. These included&nbsp;Dave Giess, Dan Meyerhoff and Brad and Mike Klaus.Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League.

Wonder Women League donates raised gardens to care homes

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

A little spark can get a fire going – or in this case, it might help get entrepreneurship going. I’m referring to an organization named Spark which serves as a hub for resources to support entrepreneurs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sarah Siders is executive director of Spark.&nbsp;A Kansas State University graduate in social work, she left Manhattan briefly and planned to work overseas but came back a year later.&nbsp;She got married, went to graduate school for clinical social work with the goal of becoming a therapist, and then worked in the mental health department at Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital.&nbsp;She and her husband also serve as a co-pastors of a Manhattan-based church, The Well.&nbsp;After nine years in the mental health field, she opened her own business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“When I started my own counseling and coaching practice, I found I loved the business side of things,” Sarah said.&nbsp;She joined the organizing team of the 1 Million Cups entrepreneurship organization, worked closely with some of the original founders of the Manhattan co-working space called The Fellow, and wrote for Manhattan Business News.&nbsp;In 2019, colleagues encouraged her to run for Manhattan City Commission, which she did but was not elected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Five days after the election, a member of the organizing team recruited me to help develop a new entrepreneurship nonprofit organization in Manhattan called Spark,” Sarah said.&nbsp;In the first few months, Sarah developed Spark's branding and took the lead on the proposal securing the bulk of Spark's funding.&nbsp;In July 2020, Sarah was selected as executive director and the organization earned 501(c)3 status.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spark has “a vision to connect, resource, and successfully launch entrepreneurs and promote a dynamic and inclusive culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the greater Manhattan region.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We spent the first six months doing a lot of listening to what business groups and resources were already doing,” Sarah said.&nbsp;“Everything we do is through collaboration and partnerships.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spark is sponsored by Kansas State University Innovation Partners, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, and a private donor. It partners with the Small Business Development Center, K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, Network Kansas, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, Pottawatomie County Economic Development, K-State Research and Extension - Riley County, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We want to serve as a hub where entrepreneurs can connect with resources to support them,” Sarah said.&nbsp;

She believes everyone has a role. “We are all part of the entrepreneurial network, whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur or business owner, service provider, or buying local,” she said. “That’s why we call it an entrepreneurial ecosystem, we’re all connected.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

She encouraged everyone to go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sparkmhk.com/">www.sparkmhk.com</a>&nbsp;for more information and to share resources, contacts and events.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Spark logo is carefully and intentionally designed.&nbsp;“It is all lowercase letters, because a spark starts small,” Sarah said.&nbsp;The logo also has different shades of color.&nbsp;“It starts with the light of a bright idea and progressively moves to the deep dark red of established growth,” she said.&nbsp;“As we go forward, we’ll be targeting industry-specific innovation that our region is uniquely designed to support.”&nbsp;

Spark continues to support 1 Million Cups, an area pitch competition called Startup MHK, and is currently offering an entrepreneurship business basics class.&nbsp;“We’re based in Manhattan, but we want to support people across the region,” Sarah said.&nbsp;For example, she told about a business which she had worked with in the rural community of St. Marys, population 2,627 people.&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We need investors to help provide the resources to support entrepreneurs,” Sarah said.&nbsp;“We encourage those who are in the pre-venture or early stages of starting a business to contact us.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We want to tell the story that greater Manhattan is a great place to start and grow a business,” Sarah said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A little spark can get a fire going, and this Spark organization is helping entrepreneurs get going too.&nbsp;We salute Sarah Siders and all those involved with Spark for making a difference with support for small businesses.&nbsp;I hope the results will ignite a flame of entrepreneurship.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624454890978.png" alt="Siders" />
 <figcaption>Siders</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentA little spark can get a fire going – or in this case, it might help get entrepreneurship going. I’m referring to an organization named Spark which serves as a hub for resources to support entrepreneurs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sarah Siders is executive director of Spark.&nbsp;A Kansas State University graduate in social work, she left Manhattan briefly and planned to work overseas but came back a year later.&nbsp;She got married, went to graduate school for clinical social work with the goal of becoming a therapist, and then worked in the mental health department at Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital.&nbsp;She and her husband also serve as a co-pastors of a Manhattan-based church, The Well.&nbsp;After nine years in the mental health field, she opened her own business.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“When I started my own counseling and coaching practice, I found I loved the business side of things,” Sarah said.&nbsp;She joined the organizing team of the 1 Million Cups entrepreneurship organization, worked closely with some of the original founders of the Manhattan co-working space called The Fellow, and wrote for Manhattan Business News.&nbsp;In 2019, colleagues encouraged her to run for Manhattan City Commission, which she did but was not elected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Five days after the election, a member of the organizing team recruited me to help develop a new entrepreneurship nonprofit organization in Manhattan called Spark,” Sarah said.&nbsp;In the first few months, Sarah developed Spark's branding and took the lead on the proposal securing the bulk of Spark's funding.&nbsp;In July 2020, Sarah was selected as executive director and the organization earned 501(c)3 status.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spark has “a vision to connect, resource, and successfully launch entrepreneurs and promote a dynamic and inclusive culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the greater Manhattan region.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“We spent the first six months doing a lot of listening to what business groups and resources were already doing,” Sarah said.&nbsp;“Everything we do is through collaboration and partnerships.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Spark is sponsored by Kansas State University Innovation Partners, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, and a private donor. It partners with the Small Business Development Center, K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, Network Kansas, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, Pottawatomie County Economic Development, K-State Research and Extension - Riley County, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We want to serve as a hub where entrepreneurs can connect with resources to support them,” Sarah said.&nbsp;She believes everyone has a role. “We are all part of the entrepreneurial network, whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur or business owner, service provider, or buying local,” she said. “That’s why we call it an entrepreneurial ecosystem, we’re all connected.”&nbsp;&nbsp;She encouraged everyone to go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sparkmhk.com/">www.sparkmhk.com</a>&nbsp;for more information and to share resources, contacts and events.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Spark logo is carefully and intentionally designed.&nbsp;“It is all lowercase letters, because a spark starts small,” Sarah said.&nbsp;The logo also has different shades of color.&nbsp;“It starts with the light of a bright idea and progressively moves to the deep dark red of established growth,” she said.&nbsp;“As we go forward, we’ll be targeting industry-specific innovation that our region is uniquely designed to support.”&nbsp;Spark continues to support 1 Million Cups, an area pitch competition called Startup MHK, and is currently offering an entrepreneurship business basics class.&nbsp;“We’re based in Manhattan, but we want to support people across the region,” Sarah said.&nbsp;For example, she told about a business which she had worked with in the rural community of St. Marys, population 2,627 people.&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We need investors to help provide the resources to support entrepreneurs,” Sarah said.&nbsp;“We encourage those who are in the pre-venture or early stages of starting a business to contact us.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We want to tell the story that greater Manhattan is a great place to start and grow a business,” Sarah said.&nbsp;&nbsp;A little spark can get a fire going, and this Spark organization is helping entrepreneurs get going too.&nbsp;We salute Sarah Siders and all those involved with Spark for making a difference with support for small businesses.&nbsp;I hope the results will ignite a flame of entrepreneurship.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Sarah Siders, Spark 

ROOKS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Plainville.

The KBI was asked to assist at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, according to a media release. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded to investigate the shooting.

At approximately 12:50 a.m., an officer of the Plainville Police Department arrived at a convenience store at 601 S. Washington in Plainville. He had learned that a female subject identified 29-year-old Nicole Dechant, of Hays, was at the store purchasing food. He was aware that Dechant had a misdemeanor warrant for her arrest.

Preliminary information indicates that the officer approached Dechant when she was seated on a curb outside the convenience store. He explained that she would be taken into custody on the warrant. During the interaction, Dechant reached inside her bag and took out a firearm. The officer then drew his firearm and gave repeated commands for Dechant to put down the gun. Dechant ignored the commands, and the officer fired multiple times striking Dechant. Shots were fired at approximately 1 a.m.

Lifesaving measures were attempted and EMS responded to the store. The coroner pronounced Dechant deceased at the scene. The officer was uninjured during the incident.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Rooks County Attorney for review.

ROOKS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in Plainville.

The shooting occurred just after 1a.m. Sunday in the 600 Block of South Washington and a female victim was pronounced dead, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood.&nbsp;&nbsp;No officers were injured.

Authorities have not released the victim's name or other details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624834231329.png" alt="Nicole Dechant photo from earlier arrest in Phillips County" />
 <figcaption>Nicole Dechant photo from earlier arrest in Phillips County</figcaption>
 </figure>ROOKS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Plainville.The KBI was asked to assist at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, according to a media release. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded to investigate the shooting.At approximately 12:50 a.m., an officer of the Plainville Police Department arrived at a convenience store at 601 S. Washington in Plainville. He had learned that a female subject identified 29-year-old Nicole Dechant, of Hays, was at the store purchasing food. He was aware that Dechant had a misdemeanor warrant for her arrest.Preliminary information indicates that the officer approached Dechant when she was seated on a curb outside the convenience store. He explained that she would be taken into custody on the warrant. During the interaction, Dechant reached inside her bag and took out a firearm. The officer then drew his firearm and gave repeated commands for Dechant to put down the gun. Dechant ignored the commands, and the officer fired multiple times striking Dechant. Shots were fired at approximately 1 a.m.Lifesaving measures were attempted and EMS responded to the store. The coroner pronounced Dechant deceased at the scene. The officer was uninjured during the incident.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Rooks County Attorney for review.---------ROOKS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in Plainville.The shooting occurred just after 1a.m. Sunday in the 600 Block of South Washington and a female victim was pronounced dead, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood.&nbsp;&nbsp;No officers were injured.Authorities have not released the victim's name or other details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Woman from Hays dead in Rooks County officer-involved shooting 

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Rural Opportunity Zone decision in Ellis County.

<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="Ellis County becoming a Rural Opportunity Zone could have positive impact on area economies" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; overflow: scroll; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; min-width: 100%; *width: 100%; width: 1px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8wzwq-1073302-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Rural Opportunity Zone decision in Ellis County.<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: Rural Opportunity Zone could have positive impact on area economies

As Ellis County governments work to finalize next year's budget, Grow Hays is seeking a different way to fund the organization they believe will positively impact economic development in the county.

“It’s that time of year — all of the
local governments are going through their budget process,” said Grow Hays
Executive Director Doug Williams.

“This year, we have a different spin on
it.”

Currently, he said they receive about half of their funding from private the public
sector and the rest from Ellis County, along with the cities of Hays, Ellis and Victoria.

But he argued if Hays wants to fully
benefit from economic development efforts — the way other western Kansas
towns have — more funding is needed.

“Our budget is about half of what comparable
communities are that have done a good job of economic development,” he said. “We
have not had the level of investment to do some of the things that we would
like to do over a long sustained period of time.”

So this year, Williams said the approach to funding requests has changed.

He has proposed each taxing agency implement
a one-half mill levy specifically for economic development.

“We felt that that would get us to a
budget level that would be comparable to other communities our size, but also
more importantly, fund the plans that we have,” Williams said.

But even if the mill is not the chosen
method of funding, the important part of the proposal, Williams said, is
increasing the financial support for economic development.

“We like the idea, we believe it’s a
sustainable way to do it, but we are just asking them for additional investment
that we think will get the taxing entities a good return,” Williams said.

Using Ford and Finney counties as
examples, he said budgets for economic development are around $500,000 and
that investment has led to growing local economies.

Grow Hays’ budget is approximately half
of that amount.

With that money, the group can employ more
staff and overall can accomplish more development, he said.

“They can get a lot more done, and they
have,” Williams said. 

While many in Ellis County may note the
desires of the local population are different than those counties, the return
on investment, dollars could potentially create a strong economy and tax base, which will help Ellis County continue to be a regional economic hub.

Using their natural resources and with
their investment into development, other counties have brought in industry and created jobs.

“It’s a great lesson in using the
resources you have and leveraging those into growth,” Williams said. 

He said local resources are
different, but just as valuable, pointing to the Interstate highway that runs by
Hays carrying 15,000 to 20,000 cars a day, Fort Hays State University, NCK
Technical College and Hays Medical Center.

“These are resources that we can
leverage,” Williams said. “And we need to do that and take the lessons from
these other communities.”

If given an increase by local
governments, he said that money would be used in a variety of ways, but
increasing staff who could be used to identify and source economic development
opportunities would be the most costly.

“We want to add a couple of people,”
Williams said. “We want to add somebody that is completely focused on
recruitment and retention of business to our community — whether it be retail or
otherwise. We want to expand our programming offerings in the area of entrepreneurship
and do more programs and get more people involved.”

He said that would help delve into areas
of development that are currently untapped.

“We are coming out of this pandemic, we
are in a competitive world, we have lots and lots of urban migrators leaving
metropolitan areas, we think we have a great story to tell,” Willams said.

“Hays is a great community, but we need
to get to those people and make sure they understand what we do have to offer.
We just can’t do that if we are short-staffed. We don’t want to miss that opportunity.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624648976000.jpeg" alt="Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams presents his budget request to the Ellis City Council." />
 <figcaption>Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams presents his budget request to the Ellis City Council.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Grow Hays seeking additional funding from area governments" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; overflow: scroll; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; min-width: 100%; *width: 100%; width: 1px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=aimtf-10732e4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs Ellis County governments work to finalize next year's budget, Grow Hays is seeking a different way to fund the organization they believe will positively impact economic development in the county.“It’s that time of year — all of the
local governments are going through their budget process,” said Grow Hays
Executive Director Doug Williams.“This year, we have a different spin on
it.”Currently, he said they receive about half of their funding from private the public
sector and the rest from Ellis County, along with the cities of Hays, Ellis and Victoria.But he argued if Hays wants to fully
benefit from economic development efforts — the way other western Kansas
towns have — more funding is needed.“Our budget is about half of what comparable
communities are that have done a good job of economic development,” he said. “We
have not had the level of investment to do some of the things that we would
like to do over a long sustained period of time.”So this year, Williams said the approach to funding requests has changed.He has proposed each taxing agency implement
a one-half mill levy specifically for economic development.“We felt that that would get us to a
budget level that would be comparable to other communities our size, but also
more importantly, fund the plans that we have,” Williams said.But even if the mill is not the chosen
method of funding, the important part of the proposal, Williams said, is
increasing the financial support for economic development.“We like the idea, we believe it’s a
sustainable way to do it, but we are just asking them for additional investment
that we think will get the taxing entities a good return,” Williams said.Using Ford and Finney counties as
examples, he said budgets for economic development are around $500,000 and
that investment has led to growing local economies.Grow Hays’ budget is approximately half
of that amount.With that money, the group can employ more
staff and overall can accomplish more development, he said.“They can get a lot more done, and they
have,” Williams said. While many in Ellis County may note the
desires of the local population are different than those counties, the return
on investment, dollars could potentially create a strong economy and tax base, which will help Ellis County continue to be a regional economic hub.Using their natural resources and with
their investment into development, other counties have brought in industry and created jobs.“It’s a great lesson in using the
resources you have and leveraging those into growth,” Williams said. He said local resources are
different, but just as valuable, pointing to the Interstate highway that runs by
Hays carrying 15,000 to 20,000 cars a day, Fort Hays State University, NCK
Technical College and Hays Medical Center.“These are resources that we can
leverage,” Williams said. “And we need to do that and take the lessons from
these other communities.”If given an increase by local
governments, he said that money would be used in a variety of ways, but
increasing staff who could be used to identify and source economic development
opportunities would be the most costly.“We want to add a couple of people,”
Williams said. “We want to add somebody that is completely focused on
recruitment and retention of business to our community — whether it be retail or
otherwise. We want to expand our programming offerings in the area of entrepreneurship
and do more programs and get more people involved.”He said that would help delve into areas
of development that are currently untapped.“We are coming out of this pandemic, we
are in a competitive world, we have lots and lots of urban migrators leaving
metropolitan areas, we think we have a great story to tell,” Willams said.“Hays is a great community, but we need
to get to those people and make sure they understand what we do have to offer.
We just can’t do that if we are short-staffed. We don’t want to miss that opportunity.”

🎙 Grow Hays pitching Ellis Co. governments for increased funding

PHILLIPS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda ATV driven by Terry Lynn Gitchel, 64, Phillipsburg, was northbound in a pasture&nbsp; at 550 East 700 Road&nbsp; attempting to go up a steep incline. 

The ATV was unable to make the incline and flipped over backwards. Gitchel was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda ATV driven by Terry Lynn Gitchel, 64, Phillipsburg, was northbound in a pasture&nbsp; at 550 East 700 Road&nbsp; attempting to go up a steep incline. The ATV was unable to make the incline and flipped over backwards. Gitchel was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Phillipsburg man dies after ATV flips on steep incline

&nbsp;It is almost time to redistrict Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;This means using 2020 Census data to create new districts for the Kansas House, Kansas Senate, and U.S. Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ten years ago, the process was a mess.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, no reforms were put in place afterwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;The detailed Census data will be ready later this year--but will lawmakers be ready?

In 2012, Kansas won the dubious distinction of being the last state in the U.S. to complete its Congressional districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite having only four to draw, the Kansas Legislature could not agree on a map, forcing the federal courts to intervene and draw the districts themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;By contrast, California’s nonpartisan citizens commissions had already completed their first set of districts drawn under a new system championed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger--53 U.S. House Districts, plus the ones for both houses of the state General Assembly.

What was the problem here?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, Kansas has an archaic system in which the state legislature draws the maps with no oversight except the Governor’s veto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only do they draw the Congressional districts, they also draw the ones for the statehouse itself--a classic “fox guarding the chicken house” scenario.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas’ Legislature is only in session for about four months per year (January-April) meaning that this will require either a special session or doing it at the last minute.&nbsp;&nbsp;By early 2022, many other states will have already finalized their districts.

Many states do this better.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Iowa, a bipartisan commission draws the districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;The commission has an equal number of Democrats and Republicans, they cannot look at political data, and they cannot split counties on the Congressional map. Also, the state legislature cannot redraw their maps.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Missouri, the General Assembly redraws Congressional districts, but a balanced, bipartisan commission redraws the ones for the General Assembly itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;As in Iowa, that commission has an equal number of appointments from Democrats and Republicans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Missouri, ties are broken by a three-judge panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri also has its veto session in October, which makes this a good time to schedule a special session at about the same time to begin the redistricting process.&nbsp;&nbsp;By contrast, Kansas’ veto session is immediately after the regular session and is popularly referred to as the “wrap up session” instead.

In 2012, Kansas legislators deadlocked because they were worried about moving Manhattan from the 2nd to the “Big First” district.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lawmakers did not want firebrand Congressman Tim Huelskamp responsible for federal funding to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, which brought substantial money and jobs into Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhattan got moved anyway, but by the Courts, not the Legislature.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hueslkamp and former 2nd District Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins are no longer in office, but the Court-drawn districts remain.

With no reforms to the redistricting process, Kansas may face another mess.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be fair, legislative committees will of course have hearings around the state and review many drafts, but the maps may still end up getting finalized at the last minute, on the floors of the house and senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, partisan Republican influencers from out of state may force Kansas Republicans to ram through Congressional maps splitting up the state in weird ways, particularly Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;This would be an attempt to remove Democratic Congresswoman Sharice Davids from office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats gerrymander too, but that does not make it right.

Voters need to hold Kansas politicians accountable during this next round of redistricting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only that, the process itself needs to be reformed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;It is almost time to redistrict Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;This means using 2020 Census data to create new districts for the Kansas House, Kansas Senate, and U.S. Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ten years ago, the process was a mess.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, no reforms were put in place afterwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;The detailed Census data will be ready later this year--but will lawmakers be ready?In 2012, Kansas won the dubious distinction of being the last state in the U.S. to complete its Congressional districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite having only four to draw, the Kansas Legislature could not agree on a map, forcing the federal courts to intervene and draw the districts themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;By contrast, California’s nonpartisan citizens commissions had already completed their first set of districts drawn under a new system championed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger--53 U.S. House Districts, plus the ones for both houses of the state General Assembly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What was the problem here?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, Kansas has an archaic system in which the state legislature draws the maps with no oversight except the Governor’s veto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only do they draw the Congressional districts, they also draw the ones for the statehouse itself--a classic “fox guarding the chicken house” scenario.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas’ Legislature is only in session for about four months per year (January-April) meaning that this will require either a special session or doing it at the last minute.&nbsp;&nbsp;By early 2022, many other states will have already finalized their districts.Many states do this better.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Iowa, a bipartisan commission draws the districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;The commission has an equal number of Democrats and Republicans, they cannot look at political data, and they cannot split counties on the Congressional map. Also, the state legislature cannot redraw their maps.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Missouri, the General Assembly redraws Congressional districts, but a balanced, bipartisan commission redraws the ones for the General Assembly itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;As in Iowa, that commission has an equal number of appointments from Democrats and Republicans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Missouri, ties are broken by a three-judge panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri also has its veto session in October, which makes this a good time to schedule a special session at about the same time to begin the redistricting process.&nbsp;&nbsp;By contrast, Kansas’ veto session is immediately after the regular session and is popularly referred to as the “wrap up session” instead.In 2012, Kansas legislators deadlocked because they were worried about moving Manhattan from the 2nd to the “Big First” district.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lawmakers did not want firebrand Congressman Tim Huelskamp responsible for federal funding to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, which brought substantial money and jobs into Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhattan got moved anyway, but by the Courts, not the Legislature.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hueslkamp and former 2nd District Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins are no longer in office, but the Court-drawn districts remain.With no reforms to the redistricting process, Kansas may face another mess.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be fair, legislative committees will of course have hearings around the state and review many drafts, but the maps may still end up getting finalized at the last minute, on the floors of the house and senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, partisan Republican influencers from out of state may force Kansas Republicans to ram through Congressional maps splitting up the state in weird ways, particularly Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;This would be an attempt to remove Democratic Congresswoman Sharice Davids from office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats gerrymander too, but that does not make it right.Voters need to hold Kansas politicians accountable during this next round of redistricting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only that, the process itself needs to be reformed.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Time to reform redistricting process

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society recently initiated 153 new members in a joint ceremony for 2020 and 2021.

David Slusky, president of KU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter and associate professor of economics, presided at the virtual ceremony in May. The national secretary and CEO of Phi Beta Kappa, Frederick Lawrence, was a guest speaker. Jennifer Harrison, vice president of the chapter and director of the Business Leadership Program and the Jack Dicus Business Honors Program; Dietrich Earnhart, professor of economics and chapter historian, and Anne Wallen, secretary-treasurer and director of the Office of Fellowships, welcomed and congratulated the new initiates. Students received certificates and signed the register by appointment to allow for social distancing.

Sarah Crawford-Parker, director of the University Honors Program, was inducted as an honorary member of the chapter and gave an address on the value of the liberal arts and sciences.

Sam Steuart, a 2020 graduate and 2019 inductee, and Laura Phillips, a 2021 graduate and 2020 inductee, gave the student responses on the Phi Beta Kappa value of friendship.

Election to Phi Beta Kappa recognizes a student’s high academic achievement while pursuing a broad and substantive liberal arts curriculum. To be eligible for consideration for membership, students must be graduating seniors with a minimum grade-point average of 3.65 on a 4.0 scale, or be juniors with a minimum 3.9. Anonymous transcripts of candidates are reviewed holistically by a committee of Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff members. For 2020, 47 seniors and 20 juniors were initiated. For 2021, 58 seniors and 28 juniors were initiated.

Elected members from Kansas are listed below. There may be multiple initiates from your coverage area. A complete list of new members&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2021/06/23/ku-chapter-phi-beta-kappa-announces-2020-2021-initiates">is available online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606950387926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society recently initiated 153 new members in a joint ceremony for 2020 and 2021.David Slusky, president of KU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter and associate professor of economics, presided at the virtual ceremony in May. The national secretary and CEO of Phi Beta Kappa, Frederick Lawrence, was a guest speaker. Jennifer Harrison, vice president of the chapter and director of the Business Leadership Program and the Jack Dicus Business Honors Program; Dietrich Earnhart, professor of economics and chapter historian, and Anne Wallen, secretary-treasurer and director of the Office of Fellowships, welcomed and congratulated the new initiates. Students received certificates and signed the register by appointment to allow for social distancing.Sarah Crawford-Parker, director of the University Honors Program, was inducted as an honorary member of the chapter and gave an address on the value of the liberal arts and sciences.Sam Steuart, a 2020 graduate and 2019 inductee, and Laura Phillips, a 2021 graduate and 2020 inductee, gave the student responses on the Phi Beta Kappa value of friendship.Election to Phi Beta Kappa recognizes a student’s high academic achievement while pursuing a broad and substantive liberal arts curriculum. To be eligible for consideration for membership, students must be graduating seniors with a minimum grade-point average of 3.65 on a 4.0 scale, or be juniors with a minimum 3.9. Anonymous transcripts of candidates are reviewed holistically by a committee of Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff members. For 2020, 47 seniors and 20 juniors were initiated. For 2021, 58 seniors and 28 juniors were initiated.Elected members from Kansas are listed below. There may be multiple initiates from your coverage area. A complete list of new members&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2021/06/23/ku-chapter-phi-beta-kappa-announces-2020-2021-initiates">is available online</a>.Seniors 2021:<ul>
 <li>Karla Arana Vasquez, Pittsburg</li><li>Ilexa Axelrod, Overland Park</li><li>Taelyr Blehm, Russell</li><li>Jessica Blom, Lenexa</li><li>Rebecca Brodine, Overland Park</li><li>Abigail Byrd, Olathe</li><li>Nyla Chaudhry, Lawrence</li><li>Emily Curl, Ulysses</li><li>Uma Desai, Overland Park</li><li>Ashley Devore, Ulysses</li><li>Emily Doffing, Wichita (67209)</li><li>Arianna Fallahian, Overland Park</li><li>Zach Fesen, Hutchinson</li><li>Gabriela Guerrero, Lawrence</li><li>Grace Hermes, Bucyrus</li><li>Cheyenne Hillman, Wichita (67209)</li><li>Faith Hofaker, Logan</li><li>Noah Johnson, Humboldt</li><li>Catherine Johnston, Overland Park</li><li>Daegan Kingery, Overland Park</li><li>Hayley Koontz, Benton</li><li>Ye Joo Lee, Halstead</li><li>Sarra Ann Mahoney, Meriden</li><li>Laura Malagon-Palacios, Garden City</li><li>Natalie Martens, Shawnee</li><li>Naomi Mendoza, Olathe</li><li>Jen Meysing, Canton</li><li>Sarah Milgrim, Prairie Village</li><li>Mary Mylar, Salina</li><li>Kara Neely, Olathe</li><li>Amu Nuney, Overland Park</li><li>Abbie Pfannes, Louisburg</li><li>Katherine Price, Lawrence</li><li>Shimon Rosenblum, Lawrence</li><li>Hunter Schneider, Pittsburg</li><li>Sierra Sparbanie, Manhattan</li><li>Wil Ullmann, Wichita (67230)</li><li>Jaden Wilcoxson, Clay Center</li><li>Annabelle Wilder, Overland Park</li>
 </ul>Juniors 2021<ul>
 <li>Diego Acosta, Kansas City</li><li>Halle Arnold, Leawood</li><li>Emily Binkley, Overland Park</li><li>Neelie Browne, Olathe</li><li>Christina Carrington, Topeka</li><li>Ava Cormaney, Lawrence</li><li>Marilyn Curtis, Olathe</li><li>Emma Fornelli, Emporia</li><li>Savannah Glaves, Easton</li><li>Rachel Hall, Lenexa</li><li>Michaela Harding, Olathe</li><li>Natalie Lamb, Lenexa</li><li>Hannah Nuest, Hutchinson</li><li>Fernanda Reyes, Wichita (67230)</li><li>Evan Schrader, Overland Park</li><li>Leah Stein, Dodge City</li><li>Erin Sturd, Overland Park</li><li>Chloe VanBecelaere, Pittsburg</li>
 </ul>Seniors 2020:<ul>
 <li>Azeez Baig, Leawood</li><li>Saif Bajwa, Overland Park</li><li>Elsa Bernauer, Leawood</li><li>Nolan Brey, Fairview</li><li>Tyler Cargill, Wichita (67220)</li><li>Grace Claman, Salina</li><li>Haley Cooper, Wichita (67205)</li><li>Alix Fisk, Topeka</li><li>Olivia Hansen, McPherson</li><li>Odalis Hernandez, Emporia</li><li>Maria Teresa Herrera, Overland Park</li><li>Katherine Hughes, McPherson</li><li>Henry Kircher, Prairie Village</li><li>Rylie Koester, Hoisington</li><li>Mackenzie Lawrence, Overland Park</li><li>Ally Lowden, Wichita (67206)</li><li>Audrey Meacham, Shawnee</li><li>Kate O'Keefe, Prairie Village</li><li>Paola Ramírez Peña, Wichita (67219)</li><li>Maranda Scheller, Emporia</li><li>Mikayla Schmitz, Olathe</li><li>Katherine Schroeder, Larned</li><li>Gwendolyn Sibley, Garnett</li><li>Emily Simmons, Spring Hill</li><li>Shelby Stauch, Lawrence</li><li>Christa Stenzel, Shawnee</li><li>Chelsea Stitt, Ottawa</li><li>Jennifer Straub, Bucyrus</li><li>Catalina Wedman, Harper</li><li>Emily Weiss, Baldwin City</li><li>Max Woodbury, Topeka</li>
 </ul>Juniors 2020:<ul>
 <li>Raegan Billinger, Hays</li><li>Saron Demeke, Shawnee</li><li>Amelia Dunlap, Lawrence</li><li>Ross Fitzpatrick, Overland Park</li><li>Alissa Gilmer, Lenexa</li><li>Arman Hadjian, Overland Park</li><li>Andrew Hartnett, Fairway</li><li>Aroog Khaliq, Overland Park</li><li>Sarah Knisely, Overland Park</li><li>Liam Magathan, Meriden</li><li>Eleanor Matheis, Lawrence</li><li>Laura Phillips, Perry</li><li>Elaine Pope, Overland Park</li><li>Molly Reed, Lawrence</li><li>Ryan Sieben, Overland Park.</li>
 </ul>

NW Kansas students among Phi Beta Kappa inductees at KU

After many years of service to the Political Science and Sociology departments, online advisor and mentor, Micki Armstrong, has retired. Faculty, staff, and students from both departments gathered at Gella’s Diner and Brewing Co. in Hays to eat, share memories, and celebrate Armstrong’s accomplishments at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Armstrong joined Fort Hays State University in 1998, and as of this year, has spent 23 years with the university teaching, mentoring, and advising students. She has worked meticulously to guide students through Fort Hays State online degree programs and has ensured that students graduate in a timely fashion.&nbsp; Students have praised Armstrong’s expertise and her ability to put them at ease as they work through the advising process. Faculty, staff, and students will certainly miss her go-to advice and understanding of FHSU programs. &nbsp;

In addition to her work with the University, Armstrong has also long contributed to the Hays community through her counseling, mediation and corrections work.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624462374662.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAfter many years of service to the Political Science and Sociology departments, online advisor and mentor, Micki Armstrong, has retired. Faculty, staff, and students from both departments gathered at Gella’s Diner and Brewing Co. in Hays to eat, share memories, and celebrate Armstrong’s accomplishments at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Armstrong joined Fort Hays State University in 1998, and as of this year, has spent 23 years with the university teaching, mentoring, and advising students. She has worked meticulously to guide students through Fort Hays State online degree programs and has ensured that students graduate in a timely fashion.&nbsp; Students have praised Armstrong’s expertise and her ability to put them at ease as they work through the advising process. Faculty, staff, and students will certainly miss her go-to advice and understanding of FHSU programs. &nbsp;In addition to her work with the University, Armstrong has also long contributed to the Hays community through her counseling, mediation and corrections work.&nbsp;

FHSU political science, sociology departments honor longtime mentor

RUSSELL COUNTY —Five people were injured in an accident just after midnight Saturday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Tahoe driven by Kyle R. Stephens, 60, Parker, Colorado, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Wilson, Lucas exit.

The SUV rear-ended a 2016 Nissan&nbsp; Pathfinder driven by Noble R. Haskell, 16, Centennial, Colorado.

EMS transported Stephens and a passenger in the Pathfinder Dylan C. Harmon, 17, Centennial, Colorado, to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; There were two others in the Pathfinder identified as Marco F. Canas Munoz, 18 and Daniel A. Bechle, 17, both of Aurora, Colorado. 

Canas Munoz was transported to Salina Regional Medical Center. Bechele was transported Russell Regional Hospital. The passengers in the Pathfinder were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY —Five people were injured in an accident just after midnight Saturday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Tahoe driven by Kyle R. Stephens, 60, Parker, Colorado, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Wilson, Lucas exit.The SUV rear-ended a 2016 Nissan&nbsp; Pathfinder driven by Noble R. Haskell, 16, Centennial, Colorado.EMS transported Haskell to Via Christie.EMS transported Stephens and a passenger in the Pathfinder Dylan C. Harmon, 17, Centennial, Colorado, to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; There were two others in the Pathfinder identified as Marco F. Canas Munoz, 18 and Daniel A. Bechle, 17, both of Aurora, Colorado. Canas Munoz was transported to Salina Regional Medical Center. Bechele was transported Russell Regional Hospital. The passengers in the Pathfinder were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

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