By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a>&nbsp;had a survivor garden ceremony Tuesday afternoon next to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp;

Survivors, as well as members of law enforcement and members of the community, were asked to write encouraging comments or prayers on the back of cards that depicted irises on the front. Those cards were placed as if in a garden in an empty lot in Hays Tuesday.

"I want to thank our entire community for their tremendous support to help our garden grow and to plant the seeds of hope and inspiration for those who are still suffering in silence," Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said Tuesday.

"I want to thank all of our brothers and sisters in blue who have come out to also show their support and work with us to keep survivors safe and to hold offenders accountable," she said. "Without them, we will not make progress."

Hecker said the last year has been difficult. Options has seen more frequent reports of violence and more severe reports of violence.&nbsp;During some of the worst months of the pandemic, Options saw a spike in calls.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b7ad829c-cf17-42b2-8dae-00b3a1c1b429">Between late March and Aug. 26, Options recorded a 42-percent increase in calls to its hotline. The hotline received 492 calls from late March to August compared to 488 calls for all of 2019.</a>

"Now more than ever, survivors need hope," Hecker said. "They need hope because that is the very first step in healing."

Hecker quoted Judith Rich saying, "Hope is a match in a dark tunnel,&nbsp; a moment of light, just enough light to light the path ahead and ultimately bring you to the way out."

Isaac Guilbert, Options staff member, read the poem "Lilies of the Valley" by Jane Merchant.

"What comes to mind when I think of lilies are women who have thrived by overcoming adversity," he said. "I think of flower petals absorbing the sun, blossoming in the valleys of rolling Kansas hills. It takes bravery to survive and thrive in nature."&nbsp;

Dawn Gabel, Options staff member, read the following prayer for survivors...

"Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters, who have been gravely harmed and the cries of those who love them," she said. "Sooth their restless hearts with hope. Steady their shaking spirits with faith."

A similar ceremony was scheduled Wednesday in Colby, but was rescheduled for 4 p.m. June 9 due to inclement weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622064919544.jpeg" alt="Law enforcement officers hold signs depicting victims who were killed in domestic&nbsp; or sexual violence incidents at a ceremony&nbsp;honoring survivors of domestic and sexual violence Tuesday in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement officers hold signs depicting victims who were killed in domestic&nbsp; or sexual violence incidents at a ceremony&nbsp;honoring survivors of domestic and sexual violence Tuesday in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a>&nbsp;had a survivor garden ceremony Tuesday afternoon next to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp;Survivors, as well as members of law enforcement and members of the community, were asked to write encouraging comments or prayers on the back of cards that depicted irises on the front. Those cards were placed as if in a garden in an empty lot in Hays Tuesday."I want to thank our entire community for their tremendous support to help our garden grow and to plant the seeds of hope and inspiration for those who are still suffering in silence," Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said Tuesday."I want to thank all of our brothers and sisters in blue who have come out to also show their support and work with us to keep survivors safe and to hold offenders accountable," she said. "Without them, we will not make progress."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622065432310.jpeg" alt="Hays resident Cathy Drabkin, who played music at the Options survivor ceremony, views the prayer and notes that were placed as part of the survivor garden." />
 <figcaption>Hays resident Cathy Drabkin, who played music at the Options survivor ceremony, views the prayer and notes that were placed as part of the survivor garden.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hecker said the last year has been difficult. Options has seen more frequent reports of violence and more severe reports of violence.&nbsp;During some of the worst months of the pandemic, Options saw a spike in calls.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b7ad829c-cf17-42b2-8dae-00b3a1c1b429">Between late March and Aug. 26, Options recorded a 42-percent increase in calls to its hotline. The hotline received 492 calls from late March to August compared to 488 calls for all of 2019.</a>"Now more than ever, survivors need hope," Hecker said. "They need hope because that is the very first step in healing."Hecker quoted Judith Rich saying, "Hope is a match in a dark tunnel,&nbsp; a moment of light, just enough light to light the path ahead and ultimately bring you to the way out."Isaac Guilbert, Options staff member, read the poem "Lilies of the Valley" by Jane Merchant."What comes to mind when I think of lilies are women who have thrived by overcoming adversity," he said. "I think of flower petals absorbing the sun, blossoming in the valleys of rolling Kansas hills. It takes bravery to survive and thrive in nature."&nbsp;Dawn Gabel, Options staff member, read the following prayer for survivors..."Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters, who have been gravely harmed and the cries of those who love them," she said. "Sooth their restless hearts with hope. Steady their shaking spirits with faith."A similar ceremony was scheduled Wednesday in Colby, but was rescheduled for 4 p.m. June 9 due to inclement weather.

Options honors violence survivors with garden, messages

“My Republican colleagues will not talk about Medicaid expansion. They just won’t. I don’t understand it.”

So said first-term Representative Christina Haswood this past week during a discussion of the 2021 legislative session, responding to a question about what had surprised her at the Capitol.

As a student of legislatures, I find this disheartening and a bit surprising.&nbsp; After all, talking is what lawmakers do, much of the time. Moreover, on a major issue like this, one expects spirited debate and engagement.&nbsp; We have had it in the past, but no more. As Representative Haswood reports, there is an almost total unwillingness to even mention the issue.

So, why this reluctance to engage, especially on an issue of immense fiscal and health importance to Kansans?&nbsp; My hunch is that GOP lawmakers have no serious policy response because they have no policy, just a reflexive “no” to expansion, especially when backed by a Democratic governor.

This is truly incredible in that by expanding Medicaid Kansas would:

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;have brought $4 billion to 5 billion into state coffers over the past decade;

(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;provide for a 90 percent federal-fund contribution of state costs, with total reimbursement over the next two years;

(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;provide 130,000 – 150,000 Kansans with basic medical coverage;

(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;increase revenues at all Kansas hospitals and especially help those in rural areas, which are mostly represented by Republican legislators;

(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;allow Kansas to recapture hundreds of millions of dollars in federal tax dollars that currently subsidize health care in the 36 states that have implemented expansion. At present, Kansas gets nothing in return for the Medicaid tax dollars we send to Washington and are in turn distributed to those 36 states, including California and New York.

(6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;reflect the overwhelming preferences of Kansans, with 70 percent of a residents and more than 60 percent of Republicans supporting expansion.

Although this seems like a familiar issue, take a few seconds to re-read these bullet points. Kansas could gain billions of dollars, provide coverage to many Kansans who lack it, help rural hospitals, and stop the outflow of our federal tax dollars while receiving nothing in return.

What, I would ask, is the downside?&nbsp; Honestly, the unwavering resistance is baffling, from almost any perspective.&nbsp; In the end, as with their desire to kill the Affordable Care Act, Republicans have no health policy, just knee-jerk opposition to Democratic proposals, either state or federal.&nbsp;

To be sure, the Legislature did pass a bill that allows insurance companies to sell shoddy, low coverage plans that provide the illusion, not the reality, of coverage. Governor Kelly properly vetoed that bill.&nbsp; That’s not health care, that’s a charade.

If Republicans had actual, substantive objections to expansion, their lawmakers could talk about these in concrete terms, beyond their ultimate, petty fear that in the future the state might actually have to pay a little to get a lot.

So mum’s the word, as Republican lawmakers talk about trans women playing sports, restrictions on voting, and revoking mask mandates, all the while ignoring the fiscal and health implications of their actions and bypassing the preferences of the very voters they claim to represent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622143694044.jpeg" alt="Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>“My Republican colleagues will not talk about Medicaid expansion. They just won’t. I don’t understand it.”So said first-term Representative Christina Haswood this past week during a discussion of the 2021 legislative session, responding to a question about what had surprised her at the Capitol.As a student of legislatures, I find this disheartening and a bit surprising.&nbsp; After all, talking is what lawmakers do, much of the time. Moreover, on a major issue like this, one expects spirited debate and engagement.&nbsp; We have had it in the past, but no more. As Representative Haswood reports, there is an almost total unwillingness to even mention the issue.So, why this reluctance to engage, especially on an issue of immense fiscal and health importance to Kansans?&nbsp; My hunch is that GOP lawmakers have no serious policy response because they have no policy, just a reflexive “no” to expansion, especially when backed by a Democratic governor.This is truly incredible in that by expanding Medicaid Kansas would:(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;have brought $4 billion to 5 billion into state coffers over the past decade;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;provide for a 90 percent federal-fund contribution of state costs, with total reimbursement over the next two years;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;provide 130,000 – 150,000 Kansans with basic medical coverage;(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;increase revenues at all Kansas hospitals and especially help those in rural areas, which are mostly represented by Republican legislators;(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;allow Kansas to recapture hundreds of millions of dollars in federal tax dollars that currently subsidize health care in the 36 states that have implemented expansion. At present, Kansas gets nothing in return for the Medicaid tax dollars we send to Washington and are in turn distributed to those 36 states, including California and New York.(6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;reflect the overwhelming preferences of Kansans, with 70 percent of a residents and more than 60 percent of Republicans supporting expansion.Although this seems like a familiar issue, take a few seconds to re-read these bullet points. Kansas could gain billions of dollars, provide coverage to many Kansans who lack it, help rural hospitals, and stop the outflow of our federal tax dollars while receiving nothing in return.What, I would ask, is the downside?&nbsp; Honestly, the unwavering resistance is baffling, from almost any perspective.&nbsp; In the end, as with their desire to kill the Affordable Care Act, Republicans have no health policy, just knee-jerk opposition to Democratic proposals, either state or federal.&nbsp;To be sure, the Legislature did pass a bill that allows insurance companies to sell shoddy, low coverage plans that provide the illusion, not the reality, of coverage. Governor Kelly properly vetoed that bill.&nbsp; That’s not health care, that’s a charade.If Republicans had actual, substantive objections to expansion, their lawmakers could talk about these in concrete terms, beyond their ultimate, petty fear that in the future the state might actually have to pay a little to get a lot.So mum’s the word, as Republican lawmakers talk about trans women playing sports, restrictions on voting, and revoking mask mandates, all the while ignoring the fiscal and health implications of their actions and bypassing the preferences of the very voters they claim to represent.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The elephant(s) in the room

The Ellis City-Wide Garage Sales will be on Saturday, June 5 and the deadline to register is 3 p.m. on Friday, June 4.

Those who register will be included on the map, promoted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/getellis/" target="_blank">Get Ellis Facebook page</a>, and receive an official garage sales sign for their yard.

Registration is $10 paid as cash or check to the Ellis Chamber of Commerce. Registration forms can be picked up and delivered to the Ellis Alliance office at 820 Washington St., Ellis. Registrations forms can also be downloaded from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellischamberofcommerce.com/city-wide-garage-sale/" target="_blank">www.ellischamberofcommerce.com/city-wide-garage-sale/</a>.

The Ellis City-Wide Garage Sales are held annually on the first Saturday in June by the Ellis Chamber of Commerce and is the longest running city-wide garage sales event in Ellis County. This event helps bring people to town and many Chamber-member businesses participate by offering different sales and open hours.

This year, the Ellis Railroad Museum will be offering $1 train rides starting at 9 a.m., weather permitting. The Ellis Chamber of Commerce will cover the costs of the first 50 passengers.

If you have questions, call the Ellis Alliance and Chamber office at 785-726-2660.

Ellis AllianceThe Ellis City-Wide Garage Sales will be on Saturday, June 5 and the deadline to register is 3 p.m. on Friday, June 4.Those who register will be included on the map, promoted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/getellis/" target="_blank">Get Ellis Facebook page</a>, and receive an official garage sales sign for their yard.Registration is $10 paid as cash or check to the Ellis Chamber of Commerce. Registration forms can be picked up and delivered to the Ellis Alliance office at 820 Washington St., Ellis. Registrations forms can also be downloaded from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellischamberofcommerce.com/city-wide-garage-sale/" target="_blank">www.ellischamberofcommerce.com/city-wide-garage-sale/</a>.The Ellis City-Wide Garage Sales are held annually on the first Saturday in June by the Ellis Chamber of Commerce and is the longest running city-wide garage sales event in Ellis County. This event helps bring people to town and many Chamber-member businesses participate by offering different sales and open hours.This year, the Ellis Railroad Museum will be offering $1 train rides starting at 9 a.m., weather permitting. The Ellis Chamber of Commerce will cover the costs of the first 50 passengers.If you have questions, call the Ellis Alliance and Chamber office at 785-726-2660.

Registration deadline approaching for the Ellis City-Wide Garage Sales

YODER — Twenty-three new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center</a>&nbsp;(KLETC) on May 21 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nicholas Delaney, a deputy at the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, was the class president for the 278th Basic Training Class. The speaker for the ceremony was chief of police for the Pratt Police Department, Nathan Humble. James Buettgenbach, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 278th Basic Training Class.&nbsp;

Deputy Jacoby Williams of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.” Deputy Jimmy Golden of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Daniel Everhart of the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during their time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club, including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run.&nbsp;

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.&nbsp;

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.&nbsp;

The graduates, who began their training in January 2021, represented 17 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. 

Graduates are listed below by county and agency:&nbsp;

DOUGLAS&nbsp; •&nbsp;Dallas Hunt, University of Kansas Public Safety ELLIS •&nbsp;John Zimmer, Hays Police Department&nbsp;

FORD •&nbsp;David Brandt, Dodge City Police Department •&nbsp;Cisco Soto, Dodge City Police Department&nbsp;

GRAY •&nbsp;Jimmy Golden, Gray County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

HAMILTON •&nbsp;Kevin Reed, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

JEWELL •&nbsp;Jeremy Luedke, Jewell County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

LABETTE •&nbsp;Gabriel Vitt, Labette County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;&nbsp;

PAWNEE •&nbsp;Nicholas Delaney, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

PHILLIPS •&nbsp;Matthew Blair, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;&nbsp;

POTTAWATOMIE •&nbsp;Francis Schiavo, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

PRATT •&nbsp;Nicholas Allen, Pratt Police Department •&nbsp;Clark Besthorn, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Jack Gerler, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Zachary Porterfield, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism&nbsp;

SALINE •&nbsp;Conner Gies, Saline County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;William Hill, Saline County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Jacoby Williams, Saline County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

SUMNER •&nbsp;Jeff Miller, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

THOMAS •&nbsp;Lucas Taylor, Colby Police Department&nbsp;

TREGO •&nbsp;Michael DeCore, Trego County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE •&nbsp;Jason Hughey, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Daniel Everhart, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968 as the central law enforcement training facility for the state,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)</a>&nbsp;serves as the headquarters for all law enforcement training in Kansas. Located at the former naval air station south of Hutchinson and west of Yoder in Reno County, Kansas, KLETC, a unit of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://lpe.ku.edu/" target="_blank">University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education</a>, directly trains the overwhelming majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas, and oversees, supervises and monitors the training of the remaining officers at eight authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622062430521.jpeg" alt="Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduates 278th Basic Training Class on May 21.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduates 278th Basic Training Class on May 21.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCYODER — Twenty-three new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center</a>&nbsp;(KLETC) on May 21 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicholas Delaney, a deputy at the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, was the class president for the 278th Basic Training Class. The speaker for the ceremony was chief of police for the Pratt Police Department, Nathan Humble. James Buettgenbach, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 278th Basic Training Class.&nbsp;Deputy Jacoby Williams of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.” Deputy Jimmy Golden of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Daniel Everhart of the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during their time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club, including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run.&nbsp;Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.&nbsp;Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.&nbsp;The graduates, who began their training in January 2021, represented 17 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:&nbsp;DOUGLAS&nbsp; •&nbsp;Dallas Hunt, University of Kansas Public Safety ELLIS •&nbsp;John Zimmer, Hays Police Department&nbsp;FORD •&nbsp;David Brandt, Dodge City Police Department •&nbsp;Cisco Soto, Dodge City Police Department&nbsp;GRAY •&nbsp;Jimmy Golden, Gray County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;HAMILTON •&nbsp;Kevin Reed, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;JEWELL •&nbsp;Jeremy Luedke, Jewell County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;LABETTE •&nbsp;Gabriel Vitt, Labette County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;&nbsp;PAWNEE •&nbsp;Nicholas Delaney, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;PHILLIPS •&nbsp;Matthew Blair, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;&nbsp;POTTAWATOMIE •&nbsp;Francis Schiavo, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;PRATT •&nbsp;Nicholas Allen, Pratt Police Department •&nbsp;Clark Besthorn, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Jack Gerler, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Zachary Porterfield, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism&nbsp;SALINE •&nbsp;Conner Gies, Saline County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;William Hill, Saline County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Jacoby Williams, Saline County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;SUMNER •&nbsp;Jeff Miller, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;THOMAS •&nbsp;Lucas Taylor, Colby Police Department&nbsp;TREGO •&nbsp;Michael DeCore, Trego County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;WYANDOTTE •&nbsp;Jason Hughey, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Daniel Everhart, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968 as the central law enforcement training facility for the state,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)</a>&nbsp;serves as the headquarters for all law enforcement training in Kansas. Located at the former naval air station south of Hutchinson and west of Yoder in Reno County, Kansas, KLETC, a unit of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://lpe.ku.edu/" target="_blank">University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education</a>, directly trains the overwhelming majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas, and oversees, supervises and monitors the training of the remaining officers at eight authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Hays police, area officers graduate from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Three-day weather outlook


 Summer is almost here and that means kids will be eating more meals and
 snacks at home. Keeping those meals and snacks healthy over the summer 
can be easy with a little planning. Following the MyPlate food guide 
system for healthy eating reminds us that half of your plate should be 
filled with fruits and vegetables. A generous portion of whole grains 
and a small portion of lean protein, plus a calcium rich food choice, 
round out the healthy plate. 

 When my kids were growing up and 
now when we spend time with our grandkids, it makes me smile when I see 
their eagerness with eating fresh fruit and vegetables. I often hear 
mom’s say that their kids hate vegetables. My answer to them is “Do your
 kids really hate vegetables, or have you given them a chance to love 
them?”  In the curriculum, Food is Elementary, by Dr. Antonia Demas, 
students are allowed to first smell the food and then slowly taste new 
whole foods. When kids are involved in selecting and preparing 
vegetables they are more likely to eat them. Try preparing vegetables in
 a variety of ways, from raw, to lightly steamed, to stir fried. 
Children follow adult examples, so make sure they see you enjoying your 
veggies too. 

The task of eating more fresh vegetables and fruits 
is easier when you keep a good supply of choices on hand. Soon our 
farmers markets will be open with some great choices of locally grown 
produce. Late cold weather pushed back the planting of many gardens but 
hopefully now that it has warmed up you are still thinking about 
planting something. Research shows that when kids learn about vegetables
 and fruits by growing them, they are more likely to eat them. 

Take
 time now that school is winding down, to sit down with your kids and 
get them involved in meal planning. Make a deal with them to try one new
 vegetable every week of the summer and you will expand their healthy 
plate. As the kids get older you can offer age appropriate chores 
related to meal preparation and serving. Giving children choices when it
 comes to what is served gives them a sense of ownership. If a new food 
is not liked the first time it is offered, wait a couple of weeks and 
try again with the food prepared in a different way. 

If anyone 
reading this would like ideas on foods to prepare with youngsters, I 
hope you will take a few minutes and check out the following website:  
https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen  There are some excellent 
kid-friendly recipes, many that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. 
There is an option on the website to save your favorite recipes and 
create a cookbook that is saved in a file or printed off.  

Donna
 Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent 
with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach
 her at: 793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>
 Summer is almost here and that means kids will be eating more meals and
 snacks at home. Keeping those meals and snacks healthy over the summer 
can be easy with a little planning. Following the MyPlate food guide 
system for healthy eating reminds us that half of your plate should be 
filled with fruits and vegetables. A generous portion of whole grains 
and a small portion of lean protein, plus a calcium rich food choice, 
round out the healthy plate. When my kids were growing up and 
now when we spend time with our grandkids, it makes me smile when I see 
their eagerness with eating fresh fruit and vegetables. I often hear 
mom’s say that their kids hate vegetables. My answer to them is “Do your
 kids really hate vegetables, or have you given them a chance to love 
them?” In the curriculum, Food is Elementary, by Dr. Antonia Demas, 
students are allowed to first smell the food and then slowly taste new 
whole foods. When kids are involved in selecting and preparing 
vegetables they are more likely to eat them. Try preparing vegetables in
 a variety of ways, from raw, to lightly steamed, to stir fried. 
Children follow adult examples, so make sure they see you enjoying your 
veggies too. The task of eating more fresh vegetables and fruits 
is easier when you keep a good supply of choices on hand. Soon our 
farmers markets will be open with some great choices of locally grown 
produce. Late cold weather pushed back the planting of many gardens but 
hopefully now that it has warmed up you are still thinking about 
planting something. Research shows that when kids learn about vegetables
 and fruits by growing them, they are more likely to eat them. Take
 time now that school is winding down, to sit down with your kids and 
get them involved in meal planning. Make a deal with them to try one new
 vegetable every week of the summer and you will expand their healthy 
plate. As the kids get older you can offer age appropriate chores 
related to meal preparation and serving. Giving children choices when it
 comes to what is served gives them a sense of ownership. If a new food 
is not liked the first time it is offered, wait a couple of weeks and 
try again with the food prepared in a different way. If anyone 
reading this would like ideas on foods to prepare with youngsters, I 
hope you will take a few minutes and check out the following website: 
https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen There are some excellent 
kid-friendly recipes, many that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. 
There is an option on the website to save your favorite recipes and 
create a cookbook that is saved in a file or printed off. Have a fun summer in the kitchen! Donna
 Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent 
with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach
 her at: 793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

KRUG: Kids and vegetables

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser recaps this week's Hays city commission meeting with assistant city manager Collin Bielser and commissioner Shaun Musil.

<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="Improvements planned for Hays airport" 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=rkn3j-104cc91-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&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, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser recaps this week's Hays city commission meeting with assistant city manager Collin Bielser and commissioner Shaun Musil.<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: Improvements planned for Hays airport

The next art show opens at the Deines Cultural Center and Art Galleyr on Sunday.

"Tribute: The Trudy Furney and Derrill Castor Dedication Show" features art from former students of these two beloved and influential Russell high school art teachers. There will be a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibition will remain on display until July 30.

The Deines is at 820 N. Main St. in Russell. Open six days a week, Tuesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Call 785-483-3742 for information

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622231475148.png" alt="Deines.png" />
 <figcaption>Deines.png</figcaption>
 </figure>The next art show opens at the Deines Cultural Center and Art Galleyr on Sunday."Tribute: The Trudy Furney and Derrill Castor Dedication Show" features art from former students of these two beloved and influential Russell high school art teachers. There will be a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibition will remain on display until July 30.The Deines is at 820 N. Main St. in Russell. Open six days a week, Tuesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Call 785-483-3742 for information

New show 'Tribute' opens at Deines gallery on Sunday

WASHINGTON, D.C. -&nbsp; The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a proposed rule to list two designated population segments (DPS) of the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered and threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). 

The northern DPS of the lesser prairie-chicken, whose habitat includes western Kansas, was listed at threatened, and will have tailored protections under the ESA.

“I am concerned to see the proposed rule to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act,” said First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-Salina.

 “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commended the voluntary efforts in Kansas, including 40,000 acres of habitat conservation, but ultimately decided that the federal government is better equipped to address these local areas. Over the last several years, our farmers, ranchers, energy sector, and other private landowners have enacted voluntary conservation efforts, and the lesser prairie-chicken’s population has risen in Kansas. 

"This is yet another federal overreach that will disrupt industries that are vital to our economy. I will remain vigilant as the rulemaking process begins and want to ensure all Kansas stakeholders are heard and not negatively impacted by any federal designation.”

FWS has sent a new proposed rule to the Federal Registrar for public comment. Public comments are open for 60 days at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015g0k1dVRe_iE76q3T_uAkwxSAXbO3D0TcJc0HLro0YRrcpnpOS7ga-Us0ZNHZc9P30ieZdnCvRhtF4XwSg3rPWl58HJvVEns8BA4g25pRzErQzbbLOffLqQguTTlv3-_46Ho263A96eQursCynSWWg==&amp;c=be-P1a-tGSnuLe0p08nmpAX-_AaRO4QuTxRgVlNdodxG2o3BYmtHEQ==&amp;ch=54DQyO9MZ59M0PM0zmdhzdeDh1OXqv0obUb7gp5ISLUd1RwpWscEqw==" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov</a>under docket number FWS–R2–ES–2021–0015.

“I would encourage all stakeholders who are affected by the new proposed rule to comment so as FWS works through rulemaking all Kansas stakeholders are heard,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615523825324.png" alt="&nbsp;Lesser prairie chicken&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Lesser prairie chicken&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. MannWASHINGTON, D.C. -&nbsp; The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a proposed rule to list two designated population segments (DPS) of the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered and threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The northern DPS of the lesser prairie-chicken, whose habitat includes western Kansas, was listed at threatened, and will have tailored protections under the ESA.“I am concerned to see the proposed rule to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act,” said First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-Salina. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commended the voluntary efforts in Kansas, including 40,000 acres of habitat conservation, but ultimately decided that the federal government is better equipped to address these local areas. Over the last several years, our farmers, ranchers, energy sector, and other private landowners have enacted voluntary conservation efforts, and the lesser prairie-chicken’s population has risen in Kansas. "This is yet another federal overreach that will disrupt industries that are vital to our economy. I will remain vigilant as the rulemaking process begins and want to ensure all Kansas stakeholders are heard and not negatively impacted by any federal designation.”FWS has sent a new proposed rule to the Federal Registrar for public comment. Public comments are open for 60 days at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015g0k1dVRe_iE76q3T_uAkwxSAXbO3D0TcJc0HLro0YRrcpnpOS7ga-Us0ZNHZc9P30ieZdnCvRhtF4XwSg3rPWl58HJvVEns8BA4g25pRzErQzbbLOffLqQguTTlv3-_46Ho263A96eQursCynSWWg==&amp;c=be-P1a-tGSnuLe0p08nmpAX-_AaRO4QuTxRgVlNdodxG2o3BYmtHEQ==&amp;ch=54DQyO9MZ59M0PM0zmdhzdeDh1OXqv0obUb7gp5ISLUd1RwpWscEqw==" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov</a>under docket number FWS–R2–ES–2021–0015. “I would encourage all stakeholders who are affected by the new proposed rule to comment so as FWS works through rulemaking all Kansas stakeholders are heard,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rep. Mann decries "federal overreach" on lesser prairie chicken designation

Members of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapter at Fort Hays State University represented their university well at the Region 3 Virtual Conference of the American Criminal Justice Association/Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA/LAE) earlier this semester.

Fort Hays State won the Top Percent Award, which goes to the team that wins the most trophy points per member. It was the first time FHSU won the group award since re-chartering with ACJA/LAE in 2016.

Students and advisors from five chapters across the region were pleased to participate after the national conferences in 2020 and ’21, as well last fall’s regional conference, were canceled because of COVID-19 disruptions.

Each participating chapter was responsible for facilitating each competition for the different categories: written exams, poster presentations, crime scene, physical agility, and firearms. Scoresheets were returned to Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair of FHSU’s Department of Criminal Justice and co-advisor of the FHSU Criminal Justice Club, and results were compiled for the virtual awards presentation via Zoom. There were competitions designed for individuals and three-person teams.

The different levels at which members competed were lower level (less than 70 credit hours), upper level (undergraduate with more than 70 credit hours), and professional (graduate student or professional in the field).

Schools participating besides FHSU were Central Methodist University (Mo.), Garden City Community College, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and the University of Central Missouri.

Helping FHSU win the Top Percent Award was a former student, Lee Almon, while competing at the professional level. A graduate of FHSU’s Master of Professional Studies, Almon is a professional member of Fort Hays State’s ACJA/LAE chapter and is currently a doctoral student at Liberty University. Almon finished first in four individual categories and third in another, all in the professional division. He also was part of a second-place team finish in the professional division.

Following are FHSU’s results from the Region 3 competition:

* Lee Almon is an alumni from Dalton, Ga.

First place: Corrections, Professional Level&nbsp; First place: Juvenile Justice, Professional Level Third place: ACJA/LAE Knowledge, Professional Level

First place: Physical agility (Male, ages 26-35)

First place: Poster presentation, Graduate Division.&nbsp;

* Juan Colegio&nbsp;is a senior from McAllen, Texas.

Third place: ACJA/LAE Knowledge, Upper Division

Third place: Physical agility (Male, ages 25-under)

* Abigail Hayes&nbsp;is a junior from Baldwin City. Second place: ACJA/LAE Knowledge, Upper Division

Second place: Poster presentation, Upper Division

* Cristina Jimenez&nbsp;is a senior from Dodge City. First place, Corrections,&nbsp;Upper Division

Second place: Juvenile Justice, Upper Division

Second place: Police Administration, Upper Division * Savannah O'Reilly&nbsp;is a junior from Arvada, Colo. Honorable mention:&nbsp;Juvenile Justice&nbsp; * Gavin Powell&nbsp;is a junior from Hays. Second place: Criminal Law, Upper Division&nbsp;

Honorable mention: Firearms * Conrad Vajnar&nbsp;is a senior from Hays. First place: Criminal Law, Upper Division&nbsp;&nbsp; Beatrice Walsh&nbsp;is a senior from Thornton, Colo.

First place: Juvenile Justice,&nbsp;Upper Division&nbsp; Third place, Academic poster,&nbsp;Upper Division

Second place: Physical agility (Female, ages 25-under) * Mattie Windholz&nbsp;is a junior from Holdrege, Neb. Honorable mention: Juvenile Justice&nbsp;

* Crime Scene Competition&nbsp; Second place: Upper Division, Beatrice Walsh, Abigail Hayes, and Cristina Jimenez&nbsp; First place: Upper Division, Conrad Vajnar, Enrique Cabrera-Rodriguez, and Gavin Powell&nbsp; First place: Professional Division, Dr. Ziwei Qi, Breanna Markley, and Brianna Smith&nbsp;

* Firearms Teams&nbsp; Second place: Professional Division, Dr. Tamara Lynn, Lee Almon, and Gavin Powell&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622063121044.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University's Lambda Alpha Epsilon won the Top Percent Award at the Region 3 ACJA/LAE conference." />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University's Lambda Alpha Epsilon won the Top Percent Award at the Region 3 ACJA/LAE conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsMembers of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapter at Fort Hays State University represented their university well at the Region 3 Virtual Conference of the American Criminal Justice Association/Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA/LAE) earlier this semester.Fort Hays State won the Top Percent Award, which goes to the team that wins the most trophy points per member. It was the first time FHSU won the group award since re-chartering with ACJA/LAE in 2016.Students and advisors from five chapters across the region were pleased to participate after the national conferences in 2020 and ’21, as well last fall’s regional conference, were canceled because of COVID-19 disruptions.Each participating chapter was responsible for facilitating each competition for the different categories: written exams, poster presentations, crime scene, physical agility, and firearms. Scoresheets were returned to Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair of FHSU’s Department of Criminal Justice and co-advisor of the FHSU Criminal Justice Club, and results were compiled for the virtual awards presentation via Zoom. There were competitions designed for individuals and three-person teams.The different levels at which members competed were lower level (less than 70 credit hours), upper level (undergraduate with more than 70 credit hours), and professional (graduate student or professional in the field).Schools participating besides FHSU were Central Methodist University (Mo.), Garden City Community College, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and the University of Central Missouri.Helping FHSU win the Top Percent Award was a former student, Lee Almon, while competing at the professional level. A graduate of FHSU’s Master of Professional Studies, Almon is a professional member of Fort Hays State’s ACJA/LAE chapter and is currently a doctoral student at Liberty University. Almon finished first in four individual categories and third in another, all in the professional division. He also was part of a second-place team finish in the professional division.Following are FHSU’s results from the Region 3 competition:* Lee Almon is an alumni from Dalton, Ga.First place: Corrections, Professional Level&nbsp; First place: Juvenile Justice, Professional Level Third place: ACJA/LAE Knowledge, Professional LevelFirst place: Physical agility (Male, ages 26-35)First place: Poster presentation, Graduate Division.&nbsp;* Juan Colegio&nbsp;is a senior from McAllen, Texas.Third place: ACJA/LAE Knowledge, Upper DivisionThird place: Physical agility (Male, ages 25-under)* Abigail Hayes&nbsp;is a junior from Baldwin City. Second place: ACJA/LAE Knowledge, Upper DivisionSecond place: Poster presentation, Upper Division* Cristina Jimenez&nbsp;is a senior from Dodge City. First place, Corrections,&nbsp;Upper DivisionSecond place: Juvenile Justice, Upper DivisionSecond place: Police Administration, Upper Division * Savannah O'Reilly&nbsp;is a junior from Arvada, Colo. Honorable mention:&nbsp;Juvenile Justice&nbsp; * Gavin Powell&nbsp;is a junior from Hays. Second place: Criminal Law, Upper Division&nbsp;Honorable mention: Firearms * Conrad Vajnar&nbsp;is a senior from Hays. First place: Criminal Law, Upper Division&nbsp;&nbsp; Beatrice Walsh&nbsp;is a senior from Thornton, Colo.First place: Juvenile Justice,&nbsp;Upper Division&nbsp; Third place, Academic poster,&nbsp;Upper DivisionSecond place: Physical agility (Female, ages 25-under) * Mattie Windholz&nbsp;is a junior from Holdrege, Neb. Honorable mention: Juvenile Justice&nbsp;* Crime Scene Competition&nbsp; Second place: Upper Division, Beatrice Walsh, Abigail Hayes, and Cristina Jimenez&nbsp; First place: Upper Division, Conrad Vajnar, Enrique Cabrera-Rodriguez, and Gavin Powell&nbsp; First place: Professional Division, Dr. Ziwei Qi, Breanna Markley, and Brianna Smith&nbsp;* Firearms Teams&nbsp; Second place: Professional Division, Dr. Tamara Lynn, Lee Almon, and Gavin Powell&nbsp;

Two Hays students among FHSU Criminal Justice Club winners at regionals

Watch the Hays High Indian's third place game from the 5A State Baseball tournament at the below link. Courtesy of the Hays High Sports Network and Hays High Baseball. Game time is approximately 3:30.

<a href="https://youtu.be/67CDd4szkgc">https://youtu.be/67CDd4szkgc</a>

Watch the Hays High Indian's third place game from the 5A State Baseball tournament at the below link. Courtesy of the Hays High Sports Network and Hays High Baseball. Game time is approximately 3:30.<a href="https://youtu.be/67CDd4szkgc">https://youtu.be/67CDd4szkgc</a>

Watch Hays High 3rd Place Game Here

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,752 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622228372251.png" alt="Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health and Environment " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health and Environment </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one active COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,752 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: One new virus case in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The 3A and 4A state track and field meet starts at 8 a.m. Friday.

Listen to 101.9 The Bull for updates and check back with HaysPost for updated results throughout the day. 3A girls triple jump Abby Rueschhoff - TMP - 5th 34'10.5" 3A girls high jump Kassidi Yost - TMP - 4th 5'00" Makinsey Schlautman TMP - 5th 5'00" Abby Babcock – 11th 4-08.00

3A boys triple jump Jace Wentling - TMP - 3rd 43'0.75" 3A boys pole vault Jeffery Heimann - TMP - 2nd 13'6" Kagan Keeten - Phillipsburg – 5th 13-00.00

3A girls long jump Abby Rueschhoff - TMP - 6th 16'1.25"

3A shot put Sasha Wasinger - TMP - 10th 34'1.5" 3A boys long jump Ian Chiu - TMP - 10th 19'8 Kade Harris - TMP - 13th 19'6.5 Jace Wentling - TMP - 1st 23'5.50

girls 800M Emilee
Lane - TMP -8th 2:27.95

3A Girls 100 Dash - Prelims Ava Schemper - Phillipsburg – 9th 12.90

3A Girls 200 Dash - Finals Ava Schemper –Phillipsburg – 5th 26.62

3A Girls 400 Dash Heather Schemper–Phillipsburg – 1st 59.18 Abby Babcock –Phillipsburg– 4th 1:00.39

3ABoys Javelin Throw Trace Hanchett –Phillipsburg– 3rd 169-01

3A Girls 4x100 –Phillipsburg– 4th 50:53 1) Taryn Sides2) Heather Schemper3) Abby Babcock4) Ava
Schemper

The 3A and 4A state track and field meet starts at 8 a.m. Friday.Listen to 101.9 The Bull for updates and check back with HaysPost for updated results throughout the day. 3A girls triple jump Abby Rueschhoff - TMP - 5th 34'10.5" 3A girls high jump Kassidi Yost - TMP - 4th 5'00" Makinsey Schlautman TMP - 5th 5'00" Abby Babcock – 11th 4-08.00 3A boys triple jump Jace Wentling - TMP - 3rd 43'0.75" 3A boys pole vault Jeffery Heimann - TMP - 2nd 13'6" Kagan Keeten - Phillipsburg – 5th 13-00.00 3A girls long jump Abby Rueschhoff - TMP - 6th 16'1.25"3A shot put Sasha Wasinger - TMP - 10th 34'1.5" 3A boys long jump Ian Chiu - TMP - 10th 19'8 Kade Harris - TMP - 13th 19'6.5 Jace Wentling - TMP - 1st 23'5.50girls 800M Emilee
Lane - TMP -8th 2:27.953A Girls 100 Dash - Prelims Ava Schemper - Phillipsburg – 9th 12.903A Girls 200 Dash - Finals Ava Schemper –Phillipsburg – 5th 26.623A Girls 400 Dash Heather Schemper–Phillipsburg – 1st 59.18 Abby Babcock –Phillipsburg– 4th 1:00.393ABoys Javelin Throw Trace Hanchett –Phillipsburg– 3rd 169-013A Girls 4x100 –Phillipsburg– 4th 50:53 1) Taryn Sides2) Heather Schemper3) Abby Babcock4) Ava
Schemper

🏃3A state track results

On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with&nbsp;Eisenhower Presidential Library director Dawn Hammett.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Eisenhower Presidential Library director Dawn Hammett" 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=28jvn-104c65f-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with&nbsp;Eisenhower Presidential Library director Dawn Hammett.

🎤Forward Ever: Eisenhower Presidential Library director Dawn Hammett

 Due to the observance of the Memorial Day on May 31, the refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows: Monday, May 31, 2021 and Tuesday, June 1, 2021 will be picked up on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. 

There is no anticipated change to Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday’s collection schedules. 

Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed during the week. 

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7:00 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. 

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605721681274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays Due to the observance of the Memorial Day on May 31, the refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows: Monday, May 31, 2021 and Tuesday, June 1, 2021 will be picked up on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. There is no anticipated change to Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday’s collection schedules. Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed during the week. It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7:00 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse/recycling collection scheduled changed for Memorial Day holiday

City of Hays offices will be closed on May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.

City offices closed Monday for Memorial Day holiday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The green and white flashing beacon at the Hays Regional Airport was built in 1962 and has exceeded its useful service life.

The 59-year-old structure will be replaced this year along with apron rehabilitation approved Thursday night by Hays city commissioners.

Jamie Salter, airport director, joked with the commission that the beacon luckily had not blown down during Wednesday afternoon's severe thunderstorms.&nbsp;

The airport apron was constructed in 1991 and is exhibiting signs of deterioration. 

A drainage project was completed earlier this year to&nbsp;to address drainage primarily on taxilane A and adjacent panels. The remainder of the apron has areas of concrete failure and visible cracking, requiring rehabilitation to extend its service life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both improvements are part of the airport’s capital improvement plan (AIP) and eligible for AIP funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The sole bid for the project came from APAC-Kansas for $1,142,393, below the engineer's estimate of $1.3 million. A small portion of the project -&nbsp;$23,075 - is ineligible for FAA reimbursement. The remaining&nbsp;$1,119,318 will be completely funded by the FAA.

The city's airport engineering consultant, Burns and McDonnell will receive $247,000 for the FAA-required construction oversight and project documentation. That fee will also be completely funded by an FAA grant.&nbsp;

The FAA Airport Improvement Program typically funds projects at 90 percent with a mandatory local city match of 10 percent.

A combination of the FAA AIP and American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to the Hays airport will fund the project 100 percent, minus the $23,075 which will be paid from the city's airport improvement fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Construction will have no impact on commercial air service," said Salter, "but they will be required to taxi [to and from the terminal] in a different location for the first 30 days of the project."

Salter has notified SkyWest of the upcoming change along with the other airport tenants.

"There will be a little bit of loss in aircraft parking. We will have to shift things around. They have it phased to ensure that we have enough and that we have the wingtip clearance for SkyWest, which is our biggest aircraft accessing the area, to safely access and not obstruct any of the construction or vice-versa."

* Approved a $801,000 bid from R.E. Pedrotti, Mission, for a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a0c434d-92ca-45e1-b6de-2de984350986">new SCADA system for the water plant</a>

* Accepted the 2020 audit for the city of Hays as presented by Adams Brown

* Heard a progress report of various department activities from Collin Bielser, asst. city manager&nbsp;

* Heard about upcoming summer activities from Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) exec. director

* Reviewed a three-year summary of visitor and consumer analytics in Hays provided to the CVB by See Source in partnership with the state of Kansas

City Manager Toby Dougherty and Mayor Sandy Jacobs were absent from the meeting, which was presided over by Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622165699617.jpeg" alt="The apron will be rehabbed and the beacon replaced this year at the Hays Regional Airport.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The apron will be rehabbed and the beacon replaced this year at the Hays Regional Airport.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe green and white flashing beacon at the Hays Regional Airport was built in 1962 and has exceeded its useful service life.The 59-year-old structure will be replaced this year along with apron rehabilitation approved Thursday night by Hays city commissioners.Jamie Salter, airport director, joked with the commission that the beacon luckily had not blown down during Wednesday afternoon's severe thunderstorms.&nbsp;The airport apron was constructed in 1991 and is exhibiting signs of deterioration. A drainage project was completed earlier this year to&nbsp;to address drainage primarily on taxilane A and adjacent panels. The remainder of the apron has areas of concrete failure and visible cracking, requiring rehabilitation to extend its service life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622166157383.jpeg" alt="Failing concrete on the Hays airport's apron" />
 <figcaption>Failing concrete on the Hays airport's apron</figcaption>
 </figure>Both improvements are part of the airport’s capital improvement plan (AIP) and eligible for AIP funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).The sole bid for the project came from APAC-Kansas for $1,142,393, below the engineer's estimate of $1.3 million. A small portion of the project -&nbsp;$23,075 - is ineligible for FAA reimbursement. The remaining&nbsp;$1,119,318 will be completely funded by the FAA.The city's airport engineering consultant, Burns and McDonnell will receive $247,000 for the FAA-required construction oversight and project documentation. That fee will also be completely funded by an FAA grant.&nbsp;The FAA Airport Improvement Program typically funds projects at 90 percent with a mandatory local city match of 10 percent.A combination of the FAA AIP and American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to the Hays airport will fund the project 100 percent, minus the $23,075 which will be paid from the city's airport improvement fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mWS8LQyUQCU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Construction will have no impact on commercial air service," said Salter, "but they will be required to taxi [to and from the terminal] in a different location for the first 30 days of the project."Salter has notified SkyWest of the upcoming change along with the other airport tenants."There will be a little bit of loss in aircraft parking. We will have to shift things around. They have it phased to ensure that we have enough and that we have the wingtip clearance for SkyWest, which is our biggest aircraft accessing the area, to safely access and not obstruct any of the construction or vice-versa."In other business, commissioners:* Approved a $801,000 bid from R.E. Pedrotti, Mission, for a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a0c434d-92ca-45e1-b6de-2de984350986">new SCADA system for the water plant</a>* Accepted the 2020 audit for the city of Hays as presented by Adams Brown* Heard a progress report of various department activities from Collin Bielser, asst. city manager&nbsp;* Heard about upcoming summer activities from Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) exec. director* Reviewed a three-year summary of visitor and consumer analytics in Hays provided to the CVB by See Source in partnership with the state of KansasCity Manager Toby Dougherty and Mayor Sandy Jacobs were absent from the meeting, which was presided over by Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder..

🎥 FAA and federal COVID grants combine to finance more airport improvements  

Over the past several months, the primary topic of conversation between Chamber staff and members has been workforce. Businesses in Ellis County have shared numerous concerns, including:

• Businesses are reducing their hours of operation because they cannot staff multiple shifts. In some instances, they are even closing temporarily because they lack enough help. This trend also has a substantial, negative impact on the sales tax revenue for Kansas as a whole and Ellis County.

• The unemployed do not want to come back to work because they are making more money on unemployment through the American Rescue Plan.

• Employers are increasing their wages to compete with other employers to fill their vacancies. This, coupled with significant cost increases across all industries, is putting businesses in unprecedented circumstances.

• Workers in dozens of retail locations and restaurants are quitting or not showing up for shifts when asked to work on weekends and holidays.

In the April 2021 Kansas Labor Market Report, Ellis County’s unemployment rate dropped from 2.4 percent in March to 1.9 percent in April.

As of April 2021, Ellis County’s labor force totaled 17,131 people. Of that total, 16,806 are employed, which means only 325 are currently unemployed.

With the significant need for workforce to fill those vacancies, where will that help come from if the unemployment rate is so low? To answer that question, we must start with a question. How are unemployment figures calculated in Kansas? Here are some definitions as provided by the Kansas Department of Labor:

“The unemployment rate is calculated as the number of unemployed divided by the labor force,” according to the department.

Keep in mind, retirees and students not working, disabled persons not working, persons not working and discouraged from seeking work, and volunteers working for religious/charitable organizations are not included in this equation.

In a letter written to Sen. Rick Billinger, Rep. Ken Rahjes, Rep. Barb Wasinger, and Rep. Troy Waymaster on May 12, The Chamber in Hays urged Kansas legislators to cease the state’s participation in the American Rescue Plan, specifically with the additional unemployment benefits.

According to CBS News, 23 states have withdrawn from the American Rescue Plan, which contains a weekly $300 supplemental unemployment benefit for qualified workers through the end of September.

The picture is clear. Workforce is an issue that must be addressed – but how?

Mike Henke, business training consultant, shared these resources with the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association to help local employers recruit workforce:

• Post on <a href="http://www.kansasworks.com">www.kansasworks.com</a> as this site includes all job seekers who have filed for unemployment. Employers need to post on multiple sites: <a href="http://WorkHays.com">WorkHays.com</a>, Nex-tech Classifieds, FHSU Handshake, College Central, <a href="http://Indeed.com">Indeed.com</a>, etc. Post positions on Facebook and LinkedIn; allow hard-copy applications for jobs that do not require computer experience;

• Contact with students/alumni from specific programs at colleges/technical schools; participating in their career days and career fairs;

• Offer internships or summer jobs to local students to encourage them to return after college;

• Recruit veterans and those leaving the military; participate in military recruitment events;

• Employee incentives/bonuses for recruiting new employees;

• Recruit individuals with disabilities;

• Recruit Hispanics (<a href="http://www.hispanic-jobs.com">www.hispanic-jobs.com</a>) and other international groups;

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 </figure>Over the past several months, the primary topic of conversation between Chamber staff and members has been workforce. Businesses in Ellis County have shared numerous concerns, including:• Businesses are reducing their hours of operation because they cannot staff multiple shifts. In some instances, they are even closing temporarily because they lack enough help. This trend also has a substantial, negative impact on the sales tax revenue for Kansas as a whole and Ellis County.• The unemployed do not want to come back to work because they are making more money on unemployment through the American Rescue Plan.• Employers are increasing their wages to compete with other employers to fill their vacancies. This, coupled with significant cost increases across all industries, is putting businesses in unprecedented circumstances.• Workers in dozens of retail locations and restaurants are quitting or not showing up for shifts when asked to work on weekends and holidays.In the April 2021 Kansas Labor Market Report, Ellis County’s unemployment rate dropped from 2.4 percent in March to 1.9 percent in April.As of April 2021, Ellis County’s labor force totaled 17,131 people. Of that total, 16,806 are employed, which means only 325 are currently unemployed.With the significant need for workforce to fill those vacancies, where will that help come from if the unemployment rate is so low? To answer that question, we must start with a question. How are unemployment figures calculated in Kansas? Here are some definitions as provided by the Kansas Department of Labor:“The unemployment rate is calculated as the number of unemployed divided by the labor force,” according to the department.<figure>
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 </figure>Keep in mind, retirees and students not working, disabled persons not working, persons not working and discouraged from seeking work, and volunteers working for religious/charitable organizations are not included in this equation.In a letter written to Sen. Rick Billinger, Rep. Ken Rahjes, Rep. Barb Wasinger, and Rep. Troy Waymaster on May 12, The Chamber in Hays urged Kansas legislators to cease the state’s participation in the American Rescue Plan, specifically with the additional unemployment benefits.According to CBS News, 23 states have withdrawn from the American Rescue Plan, which contains a weekly $300 supplemental unemployment benefit for qualified workers through the end of September.The picture is clear. Workforce is an issue that must be addressed – but how?Mike Henke, business training consultant, shared these resources with the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association to help local employers recruit workforce:• Post on <a href="http://www.kansasworks.com">www.kansasworks.com</a> as this site includes all job seekers who have filed for unemployment. Employers need to post on multiple sites: <a href="http://WorkHays.com">WorkHays.com</a>, Nex-tech Classifieds, FHSU Handshake, College Central, <a href="http://Indeed.com">Indeed.com</a>, etc. Post positions on Facebook and LinkedIn; allow hard-copy applications for jobs that do not require computer experience;• Contact with students/alumni from specific programs at colleges/technical schools; participating in their career days and career fairs;• Offer internships or summer jobs to local students to encourage them to return after college;• Recruit veterans and those leaving the military; participate in military recruitment events;• Using retirees for part-time work;• Employee incentives/bonuses for recruiting new employees;• Recruit individuals with disabilities;• Recruit Hispanics (<a href="http://www.hispanic-jobs.com">www.hispanic-jobs.com</a>) and other international groups;• Promote recruitment to family and friends;• Utilize Registered Apprenticeship Program - <a href="https://ksapprenticeship.org/">https://ksapprenticeship.org/</a>Now that we have resources for employers identified, let us investigate connecting students who are not currently in the workforce, retirees who might want to have more disposable income, or folks who might be looking into working a part-time job over the summer.If any of these categories describe you, let <a href="https://www.kansasworks.com/">KANSASWORKS</a> assist you as a job seeker. They can collaborate with you to navigate through job search, build resumes, and share other helpful tips and tricks for ascertaining an interview. Appointments for these services can be scheduled by calling 785-625-5654.Additional work must be done to attract qualified workforce to Hays. This work is not something that can be done in a short timeframe. Until then, The Chamber in Hays urges all residents to pay attention to the help wanted signs. If you know of anyone who would make a good fit at any of those establishments, please talk to&nbsp; them about the work opportunities that exist. You may just save a small business in Ellis County from closing its doors for good.As patrons of these businesses, please keep in mind that our business owners have had an unprecedented year with more challenges than ever before. When going out to restaurants, remember that their staff are likely pulling a double shift just so you can have that dining experience. Please remember that before leaving any unkind reviews and offer up appreciation. If that item you must have is out of stock, please remember that they are doing their best to keep the shelves stocked as the supply chain has been debilitated.Work with the location to place an order so those dollars still stay local. The more we work together, the sooner we can address the workforce pandemic. Stay Ellis County strong!*A special thank you to Phyllis LaShell, workforce response coordinator at <a href="https://www.kansasworks.com/">KANSASWORKS</a>, for sharing multiple resources for this letter to the editor.About The Chamber in Hays ... The Chamber facilitates collaboration among businesses and community partners by cultivating and enhancing development opportunities.Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO The Chamber in Hays

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