On a warm Saturday morning in mid-July, a crowd gathered on the lawn outside of Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center to listen to author Mandy Kern read from her newly published children’s book, "Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet."

A former science teacher and current FHSU Program Specialist at KWEC, Kern wrote&nbsp;Ava&nbsp;to help teach children, parents, and anyone who reads it about the Kansas Wetlands. Kern began working at KWEC in 2018. She has since received both recognition and awards for her work in environmental education. While speaking to the gathered crowd, Kern discussed the Kansas Wetlands’ ecological importance and the need to expand people’s understanding of this natural wonder. When asked about the event, Kern said, “I want to thank the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation for making this book project possible. I hope that it will spark an interest in Cheyenne Bottoms and shorebirds in the students that live in our area and help make them aware of the importance of our wetland ecosystem. The book is truly a work of art thanks to the talents of Onalee Nicklin; young and old will appreciate the accurate drawings of the 33 birds depicted in the story.”

As the families sat and listened to the story of Ava the Avocet, children were able to follow along with their own book thanks to a donation from the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation, which allowed each family to receive a free copy. Copies are also being provided to all schools and public libraries within a 70 mile radius of the center and each K-6 classroom in Barton County.

After the reading, everyone was invited into the center to explore the many displays, speak with the staff, and engage in interactive activities to learn more about the wetlands. Led by illustrator Onalee Nicklin, children learned how to draw their own Avocet, like Ava. In addition, the many interactive stations encouraged people to physically engage with some of the ideas they read about in the book. Positioned throughout the center and outside, the interactive stations proved to be enjoyable learning experiences for both young and old alike.&nbsp;

Children had the opportunity to build bird nests, take a chance at surviving the dangers of migration, attempt to gather food as a bird might, and many other activities. One of the most popular activities was the display of potential food sources for the various bird species. Damselfly and dragonfly nymphs, dobsonfly larva, and crawdads were just some of the living food sources with which the children interacted.

KWEC Center Director Curtis Wolf also participated in the activities, helping children explore the stations while sharing his expertise with visitors. He was pleased with the large turnout and glad to be able to host events once again. KWEC reopened fully on June 1st&nbsp;as part of FHSU’s Phaseout Plan. Events like this one and other FHSU activities provide necessary and enjoyable resources for community members excited for a return to normal.

Anyone interested in purchasing a copy, or incorporating&nbsp;Ava&nbsp;into their childrens’ or students’ education can find lesson plans developed for this purpose at the wetlands center website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2bDEEHv56SGFyEWOP3Y2EffEQydbmDmuU99Ls-2FDNdR-2BcKelmIH-2FOILDq3a-2Brc2JhlatXAn7ZVQKtzzHEuGakmfW1Kq5_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemRtE5c13YSNXkAgXhkw6n3oTqD612VF4tmv53xH8cMu6uHOqXeBN73F7e092-2FoTpvFKl6B3oc0abMVbCuXoOVon2jv1leFyHky-2F4oFT-2B-2B00sy5JAsZPy2bhBgfBaHdAKuoLkxz69QVx1BU5nbMFBrJJb7Dtpiv2QUdvMv6ewbZN8dwCERyadvfJBgP9VZTMV-2FPEiqgd3SoCMFQ4Nn1V1-2FPQ98T-2BeoCoEVcUlF6FNEKf2RzyyzTPvYP6QmYFJoYeo7xvJL10wTe-2FbCyteiE12X0g-3D-3D">http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/education/ava-childrens-book/ava-childrens-book.html</a>.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626270598013.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsOn a warm Saturday morning in mid-July, a crowd gathered on the lawn outside of Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center to listen to author Mandy Kern read from her newly published children’s book, "Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet."A former science teacher and current FHSU Program Specialist at KWEC, Kern wrote&nbsp;Ava&nbsp;to help teach children, parents, and anyone who reads it about the Kansas Wetlands. Kern began working at KWEC in 2018. She has since received both recognition and awards for her work in environmental education. While speaking to the gathered crowd, Kern discussed the Kansas Wetlands’ ecological importance and the need to expand people’s understanding of this natural wonder. When asked about the event, Kern said, “I want to thank the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation for making this book project possible. I hope that it will spark an interest in Cheyenne Bottoms and shorebirds in the students that live in our area and help make them aware of the importance of our wetland ecosystem. The book is truly a work of art thanks to the talents of Onalee Nicklin; young and old will appreciate the accurate drawings of the 33 birds depicted in the story.”As the families sat and listened to the story of Ava the Avocet, children were able to follow along with their own book thanks to a donation from the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation, which allowed each family to receive a free copy. Copies are also being provided to all schools and public libraries within a 70 mile radius of the center and each K-6 classroom in Barton County.After the reading, everyone was invited into the center to explore the many displays, speak with the staff, and engage in interactive activities to learn more about the wetlands. Led by illustrator Onalee Nicklin, children learned how to draw their own Avocet, like Ava. In addition, the many interactive stations encouraged people to physically engage with some of the ideas they read about in the book. Positioned throughout the center and outside, the interactive stations proved to be enjoyable learning experiences for both young and old alike.&nbsp;Children had the opportunity to build bird nests, take a chance at surviving the dangers of migration, attempt to gather food as a bird might, and many other activities. One of the most popular activities was the display of potential food sources for the various bird species. Damselfly and dragonfly nymphs, dobsonfly larva, and crawdads were just some of the living food sources with which the children interacted.KWEC Center Director Curtis Wolf also participated in the activities, helping children explore the stations while sharing his expertise with visitors. He was pleased with the large turnout and glad to be able to host events once again. KWEC reopened fully on June 1st&nbsp;as part of FHSU’s Phaseout Plan. Events like this one and other FHSU activities provide necessary and enjoyable resources for community members excited for a return to normal.Anyone interested in purchasing a copy, or incorporating&nbsp;Ava&nbsp;into their childrens’ or students’ education can find lesson plans developed for this purpose at the wetlands center website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2bDEEHv56SGFyEWOP3Y2EffEQydbmDmuU99Ls-2FDNdR-2BcKelmIH-2FOILDq3a-2Brc2JhlatXAn7ZVQKtzzHEuGakmfW1Kq5_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemRtE5c13YSNXkAgXhkw6n3oTqD612VF4tmv53xH8cMu6uHOqXeBN73F7e092-2FoTpvFKl6B3oc0abMVbCuXoOVon2jv1leFyHky-2F4oFT-2B-2B00sy5JAsZPy2bhBgfBaHdAKuoLkxz69QVx1BU5nbMFBrJJb7Dtpiv2QUdvMv6ewbZN8dwCERyadvfJBgP9VZTMV-2FPEiqgd3SoCMFQ4Nn1V1-2FPQ98T-2BeoCoEVcUlF6FNEKf2RzyyzTPvYP6QmYFJoYeo7xvJL10wTe-2FbCyteiE12X0g-3D-3D">http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/education/ava-childrens-book/ava-childrens-book.html</a>.Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center book reading draws crowd

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 27-year-old Hays man has been charged with killing his
wife in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2019.

According to a press release from the Ellis County Attorney’s
Office, Colby Alan Trickle, 27, Hays, was charged Wednesday with first-degree
murder in the October 2019 shooting death of his wife, <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Kristen-Trickle">Kristen Trickle</a>, 26, Hays.

Colby Trickle, who was arrested Thursday, is alleged to have,
“feloniously, and intentionally with premeditation” shoot Kristen Trickle in
the head with a revolver on Oct. 31, 2019. 

Premediated first-degree murder in Kansas is an off-grid
person felony, and anyone convicted of first degree faces life in prison. The mandatory
minimum is 25 years in prison with the possibility of post-release supervision.

Colby Trickle was also charged with two counts of
interference with law enforcement. Prosecutors allege Trickle reported false
information to law enforcement officials on two separate occasions in an effort
to obstruct an investigation.

Trickle is being held on $1.5 million bond. 

His next court appearance is expected to be Friday in Ellis County District
Court. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 27-year-old Hays man has been charged with killing his
wife in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2019.According to a press release from the Ellis County Attorney’s
Office, Colby Alan Trickle, 27, Hays, was charged Wednesday with first-degree
murder in the October 2019 shooting death of his wife, <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Kristen-Trickle">Kristen Trickle</a>, 26, Hays.Colby Trickle, who was arrested Thursday, is alleged to have,
“feloniously, and intentionally with premeditation” shoot Kristen Trickle in
the head with a revolver on Oct. 31, 2019. Premediated first-degree murder in Kansas is an off-grid
person felony, and anyone convicted of first degree faces life in prison. The mandatory
minimum is 25 years in prison with the possibility of post-release supervision.Colby Trickle was also charged with two counts of
interference with law enforcement. Prosecutors allege Trickle reported false
information to law enforcement officials on two separate occasions in an effort
to obstruct an investigation.Trickle is being held on $1.5 million bond. His next court appearance is expected to be Friday in Ellis County District
Court.

Hays man accused of 2019 first-degree murder of wife

Earlier this year, I learned about a resource available to us Extension Educators in Kansas. The “Blender Bike” or “Smoothie Bicycle” is not your ordinary stationery bike. It’s a K-State purple bike with an apparatus above the wheel where we attach a blender container. Resistance against the tire when the bike is pedaled spins the blades of the blender. Each time I brought the blender bike out for a demonstration at our recent Barton County Fair it drew a crowd of curious folks.

Smoothie recipes are easy to create. You can choose from ingredients that you like or have on hand. For our smoothies at the Fair I started by chopping one banana and adding 1 cup of frozen fruit. Blueberry/mango or raspberry/mango were the hands down favorites. Then we added a cup of liquid, like any type of milk or 100% fruit juice. We put all of the ingredients in the blender container and fair goers took turns pedaling the bike in order to create the smoothie. I guess you could say I made them exercise for their snack!

Fruit smoothies are a healthy and refreshing snack during the summer. Depending on the ingredients you choose, a 1 cup serving has around 110 calories, 1.5 grams total fat, 8 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrate, 1-gram dietary fiber, and 115 mg sodium. Smoothies also provide an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium. And while the blender bike was a fun way to make our smoothies you can certainly use your home blender to create a healthy snack for your family.&nbsp;

I noticed some additional recipes that accompanied the blender bike were “Blender Salsa” and “Bicycle Hummus”. The blender bike is currently at a booth in the commercial building of the Ellis County Fair. It will also be shared at farmer’s markets in Hays and Great Bend later this month.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The blender bike activity is designed to support and encourage children and families to eat well and be active. It was fun to see the smiles on the faces of the participants who helped make this activity a success!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626271023639.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier this year, I learned about a resource available to us Extension Educators in Kansas. The “Blender Bike” or “Smoothie Bicycle” is not your ordinary stationery bike. It’s a K-State purple bike with an apparatus above the wheel where we attach a blender container. Resistance against the tire when the bike is pedaled spins the blades of the blender. Each time I brought the blender bike out for a demonstration at our recent Barton County Fair it drew a crowd of curious folks.Smoothie recipes are easy to create. You can choose from ingredients that you like or have on hand. For our smoothies at the Fair I started by chopping one banana and adding 1 cup of frozen fruit. Blueberry/mango or raspberry/mango were the hands down favorites. Then we added a cup of liquid, like any type of milk or 100% fruit juice. We put all of the ingredients in the blender container and fair goers took turns pedaling the bike in order to create the smoothie. I guess you could say I made them exercise for their snack!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Fruit smoothies are a healthy and refreshing snack during the summer. Depending on the ingredients you choose, a 1 cup serving has around 110 calories, 1.5 grams total fat, 8 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrate, 1-gram dietary fiber, and 115 mg sodium. Smoothies also provide an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium. And while the blender bike was a fun way to make our smoothies you can certainly use your home blender to create a healthy snack for your family.&nbsp;I noticed some additional recipes that accompanied the blender bike were “Blender Salsa” and “Bicycle Hummus”. The blender bike is currently at a booth in the commercial building of the Ellis County Fair. It will also be shared at farmer’s markets in Hays and Great Bend later this month.&nbsp;&nbsp;The blender bike activity is designed to support and encourage children and families to eat well and be active. It was fun to see the smiles on the faces of the participants who helped make this activity a success!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: 'Blender Bike' created fun learning

Three-day weather outlook

Usually, I don’t spend a lot of time “googling” to find out what the rest of the world thinks, but I did want to find out what exactly what people think the County Fair really is. One of the definitions found was “a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy carnival or funfair entertainment”.&nbsp; The archaic spelling of “fair” was “fayre” used in the 15th to the 17th century.&nbsp; Even back then, the definition still included “a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment”.

In my opinion, the county fair is the best place to see new things and maybe even try new things. If all community members participate and enter an item they have made or if they share a “vintage” item from the past, there will always be some fantastic displays at the fair.

&nbsp;I have tried to exhibit at least one item at the fair each year but I’m not as devoted as my mother. My mom is 85 years old and I know for at least the last 20 years she has not missed bringing items to the fair to show in open class. She knits, crochets, quilts, sews, paints and creates all year long. Since 2011 she has won an award for the most items exhibited at the fair in the Clothing, Textiles and Handiwork division at the North Central Kansas Free Fair. She really doesn’t care about the ribbons or the premium money, she seriously just wants to have things for people to look at when they come to the county fair.

One item that was not mentioned in the definition of the county fair is the volunteer force that is necessary to make such an event happen. In addition to parents getting their family members and all their exhibits to the fair, they are also asked to volunteer in one of the many divisions. The Superintendents volunteer their time to accept the entries during the entry time, then organize the exhibits and prepare them for the judging. After the judging is complete, they work to display all the exhibits for the public to see. In the livestock division, the list of responsibilities is even longer as superintendents and assistants are constantly checking the animals and visiting with the 4-H members so they will be ready for the show. &nbsp;

4-H families also volunteer at the 4-H Food Stand and help set up and clean up the buildings before and after the fair. 4-H teens are busy throughout the week teaching younger members, helping promote projects, creating videos or livestreaming shows and events, all while exhibiting their own projects. The leadership skills the junior leaders learn are invaluable to the community later in life.&nbsp;

The Fairboard works hard to plan evening events such as the rodeo, ranch rodeo, inflatable carnival and the concerts. There are also commercial exhibits that round out the entire definition of the County Fair.&nbsp;

If you did not get a chance to visit the Ellis County Fair this year, check out some events scheduled in a nearby county and find out what the county fair is all about. &nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Usually, I don’t spend a lot of time “googling” to find out what the rest of the world thinks, but I did want to find out what exactly what people think the County Fair really is. One of the definitions found was “a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy carnival or funfair entertainment”.&nbsp; The archaic spelling of “fair” was “fayre” used in the 15th to the 17th century.&nbsp; Even back then, the definition still included “a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment”.In my opinion, the county fair is the best place to see new things and maybe even try new things. If all community members participate and enter an item they have made or if they share a “vintage” item from the past, there will always be some fantastic displays at the fair.&nbsp;I have tried to exhibit at least one item at the fair each year but I’m not as devoted as my mother. My mom is 85 years old and I know for at least the last 20 years she has not missed bringing items to the fair to show in open class. She knits, crochets, quilts, sews, paints and creates all year long. Since 2011 she has won an award for the most items exhibited at the fair in the Clothing, Textiles and Handiwork division at the North Central Kansas Free Fair. She really doesn’t care about the ribbons or the premium money, she seriously just wants to have things for people to look at when they come to the county fair.One item that was not mentioned in the definition of the county fair is the volunteer force that is necessary to make such an event happen. In addition to parents getting their family members and all their exhibits to the fair, they are also asked to volunteer in one of the many divisions. The Superintendents volunteer their time to accept the entries during the entry time, then organize the exhibits and prepare them for the judging. After the judging is complete, they work to display all the exhibits for the public to see. In the livestock division, the list of responsibilities is even longer as superintendents and assistants are constantly checking the animals and visiting with the 4-H members so they will be ready for the show. &nbsp;4-H families also volunteer at the 4-H Food Stand and help set up and clean up the buildings before and after the fair. 4-H teens are busy throughout the week teaching younger members, helping promote projects, creating videos or livestreaming shows and events, all while exhibiting their own projects. The leadership skills the junior leaders learn are invaluable to the community later in life.&nbsp;The Fairboard works hard to plan evening events such as the rodeo, ranch rodeo, inflatable carnival and the concerts. There are also commercial exhibits that round out the entire definition of the County Fair.&nbsp;If you did not get a chance to visit the Ellis County Fair this year, check out some events scheduled in a nearby county and find out what the county fair is all about. &nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: The value of the county fair

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/jobs.aspx">HERE</a>&nbsp;to visit the Ellis County Employment Opportunities page.

The Human Resources Coordinator 
is responsible for the major areas of employee recruitment, selection, 
and retention through employee relations, compensation, professional 
development, and benefits. This position will manage processes for new 
employee orientation as well as employee transfers and terminations.&nbsp; 
The Human Resources Coordinator has considerable latitude for 
independent judgment and initiative within established policies and 
procedures when determining work priorities.&nbsp; This employee handles 
confidential information when working with personnel records and will 
ensure the privacy of all protected information in compliance with 
federal and state laws.&nbsp; A resume will be required to be submitted with 
application.&nbsp; Starting Pay is $27.71 per hour with a pay raise at 6 
months and one year, 10 paid holidays and 21 days paid vacation per 
year, KPERS retirement, longevity bonus after two years, and health 
insurance paid at 86%.

This 
employee is responsible for the bookkeeping and clerical duties, as well
 as coordinating environmental activities with the Environmental 
Associate. The Environmental Technician routinely acts in implementing 
and monitoring Ellis County environmental programs. This employee may 
assist with field testing and review, perform site inspections under 
supervision, and develop database programs in relation to environmental 
activities.&nbsp; High school diploma or GED and two years of clerical and 
bookkeeping experience are preferred.&nbsp; Starting Pay is $16.05 per hour 
with a pay raise at 6 months and one year, 10 paid holidays and 21 days 
paid vacation per year, KPERS retirement, longevity bonus after two 
years, and health insurance paid at 86%.

Under 
the supervision of the Shop Foreman, the Mechanic performs semi-skilled 
and skilled mechanical work on equipment and vehicles assigned to the 
Ellis County Public Works Department. The employee in this position is 
responsible for performing the required maintenance and repair of 
vehicles and equipment for the Public Works Department. &nbsp;High School 
diploma or GED and two years of mechanic experience is required. A class
 B commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement is required. 
Successful applicant will be required to participate in the FHWA (CDL) 
drug-testing program.&nbsp; Starting Pay is $17.34 per hour with a pay raise 
at 6 months and one year, 10 paid holidays and 21 days paid vacation per
 year, KPERS retirement, longevity bonus after two years, and health 
insurance paid at 86%.

Ellis County Public 
Works is accepting applications for the full time position of Truck 
Driver in the Road and Bridge division.&nbsp; This employee hauls material to
 the job site for the repair and construction of roads within Ellis 
County.&nbsp; The truck driver also performs routine manual work in the 
operation of light and heavy equipment for loading and transporting 
materials.&nbsp; High school diploma or GED and one year truck driving 
experience are required.&nbsp; A class B commercial drivers license with 
tanker endorsement is required.&nbsp; Successful applicant will be required 
to participate in the FHWA (CDL) drug-testing program.&nbsp; Starting Pay is 
$14.25 per hour with a pay raise at 6 months and one year, 10 paid 
holidays and 21 days paid vacation per year, KPERS retirement, longevity
 bonus after two years, and health insurance paid at 86%.

A
 paid-per-call firefighters respond to fires, rescues, medical assists, 
hazardous conditions, and other related emergencies. It requires a 
significant amount of teamwork when working on emergency scenes to 
conducting regular fire company activities. Our firefighters work under 
the direct supervision of company officers to include a company chief.

Each
 firefighter understands they represent a larger ECFD organization and 
shall act, train, perform duties in such a way that they demonstrate 
pride and ownership in their department. An ECFD firefighter should have
 excellent interpersonal communication skills as they are expected to 
have direct contact with different public safety officials, the 
community, as well as fire and rescue victims. ECFD firefighters must be
 able to make quick decisions, take calculated risks, and take immediate
 actions on emergency scenes while maintaining safety in these actions.

Firefighters
 are required to complete basic NIMS courses, maintain CPR/First aid 
certification, hazardous materials awareness, attend 75% of scheduled 
monthly trainings, and report to their assigned companies when available
 for emergency responses. ECFD firefighters must read, understand, and 
abide by the ECFD standard operating procedures. Before firefighters are
 able to respond and/or drive apparatus to emergencies, firefighters are
 to complete an in-house training program. ECFD firefighters must be 18 
years of age with a valid driver’s license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626187160106.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/jobs.aspx">HERE</a>&nbsp;to visit the Ellis County Employment Opportunities page.<h2>Human Resources Coordinator</h2>The Human Resources Coordinator 
is responsible for the major areas of employee recruitment, selection, 
and retention through employee relations, compensation, professional 
development, and benefits. This position will manage processes for new 
employee orientation as well as employee transfers and terminations.&nbsp; 
The Human Resources Coordinator has considerable latitude for 
independent judgment and initiative within established policies and 
procedures when determining work priorities.&nbsp; This employee handles 
confidential information when working with personnel records and will 
ensure the privacy of all protected information in compliance with 
federal and state laws.&nbsp; A resume will be required to be submitted with 
application.&nbsp; Starting Pay is $27.71 per hour with a pay raise at 6 
months and one year, 10 paid holidays and 21 days paid vacation per 
year, KPERS retirement, longevity bonus after two years, and health 
insurance paid at 86%.<h2>Environmental Technician</h2>This 
employee is responsible for the bookkeeping and clerical duties, as well
 as coordinating environmental activities with the Environmental 
Associate. The Environmental Technician routinely acts in implementing 
and monitoring Ellis County environmental programs. This employee may 
assist with field testing and review, perform site inspections under 
supervision, and develop database programs in relation to environmental 
activities.&nbsp; High school diploma or GED and two years of clerical and 
bookkeeping experience are preferred.&nbsp; Starting Pay is $16.05 per hour 
with a pay raise at 6 months and one year, 10 paid holidays and 21 days 
paid vacation per year, KPERS retirement, longevity bonus after two 
years, and health insurance paid at 86%.<h2>Mechanic</h2>Under 
the supervision of the Shop Foreman, the Mechanic performs semi-skilled 
and skilled mechanical work on equipment and vehicles assigned to the 
Ellis County Public Works Department. The employee in this position is 
responsible for performing the required maintenance and repair of 
vehicles and equipment for the Public Works Department. &nbsp;High School 
diploma or GED and two years of mechanic experience is required. A class
 B commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement is required. 
Successful applicant will be required to participate in the FHWA (CDL) 
drug-testing program.&nbsp; Starting Pay is $17.34 per hour with a pay raise 
at 6 months and one year, 10 paid holidays and 21 days paid vacation per
 year, KPERS retirement, longevity bonus after two years, and health 
insurance paid at 86%.<h2>Truck Driver</h2>Ellis County Public 
Works is accepting applications for the full time position of Truck 
Driver in the Road and Bridge division.&nbsp; This employee hauls material to
 the job site for the repair and construction of roads within Ellis 
County.&nbsp; The truck driver also performs routine manual work in the 
operation of light and heavy equipment for loading and transporting 
materials.&nbsp; High school diploma or GED and one year truck driving 
experience are required.&nbsp; A class B commercial drivers license with 
tanker endorsement is required.&nbsp; Successful applicant will be required 
to participate in the FHWA (CDL) drug-testing program.&nbsp; Starting Pay is 
$14.25 per hour with a pay raise at 6 months and one year, 10 paid 
holidays and 21 days paid vacation per year, KPERS retirement, longevity
 bonus after two years, and health insurance paid at 86%.<h2>Paid Per Call Firefighter</h2>A
 paid-per-call firefighters respond to fires, rescues, medical assists, 
hazardous conditions, and other related emergencies. It requires a 
significant amount of teamwork when working on emergency scenes to 
conducting regular fire company activities. Our firefighters work under 
the direct supervision of company officers to include a company chief.Each
 firefighter understands they represent a larger ECFD organization and 
shall act, train, perform duties in such a way that they demonstrate 
pride and ownership in their department. An ECFD firefighter should have
 excellent interpersonal communication skills as they are expected to 
have direct contact with different public safety officials, the 
community, as well as fire and rescue victims. ECFD firefighters must be
 able to make quick decisions, take calculated risks, and take immediate
 actions on emergency scenes while maintaining safety in these actions.Firefighters
 are required to complete basic NIMS courses, maintain CPR/First aid 
certification, hazardous materials awareness, attend 75% of scheduled 
monthly trainings, and report to their assigned companies when available
 for emergency responses. ECFD firefighters must read, understand, and 
abide by the ECFD standard operating procedures. Before firefighters are
 able to respond and/or drive apparatus to emergencies, firefighters are
 to complete an in-house training program. ECFD firefighters must be 18 
years of age with a valid driver’s license.

Driver hospitalized after I-70 crash into motorhome

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King obtained a search warrant on July 6 to get more information from the Larned State Hospital about the escape last month of John Freeman Colt from the hospital’s sexual predator treatment program. 

The Kansas 
Department of Aging and Disabilities is&nbsp;in charge of 
the&nbsp;program&nbsp;at the hospital. Pawnee County&nbsp;Attorney Doug McNett told 
Eagle Radio on Wednesday&nbsp;why Sheriff King made the decision to get a 
search warrant.&nbsp;

“He did&nbsp;not&nbsp;feel that KDADS was giving him timely
 access,” McNett said. “They still at that stage hadn’t received the 
internal videos of the events leading up to&nbsp;his escape as well as some 
of the documentation that law enforcement had requested.&nbsp;So&nbsp;to expedite 
that, they&nbsp;went to the District Court and obtained a search 
warrant.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

McNett said the videos might reveal if someone was helping Colt escape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colt&nbsp;walked
 out of the facility shortly after 7 a.m. June 30, but the hospital 
did not notify the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office about the escape until
 12:47 p.m.&nbsp;Colt&nbsp;was last seen in Larned at 11:20 a.m. June 30.&nbsp;

According
 to McNett, the delay in contacting the&nbsp;sheriff’s office about the 
escape was caused at least in part by&nbsp;the&nbsp;hospital’s initial search for 
Colt.&nbsp;

"We never did get a straight&nbsp;answer as to what exactly 
prompted it,” McNett said. “I got the impression it was something to do 
with the nursing staff questioning, ‘Hey, there was this extra person on
 our unit that shouldn’t&nbsp;have been here.’&nbsp;It&nbsp;was determined that was Mr.
 Colt dressed as a psychologist.&nbsp;So&nbsp;they went and did a security&nbsp;count 
and that count was wrong. And then they did a second one and then they 
did a third one.&nbsp;It wasn’t until the fourth time that they called Safety
 and Security to come over. They went into his room and realized that he
 had staged it to look like he was sleeping in the bed, and no one had 
actually verified that someone was in the bed until that fourth count. 
That’s when they notified law enforcement.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

McNett said Colt has
 been charged&nbsp;in Pawnee County&nbsp;with aggravated escape from a care&nbsp;and 
treatment facility. A warrant has been issued, which means Colt can be 
picked up and detained by any law enforcement agency in the United 
States.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626379853094.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King obtained a search warrant on July 6 to get more information from the Larned State Hospital about the escape last month of John Freeman Colt from the hospital’s sexual predator treatment program. The Kansas 
Department of Aging and Disabilities is&nbsp;in charge of 
the&nbsp;program&nbsp;at the hospital. Pawnee County&nbsp;Attorney Doug McNett told 
Eagle Radio on Wednesday&nbsp;why Sheriff King made the decision to get a 
search warrant.&nbsp;“He did&nbsp;not&nbsp;feel that KDADS was giving him timely
 access,” McNett said. “They still at that stage hadn’t received the 
internal videos of the events leading up to&nbsp;his escape as well as some 
of the documentation that law enforcement had requested.&nbsp;So&nbsp;to expedite 
that, they&nbsp;went to the District Court and obtained a search 
warrant.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;McNett said the videos might reveal if someone was helping Colt escape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colt&nbsp;walked
 out of the facility shortly after 7 a.m. June 30, but the hospital 
did not notify the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office about the escape until
 12:47 p.m.&nbsp;Colt&nbsp;was last seen in Larned at 11:20 a.m. June 30.&nbsp;According
 to McNett, the delay in contacting the&nbsp;sheriff’s office about the 
escape was caused at least in part by&nbsp;the&nbsp;hospital’s initial search for 
Colt.&nbsp;"We never did get a straight&nbsp;answer as to what exactly 
prompted it,” McNett said. “I got the impression it was something to do 
with the nursing staff questioning, ‘Hey, there was this extra person on
 our unit that shouldn’t&nbsp;have been here.’&nbsp;It&nbsp;was determined that was Mr.
 Colt dressed as a psychologist.&nbsp;So&nbsp;they went and did a security&nbsp;count 
and that count was wrong. And then they did a second one and then they 
did a third one.&nbsp;It wasn’t until the fourth time that they called Safety
 and Security to come over. They went into his room and realized that he
 had staged it to look like he was sleeping in the bed, and no one had 
actually verified that someone was in the bed until that fourth count. 
That’s when they notified law enforcement.”&nbsp;&nbsp;McNett said Colt has
 been charged&nbsp;in Pawnee County&nbsp;with aggravated escape from a care&nbsp;and 
treatment facility. A warrant has been issued, which means Colt can be 
picked up and detained by any law enforcement agency in the United 
States.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Larned hospital served search warrant by Pawnee County sheriff

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the stream advisory for the Paradise Creek, along the area east of Natoma near the wastewater treatment facility that was issued May 17.

Water samples show no health risk associated with the creek.

Water contact in the river is now deemed safe.

KDHEThe Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the stream advisory for the Paradise Creek, along the area east of Natoma near the wastewater treatment facility that was issued May 17.Water samples show no health risk associated with the creek.Water contact in the river is now deemed safe.

Stream advisory rescinded for Paradise Creek east of Natoma

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Whether to allow UTVs — utility type vehicles — to be driven on city streets, which types, and how they will be regulated will be discussed at a third work session by Hays city commissioners Thursday night.&nbsp;

The most recent proposed ordinance&nbsp;would allow the side-by-side vehicles categorized as worksite utility vehicles/utility task vehicles, as well as the mini-pickups categorized as micro-utility trucks.

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and golf carts would not be allowed.

The registration program for the vehicles would be managed by the Hays Police Department and include:

* Inspection and a one-year tag * Registration fee of $100 * Violation of proof of insurance would be a $300 fine plus $100 court cost *&nbsp;Three-tiered registration and license violation structure&nbsp;establishing fines at $150, $300, and $500 *&nbsp;UTV usage would not be limited to location, time, or trailer towing restrictions

Review of the 2022 budget draft will continue and commissioners will be asked for consensus on the outside nonprofit agency requests for funding from the city.

"I think it's a show of support to our community to make sure the agencies in the community are able to provide operations that benefit the entire community," Assistant City Manager Collin Bielser said of the funding.

He used Fort Hays State University as an example.

"The city's been contributing money to Fort Hays for many, many years and obviously Fort Hays is a big economic driver and important part of our community. It's important for the city to show that sign of support.

"I think it's just something we can do to make sure our community is the best that it can be," Bielser said.&nbsp;

Two requests for nuisance abatements will also be presented for a vehicle at 607 Elm St. and a general nuisance at&nbsp;3312 Lincoln&nbsp;Drive.

The complete July 15 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152021-1283">here</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626306619587.jpeg" alt="Examples of a work-site utility vehicle and a utility task vehicle that would be allowed on Hays city streets under a proposed ordinance. (City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>Examples of a work-site utility vehicle and a utility task vehicle that would be allowed on Hays city streets under a proposed ordinance. (City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWhether to allow UTVs — utility type vehicles — to be driven on city streets, which types, and how they will be regulated will be discussed at a third work session by Hays city commissioners Thursday night.&nbsp;The most recent proposed ordinance&nbsp;would allow the side-by-side vehicles categorized as worksite utility vehicles/utility task vehicles, as well as the mini-pickups categorized as micro-utility trucks.ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and golf carts would not be allowed.The registration program for the vehicles would be managed by the Hays Police Department and include:* Inspection and a one-year tag * Registration fee of $100 * Violation of proof of insurance would be a $300 fine plus $100 court cost *&nbsp;Three-tiered registration and license violation structure&nbsp;establishing fines at $150, $300, and $500 *&nbsp;UTV usage would not be limited to location, time, or trailer towing restrictionsReview of the 2022 budget draft will continue and commissioners will be asked for consensus on the outside nonprofit agency requests for funding from the city.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yrZM9XvdO8U"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I think it's a show of support to our community to make sure the agencies in the community are able to provide operations that benefit the entire community," Assistant City Manager Collin Bielser said of the funding.He used Fort Hays State University as an example."The city's been contributing money to Fort Hays for many, many years and obviously Fort Hays is a big economic driver and important part of our community. It's important for the city to show that sign of support."I think it's just something we can do to make sure our community is the best that it can be," Bielser said.&nbsp;Two requests for nuisance abatements will also be presented for a vehicle at 607 Elm St. and a general nuisance at&nbsp;3312 Lincoln&nbsp;Drive.The complete July 15 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152021-1283">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

🎥 Commissioners to consider ordinance for UTVs on Hays streets

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The county fair has been the highlight of 78-year-old Edna Hansen's summer since she was a little girl.&nbsp;

When she was 9, she baked the best muffins at the Trego County Fair, but she was too young to take them to the Kansas State Fair.

"I still don't understand if I could bake the best muffins at 9, why I couldn't go to the county fair," she said with a sharp rap of her fist on the table and a coy smile, "and I still don't understand."

Hansen is a member of the Ellis County Fair Board. She served two stints on the board since 2002 when she and her husband moved back to the area and settled in Ellis. She said she can't remember how many years in total she served, but it's been at least 10 years.&nbsp;

This year will be Hansen's last Ellis County Fair as a board member. She will be moving to Texas soon to be closer to her son.&nbsp;

Hansen participated in 4-H in Trego County when she was a girl. Her family lived a few miles inside the Trego County line. As a child, she brought baking and sewing projects to the fair.

She said her experiences as a child have kept her coming back as a volunteer despite the long hours and little sleep she gets during fair week.

"As a kid, the fair was an extremely important part of my summer," she said. "If as an adult we won't do the work, then the kids lose out on that opportunity because then there is no 4-H fair. There is no open fair if people don't step up.

"I think it is just as important to me as it was when I was young."

For youth 70-years-ago and today, the county fair is something 4-H'ers work for the entire year, Hansen said.&nbsp;

"It was the highlight of the summer," Hansen said, "going to the fair and displaying our projects."

Hansen became a registered nurse and later earned her master's degree in social work. She handled child abuse cases for social services. She also served for a time as director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the High Plains, which covers Ellis County.

She said she continued to use her 4-H skill as an adult.

4-H teaches youth how to be part of a group, Roberts Rules of Order, how to work together and how to be independent and work on a project on your own, she said.

"[You learn] sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose and you do both graciously," she said.

Hansen was never a 4-H leader, but her son was involved in 4-H when their family lived in California. He showed rabbits and cooked.

Hansen, a master gardener, is a trained judge and still helps judge horticulture and floriculture. She also won a reserve champion ribbon this year in arts and crafts for a piece of ceramic artwork.

As she's aged, her fair focus has changed.

"As a kid, I can remember thinking, 'When I grow up, I am going to go to the fair every day and I'm staying all day long," she said. "Watch out what you wish for, you might get it."&nbsp;

She said she still loves watching the children as they check their projects for ribbons.&nbsp;

"Seeing how excited they are is still one of my favorite parts," she said.

In 70 years, 4-H has modernized. Kids and adults alike use a computer to submit their entries for the fair — something Hansen still struggles with.

However, she said the same core values embodied in the 4-H pledge are still important today.

My Head to clearing thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, My Health to better living, For my club, my community, my country and my world.

Her focus as a fair participant has changed since she was a child.

Hansen's focus as a fair board member is the indoor 4-H and open exhibits, some of which include photography, foods, horticulture, arts and crafts, and fine arts.

2020 was very challenging, but the fair went forward with COVID-19 precautions. Several indoor events were canceled. Social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged.

"We held our breath and prayed a lot that we would not have an outbreak," she said.

Her prayers were answered. No COVID outbreaks were associated with the 2020 fair.

She said it is wonderful to see the community able to come back out and enjoy the fair.

"It is nice to see people out here," she said, "seeing their neighbors, seeing the kids play, seeing them comparing their notes."

Our society is more mobile and children have more opportunities for activities than when Hansen was a child, but she said she believes county fairs are still important aspects of the local communities.&nbsp;

Even for those children who are not 4-H'ers, the fair can provide learning opportunities.

"Even some kids in Hays don't understand where your meat really comes from," she said. "'Well, just go to the store.' Where do you think the store got it from?

"Some of them in Hays had still not seen a live pig or a sheep."

Hansen has had a difficult year personally, her husband died of cancer and her sister died of COVID-19.

Although Hansen is moving out of state, her fellow fair volunteers are already offering to put her up if she'll come back for a visit next summer for the fair.&nbsp;

She said she likely won't stay away from 4-H. She said she'll probably try to find a fair near her new home east of Dallas.

Hansen encouraged more adults to become involved in 4-H and the fair. Many of the fair judges are aging and retiring. New volunteers are needed to take their places, she said.

You can learn more about being a 4-H leader or volunteer by visiting the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">Cottonwood Extension District web</a>page. 4-H offers training for new volunteers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626298294411.jpeg" alt="Longtime Ellis County Fair board member Edna Hansen with her reserve champion ceramics project. This is the last year Hansen will be on the board. She is moving to Texas to be near family." />
 <figcaption>Longtime Ellis County Fair board member Edna Hansen with her reserve champion ceramics project. This is the last year Hansen will be on the board. She is moving to Texas to be near family.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe county fair has been the highlight of 78-year-old Edna Hansen's summer since she was a little girl.&nbsp;When she was 9, she baked the best muffins at the Trego County Fair, but she was too young to take them to the Kansas State Fair."I still don't understand if I could bake the best muffins at 9, why I couldn't go to the county fair," she said with a sharp rap of her fist on the table and a coy smile, "and I still don't understand."Hansen is a member of the Ellis County Fair Board. She served two stints on the board since 2002 when she and her husband moved back to the area and settled in Ellis. She said she can't remember how many years in total she served, but it's been at least 10 years.&nbsp;This year will be Hansen's last Ellis County Fair as a board member. She will be moving to Texas soon to be closer to her son.&nbsp;Hansen participated in 4-H in Trego County when she was a girl. Her family lived a few miles inside the Trego County line. As a child, she brought baking and sewing projects to the fair.She said her experiences as a child have kept her coming back as a volunteer despite the long hours and little sleep she gets during fair week."As a kid, the fair was an extremely important part of my summer," she said. "If as an adult we won't do the work, then the kids lose out on that opportunity because then there is no 4-H fair. There is no open fair if people don't step up."I think it is just as important to me as it was when I was young."For youth 70-years-ago and today, the county fair is something 4-H'ers work for the entire year, Hansen said.&nbsp;"It was the highlight of the summer," Hansen said, "going to the fair and displaying our projects."Hansen became a registered nurse and later earned her master's degree in social work. She handled child abuse cases for social services. She also served for a time as director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the High Plains, which covers Ellis County.She said she continued to use her 4-H skill as an adult.4-H teaches youth how to be part of a group, Roberts Rules of Order, how to work together and how to be independent and work on a project on your own, she said."[You learn] sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose and you do both graciously," she said.Hansen was never a 4-H leader, but her son was involved in 4-H when their family lived in California. He showed rabbits and cooked.Hansen, a master gardener, is a trained judge and still helps judge horticulture and floriculture. She also won a reserve champion ribbon this year in arts and crafts for a piece of ceramic artwork.As she's aged, her fair focus has changed."As a kid, I can remember thinking, 'When I grow up, I am going to go to the fair every day and I'm staying all day long," she said. "Watch out what you wish for, you might get it."&nbsp;She said she still loves watching the children as they check their projects for ribbons.&nbsp;"Seeing how excited they are is still one of my favorite parts," she said.In 70 years, 4-H has modernized. Kids and adults alike use a computer to submit their entries for the fair — something Hansen still struggles with.However, she said the same core values embodied in the 4-H pledge are still important today.My Head to clearing thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, My Health to better living, For my club, my community, my country and my world.Her focus as a fair participant has changed since she was a child.Hansen's focus as a fair board member is the indoor 4-H and open exhibits, some of which include photography, foods, horticulture, arts and crafts, and fine arts.2020 was very challenging, but the fair went forward with COVID-19 precautions. Several indoor events were canceled. Social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged."We held our breath and prayed a lot that we would not have an outbreak," she said.Her prayers were answered. No COVID outbreaks were associated with the 2020 fair.She said it is wonderful to see the community able to come back out and enjoy the fair."It is nice to see people out here," she said, "seeing their neighbors, seeing the kids play, seeing them comparing their notes."Our society is more mobile and children have more opportunities for activities than when Hansen was a child, but she said she believes county fairs are still important aspects of the local communities.&nbsp;Even for those children who are not 4-H'ers, the fair can provide learning opportunities."Even some kids in Hays don't understand where your meat really comes from," she said. "'Well, just go to the store.' Where do you think the store got it from?"Some of them in Hays had still not seen a live pig or a sheep."Hansen has had a difficult year personally, her husband died of cancer and her sister died of COVID-19.Although Hansen is moving out of state, her fellow fair volunteers are already offering to put her up if she'll come back for a visit next summer for the fair.&nbsp;She said she likely won't stay away from 4-H. She said she'll probably try to find a fair near her new home east of Dallas.Hansen encouraged more adults to become involved in 4-H and the fair. Many of the fair judges are aging and retiring. New volunteers are needed to take their places, she said.You can learn more about being a 4-H leader or volunteer by visiting the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">Cottonwood Extension District web</a>page. 4-H offers training for new volunteers.

Longtime Ellis County Fair Board member packs her ribbons

By SKIP VAUGHN <a href="https://www.theredstonerocket.com">Redstone Rocket</a>

DECATUR, Ala. — Links golfer Donna Lowen has added to her impressive list of golf accomplishments.

Lowen
 won the Alabama women’s state senior championship June 22-24 at Goose 
Pond, the lake course, in Scottsboro. She shot 76, 72 and 68 to finish 
even par for the three days and won by eight strokes.

“I was very 
happy to win and get back to competing again,” said Lowen, account manager 
with McGriff Insurance Services. “I’ve been hitting the ball 
really well. I just struggled with the putting the first couple of days.
 Just kept on myself to be patient. Keep playing the game and then 
hopefully eventually the putts will start dropping the last day.”

This
 was her first year competing in this annual tournament. 

“I decided to 
play. It’s over here in Scottsboro and I love that course. The layout, 
the view, lake right there,” she said.

Lowen, 53, from Hays, played golf for the University of 
Kansas from 1986 to 1990. They won the Big Eight Conference in 1990 as a team
 and she finished second individually. Lowen has lived in Huntsville for
 20 years. She won the Redstone women’s championship in 2019, 2018, 
2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012; and the post women’s senior championship in 
2019 and 2018. She won the Kansas state junior titles in 1983 and 1984, 
and the Kansas state women’s amateur titles in 1985 and 1990.

She 
has made three holes-in-one, most recently May 11 in the OMMCS league on
 hole No. 8 on the Warrior course at the Links. Her previous hole-in-one
 was last October at Huntsville Country Club on hole No. 10. As a 
12-year-old she made a hole-in-one at the Jayhawk golf camp.

In 
the state senior championship at Goose Pond, Lowen shot 76-72-68-216, 
even par. Second place Kathy Hartwiger of Birmingham shot 74-73-77-224, 
8-over. Third place Susan West of Tuscaloosa shot 75-77-75-227, 11-over.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626298440114.jpeg" alt="Donna Lowen, who played golf for the University of Kansas from 1986 to 1990, has captured her first Alabama women’s state senior title. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.theredstonerocket.com">The Redstone Rocket.</a>" />
 <figcaption>Donna Lowen, who played golf for the University of Kansas from 1986 to 1990, has captured her first Alabama women’s state senior title. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.theredstonerocket.com">The Redstone Rocket.</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SKIP VAUGHN <a href="https://www.theredstonerocket.com">Redstone Rocket</a>DECATUR, Ala. — Links golfer Donna Lowen has added to her impressive list of golf accomplishments.Lowen
 won the Alabama women’s state senior championship June 22-24 at Goose 
Pond, the lake course, in Scottsboro. She shot 76, 72 and 68 to finish 
even par for the three days and won by eight strokes.“I was very 
happy to win and get back to competing again,” said Lowen, account manager 
with McGriff Insurance Services. “I’ve been hitting the ball 
really well. I just struggled with the putting the first couple of days.
 Just kept on myself to be patient. Keep playing the game and then 
hopefully eventually the putts will start dropping the last day.”This
 was her first year competing in this annual tournament. “I decided to 
play. It’s over here in Scottsboro and I love that course. The layout, 
the view, lake right there,” she said.Lowen, 53, from Hays, played golf for the University of 
Kansas from 1986 to 1990. They won the Big Eight Conference in 1990 as a team
 and she finished second individually. Lowen has lived in Huntsville for
 20 years. She won the Redstone women’s championship in 2019, 2018, 
2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012; and the post women’s senior championship in 
2019 and 2018. She won the Kansas state junior titles in 1983 and 1984, 
and the Kansas state women’s amateur titles in 1985 and 1990.She 
has made three holes-in-one, most recently May 11 in the OMMCS league on
 hole No. 8 on the Warrior course at the Links. Her previous hole-in-one
 was last October at Huntsville Country Club on hole No. 10. As a 
12-year-old she made a hole-in-one at the Jayhawk golf camp.In 
the state senior championship at Goose Pond, Lowen shot 76-72-68-216, 
even par. Second place Kathy Hartwiger of Birmingham shot 74-73-77-224, 
8-over. Third place Susan West of Tuscaloosa shot 75-77-75-227, 11-over.

Hays native wins state senior golf title in Alabama

At Fort Hays State University, we are breaking ground in today’s higher education landscape as a state university with highly accessible, award-winning programs and an extensive global reach. Nowhere else will you find faculty and staff as dedicated and willing to give 150% effort to our mission of developing engaged global citizen-leaders. Here, we invest in what matters most to us: our students.&nbsp;

We exist to improve lives. Our eagerness to innovate pushes our students to be their best, understanding their success is the community’s success, the region’s success, and ours. The world is ripe for advancement. We motivate students to go forth and lead the charge.

We are firmly committed to maintaining our hard-earned reputation as a high-value university. A high-value university expands access through affordability and flexibility; provides nationally ranked, engaging, and relevant academic programs; and maximizes the out-of-class student experience. An investment in a FHSU education is a strong investment in the future.&nbsp;

According to U.S. News and World Report, “the best jobs pay well, challenge us year after year, match our talents and skills, aren't too stressful, offer room to advance throughout our careers, and provide a satisfying work-life balance.” Sounds pretty good. Guess how many of those jobs require a college education? All of them!

Additionally, data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-focusing-higher-education-student-success#_ftn1">U.S. Department of Education</a> indicates&nbsp;college graduates with a bachelor’s degree typically earn 66 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. They are also far less likely to face unemployment. That is why we are committed to providing an affordable education.

This fall, our already affordable tuition and fees (per year) for full-time, in-state undergraduate students will decrease slightly for on-campus students and remain flat for online students. Our on-campus, full-time undergraduate students will pay $5,444 compared to the national average of $9,687 and the Kansas Regent university average of $9,048. Basically, our students are awarding themselves an annual scholarship that can range in value from $3,600 to $4,200 or more. On top of our low tuition, our philanthropists have generously funded additional scholarships. Our students clearly get the best value anywhere.

Our affordability is only a small part of our value story. Our programs are nationally ranked, many are accredited, and our 2019-2020 career placement rate is 94%. (A pretty good number given the pandemic.) We have exemplary programs and services to support students in and outside of the classroom. Our students discover their interests, connect, engage, and succeed from student activities, research opportunities, internships, on-campus employment, athletics, the arts, and so much more.&nbsp;

We are the in-state university leader in serving Kansans. Over the past seven years, the number of Kansans enrolling at FHSU has increased by 12%. That is why we are especially excited to announce a new regional tuition rate that is equal to our in-state tuition rate. Beginning in the fall of 2022, we will offer this regional tuition rate to on-campus students from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

We are excited for our students and our state. Our success, fueled by our innovation and sound business plan, enabled us to award degrees to more than 37,000 professionals over the past decade. We educate the teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, speech pathologists, accountants, technology professionals, law enforcement officials, and other professionals who directly enhance the quality of life for Kansans. These future tigers will not only have a great experience at FHSU, but they will also help us respond to labor shortages in our state.

We have not forgotten our online students. You will find FHSU Online students all over Kansas, in nearly every state, and in numerous countries across the globe. Our online program is superb. We have been a global leader in serving the needs of adult learners since 1904, and we excel in distance education. We are only one of six universities in the world to meet the strict requirements of the United States Distance Learning Association.&nbsp;

Compare our undergraduate online rate of $266.88 per credit hour to National American University’s $342 per credit hour, Southern New Hampshire University’s $320 per credit hour, University of Phoenix’s $398 per credit hour, and the University of Arizona Global Campus’ $561 per credit hour. These popular online universities all boast about their affordable tuition, but the evidence is clear: Fort Hays State University is the best value in higher education anywhere! Oh, and by the way, FHSU does not have required fees for online students.

A college education provides a proven advantage for individuals and it contributes to the quality of life in our state. We intelligently apply and adapt our resources in our relentless search to add value, breaking the mold to create a culture of progress and inspire the world-changing contributions of today’s and tomorrow’s tigers. Fort Hays State University is indeed a different university.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>At Fort Hays State University, we are breaking ground in today’s higher education landscape as a state university with highly accessible, award-winning programs and an extensive global reach. Nowhere else will you find faculty and staff as dedicated and willing to give 150% effort to our mission of developing engaged global citizen-leaders. Here, we invest in what matters most to us: our students.&nbsp;We exist to improve lives. Our eagerness to innovate pushes our students to be their best, understanding their success is the community’s success, the region’s success, and ours. The world is ripe for advancement. We motivate students to go forth and lead the charge.We are firmly committed to maintaining our hard-earned reputation as a high-value university. A high-value university expands access through affordability and flexibility; provides nationally ranked, engaging, and relevant academic programs; and maximizes the out-of-class student experience. An investment in a FHSU education is a strong investment in the future.&nbsp;According to U.S. News and World Report, “the best jobs pay well, challenge us year after year, match our talents and skills, aren't too stressful, offer room to advance throughout our careers, and provide a satisfying work-life balance.” Sounds pretty good. Guess how many of those jobs require a college education? All of them!Additionally, data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-focusing-higher-education-student-success#_ftn1">U.S. Department of Education</a> indicates&nbsp;college graduates with a bachelor’s degree typically earn 66 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. They are also far less likely to face unemployment. That is why we are committed to providing an affordable education.This fall, our already affordable tuition and fees (per year) for full-time, in-state undergraduate students will decrease slightly for on-campus students and remain flat for online students. Our on-campus, full-time undergraduate students will pay $5,444 compared to the national average of $9,687 and the Kansas Regent university average of $9,048. Basically, our students are awarding themselves an annual scholarship that can range in value from $3,600 to $4,200 or more. On top of our low tuition, our philanthropists have generously funded additional scholarships. Our students clearly get the best value anywhere.Our affordability is only a small part of our value story. Our programs are nationally ranked, many are accredited, and our 2019-2020 career placement rate is 94%. (A pretty good number given the pandemic.) We have exemplary programs and services to support students in and outside of the classroom. Our students discover their interests, connect, engage, and succeed from student activities, research opportunities, internships, on-campus employment, athletics, the arts, and so much more.&nbsp;We are the in-state university leader in serving Kansans. Over the past seven years, the number of Kansans enrolling at FHSU has increased by 12%. That is why we are especially excited to announce a new regional tuition rate that is equal to our in-state tuition rate. Beginning in the fall of 2022, we will offer this regional tuition rate to on-campus students from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.We are excited for our students and our state. Our success, fueled by our innovation and sound business plan, enabled us to award degrees to more than 37,000 professionals over the past decade. We educate the teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, speech pathologists, accountants, technology professionals, law enforcement officials, and other professionals who directly enhance the quality of life for Kansans. These future tigers will not only have a great experience at FHSU, but they will also help us respond to labor shortages in our state.We have not forgotten our online students. You will find FHSU Online students all over Kansas, in nearly every state, and in numerous countries across the globe. Our online program is superb. We have been a global leader in serving the needs of adult learners since 1904, and we excel in distance education. We are only one of six universities in the world to meet the strict requirements of the United States Distance Learning Association.&nbsp;Compare our undergraduate online rate of $266.88 per credit hour to National American University’s $342 per credit hour, Southern New Hampshire University’s $320 per credit hour, University of Phoenix’s $398 per credit hour, and the University of Arizona Global Campus’ $561 per credit hour. These popular online universities all boast about their affordable tuition, but the evidence is clear: Fort Hays State University is the best value in higher education anywhere! Oh, and by the way, FHSU does not have required fees for online students.A college education provides a proven advantage for individuals and it contributes to the quality of life in our state. We intelligently apply and adapt our resources in our relentless search to add value, breaking the mold to create a culture of progress and inspire the world-changing contributions of today’s and tomorrow’s tigers. Fort Hays State University is indeed a different university.

MASON: Fort Hays State — a different university

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 284 students to the President’s List for the spring 2021 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Area students named to the President's List include:

Albert Michael Bahr Sheridan Ewy&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bazine Lucas Hertel&nbsp;&nbsp;

Damar Isabella Simoneau&nbsp;&nbsp;

Goodland Frank Hayes&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gorham Tiffany Dortland&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Allan Bell Maleny Carrasco Sage Cauley Sidney Cooper Addison Crites Alexis Folkerts Alexis Fox Israel Franco Carlos Franco Galindo Elaine Hernandez Alyssa Herter Aiden Miller Nahum Olivas Sophie Oss Nautika Richards Jesus Sanchez Hannah Sexton&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Christopher Crawford Tasiah Nunnery Paige Porter Kirsten Sulzman Marice Watson&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hill City Ryonna McWilliams&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington Jakob Breit Aaron Crawford Tony Hauser Madison Marvin Emma Reif Payton Steiner&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kirwin Brittany Atchison&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ness City Jason Foos&nbsp;&nbsp;

Otis Cora Anderson Kendall Steinert&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillipsburg Evelyn Ebner Gabe Sauer&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell Caleb Nuss Skylar Steinle&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Springs Alex Basgall&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shoenchen Mark Bowen&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith Center Jaden Boden&nbsp;&nbsp;

WaKeeney Dillon Dunn MacKenzie Fagan Olivia Herman&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623144827624.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 284 students to the President’s List for the spring 2021 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Area students named to the President's List include:Albert Michael Bahr Sheridan Ewy&nbsp;&nbsp;Bazine Lucas Hertel&nbsp;&nbsp;Damar Isabella Simoneau&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodland Frank Hayes&nbsp;&nbsp;Gorham Tiffany Dortland&nbsp;&nbsp;Great Bend Allan Bell Maleny Carrasco Sage Cauley Sidney Cooper Addison Crites Alexis Folkerts Alexis Fox Israel Franco Carlos Franco Galindo Elaine Hernandez Alyssa Herter Aiden Miller Nahum Olivas Sophie Oss Nautika Richards Jesus Sanchez Hannah Sexton&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays Christopher Crawford Tasiah Nunnery Paige Porter Kirsten Sulzman Marice Watson&nbsp;&nbsp;Hill City Ryonna McWilliams&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoisington Jakob Breit Aaron Crawford Tony Hauser Madison Marvin Emma Reif Payton Steiner&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirwin Brittany Atchison&nbsp;&nbsp;Ness City Jason Foos&nbsp;&nbsp;Olmitz Ray Kuhlman&nbsp;&nbsp;Otis Cora Anderson Kendall Steinert&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillipsburg Evelyn Ebner Gabe Sauer&nbsp;&nbsp;Russell Caleb Nuss Skylar Steinle&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Springs Alex Basgall&nbsp;&nbsp;Shoenchen Mark Bowen&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith Center Jaden Boden&nbsp;&nbsp;WaKeeney Dillon Dunn MacKenzie Fagan Olivia Herman&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area students named to Barton CC President's List 

NORTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Mazda CX5 driven by&nbsp; Cynthia K. Lind, 68, Tuscon, AZ., and a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by&nbsp;Edmondson, James T. Edmondson, 57, Hudson, WI., were southbound on Kansas 383 two miles south of U.S. 36.

The Mazda had a right turn signal on and started to turn right, then turned left to turn into the rest area. 

The GMC moved to the left to pass and then the vehicles collided.

EMS transported Edmondson and two passengers in the pickup to the hospital in Norton. Lind was not injured.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

NORTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Mazda CX5 driven by&nbsp; Cynthia K. Lind, 68, Tuscon, AZ., and a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by&nbsp;Edmondson, James T. Edmondson, 57, Hudson, WI., were southbound on Kansas 383 two miles south of U.S. 36.The Mazda had a right turn signal on and started to turn right, then turned left to turn into the rest area. The GMC moved to the left to pass and then the vehicles collided.EMS transported Edmondson and two passengers in the pickup to the hospital in Norton. Lind was not injured.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Three hospitalized after 2-vehicle NW Kansas crash

The First Step Housing Project has reached its $250,000 fundraising goal.

Officials hope to open the four-bedroom temporary housing unit in mid-August.&nbsp;

The renovations to add the housing units to the First Call for Help building at 607 E. 13th St. are almost complete.

Linda Mills, First Call for Help director, which oversees the project, said the project was able to raise $50,000 to receive an additional $50,000 match from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation by the end of June.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation also donated $50,000 to the project. ECMA donated $25,000 to the first phase of the renovation, which included the addition of a multi-purpose room to the building.

First United Methodist Church and the Union Pacific Foundation each donated $25,000 to the project.

The project received $20,000 in Ellis County federal COVID relief CARES funds, as the project was not able to conduct fundraisers during the pandemic.

Other organizations and individual donors came forward in the last several weeks to help the organization reach its goal.

Mills said the project received donations in amounts from $5 to $11,000 from individuals from across the community.

"We are excited to get started and thankful that the community has backed us," Mills said.

Other organizations donating to the project included the Wonder Women League, Heartland Community Foundation, Cornerstone Orthodontics, Fort Hays State University 310 class, Kiwanis, Rotary, Ellis County Bar Association, St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, First Baptist Church, Hays Christian Church, as well as other area church donors who wished to remain anonymous.

"We are really thankful for all that and that we are finally able to open our doors and start serving the people in the community," Mills said.

"It will make a big impact on the participants' lives that will be here, but it will also make an impact on the community to have those folks be able to have more stability than what they have had in the past — once they move out of here into their own places."

Mills said children are hit especially hard by housing instbaility.

"It's really hard for them when they are trying to go to school and do what kids are supposed to do, but they are worried about their parent. They are worrying about their house. They're worrying about their electricity getting shut off."

Even after First Step is open, there will still be a need for housing assistance in the community, Mills said.

First Call for Help is annually receiving 70 to 100 requests for housing assistance. The program has not had the means to meet that need and still won't even with the First Step Project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625862099439.jpeg" alt="First Call for Help Director Linda Mills holds up a sign that indicates the First Step Housing Project has reached its $250,000 fundraising goal. Construction should be finished on the four-bedroom temporary housing unit by the end of this month. Mills is standing in the project's kitchen/common area. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>First Call for Help Director Linda Mills holds up a sign that indicates the First Step Housing Project has reached its $250,000 fundraising goal. Construction should be finished on the four-bedroom temporary housing unit by the end of this month. Mills is standing in the project's kitchen/common area. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe First Step Housing Project has reached its $250,000 fundraising goal.Officials hope to open the four-bedroom temporary housing unit in mid-August.&nbsp;The renovations to add the housing units to the First Call for Help building at 607 E. 13th St. are almost complete.Linda Mills, First Call for Help director, which oversees the project, said the project was able to raise $50,000 to receive an additional $50,000 match from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation by the end of June.The Dane G. Hansen Foundation also donated $50,000 to the project. ECMA donated $25,000 to the first phase of the renovation, which included the addition of a multi-purpose room to the building.First United Methodist Church and the Union Pacific Foundation each donated $25,000 to the project.The project received $20,000 in Ellis County federal COVID relief CARES funds, as the project was not able to conduct fundraisers during the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625859858301.jpeg" alt="Gary Shorman of the Schmidt Foundation presents a $50,000 donation to the Linda Mills, First Call for Help director, for the First Step Housing Project. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gary Shorman of the Schmidt Foundation presents a $50,000 donation to the Linda Mills, First Call for Help director, for the First Step Housing Project. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Other organizations and individual donors came forward in the last several weeks to help the organization reach its goal.Mills said the project received donations in amounts from $5 to $11,000 from individuals from across the community."We are excited to get started and thankful that the community has backed us," Mills said.Other organizations donating to the project included the Wonder Women League, Heartland Community Foundation, Cornerstone Orthodontics, Fort Hays State University 310 class, Kiwanis, Rotary, Ellis County Bar Association, St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, First Baptist Church, Hays Christian Church, as well as other area church donors who wished to remain anonymous."We are really thankful for all that and that we are finally able to open our doors and start serving the people in the community," Mills said."It will make a big impact on the participants' lives that will be here, but it will also make an impact on the community to have those folks be able to have more stability than what they have had in the past — once they move out of here into their own places."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623958801209.jpeg" alt="One of the First Step's bedrooms when it was under construction. File photo" />
 <figcaption>One of the First Step's bedrooms when it was under construction. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Mills said children are hit especially hard by housing instbaility."It's really hard for them when they are trying to go to school and do what kids are supposed to do, but they are worried about their parent. They are worrying about their house. They're worrying about their electricity getting shut off."Even after First Step is open, there will still be a need for housing assistance in the community, Mills said.First Call for Help is annually receiving 70 to 100 requests for housing assistance. The program has not had the means to meet that need and still won't even with the First Step Project.The size of the rooms in the First Step units are also going to make it difficult for the program to accommodate families of any size.&nbsp;First Call for Helps' programs are an oasis in northwest Kansas. No other homeless shelters exist between Salina and Denver.The program is still needing household items to furnish the living units. It has already purchased furniture. But a number of housewares like flatware and some bedding are on wish list on Amazon. A link can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help homepage</a>. The items can also be purchased locally if the donor wishes.The First Step facility encompasses about 1,000 square feet and consists of four units in the rear of First Call for Help's existing building.Each bedroom will have bunk beds with a private bathroom. One unit is handicap accessible. The facility will have a shared laundry facility and kitchenette, as well as a small community room.The facility have room for eight people, possibly more if a family with children uses a cot or a crib.Applications for the program will start to be accepted soon, Mills said. The program hopes to have an open house and ribbon-cutting before participants start to move in, but a date has not yet been set.The program will accept families, single parents with children and single females — no single males. Participants have to be drug- and alcohol-free and not have a criminal history that includes violent or sexual crimes.The participants will stay in the transitional units for up to six months, Mills said.During that time, Laura Allen, First Call for Help client services specialist, will help the residents work through a financial literacy program. They can save for a deposit for their own rentals. If they are unemployed, they can work toward finding jobs, Mills said."In today's society because wages have not gone up very much and there's a lot of part-time employment, it gets harder and harder to do those basic things," Mills said."We will be working with them on ways they can either earn extra income or provide those services in their families for maybe a little bit less than they have been paying."Mills said many resources are available in Hays, but many people don't know about them because they haven't had to use them. First Step hopes to connect participants with those resources.

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