By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

The first good thunderstorm of the season swept through my area late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. It rolled in from the west with a brilliant light show and booming bass of thunder reverberating through our windows. It started simply enough. The air, still warm from the day, stirred. Trees began to shake in a cool breeze that grew to a howl. My daughter was home from college for the weekend, and we took in the sights and sounds from the front porch until the chilly air and sheets of rain chased us inside. I’ve never grown tired of watching storms come in, even in Kansas where they occur with regularity. The mix of beauty and the potential for destruction tap into something primal. The allure and angst are as intertwined as lightning and thunder. Some of my first memories of watching storms are in the small sunroom in my childhood home. The thick panes of glass in the south-facing room coupled with the home’s hillside elevation provided the ideal enclosure for viewing the ferocity of Mother Nature. The best storms are always at night. Darkness heightens your other senses, so you feel the ground shake from thunder or hearing the rain come in wind-blown sheets. The smell of damp earth is strong enough to taste. Even when a bolt of electricity illuminates the sky, it offers only a flash of the world around you. Usually, I’d watch storms alone by virtue of being the only one awake when one passed through. Sometimes though my dad would pull up a chair beside me and we’d take it all in silence for a few minutes before he chided me to get to bed. I get a sense of calm watching a storm system move over me, though being a few steps from the basement certainly helps. I know there are those who chase so-called “supercells” in hopes of spotting the truly terrifying phenomenon of tornadoes. I understand it, but that’s a little too much thrill seeking for my taste. Living in Kansas, I’ve had enough close calls with twisters to satisfy my curiosity. Another good perspective for watching a storm was from the hayfield. While we usually didn’t want any rain on the drying grasses, we also could see for miles. Sometimes that was enough to see the cumulonimbus clouds build thousands of feet in the air as the squall line developed far enough away the sun was still shining on us. Whether I’m watching a storm from near or far, I always feel incredibly small. The combination of wind and rain and lightning and thunder is the result of two air masses colliding and releasing more energy than the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima. Despite all the havoc thunderstorms can cause, they do bring rain that helps crops grow in fields and gardens. Sometimes they provide a much-needed respite from working those fields. Other times the cool, calm day after the storm is the reward. Either way, I usually find myself looking forward to the chance to watch the next one.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThe first good thunderstorm of the season swept through my area late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. It rolled in from the west with a brilliant light show and booming bass of thunder reverberating through our windows. It started simply enough. The air, still warm from the day, stirred. Trees began to shake in a cool breeze that grew to a howl. My daughter was home from college for the weekend, and we took in the sights and sounds from the front porch until the chilly air and sheets of rain chased us inside. I’ve never grown tired of watching storms come in, even in Kansas where they occur with regularity. The mix of beauty and the potential for destruction tap into something primal. The allure and angst are as intertwined as lightning and thunder. Some of my first memories of watching storms are in the small sunroom in my childhood home. The thick panes of glass in the south-facing room coupled with the home’s hillside elevation provided the ideal enclosure for viewing the ferocity of Mother Nature. The best storms are always at night. Darkness heightens your other senses, so you feel the ground shake from thunder or hearing the rain come in wind-blown sheets. The smell of damp earth is strong enough to taste. Even when a bolt of electricity illuminates the sky, it offers only a flash of the world around you. Usually, I’d watch storms alone by virtue of being the only one awake when one passed through. Sometimes though my dad would pull up a chair beside me and we’d take it all in silence for a few minutes before he chided me to get to bed. I get a sense of calm watching a storm system move over me, though being a few steps from the basement certainly helps. I know there are those who chase so-called “supercells” in hopes of spotting the truly terrifying phenomenon of tornadoes. I understand it, but that’s a little too much thrill seeking for my taste. Living in Kansas, I’ve had enough close calls with twisters to satisfy my curiosity. Another good perspective for watching a storm was from the hayfield. While we usually didn’t want any rain on the drying grasses, we also could see for miles. Sometimes that was enough to see the cumulonimbus clouds build thousands of feet in the air as the squall line developed far enough away the sun was still shining on us. Whether I’m watching a storm from near or far, I always feel incredibly small. The combination of wind and rain and lightning and thunder is the result of two air masses colliding and releasing more energy than the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima. Despite all the havoc thunderstorms can cause, they do bring rain that helps crops grow in fields and gardens. Sometimes they provide a much-needed respite from working those fields. Other times the cool, calm day after the storm is the reward. Either way, I usually find myself looking forward to the chance to watch the next one."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Eyes to the stormy skies

Eagle Radio of Hays is looking for our next account executive. Job responsibilities include proposing radio and digital marketing solutions to existing clients and new business prospects, and copy writing. Sales experience preferred but not necessary. 

Benefits include health insurance, 401K, paid vacation, and employee stock ownership. 

For information go to&nbsp;<a href="http://eagleradio.net/careers">eagleradio.net/careers</a>, or call Todd Lynd at&nbsp;785-301-2211. Eagle Communications is an employee owned company and an EEO employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio of Hays is looking for our next account executive. Job responsibilities include proposing radio and digital marketing solutions to existing clients and new business prospects, and copy writing. Sales experience preferred but not necessary. Benefits include health insurance, 401K, paid vacation, and employee stock ownership. For information go to&nbsp;<a href="http://eagleradio.net/careers">eagleradio.net/careers</a>, or call Todd Lynd at&nbsp;785-301-2211. Eagle Communications is an employee owned company and an EEO employer.

Three-day weather outlook

COLBY — Kansas Board of Regents' Vice President of Workforce Development Scott Smathers is the featured speaker at the Colby Community College commencement ceremony on Friday.&nbsp;The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Colby Community Building.

Smathers provides executive leadership for the Kansas Postsecondary Technical Education Authority. In this position, he is the state leader for issues involving the postsecondary education and training system in developing an educated workforce that aligns with the needs of the Kansas economy. His scope of responsibility includes developing a policy agenda for postsecondary technical education, curriculum and program evaluation, system funding, benchmarks and accountability, management of federal initiatives, GED testing and administration, and serving as the Kansas state director for both the Carl D. Perkins and Adult Education programs.&nbsp;

Prior to his current role, Smathers worked as an economic developer and as a retail consultant, helping companies with their location and operational decisions around the world.

The commencement ceremony, and the 2 p.m. nurses pinning earlier in the day, can be viewed live on&nbsp;<a href="http://openspacessports.com/wp/live-broadcasts/" target="_blank">Open Spaces Sports</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581529246979.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Kansas Board of Regents' Vice President of Workforce Development Scott Smathers is the featured speaker at the Colby Community College commencement ceremony on Friday.&nbsp;The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Colby Community Building.Smathers provides executive leadership for the Kansas Postsecondary Technical Education Authority. In this position, he is the state leader for issues involving the postsecondary education and training system in developing an educated workforce that aligns with the needs of the Kansas economy. His scope of responsibility includes developing a policy agenda for postsecondary technical education, curriculum and program evaluation, system funding, benchmarks and accountability, management of federal initiatives, GED testing and administration, and serving as the Kansas state director for both the Carl D. Perkins and Adult Education programs.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620746447469.jpeg" alt="Scott Smathers" />
 <figcaption>Scott Smathers</figcaption>
 </figure>Prior to his current role, Smathers worked as an economic developer and as a retail consultant, helping companies with their location and operational decisions around the world.The commencement ceremony, and the 2 p.m. nurses pinning earlier in the day, can be viewed live on&nbsp;<a href="http://openspacessports.com/wp/live-broadcasts/" target="_blank">Open Spaces Sports</a>.

Regents VP to speak at Colby Community College commencement

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — Stockton Grade School, Stockton Unified School District 271, was recognized as a 2021 Kansas School of Character on Tuesday, May 11.

Recognition is given through the&nbsp;<a>Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program&nbsp;</a>and sponsoring organizations -&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,55M0k7f32fPdGOk2HATIrkv7_9kFd7WuhVBapFlCiaxTOy4GmVkNcfgRbKLN84mHaeOmDiqawzJC89_KltC02Wt5z3Ghbijv9TfK06oqPz_BGBXD&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>, the Kansas State Department of Education and the Smoky Hill Education Service Center.

“We are so pleased to announce Stockton Grade School as a 2021 State School of Character,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “The past two school years have been filled with many challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Stockton’s students, educators and parents worked hard and consistently practiced character development. Kansas is proud to recognize their hard work and unwavering dedication.”

Stockton Grade School is one of 76 schools and one school district across the country to be certified by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,a0OP1HHyZEWOhBkGZgzyQICAC4AH_F6A342yPwJTfBaTLXNOcBbSFLSaRvcB45Um1Bk9qH3MhjYIKtrcigQYULrXF7ALcTnBhubYuxQiRw,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;as 2021 State Schools of Character.

The State Schools of Character award program recognizes schools and districts that have worked to enhance social, emotional and character development.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,Y3h8KPIoaJ3bINBnARLmquX0ReQmBwKmaIZ0qfwLeqlLB37emG6EPUGVtduZzADhr7zPVRKjtozzP_nM992-gCXAE1mGHEtjkxWKDuGS0kvg&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has been shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">character.org</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,vwlNYifuMIEhUJ3s8EX73d2WOpF1sk33qTjdgD4SZPmnVIjyfzBARPSAgItp4T-Zzhgac265yKX19p_W8XQaINdWe1_QNyGzuDIAX2fjHbDapscXcVUzBd3jcJOS-Q,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;was founded in 1993 and is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its inception,&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">Character.org</a>’s Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff members, parents and other community members.

Criteria for selection are based on&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">Character.org</a>’s ​11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.&nbsp;

More information on Kansas’ Social, Emotional and Character Development Standards, which the state adopted in 2012, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ksde.org%2fAgency%2fDivision-of-Learning-Services%2fCareer-Standards-and-Assessment-Services%2fContent-Area-M-Z%2fSchool-Counseling%2fSocial-Emotional-and-Character-Development&amp;c=E,1,un1WbpJYH5FCibVQ_R7GvF-GdSsweKWtGPIFxt0rYMP4HyteXEfmSl5xdCDp-7L_UsdiLjG8oN3HQublYComnEzEoRVP402a8-2foM_M7ycFkiq1Vw,,&amp;typo=1">http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development</a>. The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,3-PR25jLhLoIhofPV_H9rlsJvq-HMZnYpm3EJnTJoJX7AFuPxZO4UuCiXwlDtcUbVsj3kBP4VALuYv5nGATClKiwkDuqQxuabYreY4_1mseZ0h23SXNDv-jQ6A,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.character.org&amp;c=E,1,bNqitmuQEDhLHbEJn4l6TRHnA_aPR7wdpplGmUoKhljsHs0tTi3DoXhEqGFMRF826iBA3-rBbwIX9F0eqVs-jpQRcaj7IOF7vLYcaU3wRYtWHX6F&amp;typo=1">www.character.org</a>.

One Kansas school and one Kansas school district received&nbsp;<a>Shifting School Culture Recognition</a>through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented a social-emotional character-development (SECD) initiative or program for at least one year and are transforming the school/district culture, as well as growing students’ SECD skills.

<a>The school and district receiving Shifting School Culture Recognition are:</a>

Eight schools and one district received Enhanced Spotlight Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives that will strengthen the SECD skills in their students and school climate.

<a>The schools and district receiving Enhanced Spotlight Recognition are:</a>

For more information about State Schools of Character or National Schools of Character, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">character.org</a>. For more information about KSDE, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ksde.org&amp;c=E,1,LPmEbLNsOEtnqlOVW27jE0LknwZjGPss2TmJU8Ui-A2TeWZLUYd4jby642WQuYhu6aF-naLsobVZw_0CYs4yto0yN_meWZ3N3tj9KIUUFi6jM8M8xQ,,&amp;typo=1">www.ksde.org</a>. For more information about Smoky Hill Education Service Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.smokyhill.org&amp;c=E,1,tk_Dy1bkBZLUvetRJxyuKEq_xYgrYZlkilMUGVMKof9l1VMbsqPzWbC_BWbHph1bFqLYyfXfL3i7cCngkFq9AqneFGHB993K-K7-e_9o&amp;typo=1">www.smokyhill.org</a>.

Kansas State Department of EducationTOPEKA — Stockton Grade School, Stockton Unified School District 271, was recognized as a 2021 Kansas School of Character on Tuesday, May 11.Recognition is given through the&nbsp;<a>Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program&nbsp;</a>and sponsoring organizations -&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,55M0k7f32fPdGOk2HATIrkv7_9kFd7WuhVBapFlCiaxTOy4GmVkNcfgRbKLN84mHaeOmDiqawzJC89_KltC02Wt5z3Ghbijv9TfK06oqPz_BGBXD&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>, the Kansas State Department of Education and the Smoky Hill Education Service Center.“We are so pleased to announce Stockton Grade School as a 2021 State School of Character,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “The past two school years have been filled with many challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Stockton’s students, educators and parents worked hard and consistently practiced character development. Kansas is proud to recognize their hard work and unwavering dedication.”Stockton Grade School is one of 76 schools and one school district across the country to be certified by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,a0OP1HHyZEWOhBkGZgzyQICAC4AH_F6A342yPwJTfBaTLXNOcBbSFLSaRvcB45Um1Bk9qH3MhjYIKtrcigQYULrXF7ALcTnBhubYuxQiRw,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;as 2021 State Schools of Character.The State Schools of Character award program recognizes schools and districts that have worked to enhance social, emotional and character development.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,Y3h8KPIoaJ3bINBnARLmquX0ReQmBwKmaIZ0qfwLeqlLB37emG6EPUGVtduZzADhr7zPVRKjtozzP_nM992-gCXAE1mGHEtjkxWKDuGS0kvg&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has been shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">character.org</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,vwlNYifuMIEhUJ3s8EX73d2WOpF1sk33qTjdgD4SZPmnVIjyfzBARPSAgItp4T-Zzhgac265yKX19p_W8XQaINdWe1_QNyGzuDIAX2fjHbDapscXcVUzBd3jcJOS-Q,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;was founded in 1993 and is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its inception,&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">Character.org</a>’s Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff members, parents and other community members.Criteria for selection are based on&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">Character.org</a>’s ​11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.&nbsp;More information on Kansas’ Social, Emotional and Character Development Standards, which the state adopted in 2012, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ksde.org%2fAgency%2fDivision-of-Learning-Services%2fCareer-Standards-and-Assessment-Services%2fContent-Area-M-Z%2fSchool-Counseling%2fSocial-Emotional-and-Character-Development&amp;c=E,1,un1WbpJYH5FCibVQ_R7GvF-GdSsweKWtGPIFxt0rYMP4HyteXEfmSl5xdCDp-7L_UsdiLjG8oN3HQublYComnEzEoRVP402a8-2foM_M7ycFkiq1Vw,,&amp;typo=1">http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development</a>. The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fCharacter.org&amp;c=E,1,3-PR25jLhLoIhofPV_H9rlsJvq-HMZnYpm3EJnTJoJX7AFuPxZO4UuCiXwlDtcUbVsj3kBP4VALuYv5nGATClKiwkDuqQxuabYreY4_1mseZ0h23SXNDv-jQ6A,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Character.org</a>&nbsp;are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.character.org&amp;c=E,1,bNqitmuQEDhLHbEJn4l6TRHnA_aPR7wdpplGmUoKhljsHs0tTi3DoXhEqGFMRF826iBA3-rBbwIX9F0eqVs-jpQRcaj7IOF7vLYcaU3wRYtWHX6F&amp;typo=1">www.character.org</a>.One Kansas school and one Kansas school district received&nbsp;<a>Shifting School Culture Recognition</a>through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented a social-emotional character-development (SECD) initiative or program for at least one year and are transforming the school/district culture, as well as growing students’ SECD skills.<a>The school and district receiving Shifting School Culture Recognition are:</a><ul>
 <li><a>Barber County North USD 254.</a></li><li>Bickerdyke Elementary School, Russell USD 407.</li>
 </ul>Eight schools and one district received Enhanced Spotlight Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives that will strengthen the SECD skills in their students and school climate.<a>The schools and district receiving Enhanced Spotlight Recognition are:</a><ul>
 <li><a>Barber County North USD 254.</a></li><li>Bickerdyke Elementary School, Russell USD 407.</li><li>Hesston Middle School, Hesston USD 460.</li><li>Lakeside Elementary School, Waconda USD 272.</li><li>Kennedy Primary, McKinley Intermediate School and Eisenhower Elementary School, Abilene USD 435.</li><li>Meade Elementary/Junior High School, Meade USD 226.</li><li>Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475.</li>
 </ul>For more information about State Schools of Character or National Schools of Character, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://character.org/">character.org</a>. For more information about KSDE, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ksde.org&amp;c=E,1,LPmEbLNsOEtnqlOVW27jE0LknwZjGPss2TmJU8Ui-A2TeWZLUYd4jby642WQuYhu6aF-naLsobVZw_0CYs4yto0yN_meWZ3N3tj9KIUUFi6jM8M8xQ,,&amp;typo=1">www.ksde.org</a>. For more information about Smoky Hill Education Service Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.smokyhill.org&amp;c=E,1,tk_Dy1bkBZLUvetRJxyuKEq_xYgrYZlkilMUGVMKof9l1VMbsqPzWbC_BWbHph1bFqLYyfXfL3i7cCngkFq9AqneFGHB993K-K7-e_9o&amp;typo=1">www.smokyhill.org</a>.

Stockton Grade School named 2021 State School of Character

GRAHAM COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Tuesday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Malibu driven by Tammy J.&nbsp;Sumpter, 47, Tipton, was eastbound on U.S. 24 one mile east of Hill City. 

The car struck a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup driven by&nbsp; Dylan&nbsp;Edwards, 17, Great Bend, who failed to yield and pulled out in from of the Chevy.&nbsp;

EMS transported&nbsp;Sumpter and&nbsp;Edwards to the hospital in Hill City. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

GRAHAM COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Tuesday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Malibu driven by Tammy J.&nbsp;Sumpter, 47, Tipton, was eastbound on U.S. 24 one mile east of Hill City. The car struck a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup driven by&nbsp; Dylan&nbsp;Edwards, 17, Great Bend, who failed to yield and pulled out in from of the Chevy.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Sumpter and&nbsp;Edwards to the hospital in Hill City. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle NW Kansas crash

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber vice president of marketing and communications, Scott Gross and administrative assistant Marlis Fletcher share details about the upcoming Business Showcase and recap their annual Golf Tournament.

<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="Hays Chamber preparing for next Business Showcase" 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=x6mce-103370b-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 Chamber vice president of marketing and communications, Scott Gross and administrative assistant Marlis Fletcher share details about the upcoming Business Showcase and recap their annual Golf Tournament.<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: Hays Chamber preparing for next Business Showcase

By RHONDA McCURRY <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com">Kansas Living</a>

This statement was heard across the country in small, medium and 
large meat processing plants during the COVID-19 pandemic, including at 
Heritage Meats in Leoti. The meat locker was started in 2003 by the 
Decker family. Darwin Decker is the owner and self-proclaimed 
jack-of-all-trades, his wife, Darlene, manages the finances and their 
son, Tyler, is the production manager.

In March 2020, the family meat processing business changed 
dramatically. Decker says once the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United 
States, he could not keep ground beef packages on his store shelves. 
Customers began calling nonstop to preorder beef and pork and local 
ranchers began booking processing dates for multiple animals on multiple
 days on the 2020 calendar.

“It was pure panic,” Decker says. “There was no way to keep up with 
retail demand. Ground beef flew off the shelves even though we did the 
best we could. Scheduling was through the roof.”

Heritage Meats kept processing normal numbers (12 beef and 15 pigs each week) but began scheduling farther and farther out.

Decker compared the beef and pork sales spike to that of the demand on toilet paper.

Decker says the COVID-19 panic was evident when many customers asked to preorder large amounts of ground beef.

“Why would an old lady living by herself need 100 pounds of ground 
beef?” he says. “There was also panic that big beef-packing houses 
wouldshut down. Large plants may have closed for a week or so, but the 
supply chain never totally stopped.”

During the spring of 2020, national news media reported ranchers were
 in fear of no market for their cattle and began putting down cows and 
burying them. Although there were reports of this, no large-scale 
depopulation of cattle or other livestock occurred in Kansas because of 
the pandemic.

And, to add to the chaos, Decker says when customers chose to stock 
up on beef and pork, they also realized the need for freezer space. That
 meant a run on deep freezers in stores and online. He says his meat 
customers came in asking if he knew of freezers for sale.

As a business owner, Decker says it was great to have customer demand
 for his product, but the stress of questions, rumors and overall panic 
wore on the Decker family. He says he would wake up each morning and say
 a prayer asking for grace from God to handle the stress before going to
 work.

The COVID-19 pandemic altered marketing plans for many ranchers as 
well, Decker says. One rancher called Heritage Meats and scheduled to 
bring in four head of cattle every two weeks for the next few months. 
Decker put the beef on the locker schedule with intentions to process 
them, but when demand settled down last winter, he learned the same 
local rancher was stuck with six freezers at home full of beef. Without a
 solid marketing plan to sell his beef, Decker says this rancher had to 
cancel 15 head of cattle coming to Heritage Meats for processing.

“Producers thought, ‘I have beef and I want to sell it to bigger 
cities like Wichita and Kansas City,’” Decker says. “The price of cattle
 went down in March 2020 so low that ranchers began to worry they 
wouldn’t have a place for their cattle, so they scheduled unrealistic 
plans to sell beef. The problem arose when, for example, a rancher who 
normally schedules two head for processing every six months called to 
schedule two and three times as many head.”

This issue caused a backlog in processing and any rancher who was not
 on the meat processor’s schedule was pushed out for weeks and sometimes
 even months.

Cattle and hogs become physically market ready at specific weights. 
The lack of processor availability meant some animals were harvested 
under or over weights for ideal meat flavor and palatability. As of 
March 2021, Heritage Meats doesn’t have available processing space for 
cattle or hogs until January 2022.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Heritage Meats would sell a box of 20 
individually wrapped one-pound beef bundles to a customer every so 
often. After March 2020, Decker says customers were buying multiple 
boxes at a time so his store limited customers to one box per day.

“We were selling 500 pounds of ground beef a day compared to our 
normal 80 to 100 pounds,” Decker says. “We had to tell customers, ‘We 
are here. We are not going anywhere. We just can’t produce it any 
faster. Come back and we will take care of you.’”

Most of Darlene Decker’s days were spent on the phone talking people 
down from panic and reassuring them they would have food to eat. She 
says customers needed to understand cattle and hogs were still being 
processed and beef and pork would still be sold from their hometown meat
 processor.

When the scheduling of cattle and hogs to process became panic 
driven, Decker knew he had to help control the stress level of his 
employees. Controlling emotions was a big part of the COVID-19 pandemic 
challenge for his business.

“We made it through all that,” he says. “We are back to normal now. 
At the time, we had customers coming from Colorado to buy beef and we 
processed pigs from Nebraska. Now that emotion has slowed down.”

One outcome of the pandemic, Decker says, could be that folks who 
purchased freezers will feel pressure to fill those freezers on a 
regular basis. The visual of a large, empty freezer could mean the 
demand for a quarter beef and a half hog from the middle-American family
 could continue.

Decker has expanded the focus of Heritage Meats to include delivery 
service to grocery stores and residences in southwestern Kansas. Decker 
began the delivery service by creating an email list distributed once a 
month to interested customers. Readers can look through Heritage Meats 
inventory, send in their orders and Decker will deliver to their home 
area.

The impact Heritage Meats may have had on future meat consumers is 
impossible to realize but Decker says the panic created among consumers 
for large quantities of beef and pork has showcased where meat comes 
from.

“Folks in cities relied on Kroger and King Soopers and Sam’s Club for
 their quality beef because that’s all they knew,” Decker says. “Those 
stores sell the volume but today we see customers willing to pay for, 
and wait for, quality beef grown locally. It’s always been there but now
 they know it.”

Heritage Meats has a family history in meat processing, stemming from
 Decker’s business partner whose grandfather worked in the industry. The
 business has six full-time and two part-time employees. To keep up with
 industry trends and continuing education, Heritage Meats is a member of
 the Kansas Meat Processing Association and the American Meat Processing
 Association. Decker is also active with an online chat group with 
processors from Canada to Louisiana. He says he has learned the most on 
how to handle COVID-19 pandemic demands from these memberships.

“I’ve learned a lot about curing and processing from those groups,” 
Decker says. “Nothing accounts for hands-on experience but having the 
chat group to visit with was valuable during the challenge of the past 
year. Everyone was facing stressful times in the meat processing 
business.”

The Decker family raises cattle themselves, with a small cow-calf 
operation as a side gig to owning and operating Heritage Meats. And 
despite the crazy ride of 2020, Decker says he will keep his promise to 
southwestern Kansas customers that his business is not going anywhere.

“I like the story that goes along with our business,” Decker says. 
“We see a product grow from birth to the end result. And it’s a family 
business for so many of our beef and pork customers who sell their 
animals to us.”

Decker received federal CARES Act funding and purchased new equipment
 to improve efficiency at Heritage Meats. He offers a full line of fresh
 beef and pork products including 15 kinds of sausage and a wide variety
 of ready-to-eat products including beef and pork snack sticks and 
summer sausage.

As for the future of the meat processing industry, Decker says there 
is a new sense of normal. He knows he’s filled a lot more freezers than 
before COVID-19 came to town and until those empty out, Decker doesn’t 
expect demand to slow down completely. He says when folks who’ve been 
selling beef to their friends and neighbors need a new batch, he hopes 
they call Heritage Meats.

To view Heritage Meats' inventory, go to <a href="http://www.heritage-meats.com">www.heritage-meats.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620744443598.png" alt="Kansas Living" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Living</figcaption>
 </figure>By RHONDA McCURRY <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com">Kansas Living</a>"We couldn't keep up with the demand"This statement was heard across the country in small, medium and 
large meat processing plants during the COVID-19 pandemic, including at 
Heritage Meats in Leoti. The meat locker was started in 2003 by the 
Decker family. Darwin Decker is the owner and self-proclaimed 
jack-of-all-trades, his wife, Darlene, manages the finances and their 
son, Tyler, is the production manager.In March 2020, the family meat processing business changed 
dramatically. Decker says once the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United 
States, he could not keep ground beef packages on his store shelves. 
Customers began calling nonstop to preorder beef and pork and local 
ranchers began booking processing dates for multiple animals on multiple
 days on the 2020 calendar.“It was pure panic,” Decker says. “There was no way to keep up with 
retail demand. Ground beef flew off the shelves even though we did the 
best we could. Scheduling was through the roof.”Heritage Meats kept processing normal numbers (12 beef and 15 pigs each week) but began scheduling farther and farther out.Decker compared the beef and pork sales spike to that of the demand on toilet paper.Decker says the COVID-19 panic was evident when many customers asked to preorder large amounts of ground beef.“Why would an old lady living by herself need 100 pounds of ground 
beef?” he says. “There was also panic that big beef-packing houses 
wouldshut down. Large plants may have closed for a week or so, but the 
supply chain never totally stopped.”During the spring of 2020, national news media reported ranchers were
 in fear of no market for their cattle and began putting down cows and 
burying them. Although there were reports of this, no large-scale 
depopulation of cattle or other livestock occurred in Kansas because of 
the pandemic.And, to add to the chaos, Decker says when customers chose to stock 
up on beef and pork, they also realized the need for freezer space. That
 meant a run on deep freezers in stores and online. He says his meat 
customers came in asking if he knew of freezers for sale.As a business owner, Decker says it was great to have customer demand
 for his product, but the stress of questions, rumors and overall panic 
wore on the Decker family. He says he would wake up each morning and say
 a prayer asking for grace from God to handle the stress before going to
 work.<h2>BEEF BACKLOG</h2>The COVID-19 pandemic altered marketing plans for many ranchers as 
well, Decker says. One rancher called Heritage Meats and scheduled to 
bring in four head of cattle every two weeks for the next few months. 
Decker put the beef on the locker schedule with intentions to process 
them, but when demand settled down last winter, he learned the same 
local rancher was stuck with six freezers at home full of beef. Without a
 solid marketing plan to sell his beef, Decker says this rancher had to 
cancel 15 head of cattle coming to Heritage Meats for processing.“Producers thought, ‘I have beef and I want to sell it to bigger 
cities like Wichita and Kansas City,’” Decker says. “The price of cattle
 went down in March 2020 so low that ranchers began to worry they 
wouldn’t have a place for their cattle, so they scheduled unrealistic 
plans to sell beef. The problem arose when, for example, a rancher who 
normally schedules two head for processing every six months called to 
schedule two and three times as many head.”This issue caused a backlog in processing and any rancher who was not
 on the meat processor’s schedule was pushed out for weeks and sometimes
 even months.Cattle and hogs become physically market ready at specific weights. 
The lack of processor availability meant some animals were harvested 
under or over weights for ideal meat flavor and palatability. As of 
March 2021, Heritage Meats doesn’t have available processing space for 
cattle or hogs until January 2022.<h2>FOOD PANIC</h2>Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Heritage Meats would sell a box of 20 
individually wrapped one-pound beef bundles to a customer every so 
often. After March 2020, Decker says customers were buying multiple 
boxes at a time so his store limited customers to one box per day.“We were selling 500 pounds of ground beef a day compared to our 
normal 80 to 100 pounds,” Decker says. “We had to tell customers, ‘We 
are here. We are not going anywhere. We just can’t produce it any 
faster. Come back and we will take care of you.’”Most of Darlene Decker’s days were spent on the phone talking people 
down from panic and reassuring them they would have food to eat. She 
says customers needed to understand cattle and hogs were still being 
processed and beef and pork would still be sold from their hometown meat
 processor.When the scheduling of cattle and hogs to process became panic 
driven, Decker knew he had to help control the stress level of his 
employees. Controlling emotions was a big part of the COVID-19 pandemic 
challenge for his business.“We made it through all that,” he says. “We are back to normal now. 
At the time, we had customers coming from Colorado to buy beef and we 
processed pigs from Nebraska. Now that emotion has slowed down.”One outcome of the pandemic, Decker says, could be that folks who 
purchased freezers will feel pressure to fill those freezers on a 
regular basis. The visual of a large, empty freezer could mean the 
demand for a quarter beef and a half hog from the middle-American family
 could continue.Decker has expanded the focus of Heritage Meats to include delivery 
service to grocery stores and residences in southwestern Kansas. Decker 
began the delivery service by creating an email list distributed once a 
month to interested customers. Readers can look through Heritage Meats 
inventory, send in their orders and Decker will deliver to their home 
area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620744540565.png" alt="Kansas Living" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Living</figcaption>
 </figure>The impact Heritage Meats may have had on future meat consumers is 
impossible to realize but Decker says the panic created among consumers 
for large quantities of beef and pork has showcased where meat comes 
from.“Folks in cities relied on Kroger and King Soopers and Sam’s Club for
 their quality beef because that’s all they knew,” Decker says. “Those 
stores sell the volume but today we see customers willing to pay for, 
and wait for, quality beef grown locally. It’s always been there but now
 they know it.”<h2>FAMILY BUSINESS FOR THE LONG HAUL</h2>Heritage Meats has a family history in meat processing, stemming from
 Decker’s business partner whose grandfather worked in the industry. The
 business has six full-time and two part-time employees. To keep up with
 industry trends and continuing education, Heritage Meats is a member of
 the Kansas Meat Processing Association and the American Meat Processing
 Association. Decker is also active with an online chat group with 
processors from Canada to Louisiana. He says he has learned the most on 
how to handle COVID-19 pandemic demands from these memberships.“I’ve learned a lot about curing and processing from those groups,” 
Decker says. “Nothing accounts for hands-on experience but having the 
chat group to visit with was valuable during the challenge of the past 
year. Everyone was facing stressful times in the meat processing 
business.”The Decker family raises cattle themselves, with a small cow-calf 
operation as a side gig to owning and operating Heritage Meats. And 
despite the crazy ride of 2020, Decker says he will keep his promise to 
southwestern Kansas customers that his business is not going anywhere.“I like the story that goes along with our business,” Decker says. 
“We see a product grow from birth to the end result. And it’s a family 
business for so many of our beef and pork customers who sell their 
animals to us.”Decker received federal CARES Act funding and purchased new equipment
 to improve efficiency at Heritage Meats. He offers a full line of fresh
 beef and pork products including 15 kinds of sausage and a wide variety
 of ready-to-eat products including beef and pork snack sticks and 
summer sausage.As for the future of the meat processing industry, Decker says there 
is a new sense of normal. He knows he’s filled a lot more freezers than 
before COVID-19 came to town and until those empty out, Decker doesn’t 
expect demand to slow down completely. He says when folks who’ve been 
selling beef to their friends and neighbors need a new batch, he hopes 
they call Heritage Meats.To view Heritage Meats' inventory, go to <a href="http://www.heritage-meats.com">www.heritage-meats.com</a>.

Western Kansas meat locker battles through pandemic

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Youth ages 1 through 18 will be eligible for free drive-through meals again this summer.

Jessica Younker, Hays USD 489 director of nutrition services, said the school district has been cleared to continue its popular drive-through program.

"It was really successful last year," Younker said, "and we had a lot of families who were thankful they could just pick it up and go instead of having to stay on site to eat."

Meals can be picked up between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays on the east side of the Hays High School parking lot.&nbsp;

The meals will start June 1 and go through July 29. There will be no service July 5 because of the Fourth of July holiday.

A child does not have to be enrolled in USD 489 to participate in the food program, and there are no income requirements to participate in the program.&nbsp;

Children need to be in the vehicle when picking up food. If that is not possible, you can contact USD 489 nutrition services to obtain a waiver for that requirement.

Children will be provided with a hot lunch and cold breakfast for the following morning. On Thursdays, they also will be provided with a second cold breakfast and lunch for Friday.

You can find menus at <a href="http://usd489nutritionservices.com">usd489nutritionservices.com</a>.

Younker said she was unsure how many families to expect. The program will initially base food service on numbers from last summer and then adjust according. Last summer, the program served 300 to 400 children daily.

"All children in the community are welcome to join us for our free drive-through meals, and we are excited to serve the kids this summer," Younker said.&nbsp;

The United States Department of Agriculture<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3b4f108-78ac-49a7-bfb8-2f91ba67f475">&nbsp;is also funding free school breakfasts and lunches nationwide for all students for the 2021-22 school year.</a> Younker said food insecurity for children continues to be an issue across the nation due to economic hardship as a result of the pandemic.

She said it is difficult to determine how the pandemic affected food insecurity among Hays children within the last year, because meals were also free for the 2020-21 school year.

She said some families may have not applied for free or reduced-price lunch status because free meals were provided for all students.

"There is definitely food insecurity in Hays," Younker said. "There are definitely kids whose only meals come from school. That is why we are excited to provide meals for all kids through the summer and next school year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593032722887.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., helps Hays volunteers hand out free meals to children as part of the 2020 summer meal program. USD 489 will offer free drive-through meals for children again this summer. File photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., helps Hays volunteers hand out free meals to children as part of the 2020 summer meal program. USD 489 will offer free drive-through meals for children again this summer. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostYouth ages 1 through 18 will be eligible for free drive-through meals again this summer.Jessica Younker, Hays USD 489 director of nutrition services, said the school district has been cleared to continue its popular drive-through program."It was really successful last year," Younker said, "and we had a lot of families who were thankful they could just pick it up and go instead of having to stay on site to eat."Meals can be picked up between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays on the east side of the Hays High School parking lot.&nbsp;The meals will start June 1 and go through July 29. There will be no service July 5 because of the Fourth of July holiday.A child does not have to be enrolled in USD 489 to participate in the food program, and there are no income requirements to participate in the program.&nbsp;Children need to be in the vehicle when picking up food. If that is not possible, you can contact USD 489 nutrition services to obtain a waiver for that requirement.Children will be provided with a hot lunch and cold breakfast for the following morning. On Thursdays, they also will be provided with a second cold breakfast and lunch for Friday.You can find menus at <a href="http://usd489nutritionservices.com">usd489nutritionservices.com</a>.Younker said she was unsure how many families to expect. The program will initially base food service on numbers from last summer and then adjust according. Last summer, the program served 300 to 400 children daily."All children in the community are welcome to join us for our free drive-through meals, and we are excited to serve the kids this summer," Younker said.&nbsp;The United States Department of Agriculture<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3b4f108-78ac-49a7-bfb8-2f91ba67f475">&nbsp;is also funding free school breakfasts and lunches nationwide for all students for the 2021-22 school year.</a> Younker said food insecurity for children continues to be an issue across the nation due to economic hardship as a result of the pandemic.She said it is difficult to determine how the pandemic affected food insecurity among Hays children within the last year, because meals were also free for the 2020-21 school year.She said some families may have not applied for free or reduced-price lunch status because free meals were provided for all students."There is definitely food insecurity in Hays," Younker said. "There are definitely kids whose only meals come from school. That is why we are excited to provide meals for all kids through the summer and next school year."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620670938599.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 489 offering free drive-through meals for kids again this summer

The first five winners of the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation scholarships to attend Fort Hays State University have been announced.

The inaugural class of Schmidt Foundation Scholars is comprised of Edwin Garcia-Arreola, Lakin; Bianca Bultman, Elkhart; Makenna Bartholomew, Gypsum; Julina Wall, Ingalls; and German Hernandez, Leoti. Those incoming freshmen will receive full-ride, $14,900 scholarships for the 2021-22 school year.

Those students’ counselors, teachers, coaches, or principals made arrangements with the FHSU Foundation last week for a surprise announcement with the students via Zoom.

Preference for these scholarships are given to first-generation students from Kansas planning to&nbsp;major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communication programs.&nbsp;

The Schmidt Foundation scholarship includes 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, room and board. Recipients can renew their scholarships for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and continuing to meet the scholarship requirements.&nbsp;

The selection committee made its selections based on&nbsp;demonstrations of strong academic ability, resilience, and the leadership skills necessary to make significant contributions to the university, the community of Hays, and the state of Kansas.&nbsp;

“We hoped to find students who would value the mentoring opportunities included in the Schmidt Foundation Scholars program and would make the most of the future networking connections that will come,” said Jessica Albin, case manager for FHSU’s Kelly Center and chair of the selection committee. “Bianca, Edwin, German, Julina, and Makenna are exactly the type of students we hoped to connect with through this process and we fully believe they will find great success at FHSU.”&nbsp;

More information about the scholarship can be&nbsp;found at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPUrLTjW28lVttfnSUy1OFGxuXcVV9j-2BZ9sLwzdIs5qwgVs8_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIempwxMwTgoIjKsD2YEn3DZ7kGrIm-2FjET2c78u6HYl7NKwEX1l4qsi-2FrF9Kr3Kll3Lp3VJrmDLUOhVVFJlQqRTL8pEH1JeMJXVlcPkBIaYK-2B6O6QRHH3F8XpK1eNifl6cF2x-2BM68lwbFG4Wx-2BY0yJXF11cjIQ-2FGof2H0L2WI5gCiRN3HFA7RrLQmU6WRVL63N-2BCv8wv8KdkKgRhEHe9w9MOkgo7jlmnZPGwu7M8pxOge8R7QASAfazfCHbnXA5IcEbl">https://fhsu.edu/schmidtfoundation</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620655057488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe first five winners of the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation scholarships to attend Fort Hays State University have been announced.The inaugural class of Schmidt Foundation Scholars is comprised of Edwin Garcia-Arreola, Lakin; Bianca Bultman, Elkhart; Makenna Bartholomew, Gypsum; Julina Wall, Ingalls; and German Hernandez, Leoti. Those incoming freshmen will receive full-ride, $14,900 scholarships for the 2021-22 school year.Those students’ counselors, teachers, coaches, or principals made arrangements with the FHSU Foundation last week for a surprise announcement with the students via Zoom.Preference for these scholarships are given to first-generation students from Kansas planning to&nbsp;major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communication programs.&nbsp;The Schmidt Foundation scholarship includes 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, room and board. Recipients can renew their scholarships for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and continuing to meet the scholarship requirements.&nbsp;The selection committee made its selections based on&nbsp;demonstrations of strong academic ability, resilience, and the leadership skills necessary to make significant contributions to the university, the community of Hays, and the state of Kansas.&nbsp;“We hoped to find students who would value the mentoring opportunities included in the Schmidt Foundation Scholars program and would make the most of the future networking connections that will come,” said Jessica Albin, case manager for FHSU’s Kelly Center and chair of the selection committee. “Bianca, Edwin, German, Julina, and Makenna are exactly the type of students we hoped to connect with through this process and we fully believe they will find great success at FHSU.”&nbsp;More information about the scholarship can be&nbsp;found at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPUrLTjW28lVttfnSUy1OFGxuXcVV9j-2BZ9sLwzdIs5qwgVs8_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIempwxMwTgoIjKsD2YEn3DZ7kGrIm-2FjET2c78u6HYl7NKwEX1l4qsi-2FrF9Kr3Kll3Lp3VJrmDLUOhVVFJlQqRTL8pEH1JeMJXVlcPkBIaYK-2B6O6QRHH3F8XpK1eNifl6cF2x-2BM68lwbFG4Wx-2BY0yJXF11cjIQ-2FGof2H0L2WI5gCiRN3HFA7RrLQmU6WRVL63N-2BCv8wv8KdkKgRhEHe9w9MOkgo7jlmnZPGwu7M8pxOge8R7QASAfazfCHbnXA5IcEbl">https://fhsu.edu/schmidtfoundation</a>.

Fort Hays State announces first class of Schmidt Foundation Scholars

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly is encouraging qualifying Kansas residents to apply for the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. 

Vyve Communications and Nex-Tech, with offices in Hays, are participants in the program which opens on May 12.

“We know broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for Kansans and our communities to participate in the digital economy,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage every Kansas family eligible to take advantage of the opportunity and apply for the Emergency Broadband Program.” &nbsp;

The Emergency Broadband Program provides a discount of up to $50 monthly towards internet service for eligible households, and up to $75 monthly for eligible households on tribal lands. In addition, all eligible households will qualify for a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer, laptop, or tablet after a $10-$50 contribution toward the purchase price.

“This program is important to address broadband affordability issues and drive progress on digital equity in Kansas,”&nbsp;Stan Adams, director of the Office of Broadband, said.&nbsp;“Given the criticality of broadband for so many Kansans and the increasing digital divide, we as a community need to do more to remove barriers to robust broadband utilization. We are grateful for Governor Kelly’s leadership to ensure as many eligible Kansans as possible take advantage of the program.”

A household is eligible for the Emergency Broadband Program if one of its members:

“The pandemic has demonstrated just how critical it is for every Kansas student to have access to affordable and reliable internet connection,”&nbsp;Dr. Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, said. “We are grateful to the Governor for launching the Emergency Broadband Program to ensure equity in education is maintained.”

All eligible Kansans are encouraged to take part in the Emergency Broadband Program. You can learn more about the program&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.MaHQ_URLN9Ce3jAqSMfVGiJDGqLa3BfYT46Rugc5JU4/s/1303135927/br/106141635336-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606345559018.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly is encouraging qualifying Kansas residents to apply for the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. Vyve Communications and Nex-Tech, with offices in Hays, are participants in the program which opens on May 12.“We know broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for Kansans and our communities to participate in the digital economy,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage every Kansas family eligible to take advantage of the opportunity and apply for the Emergency Broadband Program.” &nbsp;The Emergency Broadband Program provides a discount of up to $50 monthly towards internet service for eligible households, and up to $75 monthly for eligible households on tribal lands. In addition, all eligible households will qualify for a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer, laptop, or tablet after a $10-$50 contribution toward the purchase price.“This program is important to address broadband affordability issues and drive progress on digital equity in Kansas,”&nbsp;Stan Adams, director of the Office of Broadband, said.&nbsp;“Given the criticality of broadband for so many Kansans and the increasing digital divide, we as a community need to do more to remove barriers to robust broadband utilization. We are grateful for Governor Kelly’s leadership to ensure as many eligible Kansans as possible take advantage of the program.”A household is eligible for the Emergency Broadband Program if one of its members:<ul>
 <li>Qualifies for the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.MMQZ8BUgwA1uaLzVp8NiJ-V__X0i1sVR0X7lavdqpmE/s/1303135927/br/106141635336-l" target="_blank">Lifeline</a>&nbsp;program;</li><li>Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year;</li><li>Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;</li><li>Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or</li><li>Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers' existing low-income or COVID-19 program.</li>
 </ul>“The pandemic has demonstrated just how critical it is for every Kansas student to have access to affordable and reliable internet connection,”&nbsp;Dr. Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, said. “We are grateful to the Governor for launching the Emergency Broadband Program to ensure equity in education is maintained.”All eligible Kansans are encouraged to take part in the Emergency Broadband Program. You can learn more about the program&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.MaHQ_URLN9Ce3jAqSMfVGiJDGqLa3BfYT46Rugc5JU4/s/1303135927/br/106141635336-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Vyve, Nex-Tech participating in aid program for pandemic internet service 

&nbsp;The Hays Public Library Summer Challenge is almost here.

 This year’s theme of Tails and Tales will explore literature and animals with a variety of in-person and virtual activities and events. The challenge will run from May 24 to July 31.

The library will use the online program Beanstack to track summer reading for children and teens. Through Beanstack, families register participants and use the program to log their reading progress. Staff will assist with sign-up and logging for those without computer access. Challenges have been created for each age group, early literacy, elementary, and young adult.

For children and teens, the Summer Challenge is an exciting way to improve literacy during the summer months.&nbsp;Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during&nbsp;summer&nbsp;vacation, actually slip in reading ability by the time school begins in the fall.

The kids will receive a journal and gel pen when they register. A prize will be given to each child who completes their challenge by the end of the event on July 31. Those who complete the challenge also will put their name in a drawing for the grand prize of their choice.

Adults participate in the Summer Challenge by completing activities on a bookmark that can be picked up at the library, beginning May 24. They will receive a water bottle when they sign up. As in the past, there will be ten challenges. Adults will have until July 31 to complete all the challenges and submit an entry into the end of the summer prize drawing.&nbsp;

For more information about the Summer Challenge and to sign up on Beanstack, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/srp21" target="_blank">hayslibrary.org/srp21</a>&nbsp;or call 785-625-9014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620426785206.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPL&nbsp;The Hays Public Library Summer Challenge is almost here. This year’s theme of Tails and Tales will explore literature and animals with a variety of in-person and virtual activities and events. The challenge will run from May 24 to July 31.The library will use the online program Beanstack to track summer reading for children and teens. Through Beanstack, families register participants and use the program to log their reading progress. Staff will assist with sign-up and logging for those without computer access. Challenges have been created for each age group, early literacy, elementary, and young adult.For children and teens, the Summer Challenge is an exciting way to improve literacy during the summer months.&nbsp;Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during&nbsp;summer&nbsp;vacation, actually slip in reading ability by the time school begins in the fall.The kids will receive a journal and gel pen when they register. A prize will be given to each child who completes their challenge by the end of the event on July 31. Those who complete the challenge also will put their name in a drawing for the grand prize of their choice.Adults participate in the Summer Challenge by completing activities on a bookmark that can be picked up at the library, beginning May 24. They will receive a water bottle when they sign up. As in the past, there will be ten challenges. Adults will have until July 31 to complete all the challenges and submit an entry into the end of the summer prize drawing.&nbsp;For more information about the Summer Challenge and to sign up on Beanstack, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/srp21" target="_blank">hayslibrary.org/srp21</a>&nbsp;or call 785-625-9014.

Hays Public Library gears up for summer reading challenge

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week a grant award of $119,935 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for vehicles and HVAC units.

With the grant funds, DSNWK will replace three vehicles for traveling maintenance personnel and install five new HVAC units at three locations. These units will be replacing ones that are more than 30 years old. The new HVAC systems will improve DSNWK’s energy costs, and the quality of services.

This grant furthers the efforts of DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together capital campaign which has reached more than $3 million to date.

“The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has been a valuable source of help for DSNWK for many years,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “We greatly appreciate the Hansen Foundation’s support and generosity.”

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/">www.dsnwk.org</a> to learn more about services and ways to support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week a grant award of $119,935 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for vehicles and HVAC units.With the grant funds, DSNWK will replace three vehicles for traveling maintenance personnel and install five new HVAC units at three locations. These units will be replacing ones that are more than 30 years old. The new HVAC systems will improve DSNWK’s energy costs, and the quality of services.This grant furthers the efforts of DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together capital campaign which has reached more than $3 million to date.“The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has been a valuable source of help for DSNWK for many years,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “We greatly appreciate the Hansen Foundation’s support and generosity.”DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/">www.dsnwk.org</a> to learn more about services and ways to support.

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail. This column deals with what can be done to help our gardens recover.

Heavy rain: The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots. A light scraping after the soil surface has dried is all that is needed to correct these problems. Be careful of deep tilling as it may damage young, tender roots.

Standing water: Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough. Most plants can withstand 24 hours of standing water without harm. Hot, sunny weather can make a bad situation worse by the water becoming hot enough to “cook” the plants. There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain.

Hail damage: Plants should recover quickly as long as the leaves only were damaged by the hail as leaves regenerate quickly. The situation becomes much more serious if the stems and fruit were damaged. The plant can recover from a few bruises but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order.&nbsp;

Leaning plants: Either wind or water can cause plants to lean. They should start to straighten after a few days. Don’t try to bend them back as they often break easily. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail. This column deals with what can be done to help our gardens recover.Heavy rain: The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots. A light scraping after the soil surface has dried is all that is needed to correct these problems. Be careful of deep tilling as it may damage young, tender roots.Standing water: Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough. Most plants can withstand 24 hours of standing water without harm. Hot, sunny weather can make a bad situation worse by the water becoming hot enough to “cook” the plants. There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain.Hail damage: Plants should recover quickly as long as the leaves only were damaged by the hail as leaves regenerate quickly. The situation becomes much more serious if the stems and fruit were damaged. The plant can recover from a few bruises but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order.&nbsp;Leaning plants: Either wind or water can cause plants to lean. They should start to straighten after a few days. Don’t try to bend them back as they often break easily. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.

FICK: Storm damage and the garden

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported six new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday.

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

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,745 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620666610215.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported six new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,745 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

KDHE: Six new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

LENORA -&nbsp;Nex-Tech is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement to acquire Vic Innovations of Atwood effective June 1, 2021. 

Vic Innovations was founded in 2013 and began as a computer repair company. Today, the company provides Internet, voice services, web hosting services, and computer repair to customers in Atwood, McDonald, Bird City, and the surrounding rural areas.

“This acquisition is a perfect fit for Nex-Tech and strategically aligns with plans we have for the area after receiving the Broadband Access Grant (BAG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce in March,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO and general manager of Nex-Tech. 

The Nex-Tech BAG project will provide high-speed broadband for up to 429 underserved rural locations across 261 square miles in Bird City and along Highway 36 from Oberlin to Bird City in Decatur, Rawlins, and Cheyenne counties. The project will have a combination of fiber and fixed wireless coverage areas. As Nex-Tech begins network upgrades in the area, customers will receive information on new Internet speeds and packages as well as other services that will be available.

“Serving the customers of Atwood, McDonald, and Bird City has been a privilege and I am pleased to have brought reliable broadband service to my customers,” said Simon Micek, vice chairman and CEO of Vic Innovations. As part of the acquisition, Simon will relocate to the Hays, area with his family and will be employed as a network operations engineer in Victoria.

If customers have questions about this transition, please contact Nex-Tech at 877-625-7872 or Vic Innovations at 844-842-9477.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601562391147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLENORA -&nbsp;Nex-Tech is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement to acquire Vic Innovations of Atwood effective June 1, 2021. Vic Innovations was founded in 2013 and began as a computer repair company. Today, the company provides Internet, voice services, web hosting services, and computer repair to customers in Atwood, McDonald, Bird City, and the surrounding rural areas.“This acquisition is a perfect fit for Nex-Tech and strategically aligns with plans we have for the area after receiving the Broadband Access Grant (BAG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce in March,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO and general manager of Nex-Tech. The Nex-Tech BAG project will provide high-speed broadband for up to 429 underserved rural locations across 261 square miles in Bird City and along Highway 36 from Oberlin to Bird City in Decatur, Rawlins, and Cheyenne counties. The project will have a combination of fiber and fixed wireless coverage areas. As Nex-Tech begins network upgrades in the area, customers will receive information on new Internet speeds and packages as well as other services that will be available.“Serving the customers of Atwood, McDonald, and Bird City has been a privilege and I am pleased to have brought reliable broadband service to my customers,” said Simon Micek, vice chairman and CEO of Vic Innovations. As part of the acquisition, Simon will relocate to the Hays, area with his family and will be employed as a network operations engineer in Victoria.If customers have questions about this transition, please contact Nex-Tech at 877-625-7872 or Vic Innovations at 844-842-9477.

Nex-Tech acquires Vic Innovations of Atwood

Norton County Community Foundation (NCCF) has announced the date for its fourth annual Norton County Match Day. Match Day 2021 will be held on&nbsp;Wednesday, July 21 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Heaton Building in Norton, KS.

Match Day is a giving event designed to raise awareness and support for non-profits and charitable projects in Norton County. 

This year’s match pool will be&nbsp;$70,000&nbsp;and is generously provided by Norton County Community Foundation and the Jim and Lida Sharp family.&nbsp;

A complete set of match rules/guidelines can be found on NCCF’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021" target="_blank">www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021</a>.

Any organization&nbsp;with an endowed fund&nbsp;at NCCF will automatically qualify to participate and will receive a 2:1 match. 

Organizations and charitable projects&nbsp;without an endowed fund&nbsp;at NCCF are invited to apply to participate and will receive a 1:1 match.

 Applications are due by June 15, 2021 and can be found on NCCF’s website. A final list of participating organizations will be made available to the public after the application deadline of June 15th&nbsp;has passed.

On Match Day,&nbsp;participating organizations are invited to set up a small table in the Heaton Building to help raise money for their organizations. Donors can make in-person donations at the Heaton Building between the hours of 7:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. on July 21, 2021.&nbsp;Online donations will be accepted via NCCF’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021" target="_blank">www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021</a>&nbsp;between&nbsp;12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 21, 2021.

“We’re really looking forward to this year’s Match Day” said Tara Vance, executive director of Norton County Community Foundation. 

“Thanks to the generosity of the Jim and Lida Sharp family, our match pool is $70,000. Organizations with endowed funds at NCCF are going to receive a 2 to 1 match this year, which is our way of rewarding them for thinking about their long-term sustainability. Organizations and projects without an endowment are invited to apply for participation, and we hope to raise money for some neat community projects that way, too.”

For more information, please contact Tara Vance at 785-874-5106 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org" target="_blank">tara@nortonccf.org</a>.

About Norton County Community Foundation

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620663507568.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SubmittedNorton County Community Foundation (NCCF) has announced the date for its fourth annual Norton County Match Day. Match Day 2021 will be held on&nbsp;Wednesday, July 21 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Heaton Building in Norton, KS.Match Day is a giving event designed to raise awareness and support for non-profits and charitable projects in Norton County. This year’s match pool will be&nbsp;$70,000&nbsp;and is generously provided by Norton County Community Foundation and the Jim and Lida Sharp family.&nbsp;A complete set of match rules/guidelines can be found on NCCF’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021" target="_blank">www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021</a>.Any organization&nbsp;with an endowed fund&nbsp;at NCCF will automatically qualify to participate and will receive a 2:1 match. Organizations and charitable projects&nbsp;without an endowed fund&nbsp;at NCCF are invited to apply to participate and will receive a 1:1 match. Applications are due by June 15, 2021 and can be found on NCCF’s website. A final list of participating organizations will be made available to the public after the application deadline of June 15th&nbsp;has passed.On Match Day,&nbsp;participating organizations are invited to set up a small table in the Heaton Building to help raise money for their organizations. Donors can make in-person donations at the Heaton Building between the hours of 7:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. on July 21, 2021.&nbsp;Online donations will be accepted via NCCF’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021" target="_blank">www.nortonccf.org/matchday2021</a>&nbsp;between&nbsp;12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 21, 2021.“We’re really looking forward to this year’s Match Day” said Tara Vance, executive director of Norton County Community Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of the Jim and Lida Sharp family, our match pool is $70,000. Organizations with endowed funds at NCCF are going to receive a 2 to 1 match this year, which is our way of rewarding them for thinking about their long-term sustainability. Organizations and projects without an endowment are invited to apply for participation, and we hope to raise money for some neat community projects that way, too.”For more information, please contact Tara Vance at 785-874-5106 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org" target="_blank">tara@nortonccf.org</a>.About Norton County Community FoundationThe Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation.&nbsp;Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live.&nbsp;Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/" target="_blank">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton Co. foundation announces annual Match Day; $70K match pool

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library remodel complete; summer programming planned" 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=kz3ae-103154b-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><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: Hays Public Library remodel complete; summer programming planned

DSNWK is hosting a walk-in hiring event from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Reed Center, 317 W. 13th. Interviews will be available on the spot with job offers for immediate hire. 

Virtual interviews are also available. Call Michelle Bland at 785-625-5678 prior to the event to coordinate virtual interview details.&nbsp; Full- and part-time personal assistant positions are available. Employees will teach and assist in living skills (grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc.) for adults with developmental disabilities.&nbsp; Benefits&nbsp;include $500 sign-on bonus, sick and vacation time, health, dental, and vision insurance, KPERS retirement, Aflac policies, paid training, and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWK is hosting a walk-in hiring event from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Reed Center, 317 W. 13th. Interviews will be available on the spot with job offers for immediate hire. Virtual interviews are also available. Call Michelle Bland at 785-625-5678 prior to the event to coordinate virtual interview details.&nbsp; Full- and part-time personal assistant positions are available. Employees will teach and assist in living skills (grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc.) for adults with developmental disabilities.&nbsp; Benefits&nbsp;include $500 sign-on bonus, sick and vacation time, health, dental, and vision insurance, KPERS retirement, Aflac policies, paid training, and more.

DSNWK job fair set for Tuesday

By JAMES BELL Hays Post <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/11/03/by-the-grace-of-god-a-small-kansas-towns-fight-to-save-beloved-church/">For over 20 years area residents have wondered about the future of St. Anothny's Church in St. Peter after the last regular mass was held in 1999.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/814c23db-595a-407e-b5b7-d7dcbc6ae34b">The wait for a conclusive answer seemed to be over o</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/814c23db-595a-407e-b5b7-d7dcbc6ae34b">n April 8, when the Bishop of the Salina Diocese, Gerald Vincke, issued a decree</a>&nbsp;that effectively ended any possibility the church would again be used for church purposes and put in motion the process for the building to be razed.

But some have promised to appeal that decision.

While that group of people across the country have worked to raise support online for saving the building — and perhaps a restoration to an active parish — many that live in the area see the harsh reality of the situation and are ready to say goodbye to the beloved church.

A group of local residents, all practicing Catholics with family histories dating back to the earliest settlers of the town, gathered Thursday to discuss the decree. They also wished to rebut what they see as a divisive effort online to save the church that only tells a part of the story.

Along with what they see as an unrealistic effort to save the church, the group is opposed to the bad blood that is being created between those that live elsewhere that have promised an appeal of the decision and those who remain living in the area.

The nervousness around the effort and the mischaracterization of the bishop and the community led to members of the group asking to not be named directly in this story, in fear of retaliation in a town so small the population is likely in the single digits, and a township that is only peppered with residents.

"The sad part about it is this isn't the only church in this position," a group member said. "There are many across the country and why this one got chosen to be such a controversial thing I don't know."

While the fight continues online, the group said area residents understand the practicality of the diocese's decision and argue many who support saving the church may not fully understand the realities of living in such a remote location.

"We are all from the area. A lot of these people were baptized, first communion, some of these people were born here, had their wedding in this church," one group member said. "We are local people. We have been here. We haven't moved in."

"Bred, born and raised right here," another group member said. "All of us."

All of the group said they are practicing Catholics in the three area parishes and could attest that most people who remain in the area are in agreement with the diocese.

"I agree with the Bishop," a group member said. "It's sad that the church would have to go, but why do you want to keep it when we are going to have less and less people here?"

"It's the people that make up the church," a group member said. "It's not the building, and when the people are gone, the church is gone. It's done its duty."

The Bishop in his decision noted a fund of around $1.3 million would be required to secure the building now and into the future, a move they said is financially irresponsible.&nbsp;

"How do you spend a million dollars to fix up a building when there are very few people left out here," one group member said.

"With the money that is going to take to fix that up," another member said. "that would feed a lot of poor people. That would do more good than spending it all on that building. It served its purpose as far as I am concerned."

Along with their disagreement with the efforts to dispute the decision from the diocese, they also said it was unfair to attack the Bishop about unrelated matters in a statement made by the St. Anthony Church of St. Peter Preservation Society that blamed Vincke for allowing&nbsp;defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to reside within the diocese.

"Bringing McCarrick into this deal is about a low as they could get," a group member said. "That just should not have been."

Along with the statements made against the Bishop, the group also took offense to the statement that the reason the church was in disrepair was due to the local population being extremely elderly and disorganized.

The sad truth, they said, is there is virtually no population left in the area. With that unlikely to change and without a reason to maintain the church, they all agreed the time has come to demolish the building before it is in complete disrepair.

On the outside of the building, a stained glass window is taped together haphazardly to keep water from coming in, while the roof is disintegrating.

Inside, water damage is visible everywhere, mold is taking hold in various areas, ceiling tiles have caved in and over the years birds have found their way into the building, littering areas with feathers and droppings.

As the population is expected to continue to decline in the area, the diocese also noted the problems that arise when church buildings are sold.

"I understand their thinking," one group member said. "'What for?' There is nothing left to celebrate here anymore. It's a shame. Nobody likes to see this happen."

The group also was concerned about what would happen to the building even if it is fully restored now, a concern also shared by Vincke.

"I think what everyone is afraid of, and us few here aren't the only ones," a group member said, "you get this (building) into the wrong hands, say the preservation society doesn't work out, which is a toss-up...who knows what they could do with it. Who knows what it will bring in. You just don't know. Nobody knows the future. The school is a prime example."

The group noted the numerous school buildings in the area that have been long abandoned and are now often a decaying blemish in many small towns, including the Catholic school that remains in disrepair next to the church building in St. Peter.

"That used to be a school," a group member said, pointing to the boarded-up building. "Penokee had a school. Morland had a school, but when there are no people, you close it up and go on."

For the building to be saved by the preservation society, the group also noted the location of the town itself makes the possibility of regular visitors to the building unlikely, a different situation from other historic church buildings that have been saved in more accessible areas of the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620501972547.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays Post <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/11/03/by-the-grace-of-god-a-small-kansas-towns-fight-to-save-beloved-church/">For over 20 years area residents have wondered about the future of St. Anothny's Church in St. Peter after the last regular mass was held in 1999.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/814c23db-595a-407e-b5b7-d7dcbc6ae34b">The wait for a conclusive answer seemed to be over o</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/814c23db-595a-407e-b5b7-d7dcbc6ae34b">n April 8, when the Bishop of the Salina Diocese, Gerald Vincke, issued a decree</a>&nbsp;that effectively ended any possibility the church would again be used for church purposes and put in motion the process for the building to be razed.But some have promised to appeal that decision.While that group of people across the country have worked to raise support online for saving the building — and perhaps a restoration to an active parish — many that live in the area see the harsh reality of the situation and are ready to say goodbye to the beloved church.A group of local residents, all practicing Catholics with family histories dating back to the earliest settlers of the town, gathered Thursday to discuss the decree. They also wished to rebut what they see as a divisive effort online to save the church that only tells a part of the story.Along with what they see as an unrealistic effort to save the church, the group is opposed to the bad blood that is being created between those that live elsewhere that have promised an appeal of the decision and those who remain living in the area.The nervousness around the effort and the mischaracterization of the bishop and the community led to members of the group asking to not be named directly in this story, in fear of retaliation in a town so small the population is likely in the single digits, and a township that is only peppered with residents."The sad part about it is this isn't the only church in this position," a group member said. "There are many across the country and why this one got chosen to be such a controversial thing I don't know."While the fight continues online, the group said area residents understand the practicality of the diocese's decision and argue many who support saving the church may not fully understand the realities of living in such a remote location."We are all from the area. A lot of these people were baptized, first communion, some of these people were born here, had their wedding in this church," one group member said. "We are local people. We have been here. We haven't moved in.""Bred, born and raised right here," another group member said. "All of us."All of the group said they are practicing Catholics in the three area parishes and could attest that most people who remain in the area are in agreement with the diocese."I agree with the Bishop," a group member said. "It's sad that the church would have to go, but why do you want to keep it when we are going to have less and less people here?""It's the people that make up the church," a group member said. "It's not the building, and when the people are gone, the church is gone. It's done its duty."The Bishop in his decision noted a fund of around $1.3 million would be required to secure the building now and into the future, a move they said is financially irresponsible.&nbsp;"How do you spend a million dollars to fix up a building when there are very few people left out here," one group member said."With the money that is going to take to fix that up," another member said. "that would feed a lot of poor people. That would do more good than spending it all on that building. It served its purpose as far as I am concerned."Along with their disagreement with the efforts to dispute the decision from the diocese, they also said it was unfair to attack the Bishop about unrelated matters in a statement made by the St. Anthony Church of St. Peter Preservation Society that blamed Vincke for allowing&nbsp;defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to reside within the diocese."Bringing McCarrick into this deal is about a low as they could get," a group member said. "That just should not have been."Along with the statements made against the Bishop, the group also took offense to the statement that the reason the church was in disrepair was due to the local population being extremely elderly and disorganized.The sad truth, they said, is there is virtually no population left in the area. With that unlikely to change and without a reason to maintain the church, they all agreed the time has come to demolish the building before it is in complete disrepair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620502215975.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On the outside of the building, a stained glass window is taped together haphazardly to keep water from coming in, while the roof is disintegrating.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620502265526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Inside, water damage is visible everywhere, mold is taking hold in various areas, ceiling tiles have caved in and over the years birds have found their way into the building, littering areas with feathers and droppings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620502101120.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As the population is expected to continue to decline in the area, the diocese also noted the problems that arise when church buildings are sold.And the group agrees."I understand their thinking," one group member said. "'What for?' There is nothing left to celebrate here anymore. It's a shame. Nobody likes to see this happen."The group also was concerned about what would happen to the building even if it is fully restored now, a concern also shared by Vincke."I think what everyone is afraid of, and us few here aren't the only ones," a group member said, "you get this (building) into the wrong hands, say the preservation society doesn't work out, which is a toss-up...who knows what they could do with it. Who knows what it will bring in. You just don't know. Nobody knows the future. The school is a prime example."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620502042298.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The group noted the numerous school buildings in the area that have been long abandoned and are now often a decaying blemish in many small towns, including the Catholic school that remains in disrepair next to the church building in St. Peter."That used to be a school," a group member said, pointing to the boarded-up building. "Penokee had a school. Morland had a school, but when there are no people, you close it up and go on."For the building to be saved by the preservation society, the group also noted the location of the town itself makes the possibility of regular visitors to the building unlikely, a different situation from other historic church buildings that have been saved in more accessible areas of the state."Here you have to drive 12-14 miles on dirt roads to get here, and if it's muddy, you don't want to come," a group member said.The group believes those realities may be lost on the supporters of the preservation effort online, many of which are decades removed from the area, if they have any personal connection at all.<a href="https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/church-in-trouble-in-kansas">They are also troubled by the attention brought by stories that make it appear that the preservation effort is being driven by the local population when it is painfully obvious to them the reality of the difficulties of saving the building are not well understood to those living out of the area, or in other parts of the country.</a>In fact area residents almost unanimously agree the best outcome going forward is the demolition of the church."If you want to come out and try to preserve a church, wouldn't you want to talk to the people in the community first," a group member said."Everybody says we do this for our ancestors," another group member said. "Ancestors really don't care anymore."They said even the board members of the&nbsp;Preservation Society are not local."Most of those supporters you see on the Facebook page are not from around here," a group member said."There is only one that I actually know, and she used to live here," another group member said.&nbsp;The society in their statement said their desire is to&nbsp;save the church and fully restore it with the intent to hold a minimum of two masses annually, as well as to make it a modern-day place of prayer and quiet reflection for visitors who come to St. Peter searching for their Volga-German ancestry.&nbsp;It would also serve as a place to understand the deep faith of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who built St. Peter, the society said.But the group said the finding those who would be needed to keep the building in good repair and open for visitors would also require people that are unlikely to materialize as time passes."I don't think the outsiders that are all in favor of this are going to come here to support a mass," a group member said.&nbsp;With the difficulties presented in the preservation effort and the likely continued decline of the area population, the group said the effort to postpone the inevitable demolition is only making the situation harder."The only outcome I see coming out of this is it's going to drag it on forever," a group member said.&nbsp;"I say get it over with as cheaply as we can," another group member said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620502134691.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But they also said a memorial of some sort should be installed, like the church bell, or another type of marker to be a reminder of the church and their appreciation for those who built the town."It's not that we don't love St. Peter church, we do," a group member said.But despite that love, the group of locals understands the reality of the situation and seem ready to move on, even as hundreds from around the country are anxious to share support online, even if they haven't been in the town in decades."Everybody has memories," a group member said. "We all have memories, but you can never recreate that same memory. I don't care how much money you spend on something. It's never the same.""It comes to the point that none of us want to see this happen, but reality has to set in," a group member said. "And common sense," said another."A million dollars is not common sense," yet another member of the group quickly chimed in.

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