The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on approximately 7.5 miles of K-383 in Decatur County on Monday.

Project work will consist of a 2-inch mill and inlay beginning near the south city limits of Jennings and ending at the Norton County line. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours, and minor delays should be expected.

KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

APAC Shears of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $1.5 million project.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on approximately 7.5 miles of K-383 in Decatur County on Monday.Project work will consist of a 2-inch mill and inlay beginning near the south city limits of Jennings and ending at the Norton County line. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours, and minor delays should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.APAC Shears of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $1.5 million project.&nbsp;

K-383 resurfacing project to start in Decatur County

kansashealthyyards.org recommends the completion of these tasks in MAY:

Blooming flowers and healthy grass are signs of one of the best months for gardening in Kansas. Wildlife, bird, and insect activity also picks up this time of year.

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants in early May 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Seed sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other warm season vegetables 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lightly cultivate soil with a hoe to control weed growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mound soil around potato plants to encourage tuber formation 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Harvest fresh asparagus until the spear size decreases 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove rhubarb seed stalks to encourage leaf growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant kitchen herbs for summer use in dishes or food preservation 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to control insects and disease 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Thin heavy fruit set on apples to increase fruit size and next year's crop

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant annual flowers for summer color 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Continue to plant and divide perennials 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mulch perennial and annual gardens for weed control and moisture retention 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Begin pinching chrysanthemums for bushier plants 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Do not remove foliage from spring bulbs until it dies down naturally, this develops stronger blooms for next year 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good quality potting mix 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep a garden journal for permanent reference

• Apply slow release nitrogen fertilizer to tall fescue to promote summer growth if watering during the summer. Lower maintenance lawns skip this application • Mow tall fescue at 3 inches • Spot treat broadleaf weeds • Withhold early summer watering until needed to promote more drought tolerant lawns

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant new trees and shrubs 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom to shape plant and encourage flowers next year 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mulch around young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weed growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water young ornamentals as needed 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove tree wraps for summer growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove tree stakes that have been in place more than one growing season 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize trees to help increase growth rates 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Caution, use line trimmers around trees and shrubs so as not to damage tender bark

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Move plants outdoors for summer by gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize plants to promote summer development 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Wash dusty leaves in the shower under room temperature water 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Four to six inch cuttings are a great way to start new plants, root in potting mix under low light 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Repot plants into a one-inch larger pot 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Check for insects

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614966296214.jpeg" alt="master gardeners" />
 <figcaption>master gardeners</figcaption>
 </figure>kansashealthyyards.org recommends the completion of these tasks in MAY:Blooming flowers and healthy grass are signs of one of the best months for gardening in Kansas. Wildlife, bird, and insect activity also picks up this time of year.<h2>Vegetables and Fruits</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants in early May 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Seed sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other warm season vegetables 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lightly cultivate soil with a hoe to control weed growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mound soil around potato plants to encourage tuber formation 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Harvest fresh asparagus until the spear size decreases 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove rhubarb seed stalks to encourage leaf growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant kitchen herbs for summer use in dishes or food preservation 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to control insects and disease 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Thin heavy fruit set on apples to increase fruit size and next year's crop<h2>Flowers</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant annual flowers for summer color 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Continue to plant and divide perennials 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mulch perennial and annual gardens for weed control and moisture retention 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Begin pinching chrysanthemums for bushier plants 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Do not remove foliage from spring bulbs until it dies down naturally, this develops stronger blooms for next year 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good quality potting mix 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep a garden journal for permanent reference<h2>Lawns </h2>• Apply slow release nitrogen fertilizer to tall fescue to promote summer growth if watering during the summer. Lower maintenance lawns skip this application • Mow tall fescue at 3 inches • Spot treat broadleaf weeds • Withhold early summer watering until needed to promote more drought tolerant lawns<h2>Trees and Shrubs</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant new trees and shrubs 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom to shape plant and encourage flowers next year 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mulch around young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weed growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water young ornamentals as needed 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove tree wraps for summer growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove tree stakes that have been in place more than one growing season 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize trees to help increase growth rates 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Caution, use line trimmers around trees and shrubs so as not to damage tender bark<h2>Houseplants</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Move plants outdoors for summer by gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize plants to promote summer development 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Wash dusty leaves in the shower under room temperature water 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Four to six inch cuttings are a great way to start new plants, root in potting mix under low light 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Repot plants into a one-inch larger pot 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Check for insects

From the Ellis Co. Master Gardeners: May garden calendar

I used this story once before, but given the amount of chatter on Facebook lately about mushrooms and mushroom hunting, it seemed appropriate and fitting to reuse it.&nbsp;

Joyce and I agree on important stuff, like what temperature the house should be and what color socks I should wear with what pants, but from there, we go in different directions, especially when it comes to food. I like mushrooms and she can barely bring herself to say the word. Although Kansas is not known for its mushroom hunting, morel mushrooms can be found here, and the recent showers followed by warm spring days should bring them out. I’m not an avid or seasoned morel hunter, but I remember a trip I took several springs ago with a local morel hunting legend. &nbsp;

When I started this adventure, I was aware that dyed-in-the-wool mushroom hunters would just as soon give away their favorite deer stand or rat out their own mother as they would divulge their mushroom honey-holes, so I wasn’t surprised when my host for that evening insisted on anonymity for both himself and our location. My choices were simple; forget who he was and where we were, or ride blindfolded in the trunk of his car. Since I hate blindfolds and the trunk of his car was the bed of his old pickup, I choose the former. I will tell you however that we were somewhere south of Nebraska.&nbsp;

We parked and walked up a rutted sandy drive that wound through acres of every kind of cover imaginable, from dry knee-high grass and 3-foot dogwoods to 60-foot cottonwoods and everything between. The common denominator was leaf litter which covered every inch of soil. My host, whom I’ll dub “Hawkeye” for reasons that will become apparent, began to school me in “Morel Mushrooms 101.” As for location, the sandier the soil and the sunnier the spot the better. It seems morels like the soil damp but not too wet. They often prefer somewhat open areas, but not always. We found some of ours in dense cover, often crawling around on our hands and knees. In other words, conditions have to be just right and only the mushrooms can determine that. He ended this part of the class with the prophetic statement “You just find them where you find them,” adding that morels can often be found in the same spots year after year.

We stepped off the drive and headed toward a spot in the woods where “Hawkeye” had found mushrooms in the past. He had hunted deer in this area for over 30 years and knew the terrain like the back of his hand. He found the spot, but no mushrooms. As we walked on, we began to discuss the finer points of morel mushroom reproduction. Morels reproduce from spores which are scattered and distributed mostly by the wind, and no, the old wives tale suggesting they grow totally overnight is not true. My research found they can grow from spore to fully grown in a very few days, depending on conditions, but not merely overnight. “Hawkeye” said he had learned to look along fence lines and tree rows that run in such a direction as to catch the prevailing wind, evidently capturing and holding the wind-borne spores. Since morel reproduction is so “iffy” their spongy body is purposely designed for holding the maximum number of spores for dispersion.&nbsp;

We had walked only a short distance farther when “Hawkeye” stopped and pointed 30 feet or so ahead of us. “There’s some,” he stated rather matter-of-factly, (I was doing good to see the ground that far away) and sure enough, in a small clearing ahead, several small Morel Mushrooms pointed skyward. We cut them off just above the ground and moved on. Awhile latter I found him staring intently into a small open spot several feet ahead beneath a tangle of vines. “You should find five in there before you’re through” he stated before walking on. On hands and knees, I crawled under the vines, knowing “Hawkeye” was toying with me…Having added the 5 mushrooms to my bag I crawled out the other side with new found respect for both his eyesight and sincerity! We ended the evening with 2 nice “messes” of fresh spring morel mushrooms.

As a novice to both harvesting and preparing morels, I’ll tell you what works well for my host. They need to be soaked in salt water for awhile to help clean them and rid them of pests, but just before you’re ready to prepare them, as they will get soggy. Soak them just long enough to do the job, say 30 minutes. After cleaning and soaking, slice each one lengthways into thirds (or quarters if large enough) them dredge each piece in a mixture of egg and milk, roll them in flour or your favorite coating and fry them in butter or oil like fish until golden brown.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Each time I write about another crop to harvest from the Kansas outdoors, I think I’ve seen them all, but each time I find I’ve merely scratched the surface! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I used this story once before, but given the amount of chatter on Facebook lately about mushrooms and mushroom hunting, it seemed appropriate and fitting to reuse it.&nbsp;Joyce and I agree on important stuff, like what temperature the house should be and what color socks I should wear with what pants, but from there, we go in different directions, especially when it comes to food. I like mushrooms and she can barely bring herself to say the word. Although Kansas is not known for its mushroom hunting, morel mushrooms can be found here, and the recent showers followed by warm spring days should bring them out. I’m not an avid or seasoned morel hunter, but I remember a trip I took several springs ago with a local morel hunting legend. &nbsp;When I started this adventure, I was aware that dyed-in-the-wool mushroom hunters would just as soon give away their favorite deer stand or rat out their own mother as they would divulge their mushroom honey-holes, so I wasn’t surprised when my host for that evening insisted on anonymity for both himself and our location. My choices were simple; forget who he was and where we were, or ride blindfolded in the trunk of his car. Since I hate blindfolds and the trunk of his car was the bed of his old pickup, I choose the former. I will tell you however that we were somewhere south of Nebraska.&nbsp;We parked and walked up a rutted sandy drive that wound through acres of every kind of cover imaginable, from dry knee-high grass and 3-foot dogwoods to 60-foot cottonwoods and everything between. The common denominator was leaf litter which covered every inch of soil. My host, whom I’ll dub “Hawkeye” for reasons that will become apparent, began to school me in “Morel Mushrooms 101.” As for location, the sandier the soil and the sunnier the spot the better. It seems morels like the soil damp but not too wet. They often prefer somewhat open areas, but not always. We found some of ours in dense cover, often crawling around on our hands and knees. In other words, conditions have to be just right and only the mushrooms can determine that. He ended this part of the class with the prophetic statement “You just find them where you find them,” adding that morels can often be found in the same spots year after year.We stepped off the drive and headed toward a spot in the woods where “Hawkeye” had found mushrooms in the past. He had hunted deer in this area for over 30 years and knew the terrain like the back of his hand. He found the spot, but no mushrooms. As we walked on, we began to discuss the finer points of morel mushroom reproduction. Morels reproduce from spores which are scattered and distributed mostly by the wind, and no, the old wives tale suggesting they grow totally overnight is not true. My research found they can grow from spore to fully grown in a very few days, depending on conditions, but not merely overnight. “Hawkeye” said he had learned to look along fence lines and tree rows that run in such a direction as to catch the prevailing wind, evidently capturing and holding the wind-borne spores. Since morel reproduction is so “iffy” their spongy body is purposely designed for holding the maximum number of spores for dispersion.&nbsp;We had walked only a short distance farther when “Hawkeye” stopped and pointed 30 feet or so ahead of us. “There’s some,” he stated rather matter-of-factly, (I was doing good to see the ground that far away) and sure enough, in a small clearing ahead, several small Morel Mushrooms pointed skyward. We cut them off just above the ground and moved on. Awhile latter I found him staring intently into a small open spot several feet ahead beneath a tangle of vines. “You should find five in there before you’re through” he stated before walking on. On hands and knees, I crawled under the vines, knowing “Hawkeye” was toying with me…Having added the 5 mushrooms to my bag I crawled out the other side with new found respect for both his eyesight and sincerity! We ended the evening with 2 nice “messes” of fresh spring morel mushrooms.As a novice to both harvesting and preparing morels, I’ll tell you what works well for my host. They need to be soaked in salt water for awhile to help clean them and rid them of pests, but just before you’re ready to prepare them, as they will get soggy. Soak them just long enough to do the job, say 30 minutes. After cleaning and soaking, slice each one lengthways into thirds (or quarters if large enough) them dredge each piece in a mixture of egg and milk, roll them in flour or your favorite coating and fry them in butter or oil like fish until golden brown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each time I write about another crop to harvest from the Kansas outdoors, I think I’ve seen them all, but each time I find I’ve merely scratched the surface! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: The morel of the story

Dr. Shelly Cline with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education returns as we continue focusing on holocaust education and remembrance this month. Holocaust history raises important questions about what Europeans could have done to stop the rise of Nazism in Germany and its assault on Europe’s Jews. Questions must also be asked about the responsibility of the international community, including the United States. What did the American people know about the treatment and fate of Europe’s Jews? What responses were possible? This talk will also discuss the priorities for Americans during the 1930s and 1940s and the U.S. role in the liberation of Europe.  

Dr. Cline is the Historian and Director of Education at the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in Overland Park, Kan. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on the SS Aufseherinnen in the concentration camp system and the gendered perpetration of the Holocaust. Her research has been supported by grants from the University of Kansas (KU) and Universität Hamburg. Cline has been an instructor in the KU Humanities Program and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department. She also served on the faculties of the Kansas City Art Institute and University of Missouri Kansas City.

The 2021 Lunch &amp; Learn series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation with generous support from the Jeffcoat Foundation.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VponGqUEsHM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Shelly Cline with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education returns as we continue focusing on holocaust education and remembrance this month. Holocaust history raises important questions about what Europeans could have done to stop the rise of Nazism in Germany and its assault on Europe’s Jews. Questions must also be asked about the responsibility of the international community, including the United States. What did the American people know about the treatment and fate of Europe’s Jews? What responses were possible? This talk will also discuss the priorities for Americans during the 1930s and 1940s and the U.S. role in the liberation of Europe. Dr. Cline is the Historian and Director of Education at the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in Overland Park, Kan. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on the SS Aufseherinnen in the concentration camp system and the gendered perpetration of the Holocaust. Her research has been supported by grants from the University of Kansas (KU) and Universität Hamburg. Cline has been an instructor in the KU Humanities Program and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department. She also served on the faculties of the Kansas City Art Institute and University of Missouri Kansas City.The 2021 Lunch &amp; Learn series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation with generous support from the Jeffcoat Foundation.

🎥 Eisenhower: Americans and the Holocaust

SHERMAN COUNTY — A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 GMC Acadia driven by Karen J. Flemming, 75, Bird City, was southbound on Kansas 27 five miles south of Goodland.

The SUV left the roadway to the left, entered into the east ditch, traveled through a fence and into a field. It continued to travel southeast going through two more fences, struck a hay bale and came to rest in the yard of a residence.

EMS transported Flemming to the hospital in Goodland. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY — A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 GMC Acadia driven by Karen J. Flemming, 75, Bird City, was southbound on Kansas 27 five miles south of Goodland.The SUV left the roadway to the left, entered into the east ditch, traveled through a fence and into a field. It continued to travel southeast going through two more fences, struck a hay bale and came to rest in the yard of a residence.EMS transported Flemming to the hospital in Goodland. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. woman injured after SUV strikes fence, hay bale

Hays Larks baseball camp scheduled next month

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Vicki Gile is closing her time as an educator this summer with a career that has gone full circle.&nbsp;

She started her career as a student teacher at O'Loughlin Elementary School, and she is ending her career as the principal at the same school.

Gile, 64, a native of Plainville, didn't go the traditional route to become a teacher. She said she didn't know in what direction she wanted to take her life when started college, so she dropped out after her first semester.

She worked in the ad department for a newspaper, as a paraeducator for a preschool program and finally a school secretary.

"It was through that combination of things that I realized kids really seemed to be drawn to me," she said. "It was an eye-opening experience."

At 29 Gile went back to school and earned her teaching degree from Fort Hays State University, and has been a certified educator for 29 years. She served as the O'Loughlin principal for five years.

Gile taught in Plainville for seven years and Garden City for 17 years. While at Garden City she earned an English as a second language endorsement, reading specialist endorsement and completed an education leadership program.

She was an associate principal for a fifth/sixth-grade center in Garden City and served as a part-time principal for a small country school in the district her last year there.

Of her many roles in education, she said being an elementary school principal has been her favorite because she gets the best of both worlds.

"You get to really interact with kids as a principal and have the fun side of seeing them in all kinds of settings, whether that is academic setting or the discipline setting or whether it is the fun activities we do at school," she said.

However, she said she still has the opportunity to work with adults and make an impact with teachers.

"You get the adult interaction, and to be the professional that tries to set a vision for a building and tries to lead the teachers toward that vision," she said.

When she took on the role of leading O'Loughlin, she said she already had the idea that O'Loughlin was a great school.

"I knew the history of O'Loughlin and that the teachers who were here were so passionate and willing to give their time and every ounce of passion that they had to making this school great. I knew my job at this point would be able to maintain that."

Yet in her almost 30 years as an educator, Gile said the characteristics of society have changed and so have the children's experiences outside of school.

More children are coming from homes that don't have a mother and father living together, which is a challenge for kids and teachers.&nbsp;

She said teachers have to be all encompassing with academics, but also it means being a mentor, a role model, a support and a compassionate, caring person who lifts kids up whenever they can.

She said the pandemic has made this her toughest year as an educator.

"I guess in my mind I felt as if I was responsible for the health of every single student in the building, every single adult in the building," she said. "There was a weight constantly in my mind."

"That first semester especially, it was just difficult. Teachers were stressed. Parents were stressed, and I was stressed. It was difficult to keep on an even keel and ensure the kids thought everything was OK and everything was normal and everything was going to be fine."

Gile said she has received the most joy in her work from interacting with kids.

&nbsp;"Seeing kids, the kids relate to you or interact with you in a positive way," she said. "I think that is the thing that gives every principal that ah-ha moment or that moment when you feel like you are making an impact.

"The kids come running and they want a smile or hug you," she said. "Even the kids that are having a difficulty during the day and you can sit down with them and talk to them in a way that they can be calm and relax and feel that someone understands or gets them."

In an non-COVID year, Gile would smile and greet her students as they enter the school.

"For some kids that's the first interaction they have during the day. It does make some kids feel welcome and they are where they belong," she said.&nbsp;

She said she enjoys seeing the kids light up during&nbsp;assemblies.

"Just watching the kids' faces as a collective whole is one of the greatest things you can experience," Gile said. "They hold nothing back. If they are delighted, you see it written all over their bodies."

That feeling she gets when she interacts with kids is really the reason she said she went into educaiton.

"For me, I was getting a lot from the kids and a lot out of it," she said. "I think when it gets down to it, that is why we all go into education because it does something for us too. It's not just us giving to the kids, it's the kids giving back to us.

"You feel as if you've done something worthwhile."

Gile said creating a positive atmosphere in a school is dependent upon everyone associated with the school, including teachers, parents and staff.

"I'm not just building a culture or climate by myself. It's kind of a team approach that everyone is on that same page," she said.

She said she feels the same way about the awards the school has won, including being named a Distinguished School and being a Blue Ribbon Award winner.

"People congratulate me on O'Loughlin being a Blue Ribbon school or a congratulate be for O'Loughlin being a Distinguished School," she said. "I have always told them that it was really the teachers and the families who accomplished those things.

"I must admit they were proud moments, and I was very proud of this school and being a part of this school family."

Gile said she has a bucket list of adventures she wants to go on during her retirement. She said she wants to take a woodworking class in the steps of her brother, father and grandfather.

She hopes to sit down with some books, travel and spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

"I learned a lot from being here," she said of O'Loughlin. "I guess the learning never stops when you're in education."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4a573e3b-3aa2-4fb3-99a8-61a206798607">Teacher Rene Burns has been hired as the new O'Loughlin Elementary School principal.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620411233740.jpeg" alt="O'Loughlin Elementary School Principal Vicki Gile will retire June 30 after 29 years as an educator. She sits in front the school's Soaring Eagles board. The slips of paper represent more 700 instances of students showing positive character traits." />
 <figcaption>O'Loughlin Elementary School Principal Vicki Gile will retire June 30 after 29 years as an educator. She sits in front the school's Soaring Eagles board. The slips of paper represent more 700 instances of students showing positive character traits.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVicki Gile is closing her time as an educator this summer with a career that has gone full circle.&nbsp;She started her career as a student teacher at O'Loughlin Elementary School, and she is ending her career as the principal at the same school.Gile, 64, a native of Plainville, didn't go the traditional route to become a teacher. She said she didn't know in what direction she wanted to take her life when started college, so she dropped out after her first semester.She worked in the ad department for a newspaper, as a paraeducator for a preschool program and finally a school secretary."It was through that combination of things that I realized kids really seemed to be drawn to me," she said. "It was an eye-opening experience."At 29 Gile went back to school and earned her teaching degree from Fort Hays State University, and has been a certified educator for 29 years. She served as the O'Loughlin principal for five years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581457064100.jpeg" alt="Gile gives a tour to school board members during a previous school year. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Gile gives a tour to school board members during a previous school year. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Gile taught in Plainville for seven years and Garden City for 17 years. While at Garden City she earned an English as a second language endorsement, reading specialist endorsement and completed an education leadership program.She was an associate principal for a fifth/sixth-grade center in Garden City and served as a part-time principal for a small country school in the district her last year there.<h2>Best of both worlds</h2>Of her many roles in education, she said being an elementary school principal has been her favorite because she gets the best of both worlds."You get to really interact with kids as a principal and have the fun side of seeing them in all kinds of settings, whether that is academic setting or the discipline setting or whether it is the fun activities we do at school," she said.However, she said she still has the opportunity to work with adults and make an impact with teachers."You get the adult interaction, and to be the professional that tries to set a vision for a building and tries to lead the teachers toward that vision," she said.When she took on the role of leading O'Loughlin, she said she already had the idea that O'Loughlin was a great school."I knew the history of O'Loughlin and that the teachers who were here were so passionate and willing to give their time and every ounce of passion that they had to making this school great. I knew my job at this point would be able to maintain that."<h2>Meeting all needs of kids</h2>Yet in her almost 30 years as an educator, Gile said the characteristics of society have changed and so have the children's experiences outside of school.More children are coming from homes that don't have a mother and father living together, which is a challenge for kids and teachers.&nbsp;She said teachers have to be all encompassing with academics, but also it means being a mentor, a role model, a support and a compassionate, caring person who lifts kids up whenever they can.She said the pandemic has made this her toughest year as an educator."I guess in my mind I felt as if I was responsible for the health of every single student in the building, every single adult in the building," she said. "There was a weight constantly in my mind.""That first semester especially, it was just difficult. Teachers were stressed. Parents were stressed, and I was stressed. It was difficult to keep on an even keel and ensure the kids thought everything was OK and everything was normal and everything was going to be fine."<h2>Doing something worthwhile</h2>Gile said she has received the most joy in her work from interacting with kids.&nbsp;"Seeing kids, the kids relate to you or interact with you in a positive way," she said. "I think that is the thing that gives every principal that ah-ha moment or that moment when you feel like you are making an impact."The kids come running and they want a smile or hug you," she said. "Even the kids that are having a difficulty during the day and you can sit down with them and talk to them in a way that they can be calm and relax and feel that someone understands or gets them."In an non-COVID year, Gile would smile and greet her students as they enter the school."For some kids that's the first interaction they have during the day. It does make some kids feel welcome and they are where they belong," she said.&nbsp;She said she enjoys seeing the kids light up during&nbsp;assemblies."Just watching the kids' faces as a collective whole is one of the greatest things you can experience," Gile said. "They hold nothing back. If they are delighted, you see it written all over their bodies."That feeling she gets when she interacts with kids is really the reason she said she went into educaiton."For me, I was getting a lot from the kids and a lot out of it," she said. "I think when it gets down to it, that is why we all go into education because it does something for us too. It's not just us giving to the kids, it's the kids giving back to us."You feel as if you've done something worthwhile."<h2>It takes a team</h2>Gile said creating a positive atmosphere in a school is dependent upon everyone associated with the school, including teachers, parents and staff."I'm not just building a culture or climate by myself. It's kind of a team approach that everyone is on that same page," she said.She said she feels the same way about the awards the school has won, including being named a Distinguished School and being a Blue Ribbon Award winner."People congratulate me on O'Loughlin being a Blue Ribbon school or a congratulate be for O'Loughlin being a Distinguished School," she said. "I have always told them that it was really the teachers and the families who accomplished those things."I must admit they were proud moments, and I was very proud of this school and being a part of this school family."Gile said she has a bucket list of adventures she wants to go on during her retirement. She said she wants to take a woodworking class in the steps of her brother, father and grandfather.She hopes to sit down with some books, travel and spend more time with her children and grandchildren."I learned a lot from being here," she said of O'Loughlin. "I guess the learning never stops when you're in education."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4a573e3b-3aa2-4fb3-99a8-61a206798607">Teacher Rene Burns has been hired as the new O'Loughlin Elementary School principal.</a>

O'Loughlin Principal Gile to retire, says she never stopped learning

OSBORNE — A group of Civil War veterans in Berks and Lancaster Counties in Pennsylvania began in 1870 to
form a colony in which to begin a new life for themselves and their families in the American
West. That new life took root in Osborne.


Under the leadership of Colonel William L. Bear and Captain Henry D. Markley a scouting
party of 39 men and boys and one woman was sent to Kansas in April 1871 to locate a site for
the colony. On May 1, they established the town of Osborne City and soon secured their
community for the county seat.


The following September they were joined by the remainder of the colony, more than 200
individuals. Over the next 150 years, the town faced countless challenges – grasshopper plagues,
drought, floods, ceaseless wind, wars, pandemics, the Depression, the Dust Bowl, and
fluctuations in ag prices.

The story of the Pennsylvania Colony is a lesson in how to confront adverse conditions and lost
illusions to come together to solve a myriad of problems both great and small.


Osborne is still going strong in 2021 after 150 years! An epic celebration over Memorial Day
Weekend will honor the town’s legacy and look forward to a bright future. The weekend’s
events will include the “Bringing It Home to Oz Draggin’ Main Reunion Bash,” a parade,
“Prairie Market,” live music, dancing, and a wide variety of other entertainment and activities for
folks of all ages, and of course, food and fun. The celebration begins downtown at 5 p.m. on
Friday, May 28th.


A full schedule of events can be viewed at the following Facebook Pages: Remembering in
Osborne, Osborne 150th Anniversary Celebration, and Bringing it Home to Oz.

Be sure during your stay to talk to local historians, including colony descendant Von
Rothenberger, whose extensive research has brought Osborne’s early history to life. Be sure to
visit the Osborne County Genealogical and Historical Society in the historic 1912 Carnegie
Research Library to purchase books on local history, like A Soldiers’ Colony: How Pennsylvania
Veterans Found a Home and Forged a County in 1871 “Sunny Kansas.” It and other
Sesquicentennial memorabilia will be available at the Carnegie throughout the weekend. And
look for the window displays downtown that will tell more of Osborne’s rich history.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620054159576.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOSBORNE — A group of Civil War veterans in Berks and Lancaster Counties in Pennsylvania began in 1870 to
form a colony in which to begin a new life for themselves and their families in the American
West. That new life took root in Osborne.
Under the leadership of Colonel William L. Bear and Captain Henry D. Markley a scouting
party of 39 men and boys and one woman was sent to Kansas in April 1871 to locate a site for
the colony. On May 1, they established the town of Osborne City and soon secured their
community for the county seat.
The following September they were joined by the remainder of the colony, more than 200
individuals. Over the next 150 years, the town faced countless challenges – grasshopper plagues,
drought, floods, ceaseless wind, wars, pandemics, the Depression, the Dust Bowl, and
fluctuations in ag prices.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620054200427.jpeg" alt="Penn St. well &amp; windmill 1878 photo by Moulton Kleckner" />
 <figcaption>Penn St. well &amp; windmill 1878 photo by Moulton Kleckner</figcaption>
 </figure>The story of the Pennsylvania Colony is a lesson in how to confront adverse conditions and lost
illusions to come together to solve a myriad of problems both great and small.
Osborne is still going strong in 2021 after 150 years! An epic celebration over Memorial Day
Weekend will honor the town’s legacy and look forward to a bright future. The weekend’s
events will include the “Bringing It Home to Oz Draggin’ Main Reunion Bash,” a parade,
“Prairie Market,” live music, dancing, and a wide variety of other entertainment and activities for
folks of all ages, and of course, food and fun. The celebration begins downtown at 5 p.m. on
Friday, May 28th.
A full schedule of events can be viewed at the following Facebook Pages: Remembering in
Osborne, Osborne 150th Anniversary Celebration, and Bringing it Home to Oz.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620054220842.jpeg" alt="Downtown Osborne, south side of East Penn Street, looking west 1878" />
 <figcaption>Downtown Osborne, south side of East Penn Street, looking west 1878</figcaption>
 </figure>Be sure during your stay to talk to local historians, including colony descendant Von
Rothenberger, whose extensive research has brought Osborne’s early history to life. Be sure to
visit the Osborne County Genealogical and Historical Society in the historic 1912 Carnegie
Research Library to purchase books on local history, like A Soldiers’ Colony: How Pennsylvania
Veterans Found a Home and Forged a County in 1871 “Sunny Kansas.” It and other
Sesquicentennial memorabilia will be available at the Carnegie throughout the weekend. And
look for the window displays downtown that will tell more of Osborne’s rich history.

Community of Osborne set to celebrate 150 years

A need for more social workers in Fort Hays State University’s service area led to the addition of a master of social work online program a year ago.

Like with any first-year program, FHSU was optimistic but maintained realistic expectations of how many students would enroll for the 2020-21 school year. The maximum number of spots for the first year was 52, and applications far exceeded that number.&nbsp;

“We thought it would be a popular program,” Davis said. “We were concerned about filling our first class, but we have had to put people on a waiting list. The response has been tremendous.”

The program – the only fully online MSW in the state – offers two different pathways. The standard master’s program spans four semesters, a summer term, and field practicum experience.&nbsp;The Advanced Standing Program is available to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council of Social Work Education accredited social work program. This program can be completed in one calendar year of academic coursework and two semesters of field practicum experience.&nbsp;

Next month, the Advanced Standing Program will celebrate its first graduating class of 28. That inaugural cohort of 26 was on campus this semester to take part in clinical Intensives, a unique comprehensive exam in which the students participate in numerous hands-on practices.

The week-long clinical intensives model includes practicing professional and personal development where students display skills in assessing patients, family intervention, and theory intervention. The program includes activities where FHSU faculty film the students, then give them feedback.

“One of the things I tell students is that our program is not just clinical education but clinical training,” Davis said.

While the MSW curriculum is entirely online, FHSU’s goal is to maintain&nbsp;a strong, hands-on clinical training emphasis. The program features synchronous Zoom meetings where students can interact with instructors and weekly video updates to ensure that students feel connected.

“We want to educate good clinical social workers and build communities of practice,” said Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the Department of Social Work. “Therefore, we are making sure that we are training people with real-world experiences.”

Davis said the department plans to give ongoing support to alumni at no cost after graduation by providing group supervision for clinical licensure and ongoing professional development activities.

“It is important to us that our graduates continue developing their skills and seek advanced clinical licensure when necessary to better serve our communities,” he said.&nbsp;

In addition to the standard requirement of 16 to 24 hours a week of clinical practicums, students complete several short clinical rotations at health clinics, mental health clinics, or other clinical sites at the start of the clinical practicum period.&nbsp;A lot of those will work in underserved areas of many kinds when they graduate.&nbsp;

“We are underserved out here in rural Kansas,” Davis said. “However, underserved can also mean urban settings that might have problems attracting social workers to their area.”

Most of the current students are from Kansas, but this year’s class also represented numerous other states, including bordering states Colorado, Oklahoma, and Missouri, as well as Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana.&nbsp;

FHSU has increased its full-time faculty to eight, including seven who are primarily dedicated to the MSW program. With the addition of two more faculty members, the number of students next year can increase to a total of 85 full-time students.

“The MSW program at FHSU provides high quality and affordable solution to the demand for clinical social workers in Kansas,” Davis said. “There is an acute, unmet need for social workers at the master’s and clinical level across Kansas, and particularly in the FHSU service area. This will improve access to health and mental health care for residents in the underserved rural areas of the state.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620072189559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA need for more social workers in Fort Hays State University’s service area led to the addition of a master of social work online program a year ago.Like with any first-year program, FHSU was optimistic but maintained realistic expectations of how many students would enroll for the 2020-21 school year. The maximum number of spots for the first year was 52, and applications far exceeded that number.&nbsp;“We thought it would be a popular program,” Davis said. “We were concerned about filling our first class, but we have had to put people on a waiting list. The response has been tremendous.”The program – the only fully online MSW in the state – offers two different pathways. The standard master’s program spans four semesters, a summer term, and field practicum experience.&nbsp;The Advanced Standing Program is available to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council of Social Work Education accredited social work program. This program can be completed in one calendar year of academic coursework and two semesters of field practicum experience.&nbsp;Next month, the Advanced Standing Program will celebrate its first graduating class of 28. That inaugural cohort of 26 was on campus this semester to take part in clinical Intensives, a unique comprehensive exam in which the students participate in numerous hands-on practices.The week-long clinical intensives model includes practicing professional and personal development where students display skills in assessing patients, family intervention, and theory intervention. The program includes activities where FHSU faculty film the students, then give them feedback.“One of the things I tell students is that our program is not just clinical education but clinical training,” Davis said.While the MSW curriculum is entirely online, FHSU’s goal is to maintain&nbsp;a strong, hands-on clinical training emphasis. The program features synchronous Zoom meetings where students can interact with instructors and weekly video updates to ensure that students feel connected.“We want to educate good clinical social workers and build communities of practice,” said Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the Department of Social Work. “Therefore, we are making sure that we are training people with real-world experiences.”Davis said the department plans to give ongoing support to alumni at no cost after graduation by providing group supervision for clinical licensure and ongoing professional development activities.“It is important to us that our graduates continue developing their skills and seek advanced clinical licensure when necessary to better serve our communities,” he said.&nbsp;In addition to the standard requirement of 16 to 24 hours a week of clinical practicums, students complete several short clinical rotations at health clinics, mental health clinics, or other clinical sites at the start of the clinical practicum period.&nbsp;A lot of those will work in underserved areas of many kinds when they graduate.&nbsp;“We are underserved out here in rural Kansas,” Davis said. “However, underserved can also mean urban settings that might have problems attracting social workers to their area.”Most of the current students are from Kansas, but this year’s class also represented numerous other states, including bordering states Colorado, Oklahoma, and Missouri, as well as Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana.&nbsp;FHSU has increased its full-time faculty to eight, including seven who are primarily dedicated to the MSW program. With the addition of two more faculty members, the number of students next year can increase to a total of 85 full-time students.“The MSW program at FHSU provides high quality and affordable solution to the demand for clinical social workers in Kansas,” Davis said. “There is an acute, unmet need for social workers at the master’s and clinical level across Kansas, and particularly in the FHSU service area. This will improve access to health and mental health care for residents in the underserved rural areas of the state.”

FHSU to graduate first class of master of social work students

Mulch can add more to your garden than just an aesthetic appearance. It can help retain ground moisture, and curb weed growth.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GsUbmW4pHA4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mulch can add more to your garden than just an aesthetic appearance. It can help retain ground moisture, and curb weed growth.

🎥 Green & Growing 2021: Mulching

Three-day weather outlook

Veronica Bieker and Isabella Bollig were recognized for receiving their State FFA Degrees at the Northwest District Banquet on April 29.

 These ladies spent countless hours perfecting their applications, not to mention the hundreds of hours spent working on their SAE projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620157122316.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Veronica Bieker and Isabella Bollig were recognized for receiving their State FFA Degrees at the Northwest District Banquet on April 29. These ladies spent countless hours perfecting their applications, not to mention the hundreds of hours spent working on their SAE projects.— Submitted

Two EHS students earn state FFA degrees

Anyone who’s ever received a vaccination will verify that needle size matters. And that is true with&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State University veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White took up this topic on a recent Beef&nbsp;Cattle&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2021/04/23/brazil-production-system-mineral-selection-plans-calving-timing-needle-size/" target="_blank">Cattle&nbsp;Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many animal health products given to&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;to prevent or treat diseases are injected with a syringe and needle,” Larson said. “Selecting the correct size of needle to deliver injections under the skin or into the muscle is important to ensure that the products perform as intended and meet Beef Quality Assurance guidelines.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

When it comes to needle selection for cows, he recommends using a 16- or 18-gauge needle. The gauge refers to the diameter of the needle. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“An 18-gauge needle is actually smaller than a 16 and in calves we may go even smaller and use a 20-gauge needle,” Larson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

White added that the chosen needle size relates to the thickness of the animal’s skin. He said, “Needle size also depends on the viscosity of the product that I’m giving.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another factor is the needle length. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Larson said the recommended length of the needle is guided by the type of injection given, which is either under the skin or into the muscle. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“With an under the skin injection the needle length should be 5/8- or 3/4-inch needle, and with an intramuscular injection the length is closer to 1 1/2-inch needle,” Larson said. He added that with calves the recommended length would be closer an inch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lastly the veterinarians discussed the recommended frequency for changing needles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“One needle per cow is ideal but depending on the situation you could give up to 10 injections with one needle,” Larson said. He added that it is important to make sure the needle is sharp and clean to keep from causing trauma or contamination. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on this topic Larson and White advised producers to review the information on the beef quality assurance website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bqa.org/" target="_blank">bqa.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone who’s ever received a vaccination will verify that needle size matters. And that is true with&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State University veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White took up this topic on a recent Beef&nbsp;Cattle&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2021/04/23/brazil-production-system-mineral-selection-plans-calving-timing-needle-size/" target="_blank">Cattle&nbsp;Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Many animal health products given to&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;to prevent or treat diseases are injected with a syringe and needle,” Larson said. “Selecting the correct size of needle to deliver injections under the skin or into the muscle is important to ensure that the products perform as intended and meet Beef Quality Assurance guidelines.”&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to needle selection for cows, he recommends using a 16- or 18-gauge needle. The gauge refers to the diameter of the needle. &nbsp;&nbsp;“An 18-gauge needle is actually smaller than a 16 and in calves we may go even smaller and use a 20-gauge needle,” Larson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;White added that the chosen needle size relates to the thickness of the animal’s skin. He said, “Needle size also depends on the viscosity of the product that I’m giving.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Another factor is the needle length. &nbsp;&nbsp;Larson said the recommended length of the needle is guided by the type of injection given, which is either under the skin or into the muscle. &nbsp;&nbsp;“With an under the skin injection the needle length should be 5/8- or 3/4-inch needle, and with an intramuscular injection the length is closer to 1 1/2-inch needle,” Larson said. He added that with calves the recommended length would be closer an inch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly the veterinarians discussed the recommended frequency for changing needles.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One needle per cow is ideal but depending on the situation you could give up to 10 injections with one needle,” Larson said. He added that it is important to make sure the needle is sharp and clean to keep from causing trauma or contamination. &nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on this topic Larson and White advised producers to review the information on the beef quality assurance website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bqa.org/" target="_blank">bqa.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Needle size matters for cattle vaccinations

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;In honor of the more than 5,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately to sundown Sunday.

“It is with great sadness that I order flags to half-staff to honor the lives and memories of 5,000 Kansans who have died from COVID-19,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“We cannot become numb to the significance of this number. That’s 5,000 mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, loved ones and neighbors who we’ve lost to virus-related deaths. The best way we can honor their memories is by getting vaccinated and continuing to practice the proper health protocol we know protects our communities from the threat of COVID-19.” &nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;In honor of the more than 5,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately to sundown Sunday.“It is with great sadness that I order flags to half-staff to honor the lives and memories of 5,000 Kansans who have died from COVID-19,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“We cannot become numb to the significance of this number. That’s 5,000 mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, loved ones and neighbors who we’ve lost to virus-related deaths. The best way we can honor their memories is by getting vaccinated and continuing to practice the proper health protocol we know protects our communities from the threat of COVID-19.” &nbsp;

Kelly orders flags at half-staff to honor COVID victims

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

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,739 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/2021/5/1620411718750.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: May 7, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qjhuj-102e0a1-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>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,739 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

🎙 KDHE: Two new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for a chance of severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and early Saturday evening.

The storms could produce hail in excess of 2 inches, accompanied by wind gusts of 60 mph or higher. Heavy rainfall is also expected, with the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Storms are most likely east of U.S. 83.

There is a 20 percent chance of storms in Hays Saturday afternoon, increasing to 40 percent Saturday evening.

While the skies will clear Saturday, the chance of rain returns Sunday night and into Tuesday.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620404413082.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for a chance of severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and early Saturday evening.The storms could produce hail in excess of 2 inches, accompanied by wind gusts of 60 mph or higher. Heavy rainfall is also expected, with the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Storms are most likely east of U.S. 83.There is a 20 percent chance of storms in Hays Saturday afternoon, increasing to 40 percent Saturday evening.While the skies will clear Saturday, the chance of rain returns Sunday night and into Tuesday.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

NWS: Storm could bring large hail, high winds, heavy rain

<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="FHSU Foundation celebrates successful Giving Day" 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=bxbir-102e0e8-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: FHSU Foundation celebrates successful Giving Day

Faculty and students alike are grateful to be able to hold this year’s completion ceremony for the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) and the Academy of Mathematics and Science (AMS) in person after last year’s seniors were honored on video because of the pandemic.

The 2021 ceremony to honor the 11th graduating class of the program is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8. To ensure sufficient room for social distancing, the ceremony will be held in the spacious Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall instead of its traditional location in the Memorial Union Ballroom.&nbsp;

KAMS is Kansas’ premier early college residential program designed to provide a STEM-focused academic experience for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. AMS is an early college program open to international and out-of-state domestic students, offering an unparalleled academic experience for gifted and talented high school students from around the country – and the world.&nbsp;

After returning home last March when the coronavirus forced FHSU to move to remote operations for the remainder of the semester, Angie Acred from Leavenworth was more than ready to return to campus in August for her senior year.

She is on the pre-med track and plans to major in biology when she continues her education at the University of Kansas in the fall.&nbsp;

However, Acred said, “she will never forget her time at Fort Hays State.”

Acred had no problem adjusting to making new friends her first year in KAMS. Her mother is a major in the U.S. Army, and Angie has lived in six different states and has moved eight different times in her lifetime.

“This second year at KAMS is the first time since fourth grade that I’ve attended the same school for two consecutive years,” she said. “Going to different schools is all I’ve ever known.”&nbsp;

It didn’t take Acred long to learn how much she liked her new school.

“The research experience for undergrads here at Fort Hays State will be so beneficial for me,” she said. “Here, we learned so much from everyone. There were a lot of networking opportunities, and we were able to communicate with professionals in our field of study. At KAMS, you are offered so many more opportunities than a traditional high school setting.”

She added that she “really liked having the smaller class sizes at FHSU. I had almost 300 people in my class at Leavenworth, and I didn’t know a lot of my classmates.”

Saturday’s ceremony will recognize 31 graduating seniors. Twenty of those will attend Saturday’s completion ceremony, including one international student in AMS. The other 11 international students from South Korea and China were not able to return to FHSU for their senior year because of COVID travel restrictions, and they will finish their classwork virtually. This year’s KAMS class comes from all four corners of the state, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.

Student speakers for the ceremony are selected based on academic success achieved during their time in the program, along with involvement in clubs/activities, research, and community service. This year’s speakers will be Leo Harzman from Downs and Aum Patel from Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620401276006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFaculty and students alike are grateful to be able to hold this year’s completion ceremony for the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) and the Academy of Mathematics and Science (AMS) in person after last year’s seniors were honored on video because of the pandemic.The 2021 ceremony to honor the 11th graduating class of the program is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8. To ensure sufficient room for social distancing, the ceremony will be held in the spacious Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall instead of its traditional location in the Memorial Union Ballroom.&nbsp;KAMS is Kansas’ premier early college residential program designed to provide a STEM-focused academic experience for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. AMS is an early college program open to international and out-of-state domestic students, offering an unparalleled academic experience for gifted and talented high school students from around the country – and the world.&nbsp;After returning home last March when the coronavirus forced FHSU to move to remote operations for the remainder of the semester, Angie Acred from Leavenworth was more than ready to return to campus in August for her senior year.She is on the pre-med track and plans to major in biology when she continues her education at the University of Kansas in the fall.&nbsp;However, Acred said, “she will never forget her time at Fort Hays State.”Acred had no problem adjusting to making new friends her first year in KAMS. Her mother is a major in the U.S. Army, and Angie has lived in six different states and has moved eight different times in her lifetime.“This second year at KAMS is the first time since fourth grade that I’ve attended the same school for two consecutive years,” she said. “Going to different schools is all I’ve ever known.”&nbsp;It didn’t take Acred long to learn how much she liked her new school.“The research experience for undergrads here at Fort Hays State will be so beneficial for me,” she said. “Here, we learned so much from everyone. There were a lot of networking opportunities, and we were able to communicate with professionals in our field of study. At KAMS, you are offered so many more opportunities than a traditional high school setting.”She added that she “really liked having the smaller class sizes at FHSU. I had almost 300 people in my class at Leavenworth, and I didn’t know a lot of my classmates.”Saturday’s ceremony will recognize 31 graduating seniors. Twenty of those will attend Saturday’s completion ceremony, including one international student in AMS. The other 11 international students from South Korea and China were not able to return to FHSU for their senior year because of COVID travel restrictions, and they will finish their classwork virtually. This year’s KAMS class comes from all four corners of the state, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.Student speakers for the ceremony are selected based on academic success achieved during their time in the program, along with involvement in clubs/activities, research, and community service. This year’s speakers will be Leo Harzman from Downs and Aum Patel from Salina.

KAMS/AMS completion ceremony set for Saturday at FHSU

Twenty-five faculty members have earned tenure, promotion or both at Fort Hays State University for the next academic year.

Their achievements were celebrated via Zoom on May 4 and an in-person reception will be held in the fall.&nbsp;

"The profound dedication of our faculty to develop high quality programs and unique experiences empower student success and drives our university forward. It is my sincere pleasure to celebrate the promotion and tenure of these outstanding faculty members, in recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service,” said Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Congratulations to all of our newly tenured and promoted faculty!”

Faculty to be promoted are listed with their new academic rank.

Dr. Gary Andersen, associate professor of advanced education programs

Dr. Reade Dowda, associate professor of advanced education programs

Dr. Elliot Isom, associate professor of advanced education programs

Dr. Jung Hee Lee, associate professor of social work

Dr. Rose Helens-Hart, associate professor of applied business studies

Mr. Randall Jordan, associate professor of applied technology&nbsp;

Dr. Kevin Splichal, associate professor of advanced education programs&nbsp;

Dr. Shane Schartz, associate professor of informatics

Dr. Karen Thal, associate professor of applied business studies

Dr. Brett Whitaker, associate professor of leadership studies

Dr. Whitney Whitaker, associate professor of psychology&nbsp;

Dr. Claudia Carvalho, lecturer of biological sciences

Dr. Douglas Drabkin, professor of philosophy

Dr. Kaley Klaus, assistant professor of leadership studies

Ms. Denise Orth, professor of allied health

Dr. Joseph Perniciaro, professor of music and theatre

Dr. Jonathan Sumrall, associate professor of geosciences

Dr. April Terry, associate professor of criminal justice

Ms. Jennifer Wagner, professor of allied health

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620398558160.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsTwenty-five faculty members have earned tenure, promotion or both at Fort Hays State University for the next academic year.Their achievements were celebrated via Zoom on May 4 and an in-person reception will be held in the fall.&nbsp;"The profound dedication of our faculty to develop high quality programs and unique experiences empower student success and drives our university forward. It is my sincere pleasure to celebrate the promotion and tenure of these outstanding faculty members, in recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service,” said Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Congratulations to all of our newly tenured and promoted faculty!”Faculty to be promoted are listed with their new academic rank.<h2>Tenured and promoted</h2>Dr. Gary Andersen, associate professor of advanced education programsDr. Reade Dowda, associate professor of advanced education programsDr. Elliot Isom, associate professor of advanced education programsDr. Jung Hee Lee, associate professor of social workDr. Rose Helens-Hart, associate professor of applied business studiesMr. Randall Jordan, associate professor of applied technology&nbsp;Dr. Kevin Splichal, associate professor of advanced education programs&nbsp;Dr. Shane Schartz, associate professor of informaticsDr. Karen Thal, associate professor of applied business studiesDr. Brett Whitaker, associate professor of leadership studiesDr. Whitney Whitaker, associate professor of psychology&nbsp;<h2>Tenured</h2>Dr. Robert Lloyd, ManagementDr. Ginger Loggins, InformaticsDr. Sarbari Mitra, Mathematics<h2>Promoted</h2>Dr. Claudia Carvalho, lecturer of biological sciencesDr. Douglas Drabkin, professor of philosophyMs. Robyn Hartman, librarian IIDr. Kaley Klaus, assistant professor of leadership studiesMs. Denise Orth, professor of allied healthDr. Joseph Perniciaro, professor of music and theatreDr. Kent Rohleder, lecturer of physicsDr. Jonathan Sumrall, associate professor of geosciencesDr. April Terry, associate professor of criminal justiceMs. Jennifer Wagner, professor of allied healthMs. Kathleen Ward, professor of nursing

Promotions, grants of tenure announced by Fort Hays State

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Friday in the area from Elm St. to Vine St. between 7th St. and 21st St., from Vine St. to Indian Trail between 22nd St. and 27th St., and from Indian Trail to Canterbury Dr. between 27th St. and 33rd St. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. 

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. 

Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617405329309.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Friday in the area from Elm St. to Vine St. between 7th St. and 21st St., from Vine St. to Indian Trail between 22nd St. and 27th St., and from Indian Trail to Canterbury Dr. between 27th St. and 33rd St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.

Hydrant testing continues by Hays Fire Department

BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Tasty pies and classic cars. That sounds like a recipe for a fun weekend. Today, we’ll learn about a rural community which combines those things for a big community festival every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sandy Kruse is the mayor of Gypsum, Kansas. She is also a key volunteer with the annual event now known as the Gypsum Pie Festival and Car Show.&nbsp;

Sandy was born in Salina. In 1961, she and her husband moved to Gypsum where she’s lived ever since. Sandy is now semi-retired from her position as a registered nurse at Tammy Walker Cancer Center in Salina. She was also elected Mayor of Gypsum in 2017.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620219791007.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentTasty pies and classic cars. That sounds like a recipe for a fun weekend. Today, we’ll learn about a rural community which combines those things for a big community festival every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandy Kruse is the mayor of Gypsum, Kansas. She is also a key volunteer with the annual event now known as the Gypsum Pie Festival and Car Show.&nbsp;Sandy was born in Salina. In 1961, she and her husband moved to Gypsum where she’s lived ever since. Sandy is now semi-retired from her position as a registered nurse at Tammy Walker Cancer Center in Salina. She was also elected Mayor of Gypsum in 2017.&nbsp;Several years ago, Sandy and her family had a big Memorial Day picnic. They invited friends to bring their classic cars. It was so much fun that this has become an annual event, put on by a committee of volunteers from the community.&nbsp;Some years ago, Sandy and her husband had visited the annual meatloaf festival in Paxico. “If people come out for meatloaf, surely they would come out for pie,” her husband said. It was decided that Gypsum could host a pie festival to go with a classic car show.&nbsp;On Sunday, May 30, 2021, the annual pie festival and car show will take place in Gypsum. “We encourage area churches and nonprofit organizations to sell pies,” Sandy said. Community organizations support their activities by selling homemade pies, by the slice or by the pie. Craft vendors will be there as well.&nbsp;The committee has ordered 155 fruit pies and 30 cream pies to be sold at the city auditorium, in addition to the pies sold by other groups. Flavors include apple, cherry, rhubarb, strawberry, strawberry rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, bumbleberry (which is mixed fruit), pecan and many more. Cream pies include chocolate, lemon, coconut cream, peanut butter, and other flavors. Is your mouth watering yet? This year, the city is even selling ice cream to go with the pie.&nbsp;The event’s proceeds are used for community beautification. “One year we bought planters downtown, another year we bought a sound system for the city, and we’ve helped pay for the new ‘Welcome to Gypsum’ sign,” Sandy said.&nbsp;The car show consists mostly of hot rods and classic cars. Some cars are highly customized. “I have a 1951 shoebox Ford,” Sandy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Entries are $20. “We’ve had as many as 200 cars,” Sandy said. Instead of trophies, the winning car entries win – what else? – a pie.&nbsp;Gypsum is located on Highway 4. The highway will be temporarily closed so the show can take place on Main Street in town&nbsp;In addition to the annual festival, Sandy is proud of the progress which has been made in the community. “My biggest priority as mayor is to have the levee certified, which is a requirement of FEMA,” she said. “We have a number of young families that have opened businesses here, such as Exit 14 restaurant, K-4 Garage, McKim Service, and the newest, a body shop named Augies Rod and Custom,” she said.&nbsp;“He lives in Gypsum and works as a fireman in Salina,” Sandy said. He did body work on Sandy’s car and now has opened his own shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Community groups are also working on senior housing and summer youth programs. As a memorial project, families have purchased benches that are found throughout the town.&nbsp;“We are making Gypsum more welcoming,” Sandy said. “We invite people to join us.&nbsp;&nbsp;We expect more than a thousand people (for the festival).” Visitors have come from as far away as Indiana and California. That’s impressive for a rural community like Gypsum, population 405 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GypsumPieFestivalAndCarShow">Gypsum pie festival and car show on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;Tasty pies and classic cars. That sounds like a wonderful combination, and that is what we will find in Gypsum on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. We commend Sandy Kruse and all the volunteers who are making a difference by putting on such a fun event in Gypsum. With that, please pass the pie.&nbsp;

Local