By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/21/kansas-should-celebrate-the-legacy-of-jon-reed-sims-son-of-smith-center/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Jon Reed Sims was born in Smith Center, Kansas, in May 1947. When he died, in July 1984, it made news in San Francisco.

A newspaper there showed 
then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein giving Sims a key to the city. The caption 
said he was “a favorite” of the woman who is now a long-serving U.S. 
senator.

“He Spawned a World of Music; Jon Sims is Dead at Age 37,” read the headline.

Sims was one of the early 
casualties of AIDS. But before he died far too young, he created 
something that lives on — loudly, joyfully and powerfully.

In 1978, Sims founded the <a href="https://www.sfgmc.org/our-story">San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus</a> and the <a href="https://www.sflgfb.org/about/who-we-are/">San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band</a>, igniting an international cultural phenomenon: there are now <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gay_men%27s_choruses">gay men’s choruses</a> and bands <a href="https://www.lgba.org/directory/#!directory/map">throughout the world</a>.

A few years ago, wanting to know more about this son of Smith Center who’s <a href="http://sfbaytimes.com/jon-reed-sims-historic-piano-comes-home/">revered in San Francisco</a>
 but forgotten in Kansas, I tracked down his sister, Judith Sims 
Billings, who lives in Nebraska. She sent me a history she’d written for
 the San Francisco Bay Times, a gay newspaper.

Sims was born on a farm 
near Lebanon and the family later moved to a farm closer to Smith 
Center. Jon started taking piano lessons when he was 6, and named his 
4-H livestock after composers.

“The fact that he was 
practically the only male in the county who took sewing and cooking in 
4-H didn’t seem to bother Jon, and Mother just acted like it was the 
most normal thing,” Billings wrote. “Our parents encouraged us to do 
anything we wanted to, seeing no real boundaries. Jon won first place at
 the Kansas State Fair for his sugar cookies.”

He took up the cornet to 
play in the Smith Center High School band, then learned to play the tuba
 because the band needed one and ultimately found his “calling” with the
 French horn.

“Jon was kind and 
considerate of everyone and always spoke to and helped these older women
 he’d met through our grandmothers,” Billings recalled. “This was the 
same generation of women who taught him to knit and crochet when he was 
in grade school.”

Sims started college at 
Fort Hays State University, then transferred to Wichita State University
 to study French horn and composition.

“He was a very flamboyant drum major at both universities,” Billings wrote.

Her brother went on to 
grad school at Indiana University, then taught junior high music in 
Chicago before moving to San Francisco.

“It was a time of Anita 
Bryant and much prejudice towards the community,” she wrote. “Jon told 
me he was not interested in making a political statement — he just 
wanted to get people together to have fun making music.”

But for oppressed communities, <a href="http://sfbaytimes.com/beat-goes-san-francisco-lesbian-gay-freedom-bands-40th-anniversary/">having fun and making music is inherently political</a>.

The morning of June 25, 1978, Sims blew a whistle, threw his drum 
major’s mace in the air and literally kicked off the Band with a leap. 
Seventy musicians in red visors, white tees and blue jeans followed him 
onto Market Street playing “California, Here I Come!” A roar rose up 
from the crowd as they passed. The crowd knew a radical act when they 
saw one. Sims and the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band &amp; 
Twirling Corps stepped out of the closet and into a tableau of Americana
 to march down “Main Street” for their city’s parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;– San Francisco Bay Times

Sims didn’t come out to 
the family until after their mother died in 1975, Billings wrote: “We 
are not sure if she knew, but Mother always said, ‘Jon marches to a 
different drummer.’ ”

Billings said her family 
was always proud of Sims, “but none of us realized the impact he would 
have. I continue to be amazed and proud of the impact of his vision.”

It’s hard to think about 
Sims without thinking of another gay Kansan who made an indelible mark 
on the world. Gilbert Baker, who designed the rainbow flag, was born in 
Chanute and grew up in Parsons. He got the hell out as soon as he could.
 In recent years, his classmates in the Parsons High School class of 
1969 have <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2020-06-06/rainbow-flags-creator-didnt-celebrate-his-home-state-but-some-kansans-are-keeping-his-memory-alive">worked to memorialize his legacy</a>.

I took a Pride Month drive
 out to Smith Center, where the woman who answered the phone at the high
 school contacted someone whose dad graduated with Sims in the class of 
1965.

Mike Isom spent his career as a history teacher and guidance counselor in nearby Kensington.

Looking through old 
annuals, Isom pointed out every photo of the young handsome Sims in the 
1965 Centrian: Sims in the band, the chorus, the boys’ octet, the glee 
club, the horn trio, the mixed ensemble, the all-school play, the 
yearbook staff, the national honor society, the service organizations.

“He was accepted,” Isom said of Sims.

Though they ran in 
different crowds, Isom described Sims as happy and carefree, remembering
 how, one night, 14 people crammed into Sims’ big car — “I think it was a
 1949 Plymouth or something like that,” Isom said — to get into the 
drive-in movie on dollar night.

“There might have been 
other people who thought he might be gay — I may use that term now, but 
not back then we wouldn’t use it,” Isom said, noting that the meanings 
of words had changed over the years. “And we just thought it was strange
 that he liked to hang around the girls. But he was musically inclined.”

Based on the “prophesies” 
students wrote to imagine their futures, Sims was self-aware enough to 
make a joke about what his future held:

Isom didn’t remember how he heard about Sims’ founding of the gay men’s chorus.

“I thought that was an accomplishment,” he said. “And I had heard that he was sort of big in the movement out there.”

Isom said he didn’t know how much support there’d be for a plaque or some other kind of memorial to Sims.

“I would assume that if 
people knew his accomplishments, they might be willing to do that,” he 
said. “And also, there are people that would be totally against — you 
know what I’m saying?”

He was saying that this part of Kansas is mighty conservative.

But LGBTQ people do live 
in Smith Center, just like we live everywhere. Knowing they’re in a 
place that produced someone who made such a great contribution to our 
culture might brighten their world a bit.

Besides, there already is a
 memorial to Sims. It’s a headstone at the Fairview Cemetery, alongside 
his mother Marie Belle and his father Delmar, who died in 1980.

On the hot afternoon I 
paid my respects, the only sounds were the wind and a couple of lonesome
 meadowlarks. It felt too quiet a resting place for someone who spent 
his life making big, beautiful music.

But maybe it’s quiet 
enough for Jon Reed Sims’ spirit to hear all the joyful sounds he 
brought to life, still reverberating out in the world.

C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624281785064.jpeg" alt="Jon Reed Sims is in the back row, seventh from the right, in Smith Center High School's class of 1965. Mike Isom is in the third row, sixth from the left. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Reed Sims is in the back row, seventh from the right, in Smith Center High School's class of 1965. Mike Isom is in the third row, sixth from the left. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/21/kansas-should-celebrate-the-legacy-of-jon-reed-sims-son-of-smith-center/">Kansas Reflector</a>Jon Reed Sims was born in Smith Center, Kansas, in May 1947. When he died, in July 1984, it made news in San Francisco.A newspaper there showed 
then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein giving Sims a key to the city. The caption 
said he was “a favorite” of the woman who is now a long-serving U.S. 
senator.“He Spawned a World of Music; Jon Sims is Dead at Age 37,” read the headline.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sims was one of the early 
casualties of AIDS. But before he died far too young, he created 
something that lives on — loudly, joyfully and powerfully.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624281852167.jpeg" alt="Jon Reed Sims’ death in 1984 made news in San Francisco." />
 <figcaption>Jon Reed Sims’ death in 1984 made news in San Francisco.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1978, Sims founded the <a href="https://www.sfgmc.org/our-story">San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus</a> and the <a href="https://www.sflgfb.org/about/who-we-are/">San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band</a>, igniting an international cultural phenomenon: there are now <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gay_men%27s_choruses">gay men’s choruses</a> and bands <a href="https://www.lgba.org/directory/#!directory/map">throughout the world</a>.A few years ago, wanting to know more about this son of Smith Center who’s <a href="http://sfbaytimes.com/jon-reed-sims-historic-piano-comes-home/">revered in San Francisco</a>
 but forgotten in Kansas, I tracked down his sister, Judith Sims 
Billings, who lives in Nebraska. She sent me a history she’d written for
 the San Francisco Bay Times, a gay newspaper.Sims was born on a farm 
near Lebanon and the family later moved to a farm closer to Smith 
Center. Jon started taking piano lessons when he was 6, and named his 
4-H livestock after composers.“The fact that he was 
practically the only male in the county who took sewing and cooking in 
4-H didn’t seem to bother Jon, and Mother just acted like it was the 
most normal thing,” Billings wrote. “Our parents encouraged us to do 
anything we wanted to, seeing no real boundaries. Jon won first place at
 the Kansas State Fair for his sugar cookies.”He took up the cornet to 
play in the Smith Center High School band, then learned to play the tuba
 because the band needed one and ultimately found his “calling” with the
 French horn.“Jon was kind and 
considerate of everyone and always spoke to and helped these older women
 he’d met through our grandmothers,” Billings recalled. “This was the 
same generation of women who taught him to knit and crochet when he was 
in grade school.”Sims started college at 
Fort Hays State University, then transferred to Wichita State University
 to study French horn and composition.“He was a very flamboyant drum major at both universities,” Billings wrote.Her brother went on to 
grad school at Indiana University, then taught junior high music in 
Chicago before moving to San Francisco.“It was a time of Anita 
Bryant and much prejudice towards the community,” she wrote. “Jon told 
me he was not interested in making a political statement — he just 
wanted to get people together to have fun making music.”But for oppressed communities, <a href="http://sfbaytimes.com/beat-goes-san-francisco-lesbian-gay-freedom-bands-40th-anniversary/">having fun and making music is inherently political</a>.The morning of June 25, 1978, Sims blew a whistle, threw his drum 
major’s mace in the air and literally kicked off the Band with a leap. 
Seventy musicians in red visors, white tees and blue jeans followed him 
onto Market Street playing “California, Here I Come!” A roar rose up 
from the crowd as they passed. The crowd knew a radical act when they 
saw one. Sims and the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band &amp; 
Twirling Corps stepped out of the closet and into a tableau of Americana
 to march down “Main Street” for their city’s parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;– San Francisco Bay TimesSims didn’t come out to 
the family until after their mother died in 1975, Billings wrote: “We 
are not sure if she knew, but Mother always said, ‘Jon marches to a 
different drummer.’ ”Billings said her family 
was always proud of Sims, “but none of us realized the impact he would 
have. I continue to be amazed and proud of the impact of his vision.”It’s hard to think about 
Sims without thinking of another gay Kansan who made an indelible mark 
on the world. Gilbert Baker, who designed the rainbow flag, was born in 
Chanute and grew up in Parsons. He got the hell out as soon as he could.
 In recent years, his classmates in the Parsons High School class of 
1969 have <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2020-06-06/rainbow-flags-creator-didnt-celebrate-his-home-state-but-some-kansans-are-keeping-his-memory-alive">worked to memorialize his legacy</a>.I took a Pride Month drive
 out to Smith Center, where the woman who answered the phone at the high
 school contacted someone whose dad graduated with Sims in the class of 
1965.Mike Isom spent his career as a history teacher and guidance counselor in nearby Kensington.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624281899284.jpeg" alt="Jon Reed Sims’ senior picture in the 1965 Smith Center Centrian. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Reed Sims’ senior picture in the 1965 Smith Center Centrian. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Looking through old 
annuals, Isom pointed out every photo of the young handsome Sims in the 
1965 Centrian: Sims in the band, the chorus, the boys’ octet, the glee 
club, the horn trio, the mixed ensemble, the all-school play, the 
yearbook staff, the national honor society, the service organizations.“He was accepted,” Isom said of Sims.Though they ran in 
different crowds, Isom described Sims as happy and carefree, remembering
 how, one night, 14 people crammed into Sims’ big car — “I think it was a
 1949 Plymouth or something like that,” Isom said — to get into the 
drive-in movie on dollar night.“There might have been 
other people who thought he might be gay — I may use that term now, but 
not back then we wouldn’t use it,” Isom said, noting that the meanings 
of words had changed over the years. “And we just thought it was strange
 that he liked to hang around the girls. But he was musically inclined.”Based on the “prophesies” 
students wrote to imagine their futures, Sims was self-aware enough to 
make a joke about what his future held:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624281939133.jpeg" alt="Students at Smith Center High School wrote “Prophecies” about their future for the 1965 annual, The Centrian. Jon Reed Sims appeared to make a self-aware joke. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Students at Smith Center High School wrote “Prophecies” about their future for the 1965 annual, The Centrian. Jon Reed Sims appeared to make a self-aware joke. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Isom didn’t remember how he heard about Sims’ founding of the gay men’s chorus.“I thought that was an accomplishment,” he said. “And I had heard that he was sort of big in the movement out there.”Isom said he didn’t know how much support there’d be for a plaque or some other kind of memorial to Sims.“I would assume that if 
people knew his accomplishments, they might be willing to do that,” he 
said. “And also, there are people that would be totally against — you 
know what I’m saying?”He was saying that this part of Kansas is mighty conservative.But LGBTQ people do live 
in Smith Center, just like we live everywhere. Knowing they’re in a 
place that produced someone who made such a great contribution to our 
culture might brighten their world a bit.Besides, there already is a
 memorial to Sims. It’s a headstone at the Fairview Cemetery, alongside 
his mother Marie Belle and his father Delmar, who died in 1980.On the hot afternoon I 
paid my respects, the only sounds were the wind and a couple of lonesome
 meadowlarks. It felt too quiet a resting place for someone who spent 
his life making big, beautiful music.But maybe it’s quiet 
enough for Jon Reed Sims’ spirit to hear all the joyful sounds he 
brought to life, still reverberating out in the world.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624281969989.jpeg" alt="Jon Reed Sims’ headstone is in Fairview Cemetery at Smith Center, Kansas. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Reed Sims’ headstone is in Fairview Cemetery at Smith Center, Kansas. (C.J. Janovy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

JANOVY: Kan. should celebrate the legacy of Sims, son of Smith Center

On Monday, Eagle Radio staff and leaders from the American Red Cross and the Schmidt Foundation gathered together to celebrate the purchase of a new Blood Community Emergency Vehicle that will help secure blood donations and get them to those in need for years to come.

The van was secured by a donation from the Schmidt Foundation, with support from Eagle Radio, and features logos for both groups.

Central and Western Kansas Executive Director Sherry Dryden shared the importance of the vehicle during the event.

"This is helping replace 21 vehicles in our fleet," she said.

It will begin its service in the blood donation role and will eventually transition to emergency services during an expected long life with the organizations.

She said vehicles like this one are frequently seen across the state and help deliver blood to around 100 hospitals in Kansas alone.

"This were very critical during COVID-19," she said.&nbsp;

"The past 1 ½ years have undoubtedly been challenging for our Eagle communities, businesses, and the American Red Cross," said an announcement from the Red Cross. "Yet, with your help, you turned compassion into action during some of life’s darkest moments.

"Today, we are honored to dedicate this van that showcases Eagle Radio and the Schmidt Foundation’s generosity and commitment to the communities we serve. These workhorse vehicles are an essential part of our humanitarian mission and are constantly on the go to collect blood, test, and deliver blood. Patients in crisis depend on the Red Cross for lifesaving blood products, and your investment in our blood fleet allows us to meet this critical need."

Specifically, they said the van will deliver specialized equipment, such as donor beds, phlebotomist materials and blood donation supplies, transport collected blood from community-based blood drives to processing, testing and storage facilities and&nbsp;be a part of their fleet that moves 6.4 million units of blood nationwide every year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623707992927.jpeg" alt="Eagle Radio employee-owners and American Red Cross staff gather at the Eagle Radio Media Center in Hays to celebrate a new blood donation van secured with help from Eagle Radio and the Schmidt Foundation." />
 <figcaption>Eagle Radio employee-owners and American Red Cross staff gather at the Eagle Radio Media Center in Hays to celebrate a new blood donation van secured with help from Eagle Radio and the Schmidt Foundation.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, Eagle Radio staff and leaders from the American Red Cross and the Schmidt Foundation gathered together to celebrate the purchase of a new Blood Community Emergency Vehicle that will help secure blood donations and get them to those in need for years to come.The van was secured by a donation from the Schmidt Foundation, with support from Eagle Radio, and features logos for both groups.Central and Western Kansas Executive Director Sherry Dryden shared the importance of the vehicle during the event."This is helping replace 21 vehicles in our fleet," she said.It will begin its service in the blood donation role and will eventually transition to emergency services during an expected long life with the organizations.She said vehicles like this one are frequently seen across the state and help deliver blood to around 100 hospitals in Kansas alone."This were very critical during COVID-19," she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623707967765.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The past 1 ½ years have undoubtedly been challenging for our Eagle communities, businesses, and the American Red Cross," said an announcement from the Red Cross. "Yet, with your help, you turned compassion into action during some of life’s darkest moments."Today, we are honored to dedicate this van that showcases Eagle Radio and the Schmidt Foundation’s generosity and commitment to the communities we serve. These workhorse vehicles are an essential part of our humanitarian mission and are constantly on the go to collect blood, test, and deliver blood. Patients in crisis depend on the Red Cross for lifesaving blood products, and your investment in our blood fleet allows us to meet this critical need."Specifically, they said the van will deliver specialized equipment, such as donor beds, phlebotomist materials and blood donation supplies, transport collected blood from community-based blood drives to processing, testing and storage facilities and&nbsp;be a part of their fleet that moves 6.4 million units of blood nationwide every year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623708015596.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Schmidt Foundation donation secures van for American Red Cross

NORTON — Leadership Norton County is now accepting applications for its first class, scheduled to begin in August 2021. The program, which previously ran from 1999-2016, is relaunching after a five-year hiatus and programmatic restructuring. 

Planning committee members include representatives from the following organizations: Norton County Community Foundation, Norton Area Chamber of Commerce, Norton County Attorney’s Office, Norton City/County Economic Development, K-State Research and Extension, and Norton County Hospital.&nbsp; The program will run from August to May (excluding the month of December) and will consist of seven full-day sessions that include leadership education and local tours/speakers. Curriculum for the leadership education will be taught by Kansas Leadership Center facilitators and will cover four competencies: Diagnose Situation, Manage Self, Energize Others, and Intervene Skillfully. Additional facilitations will be led by K-State Research &amp; Extension, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, and Betty Johnson.&nbsp;

In addition to these full-day sessions, the Leadership Norton County program will include participation in the 2-day Your Leadership Edge training at the KLC in Wichita, and a graduation reception in May. Program Outline (Subject to Change):&nbsp;

Leadership Norton County has four main objectives: To establish a network of present and potential leaders; To give upcoming and current leaders an opportunity for personal leadership growth and experience; To teach Strategic Doing and identify opportunities in Norton County; and To gain a deeper understanding of Norton County.&nbsp; Class size is limited to 12 participants. Upon acceptance to the class, the tuition fee is $150 payable by August 19, 2021. Applications can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton">www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton</a>&nbsp;and must be received at the Norton Area Chamber of Commerce office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2021. Class participants will be announced by Friday, July 16, 2021. Funding is provided through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s Community Leadership Program initiative, and Norton City/County Economic Development. For more information,&nbsp; visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton">www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton</a>&nbsp;or contact Donna Eastman Liddle at 785.877.2501 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nortoncc@ruraltel.net">nortoncc@ruraltel.net</a>;&nbsp;or Tara Vance at 785.874.5106 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>. &nbsp;

NORTON — Leadership Norton County is now accepting applications for its first class, scheduled to begin in August 2021. The program, which previously ran from 1999-2016, is relaunching after a five-year hiatus and programmatic restructuring. Planning committee members include representatives from the following organizations: Norton County Community Foundation, Norton Area Chamber of Commerce, Norton County Attorney’s Office, Norton City/County Economic Development, K-State Research and Extension, and Norton County Hospital.&nbsp; The program will run from August to May (excluding the month of December) and will consist of seven full-day sessions that include leadership education and local tours/speakers. Curriculum for the leadership education will be taught by Kansas Leadership Center facilitators and will cover four competencies: Diagnose Situation, Manage Self, Energize Others, and Intervene Skillfully. Additional facilitations will be led by K-State Research &amp; Extension, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, and Betty Johnson.&nbsp;In addition to these full-day sessions, the Leadership Norton County program will include participation in the 2-day Your Leadership Edge training at the KLC in Wichita, and a graduation reception in May. Program Outline (Subject to Change):&nbsp;August 2021<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Team Building</li><li>Session Highlights: Program Introduction &amp; Orientation facilitated by KLC</li>
 </ul>September<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Diagnose Situation (KLC Competency)</li><li>Session Highlights: Parliamentary Procedure (Facilitated by K-State Research &amp; Extension); Civic Government</li>
 </ul>October<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Manage Self (KLC Competency)</li><li>Session Highlights: Know Yourself (Enneagram Facilitator); Local Healthcare</li>
 </ul>November<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Energize Others (KLC Competency)</li><li>Session Highlights: Education</li>
 </ul>January 2022<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Intervene Skillfully (KLC Competency)</li><li>Session Highlights: Economic Diversity; Community Asset Mapping</li>
 </ul>February&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Conflict Management (Facilitated by KARL)</li><li>Session Highlight: Agriculture</li>
 </ul>March<ul>
 <li>Leadership Education: Strategic Doing (Facilitated by Betty Johnson)</li><li>Session Highlights: Project/Program organizing and planning; Volunteerism</li>
 </ul>April<ul>
 <li>"Your Leadership Edge" Program at Kansas Leadership Center, 2-Day Session in Wichita</li>
 </ul>May<ul>
 <li>Reception</li>
 </ul> Leadership Norton County has four main objectives: To establish a network of present and potential leaders; To give upcoming and current leaders an opportunity for personal leadership growth and experience; To teach Strategic Doing and identify opportunities in Norton County; and To gain a deeper understanding of Norton County.&nbsp; Class size is limited to 12 participants. Upon acceptance to the class, the tuition fee is $150 payable by August 19, 2021. Applications can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton">www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton</a>&nbsp;and must be received at the Norton Area Chamber of Commerce office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2021. Class participants will be announced by Friday, July 16, 2021. Funding is provided through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s Community Leadership Program initiative, and Norton City/County Economic Development. For more information,&nbsp; visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton">www.discovernorton.com/leadership-norton</a>&nbsp;or contact Donna Eastman Liddle at 785.877.2501 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nortoncc@ruraltel.net">nortoncc@ruraltel.net</a>;&nbsp;or Tara Vance at 785.874.5106 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>. &nbsp;— News release

Leadership Norton County to relaunch in August

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

There’s a fever which has begun in a Kansas community. Don’t worry, this is a good kind of fever. It is what one artist described as “mural fever,” where a community put up a mural and that led to another mural and then another. These murals have improved the downtown appearance and sparked new interest in the community.&nbsp;

Brett Hubka is community bank president in Clay Center, president of the Clay Center Rotary Club, and the person who launched the initial idea for a mural in his community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brett has rural roots, having grown up in Medicine Lodge. His mother is from the rural community of Sharon, population 158 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Brett attended Kansas State University, where he met his future wife who is from Oberlin. They married and moved to Oklahoma where she attended optometry school. She joined a practice in Clay Center where Brett came to work in the bank. “Rural Kansas is important to us,” Brett said. “This is where we want to raise our kids.” Brett’s parents, Mike and Elene Hubka, are educators who now live in Manhattan.&nbsp;

After moving to Clay Center in 2015, Brett was elected president of the local Rotary club in 2020. “Every president does a community project. I tried to figure out what to do,” Brett said. He remembered that, a few years ago, a K-State architecture and design student team had proposed a downtown Clay Center plan which included a mural on one downtown building. The idea appealed to Brett, and he proposed to his Rotary club that they put up a mural. Just one.&nbsp;

Another Rotarian, Kyle Bauer, suggested that the club put up one mural and be open to putting up more, depending on the interest. He and others told Brett that money would come if the idea was a good one. Sure enough, the idea took off. Brett asked a cross-section of people from the community to serve on a seven-person mural committee.&nbsp;

The local community foundation, an affiliate of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, was having a community-donation match day and invited them to participate. Brett said with a smile, “I wanted our project to be at the top of the list alphabetically so I thought it should start with the letter ‘A.’” The committee named the project “A Mural Movement.” It generated $15,000 in donations.&nbsp;

Because Clay Center is located on K-15 highway, the first mural design was a collection of Kansas license plates placed together and painted to resemble a giant K-15 highway sign. Another early mural resembled a giant postcard with the message “Greetings from Clay Center.”&nbsp;

“The project snowballed from there,” Brett said. “We fell in love with it and the artists fell in love with being here,” he said. People in the community donated additional funds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That one mural turned into a dozen within 11 months,” Brett said. There have now been 215 donations amounting to $147,000 to support the murals. Thirteen different artists have been involved.&nbsp;

Most of the murals are in downtown and more are under way. A huge mural is planned to go on two sides of the Key Feeds building. The themes of the murals range from books at the library to cute puppies to a tribute to first responders to Farm to Table.&nbsp;&nbsp;One, a tribute to veterans, depicts the flag-raising at Iwo Jima and extends to an actual flag flying at the top of the building.&nbsp;

“We put QR codes by the murals where people could scan and get more information, and those have been scanned hundreds of times,” Brett said. Social media posts have received thousands of views. “Our artists call it ‘mural fever,’” he said.&nbsp;

“We have a lot to offer in Clay Center, and this gives people a reason to stop,” Brett said.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://qrco.de/bc3VAy">A Mural Movement Experience</a>&nbsp;for an interactive map of all the murals, social media links, a donation page and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A fever has popped up in this rural community. Fortunately, it is a fever of interest in these community murals. We commend Brett Hubka and all the volunteers and donors who have made a difference by brightening the community for visitors and residents. I hope this fever spreads.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623850290271.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;There’s a fever which has begun in a Kansas community. Don’t worry, this is a good kind of fever. It is what one artist described as “mural fever,” where a community put up a mural and that led to another mural and then another. These murals have improved the downtown appearance and sparked new interest in the community.&nbsp;Brett Hubka is community bank president in Clay Center, president of the Clay Center Rotary Club, and the person who launched the initial idea for a mural in his community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brett has rural roots, having grown up in Medicine Lodge. His mother is from the rural community of Sharon, population 158 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Brett attended Kansas State University, where he met his future wife who is from Oberlin. They married and moved to Oklahoma where she attended optometry school. She joined a practice in Clay Center where Brett came to work in the bank. “Rural Kansas is important to us,” Brett said. “This is where we want to raise our kids.” Brett’s parents, Mike and Elene Hubka, are educators who now live in Manhattan.&nbsp;After moving to Clay Center in 2015, Brett was elected president of the local Rotary club in 2020. “Every president does a community project. I tried to figure out what to do,” Brett said. He remembered that, a few years ago, a K-State architecture and design student team had proposed a downtown Clay Center plan which included a mural on one downtown building. The idea appealed to Brett, and he proposed to his Rotary club that they put up a mural. Just one.&nbsp;Another Rotarian, Kyle Bauer, suggested that the club put up one mural and be open to putting up more, depending on the interest. He and others told Brett that money would come if the idea was a good one. Sure enough, the idea took off. Brett asked a cross-section of people from the community to serve on a seven-person mural committee.&nbsp;The local community foundation, an affiliate of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, was having a community-donation match day and invited them to participate. Brett said with a smile, “I wanted our project to be at the top of the list alphabetically so I thought it should start with the letter ‘A.’” The committee named the project “A Mural Movement.” It generated $15,000 in donations.&nbsp;Because Clay Center is located on K-15 highway, the first mural design was a collection of Kansas license plates placed together and painted to resemble a giant K-15 highway sign. Another early mural resembled a giant postcard with the message “Greetings from Clay Center.”&nbsp;“The project snowballed from there,” Brett said. “We fell in love with it and the artists fell in love with being here,” he said. People in the community donated additional funds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That one mural turned into a dozen within 11 months,” Brett said. There have now been 215 donations amounting to $147,000 to support the murals. Thirteen different artists have been involved.&nbsp;Most of the murals are in downtown and more are under way. A huge mural is planned to go on two sides of the Key Feeds building. The themes of the murals range from books at the library to cute puppies to a tribute to first responders to Farm to Table.&nbsp;&nbsp;One, a tribute to veterans, depicts the flag-raising at Iwo Jima and extends to an actual flag flying at the top of the building.&nbsp;“We put QR codes by the murals where people could scan and get more information, and those have been scanned hundreds of times,” Brett said. Social media posts have received thousands of views. “Our artists call it ‘mural fever,’” he said.&nbsp;“We have a lot to offer in Clay Center, and this gives people a reason to stop,” Brett said.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://qrco.de/bc3VAy">A Mural Movement Experience</a>&nbsp;for an interactive map of all the murals, social media links, a donation page and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;A fever has popped up in this rural community. Fortunately, it is a fever of interest in these community murals. We commend Brett Hubka and all the volunteers and donors who have made a difference by brightening the community for visitors and residents. I hope this fever spreads.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Brett Hubka, A Mural Movement 

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams shares information about economic development in Ellis County and beyond.

<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="Investment into economic development has long term results" 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=fyh6w-106b3e2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams shares information about economic development in Ellis County and beyond.<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: Investment into economic development has long term results

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced a grant award from the Heartland Community Foundation in the amount of $6,990 to benefit DSNWK’s Custom Creations new downtown store.

DSNWK will be utilizing the grant for start-up costs, including the purchase of a printer for engraving, printing, and laser cutting on various materials for the Custom Creations work crew and artists.

“DSNWK is very excited to have a storefront in downtown Hays,” Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO, said “This store will allow for greater opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gather in a community inclusive environment and showcase their work.”

This location will also provide new and innovative employment and work opportunities for those with I/DD in Ellis County. DSNWK has become known for accepting donations of used solid wood furniture and through Custom Creations the artisans have transformed these into beautiful pieces sought after by the public. In addition, the storefront will include art for sale by individuals from all over northwestern Kansas who receive DSNWK programs and services.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence and personal satisfaction in the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced a grant award from the Heartland Community Foundation in the amount of $6,990 to benefit DSNWK’s Custom Creations new downtown store.DSNWK will be utilizing the grant for start-up costs, including the purchase of a printer for engraving, printing, and laser cutting on various materials for the Custom Creations work crew and artists.“DSNWK is very excited to have a storefront in downtown Hays,” Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO, said “This store will allow for greater opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gather in a community inclusive environment and showcase their work.”This location will also provide new and innovative employment and work opportunities for those with I/DD in Ellis County. DSNWK has become known for accepting donations of used solid wood furniture and through Custom Creations the artisans have transformed these into beautiful pieces sought after by the public. In addition, the storefront will include art for sale by individuals from all over northwestern Kansas who receive DSNWK programs and services.DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence and personal satisfaction in the community.

Heartland Foundation supports DSNWK’s Custom Creations store

Initial state-level data from the 2020 Census are out. What do these numbers show for Kansas and why do they matter?&nbsp;

The U.S. population grew 7.4 percent from 2010 to 2020, the second lowest growth rate in history. That stemmed from declining birth rates and an aging population, increased deaths, and declining immigration despite growing diversity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Like most Midwestern states, Kansas had sluggish population growth. It grew only 3 percent and added just 77,000 residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas grew more robustly in previous decades. However, per Census estimates, after 2010 its growth withered to practically zero by 2017 before stabilizing. Sam Brownback’s vision of an economic conservatism that would attract right-leaning migrants to Kansas didn’t work.&nbsp;

Like other states, numbers vary by county. Per 2019 Census estimates, only 15 Kansas counties grew last decade. Mostly, these were the Kansas City metro, Wichita and its eastern suburbs, the Manhattan area, Lawrence, and Hays. Basically, suburbia and college towns.&nbsp;

The other 90 counties lost people. Thirteen lost 10 percent or more of their residents. Southeast Kansas and rural Central to Western Kansas shrunk most.&nbsp;

First, Kansas could lose a U.S. House district in 2030. Kansas last lost a seat in 1990, diminishing its federal representation and Electoral College influence. Of 435 House seats, 385 are given to states using a formula that prioritizes them on population. Kansas’s fourth seat fell in priority to 392 of 435 this Census. Stagnant growth jeopardizes that seat.&nbsp;

Second, in the Kansas legislature, rural communities will lose representation to urban communities. Southeast Kansas, for example, likely lost population equivalent to roughly one state senate district. The region’s districts will grow larger, possibly costing a regional politician their gig in Topeka and diminishing the area’s political influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Third, there’s power politics. America’s growing suburbs are generally getting more Democratic. Suburban economies are outperforming rural economics on attracting higher income, higher education middle class workers—the type of voter who today is trending Democratic. Even in “red states,” most high growth communities attracting residents from out-of-state are getting significantly “bluer.” That changes their local politics, often in ways that conservatives dislike.&nbsp;

Conservatives are responding with “big government conservatism”—meaning limiting local control over policymaking and centralizing authority in state governments where conservatives often have more power. In various states, conservatives are taking away local decision-making over things like community budgets, economic development, wage policies, schools, election administration, policing, zoning, health ordinances, and non-discrimination ordinances. Kansas has seen echoes of this in various policy areas.&nbsp;

Big government conservatism grows conservative power, a clear political win. However, this gives local communities less control over things like schools. Or libraries, parks, and recreation centers funded by local taxes. Or even how they grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas’s growth is highly dependent on a small number of urbanized, often less conservative communities. Their ability to independently manage and maintain their own growth to attract the type of American who is more geographically mobile in today’s economy is critical for all of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unless Kansas improbably figures out how to attain growth rates like Colorado or Utah, its challenges are twofold. Can state policy help shrinking and aging communities, especially rural ones, thrive and hopefully stabilize? And can state policy help our few growing counties keep growing, even if that means letting them govern themselves?&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Initial state-level data from the 2020 Census are out. What do these numbers show for Kansas and why do they matter?&nbsp;The U.S. population grew 7.4 percent from 2010 to 2020, the second lowest growth rate in history. That stemmed from declining birth rates and an aging population, increased deaths, and declining immigration despite growing diversity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like most Midwestern states, Kansas had sluggish population growth. It grew only 3 percent and added just 77,000 residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas grew more robustly in previous decades. However, per Census estimates, after 2010 its growth withered to practically zero by 2017 before stabilizing. Sam Brownback’s vision of an economic conservatism that would attract right-leaning migrants to Kansas didn’t work.&nbsp;Like other states, numbers vary by county. Per 2019 Census estimates, only 15 Kansas counties grew last decade. Mostly, these were the Kansas City metro, Wichita and its eastern suburbs, the Manhattan area, Lawrence, and Hays. Basically, suburbia and college towns.&nbsp;The other 90 counties lost people. Thirteen lost 10 percent or more of their residents. Southeast Kansas and rural Central to Western Kansas shrunk most.&nbsp;Why does this matter?&nbsp;First, Kansas could lose a U.S. House district in 2030. Kansas last lost a seat in 1990, diminishing its federal representation and Electoral College influence. Of 435 House seats, 385 are given to states using a formula that prioritizes them on population. Kansas’s fourth seat fell in priority to 392 of 435 this Census. Stagnant growth jeopardizes that seat.&nbsp;Second, in the Kansas legislature, rural communities will lose representation to urban communities. Southeast Kansas, for example, likely lost population equivalent to roughly one state senate district. The region’s districts will grow larger, possibly costing a regional politician their gig in Topeka and diminishing the area’s political influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Third, there’s power politics. America’s growing suburbs are generally getting more Democratic. Suburban economies are outperforming rural economics on attracting higher income, higher education middle class workers—the type of voter who today is trending Democratic. Even in “red states,” most high growth communities attracting residents from out-of-state are getting significantly “bluer.” That changes their local politics, often in ways that conservatives dislike.&nbsp;Conservatives are responding with “big government conservatism”—meaning limiting local control over policymaking and centralizing authority in state governments where conservatives often have more power. In various states, conservatives are taking away local decision-making over things like community budgets, economic development, wage policies, schools, election administration, policing, zoning, health ordinances, and non-discrimination ordinances. Kansas has seen echoes of this in various policy areas.&nbsp;Big government conservatism grows conservative power, a clear political win. However, this gives local communities less control over things like schools. Or libraries, parks, and recreation centers funded by local taxes. Or even how they grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas’s growth is highly dependent on a small number of urbanized, often less conservative communities. Their ability to independently manage and maintain their own growth to attract the type of American who is more geographically mobile in today’s economy is critical for all of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless Kansas improbably figures out how to attain growth rates like Colorado or Utah, its challenges are twofold. Can state policy help shrinking and aging communities, especially rural ones, thrive and hopefully stabilize? And can state policy help our few growing counties keep growing, even if that means letting them govern themselves?&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: The politics of 2020 Census numbers

This is the second year for the Kansas&nbsp;Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge. This is for all school-aged children from K-12.

To enter, students must create a&nbsp;3 to 5 minute video pitch&nbsp;(similar to shark tank) on their business ideas. This can range from a lemonade stand to a drone business to a new invention and everything in between. The sky's the limit!

Similarly, the video can be taken on a cellphone or it can be elaborately&nbsp;edited or anything in between. You can use props (ex: dog walking business would use a dog in the video, drone business may have drone footage, tech business may have an elaborate video, lemonade stand could show customers stopping by to enjoy a refreshing treat.)

The best part - there is no possible way of "cheating." You are encouraged to use all the resources available&nbsp;to you. Ask for help from others in your community, practice in front of others and ask for constructive criticism. We live in wonderful communities&nbsp;filled with adults who will help students succeed. Reach out and create a support system and use the resources available in your community.

This event has age categories and cash prizes as described below:

Elementary (K-5): 1st Place- $300 2nd Place -$150 3rd Place-$100

Middle&nbsp;School (6-8): 1st place -$500 2nd Place- $250 3rd Place - $150

High&nbsp;School (9-12):&nbsp; 1st Place-$1,000 2nd Place-$350 3rd Place- $250

To register:&nbsp;<a href="https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127" target="_blank">https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127</a>

Registration closes July 18. Only 25 registrations per category allowed. Register ASAP.

Announcements of winners and prizes will be announced on July 30.

With any questions or concerns you may reach out to Marquetta Atkins with Destination Innovation Camp at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:campdiwichita@gmail.com" target="_blank">campdiwichita@gmail.com</a>. All event details are included on the registration page (<a href="https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127" target="_blank">https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127</a>)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623966016478.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThis is the second year for the Kansas&nbsp;Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge. This is for all school-aged children from K-12.To enter, students must create a&nbsp;3 to 5 minute video pitch&nbsp;(similar to shark tank) on their business ideas. This can range from a lemonade stand to a drone business to a new invention and everything in between. The sky's the limit!Similarly, the video can be taken on a cellphone or it can be elaborately&nbsp;edited or anything in between. You can use props (ex: dog walking business would use a dog in the video, drone business may have drone footage, tech business may have an elaborate video, lemonade stand could show customers stopping by to enjoy a refreshing treat.)The best part - there is no possible way of "cheating." You are encouraged to use all the resources available&nbsp;to you. Ask for help from others in your community, practice in front of others and ask for constructive criticism. We live in wonderful communities&nbsp;filled with adults who will help students succeed. Reach out and create a support system and use the resources available in your community.This event has age categories and cash prizes as described below:Elementary (K-5): 1st Place- $300 2nd Place -$150 3rd Place-$100Middle&nbsp;School (6-8): 1st place -$500 2nd Place- $250 3rd Place - $150High&nbsp;School (9-12):&nbsp; 1st Place-$1,000 2nd Place-$350 3rd Place- $250To register:&nbsp;<a href="https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127" target="_blank">https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127</a>Registration closes July 18. Only 25 registrations per category allowed. Register ASAP.Announcements of winners and prizes will be announced on July 30.With any questions or concerns you may reach out to Marquetta Atkins with Destination Innovation Camp at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:campdiwichita@gmail.com" target="_blank">campdiwichita@gmail.com</a>. All event details are included on the registration page (<a href="https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127" target="_blank">https://goventuredash.com/competitions/127</a>)

Kansas Youth Virtual Entrepreneurship Challenge registration open

Do you think Dads across Kansas got more neckties, shirts, or socks for Father’s Day? If we stood on the street corner and asked each Dad what they would most appreciate from their family, I believe that most would just love some time with their children.&nbsp;

There have been many studies over the years with mothers and their relationship with their children. Fewer studies have been completed with fathers. Let me share the findings from a study at the University of Georgia.&nbsp;

For this study, Geoffrey Brown, assistant professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences and his colleagues worked with 80 father-child pairs when the children were about 3 years old. The team conducted interviews and observed father-child interaction in the home, shooting video that was evaluated off site and assigned a score indicating attachment security.&nbsp;

“Fathers who make the choice to devote their time on non-workdays to engaging with their children directly seem to be developing the best relationships,” said Brown. “And on those non-workdays, pursuing activities that are child centered, or fun for the child, seems to be the best predictor of a good father-child relationship.”

“However, fathers who spend lots of time helping out with child care-related tasks on workdays are developing the best relationships with their children. And men who engage in high levels of play with their children on workdays actually have a slightly less secure attachment relationship with them.”

“Relying too much on play during workdays, when your child/partner needs you to help out with caregiving, could be problematic. But play seems more important when there’s more time and less pressure. Ultimately, fathers who engage in a variety of parenting behaviors and adjust their parenting to suit the demands and circumstances of each individual day are probably most likely to develop secure relationships with their children,” said Brown.

All research studies aside, it makes sense that children will flourish if they have the opportunity to build a strong relationship with their father. Setting aside time to share child care responsibilities with a partner will also help build strong family relationships. Happy Father’s Day!&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Do you think Dads across Kansas got more neckties, shirts, or socks for Father’s Day? If we stood on the street corner and asked each Dad what they would most appreciate from their family, I believe that most would just love some time with their children.&nbsp;There have been many studies over the years with mothers and their relationship with their children. Fewer studies have been completed with fathers. Let me share the findings from a study at the University of Georgia.&nbsp;For this study, Geoffrey Brown, assistant professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences and his colleagues worked with 80 father-child pairs when the children were about 3 years old. The team conducted interviews and observed father-child interaction in the home, shooting video that was evaluated off site and assigned a score indicating attachment security.&nbsp;“Fathers who make the choice to devote their time on non-workdays to engaging with their children directly seem to be developing the best relationships,” said Brown. “And on those non-workdays, pursuing activities that are child centered, or fun for the child, seems to be the best predictor of a good father-child relationship.”“However, fathers who spend lots of time helping out with child care-related tasks on workdays are developing the best relationships with their children. And men who engage in high levels of play with their children on workdays actually have a slightly less secure attachment relationship with them.”“Relying too much on play during workdays, when your child/partner needs you to help out with caregiving, could be problematic. But play seems more important when there’s more time and less pressure. Ultimately, fathers who engage in a variety of parenting behaviors and adjust their parenting to suit the demands and circumstances of each individual day are probably most likely to develop secure relationships with their children,” said Brown.All research studies aside, it makes sense that children will flourish if they have the opportunity to build a strong relationship with their father. Setting aside time to share child care responsibilities with a partner will also help build strong family relationships. Happy Father’s Day!&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Fathers and kids connecting

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about vitamins and health.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dff3c4c2-8bf6-4746-8c16-2c5011dede5f">For the first half of this discussion click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Vitamins an important part of good health" 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=i4h5s-106b3ca-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about vitamins and health.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dff3c4c2-8bf6-4746-8c16-2c5011dede5f">For the first half of this discussion click here.</a><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: Vitamins an important part of good health

Every year (except 2020) since 2002, families from communities in western Kansas have gathered to honor children who have died.

In conjunction with Memorial Day, the Avenue of Pinwheels sponsored by the Center for Life Experience in Hays was held at Mount Alan Cemetery to place pinwheels in the designated children’s area to include their loved ones in a time to remember those who they have lost.

Many generations come together in this special time that includes a gathering after the dedication of the pinwheels and a balloon launch in memory of a child of any age who has died.

It is a time to remember and come together with other families who have experienced a similar loss for companionship, sharing stories and walking a journey of healing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623965391197.jpeg" alt="Jessica Taylor and her daughter, Jessa, are dedicating a pinwheel to honor son and brother Wyatt. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Taylor and her daughter, Jessa, are dedicating a pinwheel to honor son and brother Wyatt. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEvery year (except 2020) since 2002, families from communities in western Kansas have gathered to honor children who have died.In conjunction with Memorial Day, the Avenue of Pinwheels sponsored by the Center for Life Experience in Hays was held at Mount Alan Cemetery to place pinwheels in the designated children’s area to include their loved ones in a time to remember those who they have lost.Many generations come together in this special time that includes a gathering after the dedication of the pinwheels and a balloon launch in memory of a child of any age who has died.It is a time to remember and come together with other families who have experienced a similar loss for companionship, sharing stories and walking a journey of healing.

Center for Life Experience hosts Avenue of Pinwheels

Growing a garden can help pollinators all year round — if you plan correctly.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3oLVkLIxTXw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Growing a garden can help pollinators all year round — if you plan correctly.

🎥 Green & Growing 2021: Pollinator gardens

ELLIS COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup driven by Curtis D. Keil, 60, Russell, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Ellis.

The pickup entered the south ditch. The driver lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to return to the highway.

The pickup traveled across the eastbound traffic lanes, rolled through the median into the westbound traffic lanes and the driver was ejected. The pickup came to rest on its wheels in the north ditch.&nbsp;

EMS transported&nbsp;Keil to Hays Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup driven by Curtis D. Keil, 60, Russell, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Ellis.The pickup entered the south ditch. The driver lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to return to the highway.The pickup traveled across the eastbound traffic lanes, rolled through the median into the westbound traffic lanes and the driver was ejected. The pickup came to rest on its wheels in the north ditch.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Keil to Hays Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

 Russell man dies after ejected in violent pickup crash

Thanks to a generous donation from a faculty member and some ambitious students, a recently launched center at Fort Hays State University now has a visual symbol to call its own.

Paige Simpson, a graphic design student from Salina, won the logo contest for the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence (CEVGV) – and the $300 first-place prize that went along with it.&nbsp;This logo includes words that embody the values of the center, such as empower, love, grow, and transform. It will be used to represent the center in all official documents and communication tools.

The CEVGV, a&nbsp;regional hub for collaborative research and service,&nbsp;was established in March 2020&nbsp;with support from the Departments of Criminal Justice, Communication Studies, Sociology, and Art and Design. It&nbsp;is housed in the Department of Criminal Justice.

In 2018, Dr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, associate professor of communication studies, were selected as entrepreneurship faculty fellows by the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the Office of the Provost at FHSU.

This fellowship supports Drs. Qi and Yang to pursue their innovative approaches to empowering survivors of gender-based violence from rural communities to gain economic independence and long-term security. Their initiative addressed the importance of social entrepreneurship, safe housing, employment, counseling, and healthcare for survivors’&nbsp;financial freedom and social justice. Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, became the center’s third co-founder along with Drs. Yang and Qi.

Dr. Keith Campbell, professor of sociology, was interested in helping the center get off the ground and offered a $500 personal donation.

"I have been following the work of Drs. Ziwei and Hsin-Yen as they formulated their ideas on how to assist women in need,” Campbell said. “When they decided to start a center and had a formal structure, I felt that this was my opportunity to assist financially. I am pleased that I have been able to provide this assistance, and I encourage others to consider donating to this important cause."

The co-founders believed that having students engaged in the logo design could help them better understand the center’s mission.

A total of 11 entries were turned in to the logo contest and judged by the panel of four judges.

Simpson’s first-place entry was followed by one designed by Crystal Rojas, a junior political science major, who won the second-place prize of $120. Maria Moore, a junior English major, was the winner of the $80 third-place prize.

The winning entry was one of several success stories for Simpson, who is now working as a freelance designer for Leo Burnett Worldwide out of Chicago,&nbsp;one of the most creative communications companies in the world. FHSU has had a relationship for more than 25 years with Leo Burnett, which conducts portfolio reviews of FHSU students each year. Simpson won a scholarship for the top junior portfolio last year, then won the overall portfolio competition this year as well.

Simpson came to Fort Hays State to study graphic design at the suggestion of Eric Montoy, an FHSU alum under whom she worked an internship during the summers while she was attending Ottawa University.

“Eric taught me a lot, but he told me if I really wanted to learn graphic design from the best, I should go to Fort Hays State and learn from Karrie, Chaiwat, and Travis,” she said in reference to faculty in the art and design department.

Karrie Simpson Voth is a professor and department chair, Chaiwat Thumsujarit is a professor of graphic design, and Travis Schlitter is an assistant professor of motion design.

“I have gained a lot of valuable knowledge at Fort Hays State,” Simpson said, “and will continue my journey working with more talented people at Leo Burnett.”

For more information on the CEVGV, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtAFxQ-2Fywek1Wi1XW1pM0RyAzor2l-2Fk5Qz3jrlqXqPFN4z7YBGw6BAwFyoRS-2B-2F-2FuI350I-2B5cf7Ot87gTAKcBZ0bhVlYMP-2B8uUKZgQPvf-2Fzb9UzwpI6Svji4PxVKeKmTcb-2Fg-3D-3DXAsA_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BCkdrcm793nDZGAaakWal-2BqzSH1AYFJ0FGnW2Vwd4yrxmDGoZhs96NQNxDh78hd-2F8jadgennNvfyPVIJ9iJs4nABHJeu5weqVTXkewpcFwliQ2CWc-2FS4wWgX5-2BKuCwm-2FJMDrMX35oy-2BMKZ-2FAJK1Yc5-2FsWZL7b-2FELYufE0jXYazBY60fsNrWCNH9atU9k3X1Mm7ToVq5iPQtq4jzqbPuo5pSGwa-2BHbS2rhpLHaKlCWqS-2BrZu3CLm4eGCh8BzXbC-2FSQ" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/center-for-empowering-victims-of-gender-based-violence/index</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYR5sc9pjG2Ba1H2odu07j37MxDLjbU3qH1wtjECxlYocArc018-2BpXJiXepGB69DJI-2FCs0Dn8z-2Fv29Z5IHTfRl-2FYvJt2pC5i92qWRjZzh9Cc9A-3D-3DeISD_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BCkdrcm793nDZGAaakWal-2BqzSH1AYFJ0FGnW2Vwd4yrxmDGoZhs96NQNxDh78hd-2F8jadgennNvfyPVIJ9iJs4nI00ja-2FqXqGHUpdpnmn82aZcCg4xn6RXJNuQbt0fNTG26nzsMiV8-2FvvgAf0Lviu1Ut5lq-2BqvTpiuGQwmPHphp8BsRm-2Fc-2FxWQi78aInqKrbXgSpwDFP-2BcUSe1wNmvjyNHwdCBfN6CF9UBqZQ-2BOfdOBn0RMebQxA2m7ROkeGlBV8BN" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/Center-for-Empowering-Victims-of-Gender-based-Violence-108025257670350</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623776142044.png" alt="Winning logo design by Paige Simpson" />
 <figcaption>Winning logo design by Paige Simpson</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThanks to a generous donation from a faculty member and some ambitious students, a recently launched center at Fort Hays State University now has a visual symbol to call its own.Paige Simpson, a graphic design student from Salina, won the logo contest for the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence (CEVGV) – and the $300 first-place prize that went along with it.&nbsp;This logo includes words that embody the values of the center, such as empower, love, grow, and transform. It will be used to represent the center in all official documents and communication tools.The CEVGV, a&nbsp;regional hub for collaborative research and service,&nbsp;was established in March 2020&nbsp;with support from the Departments of Criminal Justice, Communication Studies, Sociology, and Art and Design. It&nbsp;is housed in the Department of Criminal Justice.In 2018, Dr. Ziwei Qi, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, associate professor of communication studies, were selected as entrepreneurship faculty fellows by the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the Office of the Provost at FHSU.This fellowship supports Drs. Qi and Yang to pursue their innovative approaches to empowering survivors of gender-based violence from rural communities to gain economic independence and long-term security. Their initiative addressed the importance of social entrepreneurship, safe housing, employment, counseling, and healthcare for survivors’&nbsp;financial freedom and social justice. Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, became the center’s third co-founder along with Drs. Yang and Qi.Dr. Keith Campbell, professor of sociology, was interested in helping the center get off the ground and offered a $500 personal donation."I have been following the work of Drs. Ziwei and Hsin-Yen as they formulated their ideas on how to assist women in need,” Campbell said. “When they decided to start a center and had a formal structure, I felt that this was my opportunity to assist financially. I am pleased that I have been able to provide this assistance, and I encourage others to consider donating to this important cause."The co-founders believed that having students engaged in the logo design could help them better understand the center’s mission.A total of 11 entries were turned in to the logo contest and judged by the panel of four judges.Simpson’s first-place entry was followed by one designed by Crystal Rojas, a junior political science major, who won the second-place prize of $120. Maria Moore, a junior English major, was the winner of the $80 third-place prize.The winning entry was one of several success stories for Simpson, who is now working as a freelance designer for Leo Burnett Worldwide out of Chicago,&nbsp;one of the most creative communications companies in the world. FHSU has had a relationship for more than 25 years with Leo Burnett, which conducts portfolio reviews of FHSU students each year. Simpson won a scholarship for the top junior portfolio last year, then won the overall portfolio competition this year as well.Simpson came to Fort Hays State to study graphic design at the suggestion of Eric Montoy, an FHSU alum under whom she worked an internship during the summers while she was attending Ottawa University.“Eric taught me a lot, but he told me if I really wanted to learn graphic design from the best, I should go to Fort Hays State and learn from Karrie, Chaiwat, and Travis,” she said in reference to faculty in the art and design department.Karrie Simpson Voth is a professor and department chair, Chaiwat Thumsujarit is a professor of graphic design, and Travis Schlitter is an assistant professor of motion design.“I have gained a lot of valuable knowledge at Fort Hays State,” Simpson said, “and will continue my journey working with more talented people at Leo Burnett.”For more information on the CEVGV, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtAFxQ-2Fywek1Wi1XW1pM0RyAzor2l-2Fk5Qz3jrlqXqPFN4z7YBGw6BAwFyoRS-2B-2F-2FuI350I-2B5cf7Ot87gTAKcBZ0bhVlYMP-2B8uUKZgQPvf-2Fzb9UzwpI6Svji4PxVKeKmTcb-2Fg-3D-3DXAsA_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BCkdrcm793nDZGAaakWal-2BqzSH1AYFJ0FGnW2Vwd4yrxmDGoZhs96NQNxDh78hd-2F8jadgennNvfyPVIJ9iJs4nABHJeu5weqVTXkewpcFwliQ2CWc-2FS4wWgX5-2BKuCwm-2FJMDrMX35oy-2BMKZ-2FAJK1Yc5-2FsWZL7b-2FELYufE0jXYazBY60fsNrWCNH9atU9k3X1Mm7ToVq5iPQtq4jzqbPuo5pSGwa-2BHbS2rhpLHaKlCWqS-2BrZu3CLm4eGCh8BzXbC-2FSQ" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/center-for-empowering-victims-of-gender-based-violence/index</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYR5sc9pjG2Ba1H2odu07j37MxDLjbU3qH1wtjECxlYocArc018-2BpXJiXepGB69DJI-2FCs0Dn8z-2Fv29Z5IHTfRl-2FYvJt2pC5i92qWRjZzh9Cc9A-3D-3DeISD_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BCkdrcm793nDZGAaakWal-2BqzSH1AYFJ0FGnW2Vwd4yrxmDGoZhs96NQNxDh78hd-2F8jadgennNvfyPVIJ9iJs4nI00ja-2FqXqGHUpdpnmn82aZcCg4xn6RXJNuQbt0fNTG26nzsMiV8-2FvvgAf0Lviu1Ut5lq-2BqvTpiuGQwmPHphp8BsRm-2Fc-2FxWQi78aInqKrbXgSpwDFP-2BcUSe1wNmvjyNHwdCBfN6CF9UBqZQ-2BOfdOBn0RMebQxA2m7ROkeGlBV8BN" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/Center-for-Empowering-Victims-of-Gender-based-Violence-108025257670350</a>.

Winning logo design chosen for new center at Fort Hays State

I appreciated the thought-provoking insights provided by Chief Don Scheibler and Detective J.B. Burkholder in the article by James Bell (Hays Police Department warns of increasing danger of drugs in the city) in the June 14 issue of Hays Post online. 

Our state motto is "To the Stars Through Difficulties," but the reported widespread use of illegal drugs among young people in Hays suggests they are being driven by less lofty goals. An athlete recently asserted that the majority of college players regularly smoke marijuana. Yet it is hard to believe that could be true, since the most inspiring coaches, most effective mentors, and most successful teammates are all so focused on health, fitness, and self-discipline. 

I believe sports, social activity, and a balanced lifestyle remain essential aspects of the solutions that Chief Scheibler and Detective Burkholder would hope to see in the Hays community. Perhaps modeling more honesty and open debate in our politics would also encourage our students and children to put forth the necessary effort that allows people to learn from each other through conversations based on mutual respect. 

There are so many good examples among the adults in Hays, especially those who teach in our local schools. None of these answers will be easy, but the statements by the law officers quoted in your article make it clear that doing nothing is not a viable option if we want to keep faith with previous generations of Kansans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I appreciated the thought-provoking insights provided by Chief Don Scheibler and Detective J.B. Burkholder in the article by James Bell (Hays Police Department warns of increasing danger of drugs in the city) in the June 14 issue of Hays Post online. Our state motto is "To the Stars Through Difficulties," but the reported widespread use of illegal drugs among young people in Hays suggests they are being driven by less lofty goals. An athlete recently asserted that the majority of college players regularly smoke marijuana. Yet it is hard to believe that could be true, since the most inspiring coaches, most effective mentors, and most successful teammates are all so focused on health, fitness, and self-discipline. I believe sports, social activity, and a balanced lifestyle remain essential aspects of the solutions that Chief Scheibler and Detective Burkholder would hope to see in the Hays community. Perhaps modeling more honesty and open debate in our politics would also encourage our students and children to put forth the necessary effort that allows people to learn from each other through conversations based on mutual respect. There are so many good examples among the adults in Hays, especially those who teach in our local schools. None of these answers will be easy, but the statements by the law officers quoted in your article make it clear that doing nothing is not a viable option if we want to keep faith with previous generations of Kansans.Robert Bruce Scott, Hays

LETTER: Hays must be proactive to fight drug abuse

The Washington Post on Thursday published a retrospective on the Black Lives Matter movement, including an organizer of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ed44fb3ebfb13423b2696c3">2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Hays</a>&nbsp;— Anniston Weber.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/george-floyd-protests-blm-impact/">HERE</a> to read the Washington Post story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624045064453.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Washington Post on Thursday published a retrospective on the Black Lives Matter movement, including an organizer of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ed44fb3ebfb13423b2696c3">2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Hays</a>&nbsp;— Anniston Weber.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/george-floyd-protests-blm-impact/">HERE</a> to read the Washington Post story.

Hays woman featured in Washington Post article on Black Lives Matter

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

GREAT BEND — Forty years 
ago this week, much of Great Bend was covered with floodwater. The Great
 Flood of 1981&nbsp;hit the town on June 15th&nbsp;of that year. Torrential rains,
 as much as 20 inches in 12 hours, caused flooding at the Dry Walnut 
Creek&nbsp;in southwestern Barton County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bob Suelter, Great Bend City Attorney, recalled&nbsp;some of&nbsp;the effects of the flood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"A
 lot of it got in our storm sewers and that backed water up into the 
basements,” Suelter said. “I had a friend that said&nbsp;that&nbsp;he went down in
 the basement, and he got all of his drains plugged off.&nbsp;He stuck a 
tennis ball clear down in the crook of his toilet, and he said he was 
afraid it would come out.&nbsp;So&nbsp;he sat there,&nbsp;he fell asleep, and&nbsp;he said 
apparently the pressure built up enough to shoot that tennis ball at 
him, woke him up in the middle of the night. The water started pouring 
in, and he just went&nbsp;upstairs&nbsp;and waited to clean it up.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

At 
its worst, the floodwaters covered about 75 percent of Great Bend and 
were 6-feet deep in some homes.&nbsp;Appearing on 1590 KVGB’s&nbsp;City 
Edition&nbsp;this past&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;Suelter&nbsp;remembered&nbsp;how&nbsp;Great Bend residents
 pitched in to&nbsp;deal with&nbsp;the mess.&nbsp;

"We just cleaned up peoples’ 
houses,” Suelter remembered.&nbsp;”There&nbsp;were lines on the walls upstairs&nbsp;on 
some of them&nbsp;[showing]&nbsp;how high&nbsp;it got. A lot of basements were filled 
up. People were having to get a mud pump and stick it in the basement 
and suck all the water out.”&nbsp;

It was estimated that damage exceeded $42 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The
 1981 flood reopened the&nbsp;controversial&nbsp;debate about building a&nbsp;flood 
control&nbsp;project to prevent similar flooding in the future.&nbsp;After years 
of debate, the construction of the project was&nbsp;approved. It was 
completed&nbsp;about ten years after the flood.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624042729257.jpeg" alt="Photo credit: Pauline Decker" />
 <figcaption>Photo credit: Pauline Decker</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — Forty years 
ago this week, much of Great Bend was covered with floodwater. The Great
 Flood of 1981&nbsp;hit the town on June 15th&nbsp;of that year. Torrential rains,
 as much as 20 inches in 12 hours, caused flooding at the Dry Walnut 
Creek&nbsp;in southwestern Barton County.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob Suelter, Great Bend City Attorney, recalled&nbsp;some of&nbsp;the effects of the flood.&nbsp;&nbsp;"A
 lot of it got in our storm sewers and that backed water up into the 
basements,” Suelter said. “I had a friend that said&nbsp;that&nbsp;he went down in
 the basement, and he got all of his drains plugged off.&nbsp;He stuck a 
tennis ball clear down in the crook of his toilet, and he said he was 
afraid it would come out.&nbsp;So&nbsp;he sat there,&nbsp;he fell asleep, and&nbsp;he said 
apparently the pressure built up enough to shoot that tennis ball at 
him, woke him up in the middle of the night. The water started pouring 
in, and he just went&nbsp;upstairs&nbsp;and waited to clean it up.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;At 
its worst, the floodwaters covered about 75 percent of Great Bend and 
were 6-feet deep in some homes.&nbsp;Appearing on 1590 KVGB’s&nbsp;City 
Edition&nbsp;this past&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;Suelter&nbsp;remembered&nbsp;how&nbsp;Great Bend residents
 pitched in to&nbsp;deal with&nbsp;the mess.&nbsp;"We just cleaned up peoples’ 
houses,” Suelter remembered.&nbsp;”There&nbsp;were lines on the walls upstairs&nbsp;on 
some of them&nbsp;[showing]&nbsp;how high&nbsp;it got. A lot of basements were filled 
up. People were having to get a mud pump and stick it in the basement 
and suck all the water out.”&nbsp;It was estimated that damage exceeded $42 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;The
 1981 flood reopened the&nbsp;controversial&nbsp;debate about building a&nbsp;flood 
control&nbsp;project to prevent similar flooding in the future.&nbsp;After years 
of debate, the construction of the project was&nbsp;approved. It was 
completed&nbsp;about ten years after the flood.&nbsp;

40th anniversary of the 'Great Flood of 1981' in Great Bend 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

The University of Kansas Health System on Friday said HaysMed reported its first active patient in more than a week.&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624036569962.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: June 18, 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=5wvck-106a04f-pb&from=pb6admin&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 no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.The University of Kansas Health System on Friday said HaysMed reported its first active patient in more than a week.&nbsp;Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙 No new virus cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy talks vaccine data

Dangerously Biased, a Hays-based band was announced as a winner in the Wichita Riverfest Ad Astra Song contest Friday, with their entry No Friends Like Strangers, and now hopes their winning entry will push the band to the Riverfest stage.

The song can be seen below as performed by Matt Isley, who along with Sophi Thompson make up Dangerously Biased.

The song was one of four winners selected in the contest that are currently featured on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wichitariverfest">Riverfest facebook page.</a>

Along with a $500 prize the group is now in the running to perform at during Riverfest.

The entry with the most likes and loves by 11:59 p.m. Sunday on the festival's facebook page will be the People's Choice winner and will be invited to perform during the popular festival in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624038231908.jpeg" alt="Matt Isley. Photo courtesy Dangerously Biased by Aylin Lopez." />
 <figcaption>Matt Isley. Photo courtesy Dangerously Biased by Aylin Lopez.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dangerously Biased, a Hays-based band was announced as a winner in the Wichita Riverfest Ad Astra Song contest Friday, with their entry No Friends Like Strangers, and now hopes their winning entry will push the band to the Riverfest stage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624038286312.jpeg" alt="Sophi Thompson. Photo courtesy Dangerously Biased by Aylin Lopez." />
 <figcaption>Sophi Thompson. Photo courtesy Dangerously Biased by Aylin Lopez.</figcaption>
 </figure>The song can be seen below as performed by Matt Isley, who along with Sophi Thompson make up Dangerously Biased.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXH4M8uY7TE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The song was one of four winners selected in the contest that are currently featured on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wichitariverfest">Riverfest facebook page.</a>Along with a $500 prize the group is now in the running to perform at during Riverfest.The entry with the most likes and loves by 11:59 p.m. Sunday on the festival's facebook page will be the People's Choice winner and will be invited to perform during the popular festival in Wichita.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwichitariverfest%2Fposts%2F10159320651871670&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="640" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Hays band wins chance to perform at Wichita Riverfest; voting open through Sunday

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Portis public water supply system located in Osborne County. This advisory is not related to COVID-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on June 18 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system due to system repairs on a waterline break. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTguNDIxMTkzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.iAqSLVmmkLs-Utz1ArcgwYNPRh_jPFJWXeqBs2lWrK8/s/1305913623/br/108151260139-l">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Portis public water supply system located in Osborne County. This advisory is not related to COVID-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on June 18 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system due to system repairs on a waterline break. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTguNDIxMTkzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.iAqSLVmmkLs-Utz1ArcgwYNPRh_jPFJWXeqBs2lWrK8/s/1305913623/br/108151260139-l">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.