Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will be the guest of honor at a rally of the Ellis County Democratic Party in Hays’ Frontier Park West from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23.

Hot dogs and drinks will be provided courtesy of Ellis County Democrats.

Rogers, a businessman with 40 years of banking experience, was sworn in as the 41st&nbsp;state treasurer on Jan. 4.

“When I took office, I promised to continue working to better the lives of Kansans across the state, no matter the ZIP code,” Rogers said. “I’ve met Kansans from every corner of the state and from all walks of life. Everywhere I go, I hear the same messages — Kansans want to have the financial freedom to own a home and support their kids’ educational goals, and the infrastructure and technology to encourage a prosperous community.”

Since taking office, Treasurer Rogers’ administration has returned over $8.5 million in unclaimed property to Kansans across the state; kept the lights on for Kansans with the implementation of the City Utility Loan program, which has approved nearly $70 million in loans for Kansas municipalities; negotiated a bipartisan bill creating a low-cost loan program for struggling small businesses and agriculture operations; successfully promoted and grew by 35 percent the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plans, putting young Kansans on the right track to academic success and financial empowerment.

He spent more than 30 years traveling the state of Kansas as an agricultural banker. Among other accomplishments, he helped provide more than $750 million worth of leasing and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and grain cooperatives.

After retirement, he was elected to the Kansas Senate representing the 25th&nbsp;Senate District, which includes parts of Wichita, serving until 2019. He was a member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance, the Federal and State Affairs, and Agriculture committees. He also served on the Legislative Post Audit Committee.

Rogers was elected to the Wichita USD 259 Board of Education in 2001, serving as president or vice-president for seven of those years. Lynn also volunteered on his local Parent Teacher Organization and his local church.

From 2019 to 2021, he was lieutenant governor. From that position, he also led the Office of Rural Prosperity, focusing on increasing opportunities in rural communities, especially in the areas of expanding broadband and housing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623679923050.jpeg" alt="Lynn Rogers" />
 <figcaption>Lynn Rogers</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will be the guest of honor at a rally of the Ellis County Democratic Party in Hays’ Frontier Park West from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23.Hot dogs and drinks will be provided courtesy of Ellis County Democrats.Rogers, a businessman with 40 years of banking experience, was sworn in as the 41st&nbsp;state treasurer on Jan. 4.“When I took office, I promised to continue working to better the lives of Kansans across the state, no matter the ZIP code,” Rogers said. “I’ve met Kansans from every corner of the state and from all walks of life. Everywhere I go, I hear the same messages — Kansans want to have the financial freedom to own a home and support their kids’ educational goals, and the infrastructure and technology to encourage a prosperous community.”Since taking office, Treasurer Rogers’ administration has returned over $8.5 million in unclaimed property to Kansans across the state; kept the lights on for Kansans with the implementation of the City Utility Loan program, which has approved nearly $70 million in loans for Kansas municipalities; negotiated a bipartisan bill creating a low-cost loan program for struggling small businesses and agriculture operations; successfully promoted and grew by 35 percent the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plans, putting young Kansans on the right track to academic success and financial empowerment.He spent more than 30 years traveling the state of Kansas as an agricultural banker. Among other accomplishments, he helped provide more than $750 million worth of leasing and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and grain cooperatives.After retirement, he was elected to the Kansas Senate representing the 25th&nbsp;Senate District, which includes parts of Wichita, serving until 2019. He was a member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance, the Federal and State Affairs, and Agriculture committees. He also served on the Legislative Post Audit Committee.Rogers was elected to the Wichita USD 259 Board of Education in 2001, serving as president or vice-president for seven of those years. Lynn also volunteered on his local Parent Teacher Organization and his local church.From 2019 to 2021, he was lieutenant governor. From that position, he also led the Office of Rural Prosperity, focusing on increasing opportunities in rural communities, especially in the areas of expanding broadband and housing.

Kansas treasurer to speak at Ellis Co. Democratic rally

Three-day weather outlook

Just this week, I was talking with a local pastor about his decision to retire a few years sooner than he had planned. Moving nearer his grandkids is his main motivation, but we both agreed that once we reach retirement age, our future health is on our mind oftener than it used to be. I’ll be 70 this summer and my health is at least average, but I just seem to feel a little older each day. With that and fishing season both in mind, here are some thoughts on becoming an “Old Fisherman.”&nbsp;

You’re probably an old fisherman if you still smell like Ben Gay even after you’ve cleaned your fish.

If you waste countless hours of prime fishing time reeling and casting, reeling and casting, because you can’t remember whether or not you just re-baited your hook, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If, after reaching quickly under the boat seat for the dip net, you’ve found yourself holding your cane instead, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If you have ever started to hold the line between your teeth only to discover you’ve left your teeth at home at home, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If removing that occasional fishbone from your teeth can now be accomplished by removing your teeth and tapping them on the table, you just might be an old fisherman.

If you’re shore lunch now includes a tall, cool thermos of Metamucil and a box of prunes, you’re probably an old fisherman.

If your fishing buddies are now more than happy to take you along to their secret “honey holes” because they are confident you’ll never remember where you were anyway, you’re probably an old fisherman.

You’re probably an old fisherman if your wife now begs to go fishing with you because she’s afraid you’ll forget your way back home (you should feel lucky she wants you back home).

You’re probably an old fisherman if your favorite fishing chair is now one of those fancy walkers with a seat on it, and you are relegated to fishing from the boat dock because that’s the only place level enough to park it, or if you recently removed a seat from your boat to make room for your walker.&nbsp;

You just might be an old fisherman, if to you, the letters GPS mean Gotta’ Pee Soon&nbsp;

It’s easy for anyone to drive off with their coffee cup sitting on the roof or the bumper of the pickup, but if you have gotten to the lake and turned around to back your boat down the boat ramp only to discover the boat was still parked in the driveway at home, you’re an old fisherman.

And finally, I’m sure you’re an old fisherman if your eyesight has gotten so dim that you now haul home all the carp you catch because you mistake them for trophy bass…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Just this week, I was talking with a local pastor about his decision to retire a few years sooner than he had planned. Moving nearer his grandkids is his main motivation, but we both agreed that once we reach retirement age, our future health is on our mind oftener than it used to be. I’ll be 70 this summer and my health is at least average, but I just seem to feel a little older each day. With that and fishing season both in mind, here are some thoughts on becoming an “Old Fisherman.”&nbsp;You’re probably an old fisherman if you still smell like Ben Gay even after you’ve cleaned your fish.If you waste countless hours of prime fishing time reeling and casting, reeling and casting, because you can’t remember whether or not you just re-baited your hook, you’re probably an old fisherman.If, after reaching quickly under the boat seat for the dip net, you’ve found yourself holding your cane instead, you’re probably an old fisherman.If you have ever started to hold the line between your teeth only to discover you’ve left your teeth at home at home, you’re probably an old fisherman.If removing that occasional fishbone from your teeth can now be accomplished by removing your teeth and tapping them on the table, you just might be an old fisherman.If you’re shore lunch now includes a tall, cool thermos of Metamucil and a box of prunes, you’re probably an old fisherman.If your fishing buddies are now more than happy to take you along to their secret “honey holes” because they are confident you’ll never remember where you were anyway, you’re probably an old fisherman.You’re probably an old fisherman if your wife now begs to go fishing with you because she’s afraid you’ll forget your way back home (you should feel lucky she wants you back home).You’re probably an old fisherman if your favorite fishing chair is now one of those fancy walkers with a seat on it, and you are relegated to fishing from the boat dock because that’s the only place level enough to park it, or if you recently removed a seat from your boat to make room for your walker.&nbsp;You just might be an old fisherman, if to you, the letters GPS mean Gotta’ Pee Soon&nbsp;It’s easy for anyone to drive off with their coffee cup sitting on the roof or the bumper of the pickup, but if you have gotten to the lake and turned around to back your boat down the boat ramp only to discover the boat was still parked in the driveway at home, you’re an old fisherman.And finally, I’m sure you’re an old fisherman if your eyesight has gotten so dim that you now haul home all the carp you catch because you mistake them for trophy bass…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Are you an old fisherman? Take the test

The city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Midlands Contracting, a Johnson Service Company, to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. Cleaning of the sanitary sewer lift station at 27th and Highway 183 Bypass will also occur during this project. 

Cleaning began Monday and should be completed by July 2.

&nbsp;Some work is expected to be completed late afternoon into the early evening hours. 

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. If you will not be home or will be on vacation during the time of cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down.

 For more information, contact Midland Contracting's project manager Josh Sasse at 308-627-9795 or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623536324465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Midlands Contracting, a Johnson Service Company, to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. Cleaning of the sanitary sewer lift station at 27th and Highway 183 Bypass will also occur during this project. Cleaning began Monday and should be completed by July 2.&nbsp;Some work is expected to be completed late afternoon into the early evening hours. Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. If you will not be home or will be on vacation during the time of cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. For more information, contact Midland Contracting's project manager Josh Sasse at 308-627-9795 or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

Sanitary sewer line cleaning, inspection begins on Hays bypass

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

GREAT BEND — It should 
take about a year to build the new&nbsp;Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Great 
Bend. A groundbreaking ceremony&nbsp;was held last week to mark the beginning
 of construction on the facility that will be located just south 
of&nbsp;the&nbsp;intersection of 10th&nbsp;and McKinley Streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Clara Barton Foundation Director Michelle Moshier&nbsp;said&nbsp;the new&nbsp;building&nbsp;will&nbsp;offer&nbsp;more health care for people in Great Bend.&nbsp;

"Both
 our family practice and surgery clinic will be able to operate out of 
the same building at the same time, and it’s going to be awesome for our
 patients,”&nbsp;Moshier&nbsp;explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Right now,&nbsp;Clara 
Barton’s&nbsp;surgical clinic is only open one day a week&nbsp;in&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Bend. With
 more space at the new clinic, it will be open every day.&nbsp;There will be 
21 exam rooms and two procedure rooms in the new building.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moshier
 said&nbsp;progress is being made in furnishing the clinic. The foundation 
created an adopt-a-room campaign&nbsp;to pay for&nbsp;exam tables, patient chairs,
 and medical devices.&nbsp;

"We’ve already got some great businesses 
and&nbsp;a few individuals,”&nbsp;Moshier noted. “One of them is done in memory of
 their parents.&nbsp;So&nbsp;there’s all kinds of ideas of how you can help us&nbsp;put
 furnishings in there while recognizing a business or an individual on 
the doorplate of&nbsp;one of our exam rooms.”&nbsp;

A $3,500 donation will pay to furnish one exam room. $10,000 will fund the equipment for&nbsp;a&nbsp;procedure room.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Great Bend clinic’s grand opening is expected to take place next spring.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623703261007.jpeg" alt="A groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Clara Barton Medical Clinic" />
 <figcaption>A groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Clara Barton Medical Clinic</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — It should 
take about a year to build the new&nbsp;Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Great 
Bend. A groundbreaking ceremony&nbsp;was held last week to mark the beginning
 of construction on the facility that will be located just south 
of&nbsp;the&nbsp;intersection of 10th&nbsp;and McKinley Streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara Barton Foundation Director Michelle Moshier&nbsp;said&nbsp;the new&nbsp;building&nbsp;will&nbsp;offer&nbsp;more health care for people in Great Bend.&nbsp;"Both
 our family practice and surgery clinic will be able to operate out of 
the same building at the same time, and it’s going to be awesome for our
 patients,”&nbsp;Moshier&nbsp;explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right now,&nbsp;Clara 
Barton’s&nbsp;surgical clinic is only open one day a week&nbsp;in&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Bend. With
 more space at the new clinic, it will be open every day.&nbsp;There will be 
21 exam rooms and two procedure rooms in the new building.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moshier
 said&nbsp;progress is being made in furnishing the clinic. The foundation 
created an adopt-a-room campaign&nbsp;to pay for&nbsp;exam tables, patient chairs,
 and medical devices.&nbsp;"We’ve already got some great businesses 
and&nbsp;a few individuals,”&nbsp;Moshier noted. “One of them is done in memory of
 their parents.&nbsp;So&nbsp;there’s all kinds of ideas of how you can help us&nbsp;put
 furnishings in there while recognizing a business or an individual on 
the doorplate of&nbsp;one of our exam rooms.”&nbsp;A $3,500 donation will pay to furnish one exam room. $10,000 will fund the equipment for&nbsp;a&nbsp;procedure room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Great Bend clinic’s grand opening is expected to take place next spring.&nbsp;

Hospital begins construction of a new Great Bend clinic 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday 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.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,759 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623691380443.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday 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.Since reporting began, there have been 3,759 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library remodel ribbon cutting set for Friday" 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=659du-1064322-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 Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Public Library remodel ribbon cutting set for Friday

After a recent increase in drug overdoses in Hays, including two deaths, law enforcement is concerned national trends of increased opioid and other drug use has made its way to the city.

"Heroin now has become common," Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said. "It's not uncommon for us to find it in the street. It's not uncommon for us to have an overdose. Those things were just unheard of not that long ago."

"There have always been drugs in Hays, unfortunately," said J.B. Burkholder, HPD detective. "What we are seeing right now is that people — local people, people from this area — are driving to the bigger cities, mainly Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Denver, and obtaining their meth, heroin and marijuana and bringing it back into Hays."

Nationally, drug use, especially opioid abuse, has skyrocketed, and leaders at the National Institute of Health see additional stress brought on by the pandemic as a catalyst.

"We have seen an exacerbation of the opioid epidemic, as evidenced by the number of people who have died," said&nbsp;Nora Volkow, Director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, in a recent conversation with NIH director Francis Collins. "Already, in the 12 months ending in July 2020, there was a 24 percent increase in mortality from overdoses. Within those numbers, there was close to a 50 percent increase in mortality associated with fentanyl. We’re also seeing an increase, not just in deaths from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, but in deaths from stimulant drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine. And the largest increases have been very much driven by drug combinations.

"So, we have the perfect storm. We have people stressed to their limits by decreases in the economy, the loss of jobs, the death of loved ones. On the other hand, we see dealers taking the opportunity to bring in drugs such as synthetic opioids and synthetic stimulants and distribute them to a much wider extent than previously seen."

Burkholder said there are various reasons drug use has been increasing in the area, including the COVID-19 pandemic. 

And heroin and other opioids working their way across the state from the east is particularly troubling.

"That's the progression of most anything," Burkholder said, "from clothing trends to drugs. It always progresses its way out here eventually, and it gets introduced to the community. Those individuals involved in that lifestyle pick it up, and it just becomes the new thing."

From that point, it becomes more available as demand increases and more supply is desired.

"Heroin has been a challenge for those communities on the East Coast and West Coast and metro areas for a long time, and it has just finally worked here," Scheibler said. "It's going to be a challenge for us."

He said it should be a priority for both law enforcement as well as the community.

"Failure for us to recognize that heroin is in our community ... will be a huge mistake," Scheibler said. "We have to continue to focus on it and continue to be proactive."

Stemming the tide of rising opioid use, he said, means tackling the lack of enforcement created during the pandemic when many of the typical consequences for felony drug activity were curtailed for precautionary measures.

"That has created problems, and as we have come out of the pandemic and get more proactive in this area, there has got to be consequences for engaging in that type of criminal activity," Scheibler said.

"We see the criminal become emboldened," Burkholder said.&nbsp;

He said offenders were often not immediately detained after being cited for drug-related crimes as part of efforts to keep jail populations low during the pandemic.

"They don't have that instant slap on the wrist," Burkholder said. "It will come, but it's not that immediate effect of disruption in their daily lives.

"We are fighting that and battling that."

Recently, that fight has become more noticeable, with an increase in overdoses in Hays, leading to two deaths in May.

"This is dangerous for our community," Scheibler said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adding to the concern is increased drug use in youth, he said, with marijuana use becoming more normalized and use among high schoolers and even middle schoolers are identified.

"It becomes their lifestyle," Burkholder said. "That's what they know. It's the same as any addiction you may have. Once it becomes ingrained in your head, it's harder to get out the longer it has been there.

"They don't know what this will do to their mentality later in life and drive their ability to make wise decisions. These are young people making decisions that will literally change the rest of their lives."

While the department is increasing focus on drug activity in Hays, he said stopping the rise in use and abuse will depend on the community stepping up as well.

"The only way that we can do our job is with the city and the citizens helping us out," Burkholder said. "If they are not willing to work with us, then there is so much information that we are inevitably going to miss."

He said reports to the department about suspected activity allow the department to find access points to the local drug scene and help stop other crimes often connected to drug abuse.

"We are all affected by the drug world," Burkholder said. "We see other crimes on the rise because of that stuff."

He said increases in burglaries and theft are directly tied to drug use as users turn to ever-increasing risky behavior to support their habit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In an effort to stem the tide of increased methenamine and opioids coming into the area, Burkholder said the department is fully supportive of investigations into the avenues drugs arrive in Hays.

"We continue to work hard and pursue those to the best of our ability," he said. "It has become a priority for us."

Scheibler said an asset in the fight is the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, made up of agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations, Ellis County Sheriff's Office deputies, the Ellis County Attorney's office and Hays Police Department officers.

But even with that resource, he said community reporting is vital.

"It's a priority for that group to target those involved in distributing drugs in our community," he said. "That's where the tips from our community, tips from the citizens, people calling in and giving us direction allows us to confirm some things and allows us to build cases. But we can't do it by ourselves. It has to be a community effort."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623439025927.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAfter a recent increase in drug overdoses in Hays, including two deaths, law enforcement is concerned national trends of increased opioid and other drug use has made its way to the city."Heroin now has become common," Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said. "It's not uncommon for us to find it in the street. It's not uncommon for us to have an overdose. Those things were just unheard of not that long ago.""There have always been drugs in Hays, unfortunately," said J.B. Burkholder, HPD detective. "What we are seeing right now is that people — local people, people from this area — are driving to the bigger cities, mainly Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Denver, and obtaining their meth, heroin and marijuana and bringing it back into Hays."Nationally, drug use, especially opioid abuse, has skyrocketed, and leaders at the National Institute of Health see additional stress brought on by the pandemic as a catalyst."We have seen an exacerbation of the opioid epidemic, as evidenced by the number of people who have died," said&nbsp;Nora Volkow, Director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, in a recent conversation with NIH director Francis Collins. "Already, in the 12 months ending in July 2020, there was a 24 percent increase in mortality from overdoses. Within those numbers, there was close to a 50 percent increase in mortality associated with fentanyl. We’re also seeing an increase, not just in deaths from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, but in deaths from stimulant drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine. And the largest increases have been very much driven by drug combinations."So, we have the perfect storm. We have people stressed to their limits by decreases in the economy, the loss of jobs, the death of loved ones. On the other hand, we see dealers taking the opportunity to bring in drugs such as synthetic opioids and synthetic stimulants and distribute them to a much wider extent than previously seen."Burkholder said there are various reasons drug use has been increasing in the area, including the COVID-19 pandemic. And heroin and other opioids working their way across the state from the east is particularly troubling."That's the progression of most anything," Burkholder said, "from clothing trends to drugs. It always progresses its way out here eventually, and it gets introduced to the community. Those individuals involved in that lifestyle pick it up, and it just becomes the new thing."From that point, it becomes more available as demand increases and more supply is desired."Heroin has been a challenge for those communities on the East Coast and West Coast and metro areas for a long time, and it has just finally worked here," Scheibler said. "It's going to be a challenge for us."He said it should be a priority for both law enforcement as well as the community."Failure for us to recognize that heroin is in our community ... will be a huge mistake," Scheibler said. "We have to continue to focus on it and continue to be proactive."Stemming the tide of rising opioid use, he said, means tackling the lack of enforcement created during the pandemic when many of the typical consequences for felony drug activity were curtailed for precautionary measures."That has created problems, and as we have come out of the pandemic and get more proactive in this area, there has got to be consequences for engaging in that type of criminal activity," Scheibler said."We see the criminal become emboldened," Burkholder said.&nbsp;He said offenders were often not immediately detained after being cited for drug-related crimes as part of efforts to keep jail populations low during the pandemic."They don't have that instant slap on the wrist," Burkholder said. "It will come, but it's not that immediate effect of disruption in their daily lives."We are fighting that and battling that."Recently, that fight has become more noticeable, with an increase in overdoses in Hays, leading to two deaths in May."This is dangerous for our community," Scheibler said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adding to the concern is increased drug use in youth, he said, with marijuana use becoming more normalized and use among high schoolers and even middle schoolers are identified."It becomes their lifestyle," Burkholder said. "That's what they know. It's the same as any addiction you may have. Once it becomes ingrained in your head, it's harder to get out the longer it has been there."They don't know what this will do to their mentality later in life and drive their ability to make wise decisions. These are young people making decisions that will literally change the rest of their lives."While the department is increasing focus on drug activity in Hays, he said stopping the rise in use and abuse will depend on the community stepping up as well."The only way that we can do our job is with the city and the citizens helping us out," Burkholder said. "If they are not willing to work with us, then there is so much information that we are inevitably going to miss."He said reports to the department about suspected activity allow the department to find access points to the local drug scene and help stop other crimes often connected to drug abuse."We are all affected by the drug world," Burkholder said. "We see other crimes on the rise because of that stuff."He said increases in burglaries and theft are directly tied to drug use as users turn to ever-increasing risky behavior to support their habit.&nbsp;&nbsp;In an effort to stem the tide of increased methenamine and opioids coming into the area, Burkholder said the department is fully supportive of investigations into the avenues drugs arrive in Hays."We continue to work hard and pursue those to the best of our ability," he said. "It has become a priority for us."Scheibler said an asset in the fight is the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, made up of agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations, Ellis County Sheriff's Office deputies, the Ellis County Attorney's office and Hays Police Department officers.But even with that resource, he said community reporting is vital."It's a priority for that group to target those involved in distributing drugs in our community," he said. "That's where the tips from our community, tips from the citizens, people calling in and giving us direction allows us to confirm some things and allows us to build cases. But we can't do it by ourselves. It has to be a community effort."

Hays Police Department warns of increasing danger of drugs in the city

The Wild Rose,&nbsp;109 W. Seventh, a longtime bar in Hays, is set to get a new life after being sold to a prominent Hays businessman.

While the location will remain a bar, owner Wes Rathbun plans to bring a new atmosphere to the location that it had before, adding food and a variety of activities.

"It's going to be more a style that I appreciate from bigger cities," Rathbun said.

He said his idea stems from travels outside of the area, bringing a type of establishment not currently available in Hays.

"I'm trying to bring stuff that's not here, here," Rathbun said.

He said trying to compete against established Hays businesses is not his intention, but instead wants to complement the downtown area.

"I'd rather have something new, exciting and different that way it also attracts different people," Rathbun said. "The Rose, for example, it had its heyday, but it was past."

He said as the Hays culture has changed, the way businesses operate must change as well.

"It's just not the same," he said. "You don't see the lines out the door like you used to."

He said the space was also in need of some rehab and will spend the summer remodeling the facility.

While many of the details of what will be included in the new location are yet to be finalized, Rathbun said the location will serve food and have unique features to Hays.

Among those new features will be ax-throwing lanes and a pet-friendly patio area.

Other features are being finalized, but Rathbun said they will be unlike what is currently available in Hays.

And while the remodel continues, he said he is optimistic it will become a new favorite location for locals and people traveling through Hays alike.

"I think it will appeal to a lot more people," Rathbun said. "It's going to be a relaxing nice area to hang out, have a few drinks, maybe do a few activities."

He said the remodel is proceeding with the interior set to be completed in late July or early August with an expected opening before Fort Hays State University students arrive for the fall semester.

Rathbun and his family are quickly becoming prominent fixtures in the Hays business community, as owners of the Golden Q, 8th Street Liquor, Something Blue, as well as a trolly party bus.

But even with the other business, Rathbun said the new location will operate independently.

"It's something I have been wanting to do for years," he said. "Even before I owned all of these, I had dreams back when Walmart built the Super Walmart and left their space, of putting in a go-cart place, things like that, something more entertainment-wise."

With the entertainment piece, Rathbun said he sees a bright future for the new location.

"I see it going very well," he said. "I see people loving the concept and taking advantage of it.

"We have a great town, and we have great people that live here," Rathbun said. "It would just be nice to have some more things to do or some more places to go to and so that's what we are trying to offer."

And he sees another new business in downtown Hays as being good for all of downtown Hays.

"It's going to bring more people down here, which is great for everybody," Rathbun said. "More people down here means more business for eating sushi, more people shopping in the boutiques, more people doing other stuff instead of just up by interstate and just traveling through."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623440713185.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Wild Rose,&nbsp;109 W. Seventh, a longtime bar in Hays, is set to get a new life after being sold to a prominent Hays businessman.While the location will remain a bar, owner Wes Rathbun plans to bring a new atmosphere to the location that it had before, adding food and a variety of activities."It's going to be more a style that I appreciate from bigger cities," Rathbun said.He said his idea stems from travels outside of the area, bringing a type of establishment not currently available in Hays."I'm trying to bring stuff that's not here, here," Rathbun said.He said trying to compete against established Hays businesses is not his intention, but instead wants to complement the downtown area."I'd rather have something new, exciting and different that way it also attracts different people," Rathbun said. "The Rose, for example, it had its heyday, but it was past."He said as the Hays culture has changed, the way businesses operate must change as well."It's just not the same," he said. "You don't see the lines out the door like you used to."He said the space was also in need of some rehab and will spend the summer remodeling the facility.While many of the details of what will be included in the new location are yet to be finalized, Rathbun said the location will serve food and have unique features to Hays.Among those new features will be ax-throwing lanes and a pet-friendly patio area.Other features are being finalized, but Rathbun said they will be unlike what is currently available in Hays.And while the remodel continues, he said he is optimistic it will become a new favorite location for locals and people traveling through Hays alike."I think it will appeal to a lot more people," Rathbun said. "It's going to be a relaxing nice area to hang out, have a few drinks, maybe do a few activities."He said the remodel is proceeding with the interior set to be completed in late July or early August with an expected opening before Fort Hays State University students arrive for the fall semester.Rathbun and his family are quickly becoming prominent fixtures in the Hays business community, as owners of the Golden Q, 8th Street Liquor, Something Blue, as well as a trolly party bus.But even with the other business, Rathbun said the new location will operate independently."It's something I have been wanting to do for years," he said. "Even before I owned all of these, I had dreams back when Walmart built the Super Walmart and left their space, of putting in a go-cart place, things like that, something more entertainment-wise."With the entertainment piece, Rathbun said he sees a bright future for the new location."I see it going very well," he said. "I see people loving the concept and taking advantage of it."We have a great town, and we have great people that live here," Rathbun said. "It would just be nice to have some more things to do or some more places to go to and so that's what we are trying to offer."And he sees another new business in downtown Hays as being good for all of downtown Hays."It's going to bring more people down here, which is great for everybody," Rathbun said. "More people down here means more business for eating sushi, more people shopping in the boutiques, more people doing other stuff instead of just up by interstate and just traveling through."

Iconic Hays hotspot under new ownership; remodel underway

Extension agent says it took hard work, creativity to help local families&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — A K-State Research and Extension agent in Wichita County said a child care center that is scheduled to open in early 2022 in Leoti is a testament to what can happen when a community works together on a common problem.&nbsp;

Family and consumer sciences agent Aimee Baker said the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/growandlearnchildcarecenter/">Grow and Learn Child Care Center</a> is expected to open its doors on Jan. 3, 2022, ending a situation she described as “chaos” for local families needing care for their children.&nbsp;

Baker was the featured speaker during the June 4&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">First Friday e-Call</a>, a monthly online series hosted by K-State Research and Extension that helps to nurture small businesses and inspire entrepreneurship in Kansas. The online discussions, which routinely host dozens of Kansas citizens from the public and private sectors, are available free each month.&nbsp;

“When we started this process, we knew that we would have to show people why we need child care in Wichita County,” Baker told the gathering.&nbsp;

She showed a slide that depicted the mayhem that often accompanied families’ typical challenge to secure child care. It included finding relatives to watch their children on certain days of the week, or driving 40 miles to the nearest in-home child care, leaving work early, and juggling which days of the week the child goes to one location or another.&nbsp;

Then, the whole schedule may completely change from week to week.&nbsp;

“Not only is this time consuming for parents and the family,” Baker said, “but mentally, this is a very chaotic environment for the child to be growing up in.”&nbsp;

Baker, who has worked as an extension agent for six years, is the interim president of Grow and Learn Child Care, a project to build a child care center in Leoti. She and her husband, who is president of a bank in Wynona, are raising two children – ages 6 and 3.&nbsp;

“We all know that child care is a huge issue in each of our Kansas counties,” Baker said. “And we’re all trying to find ways to extend our help and resources.”&nbsp;

When a local child care option opens that parents trust, it can take away what was once chaos and give the adults the confidence to return to the work force, something that also boosts the local economy, according to Baker.&nbsp;

“Knowing your child is being taken care of every day and that they are in a safe environment where they are being nurtured is going to make you more valuable in the work force,” she said.&nbsp;

Surveys in Wichita County found that 84 families were in need of child care that was affordable, safe and provided a nurturing environment. Of the 84, 67 adults indicated they would return to the local work force if they could find appropriate care.&nbsp;

Baker said she has worked to establish an adequate facility since 2017, during which time the group has formed a public-private partnership with the local school district, established nonprofit status, written bylaws and raised funds, among other accomplishments.&nbsp;

But it hasn’t been easy. “This all looks nice and neat, but in the process, I was having conversations with (people), and our economic development officer was talking with others,” Baker said. “There were many conversations happening that led us to where we are today.”&nbsp;

Some of the lessons learned include:&nbsp;

Baker said the Grow and Learn Child Care Center is still working on funding, but the project is well on its way to completion in early 2022.&nbsp;

Baker’s&nbsp;full talk and other First Friday presentations are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<h2>Extension agent says it took hard work, creativity to help local families&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — A K-State Research and Extension agent in Wichita County said a child care center that is scheduled to open in early 2022 in Leoti is a testament to what can happen when a community works together on a common problem.&nbsp;Family and consumer sciences agent Aimee Baker said the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/growandlearnchildcarecenter/">Grow and Learn Child Care Center</a> is expected to open its doors on Jan. 3, 2022, ending a situation she described as “chaos” for local families needing care for their children.&nbsp;Baker was the featured speaker during the June 4&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">First Friday e-Call</a>, a monthly online series hosted by K-State Research and Extension that helps to nurture small businesses and inspire entrepreneurship in Kansas. The online discussions, which routinely host dozens of Kansas citizens from the public and private sectors, are available free each month.&nbsp;“When we started this process, we knew that we would have to show people why we need child care in Wichita County,” Baker told the gathering.&nbsp;She showed a slide that depicted the mayhem that often accompanied families’ typical challenge to secure child care. It included finding relatives to watch their children on certain days of the week, or driving 40 miles to the nearest in-home child care, leaving work early, and juggling which days of the week the child goes to one location or another.&nbsp;Then, the whole schedule may completely change from week to week.&nbsp;“Not only is this time consuming for parents and the family,” Baker said, “but mentally, this is a very chaotic environment for the child to be growing up in.”&nbsp;Baker, who has worked as an extension agent for six years, is the interim president of Grow and Learn Child Care, a project to build a child care center in Leoti. She and her husband, who is president of a bank in Wynona, are raising two children – ages 6 and 3.&nbsp;“We all know that child care is a huge issue in each of our Kansas counties,” Baker said. “And we’re all trying to find ways to extend our help and resources.”&nbsp;When a local child care option opens that parents trust, it can take away what was once chaos and give the adults the confidence to return to the work force, something that also boosts the local economy, according to Baker.&nbsp;“Knowing your child is being taken care of every day and that they are in a safe environment where they are being nurtured is going to make you more valuable in the work force,” she said.&nbsp;Surveys in Wichita County found that 84 families were in need of child care that was affordable, safe and provided a nurturing environment. Of the 84, 67 adults indicated they would return to the local work force if they could find appropriate care.&nbsp;Baker said she has worked to establish an adequate facility since 2017, during which time the group has formed a public-private partnership with the local school district, established nonprofit status, written bylaws and raised funds, among other accomplishments.&nbsp;But it hasn’t been easy. “This all looks nice and neat, but in the process, I was having conversations with (people), and our economic development officer was talking with others,” Baker said. “There were many conversations happening that led us to where we are today.”&nbsp;Some of the lessons learned include:&nbsp; <ul>
 <li>Hire a grant writer.&nbsp;The local group has applied for nine grants and only been turned down once.&nbsp;</li><li>Apply for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/csp">Community Service Tax Credits</a>&nbsp;program offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions to approved projects.&nbsp;</li><li>Remember community alumni.&nbsp;Use available mailing lists to contact people who may no longer live in the area, but still have a connection to the community. Baker said the local group raised approximately $80,000 from Wichita County alumni.&nbsp;</li><li>Negotiate with your preferred contractor.&nbsp;Baker said the local group wasted time offering a bidding process that would not have resulted in the facility they had sought. Instead, she suggests working with a contractor you trust to negotiate timelines, budget and other aspects you are seeking.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Baker said the Grow and Learn Child Care Center is still working on funding, but the project is well on its way to completion in early 2022.&nbsp;Baker’s&nbsp;full talk and other First Friday presentations are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

Western Kansas group works to resolve child care ‘chaos’ 

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure>Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616431264408.png" alt="" />
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Recent obituaries

CORRECTED, 9:45 a.m. Monday to clarify the time of the event.&nbsp;

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. on June 18th at its Administrative offices, 2703 Hall St., Suite 10, in Hays.

The public is invited to attend the open house and view both its new Donor Wall and Joey Weber Tribute Wall.&nbsp; This will also be an opportunity to learn more about DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together capital campaign and their programs and services.&nbsp; The event will include a ribbon cutting by the Hays Chamber of Commerce and refreshments.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CORRECTED, 9:45 a.m. Monday to clarify the time of the event.&nbsp;SubmittedDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. on June 18th at its Administrative offices, 2703 Hall St., Suite 10, in Hays.The public is invited to attend the open house and view both its new Donor Wall and Joey Weber Tribute Wall.&nbsp; This will also be an opportunity to learn more about DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together capital campaign and their programs and services.&nbsp; The event will include a ribbon cutting by the Hays Chamber of Commerce and refreshments.&nbsp;DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="http://www.dsnwk.org">www.dsnwk.org</a> to learn more about services and ways to support.

DSNWK ribbon-cutting ceremony set for this week

The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hays State University Literacy Service Center, a program providing affordable virtual literacy tutoring to children and adults of all ages. The Literacy Service Center also offers one-on-one support by using research-based methods to enhance and advance all participants’ literacy skills.&nbsp;

Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports numerous local causes, including donating thousands of dollars annually in the form of scholarships, supporting the Community Assistance Center in Hays, Kansas, and dedicating their resources to help improve life in Ellis County. This year will mark the lodge’s first donation to the FHSU Literacy Service Center and will help further their mission of adding to the quality of life within the local community and inspiring others to do timely and well-considered charitable work.&nbsp;

“To address the need for high-quality literacy tutoring in high-demand areas such as rural Kansas, Dr. Broman Miller started the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute in the fall semester of 2018,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Chris Neeley. “Because the Institute offers free and virtual tutoring, it can reach rural areas that might not have access to quality tutoring, and hopefully, the use of the Reading Horizons software will help change the trajectory of students who experienced a negative impact from COVID-19.”&nbsp;

With hopes of providing support to Dr. Broman Miller’s mission and help children who have fallen behind during the global pandemic, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to provide a monetary donation of $11,500 to the FHSU Literacy Service Center. The funds will allow the university to purchase the annual literacy software site license from Reading Horizons, a software program that offers students an explicit, structured literacy approach to tutoring that hasn’t been offered previously. Additionally, the software follows guidelines recently mandated by the Kansas Legislature and recommended by the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia. A formal donation ceremony took place at the Fort Hays State University Campus on June 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421453197.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hays State University Literacy Service Center, a program providing affordable virtual literacy tutoring to children and adults of all ages. The Literacy Service Center also offers one-on-one support by using research-based methods to enhance and advance all participants’ literacy skills.&nbsp;Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports numerous local causes, including donating thousands of dollars annually in the form of scholarships, supporting the Community Assistance Center in Hays, Kansas, and dedicating their resources to help improve life in Ellis County. This year will mark the lodge’s first donation to the FHSU Literacy Service Center and will help further their mission of adding to the quality of life within the local community and inspiring others to do timely and well-considered charitable work.&nbsp;“To address the need for high-quality literacy tutoring in high-demand areas such as rural Kansas, Dr. Broman Miller started the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute in the fall semester of 2018,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Chris Neeley. “Because the Institute offers free and virtual tutoring, it can reach rural areas that might not have access to quality tutoring, and hopefully, the use of the Reading Horizons software will help change the trajectory of students who experienced a negative impact from COVID-19.”&nbsp;With hopes of providing support to Dr. Broman Miller’s mission and help children who have fallen behind during the global pandemic, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to provide a monetary donation of $11,500 to the FHSU Literacy Service Center. The funds will allow the university to purchase the annual literacy software site license from Reading Horizons, a software program that offers students an explicit, structured literacy approach to tutoring that hasn’t been offered previously. Additionally, the software follows guidelines recently mandated by the Kansas Legislature and recommended by the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia. A formal donation ceremony took place at the Fort Hays State University Campus on June 3.

Hays Masons donate to the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute

I heard a statement a few months ago that has really stuck with me and it describes my work in Extension, and especially 4-H, very well.

“It is important to balance the Jetsons and the Flintstones” – to me, this is about continuing to learn and provide up-to-date research-based information while being respectful of the foundations and history of 4-H. This can be complicated when I hear from community members or 4-H alumni who say “that isn’t the way we did 4-H when I was a kid”.&nbsp;

The fair is often an event that I hear “just isn’t the same” and that can come from many perspectives. I grew up with a small, county fair and I’ve worked with small, county fairs as well as larger fairs with many activities. Both have merit as community events but my focus will always be providing opportunities for 4-H members to share project learning with the community (that is really what a fair exhibit is!), receive feedback from a judge, and practice communication skills. These skills along with community service, leadership, and teamwork are truly the foundations of 4-H.&nbsp;

Yes – some of the projects and activities may look different as 4-H continues to look for avenues to provide youth with life skills as well career and job preparation and opportunities.

One of the neat opportunities that some 4-H Alumni have is to look at a career in Extension. We are fortunate to have a summer intern, Tamara Robertson, who grew up in 4-H in Ford County. She served as a camp counselor for several years, worked at Rock Springs Ranch for 4-H Camp a couple of years ago and will graduate from FHSU this year with aspirations of working in Extension. When you see Tamara at events and the fair, be sure to give her a warm Barton County welcome!

We invite the community to come out to the fair July 7-11 to check out 4-H members’ work and the other events and activities that the Barton County Fair Association have put together to celebrate our heritage in agriculture and our Barton County Communities!

&nbsp;The theme for the fair this year is “A New Beginning” which is a nod to the history of our area and celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail while looking forward as the fair adjusts and adds a fresh perspective to the events. Sounds like a balance of the Flintstones and Jetsons to me!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I heard a statement a few months ago that has really stuck with me and it describes my work in Extension, and especially 4-H, very well.“It is important to balance the Jetsons and the Flintstones” – to me, this is about continuing to learn and provide up-to-date research-based information while being respectful of the foundations and history of 4-H. This can be complicated when I hear from community members or 4-H alumni who say “that isn’t the way we did 4-H when I was a kid”.&nbsp;The fair is often an event that I hear “just isn’t the same” and that can come from many perspectives. I grew up with a small, county fair and I’ve worked with small, county fairs as well as larger fairs with many activities. Both have merit as community events but my focus will always be providing opportunities for 4-H members to share project learning with the community (that is really what a fair exhibit is!), receive feedback from a judge, and practice communication skills. These skills along with community service, leadership, and teamwork are truly the foundations of 4-H.&nbsp;Yes – some of the projects and activities may look different as 4-H continues to look for avenues to provide youth with life skills as well career and job preparation and opportunities.One of the neat opportunities that some 4-H Alumni have is to look at a career in Extension. We are fortunate to have a summer intern, Tamara Robertson, who grew up in 4-H in Ford County. She served as a camp counselor for several years, worked at Rock Springs Ranch for 4-H Camp a couple of years ago and will graduate from FHSU this year with aspirations of working in Extension. When you see Tamara at events and the fair, be sure to give her a warm Barton County welcome!We invite the community to come out to the fair July 7-11 to check out 4-H members’ work and the other events and activities that the Barton County Fair Association have put together to celebrate our heritage in agriculture and our Barton County Communities!&nbsp;The theme for the fair this year is “A New Beginning” which is a nod to the history of our area and celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail while looking forward as the fair adjusts and adds a fresh perspective to the events. Sounds like a balance of the Flintstones and Jetsons to me!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Balancing the Jetsons and the Flintstones

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis Alliance executive director Sophia Henrickson shares details about the upcoming Ellis Summer Art Walk.

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Ellis Art Walk" 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=5ts2w-1062049-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, Ellis Alliance executive director Sophia Henrickson shares details about the upcoming Ellis Summer Art Walk.<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: Preparations underway for Ellis Art Walk

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Now that the city of Hays has an additional revenue stream through its share of the Ellis County sales tax, plans are moving ahead for building another fire station.

It's been discussed since the 1990s with different locations considered.

There are two fire stations in Hays.&nbsp; The primary location is downtown in City Hall at 1507 Main and serves as department headquarters.

 The second station is at the Hays Regional Airport. It's a&nbsp;Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is staffed only during&nbsp;commercial aviation operations.

However, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the firefighters were split between the two facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the first responders.&nbsp;

It became apparent both locations could be staffed full-time with existing staff.

The new station, which would also serve as department headquarters, is planned for 41st Street and Post Road, where the city owns a&nbsp;three-acre tract of land to protect a city water well.&nbsp;

Residential and commercial growth is fastest in the northwest part of Hays, according to Collin Bielser, asst. city manager.&nbsp; 

A fire station at 41st Street would improve the response time to that area and also enhance the city's ISO fire rating.

Chief Ryan Hagans also likes the idea of a more spacious headquarters.

"It's crowded in our apparatus bay. All of our personal protection equipment has to be stored in the bay and our fire trucks are stacked," Hagans told Hays city commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"In the event the front fire truck doesn't start for whatever reason, the one behind it can't get out of the station because of the way the roof structure is designed with center support columns.

"The new station would be designed to be wide open and be utilized as a true drive-through."

The downtown fire station does not have a true decontamination room, Hagans pointed out.&nbsp;

"Firefighters and police officers, we have the potential to be exposed to harmful chemicals at any time.

"By having a dedicated room, we can clean our gear better. It would have a shower in there. Getting those chemicals washed off would prevent bringing that stuff back into our living quarters."

Right now, Ryan said if a firefighter or police officer is exposed to toxic elements on the job, "we'll probably just wash them off there on the scene, bring them back here to the apparatus bay and wash them off again."

The new station would include private bunk rooms with lockers and private bathrooms with&nbsp; showers, making it more gender-inclusive.

Hagans said the current station on Main Street would become the fire department substation and would be remodeled for privacy in the living areas. The fire department's office area would be freed up for other uses in the city hall.&nbsp;

The 21 full-time Hays firefighters work a rotating 24-hour shift, followed by 48 hours off. They conduct many non-emergency activities, including building fire safety inspections.&nbsp;

Firefighters are required to pass an annual physical and therefore are provided the time to work out daily. The workout room in the new facility would be available for use by all public safety employees of the city, Hagans said.&nbsp;

The downtown location, which also houses the city's IT system, is prone to flooding. The IT equipment would be moved to the new proposed location.&nbsp;

Firms on the short list of requests for qualifications and proposals are scheduled to be notified Monday.&nbsp;

After reviews, Bielser anticipates a recommended award of contract to be presented to the city commission in late August or early September.&nbsp;

In 2020, Ellis County voters approved a ¼ cent sales tax which will result in the city of Hays&nbsp;receiving approximately $700,000 to $900,000 in annual revenue for a period of 10 years.

The city commission has already chosen to dedicate some of the funds to quality of life projects such as the ARC Park parking lot and enhancements at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;

"We've already addressed quality-of-life.... I think this is a safety-of-life issue and we need to pursue it," said Michael Berges, commissioner.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Commission has dedicated a portion of its sales tax revenues to improvements in the county's emergency medical services.&nbsp;

"I think this goes hand-in-hand with that," Berges added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623507024591.jpeg" alt="The city of Hays plans to build a second fire station at 41st Street and Post Road which will become the department's new headquarters. Requests for fire station architectural design services qualifications and a proposal were due to the city last week. (Photos courtesy Hays Fire Dept.)" />
 <figcaption>The city of Hays plans to build a second fire station at 41st Street and Post Road which will become the department's new headquarters. Requests for fire station architectural design services qualifications and a proposal were due to the city last week. (Photos courtesy Hays Fire Dept.)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostNow that the city of Hays has an additional revenue stream through its share of the Ellis County sales tax, plans are moving ahead for building another fire station.It's been discussed since the 1990s with different locations considered.There are two fire stations in Hays.&nbsp; The primary location is downtown in City Hall at 1507 Main and serves as department headquarters. The second station is at the Hays Regional Airport. It's a&nbsp;Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is staffed only during&nbsp;commercial aviation operations.However, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the firefighters were split between the two facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the first responders.&nbsp;It became apparent both locations could be staffed full-time with existing staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623511022968.jpeg" alt="Location of the proposed fire station at 41st and Post Road.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Location of the proposed fire station at 41st and Post Road.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The new station, which would also serve as department headquarters, is planned for 41st Street and Post Road, where the city owns a&nbsp;three-acre tract of land to protect a city water well.&nbsp;Residential and commercial growth is fastest in the northwest part of Hays, according to Collin Bielser, asst. city manager.&nbsp; A fire station at 41st Street would improve the response time to that area and also enhance the city's ISO fire rating.Chief Ryan Hagans also likes the idea of a more spacious headquarters."It's crowded in our apparatus bay. All of our personal protection equipment has to be stored in the bay and our fire trucks are stacked," Hagans told Hays city commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;"In the event the front fire truck doesn't start for whatever reason, the one behind it can't get out of the station because of the way the roof structure is designed with center support columns."The new station would be designed to be wide open and be utilized as a true drive-through."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5KkHRyeXu_0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The downtown fire station does not have a true decontamination room, Hagans pointed out.&nbsp;"Firefighters and police officers, we have the potential to be exposed to harmful chemicals at any time."By having a dedicated room, we can clean our gear better. It would have a shower in there. Getting those chemicals washed off would prevent bringing that stuff back into our living quarters."Right now, Ryan said if a firefighter or police officer is exposed to toxic elements on the job, "we'll probably just wash them off there on the scene, bring them back here to the apparatus bay and wash them off again."The new station would include private bunk rooms with lockers and private bathrooms with&nbsp; showers, making it more gender-inclusive.Hagans said the current station on Main Street would become the fire department substation and would be remodeled for privacy in the living areas. The fire department's office area would be freed up for other uses in the city hall.&nbsp;The 21 full-time Hays firefighters work a rotating 24-hour shift, followed by 48 hours off. They conduct many non-emergency activities, including building fire safety inspections.&nbsp;Firefighters are required to pass an annual physical and therefore are provided the time to work out daily. The workout room in the new facility would be available for use by all public safety employees of the city, Hagans said.&nbsp;"This is a great benefit for us."The downtown location, which also houses the city's IT system, is prone to flooding. The IT equipment would be moved to the new proposed location.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623537706458.jpeg" alt="History of Hays fire stations and staffing" />
 <figcaption>History of Hays fire stations and staffing</figcaption>
 </figure>Firms on the short list of requests for qualifications and proposals are scheduled to be notified Monday.&nbsp;After reviews, Bielser anticipates a recommended award of contract to be presented to the city commission in late August or early September.&nbsp;In 2020, Ellis County voters approved a ¼ cent sales tax which will result in the city of Hays&nbsp;receiving approximately $700,000 to $900,000 in annual revenue for a period of 10 years.The city commission has already chosen to dedicate some of the funds to quality of life projects such as the ARC Park parking lot and enhancements at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;"We've already addressed quality-of-life.... I think this is a safety-of-life issue and we need to pursue it," said Michael Berges, commissioner.&nbsp;The Ellis County Commission has dedicated a portion of its sales tax revenues to improvements in the county's emergency medical services.&nbsp;"I think this goes hand-in-hand with that," Berges added.

🎥 City plans for second fire station in northwest Hays

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Thursday, June 3, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal At
Large--13th and Walnut, Hays; 1:08 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2/24 12 AM; 3:50 PM 
Theft (general)—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:23 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--500 block W 33rd St, Hays; 4/1 8 AM 
Worthless Check—2800 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 12:39 PM 
Disturbance – General--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:42 PM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:42 PM 
Suspicious Person—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:01 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2400 block Hall St, Hays; 5:18 PM 
Accidental Death--1100 block Pinehurst St, Hays; 6:20 PM 
MV Accident-Personal Injury—Hays; 7:22 PM 
Criminal Trespass—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:31 PM 
Criminal Trespass—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 9:09 PM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:57 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Thursday, June 3, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Animal At
Large--13th and Walnut, Hays; 1:08 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2/24 12 AM; 3:50 PM 
Theft (general)—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:23 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--500 block W 33rd St, Hays; 4/1 8 AM 
Worthless Check—2800 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 12:39 PM 
Disturbance – General--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:42 PM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:42 PM 
Suspicious Person—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:01 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2400 block Hall St, Hays; 5:18 PM 
Accidental Death--1100 block Pinehurst St, Hays; 6:20 PM 
MV Accident-Personal Injury—Hays; 7:22 PM 
Criminal Trespass—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:31 PM 
Criminal Trespass—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 9:09 PM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:57 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Friday, June 4, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Drug
Offenses—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:08 AM 
Suspicious Activity—2700 block Elm St, Hays; 3:18 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—500 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:57 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—100 block W 18th St, ; 1:28 PM 
Welfare Check—200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 2:05 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—400 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:55 PM; 6:58 PM 
Animal At Large--500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:29 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2200 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 4:33 PM 
Theft (general)—1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 5/26 12 PM; 5/27 8:11 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3000 block E 27th St, Hays; 6:11 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 6/3 10 PM; 6/4 7:30 PM 
Disturbance – General--200 block E 4th St, Hays; 10:26 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Saturday, June 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--1300 block Allen St, Hays; 1:56 AM 
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ--200 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:04 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block Donald Dr, Hays; 8:26 AM 
Death by Natural Causes—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7 AM; 8:48 AM 
Mental Health Call—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 8:53 AM; 9:22 AM 
Animal At Large--22nd St and Douglas Dr, Hays; 10:09 AM 
Death by Natural Causes—1300 block Oak St, Hays; 6/4 12:01 AM; 7 AM 
Found/Lost Property—700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:18 AM; 11:39 AM 
Civil Dispute—700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:05 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:30 AM 
Intoxicated Subject—500 block E 7th St, Hays; 12:02 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:28 PM 
Animal At Large—100 block E 28th St, Hays; 4:11 PM 
Disturbance – General—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:19 PM 
Mental Health Call--700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:28 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--500 block W 35th St, Hays; 7:45 PM 
Theft (general)—3400 block Vine St, Hays; 5/24 12 AM; 6/5 2 PM 
Domestic Disturbance--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6 PM; 8:50 PM 
Intoxicated Subject—2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 11:14 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Sunday, June 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Disturbance –
General--207 block W 10th St, Hays; 1:54 AM 
Theft (general)--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2 AM; 2:02 AM 
Disturbance – Noise—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 3:26 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:31 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3300 block Willow St, Hays; 10:10 AM 
Animal At Large—500 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:37 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—300 block W 37th St, Hays; 2:43 PM 
Disturbance – Fight—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:25 PM 
Animal Injured--22nd St and Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 4:34 PM 
Mental Health Call—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 5:44 PM 
Animal At Large—200 block W 37th St, Hays; 6:43 PM 
Civil Dispute--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 6:54 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—600 block E 5th St, Hays; 7 PM; 9:42 PM 
Probation/Parole Violation--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:54 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 27 traffic stops Monday, June 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Theft
(general)—500 block W 16th St, Hays; 6/6 11:30 PM; 6/7 12 AM 
Dangerous Animal—100 block E 5th St, Hays; 10:15 AM 
Disturbance – General—1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 10:47 AM 
Theft (general)—100 block Ash St, Hays; 11:05 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--1100 block E 30th St, Hays; 3:03 PM 
Criminal Trespass—400 block W 8th St, Hays; 6/6 7:15 PM; 6/7 3:30 PM 
Stalking—400 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:44 PM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 4:56 PM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 6:07 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 Vine St, Hays; 6:54 PM 
Parking Complaint—1400 block Fort St, Hays; 5/28 9:25 PM; 6/7 9:25 PM 
Disturbance – General—3300 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; &nbsp;9:59 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Tuesday, June 8, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence—2400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:02 AM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--2300 block Hall St, Hays; 6/7 5:30 PM;
6/8 7:30 AM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/12 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/13 8 AM; 8/13 5 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 9:18 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 9:45 AM 
Welfare Check—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 11:10 AM 
Water Use Violation--2300 block Plum St, Hays; 1:07 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—500 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:02 PM 
Mental Health Call—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:25 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents--2600 Vine St, Hays; 3:41 PM 
Animal At Large—300 block W 48th St, Hays; 4:16 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—4300 block Vine St, Hays 4:40 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 4:54 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:47 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:18 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:10 PM 
Drug Offenses—3800 block Vine St, Hays; 10:52 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Wednesday, June 9, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

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