A dumpster fire in Hays led to an arrest on suspicion of arson.

At about 2:59 a.m. July 31, the Hays Police Department was dispatched to the report of a dumpster on fire in the 200 block of West Sixth, according to Don Scheibler, Hays Police Department chief of police.

"When officers arrived on scene, it was completely engulfed," he said.

The fire was extinguished, with damage contained to the dumpster. Officers began investigating and identified a suspect shortly after.

Within an hour, Barrett Wayne Day, 47, Hays, was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Day has two previous drug possession convictions, according to Kansas Department of Correction records.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostA dumpster fire in Hays led to an arrest on suspicion of arson.At about 2:59 a.m. July 31, the Hays Police Department was dispatched to the report of a dumpster on fire in the 200 block of West Sixth, according to Don Scheibler, Hays Police Department chief of police."When officers arrived on scene, it was completely engulfed," he said.The fire was extinguished, with damage contained to the dumpster. Officers began investigating and identified a suspect shortly after.Within an hour, Barrett Wayne Day, 47, Hays, was arrested on suspicion of arson.Day has two previous drug possession convictions, according to Kansas Department of Correction records.

Dumpster fire leads to arson arrest

Three-day weather outlook

That the beliefs which political parties express—like the Republican party and “conservatism” or the Democratic party and “liberalism”—are best understood as packages of ideas, which can be re-packaged and re-arranged as political elites find it useful to do so, is hardly a new idea. Still, the use of “choice” in Kansas politics is a good reminder of this fact.

A year from now the “Value Them Both” amendment will be on the ballot. If it passes, it would invalidate the Kansas supreme court ruling that our state constitution includes a guaranteed right to access abortion services. It is, therefore, a “pro-life” amendment, which generally aims to protect fetal life rather than protect the right of women to make certain medical choices. Those committed to passing this amendment likely don’t care what language is used—but when it comes to winning a statewide election, language matters, and that is where some Kansas voters may find the messages they hear confusing.

Why? Because those who have historically organized to defend the right to abortion—and thus would oppose the passage of the amendment—have tended to emphasize trusting women’s choices. And that “pro-choice” language is pretty similar to that which many prominent Republican supporters of the proposed amendment have relied upon throughout the pandemic.

The words of Senator Ty Masterson, a Republican leader who has consistently opposed various public health restrictions proposed by Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, over the past year and a half, is emblematic. As low vaccination rates led to a recent surge in a deadly COVID-variant across Kansas, and Kelly mandated a return to masks for state employees in an attempt to control its spread, Masterson strongly dissented. He stated that when it comes to personal medical decisions, the government needs to trust Kansans’ choices and “stop telling people how to live.”&nbsp;

Such a libertarian insistence upon personal choice and responsibility is perfectly compatible with many well-established arrangements of conservative thought. But it is also arguably in contradiction to the effort to remove a guaranteed right to choose to access abortion services. Thus will a few conservative Kansas voters perhaps find themselves perplexed. If the pandemic taught you to strongly affirm that the government should respect the free choices of the people when it comes to getting vaccinated or wearing a mask, then why would you also affirm that the government should restrict free choices when it comes to abortion?

Of course, the reason I wrote “perhaps” above is because ideas can always be re-packaged. If necessary, conservative leaders in Kansas will surely find ways to insist that the free choice not to get vaccinated and the free choice to obtain an abortion are completely different ideas, and so there is no contradiction in honoring the first while limiting the second. Depending upon the reasoning used, they won’t be wrong. (And remember all of this goes for Democrats as well, who can equally arrange their liberal ideas so as to defend one person’s personal right to choose abortion while also denying another person’s personal right to refuse to wear a mask.)

What’s the upshot of all this? Perhaps simply that the principle of being free to make personal choices in America depends upon how the parties that win elections justify it. The next time you hear a politician insist that their beliefs about what the people should be free to choose are the built upon bedrock ideological principles, remember that in politics, even bedrock can change.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>That the beliefs which political parties express—like the Republican party and “conservatism” or the Democratic party and “liberalism”—are best understood as packages of ideas, which can be re-packaged and re-arranged as political elites find it useful to do so, is hardly a new idea. Still, the use of “choice” in Kansas politics is a good reminder of this fact.A year from now the “Value Them Both” amendment will be on the ballot. If it passes, it would invalidate the Kansas supreme court ruling that our state constitution includes a guaranteed right to access abortion services. It is, therefore, a “pro-life” amendment, which generally aims to protect fetal life rather than protect the right of women to make certain medical choices. Those committed to passing this amendment likely don’t care what language is used—but when it comes to winning a statewide election, language matters, and that is where some Kansas voters may find the messages they hear confusing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Why? Because those who have historically organized to defend the right to abortion—and thus would oppose the passage of the amendment—have tended to emphasize trusting women’s choices. And that “pro-choice” language is pretty similar to that which many prominent Republican supporters of the proposed amendment have relied upon throughout the pandemic.The words of Senator Ty Masterson, a Republican leader who has consistently opposed various public health restrictions proposed by Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, over the past year and a half, is emblematic. As low vaccination rates led to a recent surge in a deadly COVID-variant across Kansas, and Kelly mandated a return to masks for state employees in an attempt to control its spread, Masterson strongly dissented. He stated that when it comes to personal medical decisions, the government needs to trust Kansans’ choices and “stop telling people how to live.”&nbsp;Such a libertarian insistence upon personal choice and responsibility is perfectly compatible with many well-established arrangements of conservative thought. But it is also arguably in contradiction to the effort to remove a guaranteed right to choose to access abortion services. Thus will a few conservative Kansas voters perhaps find themselves perplexed. If the pandemic taught you to strongly affirm that the government should respect the free choices of the people when it comes to getting vaccinated or wearing a mask, then why would you also affirm that the government should restrict free choices when it comes to abortion?Of course, the reason I wrote “perhaps” above is because ideas can always be re-packaged. If necessary, conservative leaders in Kansas will surely find ways to insist that the free choice not to get vaccinated and the free choice to obtain an abortion are completely different ideas, and so there is no contradiction in honoring the first while limiting the second. Depending upon the reasoning used, they won’t be wrong. (And remember all of this goes for Democrats as well, who can equally arrange their liberal ideas so as to defend one person’s personal right to choose abortion while also denying another person’s personal right to refuse to wear a mask.)What’s the upshot of all this? Perhaps simply that the principle of being free to make personal choices in America depends upon how the parties that win elections justify it. The next time you hear a politician insist that their beliefs about what the people should be free to choose are the built upon bedrock ideological principles, remember that in politics, even bedrock can change.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The continuing confusion over “choice” in Kan.

By Jonathan Zweygardt Hays Post&nbsp;

The Ellis County Dispatch Center is back up a running after
flooding from a sprinkler head activation caused significant damage to
equipment. 

On Monday, Aug. 2 at about 5 p.m. workers soldering on the
dispatch center’s HVAC accidentally set off a fire suppression system sprinkler, spraying water on dispatch equipment and flooding a portion of rooms housing
equipment belonging to the county, the City of Hays and Nex-Tech.

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said staff was
quickly able to roll the phone calls over to the Hays Fire Department and 911
phone calls were transferred to the Pratt County.

“Within a couple of hours, we had a significant amount of
the equipment back up,” said Myers.

Information Technology Director Mike Leiker told
the county commission that they were able to get the last couple of things back up and
running Monday with used and borrowed equipment.

Leiker said there was a lot of network equipment that was
directly below the sprinkler head that was impacted by the water. 

“Fortunately, we had moved all of the servers into the newly
remodeled, what used to be the shower, server room,” Leiker said. “None of the
servers were damaged, thankfully because our downtime would have been significant
if there were to have happened.”

Leiker estimated that there were as many as 10 switchers, owned by the city of Hays and the county, that
were damaged by the water.

Insurance will cover the nearly $80,000 in damage. The most
expensive piece of equipment destroyed records law enforcement phone calls and
public safety radios and 911 phone calls, estimated to cost a little over
$60,000.

Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said, “I think the county and
the citizens are just so very fortunate to have such qualified personnel to
jump on this kind of a situation and get it resolved in an expedited manner. We
are truly blessed with our personnel.”

Both Leiker and Myers thanked all of the city and county IT
staff members who chipped into help along with Nex-Tech staff members, several
different county and city agencies and Clean-Rite.

“In an emergency you tend to panic,” Leiker said. “But there
wasn’t any panic, we were able to mitigate it pretty quickly.”

Myers said they had the fire sprinkler company come back to
the building and go over the system again. They moved the sprinkler head and
placed fire extinguishers in the room to avoid a similar situation in the
future.

“I think we’ll learn a lot from this experience too,” Leiker
said. “We’ll come out of it better.”

In other business the commission approved a resolution updating
the hours in which alcohol is allowed to be sold on Sunday’s. Earlier this year
Governor Laura Kelly signed a measure that changes the hours to 9 a.m. to 8
p.m. The change only currently affects one establishment located in the county.

The commission also got an update from High Plains Mental
Health, approved a grant for the Northwest Business Corridor and got an update
on employee health insurance costs for 2022.

By Jonathan Zweygardt Hays Post&nbsp;The Ellis County Dispatch Center is back up a running after
flooding from a sprinkler head activation caused significant damage to
equipment. On Monday, Aug. 2 at about 5 p.m. workers soldering on the
dispatch center’s HVAC accidentally set off a fire suppression system sprinkler, spraying water on dispatch equipment and flooding a portion of rooms housing
equipment belonging to the county, the City of Hays and Nex-Tech.Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said staff was
quickly able to roll the phone calls over to the Hays Fire Department and 911
phone calls were transferred to the Pratt County.“Within a couple of hours, we had a significant amount of
the equipment back up,” said Myers.Information Technology Director Mike Leiker told
the county commission that they were able to get the last couple of things back up and
running Monday with used and borrowed equipment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628901021447.jpeg" alt="Water impacted several pieces of networking equipment in the dispatch center&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Water impacted several pieces of networking equipment in the dispatch center&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Leiker said there was a lot of network equipment that was
directly below the sprinkler head that was impacted by the water. “Fortunately, we had moved all of the servers into the newly
remodeled, what used to be the shower, server room,” Leiker said. “None of the
servers were damaged, thankfully because our downtime would have been significant
if there were to have happened.”Leiker estimated that there were as many as 10 switchers, owned by the city of Hays and the county, that
were damaged by the water.Insurance will cover the nearly $80,000 in damage. The most
expensive piece of equipment destroyed records law enforcement phone calls and
public safety radios and 911 phone calls, estimated to cost a little over
$60,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628901313469.jpeg" alt="A computer monitor damaged by the sprinkler&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A computer monitor damaged by the sprinkler&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said, “I think the county and
the citizens are just so very fortunate to have such qualified personnel to
jump on this kind of a situation and get it resolved in an expedited manner. We
are truly blessed with our personnel.”Both Leiker and Myers thanked all of the city and county IT
staff members who chipped into help along with Nex-Tech staff members, several
different county and city agencies and Clean-Rite.“In an emergency you tend to panic,” Leiker said. “But there
wasn’t any panic, we were able to mitigate it pretty quickly.”Myers said they had the fire sprinkler company come back to
the building and go over the system again. They moved the sprinkler head and
placed fire extinguishers in the room to avoid a similar situation in the
future.“I think we’ll learn a lot from this experience too,” Leiker
said. “We’ll come out of it better.”In other business the commission approved a resolution updating
the hours in which alcohol is allowed to be sold on Sunday’s. Earlier this year
Governor Laura Kelly signed a measure that changes the hours to 9 a.m. to 8
p.m. The change only currently affects one establishment located in the county.The commission also got an update from High Plains Mental
Health, approved a grant for the Northwest Business Corridor and got an update
on employee health insurance costs for 2022.

County dispatch center back up and running after sprinkler incident

Beginning Monday, August 16, 5th Street in Hays will be closed between Santa Fe and Milner for reconstruction of pavement. 

This section of 5th Street will remain closed for approximately one week. 

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. 

Contact the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291672014.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday, August 16, 5th Street in Hays will be closed between Santa Fe and Milner for reconstruction of pavement. This section of 5th Street will remain closed for approximately one week. The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. Contact the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 with questions.

5th Street between Santa Fe and Milner closed beginning Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.&nbsp;

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

As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 10 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,860 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628877370183.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Update: Aug. 13, 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=6rd2f-10b3bda-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 10 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,860 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙12 new COVID cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses online misinformation

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A slow moving thunderstorm dumped nearly three inches of rain in Hays early Thursday evening.

As officially measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, 2.73 inches of rain fell in Hays, along with 10 minutes of intermittent small hail pea and marbled-size.

After a high temperature of&nbsp; 102 degrees (The record high for August 12 is 115 degrees in 1936), the weather system blew in from the northwest shortly after 6:30 p.m. with a peak wind gust of 49 mph recorded at the Hays Regional Airport.&nbsp;

Small tree limbs and leaves littered lawns and streets and some blue refuse polycarts were overturned and pushed off properties.

The storm also produced lots of lightening and minor street flooding.

Hays has received 3.01 inches of rain so far this month; the average is 3.02 inches by the end of August.

The year-to-date accumulation is 22.11 inches, almost 5 inches ahead of the 152-year cumulative average of 17.73 inches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628868499758.jpeg" alt="Lightning strikes recorded at 7:10 p.m. during Thursday's thunderstorm that moved through Hays. (Courtesy WeatherBug)" />
 <figcaption>Lightning strikes recorded at 7:10 p.m. during Thursday's thunderstorm that moved through Hays. (Courtesy WeatherBug)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA slow moving thunderstorm dumped nearly three inches of rain in Hays early Thursday evening.As officially measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, 2.73 inches of rain fell in Hays, along with 10 minutes of intermittent small hail pea and marbled-size.After a high temperature of&nbsp; 102 degrees (The record high for August 12 is 115 degrees in 1936), the weather system blew in from the northwest shortly after 6:30 p.m. with a peak wind gust of 49 mph recorded at the Hays Regional Airport.&nbsp;Small tree limbs and leaves littered lawns and streets and some blue refuse polycarts were overturned and pushed off properties.The storm also produced lots of lightening and minor street flooding.Hays has received 3.01 inches of rain so far this month; the average is 3.02 inches by the end of August.The year-to-date accumulation is 22.11 inches, almost 5 inches ahead of the 152-year cumulative average of 17.73 inches.

Thursday night thunderstorm dumps nearly 3" of rain on Hays

By JAMES BELL Hays Post

Wednesday afternoon, about 100 area residents gathered in the downtown pavilion in Hays to hear Governor Laura Kelly share updates from Topeka.

Kelly spoke about the trials faced by the state due to COVID-19 but started her remarks by sharing thoughts on the challenges that faced the state when she took office.

She said that logical decision-making and a desire to listen to all Kansans has created a stronger state since she took office.

"One of the things I'm most proud of," she said. "We recruited and hired true public servants and experts for leadership positions in state government — folks that are driven by service, not politics."

During the remarks, she noted the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the state, asking the public to look back at the first few weeks of the pandemic.

"It feels like it was so long ago, but let's put ourselves back in that moment," Kelly said. "When our hospitals quickly started to fill to capacity, when our medical personnel were overwhelmed, when many Kansans lost friends, neighbors, parents and all of us felt a sense of isolation. Life had changed, and we didn't have any idea for how long, but we did know we were going to be tested like never before, as a nation and as a state."

She said during that time, she was grateful to the state officials that worked to serve Kansans to the best of their ability despite political beliefs.

These professionals came together and used science to do what was best for the state, she said.

Outside of the struggles caused by the pandemic, Kelly spoke about the economic rebound during her tenure spurred by infrastructure investment.

"We have brought in over $6 billion in new capital investment in cities and over 27,000 jobs," she said, with 130 new infrastructure projects.

"We are fixing roads, we are building bridges and we are allowing access to the internet through increased broadband."

She also noted state cash reserves are higher than at any point in the last 40 years.

"All of this is to say; we are moving in the right direction," Kelly said.

But while most of the remarks spoke to accomplishments, she also shared her disappointment with the actions of some state leaders.

"Despite all of the progress we have made these past few years, there are still some politicians in the state that want to take us backward," Kelly said, "many years backward.

"In fact, some of the same politicians that drove our state into the ground 10 years ago, they want the keys back. Back to the days of budget deficits, four-day school weeks, a broken foster care system, and a stagnant economy. Back to the days when an ideological experiment was designed to rev up a political base, not to run a state. We have come way too far to go back to the Brownback agenda."

Concluding her remarks, she pointed out that while the next election is likely to be a tight race, she is not afraid to fight and champion necessary services, and not just political touchstones.

"If that makes me a little boring sometimes, all the better," Kelly said. "Maybe we could use a little more boring in politics today. Three point five percent unemployment, 27,000 new jobs, fully funded schools, budget surplus, there is nothing boring about that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628817842986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays Post Wednesday afternoon, about 100 area residents gathered in the downtown pavilion in Hays to hear Governor Laura Kelly share updates from Topeka.Kelly spoke about the trials faced by the state due to COVID-19 but started her remarks by sharing thoughts on the challenges that faced the state when she took office.She said that logical decision-making and a desire to listen to all Kansans has created a stronger state since she took office."One of the things I'm most proud of," she said. "We recruited and hired true public servants and experts for leadership positions in state government — folks that are driven by service, not politics."During the remarks, she noted the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the state, asking the public to look back at the first few weeks of the pandemic."It feels like it was so long ago, but let's put ourselves back in that moment," Kelly said. "When our hospitals quickly started to fill to capacity, when our medical personnel were overwhelmed, when many Kansans lost friends, neighbors, parents and all of us felt a sense of isolation. Life had changed, and we didn't have any idea for how long, but we did know we were going to be tested like never before, as a nation and as a state."She said during that time, she was grateful to the state officials that worked to serve Kansans to the best of their ability despite political beliefs.These professionals came together and used science to do what was best for the state, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628817825521.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Outside of the struggles caused by the pandemic, Kelly spoke about the economic rebound during her tenure spurred by infrastructure investment."We have brought in over $6 billion in new capital investment in cities and over 27,000 jobs," she said, with 130 new infrastructure projects."We are fixing roads, we are building bridges and we are allowing access to the internet through increased broadband."She also noted state cash reserves are higher than at any point in the last 40 years."All of this is to say; we are moving in the right direction," Kelly said.But while most of the remarks spoke to accomplishments, she also shared her disappointment with the actions of some state leaders."Despite all of the progress we have made these past few years, there are still some politicians in the state that want to take us backward," Kelly said, "many years backward."In fact, some of the same politicians that drove our state into the ground 10 years ago, they want the keys back. Back to the days of budget deficits, four-day school weeks, a broken foster care system, and a stagnant economy. Back to the days when an ideological experiment was designed to rev up a political base, not to run a state. We have come way too far to go back to the Brownback agenda."Concluding her remarks, she pointed out that while the next election is likely to be a tight race, she is not afraid to fight and champion necessary services, and not just political touchstones."If that makes me a little boring sometimes, all the better," Kelly said. "Maybe we could use a little more boring in politics today. Three point five percent unemployment, 27,000 new jobs, fully funded schools, budget surplus, there is nothing boring about that."

Gov. Kelly shares updates from the capital with area residents

LAWRENCE — The names of more than 5,700 graduates at the University of Kansas for fall 2020 and spring 2021 have been announced by the University Registrar. A ceremony for 2020 and 2021 graduates took place May 23.&nbsp;

A list of fall 2020 and spring 2021 graduates from your region is below. Not all graduates opt in to have their names published by KU News Service, and not all counties are represented this year.&nbsp;

Raina&nbsp;Emileen&nbsp;Basso, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies&nbsp;

Josh Lane Clinkscales, Hays, Master of Business Administration&nbsp;

Brandon R Davidson, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Business in Marketing&nbsp;

Alex Feyerherm, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Economics&nbsp;

Taylor Ann Gabel, Hays, Master of Social Work&nbsp;

Zachary M Hopp, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management&nbsp;

Lauren Olivia Keller, Hays, Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition&nbsp;

Mark D Loftus, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry&nbsp;

John Griffin Lowry, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Bachelor of Arts in French, Francophone and Italian Studies&nbsp;

Payton Avery Markley, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry&nbsp;

Matthew T Moeder, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;

Graydon D Olson, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering&nbsp;

Cassandra N Quinby, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science&nbsp;

Michael William Raven, Hays, Juris Doctor&nbsp;

Chase Anthony Romme, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering&nbsp;

Ethen Kober Schmidt, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Science in Astronomy&nbsp;

Jodi A Veach, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology&nbsp;

Raegan Lynn Billinger, Victoria, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology&nbsp;

Alisha Kay Hammerschmidt, Victoria, Master of Social Work&nbsp;

Alexyss J Lambert, Victoria, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry&nbsp;

Katelyn Ashley Lang, Victoria, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering&nbsp;

Kirstin Kay Georgeson, Norton, Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy&nbsp;

Macayla Shae Kent, Norton, Bachelor of Social Work&nbsp;

Jade Elizabeth Colclasure, Portis, Bachelor of Science in Education in Community Health&nbsp;

Alex Braden Atchison, Agra, Juris Doctor&nbsp;

Faith M&nbsp;Hofaker, Logan, Bachelor of Arts in Biology&nbsp;

Kayla R&nbsp;Hofaker, Logan, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;

Mark L Coomes, Phillipsburg, Bachelor of Science in Economics&nbsp;

Macye Noelle Witmer, Phillipsburg, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science&nbsp;

Andrea S Buss, Stockton, Bachelor of General Studies in Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences&nbsp;

Taelyr Ann Blehm, Russell, Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Global and International Studies&nbsp;

Maci Ann Clark, Russell, Bachelor of Science in Biology&nbsp;

Sheila Jeanne Gulick, Russell, Bachelor of General Studies in Psychology&nbsp;

Alexandra Ptacek, Russell, Doctor of Physical Therapy&nbsp;

Brennan Walter, Russell, Doctor of Audiology&nbsp;

Abraham Thomas Pfannenstiel,&nbsp;Wakeeney, Juris Doctor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606950387926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The names of more than 5,700 graduates at the University of Kansas for fall 2020 and spring 2021 have been announced by the University Registrar. A ceremony for 2020 and 2021 graduates took place May 23.&nbsp;A list of fall 2020 and spring 2021 graduates from your region is below. Not all graduates opt in to have their names published by KU News Service, and not all counties are represented this year.&nbsp;<h2>Ellis&nbsp;</h2>Raina&nbsp;Emileen&nbsp;Basso, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies&nbsp;Josh Lane Clinkscales, Hays, Master of Business Administration&nbsp;Brandon R Davidson, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Business in Marketing&nbsp;Alex Feyerherm, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Economics&nbsp;Taylor Ann Gabel, Hays, Master of Social Work&nbsp;Zachary M Hopp, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management&nbsp;Lauren Olivia Keller, Hays, Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition&nbsp;Mark D Loftus, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry&nbsp;John Griffin Lowry, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Bachelor of Arts in French, Francophone and Italian Studies&nbsp;Payton Avery Markley, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry&nbsp;Matthew T Moeder, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;Graydon D Olson, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering&nbsp;Cassandra N Quinby, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science&nbsp;Michael William Raven, Hays, Juris Doctor&nbsp;Chase Anthony Romme, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering&nbsp;Ethen Kober Schmidt, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Science in Astronomy&nbsp;Jodi A Veach, Hays, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology&nbsp;Raegan Lynn Billinger, Victoria, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology&nbsp;Alisha Kay Hammerschmidt, Victoria, Master of Social Work&nbsp;Alexyss J Lambert, Victoria, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry&nbsp;Katelyn Ashley Lang, Victoria, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering&nbsp;<h2>Norton&nbsp;</h2>Kirstin Kay Georgeson, Norton, Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy&nbsp;Macayla Shae Kent, Norton, Bachelor of Social Work&nbsp;<h2>Osborne&nbsp;</h2>Jade Elizabeth Colclasure, Portis, Bachelor of Science in Education in Community Health&nbsp;<h2>Phillips</h2>Alex Braden Atchison, Agra, Juris Doctor&nbsp;Faith M&nbsp;Hofaker, Logan, Bachelor of Arts in Biology&nbsp;Kayla R&nbsp;Hofaker, Logan, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;Mark L Coomes, Phillipsburg, Bachelor of Science in Economics&nbsp;Macye Noelle Witmer, Phillipsburg, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science&nbsp;<h2>Rooks&nbsp;</h2>Andrea S Buss, Stockton, Bachelor of General Studies in Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences&nbsp;<h2>Russell&nbsp;</h2>Taelyr Ann Blehm, Russell, Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Global and International Studies&nbsp;Maci Ann Clark, Russell, Bachelor of Science in Biology&nbsp;Sheila Jeanne Gulick, Russell, Bachelor of General Studies in Psychology&nbsp;Alexandra Ptacek, Russell, Doctor of Physical Therapy&nbsp;Brennan Walter, Russell, Doctor of Audiology&nbsp;<h2>Trego&nbsp;</h2>Abraham Thomas Pfannenstiel,&nbsp;Wakeeney, Juris Doctor.

NW Kan. students among fall graduates at University of Kansas

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1988 Peterbilt semi driven by Britton&nbsp;Sealock, 28, Hoxie, was westbound on U.S. 24 five miles east of Colby.

The semi rear-ended a 2001 Mack truck driven by&nbsp; Leiker, Brady K. Leiker, 27, Victoria, who was attempting to make a right turn on County Road 26.

EMS trasnsported Sealock to the hospital in Colby. Leiker was not injured. Sealock was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1988 Peterbilt semi driven by Britton&nbsp;Sealock, 28, Hoxie, was westbound on U.S. 24 five miles east of Colby.The semi rear-ended a 2001 Mack truck driven by&nbsp; Leiker, Brady K. Leiker, 27, Victoria, who was attempting to make a right turn on County Road 26.EMS trasnsported Sealock to the hospital in Colby. Leiker was not injured. Sealock was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man injured after rear-end crash

The LaCrosse Battle of the Badges blood drive will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday at the LaCrosse City Auditorium.

The LaCrosse Battle of the Badges blood drive will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday at the LaCrosse City Auditorium.

LaCrosse Battle of Badges blood drive Friday

🎙Post Podcast: Herzogfest kicks off Saturday in Victoria

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

A new Dollar General is being built on south Vine Street in Hays.&nbsp;

The store, 606 Vine, is set to open in early 2022. The lot is south of the former Al's Chickenette.

This will be in addition to the chain's existing store at 1208 E. 27th in Hays.

The store will provide area residents with about 7,200 sales-floor square feet and employ six to 10 employees, depending on the individual needs of the store.

Anyone interested in a job at the new store may apply online at www<a href="http://www.dollargeneral.com/careers" target="_blank">.dollargeneral.com/careers</a>.

"Our customers are at the center of all that we do, and&nbsp;meeting customers’ needs is Dollar General’s top priority&nbsp;when choosing store locations," Angela Petkovic, Dollar General spokeswoman,&nbsp;said  via email.

"In selecting store sites, we take a number of factors into consideration, carefully evaluating each potential new store location to ensure we can continue to meet our customers’ price, value and selection needs. We further strive to provide convenience for customers who may not have affordable nearby retail options."

Dollar General sells name-brand and private-brand merchandise, such as foods, health and beauty products, home cleaning supplies, housewares, stationery, seasonal items and basic clothing.

Dollar General sells products from brands, such as Clorox, Procter &amp; Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg's, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.

Dollar General is deeply involved in the communities it serves and is an ardent supporter of literacy and education through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which awards grants each year to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs.

Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has awarded more than $197 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 14 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.&nbsp; For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.dgliteracy.com&amp;d=CwMF-g&amp;c=fEu2bgw3pNXAPCclXAucaUr2IoGZ7yiSSHPvd02mOBQ&amp;r=LMAH1GbEQgiE2CbXk-t-nrEzN5VQ8q-HsbS5e85g_Yg&amp;m=mmAZ4rir6tvYsZ5gQOAUjuHGO6Y78FRzLXGNvDcvPAI&amp;s=-1GuWApzwsADWU1V4ux-1Zg9P1xa7HfS5bu_fjtoNds&amp;e=" target="_blank">www.dgliteracy.com</a>.&nbsp;

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation also supports individuals in the communities that Dollar General stores serve who may be interested in learning how to read, speak English or prepare for the high school equivalency test. 

Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online&nbsp;<a href="http://www2.dollargeneral.com/dgliteracy/Pages/national_literacy_directory.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;or a postage-paid reply card that can be mailed in for information is available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584989533919.jpeg" alt="A new Dollar General is set to open in Hays in early 2022. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A new Dollar General is set to open in Hays in early 2022. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;A new Dollar General is being built on south Vine Street in Hays.&nbsp;The store, 606 Vine, is set to open in early 2022. The lot is south of the former Al's Chickenette.This will be in addition to the chain's existing store at 1208 E. 27th in Hays.The store will provide area residents with about 7,200 sales-floor square feet and employ six to 10 employees, depending on the individual needs of the store.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628625819914.jpeg" alt="Construction is underway at the site of a new Dollar General store at 606 Vine in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Construction is underway at the site of a new Dollar General store at 606 Vine in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone interested in a job at the new store may apply online at www<a href="http://www.dollargeneral.com/careers" target="_blank">.dollargeneral.com/careers</a>."Our customers are at the center of all that we do, and&nbsp;meeting customers’ needs is Dollar General’s top priority&nbsp;when choosing store locations," Angela Petkovic, Dollar General spokeswoman,&nbsp;said via email."In selecting store sites, we take a number of factors into consideration, carefully evaluating each potential new store location to ensure we can continue to meet our customers’ price, value and selection needs. We further strive to provide convenience for customers who may not have affordable nearby retail options."Dollar General sells name-brand and private-brand merchandise, such as foods, health and beauty products, home cleaning supplies, housewares, stationery, seasonal items and basic clothing.Dollar General sells products from brands, such as Clorox, Procter &amp; Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg's, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.<h2>Community service</h2>Dollar General is deeply involved in the communities it serves and is an ardent supporter of literacy and education through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which awards grants each year to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs.Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has awarded more than $197 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 14 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.&nbsp; For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.dgliteracy.com&amp;d=CwMF-g&amp;c=fEu2bgw3pNXAPCclXAucaUr2IoGZ7yiSSHPvd02mOBQ&amp;r=LMAH1GbEQgiE2CbXk-t-nrEzN5VQ8q-HsbS5e85g_Yg&amp;m=mmAZ4rir6tvYsZ5gQOAUjuHGO6Y78FRzLXGNvDcvPAI&amp;s=-1GuWApzwsADWU1V4ux-1Zg9P1xa7HfS5bu_fjtoNds&amp;e=" target="_blank">www.dgliteracy.com</a>.&nbsp;The Dollar General Literacy Foundation also supports individuals in the communities that Dollar General stores serve who may be interested in learning how to read, speak English or prepare for the high school equivalency test. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online&nbsp;<a href="http://www2.dollargeneral.com/dgliteracy/Pages/national_literacy_directory.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;or a postage-paid reply card that can be mailed in for information is available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

Second Dollar General to open in 2022 on south Vine in Hays

After years of marching students to the downtown district, March 2 Main organizers will now partner to welcome students from all of Hays’ higher education institutions at the Back to School Picnic on the Fort Hays State University campus.

This year’s Back to School Picnic will take place Monday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on the Fort Hays State campus quad.

“The mission of the March 2 Main event was always to welcome students to Hays, and introduce them to all Hays has to offer,” said Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We believe that by capitalizing on an already successful event – the Back to School Picnic – we can combine forces to create an even better experience for all parties involved and successfully welcome and connect all three schools.”

The Back to School Picnic invites local organizations and businesses to set up a booth and showcase their services to students. The event is known for food provided by Chartwells, free T-shirts and giveaways, and routinely brings a crowd of around 1,000 students.

Students from NCK Tech, Hays Academy of Hair Design, and FHSU are invited to participate in the Back to School Picnic.

“We are thankful the City of Hays, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, and the leadership of our community are welcoming students from all three campus. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our community and allow students to connect with peers from other campuses,” said Dr. Taylor Kriley, FHSU assistant vice president for student affairs.

This year there will be no charge for local organizations and businesses to set up at the Back to School Picnic. Availability will be on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a booth, groups should contact FHSU Student Engagement at 785-628-4664 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:engage@fhsu.edu">engage@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628173358409.jpeg" alt="Hays CVB booth at 2019 Back to School Picnic / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays CVB booth at 2019 Back to School Picnic / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays CVBAfter years of marching students to the downtown district, March 2 Main organizers will now partner to welcome students from all of Hays’ higher education institutions at the Back to School Picnic on the Fort Hays State University campus.This year’s Back to School Picnic will take place Monday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on the Fort Hays State campus quad.“The mission of the March 2 Main event was always to welcome students to Hays, and introduce them to all Hays has to offer,” said Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.“We believe that by capitalizing on an already successful event – the Back to School Picnic – we can combine forces to create an even better experience for all parties involved and successfully welcome and connect all three schools.”The Back to School Picnic invites local organizations and businesses to set up a booth and showcase their services to students. The event is known for food provided by Chartwells, free T-shirts and giveaways, and routinely brings a crowd of around 1,000 students.Students from NCK Tech, Hays Academy of Hair Design, and FHSU are invited to participate in the Back to School Picnic.“We are thankful the City of Hays, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, and the leadership of our community are welcoming students from all three campus. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our community and allow students to connect with peers from other campuses,” said Dr. Taylor Kriley, FHSU assistant vice president for student affairs.This year there will be no charge for local organizations and businesses to set up at the Back to School Picnic. Availability will be on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a booth, groups should contact FHSU Student Engagement at 785-628-4664 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:engage@fhsu.edu">engage@fhsu.edu</a>.

March 2 Main joins Back to School Picnic

The Kansas Department of Transportation has launched a survey to seek public input ahead of the 2021 Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. Participating in the survey gives KDOT insight on the public’s top transportation areas of focus and the ways in which communities across the state may be changing.

All Kansans are encouraged to participate in the short online survey by Aug. 22. The survey is available in both English and Spanish and is accessible online via desktop computer or mobile device at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDYuNDQyMTI2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWV0cm9xdWVzdHN1cnZleS5jb20vcXQxcjFjP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-S6Xsrci7tbURYCo-eeJ049uEj5mtojZ-LPcvI6DfwQ/s/1410649012/br/110509913972-l" target="_blank">http://metroquestsurvey.com/qt1r1c</a>.

Participants will be able to rank transportation needs, share thoughts on regional changes and provide feedback on KDOT’s performance.

The results of the survey will provide background for conversations at fall 2021 Local Consult meetings, which are an important step in gathering public input for the IKE program. 

Planned dates for regional discussions include Hays and other cities:

KDOT is looking forward to visiting with Kansans across the state; however, conditions related to COVID-19 are being monitored,&nbsp;and the meeting format will be modified, if needed. Please check the website for updates or to sign up for Local Consult emails:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDYuNDQyMTI2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90aWtlLm9yZy9wcm9qZWN0cy9sb2NhbC1jb25zdWx0LXByb2Nlc3M_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.tssUVUKWOKo9hTJzGE-uPFOkzz1777wiwg2PIMhDSHM/s/1410649012/br/110509913972-l" target="_blank">www.ksdotike.org/projects/local-consult-process</a>.

About the IKE Program IKE is a 10-year program that addresses highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian needs across Kansas. The program and associated projects are focused on making roads safer, supporting economic growth and creating more options and resources for Kansans and their communities. For more information about the IKE program:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDYuNDQyMTI2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90aWtlLm9yZyUwZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.k_D-xK22MhUrPTvhFQ2aOR_2DXmMuCV6e5HRaU_guls/s/1410649012/br/110509913972-l" target="_blank">www.ksdotike.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598020277973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has launched a survey to seek public input ahead of the 2021 Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. Participating in the survey gives KDOT insight on the public’s top transportation areas of focus and the ways in which communities across the state may be changing.All Kansans are encouraged to participate in the short online survey by Aug. 22. The survey is available in both English and Spanish and is accessible online via desktop computer or mobile device at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDYuNDQyMTI2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWV0cm9xdWVzdHN1cnZleS5jb20vcXQxcjFjP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-S6Xsrci7tbURYCo-eeJ049uEj5mtojZ-LPcvI6DfwQ/s/1410649012/br/110509913972-l" target="_blank">http://metroquestsurvey.com/qt1r1c</a>.Participants will be able to rank transportation needs, share thoughts on regional changes and provide feedback on KDOT’s performance.The results of the survey will provide background for conversations at fall 2021 Local Consult meetings, which are an important step in gathering public input for the IKE program. Planned dates for regional discussions include Hays and other cities:<ul>
 <li>Iola&nbsp;- 1:30 p.m. on&nbsp;Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center</li><li>Wichita&nbsp;- 9:30 a.m. on&nbsp;Thursday, Sept. 9, at Hughes Metroplex</li><li>Salina&nbsp;- 1:30 p.m. on&nbsp;Wednesday, Sept. 15, Tony’s Pizza Events Center</li><li>Topeka&nbsp;- 1:30 p.m. on&nbsp;Thursday, Sept. 16, at TPAC</li><li>Overland Park&nbsp;- 9 a.m. on&nbsp;Thursday, Sept. 30, at KU Edwards Campus</li><li>Sterling&nbsp;- 1:30 p.m. on&nbsp;Monday, Oct. 4, at Sterling College</li><li>Dodge City&nbsp;- 9:30 a.m. on&nbsp;Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Boot Hill Casino</li><li>Hays&nbsp;- 9:30 a.m. on&nbsp;Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Hilton Garden Inn</li>
 </ul>KDOT is looking forward to visiting with Kansans across the state; however, conditions related to COVID-19 are being monitored,&nbsp;and the meeting format will be modified, if needed. Please check the website for updates or to sign up for Local Consult emails:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDYuNDQyMTI2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90aWtlLm9yZy9wcm9qZWN0cy9sb2NhbC1jb25zdWx0LXByb2Nlc3M_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.tssUVUKWOKo9hTJzGE-uPFOkzz1777wiwg2PIMhDSHM/s/1410649012/br/110509913972-l" target="_blank">www.ksdotike.org/projects/local-consult-process</a>.About the IKE Program IKE is a 10-year program that addresses highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian needs across Kansas. The program and associated projects are focused on making roads safer, supporting economic growth and creating more options and resources for Kansans and their communities. For more information about the IKE program:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MDYuNDQyMTI2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90aWtlLm9yZyUwZD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.k_D-xK22MhUrPTvhFQ2aOR_2DXmMuCV6e5HRaU_guls/s/1410649012/br/110509913972-l" target="_blank">www.ksdotike.org.</a>

Input about top transportation areas sought before Hays meeting

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated. The original story was based on incorrect information reported from Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ELLIS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported three vehicles were northbound on U.S. 183 approximately two miles north of Hays.&nbsp;

A 2017 Nissan Altima driven by Julie M. Lake, 22, Great Bend struck a 1987 Ford F150 driven by Bruce A.&nbsp;Arnhold, 57, Hays and a 2011 Honda Odyssey driven by Dayna R. Crawford, 51, Codell.

EMS transported&nbsp;Arnhold and Lake to Hays Medical Center. Crawford and a passenger in the Honda were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated. The original story was based on incorrect information reported from Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;&nbsp;ELLIS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported three vehicles were northbound on U.S. 183 approximately two miles north of Hays.&nbsp;A 2017 Nissan Altima driven by Julie M. Lake, 22, Great Bend struck a 1987 Ford F150 driven by Bruce A.&nbsp;Arnhold, 57, Hays and a 2011 Honda Odyssey driven by Dayna R. Crawford, 51, Codell.EMS transported&nbsp;Arnhold and Lake to Hays Medical Center. Crawford and a passenger in the Honda were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.----------

UPDATE: 2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Ellis County crash 

A sense of excitement is growing as we are days away from the start of the fall semester and a new academic year. Ripples of hope are flowing throughout the campus as we prepare to initiate welcome back activities like a long-awaited family reunion.

We are ready. We return with a restored sense of confidence following many highly successful summer camps and conferences.&nbsp;

Summer athletic camps brought much joy and hard work for nearly 1,300 youngsters eager to develop their skills in football, women’s soccer, wrestling, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball.

For those looking for a bit more of a cerebral experience, our fabulous and highly engaging Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SEMI) hosted summer camps for students in grades 2-8. A variety of camp options allowed these youngsters to learn to build, program, and test LEGO robots using LEGO EV3 software; to expand upon their engineering knowledge by constructing a pully, bridge, raft, and sturdy house; make new friends through team projects and experiments focused on engineering, nanotechnology, and rockets as well as to design, build, and run their own store. We had about 100 kids involved in these wonderful programs.

In June, these SEMI camps were supplemented by a three-day summer community Welcome Back to Campus event that more than 200 people attended. Activities included making bubbles and Oobleck (A substance that mimics the qualities of both a liquid and a solid). It gets its name from the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck.) Participants also learned about density, electromagnetism, and Little Bits. &nbsp;

The number one question I received from community members last spring was: “When will Beach /Schmidt Performing Arts Center return to its original performing arts purpose?” To uphold safety standards during COVID last year, we canceled special events and repurposed the center as a classroom.

This summer, the performing arts made a triumphant return to the center. In addition to hosting several dance recitals, the return of the High Plains Music Camp this summer brought a lot of smiles and reassurance that we are “all in” in repopulating our campus.&nbsp;

Speaking of the High Plains Music Camp (HPMC), this great annual event returned to campus in July. More than 130 student musicians came to the camp. Campers came from across Kansas (Kansas City to Goodland, Pittsburg to Garden City, and more) plus Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, &amp; Utah.&nbsp;

HPMC campers are student musicians who travel to campus and train with professional musicians for one week. The camper’s experience culminates in a performance they deliver at the conclusion of camp. Rising sixth and eighth-graders were offered a middle school band experience with the Tiger Band under the direction of Johannah Cox from Lawrence, Kansas. Mrs. Cox said this summer’s group was one of the best Tiger Bands we have hosted in years.&nbsp; This sentiment was expressed over and over in descriptions about the other HPMC ensembles and classes this summer.

HPMC faculty consisted of 46 music professionals and teachers in individual instruments from across the state of Kansas (including professional jazz musicians in Kansas City), as well as Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, and Utah. Camp faculty were supported by 16 counselors; camp librarians who helped prepare the music before and during camp; an equipment team who moved stands, chairs, and percussion equipment before, during, and after camp; and four interns who helped the camp director keep everything moving smoothly during the week.&nbsp;

For many campers, this was their first opportunity to be on a college campus. Besides working closely with the outstanding HPMC faculty and staff, campers enjoyed exploring the FHSU campus during the week.&nbsp; Stops at Starbucks in the Memorial Union were a highlight for many.&nbsp;

In addition to the return to campus summer activities I just covered, our fabulous Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Barton County hosted drop-in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities that offered a great opportunity for folks to walk through a water trailer. This is a mobile trailer that hosts a wealth of information and experiential learning opportunities for the curious, including stormwater issues in watersheds. Other activities included making and then eating an aquifer, discovering how much usable water is on our planet, and developing drone piloting skills while learning about drone use in water quality management and conservation. I especially loved the book launch event for “Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet.” An Avocet is a bird found in wetland habitats.&nbsp;

I was thrilled that our Sternberg Museum of Natural History was also able to return some of their summer camps to in-person experiences, including the Colorado Dinosaur experience and the Field Paleontology: Kansas camps. Last year I received the sweetest letter from a mom and dad of a summer camper that read in part, “My family can’t say enough good about the camps and the director, David Levering. I first found Sternberg and Fort Hays State University through a Facebook paleontology group when I was looking for a resident camp for my 12-year-old daughter… Living in rural northern Wisconsin, we knew our daughter would have to travel to get a quality paleontology education. The camp exceeded any expectations – she learned so much. Our daughter even started her own business in order to continue to pay for future camps…The growth and confidence we have seen in her is amazing.”

That letter meant so much to me. It demonstrated our educational reach and commitment to providing quality, engaging educational experiences. We educate the young, the traditionally aged, and adult learners. We inspire dreams, and for the 12-year-old in the letter above, we even kindled her entrepreneurial spirit. We exist to improve lives.&nbsp;

Our summer camps and conferences serve as an extension of our educational mission. This year they also helped create a sense of normalcy, and in a way, served as a “dress rehearsal” for a full return to all on-campus operations. We are excitedly ready and “all in” for the fall of 2021. Welcome home, Tigers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>A sense of excitement is growing as we are days away from the start of the fall semester and a new academic year. Ripples of hope are flowing throughout the campus as we prepare to initiate welcome back activities like a long-awaited family reunion.We are ready. We return with a restored sense of confidence following many highly successful summer camps and conferences.&nbsp;Summer athletic camps brought much joy and hard work for nearly 1,300 youngsters eager to develop their skills in football, women’s soccer, wrestling, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball.For those looking for a bit more of a cerebral experience, our fabulous and highly engaging Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SEMI) hosted summer camps for students in grades 2-8. A variety of camp options allowed these youngsters to learn to build, program, and test LEGO robots using LEGO EV3 software; to expand upon their engineering knowledge by constructing a pully, bridge, raft, and sturdy house; make new friends through team projects and experiments focused on engineering, nanotechnology, and rockets as well as to design, build, and run their own store. We had about 100 kids involved in these wonderful programs.In June, these SEMI camps were supplemented by a three-day summer community Welcome Back to Campus event that more than 200 people attended. Activities included making bubbles and Oobleck (A substance that mimics the qualities of both a liquid and a solid). It gets its name from the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck.) Participants also learned about density, electromagnetism, and Little Bits. &nbsp;The number one question I received from community members last spring was: “When will Beach /Schmidt Performing Arts Center return to its original performing arts purpose?” To uphold safety standards during COVID last year, we canceled special events and repurposed the center as a classroom.This summer, the performing arts made a triumphant return to the center. In addition to hosting several dance recitals, the return of the High Plains Music Camp this summer brought a lot of smiles and reassurance that we are “all in” in repopulating our campus.&nbsp;Speaking of the High Plains Music Camp (HPMC), this great annual event returned to campus in July. More than 130 student musicians came to the camp. Campers came from across Kansas (Kansas City to Goodland, Pittsburg to Garden City, and more) plus Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, &amp; Utah.&nbsp;HPMC campers are student musicians who travel to campus and train with professional musicians for one week. The camper’s experience culminates in a performance they deliver at the conclusion of camp. Rising sixth and eighth-graders were offered a middle school band experience with the Tiger Band under the direction of Johannah Cox from Lawrence, Kansas. Mrs. Cox said this summer’s group was one of the best Tiger Bands we have hosted in years.&nbsp; This sentiment was expressed over and over in descriptions about the other HPMC ensembles and classes this summer.HPMC faculty consisted of 46 music professionals and teachers in individual instruments from across the state of Kansas (including professional jazz musicians in Kansas City), as well as Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, and Utah. Camp faculty were supported by 16 counselors; camp librarians who helped prepare the music before and during camp; an equipment team who moved stands, chairs, and percussion equipment before, during, and after camp; and four interns who helped the camp director keep everything moving smoothly during the week.&nbsp;For many campers, this was their first opportunity to be on a college campus. Besides working closely with the outstanding HPMC faculty and staff, campers enjoyed exploring the FHSU campus during the week.&nbsp; Stops at Starbucks in the Memorial Union were a highlight for many.&nbsp;In addition to the return to campus summer activities I just covered, our fabulous Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Barton County hosted drop-in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities that offered a great opportunity for folks to walk through a water trailer. This is a mobile trailer that hosts a wealth of information and experiential learning opportunities for the curious, including stormwater issues in watersheds. Other activities included making and then eating an aquifer, discovering how much usable water is on our planet, and developing drone piloting skills while learning about drone use in water quality management and conservation. I especially loved the book launch event for “Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet.” An Avocet is a bird found in wetland habitats.&nbsp;I was thrilled that our Sternberg Museum of Natural History was also able to return some of their summer camps to in-person experiences, including the Colorado Dinosaur experience and the Field Paleontology: Kansas camps. Last year I received the sweetest letter from a mom and dad of a summer camper that read in part, “My family can’t say enough good about the camps and the director, David Levering. I first found Sternberg and Fort Hays State University through a Facebook paleontology group when I was looking for a resident camp for my 12-year-old daughter… Living in rural northern Wisconsin, we knew our daughter would have to travel to get a quality paleontology education. The camp exceeded any expectations – she learned so much. Our daughter even started her own business in order to continue to pay for future camps…The growth and confidence we have seen in her is amazing.”That letter meant so much to me. It demonstrated our educational reach and commitment to providing quality, engaging educational experiences. We educate the young, the traditionally aged, and adult learners. We inspire dreams, and for the 12-year-old in the letter above, we even kindled her entrepreneurial spirit. We exist to improve lives.&nbsp;Our summer camps and conferences serve as an extension of our educational mission. This year they also helped create a sense of normalcy, and in a way, served as a “dress rehearsal” for a full return to all on-campus operations. We are excitedly ready and “all in” for the fall of 2021. Welcome home, Tigers.

MASON: Extending our educational mission through summer programming

COLBY — Former Colby Community College two-time NJCAA All-American wrestler Bekzod Abdurakhmonov won a bronze medal for his home country of Uzbekistan Thursday at the Tokyo Olympics. At 74 kilograms, Abdurakhmonov topped two-seed Daniyar Kaisano of Kazakhstan in a 13-2 decision.

It was Abdurakhmonov's second chance at Olympic bronze after falling short at the 2016 Rio Games. He beat former gold medalist Jordan Burroughs of the United States, 11-1, but lost in the medal match to Jabrayil Hasanov of Azerbaijan.

Abdurakhmonov attended CCC from 2008 to 2010. He grew up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, before arriving in Colby to compete under Hall of Fame coach Steve Lampe. Abdurakhmonov had an 84-8 record on his way to two NJCAA runner-up finishes. After graduating, he transferred to Clarion University and went 38-12 his senior year while earning All-American honors.

Abdurakhmonov has performed well on the big stage for several years. He claimed gold at the 2014 Asian Freestyle Wrestling Championships and bronze at the 2014 World Freestyle Wrestling Championships. After his appearance in the 2016 Olympics, he returned to the Asian Wrestling Championships in 2017 and won gold again.

Lampe said he's not surprised by his success.

"For 10 years, Bekzod has been a world-level contender internationally," he said. "He was always a team leader."

In 2019, Abdurakhmonov and his brother, two-time NJCAA national champion and Division I All-American Muzzafar Abdurakhmanov, were inducted into the CCC Hall of Fame.

"I am very proud to have had the honor to coach such great people and student-athletes. They are unquestionably exceptional in every regard. I'm just glad that I had the opportunity to be their coach and the guy who helped get them started on their successful careers," Lampe said.

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 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Former Colby Community College two-time NJCAA All-American wrestler Bekzod Abdurakhmonov won a bronze medal for his home country of Uzbekistan Thursday at the Tokyo Olympics. At 74 kilograms, Abdurakhmonov topped two-seed Daniyar Kaisano of Kazakhstan in a 13-2 decision.It was Abdurakhmonov's second chance at Olympic bronze after falling short at the 2016 Rio Games. He beat former gold medalist Jordan Burroughs of the United States, 11-1, but lost in the medal match to Jabrayil Hasanov of Azerbaijan.Abdurakhmonov attended CCC from 2008 to 2010. He grew up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, before arriving in Colby to compete under Hall of Fame coach Steve Lampe. Abdurakhmonov had an 84-8 record on his way to two NJCAA runner-up finishes. After graduating, he transferred to Clarion University and went 38-12 his senior year while earning All-American honors.Abdurakhmonov has performed well on the big stage for several years. He claimed gold at the 2014 Asian Freestyle Wrestling Championships and bronze at the 2014 World Freestyle Wrestling Championships. After his appearance in the 2016 Olympics, he returned to the Asian Wrestling Championships in 2017 and won gold again.Lampe said he's not surprised by his success."For 10 years, Bekzod has been a world-level contender internationally," he said. "He was always a team leader."In 2019, Abdurakhmonov and his brother, two-time NJCAA national champion and Division I All-American Muzzafar Abdurakhmanov, were inducted into the CCC Hall of Fame."I am very proud to have had the honor to coach such great people and student-athletes. They are unquestionably exceptional in every regard. I'm just glad that I had the opportunity to be their coach and the guy who helped get them started on their successful careers," Lampe said.