For the fourth consecutive year and fifth time in school history, Sterling College Forensics team has had a team member qualify for the National Interstate Oratory Competition.&nbsp; 

Paige Sherraden, a junior from Plainville, qualified by virtue of her performance throughout the season. Sherraden is one of two students from Kansas who is afforded the opportunity to compete at the annual competition.&nbsp;With such an elite field, all bidding to be considered the most persuasive, the competition is fierce.

“I am thrilled for Paige. She is consistently the hardest worker on the team and never fails to exceed expectations. She established qualifying for this competition as a goal during her freshman year and has been working hard to attain it ever since,” said Ken Troyer, forensics coach.

This year marks the 146th Interstate Oratory competition, which is the oldest intercollegiate speaking competition in the United States. Paige becomes only the sixth Sterling College student to qualify for the competition and only the second-ever Sterling College State Champion in Persuasive Speaking. In addition to the elite competition, each qualifier will have a copy of their research and speech published in a compilation to include all qualifiers works.

Sterling College earned this qualification competing amongst the likes of Kansas State University, Bethel College, Ottawa University, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University and many more.&nbsp; The Interstate Oratory Tournament will take place April 23 and 24, being held virtually.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.sterling.edu/"> www.sterling.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617201694113.jpeg" alt="Paige Sherraden" />
 <figcaption>Paige Sherraden</figcaption>
 </figure>Sterling CollegeFor the fourth consecutive year and fifth time in school history, Sterling College Forensics team has had a team member qualify for the National Interstate Oratory Competition.&nbsp; Paige Sherraden, a junior from Plainville, qualified by virtue of her performance throughout the season. Sherraden is one of two students from Kansas who is afforded the opportunity to compete at the annual competition.&nbsp;With such an elite field, all bidding to be considered the most persuasive, the competition is fierce.“I am thrilled for Paige. She is consistently the hardest worker on the team and never fails to exceed expectations. She established qualifying for this competition as a goal during her freshman year and has been working hard to attain it ever since,” said Ken Troyer, forensics coach.This year marks the 146th Interstate Oratory competition, which is the oldest intercollegiate speaking competition in the United States. Paige becomes only the sixth Sterling College student to qualify for the competition and only the second-ever Sterling College State Champion in Persuasive Speaking. In addition to the elite competition, each qualifier will have a copy of their research and speech published in a compilation to include all qualifiers works.Sterling College earned this qualification competing amongst the likes of Kansas State University, Bethel College, Ottawa University, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University and many more.&nbsp; The Interstate Oratory Tournament will take place April 23 and 24, being held virtually.Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.sterling.edu/"> www.sterling.edu</a>.

Sterling College student from Plainville advances to national competition 

Acclimate new plants to outside temperatures by gradually leaving them outside for longer and longer periods.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VrlE6TqffYE"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Acclimate new plants to outside temperatures by gradually leaving them outside for longer and longer periods.

🎥 Green & Growing 2021: Hardening off plants

Three-day weather outlook

I’m tired y’all. I am tired of the hatefulness, divisiveness, rudeness, mask or no mask, vaccinate or no vaccinate, the “I KNOW I’m right so you must be stupid” attitudes. I am so tired of it all.

This past year has been hard on all of us. I take pride in my ability to be resilient and have a glass half-full mentality but I’m tired. I worry about family, friends, co-workers, my 4-H and all youth, and our communities, and it is exhausting.

One of the things that I do appreciate of the past year is the frequency with which I see reminders about mental health resources. Ongoing stresses can springboard a whole new level of depression, anxiety, fear, and frustrations. Reaching out for assistance can be the hardest but most important step in finding a path to understanding and working through all the stuff that can overwhelm us. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else; if you are feeling overwhelmed, it is very real! Reach out to a school counselor or adviser; reach out to your pastor, reach out to a good friend, reach out to professional resources.&nbsp;

As a friend, you don’t need to solve someone else’s problem, just be there to listen or sit through the moment. One of my favorite memes features Winnie the Pooh and Piglet.&nbsp;

“Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.

“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”

“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.

“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days, either.”

“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…..he thought that his best friend had never been more right.

We can all make a difference in someone’s life. It can be as simple as holding a door, supporting a friend as they seek professional resources, performing a random act of kindness, or just sitting with someone as they work through their Difficult Day.

One of my favorite things as a 4-H agent is when a young person asks, “Do you have a minute?” and I realize that maybe I’m not so tired after all.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and 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’m tired y’all. I am tired of the hatefulness, divisiveness, rudeness, mask or no mask, vaccinate or no vaccinate, the “I KNOW I’m right so you must be stupid” attitudes. I am so tired of it all.This past year has been hard on all of us. I take pride in my ability to be resilient and have a glass half-full mentality but I’m tired. I worry about family, friends, co-workers, my 4-H and all youth, and our communities, and it is exhausting.One of the things that I do appreciate of the past year is the frequency with which I see reminders about mental health resources. Ongoing stresses can springboard a whole new level of depression, anxiety, fear, and frustrations. Reaching out for assistance can be the hardest but most important step in finding a path to understanding and working through all the stuff that can overwhelm us. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else; if you are feeling overwhelmed, it is very real! Reach out to a school counselor or adviser; reach out to your pastor, reach out to a good friend, reach out to professional resources.&nbsp;As a friend, you don’t need to solve someone else’s problem, just be there to listen or sit through the moment. One of my favorite memes features Winnie the Pooh and Piglet.&nbsp;“Today was a Difficult Day," said PoohThere was a pause.“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days, either.”“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…..he thought that his best friend had never been more right.We can all make a difference in someone’s life. It can be as simple as holding a door, supporting a friend as they seek professional resources, performing a random act of kindness, or just sitting with someone as they work through their Difficult Day.One of my favorite things as a 4-H agent is when a young person asks, “Do you have a minute?” and I realize that maybe I’m not so tired after all.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 'I'm tired, y'all'

Bird Rides, a shared electric scooter company, will bring their e-scooters to the Hays community on April 2. Scooters will be available through the Bird Rides mobile phone application and riders pay to use the scooter per minute.

The company plans on offering scooters to residents and visitors in order to reduce traffic congestion on roadways, as well as help reduce carbon emissions.&nbsp;The scooters also provide a safe way to get around during the pandemic and offer residents without automobiles another transportation option.

After downloading the Bird app and creating an account, users will be able to locate scooters nearest to them, and even reserve a scooter. The cost to ride is $1 to start and $0.39/minute thereafter. The fleet will start with 25 scooters with plans to eventually increase the inventory to 75. The entire fleet will never be on the road at the same time, due to scooters rotating out to be charged and repaired. Local fleet managers will ensure scooters are charged and in good working condition.

The electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15 mph.&nbsp;Scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never block driveways. Riders must be 18 years old and above to access the scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all standard rules of the road.&nbsp;

Calculated on either a per trip or per miles traveled basis, riding a Bird is as safe as, or safer than, bicycling. On average, Bird riders reported one incident resulting in any kind of injury for every 27,000 miles ridden (or in less than 0.01% of trips). Bird’s industry-leading safety policies and practices include:

Bird offers the following programs for all who qualify:

Bird’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. It’s designed to be the most inclusive micro-mobility discount program available anywhere. To sign up for the Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to <a href="mailto:access@bird.co">access@bird.co</a>.

Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel

Bird is proud to offer free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, simply email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to <a href="mailto:together@bird.co">together@bird.co</a>. Eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help our communities to recover from this global health crisis.

If a resident has questions or concerns about the e-scooters, the company can be reached directly at 1-866-205-2442 or <a href="mailto:hello@bird.co">hello@bird.co</a>. More information about the company can be found on their website, <a href="http://www.bird.co">www.bird.co</a>, and on their blog, <a href="http://www.bird.co/blog">www.bird.co/blog</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617308459580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseBird Rides, a shared electric scooter company, will bring their e-scooters to the Hays community on April 2. Scooters will be available through the Bird Rides mobile phone application and riders pay to use the scooter per minute.The company plans on offering scooters to residents and visitors in order to reduce traffic congestion on roadways, as well as help reduce carbon emissions.&nbsp;The scooters also provide a safe way to get around during the pandemic and offer residents without automobiles another transportation option.After downloading the Bird app and creating an account, users will be able to locate scooters nearest to them, and even reserve a scooter. The cost to ride is $1 to start and $0.39/minute thereafter. The fleet will start with 25 scooters with plans to eventually increase the inventory to 75. The entire fleet will never be on the road at the same time, due to scooters rotating out to be charged and repaired. Local fleet managers will ensure scooters are charged and in good working condition.The electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15 mph.&nbsp;Scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never block driveways. Riders must be 18 years old and above to access the scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all standard rules of the road.&nbsp;Calculated on either a per trip or per miles traveled basis, riding a Bird is as safe as, or safer than, bicycling. On average, Bird riders reported one incident resulting in any kind of injury for every 27,000 miles ridden (or in less than 0.01% of trips). Bird’s industry-leading safety policies and practices include:<ul>
 <li>Ceasing operations after midnight, when risk to all road users increases</li><li>Requiring riders to confirm they are 18 or older</li><li>Instituting responsible speed limits in consultation with city officials</li><li>Enabling direct reporting of irresponsible parking behavior through the in-app Community Mode feature</li>
 </ul>Bird offers the following programs for all who qualify:Community PricingBird’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. It’s designed to be the most inclusive micro-mobility discount program available anywhere. To sign up for the Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to <a href="mailto:access@bird.co">access@bird.co</a>.Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency PersonnelBird is proud to offer free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, simply email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to <a href="mailto:together@bird.co">together@bird.co</a>. Eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help our communities to recover from this global health crisis.If a resident has questions or concerns about the e-scooters, the company can be reached directly at 1-866-205-2442 or <a href="mailto:hello@bird.co">hello@bird.co</a>. More information about the company can be found on their website, <a href="http://www.bird.co">www.bird.co</a>, and on their blog, <a href="http://www.bird.co/blog">www.bird.co/blog</a>.&nbsp;

Bird scooters land in Hays on Friday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported just one new case of COVID-19 was identified in Ellis County since Wednesday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, one active and one recovering.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,722 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617383454988.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: April 2, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=4zmmc-ff9152-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=4"></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported just one new case of COVID-19 was identified in Ellis County since Wednesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, one active and one recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 3,722 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙 Just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis Co.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The cities of Hays and Dodge City have been exchanging ideas for better government operations as they each host employees from the other town for in-depth looks at various city departments.

Hays recently hosted the directors of the Dodge City Regional Airport and the Convention and Visitors Bureau director, according to Collin Bielser, Hays assistant city manager.

"I really like the collaboration you guys have been doing with Dodge City," said Shaun Musil, city commissioner. "Hopefully we can learn something from them and they can learn something about what we're doing."&nbsp;

With spring here, workers are busy sprucing up Hays parks as well as the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

Existing shade structures were removed at the sports complex and new ones will be installed next month.&nbsp;

"In anticipation of turfing the softball and baseball infields, soil sampling was performed in the infields so contractors could provide accurate artificial turf proposals," Bielser said in his February progress report presented to Hays city commissioners.&nbsp;

Parks Department employees also removed landscaping from the North Vine Street median for work that begins in April on the final three traffic roundabouts.&nbsp;

The stones and plants will be used in other locations in Hays, Bielser noted.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3I-5J3O1qp4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe cities of Hays and Dodge City have been exchanging ideas for better government operations as they each host employees from the other town for in-depth looks at various city departments.Hays recently hosted the directors of the Dodge City Regional Airport and the Convention and Visitors Bureau director, according to Collin Bielser, Hays assistant city manager.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617049349833.jpeg" alt="The Dodge City Regional Airport and Convention and Visitors Bureau directors recently visited their counterparts in Hays." />
 <figcaption>The Dodge City Regional Airport and Convention and Visitors Bureau directors recently visited their counterparts in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I really like the collaboration you guys have been doing with Dodge City," said Shaun Musil, city commissioner. "Hopefully we can learn something from them and they can learn something about what we're doing."&nbsp;With spring here, workers are busy sprucing up Hays parks as well as the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617050683757.jpeg" alt="The existing shade structures at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex were removed and new ones will be installed in April.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The existing shade structures at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex were removed and new ones will be installed in April.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Existing shade structures were removed at the sports complex and new ones will be installed next month.&nbsp;"In anticipation of turfing the softball and baseball infields, soil sampling was performed in the infields so contractors could provide accurate artificial turf proposals," Bielser said in his February progress report presented to Hays city commissioners.&nbsp;Parks Department employees also removed landscaping from the North Vine Street median for work that begins in April on the final three traffic roundabouts.&nbsp;The stones and plants will be used in other locations in Hays, Bielser noted.&nbsp;

🎥 City progress report: Readying for shade structures, turf at sports complex 

DODGE CITY - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Dodge City is forecasting southwest winds at 20 to 35 mph with gusts in excess of 45 mph will be possible this afternoon across southwest and central Kansas. 

The combination of these gusty southwest winds and low humilities will result in critical or near critical fire weather conditions this afternoon, mainly along and east of a Hays to Kinsley to Greensburg to Coldwater line. 

Outdoor burning should not be attempted today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617362198248.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NWSDODGE CITY - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Dodge City is forecasting southwest winds at 20 to 35 mph with gusts in excess of 45 mph will be possible this afternoon across southwest and central Kansas. The combination of these gusty southwest winds and low humilities will result in critical or near critical fire weather conditions this afternoon, mainly along and east of a Hays to Kinsley to Greensburg to Coldwater line. Outdoor burning should not be attempted today.

Red Flag Warning today for Ellis, Rush, Pawnee counties

Following a 35-minute discussion during their Thursday work session, Hays city commissioners decided they need more information and more time to review a request for allowing several types of alternative vehicles on city streets.

The request comes from Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger who told commissioners he's been researching the situation since October. Petitions placed at eight local businesses in February yielded 330 signatures of support, according to Younger.

The specified vehicles are prohibited on city streets by state law but could be authorized by a city ordinance.&nbsp;

Ellis and Victoria allow the vehicles, as does Ellis County. Russell also permits such vehicles on its streets from dawn to dusk.

Younger provided the related city ordinances from Ellis and Victoria as well as Dodge City.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioner Shaun Musil asked about traffic accidents with the vehicles in Dodge City, considered a peer city of Hays.

"When I started this process back in October, I did talk to the mayor in Dodge City. That was my first question to him. At that time, he told me none," Younger reported. "I was glad to hear that because I do not want to put them out and have accidents in Hays.

"I just want our community to be able to use their merchandise or equipment that they have purchased."

Don Scheibler, Hays police chief, confirmed the information about no accident reports in Dodge City, as well as Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"They really haven't had any problems with the side-by-sides as far as accidents," Scheibler said.&nbsp;

Commissioner Ron Mellick asked about safety equipment on Utility Task Vehicles (UTV),&nbsp;Work Site Utility Vehicles (WSUV) and&nbsp;Micro-Utility Vehicles (MUT).

Helmets for adults are not required, nor are they for adult motorcycle riders in Kansas. It was unclear whether helmets or car seats are required for minors. Mellick asked Scheibler to research state law and report back to the commission.

A windshield or safety goggles are required to be worn by the driver, according to Scheibler.&nbsp;

Kevin Bainter of BOS Motorsports in Hays said UTVs, WSUVs and MUTs are equipped with turn signals, horn, three mirrors and seat belts.

Billy Briney, Briney Motorsports, Hays, suggested the city could require alternative vehicles driven in Hays to be also equipped with a roll cage and a minimum tire size.&nbsp;

"That would help get away from the slower vehicles, the golf carts and some of the more unsafe vehicles," said Briney. 

He noted Ness City also allows alternative vehicles.&nbsp;

"We hear about the accidents. Most of those are from off-roading," Briney said. "My feeling is, when you get people in the city actually with other traffic, traffic signs, they pay a little more attention than when they're out there with their friends in the sand dunes."

Scott Braun, Ellis County sheriff, told the commission there are not a lot of accidents in the county "but we can tell when the young ones are playing. All you gotta do us go to the corner of the intersection and see how it's torn up. But as a whole, they're pretty safe."

Vehicle drivers, who must have a valid license and be at least age 16, obey the same rules of the road as cars. The alternative vehicles, however, cannot be driven on Highway US 183, which is Vine Street within the Hays city limits.&nbsp;

"We researched it because we were having some issues in the county," Braun said. "They can run any road in the county, except [Highway] 183. They can cross it," Braun said.

The city could require such vehicles to be registered and/or be insured.

Commissioner Ron Mellick supported the insurance requirement and a $1,000 fine if a driver is stopped and found to have no insurance on the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A potential huge influx of alternative vehicles being driven on Hays streets by out-of-town visitors worries Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;

"I don't mind my neighbors using alternative vehicles in Hays because they live in Hays and they understand Hays. So if that vehicle is registered as something that can be driven in Hays or Ellis County, I'm a little more open to that," said Berges.&nbsp;

"But we have events in Hays like the dirt races and Oktoberfest and they're coming from all over the state. And they bring these alternative vehicles and then they can just drive around Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But if we had some system where they had to register that vehicle to be in Hays, to me that would kind of narrow that field down."

According to Scheibler, in order to drive an alternative vehicle in Dodge City or Garden City, including those from out of town, it must be registered with those cities.&nbsp;

Berges also talked about possibly restricting the vehicles to certain hours on the streets or to certain months.

"We don't allow them in December and January when it's cold and snowy or maybe summer months when it's overly busy," he said.&nbsp;

"I know a lot of people use side-by-sides for snow removal," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor. "Yeah, I see people do that all the time," agreed Musil.

The city should be able to put as many constraints on the alternative vehicles as commissioners desire, "as long as it doesn't conflict with state law," said Toby Dougherty, city manager.

City staff is supporting an ordinance allowing such vehicles in Hays.&nbsp;

Commissioners also heard details of a request for a transfer of mineral rights to Rich and Betty Wolf, a procedure City Attorney John Bird called a "bookkeeping matter."

Several years ago the city acquired the right of way for the northeast portion of what would be the 260th&nbsp;Avenue and 41st Street intersection. Along with that acquisition came the mineral rights.&nbsp;

The owners of the&nbsp;contiguous tract want to sell the property along with the mineral rights and have asked the&nbsp;city to deed those rights back to the adjacent property.

According to Bird, the city has nearly no monetary interest in the mineral rights and would not lose the right of way if commissioners decided to return the mineral rights.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs was absent from the meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Ruder read a city proclamation signed by Jacobs in awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617324085497.jpeg" alt="Alternate vehicle supporters along with city and county law enforcement in the Hays city commission chambers Thursday, April 1. The room was reset to full-capacity accommodations after Gov. Laura Kelly's new statewide COVID-19 face mask order was overturned by the&nbsp; Legislative Coordinating Council earlier in the day.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alternate vehicle supporters along with city and county law enforcement in the Hays city commission chambers Thursday, April 1. The room was reset to full-capacity accommodations after Gov. Laura Kelly's new statewide COVID-19 face mask order was overturned by the&nbsp; Legislative Coordinating Council earlier in the day.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFollowing a 35-minute discussion during their Thursday work session, Hays city commissioners decided they need more information and more time to review a request for allowing several types of alternative vehicles on city streets.The request comes from Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger who told commissioners he's been researching the situation since October. Petitions placed at eight local businesses in February yielded 330 signatures of support, according to Younger.The specified vehicles are prohibited on city streets by state law but could be authorized by a city ordinance.&nbsp;Ellis and Victoria allow the vehicles, as does Ellis County. Russell also permits such vehicles on its streets from dawn to dusk.Younger provided the related city ordinances from Ellis and Victoria as well as Dodge City.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commissioner Shaun Musil asked about traffic accidents with the vehicles in Dodge City, considered a peer city of Hays. "When I started this process back in October, I did talk to the mayor in Dodge City. That was my first question to him. At that time, he told me none," Younger reported. "I was glad to hear that because I do not want to put them out and have accidents in Hays."I just want our community to be able to use their merchandise or equipment that they have purchased."Don Scheibler, Hays police chief, confirmed the information about no accident reports in Dodge City, as well as Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They really haven't had any problems with the side-by-sides as far as accidents," Scheibler said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v2aaBtWSMJ0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioner Ron Mellick asked about safety equipment on Utility Task Vehicles (UTV),&nbsp;Work Site Utility Vehicles (WSUV) and&nbsp;Micro-Utility Vehicles (MUT).Helmets for adults are not required, nor are they for adult motorcycle riders in Kansas. It was unclear whether helmets or car seats are required for minors. Mellick asked Scheibler to research state law and report back to the commission.A windshield or safety goggles are required to be worn by the driver, according to Scheibler.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617327845436.jpeg" alt="Kevin Bainter of BOS Motorsports in Hays said UTVs, WSUVs and MUTs are equipped with turn signals, horn, three mirrors and seat belts." />
 <figcaption>Kevin Bainter of BOS Motorsports in Hays said UTVs, WSUVs and MUTs are equipped with turn signals, horn, three mirrors and seat belts.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Bainter of BOS Motorsports in Hays said UTVs, WSUVs and MUTs are equipped with turn signals, horn, three mirrors and seat belts.Billy Briney, Briney Motorsports, Hays, suggested the city could require alternative vehicles driven in Hays to be also equipped with a roll cage and a minimum tire size.&nbsp;"That would help get away from the slower vehicles, the golf carts and some of the more unsafe vehicles," said Briney. He noted Ness City also allows alternative vehicles.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617333749089.jpeg" alt="Billy Briney, Briney Motorsports, Hays, feels alternative vehicle drivers pay better attention when driving in a town with other traffic than when they are off-road." />
 <figcaption>Billy Briney, Briney Motorsports, Hays, feels alternative vehicle drivers pay better attention when driving in a town with other traffic than when they are off-road.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We hear about the accidents. Most of those are from off-roading," Briney said. "My feeling is, when you get people in the city actually with other traffic, traffic signs, they pay a little more attention than when they're out there with their friends in the sand dunes."Scott Braun, Ellis County sheriff, told the commission there are not a lot of accidents in the county "but we can tell when the young ones are playing. All you gotta do us go to the corner of the intersection and see how it's torn up. But as a whole, they're pretty safe."Vehicle drivers, who must have a valid license and be at least age 16, obey the same rules of the road as cars. The alternative vehicles, however, cannot be driven on Highway US 183, which is Vine Street within the Hays city limits.&nbsp;"We researched it because we were having some issues in the county," Braun said. "They can run any road in the county, except [Highway] 183. They can cross it," Braun said.The city could require such vehicles to be registered and/or be insured.Commissioner Ron Mellick supported the insurance requirement and a $1,000 fine if a driver is stopped and found to have no insurance on the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;A potential huge influx of alternative vehicles being driven on Hays streets by out-of-town visitors worries Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;"I don't mind my neighbors using alternative vehicles in Hays because they live in Hays and they understand Hays. So if that vehicle is registered as something that can be driven in Hays or Ellis County, I'm a little more open to that," said Berges.&nbsp;"But we have events in Hays like the dirt races and Oktoberfest and they're coming from all over the state. And they bring these alternative vehicles and then they can just drive around Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;"But if we had some system where they had to register that vehicle to be in Hays, to me that would kind of narrow that field down."According to Scheibler, in order to drive an alternative vehicle in Dodge City or Garden City, including those from out of town, it must be registered with those cities.&nbsp;Berges also talked about possibly restricting the vehicles to certain hours on the streets or to certain months."We don't allow them in December and January when it's cold and snowy or maybe summer months when it's overly busy," he said.&nbsp;"I know a lot of people use side-by-sides for snow removal," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor. "Yeah, I see people do that all the time," agreed Musil.The city should be able to put as many constraints on the alternative vehicles as commissioners desire, "as long as it doesn't conflict with state law," said Toby Dougherty, city manager.City staff is supporting an ordinance allowing such vehicles in Hays.&nbsp;Commissioners also heard details of a request for a transfer of mineral rights to Rich and Betty Wolf, a procedure City Attorney John Bird called a "bookkeeping matter."Several years ago the city acquired the right of way for the northeast portion of what would be the 260th&nbsp;Avenue and 41st Street intersection. Along with that acquisition came the mineral rights.&nbsp;The owners of the&nbsp;contiguous tract want to sell the property along with the mineral rights and have asked the&nbsp;city to deed those rights back to the adjacent property.According to Bird, the city has nearly no monetary interest in the mineral rights and would not lose the right of way if commissioners decided to return the mineral rights.Mayor Sandy Jacobs was absent from the meeting.Prior to the meeting, Ruder read a city proclamation signed by Jacobs in awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

🎥 City commission needs more time to research alternative vehicles on streets

March is National Athletic Training Month, and March 2021 has been one of the busiest ever for athletic trainers at Fort Hays State University.

As primary care providers for FHSU student-athletes participating in varsity sports, athletic trainers (ATs) are responsible for the care of student-athletes in 16 men’s and women’s varsity sports. In addition to providing medical services for the 10 athletic teams that regularly compete during the spring semester, the eight-member AT staff along with the two-member AT faculty have also been busy caring for fall sports athletes whose seasons were pushed until this spring because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year – like no other – the ATs have welcomed the help of athletic training students completing supervised clinical rotations.&nbsp;

“It’s definitely been all hands-on deck this semester,” said Dr. David Fitzhugh, director of the Athletic Training program. “Along with all the normal services for injury prevention and care, there have been COVID-19 testing protocols, contact tracing, quarantine/isolation monitoring, and extra cleaning procedures. With all the additional sports currently active – and extra responsibilities – this spring, we would be having a harder time getting everything done without our athletic training students’ contributions during their supervised rotations.”

Matt Harris, a junior from Wichita, is thankful for the additional educational opportunities.

“I appreciate getting to work with all sorts of athletes in a variety of sports,” Harris said. “Injuries are different for different sports, and the wide knowledge base of treating different injuries is invaluable.”

Harris, set to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in May 2022, has worked with the ATs in five different Tiger sports and has done a clinical rotation at a local high school as well. Even before the pandemic, Harris felt he was gaining some of the best real-life experiences available.

“The opportunities here at Fort Hays State have given me incredible hands-on experience,” Harris said. He gave as an example the difference between testing ligaments and muscles of his peers in a classroom setting to performing the same procedure on an injured athlete.

“It’s going to be a different scenario with every patient,” he said. “The opportunity to test a torn ligament on an injured athlete, as opposed to a ligament on a healthy classmate, helps our evaluation skills tremendously.”

The opportunity for hands-on experience early on in the program is what drew Josh Walker to FHSU.

Walker, a graduate student from Windsor, Colo., transferred to Fort Hay State from Brown Mackie College in Salina, and the AT program helped him fulfill his love of sports and a passion for helping others.

He earned his bachelor of science degree in athletic training in 2020 and is now pursuing his master’s in Health and Human Performance.&nbsp;

“I enjoy helping people, and this is a perfect mixture of helping someone while participating in sports in some way,” he said. “It’s really rewarding to watch athletes come back from injuries, knowing you helped them in some way to accomplish that goal of getting back into action.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617050776420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsMarch is National Athletic Training Month, and March 2021 has been one of the busiest ever for athletic trainers at Fort Hays State University.As primary care providers for FHSU student-athletes participating in varsity sports, athletic trainers (ATs) are responsible for the care of student-athletes in 16 men’s and women’s varsity sports. In addition to providing medical services for the 10 athletic teams that regularly compete during the spring semester, the eight-member AT staff along with the two-member AT faculty have also been busy caring for fall sports athletes whose seasons were pushed until this spring because of the coronavirus pandemic.This year – like no other – the ATs have welcomed the help of athletic training students completing supervised clinical rotations.&nbsp;“It’s definitely been all hands-on deck this semester,” said Dr. David Fitzhugh, director of the Athletic Training program. “Along with all the normal services for injury prevention and care, there have been COVID-19 testing protocols, contact tracing, quarantine/isolation monitoring, and extra cleaning procedures. With all the additional sports currently active – and extra responsibilities – this spring, we would be having a harder time getting everything done without our athletic training students’ contributions during their supervised rotations.”Matt Harris, a junior from Wichita, is thankful for the additional educational opportunities.“I appreciate getting to work with all sorts of athletes in a variety of sports,” Harris said. “Injuries are different for different sports, and the wide knowledge base of treating different injuries is invaluable.”Harris, set to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in May 2022, has worked with the ATs in five different Tiger sports and has done a clinical rotation at a local high school as well. Even before the pandemic, Harris felt he was gaining some of the best real-life experiences available.“The opportunities here at Fort Hays State have given me incredible hands-on experience,” Harris said. He gave as an example the difference between testing ligaments and muscles of his peers in a classroom setting to performing the same procedure on an injured athlete.“It’s going to be a different scenario with every patient,” he said. “The opportunity to test a torn ligament on an injured athlete, as opposed to a ligament on a healthy classmate, helps our evaluation skills tremendously.”The opportunity for hands-on experience early on in the program is what drew Josh Walker to FHSU.Walker, a graduate student from Windsor, Colo., transferred to Fort Hay State from Brown Mackie College in Salina, and the AT program helped him fulfill his love of sports and a passion for helping others.He earned his bachelor of science degree in athletic training in 2020 and is now pursuing his master’s in Health and Human Performance.&nbsp;“I enjoy helping people, and this is a perfect mixture of helping someone while participating in sports in some way,” he said. “It’s really rewarding to watch athletes come back from injuries, knowing you helped them in some way to accomplish that goal of getting back into action.”

National Athletic Training Month a busy one at Fort Hays State

TOPEKA — A web portal that allows a victim to file for a protection order online is now available in any county in Kansas.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/Hc3OWnllveXGnOokCxff6ASOnh7DHW5LIkZif6wsw7U" target="_blank">Kansas Protection Order Portal (KSPOP)</a>&nbsp;lets a person with a computer or smartphone complete the process to ask a judge to issue an order of protection from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking.

The Kansas judicial branch began testing the portal December 1 in Harvey, Johnson, and Riley counties. Ellis County joined the project March 1.

In fiscal year 2020, nearly 12,500 cases were filed in Kansas district courts by people seeking a protection order.

Many people who file for a protection order do so without help from an attorney, and they often visit a courthouse in person to fill out the forms to start the process. But a victim may not have a way to get to the courthouse, might live in a rural area far from the courthouse, or could feel unsafe leaving home.

"Access to justice is important, especially to someone who needs a protection order," said Amy Raymond, director of trial court programs for the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). "The portal gives people another option to seek that protection order, and it’s one that’s easier to access for many people."

The portal does not replace existing ways to file for a protection order. A person can still go to a courthouse for the necessary forms or contact law enforcement.

Once on the portal, a person is asked questions and the answers are used to complete the forms a judge will review before deciding whether to issue the protection order. If the judge issues the order, it will be sent to the filer by email.

District court staff process the filings during regular business hours. A person needing immediate help must contact local law enforcement.

Lanna Nichols, whose court was part of the pilot project, believes the portal has improved people's access to the court system. She is court administrator for the 21st Judicial District, composed of Riley and Clay counties.

"No longer do victims seeking a protection order need to worry about bringing the children with them or trying to leave work early to get to the courthouse before we close," she said.

Nichols said 84 people in Riley County have used the portal since December 1. During the same time, 27 people have filed by visiting the courthouse in Manhattan.

The judicial branch created the portal in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. A Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program grant was used to create the portal.

The judicial branch received an additional grant from the federal S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act, awarded through the Kansas governor's office. The additional grant will be used to:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617313168305.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA — A web portal that allows a victim to file for a protection order online is now available in any county in Kansas.The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/Hc3OWnllveXGnOokCxff6ASOnh7DHW5LIkZif6wsw7U" target="_blank">Kansas Protection Order Portal (KSPOP)</a>&nbsp;lets a person with a computer or smartphone complete the process to ask a judge to issue an order of protection from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking.The Kansas judicial branch began testing the portal December 1 in Harvey, Johnson, and Riley counties. Ellis County joined the project March 1.In fiscal year 2020, nearly 12,500 cases were filed in Kansas district courts by people seeking a protection order.Many people who file for a protection order do so without help from an attorney, and they often visit a courthouse in person to fill out the forms to start the process. But a victim may not have a way to get to the courthouse, might live in a rural area far from the courthouse, or could feel unsafe leaving home."Access to justice is important, especially to someone who needs a protection order," said Amy Raymond, director of trial court programs for the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA). "The portal gives people another option to seek that protection order, and it’s one that’s easier to access for many people."The portal does not replace existing ways to file for a protection order. A person can still go to a courthouse for the necessary forms or contact law enforcement.Online processOnce on the portal, a person is asked questions and the answers are used to complete the forms a judge will review before deciding whether to issue the protection order. If the judge issues the order, it will be sent to the filer by email.The portal also:<ul>
 <li>explains what is required to qualify for an order for protection from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking; </li><li>connects people with resources for emergency support, shelter, community assistance, advocacy support, and legal aid; and </li><li>includes a "safely exit" option for a person to quickly leave the site if the person's internet use is witnessed, discovered, or seen.</li>
 </ul>District court staff process the filings during regular business hours. A person needing immediate help must contact local law enforcement.Lanna Nichols, whose court was part of the pilot project, believes the portal has improved people's access to the court system. She is court administrator for the 21st Judicial District, composed of Riley and Clay counties."No longer do victims seeking a protection order need to worry about bringing the children with them or trying to leave work early to get to the courthouse before we close," she said.Nichols said 84 people in Riley County have used the portal since December 1. During the same time, 27 people have filed by visiting the courthouse in Manhattan.Grant fundingThe judicial branch created the portal in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. A Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program grant was used to create the portal.The judicial branch received an additional grant from the federal S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act, awarded through the Kansas governor's office. The additional grant will be used to:<ul>
 <li>integrate the protection portal with the state's eCourt system, which will allow people who don't have an attorney to file legal forms electronically; </li><li>send automatic updates to filers by email or text message; </li><li>create a mobile app for the protection portal; </li><li>add instructions and forms in other languages to the protection portal; and </li><li>develop more self-guided interviews and instructions on the protection portal to help victims complete other legal forms and file certain legal actions.</li>
 </ul>

Implemented in Ellis Co., new Kan. Protection Order Portal available statewide

Court Appointed Special Advocates of the High Plains has appointed four new members to its board of directors.

They include Travis Phillips,&nbsp;Thelma Berland, Kristen Osborne and Marissa Lambert.

Travis Phillips, 52, of WaKeeney is a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.

He has also served as a WaKeeney Lions Club member, WaKeeney FFA alumni board member, USD 208 Board of Education member and is a volunteer with the Ten33 foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support stress mitigation training to fellow first responders.

"I want to make a difference in a child’s life," Phillips said. "Throughout my career I’ve witnessed the tragedies and heartbreak in children’s lives. I don’t &nbsp;just 'wish' I could help children in need, I actually want to help them and be a positive light in their lives."

Thelma Berland of rural Damar has been a speech-language pathologist for 25 years.&nbsp;

In addition to two school districts, she also serves a hospital and a nursing home. She has held many volunteer positions, including volunteering with Girl Scouts, cheerleading and her local Catholic youth group. 

"I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to serve on the CASA board.   I have followed this organization for years and have been impressed with their mission," she said.

"I know my school career of service to parents and students is possibly coming to a close at some point, and the potential for continuing to serve children and families in need is very, very important to me," she said.

She said she hopes, at some point, to train to be an advocate and transition to that position.

Kristen Osborne, 28, of Hays&nbsp;works for the Department for Children and Families doing vocational rehabilitation.

"I wanted to be a part of the CASA board after seeing what an impact the CASA volunteers and the CASA organization make for the youth they serve," Osborne said.

"Working in a children's psychiatric hospital for four years, I was able to see the connection and support a CASA volunteer can provide to a youth during a difficult time," she said. "I am passionate about advocating for others and making this world a little brighter through positive connections and relationships. I hope to be able to assist CASA in increasing the number of youth served."&nbsp;

Marissa Lambert of Liebenthal is employed by Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAs.

She was a past member of the USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence board.

If you are interested in serving on the CASA board or serving as the court appointed special advocate, you can call the local CASA office at 785-628-8641 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:casahighplains@kansascasa.org" target="_blank">casahighplains@kansascasa.org</a>.

CASA of the High PlainsCourt Appointed Special Advocates of the High Plains has appointed four new members to its board of directors.They include Travis Phillips,&nbsp;Thelma Berland, Kristen Osborne and Marissa Lambert.<h2>Travis Phillips</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617289660871.jpeg" alt="Travis Phillips" />
 <figcaption>Travis Phillips</figcaption>
 </figure>Travis Phillips, 52, of WaKeeney is a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.He has also served as a WaKeeney Lions Club member, WaKeeney FFA alumni board member, USD 208 Board of Education member and is a volunteer with the Ten33 foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support stress mitigation training to fellow first responders."I want to make a difference in a child’s life," Phillips said. "Throughout my career I’ve witnessed the tragedies and heartbreak in children’s lives. I don’t &nbsp;just 'wish' I could help children in need, I actually want to help them and be a positive light in their lives."<h2>Thelma Berland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617220156427.jpeg" alt="Thelma Berland" />
 <figcaption>Thelma Berland</figcaption>
 </figure>Thelma Berland of rural Damar has been a speech-language pathologist for 25 years.&nbsp;In addition to two school districts, she also serves a hospital and a nursing home. She has held many volunteer positions, including volunteering with Girl Scouts, cheerleading and her local Catholic youth group. "I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to serve on the CASA board. I have followed this organization for years and have been impressed with their mission," she said."I know my school career of service to parents and students is possibly coming to a close at some point, and the potential for continuing to serve children and families in need is very, very important to me," she said.She said she hopes, at some point, to train to be an advocate and transition to that position.<h2>Kristen Osborne</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617289700087.jpeg" alt="Kristen Osborne" />
 <figcaption>Kristen Osborne</figcaption>
 </figure>Kristen Osborne, 28, of Hays&nbsp;works for the Department for Children and Families doing vocational rehabilitation."I wanted to be a part of the CASA board after seeing what an impact the CASA volunteers and the CASA organization make for the youth they serve," Osborne said."Working in a children's psychiatric hospital for four years, I was able to see the connection and support a CASA volunteer can provide to a youth during a difficult time," she said. "I am passionate about advocating for others and making this world a little brighter through positive connections and relationships. I hope to be able to assist CASA in increasing the number of youth served."&nbsp;<h2>Marissa Lambert</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617289753277.jpeg" alt="Marissa Lambert." />
 <figcaption>Marissa Lambert.</figcaption>
 </figure>Marissa Lambert of Liebenthal is employed by Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAs.She was a past member of the USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence board.If you are interested in serving on the CASA board or serving as the court appointed special advocate, you can call the local CASA office at 785-628-8641 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:casahighplains@kansascasa.org" target="_blank">casahighplains@kansascasa.org</a>.

CASA appoints new members to board

Proposed Program for Kansas students lacks needed oversight

Key Words:&nbsp; education savings account (ESA), tax credits, scholarships for at-risk students, program oversight, Kansas State Treasurer

In its current state, a bill before the Kansas legislature to help at-risk students might actually put at-risk students at greater risk.

More opportunities for low income students who are behind academically is something virtually all Kansas endorse.&nbsp; However, problems arise when legislation proposes to award state tax dollars to private enterprise, in this case private schooling.

At this writing, House Bill 2119 has undergone additions and revisions as in HB2067, but the proposed legislation remains designed to increase tax-credit funded scholarships for students designated high-risk by their schools.&nbsp; At the same time, the legislation would allow state tax dollars to be parceled into Education Savings Accounts of approximately $4,500 per year (the base per pupil funding) for high-poverty, under-achieving students who may draw on the funds for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Those needs can cover a range of services from transportation to a private school, to textbooks to online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even though Kansas is known for having strong private schools, when Kansas children will be impacted by any state legislation, it’s best to follow advice of the late U. S. President Ronald Reagan and “trust but verify.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among its many flaws, one significantly troubling aspect of the legislation is oversight of private schools. Kansas has approximately 130 registered accredited and 29 unaccredited private schools.&nbsp; Unaccredited private schools have been eliminated from the legislation as it currently reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Accredited private schools follow guidelines set by the Kansas State Board of Education and file brief yearly reports.&nbsp; However, the current proposed legislation assigns no additional oversight for the new ESA program from KSDE.

Instead, the state treasurer is assigned the responsibility to approve these private schools and oversee the program by to auditing one accredited private school per year, drawn randomly.&nbsp; Therefore, it would take decades to audit each school in the program, if the number of schools remains stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moreover, the legislation does not require any review beyond the audit by the treasurer’s office nor is the treasurer’s staff trained to review student achievement, curriculum standards or teachers as part of school oversight, which is important to protect our state’s children.

Even though many private schools apply their own rigorous hiring standards, Kansas public school teachers must hold a college degree, undergo a state and federal background check and meet other requirements.&nbsp; Private schools are not required to apply any of the Kansas certification/licensure standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Further, this legislation provides no review of tax dollars qualified students may spend on additional educational services.&nbsp; “Trusting” without safeguards means taking big chances when dispersing Kansas tax dollars to pay private tuition or services for any K-12 student.&nbsp;

If passed, this legislation would set up a second, parallel oversight system for high risk students—KDSE for those students in public schools and the state treasurer’s office for students qualified and requesting to use state funds for private school tuition or educational services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The revised HB2119/HB2067 assumes a lot of “trust” and is short on “verification” that assures students and the tax paying public are protected.&nbsp;

Why would we set up, and pay for, audit-only oversight for an ESA program through the state treasurer and thus avoid transparency and accountability?&nbsp; Why would we exclude KSDE, an entity that is accountable and has governance conveyed from the voters in each community?&nbsp; We shouldn’t.&nbsp; This legislation should not become law.&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Proposed Program for Kansas students lacks needed oversight</h2>Key Words:&nbsp; education savings account (ESA), tax credits, scholarships for at-risk students, program oversight, Kansas State TreasurerIn its current state, a bill before the Kansas legislature to help at-risk students might actually put at-risk students at greater risk.More opportunities for low income students who are behind academically is something virtually all Kansas endorse.&nbsp; However, problems arise when legislation proposes to award state tax dollars to private enterprise, in this case private schooling.At this writing, House Bill 2119 has undergone additions and revisions as in HB2067, but the proposed legislation remains designed to increase tax-credit funded scholarships for students designated high-risk by their schools.&nbsp; At the same time, the legislation would allow state tax dollars to be parceled into Education Savings Accounts of approximately $4,500 per year (the base per pupil funding) for high-poverty, under-achieving students who may draw on the funds for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Those needs can cover a range of services from transportation to a private school, to textbooks to online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though Kansas is known for having strong private schools, when Kansas children will be impacted by any state legislation, it’s best to follow advice of the late U. S. President Ronald Reagan and “trust but verify.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among its many flaws, one significantly troubling aspect of the legislation is oversight of private schools. Kansas has approximately 130 registered accredited and 29 unaccredited private schools.&nbsp; Unaccredited private schools have been eliminated from the legislation as it currently reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;Accredited private schools follow guidelines set by the Kansas State Board of Education and file brief yearly reports.&nbsp; However, the current proposed legislation assigns no additional oversight for the new ESA program from KSDE.Instead, the state treasurer is assigned the responsibility to approve these private schools and oversee the program by to auditing one accredited private school per year, drawn randomly.&nbsp; Therefore, it would take decades to audit each school in the program, if the number of schools remains stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, the legislation does not require any review beyond the audit by the treasurer’s office nor is the treasurer’s staff trained to review student achievement, curriculum standards or teachers as part of school oversight, which is important to protect our state’s children.Even though many private schools apply their own rigorous hiring standards, Kansas public school teachers must hold a college degree, undergo a state and federal background check and meet other requirements.&nbsp; Private schools are not required to apply any of the Kansas certification/licensure standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, this legislation provides no review of tax dollars qualified students may spend on additional educational services.&nbsp; “Trusting” without safeguards means taking big chances when dispersing Kansas tax dollars to pay private tuition or services for any K-12 student.&nbsp;If passed, this legislation would set up a second, parallel oversight system for high risk students—KDSE for those students in public schools and the state treasurer’s office for students qualified and requesting to use state funds for private school tuition or educational services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The revised HB2119/HB2067 assumes a lot of “trust” and is short on “verification” that assures students and the tax paying public are protected.&nbsp;Why would we set up, and pay for, audit-only oversight for an ESA program through the state treasurer and thus avoid transparency and accountability?&nbsp; Why would we exclude KSDE, an entity that is accountable and has governance conveyed from the voters in each community?&nbsp; We shouldn’t.&nbsp; This legislation should not become law.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Education savings accounts could place students at risk

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 4 traffic stops Mon., March 22, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Abandoned
Vehicle--400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2 AM 
Animal Bite Investigation—2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 8:28 AM 
Unattended Death—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 9:50 AM; 9:57 AM 
Credit Card Violations—3200 block Country Ln, Hays; 3/20 11:47 AM; 3/22 10 AM 
Animal At Large--1200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 10:44 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3300 block U183 Hwy, Hays; 11:24 AM 
Theft of Vehicle—1700 block Hall St, Hays; 3/20 12 PM; 3/22 2:30 PM 
Fraud—600 block E 12th St, Hays; 3/20 12:01 AM; 3/22 4:38 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Tue., March 23, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Unattended
Death—2900 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 7:48 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 9:39 AM 
Welfare Check—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:23 AM 
Animal At Large—1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:19 PM 
Found/Lost Property—700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:33 PM 
Mental Health Call—2900 block Indian Trl, Hays; 1:28 PM 
Dead Animal Call—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:19 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—1300 block E 30th St, Hays; 3:45 PM 
Search Warrant--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 4:55 PM; 7:28 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--100 block E 16th St, Hays; 12 PM; 5:23 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 5:56 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle—400 block W 4th St, Hays; 3/9 12 PM; 3/23 8:10 PM 
Suspicious Activity--700 block Main St, Hays; 8 PM; 8:18 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Wed., March 24, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug
Offenses--2800 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:23 AM; 9:20 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 12th St, Hay; 9:15 AM 
Theft (general)--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 3/17 8 AM; 9:30 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 4th St, Hays; 3/21 10 PM 
Theft (general)—200 block W 43rd St, Hays; 10:22 AM 
Welfare Check—600 block E 5th St, Hays; 12:06 PM 
Domestic Disturbance--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:50 PM; 4:06 PM 
Disturbance – Noise—1800 block Main St, Hays; 5:32 PM 
Sex Offense—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3/17 12 AM; 12:45 AM 
Drug Offenses—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:02 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1500 block Montgomery St, Hays

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Thu., March 25, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2:06 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:16 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—300 block W 11th St, Hays; 8:59 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays;9:57 AM 
Blackmail/Extortion—2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 10:20 AM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:21 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 11:52 AM 
Found/Lost Property—300 block W 6th St, Hays; 12:15 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:48 PM 
Theft (general)—200 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:13 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—2800 block Vine St, Hays; 4 PM; 9:44 PM 
Found/Lost Property—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 10:35 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Fri., March 26, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated
Subject—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:13 AM 
Suicidal Subject—200 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:18 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—400 block W 4th St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 1:45 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--3200 block U183 Hwy, Hays; 12 AM; 7:50 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/24 8 AM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:19 PM 
Animal At Large—1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 12:44 PM 
Shoplifting—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/25 2:30 PM; 2:34 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/19 3:30 AM; 3/26 2:58 PM 
Animal At Large—1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 5:02 PM 
Battery – simple--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:08 PM; 6:25 PM 
Burglary/residence—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 9:51 PM 
Identity Theft—2800 block Fort St, Hays; 9:54 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 15 traffic stops Sat., March 27, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--400 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:45 AM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 2:19 AM 
Burglary/business—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 2:51 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—4500 block Larned Cir, Hays; 4:21 AM 
Drug Offenses--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 1/30 1:16 AM; 3/6 7:59 PM 
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy U183 at 8th St, Hays; 11:37 AM 
Credit Card Violations—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:11 PM 
Probation/Parole Violation—400 block W 27th St, Hays; 7:50 AM; 1:18 PM 
Animal At Large—1200 block Haney Dr, Hays; 3:50 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 3:55 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 3:55 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 3/26 10 AM; 10 PM 
Credit Card Violations—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/26 10 AM; 10 PM 
Suicidal Subject—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 7:31 PM; 8 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Sun., March 28, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

44 - Traffic
Stop; 13th and Pine, Hays; 12:28 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--500 block Elm St, Hays; 2:03 AM; 2:04 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--1000 block Vine St, Hays; 2:43 AM 
Suicidal Subject—300 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:04 AM 
Suicidal Subject—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:20 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block W 25th St, Hays; 7:22 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:43 AM; 8:03 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—4400 block Larned Cir, Hays; 1:27 PM 
Computer Crime—2800 block Fort St, Hays; 3:24 PM 
Theft of Vehicle—1400 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/21 12:01 AM; 3/28 3:25 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2000 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 4:57 PM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 5:10 PM 
Harassment (All Other)—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 6:35 PM; 8:22 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 7:28 PM 
Criminal Trespass—200 block E 16th St, Hays; 11:05 PM; 11:10 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 4 traffic stops Mon., March 22, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Abandoned
Vehicle--400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2 AM 
Animal Bite Investigation—2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 8:28 AM 
Unattended Death—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 9:50 AM; 9:57 AM 
Credit Card Violations—3200 block Country Ln, Hays; 3/20 11:47 AM; 3/22 10 AM 
Animal At Large--1200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 10:44 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3300 block U183 Hwy, Hays; 11:24 AM 
Theft of Vehicle—1700 block Hall St, Hays; 3/20 12 PM; 3/22 2:30 PM 
Fraud—600 block E 12th St, Hays; 3/20 12:01 AM; 3/22 4:38 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Tue., March 23, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Unattended
Death—2900 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 7:48 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 9:39 AM 
Welfare Check—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:23 AM 
Animal At Large—1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:19 PM 
Found/Lost Property—700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:33 PM 
Mental Health Call—2900 block Indian Trl, Hays; 1:28 PM 
Dead Animal Call—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:19 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—1300 block E 30th St, Hays; 3:45 PM 
Search Warrant--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 4:55 PM; 7:28 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--100 block E 16th St, Hays; 12 PM; 5:23 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 5:56 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle—400 block W 4th St, Hays; 3/9 12 PM; 3/23 8:10 PM 
Suspicious Activity--700 block Main St, Hays; 8 PM; 8:18 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Wed., March 24, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Drug
Offenses--2800 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:23 AM; 9:20 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 12th St, Hay; 9:15 AM 
Theft (general)--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 3/17 8 AM; 9:30 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 4th St, Hays; 3/21 10 PM 
Theft (general)—200 block W 43rd St, Hays; 10:22 AM 
Welfare Check—600 block E 5th St, Hays; 12:06 PM 
Domestic Disturbance--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:50 PM; 4:06 PM 
Disturbance – Noise—1800 block Main St, Hays; 5:32 PM 
Sex Offense—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3/17 12 AM; 12:45 AM 
Drug Offenses—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:02 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1500 block Montgomery St, HaysThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Thu., March 25, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2:06 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:16 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—300 block W 11th St, Hays; 8:59 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays;9:57 AM 
Blackmail/Extortion—2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 10:20 AM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:21 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 11:52 AM 
Found/Lost Property—300 block W 6th St, Hays; 12:15 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:48 PM 
Theft (general)—200 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:13 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—2800 block Vine St, Hays; 4 PM; 9:44 PM 
Found/Lost Property—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 10:35 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Fri., March 26, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Intoxicated
Subject—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:13 AM 
Suicidal Subject—200 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:18 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—400 block W 4th St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 1:45 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--3200 block U183 Hwy, Hays; 12 AM; 7:50 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/24 8 AM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:19 PM 
Animal At Large—1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 12:44 PM 
Shoplifting—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/25 2:30 PM; 2:34 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/19 3:30 AM; 3/26 2:58 PM 
Animal At Large—1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 5:02 PM 
Battery – simple--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:08 PM; 6:25 PM 
Burglary/residence—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 9:51 PM 
Identity Theft—2800 block Fort St, Hays; 9:54 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 15 traffic stops Sat., March 27, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--400 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:45 AM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 2:19 AM 
Burglary/business—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 2:51 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—4500 block Larned Cir, Hays; 4:21 AM 
Drug Offenses--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 1/30 1:16 AM; 3/6 7:59 PM 
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy U183 at 8th St, Hays; 11:37 AM 
Credit Card Violations—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:11 PM 
Probation/Parole Violation—400 block W 27th St, Hays; 7:50 AM; 1:18 PM 
Animal At Large—1200 block Haney Dr, Hays; 3:50 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 3:55 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 3:55 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 3/26 10 AM; 10 PM 
Credit Card Violations—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/26 10 AM; 10 PM 
Suicidal Subject—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 7:31 PM; 8 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Sun., March 28, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.44 - Traffic
Stop; 13th and Pine, Hays; 12:28 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--500 block Elm St, Hays; 2:03 AM; 2:04 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--1000 block Vine St, Hays; 2:43 AM 
Suicidal Subject—300 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:04 AM 
Suicidal Subject—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:20 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block W 25th St, Hays; 7:22 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:43 AM; 8:03 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—4400 block Larned Cir, Hays; 1:27 PM 
Computer Crime—2800 block Fort St, Hays; 3:24 PM 
Theft of Vehicle—1400 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/21 12:01 AM; 3/28 3:25 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2000 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 4:57 PM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 5:10 PM 
Harassment (All Other)—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 6:35 PM; 8:22 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 7:28 PM 
Criminal Trespass—200 block E 16th St, Hays; 11:05 PM; 11:10 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, March 22-28

The Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo is coming out to the Expo grounds April 7 to 9. The three-day event will have programs, vendors, and a chance to meet up and see what’s new in farming and ranching. Together, with K-State Research and Extension, we will be giving informative programs, and listen to the various specialists discuss what is new in their fields of study. We will also have a virtual option available for those that are interested in attending virtually. You can contact the office for further details!&nbsp;

On Wednesday, April 7th at 1 PM, join KSRE along with the Great Bend Coop at the Wheat Plot tour. The plot is located north of the Expo grounds at Barton County Road and 50 AVE. Romulo Lollato, K-State Research and Extension’s Wheat and Forage Specialist will be present to discuss the 2021 Wheat plot for Barton County that is on location. He will discuss his current issues and future items to be on the lookout for this year in wheat.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also be available to answer any questions that producers have.&nbsp;

April 8th at 1 pm will be Hemp research update by Jason Griffin, Professor &amp; Director, John C. Pair Horticultural Center, Kansas State University, Dept. Horticulture &amp; Natural Resources. Jason leads the Hemp research that Kansas State University conducted in 2020 that he will report on as well as give an update on what they will be researching in 2021. He will also be available for questions after his presentation.&nbsp;

On Friday, April 9th&nbsp;at 1 pm, Anthony Zukoff will be in Expo 3 discussing&nbsp;Alfalfa&nbsp;weevil insecticide resistance and some notes on cryptic alfalfa pests. Anthony leads the extension entomology program at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Garden City.&nbsp;&nbsp;He focuses on all things insect-related with an emphasis on current and emerging pest issues facing crop production in Western Kansas.&nbsp;

Whatever your interests are when it comes to farming, there is a subject and specialist that can help you with information. Our specialists are happy to come out and share the latest information and research to help you be able to succeed at your farm. Join us during the lunch hour at the Great Bend Farm and Ranch show April 7 to 9 for all of K-State Research and Extension’s programming.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo is coming out to the Expo grounds April 7 to 9. The three-day event will have programs, vendors, and a chance to meet up and see what’s new in farming and ranching. Together, with K-State Research and Extension, we will be giving informative programs, and listen to the various specialists discuss what is new in their fields of study. We will also have a virtual option available for those that are interested in attending virtually. You can contact the office for further details!&nbsp;On Wednesday, April 7th at 1 PM, join KSRE along with the Great Bend Coop at the Wheat Plot tour. The plot is located north of the Expo grounds at Barton County Road and 50 AVE. Romulo Lollato, K-State Research and Extension’s Wheat and Forage Specialist will be present to discuss the 2021 Wheat plot for Barton County that is on location. He will discuss his current issues and future items to be on the lookout for this year in wheat.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also be available to answer any questions that producers have.&nbsp;April 8th at 1 pm will be Hemp research update by Jason Griffin, Professor &amp; Director, John C. Pair Horticultural Center, Kansas State University, Dept. Horticulture &amp; Natural Resources. Jason leads the Hemp research that Kansas State University conducted in 2020 that he will report on as well as give an update on what they will be researching in 2021. He will also be available for questions after his presentation.&nbsp;On Friday, April 9th&nbsp;at 1 pm, Anthony Zukoff will be in Expo 3 discussing&nbsp;Alfalfa&nbsp;weevil insecticide resistance and some notes on cryptic alfalfa pests. Anthony leads the extension entomology program at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Garden City.&nbsp;&nbsp;He focuses on all things insect-related with an emphasis on current and emerging pest issues facing crop production in Western Kansas.&nbsp;Whatever your interests are when it comes to farming, there is a subject and specialist that can help you with information. Our specialists are happy to come out and share the latest information and research to help you be able to succeed at your farm. Join us during the lunch hour at the Great Bend Farm and Ranch show April 7 to 9 for all of K-State Research and Extension’s programming.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Great Bend farm and ranch show on the way

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Friday in the area from Ash St. to Vine St. between 4th St. and 13th St., and from Wheatland Ave. to Commerce Parkway between 13th St. and 22nd St. 

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

 Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617312731328.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Friday in the area from Ash St. to Vine St. between 4th St. and 13th St., and from Wheatland Ave. to Commerce Parkway between 13th St. and 22nd St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes.