COLBY
— Award winners have been announced for the annual Art on the Oasis show held
March 5 to 7 at Colby Community College. Organizers extend appreciation to the
donors and communities involved with another successful event.&nbsp;

The
judge was Fort Hays State University sculpture professor Tobias Flores.

The
top three artists in professional, amateur, and high school divisions were
presented with cash prizes. High schools at the show included Colby, Decatur
Community, Hoxie, Oakley, Phillipsburg, Wheatland-Grinnell, and
Wauneta-Palisade in Nebraska.&nbsp;

Julie
Peterson-Shea of Phillipsburg received Best of Show. The top three placers are
listed in each division with their current town or school.

PROFESSIONAL Opaque Painting 1. Wendy Tan, Hays 2. Marilyn Frisbee, McDonald 3. James Spivey, Goodland

Transparent
Painting 1. Von Pounds, Larned&nbsp;

Mixed Medium&nbsp; 1.
Rebel Mahieu, Colby&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;Abby Killingsworth, Goodland 3. Jared Ean Jennings, Hays (Fort Hays State University student)

2D 1.&nbsp;Julie Peterson-Shea, Phillipsburg 2.
Kary Zweygardt, St. Francis 3.
Crystal Hammerschmidt, Hays (FHSU)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sculpture 1. Dan Schluckebeir, Palisade, Neb. 2.
Cassi Rebman, Hays (FHSU)&nbsp; 3.
James Hahn, Hays&nbsp;

Photography 1.
Rex Rosenburg, Great Bend&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.
Rosenburg&nbsp; 3.
Doyle Saddler, Colby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Best
of Show Julie
Peterson-Shea, Phillipsburg&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

AMATUER Opaque
Painting 1.
Theresa Reeves, Oberlin 2.
Thomas Peyton, Mingo 3. Reeves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Transparent
Painting&nbsp; 1. Suzanne Schielke, Colby&nbsp; 2. Carla Johnson, Oakley (CCC student) 3. Johnson

Mixed
Medium 1.
Carla Johnson, Oakley (CCC)&nbsp; 2.
Suzanne Schielke, Colby 3. Jackie Miller, Colby (CCC)

2D 1. Suzanne Schielke, Colby 2. Thomas Peyton, Mingo 3. Mara Hemel, Hays (FHSU)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sculpture 1. Eleanor Carlson, Hays 2. Sage Lohoefener, Oberlin (CCC)&nbsp; 3. Daniel Perez, Idalia, Colo. (CCC)

Photography 1.&nbsp;Erin Burke, Colby (CCC) 2. Burke

HIGH SCHOOL Painting 1.
Sophia Alfaya, Wauneta-Palisade (Neb.) 2.
Landon Rinehart, Colby 3.
Laredo Allemang, Wheatland-Grinnell

Mixed
Media&nbsp; 1.
Will Bradley, Colby 2.
Landon Rinehart, Colby 3. Rinehart

2D&nbsp; 1.
Andelyn Johnson, Oakley 2.&nbsp;Lakin Denny, Colby 3.
Ainsley Wolf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sculpture&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;Neveah Nelson, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.
Citori Bosserman, Oakley&nbsp; 3.
Mireya Villa, Hoxie&nbsp;&nbsp;

Photography&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1.
Mia Hamilton, Colby&nbsp; 2.
Mary McConald, Wheatland-Grinnell 3.
Baylee Alexander, Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616105692913.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY
— Award winners have been announced for the annual Art on the Oasis show held
March 5 to 7 at Colby Community College. Organizers extend appreciation to the
donors and communities involved with another successful event.&nbsp;The
judge was Fort Hays State University sculpture professor Tobias Flores.The
top three artists in professional, amateur, and high school divisions were
presented with cash prizes. High schools at the show included Colby, Decatur
Community, Hoxie, Oakley, Phillipsburg, Wheatland-Grinnell, and
Wauneta-Palisade in Nebraska.&nbsp;Julie
Peterson-Shea of Phillipsburg received Best of Show. The top three placers are
listed in each division with their current town or school.PROFESSIONAL Opaque Painting 1. Wendy Tan, Hays 2. Marilyn Frisbee, McDonald 3. James Spivey, GoodlandTransparent
Painting 1. Von Pounds, Larned&nbsp;Mixed Medium&nbsp; 1.
Rebel Mahieu, Colby&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;Abby Killingsworth, Goodland 3. Jared Ean Jennings, Hays (Fort Hays State University student)2D 1.&nbsp;Julie Peterson-Shea, Phillipsburg 2.
Kary Zweygardt, St. Francis 3.
Crystal Hammerschmidt, Hays (FHSU)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sculpture 1. Dan Schluckebeir, Palisade, Neb. 2.
Cassi Rebman, Hays (FHSU)&nbsp; 3.
James Hahn, Hays&nbsp;Photography 1.
Rex Rosenburg, Great Bend&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.
Rosenburg&nbsp; 3.
Doyle Saddler, Colby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Best
of Show Julie
Peterson-Shea, Phillipsburg&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; AMATUER Opaque
Painting 1.
Theresa Reeves, Oberlin 2.
Thomas Peyton, Mingo 3. Reeves&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transparent
Painting&nbsp; 1. Suzanne Schielke, Colby&nbsp; 2. Carla Johnson, Oakley (CCC student) 3. Johnson Mixed
Medium 1.
Carla Johnson, Oakley (CCC)&nbsp; 2.
Suzanne Schielke, Colby 3. Jackie Miller, Colby (CCC)2D 1. Suzanne Schielke, Colby 2. Thomas Peyton, Mingo 3. Mara Hemel, Hays (FHSU)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sculpture 1. Eleanor Carlson, Hays 2. Sage Lohoefener, Oberlin (CCC)&nbsp; 3. Daniel Perez, Idalia, Colo. (CCC)Photography 1.&nbsp;Erin Burke, Colby (CCC) 2. Burke HIGH SCHOOL Painting 1.
Sophia Alfaya, Wauneta-Palisade (Neb.) 2.
Landon Rinehart, Colby 3.
Laredo Allemang, Wheatland-GrinnellMixed
Media&nbsp; 1.
Will Bradley, Colby 2.
Landon Rinehart, Colby 3. Rinehart2D&nbsp; 1.
Andelyn Johnson, Oakley 2.&nbsp;Lakin Denny, Colby 3.
Ainsley Wolf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sculpture&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;Neveah Nelson, Wheatland-Grinnell&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.
Citori Bosserman, Oakley&nbsp; 3.
Mireya Villa, Hoxie&nbsp;&nbsp;Photography&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1.
Mia Hamilton, Colby&nbsp; 2.
Mary McConald, Wheatland-Grinnell 3.
Baylee Alexander, Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays, NW Kan. artists are award winners in Art on the Oasis

Three-day weather outlook

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing work on 8.5 miles of U.S. 183 in Rooks County the week of March 22.

The project will consist of a 1-inch mill and 2-inch overlay beginning at S Road and ending at 12th&nbsp;Street in Stockton. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours, and minor delays should be expected.

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

APAC Shears of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $1.7 million project.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing work on 8.5 miles of U.S. 183 in Rooks County the week of March 22.The project will consist of a 1-inch mill and 2-inch overlay beginning at S Road and ending at 12th&nbsp;Street in Stockton. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours, and minor delays should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting.APAC Shears of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $1.7 million project.&nbsp;

Resurfacing project starting on U.S. 183 in Rooks County

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

All-American. That designation is for the highest level of collegiate sports performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas woman who founded a business that is helping create All-Americans in the sport of equestrian riding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ann White is the founder and owner of Vermillion Valley Equine Center near Belvue. Ann grew up in Manhattan and loved horses as a girl. “My parents were not into horses, but they allowed me to have riding lessons,” Ann said. Horses became her passion. She started traveling and training horses and riders, particularly in the English style of riding.&nbsp;

Ann went to Kansas State University and met Mike White. They married, and she moved onto his family farm, named Vermillion Valley Farms. “I had been traveling around to train horses, but when I started having children, I did the training here (at the farm),” she said. “I didn’t really think people would come clear out here but they did, and now I think our rural setting is one of the biggest draws.”&nbsp;

In order to have a space to train, Ann mowed a patch out of the wheatfield. “The next year, I mowed a little bigger patch,” she said. “We just kept adding on.”&nbsp;

That was the beginning of Vermillion Valley Equine Center. Today,&nbsp;Vermillion Valley Equine Center is a full-service horse boarding facility specializing in the English riding disciplines of hunters, jumpers, equitation and eventing. Horse training and riding lessons are offered for all ages and skill levels. “We cover the whole gamut, from rank amateurs to those competing at the national level,” Ann said.&nbsp;

The facility has capacity for 60 horses, including 23 “school horses” used for the riding academy. The facility includes large arenas with sand footing on a limestone base, a round pen and a 10-acre, cross-country schooling field. The newest arena is 150 feet x 300 feet in size and features a water jump, hill and bank complex. Ann has a mobile trailer for sales of tack. She opened a brick-and-mortar tack shop in Wamego six years ago. Altogether,&nbsp;the facility&nbsp;includes all the elements one would need for equestrian training.&nbsp;

Such training has produced excellent results, beginning close to home. “Horses put my daughters through college,” Ann said. All three daughters – Alice, Jessica and Amy – worked and rode on the farm. Two earned college scholarships for joining the equestrian team at Oklahoma State University. The third went for a master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh and lives in Europe. The other two daughters have come back to the farm as professional trainers.&nbsp;

“As a farm wife, it is very special that our daughters would come home and work with us,” Ann said. Now there are six professional trainers working at&nbsp;Vermillion Valley Equine Center. Ann and her daughters and clients have literally traveled coast to coast, and even overseas, for equine events.&nbsp;

Among her clients are those seeking to compete nationally. “I’m proud of the professionals who got their start here,” Ann said. She has trained riders who achieved All-American status on equestrian teams at Texas A&amp;M and Baylor Universities, and became team captains at K-State, Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, Oklahoma State and others. “It was a terrible shame that K-State discontinued its equestrian team,” Ann said. Her facility is now home to the&nbsp;K-State Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Hunt Seat Team and the Flint Hills Pony Club for younger kids.&nbsp;

“It’s great to see the national awards, but it’s also as important to see the kids who will never enter a horse show grow and learn in their self-confidence,” Ann said. “The awards and ribbons are fine, but it’s wonderful to see the people who return here with their kids and grandkids.”&nbsp;

How great to find this facility on a family farm outside of the rural community of Belvue, population 205 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vermillionvalleyequine.com/">www.vermillionvalleyequine.com</a>.&nbsp;

All-American. That national designation has been achieved by equestrian riders trained here at&nbsp;Vermillion Valley Equine Center. We commend Ann White and family for making a difference by sharing their equestrian skills with others. It’s a lifestyle that is All-American.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615987056823.png" alt="Ann White and Alice White" />
 <figcaption>Ann White and Alice White</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentAll-American. That designation is for the highest level of collegiate sports performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas woman who founded a business that is helping create All-Americans in the sport of equestrian riding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ann White is the founder and owner of Vermillion Valley Equine Center near Belvue. Ann grew up in Manhattan and loved horses as a girl. “My parents were not into horses, but they allowed me to have riding lessons,” Ann said. Horses became her passion. She started traveling and training horses and riders, particularly in the English style of riding.&nbsp;Ann went to Kansas State University and met Mike White. They married, and she moved onto his family farm, named Vermillion Valley Farms. “I had been traveling around to train horses, but when I started having children, I did the training here (at the farm),” she said. “I didn’t really think people would come clear out here but they did, and now I think our rural setting is one of the biggest draws.”&nbsp;In order to have a space to train, Ann mowed a patch out of the wheatfield. “The next year, I mowed a little bigger patch,” she said. “We just kept adding on.”&nbsp;That was the beginning of Vermillion Valley Equine Center. Today,&nbsp;Vermillion Valley Equine Center is a full-service horse boarding facility specializing in the English riding disciplines of hunters, jumpers, equitation and eventing. Horse training and riding lessons are offered for all ages and skill levels. “We cover the whole gamut, from rank amateurs to those competing at the national level,” Ann said.&nbsp;The facility has capacity for 60 horses, including 23 “school horses” used for the riding academy. The facility includes large arenas with sand footing on a limestone base, a round pen and a 10-acre, cross-country schooling field. The newest arena is 150 feet x 300 feet in size and features a water jump, hill and bank complex. Ann has a mobile trailer for sales of tack. She opened a brick-and-mortar tack shop in Wamego six years ago. Altogether,&nbsp;the facility&nbsp;includes all the elements one would need for equestrian training.&nbsp;Such training has produced excellent results, beginning close to home. “Horses put my daughters through college,” Ann said. All three daughters – Alice, Jessica and Amy – worked and rode on the farm. Two earned college scholarships for joining the equestrian team at Oklahoma State University. The third went for a master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh and lives in Europe. The other two daughters have come back to the farm as professional trainers.&nbsp;“As a farm wife, it is very special that our daughters would come home and work with us,” Ann said. Now there are six professional trainers working at&nbsp;Vermillion Valley Equine Center. Ann and her daughters and clients have literally traveled coast to coast, and even overseas, for equine events.&nbsp;Among her clients are those seeking to compete nationally. “I’m proud of the professionals who got their start here,” Ann said. She has trained riders who achieved All-American status on equestrian teams at Texas A&amp;M and Baylor Universities, and became team captains at K-State, Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, Oklahoma State and others. “It was a terrible shame that K-State discontinued its equestrian team,” Ann said. Her facility is now home to the&nbsp;K-State Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Hunt Seat Team and the Flint Hills Pony Club for younger kids.&nbsp;“It’s great to see the national awards, but it’s also as important to see the kids who will never enter a horse show grow and learn in their self-confidence,” Ann said. “The awards and ribbons are fine, but it’s wonderful to see the people who return here with their kids and grandkids.”&nbsp;How great to find this facility on a family farm outside of the rural community of Belvue, population 205 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vermillionvalleyequine.com/">www.vermillionvalleyequine.com</a>.&nbsp;All-American. That national designation has been achieved by equestrian riders trained here at&nbsp;Vermillion Valley Equine Center. We commend Ann White and family for making a difference by sharing their equestrian skills with others. It’s a lifestyle that is All-American.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Ann White, Vermillion Valley Equine Center 

Thomas More Prep-Marian this week announced the following
staff additions at the junior high.


Jason Capser will join the Junior High as the science instructor after
having most recently taught at St. Christopher Catholic School, Las Vegas,
Nev. As a retired Army veteran and with experience in educating students in
the areas of math and science, Mr. Casper will be a valued member of the
TMP-Marian Junior High. Mr. Casper has earned his Master of Science in
Forensic Science from National University, Bachelor of Arts in
Anthropology/Religious Studies from Arizona State University and


Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from American InterContinental University.


Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, Mr. Casper will be replacing Mr. Randy Brull who
stepped in after the unexpected death of Mr. Jim Balthazor in 2020.


“What I hope that I am bringing to the Junior High is a sense of worth, excellence, and
dedication not just in everything that we do academically and in life but spiritually as well,” said
Casper.


Becky Fox will assume the role of Junior High Guidance Counselor in
preparation for the 2021-22 academic year. Mrs Fox joins TMP-Marian after
having served as the Guidance Counselor at Lincoln Elementary for the past
two years and has earned her Master of Science in School Counseling and
Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology from Fort Hays State
University.


“I hope to bring a positive attitude and the tools and skills necessary to help the junior high
students at TMP-Marian Junior High be successful. I am passionate about student well-being
and hope to be able to help the students navigate the challenges of the junior high years in a
positive way and help them to excel academically as they prepare for high school and their
careers later on,” said Fox.


“I believe everyone deserves to be able to speak and be heard. Life has ups and downs, and as
students get older, they face academic, social, and emotional challenges. It is the school
counselor’s job to be there for them and help them learn skills and strategies to overcome these
obstacles. I also think that a big part of school counseling is helping students realize their full
potential and begin discovering who they are called to be,” concluded Fox.


"I feel like we are adding two tremendous educators, and more importantly, student-focused role
models to our junior high staff," said Principal Chad Meitner. "The teaching and life experiences
these two bring to our already impressive JH faculty is exciting and replete with possibilities!"


Located in Hays, Kan., the Heartland Parishes Catholic Schools, Thomas More Prep-Marian and
Holy Family Elementary, is a Catholic school system serving grades PK-12. Students come from
Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. Under the direction of the
Diocese of Salina, the Heartland Parishes Catholic Schools are supported by the Catholic
churches of Hays, Catharine, Antonino, Schoenchen and Munjor. At Holy Family Elementary,
we are Christ to one another. For over a century, Thomas More Prep-Marian has served young
people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.

Thomas More Prep-Marian this week announced the following
staff additions at the junior high.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616260316323.png" alt="Casper" />
 <figcaption>Casper</figcaption>
 </figure>Jason Capser will join the Junior High as the science instructor after
having most recently taught at St. Christopher Catholic School, Las Vegas,
Nev. As a retired Army veteran and with experience in educating students in
the areas of math and science, Mr. Casper will be a valued member of the
TMP-Marian Junior High. Mr. Casper has earned his Master of Science in
Forensic Science from National University, Bachelor of Arts in
Anthropology/Religious Studies from Arizona State University and
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from American InterContinental University.
Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, Mr. Casper will be replacing Mr. Randy Brull who
stepped in after the unexpected death of Mr. Jim Balthazor in 2020.
“What I hope that I am bringing to the Junior High is a sense of worth, excellence, and
dedication not just in everything that we do academically and in life but spiritually as well,” said
Casper.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616260287468.png" alt="Fox" />
 <figcaption>Fox</figcaption>
 </figure>Becky Fox will assume the role of Junior High Guidance Counselor in
preparation for the 2021-22 academic year. Mrs Fox joins TMP-Marian after
having served as the Guidance Counselor at Lincoln Elementary for the past
two years and has earned her Master of Science in School Counseling and
Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology from Fort Hays State
University.
“I hope to bring a positive attitude and the tools and skills necessary to help the junior high
students at TMP-Marian Junior High be successful. I am passionate about student well-being
and hope to be able to help the students navigate the challenges of the junior high years in a
positive way and help them to excel academically as they prepare for high school and their
careers later on,” said Fox.
“I believe everyone deserves to be able to speak and be heard. Life has ups and downs, and as
students get older, they face academic, social, and emotional challenges. It is the school
counselor’s job to be there for them and help them learn skills and strategies to overcome these
obstacles. I also think that a big part of school counseling is helping students realize their full
potential and begin discovering who they are called to be,” concluded Fox.
"I feel like we are adding two tremendous educators, and more importantly, student-focused role
models to our junior high staff," said Principal Chad Meitner. "The teaching and life experiences
these two bring to our already impressive JH faculty is exciting and replete with possibilities!"
Located in Hays, Kan., the Heartland Parishes Catholic Schools, Thomas More Prep-Marian and
Holy Family Elementary, is a Catholic school system serving grades PK-12. Students come from
Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. Under the direction of the
Diocese of Salina, the Heartland Parishes Catholic Schools are supported by the Catholic
churches of Hays, Catharine, Antonino, Schoenchen and Munjor. At Holy Family Elementary,
we are Christ to one another. For over a century, Thomas More Prep-Marian has served young
people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.

TMP-M announces staff additions at junior high

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🎙 Post Podcast: Spring a good time to review severe weather preperations

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday announced more than $2 million in grants have been awarded to continue improving the response to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.&nbsp;

The Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA) supports communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

“We have a responsibility to do all we can to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grants will strengthen our services and provide support to those who need it most.”

Two Ellis County organizations — Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and Northwest Kansas Community Corrections — were among the grant recipients.

Specifically, the funds enable local communities to enhance law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women; increase and improve services provided to victims of intimate partner related violent crimes; and promote a coordinated community response to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.

The Federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) funding is dedicated to the provision of direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault and their families.&nbsp;These funds support sexual assault and rape crisis centers providing services to victims and survivors.

Funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday announced more than $2 million in grants have been awarded to continue improving the response to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.&nbsp;The Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA) supports communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.“We have a responsibility to do all we can to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grants will strengthen our services and provide support to those who need it most.”Two Ellis County organizations — Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and Northwest Kansas Community Corrections — were among the grant recipients.Specifically, the funds enable local communities to enhance law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women; increase and improve services provided to victims of intimate partner related violent crimes; and promote a coordinated community response to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.The Federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) funding is dedicated to the provision of direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault and their families.&nbsp;These funds support sexual assault and rape crisis centers providing services to victims and survivors.Funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616185373131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. organizations earn grants to support domestic violence, assault survivors

“Once there lived an Upside-Down, who was the talk of all the town.&nbsp;If he was told to turn to right, he turned left out of spite.” — Alexander Kushner

The 2021 Kansas Legislature is Upside-Down-land, filled with lawmakers who focus their attention on non-problems, while purposefully ignoring the state’s real issues.

Reflecting the nutty fixation of Senator Roger Marshall, statehouse Republicans have focused immense attention on the burning question of whether Kansas transgender female athletes, perhaps five in total, should be able to compete in women’s sports.&nbsp; As with many other states’ partisans, Kansas Republicans studiously avoid important issues &nbsp;by obsessing on the bright shiny object of transgendered students, who are among the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

In passing an anti-trans athletes measure through an “emergency” (sic) process, Kansas risks the fate of states experiencing boycotts after passing such bills, including North Carolina’s misguided “bathroom bill” that lost that state more than $400 million in events revenues.

Contrast this with the legislators’ intransigent unwillingness to address Medicaid expansion, which would directly address the needs of more than 100,000 Kansans.&nbsp; This gross neglect over the past decade, which has cost Kansas more over $3 billion in funding, is even more shameful and stupid in 2021, given provisions of the American Recovery Plan (ARP).&nbsp;

Aside from many other positive health care provisions, the ARP offers new, enhanced incentives for Kansas to expand Medicaid, most notably an extra $450 million in benefits over the next two years, compared to increased expenditures of $210 million.&nbsp; The state would come out a big fiscal winner in tough times and up to 150,000 thousand Kansans would receive health coverage.

For Republican legislators, these generous, humane Medicaid provisions might as well not exist.&nbsp; In their Upside-Down world, even the possibility of some future increased expenses is enough to ignore every positive.&nbsp; Lawmakers simply avert their eyes, choosing to attack the mythology of trans athletes, while also seeking to exact a pound of flesh from Kansas universities.

Indeed, this latter subject – forcing universities to refund up to $150 million in tuition for those students whose classes moved from in-person to remote teaching – represents an Upside-Down two-fer for GOP legislators.&nbsp; That is, they can create a non-issue (refunds) that would further damage a higher education system already reeling from huge Covid-related fiscal losses, including $75 million for the University of Kansas alone.

Saddling Kansas universities with tens of millions in extra expenses would be crippling, yet for many lawmakers it is a point of pride, in that they would rather score political points than &nbsp;&nbsp;bolster 150 years of state investment in higher education.

Why this Upside-Down divergence between symbolism and substance for many Republican legislators, both in DC and Topeka?&nbsp; Largely because they have no serious policy agenda, as witnessed by their unwillingness to write a national party platform in 2020.&nbsp; Rather, they just said, “Our program is whatever Donald Trump wants.”

In Topeka, this translates to “Whatever Governor Laura Kelly supports, we oppose, even though we have little to offer in its place.”&nbsp; For deep-red Kansas, that may be enough, as trans students, the uninsured working poor, and state universities become targets for Republican lawmakers who provide no serious policies. At the same time, real issues of health care, a Covid-weakened economy, higher education, and yes, actual discrimination against trans students, go unaddressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574348610067.jpeg" alt="Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Once there lived an Upside-Down, who was the talk of all the town.&nbsp;If he was told to turn to right, he turned left out of spite.” — Alexander KushnerThe 2021 Kansas Legislature is Upside-Down-land, filled with lawmakers who focus their attention on non-problems, while purposefully ignoring the state’s real issues.Reflecting the nutty fixation of Senator Roger Marshall, statehouse Republicans have focused immense attention on the burning question of whether Kansas transgender female athletes, perhaps five in total, should be able to compete in women’s sports.&nbsp; As with many other states’ partisans, Kansas Republicans studiously avoid important issues &nbsp;by obsessing on the bright shiny object of transgendered students, who are among the state’s most vulnerable citizens.In passing an anti-trans athletes measure through an “emergency” (sic) process, Kansas risks the fate of states experiencing boycotts after passing such bills, including North Carolina’s misguided “bathroom bill” that lost that state more than $400 million in events revenues.Contrast this with the legislators’ intransigent unwillingness to address Medicaid expansion, which would directly address the needs of more than 100,000 Kansans.&nbsp; This gross neglect over the past decade, which has cost Kansas more over $3 billion in funding, is even more shameful and stupid in 2021, given provisions of the American Recovery Plan (ARP).&nbsp;Aside from many other positive health care provisions, the ARP offers new, enhanced incentives for Kansas to expand Medicaid, most notably an extra $450 million in benefits over the next two years, compared to increased expenditures of $210 million.&nbsp; The state would come out a big fiscal winner in tough times and up to 150,000 thousand Kansans would receive health coverage.For Republican legislators, these generous, humane Medicaid provisions might as well not exist.&nbsp; In their Upside-Down world, even the possibility of some future increased expenses is enough to ignore every positive.&nbsp; Lawmakers simply avert their eyes, choosing to attack the mythology of trans athletes, while also seeking to exact a pound of flesh from Kansas universities.Indeed, this latter subject – forcing universities to refund up to $150 million in tuition for those students whose classes moved from in-person to remote teaching – represents an Upside-Down two-fer for GOP legislators.&nbsp; That is, they can create a non-issue (refunds) that would further damage a higher education system already reeling from huge Covid-related fiscal losses, including $75 million for the University of Kansas alone.Saddling Kansas universities with tens of millions in extra expenses would be crippling, yet for many lawmakers it is a point of pride, in that they would rather score political points than &nbsp;&nbsp;bolster 150 years of state investment in higher education.Why this Upside-Down divergence between symbolism and substance for many Republican legislators, both in DC and Topeka?&nbsp; Largely because they have no serious policy agenda, as witnessed by their unwillingness to write a national party platform in 2020.&nbsp; Rather, they just said, “Our program is whatever Donald Trump wants.”In Topeka, this translates to “Whatever Governor Laura Kelly supports, we oppose, even though we have little to offer in its place.”&nbsp; For deep-red Kansas, that may be enough, as trans students, the uninsured working poor, and state universities become targets for Republican lawmakers who provide no serious policies. At the same time, real issues of health care, a Covid-weakened economy, higher education, and yes, actual discrimination against trans students, go unaddressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upside-Down, indeed.Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The Upside-Down Kan. Legislature

Inspired by the success of a social entrepreneurship initiative by Fort Hays State University students, an international online journal asked FHSU to submit an article for publication on the initiative.

Dr. Jane Talkington and Dr. Kevin Amidon co-authored the article “Get Smart About COVID-19,” which was published in the March 2021 issue of Solutions. Talkington is interim director of Center for Entrepreneurship in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (RCOBE) and assistant professor of management. Amidon is the director of the Honors College and an associate professor of modern languages. Also contributing to the article were Ronald Storrer, a graduate assistant in FHSU’s Department of Management, and Dr. Nizam S. Najd with Emporia State University’s Department of Business Administration.

Last fall, Talkington sent the Solutions editor – a former colleague of hers – a flyer for contact tracing workshops she is hosting through FHSU’s Management Development Center and included information about the student initiative.

The article describes the pilot program where FHSU students in the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall and the Honors College learn ways to apply safety measures from COVID-19 to their lifestyles. Talkington and Amidon used a curriculum developed by Johns Hopkins University, and at the time Solutions asked for FHSU’s article submission, it was the only university in the country known to be using the curriculum from the private research university.

Talkington, who became certified in contact tracing for COVID-19 last spring, thought of the initiative as a way of keeping students safe but engaged at the same time. Several FHSU students are part of both the Honors College and the Hansen Hall entrepreneurship community, so Talkington and Amidon decided to combine efforts for teaching students to take care of themselves while watching out for everyone’s welfare at the same time.

“We thought that peer-to-peer education would be the most effective way to teach students about COVID, using them as advocates for staying safe,” Talkington said.

The curriculum in the six-hour program focuses on the science of COVID-19 science and also includes the principles of contact tracing.

Following the course, the students were charged with building networks – particularly in rural western Kansas – to help improve the well-being of themselves, fellow students, and their families. Students completing the six-hour program are eligible for consideration for one of three $1,000 scholarships that will be awarded this spring. A committee will review the applicants, who must share the impact this project has had on their lifestyle and their greater community.

As a graduate assistant, Storrer assists Talkington with projects through the RCOBE Center for Entrepreneurship, and he lives in Hansen Hall, which houses students devoted to entrepreneurial learning objectives.

A native of Paraguay, Storrer said he knew that he wouldn’t be able to work as a contact tracer (international students cannot work off campus because of their VISA status). Nonetheless, he chose to take the John Hopkins course anyway.

“I wanted to learn more about COVID-19, based on science,” Storrer said. “There is a lot of information out there, but you don’t know what to believe. With the Johns Hopkins curriculum, you know everything you are learning is true.”

Storrer said some of the most notable lessons he learned were the importance of respecting the 6-foot distance between people, wearing masks, and getting tested even if you don’t display any symptoms.

Haley Yancey, a junior management major from Liberal, who also lives in Hansen Hall, was impressed with the course.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed to know about COVID-19 safety,” she said. “This course opened my eyes, especially seeing how many people that one person with COVID-19 can infect if they come in contact with them.”

Both Talkington and Amidon are pleased with the results of the initiative to date.

“We’re always asking students to link their education with the careers are seeking, and this is a solution to a real-world problem,” Amidon said. “We saw this as a learning opportunity and to find a way for students to learn new kinds of campus and community leadership while fulfilling the mission of the institution and the student groups we are charged with.”

Talkington agreed, stating: “I read the other day that learning begins at the edge of discomfort, and our students are experiencing a lot of resilience through this project. I’ve always believed in activism, and this is teaching students how to be active in their community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615904667048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsInspired by the success of a social entrepreneurship initiative by Fort Hays State University students, an international online journal asked FHSU to submit an article for publication on the initiative.Dr. Jane Talkington and Dr. Kevin Amidon co-authored the article “Get Smart About COVID-19,” which was published in the March 2021 issue of Solutions. Talkington is interim director of Center for Entrepreneurship in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (RCOBE) and assistant professor of management. Amidon is the director of the Honors College and an associate professor of modern languages. Also contributing to the article were Ronald Storrer, a graduate assistant in FHSU’s Department of Management, and Dr. Nizam S. Najd with Emporia State University’s Department of Business Administration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612972279491.jpeg" alt="Dr. Jane Talkington" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jane Talkington</figcaption>
 </figure>Last fall, Talkington sent the Solutions editor – a former colleague of hers – a flyer for contact tracing workshops she is hosting through FHSU’s Management Development Center and included information about the student initiative.The article describes the pilot program where FHSU students in the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall and the Honors College learn ways to apply safety measures from COVID-19 to their lifestyles. Talkington and Amidon used a curriculum developed by Johns Hopkins University, and at the time Solutions asked for FHSU’s article submission, it was the only university in the country known to be using the curriculum from the private research university.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615904782827.jpeg" alt="Dr. Kevin Amidon" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Kevin Amidon</figcaption>
 </figure>Talkington, who became certified in contact tracing for COVID-19 last spring, thought of the initiative as a way of keeping students safe but engaged at the same time. Several FHSU students are part of both the Honors College and the Hansen Hall entrepreneurship community, so Talkington and Amidon decided to combine efforts for teaching students to take care of themselves while watching out for everyone’s welfare at the same time.“We thought that peer-to-peer education would be the most effective way to teach students about COVID, using them as advocates for staying safe,” Talkington said.The curriculum in the six-hour program focuses on the science of COVID-19 science and also includes the principles of contact tracing.Following the course, the students were charged with building networks – particularly in rural western Kansas – to help improve the well-being of themselves, fellow students, and their families. Students completing the six-hour program are eligible for consideration for one of three $1,000 scholarships that will be awarded this spring. A committee will review the applicants, who must share the impact this project has had on their lifestyle and their greater community.As a graduate assistant, Storrer assists Talkington with projects through the RCOBE Center for Entrepreneurship, and he lives in Hansen Hall, which houses students devoted to entrepreneurial learning objectives.A native of Paraguay, Storrer said he knew that he wouldn’t be able to work as a contact tracer (international students cannot work off campus because of their VISA status). Nonetheless, he chose to take the John Hopkins course anyway.“I wanted to learn more about COVID-19, based on science,” Storrer said. “There is a lot of information out there, but you don’t know what to believe. With the Johns Hopkins curriculum, you know everything you are learning is true.”Storrer said some of the most notable lessons he learned were the importance of respecting the 6-foot distance between people, wearing masks, and getting tested even if you don’t display any symptoms.Haley Yancey, a junior management major from Liberal, who also lives in Hansen Hall, was impressed with the course.“I didn’t realize how much I needed to know about COVID-19 safety,” she said. “This course opened my eyes, especially seeing how many people that one person with COVID-19 can infect if they come in contact with them.”Both Talkington and Amidon are pleased with the results of the initiative to date.“We’re always asking students to link their education with the careers are seeking, and this is a solution to a real-world problem,” Amidon said. “We saw this as a learning opportunity and to find a way for students to learn new kinds of campus and community leadership while fulfilling the mission of the institution and the student groups we are charged with.”Talkington agreed, stating: “I read the other day that learning begins at the edge of discomfort, and our students are experiencing a lot of resilience through this project. I’ve always believed in activism, and this is teaching students how to be active in their community.”

Publication features FHSU efforts to ‘Get Smart About COVID-19’

Steve Urban of the Ellis County Master Gardeners Cottonwood District gives some helpful tips on how to plant potatoes.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JeV9Fu73pzI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steve Urban of the Ellis County Master Gardeners Cottonwood District gives some helpful tips on how to plant potatoes.

🎥 Green & Growing 2021: Planting potatoes

The unique climate characteristics of the Southern Great Plains allow producers to use wheat as a forage and grain crop. Date of grazing termination is an important factor in determining wheat’s recovery potential and ability to produce grain. First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pastures to protect yield potential.&nbsp;

Before the wheat leaf sheaths become erect after spring green-up, the developing growing point, which is below the soil surface, will soon begin to form a tiny head. Although the head is quite small at this point, it has already established some important yield components. At this stage, the maximum potential number of spikelets is determined. Sufficient nitrogen (N) should already be available to maximize the potential number of seeds per head.&nbsp;

Once the embryo head has developed, the first internode will begin to elongate, pushing the head up through the leaf sheaths. This first internode will be hollow. This will be visible before you can actually feel the first node.&nbsp;

FHS is the point at which a 1.5 cm length of hollow stem can first be identified below the developing head. This length is roughly equivalent to the diameter of a dime. FHS occurs when the developing head is still below the soil surface. This means that producers have to dig plants out of the ground to measure it.&nbsp;

To look for FHS, start by digging up some plants from fields or areas that have not been grazed, such as field corners or just outside the fence. Date of FHS is variety- and field-specific, so it is important to sample each field. Select the largest tillers to examine, and slice the stem open from the crown area up. Look for the developing head, which will be very small. Next, see if you can find any hollow stem between the developing head and the crown area. If there is any separation, the hollow stem is elongating. If that separation is 1.5 cm, the wheat plant is at FHS. FHS occurs between a few days to a week or more prior to jointing, depending on temperatures.&nbsp;

If the wheat has reached FHS, cattle should be removed to prevent yield loss. Yield losses from grazing after FHS can range from 1 to 5% per day, depending on grazing intensity and the weather following cattle removal. If cattle removal is followed by cool, moist weather, yield losses will often average about 1% per day grazed after FHS; if weather is hot, dry, and harsh, yield losses of 5% per day or more can be expected. It is easy for producers to be late by a few days in removing livestock as they wait for obvious nodes and hollow stems to appear, and even the first few days can be significant.&nbsp;

Two things can occur when wheat is grazed too long: 1) fewer heads per acre because the primary tiller has been removed, and 2) smaller and lighter heads than expected because leaf area has been removed. As cattle continue grazing, the wheat plant is stressed and begins to lose some of the tillers that would produce grain. A little later, if there are not enough photosynthates, the plant begins aborting the lower spikelets in the head or some of the florets on each head. Finally, if there is not enough photosynthate during grain filling, the seed size will be reduced and if the stress is severe enough, some seed will abort.&nbsp;

For more information on managing wheat in dual-purpose systems, check the K-State Research and Extension publication MF3375, “Dual-purpose wheat: Management for forage and grain production”&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The unique climate characteristics of the Southern Great Plains allow producers to use wheat as a forage and grain crop. Date of grazing termination is an important factor in determining wheat’s recovery potential and ability to produce grain. First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pastures to protect yield potential.&nbsp;Before the wheat leaf sheaths become erect after spring green-up, the developing growing point, which is below the soil surface, will soon begin to form a tiny head. Although the head is quite small at this point, it has already established some important yield components. At this stage, the maximum potential number of spikelets is determined. Sufficient nitrogen (N) should already be available to maximize the potential number of seeds per head.&nbsp;Once the embryo head has developed, the first internode will begin to elongate, pushing the head up through the leaf sheaths. This first internode will be hollow. This will be visible before you can actually feel the first node.&nbsp;FHS is the point at which a 1.5 cm length of hollow stem can first be identified below the developing head. This length is roughly equivalent to the diameter of a dime. FHS occurs when the developing head is still below the soil surface. This means that producers have to dig plants out of the ground to measure it.&nbsp;To look for FHS, start by digging up some plants from fields or areas that have not been grazed, such as field corners or just outside the fence. Date of FHS is variety- and field-specific, so it is important to sample each field. Select the largest tillers to examine, and slice the stem open from the crown area up. Look for the developing head, which will be very small. Next, see if you can find any hollow stem between the developing head and the crown area. If there is any separation, the hollow stem is elongating. If that separation is 1.5 cm, the wheat plant is at FHS. FHS occurs between a few days to a week or more prior to jointing, depending on temperatures.&nbsp;If the wheat has reached FHS, cattle should be removed to prevent yield loss. Yield losses from grazing after FHS can range from 1 to 5% per day, depending on grazing intensity and the weather following cattle removal. If cattle removal is followed by cool, moist weather, yield losses will often average about 1% per day grazed after FHS; if weather is hot, dry, and harsh, yield losses of 5% per day or more can be expected. It is easy for producers to be late by a few days in removing livestock as they wait for obvious nodes and hollow stems to appear, and even the first few days can be significant.&nbsp;Two things can occur when wheat is grazed too long: 1) fewer heads per acre because the primary tiller has been removed, and 2) smaller and lighter heads than expected because leaf area has been removed. As cattle continue grazing, the wheat plant is stressed and begins to lose some of the tillers that would produce grain. A little later, if there are not enough photosynthates, the plant begins aborting the lower spikelets in the head or some of the florets on each head. Finally, if there is not enough photosynthate during grain filling, the seed size will be reduced and if the stress is severe enough, some seed will abort.&nbsp;For more information on managing wheat in dual-purpose systems, check the K-State Research and Extension publication MF3375, “Dual-purpose wheat: Management for forage and grain production”&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: Wheat as forage and grain

Those of you who know me are not surprised that I love this time of year. Warmer days mean longer and more frequent bike rides. Besides the physical activity that comes with the start of Spring, March is also designated as National Nutrition Month. A couple of weeks ago I put the finishing touches on the revision of a fact sheet and leaders guide I wrote ten years ago titled, “More Plants on the Plate.” The fact sheet includes updated information about the benefits of filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables. A generous portion of a grain dish, preferably whole grain, and a small portion of a lean protein round out the foods to fill your nine-inch plate. Dairy or calcium rich foods should also be part of a healthy diet.

The benefits of making dietary changes are amazing. Nutrient dense vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are naturally low in calories and fat. They also are naturally high in fiber which can help keep your digestive system healthy. Consuming a diet featuring more plants is good for your health – today and tomorrow.&nbsp;

We have heard so much lately about how important a strong immune system is. Complex carbohydrates are easy to digest, and the antioxidants in plants actually help strengthen your body’s immune system. Many people with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and various autoimmune diseases have been able to alleviate their symptoms by eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and consuming fewer solid and added fats, added sugars and refined grains.

Let’s talk a bit about the food that is being consumed in America. Calorie balance, which is one key to a healthy weight, can be achieved when calories consumed from food and drinks equal the calories used for physical activity and metabolic processes. It may sound simplistic but calorie imbalance – or consuming more calories than the body uses – is one reason for the growing national and global epidemic of obesity.&nbsp;

Consider the quality of calories and nutrients in the food consumers are choosing. Research reported in the American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide found that regardless of body weight, many people of all age groups consume too much solid fat, cholesterol, sodium, added sugar and refined grains. Too much of these may increase the risks of certain chronic diseases. A small serving of these energy-dense foods contains a large number of calories. Choosing unhealthy foods instead of nutrient-dense choices, foods that contain many nutrients in relationship to the number of calories, makes it harder to meet nutrient recommendations and control calories. Many choices high in sodium, added fat, and added sugar come from highly processed food. Or they may be choices made from a fast food menu. Preparing more food at home, where you control the ingredients, provides the best chance for healthy alternatives.&nbsp;

Just as important as the plate you are eating from is the beverage you choose to drink. Sugary soft drinks or specialty coffee drinks fill you up with empty calories and provide little nutrition. A glass of water is the healthier choice. Other points to consider as you work toward eating a healthier diet include:

Many people simply live to eat. For improved health, now is the time to eat to live. It may not easy to change eating habits overnight.&nbsp; At first you may find it challenging to avoid processed foods. But gradually, as more vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes are added to your daily menu, you will discover or rediscover what nutrient dense foods taste like. Let’s look for ways to put “more plants on the plate.”

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> or (620)793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Those of you who know me are not surprised that I love this time of year. Warmer days mean longer and more frequent bike rides. Besides the physical activity that comes with the start of Spring, March is also designated as National Nutrition Month. A couple of weeks ago I put the finishing touches on the revision of a fact sheet and leaders guide I wrote ten years ago titled, “More Plants on the Plate.” The fact sheet includes updated information about the benefits of filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables. A generous portion of a grain dish, preferably whole grain, and a small portion of a lean protein round out the foods to fill your nine-inch plate. Dairy or calcium rich foods should also be part of a healthy diet.The benefits of making dietary changes are amazing. Nutrient dense vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are naturally low in calories and fat. They also are naturally high in fiber which can help keep your digestive system healthy. Consuming a diet featuring more plants is good for your health – today and tomorrow.&nbsp;We have heard so much lately about how important a strong immune system is. Complex carbohydrates are easy to digest, and the antioxidants in plants actually help strengthen your body’s immune system. Many people with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and various autoimmune diseases have been able to alleviate their symptoms by eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and consuming fewer solid and added fats, added sugars and refined grains.Let’s talk a bit about the food that is being consumed in America. Calorie balance, which is one key to a healthy weight, can be achieved when calories consumed from food and drinks equal the calories used for physical activity and metabolic processes. It may sound simplistic but calorie imbalance – or consuming more calories than the body uses – is one reason for the growing national and global epidemic of obesity.&nbsp;Consider the quality of calories and nutrients in the food consumers are choosing. Research reported in the American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide found that regardless of body weight, many people of all age groups consume too much solid fat, cholesterol, sodium, added sugar and refined grains. Too much of these may increase the risks of certain chronic diseases. A small serving of these energy-dense foods contains a large number of calories. Choosing unhealthy foods instead of nutrient-dense choices, foods that contain many nutrients in relationship to the number of calories, makes it harder to meet nutrient recommendations and control calories. Many choices high in sodium, added fat, and added sugar come from highly processed food. Or they may be choices made from a fast food menu. Preparing more food at home, where you control the ingredients, provides the best chance for healthy alternatives.&nbsp;Just as important as the plate you are eating from is the beverage you choose to drink. Sugary soft drinks or specialty coffee drinks fill you up with empty calories and provide little nutrition. A glass of water is the healthier choice. Other points to consider as you work toward eating a healthier diet include:<ol>
 <li>Start your day with breakfast.</li><li>Include a fruit or vegetable at every meal or snack.</li><li>Reduce portion sizes.</li><li>Eat slowly and eat only until you are no longer hungry.&nbsp;</li><li>Choose to eat more nutrient dense foods. (Choose an apple instead of that piece of apple pie)</li><li>Eat whole foods instead of highly processed foods.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Many people simply live to eat. For improved health, now is the time to eat to live. It may not easy to change eating habits overnight.&nbsp; At first you may find it challenging to avoid processed foods. But gradually, as more vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes are added to your daily menu, you will discover or rediscover what nutrient dense foods taste like. Let’s look for ways to put “more plants on the plate.”Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> or (620)793-1910.&nbsp;

KRUG: Consider putting more plants on your plate

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained at one.

<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.

There were just two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 15 active cases, including two active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,698 recovered cases.&nbsp;

As of Friday, there were two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 3.2 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,713 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so KDHE figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616174791517.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: March 19, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a9fq2-fe4292-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=1"></iframe></div>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained at one.<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.There were just two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 15 active cases, including two active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,698 recovered cases.&nbsp;As of Friday, there were two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 3.2 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 3,713 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so KDHE figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616186919510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Per-day virus rate in Ellis Co. remains at 1; just 2 new cases

RUSSELL — Many customers are concerned about electricity rates increasing following February's arctic blast, leading to skyrocketing natural gas and electricity prices. 

Many statewide and regional media stories talk of many residents and businesses that are facing astronomical increases in their electric bills Russell is a public power community — publicly owned, locally controlled, and not-for-profit. 

As a public power community, the electric utility serves only our customers' interests, avoiding conflicts between shareholders and customers' interests because they are the same. Excess revenues stay in the local community and are invested in system improvements and utility reserves or returned to the customer in the form of lower rates. 

They are not distributed among outside shareholders, as they are in the case of for-profit utilities.

During the seven days of extraordinarily high electricity prices and extreme cold, Russell was able to generate most of the community's electric needs, significantly reducing our exposure to the high energy rates at the time — energy costs up to 100 times average. 

The ability to produce our electricity also eliminated our customer's exposure to the "planned outages" that many communities in the 14-state SPP region experienced.

The City of Russell is fortunate. Although we saw a significant increase in cost for February, with our power plant generating a portion of our electricity and purchase power contracts, we avoided over $2 million in additional cost in February, similar costs that other utilities will have to pass on to their customers.

Russell's electric customers will not see an increase due to the February energy emergency.

The utility's reserves will absorb those costs, so they do not have to be passed on to the customer.

There is help for those who have trouble paying their bill. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of&nbsp;their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. 

The 2021 LIEAP application period closes on March 31.

 For more information, visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families. 

The Kanas Emergency Rental Assistance Program can assist eligible households with rental assistance and home energy costs. 

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation administers the KERA program. For more information, visit kshousingcorp.org.

For questions about your city bill, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 785.483.6311.

City of RussellRUSSELL — Many customers are concerned about electricity rates increasing following February's arctic blast, leading to skyrocketing natural gas and electricity prices. Many statewide and regional media stories talk of many residents and businesses that are facing astronomical increases in their electric bills Russell is a public power community — publicly owned, locally controlled, and not-for-profit. As a public power community, the electric utility serves only our customers' interests, avoiding conflicts between shareholders and customers' interests because they are the same. Excess revenues stay in the local community and are invested in system improvements and utility reserves or returned to the customer in the form of lower rates. They are not distributed among outside shareholders, as they are in the case of for-profit utilities.During the seven days of extraordinarily high electricity prices and extreme cold, Russell was able to generate most of the community's electric needs, significantly reducing our exposure to the high energy rates at the time — energy costs up to 100 times average. The ability to produce our electricity also eliminated our customer's exposure to the "planned outages" that many communities in the 14-state SPP region experienced.The City of Russell is fortunate. Although we saw a significant increase in cost for February, with our power plant generating a portion of our electricity and purchase power contracts, we avoided over $2 million in additional cost in February, similar costs that other utilities will have to pass on to their customers.Russell's electric customers will not see an increase due to the February energy emergency.The utility's reserves will absorb those costs, so they do not have to be passed on to the customer.There is help for those who have trouble paying their bill. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of&nbsp;their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. The 2021 LIEAP application period closes on March 31. For more information, visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The Kanas Emergency Rental Assistance Program can assist eligible households with rental assistance and home energy costs. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation administers the KERA program. For more information, visit kshousingcorp.org.For questions about your city bill, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 785.483.6311.

No energy cost increase expected in Russell

&nbsp;Since 2001, Downtown Hays Development Corp. has fostered awareness of the area by recognizing, communicating, and celebrating Downtown Hays' accomplishments. Now DHDC is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in style with a brick celebration, ribbon cutting, photo gallery and a big reveal.

"Downtown Hays has come so far in 20 years, but so has our organization," said Sara Bloom, executive director of DHDC. "What used to be a blight on our city is now a place where our community loves to gather. An organization that started out fundraising to breathe life back in now focuses on creating greater opportunities and activities for the community. Both deserve a celebration."

On March 23 at 4:30pm, the Hays community is invited to gather at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th. Along with other featured speakers, Bloom will give a brief history of DHDC and celebrate its many accomplishments. The Hays Chamber will host a ribbon-cutting. DHDC will also reveal their newly purchased event trailer for the first time that they will use to be more present throughout the community.

"BriefSpace was chosen for the event location for its ample space. Guests will be able to social distance and enjoy a variety of activities," Bloom said. "Listen to the speakers, enjoy a walk down memory lane with our photo gallery, and stay afterward for our monthly speaker series kick-off."

The monthly speaker series is one of many ways DHDC will be celebrating 20 years. Each session will begin promptly at 5:15pm. The first guest will be founding DHDC board member and current Hays Mayor, Sandy Jacobs, telling her emotional story of loving and losing a downtown and the efforts behind turning blight into beauty. Special guest Chuck Comeau, a key developer for the Downtown area, will join her. No RSVP is required to attend. Refreshments will be served.

"If you love local history, you're not going to want to miss this," Bloom emphasized. "Each month, you are invited to join DHDC as we hear from those who led the charge and created change in our community." The speakers and topics will change each month to illuminate a different aspect of Downtown's growth.&nbsp;

DHDC is also very conscious that you, the community, helped breathe life and revitalization back into Downtown. The organization wants to hear the many stories of Downtown Hays you carry with you too. Please consider submitting stories, photos, and favorite memories at www.DowntownHays.com.&nbsp;

"The stories from our community are what make these festivities so vibrant. Hearing your childhood memories, unique traditions, and those intangible reasons why Hays is special makes what we do meaningful and worth it," Bloom said.

Stay tuned to DHDC's Facebook page, The Bricks in Downtown Hays, as we share historical photos and stories. If guests cannot attend either the 20-year celebration or the speaker series, DHDC will share both live via social media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596207699929.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DHDC&nbsp;Since 2001, Downtown Hays Development Corp. has fostered awareness of the area by recognizing, communicating, and celebrating Downtown Hays' accomplishments. Now DHDC is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in style with a brick celebration, ribbon cutting, photo gallery and a big reveal."Downtown Hays has come so far in 20 years, but so has our organization," said Sara Bloom, executive director of DHDC. "What used to be a blight on our city is now a place where our community loves to gather. An organization that started out fundraising to breathe life back in now focuses on creating greater opportunities and activities for the community. Both deserve a celebration."On March 23 at 4:30pm, the Hays community is invited to gather at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th. Along with other featured speakers, Bloom will give a brief history of DHDC and celebrate its many accomplishments. The Hays Chamber will host a ribbon-cutting. DHDC will also reveal their newly purchased event trailer for the first time that they will use to be more present throughout the community."BriefSpace was chosen for the event location for its ample space. Guests will be able to social distance and enjoy a variety of activities," Bloom said. "Listen to the speakers, enjoy a walk down memory lane with our photo gallery, and stay afterward for our monthly speaker series kick-off."The monthly speaker series is one of many ways DHDC will be celebrating 20 years. Each session will begin promptly at 5:15pm. The first guest will be founding DHDC board member and current Hays Mayor, Sandy Jacobs, telling her emotional story of loving and losing a downtown and the efforts behind turning blight into beauty. Special guest Chuck Comeau, a key developer for the Downtown area, will join her. No RSVP is required to attend. Refreshments will be served."If you love local history, you're not going to want to miss this," Bloom emphasized. "Each month, you are invited to join DHDC as we hear from those who led the charge and created change in our community." The speakers and topics will change each month to illuminate a different aspect of Downtown's growth.&nbsp;DHDC is also very conscious that you, the community, helped breathe life and revitalization back into Downtown. The organization wants to hear the many stories of Downtown Hays you carry with you too. Please consider submitting stories, photos, and favorite memories at www.DowntownHays.com.&nbsp;"The stories from our community are what make these festivities so vibrant. Hearing your childhood memories, unique traditions, and those intangible reasons why Hays is special makes what we do meaningful and worth it," Bloom said.Stay tuned to DHDC's Facebook page, The Bricks in Downtown Hays, as we share historical photos and stories. If guests cannot attend either the 20-year celebration or the speaker series, DHDC will share both live via social media.

Downtown Hays Development Corp. celebrates 20 years

The Kansas Department of Transportation has started a resurfacing project on 7 miles of I-70 in Thomas County.

Project work consists of a mill and overlay in both the eastbound and westbound lanes starting near exit 45 at Levant and ending at exit 53 at Colby. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a lowered speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.

KDOT anticipates work to be completed by mid-May, weather permitting.

Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the $4.2 million project.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has started a resurfacing project on 7 miles of I-70 in Thomas County.Project work consists of a mill and overlay in both the eastbound and westbound lanes starting near exit 45 at Levant and ending at exit 53 at Colby. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a lowered speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by mid-May, weather permitting.Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the $4.2 million project.&nbsp;

Resurfacing project underway on I-70 in Thomas Co.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Action Pact CEO Steve Shields.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Action Pact CEO Steve Shields" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7wpp2-fe3dcf-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Action Pact CEO Steve Shields.

🎤Forward Ever: Action Pact CEO Steve Shields

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A WaKeeney man was sentenced to two consecutive life
sentences and will spend at least the next 50 years in prison after a Trego
County jury found him guilty of raping a 6-year-old last year.

In January, a jury found Nathan Russ guilty of two counts of
rape and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Russ was arrested in Illinois in July of last year after
police in WaKeeney were alerted to possible child abuse.

Following the jury trial, Russ was sentenced to two life
sentences for rape and 25 years to life for the aggravated indecent liberties
with a child conviction earlier this month.

The two rape convictions fall under Jessica’s Law, which require
a life sentence. They will run consecutive with one another, so Russ with serve
back-to-back life sentences. The aggravated indecent liberties with a child
conviction will run concurrent to the life sentences.

Under Kansas law, Russ will not be eligible for parole for 50
years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594429291210.png" alt="Russ " />
 <figcaption>Russ </figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA WaKeeney man was sentenced to two consecutive life
sentences and will spend at least the next 50 years in prison after a Trego
County jury found him guilty of raping a 6-year-old last year.In January, a jury found Nathan Russ guilty of two counts of
rape and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Russ was arrested in Illinois in July of last year after
police in WaKeeney were alerted to possible child abuse.Following the jury trial, Russ was sentenced to two life
sentences for rape and 25 years to life for the aggravated indecent liberties
with a child conviction earlier this month.The two rape convictions fall under Jessica’s Law, which require
a life sentence. They will run consecutive with one another, so Russ with serve
back-to-back life sentences. The aggravated indecent liberties with a child
conviction will run concurrent to the life sentences.Under Kansas law, Russ will not be eligible for parole for 50
years.

WaKeeney man sentenced to life in prison for rape of child

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Ground work on the Phase 2 splash pad in the new ARC Park in Hays, 33rd and Hillcrest, is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

"Everything is happening rather quickly up there," Jeff Boyle, parks director, reported to Hays city commissioners Thursday evening. Mayor Sandy Jacobs applauded with delight.

Boyle noted it will be several weeks before the splash pad's concrete work will be visible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ground was broken Oct. 9, 2020 for the 3-phase project, which has been spearheaded by local parents of special needs children and directors at the Arc of Central Plains.&nbsp;

Installation of Phase 1 playground structures has been slowed by recent wet weather. The main feature is nearly completed and other accessible play equipment will soon be erected.

"The playground is really getting going," Boyle said.&nbsp;

The Accessible Recreation Park (ARC) is funded primarily by private and business donations, numerous fundraisers, and grants. The city of Hays agreed to pay for building the parking lot, using a portion of its share of the Ellis County one-half cent sales tax.

City commissioners also agreed in November to make a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f45176a-34e8-4aa4-a6a4-55cd51140e84">$300,000 donation towards splash pad</a>.&nbsp;

Kaw Valley Engineering was hired by the city to design the 46-stall concrete lot, which has to be safe and accessible with handicapped parking spaces and a passenger drop-off area.

"They matched the elevations of all the other items, the playground and the splash pad, so all the sidewalks and everything will be seamless," Boyle explained. "No hills or anything to deal with.

"I think with the popularity that we're going to see with this park is a good thing because parking on 33rd Street, in my opinion, is extremely dangerous, especially with young kids."

ARC Park is located within the existing 7 Hills Optimist Park which has several soccer, football and basketball fields, a playground, picnic shelter, and other amenities.&nbsp;

There is street parking surrounding the park, but Boyle says building such a high use park requires a consideration of off-street parking.

There were six bids for construction of the parking lot. T&amp;T Builders, Hays, had the low bid of&nbsp;$200,136, below the budgeted $250,000. The company has done other work in Hays, including concrete work at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex and a large parking lot at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Sarah Meitner, Arc of the Central Plains board president, was in the audience and asked by Jacobs if she was satisfied with the design.

"It was our intention all along to have adequate space for handicapped parking spots, bus parking, and the drop-off area, which adds to the mobility options and having that accessibility."

The ARC Park is currently offering up to 10 personalized memorial benches- for a $5,000 sponsorship each - which will be placed in the drop-off area for people waiting to be picked up.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616116424213.jpeg" alt="Base ground work for the splash pad, Phase 2 of the ARC Park construction, is scheduled to begin Tuesday.&nbsp; &nbsp;Wet weather has held up installers the past week but they're close to finishing the main playground structure in Phase 1. More accessible play equipment will be soon installed." />
 <figcaption>Base ground work for the splash pad, Phase 2 of the ARC Park construction, is scheduled to begin Tuesday.&nbsp; &nbsp;Wet weather has held up installers the past week but they're close to finishing the main playground structure in Phase 1. More accessible play equipment will be soon installed.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostGround work on the Phase 2 splash pad in the new ARC Park in Hays, 33rd and Hillcrest, is scheduled to begin Tuesday."Everything is happening rather quickly up there," Jeff Boyle, parks director, reported to Hays city commissioners Thursday evening. Mayor Sandy Jacobs applauded with delight.Boyle noted it will be several weeks before the splash pad's concrete work will be visible.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ground was broken Oct. 9, 2020 for the 3-phase project, which has been spearheaded by local parents of special needs children and directors at the Arc of Central Plains.&nbsp;Installation of Phase 1 playground structures has been slowed by recent wet weather. The main feature is nearly completed and other accessible play equipment will soon be erected."The playground is really getting going," Boyle said.&nbsp;The Accessible Recreation Park (ARC) is funded primarily by private and business donations, numerous fundraisers, and grants. The city of Hays agreed to pay for building the parking lot, using a portion of its share of the Ellis County one-half cent sales tax.City commissioners also agreed in November to make a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f45176a-34e8-4aa4-a6a4-55cd51140e84">$300,000 donation towards splash pad</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616122382031.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kaw Valley Engineering was hired by the city to design the 46-stall concrete lot, which has to be safe and accessible with handicapped parking spaces and a passenger drop-off area."They matched the elevations of all the other items, the playground and the splash pad, so all the sidewalks and everything will be seamless," Boyle explained. "No hills or anything to deal with."I think with the popularity that we're going to see with this park is a good thing because parking on 33rd Street, in my opinion, is extremely dangerous, especially with young kids."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DUuwQrSBbg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARC Park is located within the existing 7 Hills Optimist Park which has several soccer, football and basketball fields, a playground, picnic shelter, and other amenities.&nbsp;There is street parking surrounding the park, but Boyle says building such a high use park requires a consideration of off-street parking.There were six bids for construction of the parking lot. T&amp;T Builders, Hays, had the low bid of&nbsp;$200,136, below the budgeted $250,000. The company has done other work in Hays, including concrete work at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex and a large parking lot at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Sarah Meitner, Arc of the Central Plains board president, was in the audience and asked by Jacobs if she was satisfied with the design."Absolutely," Meitner replied."It was our intention all along to have adequate space for handicapped parking spots, bus parking, and the drop-off area, which adds to the mobility options and having that accessibility."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616120398423.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The ARC Park is currently offering up to 10 personalized memorial benches- for a $5,000 sponsorship each - which will be placed in the drop-off area for people waiting to be picked up.&nbsp;A donor wall will also be mounted in the drop-off area.&nbsp;There are two entrances to 7 Hills Optimist Park, one off 33rd Street and another off Canal Boulevard.Meitner says a sign will be placed at the 33rd Street entrance reading "Welcome to 7 Hills Park, Home of the ARC Park and Optimist Playground."Additional sponsored benches may be placed throughout the ARC Park, outside of the fenced area.&nbsp;Jacobs also asked about the requirements for the number of handicapped parking spaces. Boyle said the design at present meets the minimum federal requirements.&nbsp;"It would be fairly simple to add to that number, if we think it's necessary," Boyle said.The parking lot must be completed before July 1. T&amp;T told Boyle it's ready to go if commissioners approve the low bid at next week's meeting. "I would anticipate it being done long before July 1st," Boyle said.&nbsp;Commissioner Shaun Musil noted that several trees will have to be removed in order to build the parking lot.&nbsp;Boyle said the city expects to replant mature trees and said Meitner has secured donations of trees from local nurseries. The city may also transplant trees from its tree farm east of Commerce Parkway.The project was slowed by the coronavirus pandemic during 2020. A revised opening date for the playground was moved to May 1, 2021, with a July 4th opening for the splash pad.&nbsp;Jacobs has been an outspoken proponent of the ARC Park, calling it a economic contributor to Hays' economy. Meitner and other volunteers project a large volume of users making the new park a destination location, and expect families with special needs children pulling off Interstate 70 to take a break and enjoy the fun.&nbsp;Phase 3 of the ARC Park is a baseball field featuring a turf infield and outfield, with in-ground bases so individuals with limited mobility can also enjoy playing ball. Youth teams in the community will be allowed to play on it.Donations to the ARC Park can be made<a href="https://www.haysarcpark.org/?fbclid=IwAR2sAWUiUA8FRSsDe0FmJyQbMvHKGcHGzZs2TUApEMW9riVmug9RfDLqwT0"> online</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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